Today, more than a dozen wars are raging across different parts of the world. In every conflict, there is a wronged party and an aggressor. On one side, they stand for truth, justice, and human dignity; on the other side, brutality, oppression, and arrogance. Who cannot see the suffering inflicted upon unarmed Palestinians by Israel? Who cannot recognise the grave injustices being committed in the conflict involving Iran and the United States? The struggle between truth and falsehood is as old as human history itself. Yet among all such struggles, the stand taken by Imam Hussain occupies a unique and unparalleled place in the annals of history. His sacrifice at Karbala was not merely a battle for political power; it was a struggle to uphold truth, justice, and moral integrity in the face of tyranny.
‘The dust road to Karbala’ is a slogan that captures many ideas; martyrdom comes first. This implies dedication to the noble cause of justice, equality and divinity. When Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), realised that the Muslim Ummah was being misled by Yazid’s rule, he decided to stand up for justice. This meant the establishment of Islam, the way of life and the eradication of oppression and dictatorship. He saw the legacy of his grandfather was being replaced by the tribal culture that Islam had defeated.
The ‘Golden’ age of the Khulafa Al-Rashidun was short-lived. It started in the 11th Year of Hijra at the demise of the beloved Messenger (peace be upon him) and ended in 43 AH with the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali. Within a short period after the Messenger’s demise, it seemed that the tribal alliances staged a coup against the prophet’s mission. The events of the year 61 AH were significant in determining the nature of the new political reality in Arabia. The Umayyads’ takeover was swift and complete. The lack of authentication of the policies adopted by their rulers, like Yazid and Al Hajjaj and the institutionalising of monarchy and nepotism by rulers played into the hands of those seeking absolute temporal power.
When Yazid was appointed by Ameer Mu’awiyah, his father, as successor to rule over the Muslims, according to some disciples, the red line was crossed; they opposed it. They did not like nepotism and monarchy, since the Muslim masses were subjected to brutal rule. Imam Hussain, like these disciples, disliked it and felt obliged to stand up to Yazid. He is reported to have said: “It is our sacred duty that a repressive ruler, not abiding by the rule of Allah, must be challenged; if he doesn’t, he will get the wrath of Allah.” Imam Hussain could not turn a blind eye to the plight of the Ummah. He was aware of the consequences of this stand. Yet he was ready to champion the cause and protect Islam.
Imam Hussain raised the banner of guidance, resisted oppression and upheld the values of truth and justice. From the moment he decided to rise, he knew his destiny. He was ready for it to become the leader of the martyrs. In my Kindle book titled ‘The Tragedy of Karbala’, I describe five kinds of Jihad: struggle against one’s ego, lowly desires; teaching and preaching; using one’s wealth to spread truth and justice; through one’s excellent character and the fifth is with the sword.
Imam Hussain was engaged in all these kinds of Jihad. The time had come to use the sword. Jihad with the sword, The Majestic Quran calls this ‘Qital’, or fighting and going to war, killing and being killed. It’s a historical reality that humans will fight and wage wars against others. Often, victors settle their disputes by defeating their enemies in war. That is why Islam has recognised war as a lawful and justifiable course for self-defence and restoration of justice, freedom and peace.
The Quran says, “Fighting is prescribed for you, and you dislike it. But it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows, and you do not” (Al-Baqarah: 216). Anyone who is killed in this noble cause is rewarded with Paradise: “And do not call those killed in Allah’s path as being dead, they are in fact alive, but you are not aware” (Al-Baqarah: 154).
Imam Hussain had no alternative but to confront Yazid. To remain silent would have meant legitimising oppression, monarchy, and the removal of the prophetic moral and spiritual values. As the grandson of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and a leading figure of the Ummah, Imam Hussain believed that compliance with the wishes of Yazid would betray his sacred duty to uphold truth and challenge tyranny. Though fully aware of the immense sacrifice involved, he chose martyrdom over compromise; he preferred to die, let his family and loved ones die. Two enduring lessons emerge from the tragedy of Karbala: first, believers must courageously stand for truth and justice, even when the cost is great; second, moral principles and faith must never be sacrificed for political power, personal safety, or worldly gain.
