A play on the lessons that can be derived from Kerbala.
HOST: Our hearts cry, our eyes weep, our chests bleed for Imam Husayn but let us ask ourselves deep down if we are really ready to say Labbayk to the call of our Imam on that fateful day? Are we ready to respond to his call of
HAL MIN NASIRIN YANSURNA . HAL MIN MUGHEESIN YUGHEESUNA – IS THERE ANYONE TO HELP ME?
Is crying and feeling sad for Imam enough to give us the ability to respond to this call or do we need to transform our lives and reform ourselves to an extent that we can one day proudly say and believe that
KULLU YAWMINASHURA.... KULLU ARZIN KERBALA - EVERY DAY IS ASHURA AND EVERY LAND IS KERBALA
Today we want to enact a few powerful scenes from the journey of our Imam Husayn and see what examples this great role model has set for us. The imam has left for us innumerable lessons and today we have picked out a few and see how we can apply these to our daily lives.
LESSON 1 - TO SUPPORT THE TRUTH
NARRATOR: Let us go back to the year 60 AH when Muawiya dies having appointed his son Yazid to succeed him. Muawiya hated Hazrat Ali and his family. Under his Rule, Sh'ias were put to death or thrown into prisons just because they were followers of Hazrat Ali and his family. As soon as Yazid became Khalifa, he wrote to his Governor in Medina to ask Imam Husayn to do the impossible. He was asking the Imam to accept him as the Khalifa of Islam. Imam Husayn could not even consider accepting such an evil man like Yazid as Khalifa, as he openly broke the laws of Islam and was determined to destroy Islam,.
Thus, one of the most important lessons taught to us by our Imam is to stand up for the truth.
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said: "The best of Jihad is that of a word of right spoken to an unjust ruler."
In Karbala, Imam Hussain the fifty seven year old second grandson of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), sacrificed his totality and all he had, for one goal. This goal was to let the truth triumph over falsehood eventually, and he did that brilliantly.
After discussions with his family and companions, he decided to leave Medina and move to the Holy City of Mecca. It is narrated that when Imam Hussain (A.S.) went out of Madinah, he first went to the grave of the Holy Prophet (SAW), he cried and offered his last salutation to the Holy Prophet (SAW) and said "I am departing your house". All of a sudden he fell asleep and saw the Holy Prophet in dream saying.
SCENE 1
IMAM HUSAYN
GRAVE IN MEDINA
(Scene opens at the grave of the Prophet – PPT background of Madina)
MADINAH AL-MUNAWWARAH, THE GRAVE OF RASUL ALLAH (SAW)
(Imam Husain is praying at the grave of his grandfather, tears in his eyes)
IMAM HUSAYN: Assalaamu 'alayka, Grandfather, Rasul Allah. It's me, Husain, Fatimah's son. I swear I'm trying to do what you told me to. I'm trying to lead these people. But they've all abandoned me. They don't care about what's right. I swear, Grandfather, no matter what they do, I will stand up for what is right, and forbid what is wrong, even if I have to give up my own life. O God, by the holiness of this grave, help me in the way of the one who is buried here. Help me in the way of Your Prophet.
VOICE OF THE PROPHET: Husain! I see you now. Your body is smeared in blood, and grief and trials surround you. My followers have cut off your head. You were thirsty, but they denied you water. And they still dare to ask for my intercession. May God keep my intercession from them. Husain! Your father, mother, and brother are with me, and we are waiting for you. Your place in jannah is ready for you, but it is so great that you must be martyred to achieve it.
Chalaa me waadaa nibhaane x2
Salaam maa ke mazaar
Salaam nana ke roze, salaam ma ke mazaar x2
Me Tera din bacha woonga, ay mere nana,
Me apna khoon bahaa woonga, Ay mere nana,
(Husayn ja ta hain marne)x2, salaam maa ke mazaar
Salaam nana ke roze, salaam ma ke mazaar
Diye Jhalane ko nana, Tumhare roze par,
Zuroor ayegi sugra, Hare k Sham – o – sahar,
(Khuda kare rahe roshan) x2, sada tumhara mazaar
Salaam nana ke roze, salaam ma ke mazaar x2
SCENE 2
IMAM HUSAYN
BIBI ZAINAB
H.ALI AKBAR
NARRATOR: Another example of standing up for truth can be exemplified by the conversation between the Imam and his son Hazrat Ali Akbar.
On the 1st of Moharram, Imam Husayn's caravan had reached just outside Kerbala. They pitched their tents for the night. Husayn and his sister, Zainab, were standing talking outside Husayn's tent. Together they both sighted the moon of 1st of Moharram.
(Scene opens with Imam Husayn and Bibi Zainab looking up at the moon - ppt of desert and a new moon)
BIBI ZAINAB: My dearest brother Husayn, why are there tears in your eyes?
IMAM HUSAYN: Zainab! My sister Zainab! Please pray for me that I keep my promise to Allah (S.W.T.). Pray, my sister, that I succeed in completing my mission to save Islam. Zainab! Pray for me that I do not hesitate in giving up my life for Islam.
NARRATOR: Husayn was not crying because he was worried about dying. Husayn did not ask his sister to pray to Allah (S.W.T.) to save his life. All he was concerned about was saving us and Islam.
Bibi Zainab's eyes were filled with tears when she heard what Husayn asked her to do.
IMAM HUSAYN: My beloved sister Zainab! Don't cry! You will have to perform a greater duty after my death. Be brave and patient!
(Bibi Zainab goes to her tent. Ali Akber joins his father, Husayn)
IMAM HUSAYN: My son, Ali Akber! I saw a dream last night. I saw a group of people heading for a place where death was waiting for them. I saw them all killed, one-by-one.
ALI AKBER: Father! I know these people. Those people are us. But, tell me father, are we on the right path?
IMAM HUSAYN: Yes, my son Akber, yes we are on the right path.
ALI AKBER: Then let us not worry? Father, if we are on the right path, then let us die happily. It makes no difference if death comes to us or if we approach death. We should continue our journey and greet our death with a smile.
IMAM HUSAYN: (hugs Ali Akber) I am proud of you, my son Akber!
(Scene closes - Marsiya)
LESSON 2 - LOYALTY
NARRATOR: Our Imam Hussayn was blessed with the best of companions and they proved this when this friendship was put to the ultimate test on the plains of Kerbala. It is the night of Ashur and the Imam is sitting with his relatives and friends. This is the one night he had requested to spend in the worship of Allah. Let us see what the Imam is telling his companions.
SCENE 3
IMAM HUSAYN
FEW COMPANIONS
IMAM HUSAYN: I thank Allah to the best of my ability and praise Him during the time of weal and woe. O Lord! I thank You because You have honored us by means of Prophethood, taught us the Qur'an, made us comprehend the religion and its commandments, granted us eyes, ears and hearts; kept us free from the pollution of polytheism and then enabled us to thank You for Your blessings. It is a fact that I am not aware of any companions more faithful and honest than my companions and any relatives more righteous and kind than my relatives. May Allah grant all of you a good reward. I think that the day of our fighting with this army has arrived. I permit all of you to go away. You are free to depart without any restriction and should take advantage of the darkness of night.
