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The Spirit of Imam Husain's Martyrdom
Nature of Umayyad Rule
To illustrate a few points, it may be stated that the Umayyad’s rule was
unIslamic. Any rule which is based on force and violence can never be Islamic.
The Umayyads crushed the spirit of democratic freedom. They laid the foundation
of their authority on unscrupulous tactics and coercive methods instead
of on mutual consultation and Ijma’ (Consensus). The Umayyad state craft
did not follow the Shari’ah in total, but it was motivated merely by lust
of power and political ends. Such a serious menace to the basic values
of Islam demanded a heroic struggled against arbitration and a crusade
for the vindication of truth and freedom.
Imam Husain’s character
as a Mu’min
These were the changes that appeared in the wake of converting the Islamic
Khulafat into dynastic imperialism. No one can deny that Yazid’s nomination
as successor to his father was the starting point of all these transformation.
It cannot be gainsaid that after a short span of time from the point of
origin all the corrupt practices mentioned above came into existence. At
the time when this revolutionary step was adopted, there was no indication
of these evils, but a man of vision could have predicted these inevitable
consequences of such a beginning and that the reforms introduced by Islam
in the administration and political phases of the state would be rendered
null and void by these charges. This is the reason why Imam Husain (radiyallahu
‘anh) could not remain indifferent to this undesirable development. He,
therefore, decided to stem the tide of the evil forces taking the risk
of confronting the worst consequences by rising the revolt against an established
government. The consequences of his bold stand are known to every one.
The fact which Imam Husain (radiyallahu ‘anh) wanted to emphasize by plunging
himself into grave danger and enduring its consequences heroically was
that the fundamental features of the Islamic State are valuable assets.
It would not be a bad bargain, if a believer sacrificed his life and get
his family members slain for preserving this valuable object. A believer
should not hesitate to sacrifice all that he possesses for preventing the
changes which constitute a serious danger to the religion of al-Islam and
the Muslim Community which is a custodian of the constitutional values.
One is at liberty to contemptuously disregard it as merely a maneuver for
securing power, but in the eyes of Imam Husain bin Ali (radiyallahu ‘anh),
it was primarily a religious obligation. He, therefore, laid down his life
in this cause gaining the crown of martyrdom.
Imam Husain’s Role
Imam Husain (radiyallahu ‘anh), Sayyid-ush-Shuhadaa, initiated the holy
war against the oppressive regime of the Umayyads and refused to take the
oath of allegiance to that authority. It is a sacred legacy bequeathed
to posterity by Imam Husain (radiyallahu ‘anh) that Muslims should never
submit to any authority which defies the Divine Law, maintains itself by
force and foists it arbitrary decisions on the people at the cost of inherent
freedom. The struggle in this cause does not necessitate mobilization of
men, money and material on the scaled possessed by the hostile temporal
authority. Husain bin Ali (radiyallahu ‘anh) did not possess the sinews
of war. He had the support of only a small band of helpless and un-armed
individuals. A person entrenched in righteousness and truth does not care
for consequences. The outcome of the struggle lies in the hands of the
power that is always on the side of Justice and Truth. Cruelty eventually
suffers a set back, gains despair and despondency despite its overwhelming
superiority in number and resources. On such occasions, one surrenders
to considerations of expediency through the agony of the accursed Shaitan
who creates doubt in the mind of defenders of Truth whether the result
is worth achieving at cost of much bloodshed. This can very easily be contradicted.
Apart from numerous instances of Jihad, there is the event of Karbala that
is a glaring example of a fight heroically fought by 62-72 scantily armed
persons against the massive forces of a formidable state. It is true that
Imam Husain (radiyallahu ‘anh) saw his kith and kin in utter distress suffering
the agonies of hunger and thirst; witnessed each and every one of them
writhing in dust and blood one after the other; it is also a fact that
he did not even possess the force to wrest a morsel of bread from the enemy
sufficient for their survival, but he eventually surrendered himself to
the Supreme Being, sustaining grave injuries all over his body. However
he came out successfully in the test. His wounded head was adorned with
the crown of victory.
