Why Shia commemorate Imam Husain and perform Matam ?
1. **Love and Devotion**: Shia Muslims have deep love and devotion for the family of Prophet Muhammad, known as the Ahl al-Bayt. Imam Husain, being the grandson of the Prophet, is revered as a righteous and noble figure. Commemorating him is an expression of this affection and a means to honor his sacrifice.
2. **Martyrdom and Sacrifice**: The martyrdom of Imam Husain and his companions in Karbala is seen as a supreme sacrifice in the path of upholding truth and justice. It symbolizes the struggle against oppression and tyranny. Shia Muslims commemorate this sacrifice to draw lessons from it and remain steadfast in their commitment to justice.
3. **Spiritual Upliftment**: The events of Karbala have a profound impact on the spiritual consciousness of Shia Muslims. Commemorating Imam Husain helps them deepen their faith and connection to God, reminding them of the values of patience, perseverance, and righteousness.
4. **Social and Political Awareness**: The commemoration of Imam Husain's martyrdom is not merely a historical ritual but also serves as a means of raising social and political awareness. It encourages believers to be vigilant against injustice and to stand up against oppression in all forms.
5. **Community Bonding**: Muharram and the rituals of matam bring Shia communities together. They provide a shared space for collective mourning, reflection, and solidarity, fostering a sense of unity and brotherhood among Shia Muslims.
6. **Reaffirmation of Faith**: The rituals of matam, such as chest-beating and self-flagellation, are acts of mourning that symbolize grief over the tragedy of Karbala. They serve as a reminder of the intensity of the suffering and the emotional connection to the martyrdom of Imam Husain.
It's important to note that matam, though practiced by some Shia communities, is not universally accepted or practiced in the same way by all Shia Muslims. Some Shia scholars discourage certain forms of matam that may cause self-harm, emphasizing the importance of expressing grief in a manner that is in accordance with Islamic teachings and principles.
Overall, the commemoration of Imam Husain's martyrdom and the observance of matam are deeply rooted in Shia Islamic tradition. They represent a powerful narrative of resistance against oppression, a profound expression of faith, and a symbol of love and devotion to the Ahl al-Bayt and the values they represent.
Martyrdom of Ali Akbar - son of Imam Husain(as) in Karbala
During the events leading up to the Battle of Karbala, Imam Husain and his small group of followers were confronted by the much larger and hostile army of Yazid ibn Muawiya, the Umayyad caliph. Imam Husain's camp was besieged, and they were denied access to water for several days.
On the day of Ashura, which is the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, the battle intensified, and Imam Husain's companions fought valiantly against overwhelming odds. As the battle unfolded, the enemies targeted Imam Husain's family members, including his beloved son, Ali Akbar.
Ali Akbar, filled with devotion to his father and the cause of justice, sought permission to enter the battlefield. Imam Husain, knowing the perils that awaited his son, was initially reluctant to grant permission. However, upon seeing the earnestness and determination of Ali Akbar, he eventually allowed him to fight.
Ali Akbar, with a heart full of courage and a spirit unwavering in its commitment to truth, entered the battlefield and fought bravely. He displayed extraordinary valor and skill in combat, striking awe in the hearts of both friends and foes alike. Despite his youth, he fought with the strength and dignity befitting a true warrior.
As the battle raged on, Ali Akbar's thirst became unbearable due to the scorching desert heat and lack of water. He fought valiantly until he was eventually struck by an enemy soldier who attacked him from behind. Mortally wounded, Ali Akbar fell from his horse and called out to his father for help.
Imam Husain rushed to the scene, witnessing the dying moments of his beloved son. He cradled Ali Akbar in his arms, comforting him in his final moments. Ali Akbar's last request to his father was for some water to quench his thirst. However, with the enemy's blockade, there was no water to offer.
Imam Husain could only watch helplessly as his beloved son took his last breath. The death of Ali Akbar added to the immense grief and sorrow felt by Imam Husain and his family members during the tragic events of Karbala.
