Nour Rida

On the tenth of Muharram or Ashura, the first month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims across the world commemorate the martyrdom of a dear leader; Imam Hussein who is the grandson of Islam’s Prophet Mohammad pbuh. The yearly commemorations keeps Imam Hussein’s revolution alive. The revolution of Imam Hussein was to preserve Islam from being lost, and remains to be the source of sacrifice, selflessness, courage, piety, and truth. One important note would be that Ashura and the massacre of Karbala not only inspired Muslims across history, but many other figures that saw Imam Hussein as an example to the revolution of the oppressed against the oppressor.

Across the cities and provinces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, millions headed to the streets, public and private congregations, mosques and holy shrines to commemorate the day. People poured into the streets of all cities and towns to listen to elegies in commemoration of Ashura, which fell on Thursday in Iran. In one of the main congregations that takes place in the North of Tehran, Matine and his friends came to participate with their family and friends. This year, the only difference is that Matine is participating in the parade and carrying a flag.

Matine, 11-years-old, told al-Ahed news he has pictures of himself as a 6 month infant in one of the annual commemorations. He does not come from a conservative family and does not fully practice Islam. However, he said that Imam Hussein is a role model and that he wanted to be strong and merciful like him.

His friend Mohammad Sadegh, 9-years-old, said he likes the fact that Imam Hussein fought against the evil. He also noted that listening to how Hussein’s baby was killed makes him realize that he was among the oppressed and he sheds tears for that baby. “I also give out Nazri food every year with my dad on the eve of Ashura and pray that all humans have peace, just like Imam Hussein wanted.”

Masoumah, Toosi University student said for her part that Imam Hussein brings all Iranians together, and that he is a symbol of unconditional love and should bring all humans together. “I cannot see why it is difficult to relate to such a figure. I relate to Ghandi for instance or others who sought peace on this planet. Imam Hussein was a supporter of justice and stood against oppression and he paid the price to protect us.” 

The gatherings started by around 9:30 a.m., with mourners and mourning groups performing different processions and people listening to lectures and speeches on Islamic ethics and the story of Ashura.

Imam Hussein was killed by the Yazid army of almost 30 thousand fighters; he was alone with his family members and friends who were all massacred while the women and children were taken captive in a journey that eventually disgraced the Umayads when Imam Hussein’s sister Zeinab and his son Ali Zein al-Abideen who were to spread the truth on the events of the tragedy.

Mohammad Mahdi, who was at the processions with his wife and child told al-Ahed news that “The battle of Karbala has no parallel in history because Imam Hussein not only sacrificed himself but all his beloved for non-worldly goals. He is the true meaning of selflessness and sacrifice.”

Karbala is full of humane stories that exemplify the true meaning of sacrifice. A person reading or listening the story of Ashura cannot but get all his senses attracted to one of Imam Hussein’s companions who was very unique; Abbas. Abbas was Hussein’s brother. He was not even killed in direct battle. He was killed at the river bank, the Euphrates. His cause was merely of humane dimension; he went to the river to fetch water to the thirsty children of Hussein’s camp. This in fact reflects two things; first that the battle was not only political, but ethical as well. Abbas went to bring some water but he never returned back; the Yazid army cut off his both arms, and showered him with arrows to prevent him from taking any water back to the camp. The battle was a battle between humanity and inhumanity or ruthlessness. 

In essence, Karbala was to immortalize Imam Hussein and his companions forever for the sake of Islam and humanity, from one can understand the meaning of victory, martyrdom, life, and death as they are unfolded in Karbala, where one would oppose the notions of submission, humiliation, or surrender as Imam Hussein had opposed them.

Source: Al-Ahed news