Date: 1/16/2008
Tehran University of Medical Sciences / English News Service: Ashoura, is the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar that marks the climax of Imam Hussein ibn 'Ali’s along with 72 members of his family and close friends martyrdom remembrance during the first 10 days of the month, a period of lamentation, to keep alive the memory of the tragedy.
Ashoura, is the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar that marks the climax of Imam Hussein ibn 'Ali’s1 along with 72 members of his family and close friends martyrdom remembrance during the first 10 days of the month, a period of lamentation, to keep live the memory of the tragedy. Hussein was the grandson of the prophet Muhammad and was martyred at the Battle of Karbala that day in the year 61 AH (AD 680). [I]
From Hero to Legend
The Imamate Twelver Shiite belief of the martyr reflects a pure ideological stance. Apart from history, Imam Hussein and his martyrdom in Karbala signify a symbol, an issue whose significance overwhelms any historical meaning. Whilst the historical element is dropped, the personality becomes legendary and a saintly halo is conferred on Imam Hussein.
Sunnis deal with the tragedy of Karbala by investigating the historical causes that led to the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and his companions. Sunnis may at times differ in estimating its causes and results, but never ignore Imam Hussein’s grand religious rank, affirmed by religious texts and his being the Prophet Muhammad's (Peace and blessings be upon him) grandson.
The Shiite legend of the Martyr Imam reveals continuous energy and vitality, nourishing the narration of the Imam Hussein's biography during the commemorative rituals and giving it an eternal significance. The Karbala’ incident is not regarded as a one-time historical event, but an incident whose significance encompasses the perpetual conflict between good and evil and is represented by the Shiite slogan: “Karbala’ is Everywhere and `Ashura’ is Everyday.” [II]
The Tragedy of Karbala was no ordinary tragedy and Imam Hussein was no ordinary revolutionary for he was the grandson of the holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad. For oppressed communities worldwide regardless of religion, gender or race, the tragedy of Karbala forms a model, a benchmark. Karbala signifies a lesson that human beings should never submit to tyranny, oppression and falsehood. Silence in the face of transgression is synonymous to the acceptance of injustice.
Imam Hussein's heroism set a firm standard against despotism forever. It sent a message to all corners of the world that although he was finally massacred in battle; he and his most loyal companions were victorious. It was in the name of Imam Hussein that the oppressive government he fought was toppled some 70 years following his death, and the true Islamic teachings of peace, justice and submission to God exists today. [III]
After the assassination of their father, Imam Ali (A.S.), Imam Hasan (A.S.), and Imam Hussein (A.S.), Imam Hussein refused to recognize the legitimacy of Mu'awiya's son and successor, Yazid (April 680). Imam Hussein (A.S.) was then invited by the townsmen of Kufah, a city with a Shiite majority, to come there and raise the standard of revolt against the Umayyads. After receiving some favourable indications, Imam Hussein (A.S.) set out for Kufah with a small group of relatives and followers. The governor of Iraq, on behalf of the caliph, sent 4,000 men to confront Imam Hussein (A.S.) and his followers. They trapped the Imam near the banks of the Euphrates River (October 680) and when Imam Hussein (A.S.) refused to surrender, he and his companions were slain.
In remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (A.S.) Shiite Muslims observe the first 10 days of Muharram (the date of the battle according to the Islamic calendar) as days of lamentation. Revenge for Imam Hussein's death was turned into a rally that helped undermine the Umayyad caliphate and gave impetus to the rise of a powerful Shiite movement.
The details of Imam Hussein's life are obscured by the legends that grew up surrounding his martyrdom, but his final acts appear to have been inspired by a definite ideology—to found a regime that would reinstate a “true” Islamic polity as opposed to what he considered the unjust rule of the Umayyads. [IV]
Mahatma Gandhi quotes, “I learned from Hussain how to be wronged 2 and be a winner.” [Citation needed]
References:
I- Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_Ashura
II- On Difference & Understanding: Al-Hussein: the Shiite Martyr, the Sunni Hero Translated by Abdelazim R. Abdelazim. Online article by, the Editor of the Cultural page of islamonline.net (Arabic Section) http://www.islamonline.net/english/ArtCulture/2004/03/article06.shtml
III- http://sg.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071205192451AA5K
IV- Hussein ibn 'Ali, al-. (2008). In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved January 16, 2008, from Encyclopedia Britannica Online: http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-90416
1- Al-Hussein ibn 'Ali born January 626, Medina, Arabia [now in Saudi Arabia] died Oct. 10, 680, Karbala', Iraq. Shiite Muslim hero, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and son of 'Ali (the fourth Islamic caliph) and Fatima, daughter of Muhammad. He is revered by Shiite Muslims as the third imam (after 'Ali and Hussein’s older brother, Hassan).
2- Wronged: treated unfairly or unjustly
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