Ashura - Lest We Forget
![](https://www.islamicity.org/wp-content/plugins/blueprint-timthumb/timthumb.php?src=http://media.islamicity.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Imam-Husain-Shrine.jpg&w=1200&h=675&q=100)
The tenth day of the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar marks a significant day in the Muslim calendar.
'Ashura, then and now
The tenth of Muharram is the day on which, according to some reports, Allah saved Prophet Moses/Musa (pbuh) from the tyrannical Pharaoh, that prototype of despotic authority. There are many pharaoh-like authorities who have appeared through history and there were those incorrigible standard-bearers of justice who opposed them. In the post-Prophetic period, one such person was Imam Husayn who took on the corruption of despotic Yazid and laid down his life on tenth Muharram in 61 AH (680 CE); an event that serves as a milestone in the history of the faithful; the martyrdom of the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad at Karbala in Iraq.
Moses & Pharoah, Husayn & Yazid
The valiant Prophet Moses did not fight Pharaoh to become king, neither did the righteous Imam Husayn take on the army of the corrupt Yazid merely to become caliph. Their effort was in fulfillment of moral obligation which serves as a universal message which has left a lasting legacy of struggle and resistance against corruption and injustice. The lesson is not only in that they were prepared to fight for what is right, but were also willing to die for it; selflessness not selfishness, humility not ego, principle not power.
Such Musawi and Husayn struggle has always raged on in a corrupted world. As 'allama Iqbal said; Musa-o Fira'un Shabbir-o Yazid In do quwwataz hayat amad padid. "Ever since the beginning, two opposing forces have been at war - virtue and vice. Thus, Prophet Musa rose against Pharoah and Shabbir (Imam Husayn) rose against Yazid"
Tragic Event
So cowardly and gruesome was the killing of Imam Husayn that the renowned Arab historian Al-Fakhri wrote: "This is a catastrophe, whereof I care not to speak at length, deeming it a like too grievous and too horrible. For it was indeed a catastrophe so odious that a more shameful incident has not occurred in Muslim history. There occurred such a foul massacre as to cause any person's flesh to creep with horror. Again I have dispensed with my long description of this horrific incident because of its notoriety, for it is the most lamented of all catastrophes. " Western historian, Dr Edward Browne in his 'a Literary History of Persia' writes: "as a reminder, the blood-stained field of Karbala where the grandson of the apostle of God fell at length, tortured by thirst and surrounded by the bodies of his murdered family; has been at any time since then been sufficient to evoke, even in the most lukewarm and heedless, the deepest emotion, the most frantic grief and the exaltation of spirit before which pain, danger, and death shrink to unconsidered trifles." Professor E. Gibbon writes, "In a distant age and clime the tragic scene of the death of Husayn will awaken the sympathy of the coldest reader." [Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire]
Tragedy Compounded
To compound the tragedy, it was the grandson of the final Messenger (and his close relatives) who were brutally killed. It was a massacre of the progeny of the final Prophet of Allah.
- That family of the prophet of whom Allah invokes us through the Qur'an;
"Say (to the people, O Muhammad)! I ask of you no reward except that you love my family." [Qur'an 42:23].
It was regarding this Qur'anic verse that Imam Shaf'i wrote in his poetry ..
Yaaala-bayti Rasulillahi hubbakum
Fardun minaalhi fil Qur'ani anzalah
Yakfikum min 'azimil fakhri annakum
Man lam yusalli 'alaykum la salata lah
"O Family of the Prophet! Allah has made it obligatory on us in the Qur'an to love you. It is a matter of pride for you that without saluting you our salutations (salawaat) are invalid."
- That Husayn who, together with his brother, is considered by the Prophet as sayyida shababiahlil Jannah "leaders of the youth of Paradise" [Sunanal-Tirmidhi]
- That Husayn who carried the traits of the Prophet and who many companions considered as an image of his grandfather. In the words of the poet Josh Mahalbadi …
Of the attributes of the Prophet, the perceiver was Husayn,
Of the holiness of the Prophet, the inheritor was Husayn.
- That Husayn of whom the Prophet said,
"Husayn is from me and I am from Husayn. Allah loves whoever loves Husayn." [Sunanal-Tirmidhi]
Yet, Imam Husayn was martyred at the hands of those who considered themselves followers of our beloved Prophet Muhammad, those who claimed to act in the name of Islam yet unremorsefully and shamelessly were prepared to obliterate its true exponent; those who (like so many today) are prepared to kill for Islam yet are unable to live by it. Yes, Imam Husayn was martyred at the hands of those who would kiss the Black Stone (because the Prophet kissed it), yet cut off the precious head of that dear grandson of the Prophet, a head which the Prophet so often caressed and kissed with affection
Continuing the Abrahamic Tradition
We bade farewell to the old year by celebrating Prophet Ibrahim's commitment to Allah characterized by his valor against Nimrud, and proven through his willingness to sacrifice his patient son, Prophet Isma'il (pbuh). Now we welcome the new year by commemorating the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's beloved grandson, Imam Husayn who fought to uphold the principles of his grandfather Prophet Muhammad and his forefather Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh).
