The messages of Imam Husain (a.s.) are echoing in all the aspects of the Shias. Their behaviour is the interpretation of his missive and includes all facets like eating, drinking, sleeping, home, society, etc. Its a different story altogether that some people cannot recognise their own faces while looking at the mirror. We dare to say that the new generation of our community which has arrived on the scene is found lacking in the knowledge of Imam Husain (a.s.)’s messages. There are many reasons for this reality: Firstly, the modes of communication for this message are weak. Secondly, the minds of the recipients is not fertile for the development, growth and nourishment of the capacity of acceptance.
In this regards, we would like to draw the attention at the training and upbringing in our homes. The entire community can be classified in two categories on this count. One section is of those people, who on the principles of their riches and wealth, and closing the windows of their minds, consider it beneath their dignity to follow the teachings of Imam Husain (a.s.) and turn away from his exhortations. (These are in a minority). The second section are of those whose numbers are many. Their new generation is perplexed, confused, thirsty and on the look out. They face pressures from two sides. On one hand, the elders emphasise on their customs and drag the new generation towards the ancient proprieties. The result is that they cannot give satisfactory answers to the questions posed by the youth in the light of modern science and latest thoughts. While on the other hand, the different schools of thought belonging to other religions are working extraordinarily hard and with amazing speed. They possess latest modes of communications and are using them to the hilt. Their literature, which has invaded our lives, is also affecting our manner of living considerably.
In such testing times, where all negative shadows are gnawing at us, there are some positive factors as well due to which the community is still alive and these, indeed, are the bestowal of Imam Husain (a.s.). Every community establishes its identity on its common values. Therefore, along with beliefs and creed, azaadari, love for Imam Husain (a.s.), mourning, tears, the cravings for his visitation, and many other such values which do not permit the identity of the community to be disfigured. If others have the power of television, radio, newspapers of massive circulation, for the publicity and propagation of their ideas, then we have the innumerable pulpits (minbars) around which the entire community assembles in the name of Imam … Husain, (a.s.).
Unfortunately, these pulpits only grant contentment to the hearts and cool them but the message of Imam Husain (a.s.) is not conveyed effectively to the masses, particularly the youth. This message is the name of a lengthy series bearing multiple dimensions which will reinforce the Shiite structure but only if the entire community involves itself in the work of training and education. Moreover, an atmosphere should be created among the people which will cause an ethical revolution in them. For, today maximum time is consumed in reading newspapers, journals, obscene magazines, romantic novels, etc. and hence, these youths are bound to be affected by them..
The need of the hour is to present the message of Imam Husain (a.s.) in a most beautiful and attractive manner so that they can focus their energies in achieving the goals of Imam Husain (a.s.) and may not waste their time and efforts in such useless and obscene literature. Lest, we may have to face our Imam on that day,
یَوْمَ لَا یَنْفَعُ مَالٌ وَلَا بَنُوْنَ اِلَّا مَنْ اَتَی اللّٰہُ بِقَلْبٍ سَلِیْمٍ
“That day when wealth and children will not benefit except him who comes to Allah with a heart free (from evil).”
(Shuara: 88-89)
Why are we emphasising only on the message of Imam Husain (a.s.)? The reason is that each and every child of this community is fed with the love and affection of Imam Husain (a.s.) from his cradle. He accepts the effects of chest-beating (maatam) from his childhood. Plus, the childhood and youth of Imam Husain (a.s.) is itself very peculiar and characteristic. Then, during the journey from Medina till his martyrdom, he faced such difficulties and calamities, that had these fallen on a clear day, it would convert to a dark night. But the steadfast, contentment and patience displayed by our Imam in these troubled times have been accepted by all religions. For Shiism, it was as if the entire encyclopaedia of Prophethood, Messengership and Imamat, was summed up in one article, i.e. the martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s.), his family and his companions at Karbala, his giving preference to death with respect over life with disgrace, etc. without which this encyclopaedia would not be complete.
Imam Husain (a.s.) has given us numerous messages. But keeping brevity into consideration, we shall present hereunder only a few thought-provoking and profound missives for the benefit of our readers.
Imam Husain’s (a.s.) communication to his Shias is beneficial to them in every walk of life. Imam’s (a.s.) exhortations echo in our ears, and act as a beacon of guidance for all our actions like sitting, standing, sleeping, eating, conduct at home and in society. Imam’s exhortations are particularly beneficial and relevant for today’s youth, who are distracted by material allurements and temptations.
