6 REASONS WHY ALL MUSLIMS SHOULD COME TOGETHER FOR ASHURA

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED

Today is an important but not very widely known occasion in the Islamic calendar called Ashura. Literally it means ‘tenth’ because it is the tenth day of the first month of the Islamic year.

It’s marked by all Muslims to a lesser or greater extent, with different views on why the day is important. Some say it was the day Moses parted the Red Sea and saved the Jewish people. Others recount that it was the day that the ark of Noah finally came to shore. The most visibly noticeable and the one I want to focus on is the story of Husain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.

Yesterday’s horrendous attack in Cricklewood in London was carried out outside a mosque where hundreds possibly thousands of people had gathered to remember the event, which they have been doing for the last ten days, and which will culminate today in the remembrance of Ashura. Such gatherings happen all around the world, with people literally pausing life to remember this occasion.

Here’s the story, very very briefly. Within barely fifty years of the death of the Prophet, a new Caliph called Yazid took power over the already vast and growing Muslim lands. It’s no secret he was a nasty, corrupt, womanising, drunk tyrant that killed indiscriminately. Husain – a key opposition figure publicly fighting this corruption of power in such a short period after the ‘golden’ era of his grandfather – opposed his brutality. Yazid demanded Husain publicly announce his support for Yazid, which of course Husain could not do.

Long story short, this led to a massacre of Husain, his immediate family and close companions including some children so that Yazid could be seen to be crushing his enemies. That took place in Karbala in today’s Iraq, on Ashura. The women and children remained after the battle, and were forced to walk in chains all the way to Damascus where Yazid held court, while crowds jeered and humiliated them, and many children died on the way. That’s the story as it is recounted today. Check historians and more detailed accounts if you want to know more, or unpack the details.

It happened a long time ago, that’s true. And for those who mark this important occasion for Ashura it’s also hugely emotional. That’s why you will see large crowds dressed in black, often wailing loudly, and perhaps the scenes that can look so unfamiliar to our eyes of people beating their chests. This is visceral emotion, and what the participants would call, an expression of love and heartbreak. Participants point to a strong love Prophet Muhammad had for his grandson Husain and that he had repeatedly stated he was a leader of the Muslim ummah.

There are some Muslims who disagree with marking the occasion, especially the emotional aspects of it. But this post is not about their views, but standing in the shoes of those who do mark Ashura this way, listening to their voices. And mostly, what I take away from the occasion.

1. Connecting emotionally to things is powerful

The power of stories, especially ones that connect to our core human emotions of right and wrong, of love, of kindness, humanity and suffering drive us to change ourselves and our societies in ways that dry facts simply can’t. As a storyteller I completely understand why the story of Husain told in these deeply emotional ways is so motivating to people and why when asked about this method, people are so passionate. Emotion makes a difference. And in fact, the softness of a human being’s hearts is a sign of their closeness to the Divine. In the Qur’an it describes the believers as those who “fall on their faces, weeping.” And perhaps one of my favourite Qur’an references which talks about those who don’t believe as being harder in their hearts than rocks, because even rocks fall and water gushes forth from them. So people, cry, weep, let it out. Injustice should trigger these strong feelings. If it doesn’t make you cry, that’s when you start to worry.

2. Small things can make big differences, supposed defeat can mean change

A lot of discussion about Ashura says that Husain’s “army” (less than 100 people) meant it was pointless to fight and a suicide mission, and a political solution might have been better. Maybe, maybe not. What I take from it is that to ‘lose’ or take a seemingly crazy decision when you truly believe and your principles mean you just can’t do anything else (he couldn’t concede Yazid was a worthy ruler) can have long term consequences. So 14 centuries later people are still talking about what you need to do to stand up to power. That’s impact. And in the short term it triggered a change in power too.

3. Making a change needs a partnership between men and women, and women’s roles are vital

Ashura’s story is about Husain and his murder. But it’s also the story of his sister Zainab, and how she is his partner, his rock, and leads the entire resistance against the Caliph after Husain’s death. The reason that the story of Ashura is recounted is because of Zainab and the other women. She told everyone, she stood up to Yazid in his palace. She held her head high. There is no Ashura occasion without women. Salute to the sisters!

4. Stand up to bad power / being Muslim is no guarantee that you’re on the right side.

There’s something that gives heart when you need to stand up to bad power – Husain did it, I can do it too. There’s far too much discussion about giving in to ‘Muslim’ leaders no matter how bad they are because it might cause ‘fitna’ (disturbance, corruption). Worse, everyone in this entire event is Muslim on both sides. And this is within living memory of the Prophet Muhammad. So check yourself – you could be on the wrong side.

