Imam Hussain (AS): We Are Not Born to Be Humiliated!

The First Genocide In History : Prophet Mohammad's Family is Exterminated

           This is the full story aired in serials telling the first genocide ever committed in history. Ironically enough, it was done against the Sacred Family of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) done by Yazid Ibn Moayia Ibn Abi Sufyan allied by those who usurped the legitimate rights of Ahlu-Bait Al-Rasool in Immate and Caliphate (leading) Islamic World. It is because this, Shiaism started both as a movement and sect.

Who Is Imam Hussain?


             Imam Hussein (A.S.), the second son of Fatima (SA) and Ali (AS), was born on 3rd Shabaan, 4th year of Hijri (626 AD). When he was born the Holy Prophet (SAW) was given the news of the birth of his 2nd grand son. He arrived at the house of his daughter, took the little baby in his arms, and said the Azan and Iqamah in his ears.


Why Did Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) Weep at Hussain's Birthday?


People around the Prophet saw tears in his eyes. Fatima asked what the reason was for this, he told her that this boy of hers will achieve martyrdom, but consoled her by adding that God will create a nation who will mourn Hussain till the Day of Judgment.

Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) Stresses On the Love of His Family ( Ahlu-Bait Al-Rasool)


            Another famous saying of the Prophet at the same time became synonymous with the name of his grand son Hussain. "Hussian-o-Minni wa Ana Minul Hussain". Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain. One can explain this Hadith that Hussain, being the grand son of the Prophet was from him biologically? How a grandfather was from his grand son needs to be explained. Prophets of God speak spiritually rather than materially. He was talking about Islam the Deen (i.e, religion) he was assigned by God to propagate God's religion. He was for Islam and his whole life was for Islam and its establishment on earth. Any break in this mission would subvert this mission which was the purpose of his creation. The message of the Holy Prophet in this saying was that Hussain will, in some near future save this mission from destruction; hence the very purpose of his being will be saved by the sacrifice of his grandson. He was giving the news of a future occurrence. The story of Karbala unfolds.


Did Imam Save Islam by His Sacrifice?


             Imam Hussain (AS) has saved Islam from oblivion by offering his timely sacrifice to draw the line of demarcation between Truth and Falsehood, between good and evil, between Right and Wrong, that after this event in Karbala in 61 Hijri, no one inside or outside Islam dare to challenge the truth of the Holy Qur'an or try to subvert its meanings.

Shia's Love To Ahlu-Baitu Al-Rassol Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)

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.

Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib In The Battle of Jamal (Camel)

              Circumstances changed rapidly and within the first 6 month of Ali's Caliphate he had to leave Madina for Basra and the battle of Jamal took place. We see that Hussain (AS), who took no part in any battles before, was a commander of Ali's forces in this first battle under his father's leadership. Fighting began and ended in just one day, the battle was over; Ali (AS) performed funeral prayers on dead of both sides and buried them. Victors and vanquished were treated the same way. Ayesha was returned to Madina under the escort of her brother Muhammad Ibn Abibakr and 40 other women dressed as men. She repented her participation in the battle all her life and never forgave Talha and Zubair who deceived her into this battle against Ali (AS). She also realized that the true instigator of this battle was Muawiya under whose directions both Talha and Zubair started this whole adventure against the legitimately elected Caliph of Islam. It was to destabilize the power base of Islam which was the Caliphate of Ali (AS). When he did not succeed in this he began other tactics to do the same. His bands of soldiers raided many parts of Iraq to burn and loot villages and destroy communities. Ali (AS) had no choice but to prepare for battle with Muawiya.

Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib and The Battle of Siffin

 

           The battle of Siffin took place in the 2nd year of Ali (AS) Caliphate and Hussain (AS) took full part. He was the commander of a garrison of 10,000 men along with his elder brother Hasan (AS) and Muhammad (El-Hanafiya). It was Ali's practice to put his other son Muhammad El-Hanafiya in the forefront and save the lives of these two grandsons of the Prophet. Nevertheless they took full part in these battles and fought with great bravery.

