Prophet Mohammad and Imam’s enduring bond

The Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) said:

اَلْحُسَیْنُ مِنِّیْ وَ اَنَا مِنَ الْحُسَیْنِ

Meaning: Husayn is from me, and I am from Husayn.

When we study the life, character and religious contributions of Husayn ibn Ali, the secret of “Husayn is from me, and I am from Husayn” is revealed. From the lap of Fatimah bint Mohammad to the day of Karbala, Husayn is from the Holy Prophet, and from Karbala to the Day of Judgment, the Holy Prophet is from Husayn. This means that Islam in its existence is Mohammadan and in its survival is Husayni. Husayn’s existence is from Prophet Mohammad, and the survival of Islam is due to Husayn. The practice of Islam is found in the footsteps of Imam Husayn because the preservation of the religion Islam is due to Husayn.

Moinuddin Chishti expresses:

شاہ اَست حسینؓ، بادشاہ اَست حسینؓ

دین اَست حسینؓ، دین پناہ اَست حسینؓ
سر داد نہ داد دست در دستِ یزید

حقاّ کہ بنائے لااِلہٰ اَست حسینؓ

Explanation: Husayn is both a king and a ruler. Husayn is the faith and the protector of the faith. He sacrificed his life but did not place his hand in Yazid’s hand. The truth is that Husayn is the foundation of “There is no god but Allah.”

The unconditional love of Holy Prophet for Husayn and declaring his love for Husayn as his own love was because Islam was to be preserved through Husayn ibn Ali. (Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri)

The eternal battle between Truth and Falsehood

The battle between good and evil, virtue and vice, truth and falsehood, and the principles of Husayn and Yazid has persisted since the beginning of time. Just as the sun cannot rise from the west, evil can never prevail over good, nor can Yazid’s principles triumph over Husain’s.

As Allama Iqbal expresses:

موسیٰؑ و فرعون و شبیرؓ و یزید

این دو قوتِ از حیات آید پدید

زندہ حق از قوتِ شبیریؓ است

باطل آخر داغِ حسرتِ مِیری است

Explanation: The conflict between truth and falsehood continued in the form of Moses and Pharaoh. Later, during the blessed era of Prophet Mohammad, the light of al-Mustafa and the evil of Abu Lahab emerged. Subsequently, the same two forces of truth and falsehood lined up against each other in the form of Imam Husayn and Yazid. The enduring power of truth remains driving its strength from Imam Husayn. And despite apparent victories of tyranny and falsehood, it eventually leads to regret and shame.

Imam Husayn’s firm stand for truth defines the fight against tyranny

The incident of Karbala is an unforgettable battle in the history of humanity between truth and falsehood, which no conscious person can ignore. It is a long tale of injustice and oppression, where Yazid and the enemies of the Prophet’s family martyred Imam Husayn and his companions. Imam Husayn sacrificed himself courageously in the face of Yazid’s army for the sake of truth, justice, and the survival of Islam. He left a message for the future Muslim generations that wherever an oppressor rises against truth, a believer like Husayn will stand up, raise the banner of rebellion against tyranny, and sacrifice their life, but they will never bow down before falsehood. Had it not been for the strength of lion-hearted Imam, truth would have perished long ago. Imam Husayn remains an eternal truth that no true believer can deny.

What is Husaynism?

• It is to raise the word of truth against falsehood.
• Husaynism is standing firm against tyrannical rulers.
• Upholding true religion Islam is Husaynism.
• Husayn is the name of conscience’s voice.
• Today, Husayn’s voice resonates as the guide for the righteous souls

The spiritual leader of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak, once said to his disciple, ‘Express the grief of Husayn.” The disciple replied, “No, he is the leader of the Muslims.’ Guru Nanak said, ‘I am your guru, and I command you to go home and marry your sister.’ The disciple said, ‘My conscience does not allow it.’ Guru Nanak smiled and said, ‘Oh fool! That conscience itself is called Husayn because Husayn is not just the leader of Muslims, but of all those who have a conscience.’

The unwavering love and faith of Imam Husayn in Karbala

Husayn ibn Ali was a true lover, and a lover never goes against the command of Allah. Instead, in every situation, while respecting the desires of their beloved, they refrain from making any supplication or request that goes against Allah’s will.  If the beloved wishes to test them, the lover prays not for leniency but for steadfastness to cross the bridge of trials. That is what Husayn ibn Ali did.