Imam Husain’s Martyrdom
and Humanity
Now the question arises whether Imam Husain’s martyrdom was only the result
of his attempt to seize the throne and the sympathy it evokes in the readers
is the natural reaction to a splendid failure? Or, is this merely the recalcitrant
attitude or unscrupulous policy of a short tempered leader who, by chance,
happened to be the grandson of their beloved Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) and solely on this account, do they come out for his defense. Whether
this is a heart-rending story of the ruthless and brutal destruction of
a weak party, the narration of which induces you to burst into tears? The
history of the world provides a number of instances appealing to our sympathy.
It is so much replete with individual and collective incidents of failure
and frustration, on one hand, and those of cruelty and barbarism, on the
other, that the world will not be particularly impressed with the tragic
episode of Imam Husain (radiyallahu ‘anh). No! Imam Husain’s story does
not purport to be anything of this kind. It is in the main, a story of
human dignity; a tale of revealing the essential nobility of man; an account
of a man’s ascent to the peak of grandeur. It presents a lofty deal of
individual and collective human life; it is a mile-stone in the long journey
from beastly slavery to human freedom; it is a proclamation of Allah’s
Kingdom in this ephemeral world; it is an irrefutable proof of the possibility
of its establishment among human being; it is a beacon light which guides
humanity to perfection. Whenever evil forces make a bid to put out this
light with their breath, the monumental performance of Imam Husain (radiyallahu
‘anh) intensifies its refulgence. When humanity falters in adhering to
the path of truth and freedom, the example set up by Imam Husain (radiyallahu
‘anh) gives it a support and comes to its rescue. When the tyrants proud
of their wealth, power, and authority harass the unassuming and helpless
followers of Truth and when the incessant failure of the champions of truth
cast doubt upon the validity of its claim, Imam Husain’s heroic stand in
its cause teaches them the lesson of perseverance and save them from falling
a prey to despair and despondency. When the rising power of tyrants overawes
the individual, Imam Husain’s example reminds him that the duty of stimulating
resistance against brutal power ultimately devolves on him. It matters
not if for making such an attempt, the enemy offers him a cup of poison,
sends him to the gallows, stones him to death, or stains the earth with
his blood. Imam Husain (radiyallahu ‘anh) brings this fact home to the
worldly persons that “life” does not mean just living, no matter how. He
asserts that life sometimes means to live and sometimes to surrender it.
Real Object of Imam
Husain’s Sacrifice
Every year, in the month of Muharram, millions of Muslims mourn Imam Husain’s
martyrdom. It is regretable that among those mourners, there are very few
persons who focus their attention on the real cause for which Imam Husain
(radiyallahu ‘anh) not only sacrificed his own life, but also the lives
of his kith and kin. It is but natural for the adherents and devoted followers
of a man to feel grieved at his martyrdom. This sort of sentiment does
not carry much of moral value; it is nothing but a spontaneous reaction
of the mind of his relations and sympathizers. But the point at issue is
what is the special feather of Imam Husain’s martyrdom that keeps the grief
for him afresh although about 1,400 years have elapsed since this tragic
event took place. If the martyrdom is not associated with any high ideal,
it is meaningless to say that the mourning continues for centuries on personal
grounds. If viewed in correct perspective, one may well ask what value
Imam Husain (radiyallahu ‘anh) himself would attach to such devotion. If
his own person were dearer to him than any ideology or subject, why did
he sacrifice it at all? His sacrifice is a conclusive proof that this object
was dearer to him than his own life. If we do not have a clear idea of
Imam Husain’s purpose, but continue lamentation at each anniversary of
his martyrdom, we can neither expect any appreciation from Imam Husain
(radiyallahu ‘anh) on the Day of Resurrection, nor will it have any value
with his Allah.
