The Commemoration of Imam Hussein (A.S), A School for the Seekers of the Truth
The Commemoration of Imam Hussein (A.S) has been observed by the followers of Ahl-ul-Bayt (members of the House of the Prophet (PBUH)) for centuries; yet many Muslims resent it, thinking that this would divide or increase the division of the Muslims. To my understanding this argument is unsound for the following reasons:-
- Imam Hussein and his opponent, Yazid, are on the opposite ends of the Heavenly Scale. There is no Muslim School that doubts the purity and qualification of the Imam. Righteous Muslims also know that Imam Hussein is a dear grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and that he is a leader of the youth of the paradise. On the other hand, Yazid is unacceptable to any Muslim, and every Muslim condemns him, and will continue to do so, for his transgression and for the crimes he committed against the Ahl-ul-Bayt.
With such a clear distinction, there should be no confusion among the Muslims on account of the commemoration of this great Imam. No Muslim party should be angered by hearing the truth about the great Imam and his opponent Yazid!
- Imam Hussein and the rest of the Ahl-ul-Bayt did not receive in their lives the fairness and respect due to them on the part of the Muslims, while the rest of the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) received of that as much as they deserved. The members of the Household of the Messenger were denied even the right to live or feel safe. The Muslims should therefore try to correct the mistake of history by understanding the virtues of these distinguished people.
- Keeping the names of these people alive will be in the interest of the Muslims. The Messenger of God, Muhammad (PBUH), said when he was returning from his valedictory pilgrimage, while at Ghadir Khum:
I am about to be called (by the Lord to depart from this World) and respond (to His call). I am leaving for you Two Valuables (one of them is bigger than the other): The Book of God and the members of my Household. Beware how you shall treat the two after me, because they will not part with each other until they join me on the Day of Judgment!
Thus honoring their memories and informing people about them would be in congruence with the advice of the Messenger (PBUH), and would provide the Muslims with what they need of Guidance.
Imam Hussein’s Martyrdom contains great lessons for the seekers of the truth. Every Muslim can learn a great deal from the great sacrifice and the courage of the Imam. Muslims in some countries still live under similar conditions now as he did. Corruption is still prevalent in many parts of the world, and tyrants, like Yazid, are no rarity in some Muslim and non-Muslim countries, but we don't have men like Imam Hussein. His commemoration provides the Muslim World with some of his excellent teachings.
Source: al-islam.org
Other links:
The Infant Martyr
The young companions of Imam Hussein(A.S)
The Killing of Al-Abbas and his Brothers
Imam Hussein (A.S) was Surrounded by the enemies of Islam