Indeed Imam (a.s.) has conveyed so many profound and thought provoking messages to his Shias, that if we can absorb even a small percentage of it, then it is sufficient for our world and hereafter. In fact, Imam (a.s.)’s communication to his Shias serves as a comprehensive code by itself. We mention below only a few of Imam’s (a.s.) crucial messages wherein Imam (a.s.).appeals to man’s intellect, and exhorts the Shias to fulfill their religious obligations.
Let us first see how Imam Husain (a.s.) has introduced himself, and his advice to the Shias through this introduction.
Imam (a.s.) reveals:
اِنَّا اَھْلُ بَیْتِ النُّبُوَّۃِ وَ مَعْدِنُ الرِّسَالَۃِ وَ مُخْتَلِفُ الْمَلَائِکَۃِ بِنَا فَتَحَ اللہُ وَ بِنَا یَخْتِمُ۔
We are the progeny (AhleBayt) of the Prophet, and the mine of Prophethood. This is my family that was frequented by the angels. This is the family that has been blessed with Allah’s mercy. Allah, the noble, has initiated the affairs of the world through our family, and He shall also end it in us.
(Adabul Husain wahimaasatohu, compiled by Ahmed SaabariHamdaani, p. 102).
Imam Husain (a.s.) recounted this to Waleed in Medina, when the latter demanded that Imam (a.s.) pay allegiance to Yazid.
Through his expounding of the AhleBayt’s (a.s.) virtues, Imam (a.s.) was trying to appeal to the intellect of all those who were misguided and had missed the truth. By acquainting himself, Imam (a.s.) was inviting, the people towards the right path. He was inviting the people towards his and his family’s excellent traits. Imam (a.s.) was making those unaware, aware, of the angels that moved freely in his house, and served his grandfather, the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and his father, Ali (a.s.). He was informing the people about Allah’s abundant bounties and mercy that had descended upon his illustrious family. He was recounting to them the fact that Islam had commenced from the very threshold of his house, and it shall also conclude in his house. (Inshallah, very soon Imam Husain’s (a.s.) promised son, Mahdi, shall rise from this house, avenge the ruthless murder of Imam (a.s.), and finally establish justice and equity on the earth.) Imam Husain (a.s.) gave his blood to revive Islam, so as to please Allah, and ensure the survival of His true worshippers and the followers of His Tauheed. Imam (a.s.) undertook the journey towards Karbala, so that he can bestow to the fearing, faltering, despairing and timid humanity groping in the dark abyss of ignorance, some relief consolation, confidence and patience in their lives. Hence, ZiarateArbaeen, has this reference:
وَ بَذَلَ مُہْجَتَہ فِیْکَ لِیَسْتَنْقِذَ عِبَادکَ مِنَ الْجَھَالَۃِ وَ حَیْرَۃِ الضَّلَالَۃِ۔
He (Husain (a.s.) consented to the spilling of his blood in Your way, so that (O Allah), Your servants could gain respite from ignorance, and the perplexity of deviation.’
Ignorance: This is a condition wherein a man’s intellect is subdued, not permitting him to think clearly. Today the number of idol worshippers are unprecedented, perhaps even surpassing the number of idol worshippers in the ancient Mecca, before the advent of Islam. We Shias are fortunate not to have become victim to this apostasy, on account of the Islam that survives till today, because of Imam Husain’s (a.s.) sacrifices. .: Perplexity: This is the direct consequence of ignorance, or in other words, tack of knowledge. The source of strong faith, steadfastness and excellent traits is comprehension, which can only be acquired through knowledge. Knowledge in turn can only be gained by mingling with the learned and questioning them. Imam Husain (a.s.) has exhorted us emphatically thus,
دِرَاسَۃُ الْعِلْمِ لِقَاحُ الْمَعْرِفَۃِ۔
“Acquiring knowledge sows the seed of recognition.”
(GhorarulHekam).
This is a clarion call to the youths of our age to be engrossed in the pursuit of knowledge from the sayings of the Immaculate Ones (a.s.), and to refrain from the company of the wretched, who can be of no assistance to them in this pursuit. The company of the wretched will only serve to increase one’s dishonour and disgrace as Imam Husain (a.s.) cites,
مَجَالِسَۃُ اَھْلِ الْفِسْقِ رَیْبَۃُ۔
“Company of transgressors leads to notoriety.”