Let us ask what was that ideal or object! Did Imam Husain (radiyallahu
‘anh) affirm his claim to succession to the Caliphate and did he stake
his life to vindicate this claim? Any one who knows the high moral standard
of Imam Husain’s household cannot harbor this vile notion that the members
of such a sacred family could have caused bloodshed among the Muslims for
gaining political power for themselves. If, for argument’s sake this viewpoint
is taken for granted that members of Bani Hashim had a claim for power,
even then the 50-year’s history, from Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (radiyallahu ‘anh)
Caliphate down to the period of Hazrat Amir Mu’awiyah, bears evidence that
waging war and causing bloodshed merely to seize power had never been their
motive. As a logical corollary, one has to admit that Imam Husain’s keep
eye discerned symptoms of decay and corruption in the system of the Islamic
State, and the felt impelled to resist these evil forces. He even deemed
it his duty to wage war in this connection, as the situation so warranted.
Fight Against Falsehood
Turn over the pages of history! The early period of Islam which is considered
to be the best of all that has elapsed. Even the period of the true successors
to the Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) has terminated. The age
of the secular authority, viz., the period of autocratic government has
been ushered in. In flagrant contravention to the Divine Authority, the
Muslim kings look upon the state exchequer as their person property. In
each Muslim State, the monarch fills his treasury with gold and jewelry
and with his political power reinforced by the power of money he forces
this people to obey his arbitrary commands. Some people submit to him out
of fear and others do so to gain their selfish ends with his help. There
is always a hard core of steadfast Muslims who refuse to yield. The Nabi’s
grandson, Imam Husain (radiyallahu ‘anh), falls in the last category. Persuasion,
threats, and crafty measures were employed, but Imam Husain (radiyallahu
‘anh) remain adamant. How could Imam Husain (radiyallahu ‘anh), in whose
veins the blood of Hazrat Ali, Sayyidah Fatimah (radiyallahu ‘anhuma),
and Nabi Muhammad (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) was pulsating, who was
Allah-fearing, who had devotion for Truth, treat falsehood at par with
Truth? Imam Husain (radiyallahu ‘anh) flatly refused to take bay’ah to
Yazid. In effect, Husain (radiyallahu ‘anh) declared that Yazid’s authority,
being in conflict with the Divine Authority, should not be obeyed by true
Muslims. This was the first step in the direction of martyrdom.
He was driven out of his native place. He could not live in peace even
in Makkah. He, therefore, resolved to migrate to Iraq. This amounted to
a proclamation, on his part, that Yazid’s claim to authority in the Muslim
State was untenable. The idea of submitting to Yazid was so repugnant to
him that he decided to renounced the security and comforts of his homeland.
This was the second step leading to martyrdom.
On his way to Kufa, at Karbala, Imam Husain (radiyallahu ‘anh) was intercepted
by Yazid’s forces. The small band of his followers was surrounded by Yazid’s
army. This was the last sacrifice and the final ordeal. He successfully
passed the test. Each and everyone from amongst his relatives and companions
were killed one after another. Children were slain. Finally, Imam Husain
(radiyallahu ‘anh), with a mass of wounds and bruises fell down from his
horse. His heart harbored and his lips uttered the belief that “There is
no worthy of worship, except Allah and Absolute authority is vested in
Him alone.” This was martyrdom, the sacrifice of one’s life for the vindication
of Truth. Thirteen centuries have since elapsed, the example set up by
Imam Husain (radiyallahu ‘anh) gives and will continue to give evidence,
till eternity that Command rests with Allah Ta’ala.