Imam Ali Ibn Abi Tali (AS) and The Battle of Nehrwan

 

          The 3rd battle during the Caliphate of Ali (AS) was the battle of Nehrwan fought against the Khawarij. This was also over in just one day with total defeat of Khawarij. Ali (AS) returned to Kufa and the main administration of the Islamic Welfare State began. Both brothers were the chief administrators of this Welfare State where they would seek out those poor a destitute within the state and provide them with the necessities of life. While living with his father in Kufa, Hussain (AS) visited various northern part of the Islamic State. One story goes to say that he visited Azerbaijan and part of Iran of that time.

Imam Hasan as Caliphat

            Four years and 10 months of his father's Caliphate were over quickly and his life with his elder brother Hasan (AS) began in Madina. They still have the Trust state which was established by his father and both brothers administered it jointly. Hussain (AS) visited Makka and performed Hajj 9 times during the life time of his brother.

Imam Hussain as the Spiritual Guide

 
           After the martyrdom his brother Hasan (AS), Hussain (AS) took the mantle of Imamat and spiritual guidance of the Ummah. It is during this period that during one of his journeys to Makka for pilgrimage, his famous Duas (Supplication) of Arafah became famous. This is a Dua which at the place of Arafat during the Hajj ritual that Imam recited and many pilgrims heard it and instantly memorized it as was the practice of the people of that time. Qur'an was also memorized in the same manner and many Sermons of Imam Ali (AS) were also memorized by people. This Dua of Arafa became famous because of its deep insight into the realms of spirituality of Islam and its total dependence upon Allah's Will and Power. This also gives insight into the reasons why Imam Hussain (AS) left Makka for Karbala. The following extract shows this feeling of the Imam towards reform of the Umma of his grandfather,

"O' God: you know that our struggle, moves, protests, and campaigns have not been, and are not, for the sake of rivalry and for obtaining power, neither are they for the sake of personal ambition nor for worldly ends, nor for the purpose of accumulating wealth and acquiring worldly advantages. " Then what is their purpose? Imam states the purpose in these words.

"To establish the landmarks of Your Deen, to make reforms manifest in Your lands, so that the oppressed among Your servants may have security, and Your laws, which have been suspended and cast into neglect, may be reinstated."

Further on in this same Dua the Imam calls upon his creator to show his total dependence upon Him.

"O' He, upon whom I called when I was sick and He healed me, when naked, He clothed me, when hungry He fed me, when thirsty He gave me drink, when abased He exalted me, when ignorant, He gave me knowledge, when alone He provided companion, when away from home He returned me home, when empty handed He enriched me, when in need of help He helped me, when rich He took not from me". This kind of complete dependence upon God which is the Hallmark of Islamic teachings, was taught by the Imam to the people of Madina and Makka, and the whole of Hejaz he visited.

             Once a Bedouin asked Imam what is the best thing to do. Imam replied, "Belief in God". He asked again, what is the best means of deliverance from destruction, Imam said, "Trust in God". The man asked, what man’s ornament is, Imam replied," knowledge associated with intelligence". The man insisted, if this be not available, what then, Imam replied," Wealth accompanied with generosity". What if this is out of reach, Imam said, "Poverty allied with patience". What if this be not practicable? Imam smiled and said, let the lightening consume the man to ashes. He then gave whatever money he had with him to fulfill his needs.

Yazid’s Succession to the Throne in Damascus

It was in the month of Rajab 60 Hijri that Moawiya died and his son Yazid succeeded his father on the throne of the Arab Empire with Damascus as its capital. The very first thing he did was to write a letter to his Governor in Madina informing him of his succession to the throne of his father and ordering him to take the Oath of Allegiance from Hussain Ibne Ali (AS). Yazid realized that although he had full temporal power and is the virtual ruler of the Arab Empire, but he has no spiritual strength unless the grandson of the Prophet accepts him as such. People in Makka and Madina would still regard Hussain (AS) as their leader if only spiritually.

