Matam
By
Aneela Sultan
Matam is
a physical action, which does not have only one cause.
Matam can be observed when there is an objection against the
zulm (injustice) of innocent souls. (Owais Qarni knocked out
all his teeth on hearing that the Prophet (pbuh) had lost his
tooth in the battle of Uhud)
It can be observed when an individual objects to an action,
which he/she has committed against their own soul. (An incident
has been narrated in the Muwatta of Imam Malik in regards to a
man who started beating his breast due to having relations with
his spouse one day, within the Holy month of Ramadhan)
It can be observed when an individual may hear some shocking
news. (The wife of Ibrahim (AS) smote her face on the news that
she would bear a child)
The question is, did such actions within the History of Islam,
cause objection from Almighty Allah or His Prophet (pbuh).
When one looks at the first instance – The Prophet said: “Owais
is our devoted friend,” whilst remaining silent on hearing that
Owais had knocked out all his teeth.1
When one looks at the second instance – The Prophet said “Are
you able to free a slave (in relation to the action with his
spouse) whilst remaining silent in regards to the breast
beating.”2
When one looks at the third instance – Allah stated: ““But his
wife came forward (laughing) aloud; she smote her forehead and
said: "A barren old woman.”3 The Qur’an
portrays no objection from Allah towards this action.
Objections are not portrayed through silence. Objections both
by man and Allah are expressed.
From this, we can understand that silence marks acceptance.
Move
our thoughts to Karbala.
Imam Husayn (AS), his companions and his family.
We observe the objection of zulm against innocent souls.
Should we object to this Matam, or to the zulm, which was
committed?
Can we
state that Imam Husayn (AS) would object to the words: “They are
your devout friends” if we were to state them?”
This
matter is not obscure from our minds, but we like to obscure
it.
The
tragedy of Karbala also shocks the mind, how could such brutal
actions have been carried out by those who called themselves
Muslims. It’s something that many call unbelievable and smote
their faces.
Why they
are not befriended is the question we must ask?
A
message is being sent, and we need to understand it.
We need
to understand Karbala and understand its significance at this
moment in time.
And if
Matam is observed, the question that should foremost come into
our minds is, its cause, and when one understands the cause, one
should realise that due to it, such a practice will never end,
regardless of what others wish. It is something that will
remain till the final Imam appears, who will wipe out the
oppression the followers of Aali Muhammad are making known.
Ameen.
References:
1.
Sirat al Halabiyya Vol.2, p.295
2.
Muwatta Imam Malik, Book 18, Number 18.9.29
3.
Quran 51:29