(O Allah, Bless Our Master Muhammad and the family of our Master Muhammad as You blessed our forefather Ibrahim and the family of our forefather Ibrahim.) The Makkan struggle for the manifesting and upholding the values of Islam was founded with love and veracity by the family of Ibrahim and continued with love and patience through the family of Muhammad (pbuh), as 'allama Iqbal says;
Sidq-e Khalil bhi hay ishq, sabr-e Husayn bhi hay ishq Ma'rika-e-wujud mayn Badr-o-Hunayn bhi hay ishq
"The veracity of Prophet Ibrahim is love, so too the patient perseverance of Imam Husayn is love. Just as Prophet Muhammad's selfless struggle at Badr and Hunayn too was love (for Allah, truth and justice)."
Iqbal thus concluded; Gharib-o sada o- rangeen hay dastane haram, nehayat is ki Husayn, ibtida hay Isma'il"
"Strange, simple yet colorful is the story of the haram. It begins with Prophet Isma'il and ends with Imam Husayn."
Outstanding Example of Husayn
The special status of Imam Husayn in Muslim history has in large measure been due to his sacrifice of family, possession, and life itself in the cause of justice in the way of Allah. His courage, sincerity, steadfastness, dignity, and unwavering devotion in times of great crisis - have inspired and continues to inspire people of all walks of life. His struggle and eventual martyrdom became a source of strength and endurance for the oppressed in times of suffering, persecution and oppression. He has been morally on the side of every person against unjust rulers, reproaching tyrants and encouraging the oppressed to persist in their struggle for justice, freedom and dignity. "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 Husayn in the battle of Karbala." [antoine Bara in 'Husayn in Christian Ideology']
Perhaps the most fitting of all epithets regarding Imam Husayn was by one of the greatest spiritual luminaries the world has ever known, Khwajah Mo'inuddin Chisti (may Allah sanctify his status), who said …
Shahast Hussain, badshahast Hussain,
Deenast Hussain, deen-e panahast Hussain,
Sar dad, na dad dast, dar dast-e-yazid,
Haqa key binaey La ilaha ilallahast Hussain
Husayn is the master, Husayn is the king,
Husayn is the symbol of faith, Husayn is the defender of faith,
He gave his life rather than allegiance to Yazid
Verily the foundation of La'illah illa-allah is Husayn.
Call of 'Ashura
We must reflect on that monumental moment, over thirteen hundred and eighty years ago, on the 10th day of Muharram 61 AH (680 CE) just before 'Asr prayer, when Imam Husayn stood on a sand-dune at Karbala in Iraq. Blood was flowing all over his body from the wounds he had suffered; having lost virtually everything that day. He had carried several dead bodies into his camp and even buried his dear infant child. He looked at the murdered bodies of his loved ones. Tears flowed from his eyes. He looked skyward and prayed; "O Allah! In You I place my trust amid all grief. You are my hope amid all violence. You are my Refuge and Provider in everything that happens. How many grievances are there that weaken the heart, leaving me with no means to respond; during which friends desert me while enemies rejoice."
Then, this beloved grandson of the Prophet and the apple of his eye, raised a call: "Is there anyone who will come to assist us? Is there anyone who will respond to our call for help?" He turned directions and repeated the call several times. Who was he calling out to? Surely he was not expecting anyone there to come to his aid since those who he had relied upon had already betrayed him? Perhaps it was a call to people of conscience of every period, every generation in every land. It was a call for help against corruption which everywhere in every age rears its ugly head to oppress justice and undermine the truth.
Everyday and Everywhere
Imam Husayn's martyrdom at Karbala provides evidence of the moral victory of right over wrong, of virtue over vice, of principle over compromise, of the oppressed over the oppressor, of the denied over the denier; the ultimate victory of blood over sword. A lesson teaching humankind through the inscription of blood on the scrolls of human history, how he conveyed to the world, through his struggle, the meaning of life; that living is truly of value which offers itself for a cause greater than its self; that to die with honor is better than living in subjugation to injustice.
For those conscious of their moral obligations, consistently striving against injustice and oppression; EVERY DAY IS 'ASHURA AND EVERY PLACE IS KARBALA. In the words of Moulana 'Ali Gouhar, Qatle Husayn asl mein marge yazid hay Islam zinda hotahay har Karbala ki ba'd "The killing of Husayn is in fact the death knell of Yazid, as Islam is revived after every such Karbala".
Remember Never to Forget
The commemoration of 'Ashura on the 10th of Muharram every year serves to remind us of the sacrifices of the righteous throughout our glorious history. It reconnects us with our spiritual and moral legacy making us aware of the people, then and now, who bravely stood up for what was right; as well as those who tried to destroy the family of the Prophet and the noble ideals that the family stood for. More than that, it exposes those who watched what was happening, knew what was right; and yet did nothing.
How many are there even today who shy away; not only from mentioning the struggle at Karbala, but from the very memory of Husayn. God forbid that we ever become of those who forget.
Excerpted from "Ashura - Lest We Forget" by Sadullah Khan
Topics: Ashura, Imam Hussain, Karbala, Muharram, Prophet Moses (Musa)
Views: 41243
Related Suggestions
believed to be the notorious Boko Haram insurgents said to have
killed some of our Shia brothers who were celebrating the Ashura in
Northern part of the Country which is very unfortunate. We must
learn to respect one another.How can we invite others to Islam if we
are not united and the enemies of our Deen working day and night to
divide us would be happy to see us in this condition.May Allah unite
the Muslim Ummah they follow the footsteps of Rasulullah and
Khulafaur Rashidun Muhajiruna Wal Ansar by following them with
Ihsan.Its high time we woke up from our slumber and worked for the
progress and benefits of the Ummah bring the whole humanity to the
Deen by becoming good examples for others to follow.