Hussain Says: “Yazid Violates All Tenets of Islam"

Walid Ibne Ataba the Governor of Madina receives this letter on 26th of Rajab 60 Hijri. It was dusk and people were getting ready for Maghrib prayers. Walid immediately sent a messenger to Imam's house and called him to the palace. Imam realized the seriousness of the situation and took his brothers and sons with him. When they arrived at the gate of the palace Imam asked to stay outside and wait and only enter the gates when they hear Imam speak loudly. After these instructions Imam entered the palace. There was Walid sitting in his high chair with Merwan Ibnul Hakam by his side. Imam asked, "What is the matter that I was called at this hour". Walid mentioned Moawiya's death, Yazid's accession to the throne and the demand for Imam's oath of allegiance. Imam replied that this is not the matter which can be done in the solitude of the palace; let this matter be brought before the people of Madina next day in the mosque of the Prophet. Imam stood up to leave while Merwan who was listening to this conversation did not like it and warned Walid that if he lets Hussain go he will lose him. Take the oath now or cut his head off as Yazid suggested in his letter. Imam after hearing this remark from Merwan told Walid loudly, "A person like me would not give the oath of allegiance to a person like Yazid who had violated all tenets of Islam". As Imam said these words loudly, his brothers and sons entered the palace and they all left safely.

Imam realized after consulting his friends and relatives that the life of peace for them in Madina was over.

Why Didn’t Hussain Come to Terms With Yazid?

A question is asked sometimes, that why Imam Hussain (AS) had not chosen to come to terms with Yazid as his elder brother, Imam Hasan(AS) had done earlier while dealing with Moawiya. The question does not take into account the difference in the situations of the two brothers. Ali (AS) as the Imam left his elder son the mantle of Imamat which he at the time of his death passed it on to his brother Imam Hussain (AS). Imam Hasan (AS) had also been installed as the Caliph. Finding that Moawiya had succeeded in, secretly, sowing the seeds of discord and dissent among the Muslims, and had induced the feeling of great insecurity by undermining the machinery for the maintenance of peace, law and order, Imam Hasan (AS) had deemed it expedient to enter into a treaty with him under which the Imam abdicated in favor of his adversary only the adjuncts of worldly power. He did not dissociate himself from the spiritual primacy at all and continued to be the spiritual leader and the Imam of the Ummah.

Second point which is equally important is that when Yazid enforced his oath of allegiance over the Muslims, he insisted the people must swear allegiance to him, not to Allah; such an oath was totally different from the oath of allegiance of Kholafa-e-Rashidoon. Previously they swore the oath of allegiance that the Khalifa should rule according to the verdict of the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet. But Yazid's impertinence and arrogance made it an abject acknowledgement by the swearer that he was the slave (Abd) of Yazid who would dispose off his life, property and offspring in any manner deemed fit. One of the companions of the Prophet in Madina named Ibn Rabia Al Aswad was prepared to swear allegiance to Yazid in accordance with the old practice but refused to swear allegiance in the form proposed. He was summarily executed. This happened inside the city of Madina.

Where then was there any point in Imam Hussain (AS) trying to make up to Yazid. This is where Imam Hussain (AS) found himself placed in circumstances which were markedly different from those which confronted his elder brother who had abdicated only his temporal power in favor of Moawiya for the restoration of peace and order on the domain of Islam. This kind of oath was entirely out of question for Imam Hussain (AS) to accept. This would have totally degraded Islam as ordained in the Qur'an and as it was practiced by the Prophet of Islam. When settlement with Yazid being wholly out of question, the only alternative course open to Imam Hussain (AS) was to oppose Yazid to save and protect the values of Islam from further degradation and to protect the faith itself from destructive inroads of pre-Islamic revivalism. He could, however, have entertained no illusions about the kind of support he could hope to enlist for himself in any conflict with Yazid. The exceedingly unhappy position in which his elder brother had found himself through the treacherous withdrawal of the support given to him in his confrontation with Moawiya, Imam Hussain (AS) therefore thought of entirely new strategy of war with Yazid, for in any case war it had to be. He made no attempt to meet Yazid's military might with his own martial strength. He builds no hopes on numerical strength for the success of his cause which was entirely the cause of Islam and saving Islamic values. Imam decided to battle with Yazid on the spiritual plane, to oppose Yazid's might with his nobility of character, confront power with powerlessness, meet multitudes with want of material support and defy oppression with suffering and martyrdom.

The proof of this line of thought became so clear in Imam Hussain's sermons and letters to his brother Muhammad El-Hanafiya when the Imam was leaving Makka for Iraq.