NARRATOR: The Imam puts off the candle for a while but none of his companions leave his side.
RELATIVES: Should we go away to live after you? We pray to Allah that the time may not come when you may be killed and we remain alive.
IMAM HUSAYN (turns to a group): O children of Aqil! It is sufficient that Muslim has been killed. You are now free to go away.
GROUP: Allah be praised! If we leave our chief and the best of our cousins and go away and do not fight along with him with arrows, spears and swords and do not know how he and his friends have fared with the enemy, what will the people say? We swear by Allah that we shall do no such thing. On the contrary we shall sacrifice the lives and property of our family in the path of Allah and render you assistance, and shall fight along with you so that we may also acquire the honor of martyrdom. What a shame to live the life which is without you!
NARRATOR: then Muslim Ibn Awsaja gets up and says
MUSLIM IBN AWSAJA: If we withdraw our support from you and leave you alone what excuse shall we put forward before Allah? I swear by Allah that I shall not go away and shall not leave you. I shall thrust my spear in the chest of your enemies and shall quench the thirst of my sword with their blood as far as possible. And when there are no arms left in my hand to fight with, I shall shower stones upon them. By Allah we shall not leave you, so that Allah may see that in the absence of His Prophet we have honored the rights of his son. By Allah, even if I come to know that I shall be killed and then burnt in fire and shall be brought to life again and eventually my ashes will be scattered in the air and I die and become alive in this way seventy times, even then I shall not leave you till I lay down my life for your sake. Then why should I not do so when I am going to be killed only once and will thereafter be honored, happy and exalted for ever.
NARRATOR: When the speech of Muslim bin Awsaja came to an end, Zuhayr bin Qayn Bajali stood up. He was the same man, who was at one time an enemy of Imam Husayn, remained away from him on the route to Iraq, and did not at all wish to meet him. Allah, however, willed that Zuhayr should meet martyrdom in His path in the company of Imam Husayn so that he might be honored for ever and his good and glorious name should illuminate the history of the tragedy of Āshura.
ZUHAYR BIN QAYN: By Allah, I wish that I am killed and then brought to life and then killed once again and this act should be repeated a thousand times and this becomes the means of Allah protecting you and the young men of your family, and all of you remain alive.
IMAM HUSAYN: I pray to the Almighty to send his divine blessings on all of you. Ameen.
(Scene closes - Marsiya)
LESSON 3 - REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS
NARRATOR: One of the lessons taught to us is repentance and forgiveness. Many a times, we find ourselves in a constant battle – a battle of the nafs. Let us ask ourselves how many times we give in to the temptations of this world, forgetting and completely ignoring our hereafter. We know this world is only temporary and everyday we see examples to prove this. Yet we find ourselves in this constant struggle of right vs wrong, halal vs haram and we don't have the will power to say "NO" to the glories of this world.
At times like this, we must remember Hur who finds himself in a similar struggle on the night of Ashoor. One the one side he sees the pomp and glory of this world and the other he sees the hereafter!
Who was Hur?
Hur was a captain of Yazid's army. He was the captain who stopped Husayn from going to Kufa. He, with his 1,000 men, forced Husayn to come to Kerbala.
On 9th Moharram, Hur could hear the cry of Al Atash coming from Imam's camp.
SCENE 4
HUR
SLAVE
SON OF HUR
H.ABBAS
IMAM HUSAYN
(Scene opens to Hur pacing the floor. Sounds of Al Atash from the background.)
NARRATOR: The 10th of Moharram came! It was very early in the morning. Horses in Yazid's camp were hot and uncomfortable.
They were jumping up and down. They could not keep their hooves on the ground because it was so hot.
Yazid's soldiers poured buckets of water on the horses' hooves to cool them and calm them.
Hur watched as gallons of water was poured on the horses. He thought:
"So much water for the animals, while the children of Bibi Fatemah are crying for a few drops of water! There is so much water for the animals but none for the grandson of the Holy Prophet!"
VOICE: AL-ATASH! AL-ATASH! AL-ATASH!, echoed through Hur's ears. Hur could not take it anymore. He called his son and slave.
HUR: My son, I have made a terrible mistake. I have brought such a pious and truthful man here to be killed. Please, my son, quickly take me to Imam Husayn. I want to beg him to forgive me before it is too late. I am ashamed of myself. Will Husayn forgive me? How can I face him?
My sons, before you take me to Husayn, tie my hands and cover my face, so that I do not have to face him while I ask for his forgiveness.
(The 2 walk to the other side)
(When Hazrat Abbas see the men approaching, he takes out his sword)
IMAM HUSAYN: Abbas, my brother Abbas! Put your sword back! Those two men are not coming to fight us. That is Hur, my special guest. I have been waiting for him. Let us go and receive them, Abbas.
(They go forward to receive them)
IMAM HUSAYN: Welcome, Hur, welcome. I have been waiting for you.
(Hur throws himself at his feet)
HUR: O Aba Abdilla could I but sacrifice myself for you, son of the Messenger of Allah! I have been stalking you all the way. It was me who prevented you from going back (to where you came from), kept close watch on you, and roared on you in this place. I would have never thought that the people would not agree to your proposition. Oh Lord! I turn to you in repentance for I frightened the hearts of Your friends, the offspring of Your Messenger.
My master, please forgive me. Please forgive me. I am extremely sorry for what I have done. I am ashamed of myself. I seek forgiveness from Allah for what I did. Do you, think that He will accept it.
IMAM HUSAYN: Allah has accepted your repentance. It is never too late to repent to the Almighty. Hur, my friend, I forgive you. I assure you that my grandfather, my father and my mother have also forgiven you. Your mother named you Hur which means free. You are free in this world and the hereafter. Come with me, Hur.
(They all leave and scene closes)
NARRATOR: This was the fate of the fortunate man who had one day blocked the way of the Imam of his time, alarmed his women and children, made him camp under the orders of Ibn Ziyad in a desert away from human habitation and had collaborated with his enemies from the 2nd of Muharram till the morning of the l0th Muharram. However, within less than an hour his spirit underwent a change and he suddenly began to crave for martyrdom. He became so self-sacrificing in the path of truth that he could no longer content himself with worldly thoughts and hope for life; he did not forsake eternal happiness.