Shayari And Poetry Collection Of Dr. Iqbal Sahab. beautiful quotes by dr. iqbal
sahab
(SWT) has saved Musa(pbuh) and his followers.
Imam Husayn death has nothing to do with Ashura since Allah has
fulfilled Islam even before Rasulullah death.
I will recommend this site only when it preaches Quran and Sunnah.
Assalamu-alaikum.
Thank you for this excellent article and for the references you have provided so that we can read further about Karbala. Yes, it ought to be said 'Today I am a muslim ONLY because Our Holy Prophet's (pbuh) grandson al Husayn (pbuh) sacrificed all he had to keep ISLAM - the path of Allah (swt) alive' We are truly indebted to Him.
for the article
This is a very good article and in response to some comments regarding worship of sufis, I also believe it has become very common in South Asia to go to graves of saints/sufis and pray there, ask for help, etc. This is very disturbing, I would not mind going to such places just to make dua for the person burried there and for all muslims but doing Sujood, asking the sufi for help solve problems, etc is absolutely against Islam. When it comes to Islam, there is no intermediary between Allah and a man when making. I have seen people making sujood at such sites and it is nothing but shirk. If one is sincere in making dua to overcome difficulties or help with something else, Allah will hear you no matter where you are so no need to visit anyone or ask anyone to intervene, you just have to be sincere and have the right niyah, that is why we say iyyaka na'bodu wa iyyak nasta'een.
The sacrifices of Ismail (AA) and Husayan (RA) that auther has talked about in this article, where are those sacrifices in Muslim Ummah. Each Muslim country is filled with injustices, corruption, love of Dunya, who is standing aginst those injustices. For past 60 years, Palastine has been occupied unjustly, which Muslim country is standing for the rights of our brothers. We have no right to talk about those great men if we are not going to follow them. Our praises will not earn them any extra status.
Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w) said:
My ummah will be fragmented into seventy-three sects. All of them will be in Hell Fire except one sect. They (the Companions) said: Allah's Messenger, which is that? Whereupon he said: It is one to which I and my companions belong.
Transmitted by Tirmidhi.- Hadees 171 Narrated by - Abdullah ibn Amr
Friends do you know what Mohammed (s.a.w) is saying, he is saying that of all the groups the Muslims have segregated themselves, only one would be in the path of Allah, and that One group would be coming to paradise, all the other 72 groups would be in the path of Satan and would be going to hell.
Mohamed (s.a.w) said in another hadees:
My Ummah would be divided into different groups, and if you live at that time, and if there is a Muslim Ameer follow him; and if there is a Muslim Jamath join them, if you do not find the either of them, then do not join any of the other segregated groups, even if you have to go into the forests and live on roots, live so till you die but DO NOT JOIN ANY OF THE Seggregated GROUPS. Sahih-al Buhari - Hadees 803 V-4
Allah says in the Quran :
DO NOT DIE OTHER THAN A MUSLIM AND IS THERE A BETTER OR MORE BEAUTIFUL NAME THAN CALLING ONESELF A Muslim and does not join any of the segregated groups.
- Allah says : OH PROPHET AS FOR THOSE WHO SEGREGATE THEMSELVES , TELL THEM YOU HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM.
Quran (6:159) (3:105)
jzk
this message is for brother akbar khan commenting on his message 42764,ghous-ul-azam should be attributed to allah not to sheikh a.q.j(r.a) or any other sufi saint...
But unfortunately, people like A. Firth can with the blink of an eye question by Iman and belief in Allahu-ahad. Mr. Firth accuses me of worshipping Allah's friend...
Mr. A. Firth, do you even know what a mujaddid is? Ahlus-Sunnah wa'l Jama'ah are followers of the the Sunnah and the consensus of the group, that is why I am taking the opinion of Shaykh Abd' al-Qadir al-Jilani (ra). You unfortunately have not learned the meaning of the Qur'an's commandment that if you know not on a matter, to ask those who know, where did you get shirk out of this, an invention of your own nafs possibly because you are too proud and imagine that Almighty Allah speaks to you directly? This I can see by your very arrogant comment.
Know that Allah's friends help others by Allah's leave, and not independently. You need to learn more Mr. Firth then maybe I will spend some time on helping you see the truth.
BTW: I forgot to mention another important historic fact repoted by all scholars of hadith Shia and Sunni scholars..that prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and Ahlu Lbayt. He said to Ammaar Bnu yasir in front of the sahabas: "Wayha Ammaar taqtuluhu lfiatu lbaghria" Hadith Sahih meaning Bad news for you Ammaar, you will be killed by the oppressive (injust) community. This prophesy came true and Muawiya's army did in fact kill this great Sahabi (RAA) & this companion of the prophet pbuh died in Maarakat aljamal (the batteof the camel). How can we dare ignore this and treat Muawiya as a holy man? If we want Shia Muslims to stop insulting some Sahaba never mind this Taleeq, we must stop praising some of them when we have strong evidence that some of them committed crimes against Ahlu Lbayt (pbut) and other Sahabas (RAA) and some Tabieen (followers) may Allah be pleased with them.
