Hussain Ibn Ali (RA) is considered to be one of the greatest revolutionary leaders of all times, who not only inspired Muslims but also impacted hundreds of non-muslim leaders , activists and revolutionaries across the world.
Hussain (ra) was the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (may peace be upon him) who was born in Madinah in 626 AD. His mother Fathima (ra) was the dearest daughter of our Prophet, who was married to Ali Ibn Talib (ra), the greatest Khalifa of Islam.
Hussain (ra), the 7th century revolutionary leader of Islam, made a supreme sacrifice in the Battle of Karbala which took place in Iraq on 10th Muharram 61 Hijri i.e 10th October 680 AD. His stand for moral justice is still remembered and his legacy has inspired millions of people.
His stand against tyrant rulers continues to impact people especially the activists and true leaders. This great leader sacrificed everything he had and even in the 21st century, his selflessness and sacrifice gives hope to the oppressed and disadvantaged people from diverse backgrounds across the world.
For instance, Mahatma Gandhi who was a great admirer of Hussain (as) had said,
“I have not brought anything new for the people of India. I have conveyed to the people of India what I have searched about the history of the hero of Karbala. If we have to save India, it is necessary that we follow the same way that Hussain, Son of Ali followed. I learned from Hussain how to achieve victory while being oppressed.”
Muharram, which is the first month of Islamic calendar, is much more than just a month of mourning. The annual ritual of remembrance acts like a reset button for people. This sacrifice acts like an annual reminder for the people, especially the youth, about the importance of raising their voice against the oppressed rulers and fighting against injustice.
Imam Hussain (ra) not only sacrificed his own life for the truth and justice but persuaded his followers including his 18-year-old son Ali Akbar to fight oppressors. Ali Akbar was also martyred along with 72 other relatives and supporters in the battle of Karbala.
Mohammad Ali Jauhar had very well said, “Qatl-e-Hussain Asal Mai Marg-e-Yazid Hai , Islam Zinda hota hai har Karbala ke baad”
In reality, the murder of Hussain is the death of Yazid. Islam resurrects after every Karbala
Similarly, noted philosopher, writer and poet Rabindranath Tagore while paying his tribute to Imam Hussain (AS) had said, “In order to keep alive justice and truth, instead of an army or weapons, success can be achieved by sacrificing lives, exactly what Imam Hussain did.”
Not accepting humiliation
72 people including Imam Hussain, his family members and supporters were martyred in Karbala. The Yazidi forces had the upper hand over them during the battle but even after 1400 years, nobody in the world appreciates the action of Yazid as being of any worth. On the contrary, to this day, Imam Hussain (AS) has become an inspiring leader of people from different faiths, regions and religions.
Imam Hussain (as) could have easily given allegiance (Bayat) to Yazid in Medina but this would have brought humiliation and the true spirit of Islam would have been destroyed.
Hussain’s refusal to pledge allegiance to a tyrant ruler is a great lesson for those people especially the political and social leaders who become tight-lipped and remain silent in front of the oppressors. It is better to die with honour rather than to live with humiliation and head-down.
Infact in one of his speeches, Imam Hussain (as) had said that the administration in Kufa had given him only two options: humiliation or death. He then went on to proclaim:
“And we do not accept humiliation.”
An Inspiring leader
South African leader Nelson Mandela also adhered to Imam Hussain’s teachings. Nelson Mandela once remarked,
“I have spent more than 20 years in prison, and one night I considered giving up by signing all of the government’s terms and conditions. However, the Karbala movement and Imam Hussain (RA) quickly sprang to mind. I had the fortitude to fight for the right to freedom and liberation because of Imam Hussein (RA), and I did.”
The supreme sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) has inspired various social and political movements in the world which includes people associated with the Indian independence movement against the British. Even the socialist and communist leaders quote teachings of Imam Hussain (as) as he is considered to be the hero of resistance and self esteem.
During the month of Muharram, muslim intellectuals from different sects need to organise seminars and conferences to promote unity and the understanding of the supreme sacrifice given by Imam Hussain AS and his family. People should be made to understand how oppression and injustice impacts societies. People need to challenge the oppressor with courage and conviction and this is what the Battle of Karbala teaches us even after 1400 years.
Muslim scholars should use Karbala to unite Shias and Sunnis, instead of dividing us. There might be differences between us but we must give each other the benefit of the doubt and not assume ill intentions based on things that happened 1400 years ago.
Imam Hussain (AS) is a legendary figure and he is not only the hero of Shia and Sunni muslims but continues to be a guiding force for all those people who are oppressed and ill treated.
No to surrender
The rule of surrender in International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is a fundamental principle intended to protect individuals in armed conflicts and to promote respect for international human rights. It requires that combatants surrender to the opposing party and cease fighting, without being subjected to any punishment or mistreatment.
The widespread recognition of the rule has also led to more humane treatment of prisoners of war in the last 40 to 50 years including their right to remain unharmed and to receive medical care, basic necessities, and humane living conditions. This might have helped to prevent unnecessary suffering and deaths, but surrender is usually discouraged and fighting is given preference by the disciplined armies of the world.
Imam Hussain AS could have given his family and supporters permission to evade the battlefield and surrender but that would have had severe consequences and it wouldn’t have inspired people even after 1400 years. The spirit of Karbala has indeed gained strength over time.
Conclusion
Imam Hussain’s legacy remains as relevant even today as it was centuries ago. Infact, year after year more and more people, especially those associated with genuine social and political movements, get inspired by his supreme sacrifice. As an activist, I too get a lot of inspiration from Hussain (as). His steadfastness in Karbala motivates me and my colleagues to work for public good despite all odds.
If people like Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi , Rabindra Nath Tagore or Che Guvera sought inspiration from Imam Hussain (AS) why can’t we muslims follow his ideology of truth and justice? In Islamic terminology, giving preference to the needs of others is referred to as Ithaar or Ikraam. In the battle of Karbala, the actions of Hazrat Abbas (as) the brother of Imam Hussain (as), exemplifies Ithaar and Ikraam. Abbas (as) fought bravely to gain access to the water of Euphrates river. He gave no preference to his own thirst but struggled to bring water to the tents for the women and children.
The role of women in Karbala can also not be forgotten and readers need to go through the books of Islamic history to study these events. I would suggest all young people, especially budding political activists, social leaders, to read the biography of Imam Hussain (AS).
In a nutshell, Karbala teaches us morality and submission to truth.
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