The word Karbala is not just a name of place or any simple concept 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). Karbala and unprecedented heroic battle of Imam Hussain as finds no parallel in history and has inspired one and all. James Corne (Author of History of China) wrote –
“Hussain and his companions faced eight kinds of enemies. On the four sides the army of Yezid was their enemy which was ceaselessly raining arrows; the fifth foe was the sun of Arabia that was scorching the bodies; the sixth foe was the desert of Karbala the sands of which were scorching like a heated furnace; the seventh and eighth foes were the overpowering hunger and the unbearable thirst. Thus on those who fought with thousands of infidels in such conditions has ended bravado; on such a people no gallant (hero) can ever have pre-eminence.
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.”
Battle of Karbala has inspired one and all.