Whenever Divine Authority is respected, men will remember how the grandson
of the greatest Benefactor of humanity sacrificed his life in defense of
Truth. In future, when, with the increase of human knowledge, the obstacles
to progress would be removed and men will be marching confidently to the
goal of self-realization, they would surely recall the glorious sacrifice
offered by Imam Husain (radiyallahu ‘anh) at the altar of Truth. When the
human mind will be rid of ever fear except the fear of Allah, Imam Husain
(radiyallahu ‘anh) will be accorded the respect which he deserves and men
will often think how Sayyidah Fatimah’s beloved son displayed the sublimity
of obedience to Allah by the voluntary sacrifice of his own life. Then
alone this helpless man will come into prominence as the ruler of rulers.
This frustrated man would be regarded as the custodian of religion and
faith. Once covered with blood and dust, his head will become the symbol
of absolute submission to Divine Authority and fearless defiance of any
other type of temporal power.
Morals of Imam Husain’s
Performance
This exemplary conduct displayed by Imam Husain (radiyallahu ‘anh) teaches
us not to care for consequences. If the temporal authority is aggressive,
sacrifice on the part of followers of Truth becomes all the more essential.
Numerical minority and majority, or the lack of resources should not deter
them to continue their struggle. Grandeur of coercive government does not
carry the seal of Divine approval that it should necessarily be obeyed.
A truth-loving person has to face an oppressor whether weak or strong.
Adherence to Truth and Justice is, no doubt, and ordeal. At every step,
there is diversion of attention due to attachment to one’s own life, honor
and family. But Imam Husain’s lofty ideal teaches the believers and sincere
followers of al-Islam that at the ver outset they should take stock of
the strength of their resoluteness, so that these temptations may not prove
a stumbling block immediately after embarking on that mission. Everyone
knows that in the presence of various attachments, the great martyr of
Karbala sacrificed his all at the altar of Truth. All the stages of ordeals
are categorically described in the Holy Qur’an: Allah intends to test the
believers by bringing them under the throes of various ordeals:
“And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and
loss of wealth and lives and crops; but give glad tidings to the steadfast.
Who say when a misfortune strikes them: Surely! We are from Allah and surely
unto Him we are returning.” (Surah al-Baqarah, ayats 155, 156)
Fear and apprehension, hunger and thirst, love of wealth, property,
life and progeny form an acid test for human beings, and as such, the sacrifice
of these interests have been declared an ordeal in the cause of Allah.
The helpless hero of Karbala had all these stages, at a stretch. He
could have got rid of them within a short span of time and secured relief,
position, grandeur, had he only made a compromise with aggression government
ignoring the dictates of Truth and Justice. Imam Husain (radiyallahu ‘anh)
preferred Allah’s Will to his won personal choice. Devotion for Truth overcomes
love for life and its luxuries. He laid down his life, being the only asset
with the lover of Truth, but he never stretched his hand for taking bay’ah
which could be extended only in the cause of Truth.
The most valuable lesson that can be deduced from this grave event is
Sabr (perseverance) and determination in the cause of Jihad and Truth.
In spite of being helplessly besieged by enemy with members of family,
relatives, and friends witnessing his own kith and kin wailing and shrieking
with the intensity of thirst and hunger and later lifting with his own
hands their bodies stained with blood. Imam Husain (radiyallahu ‘anh) never
swerved from the path of truth, even for a moment. In short, he underwent
these calamities, being tacitly grateful to Allah Ta’ala. Those who are
surcharged with the intoxication of devotion and love willingly accept
a cup of poison from the hands of their friends in preference to the cup
of honey and elixir. Even today, every particle of the dust of Karbala
gives the lesson of patience and endurance of those who keep their ears
open to listen to its message.
Imam Husain (radiyallahu ‘anh) was the torchbearer of absolute values.
He lived, fought, and sacrificed his life in defense of these ideals. He
lit an ever-lasting beacon light for humanity by his heroic struggle for
Truth and righteousness that could not be extinguished even after his death.
The glorious example of his life enables mankind to purify the social life
and checking the evil that brings corruption into the body politic. This
light is a source of guidance in every walk of human life.
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