Allah says, Allah is the Guardian of the believers. He takes them out of darkness into light. (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:257)
This is a wonderful lesson for us in that if we repent with a true heart, Allah will surely forgives us and guides us on the path of Siratal Mustaqeem. The doors of forgiveness are always open for us and if we were to sincerely repent, we will definitely find the Almighty highly forgiving. Another important lesson learnt from this is the way Imam forgave someone who was the reason for his predicament. We find it so difficult to forgive our fellow sisters for petty matters and will hold grudges for years. Our Mazloom Imam is our role model and Inshallah from now on, we will find it in our hearts to be more forgiving to each other.
LESSON 4 - A WIDER UNDERSTANDING OF DEATH
NARRATOR: Few people desire death. The Holy Qur'an challenges the Jews for not welcoming death in view of their alleged special relationship with Allah s.w.t.
Imam Hussein a.s. extends our comprehension of death by drawing attention to three main points:
a) Death is written for everyone and no soul may escape it.
Voice of imam Hussein: "Death is an adornment of life as a necklace is an adornment of a beautiful woman."
b) Death with dignity is preferable to a life lived in humiliation.
c) Dying for the cause of Islam is martyrdom and a great honour. In his farewell to relatives in Madina,
VOICE OF IMAM HUSAYN: Whoever joins us will be martyred, those who remain behind will miss the victory.
NARRATOR: Imam Husayn was well aware of the tragic events of that fateful day. He told all his companions and family of them about the events of the next day, informing them that they all would be killed.
SCENE 5
IMAM HUSAYN
4 COMPANIONS
SHAH QASSIM
HAZRAT ABBAS
(Show Imam Husayn sitting with all his companions in a candle lit area.)
IMAM HUSAYN: I tell you openly now that I will be mercilessly butchered. My Brother Abbas will lose both his hands and die on the banks of the river. My eighteen (18) year old son Ali Akbar will die by the lance pierced through his chest. And similarly, every one of my companions who will remain with me here, whether he is a relative or a friend of mine, will be rolling in his own blood and ultimately be slain. Only my son Ali (Imam Sajjad), who is sick, will survive to suffer the worst of tortures along with the people of my family."
NARRATOR: All of them received it as great good news.But the young thirteen (13) year old Qasim son of Imam Hassan (pbuh) wondered if he too would be one of them.
(Show Hazrat Qasim getting up and walking to and fro thinking to himself,)
QASIM: After all I am only a boy. Perhaps the Imam means that only the elderly would be martyred. I am just a minor".
(He turned to the Imam and asked him)
QASIM: Will I be among those who will be killed?
IMAM HUSAYN: Qasim, first let me ask you a question. I will reply after you have answered me. My nephew, tell me, how do you see death and how do you feel about getting killed?
QASIM: It is sweeter to me than honey! - I haven't a desire that is dearer & sweeter to me!
IMAM HUSAYN: My nephew, you too will be killed. But your death will be different from that of others and it will be after you have faced a great ordeal. I tell you now, not even my baby son Ali Asgher will be spared; he will receive an arrow on his tiny neck in my own arms and pass away right there . . in my arms
(Scene closes)
NARRATOR: This small band of Godly souls, pure in their spirit and sincerein their desire to fight and fall in the way of the Lord, Spent the night in prayers, reciting the Holy Quran & rejoicing in the hope to drink the fast approaching cup of martyrdom the following morning. Everyone anxiously waited for the break of dawn, to lay down his life in the way of the Lordin supporting the cause of Truth. The ladies were preparing their young children to be sacrificed along with the Holy Imam in upholding the cause of the Lord. The noble mothers of the family of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) were busy advising their young sons to be steadfast in facing the might of the enemy in defence of the right, and to lay down their lives cheerfully for the cause of the correct guidance of the Human Race – For Islam to reach to us.
LESSON 5 - PATIENCE
NARRATOR: A very important lesson that we should all learn from is PATIENCE.
We are all tested in various ways by Allah (S.W.T.) in this world. In the Qur'an, in Surah Baqarah (2: 155), Allah States unequivocally that He will test us:
Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives, and the fruits of your toil. But give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Those who say, when afflicted with calamity, 'To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return.' They are those on whom descend blessings from their Lord, and mercy. They are the ones who receive guidance." (2:155-157)
How many of us when tested with trials practice patience?
Developing your patience means developing your character – creating calm, inner peace, control and foresight. As we remove what prevents our desire by ruling us by exercising self-control through patience, we create a soul that is not rushed by here and now, but that feels the calm of timelessness. Whereas it is hard to appreciate what you already have, patience can tell you to appreciate what you don't have, that we need not worry about things beyond our control and that we can achieve peace by leaving these decisions and concerns to God. This is why Islam (Submission to God) is linked so closely to Salam (peace). By trusting God and being Patient he nears himself to you.
Imam Husayn a.s. was brought up to understand the Quran that is why he was happy to 'remain patient' in hardship and endurance and to await his Lords reward. His patience wasn't out of weakness or helplessness but a demonstration of his steadfastness and bravery. Those who saw Imam Hussein a.s. on the Day of Ashura reported. "We have never seen a man remaining as composed as Imam Hussein a.s. whereas his relatives and children were slaughtered before his eyes."
Patience was also greatly seen in the character of Bibi Zainab through her journey of trials and tribulations.
Infact patience was seen EVERYWHERE in Kerbala – patience of the mothers of Kerbala, the youth of Kerbala, the companions of Kerbala and the children of Kerbala.
One such patience was that of Hazrat Abbas's. Abbas! Who was Abbas?
Abbas, the Captain; Abbas, the Commander; Abbas, the brave and strong warrior; Abbas, the Alamder - flag bearer; Abbas, the faithful brother; Abbas, the guardian of Umme Kulthoom and Bibi Zainab; Abbas, Sakina's dearest uncle; Abbas, son of Ummul Baneen; Abbas, the lion son of Ali.
All his life he was brought and trained to be a soldier. His mission was to fight for and protect Imam Hussein in Kerbala. Can you imagine a soldier like Hazrat Abbas, trained his whole life for a purpose and when it is time to put his skills to the test, he is told to hold back? But look at his patience! He did not say a word and accepted so very graciously!
Let us go back to the hot desert of Kerbala in 61 A.H.
SCENE 6
IMAM HUSAYN
HAZRAT ABBAS
3 YAZEEDS SOLDIERS
BIBI SAKINA
NARRATOR: Imam Husayn knew H.Abbas was like their father, Imam Ali, a brave and strong warrior.
(Yazid's men start pulling out Imam Husayn's tents from the river bank. H. Abbas comes forward to them very angry. He pulls out his sword and wants to fight there and then.)
IMAM HUSAYN: My brother Abbas keep your sword in its place. Don't take your sword out to fight. We have come to save Islam. Abbas, we have come to teach true Islam. We will teach Islam - not with our swords but with our character. Patience Abbas, patience.
H.ABBAS: Yes Aaqa (and puts his sword away)
(They walk out together and scene closes)
NARRATOR: Imagine a warrior like Abbas, asked not to pull his sword out, after being treated so badly. That needs great patience.
