"And think not of those who
are slain in Allah's way as dead, they are alive, (and) by their
Lord well provided"
Holy Qur'an (3:169)
A host of political, social and
religious factors made Imam Hussein (a.s) rise to challenge Yazid
bin Mu'awiyah. Key factor was the violation of the principles
upon which Islamic rule is based. Imam Hussein (a.s) had the
following goals in mind when he started his uprising:
1. Paying due attention to the public
opinion of the ummah, and regularly consulting it in the conduct
of affairs. Changing of the political conditions, the ruling
system and the way of administering civil affairs, the treating
the ummah in accordance with the divine standard set forth by
Islam:
"....and consult them in the
matter ..."
Holy Qur'an (3.159)
2. Law and principles stand above
everyone. They are the standard according to which the ruler is
evaluated. The legality of his position, and his right to
exercise of power is similarly estimated. Awakening the political
conscience of the ummah and making a powerful oversight body out
of it, lest the ruler deviate or neglect Islamic laws.
"...so judge between people
with justice and do not follow desire.."
Holy Qur'an (38.26)
" ...therefore judge between
them according to what Allah has sent down..."
Holy Qur'an (5.48)
3. Establishment of justice and equity
between all the people, regardless of social status in the sphere
of rights and obligations
"Surely Allah commands you to
deliver trust back to their owner and when you judge between
people you that you judge with justice.."
Holy Qur'an (4:58)
4. Assuring the leader be both efficient
and righteous so that he can discharge his responsibilities:
The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) is reported to
have said:
"We are commanded to place
people in their right positions".
5. Equity in economic distribution ought
to be firmly instituted:
"Whatever Allah has restored
to His Messenger from the people of the towns, it is for Allah
and for the Messenger and for the near of kin and the orphans and
the needy and the wayfarer, so that it may not be a thing taken
by turns among the rich of you and whatever the Messenger gives
you, accept it, and from whatever he forbids you, keep back and
be careful of (you duty to ) Allah; surly Allah is severe in
retribution (evil)."
Imam Ali (a.s.) is reported to have
said:
"Even if all of it was my
personal property I would have distributed it equally amongst the
needy and poor. Then what is the situation when the property
belongs to Allah"
6. The right of criticizing, advising,
guiding and discussing the policies of the leader should be
respected and institutionalized. Emphasizing the legality of
militarily opposing the unjust ruler.
"And from among you there
should be a party who invite to good and enjoy what is right and
forbid the wrong, and these it is that shall be successful"
The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) is reported to
have said:
"The best of Jihad is that of
a word of right spoken to unjust ruler"
Imam Hussein (a.s.) witnessed the
deteriorating political and social situation and clearly
recognized that the general policy of the authorities did not
jibe Islamic principles. He was aware of the ummah's numerous and
painful afflictions, and was determined to exercise his religious
duty, being the duly sanctioned leader and central figure capable
of restoring Islamic values. To re-educating the ummah in line
with Islamic laws and to rectifying deviation and putting in to
practice the shariah. Also, breaking the wall of fear and terror
that was imposed on the ummah and stirring the sprit of
revolution and sacrifice in it.
Thus he rose. His revolt is rich in
lessons and divinely inspired attitudes. Imam Hussein embodied
the sacrifice of self, money, family, social status and the
challenge to terror and cruelty. He patiently traversed hundred
of miles, moving both night and day. The epic protest he
engendered come at the most critical political juncture. In fact,
the prophet's grandson had vowed to sacrifice himself.
Eventually he was kill along with his
sons, most of his household and all of his companions. The bodies
were mutilated and their heads were carried from Kerbala', to
Kufa and finally to Damascus. His womenfolk were taken prisoners
and marched across the desert. He himself was expecting all that,
but did budge and inch.
"By Allah, I will never give
you my hand like a man who has been humiliated, nor will I flee
like a slave"
An uprising led by the noblest and best
respected personality in the entire ummah. is certainly one which
is uniquely distinguished as a movement abounding with spiritual,
moral and religious ideals. Due to the importance of this
personality, we are honoured to remark the most outstanding
incidents of the dynamic Husseini movement, which stands
unequaled in its greatness and fills pages upon pages of history.
Such a sublime revolution has to be
studied, dissected and fully understood. Lessons should be drawn
from it. Here we note that the backward and downtrodden nations
must one day follow in the footsteps of Imam Hussein if they are
to challenge the despots.
We beseech the Most High and Almighty to
make our effort of enduring benefit and to help us in
disseminating benevolence and guidance.
He is the Hearing and Answering.
Source: Imam Hussein and The Day of
Ashura, Al-Huda Foundation., 1992
We beseech the Most High and Almighty to
make our effort of enduring benefit and to help us in
disseminating benevolence and guidance.
He is the Hearing and Answering.