“Justice and truth are universal values, and Karbala is a brilliant example that illustrates the core of all major world religions.”
“Justice and truth are universal values, and Karbala is a brilliant example that illustrates the core of all major world religions.”
Inspiring movements for justice and human rights, the events of Karbala continue to have an impact on people all around the world, cutting across religious and cultural divides. Justice and truth are universal values, and Karbala is a brilliant example that illustrates the core of all major world religions.
A critical moment in Islamic history, the Battle of Karbala occurred on October 10, 680 AD, on the 10th of Muharram (61 Hijri). Beyond its religious importance, justice, human rights, and the struggle against oppression are global issues that are profoundly resonated with by the Karbala tragedy. The martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali and his allies is a timeless representation of standing up to oppression and demonstrating an enduring dedication to moral beliefs.
Hussain (as) made a significant message about human rights and dignity in Karbala, going beyond simple political disobedience. The Karbala narrative revolves around the pursuit of justice, which represents the conflict between good and evil, virtue and vice, and the clash of two leaders.
An era of political unrest marked the early Islamic world, and this included the Battle of Karbala. Disagreements over leadership caused deep divisions among the Muslim community when the Prophet Muhammad passed away.
The Umayyad caliph Yazid ibn Muawiya summoned the Prophet’s grandson Hussain ibn Ali before him and commanded him to pledge allegiance. Yazid engaged in immoral behavior; he drank alcohol, neglected to offer salah, and married women together with their mothers, daughters, and sisters. It was obvious that without Hussain’s backing, Yazid would never be acknowledged as the rightful leader of the Muslims; yet, Hussain had no intention of acknowledging Yazid as a leader, seeing his rule as illegal and unfair. This act of disobedience prepared the ground for the horrific conflict that took place in modern-day Karbala, Iraq.
Islam upheld the worth of every person, regardless of socioeconomic class, caste, faith, or race. Yazid, on the other hand, represented the dominance of one clan over another. Since women lacked status and rights, they were treated more like objects of pleasure and satisfaction than like human beings in Yazid’s court. Social divisions and feudal hierarchy took the role of brotherhood and equality. People who were neither Umayyads nor Arabs were viewed as inferior humans. Taqwa, or fear of Allah, and piety were valued less.
Although some Muslim historians attempt to portray it as such, this was not simply a political struggle, but also an attempt to hide Yazid’s crimes and covertly support his ideology. However, the majority opinion among Muslims, both Sunni and Shi’a, is highly favorable to Imam Hussain.
To refer to this as a Sunni-Shi’a conflict would be a complete farce of Muslim history. Some writers still make the mistake of simplifying matters for a lay Western reader, either due to a lack of knowledge or an imperfect attempt. Every year, millions of Muslims worldwide commemorate Ashura 10th of Muharram as a way to renew their commitment to the values of justice and human rights. It’s a moment to remember Husayn and his friends and to be inspired by their unflinching commitment to justice and truth.
Throughout history, several movements against tyranny have cited the values upheld by Hussain (as) and his adherents. Leaders of the 20th century, including Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, found inspiration in the events of Karbala.
Mahatma Gandhi remarked, “I learned from Hussain how to achieve victory while being oppressed,” acknowledging the spirit of social justice and Imam Hussain’s eventual victory. Gandhi recognized similarities between Hussain’s resistance and his own nonviolent campaign against British colonial control, and he was moved by the sacrifice made by Hussain (as).
Mandela, too, took courage from the example of Karbala, seeing it as a representation of unwavering resistance to injustice. The former South African president talked about Imam Hussain and how his resistance to oppression served as an inspiration. This is a famous remark said to Mandela: “But then I thought about Imam Hussain and the Karbala movement, and Imam Hussain gave me the strength to stand for my right to freedom and liberation, which I did.”
The vast majority of Muslim scholars concur that Imam Hussain (a.s) preserved Islam by giving his life, along with the lives of 72 others, in the Battle of Karbala, and that the lessons of Karbala are intended for all of mankind rather than just one specific group. This is what poet Josh Malihabadi said: “Insaan ko bedaar to ho lene do, har qaum pukaraygi hamare hain Hussain.” (All tribes will claim Hussain as their own; let mankind awaken).
Even though Muharram is observed by all sects as a month of mourning and fasting for centuries, some people today have become so cut off from religion and its moral implications that we now hear people wishing each other a “Happy Islamic New Year” on the first day of the month. Nowadays, rather than reflecting on their ceremonies, individuals celebrate their weddings and even take advantage of the 9th and 10th Muharram vacations for fun.
The lessons learned from Karbala have remained incredibly applicable to modern society. The narrative of Karbala clearly distinguished the value for what is right and wrong, what is truth or false similarly what is justifiable or not even in the face of insurmountable tyrant, in an era characterized by rampant violations of human rights, social inequalities, and governmental corruption.
Karbala highlights a number of fundamental human rights, which must ensure not only to humans but the other creatures as well, such as the freedom, dignity, and right to life. These rights were denied to Imam Hussain and his friends, who were subjected to cruel persecution and even murder, the difficulties they face are similar to those of many disadvantaged and underprivileged people in today’s society.
Every year during the first ten days of al-Muharram, Imam Hussain (as) is honored with massive devotions around the Muslim world. Instead of listening to music, nashids and naats are read in his honor and remembrance.
According to the noble Messenger’s (pbuh) Sunnah, the majority of Muslims likewise fast on the ninth and tenth of Muharram. While showing respect is necessary, it is not big enough much more work has to be done.
The most crucial lesson to be learned from the tragedy of Karbala is that Haqq (lawful) gave the ultimate cost of his life by refusing to bend before Batil (unlawful). The principles derived from Karbala advocate for the protection of these fundamental rights for all individuals, regardless of their creed, color, caste and religion.