Ashura came. Ali Akber gave his last Adhan. Everyone in Husayn's camp prayed Fajr Namaaz.
SCENE 7
IMAM HUSAYN
H.ABBAS
(Show H. Abbas and Imam Husayn with a body)
NARRATOR:The battle of Kerbala began. One-by-one, Husayn's companions went to the battlefield and were martyred.
Everytime a body was brought to the tent, Abbas went to Husayn and said:
HAZRAT ABBAS: Master, now allow me to go to the battlefield. Enough, Master, enough. Let me go and fight those beastly men, Master.
IMAM HUSAYN: No Abbas, no! How can I let you go? You are the captain of my army. You are my right hand man, Abbas. You are my support, Abbas. Where would I be without you, Abbas? No Abbas, no.
(Scene closes)
NARRATOR: Abbas' three brothers went to the battlefield and were martyred. Auno - Mohammed went to the battlefield and were martyred. Qasim went. His body was trampled and torn to pieces.
SCENE 8
H.ABBAS
IMAM HUSAYN
BIBI SAKINA
(H. Abbas is walking up and down)
NARRATOR: Abbas became very restless and could not take it anymore. Somehow, he must get permission to go fight the enemies.
Abbas walked to Umme Kulthoom and Zainab's tent and then turned back.
He knew they won't let him go.
Abbas walked to Husayn's tent several times and back again. How could he persuade Husayn to let him go?
Abbas is restless. Abbas wants permission to fight.
BIBI SAKINA (enters with mashq): Uncle Abbas, look at my mashk. It is very dry. AL-ATASH, uncle. Sakina and the other children are very thirsty, Asghar is very thirsty, uncle Abbas.
(H. Abbas takes the mashq and they walk towards Imam Husayn with Bibi Sakina)
NARRATOR: Abbas thought of a way to get permission from Husayn. He took little Sakina's hand and went to Husayn's tent. Abbas didn't have to say anything.
Imam Husayn looked at Abbas and then at Sakina and her mashk. Husayn understood Abbas' expression.
IMAM HUSAYN: Abbas, how can I say no, now? You have brought Sakina with you. Go Abbas, go. Go and fill Sakina's mashk with water. But one request, Abbas, leave your sword with me! Remember, Abbas, you are not going to the fight. You are just going to get water for Sakina. Here Abbas, take this spear!
(H.Abbas gives his sword to Imam Husayn and takes the spear and holds his Alam and the Mashk. He kisses Bibi Sakina)
HAZRAT ABBAS: Sakina, pray for me, pray that I get water for you.
(H. Abbas exits and scene ends - Marsiya)
LESSON 6 - TO PLEASE ALLAH
NARRATOR: Islam means submission to the will of Allah and the objective of all believers should be the pleasure of Allah that is QURBATAN ILLALLAH.
Allah made us all equal human beings, both men and women. And the only superiority of one person over another is directly related to the amount of God-consciousness he or she posses in their heart.
So if you approach everybody and everything with the expressed intention of pleasing ALLAH, you are instantly elevated above those who do not. And if they don't appreciate your benevolence, it won't matter. It wasn't for them anyway...it was for ALLAH.
Some food for thought – Before we do or say something, how many of us ask ourselves 'Will Allah be pleased with this action of mine?" Or are we doing it to impress this world and the people in it?
The answer only you know, and it's a decision whether you want to gain worldly fame or fame in the Hereafter.
1400 years ago, in the plains of Kerbala, Imam Hussein a.s. said in one of his speeches that the only objective of the Prophet's household is to please Allah. Whenever he saw family members martyred he would utter "It's bearable only because Allah is its witness."
Lets go back to Ashura day when Imam Husayn takes his thirsty 6 month old baby Ali Asghar to the battlefield to get some water for him.
SCENE 9
IMAM HUSAYN
BABY ALI ASGHAR
HURMALA
UMAR SAD
2 YAZEED'S SOLDIERS
IMAM HUSAYN: O soldiers of Yazid, you feel I have offended you, but what has this little child done to you? His mother's milk has dried up. He has not had a drop of water for three days. He is dying of thirst. I beg you to give water to this innocent little child.
(Not one of Yazid's soldiers moves)
IMAM HUSAYN: Maybe you think that when you bring water for this child, I will drink it too. I will put this little child on the ground. You can come and give him water yourself.
(Husayn placed Ali Asghar on the burning sand of Kerbala.)
IMAM HUSAYN: My son Ali Asghar, my darling, you are too young to fight with a sword or a spear. My little Mujaheed, my little soldier, you are a grandson of Ali. Ali Asghar, fight your Jihad with your tongue.
NARRATOR: Little Asghar stuck his dry tongue out and moved it over his dry lips looking towards Yazid's men. He fought Jihad with his tongue. The little soldier shot a strange arrow - his dry tongue. It hit the hearts of Yazid's soldiers who had children of their own. They became restless. Some started crying.
They spoke amongst themselves:
SOLDIER: Husayn is saying the truth. What has this child done to us? Why is he punished like this? Let us give him some water.
UMAR IBN SA'AD: Hurmullah! What are you waiting for? IKHTA KALAMUL HUSAYN!
(Hurmullah aims an arrow at Ali Asghar. An arrow with 3 heads)
NARRATOR: An arrow with three sharp heads flew across the desert of Kerbala. It was heading for Ali Asghar. Husayn saw the arrow coming. He covered Ali Asghar with his arms. The arrow went through Husayn's arm and lodged in the tiny neck of Ali Asghar. Ali Asghar died instantly. Husayn, the Mazloom father, who came to get water for his little child, instead of water Ali Asghar got an arrow in his neck.
What shall Husayn do now? What shall Husayn do now?
Husayn gently pulled the arrow from Ali Asghar's tiny neck.
My fellow Husayni, put your hand on your heart and imagine the scene - a father removing an arrow from his child's neck. What a tragic scene!
Blood gushed out from Ali Asghar's neck.
VOICE: No, Husayn, do not let Ali Asghar's blood fall to the ground, otherwise no crops will ever grow from this earth.
(Husayn looks up at the sky)
VOICE: No Husayn, do not let the blood gush towards the sky, otherwise, no drop of rain will ever fall from this sky.
(Imam Husayn wipes Ali Asghar's blood on his face and walks towards the tents)
IMAM HUSAYN: How can I face Umme Rubab? What shall I tell her? How can I tell her that her baby has been martyred without water? How?
