Thursday, January 29, 2009

Imam Hussain and The story of Karbala

The story of Karbala begins with the birth of Hussain (AS). The Holy Prophet (SAW) had shown affection and love for his grandson as any grandfather should show, but there was something more positive and profound in this love. Several times when Hussain entered the mosque as a small child the Holy Prophet will put him in his lap and tell his companions that this is Hussain, look at him and remember him. The Prophet's insistence to remember Hussain shows that those who will forget this event will cause trouble in Islam.

It was just seven years of his life with his grandfather that the Holy Prophet died and soon after, Hussain's mother Fatima (SA) also died. The next 25 years of his life in Madina was with his father Ali, his brother Hasan and many other brothers and sisters in the family. He grew up to be loved by the companions of the Holy Prophet. During the period of 2nd Khilafat-e-Rasheda, Omar Ibn Al-Khattab had always shown his love and respect for Hussain. Whenever Hussain entered the mosque, the Caliph would let him sit beside him and tell the companions to listen to what this young man says. They all valued his advice even at that young age. His main activity in Madina was to see that the people there know true Islam. He also managed the Trust set up by his father, to help the poor of the city by giving them food and many necessities of life. This was the true Islamic Welfare State in progress where every hungry mouth must have food; every naked person must have clothes and a shelter over his head.

Apart from administering the Trust set up by his father Ali (AS), Hussain's (AS) main occupation during these 25 years in Madina was to teach the newly converted Muslims real Islam through the Qur'an and Sunnah of the Prophet. He has performed Hajj 24 times during this period. He has also traveled to Yemen and most of the southern part of Hejaz and Najd. It is clear that he did not take any part in any of the expeditions by the Muslim forces under the directions of the three Kholafa.

After the killing of the 3rd Caliph Othman Ibn Afaan, Hussain's father Ali (AS) was compelled by the people of Madina overwhelmingly to take the reigns of power.

Imam Ali Coming to Ascendancy
Ali (AS) was reluctant and waited for three days before accepting the mantle of worldly power along with the authority of Imamah.

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