Deviation: In order to gain respite from deviation and misguidance, Imam Husain (a.s.) exhorts,
اِصْبِرْ عَلٰی مَا تَکْرَہُ فِیْمَا یَلْزِمُکَ الْحَقُّ وَاصْبِرْ عَمَّا تُحِبُّ فِیْمَا یَدْعُوْکَ اِلَیْہِ الْھُدیٰ۔
“Be patient and steadfast on the difficulties and adversities of the path that leads you towards truth, and abandon the path that prevents you from acquiring the truth, even if your desires are inclined towards its allurements and attractions, and observe patience and fortitude in your lives.’
(Kalematul Imam al-Husain (a.s.), p. 770)
To adopt the path of truth, to remain steadfast on its difficulties, to abstain from the path of deviation and to remain detached from its enticements. These four points highlight an even more important point. The necessity of a divine Imam for the guidance of the nation. Else, the nation would have perished easily, as the callers to the path of deviation are aplenty. Then one who falls prey to its charms will be chastised with the Fire on the Day of Judgement, while the one who restrains himself from its charms will be rewarded with Paradise and its bounties. Imam Husain (a.s.) observes regarding guidance,
اِمَامٌ دَعَا اِلٰی ھُدیٰ فَاَجَابُوْا اِلَیْہِ وَ اِمَامٌ دَعَا اِلٰی ضَلَالَۃٍ فَاْتَابُوْا اِلَیْھَا۔ ھٰؤُلَاءِ فِی الْجَنَّۃِ ھٰؤُلَاءِ فِی النَّارِ وَھُوَ قَوْلُہٗ تَعَالٰی فِرِیْقٌ فِی الْجَنَّۃِ وَ فَرِیْقٌ فِی السَّعِیْرِ۔
‘One Imam invites (the people) towards guidance and good fortune, some people heed his call. There is another Imam who invites the people towards deviation and misguidance, and yet manages to muster support from some followers. The first party will be from among the dwellers of Paradise, while the second party shall reside in Hell, as Allah Himself proclaims, One group shall go to Paradise and one group shall go to the Fire.’
(Kalematul Imam al-Husain (a.s.), p. 338)
Imam Husain (a.s.) then reveals some typical characteristics of those who heed the invitation towards truth and guidance.
اِنَّ اَجْوَدَ النَّاسِ مَنْ اَعْطٰی مَنْ لَا یَرْجُوْہُ۔
‘The most charitable is the one who after manifesting his benevolence to someone, never approaches that person in need, so as to seek compensation for his benevolence.’
(Kalematul Imam al-Husain (a.s.), p. 751)
Imam (a.s.) narrates further,
اِنَّ اَعْفٰی النَّاسِ مَنْ عَفٰی عَنْ قُدْرَۃِ۔
“The most compassionate is the one who forgives while he has the power to punish.”
(Kalematul Imam al-Husain (a.s.), p. 751)
Imam (a.s.) has narrated several other traditions in this regard. A believer can only embrace these traits of forbearance, patience, benevolence and other commendable qualities, after he has examined his faith and has achieved certitude in it. One must never discount Shaitaan, who is tireless in his endeavours to bait the believer towards his doom. In this regard Imam (a.s.) warns,
اُحَذِّرُکُمُ الْاَصْفَاءَ اِلٰی ھَتُوْفِ الشَّیْطَانِ فَاِنَّہٗ لَکُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِیْنٌ۔
O my Shias, I deter you from lending your ears to the whisperings of) Shaitaan, for surely he is your open enemy.’
(Adabul Husain wahimaasatohu, p. 71)
However, it is pertinent to note that after having been forewarned of this potent enemy, are we forearmed to counter his threat? We should reflect on whether Shaitaan’s sayings and invitations are repelled by the people, or whether he finds an audience in our society. Let us take a very common problem that afflicts our society today. Women in Islam are accorded an exalted status and dignity, through the veil (hijab). On the sultry afternoon of Ashoora, when Imam Husain (a.s.) was brought down from his horse onto the earth, Shimr commanded his soldiers, “Rush towards Husain’s tents’. It has been narrated that when Imam (a.s.) heard this, he began crawling on his knees and was saying, Wait, Husain is yet alive! Keep away from the tents, wherein are pure and immaculate women! Fourteen centuries later, Imam’s (a.s.) plea echoes in our ears till today. However, this plea has somewhat dulled in today’s so-called advanced culture and civilised environment. Muslims openly oppose Islamic tenets without any remorse and shame, reducing religion to a state where it is only professed, but not reflected in our deeds. They have violated Allah’s commands and have considered Him, like themselves. Then those who mourn Imam’s (a.s.) martyrdom should reflect on their actions. Imam Husain (a.s.) declares,
اَیُّھَا النَّاسُ اِتَّقُوْا ھٰؤُلَاءِ الْمَارِقَۃَ الَّذِیْنَ یُشْبَّھُوْنَ اللہِ بِاَنْفُسِھِمْ۔
‘ O people, keep away from those irreligious people who take Allah as themselves.’