(Seven times, Imam Husayn goes forward and then turned back saying)
IMAM HUSAYN: INNAA LILLAAHI WA INNAA ILAYHI RAAJI-O 'ONA RIZ"AN BI-QAZ"AAA-IHEEWA TASLEEMAN LI-AMRIHEE
"Indeed we are from Allah and to Him we return. Verily we are Allah's and verily unto Him we return. We are happy with His will and carry out His command! "
(Scene ends as Imam walks towards tent - Marsiya)
LESSON 7 – AMR BIL MAROUF AND NAHI ANIL MUNKAR
NARRATOR: What were the aims of Imam Husayn's uprising? This is shown to us by Imam Husain (a.s) in his letter to Muhammed Hanafiyya:
The purpose of my stand is the reformation of my grandfather's nation. I intend to enjoin goodness and forbid evil. I want to emulate my grandfather, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w) andmy father Ali Bin Abu Talib (Peace be upon him). Whosoever accepts me by accepting the truth, then Allah is higher than the truth. And whosoever rejects me then I will bear patiently until Allah adjudges between me and them and He is the best Judge."
In this legacy the chief of martyrs has explained three purposes for his stand:-
1) The reformation of his grandfather's nation.
2) Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil.
3) Renewal and Revival of the tradition of the Holy Prophet
(s.a.w) and Hazarat Ali (a.s).
These purposes are not different than each other rather these are complementary to each other because a nation can be reformed only by means of bidding good and forbidding evil. The tradition and path of the Holy Prophet and Hazrat Ali is goodness and anything other than that is evil.
Let us take ourselves to that fateful day of Ashura where Imam Hussein addresses the army of Umar-e Saad and does Amr Bil Maruf and Nahi Anil Munkar
SCENE 10
IMAM HUSAYN
UMAR-E-SAD
4 MEN FROM YAZEED'S ARMY
(Scene opens to Imam Hussein talking to a group of Yazids men and umar sa'ad.)
IMAM HUSAYN: O people of Iraq! Listen to me and do not make haste to kill me so that I may tell you what I must, and apprise you of the reason for my coming to Iraq.
If you accept my excuse, believe in what I say, and behave towards me fairly, you will level for yourselves the path of prosperity, and then you will have no reason to kill me. And even if you do not accept my excuse and deviate from the path of justice, you must ponder over the pros and cons of the matter before you kill me, and should not undertake such a delicate task rashly and without deliberation. My supporter is the Almighty Allah Who has revealed the Qur'an. Allah guards His deserving slaves.
O people! Identify me and see who I am. Then you will come to your senses and reproach yourselves. You should reflect carefully whether it is permissible for you to kill me and to disregard the reverence due to me.
Am I not the son of your Prophet's daughter? Is the wasi (vicegerent) of your Prophet and his cousin and the first person, who expressed belief in Allah and confirmed what was brought by His Prophet not my father? Is the Doyen of Martyrs Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib not the uncle of my father? Is the martyr Ja'far bin Abu Talib who has two wings and flies with Allah's angels not my uncle? Have you not heard that the Holy Prophet has said about me and my brother: "These two sons of mine are the chiefs of the young men of Paradise".
If you think that whatever I am saying is true so much the better. I swear by Allah that I know Allah hates the liars, and I have never told a lie. And even if you do not believe in my words and refute me, there are still some companions of the Holy Prophet amongst you who, when asked, will apprise you of the facts. Ask Jabir bin Abdullah Ansari, Abu Sa'id Khudari, Nahl bin Sadi, Zayd bin Arqam or Anas bin Malik, so that they may tell you that they have heard these words from the Holy Prophet about me and my brother.
Is this tradition itself not sufficient to restrain you from killing me? If you are doubtful about this tradition can you doubt even this that I am the son of your Prophet's daughter? I swear by Allah that between East and West there is no son of the daughter of a Prophet except me either amongst you or amongst others.
You should tell honestly whether I have killed anyone from amongst you so that you may take revenge! Is it that I have appropriated your wealth and you are claiming it? Have I injured you for which you have risen to compensate?
O Shabas bin Rab'ee! O Hajjar bin Abjar! O Qays bin Ash'as! O Yazeed bin Haris! Have you not written letters to me saying that the fruits had ripened and the surrounding earth had blossomed, and to come to a huge army prepared for me?
You have killed all my companions, my children, my brothers and even my little baby; now I tell you to leave me, I will migrate to Yemen, to Iran or even to the far off Hind (India), stain not your hands with my blood, which is the blood of the Holy Prophet himself, you will not have salvation. It is for you; I tell you, shed not my blood and save yourselves.
NARRATOR: This last offer of the Holy Imam was superb and matchless and yet the enemies did not avail of it. It was in fact the fulfillment of the 'Hujjat' or the argument to give the last chance to the greedy devils to save themselves from the wrath of God.
QAYS BIN ASH'AS: We do not know what you say. Submit yourselves to your cousins (Bani Umayyah), they shall deal with you in a manner which you like.
IMAM HUSAYN: By Allah! I shall not give my hands in yours like a base man, nor shall I flee away like a slave.
May your fate be as tragic as your actions. You have left us while we were in the midst of the battle, and you run to the pleasures of life. May God's curse be upon you, for you are the slaves of this nation and the outcast of any party, the deviators of their words, the bandits of evil and the breath of Satan.How could you ally with our enemies against us? But treason is a habit that runs deep into you, in your roots and in your branches as well as the air you breathe and the food you eat. That Swindler son of Swindlers had left me to choose between death and humiliation. But there is no way humiliation could find a route to us. God, His messenger and our pride would neither wish us nor let us obey those vicious mean people. May God bear witness I am going to fight with my family no matter how few our supporters are.
UMAR IBN SA'AD: Do not be fooled by Imam Hussain's words, attack him now!
(Arrows showered on Imam and Imam takes out his sword and charges ahead.)
IMAM HUSAYN: If you are determined to fight me then I am ready; watch how the Grandson of the Prophet fights; see how the son of Ali and Fatima fights. Even after three days of hunger and thirst, I am not afraid to die. For me death is better than surrender.
(Scene ends - Marsiya)
NARRATOR: It is therefore our responsibility to invite people to do good and when we see evil happening we have to educate the people and show them the path of truth.
LESSON 8- SACRIFICE
NARRATOR: Another lesson we learn from the event of Kerbala is the great sacrifices made by Imam Hussain, his family and companions. To give life in the cause of Allah is the ultimate Sacrifice. To have Bibi Zainab's hijab snatched in the cause of saving Islam is another ultimate sacrifice.
Sacrifice was the name given to the event of Kerbala, for everybody present with Imam Husayn sacrificed to save Islam!
Sacrifice. This word carries with it the message of willingness to sacrifice anything and everything for God out of our love and search for gaining His pleasure. How much do we sacrifice for Allah's pleasure? Do we sacrifice our money we love so much for charity, our precious time for our children, can we sacrifice our false pride in our race, color, language, and national origin, and of our sect, and accept other Muslims as brothers and sisters? Do we teach our children the lesson of sacrifice?
In life we face minor problems where we need to sacrifice, question is that do we?
Here lies the challenge; and here is the sacrifice -
To pull ourselves up strongly and confidently and start working hard to be better people in every single thing that we do.