He was prepared to face all the challenges that awaited him to test the strength of his faith. The Holy Quran mentions eight trials: fear, loss of life, loss of wealth, hunger, thirst, honor, children, and possessions. While these trials descended upon all the Prophets one by one, Imam Husayn faced them all simultaneously. Hence, he showed unwavering steadfastness which came from ardent Divine love.

The battlefield of Karbala was, in reality, the arena of love. There, the battle raged between intellect and love. On one side stood scholars, virtuous individuals, and devoted worshippers in their own right but far from the passion of love. On the other side, it was love (Husayn ibn Ali). Imam Husayn represented love, while the allure of material possessions, comfort, and worldly pleasures represented intellect. Intellect feared death, while love, defying fear, moved towards eternal life. The inwards of Imam’s companions were also filled with the strength of faith and love.

He addressed his companions as:

“You can see what the situation is and surely the circumstances have been changed in this era, as the virtuousness has vanished. Nothing is left in the world except a minor part, like the leftover drops in a pot after the water is poured out of it, and a valueless life like the poisonous grass. You can see that Truth is not followed and falsehood is not shunned. In such a situation, a faithful definitely desires to meet Allah. In my opinion, there is a blessing of martyrdom in the guise of death. To live with these oppressors is a great oppression itself.”

Subhan Allah! What a great Imam who is constantly preparing his followers for every trial and bravo for such lovers who are ever ready for a new trial, a new test. (Imam Husayn And Yazidiet)

Love leaps fearlessly while Intellect reasons

It was love that did not let the companions of Imam falter. Love is what humbly bows its head in submission to every trial. Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman says:

Satan had three ع(Arabic Alphabet) but not the fourth. He was a worshipper, he was knowledgeable, he was wise, but he was not a lover. If he was a lover, he would not have been stubborn and would have prostrated.

بے خطر کود پڑا آتشِ نمرود میں عشق
عقل ہے محوِ تماشائے لبِ بام ابھی
عشق فرمودہ قاصد سے سبک گام عمل
عقل سمجھی ہی نہیں معنی پیغام ابھی

Explanation: Love is so daring and bold that Prophet Abraham fearlessly jumped into the pyre which Nimrod had lighted to burn him while intellect is still watching the show and is confounded. Thus, the intellect thinks of advantages and disadvantages while love jumps into fire immediately without thinking of any punishment or reward. Love is proactive and quick to act on guidance, whereas reason still struggles to grasp the deeper meaning of the message (Bang-e-Dara)

Submission is the first rule of Divine love

The first rule of love is to surrender to the will of the Creator, negating one’s own self. It is to never abandon true love, being ready for any sacrifice and always expressing gratitude, no matter the challenges faced. My spiritual guide Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman writes in his book Sufism-The Soul of Islam:

Submission or Rida is that the seeker considers every blessing and every loss as the will and decision of Allah. The seeker’s success in the world and mystic path lies in between the two states of hope and fear. When Allah bestows, one should not become arrogant as well as one should not be disappointed while adversity befalls. One must be pleased with the Divine consent and submit to Him in every condition such as horror and distress, peace and grief, comfort and tension, convenience and misery, illness and health, hunger and satiation etc. Only such a seeker is accepted and approved in the court of Allah.

Imam Husayn’s true interpretation of Islam

Those who confine the religion Islam solely within the realm of reward and punishment, who take pride in excessive exoteric worship from day to night, and who consider the sacrifice of cows and goats as the true sacrifice, should learn the reality of the religion from Husayn ibn Ali. Imam Husayn explained and interpreted the religion brought by the Prophet through his actions and sacrifices. By sacrificing his own life and the lives of his family, Imam Husayn taught the umma the true essence of religion.

 The true essence of Islam, as demonstrated by Imam Husayn, empowers its followers to fearlessly speak the truth in the face of oppressive rulers. This very religion elevates the value of the hereafter far beyond the transient world in the eyes of Muslims. It holds the secret to salvation and freedom, regardless of whether that struggle is against the desires of the self or the tyranny of worldly rulers. By following this religion, the world transforms into paradise, and paradise becomes the ultimate pleasure of being close to Allah.