The martyrdom of Ali Akbar, like that of other family members and companions of Imam Husain, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifice and unwavering commitment to justice displayed by the noble souls on that fateful day in Karbala. The remembrance of their martyrdom during the month of Muharram continues to inspire millions of Muslims, especially within the Shia community, to uphold principles of righteousness and stand against oppression and injustice.
Imam Husain(a.s) Infant son Ali Asgar Martyrdom in Karbala
On the day of Ashura, which is the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, the battle reached its climax. Imam Husain, knowing that he and his companions were vastly outnumbered, chose to confront the forces of Yazid and refused to pledge allegiance to an unjust ruler.
Amidst the scorching desert heat and severe thirst, Ali al-Asghar became extremely weak and was crying from thirst. In an attempt to appeal to the enemy's sense of mercy, Imam Husain carried his infant son in his arms and brought him to the battlefield, seeking water for the infant who was dying of thirst.
Imam Husain approached the enemy's camp with the baby in his arms and asked for some water for the child. However, instead of showing compassion, one of Yazid's soldiers, named Harmala ibn Kahil, cruelly shot an arrow towards the baby. The arrow struck Ali al-Asghar in the neck, causing a fatal injury. The baby passed away in his father's arms, martyred in the pursuit of justice and truth.
The death of Ali al-Asghar further intensified the grief and sorrow of Imam Husain and his family members, as they witnessed the unbearable loss of their youngest and most innocent member. The tragedy of Karbala remains a deeply significant event for Muslims, especially for the Shia community, who commemorate and mourn the martyrdom of Imam Husain and his companions, including the innocent child Ali al-Asghar, during the month of Muharram. The remembrance of Karbala serves as a reminder of the struggle against oppression and tyranny and the unwavering commitment to uphold the principles of justice and righteousness.
Imam Husain(a.s) Revolution in Karbala - Shia View
The revolution of Imam Husain took place in the year 680 AD in the plains of Karbala, in present-day Iraq. It was a pivotal moment in Islamic history and had a profound impact on the development and identity of the Shia community. The core principles and beliefs that emerged from this event shaped the distinct theology and practices of Shia Islam.
The key Shia perspectives on Imam Husain's revolution are as follows:
1. **Defending Truth and Justice**: The central theme of Imam Husain's revolution was to uphold truth and justice. He stood up against the oppressive and tyrannical rule of Yazid ibn Muawiya, the Umayyad caliph at the time, who had deviated from the teachings of Islam. Imam Husain refused to pledge allegiance to a ruler who acted unjustly and sought to preserve the true values of Islam.
2. **Martyrdom for the Sake of Islam**: Imam Husain's refusal to compromise his principles and his decision to face the mighty forces of Yazid's army, even though he was vastly outnumbered, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to Islam. He, along with his family members and companions, chose martyrdom over surrendering their beliefs.
3. **Redemption and Atonement**: Shia Muslims see Imam Husain's sacrifice as a means of redemption and atonement for the Ummah (Muslim community). His martyrdom is believed to have purified the Islamic faith from corruption and deviation. It serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in the face of adversity and to struggle against injustice and oppression.
4. **Continuation of Prophetic Mission**: Shia Islam upholds the concept of Imamat, which means divinely appointed leadership after the Prophet Muhammad. Imam Husain, as the third Shia Imam, is considered the rightful spiritual and temporal leader of the Muslim community after his father, Imam Ali. His stand against tyranny is seen as a continuation of the Prophet Muhammad's mission to establish justice and equity in society.
5. **Resilience and Triumph of Truth**: Despite the apparent defeat on the battlefield of Karbala, the event is viewed as a triumph of truth over falsehood. Imam Husain's message and sacrifice continue to resonate with millions of Muslims, inspiring them to stand up against oppression and to strive for a just society.
6. **Mourning and Commemoration**: The martyrdom of Imam Husain and his companions is deeply mourned and commemorated annually by Shia Muslims during the month of Muharram and specifically on Ashura. These gatherings, known as Majalis, are intended to remember the sacrifices made by the Imam and to renew the commitment to his principles.
