The message of Karbala

The events at Karbala in 680 AD have profound significance for all Muslims. The martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), is mourned today as it was hundreds of years ago. His sacrifice has enormous meaning and the day of Ashura falling on the 10th day of Muharram is amongst the holiest on the Islamic calendar. It is a symbol of our troubled times that the day has also become one when those staging processions to mark the death of Imam Hussain and his companions do so at the risk of being made the target of guns and bombs in acts of tyranny and terror. The message of Karbala expands beyond the troubled question of persecutions of sects and minorities. The overall lesson is one of a valiant struggle and brave statements against oppression, dictatorship and cruelty. In the modern world, we see this fight take place against dictators, monarchs and all those in different positions of social and political authority who attempt by force to oppress others, particularly those weaker than themselves.

What we learn from Karbala is the need to battle these tendencies. Imam Hussain did so with incredible courage. The battles we fight today may in terms of ground realities be different; but the spirit remains the same. It is essential not to accept injustice and to do everything possible to ward it away. If we had been able to do so across the Muslim world and within our own country, we may today have stood at a better place. At home, the tenth of Muharram is a reminder that we need to create a place where injustice does not win and where equality and true honour can prevail. This means protecting all from brutality of every kind, and ensuring freedom for all. We have to a great degree failed to do this over the past years with strife raging both within our country and in the region. It is important to remember that any act that denies others their rights should not be tolerated. It should instead be resisted. Imam Hussain died for his refusal to stand by and watch as Yazid unleashed his reign of terror. We should adopt the same attitude in our day to day lives and in our wider policies. We must also remember that the story of Imam Hussain is also a call for aiding the poor and needy. Muharram must remind us of what brings us together under one faith.