Husaynism is the name of respect for humanity, while Yazidism represents oppression and tyranny. Yazidism leaves a dark stain on the face of humanity. Had Imam Husayn wanted, he could have saved his life by pledging allegiance to accursed Yazid, but the blood of the Lion of Allah (Ali ibn Abi Talib) ran through his veins. His upbringing was not by anyone else but the beloved of Allah (peace be upon him) and the leader of Women, Fatimah bint Mohammad. How could he accept a pledge from a drunkard and adulterer, thereby ending the true religion? If he had not sacrificed himself and his family, the true religion would not exist in its original form today. (Karbala Darsgah-e-Deen-o-Ishq, Mahnama Sultan-ul-Faqr)

قتلِ حسینؓ اصل میں مرگِ یزید ہے
اسلام زندہ ہوتا ہے ہر کربلا کے بعد

Explanation: The martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali is the death of Yazid. Islam is revived after every Karbala. (Mohammad Ali Jauhar)

The two exemplary sacrifices in Islamic history

It is evident from the Islamic history that Allah cherished two sacrifices on the path of righteousness so much that their remembrance and devotion became an example for Muslims until the Day of Judgment. One is the submission and acceptance demonstrated practically by Prophet Ishmael when he offered his sacrifice in obedience to Allah’s command. The other is the sacrifice made by Imam Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him) at Karbala.

The sacrifice of Prophet Ishmael is a ‘summary’, of the concept of sacrifice, while the sacrifice of Imam Husayn is the ‘interpretation of this concept.’

As Iqbal says:

غریب و سادہ و رنگین ہے داستانِ حرم
نہایت اس کی حسینؓ، ابتدا ہے اسمعیلؑ

Explanation: The story of sanctuary (Kaaba) is simple yet colorful. It begins with the Prophet Ishmael and concludes with the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali (Bal-e-Jibril)

Imam Husayn’s stand for Truth and Honor in Karbala

The sacrifice that Husayn ibn Ali made in the field of Karbala can be put into words, but the passion and fervor of Divine love that fueled this sacrifice can never be adequately expressed in words! On the Day of Ashura, Imam Husayn sacrificed his beloved seventy-two companions for the sanctity of Islam. He raised the voice of truth and taught us the ultimate way to honor the signs of Allah.

As a poet expresses:

جبریلؑ کربلا سے یہ کہتے ہوئے گئے
مقروض حشر تک ہے خدائی حسینؓ کی  

Explanation: Angel Gabriel left Karbala saying, ‘The Divine realm is indebted to Husayn ibn Ali until the Day of Judgment.

In the field of Karbala, where the distinction between truth and falsehood was to be made clear for eternity. And where an example of sacrificing everything for Divine love was to be set. There at the same time, by rejecting Yazid’s demands, Imam Husayn demonstrated to the world that as the family of Prophet (peace be upon him), they would not bow before any oppressor and tyrant. Even in the face of the sword, they raise the banner of truth. Therefore, Imam Husayn addressed Governor Walid in the following manner:

‘O Walid! We are the family of Prophet and the source of Divine revelation. Angels descend upon us, and Allah’s blessings are showered upon us. Islam began with our household, and it will end with us. But Yazid, whose allegiance you expect, is a drunkard, a murderer of innocent people, a violator of Allah’s commands, and openly indulges in sin and corruption. Therefore, someone like me, cannot pledge allegiance to such a person.’

Imam Husayn expressed his stance clearly and unequivocally in this address, considering Yazid’s allegiance as un-Islamic and unlawful.

Poetic tribute to the eternal victory of Husayn ibn Ali

Allama Iqbal expresses:

زندہ حق از قوتِ شبیریؓ است
باطل آخر داغِ حسرت میری است
چوں خلافت رشتہ از قرآں گسیخت
حریت را زہر اندر کام ریخت
خاست آں سر جلوئہ خیر الامم
چوں سحاب قبلہ باراں در قدم

Explanation: Truth remains alive through the strength of Shabbir (Imam Husayn), and kingship (the power of tyranny) ultimately ends as a stain of regret despite apparent victory. When the caliphate severed its ties with the Holy Quran, it injected poison into the throat of freedom. Witnessing this situation, the best umma’s glory rose like rain-laden clouds from the direction of Qibla. (Rumuz-e-Bekhudi)

That is to say, history bears witness to the fact that truth remains upheld through the strength of Shabbir (Imam Husayn) and it is only a personality of such high rank as Imam Husayn who can champion such a noble cause. Falsehood crumbles in defeat and disgrace, while truth prevails through the power of righteousness. The ultimate fate of false powers is humiliation and shame. Apparently, Imam Husayn was drenched in blood and dust, his sacred head was carried from Karbala to Damascus, and water from the Euphrates was withheld from him. Yet in reality, he emerged triumphant and honored.

Moreover, Iqbal says that when the connection of the caliphate was severed with the Quran and the freedom of thought and vision dwindled among Muslims, Imam Husayn rose like a thunderous cloud rising from the direction of the Kaaba, drenching everything as it moved. This thunderous cloud rained down on the land of Karbala, transforming the desolation into a field of tulips. The wave of Imam Husayn’s blood transformed the barren soil of Karbala into a garden of freedom. Yazid, seemingly victorious in battle, soon faced the consequences. His throne was overturned, and those who had oppressed the descendants of the Prophet (peace be upon him) met horrific deaths. Everyone realized that Husayn ibn Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) had won, and Yazid had lost.