It is important to note that while the above points represent the general Shia perspective on Imam Husain's revolution, individual beliefs and practices may vary within the Shia community. The event of Karbala is remembered as a solemn occasion, fostering unity among Shia Muslims and reinforcing their dedication to the values exemplified by Imam Husain.
Forty Hadiths in honor of Imam Hussain
Courtesy : https://imamhussain.org/english/imamhussain/26617
The Heat of Hussaini Love
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said: Surely, there exists in the hearts of the Mu’mineen, with respect to the martyrdom of Hussain (A.S.), a heat that never subsides. Mustadrak al‑Wasail vol 10 pg. 318
Ashura ‑ A Day of Grief
Imam Redha (A.S.) said: The one for whom the day of Ashura is a day of tragedy, grief and weeping, Allah The Mighty, The Glorious, shall make the Day of Judgment, a day of joy and happiness for him. Bihar al‑Anwar, vol. 44, pg. 284.
Muharram ‑ The Month of Mourning
Imam Redha (A.S.) said: With the advent of the month of Muharram, my father Imam Kadhim (A.S.) would never be seen laughing; gloom and sadness would overcome him for (the first) ten days of the month; and when the tenth day of the month would dawn, it would be a day of tragedy, grief and weeping for him. Amaali Saduq, pg. 111
Laughing Eyes
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said: O’ Fatimah! Every eye shall be weeping on the Day of Judgment except the eye which has shed tears over the tragedy of Hussain (A.S.) for surely, that eye shall be laughing and shall be given the glad tidings of the bounties and comforts of Paradise. Bihar al‑Anwar, vol. 44 pg. 193.
During the war of Karbala, were the people who killed Imam Hussain R.A. the Yazidi? Which ummah do they belong to, Sunni, Shia, or Wahabi?
- The one who really loved Imam and were ready to sacrifice their lives for Imam.
- The one who wanted Imam as the ruler just because he is more generous than a tyrant ruler like yazid.
- The one who wanted to support Imam because, they thought when Imam will wage a war against Yazid, they'll get a lot of booty as Yazid was an opulent ruler.
People who killed Imam Hussain were also Muslims. Is that correct? If yes, then didn't they know he was the grandson of their Prophet?
Nafi’ b. Hilal al-Jamali (a companion of Imam al-Husayn) was fighting on that day, reciting:“I am al-Jamali. I believe in the religion of `Ali.”A man called Muzahim b. Hurayth came against him, crying,“I follow the religion of ‘Uthman.”Nafi’ replied, “Rather you follow the religion of Satan.”Then he attacked and killed him.Source - al-Tabari, Ta’rikh (English translation), vol. 19, pp. 136–7
“People of Kufa, stay steadfast in your obedience and unity (jama'ah). Do not have any doubts about fighting against those who have strayed from the true religion and have opposed the imam.”Al-Husayn retorted, “‘Amr b. al-Hajjaj, are you urging the people against me? Are we the ones who have strayed from the true religion, and you the ones who have remained firm in it ? By God! If our souls were taken, and you died with your actions, you would know which of us has strayed from the true religion and who was more worthy to be roasted by Hell-fire.”Source - al-Tabari, Ta’rikh (English translation), vol. 19, p. 137
"People, listen to my words and do not hurry me so that I may remind you of the duties you have toward me and so that I may give you reasons for my coming to you.If you accept my reasons, believe my words and give me justice, you will become happier through that, and you will not have any cause against me. If you do not accept my reasons and give me justice of your own accord as individuals, 'Then agree upon your affair and call your associates. Let not your affair be in darkness to you.' [Cf. Quran 10:71] Indeed my guardian is God, Who sent down the Book. He takes care of the righteous.' [Cf. Quran 7:196].(1)The Imam continued, "Trace back my lineage and consider who I am. Then, look back at yourselves and remonstrate with yourselves. Consider whether it is right for you to kill me and desecrate my inviolability.Am I not the son of the daughter of your Prophet, the son of the executor of his will and his cousin, the first of believers in God and the man who first believed in what His Apostle brought from his Lord? Was not Hamzah, the leader of the martyrs, my father's uncle and Ja'far at-Tayyar my own uncle? Have you not heard the Prophet of God's saying concerning myself and my brother: 'These are the two lords of the youths of the inhabitants of heaven'?"If you believe what I am saying - and it is the truth for, by God, I have never told a lie since I learned that God hated people who told them and that those who opposed Him grieved Him ... If you still regard me as a liar, then there are still to be found people who would tell you the truth if you ask them. Ask Jabir b. Abdullah al-Ansari, Abu Said al-Khudri, Sahl b. Sa'd, Zayd b. Arqam and Anas b. Malik to tell you what they have heard from the Apostle of God concerning myself and my brother. Is this not sufficient to prevent your shedding my blood?"If you are in doubt about this, do you have the slightest doubt that I am the son of the daughter of your Prophet? By God! There is no son of a prophet other than me among you and among the other peoples from east to west. Tell me, are you seeking retribution from me for one of your dead whom I have killed, or for property of yours that I have expropriated, or for a wound that I have inflicted?"Dead silence reigned over the whole army and nobody uttered a word.Source - Tabari, Ta'rikh, II, 329–330
How would you explain Ashura to someone who does not know anything about it?
