By
Yusuf Abdullahi
....Certainly, the murder and mutilation of Imam
Husain was the worst atrocity in human history. However, some people
tryhelter-skelter to exonerate the culprits from their deliberate atrocity.In
line with these baseless claims they created the widely circulated political
joker accusing the Shi'ah of abusing the companions of the prophets.In
contrast......
In the name of Allah who states “Shall We treat
those who believe and work deeds of righteousness the same as those who do mischief
on earth?Shall we treat those who guard against evil, the same as those who
turn aside from the right?" Q38:28
May the everlasting peace and blessings of Allah be
upon His noble servant, our master Muhammad (S) and his exceptional progeny.
Before the advent of the unforeseen pandemic, most
important thing that draws the attention of the world at this time is the 40th
day mourning of Imam Husain (AS), at Karbala - Iraq,where millions faithful
annually converge at the largest gathering on earth.The pilgrims, beside
hospitable reception and optimumhealthcare,security is sufficiently ensured. In
this humanitarian services, significant role is played by the religious
authorities, government,scholars, nongovernmental organizations and individuals
in thesymbolic journey in search Allah’s pleasure.However, given the pandemic
situation this year’s event is somehow a low-key affair.
In the past years, the event, as observed across the
world included Nigeria where millions symbolically trekkedto
HusainiyyatuBaqiyyatullah, Zaria where the revered leader of the Islamic
Movement would deliverspeech before the genocide and its destruction in
2015.The programme is in line with narration of Imam Ja'far (AS) that equated
visit to their rightful followers to that of ‘A'immah, for those
faithfulsincapable of the distant journey.In contrast to the unscientificand
narrow-mindedthought that Ashura was a bygone historic tragedy, it is an
everlasting warfare between right and wrong, truth and false and of course
justice and oppression. This was the lesson maintained by the late Imam
Khomeini (QS) in his popular expression, every day is Ashura and every place is
Karbala!Looking at the increasing attention focused on the oppressed progeny of
the noble prophet (S), the way some people try to misguide the Ummah on
baseless allegations is not only surprising but very disheartening.
LOVE OF THE PROPHET'S PROGENY
The love of the progeny of the noble prophetis
mandatory on the Ummah. Allah stated "... no reward do I ask of you for
this except the love of those near of kin...” Q42:23. Itis good to stress the
fact that the companions of the prophet were the first generation of Muslims
obliged to love, respect and pay allegiance to. They were in no way equal to
them. With higher degrees, the progeny was elevated above the companions.Itis
pertinent to stress the fact that love of the Ahlul-bait cannot be merged with
that of their enemies. Infact, the unfortunate Ashura tragedyis directly linked
with the episode of Saqeefa. The Prophet (S) said “Husain is from me and I am
from Husain, O Allah do love he who loves Husain". As he set out on the
path of his grandfather for a reform, the Imam described the mission “I have
not risen up, but to safeguard the religion of my grandfather, the Prophet!”
But for the great sacrifice of the Imam and his followers, Islam would have
been a thing of history! The most illogical, unscientific and paradoxical
expressions are those equating the two conflicting parties together! It is
completely impossible to claim the love of Imam Ali and that of Mu'awiya or
Imam Husain and Yazid, son of the leader of the unjust group!
DENOUNCING OPPRESSION
Certainly, the murder and mutilation of Imam Husain
was the worst atrocity in human history. However, some people tryhelter-skelter
to exonerate the culprits from their deliberate atrocity.In line with these
baseless claims they created the widely circulated political joker accusing the
Shi'ah of abusing the companions of the prophets.In contrast, they are
evidently known as the vanguards of noble messenger and Islam entirely. Those
against Shi'ah equate Imam ‘Ali with Mu'awiya,some even exonerate Yazid of his
devilish act. They attack the way Shi'ah mourn the Karbala tragedy and speak
against them in the name of keeping off from the acts of predecessors. There is
no wisdom in such assertion because Allah has given us the holy Qur'an as a
yardstickto differentiate right and wrong and justice and oppression. Allah has
prohibited oppression upon Himself, condemned it among His servants and
strongly warned against it. Then, why should we remain silent against
oppression? Why can't we speak against oppressors and mischief-makers? "Is
then the men who believe no better than the men who are rebellious and wicked?
