WHO IS HUSSAIN - The Full Story Whilst Hussain was determined not to bow down to a tyrant, he did not want to be responsible for conflict or the inevitable bloodshed that would ensue. 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 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: “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…” What Hussain gave his life for. En route to Kufa, Hussain received news that Yazid’s forces had bullied and threatened the people 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. 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. 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 face the inevitable with him on the path of truth and justice. They took comfort in defending a noble cause. Till the very end, Hussain had the opportunity to return home in peace – all he had to do was sign a simple oath of allegiance. Indeed, the commander of the opposing army pleaded with him several times to convince him to do so. This was however not an option for Hussain. Instead, Hussain gave a rallying cry that shook the fabric of society; a cry that still echoes in the hearts of the oppressed and those seeking justice until today; “Is there anybody to help us?” This was not a call for help from his generation, but a cry that implored future generations to reject evil practices – to live with honour and integrity. Shortly afterwards, the 70,00-strong army encircled Hussain and despite a valiant effort, Hussain and his family were ruthlessly killed. It was the tenth day of the first month of the Islamic New Year, the 10th of Muharram 680 AD, Ashura day. The legacy of Hussain. 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 and in their actions. 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 come to embody integrity and compassion and become a symbol for courage, selflessness and ultimately, humanity. Hussain is a role model that all human beings can aspire to; his spirit lives on forever in the human conscience. The way he lived and the way he died show us the value he placed on morality and honour. He taught us the true purpose of our existence – the perfection of our morals and ethics. In his parting words, Hussain sum it up beautifully: “Death with dignity is better than a life of humiliation”. #who #is #hussain #full #story whoishussain.org/who-is-hussain/the-full-story/
Posted on: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 18:18:25 +0000
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