The Everlasting Message of Ḥusayn: A Legacy of Humanity and Faith by Dr. SeyedAmir Asghari

The martyrdom of Ḥusayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and his family, and his loyal companions is commemorated every year on Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram, particularly within Shia Islam. This event is central to the Shia faith, symbolizing the eternal struggle between truth and falsehood, justice and oppression.

Prophet Muhammad’s efforts to emphasize the importance of his family (Ahl al-Bayt), based on the Quranic verse in which God asks Muhammad to inform people that “I do not want any reward for carrying the Divine message to you, but the love of my relatives” (Quran 42:23), particularly Ḥusayn, were not merely about lineage. They were about the continuation of a moral and spiritual legacy. Ḥusayn, alongside his brother Hassan, held a unique position as the Prophet’s grandsons, children of Ali and Fatima. This placed them in a significant context within Islamic history, marking them as beacons of the Prophet’s teachings.

The Battle of Karbala

The tragic events surrounding this incident, 50 years after his passing away on the 10th of Muharram in the year 680 CE (61 AH) at the Battle of Karbala, are among the most distressing moments in Islamic history. The prophetic narration that “Ḥusayn is from me, and I am from Ḥusayn” encapsulates the deep bond between the Prophet and his grandson, highlighting not only their familial connection but also the profound spiritual and moral legacy that Ḥusayn carried forward. This relationship underscores the significance of his stance against Yazid, a tyrant whose ambitions for power led to one of the darkest chapters in early Islamic history.

As Yazīd (d. 683), son of Muʿāwiya (d. 680), the self-declared successor of the Prophet, sought to solidify his rule, he demanded loyalty from all, including Ḥusayn. Yazid’s claim to the succession of Prophet Muhammad was fundamentally flawed in Ḥusayn’s eyes, as it lacked the spiritual and intellectual integrity that such a position required. Yazid’s rule was characterized by tyranny and a thirst for power, starkly contrasting the prophetic ideals of justice, humility, and piety. His refusal to pledge loyalty to Yazid was not an act of rebellion but a principled stand against oppression. He understood that the prophetic position and its associated spiritual and intellectual stature were far beyond what Yazid represented. Ḥusayn’s stance was a profound statement about the essence of authentic leadership—one that upholds justice and nurtures the intellectual and spiritual growth of its people.

When confronted by Yazid’s army, he sought to avoid conflict through dialogue. He tried to reason with them, stating, “I am not here to fight with you. Let me go my own way.” His appeals were rooted in peace and reason, emphasizing that his journey was not about waging war but about maintaining his integrity and following a path of righteousness. However, his plea was rejected. While asking for drinking water when all his family, children, and followers were thirsty because Yazīd’s army had prevented them from reaching the river, Ḥusayn asked them, “Be a free human if you are not faithful,” emphasizing that human values and moralities are universal and if someone has lost the sense of humanity, they should still follow ethics. He stressed that misunderstanding or ignoring these values engenders humanity from its rightful position.

His profound message was clear: morality and the values of humanity are fundamental, transcending religious boundaries. He reminded them that these values were the essence of his grandfather Muhammad’s teachings. Despite the army’s intent to kill him and his family, Ḥusayn persistently appealed to their humanity, hoping to awaken their moral conscience.

Moreover, he emphasized the critical role of leadership in a community. He famously stated, “The human intellect is not perfect until it follows the al-Haqq (Real, truth),” meaning that if someone falsely self-declares themselves as a successor to the Prophet without having the qualifications and attempts to lead the Muslim community, they would not only fail to guide people to eternal salvation but also lead them astray. This saying itself underscores the importance of authentic leadership in religious and human communities. Wise, intellectual, and spiritual leadership is essential for leading people toward salvation and the true essence of humanity, fostering an environment where justice, truth, and moral integrity can thrive.

Ḥusayn’s martyrdom holds a profound significance in Islamic history. His sacrifice embodies the principles of human dignity, the importance of faith, and the essence of authentic leadership. His actions and teachings highlight that true leadership allows for the flourishing of intellectual and spiritual growth. In contrast, a leader who lacks knowledge and moral integrity can only stifle the potential of their community. His legacy is a call to uphold human values and moral principles in all aspects of life. His life and martyrdom serve as a timeless inspiration, reminding us that the pursuit of justice, truth, and righteousness is a fundamental duty of every human being. Ḥusayn’s message continues to resonate, urging us to embrace humanity, uphold morality, and strive for a just and equitable world.

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Dr. SeyedAmir Asghari is a post-doctoral research associate in the Department of Religion at Baylor University. His extensive research spans topics such as Abrahamic religions, natural law, Islamic intellectual and legal traditions, Sufism, and inter-religious understanding.