Not equal are they". Q32:18
Certainly, we were taught to do right,enjoined to
avoid injustice and speak against it "And do not incline to those who are
unjust, lest the fire touch you, and you have no guardians besides Allah, then
you shall not be helped" Q11 :113. Islam is generally opposed to
oppression even against animals. That is why the Shi'ah are always against it
from whichever angle it comes. Allah states"Shall We then treat the people
of Faith like the people of sin? What is the matter with you? How judge ye?
Q68:35-36
SUPPORT FOR JUSTICE
Our denouncement of oppression expresses our quest
for justice at the same time. “You are the best community raised for the good
of mankind.You enjoin what is good and forbid what is wrong, and you believe in
Allah” Q3:110.The love of Ahlul-bait condemns oppression and promotes
justice.This was the philosophy behind the first trek to Karbalaby Jabir
BinAbd-Allahal-Ansari, a renownedcompanion of the Holy Prophet on the 40th day
of Imam's martyrdomwhere he coincidentally met the surviving members of the
prophet's family under Imam‘AliZainal-Abideen and his audacious Aunt Sayyida
Zainab!
Unavoidably, one must sympathize with either of the
two parties. And regardless of all inclinations, those with a common sense of
humanity cannot but side with the oppressed. Edward Granville Browne, the
Englishorientalist, said “is there any heart not to bleed and grieve when told
about Karbala? Even non-Muslims cannot deny the chastity of the souls
manifested in this war under the banner of Islam. On his part, the
India’spoliticalandspiritualleader, Mahatma Gandhi said “I have carefully read
the biography of Imam Husain and have contemplated the events of Karbala. I am
sure Indians must follow his ideas on the path to victory!
Then, we may ask, who do yousympathize with? There
is no cause for any ambiguity. Right from the occurrence of the incidence, some
supported the oppressors, and others were misled to equate them with the
oppressed, which is anobvious form of oppression. Punishing the criminals and
rewarding the good doers is the tradition of Allah. This is what all verses of
the noble Qur’an and sayings of the noble messenger attest. Therefore, one must
clearly analyze the two parties and take a right stand so that he or she may
not be raised with oppressors and enemies of the blessed prophetic family on
the Last day. Al-Tabarani related from Ibn Abbas that “no one shall be able to
move from his place of reckoning on the day of Judgment until he has stated
four things: how he spent his life and wealth, where he got his wealth from?And
shall also be asked about the love of the Ahlul-bait.
IN RESPONSE TOTHE CALL OF THE IMAM
The popular wording of the Imam was “Indeed I went
out claiming reform for the Ummah (nation of my grandfather -Allah’s prophet),
I want order all that Islam has ordained and prohibit atrocious behaviors”. But
for his great sacrifice, Islam would have been long forgotten!Generally, the
commemoration reminds the faithfulon the need foran unflinching stand in the
fight against oppression for the establishment of justice on earth. Obviously,
this can bring about change in the society as Ashura was the catalyst for the success
of Islamic revolution in Iran.Allah states “… verily, never will Allah change
the condition of a people until they change it themselves with their own souls
…” Q13:11
As the world commemorates the 40th day mourning of
the oppressed Imam,it must embrace the path of justice and righteousness and
reject oppression and exploitation of the weak as did the courageous Imam. May
the peace of Allah be upon Husain, ‘Aliyu son of Husain, children of Husain,
companions of Husain, and His endless curse on their murderers to the Day of
reckoning.
Using the august medium, I reiterate the need for
international community to join hands in support of justice and unconditional
of release of Sheikh Ibraheem el-Zakzaky (H) and his disciples.
Wassalamu alaikum.
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