Hussain refused to give allegiance to a corrupt leader like Yazid, and chose to die before legitimizing such a tyrant’s rule. In his own words, Hussain said he was rising up “to revive the affairs of the Ummah of my grandfather”, and to “enjoin the good, and forbid the evil”.
The city of Karbala has a rich history that is both beautiful and tragic, beginning with the slaughter of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, his companions, and family by the army of Omar ibn Sa’ad as commanded by the Caliph of the time, Yazid ibn Muawiyah.
Hussain refused to give allegiance to a corrupt leader like Yazid, and chose to die before legitimizing such a tyrant’s rule. In his own words, Hussain said he was rising up “to revive the affairs of the Ummah of my grandfather”, and to “enjoin the good, and forbid the evil”.
Today, the shrine of Imam Hussain attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world, all over the year, who visit to pay their respects and worship Allah (swt) by his side. TMV’s video below explains the history, battle, and the historical and religious importance of the Battle of Karbala in full, as the day of Hussain’s death, Ashura, the 10th day of the month of Muharram, draws closer.
In addition to understanding the history and importance of the heartwrenching Battle of Karbala, here are just a few lessons to take away from it as well, as we continue to strive in bettering ourselves as Muslims:
1. Stay loyal to your moral values
On the eve of battle, Imam Hussain offered his companions the chance to abandon the fight. All chose to stay and uphold the values they considered most dear: integrity and justice.
“Is the reward for good [anything] but good? So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?” (Quran, 55:60-61)
As Muslims, we must continue, just as Imam Hussain and his companions did, to uphold our principles and morals of justice against a world that often seems rife with corruption and ignorance. As easy as it may seem to be swayed by the illusion of peace with being silent or “neutral”, we must continue to stand up to injustice and corruption wherever it may be in our lives.
2. Stand up for what is right
Imam Hussain refused to compromise in his pursuit of justice until the very end. He chose to do what was right rather than what was easy, even if it cost him his life.
“O you who believe, be upright for God, and be bearers of witness with justice!” (Quran, 5:8)
Our religion makes it very clear on what is right and what is wrong – and it is then up to us on how to act. We must be firm in our convictions of what is morally wrong or corrupt, and stand up to it – those who are vulnerable and suffering depend on our strength and unity as an ummah to help stand firm for justice. We must continue to be “bearers of witness with justice” for Allah and for Allah alone – all the good we strive to stand up for must be done in the name of Allah.
3. It’s never too late to do the right thing
Hurr was a commander in Yazid’s army. Conscience stirred by the realization that the opposers had done no wrong, he abandoned his post to stand by Imam Hussain’s side. He was later martyred, but was killed standing by his principles of justice.
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both.” (Quran, 4:135)
This is a powerful reminder for us Muslims that no matter what our pasts may be, no matter what we may have done or said previously, we always have a chance to sincerely pray for forgiveness and give our lives back to worshipping Allah. Allah is the most forgiving and most merciful, and if we truly understand His Oneness, we should never be afraid of turning our hearts and souls back to Him.
4. Forgive people for the greater good
Outnumbered by 300 to 1, Imam Hussain had nothing to gain from forgiving Hurr. Yet, he welcomed him upon seeing Hurr’s sincerity. Hurr and Hussain fought and died together on the battlefield as brothers.
“Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.” (Quran, 7:199)
Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness, it is one of the greatest strengths one can learn to wield as a Muslim, and we must continuously strive towards learning the power of forgiveness as a tool in becoming better worshippers of Allah. As seen with Imam Hussain, even forgiving someone who was once your enemy may have everlasting benefits and rewards.
5. Remain steadfast in your struggle
On the day of Ashura, Imam Hussain witnessed those he loved killed in battle or imprisoned. In his final moments, he persevered with patience and prayer, motivated by his God-ordained mission to protect mankind from tyranny and injustice. Imam Hussain will forever be remembered as one who gave everything for Allah, for justice, and for humanity.
“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing.” (Quran, 4:58)
As we remember and learn from the powerful lessons of Karbala, we must also remind ourselves what each lesson teaches us: everything we do, everything we stand up for, and everything we love must be for the sake of Allah and for Allah alone. In every lesson we learn from the Prophet Muhammad and his blessed family, we learn that to sincerely worship Allah is, quite simply, the greatest reward of all.
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