Who is Imam Hussain? Why did he launch an uprising?
What is Muharram?
- Prophet Mohammed’s grandson Husayn was martyred by the so called Muslim Caliph Yazid in this month. He was a saintly figure, all men from Husayn’s family were martyred, women captivated - chained sent to Syria to the Caliph’s court. This is the most important event of this month.
- Muharrum is the first month of Islamic calendar. This calendar was introduced by Caliph Umar and Caliph Uthman suggested that this calendar should start with the month of Moharrum. See wikipedia
- Muharrum is a month of Mourning for Shia Muslims due to the martyrdom of Imam Husayn and some ignorant Sunni / Wahabi / Salafi Muslims celebrate this month as a beginning of the Islamic New Year. Weddings / merry-making are a normal phenomenon for Sunnis / Wahabis in this month.
- 10th of Muharrum is the day of Ashura.
- Muharram is one of the three successive sacred (forbidden) months mentioned by the Prophet of Islam in which bloodshed / battles are forbidden, still the so called Muslims fought a battle with the grandson of Mohammed and brutally killed him!
- Shia Muslims fast on the first day of Muharram and Sunni Muslims fast on the day of Ashura (10th Moharrum).
- On the 3rd of Muharrum Prophet Joseph was freed from his prison. (duas.org)
Paygam-e-Husain (a.s)
امام حسين عليه السلام :
چيزى را بر زبان نياوريد كه از ارزش شما بكاهد
لاتَقولُوا بِألسِنَتِكُم ما يَنقُصُ عَن قَدرِ كُم
جلاءالعيون، ج 2، ص 205
Imam Husain (as):
"Don't say with your tongue something that diminishes your worth"
Imam Husain (as):
"Apni Zabaa'n se aisa kuch na kaho jisse tumhari Qadr kam ho jaae'n"
امام حسين عليه السلام :
همانا بخشنده ترين مردم،كسى است كه به آن كه به او چشم اميد نبسته بخشش كند
إنّ أجْوَدَ النّاسِ مَن أعطى مَن لا يَرجو
كشف الغمّة ج2 ص242
Imam Husain (AS):
"Certainly, the Most Gracious is the One who gives and does not Hope (In return)"
"Yaqeenan, sabse zyada bakshne wala wo hay jho ataa karne ke baad, Umeed nahi rakhta"
امام حسين عليه السلام:
تجربه هاى طولانى، مايه فزونىِ عقل است
طولُ التَّجارِبِ زِيادَةٌ فِي العَقلِ
أعلام الدين صفحه 298
Imam Husain (a.s.):
"Long experiences increases intellect"
Imam Husain (as):
"Toolaani Tajoorbe Aql me Izaafaa karta hay"
امام حسين عليه السلام:
در مدت عمر، در حفظ سلامت تن بكوشيد
فَبادِروا بِصِحَّةِ الاَْجْسامِ فى مُدَّةِ الاَْعْمارِ
تحف العقول، صفحه 239
Imam Husain (as):
"During your lifetime, try to keep your body healthy"
Imam Husain (as):
"Apni Zindagi ke dauraan apne Jism ko sehatmand rakhne ki koshish kare'n"
امام حسين عليه السلام:
بدانيد كه نيازهاى مردم به شما از نعمت هاى خدا بر شماست. از آنها ملول نشويد كه گرفتار مى شويد
كشف الغمّة, ج2, ص241
