Karbala, A living School, Lecture 2 Part B

Under the shadow of the study of History discussed before we should now be able to answer the general misconception about the tragedy of Karbala, that it was a personal event and Imam Hussain (a.s) had a private mission, and hence no one is allowed to follow him. He was an infallible Imam, they say, and had his own mission. They assume such a belief gives a higher respect to the Imam. The adherents of this idea always try to show the Imams as extraordinary humans so that no one can make a model of their lives.

For instance, when they are dealing with the virtues of Lady Fatima (s.a.) they just focus on issues such as; she was not observing monthly menstruation, or the sperm she was made of was consist of a heavenly fruit. You scarcely hear from speakers about her behaviour at home with her husband and her children. Therefore, Muslim ladies do not normally think that Fatima (s.a.) can be their role model, for the scholars have introduced her in a way which shows her to be a different being.

I believe one of the major problems of our community is the lack of practical role models. They do not have any pattern to follow.

Contrary to this false presentation, the Holy Quran states:

""You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern.” 33:21

I have not a single doubt that Imam Hussain (as) is Walyullah. I myself have explained to you a lot about the spiritual status of the Ahlul-Bait, to the extent that many may not be able to grasp it. However, this does not imply that they cannot be role models.

If we say whatever Imam Hussain (as) has done on Ashura was by the guidance of an angel, then two problems will be raised:

(1) Imam Hussain (as) has never been able to use his brain and intelligence!

(2) No angel will come to me and hence he cannot be a role model for me. He was a different creature with a different mission!

Now you tell me, does this idea bring respect to Imam Hussain (as)?!

So the argument is whether Imam Hussain (as) rose against Yazid as an Imam who had a private mission, or as the leader of the Islamic Ummah and a true believer in Allah?

Thank God, Imam Hussain (as) himself has already solved this problem, if we give up our own pre-assumptions and listen to his own words. Here are some examples:

1. Imam Hussain (a.s) upon his arrival at Karbala wrote a letter to the leaders of the tribes of Kufa. One part of the letter reads:

“Surely you know that Prophet (pbuh) said: Whoever witnesses a tyrant ruler considering the prohibition of Allah as permissible, breaking the covenant of Allah, opposing the practices of the prophet of Allah (as), treating His servants sinfully and cruelly, and does not oppose him verbally or with action, then Allah truly associates him with that ruler.”

2. On the day of Ashoora, he addressed his companions saying:

“Can’t you see the truth is not practiced, and the false is not avoided, so the believer must be interested in visiting Allah (martyrdom) and indeed I do not see death but as a prosperity, and life with the tyrants a disgrace”.

Therefore, a true follower of Imam Hussain (as) never shakes hands with Zionists.

This is the philosophy of Karbala, and this is one of the lessons we should learn from this school and this is why Karbala is still alive and will remain alive as long as the struggle between truth & falsehood, between angel & devil, and between light & darkness, continues.

Other parts of this lecture:

Lecture 1: The Son of the Prophet Was Killed-Why?

Lecture 2 Part A: History, a Source of Human Knowledge

Lecture 2 Part B, Karbala, A living School

Lecture 3 Part A: THE CURSED TREE: BANI-UMAYA DYNASTY

Lecture 3 Part B: THE CURSED TREE: BANI-UMAYA DYNASTY

Lecture 4 Part A:Obeying the Caliphs

Lecture 4 Part B:Obeying the Caliphs

Lecture 5 Part A: THE IMPACTS OF KARBALA ON VIGILANCE OF MUSLIMS

Lecture 5 Part B: THE IMPACTS OF KARBALA ON VIGILANCE OF MUSLIMS

Other related links:

Some Sayings of the Holy Prophet with Reference to Imam Hussein (as)