(Kalematul Imam al-Husain (a.s.), p. 751)
If only the Shias had heeded Imam’s (a.s.) invaluable counsel on Tauheed and recognition of Allah, and had moulded themselves in line with his exhortations. Imam (a.s.) observes,
اِحْتَجَبَ عَنِ الْعَقُوْلِ کَمَا اِحْتَجَبَ عَنِ الْاَبْصَارِ عَمَّنْ فِی السَّمَآءِ اِحْتِجَابِہٖ کَمَنْ فِی الْاَرْضِ۔
Allah is hidden from our intellects, like He is concealed from our vision. Moreover, He is concealed from the celestial beings, just like He is concealed from the residents of the earth.’ This is because, if Allah could have been perceived by us, then He would have been comprehended by our perceptions. If He could have been seen by us, then He would have been comprehended by our vision. However, Allah the Almighty, is without any limit, and can never be comprehended even by the angels, who enjoy greater proximity with Allah, then there is no question of us succeeding where they have failed. We can only hope to have certitude about Allah’s recognition to the extent that He has introduced this recognition in our hearts.
Imam Husain (a.s.) had achieved perfect certitude about Allah, and had scaled the peak of His recognition. That is why at the time of his martyrdom, Imam (a.s.) declined all assistance from Hazrat Jibraeel (a.s.), and said that it was the time of his examination, and accepting aid from anyone would defeat the purpose of examination. It was Imam Husain (a.s.), who before leaving Medina, had made his will to his brother Muhammad b. Hanafiyya. Every word of this will is priceless, which is sufficient for our guidance, that we can take with us right up to our graves. Imam (a.s.) wills:
‘In the Name of Allah, the All Beneficent, the All Merciful. This is Husain b. Ali’s will to his brother Muhammad famous as bin Hanafiyya: Husain testifies to Allah’s Tauheed, and testifies that He is One, without any associate, and that Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) is His messenger, who came and established the beliefs of truth (Islam) from Allah’s side. Husain testifies that Heaven and Hell are certain. Reward and chastisement shall undoubtedly be manifested, and on that Day Allah shall enliven the dead. Certainly I am not embarking from Medina due to obstinacy nor to show off. Nor to spread mischief nor to oppress, My only objective is to seek refromation of my grandfather’s nation. I intend to prohibit evil and exhort towards goodness and I wish to tread the path of my father Ali b. AbiTalib (a.s.).’
‘Then the one who has heeded my invitation towards truth, and has obeyed me, has indeed obeyed Allah, and the one who has rejected this invitation and disobeyed me, has indeed disobeyed Allah. Then I shall wait with patience and steadfastness for Allah to judge between such people and me, for surely He is the best Judge. O my brother, this is my will to you, and surely all ‘Taufeeq’ is from Allah’s side, and in Him I trust and towards Him do I turn.’
Then all of us must reflect on our actions and examine ourselves in the light of this will of Imam (a.s.). We are in the best position to decide for ourselves whether our actions are such that we can claim to be from Imam’s (a.s.) party or whether, Allah forbid, we are among the opponents of Imam (a.s.). We should judge for ourselves whether we have obeyed Imam’s (a.s.) invitation and thereby obeyed Allah, or whether we have rejected Imam’s (a.s.) exhortations and thereby disobeyed Allah.
