The powerful tradition of repentance will be highlighted yet again as Muslims across the world this week began observing the Islamic month of Muharram, centrally tied to the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s.), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
In this journey, the example of Hazrat Hur ibne Yazid al-Riyahi, a general of the army of Yazid ibn Muawiya, who defected to the forces of Imam Hussain (a.s.) just before their massacre on the 10th day of Muharram, has highlighted the importance of repentance and forgiveness.
Almost 1400 years have passed since Imam Hussain (a.s.) and at least 72 of his companions were massacred, while the events of that terrible episode continue to resonate till this day. For Muslims who are struggling against persecution, notably in Gaza where Israel has killed more than 56,000 innocent Palestinians, the occasion offers a timely opportunity for renewal of their faith.
And the memory of the terrible events before and after the day of carnage that witnessed the capture of women, children and a lone surviving adult male, Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s.) has carried on till today. The prisoners were forcibly taken to the court of Yazid ibn Muawiya, the caliph at the time, based in Damascus.
Just one of the many terrible accounts of that journey flows from the continuing disagreement on the number of children who departed from Karbala versus those who arrived in Damascus. Many fell from their mothers' laps while the prisoners travelled swiftly, after they were tied and forced onto camels before leaving Karbala.
But ahead of the carnage on 10th Muharram, a widely remembered event relates to the powerful example of repentance, well embedded in history for all time.
Karbala's accounts will remain incomplete without citing the example of Al-Hur ibn Yazid al-Riyahi. Widely known today with deep respect as 'Janab e Hur' or 'Hazrat Hur al-Riyahi', his resting place in Karbala has become a place of pilgrimage by those who visit the holy city. Primarily pulled to visit the shrines of Imam Hussain (a.s.), his brother Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) and nearby venues of historical significance, pilgrims for centuries have additionally stopped by the shrine of Hazrat Hur al-Riyahi.
When Imam Hussain (a.s.) and his followers arrived in Karbala on the second day of Muharram, they were met by Hazrat Hur al-Riyahi, who was leading a contingent of one thousand soldiers from the army of Yazid ibn Muawiya.
Historical texts widely cite a memorable exchange between Imam Hussain (a.s.) and Hur al-Riyahi, in which the latter demanded the oath of allegiance for Yazid ibn Muawiya. In return, Imam Hussain (a.s.) repeated his refusal as before. But before the battle on 10th Muharram, Hazrat Hur al-Riyahi accompanied by his son and a slave, defected from the army of Yazid to join the ranks of Imam Hussain (a.s.). To this day, historians have praised the courageous action of Hazrat Hur al-Riyahi, driven by remorse over his prior choice.
He set an example for all times to come, powerfully stating the importance of repentance. Historical accounts of events on 10th Muharram state that Hazrat al-Riyahi first oversaw his son's ride to battle after joining Imam Hussain (a.s.). He then rode into battle to face his own former troops before being slain on the sands of Karbala. The example of Hur al-Riyahi amply demonstrates the centrality of moral courage for choosing righteousness over military and political power. The event served a lasting lesson for the doors to redemption remaining open for all times to come.
Historians have amply praised morality in a battle that witnessed the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s.) and his followers as the fundamental pillar of this encounter. "Imam Hussain had no plan to win a material battle", wrote the late Syed Mohammad Taqi, the widely respected philosopher and former editor of 'Jang', in 'The Future of Civilization -- Exploring the Profound Impact of Sacrifice in Building a Noble and Humanitarian Society'.
In a text translated from the original script in Urdu to English by Sumera Naqvi, Syed Mohammad Taqi wrote, "On the 10th of Muharram, Imam Hussain (a.s.) and his allies fought with extraordinary courage, bravery, unusual valor, steadfastness and fearlessness, leaving behind an indelible mark in the annals of history". That mark on history remembered by Syed Mohammad Taqi adds to other historical texts, citing additional examples of the sacrifices of Karbala driven by individuals choosing morality over worldly gain.
The history of events at Karbala includes the accounts of at least 16 freed former African slaves who rode into battle in support of Imam Hussain (a.s.). A widely cited example from those individuals often recalls Hazrat Jon e Habshi. But fifteen others were driven mainly by a moral choice, thus foregoing the freedom to walk away from certain martyrdom.
Though events at Karbala occurred almost 14 centuries ago, their continuing impact worldwide continues to this day and beyond. The pilgrims who visit Iraq in large numbers for visits to the shrine of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) in Najaf e Ashraf, followed by visits to Karbala, do so in recognition of the universality of the message of Imam Hussain (a.s.) for all times to come.
This event provides the most powerful inspiration for people struggling for their rights in far-flung places, from Palestine to Kashmir and beyond.
"Tears shed for Imam Hussain (a.s.) are due to his unwavering commitment to high moral values and principles, which evoke a deep emotional response and love for these values", wrote Syed Mohammad Taqi. "Every person is born into the physical and temporal confines of the universe and Imam Hussain (a.s.) was no exception. However, he transcends these limitations to embody the highest ideals of human civilization", he added.
The impact of the message from Karbala that drew Hazrat Hur al-Riyahi underlines the view that Imam Hussain (a.s.) 's sacrifice has clearly left behind an enduring effect for all time.
The writer is an Islamabad-based journalist who writes on political and economic affairs. He can be reached at: farhanbokharigmail.com