Seize me, O Grief, for Husain(a.s.).
Peace be upon Husain (a.s.) and upon Ali Ibn Husain and upon the Children of Husain (a.s.) and upon the companions of Husain(a.s).
No sooner does one hear the name of Husain (a.s.) that emotions surge. Emotions like faith and action, sacrifice and morals, patience and steadfastness, self-sacrifice and complete concurrence with the obedience of the teachings of the Imam (a.s.) of the time.
After recognizing the self, one recognizes Allah and then the Imam (a.s). Having attained this stage of recognition, his major worry is the safety of Imam (a.s.); and then to make every effort for achieving his (a.s.) satisfaction. Finally the burning desire to procure Allah’s pleasure, and the wish to be felicitated in the court of Allah and the Messenger of Allah (s.a.wa.).
Age, class, creed, generation, family, genealogy, language and culture are no barriers for one who desires to be a helper of the imam (a.s.) of his time. The only criterion is the conveying of aims to focus on a single object. It is also necessary that there be unity among the aspiring helpers and those who wish to protect the Imam (a.s.) of their age.
Whenever, we remember Imam Husain (a.s.), inevitably such emotions make their presence felt in our hearts and remain impressed forever. Those who are the most ardent lovers of Imam (a.s.) are seen imbued in the colors of his beloved. He acquires each and every characteristic. He is ever trying to find the image of his beloved in every aspect of his life. This can be so profound that without ever being introduced, anyone who sees him will recognize who his beloved is.
Imam Husain (a.s.) is an epitome of perfection. Every goodness and virtue reaches its zenith in his personality. Or to be more precise, we can say that every virtue becomes a virtue because it has been acquired by Imam Husain (a.s.). The same notion is found in the words of Ziarat Aale Yasin:
“Whatever you have ordered has become a virtue and whatever you have prohibited becomes an evil. Truth is that which is agreeable to you and falsehood is what you have rejected.”
The remembrance of Imam Husain (a.s.) and the mourning upon his martyrdom is not just a set of rituals performed for sake of completing a formality without deriving positive benefits from this act or without finding any changes in one’s own self. Azadaari is not donning of mourning clothes for a certain period and then later changing them and store it for the next year ! It is not a set of clothes for a special occasion that are kept safely in the ward robes for the rest of the year.
The remembrance of Imam Husain (a.s.) is associated with one’s heart and mind. It changes the direction of thoughts and imparts contentment to the heart. Laxity is dislodged. There is an awakening of the selves. We examine ourselves in the light of the incident. Deriving lessons from the lives of Janabe Zohair and Janabe Hurr, we move ahead with a firm determination towards Imam Husain (a.s.). He is able to achieve such lofty position and martyrdom that even the infallible prostrates on the dust of his feet and send salutation to him:
“O that I had also been with them and achieved victory with them.”
(Ziarat Waretha)
Those who consider this holy remembrance as mere ritual, try to satisfy their ego by rejecting it to various standards and competitiveness and comparisons. They consider the magnitude of participants as the criteria for determining the success of their programme. If these things are not present, they feel that the programme has stopped. Keeping in view these false notions some people praise the function and some smile secretly.
On the other hand are those who consider these programmes and functions to be means of edification and the elixir of faith and actions. They do not value the monetary factors involved. They lend importance to its results. They gauge the effects of such functions on their moral development. What change has it brought in them? How may had habits have they given up to achieve nearness to Imam Husain (a.s.)? How many times they preferred the orders of the Imam of their time to their own emotions? Has it ever occurred that they forget their own selves in their nostalgia for Imam (a.s.)? Have they ever preferred the needs of other people over their needs ? Have they ever maintained their silence to avoid controversies Have they ever strived to make the programme a success with the view that it is the programme of Imam Husain (a.s.) rather than those who have organized it or patronized it? Have they ever followed the logic of self-sacrifice instead of giving it the hue of competitiveness? Have they ever tried to inculcate in themselves the qualities of the helpers of Imam Husain (a.s.)?
Even after the passage of such a long time, the remembrance of Imam Husain (a.s.) has astonishing influence over his mourners. It is the best way for salvation, at least one becomes more attentive towards religion. Some of the sins are reduced. However, if it is accepted with a sincere heart, the remembrance can bear everlasting effects. The realm of Imam Husain (a.s.) is the one which has guidance and salvation at every step. Even the most insignificant acts are valued. The smallest act carries immense rewards. Take for instance, weeping, every sort of weeping is valued. No one is disheartened from this abode. Weeping does not comprise of tears and wails. The benevolence of Imam Husain (a.s.) is unique in this regard. There are atleast ten kinds of weeping and each one of them have their own value.
(i) Only being sorrowful- even if there are no tears. This is also worthwhile.
(ii) Feeling the tragedy in one’s heart. Even this pain carries value in the court of Imam Husain(a.s.).
(iii) When the eyes dampen but tears do not come out. This also carries weight.
(iv) When tears flow- even if in less quantity. It is very meritorious.
(v) Tears flow and wet the beard.
(vi) Tears reach till one’s chest.
(vii) Tears reach to the end of one’s garment.
(viii) Tears are accompanied by wails.
(ix) A loud wailing.
(x) Screams of wail.
(xi) One cries so bitterly that he swoons and loses consciousness, as if he hastened on to the meeting with his Lord(i.e. death).
Each of these stages have a particular value and position. Each of them are the best means for seeking nearness to the Almighty It leads to salvation. All these things are proved in the light of traditions. It is not necessary that this condition should be forever. Even one is able to achieve it once in his life time, he can be assured of Imam Husain (a.s.)’s favours.
Apparently these tears dry up in due course but actually the angels collect them. They are handed over to Rizwan, the keeper of paradise. They are preserved by the angels. Whatever rewards this weeping and wailing may have in the Hereafter, its effect is also apparent in this world. The Almighty sends His blessings upon those who weep and wail upon Imam Husain (a.s.).
When we examine this fact we conclude that Imam Husain (a.s.) is certainly a most benevolent and exalted personality. What can we do in return of his benevolence and favors? Shall we commit more sins? No! Rather we should give up the sins to achieve nearness to Allah through the medium of Imam Husain (a.s.). We can mould our society according to the teachings of Imam Husain(a.s.).
O the inheritor of Husain (a.s.), O the protector of the message of Husain(a.s.). By these meager utterance we present our condolences for your wronged grandfather. And we implore you to look at us with your miraculous glance and include these wretched ones among your helpers and slaves.
O the Lord of Husain, comfort the heart of Husain (a.s.) by the reappearance of Your Proof.