The three qualities in human nature make him invincible as well as most vulnerable i.e. his character, language and moral conduct. Those who control these eternal errors, rule the world as said Imam Hussein.On 8th January, the world will commemorate and mourn over champion of human liberty and free will; for his immortal sacrifice made some fourteen hundred year back. In the battle field of Karbala in Iraq Hussein challenged the strong tyrant emperor Yazid of Damascus and embraced the martyrdom. Hussein is the man, famous for his benevolence, good moral conduct and character. So much that even in India millions of non-Muslims counts him as one of their deity. Hussainiyas can be mistaken as a Temple, if anyone counts the devotees from all sect, race and religion.
Accompanied by some hundred men devoted to his cause, he reached Karbala where thirty two thousand strong legion. They are destined be doomed, forecasted a man in Medina on his march. Surely, he was to die and he was aware of it but he was confident enough to say that this may leave the word terror free and a better place for humanity.
He left Media with some members of his clan including children and women. The other members joined him on his way. One of them was Zuhair bin Qain. He was one of the close ally to the Umayyad dynasty and a critique to the family of Hussein. One day he saw a small caravan passing by. The leader of the caravan greeted him open heartedly and asked him to join his mission. You know who I am, asked Zuhair. After some exchange of words Zuhair was the most impressed fellow and one from the first batch to sacrifice his life against the tyrant army. Zuhair, in praise of his leader says, 'I never found a man of his status so humble. He never used to summon anyone. Instead the prince used to visit the person himself. At his home he was the most courteous. Even in his most difficult times he was kind enough to welcome his guests and serve them more then his capabilities.'
Another was Hur bin Yazid Rehayi, himself from Damascus and the commander of the Yazid. He was in Karbala to check the movement of Hussein. Later he changed his flanks; he came to know the difference in motives where on one side there stood the mighty proud army, and on the other a small to be doomed band of seventy. Moreover these poorly equipped people were hungry and short of water for three days.
Someone asked Hur about his decision to pick a suicidal way; he replied, 'the character of Hussein makes me to do so. We are going to prove that swords may have won the battles but our blood will surpass them. The day will come when our innocent blood will inspire the entire humanity to join the suppressed and defy the oppressor.'
It is said that a night before the battle he asked his men to leave him alone to face his fate. They need my head so why you all should be wasted. Saying this he lit off the lamp, in order to make his men ease off their hesitation and leave if they wanted. None of them left although more then half were not even fully aware of him before his march.
We had not joined you for any reward or material gain. We were just impressed of your conduct and character and were fully aware of our destiny, they replied. Hussein made his last wish. Restore the basic rights of the general people. Let the world free of terror, suppression and might. His barehanded men were crushed and his head was severed when he was offering his last prayer. He died but lives long in the hearts of masses but the oppressor Yazid is cursed for the act of terrorism.
The life of Hussein has the lesson for us all that the great men are not the property of any one group whereas they belong to entire Humanity. They live not for themselves or act in self interest but for common good. They may die but never compromise with their principles. Also he teaches us that tyranny and terrorism never lasts long only survives love and the memory of good. And overall, only lives Humanity.
Religion is not about empty ritual but about faith. Nor can it be a compulsion on any one. But it’s curious how true devotion always seems to pay you back. One of my favourite stories about this concerns Bahlol of Baghdad, known as Bahlol Diwana.One day Bahlol was by the riverside making a sandcastle, like children do. Zubaiyda, wife of Caliph Haroon-al-Rashid happened to pass by. She was kind hearted enough to ask, "Bahlol! What are you doing?""Constructing a home for Paradise," replied Bahlol."Please would you sell this house to me?""Yes, I can, but for 100 dinars."Since Zubaiyda wanted to help Bahlol in any way she could, she immediately paid him the amount.Bahlol asked, "Don't you need a receipt?"“Just write it up and send it to me later,” replied Zubaiyda.When the Caliph came to know about it, he laughed at his wife. Meanwhile Bahlol distributed that money among the poor as he usually did.That very night Zubaiyda had a dream. She saw a big garden, the like of which she had never seen before. In it was a splendid palace, rich with jewels and decorated sumptuously A river flowed by, its banks blooming with flowers. Zubaiyda was given a receipt, written in gold, and was told that this was the Garden that she had bought from Bahlol. Zubaiyda woke up and told Haroon about it. Early in the morning, Haroon summoned Bahlol and asked to buy a house, too. Bahlol laughe