To sacrifice this temporary world for a better and permanent HEREAFTER.
Let us all go back to Kerbala on Ashura day, where a 4 year old girl made a heart wrenching great sacrifice, and because of her sacrifice on that day, Islam is with us today.
SCENE 11
IMAM HUSAYN
BIBI SAKINA
NARRATOR: Abbas has gone, Ali Akber has gone, Qasim has become shaheed, even baby Ali Asgher has done his jihad.
Imam Hussein mounts Zuljana but Zuljana does not move forward
IMAM HUSAYN: Oh Zuljana, I know you are tired and thirsty and you have been going to the battlefield from morning but I am the last one. Please my faithful Zuljana
NARRATOR: Zuljana looks down and Imam Hussain looks down following his gaze. What does he see? Bibi Sakina sitting at the hooves of zuljana.
BIBI SAKINA: Zuljana, please do not take my father. Whoever you have taken since morning has not come back. Please do not take my Baba
(Imam Husayn bends down near Sakina)
IMAM HUSAYN: Sakina, you already said alwida to me, my dear
BIBI SAKINA: baba, baba.. all those who have gone have not come back. I know if you go, you will not come back.
IMAM HUSAYN: Sakina darling, if you do not want me to go I will not go but then remember Islam will be destroyed by Yazidism and the children to come will never be true muslims as you are.
BIBI SAKINA: Father, Bismilla go you are my gift to Islam but one last request. Baba please let me lie down on your chest one last time. You know I am so used to sleeping on your chest every night.
(Sakina sleeps on his chest and scene ends - Marsiya)
LESSON 9 - IMPORTANCE OF SALAT IN ISLAM
NARRATOR: Allah (SWT) has said in the Noble Qur'an: "I have not created the jinn and humankind for any other purpose except that they should worship Me." (Noble Qur'an 51:56)
It is clear from this verse of Noble Qur'an that the purpose of our birth and of our life is no other than that of the worship of Allah (SWT). There are many acts of worship (Ibadah) in Islam, and Salah is one of the most important obligatory acts.
Salah strengthens the foundations of our faith. It prepares a person to live the life of goodness and obedience to Allah (SWT), and it builds courage and determination. Every time we perform Salah we renew our commitments to Allah (SWT) and we rid ourselves from worldly pressures five times a day.
The issue today is not that we don't pray our salaah, we do pray our salaah, but how many of us give it the importance it deserves? How many of us leave everything behind and concentrate on Allah only in our salaah? How many of us take Namaz as a way of meeting our Lord? And how many of us leave everything and make sure that we pray on time?
According to a Hadith a companion of Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) came to him one day and asked him "What is the thing that Allah (SWT) loves most?" Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) replied "The thing that Allah (SWT) loves most is when his people pray Salaah on time.
A great example of the importance given to Salaah is seen in Kerbala in 61 A.H.
Even in extreme situation on the day of Ashura, a tired, hungry and thirsty Imam Husayn who from the time of Fajr prayers had been carrying bodies from the battlefield to the tent, called for prayer. What great importance Salaah was given and more so it was prayed on time!
Let us go back and try and imagine this scene in Kerbala and learn from the greatness of Imam Husayn.
SCENE 12
IMAM HUSAYN
ZUHAYR QAYN
SAID BIN ABDULLA
HAJJAJ
HABIB
2 COMPANIONS OF IMAM HUSAYN
SON OF NUMEIR
TWO YAZEED SOLDEIRS
NARRATOR: As the sun rose higher in the desert sky, the heat became more intense by the minute. The children were crying for water. Some of the remaining companions approached the river banks to get some water but were stopped by the enemy. They fought bravely and were martyred in battle: Sadly no water reached the thirsty children of Karbala. It was now midday, and the time for Zuhur prayer was approaching
(Scene opens to Imam Hussain and his companions in the desert)
IMAM HUSAYN: Oh Hajjaj! Pls recite the Adhan for Dhuhr Salaah as it is time.
(An enemy comes forward with his sword)
IMAM HUSAYN: Oh son of Numeir, please cease the fighting for some time so that we can pray our Dhuhr Salaah. He asked the enemy to cease fighting till they pray.
SON OF NUMEIR: It will not be accepted from you. (and continues towards them with a sword)
(Habib son of Mazaher attacks him and hits the head of his horse. Son of Numeir falls down, and his companions rush and rescue him. Then Imam Hussain stands to lead the prayers.)
IMAM HUSAYN: O Zuhayr and Sa'id, please stand infront of us and protect us from the arrows so that the rest of us can pray Salatul Khawf as there is no respite even to offer our full prayers.
(Zuhayr and Sa'id stand infront of Imam and take all the arrows as he leads the prayers with companions behind.)
IMAM HUSAYN: "Assalaamu alaika ayyuhan nabiyu...(full salaam)"
(At the end of salaam, both fall down with arrows all over them and scene ends with Imam Husayn and companions holding them.)
NARRATOR: This was the Salatul Khawf prayed on Ashura day. What a salat and what amazing companions Imam Husayn had!
But my fellow azaadar... there was one more salaah left on that day of Ashura when Imam was all alone. Having lost every one of his faithful comrades including his baby son, himself fully wounded from head to toe with arrows struck in his holy body with his blood flowing from the wounds, his clothes drenched with blood, and that of his comrades, his kith and kin whose dead bodies he removed from the field of the massacre to a tent in his camp to spare them from being trampled under the hoofs of the cavalry of the heartless enemy, hungry with choking thirst for the last three days, Hussain was seen seated on his horse the 'Zul Janah', looking every now and then towards Heaven with prayers for the acceptance of his sacrifices.
SCENE 13
IMAM HUSAYN
YAZEEDS SOLDIER
BLACK SOLDIER
SHIMR
(Scene opens to Imam Husayn fighting on Zuljanah)
NARRATOR: Husayn fought the battle with his greatest might. One-by-one, Husayn killed the best warriors of Yazid.
The enemy were pushed back by the mighty Husayn.
Our great Imam fought like a lion.
No-one dared come near our Imam.
IMAM HUSAYN (looking towards Furaat): Abbas! My brother, Abbas! Did you see me fight? Abbas, did you see my Jihad? My brother, Abbas, I wish you were with me!
(LOUD VOICE FROM COMPUTER) : "YAA AYYATUHAN NAFSUL MUTMAINNAH, IRJI'II ILAA RABBIKI RADHIYATAN MARDHIYYAH, FADKHULII FII IBAADII WADKHULII JANNATII."
"O soul that is at rest satisfied. Return to your Lord well-pleased (with Him), well-pleasing (Him). So,enter among My servants, and enter into my Paradise." (Al-Fajr 89:27-30)
(Imam Husayn puts his sword away and Yazeed's soldiers start attacking from all sides with arrows and stones)
NARRATOR: Imam Husayn heard Allah's command. He put his sword down. The enemies saw Husayn put his sword down. They attacked our Imam from all sides.
