The message of Karbala

 The real message of Karbala  is to stand against tyranny, injustice and dictatorship 

On every Ashura, the 10th day of the Muslim calendar month of Muharram,  millions of Muslims across the world commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Holy Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), in the Battle of Karbala. They express grief, pain and sorrow of the tragedy that took place more than 1400 years. 

The loud and clear message from Karbala is that never support tyranny, injustice, dictatorship and oppression no matter how powerful the oppressor might be. No matter what incentive, what threat you may be given, never support falsehood and tyranny. Karbala shows the distinction between good and evil. Truth is always on the side of the oppressed, never the oppressor.

We do remember the tragedy of Karbala but certainly forget the message of the great martyr Imam Hussain (as). The events of Karbala reflect the collision of the good versus the evil, the virtuous versus the wicked. Imam Hussain (as) taught us all how to stand up and resist tyranny.

The message of Karbala is peace and righteousness. It’s a story of extreme sacrifice and patience. There is so much one can lean and say about Karbala. Karbala is an ever-continuing movement against oppression, against terrorism, against torture and tyranny.

The blazing sandy desert, the hot sizzling sun and the formidable army of Yazid could not dampen the courage and spirit of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS). It teaches us when we are up against the evil forces, never to yield rather to stand our ground firmly and win.

Without an ounce of doubt, the stellar sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) became an emblem of resistance to injustice, tyranny and oppression. On the surface, Yazid and his army overpowered Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), but in history it is Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) Who is remembered for his unflinching resolve and unwavering will.

Karbala asks of us not just to recognise tyranny and oppression but also to stand up against it, even if it be at the cost of sacrificing our comforts and our families. A true Muslim can never say ‘mind your own business’, because humanity itself is everyone’s business. Truth and justice is everyone’s business — not just our homes, families, our dreams. And that is another universal message of Karbala — to make humanity the business of every human being including Muslims.

The message of Karbala is vivid and clear. The battle of Karbala was not meant to grab a patch of land, rather it was intended to secure and uphold core human values. It was a battle between good and evil, right and wrong and justice and oppression.  

The message of Karbala expands beyond the troubled question of persecutions of sects and minorities. The overall lesson is one of a valiant struggle and brave statements against oppression, dictatorship and cruelty. In the modern world, we see this fight take place against dictators, monarchs and all those in different positions of social and political authority who attempt by force to oppress others, particularly those weaker than themselves.

What we learn from Karbala is the need to battle these tendencies. Imam Hussain did so with incredible courage. The battles we fight today may in terms of ground realities be different; but the spirit remains the same.

It is essential not to accept injustice and to do everything possible to ward it away. If we had been able to do so across the Muslim world and within our own country, we may today have stood at a better place.

At home, the tenth of Muharram is a reminder that we need to create a place where injustice does not win and where equality and true honour can prevail. This means protecting all from brutality of every kind, and ensuring freedom for all.

We have to a great degree failed to do this over the past years with strife raging both within our country and in the region. It is important to remember that any act that denies others their rights should not be tolerated. It should instead be resisted. Imam Hussain died for his refusal to stand by and watch as Yazid unleashed his reign of terror.

We should adopt the same attitude in our day to day lives and in our wider policies. We must also remember that the story of Imam Hussain is also a call for aiding the poor and needy. Muharram must remind us of what brings us together under one faith.

Political freedom and liberty and humans rights were suspended in the society and people were made subjugated to the dictatorial command of the ruler and the monopolistic dominion of the ruler was being established on human beings. Imam Hussain witnessed the deteriorating political and social situation and clearly recognized that the general policy of the authorities did not abide with Islamic principles.

At Karbala clouds of blood rained and generations of martyrs and revolutionaries took root and sprouted. The sound of the fearless voice of Imam Hussain (AS) still echoes in the valley of Karbala, ringing in the ears of time. It is a hurricane that chafes and shakes the tyrants.

We have left aside the message of Imam Hussein and soul of Karbala. Karbala does no meant mere for mourning but it’s a message of truth and deterrence against the heavy odds. It’s a mission to never surrender and keep oneself spirited till the last drop of blood in the body.

It’s a spirit of never giving up before the tyranny and stand up to principles and ideas. No matter that only 72 were encountering a force of thousands. They stood to their ground and sacrificed their lives for a cause.  

The overarching message from Karbala is the steadfastness of character when it comes to upholding the principles and values one staunchly believes in. No price is ever too high to stand for right and safeguard the sanctity of righteousness and truth.

Even today, at every other moment, we are in situations where we have the choice to join Hussain (AS) by standing up for the just and right, and side with the oppressed and helpless. But how many are able to do it? Very few, unfortunately, though! Majority succumbs to pressures and proves sheepish in actions though claiming to be the very torch-bearers of the glorious legacy left behind by Hussain Ibne Ali (AS). Time has already come to prove that we are from the proud progeny of Imam Hussain (AS). But as they say, actions speak louder than words!

                                                              The Editor