Lessons of Ashura
Ashura was a battle between right and wrong; a divine battle which is not forgotten by time. The more time is lapsed from its date of happening, the clearer its teachings become for us.
Hussein bin Ali was a great person, who, through his sacrifices, taught many lessons to the coming generations.
Imam Hussein’s battle has many aspects. One aspect is its behavioral teachings, which are as follow:
1. The Message of Freedom
Freedom here does not mean to be free from moral bondages, as that would be slavery to the worldly desires. Freedom means that one should not accept oppression, but live an honorable and graceful life. Imam Hussein was such a person.
He once said, “Dying gracefully, is better than having a mean life.” That is the destiny he chose for himself in Ashura.
2. Selflessness and Sacrifice
Selflessness is a characteristic of great men. Although they need what they have, they give priority to others. Such people are ready to sacrifice their lives or their properties. Both are valuable acts for God. Imam Hussein sacrificed everything he had for the cause of God; his life, his children and his relatives.
3. Trust in God
In order to show to people who Yazid really was, Hussein bin Ali left Medina and went to Mecca. There, he spoke to the people about the evil ruler. When they tried to kill him, he left Mecca, as a sign of respect for Kaba, and went to Iraq, although he knew that some people were trying to kill him. He trusted God in his journey.
On the day of Ashura too, Imam Hussein said that he only relied on God and that he had faith and trust in Him, “I have trust in God, who has created you and me.”
4. Courage and Bravery
Children of Prophet Muhammad, are all courageous, brave, and have strong determination. The bravery of Imam Hussein in regards to the event of Ashura was extraordinary:
“Come with me tomorrow, any of you who is prepared to sacrifice his life for God”, said he to his followers before leaving Mecca for Iraq.
5. Loyalty towards Vows and Promises
Believers are committed to God and keep their words to the people. This is also apparent in the battle of Ashura. Talking about the people of Kufa, not keeping their promise, Imam Hussein said, “I am not surprised by this development. That is what you did to my father and to my cousin, Muslim bin Aqeel as well.”
And later, he lauded his followers for their loyalty, on the night before Ashura, “Never have I seen people more loyal than my followers.”
6. Sincerity in Behavior
One’s behavior is a result of one’s beliefs. Whatever the believers do is for the sake of God, while others do everything for fame and for position.
One of the teachings of Ashura is the message of action for the sake of God, as Imam Hussein had no other motivation to get himself, his family, and his followers killed, but the satisfaction of God.
7. Carrying out the Duty
People of God, who are just after the satisfaction of God, only want to carry out their duties and are not after a specific outcome. A soldier should fight wholeheartedly, whether he will be the winner or loser.
Imam Hussein was not after worldly victory or positions in his battle. He just wanted to carry out the duty God had assigned him.
“I hope God will grant us happiness and goodness for us, whether we win, or we lose.” Said Imam Hussein.
Translated by: Sadroddin Musawi
Other links:
The Beauties of Ashura: The Most Beautiful Choice
The Beauties of Ashura: The Most Beautiful Words
The Beauties of Ashura: The Most Beautiful Words
Martyrdom of Muslim bin Aqeel (A.S)
Umar bin Saad in Krabal
