The Spirit of Sacrifice
by Hafiz Mahmod Khatib (ibn Shaykh Abulhasan Khatib ibn Moulana Abu Bakr Husain Khatib Dammani)
Imam Husayn lived his life the way he observed his beloved grandfather, the final messenger, live it. He embodied the qualities of the prophet in his character remaining deeply committed to the Quranic values of justice and equality. When the power was usurped by the Ummayd rulers and the people’s right to elect their Caliph was turned into a dynastic rule with little regard for human life and human dignity, freedom and justice, Imam Husayn mobilized first his family then his supporters to challenge the authority of Yazid, the Umayyad ruler at that time. He was betrayed by many of his supporters who withdrew at the last minute, but his family stood by him in Karbala, modern day province of Iraq, and faced the brutal might of a well organized, well equipped and well trained army.
The outcome was known from the beginning. Imam Husayn was aware of the imbalance in power. Yet he chose to stand his ground knowing fully well that he and his followers may not survive at the end of the conflict. He knew why he was there and why he had challenged the authority. He fought bravely and left the world with violent wounds as a testimony of his belief that sometimes in the life of nations come moments when liberty and justice become more important than the life itself.
Imam Husayn struggle resulted in a sacrifice given in support of human rights and human dignity. It is this sacrifice that has inspired millions throughout history to challenge injustice and inhumanity on the part of corrupt authoritarian political powers. We need to look at Muharram commemorations beyond the passion plays and should recognize this historical tragedy beyond a sectarian and political divide. All Muslims need to work together to uphold the legacy and sacrifice that the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Imam Husayn’s example is an ever-living legacy of principled struggle. He followed the path of prophets and this should motivate people of conscience and unite people of faith rather than split them along sectarian lines. All Muslims need to remember Imam Husayn for his commitment to justice as taught by the Quran “… enjoin what is just; forbid what is wrong; bear anything that happens to you steadfastly: these are things to be aspired to.” [Qur’an 31:17]
For those conscious of their moral obligations, consistently striving against injustice and oppression; Kullu Yawmin ‘Ashura, Kullu Ardin Karbala … EVERY DAY IS ‘ASHURA AND EVERY PLACE IS KARBALA.