5. Find the story that motivates you

As I’ve got to know about the events of Ashura, one thing I’ve loved is how those who commemorate the events tell the stories of each person on that day, their background and motivations. They are the instances that bring to life our daily struggles. There’s something for everyone. My favourite is the story of Hur, the commander of Yazid’s army and Husain’s opposing number on the battlefield. He’s the reason the battle happens in Karbala. Yet the night before he has an epiphany that he’s about to massacre some people at the behest of a brutal tyrant. Too late? you might say. What I take from it is that it’s never too late. And one simple decision can totally change your life and take you from the wrong side onto the right one.

6. The past matters

It was a long time ago, right? Our stories matter. Whether it’s a hundred years ago (anniversary of the great war coming up, the holocaust), or more than a thousand years ago (ashura) what we know and remember of the past shapes our present and how we relate to it. Bad rulers have always existed. Making difficult choices in the face of massive oppression,or even the micro-oppressions in our own lives will always exist for human beings. Past events give us context, options, inspirations and the emotions to motivate us to change. Never look at a historic event and say it’s not worth remembering it. Instead, ask how can it help me solve the problems I have today.

Peace and blessings and condolences to all those marking Ashura today. In respect I quote the words of Prophet Muhammad “Hassan and Husain are the leaders of the youths of paradise” and “Husain is from me and I am from Husain.”

And perhaps my most favourite interaction from Ashura which is a brief conversation between Husain and his son. The son asks before he knows he will be killed “Are we on the side of truth?” Husain replies “Yes, we are fighting for justice”. His son says “Then I’m ready.”

I feel like in the crazy world we live in now, we need motivations and stories about fighting for justice more than ever. Who’s ready?

Why Muharram commemorations haven’t lost their significance

By: Syed Zafar Mehdi

TEHRAN - Muharram, contrary to the popular perception, is not merely a poignant chapter in history, orbiting around a grief-centric ritual. It is a profoundly illuminating philosophy that defines the relationship between truth and falsehood, between righteousness and impiousness, between dignity and ignominy.

The leader of challengers Imam Husain’s (as) uprising on the desert plains of Karbala 1400 years ago was not a struggle for paltry political gains or one-upmanship. It was the beginning of a movement for Islamic awakening and social reformation. The movement about the eternal struggle of right versus might, just versus unjust, truth versus falsehood.

The movement, which has gripped the hearts and minds of people throughout history, continues even today – in Palestine, in Syria, in Afghanistan, in Yemen, in Nigeria, in Myanmar, in Iraq, in Kashmir. This movement will be relevant and significant as long as tyrants and aggressors exist.

Understanding the essence of Imam’s uprising is essential to understand the profound philosophy of Karbala and the significance of these annual commemorations.

Muharram and Karbala are in a way symbolic and their appeal cuts across the frontiers of time and space. Imam Khomeini (ra) often used this phrase in his speeches – ‘Kullu yaumin Ashura, kullu arzin Karbala’ (every day is Ashura and every place is Karbala).

Despots, crooks and scoundrels have existed in every age and every time. They have tried to disrupt social order, ban peaceful religious practices, create civil disturbance, and target innocents on flimsy grounds. They exist even today, in various forms and shapes and manifestations, across the world. Karbala teaches us the importance of defiance and resistance against these forces.

In Maqtal al-Hussain by Al-Khwarizmi Hanafi, it is mentioned that when Waleed ibn Uqbah, the governor of Medina, summoned Imam Hussain (as) to pay allegiance to Yazid, he categorically refused. “We are the household of the Holy Prophet, the core of His message, the place where angels descend to, and the place of mercy. Allah brought victory through us and will conclude by us, while Yazid is a corrupt man who consumes alcohol, kills the innocent, and openly disobeys God. A person like me cannot give the pledge of allegiance to a person like him,” Hussain (as) said.  

Despite all overt and covert pressure tactics; the beloved grandson of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) refused to yield, thus obliging the command of his Creator, who says in Surah Munafiqun that “the might belongs only to Allah and to His Apostle and to the believers”.

Hussain (as) did not seek confrontation or conflict. He was forced out of Madina and Mecca simply because he refused to recognize an alcoholic ruler as the ‘leader of the faithful’. He asked his noble companions like Burayr ibn Khudayr, Habib ibn Muzahir, Zuhair ibn Qain and Muslim ibn Awsaja to liberate people from their self-inflicted misery. He even addressed his opponents and reminded them of their religion and the position of their Prophet (pbuh). He then raised a call, an immortal call. “Is there anyone to come to our rescue? Is there any helper to help us?”

