(Continued from the previous AlMuntazar Muharram Issue)
“Peace be upon the one who was killed unjustly.”
Two attributes of Imam Husain (a.s.) have been mentioned in this sentence – ‘qateel and ‘mazloom! Qateel means the one who was killed. In Arabic Lexicon, it is on the scale of ‘fa’eel and from the aspect of meaning, it is a Nominal Predicate. The famous lexicographer Ibn Manzoor writes:
‘Qateel means the one who was killed. Its plural is qutalaa.’
[Lisaan al-Arab, vol. 11, p. 547 under the root q-t-1]
The other word is ‘mazloom’ meaning ‘the oppressed one?
We have already discussed previously that in the light of Quranic verses, those who lay down their lives for the sake of Allah are referred to as “al-qateelo fi sabeelillah. The word ‘martyr’ has not been explicitly used for them in the Holy Quran. Nevertheless, the Book of Allah clearly states:
“And do not consider those who are slain (unjustly) in the way of Allah as dead, rather they are alive and receive sustenance from their Lord.”
[Surah Aale Imraan (3): Verse 169]
“And do not call the one who is slain (unjustly) in the way of Allah as dead, rather he is alive but you do not perceive.”
[Surah Baqarah (2): Verse 154]
No martyr who was killed in the way of Allah is greater than Imam Husain (a.s.). He is titled “Syed al-Shohada’ meaning the chief of martyrs.
Now let us briefly analyse the word ‘mazloom’ (oppressed).
Helping the Oppressed
Islam severely condemns the aid of an oppressor and on the other hand emphasizes on supporting the oppressed. Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) says:
“The best (form of) justice is to help the oppressed.”
[Ghurar al-Hikam, H. 1021]
“When you see an oppressed person then help him against the oppressor.”
(Ghurar al-Hikam, H. 10364]
He (a.s.) said in his will: “Both of you (Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Husain (a.s.)) should be enemies of the oppressor and helpers of the oppressed.”
(Nahj al-Balaagha, Letter no. 47]
Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) says: “There is no believer who helps an oppressed believer except that it (his help) is better than recommended fasts of a month and E’tekaaf in Masjid alHaraam.”
(Sawaab al-A’maal, p. 147]
Beware of the Curse of the Oppressed
An oppressor should never forget that Allah listens to the prayers of His creatures. Among those whose prayers are fast accepted are the oppressed. Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) says,
“Beware of the prayers of the oppressed for surely he asks Allah for his right. And Allah, Glorified be He, is much more Noble that a right is demanded from Him and He does not fulfil it.”
[Ghurar al-Hikam, H. 10349]
“The most piercing of arrows is the prayers of the oppressed.”
(Ghurar al-Hikam, H. 3760]
The conclusion of this discussion is that a follower of Imam Husain (a.s.), one who weeps over him, remembers his tribulations by organising gatherings, will never oppress anyone be it his parents, wife, children, friends, relatives or anyone else. There is no distance between an oppressed person and Allah’s Throne and if the oppressed one raises his arms and prays, then Allah will never reject his plea even if he is a disbeliever.
Now that traditions have given so much importance to the prayers of an oppressed, then it is not surprising that the greatest oppressed person in mankind prays for the forgiveness and pardon of his Shias and Allah accepts it. Allah is Witness to the fact that people ridicule mourning over Imam Husain (a.s.) and they make fun of its effects. They do not accept lamentation and its power of its intercession. In reality, they have not understood the essence of the great sacrifice and helplessness of Imam Husain (a.s.). ..It would not be out of context here, to discuss about another great oppressed person in the history of mankind. He is none other than our Master, Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.). His eminence mentions in one of his sermons,
“Certainly I have more authority upon people than they themselves and I’m oppressed ever since the demise of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.). Then Asha’th Ibn Qais al-Kindi (may Allah curse him) stood up and said: 0 Commander of the Faithful! Ever since you have come to Iraq you have just been saying that ‘Certainly I have more authority upon people than they themselves and I’m oppressed ever since the demise of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.)’. When Taim and Adi (meaning the first and second caliph) came to power, then why didn’t you raise your sword rather than tolerating oppression?
Then Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) said: O son of a drunkard woman! Now that you have said so, then listen. By Allah! Neither cowardice nor the fear of death prevented me (from taking myright). Rather what prevented me was the promise of my brother, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.). He informed me and said: 0 Abul Hasan! Soon this nation shall betray you and will break my promise and covenant. You are to me as Haroon (a.s.) was to Moosa (a.s.). Then I asked him: 0 Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.)! What do you command me for (i.e. what is my responsibility) when this happen’s? Then he (s.a.w.a.) said: If you find helpers then rise against them and fight them and if you do not find helpers then restrain your hands (meaning do not fight) and protect your blood (from being killed) until you meet me as an oppressed person.”
[Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 29, p. 419, ch. 13]
There is no doubt that there are no greater oppressed people than Ali and his progeny fa.s.) in the history of mankind. Helping and assisting them is the responsibility of each of their lovers either physically, financially orverbally. Now is the age of knowledge, information and culture. The enemies of Islam are targeting these fields specifically. Hence, it is required that we defend our leaders and their beliefs in these fields. We should always be mindful that our beliefs and faith are safe in this age of corruption and deviation and we tread the path shown by our Infallible Imams (a.s.). At the same time, we should also be aware that the avenger of the one who was killed unjustly is monitoring our conditions and actions. He prays for goodness, blessings and protection of the people on the right path, the mourners of Imam Husain (a.s.). He is their caretaker and guarantor.
(To be continued Insha Allah in the next issue)