author: Isaaf
title: Imam Hussein (a.s.)

Imam Hussein (a.s.) and Ashura’

Mournful tears are shed at the beginning of every new Islamic year, Muharram. What is the significance behind these tears and who are they shed for? Imam Hussein, the Leader of the martyrs is the honorable name and reason of why we stand here today and cry. More importantly, it is Imam Hussein (a.s.) of why mournful tears are recited, and why people pound on their chests.

Trying and working in keeping the path of Ahl-lul Bayt (a.s.) successful, Imam Hussein (a.s.) needed to preserve it. He struggled, fought, and became a martyr to go about his mission. No way, would Hussein bow his head down to Yazid, the tyrant! Even if it meant his own life. And truly, Imam Hussein (a.s.) gave his life, his stabbed body, and his severed head to Yazid, and still, he never bowed down to Yazid’s allegiance, the oppressor of the Muslims.

With only 72 companions, Imam Hussein (a.s.) and his helpful, devoted soldiers fought with every bit of strength they had till their last breath. With the prohibition of water, innocent women, children, infants, soldiers, and Imam Hussein (a.s.) were quenched with burning thirst. Imam Hussein (a.s.) not only gave his life, but his children, cousins, relatives, and friends as sacrifice. It was the love and continuation of the Path of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) that Imam Hussein (a.s.) and his companions were martyred. At the final stage of the Massacre of Karbala, Imam Hussein (a.s.) was left alone with no companions.

A stranger to the land, a thirsty warrior, innocently oppressed, a soldier and martyr for truth - Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), Imam Hussein (a.s.) fell to the Karbala grounds. He fell and gave his life so that we can stand where we are today and say: “We are Shia’s of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.).” The land of Karbala rolled with bodies and blood. And it is Hussein in Karbala that both the Heavens and the Earth, and all within them, that cries for Imam Hussein (a.s.), and the beloved martyrs.

Now, lets take this truth into perspective. How many of us today actually consider Imam Hussein’s (a.s.) struggle? How many of us consider at heart and mind that it is because of Hussein that we stand here today. It is because of Hussein, that the final words of Shia, relates to our description. What is a Shia? A Shia is a word meaning ‘Follower’. So then, what are we? We are Followers of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) - Shia’s of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). And who are Ahlul Bayt (a.s.)? They are the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.), Fatimah al-Zahraa (a.s.), Imam Ali, Hasan, Hussein, and the holy successors after them. Now, what kind of Shia are we in general? If we want to say we are Shia’s of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), then we must act upon our beliefs. We must stand up for the defense and truth of Islam.

Yes! Cry and cry, and know that it was HUSSEIN, the holy Imam, that gave his life, with no one to defend him, and not the unfortunate us to take his place and defend him. Cry and know that it was HUSSEIN and not you who fell to the burning sand of Karbala, thirsty, alone, so that we can see the truth of religion today. God Willing, if we are the true followers of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), we will have the opportunity to join in the ultimate, upcoming battle. The battle that will repeat the stories of Karbala. The battle that will bring justice to the Earth. What battle am I talking about? It is the final battle: The Battle and War of Justice of Imam al-Mehdi (may Allah hurry his appearance). So, we still have a chance to defend Islam, and our holy Imam (a.s.). Make sure you’re ready with strong faith when the time comes.

A servant in search of truth.