It is a universal call that resonates even today. In Ziyarat e Imam Hussain (as), we say: “wish we were with you (O Hussain) so we would have won the greatest victory”. Kufans played deaf to Hussain’s (as) call, but will we also snub him? Are our hearts beating for Hussain (as)? That’s a question we need to ask ourselves.

The epic battle of Karbala, contrary to what you hear from some over-zealous ecclesiastics, was not decided in the battlefield. It was decided in the hearts of those who draw inspiration from Karbala and single-mindedly resist the forces that terrorize, intimidate, humiliate and kill.

These forces have existed since the time of Prophet Adam, as noted by the celebrated Iranian scholar Dr. Ali Shariati. “Our history, starting from Habil and Ghabil, is the manifestation of the eternal conflict between the two poles of God and Satan, though in each period of time these two poles have disguised differently.” And the evil forces have always faced disgraceful defeat, as emphasized in the Holy Quran. “And Allah will by no means give the unbelievers a way against the believers.” (Surah Nisa)

In the month of Muharram, Muslims around the world collectively remember the martyrs of Karbala and reaffirm their pledge to carry forward the mission of Husain (as). Muharram commemorations were first held by Imam Husain’s sister Sayyeda Zainab (sa) and his son Imam Zainul Abideen (as). Zainab (SA) – who came to be known as Fasihah (skillfully fluent) and Balighah (intensely eloquent) – played a significant role in the aftermath of Karbala.

Dr. Ali Shariati pays her a beautiful tribute. “She accomplished her mission thoroughly, perfectly and fairly. She expressed with words the truth that Hussein expressed with blood… It was Zainab (sa) who stood against and confronted the ruling oppressive power and overcame all resistance.”

Even 1400 years on, these annual commemorations have not lost their significance or relevance, but have become more popular and powerful.

Massive processions are taken out across the world in this month to send out a clear and strong message that injustice vanishes and truth shines bright. The soul-stirring elegies and hymns recited in Muharram gatherings remind us of the cruelty of Yazid and patience of Husain (as). They speak of the unyielding stand taken by Husain (as) and give a sense of hope and purpose to those who believe in the righteousness of their cause.

These commemorations help us reorganize our life around the principles exemplified by Husain (as) and his followers in Karbala. That is precisely why these processions, which are completely peaceful in nature, come under attack in places like Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan. The attackers belong to the cult of Yazid and they see these annual commemorations as defiance to their cruelty and aggression.

Every revolution, Dr. Ali Shariati says, has two visages: blood and the message. Husain (as) and his companions undertook the mission of blood. The second and equally important mission is to carry the message of this blood to future generations. We, the campaigners of truth and justice, have been entrusted with the task that was first carried out by Zainab (sa) after the battle of Karbala.

The 20 million people who marched by foot from Najaf to Karbala on Arbaeen (the fortieth day after Ashura) last year, beating the heat and ISIS threats, bore testimony to the fact that the mission of Zainab (sa) is alive. This year, on Arbaeen, the number of pilgrims is likely to swell even further.

The exemplary sacrifices rendered by Husain (as) and his companions will never be forgotten. As long as there is injustice, oppression and corruption in the world, Karbala will remain relevant and the message of Hussain (as) will reverberate across the world.

Who Was Hussein and Why Does His Sacrifice Matter in 2016?

By Walaa Chahine 

An arrow through the eyes. Three spears in the center of an infant’s chest. Women in chains. A final, lone solider beheaded for his stand against injustice.

This is the story of Karbala, the story you were never taught, the story your children will never learn.

History books will never teach you of a man named Hussein or a land named Karbala. You have never learned of the day 72 stood against an army of 30,000 and won. No one has ever told you the story that the great British historian Edward Gibbons said will “awaken the sympathy of the coldest reader.”



You have never truly heard of Hussein, Karbala, or Ashura, and you probably didn’t need to. No, this time in Islamic and global history never meant anything, until now.

More than 1300 years ago, Hussein (as), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (as), rode with his family and army to Kufa, Iraq after the people of the city pleaded with him to save them from the oppression of their caliph, Yazid I. During the journey, his caravan was intercepted and diverted to Karbala, Iraq. There, he and his family were denied access to water (in the scorching hot desert) for three days. After a long stalemate, orders from Yazid arrived to kill Hussein and his people. Yazid’s army did just that, murdering 72 of them and taking the women and children they hadn’t killed as prisoners.

