Ruler is Hussain, Emperor is Hussain,
Faith is Hussain, Guardian of Faith is Hussain.
November 2013
He offered his head, not his hand, to Yazid.
Truly, the foundation of faith—La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah)—is Hussain.
(Hazrat Moeenuddin Chishti Ajmeri)
Two dominant thought patterns shape the world: one constructive, the other destructive. A constructive mindset brings peace and tranquility, while a destructive one causes distress, discomfort, anguish, and misery.
The Creator of this universe fashioned it with love and warmth. He made it a realm of bliss, affection, honesty, and trust. The colors of the universe, the glow of the moon in dark nights, the shining sun by day, the star-studded sky, life-supporting gases, the music of trees and plants praising their Lord, the creation of the earth and its depths, and the mysteries of the skies, all were created for the peace, happiness, and fulfillment of humankind. No one was deprived of nature’s generous gifts.
When we reflect deeply on the beauty of this life, we realize that sacrifice is at the heart of every emotion. There is nothing on this earth except the Allah-gifted ability to create. Even the act of the earth preserving, nurturing, and protecting a seed is a selfless act of sacrifice.
When man contemplates his existence in this world, he finds no trace of himself before conception. The lives of the Prophets, especially our Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) were defined by a profound sense of responsibility toward humanity. They were always ready to sacrifice their comfort for the well-being of others.
Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) learned the meaning of sacrifice and generosity from his esteemed grandfather, the Prophet (SAW). He understood every aspect of his grandfather’s life. He was also deeply aware of the hardships the Prophet (SAW) endured in spreading the truth (Haq).
The noble life of his father, the husband of the Prophet’s beloved daughter (SAW), Syedna Ali Murtaza (RA), was also before him. Sacrificing for the sake of Allah thus became the most distinctive feature of his life. His courage, born of unwavering faith in Allah, guided him throughout. Submission to Allah’s will, sacrificing in His way, and selflessly becoming an example for the people, this was the tradition he inherited.
The tragedy of Karbala is so sorrowful that it moves every heart to grief and tears. Imam Hussain (RA) became the target of a vile conspiracy. The dearest grandson of the Prophet (SAW) displayed the same noble qualities as his grandfather and father. The uninterrupted tradition of sacrifice for Allah that began with the Prophet (SAW) culminated in the ultimate sacrifice of our Master Imam Hussain. His martyrdom forever distinguished truth from falsehood.
قتل حسینؑ اصل میں مرگ یزید ہے
اسلام زندہ ہوتا ہے ہر کربلا کے بعد
(مولانا محمد علی جوہر)
Hussain’s martyrdom is, in fact, the death of Yazid. Islam is revived after every Karbala.
(Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar)
Islam is the religion of peace and humanity. It forbids discrimination. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) granted rights and freedoms to non-Muslims at a time when the concept of tolerance was unknown.
The Holy Qur’an upholds the internal freedom of all people, especially in matters of faith and worship. It states:
“Let the People of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed therein.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:47)
According to these divine instructions, every group in society was allowed to live freely. Christians and Jews were invited to cooperate in goodness. The Qur’an affirms:
“For every nation there is a guide.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:7)
“And for every people was a messenger.” (Surah Muhammad 47:10)
These teachings of religious tolerance make it clear that every human being deserves respect and dignity.
“Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans—those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness—will have their reward with their Lord. No fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:62)
Islam means uniting humanity and followers of all religions under the banner of Allah’s truth. It was this very message that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) passed on to his children:
“And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons, and so did Jacob: ‘O my sons! Allah has chosen the Faith for you; so do not die except in submission to Him (Islam).’” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:132)
In Islam, Allah’s creation is His family. A religion that sees all beings as part of one divine family cannot harm His creation. Religion is nothing but a blessing, a means of peace and safety for all. Islam is about protecting the life and property of others, and it forbids harming anyone’s religious sentiments.
We may differ in race and religion, but we all drink the water gifted by Allah. We all breathe the oxygen He created. The sun shines upon all of us. We are made from the same earthly matter. We all rejoice in happiness and feel pain in sorrow. Our lives in this world are short, so they should be lived in harmony and peace.
Once, a group of Christian leaders visited the Prophet (SAW). He arranged for them to stay in his mosque. When they expressed their wish to pray, the Prophet (SAW) allowed them to do so, according to their own religious tradition, within his mosque.
Allah Hafiz