Besides, we are not facing any prosecution here in North America for telling the truth as it is. I had nothing to worry about even in Morocco . This is not Amawi land Syria. We are not under the rule of Alnutawakkil who pulled the tongue of one SUNNI Imam to death for defending Imam Ali (KAW). For more evidence & details pls read these books:
The holy Quraan, Nahjul Balaagha with Mohammed Abdu's comments, Kutub alhadith Sitta Imam, Jaafar Sadiq ahadith, Tarikh Ibnu Lhadeed, Ibnu Hijr Alasqalani, Tarikh bnu Katheer, Tarikh Ibnu Qateeba, Tarikh Tabari, Tabakat Ibnu Saad, Adahabi's books, Taha Hussain, Abbass Mahmmood Alqaad etc.
My comments are meant for br Khan because he is sincere. As far as ignorant people like Yazid, they are an insult to us innocent Sunnis & people like Yazid don't deserve an answer!!!
allah saves his man from the clutches of evil by way of granting shahadat amd leaves errogants to face the heat.
I wish I would be there to protect Husayn, but Allah willed his death, fot nothing happens without Allah's Will.
And it does not mean I have to go and cut my head, it does not help Imam Husayn, My Duas insha'Allah will be more beneficial.
Allah (swt) knows best.
To you ..that calls himself Shaikh,
We Sunnis know well that our prayers are invalid without praise of Ahlu Lbayt. How can you possibly forget or question that..that we praise Ahlu Lbayt in our five daily prayers.
"Say (to the people, O Prophet): I do not ask of you any reward...but love for my near relatives; and whoever earns good, We give him more of good therein; surely Allah is Forgiving, Grateful." (Qur'an 42:23)
Do you know that Imam Ali (KAW) to prophet Muhammad (pbut" is like Haroon to Musa (pbut)?
Do you know that the beloved messenger of Allah said that he came with the Tanzeel (revelation) and that Ali will be the master of the Taaweel (interpretation of the Quran. Hadith Sahih?
There is a lot more for you to learn to become a true Sunni. If you achieve a certain level of knowledge, you will eventually understand that Shia Jaafaria are Sunnis too!
I am a Moroccan Sunni but if my love to Ali, Alhussain & Alhassan will lead to some to believe that I am Rafidi (Shia) so be it. I am proud of it because I am a descendant of Ahlul Bayt!!!
May Allah fix or hearts on his deen as he revealed it to The Prophet and save us from following the people of the book when they invented and corrupted their religion.
It's such a CHRISTIAN thing to do.
There is only ONE GOD and HE alone is worthy of worship.
You .. can call it what you want ... we all know and see with our eyes the activities that take place around Islamic figures deaths, birthdays and so forth!!!
THEY MATTER NOT ... ONLY ALLAH Matters .. so spend your time thinking of HIM!
As a Sunni Muslim, I am surprised you call yourself Shaik, unless you are an old man that would be ok with us Arabs but if you meant wiseman by the word Shaik, you are far from it.
Briefly, I am shocked that you don't take Shia Jaafaria seriously because they are Ahlu Sunna too. You refuse to listen to what they have to say. You hate their version of the truth. This is exactly what recipe for hate and disaster means. Pls read alkutub Sitta (6 books of hadith) and Nahjul Balagha before you open your mouth, you will find that asalaat wa salaam ala rasooli Allahi wa aalihi wa sahbihi (Hussain is just one of them) is WAJIB, FARIDA. The Amayiyeen rulers omited the salaat and salaam ala Ahlu bayt and promoted the insults of Imam Ali. Pls don't get me started because I am worried that my comments will not be published if I get into historical details about Banu Ummaya and Banu Alabbas!
I beg to differ here and disagree with you. We Sunnis must not be blind to Muawiyah and Yazid crimes against Ahlul Bayt especially Ali, Alhassan and Alhussain. I really don't want to get to the details about at least 12 Sahabas that ranges between making mistakes at best to crimes at worst for fear that my comments will not be published. You need to know that Muawiyah and Yazid are not Sahaba but TOLAQA'. Pls do yourself a favor read Imam Bukhari & Imam Muslims books and the other 4 muhaditheen as well. Do not forget to read Nahjul Balagha either. That's for a starter. After that I can suggest more books for you to read!
Karbala' is truly karbun (sadness) wa (and) bala'(ordeal). All Muslims Shia and Sunna must feel deep sorrow and sadness for the death of Imam Hussain & comemorate his shahaada (martyrdom). If we Muslims let our leaders keep us in the dark about our history, we will never be able to bridge our divide with our Shia brothers & we won't be able to understand them.
Reading the Shaikhan's shahihs Imams Bukhari & Muslim is a good start but to see the whole picture we need to dig deep and read the master of all 4 Imams, Imam Jaafar Sadiq! If we want to dig deeper we must all read Nahjul Balagha of Imam Ali, the master of all Imams. He is the true preserver of Islam & the Sunnah of our beloved prophet (pbuh) and his family!
Your brother in Islam.
Muhammad
websites speak so highly of Imam Husayn. We want folks of other
religions to tolerate us. Yet we seem to avoid holding that criteria
to our own communities. Alhamduillah, we are maturing.
Yes, you are correct that Islam is for the entire mankind and not only for the descenedents of the Prophet and if any one were to tell you that than he would be regarded as stupid. So now what is your problem ?