No, this isn’t a history lesson, a parable, or a cruel bedtime story. Yes, there have been battles throughout all of history that have been just as evil and dark. No, none of them have been as overlooked and ignored, as this battle.

Currently, in 2016, the story of Karbala means more to Islam and the world than anyone can imagine.

This is why you need to know about the Battle of Karbala - 

1) Oppression In The Name of Islam

If you think ISIS has only been around for the past couple of years, it’s because you were never taught about the story of Karbala. Hussein was fighting the same ideology almost 1400 years ago. He refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid and his father, who murdered, tortured, raped, and oppressed people in the name of Islam. In reality, they didn’t follow any of the pillars of Islam, nor did they care about the fundamental institutions of society that held people together no matter their culture, race, or religion. Sound familiar?

Was it not for Hussein’s stand, Islam would have been a dead religion long ago (sorry, bigots and Islamophobes). For a long time, this stand against injustice kept Muslims safe and well. Unfortunately, ISIS, AL-Qaeda, Saudi Arabia, whatever you want to call them, had enough and decided to tarnish that image.

Their first victims? The followers of Hussein - Shia Muslims. In Yemen, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, and other countries with Shia populations, the followers of Yazid’s ideologies launched full on attacks. They eventually upgraded to not only Shias, but Sunnis, Druze, Ahmadies, Christians, and any person who stands in their way of tyrannical rule and widespread oppression.

This week alone, Saudi Arabia massacred hundreds of innocent Yemenis at a funeral, for no apparent reason but power and money. Is that not what Hussein died fighting?

2) Unity

Karbala and the day of Ashura (the day the massacre occurred) can teach us a lot about unity. This story is not about Good Islam versus Bad Islam. It’s not about Hussein versus Yazid. It’s not even about Right versus Wrong.

It’s truly, and utterly, about Good versus Evil. That is what united people to fight for and alongside Hussein on that battlefield, the simple story of Good versus Evil.

There is the story of a man named Hur (Arabic word for ‘free man’), who was the leader of the army of Yazid, and who decided to break free from his army and fight alongside Hussein when he realized the corrupt ways of Yazid. He was the first to be martyred.

There was John bin Huwai, an Ethiopian Christian who fought alongside Hussein in the name of good and not evil. Despite being an old man, and Hussein urging him to stay away from the battlefield, John gave his life for the stand against oppression.

Hussein, his family, and friends, all of different races, cultures, and religions, stood hand in hand against an army of cruelty. If we, today, in 2016, can put aside our differences and hunger for power and domination, we can easily defeat anyone who stands in the way of keeping humanity safe and inherently good.

To continue carrying Hussein’s message of unity, many of his followers use Ashura and his story to bring all kinds of people together for charity, tolerance, and goodwill.

In Iraq (where his shrine and his companions’ shrines are located) each year, thousands of Iraqi people, including orphans and those in poverty, open their homes to the visitors of Hussein, no matter their religion or ethnicity.

Who is Hussain, a non-profit organization promoting his message conducts food-drives, blood-drives, and drives for the homeless in his honor. It was started in London in 2012 and has since become a global movement.

3) Resistance and Sacrifice

Perhaps, the most important of lessons we can learn from Hussein and his army is that of resistance and sacrifice. Mahamat Ghandi once said, “If I had an army like the 72 soldiers of Hussein, I would have won freedom for India in 24 hours.”

Each and every story of the martyrs of Karbala can bring tears to your eyes.

The sacrifices range from grown men, to the 6-month old son of Hussein who did not know of good versus evil but only of thirst and hunger. When Hussein held him up and begged that they be allowed access to water, Yazid’s army shot three spears into his heart.

But, the saddest of sacrifices comes from Hussein’s brother, Abbas, who crossed the battle field to the Euphrates River to bring water back to the infants and children. There, he filled a water skin in hopes of quenching their thirst. The soldiers fired an arrow through his eye and cut off his arms, but that did not halt him. He carried the skin of water in his mouth, crawling towards the tents filled with children, until the army approached him and finally killed him.

