Ten Timeless Lessons from the Tenth of Muharram (Ashura)

Ten Timeless Lessons from the Tenth of Muharram (Ashura)

Timeless lessons are often derived from events that occurred at momentous times in history. One example is Ashura, the tenth of Muharram, 61 A.H. 

The events of Ashura had been foretold by the Noble Prophet in numerous traditions. Some 50 years before the event of Karbala’, the Prophet wept when he was told by the angel that Husayn, son of the Commander of the Faithful Ali bin Abi Talib and also designated one of the Leaders of the Youth of Paradise along with his brother Imam Hassan (A.S), would be killed by the army of Yazid in Karbala’. 

Then Jibraeel asked, “O Prophet of God, do you want me to give you some earth from his place of martyrdom?” 

The Prophet said, “Yes.” 

Jibraeel gave him a handful of earth of Karbala’ and the Prophet began weeping uncontrollably. 

This tradition is recorded in Mishkatul Masabih, Musnad of Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, Sawaiqul Mohreqa of Allamah Ibn Hajar Makki and Sirrul-’alamin of Imam Ghazzali; and has been narrated by Imam Sha’abi, Imam Baihaqi, Imam Hakim and scores of other traditionalists. 

The Prophet gave that earth to his wife, Ummul Momineen, Umme Salma, and told her, “When you see this earth turned into blood, know that Husayn has been martyred.”

This prophecy was fulfilled accordingly with the massacre of Imam Husain (A.S), the Prophets's grandson (leader of the youth of paradise) along with his close family members and companions on the sandy fields of Karbala. They had been starved and denied water even though the River Euphrates was staring them in the face, on the orders of the "caliph" of the time, Yazid bn Mu'awiya.

And now, centuries after that marked event, ten key lessons can be derived from the Ashura incident, as well as the events leading to and after it:

1. Islam is an All-encompassing Religion: The True religion has spiritual, ethical, intellectual and political dimensions, as exemplified by its true adherents such as Imam Husain.

2. Victory of Blood over Swords: This is possible with sacrifice on the path of truth and justice (the message isn't extinguished, rather, it loves on after the martyrs).

3. One Can't Be Too Old or Too Young to Symbolize Truth: Ashura martyrs ranged from an old Nubian (John bn Huwaid) to a suckling infant (Abd'Allah bn Husain Ar-Radiy).

4. Justice is Universal: millions across the world are inspired by Imam Husain's movement, such as Nelson Mandela of South Africa and Mahatma Gandhi of India.

5. Self-sacrifice Keeps Truth and Justice Alive: This isn't done by suicide to escape economic strain or dark realities but by the persecution of revivalists by corrupt authorities, making their message widespread.

6. Truth is Stronger than Biases: Many writers, advocates and researchers of different beliefs have attested to the strength, bravery and steadfastness of the Imam. Dr. K. Sheldrake, English biochemist and author, said, "Hussain marched with his little company, not to glory, not to the power of wealth, but to a supreme sacrifice, and every member bravely faced the greatest odds without flinching."

7. Set Proper Priorities: One shouldn't compromise on core values, principles and ethical standards, especially if doing so has the potential to mislead multitudes of people. 

8. It's Not Too Late to Change: when you realize the truth, you can accept and implement it as long as you're alive, just as Hurr bn Yazid, former commander of the army sent to besiege the Imam did. He decamped to the Imam's camp days before Ashura and attained martyrdom.

9. Power is not Righteousness: Be on the right page of history with your arms, tongues and Hearts in accordance with the Hadith by the noble Prophet who enjoined the opposition to injustice, oppression and corruption.

10. You Can Do it Too: Cruelty is actively perpetrated in today's world, from Palestine to Syria, India to Nigeria. In the midst of yazid-like oppressive regimes you can strive to emulate the bravery, conduct, patience and steadfastness of Imam Husain (A.S) and his loyal supporters. 

All these lessons can be implemented in every region or day in various capacities. May Allah SWT strengthen us to implement them, Aameen.

اعظم الله اجورنا و أجوركم بمصابنا بالحسين عليه السلام و جعلنا و إياكم من ال طالبين بثاره مع وليه صاحب الزمان

Peace be upon the upholders of Truth and Justice.

F. G. Yusuf

For: Academic Forum of the Islamic movement in Nigeria.

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