Now, let ne explain to you why descendents of the Prophet escepecially Imam Husayn is so important. Look at the family tree of the Prophet on the following website:
http://www.answering-christianity.com/family_tree.htm
Looking at the Family tree you will find that starting from Prophet Adam to Prophet Muhammed all the Prophets come under the same family tree. If you see closely all the Prophets are given in blue that is Prophets , Nuh, Ibrahim, Ismail etc... Imam Husayn is from the same household "Ahlul Bayt". The "Noor" or the "Spirit" which was in Adam has passed down the generations to Prophet Muhommad.Than to his daugther Fatima, than from Lion of God Ali and Fatima to Hasan , than to Hasayn than to Zainal Abdedin and so on. Brother I urge you to study the Shia faith more closely because here we only use logic and I am sure once you know fully about the Ahlul Bayt you will surely ask yourself 'show me a house better than this' and the reply would come "THERE IS NONE" and I challenge you to show me one.
Alhamdulilah
Perhaps those who beleive in the heretical supremacy of a Muslims are trying to immulate the Jewish tradition; the the mother to be Jewish in order to qualify as a Jew.
I an a world dominated by propganda form Non muslim quarters and Islamic institiutions and mosques ont he payroll of the treacharous Wahabi clan of the Sauds, the new generation is begining to loose the valu and significanc eof the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain and the lessons from it.
Artices like these go a long way in the education of the newer generations that the Islam they pratcic etoday is a result fo the supreme scarifice made by this 'Martyr', the beloved son of our Prophet (SAW)
With reference to Same Arctile in your News Paper I have read you have printed From Ismail(P.B.U.H) to Husayn(P.B.U.H) Can you explain me that how we can Say Husayn (R.A.Z) as Husayn(P.B.U.H) as P.B.U.H. is only meant for our Beloved Prophet Mohd(P.B.U.H)it is the Salam from Allah.
Please explain me this issue as it's a matter of Faith, as we belive the End of Prophecy is our beloved Prophet Mohd(P.B.U.H)
Please don't reply if your Faith is Shia.
Thks & Regards,
Shaik Faheem.
Stand UP
The same people are insulting Islam today instead of following the ways of Imam Ali Talib and instead of sacrificing they are bombing and getting bombed. Instead of mourning Husayn they are facing misery and destruction be it Iraq, Afganishtan, Pakistan, Kashmir, Indonesia, or some parts of the Gulf, let alone parts of Russia.
They left the guide, there is nobody to guide them in sharia, instead they follow and are happy with people who kill the inoccecnt, unaware of the Tawil of the Quran as the author has aptly said, 'Ali is like the sun','Fatimah like the moon' and 'Husayn a star in the galaxy of heroes'. Alhamdulilah
In no way do these dismiss or diminish the importance of the illustrious companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S). On the contrary, the noble companions readily acknowledged the lofty station of the family of the Holy Prophet Muhammad(S). Sayyiduna Abu-bakr(R) is quoted as having said he prefered the family of the Prophet(S) to his own family. Sayyiduna Umar would always give the grandsons of the Prophet(S) preferential treatment.It has been the sunnah of the greatest lovers of the Holy Prophet (S)- the sahaaba- to express such love and preference to the household of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S) This alone is sufficient reason for us to do the same. The martyrdom of Al-Husayn was a unique event. It was fortold by the Prophet(S) and caused him great grief.We need to ensure that we don't dismiss this and don't overlook this important aspect of Islam merely in difference to misguided extremism.
We must remember the sacrifices of all mujahids so we may learn. Allahu Akbar.
Having said all that, I come to the point of saying that, NONE OF US MUSLIMS should EVER EVER EVER think of insulting the prophet's companions, and more particularly in this case, we should not insult the prophet's companion Mu'awiya ibn Abi Sufyan, and even though his son Yazeed was a murderer and we can say that Yazeed was wrong for what he did because the action speaks for itself, never should we think about saying that Mu'awiya was anything negative. This is not part of Ahl' As-Sunnah Wa'l Jam'aah Aqeedah. I am sure that there are those among the Shi'a community who have a different understanding and I humbly respect your difference in this matter and would now bow out from this discussion.
Just to remind all once again, that any of the prophet's companions, especially those who transmitted some hadiths, and Mu'awiya ibn Abi Sufyan did, that we should restrain ourselves from ever saying something against one of the prophet's companions, it just is dangerous to do so, and not out of fear for anyone, but fear for yourself, for how Allah will look at us for thinking such things. Please forgive me if I have offended anyone. Jazak'Allah Khair to all who made the effort in allowing this article to be published.
Imam Hussain with his other family members came happily at Kerbala, but by Aashura his whole family was tortured and Imam Hussain himself was brutally beheaded.Salwaat on Imam Hussain and Lanaat on Yazid.
My family and I just visited the holy Kerbala two weeks back and were not afrai of any war and saw huge Harram and Zarriya of Imam Hussain & Janabe Abbas at Kerbala. That land of Kerbala let all of us felt the history of Aashura and tears rolled our eyes when we entered the Harrams. We all paid our respects to Imam Hussain & Janabe Abbas.
A Miracle we saw: Outside the Zarriya of Janabe Abbbas (at the place of his feet)the drops of water glitters out. My two little sons-Shabbir & Hateem and myself wet our hankies and massaged the water on our faces. There is also a portion of Nehere Furrat(river) embedded under his Harram, and it has been 1400 years it has never dried. we brought along that water also.
we are greatful to Allah and the prophet and Imam Hussain who helped us in sending to Kerbala and Najaf and do all the Ziyarrah. May Allah bless and fulfill the wish of all who wants to go to Kerbala and may he send us once again.AMEN!