Imam Husain (as):
"Know that, needs of the people upon you are from the blessings of Allah, don't get overwhelmed that you are caught by it"
امام حسین علیه السلام:
شکرگزاری تو بر نعمت پیشین، زمینه ساز نعمت آینده است
نزهة الناظر، صفحه 80
"Your thanksgiving for the past blessings is the foundation for the blessings in future"
"Guzree hui Nemato'n par Shukriya adaa karna, aanewaali Nemato'n ki asaas hay"
امام حسين عليه السلام:
قناعت، مايه آسايش تن است
القُنوعُ راحَةُ الأبدانِ
ميزان الحكمه جلد9 صفحه585
"The contentment is the comfort of the bodies"
"Qana'at Jismo ke liye Sukoon kaa ba'es hay"
FORGERIES OF THE ENEMIES OF IMAM AL-HUSAYN
Hadees e Rasool ( s.a.w.a )
Rayyan ibn Shabeeb relates that once when he visited the Prophet's 8th Infallible Successor, Imam Reza (A.S), on the advent of Muharram, the Imam said: "O Ibn Shabeeb! Muharram is the month in which the people of the Age of Ignorance (Jahiliyya) had forbidden the committing of any oppression as well as armed conflicts. Yet, this ummah did not respect the sanctity of this month or the dignity of their own Prophet. In this month, they killed the Prophet’s offspring… God will never forgive them.
"O Ibn Shabeeb! If you wish to cry, then cry for Husain who was slaughtered like a sheep, and was killed along with the members of his household. Eighteen people were martyred along with him who had no equal on Earth. The seven heavens and the earths mourned in his martyrdom…
"O Ibn Shabeeb! If you cry for Hussein (A.S) in such a way that tears flow down your cheeks, then God will forgive all the sins that you have committed whether minor or major, whether they be a few instances or a lot…
"O Ibn Shabeeb! If you would like to meet the Honourable the Exalted God without having any sins then visit (the shrine of) Hussein (A.S).
"O Ibn Shabeeb! If you would like have the company of the Prophet in the halls of Paradise, then curse the murderers of Hussein (A.S).
"O Ibn Shabeeb! If you would like to be in the same high ranks in Paradise with us, then be sad when we are sad and be happy when we are happy."
امام حسین (ع) کے جسم کو پامال کیا
यज़ीद के विरूद्ध हज़रत इमाम हुसैन अलैहिस्सलाम का क़याम व उसके उद्देश्य
Courtesy : http://alhassanain.org/hindi/?com=content&id=407
इमाम हुसैन अलैहिस्सलाम के क़ियाम के परिणाम
यज़ीद के विरुद्ध हज़रत इमाम हुसैन अलैहिस्सलाम का क़याम व उसके उद्देश्य: एक विस्तृत अध्ययन
#### पृष्ठभूमि
हज़रत इमाम हुसैन अलैहिस्सलाम का क़याम इस्लाम के इतिहास में एक महत्वपूर्ण मोड़ है। 680 ईस्वी (61 हिजरी) में यज़ीद इब्न मुआविया के शासन ने इस्लामिक दुनिया में अत्याचार और भ्रष्टाचार को बढ़ावा दिया। यज़ीद के शासन ने इस्लामिक सिद्धांतों का उल्लंघन किया और इस्लामी न्याय और नैतिकता को विकृत किया। ऐसी स्थिति में, हज़रत इमाम हुसैन अलैहिस्सलाम ने सत्य और न्याय की रक्षा के लिए खड़े होने का निर्णय लिया।