Allaho Akber! Our Mazloom Imam........With a thousand wounds...Bleeding...Blood gushing out of the wounds.
Husayn could not stay on his horse. He fell from his horse.
My fellow Husayni! Our Imam is covered with arrows.
Imagine his fall on the land of Kerbala!
He falls but his body does not touch the ground.
Husayn's body rests on the arrow blades.
In the midst of the indescribable miseries, sorrow and grief, and under the indefinable agony of the worst torturous and the most painful death, the Holy Imam ever remained mindful of the Lord and his submission to Him with the desire not to leave the world defaulting not even a single one of the prayers (Namaz) prescribed by Him for man in this world.
(A black soldier from Yazid's camp comes to Husayn with a dagger.)
IMAM HUSAYN: My friend, you look so much like Bilal, the Holy Prophet's companion. Have you prayed your Namaaz?
(The soldier throws away the dagger and starts hitting his head):
SOLDIER: What am I doing? How can I cut off this man's head? Such a pious man He is dying but still remembers to remind me of Namaaz.
(Runs off hitting his head)
NARRATOR: Shimr, the most evil of Yazid's men, walked to Imam Husayn. He had a big dagger in his hand.
IMAM HUSAYN: O Shimr, I know your intention. I beg of you to give me a little time to do two sajdah.
(Imam Husayn falls into sajdah)
IMAM HUSAYN: O Allah! All praise is to You and You alone! O All-Merciful Lord of the universe! Accept the humble sacrifice of Hussain.
NARRATOR: Imam Husayn lifts his head and goes down to perform his second sajdah. Shimr did not let Imam Husayn lift his head from this last sajdah.The earth trembled. The sky turned black.
JIBRAEL: (BACKGROUND COMPUTER VOICE)
"HUSAYN HAS BEEN KILLED IN KERBALA! HUSAYN HAS BEEN KILLED IN KERBALA!"
(Scene ends - Marsiya)
LESSON 10 - GIVING PREFERENCE TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS
NARRATOR: In Islamic terminology, giving preference to the needs of others is referred to as "Ithaar". Kerbala is replete with examples of selflessness and self-sacrifice. At every instance a brother put his brother's needs before his own and a mother shared another's grief paying no attention to her own pain and suffering. There was a feeling of togetherness and a strong sense of unity all the way.
After the brutal happenings of that day, as the night descended, bibi Zainab gathered all the ladies and children into one small space in between the gutted tents. Imam Zainul Abideen lay on the ground surrounded by these widows and orphans. There was no fire, no light. Only the moon cast its dull light. 'Umar son of Saad' asked Hurr's widow to take some food and water to the ladies and the children.
SCENE 14
BIBI ZAINAB
HURS WIFE
BIBI SAKINA
IMAM SAJJAD
LADIES
(Showing the scene of ladies and children sleeping. Imam sajjad also sleeping on the side. Bibi Zainab is guarding the ladies)
NARRATOR: As Hur's wife nears to where they were resting, Bibi Zainab recognizes her. Bibi Zainab stands up, walks towards Hurr's widow and offers her condolences for the death of Hurr.
(Show Bibi Zaynab and Hur's wife hugging and weeping.)
This gesture on the part of bibi Zainab, who had suffered so much, lost so many, and carrying so much grief in her heart, is a lesson in Islamic ethics which the world should never be allowed to forget.
HUR'S WIFE: My lady, I do not know how to offer you condolences, because you lost not one, but 18 members of your family. Here lady Zainab, I've brought some food and water. The ladies and children must be hungry.
(When Zainab sees the bread and water she cries)
BIBI ZAINAB: My beloved brother Hussain, my warrior Abbas, my karial jawaan Ali akber, My Qassim who was a reminder of my brother Hassan, My Aun and Muhammad who I sacrificed for Islam, My sheeshmaha Ali asghar died hungry and thirsty, and now the same people who martyred them are sending bread and water to their widows and orphans.
NARRATOR: Bibi Zainab remembers the words of her brother to give water first to Sakina. She takes the jug of water. She goes to Sakina who has fallen into a fretful sleep.Gently she strokes the girl's dishevelled hair. Bibi Sakina opened her eyes.
BIBI ZAINAB: Here is some water, Sakina. Please drink a little. You have been thirsty for so long!
NARRATOR: On hearing the word 'water' Sakina cried out hopefully.
BIBI SAKINA: Has my uncle Abbas come back?
BIBI ZAINAB: No dear Sakina, Hurrs widow has brought some food and water. Come on get up and drink some water.
(She gets up and goes to Hur's widow)
BIBI SAKINA: Thank-you for the food and water.
(She looks and Bibi Zainab and asks)
BIBI SAKINA: Have you all drunk water?
BIBI ZAINAB (shakes her head): No dear.
BIBI SAKINA: Why then do you ask me to drink water?
BIBI ZAINAB: Because, my dear, you are the youngest.
BIBI SAKINA: No! No! Ali Asgher is the youngest!Im going to give Asghar some water first
(Sakina takes the jug of water, runs towards where Ali Asgher lays buried, crying "Wa Asghera! Wa Asghera. Marsiya)
LESSON 11 - HIJAB AND MODESTY
NARRATOR: In the Holy Quran, Allah says: "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty...And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and adornments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers...(a list of exceptions)"
[Chapter 24, verses 30-31]
This modesty which people of reason and good sense seek to acquire can only be done through hijab.
Hijab in its quest to preserve modesty sets itself up boldly. Clothes for women cannot show the shape, it cannot be see-through, or short.
In essence, the beauty that women naturally have by the grace of Allah – Subhana wa Ta'ala – cannot be exposed, nor is it given latitude for exploitation.
Men likewise cannot wear certain clothing that will cause too much attention, but because Allah did not create men to be as alluring as women and women naturally do not react to men as men do to women, they do not have to cover as much. For them HIJAB is more of the EYES.
The importance of Hijab and modesty of women is what Bibi Zainab stood for. Bibi Zainab (sa) is the shining sun in the history of Islam and of humanity. The history of Karbala is based on two pillars: the rising of Imam Hussein (as) and the rising of Bibi Zainab (a).
It was after Asr on the day of Ashura. Imam Hussain lay martyred. The earth had trembled! Furaat had broken its banks! From the camp of the family of the Holy Prophet such lamentation arose as had never been heard before!
As the sun was setting in the horizon, the soldiers rushed to Imam Hussain's camp in search of booty. They looted every tent. Every lady, and every girl was stripped of her hijab. Bibi Fatima's daughters were left bareheaded.
Sakina's ear-rings were pulled off her ears, splitting her ear lobes. When the little girl pleaded for her veil to be left untouched, she was slapped.