It was very pleasing to see an article on commemorating the martyrdom of Hussein A.S.
And very ironic at the same time. I am a shia who is not extremist, however, I always remember the events of Ashura. Its just very unusual that a Sunni website would post something commemorating Hussein A.S. Most Sunnis will not even acknowledge what happend on that dreadful day because they seem to pay their respects to the "sahabi" Yazid. I do not know how anyone can pay any respect to such an evil man. A man who killed the GRANDSONS OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD S.A.W. How can anyone respect such a man who had the GRANDSON of the PROPHET's (saw)'s head cut off. It doesn't make any sense. But ah well, at least there are some who know the truth and acknowledge it.
Thankyou, and please do not take this affensively
Jazakkallahu Khairan
Nevertheless to all brothers and sisters who were sceptical towards this article I just can answer that the family of the prophet kept the pure meaning of islam alive. Throughout their struggle against tyranny of Banni Ummaya and their Caliphate they succeded in manifesting the islamic religion with tremandeous effort. It should never be forgotten that it was Imam Jafar Sadiq (RA) who founded the islamic schools like Hanafi.
Please keep up the good work.
We do not use words such as king or manifestations to describe the Prophet (pbh),
and should not idolize or revere any human being. Hadhrat Husayn is a role model but was also a fallible human being.
Your quote gives legitimacy of those cult-like sects such as Ismailis who refer to their imam aga khan as a "manifestation" of God and therefore worship him as an intercessor to God.
When Sayyidina Hamza(by all means a very important Ahl-bait) died the prophet(SAW) grieved a lot, but never commomerate his death, the Sahabas never did either. What about the matyrdom of Ali(RA) the father of Husain and one of the ten known members of Paradise. Why is his death never being commomerated. The reason is simply that no death or birth commomerations in ISLAM.
The question is why are people bent on doing acts of bidi'a even though they know the consequences? Yesterday I watched the rituals(Inna Lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun) of people hurting themselves with chains to the extent of bleeding profusely. Some I understand were taken to Hospitals, all in the name of a ritual introduced into this great religion of Allah.
Why would'nt Allah punish us with the phenomenum of kafir presiding over our affairs? Tell me why? Allah says He does'nt change people unless they change what is within them. We are doing it and He is doing it also. The only fear is that while He is immune to our disobedience we are not to His 'uquba. My Allah forgive us and help us change our ways to submit to His will and obey His commands that we may prosper, ameen.
If I was not at work, I would have cried after seeing such amazing article. I wish we could remember martydom of Mulana Hossein every day of the year that would remind us to defend Justice, even if it may be hard.
May Allah reward you the best for this article.
Wasalam
Allah is going to judge for sure all those who failed to support the truth at all times. Beating our backs in Karbala' will not bring Islam or Hussain back. You are doing a sin and an awful act, those who are doing so, better bleed for a better cause in any part of the bleeding muslim countries.
May ALLAH (subhanahu wata'la) reward you for posting this article, but truly i would expect to know more about Imam Husayn.
BTW, prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) once had Imam HASAN [R](not HUSAYN[R])on one side of his lap and Usama bin Zaid bin Haritha on other and he supplicated to ALLAH, this way.. O'ALLAH, i love Hasan, Usama so you love them(but there is no hadees which relates such kind of words or actions for Imam Husayn, may be i missed, no doubt prophet Muhammed (pbuh) loved his grand children a lot).
Also, the information posted is not enough to say about Karbala, i would expect more information, like why did Imam Husayn [R] had to go for war, and with whom, and how he was betrayed, and the way he was martyred, and lastly what happened after his martydom, may ALLAH accept his martydom, ameen.
If what i said is right, then that is from ALLAH and his Rasool, if i had said something wrong then it is from me, so i ask forgiveness from ALLAH.
Jazak Allah Khair
Welcome to the fold. As sister Halima mentioned, the Quran must be your focal point because it is the ultimate source of devine wisdom that not only will be the judge between the various muslim sects but also between the three Abrahimic religions.
Hoeever, I also advise you not only to seek your nearest immam's opinion on Quran or Islamic history but consult many different such immams and read the various sites since the Quran refers to events that our Prophet pbuh went through. Hence to fully understand such Surah's one must be familiar with the cicumstances surrouning such revelations, including commentaries from the most reliable tafseers. It requires a lifetime of reading and then coming to an understanding that does not contradict the total message of Islam which is truly based on knowledge, reason and uppermost, Tawheed or Unity of God.
The Quran does not mention characters by name. The Prophet's name appear only a few times. The only other character name is that of Abu Lahab which is noted in a grave manner. Thus it is concerned with events and lessons to be learnt from such events.
Allah has put the light in your heart. Peace be upon all who love Allah, the Eternal, The Most Merciful.
The site has qouted the "grave worshipper" version, qouting Mihinudden Chistie or making Karbala as a yardstick to judge all sacrifices. Indeed there were sacrifices at Badr and of Umar which too cannot be brushed aside.
Please verify adn article bfore posting it.
