Rameez Makhdoomi
The word Karbala is not just a name of place but a concept that fills our heart, mind with million emotions and eyes with billion tears , The martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) in the Karbala has inspired entire humanity and world renowned thinkers and leaders have taken this tragedy as an inspiration in their respective struggles of justice. The tragedy of Karbala took place some 49 years after the death of Prophet Mohammad [PBUH] in 61 Hijri (AD 680).
African noted peace icon and leader Nelson Mandela wrote –“ I(Nelson Mandela) has spent more than 20 years in prison, then on one night I decided to surrender by signing all the terms and conditions of government. BUT suddenly I thought about Imam Hussain and Karbala movement and Imam Hussain give me strength to stand for right of freedom and liberation and I did.”
Mahatma Gandhi stated – “My admiration for the noble sacrifice of Imam Hussain (as) as a martyr abounds, because he accepted death and the torture of thirst for himself, for his sons, and for his whole family, but did not submit to unjust authorities.” “I learnt from Hussain how to achieve victory while being oppressed.”
Gandhi has added -“My faith is that the progress of Islam does not depend on the use of sword by its believers, but the result of the supreme sacrifice of Hussain.”“If India wants to be a successful country, it must follow in the footsteps of Imam Hussain(as). “If I had an army like the 72 soldiers of Hussain, I would have won freedom for India in 24 hours.”
Karbala was a battle of truth against falsehood, humanity against barbarism , righteousness against demonic forces , justice against injustice . The much loved grandson of the Prophet [PBUH] stood in the scorching heat of Karbala along with his companions, devoid of water but determined. His loved ones, including his six month old son, fell martyr one after the other. In spite of this he repeatedly invited the other party towards righteousness and forbade them from evil and immorality, but it all fell on deaf ears.
Through the battle of Karbala Imam Hussein (as) uprooted despotism forever, till the day of Resurrection. He watered the dry gardens of freedom with a surging wave of his blood, and indeed he awakened the sleeping Muslim nation.
The battle of Karbala is perhaps the only battle in human history wherein martyrs have cast impression on every human heart irrespective of belief or race and whose martyrs are remembered by one and all. Karbala refreshes our faith and Karbala makes us stand firm against injustice for all times to come. Karbala teaches us that powerful might have his way through for sometime but it is only those who are on path of justice that are remembered always.