Indeed, Imam Husain’s (a.s.) instructions and exhortations form a comprehensive message for the guidance of Shias. Imam (a.s.) has taught us to live our lives fearlessly, immune from the evils of society. Imam (a.s.) has educated us on such important concepts like Tauheed, Prophethood, Imamate and Allah’s obedience and worship. Imam Husain (a.s.) lived in an era when Islam was engulfed in deviation, skepticism and apostasy. Yazid (l.a.), with his designs, had tainted Islam, and Islam was looked down upon by the other cultures. Yazid’s (l.a.) reign had taken Islam to its lowest point, and ‘Yazidiyat’ had become synonymous with deviation and disbelief. In this tumult, Imam Husain (a.s.) rescued Islam, and restored its previous sanctity, in much the same way as Hazrat Nuh (a.s.) rescued the people on his ark. It is for this reason that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) declares,
اَلْحُسَیْنُ مِصْبَاحُ الْھُدیٰ وَ سَفِیْنَۃُ ا لنَّجَاۃِ۔
‘Husain is the beacon of guidance and the ark of salvation.’
Imam Husain (a.s.) has communicated his message to the Shias through several means like supplications to Allah, his will to his brother Muhammad, his sermons and his arguments. Indeed Imam (a.s.) with just seventy-two supporters was successful in leaving an impact that completely perplexed the minds and hearts of the people, and ultimately resulted in the downfall of Bani Umayyah.
When he (a.s.) met Abdullah bin Harra al-Jo’fi at the BaniMaqatil he said: “You are a sinner, your sins are atrocious, yet I give you the chance to repent and invite you that you fight from my side. He refused and said that he feared death. He also presented his bridled horse to him saying that it had never failed when he was in pursuit of the enemy and it never let him down when the enemies were in his pursuit. He said, “Do not proceed towards Kufa, the situation there is terrible.”
He replied, “I don’t accept help from those who are misguided. However, in return for the good you’ve done unto me, I give you a piece of advice. Go to a place far enough where you cannot hear my plaints for whoever hears my calls for help and does not respond to them positively, will die in disgrace something similar was said to ‘Amr bin Qais too at this very place, namely, Bani Maqatil. Even today, this plaints for help are being talked about from thousands and thousands of podia across the world.
Even today the aim of Husain (a.s.) calls out for attention. Because probably the present age has left behind the darkness, deviations and destructions and emerged as a force to be reckoned with. In order to be safe from it, one has to be steadfast in faith, strong in conviction, broad in thought, and must decorate ones character by the light of perception.
We present below a selection of quotations with a request that we examine ourselves with regard to the same.
اِنَّ النَّاسَ عَبِیْدُ الدُّنْیَا وَالَّذِیْنِ لَعِقٍ عَلٰی اَلْسِنَتِھِمْ یَحُوْطُوْنَہٗ مَا دَرَّتْ مَعَائِشَتَھُمْ فَاِذَا مُحِصُّوْا بِالْبَلَاءِ قَلَّ الدَّیَّانُوْنَ۔
“People are the slaves of this world. Their piety is only on their tongues. They remain attached to religion only till it is beneficial to them. In the times of trails and tribulation the fact emerges that very few are truly religious.”
He (a.s.) says:
“Know that the Almighty raises the status of those who are patient in difficulties.”
Commenting on the frequently changing nature of this world he says:
“The world has changed and it is in a deplorable condition. Goodness does not exist upon it anymore. Days are passing very swiftly. None will survive except a few in these times. Like some water lying at the bottom of a vessel.”
Finally there are a few sentences from the supplication of the chief of the Martyrs, Imam Husain (a.s.) that convey the message that if we wish to ask Allah for something we must pray for that by which we will get everything. Something in comparison to which the worldly wealth is nothing and through the spiritual advancement, man can witness the unfolding of Divine secrets.
Imam (a.s.). has also conveyed some very important points to us while he was seeking help from the Muslims in his endeavours against Yazid. Mentioned below is one such
اَللّٰھُمَّ اجْعَلْ غِنَایَ فِی نَفْسِیْ وَالْیَقِیْنَ فِی قَلْبِیْ وَالْاِخْلَاصَ فِیْ عَمَلِیْ وَالنُّوْرَ فِی بَصَرِیْ وَالْبَصِیْرَۃَ فِیْ دِیْنِیْ وَمْتُعْنِیْ بِجَوَارِحِیْ وَاجْعَلْ سَمْعِیْ وَ بَصَرِیْ الْوَارِثِیْنَ مِنِّیْ۔
O Allah! Grant me self-sufficiency in life, certitude in my heart, sincerity in my actions, light in my eyes, and perception in my religion, and make my limbs reap benefits, and make my ears and my eyes my inheritors (so that my perception and my life may gain hearing and vision) (DuaeArafah)