Eventually, drenched in Abbas’s blood, the blood of his martyred teenage son, companions, and infant child, Hussein stood alone on the battlefield, with women, children, and the ill waiting in tents. He bid them farewell and shouted to an empty desert behind him “Is there anyone to help me?”, When silence was the only response, he marched to fight the army of Yazid, where he was beheaded (much like ISIS does today), stomped on, and his head attached to a pole. The army then tied up the women and children, and marched them from city to city behind the severed head of Hussein, all the way back to their commander, Yazid.

All over the world, people today are resisting to injustice, and they use Hussein as an example.

In Egypt three years ago, a Shia sheikh by the name of Hassan Shehata, well known for standing up against extremist groups and radical ideologies, was murdered. His death spun Egyptian Sunnis, Shia, and Christians into standing up, and changing the discourse locally, and nationally.

On January 2nd of this year, Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr was executed by Saudi Arabia for doing exactly what Sheikh Shehata did. His murder caused international outrage, especially in Bahrain, where persecution of minority groups like those of Sheikh Nimr’s, is just as common.

Nigerian cleric, Sheikh Zakzaky , has been detained since last December for his stand against injustice. His followers were burned alive for their loyalty.

Black Lives Matter, the Arab Spring, Occupy Wall Street, NOW, and so many other groups standing against injustice in the world have Hussein as an example.

Once you truly understand the stories of Karbala, listening to each one in specific detail, you will understand why millions of Shia every year mourn during Muharram. It’s why they cry and wear black and why Christians and Sunnis alike join them in paying respects to Hussein and his brother Abbas at their shrines in Karbala, Iraq. Not because it’s merely a sad story, but because sacrifices like this didn’t just keep true Islam alive, but kept good alive throughout the Eastern world.

Your history books never taught you that. Your history books will never teach you of the powerful women, like Zainab, the sister of Hussein, who embodied true feminism and stood up to the tyrant Yazid in his castle, even as they were handcuffed and promised to be raped and sold.

Your books never taught you about the high regard with which so many great men and women (authors, historians, presidents, Nobel Prize winners, artists, etc) held Hussein.

Charles Dickens is quoted as saying, “If Hussein had fought to quench his worldly desires...then I do not understand why his sister, wife, and children accompanied him.”

The first President of India, Dr. Ragendra Pasad, said, “The sacrifice of Imam Hussein is not limited to one country, or nation, but it is the hereditary state of the brotherhood of all mankind.”

Although victor in resistance and the stand against in justice, Hussein did not live to speak of his victory. The survivors did, the people who witnessed his head being marched through their cities did, and the families of those martyred did.

Still, your children will probably never read a famous history book about Islam that included the Battle of Karbala. It won’t be a story you think of when you remember the greatest battles of mankind. You won’t remember it when you read about ISIS or watch a new CNN documentary about Islam in 2016.

However, you should know it, our children need to learn about it. It teaches us more than how to combat ISIS and stand up to any injustice. We can learn from it feminism, ethics, morality, and unity. Even if we don’t want to teach our kids and our students about Islam and Hussein, we can remove the religious factor of the equation and what remains is a story that has brought people to tears for centuries.

The Lebanese writer Antoine Bara once wrote, “No battle in the modern and past history of mankind has earned more sympathy and admiration as well as provided more lessons than the martyrdom of Hussein in the battle of Karbala.”

Hussein and Karbala are not just a story for Shia Muslims, they are a story for humanity.

Ask yourself, if the Battle of Karbala can teach us so much about standing against the image of Islam that the world and media hold today, then why don’t we ever learn about it?

Dr Iqbal on Imam Husayn

Dr Muhammad Iqbal (1877- 1938) known to the world as the Poet-Philosopher of the East, devoted his life to awaken the Muslim Ummah and to make it pursue the path of spirituality, knowledge, jihad, sacrifice and martyrdom.

Dr Iqbal had an abiding faith in Ahlul Bayt (the Chosen Descendants of the Holy Prophet). He was intensely moved by the tragic events of Karbala so much so that in many of his couplets he carried a universal message to the mankind for emulating Imam Husayn who sacrificed his life at the altar of Truth. His elegies on the martyrdom of Imam Husayn stand unmatched and are an eye-opener to all those who are giving a mere lip-service to Islam.

In the following couplets Dr Iqbal gives vent to his sentiments and feelings on Imam Husayn:

Jis tarah mujhko shahid-e-Karbala say piyar hay

Haq ta'ala ko yatimon ki dua say piyar hay

Dr Iqbal expresses his extreme love for Imam Husayn. Just as Almighty Allah loves to listen to the invocation of the orphans, he also has the same kind of love for the martyr of Karbala.

