Karbala: A Time for Reflection, Not Just Remembrance
Karbala:
A Time for Reflection, Not Just Remembrance
“Live
the Legacy of Hussain, Beyond Words, Through Deeds."
Peerzada
Mohsin Shafi
Muharram,
the first month of the Islamic calendar holds immense historical and spiritual
significance for Muslims worldwide. It is not just the beginning of a new year
but a time for reflection, especially when we remember the tragic event of the
Battle of Karbala. The legacy of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (PBUH), the grandson of
the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), continues to resonate in the hearts of Muslims,
inspiring them to uphold values of justice, integrity, and truth. However,
Muharram is not simply about marking a historical event but it is an
opportunity to assess our own lives and question which side of history we stand
on. Are we truly following the principles of Imam Hussain or have we
inadvertently aligned ourselves with the oppressive ideologies represented by
Yazeed?
The Battle
of Karbala was not just a military confrontation. It was a struggle between
truth and falsehood, righteousness and tyranny, justice and oppression. Imam
Hussain stood against the corrupt and tyrannical rule of Yazeed ibn Muawiya,
refusing to pledge allegiance to a ruler who represented everything Islam
opposed: injustice, moral decay and the abuse of power. This was a battle that
transcended politics. It was about standing for truth, even in the face of
overwhelming adversity. It was about refusing to compromise one’s principles,
even at the cost of life itself.
Yet, over
time, the significance of Karbala has been reduced to mere commemoration and
its message has become diluted. While Muslims worldwide mourn the martyrdom of
Imam Hussain every year during Muharram, few stop to question whether their
actions align with the very values for which he sacrificed his life. This month
should serve not only as a time for remembrance but also as a moment for
introspection. In the fast-paced, materialistic world of the 21st century,
where do we stand? Are we truly following the path of Imam Hussain, or have we
inadvertently embraced the ways of Yazeed?
Yazeed is
not merely a historical figure; he represents an ideology, a system of thought
and behavior that thrives on corruption, exploitation, and injustice. His rule
was characterized by cruelty, oppression and a blatant disregard for moral and
ethical values. Unfortunately, this same ideology has crept into various
aspects of our own lives, often without us realizing it. We may profess
allegiance to Imam Hussain with our tongues, but our actions often speak
otherwise.
One of the
most glaring contradictions lies in our approach to the five pillars of Islam,
particularly Salah (prayer), which is one of the fundamental acts of worship.
How many of us, in reality perform our prayers with sincerity and devotion?
It’s easy to claim to be followers of Imam Hussain, but do our daily actions
reflect the discipline and commitment that he embodied? In our busy lives, how
many of us find time for prayer, let alone perform it with the seriousness it
demands? This is a critical question we must ask ourselves during Muharram.
Beyond
personal worship, our behaviour towards others also reveals whether we are
closer to Hussain’s example or Yazeed’s. In business dealings, for instance,
are we honest, just and ethical? Or do we indulge in practices like bribery,
fraud and exploitation, which are symptomatic of the very system Yazeed stood
for? Imam Hussain’s resistance to oppression was not only political but also
moral. He stood against all forms of injustice and if we are to claim to follow
him, we must examine our own actions. Do we perpetuate systems of exploitation
in our personal and professional lives? Do we stand up against injustice when
we see it or do we quietly acquiesce?
Another
significant issue that reflects this ideological divide is the practice of Riba
(usury), which is strictly prohibited in Islam. Yazeed’s reign was
characterized by greed and the manipulation of resources for personal gain, and
unfortunately, many of us have adopted these same practices. We have become
complicit in systems that thrive on exploitation and interest-based
transactions, all while claiming to be followers of Imam Hussain. The question
we must ask ourselves is simple: Do we truly follow Hussain’s example in our
financial dealings, or have we succumbed to the allure of materialism and
financial gain, just as Yazeed did?
This
hypocrisy extends to how we raise our children. In a world filled with
distractions and the pressures of modern life, are we teaching our children the
values that Imam Hussain fought for? Are we instilling in them the importance
of justice, integrity, and standing up for what is right? Or are we
unconsciously teaching them to prioritize material success, power, and wealth
values that are at odds with the teachings of Imam Hussain? It is important to
remember that the legacy of Karbala is not just about remembering the
sacrifices of the past, but ensuring that those values are passed on to future
generations.
In the days
leading up to Muharram, we gather in mourning, recite elegies, and condemn the
actions of Yazeed. But is it enough to do this in remembrance? Or should we be
taking this time to assess our lives and ask whether we are living in a way
that honours Imam Hussain’s message? It is easy to claim to be a follower of
Hussain during the month of Muharram, but the true test of our allegiance comes
in the actions we take every day of the year.
The legacy
of Imam Hussain is not just about rituals; it is about embodying the values of
justice, truth, and selflessness in every aspect of our lives. If we are to honour
his sacrifice, we must commit to living by these principles, both in our
personal lives and in the broader societal context. Let us reflect on our
actions, examine our choices, and align ourselves with the path of Hussain, not
just with our words but with our deeds.
As we enter
this sacred month of Muharram, let us not just commemorate a historical event.
Let us reflect deeply on its message and ensure that we live our lives in a way
that honours the sacrifice of Imam Hussain. Only then can we truly call
ourselves his follower
