Opinion: The Name of Hussain ibn Ali Radiates Nothing But Beauty

When I write the syllables of H-u-s-s-a-i-n (a.s), I find nothing but beauty, encapsulating a profound essence that resonates with grace and significance.

It is the 3rd of Shaban, the birthday anniversary of my beloved Imam Hussain (a.s). My heart is filled with mixed feelings of joy and sadness. Indeed, this is a magnificent day because on this day, a venerable individual came into this world whom Allah had chosen for a profound mission of immense significance, and who provided such a profound testament of love to Allah that the Almighty elevated the name of Hussain (a.s) forever.

Hazrat Imam Hussain is connected to a lineage whose love is decelerated obligatory by Allah (swt) in the Holy Quran. He has the honor of being the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (saw), and his parents are Imam Ali (a.s) and Lady Fatimah Zahra (s.a). 

Those who came to teach the religion of Allah are the Prophets, and he who came to protect the religion of Allah is Hussain. Hussain ibn Ali spent his childhood riding on the shoulders of the Messenger of Allah (saw). When the Prophet (saw) entered the state of prostration, little Hussain would climb onto his grandfather’s back. 

Regarding Hussain, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, “Hussain is from me, and I am from Hussain.” Before the Battle of Karbala, Hussain was recognized for being the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (saw), and after Karbala, Hussain is remembered for having sacrificed everything to safeguard the religion of Allah. 

In the field of Karbala, Hussain ibn Ali manifested profound love for Allah Almighty. Hussain ibn Ali is the one who prostrates before his Creator, Allah Almighty, even in the shadows of arrows and swords. And how can the mention of such a great individual be erased when the one who’s mentioning him is Allah Himself? From Hussain emanates the manifestation of ‘La ilaha illallah.’ This is why, even after 1400 years, the name and legacy of Hussain ibn Ali are still alive.

The love for Imam Hussain is not confined to a specific time or place. It is a love that transcends generations and cultures, echoing through the ages in stories passed down from one generation to another, passing down the torch of devotion.

When I was little, my parents used to tell us that Imam Hussain was the grandson of our Prophet Muhammad (saw). He was a very noble person, and our Prophet (saw) had immense love for him. Imam Hussain had a little daughter named Sukayna bint al-Hussain (a.s). There was immense love between Imam Hussain (a.s) and Hazrat Sukayna (a.s).

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During the Battle of Karbala, the opposing army cut off the water supply to Imam Hussain’s family in a scorching desert. They killed Imam Hussain (a.s), his brothers, and his children. After the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s), young Sukayna used to often cry, remembering her father Imam Hussain (a.s). It deeply shattered my heart as a child. I used to wonder why they killed our Imam. Even now, after 1400 years, our hearts ache, and tears flow freely when we remember the sacrifices of Sukayna’s (a.s) beloved father. 

In the field of Karbala, Hussain was standing alone, after sacrificing everything, and calling out, “Is there anyone to help me?”

This poignant voice echoes through centuries, resonating with millions today who respond with, “Labbaik Ya Hussain (Here I am, O Hussain).”

This voice still resonates deep within our hearts. The remorse within each of us is that we were not present at that time to stand alongside our Imam. We would have gladly sacrificed our lives for Imam Hussain (a.s). Our lives are dear to us, but they are not more precious than Imam Hussain’s.

Though time has separated us from you, Ya Hussain (a.s), your enduring love resides deeply in our hearts, creating an exceptionally close connection. The awareness of your existence brings tranquility to our hearts. Your final prostration has instilled in us the courage never to bow before any falsehood. We pledge to uphold the noble cause for which you sacrificed everything. Following your principle, we will not pledge allegiance to the many evils of our time. We will stand against them. We commit to keeping your mission alive perpetually.

The love of Hussain ibn Ali (a.s) knows no boundaries, embracing people of varying backgrounds and traditions. It is a universal language that unites individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and shared reverence for the principles Imam Hussain stood for. In every era, those who intensely love Hussain (a.s), relentlessly battle for the triumph of truth, and they will consistently confront every falsehood until the Day of Judgment.