Who is Hussain?
Who is Hussain? … And why should you care? Well first ask yourself the tough questions Hussain asked himself: What do I do when I know that something is wrong? Do I keep quiet or speak up? Do I look the other way and hope it will go away? Or do I take action, even if it could mean losing everything…?
These difficult questions constantly crop up in our lives, in
every time and situation. They nag us, occupy our sub-conscious and
interrupt our thoughts. Yet it is Hussain’s inspiration that provides
all the solutions, in the most unique of stories…
THE BEGINNING
Hussain was born in 620 AD to a family renowned for their values of
love, equality and peace. He exemplified these morals – taught to him by
his grandfather Muhammad, the last prophet of Islam.
Being born into the household of Muhammad, the people flocked towards
Hussain for his teachings, generosity and wisdom. He served the people
as a leader – promoting and upholding many universal principles. Hussain
valued equality, justice, and honour, and was known for his
truthfulness and selflessness.
Not long after the passing of Muhammad, the leadership of the vast
Arab Empire had fallen into major disrepute and corruption. The morality
that Muhammad had spent his life instilling into society was slowly
being eradicated as the new tyrannical ruler, Yazid, seized power.
Hussain witnessed how the fundamental human rights of his fellow
citizens was being usurped, and knew something had to be done. Yazid,
from the Ummayad dynasty, knew nothing of morality or humanity, and
ruled with an iron fist. He demanded Hussain pay him an oath of
allegiance, to lend credibility to his tyrannical rule.
It was now that Hussain faced his dilemma… Should he give his oath of
allegiance to an oppressive tyrant – stand aside and allow injustice to
overcome morality? Or should he take a stand and risk great personal
loss? The timeless words of his grandfather echoed in his heart and
Hussain knew what to do:
The greatest stand is to speak the word of truth in the face of a tyrant.
WHAT HE LIVED FOR
Whilst Hussain was determined not to bow down to a
tyrant, he did not want to create social disharmony, conflict or any
bloodshed. He decided to relocate with his whole family to the holy city
of Mecca. Surely, he thought, Yazid and his henchmen would respect this
city and avoid confrontation.
But Yazid’s threats of violence continued, and fears of bloodshed
spurred Hussain to move on. Hussain was invited to Kufa – a town in
modern-day Iraq – by his supporters and friends who lived there. They
requested his help to spread the values of justice and equality they
craved for so long. “They need me,” he said, “I have a duty that must be fulfilled.”
Setting out for Kufa with his family and close companions, Hussain aimed to avoid conflict at all costs. His message was simple:
By God, I will never give Yazid my hand like a man who has been humiliated, nor will I flee like a slave… I have not risen to spread evil or to show off – nor for spreading immorality or oppression. Rather, I have left to restore the teachings of my grandfather Muhammad… And I only desire to spread good values and prevent evil…
En route to Kufa, Hussain received news that the people had been bullied and threatened into withdrawing their support for him… Hussain,
his family and his companions were alone with no support. Yet Hussain
was a man of principles – he would never give up his mission and bow to
tyranny. Yazid ordered an army of over 30,000 to block Hussain
from moving any further east. Hussain’s caravan was forced to stop in
the middle of the scorching
desert of Karbala, Iraq. The end was drawing
close.
That night, Hussain assembled his companions and pleaded with them to
leave him and save themselves. They refused to leave their leader,
declaring that they would prefer to stay and die with him on the path of
truth and justice. They took comfort in defending a noble cause.
The next day, under the blazing sun and searing heat, Yazid’s battle
drums were sounded and orders were given to the army to attack and kill
Hussain at any cost. Hussain’s army of approximately 100 men stood in
front of an army of 30,000; the odds were impossible. One by one,
Hussain’s men, family and children sacrificed themselves to defend him,
until he stood alone on the desert plains…
Wounded, fatigued and without support, Hussain issued a rallying cry
that shook the fabric of society; a cry that implored future generations
and one which still echoes in the hearts of the oppressed and those
seeking justice until today: “Is there anybody to help us?”
Shortly afterwards, the heartless enemy army encircled Hussain and he
was ruthlessly killed and beheaded. It was the tenth day of the first
month of the Islamic New Year, the 10th of Muharram 680 AD, Ashura day.
His legacy
Today, the tragedy of Karbala is remembered by millions worldwide every year in solemn commemoration. It
is a time of introspection and internal contemplation, a time of
re-dedication to the spirit of Hussain. People reflect upon and reject
elements of their lives that mirror the uncivilized tendencies of Yazid…
And they vow to become more like Hussain in their principles.
In many societies, like Europe and North America, a custom has developed of setting up blood donation centres in
the name of Hussain. Donors give with the sole purpose of helping
others who need it – it is just one way in which the sacrifice of
Hussain has become a symbol for courage, selflessness and ultimately,
humanity.
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