Surely they would stop now? But they did not. They set fire to all the tents. Bibi Zainab was very distressed.
SCENE 15
IMAM ZAINUL ABIDEEN
BIBI ZAINAB
(Curtain opens showing Imam Sajjad sleeping and background of burning tents. Bibi wakes Imam Zainul Abideen).
BIBI ZAINAB: You are our Imam now. Tell us what we should do now, should we stay in our tents and burn, or go out without our veils?
IMAM: It is your religious duty to try and save your lives.
NARRATOR: Bibi Zainab considered death synonymous to losing her hijab. She was prepared to burn in the tents to save her hijab, But because her religious obligation was to save her life – she ran veil-less from the burning tents. Bibi Zainab had to save her life. She had a mission.
The tents where a few hours ago Hussein, Abbas and Ali Akber took turns guarding – protecting their women and children, now Zainab and Umme Kulthoom took turns guarding. Zainab whose face reflected her father's awe and whose modesty was compared to her mother fatema zahra's. Zainab - who was known in Kufa with much respect, who lived in Kufa with great honour, was now on a journey to that same kufa, but instead like a captive, like a common criminal – with her hands tied and mounted on saddle-less camels.
It is no wonder when asked where he faced the greatest difficulty, imam Sajjad would cry 'ash Shaam ash Shaam ash Shaam . . .
And when asked why? He replied that such gunehgaar eyes like yazids looked at my aunt's head, a head which had never faced the sun's rays were being looked at by a person like Yazeed! That was the biggest difficulty I faced!
NARRATOR: Another example of hijab and modesty is shown to us by a small 5 year old child on the night of shame ghariban. This little girl who has just lost her near and dear family members and has just become an orphan comes out from the burning tents. Her hijab is snatched and she covers her face with her tiny hands. She runs out of the tents in fear and her kurta is on fire.
SCENE 16
(Ppt of Shame Gharibaan. Scene opens to Bibi Sakina with burnt kurta - Marsiya. Suddenly, a man approaches her.)
BIBI SAKINA: Oh man, please do not come near me
MAN: But little girl, I want to put out the fire from your clothes
BIBI SAKINA: Please do not touch me. You are a Naamehram!
(Sakina runs towards her family members who put out the fire. Scene edns - Marsiya)
NARRATOR: Oh my bibi Sakina, how careful were you of your hijab and how careless are we. Even in times of such hardship, you were always so modest and so concerned about your hijab. And look at us, we have everything we want but still are so unmindful of this beautiful thing that Allah has blessed us with. The honor of wearing hijab.
CONCLUSION
HOST: The event of Karbala is as we all know it, the greatest tragedy ever witnessed or will ever be witnessed in the history of mankind. Every year we the followers of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) gather here, and through grief, sorrow and tears, keep alive the message, the cause and the purpose of the greatest martyrdom in human history.
Imam Hussain (as) was martyred by Evil, while standing against it, whilst supporting Haq, whilst protecting the truth. He gave his Blood to save the message of Islam. Islam was saved, today, we have Islam. The very people who had killed Imam Hussain (as) were killed by Hazrat Muqtar, in the same manner as they killed each member of the family and companions of Imam Hussain (as).
Today, none of those who killed Imam Hussain (as) are present, they were all killed and revenge was taken from them all.
But yet we recite along with Imam Al Mahdi (atf) every Friday : "Ayna Taalebo Be Damil Maktool-e-Be Karbala?" – "Where are the Avengers of the Blood of those martyred in Karbala?"
Yes dear sisters, the Blood of Imam Hussain (as) has to be avenged. What is the blood of Imam Hussain (as)? This blood is called, "Tharallah" – "Blood of Allah", meaning 'The Blood which is shed for Allah'. The Blood of Imam Hussain (as) was shed for the protection of the message of Allah at a time when the message was on the verge of destruction. This blood gushed into the sands of kerbala drawing a permanent line between truth and Falsehood.
Imam Hussein's blood initiated a Process which is yet to be completed; A Mission yet to be accomplished; A Destination yet to be reached.
This statement of "Avenging the blood of Imam Hussain (as)" is synonymous to the call of Imam Hussein on the day of Ashura of, "Hal min Naasirin Yansurna?" – "Is there anyone to help me?" He stood alone in the battlefield of Karbala. The first to answer this call was young 6 month old Ali Asghar. What does that tell us? None dear sisters, is too old or young to answer to this call. Imam Hussein (a) already gave everything he had for Islam, his companions, his brother, sons and nephews, all already sacrificed their lives to save Islam. No one was left . . so who was he calling to? Dear sisters, little children, imam Hussein was calling to us. Are we answering to that call. Let us close our eyes for a moment to hear that call? Can you hear it? Are we going to answer that call? Let's answer it together;
Labbayk ya Hussein . . together ladies . Labbayk ya Hussein, together children, labbayk ya Hussein . .
Truth was what Imam Hussein stood up for, Truth was what he shed his blood for, and truth was protected by Imam Hussain (as) and reached to you and me. Truth has to be reformed again, we need to rise against Evil. Because, unless Evil is destroyed, the blood of Imam Hussain (as) can not be avenged. The Blood of the martyrs of Karbala has detonated such a strong process that its final result is the total annihilation of all evil from the face of this earth.
The Blood of Imam Hussain (as) saved the message of Islam from destruction at the hands of the enemies of Islam, and his blood will be avenged when, through this message, the enemies of Islam are won over.
Thus we call on Imam Al Mahdi (atf) in Dua-e-Nudba:
- "Where is the One who will exterminate the followers of injustice?"
- "Where is "The Hope" who will put an end to tyranny and oppression?"
- "Where is he who shall not rest until he answers the cries of help when called upon?"
- "Where is the One who would destroy oppression and tyranny of the oppressors?"
- "Where is the One who will destroy those who transgress and commit evil, those who are immersed in sins and those who raise their heads (against the affair of Allah?)?"
- "Where is the seeker of Revenge for the Blood of the Martyred Ones of Karbala?"
Imam Mahdi (atf) is waiting to wipe out injustice and tyranny from the face of this earth. He is waiting for his supporters who are preparing themselves for it. Are we also in the same preparation? Are we amongst his supporters?
Our Imam is calling out to us, O my dear sisters; O the Shias of Imam Ali (a) and the mourners of Imam Hussein (a). Our Imam (atf) is waiting for the Avengers of the Blood of the Martyrs of Karbala.
Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq (as) tells us, "Every one of you should prepare for the Final Uprising (of Imam Mahdi [atf]), may it be limited to a single arrow!" [Mikyaal al-Makaarem, vol. 2, pg. 583; Bihar al-anwar, Vol. 52, p. 366]
Let us serve the cause of Allah for which we are here. Let us avenge the Blood of Imam Hussain (as). Let us respond to the call of our living Imam (atf).
Labbayk ya Mahdi (3 times).