Imam Husayn (a.s.) was one of the greatest reformers who
belonged to everyone everywhere. His message transcends the barriers of caste,
creed, race, religion, and time. The advocates of human rights, sociologists, reformers,
and theologians will find “delightful wisdom, sweet instructions” in his story.
It was not a power struggle. Imam Husayn said, “correct, not conquer.” With a
superhuman courage, Imam Husayn (a.s.) left a message for the entire world, “Do
not submit to exploitation, of any kind, maintain a tenacious grip on veracity;
better die with honor than live in shame.”
In a deliberate attempt to sabotage one of the articles of
cease fire with Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba, Muawiya appointed his son Yazid as his
successor and converted the so-called khilafat into monarchy. He continued to
seek approval from important Muslim leaders using his old policy of offering
wealth, lies and silence the opposition by sword. Muawiya wanted to set a rule
for the kings who followed him, by appointing their successors. On his death,
Yazid sent an emissary to Madinah to obtain allegiance of Imam Husayn (a.s.) and
others and to kill them if they refuse. The Imam took the entire family
including a newborn and proceeded to Makkah on 27 Rajab 60 A.H. and stayed for
few months. In the meantime, he identified in public gatherings, the purpose of
his departure from Madinah i.e., “Enjoining what is good and forbidding what
is evil” and to follow the traditions of his grandfather and father.
Being the surviving member of Ahlul Bayt(a.s.), in whose
favor various Ayahs of the Glorious Qur’an were revealed including Ayah of
Purity (Tatheer) and Ayah of Truthfulness (Mubahilah), Imam Husayn (a.s.) was
obliged take a stand against the corrupt forces of monarchy. Safeguarding
Islam was emphasized by tradition of his grandfather, the Noble Messenger
(s.a.w.a.s.), “Husayn Minni wa Ana Minal Husayn” meaning “Husain is from me,
and I am from Husayn” The Imam continued to receive letters from the Kufans,
signed by over 100,000 Muslims, inviting him to come to Kufa and establish the
Islamic state. The leader of any revolt would endeavor to increase his
numerical strength to achieve victory. On the night of the historic Day of
Ashurah, Imam Husayn (a.s.) would advise his followers to leave him and save
their lives. He even offered to absolve them of his oath of allegiance to think
independently, free from any coercion.
Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s revolution is characterized by the
moral, human and Divine aspects!
There were three aspects of Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s revolt; The
first was that it was his decision to refuse the Umayyad’s demand to endorse
Yazid’s succession to the caliphate. The second was that he responded
positively to the appeals of the Kufans for him to set up a rival caliphate in
Kufa. The third was that he took necessary action to take on the corrupt ruling
establishment.
Sources: Truth about Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s Revolt by
Ayatullah Murtadha Mutahhari (Shaheed)
Story of Karbala by (late) S.A. Mahdi (1985)
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