Roney wala hoon shahid-e-Karbala kay gham may mayn

Kya durrey maqsūd na daingay Saqi-e-Kauthar mujhey

Dr Iqbal has a sincere and genuine faith in Imam Husayn. The hero of this episode Imam Husayn, the brave son of the bravest of the brave Ali and grandson of the Holy Prophet, took up a firm stand not to acknowledge Yazid as the Caliph of Islam. It is a fight for the preservation of the principles and tenets of Islam.

Imam Husayn arrived in Karbala on the 2nd of Muharram 61 A.H. along with his small children, women, and some comrades numbering 72 only. On the l0th of Muharram he was brutally killed. This was the tragedy over which Iqbal sheds tears. He believes that mourning and wailing over him would lead to his (Iqbal's) salvation. He also believes that Suqi-e-Kauthar Lord of Kauthar (Cistern in Paradise) Le. Imam Ali loves those, who weep for Imam Husayn. He hopes and prays that since he sheds tears out of grief for Husayn, Imam Ali would give him all the help he needs.

Gharib-o-sada-o-rangi'n hay dastan-e-Haram

Nihayat iski Husayn ibtida hay Ismail

Dr Iqbal says that the event of the construction of Ka'ba is very simple and interesting. Prophet Ismail suffered great pains in its construction. The Holy Prophet purged it from the idols that were in it, and so raised its glory. The first stone was laid by Ismail indeed. He offered for sacrifice his own life but the sacrifice was not completed as he was replaced by a ram and according to the Holy Qur'an the great sacrifice or Zibh-e 'Azim was to come later and completed by one of his descendants, Husayn. So in fact culmination of the spirit of love for Allah was manifest when Imam Husayn sacrificed his life and preserved the dignity of the Holy Kaba.

Haqiqat-e-abadi hay maqam-e-Shabbiri

Badaltay rahay hain andaze Kufio-Shami

Dr Iqbal here compares two things Shabbiri or Husayniyat, i.e. principles enunciated and adhered to by Imam Husayn, and Yazidiyat, i.e. worldly power and authority. Husayn was the symbol of devotion to and love for Allah, i.e. submission to none except Allah.

The spirit as shown by the rulers of Kufa and Syria is always changing since it tries to gain strength through fraud, dishonesty, and political expediency and maneuvering as against this truth never changes. So .the place Imam Husayn has achieved is a reality which shall be hailed and acknowledged for all times to come.

Qafilay Hijaz may ek Husayn bhi nahin

Garche hai tabdar abhi wadi ey Dajlao Furat

Dr Iqbal was distressed to note that Iraq was under the yoke of the British. He was disappointed that the Muslims had lost courage and were suffering humiliation. The land of Tigres and Eupharates called some staunch devotee of Islam who could relieve them of their serfdom. Iqbal only wished a man, a follower of Imam Husayn might come up to help the Muslims of Iraq!

Sidq-e-Khalil Bhi hay ishqe sabr-e-Husayn bhi hay ishq

Marika-e-wujud maiyn Badr-o-Hunayn bhi hay ishq

Dr Iqbal says that love of Allah manifests itself in many ways. Prophet Ibrahim had to suffer many difficulties in the cause of Allah. He accepted being thrown into the fire, and the fire was turned into a blooming garden.

It showed his intense love for Allah. Our Holy Prophet conquered the Battles of Badr and Hunayn through his ardent love for Allah. Similarly Imam Husayn showed his patience in the battlefield of Karbala where he, with his family and comrades, not only suffered the pangs of three days' thirst, but willingly sacrificed his life for the cause of Truth and love for Allah. Love for Allah is a quality, a force, an impetus, which creates in us extraordinary patience and forbearance.

Ek faqr hay Shabbiri es faqr mayn hay meri

Miras- e-Musalmani, samaya-i-Shabbiri

Dr Iqbal says that the life of a dervish is a very noble way of living but it is different from the life of a mendicant or friar who lives on begging or in seclusion. We should learn from Imam Husayn who while passing the life of a dervish had no other consideration except love of Allah and submission to His will.

Our treading the path practised by Imam Husayn will bestow on us the title of Chief among the people. A Muslim has inherited this wealth from Imam Husayn, and we should make the best use of it. Imam Husayn has given us the lesson of self-sacrifice, patience, and forebearance and submission to none except Allah.

