THE INCIDENT OF KARBALA AND IT'S THEME

 

Where is Karbala?

If we talk about the geopolitical importance of Karbala has a long history. Karbala is the city of central Iraq, located 100km southwest of Baghdad, and is the capital of Karbala Governorate. Its population is more than 800,000.

The place is best known as the location of #Battle_Of_Karbala in 680CE. 

What is Karbala?

The incident of Karbala itself a long chapter that can not be summarized in a few words. The battle in Karbala is a good presentation of human characters, both, the best and the worst. Though, it was a religiopolitical movement for the divine rule and constitution for centuries against the tyrant, oppressor, and injustice that was prevailing then society. With limited knowledge, sometimes people analyze the history of Karbala as a fight between two persons, Imam Hussain (as) and Yazid, for political gain. Let's suppose, the notion is true and how do you imagine a person can sacrifice the whole family for designation and political interest only. Not at all, but sure it was a political movement for a divine and justice based governing system. Before the incident, there was a range of manipulation of religion and misused for vested interests.  

How did it happen? and Why?

The Battle of Karbala was fought on the bare deserts on the way to Kufa on October 10, 680  (10 Muharram 61 AH). Both Husayn ibn Ali and his brother Abbas ibn Ali were buried by the local Banī Asad tribe, at what later became known as the Mashhad Al-Husayn. The battle itself occurred as a result of Husain's refusal of Yazid's demand for allegiance to his caliphate. He was Yazid, who evoked fascism among the masses and started lecturing Islam according to his desires and likes. He did every illegal and forbidden practice in the name of Islam according to his desires and likes, and he had deviated from the spirit of religion and the values. The Monkeys and dogs were kept easily, and drinking wine was a common practice inside the Mosque. The Kufan governor, Ubaydallah ibn Ziyad, sent thirty thousand horsemen against Husayn as he traveled to Kufa. The horsemen, under 'Umar ibn Sa'd, were ordered to deny Husayn and his follower's water in order to force Husayn to agree to give an oath of allegiance. On the 9th of Muharram, Husayn refused and asked to be given the night to pray. On 10 Muharram, Husayn ibn Ali prayed the morning prayer and led his troops into battle along with his brother Abbas.

The historical saying of Imam Husain(A.S.): "Indeed I am leaving Madinah to reform the ummah of my grandfather".
The above words summarize the mission of Imam Hussain (A.S.). These words are part of his will which he left with his stepbrother Muhammad al-Hanafiyya. The reform of the ummah through amr bil ma'ruf and Nahi anil Munkar, that is what should be the objective of every one of us claiming to be mourning for our Imam during these twelve days.

What a person, irrespective of religion, can learn from Karbala?

With irrespective of religion and sect, one can learn the following basics.

1. Karbala is all about Patience!. If you do not have patience in your personality you are lacking something important which Imam Hussain (as) taught. Look at Hazrat Abbas.

2. Karbala is all about Courage!…… Have the guts to speak up for what is right. Even if it means speaking against your brother who is mistreating his wife. Or speaking against your local goon if he is troubling some innocent neighbor.

3. Karbala is all about Kindness!… The enemy forces which were thirsty were given water by our Imam. Hussain knew he would be killed by these very people, still, he gave them water. And even to their horses! Karbala teaches us to show kindness to fellow humans and animals alike.

4. Karbala is all about Loyalty!….. 72 companions were killed in battle against a standing army of thousands. Even when faced with certain death these brave men didn't leave the side of Hussain. Look at the bigger picture, leave your petty differences aside, and be loyal to a cause you believe in.

5. Karbala is all about Equality!….. John, was a *dark-skinned* African Christian who earlier was a slave, was treated as his brother by our beloved Imam. The color of the skin doesn't matter, what is in your heart matters.

6. Karbala is all about Magnanimity!… Hurr, the enemy commander who was responsible for cutting the water supply of Hussain's camp, but later had a change of heart on the night before Ashura, was welcomed by Hussain with utmost respect and love.

CONCLUSION

Karbala is the most painful tragedy in the history of mankind. It doesn't show or present only a side of politics but holding many chapters in itself. Though, it was a political movement by Imam Hussain (as) only against the ruthless, tyranny, injustice, exploitation of religion, and disrespect of Islamic values and entities. As a common being, we can learn the dedication, love, faithful, loyal, hardworking, and sacrifice for a novel and noble purpose of your life. That we can see in the whole journey of Imam Hussain (as) and He showed the whole universe and will be remembered forever.