A very impressive article and a good introduction to the events of Karbala. Nice to see so many people appreciating and wanting to know more about Imam Hussain. It does make me laugh that someone said the rightly guided Caliphs never followed the practice of remembering Ashora, obviously this person needs to find out more about Islamic history as the Shahadat of Imam Hussain was after the 4 rightly guided Caliphs! I cannot believe some people down play the signifigance of Imam Hussain's great sacrifice. He gave up the lives of his companions, family including a teenage son and a son of 6 months for the truth. Then the women had their veils taken, all the children were beaten by Yazids army. This is only the tip of the iceberg that was suffered by the Prophets family and followers at Karbala. Look at your families and loved ones do you think you could sacrifce them the way Imam Hussain did?
There are so many lessons to learn form Karbala for all Muslims(not just shias!)if only we were willing to find out. We have not learned truth from falsehood as shown by the fact some one posted a comment whose name was Yazid! How awful to be named after such a terrible man.
of Husayn or Ali i whant to know if one dont know the name fo those person can became MULISM
OR It is nessary to know [ plese reply ]
because i am a new mulism you can halp THANK
PETER
I knew that urdu ashaar of "Moulana Gouhar".. but I couldnt recall it now..!
I also learned that it is "Khaja Muinuddin Chisti " who said those beautiful verses.. I knew this, but didnt knew it was from him.. Mashaallah..
Barakallahu-feekum..
WASSALAAM
Mujahed
i think that i can get much material from this site for npn-muslim members to teach them.
well your articl of Ismail to Hussain was very good.
please let me know!!
..remember a MUSLIM slaughtered by another MUSLIM.
Ignore the fact that MUSLIM leaders are lending their lands for the future SLAUGHTER of more muslims!
That's our UMMAH...blindly missing the point as the world passes by and wipes it's feet on the doormat made up of muslim lives!
thank you very much
masallam
JazakAllah Kahir
Most Sincerely,
Najah Bazzy RN
Yma Senior Advisor
Islamic Center of America, Detroit MI
Muhammed "Legacy of a Prop
THANKS FOR IslamiCity Bulletin
Thank you very much for bringing forth such valuable information for all our muslim brothers and sisters around the world, in regards to Imam Husayn's (RAA) efforts to preserve Islam & his fight for righteousness.This article was very well summarized for those who do not know about Muharram and the events that took place at Karbala.
I'm concerning about the Jamaat but seeking the facts about this event happened in the history of Islam. I had read the books favoured this event and against this event but getting no result except this, "The people who follow Imam Haniffah and Ahlai-tashhee are favouring this event and cursing Yazid. Other than them are having sorrow feelings about Hzt.Hussain (r.a) and also not cursing Yazid."
My question is why it is so?. Infact both are having the healthy facts about one event but opposite.
Your favourable answer will be appreciated for the sake of Allah.
Feeamannullah, Jazakumullah.
And Allah knows better
Jazakallah
I wanted to thank Islamicity.com for posting such an enlightening and educational article on the tragedy of Karbala and the grandson of the prophet, Husayn.
May you be rewarded by Allah (swt)!
Wassalaam.
AFSHIN
Wasalaam.
Husayn's (r.a.) murder is an important event in Islamic history but Muslims are not allowed to elevate anyone higher than human.
Youre emotional statement calling him the "sun" and "stars" is problematic because this has caused many people to create secondary idols.
This is evident in Muslims who venerate Hazrat Ali (r.a.) a little too much and even go as far to say he was equal or higher to the Prophet (pbuh) and slander Ayesha (r.a.) for disagreeing agreeing with him and taking action against him.
In Islam there is no one between humans and God. The Prophets were given divine wisdom and were fallable humans until theyre hearts were literally cleansed by God. Even so we cannot worship a Prophet, only show them the deep respect and admiration they deserve.
Ive never heard the Prophet (pbuh) being referred to as the "sun" nor have I read any Quranic ayat or hadith that refers to him in this manner. If we can't refer to him in this way, it is definately wrong to refer to his family in this manner.
In a hadeeth the Prophet is quoted to have said, there will be 72 branches of Islam, and the only one that will be correct will be the one that practices Islam the way I practice.
Indeed actions are a million times more obvious than the words.
wa'salam
-Mostansar
Thank you for commemorating the martyrdom of Al-Hussein and reflecting on its significance and effect still felt today with the lovers and followers of the Prophet and his pure family(as). May Allah (swt) reward your efforts and keep the spirit of Islam and its essence pure and with us always.
Wasalam wa rahmatAllah
IMAM WAS A GREAT MAN.WE SHOULD COMEMMORATED HIS GLORY&GIVE UP COCIET.
I would like to sincerely thank you for posting this article, for it speaks eloquently of the truth and of the noble sacrifice of Husayn. Unfortunately, the message of Husayn has been forgotten by many Muslims throughout the world, and at a time such as this, when Muslims have become very weak and other nations have been preying on us, we must all stand united in the face of oppression and injustice by following the example of Husayn. Hence, I commend your efforts for publishing such an article--an article of truth, of courage, of inspiration, of Eman.
Thank you.
What I am saying is, we are allowed to praise the history of the companions, but we should not get emotional in the praise itself otherwise the door to shaytan will open up for other ideas.
jazakallahu khayran.
wassalamu alaykum.
This is truly a great article and Imam Hussain [AS] is much more greater than what can ever be written in any book or article and his martydom is far more greater and horrific than can ever be thought of by great minds.
I greatly appreciate the effort of Islamic Bulliten for the kind words and lovely dipiction on this heroic Imam who died for the pleasure of Allah [swt] and for preserving his unperishable religion.
Jezakom Allah khair o baraka inshallah
fi aman Illah,
Nj
Assalam-U-Alaikum
your article is good ALHAMDULILLAH.
