A Death Better than Shameful Life
In a situation that a believer cannot live with dignity, what should he do?
According to Qur’an, in such conditions, the believer should immigrate. If he stays and accepts the humiliation and turn his back to the faithful life and religious duties under the pressure of the tyrant rulers, he will be punished by God.
The oppression of the tyrants is a lame excuse as the land of God is vast enough so that one could immigrate at the time of oppression.
“When angels take the souls of those who die in sin against their souls, they say: "In what (plight) were ye?" They reply: "Weak and oppressed were we in the earth." They say: "Was not the earth of Allah spacious enough for you to move yourselves away (From evil)?" Such men will find their abode in Hell, - What an evil refuge! -”The Holy Qur’an (Surah4, The Women, verse97)
But what if immigration does not put an end to the oppression and humiliation? If the tyrants could still dominate the believer because of their power so that there are no options but martyrdom or humiliation, what should one do then?
Imam Hussein has repeatedly answered this question.
An Answer
Imam Hussein’s answer to this question is not just made of words; he actually answers this question by what he does, so that everyone could witness his belief in these words.
Imam Hussein said, “The world has changed to what you see. It has become unpleasant. The virtues are gone and the world is getting closer to the evil. There is nothing good left, but a few; just like drops of water in the bottom of an empty bowl.”
Then, he said, “Can’t you see that no one is acting just and no one is staying away from the prohibitions (evils)? A believer should wish to meet God in such a situation. In my opinion, one should pick martyrdom instead of natural death. Living with these cruel people is nothing, but suffering.”
An Answer in the Battlefield
Imam Hussein said to the army of the enemy: “May God send you death and sorrow! You people asked for my assistance and I came to you right away. But instead of supporting me, you are standing against me now. You are with your enemies. And you have no hope that they will bring you justice. Woe to you! You left me alone even before there is a war. You are all doomed to fail! You are the worst among people! You turned your backs to the Qur’an and you are hosting Satan among you. You are assisting them, while you have left us. You have always been betrayers. Betrayal is deeply rooted in you. You will be severely punished for that.”
Then he said, “I have two options now; sword and disgrace. Disgrace is not what God wants for us. So, I choose war although I am with my family and although I have a few soldiers attendants.”
According to the remarks of Imam Hussein, the one who has faith in God and in Prophet Muhammad and his Household, would never prefer a life of humiliation to a graceful death.
Translated by: Sadroddin Musawi
Other links:
Devotion to Hussein
The Battle of Ashura: Battle of Fidelity against Infidelity
