لطفا منتظر باشید ...
Imam Hussein bin Ali (as)
Sayyidul
Sh'uhada
Allah (sw) has presented to the human race a series of informative
and guiding personalities. These individuals serve to carry the divine
message of Islam that Allah (sw) due to his mercy and grace invites people
to. Many of these individuals are prophets. One such prophet is Ibrahim
(as) whose role was to eradicate the idol worshipping ideologies adopted
by the people of his era, while prophet Moussa (as) faced the injustice
and slave driving pharaoh in order to grant an oppressed nation the privilege
of following the commands of Allah (sw). Our prophet, the great Muhammad
(saww) completed the message by destroying ignorance and uniting people
under the banner of "La ilaha illa' lah", which calls for the oneness of
Allah (sw). The responsibility placed on the shoulders of these messengers
is of great magnitude, simply because they are representing truth and justice.
The continuation of the message after Muhammad (saww) was the responsibility
of the Imams of Ahlul'bayt. Each and every one of these Imams, through
his leadership and superb personal qualities and struggle against oppression
benefited humanity in many ways. All twelve Imams left lasting impressions
on the Islamic Ummah through their endeavors, but the one Imam that has
restored and raised the honor of Islam by giving it a dimension new to
all people of all times is the third imam - Hussein bin Ali (as). The responsibility
of Imam Hussein (as) drove him to sacrifice his friends, family, wealth
and life in the name of Allah in order to suppress oppression and tyranny
and bring about justice and equity. Who actually is Hussein? What is the
background of this exceptionally unique and great personality? This prominent
man of history, the legend of epics, the word of pride and honor was no
less than the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (saww), the son of his
daughter Fatima Zahra (as) and his cousin the commander of the faithful
Ali bin Abi Taleb (as).
Imam Hussein was born in Medina on the fifth of Sha'ban 4 A.H.,
or according to some other sources, on the third of Sha'ban 4 A.H. His
name was given to him by the Holy Prophet in compliance with Allah's command.
Imam Hussein was raised in an atmosphere full of love and affection. He
was fed prophetic morals, drank deeply of the Islamic principles of justice
and righteousness. Hence he was the symbol of piety and the example of
faithfulness and worship. He was always defending what is right and battling
what opposes Allah's laws.
Imam Hussein (as) was dearly loved by Prophet Muhammad (saww), who
used to carry him and his elder brother Imam Hassan (as) in his arms and
declare " O Allah, I love them and love those who love them". The prophet
also declared his deep love for Hassan and Hussein by saying "These two
sons of mine are my two plants of sweet basil in this world". Also he (saww)
said "Whoever loves Hassan and Hussein then he loves me and whoever dislikes
them then he dislikes me". Thus was Hussein in the heart of the apostle
of Allah and described in his divine message.
His position was of such high status that the Imamate was to be
handed over to him after the death of his older brother, Imam Hassan (as).
Furthermore, his Imamate was to carry a great burden with it, the rescue
of the Islamic faith. This was openly prophesied by the Holy prophet
himself who had said that the faith of Islam would be rescued by his second
grandson Hussein, when Yazid, son of Mu'awiah, would endeavor to destroy
it.
Yazid was known for his devilish character and as soon as he scavenged
the leadership from Imam Hassan (as), he began to interfere with the political
and social system however he desired. Yazid also started interfering in
the fundamentals of the faith and declared himself the successor of the
Prophet. Imam Hussein witnessed this deterioration and clearly realized
that the Muslim Ummah was endangered by this devilish man.
Imam Hussein (as) was destined to propagate the message of Islam
and determined to exercise his religious duty, being the duty of sanctioned
leader and central figure capable of restoring Islamic values. Thus he
rose and revolted against Yazid by firstly refusing to give his approval
to this government of injustice and tyranny. Many people came to Imam Hussein
and warned him that he would be killed if he did not make way for the rule
of Yazid, but Imam Hussein ignored their surrendering advice and replied
with the advice of his grandfather Muhammad (saww) who had said " A person
who sees a tyrant leader permitting what Allah has forbade, blocking Allah's
promise, opposing the teachings of Allah's messenger (saww), managing people
in sin and rivalry and does not bring about change by action or word, then
it is Allah's right to include this person in the fate of the tyrant leader".
Imam Hussein's refusal to sit quiet marked the start of the persecution
of the Holy Imam. He was not allowed to live in peace as assassins sent
by Yazid were busy planning his execution but Imam Hussein had other plans,
he would go and face the enemy in order to safeguard what the Holy Prophet
(saww) had established. Hussein (as) left Medinah to the desert of Karbala.
He declared war against Yazid and informed people about the principles
behind his movement where he had said "I am not taking up arms in order
to make merry, or be ecstatic over what I possess. I am not making mischief,
nor exercising oppression. But I am ready to fight for the sole goal of
seeking reform of the Ummah of my grandfather the apostle of Allah (saww).
I want to enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and guide the affairs
of the people as my grandfather and father were doing". Imam Hussein (as)
was fulfilling what Allah (sw) says in the Holy Qura'an "And from among
you there should be a party who invite to good and enjoin what is right
and forbid the wrong and it is those who shall be successful" [3:104].
In the beginning of the month of Muharram, 60 A.H., in Karbala Imam
Hussein (as) met his enemies. Eventually he was killed along with his sons,
most of his household and all of his faithful companions. The bodies were
mutilated and their heads were carried from Karbala to Koofa and finally
Damascus. His womenfolk were taken prisoners, humiliated and marched across
the desert. He himself was expecting all that, but did not budge and inch.
Thus was Karbala; a brilliant torch for revolt against tyranny,
a symbol for revolutionaries, a station of grief and sadness. Imam Hussein
(as) emerged as a dynamic active force in Islamic history and his life
a brilliant testament leaving a permanent mark on all generations. This
is reflected in the recent revolution by the Iranian people lead by the
leader Imam Khomeinie who was inspired by Imam Hussein (as). Imam Hussein
(as) is the model of love and loyalty erected in the hearts of every noble
man who is freedom-loving and knows humanity's real worth and the merit
of principle and values.
Allah (sw) says in the Holy Qura'an
"And think not of those who are slain in
Allah's way as dead, they are alive, (and) by their lord well provided"
[3:169].
Sayings of Imam Hussein (as)
A believer's promise to his brother is a pledge,
the breach of which can not be excused.
Beware of your apologies; for a true believer
does not sin and does not have to apologize, whereas the hypocrite commits
sin and apologizes every day.
When other people turn to you in need, consider
it a favour of Allah. Do not be wearied of this favour, or
it will move on to someone else.
Experience enhances the intellect.