An Imam-e-ashiqan pooray Batool

Sarvay azadi ze bustan-e-Rasul

Now Dr Iqbal opens his praises for the son of Lady Fatima. He was the chief of the lovers of Allah, and an evergreen tree from the garden of the Prophet. Imam Husayn who stood against the forces of evil, refused to acknowledge Yazid as theCaliph of Islam, and upholding the dignity of Islamic principles sacrificed his life along with a small band of 72 of his followers, at the battlefield of Karbala.

Allah Allah Baey Bismillah pidar

Ma'niye zibh-e-azim amad pisar

In a state of supreme bliss Dr Iqbal says, "O' Allah, what an exalted position Imam Husayn possessed, as his illustrious father (Imam Ali) was the first letter of the Qur'an! A tradition says that Imam Ali said, "What is in the Holy Qur'an is in the first chapter (Surah Fatiha); what is in this surah (chapter) is in the first verse (Bismillah); what is in Bismillah is in its first letter (Ba) and I am the dot below ba. Doubtless Imam Ali was acknowledged to be the best expounder of the Holy Qur'an.

The Holy Prophet had himself declared: "Ali is with Qur'an, and Qur'an is with Ali". Imam Husayn was the son of such an eminent personality. It is Imam Husayn's Martyrdom which is referred to as Zibhe Azim the greatest sacrifice in the Holy Qur'an. Imam Husayn was the direct descendant of Prophet Ismail and had offered himself for sacrifice at Karbala to save Islamic principles from annihilation.

The Holy Qur'an says that Zibhe Azim, the great sacrifice of Prophet Ismail was left over for the coming generation. Dr Iqbal alludes to this and says that Zibhe Azim in the Holy Qur'an means the sacrifice of Imam Husayn.

Bahray an shahzadaey Khayrul milal

Dosh-e-Khatmul mursalin ne'mul Jamal

Dr Iqbal here alludes to an event stated by Tirmizi and others. Once Imam Husayn mounted the shoulders of his grandfather, the Holy Prophet, and somebody said, "What a good carriage it is!" The Prophet said, "And what a good rider it is!" Dr Iqbal mentions this event to show what affectionate feelings the Holy Prophet had towards his grandson.

Surkh roo ishq-e-ghayoor az Khoon-e-oo

Surkhiye in misra az mazmoon-e-oo

Dr Iqbal says that it is because of Imam Husayn's blood that the modest love has gained honor and dignity. This couplet can well serve a title for the episode of the Tragedy of Karbala which shows how piously and valiantly Imam Husayn defended the tenets of Islam, sacrificed his own life along with his kith and kin, sincere followers, and comrades, and raised the honor of love to its acme.

Darmiyan-e-Ummat an Keywan janab,

Hamchu harf-e-Qul Huwallah dar Kitab

Dr Iqbal shows here the position of Imam Husayn. He says that among the followers of the Holy Prophet Imam Husayn is like the Divine phrase Qul huwallah (Say He is Allah) meaning that Allah is One, in the Holy Qur'an. 

Since the entire Holy Qur'an turns to this verse -QuI Huwallaho Ahad (Say that He is One) similarly the whole Islamic world turns towards Imam Husayn who is the source of our guidance. Dr Iqbal knows the tradition of our Prophet: "Husayn is from me and I am from Husayn" i.e. Husayn is his grandson and that he (the Prophet) would be made known by him, and his mission would be fulfilled by Imam Husayn who sacrificed his life to immortalize Islam and its tenets.

Musa o Firaun-o-Shabbir or Yazid

In do quwwat az Hayat amad padid.

Ever since the creation of life two opposing forces have been at war with each other- virtue and vice, Right and wrong. Musa (Moses) rose against Firaun (Pharoah) and Shabbir (Imam Husayn) rose against Yazid. These struggles were between the Right and the wrong. Consequently the Right prevailed upon the wrong and it was proved that Right is might.

Zindah haq az quwwat-e-Shabbiri ast

Batil akhir dagh-e-hasrat miri ast

Dr Iqbal says that Truth or Islam exists today because of the strength shown and the spiritual power exercised by Imam Husayn. In other words Imam Husayn made Islam immortal. The wrong was crushed to annihilation in spite of its apparent success. Yazidism or the principle enunciated by Yazid is looked down upon by all, but Husayn's blood spilled at Karbala still enlivens our hearts and makes us feel that his sacrifice to support the Right against the wrong was unparalleled in the history of mankind.

