Imam Husain [a]: The Martyr of Humanity [Part I]

Imam Husain [a], son of Hazrat Ali [a] and Grandson of Prophet Mohammad [s] who sacrificed his life for the sake of humanity and revival of truth. He gave his life to condemn the tyranny of Yazid a trechorous ruler of Damascus. In the process he taught the people the method of suppressing the tyrannts of the world. It is not the sword that suppresses the tyranny but the virtues of patience, truth and faith.

Imam Husain [a] was a man of courage and true faith who always condemned all wrong and praised the right. An injustice against common people, humanity and truth was always condemned by him.

It is reported that Yazid was a person poor in character and rich in wealth. He is reported as a drunk spoiled brat who was attracted towards all lust of the world. It is reported that once his father Muawiya refused to accept his want for something, Yazid inturn boycotted food and everything and starved. Muawiya afraid of losing his only heir to throne had to accept the want finally.

Quoting from the book Muruj al Dhahab:

"Due to his hatred of God Yazeed openly drank alcohol. In his deeds he followed the Character of Pharoah, but Pharoah was more just to his own subjects."

Yazid once had a lust for a lady who lived in Madina but was married to some other person. Muawiya agreed and finally the man from Madina [husband of that lady] was called up. Muawiya promised him of riches in return if he would divorced his wife and send her to Damascus for Yazid. The man at first refused but then was forced to agree.

Soon after the lady was divorced and sent to Damascus. On the way Imam Husain [a]saw the carriage in which the lady was travelling. He stopped the carriage and asked about the matter. Imam [a] knew that Yazid would do some injustice with the lady and it was a height of lust that Yazid had shown. Imam [a] interfered and brought the lady in his custody.

When Yazid came to know of the fact, he got enraged, refused his promises to the man [husband of the lady]. The man came back to Madina and went straight to Imam [a]. Imam Husain [a] explained him that when he married the lady, it was his duty to protect her rather than to give her to Yazid for just some amount of money. Then Imam Husain [a] brought the lady and the couple married again happily.

In this way whenever Yazid tried some injustice or tyranny on the people, Imam Husain [a] interfered and advocated the justice and truth. These acts thereby created a love for Imam Husain [a] in the hearts of people and on the other hand generated hatred in the heart of Yazid.

So much was the trust and faith of people on Imam [a] that people even desired to make him their ruler. [Imam Husain [a] and thereby Islam always favoured Democracy and not Monarchy or any other form of rule]

The book Tareekh Khamees reports:

"The people of Medina broke the allegiance to Yazeed on account of his bad acts, he used to drink alcohol."

Yazid knew that people are not willing to have him as their ruler but they want Imam Husain [a] as their ruler. When Muawiya died, Yazid kept the death secret as people were waiting for Muawiya to step down from thrown so that their Imam Husain [a] could lead them. Yazid sent a letter via Marwan to Walid the governor of Madina appointed by Muawiya.

Mir Anees a great Urdu poet described the message in the letter as:

KHAT HAAKIM-E-MADINA KO LIKHA BA SHADD-O-MAD,
MAZMOON YEH THA KE TUB HAI ITA'AT TERI SANAD,
BAY'AT MERI HUSAIN SE LE TOH BA JADD-O-KAD,
MAIN FAUJ BHEJTA HOON KAREGI TERI MADAD;

BAI'YAT KAREIN TOH JALD IDHAR BHEJ DEEJIYO,
RAAZI NA HON TOH KAAT KE SAR BHEJ DEEJIYO.

He sent a letter to the governor of Madina,
Subject was that, your loyalty shall count when,
You take Husain's allegiance on my behalf,
I send my army which shall help you,

If he agrees then immediately send him to me,
If refuses, severe his head and send it to me;
[allegiance that Husain [a] accepts Yazid as righteous ruler]

POHCHA USAY MADINE MEIN JAB NAMA-E-YAZID,
PARDHKAR WO KHAT BOHOT MUTARADDID HUWA WALID,
DIL MEIN KAHA YEH ZALIM TOH HAI AQL SE BA’EED,
MAIN FATIMA KE LAAL KO KYONKAR KAROON SHAHEED;

DA’AWA-E-SALTANAT BHI NAHIN BE QUSOOR HAI,
AISE KINARAH KASH PA SITAM KYA ZAROOR HAI.

When the letter of Yazid reached him in Madina,
Walid got confused while reading the letter,
He said to himself,O tyrannt you have lost sense,
Why should I kill the son of Lady Fatima [a]

Neither he claims his rule, he is innocent,
Why should I haress a man who is isolated [of all wrong].
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The references:
(Ahle Sunnat)
1. Sirah al-Nabi -- The Life of the Prophet, by Shibli Numani.
2. History of al-Tabari.
3. Tareekh al Kamil Volume 3.
4. "Shadharat al Dhahab" Volume 1, Ibn al-'Imad al-Hanbali.
5. The book Tareekh Khamees.
6. The book Muruj al Dhahab.
7. Tareekh ul Khulafa by Allamah Jalaluddin Suyuti.