"And think
not of those who are slain in Allah's way as dead, they are alive,
(and) by their Lord well provided.”
(3:169)
A host of political,
social and religious factors made Imam Husayn (a.s) rise to
challenge Yazeed bin Mu’awiya. Key factor was the violation of the
principles upon which Islamic rule is based. Imam Husayn (a.s) had
the following goals in mind when he started his uprising:
1. Paying due attention
to the public opinion of the Ummah, and regularly consulting it in
the conduct of affairs. Changing of the political conditions, the
ruling system and the way of administering civil affairs, the
treating the Ummah in accordance with the divine standard set forth
by Islam:
“.... And
consult them in the matter..."
(3.159)
2. Law and principles
stand above everyone. They are the standard according to which the
ruler is evaluated. The legality of his position, and his right to
exercise of power is similarly estimated. Awakening the political
conscience of the Ummah and making a powerful oversight body out of
it, lest the ruler deviate or neglect Islamic laws.
"...So judge
between people with justice and do not follow desire.."
(38.26)
"
...Therefore judge between them according to what Allah has sent
down.”
(5.48)
3. Establishment of
justice and equity between all the people, regardless of social
status in the sphere of rights and obligations
"Surely Allah
commands you to deliver trust back to their owner and when you judge
between people you that you judge with justice.."
(4:58)
4. Assuring the leader is
both efficient and righteous so that he can discharge his
responsibilities: The Holy Prophet (saww.) is reported to have said:
"We are commanded to place people in
their right positions".
5. Equity in economic
distribution ought to be firmly instituted:
"Whatever
Allah has restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns, it
is for Allah and for the Messenger and for the near of kin and the
orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, so that it may not be a
thing taken by turns among the rich of you and whatever the
Messenger gives you, accept it, and from whatever he forbids you,
keep back and be careful of (you duty to) Allah; surely Allah is
severe in retribution (evil)."
(59:7)
Imam Ali (a.s.) is
reported to have said: "Even if all
of it was my personal property I would have distributed it equally
amongst the needy and poor. Then what is the situation when the
property belongs to Allah"
6. The right of
criticizing, advising, guiding and discussing the policies of the
leader should be respected and institutionalised. Emphasizing the
legality of militarily opposing the unjust ruler.
"And from
among you there should be a party who invite to good and enjoy what
is right and forbid the wrong, and these it is that shall be
successful"
(3:104)
The Holy Prophet (saww.)
is reported to have said: "The best
of Jihad is that of a word of right spoken to unjust ruler"
Imam Husayn (a.s.)
witnessed the deteriorating political and social situation and
clearly recognized that the general policy of the authorities did
not jibe Islamic principles. He was aware of the Ummah's numerous
and painful afflictions, and was determined to exercise his
religious duty, being the duly sanctioned leader and central figure
capable of restoring Islamic values. To re-educating the Ummah in
line with Islamic laws and to rectifying deviation and putting in to
practice the Shari’ah. Also, breaking the wall of fear and terror
that was imposed on the Ummah and stirring the sprit of revolution
and sacrifice in it.
Thus he rose. His revolt
is rich in lessons and divinely inspired attitudes. Imam Husayn (as)
embodied the sacrifice of self, money, family, social status and the
challenge to terror and cruelty. He patiently traversed hundred of
miles, moving both night and day. The epic protest he engendered
come at the most critical political juncture. In fact, the prophet's
grandson had vowed to sacrifice himself.
Eventually he was killed
along with his sons, most of his household and all of his
companions. The bodies were mutilated and their heads were carried
from Karbala', to Kufa and finally to Damascus. His womenfolk
were taken prisoners and marched across the desert. He himself was
expecting all that, but did not budge an inch. He (as) is known to
have said, "By Allah, I will never
give you my hand like a man who has been humiliated, nor will I flee
like a slave"
An uprising led by the
noblest and best-respected personality in the entire Ummah is
certainly one, which is uniquely distinguished as a movement,
abounding with spiritual, moral and religious ideals. Due to the
importance of this personality, we are honoured to remark the most
outstanding incidents of the dynamic Husayni movement, which stands
unequalled in its greatness and fills pages upon pages of history.
Such a sublime revolution has to be studied, dissected and fully
understood. Lessons should be drawn from it. Here we note that the
backward and downtrodden nations must one day follow in the
footsteps of Imam Hussein if they are to challenge the despots.
We beseech the Most
High and Almighty to make our effort of enduring benefit and to
help us in disseminating benevolence and guidance. He is the
Hearing and Answering.
__________________________________________________________
mulla@almahdi.org.uk