Choon Khitlafat rishtah az Qur'an gusikht

Hurriyat ra Zahr under Kam rikht

Khast an sar Jatwaey Khairut Umam

Choon Sahabe Qibtah Baran dar qadam

Bar zamin-e-Karbala Barid o raft

Lalah dar wiranaha Karid o raft

Ta qayamat qat'ay istibdad kard

Mauje Khoone oo chaman ijad kard

Dr Iqbal says that when the Islamic Government severed its relation with the injunctions of the Holy Qur'an the Muslims suffered moral degradation. It marred their freedom. When the rulers indulged in all sorts of vicious habits and satisfied their carnal desires against the clear-cut injunctions of the Holy Qur'an the whole social structure was impaired. Nobody could utter a word against the tyrant ruler and his associates.

Then rose the chief of the Muslims (Husayn), blessed cloud with rain of mercy under his foot. It rained blessings on the sands of Karbala and turned that desert into a garden. It is the place where Imam Husayn with his kith and kin, children and comrades, numbering 72 only, faced a huge army and courted martyrdom after three days starvation and thirst on the l0th of Muharram 61 A.H. Husayn was undoubtedly the savior of freedom and Karbala has become the symbol of struggle against tyranny.

Husayn's role at Karbala was So magnificent that it eradicated for ever the savage idea of cruelty and cold-bloodedness. The wave of his blood has created a garden which is symbolic of his sacrifice for the preservation of freedom and Truth.

Bahre haq dar Khak-o-khoon ghaltida ast

Pas bina ey la illah gardida ast

Dr Iqbal says that Imam Husayn voluntarily gave his life at Karbala for the sake of Allah or Truth. So it goes without saying that Husayn laid the foundation of the cardinal Principle of Islam -the belief that there is no god except Allah. Since Islamic principles were being twisted, distorted and exterminated it was Husayn's blood which gave it a new life.

Mudda a yash saltanat boody agar

Khud na hardy ba chunin sammane safar

That Imam Husayn's only aim in refusing to accept Yazid as Caliph of Islam was to preserve Islam, can be borne out from the fact that while he left Madina for his journey towards Kufa he had a small band of his relations and followers, including women, and children. Had he the intention of fighting a political battle he would not have gone there with such people as he took with him.

Those Who accompanied Imam Husayn included his sisters, wives, children (even a six month old child was with him) and some followers, some of whom were more than eighty years of age.

Dushmanan chun rig-e-sahra la tu'ad

Dostan-e-oo ba yazdan ham 'adad

In the Battle of Karbala the number of the enemy was as countless as the particles of sand, but the number of Imam Husayn's friends was only 72.

Tigh-e-la choon az miyan buroon kashid

Az rag-e-arbabe batil khoon kashid

Naqsh-e-Illallah bar Sahra nawisht

Satre-unwan-e-najat-e ma nawisht

Ramz-e-Qur'an az Husayn amokhteem

Za Atishe-oo Shoalaha andokhteem

Imam Husayn took up his sword of 'La' or 'No' that is, there is no deity (except Allah) and crushed infidelity. He imprinted the mark of Illallah (Tawhid), or monotheism in the wilderness of Karbala. It was a title for our salvation. In fact we have learnt the lesson of Tawhid or monotheism from Imam Husayn, who taught us in a practical way the secret of Qur'an by sacrificing his life for the sake of Allah and for completing the mission of his grandfather, the Prophet.

We have gathered warmth from the fire of love for Allah that Imam Husayn possessed. Dr Iqbal means that the love for Allah shown and the sacrifice made by Imam Husayn at Karbala should serve as the best lesson for all the people of the world.

Shawkat-e-Sham-o farray Baghdad raft,

Satwat-e-Ghamata ham az yad raft

Tar-e-ma az zakhma ash larzan hanooz,

Tazah az takbir-e-oo Iman hanooz

Dr Iqbal says that kingly grandeur gained through political battles never survives. The pomp and vanity of the thrones of Syria and Baghdad which were once seats of great kings is no more present. Nobody remembers the splendor of Gharnata i which was the seat of Spanish Kings. But the reverential call of Husayn at Karbala -his call of La Illaha Illallah is still echoing in our ears and thrilling our hearts.

Ay saba ay payk-e-dūr uftadagan,

Ashk-e-ma bar khak-e-pak-e-oo rasan

Iqbal's intense love for and faith in Imam Husayn is apparent from this couplet. Fondly addressing himself to the breeze, which proverbially carries the message of the lover to the beloved, who is at a remote place. Iqbal asks her to carry his tears to the sacred tomb of Imam Husayn. Dr Iqbal weeps in sad and blessed memory of Imam Husayn and wishes to place his tears over his Imam's grave.