#### कर्बला का सफर
मदीना से कर्बला तक का सफर हज़रत इमाम हुसैन के लिए एक आध्यात्मिक और नैतिक संघर्ष था। उन्होंने मदीना छोड़कर कूफा की ओर जाने का निर्णय लिया, क्योंकि उन्हें वहां के लोगों से समर्थन की उम्मीद थी। हालांकि, उनके रास्ते में यज़ीद की सेना ने उन्हें रोक दिया और वे कर्बला के मैदान में घिर गए।
#### कर्बला की घटना और शहादत
कर्बला की घटना 10 मुहर्रम 61 हिजरी को हुई। हज़रत इमाम हुसैन और उनके वफादार साथियों ने यज़ीद की बड़ी सेना के खिलाफ वीरता से लड़ाई लड़ी। इस लड़ाई में, हज़रत इमाम हुसैन, उनके परिवार के सदस्य और अन्य साथी शहीद हो गए। यह संघर्ष न केवल एक सैन्य संघर्ष था, बल्कि यह इस्लामी सिद्धांतों और न्याय की रक्षा के लिए एक महान बलिदान था।
#### क़याम के उद्देश्य
1. **न्याय और सत्य की रक्षा**: हज़रत इमाम हुसैन का उद्देश्य था कि वे यज़ीद के अत्याचार और भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ खड़े होकर न्याय और सत्य की रक्षा करें। उन्होंने अपने क़याम के माध्यम से यह संदेश दिया कि किसी भी प्रकार के अन्याय के खिलाफ खड़ा होना आवश्यक है।
2. **इस्लामी सिद्धांतों की पुनर्स्थापना**: यज़ीद के शासन में इस्लामी सिद्धांतों का उल्लंघन हो रहा था। हज़रत इमाम हुसैन ने अपने क़याम के माध्यम से इस्लाम के असली मूल्यों और सिद्धांतों को पुनर्स्थापित करने का प्रयास किया।
3. **मानवता के मूल्यों की प्रेरणा**: हज़रत इमाम हुसैन का क़याम मानवता, साहस और बलिदान के मूल्यों को जीवंत करता है। उनका बलिदान हमें यह सिखाता है कि सत्य और न्याय की रक्षा के लिए किसी भी कीमत पर खड़ा रहना आवश्यक है, चाहे इसके लिए कितनी भी बड़ी कुर्बानी क्यों न देनी पड़े।
#### कर्बला का प्रभाव और महत्व
कर्बला की घटना ने इस्लामिक दुनिया में एक स्थायी प्रभाव छोड़ा है। यह घटना न केवल इस्लामी मान्यताओं की रक्षा का प्रतीक है, बल्कि यह न्याय, सत्य और मानवता के मूल्यों की पुनर्स्थापना का भी प्रतीक है। हर वर्ष मुहर्रम के महीने में, मुसलमान हज़रत इमाम हुसैन की याद में मातम मनाते हैं और उनके बलिदान को याद करते हैं। यह परंपरा हमें यह याद दिलाती है कि अत्याचार के खिलाफ खड़ा होना और सत्य के लिए संघर्ष करना हमारी जिम्मेदारी है।
#### निष्कर्ष
हज़रत इमाम हुसैन अलैहिस्सलाम का क़याम एक महान प्रेरणा स्रोत है। उनका बलिदान इस्लामी इतिहास में एक महत्वपूर्ण अध्याय है जो हमें सत्य, न्याय और मानवता के मूल्यों को अपनाने की प्रेरणा देता है। करबला की घटना और हज़रत इमाम हुसैन का बलिदान हमें यह सिखाता है कि सत्य और न्याय की रक्षा के लिए हमें हमेशा तैयार रहना चाहिए। यह क़याम और बलिदान हमें अत्याचार और अनैतिकता के खिलाफ खड़े होने की प्रेरणा देता है, चाहे इसके लिए कितनी भी बड़ी कुर्बानी क्यों न देनी पड़े। हज़रत इमाम हुसैन का क़याम और उनका बलिदान आज भी हम सभी के लिए एक महान प्रेरणा है और हमें इस्लाम के असली मूल्यों की रक्षा के लिए प्रेरित करता है।