Hussein, the Rescuer of the Human Society
Who Could Be the Leader of the Human Society?
According to Muhammad bin Bishr Hamdani, “Imam Hussein wrote a letter to the people of Kufa and said, ‘In the name of God; From Hussein bin Ali to the believers and Muslims. Hani and Saeed brought me your letters. And they were the last messengers you sent me. I have heard all your words and I know about everything you have to say. You said you did not have a leader and that you wanted me to come to you, so that God might unite you on the side of righteousness.’”
“I sent you my brother, and my cousin and I commanded him to note down your problems. If he writes for me that the majority of you want me there, hopefully I will come to you soon.”
Because the main issue was the demand for having an Islamic leader, at the end of his letter, Imam Hussein writes about the characteristics of a religious leader and he introduces religious leaders to people by some features, “I swear that only he could be the leader of an Islamic society, who acts based on the Book of God, is fair and just, believes in the truth and is a servant of God.”
It is said that the Islamic system of Iran is the best example for other countries. Having Imam Khomeini and Ayatallah Khamenei as leaders, today, at the time of transition of Islamic countries to democracy, Iran can introduce this leadership model as great examples to them.
There is no doubt that one of the most fundamental problems of some Islamic countries is absence of such a leader. People do stand up against undeserving rulers, but finding a good Islamic leader is very important too; because the key to the existence and success of an Islamic system is having a leader, who, according to Imam Hussein, believes in the Book of God, is fair and just, believes in truth and is a good servant of God.
When they Kill the Tradition and Set Innovation
Every Muslim wants to know what he should do if he is in a society in which the religion is being threatened by the people or by the leaders who set innovations and discard religious teachings.
The answer to this question could be found in Imam Hussein’s letter to the people of Basrah;
“I invite you to the Book of God and to the tradition of Prophet Muhammad. The tradition has been killed and lies have replaced it. If you listen to me and if you do what I ask you, I will guide you through the right path.”
When Imam Hussein talks about a tradition that has been killed, he actually means the tradition of Prophet Muhammad, and what is meant by it is all the sayings, deeds, and behaviors of the Prophet, that are handed down to the Muslims as a religion, a law, and an eternal guide.
And when he talks about lies, he means the things that the religion has not talked about and are falsely said to be a part of the religion. The problem with them is that they make people busy with unworthy matters and turn their attention away from the authentic commands of the religion. This, according to Imam Hussein, will lead to the death of religion in the Islamic society and among the Muslims.
The Treatment for this Horrible Social Illness
Imam Hussein was like a healer who knew about every individual and social problem and had a treatment for each.
In his writings, he proposed a two-phase treatment:
1.To refer to the sources of religion and to act based on the teachings of Qur’an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad.
2.To obey the truthful leader and Imam.
Therefore, if the law of a nation is based on religion (the Book of Allah and the tradition), and if there is a truthful leader with the characteristics Imam Hussein described, this nation will never face misery, betrayal, and death, and it will have a magnificent existence both in this world and in the world after.
Translated by: Sadroddin Musawi
Other links:
Some Sayings of the Holy Prophet with Reference to Imam Hossein(A.S)
The Imam Hossein's Concepts of Religion and Leadership
Philosophy of Muharram
Martyrdom In The Way of Truth
The Day Of Ashura