Ali ibn Abi Talib states:

• Whoever seeks honor through oppression, Allah humiliates him with justice.

The same fate befell Yazid. To this day, Yazid remains disgraced and humiliated in every era. The echo of “Death to Yazid” and the voice of “Long live Husayn” will continue until the end of time.

یزید کل وی مردہ سی تے اج وی مردہ باد اے
حسینؓ زندہ باد اے حسینؓ زندہ باد اے

Explanation: Worldly power of Yazid was impermanent and his ultimate fate was disgrace and humiliation. He was condemned yesterday, and he is still condemned today. Long live Imam Husayn who stood up against falsehood and tyranny and saved Islam eternally.

Wasif Ali Wasif expresses:

حسینؓ مثبت،حسینؓ کامل، حسینؓ داخل، حسینؓ عاقل
یزید منفی، یزید ناقص، یزید خارج، یزید باطل
یہی کرشمہ ہے سچ کا واصفؔ یہی کرامت ہے کربلا کی
شہید کر کے یزید فانی، شہید ہو کر حسینؓ باقی

Explanation: Husayn is the embodiment of positivity, perfection, and wisdom, while Yazid embodies negativity, imperfection, and falsehood. The miracle of truth and the marvel of Karbala is that Husayn’s sacrifice remains eternal, even as he attained martyrdom, while Yazid’s falsehood perished away.

Sultan Bahoo says: 

جے کر دین علم وِچ ہوندا، تاں سر نیزے کیوں چڑھدے ھوُ
اٹھارہ ہزار جو عالم آہا، اَگے حسینؓ دے مردے ھوُ
جے کجھ ملاحظہ سرورؐ دا کردے، تاں تمبو خیمے کیوں سڑدے ھوُ
جے کر مندے بیعت رسولیؐ، پانی کیوں بند کردے ھوُ
پر صادق دین تنہاں دا باھوؒ، جو سر قربانی کردے ھوُ

Explanation: If the reality of Islam could be understood through exoteric knowledge (sharia, fiqh and Hadith) then the progeny of Messenger of Allah had never been beheaded. Rather eighteen thousand scholars in the army of Yazid (or eighteen thousand realms or their creations) had sacrificed themselves for Husayn. If the religious scholars of that time possessed a little bit of respect for the Holy Prophet, then tents of his progeny had not been burnt. If the so-called Muslims in the army of Yazid had even a speck of honor for their oath of allegiance to the Holy Prophet, then they had not stopped the water supply of his progeny. The true religion is only followed by the Divine lovers who always keep the honor of their love even if they are beheaded.

Iqbal express: 

در نوائے زندگی سوز از حسینؓ
اہلِ حق حریت آموز از حسینؓ

Explanation: Husayn ibn Ali inspires passion in the melody of my life and people of truth always learn the lesson of freedom from him. (Rumuz-e-Bekhudi)

What lessons can we learn from Imam Husayn’s life?

The martyrdom of Imam Husayn imparts profound lesson and message to us:

• Steadfastness in Faith: A true believer remains steadfast in truth and righteousness, even if it means shedding the last drop of their blood. They do not abandon the path of righteousness, out of fear of false powers.
• Avoiding the Company of Wrongdoers: One should distance themselves from those who embody the traits of Yazid and falsehood. Avoid sinful actions and refrain from associating with wrongdoers. Instead, hold firmly to the perfect spiritual guide with unwavering loyalty, just like the companions of Imam Husayn.
• Inner Strength Over External Power: Do not be intimidated by the apparent power and never forsake the path of truth. The essence of Islamic life lies not in Yazidi principles but Husayni principles, exemplified by Imam Husayn in Karbala
• Living an Islamic Life: Maintain the Islamic way of life. And for the revival of Islamic identity, demonstrate Husayni character and spirit of sacrifice through sincerity, righteousness, continuous effort, and steadfastness. 

Power can take lives, but it cannot conquer faith. If faith is strong, there will be no lack of determination and steadfastness. And this can only be achieved with the guidance of a perfect and accomplished spiritual guide. Therefore, we extend you a special invitation. Come! Pledge allegiance to the sacred hands of Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman and attain awareness of the reality of Karbala. Obtain the true love of Imam Husayn, for it is only through the company of lovers that love is truly attained.