The message of Karbala

Every year on the onset of Muharram-ul-Haraam till the end of Safar-ul-Muzzaffar, the heart wrenching tragedy of Karbala is commemorated by the Muslims all across the world. The pain of trails and travails that Imam e Hussain (A.S) and Jinabi Zainab (S.A) had endured, cannot be even assuaged from the hearts and souls of the followers of ‘Ahlebeyat’. They were the grand children of our beloved Prophet (Pbuh), how can we afford to be complacent about the fateful day of Ashura. The terror that was unleashed on the 72 courageous companions and family members of Imam e Hussain (A.S) is highly unforgettable. Karbala is a soul shaking tragedy. The supreme sacrifices made by Hussain (A.S) and his small contingent are not only praiseworthy but”- Hayhat minna al zilla (We never accept humiliation) is the overriding lesson for those who are determined (Azm) to live a dignified life.

We are familiar with the historical facts that led to the battle of Karbala. We should inquisitively ponder upon the reasons for which Hussain (A.S) sacrificed everything including his 6 month old son Ali Asgar (A.S). It was for the sake of Allah. It was the battle between Haq and Batil. Between righteousness and wickedness. It was a clarion call to distinguish between good and evil. Hussain (A.S) didn’t sanctify his allegiance to the tyrant ruler, Yazeed. He stood firm against the oppression and atrocities. Hussain’s (A.S) defiance was against the flagrant errors of the despot who was changing the Islamic order. Yazeed was trying to rule and run the system by his whims and fantasies which could be never acceptable and abiding on those who were the torch bearers of Islam. Hussain (A. S) stood firm against the oppression, injustice and tyranny. He revived the true spirits of Islam by his blood and sacrifices of his beloved ones. He defeated the malicious intentions of Yazeed who was trying to harm the sanctity of Islam.

   

Hussain (A.S) won the battle of Karbala by his unflinching, unruffled character and courage. Hussain’s (A.S) fight was not for the power. He fought so as to awaken and aware the people about their rights and duties as they were morally dead. He didn’t pledge his allegiance to the tyrant. He condemned and challenged the political repression. He had a courage to call a spade a spade. He and his companions fought the brutal regime with an indomitable faith and fortitude. They didn’t let down the flag of Islam. They would be holding and raising it high till the eternity. Hussain (A.S) achieved eminent victory through his martyrdom. Yazeed got erased but Hussain (A.S) still lives in our hearts. He is the hope for the oppressed. He is the guiding star. His companions are the role models whose character we should admire and aspire to be like them. From all those noble souls, isn’t there life changing lessons for us to fight the evils of Nafus. Kashmir or Karbala have become so much relatable to each other, that the multitude of our sufferings is always compared with the latter. The pressing need of the hour is to change within, only than we can think and talk about other ‘Big’ issues. There will be no peace and prosperity unless we don’t transform ourselves from within. The tragedy of Karbala is replete with many lessons. It is my humble effort to share with you the following insights. I am sure it can serve as a road map for us to manage our daily struggles and sufferings.

Love For Allah:

Imam Hussain (A.S) and his companions had unconditional love for Allah. They sacrificed everything for His sake. It is this feeling which helped them to achieve oneness (Irfaniyat) with Allah. They attained martyrdom with the flashes smiles. They were free, fair and fearless. All those things which are permissible and pleasing to Allah can get us closer to Him. When we sincerely pursue them, we attain the freedom from materialistic world. When we fight for the Allah’s cause, we set ourselves free from fear and death. We least bother about the consequences. Without His love, we can never experience divine powers within ourselves. Without His love, we can never have moral courage to challenge what is going wrong. Love for Allah bestows great spiritual strength to stand and strive for righteousness.

Loyalty:

It was the loyalty of the 72 companions which gave Hussain (A.S) impetus to challenge Yazeed and his standing army of thousands. They didn’t run for their lives but fought like Knights till the last drop of their blood. Now, take a look at our surroundings. We won’t be surprised to find people who back stab their own brothers. People who very often change their colors just for materialistic gains. In Kashmir, loved ones, locals or leaders have become so unreasonable and unreliable, that we have stopped trusting one another. Without loyalty, we can never enjoy amicable relationships,  nor can put our trust in any leader.

Kindness:

Even in the middle of the desert when the sun was blazing over them, Hussain (A.S) offered water not only to the enemy forces but also helped them to quench the thirst of their animals. Since the covid Pandemic has struck us very badly both economically and emotionally, is it not the need of the hour, the money that we have saved to be spend on the “Nazru Niyaz” in Muharram, should be utilized for the welfare of the families which have been shattered due to economic strangulation. Won’t this kind gesture of ours accomplish the mission of our Imam.

Equality:

In the battle of Karbala, Hussain (A.S) treated his companions with utmost reverence and equality. Now spare a thought for your selves, are we not all offsprings of Adam, and one day everyone of us, has to return to his/her Lord. Where is the concept of equality existing now. Haven’t we divided our society into castes and classes. Irony is, we still claim to be the champions of the Imam’s mission.

Patience:

Who else can be so familiar with the adversities than us. In the face of tragedy we look at the Karbala and find our afflictions are very trivial. Karbala inspires us to be courageous. Hussain(A.S) and Jinabi Zainab (S.A) are the ideal examples of patience. Their relatives, companions and children were slaughtered before their eyes but still they remained composed and expressed their gratitude to Allah SWT.

Purdah:

Post Ashura, Jinabi Zainab (S.A) along with other prisoners of war were dragged from Karbala to Kufa, Kufa to Sham. All sorts of atrocities were committed on them. The tall ones were hand cuffed and chained with the ones who were smaller in size. They were stoned on the way. Their veils were snatched but the women folk covered their faces with the dust so as to maintain their chastity. Muharrum is not about sartorial splendor. Remember what Jinabi Zainab (S.A) had gone through. You will never become honorable and valuable unless and until you don’t wear hijab.

Magnanimity:

Hurr was the enemy commander who denied access to water to Hussain’s camp. Night before Ashura, he was so much moved by the nobility and principals of Imam e Hussain (A.S) that he joined him without bothering about his rank or repercussions. Imam treated him with utmost love and respect. He was one of the first martyrs. Now look at ourselves, we live with grudges and die with grudges. It is never too late to reflect and repent.

Role of Women:

We are incomplete and incompetent without the support of women. Hussain (A.S) could never have succeeded in his mission without the support of Lady Zainab (S.A). Empower the women in every sphere of life with appreciation and authority.

Bottomline:

Let’s instil the lessons of Karbala & kindle our hearts with the spirit of Imam Hussain’s (A.S) mission by emphasizing on the significance of Amr bil-Ma’roof and Nahi-anil-Munkar (Enjoining good and forbidding the evil). The onus and outcome depends on us. If we choose to be the mute spectators of our agonies, for sure we will find a place into the morass of disillusions, disappointments, disgrace and darkness. While as Hussain’s path is the path of serenity, satisfaction, success and salvation.

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