Hari Asyura (10th day of Muharram); A day of mourning for the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of Muhammad at the battle of Karbala.
Allah SWT commanded Prophet Muhammad SAW to relate:
Say: I do not ask of you any reward for it but love for my near relatives.
(Qur’an 42:23)
Here, Allah SWT is telling the Prophet SAW that the only “reward”, or recompense, that should be expected for bringing us the religion of Islam - the light of our eyes, comfort of our hearts, and more importantly, our pathway to Allah SWT is to love and respect his nearest of kin, the AhlulBayt (household members of Prophet Muhammad SAW).
This seems to be an odd request, but it becomes significant when not even fifty years had passed after the demise of Prophet Muhammad SAW that his entire family was massacred and brutally murdered.
On the day of Ashura, Saidina Hussain (RA), the beloved grandson of the Prophet SAW, along with his family and 72 of his companions, was murdered by the oppressive and corrupt government of the time. His martyrdom was at the hands of those who claimed to act in the name of Islam, yet shamelessly were prepared to cut off the precious head of that dear grandson of the Holy Prophet SAW, a head which the Prophet SAW so often stroked and kissed with affection.
Muslim and non-Muslim figures throughout history have taken lesson from Saidina Hussain (RA). In fact, Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948) has been quoted as saying:
“I wanted to know the best of the life of one who holds today an undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind. I became more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of Hussain the scrupulous regard for pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission to save Islam. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle. I have learnt from Hussain how to be wronged and yet emerge victorious”
– In a statement published in Young India, 1924.
“If Hussain fought to quench his worldly desires, then I do not understand why his sisters, wives and children accompanied him. It stands to reason therefore that he sacrificed purely for Islam.”
– Charles Dickens (1812-1870)
English novelists of the Victorian period
“The best lesson which we get from the tragedy of Karbala is that Hussain and his companions were the rigid believers of God. They illustrated that numerical superiority does not count when it comes to truth and falsehood. The victory of Hussain despite his minority marvels me!”
– Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881)
Famous British historian
If non-Muslims can use the lessons learned from the day of Ashura to attain victory, then Muslims have no excuse not to.
If we look at the condition of our brothers and sisters throughout the world, we see that Muslims are still living under similar conditions now as before. Corruption is still prevalent in our societies, and tyrants are no rarity in Muslim and non-Muslim countries. If we take example of Saidina Hussain (RA) and those who were martyred on the plains of Karbala, our plights in Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq, and else where would guarantee our success and victory, Insha’Allah.
For this reason, let us take the time on this day of Ashura to educate ourselves about Saidina Hussain (RA), and shed tears for him for history and a hadith prove it was the sunnah of the Prophet SAW to cry for Saidina Hussain (RA).
Lastly, wherever you see injustice, oppression, and tyranny, think back to Saidina Hussain (RA). When you see the hijabs being taken away from sisters in France, think back to how Sayyeda Zainab (RA), the granddaughter of the Prophet SAW, had her hijab taken from her as she was publicly chained and paraded through the streets.
When you see the innocent people of Gaza being denied basic human necessities, such as water and food, remember how Saidina Hussain (RA), his companions and family, including his six month old infant, died thirsty because the cruel oppressors denied him access to water.
When you see tyrannical governments denying Muslims the right to practice their faith, remember Saidina Hussain (RA) devotion in establishing his prayers even while enemy arrows were being shot at him.
When you see how today the religion of Islam is being mistreated and abused, remember how Saidina Hussain (RA) took a firm stance to show the world the meaning of true Islam.
When you see the corruption of the governments in today’s world, remember how Saidina Hussain (RA) achieved success; by holding onto the teaching of the Prophet SAW and putting them into practice.
“Oh Allah condemn and lay a curse upon the killers of Hussain, his family and friends”.
Every day is Ashura, every land is Karbala.
“Hussein is from me and I am from Hussein. Allah loves whoever loves Hussein.” – Prophet Muhammad SAW.
This entry is dedicated to Hussain ibn Ali (RA), the Grandson of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, and his sacrifice for Islam at Karbala.
اللهم صل علی محمد و آل محمد و عجل فرجهم
