Welcome to this week’s episode of the series Let’s Know Islam. Today, we continue to discuss the journey of the Third Infallible Imam of the Prophet of Islam’s Household, Imam Hussein (Peace be upon him) toward Kufa and Karbala.

The eternal movement of Imam Hussein maintained especial goal and policies and the Infallible Imam made use of especial approaches and prudent measures in order to culminate his uprising. Imam Hussein lived in an era, in which ignorance had resurged, infiltrating different aspects of people’s lives in that phase in time. People carried out their religious rituals; however, they lacked religious insight. They were not familiar as such with the truth and spirit of Islamic teachings. Undoubtedly, an immediate solution should have been found for such a community.

Imam Hussein did not find it appropriate for the divine religion of Islam and Muslims to remain silent toward that status quo. The Infallible Imam began a major and historical movement, in addition to a number of cultural activities in order to save the then community against derailment from the righteous path, and decided to directly confront the then unjust regime. Undoubtedly, one of two possible outcomes awaited the Infallible Imam and his disciples in their direct confrontation against the Omayyad rulers; both of which would assist Imam Hussein in fulfilling his goals that were revelation of the corrupt and criminal nature of Omayyad Dynasty, and awakening of the Ummah.

Imam Hussein (AS) as the leader of Muslims, pondered over how to play his role in that fateful historical phase and how to liberate Muslims from the yoke of unjust rulers, who had dominated them upon resorting to force and deceit. The Infallible Imam prioritized vigilance of masses of people, and removal of any derailments from the righteous path of divine religion of Islam.

One of the important points in Imam Hussein’s movement was the cooperation of relatives, womenfolk, and even children with the Infallible Imam and their presence in this uprising. This cooperation was no coincidence. Imam Hussein (AS), with this measure showed that if the foundations of Islam are threatened, Muslims should selflessly safeguard and protect this sacred religion.

As previously mentioned, Imam Hussein’s convoy on its way to Kufa, was blocked by a number of Kufi troops, under the command of Hor. Imam Hussein, who was besieged by the troops of Hor, found an appropriate opportunity to enlighten the enemy forces. The outspoken and transparent remarks of the Infallible Imam raised an opportunity for statement of the truth and removal of doubts. In the  begging of his enlightening remarks, Imam Hussein noted that according to Prophet of Islam, whoever sees an unjust ruler, who implements misdeeds, violates divine accords, confronts the tradition of the Prophet,  and/or commits sins against the servitudes of God; but doesn’t stand up against that unjust ruler, would be destined for Hell.

Thereafter, Imam Hussein referred to the corruption of Omayyad dynasty, and Kufis’ accord, noting that: “If you are committed to your allegiance, this would be to your own good. However, if you violate your agreement and allegiance with me, this would be nothing new, because you did the same toward my father, brother, and cousin. Whoever breaches his agreement, has in fact acted to his own detriment.”

In this sermon, Imam revealed the truth so that they may end their wrongdoings.

Ultimately, the ungodly troops of Hor forced Imam Hussein’s convoy to change route and to head for Karbala, instead of Kufa. Imam and his disciples entered Karbala on the second day of the Islamic month of Moharam. Within Karbala; Imam, his kinsmen, and disciples faced tough conditions, and were besieged by the 30,000-strong army of the corrupt ruler, Yazid, which was under the command of Omar ibn Sa’ad. The ruthless enemy troops even blocked the access of Imam Hussein and his disciples to water sources in a futile bid to somehow shatter the steadfastness and resilience of Imam Hussein’s companions. This dastardly misdeed took place while previously when Imam Hussein and his disciples faced the troops of Hor in the sweltering heat, they provided water for Hor’s troops and even their horses. This was because Imam Hussein was always committed to ethical values and virtues.

Due to Imam Hussein’s commitment to these values, unique manifestations of selflessness and loyalty were shaped in Imam Hussein’s confrontation with his enemies. On the 10^th day of the Islamic month of Moharam, in the year 61 AH, concurrent with the Epic of Ashura, the scenes of selflessness of Imam Hussein and his companions reached their peak. The Infallible Imam knew that not everyone could tolerate hardships and difficulties in the battlefield, and only courageous and spiritually strong individuals could carry out such a major task. Imam Hussein’s uprising was in need of aware and selfless individuals. Thus, on the eve of his uprising, Imam Hussein gathered his forces, noting that he had not seen anyone better that his disciples, and more honest than his Household. He went on to add that the next day, enemy troops would wage a battle against him and his followers. He permitted those, who wanted to leave, to head toward their families and cities. This prudent measure of the Infallible Imam led dithering individuals to leave Imam Hussein’s camp; with only the selfless and devoted companions of Imam Hussein remaining.

Imam Hussein observed that the enemy troops were fully prepared for a confrontation and that they may wage their barbaric attacks at any given moment. Nonetheless, Imam Hussein wanted to preach the enemy troops as much as possible, so that they may be able to distinguish the righteous path from falsehood. Therefore, on the tenth day of Moharam, concurrent with the intensification of military moves of enemy troops, the Infallible Imam mounted his horse, and stood in front of enemy forces, telling them not to haste in waging a battle so that he would be able to preach them.

In his remarks, Imam Hussein noted that he was the grandson of the Prophet of God, and whether killing and insulting him was religiously permitted?

On the day of Ashura, despite the horrific conditions, Imam Hussein tried to influence the enemy troops with his outspoken and transparent remarks. However, the Infallible Imam pointed out that they should never imagine that he wanted to compromise with the unjust and to submit to them. Imam Hussein believed that righteous remarks were influential and could leave an impact on prepared souls, so his responsibility as the true leader of Ummah was to convey the righteous message to misguided and ignorant individuals. This approach was influential, such that in the most sensitive moments of Imam Hussein’s uprising, one of the commanders of Yazid’s troops, Hor, had a change of heart and joined the steadfast companions of Imam Hussein (AS).

MR/ME