You can give more information about the event
of Karbala.
ALLAHAFIZ.
and will you please tell me the real spelling of this name.
Thankyou.
Because of the killing of al-Husayn, the Shaytaan started to spread two kinds of bidah (innovation) amongst the people: the bidah of grieving and wailing on the Day of Aashooraa, striking the cheeks, screaming, weeping and reciting eulogies ; and the bidah of expressing happiness and joy. So some express grief and others express joy, so they started to like the idea of wearing kohl, taking a bath, spending on their families and preparing special kinds of food on the day of Aashooraa and every bidah is a going astray; none of the four imams of the Muslims or others approved of either of these things (either expressing grief or expressing joy)
-------------------------------------------------
I was in impration that your site is propagating true islamic thinking, but in email "from ISMAIL to HUSSAIN", dated 4/3/03 you are quoting from sufi moinuddin chisti(who himself has his own version of islam read his book "ISRAR-A-HAQEEQI"), there are lot of big ALIMS then him who you may have quoted them.
you would have informed the people with hadiths on day of ASHURA.
I love IMAM HUSAIN more then my life, but it doesn't mean that i should accept anything said about anybody is correct.
IMAM-E-HUSSAIN'S message at KARBLA is "standing againt anything which goes against ISLAMIC values"
We should question ourselfs, are we following true islam as way-of-life. or following as some rituals which not a part of islam but addition from humans.
I am truly glad to find an article which so beautifully describes the lessons of Karbala and of the martyrdom of one of the greatest saviors of truth and justice in the history of mankind. I would also like to point out that one of the greatest lessons to be learned from Ashura is that ignorence can cause a group of people, who call themselves Muslims and the followers of the Prophet (pbuh), to kill his grandson and his followers. It is that same ignorance today which leads Muslims against Muslims and away from Allah. If we truly care for what happened in Karbala, then we must act by educating ourselves and those around us. Only with knowledge can we have peace. And only with peace, can we truly sumbit to the one and only God, and call ourselves Muslims.
Shukran and may Allah's blessings be upon you all.
Maitham
The martyrdom of Hussain(ra) should be seen merely as the fight of Right over wrong. The Wrong can come both from Muslims and Non-Muslims, and his case, the wrong came from Muslims themselves in the form of Yazid's army. Just as Hamza(ra), Umar(ra),Uthman(ra), Ali(ra) fell by the hands of wrongdoers and attained paradise(InshAllah), so did Hussain(ra). It was a way of demise that Allah(swt) chose for the most worthy ones.
The Prophet (SAW) said, "He who slaps the cheeks, tears the clothes and follows the traditions of the Days of Ignorance is not from us." (Bukhari)
May we stop fighting over our petty differences and learn to live for a higher purpose in these times which threaten us all, be they Sunnis and Shias. May we reach a stage where we all once again feel pride in JUST calling ourselves as MUSLIMS and NOT as Shias, sunnis, Ahl e sunnah, Ismailis, salafis and scores of others.
Thank you. My appreciation for taking time and effort to bring this short yet beautiful article on THE MOST POWERFUL EVENT IN THE HISTORY OF ISLAM.
We all Muslims should indeed celebrate the 1st of our New year at the sametime we all should join hands and observe ASHURA as the day of mourning since it was non other but the grand son of Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h.)- Hussain ibne Ali.
Muslim countries should take lesson from ASHURA specially the Middle Eastern countries and drive all out of country who are waiting for the first chance to kill fellow Muslim.
Kind Regards.
This is the dark side of the Shiites; the shackles of ignorance. Because of this mentality which harbors a general resentment toward the Sunnis (don't even begin to ask why; it's too complicated,) the latter have lived in distrust of the Shiites for 1300 years in Iraq.
It is an article full of wisdom. It is needed to be reminded every year.
Imam Hussein, our master and our Imam, was Quran in practice.
Rightouse, patince, steadfast in prayer yet a God fearing who did not give in to injustice.
It is a lesson that we all must learn
Oh our master Hossein, We Salute you .
Oh God send your peace and blessing to Prophet Mohammad and his family as you sent your peace and blessing to prophet Ibrahim.
P.S. I have read ahadith that I have read say that sayyedah Fatimah a is "the leader of the women of paradise"(I'm pretty sure it was in Bukhari) not among them and that H. Hassan and H. Hussein are "the leaders of the youth of paradise" not among them.
Its high time the Muslim ummah rise up and revolt against these tyrinical rulers. Hussain AS had but a handful of supporters who knew that they were proceeding towards death (and what an honoured one too) and this revolt did unseat the killer Khalifas of those times and eradicated their names forever from the history books. Without this sacrifice by the grandson of the Prophet SAW, Islam would not have survived. We Muslims, therefore, in the name of the greatest martyr in the human history Imam Husain AS should in whatever way and form participate in a revolution to unseat another Yazid in the same Iraq where our beloved Imam also revolted and sacrificed not only himself but also his nearest and dearest ones. Let the Muslims decide for themselves whats good for them and not another satanical force.
Thank you Islamic City for this article.
In last ever can i ever acknoleged whats happend to my comments???
Thank you for an excellent short article on Imam Husayn. Can you please do the same on Imam Hassan's life. This will make a very good introduction for encouraging children to find out more aout these two Muslim jewels.
Salaams
Ayoubi.
THE LESSON OF KARBALA
Thank You