Today, more than 13 centuries has passed since the uprising of the Third Infallible Imam of the Prophet of Islam’s Household, Imam Hussein (Peace be upon him). However, this uprising and the Epic of Ashura have never been forgotten and the enlightening aspects of this movement are currently evident more than ever.

Undoubtedly, understanding the epical movement of Imam Hussein guides us toward the righteous path; based on the remarks of the Prophet of Islam, who named Imam Hussein as a source of guidance and rescue of mankind.

Today, we continue to study the topic of Imamate, and the last phase of the life of Imam Hussein (AS). As previously mentioned, Imam Hussein arrived at the land of Karbala on the 2^nd day of the Islamic month of Moharam, and was besieged by the 30,000-strong forces of the Omayyad low-life ruler, Yazid, under the toughest possible conditions. In Karbala, the enemy forces were hard on the Infallible Imam, his Household, and disciples and even blocked the sources of water to children in Imam Hussein’s camp, in a futile bid to somehow shatter their perseverance and steadfastness. The resistance of the Infallible Imam and his companions continued up until the 10^th day of Moharam, reaching its peak on the historical and fateful Epic of Ashura.

Imam Hussein’s disciples were firmly committed the Infallible Imam’s uprising. In the view of Imam Hussein and his steadfast companions, the pain resulting from ignorance of people was worse than the pain of wounds imposed by the enemy troops’ sword attacks. They considered removal of ignorance from people’s thoughts and mindsets as an important Jihad. In accordance to historical accounts of Karbala, Imam Hussein and the majority of his companions put emphasis on the righteousness of the path of Prophet of Islam’s infallible grandson, Imam Hussein (AS), prior to onset of battle, in order to awaken the ignorant individuals.

Among Imam Hussein’s steadfast companions, some were elderly combatants, who were also the disciples of the Prophet of Islam, Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny), and the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (Peace be upon him), including well-known disciples such as Habib ibn Mazaher, and Moslim ibn Osajeh. Habib ibn Mazaher had defended the sacred religion of Islam on several occasions alongside the Prophet of Islam, and Imam Ali. When these two disciples found out that Imam Hussein had arrived at Karbala, the two of them secretly left Kufa and headed toward Imam Hussein’s camp, far from the watchful eyes of the agents of the then ruthless Omayyad regime. On the Epic of Ashura, these two disciples courageously fought alongside Imam Hussein and his other steadfast companions, against enemy troops, eventually courting martyrdom.

As of the morning of the 10^th day of Moharam, until noon, in the year 61 AH, a number of Imam Hussein’s companions achieved martyrdom. One of the notable events of the Epic of Ashura, was the daily noon congregational prayers, observed by Imam Hussein and his steadfast companions on the Day of Ashura (10^th day of Moharam). The Infallible Imam and his companions were targeted by arrows of enemy troops, while a number of Imam Hussein’s companions, who were sheltering and protecting Imam Hussein from these enemy attacks, courted martyrdom.

Among the disciples of Imam Hussein, the Infallible Imam’s brother, Hazrat Abbas (AS) maintains a distinguished and elevated status. Hazrat Abbas was known for his courage and loyalty toward the righteous path. He was well-known for his ethical virtues, and vast knowledge among the members of Imam Hussein’s Household. He was also devoted to Imam Hussein’s righteous path. On the land of Karbala, Hazrat Abbas volunteered to bring water to Imam Hussein’s camp. He courageously broke down enemy troops’ siege, and reached River Euphrates. He filled his goatskin bag with water and rushed toward Imam Hussein’s camp. At this point in time, the enemy troops cut off one of his hands in a sword attack. He carried the goatskin bag with his other hand, heading toward Imam Hussein’s camp. The enemy troops also cut off his other hand. Hazrat Abbas (AS) was determined to take the goatskin water bag to Imam Hussein’s camp in order to quench the thirst of children. So he grabbed the goatskin water bag with his mouth. The enemy forces continued to attack him, as the result of which he attained martyrdom.

After their courageous battle, the steadfast companions of Imam Hussein and the majority of members of the Infallible Imam’s Household, including his six-month old child, courted martyrdom. The Infallible Imam was on his own on the afternoon of the Day of Ashura. He had no one to defend him and his Infallible Household. Although Imam Hussein was on his own, he courageously fought against ruthless Omayyad troops; dispersing them. Given that the enemy troops did not dare to confront Imam Hussein in the battlefield, they changed their approach and resorted to deceit. One of the low-life commanders of Omayyad troops, Shemr, in the company of a number of foot soldiers, besieged Imam Hussein. They targeted the Infallible Imam with their arrows and swords, dealing deadly blows against Imam Hussein. Meanwhile, a callous individual threw an arrow toward Imam Hussein, which hit the Infallible Imam’s chest, spilling his blood.

For a while, Imam Hussein’s body lied on the floor, with no one in the enemy troops daring to approach him. Imam Hussein, who was soaked in his blood, prayed to God in these fateful moments. At this point, the evil enemy troops brazenly decapitated Imam Hussein. The ruthless Omayyad regime wrongly imagined that with martyring Imam Hussein and his disciples, it could wipe out the righteous path and Imam Hussein’s uprising. However, Imam Hussein’s movement was immortal.

Undoubtedly, the eternity of Imam Hussein’s uprising is because of the elevated goals and ideals which form the cornerstone of this movement. In the logic of Imam Hussein, a prosperous life is feasible in the light of maintenance of human dignity, and the main goal of life, which is a divine blessing, is to elevate and develop.

The goal of administration of justice is evident in all phases of Imam Hussein’s uprising, which has in turn led to immortality of this movement throughout the course of history. In the view of Imam Hussein, an honorable death is the source of eternal prosperity.

Ethical virtues are evident in Imam Hussein’s uprising. The Infallible Imam and his steadfast companions treated each other with respect, displaying kindness in their amicable ties. The Infallible Imam’s steadfast companions were prepared to sacrifice their lives for the sake of the divine religion of Islam.

Those, who took part in Imam Hussein’s uprising, created the Epic of Ashura with awareness and insight. Those, who participated in Imam Hussein’s movement, were vigilant and insightful individuals. They covered the righteous path with complete awareness and vigilance. They were eager to attain martyrdom for the sake of God, manifesting their loyalty and faith in God.

Imam Hussein’s uprising teaches us many lessons. This movement maintains a huge capacity, such that it can motivate masses of people to stage uprisings against corruption and injustice, at any given phase in time.

Imam Hussein’s uprising is an important, especial, and unique event within the history of global movements. Today, more than 13 centuries after Imam Hussein’s uprising in Karbala, this movement continues to inspire and influence vigilant souls.

In the Epic of Ashura, Imam Hussein and his 72 steadfast companions were martyred; as a result of which the banner of freedom and honor was hoisted across the globe. As of then, Imam Hussein’s uprising has enlightened and guided people toward the righteous path.

MR/ME