Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA)

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said “Husain is from me, and I am from Husain”, while the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said that “Al-Hasan and Al-Husain are the leaders of the youth of Paradise.” And their father (Hazrat Ali, May Allah be pleased with him) is better than them. This hadith is recorded in Ibn Majah.

The virtues of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) are numerous. He was the younger son of Hazrat Ali (RA) and Hazrat Fatima al-Zahra (RA). The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) also said “O, Allah! Whoever loves Hussain, love him.”

Hazrat Imam Hussain’s martyrdom in Karbala is one of the many historical incidents occurred on 10th of Muharram. In the history of Islam, 10^th of Muharram is considered an eminent day as many historic events took place related to the Prophets and the chosen people of God.

It is said Hazrat Amir Muawiya (RA), contrary to the agreement, had appointed his son Yazid as his successor, who took over after his father’s death. Yazid commanded allegiance from Hazrat Imam Hussain that he refused.

On the invitation of Kufa’s people, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) left Madinah along with a small group of family members and followers in 60 Hijri. But the people of Kufa who wrote hundreds of letters to Hazart Hussain (RA), pleading him to come to Kufa, betrayed him. No wonder they say the people of Kufa aren’t loyal.

Yazid’s army intercepted Imam Hussain’s convoy near Karbala, and martyred him along with most of his family members and companions on Muharram 10, 61 Hijri.

Even Hazrat Imam Hussain’s 6-month-old son, Ali Asghar, all his followers including women and children, were also martyred. Their bodies were trampled with horses. Their possessions were plundered and tents were burned down.

It is said the life and martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) was the most significant time in the history of Islam as the religion of Islam was going through a difficult period in the seventh century. Hazrat Imam Hussain’s stand against injustice was indeed a victory for truth and righteousness.

If we review the Hazrat Ali’ caliphate, his son Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) used to stay with his father during wars. He maintained the peace treaty of his brother Hazrat Imam Hasan (RA) with Hazrat Amir Muawiya (RA) and did not recommence hostilities against him but he refused to accept Yazid as the successor.

Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) was nurtured in the household of Prophet (PBUH). His every action an example for all Muslims. Had Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) accepted Yazid’s obedience, the family might have been survived, but probably there wouldn’t be anyone today taking the name of Islam today.

If Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) had accepted Yazid’s obedience, it would have been seen as a compromise to save his and his family lives. It would have become an example for all Muslims to accept tyranny, injustice instead of fighting against it would have become the lesson of Islam, that’s why he refused to bow down.

The dedication to the truth of his 72 followers was such when Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) extinguished lamps to give his followers a chance to leave and save their lives, no one did.

Every year, the occasion of Ashura Muharram, and the discussion of Imam Hussain (RA) shake the conscience of the followers of Islam as the day stresses the need for all of us who call ourselves Muslims to understand and reflect the reality of Islam. And follow the path of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).