MUHARRAM, KARBALA & AASHURA

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MUHARRAM, KARBALA & AASHURA

 

Muharram is one of the sanctified months in the Islamic calendar. The Hadith describes it as Shahrullah (the month of Allah). This blessed month holds a day that counts as one of the most virtuous days in the Islamic Calendar. That day is the 10th day of Muharram, the Day of Aashura. The authentic Ahadith make mention of two historical events that took place on this day; the Ark of Nuh (Alayhis Salaam) berthing on Mount Judi after the Flood, and the parting of the sea for Moosa (Alayhis Salaam) leading to the salvation of the Banu Israeel and the destruction of Firaun.

 

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam upon migrating to Madina found the Jews fasting on this day in thanks to Allah for the salvation of Moosa and his people. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam remarked, “We are closer to Moosa than you.” Thus Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam and the Sahaabah Radhiyallahu Anhum fasted on this day as well. Thus the virtue of Aashura was established from the time of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam.

 

Fast forward to the 10th of Muharram, 61 years after the Hijrah, and Hazrat Husain Radhiyallahu Anhu the grandson of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam is standing with his family on the plains of Karbala facing his enemies after being deserted by the Kufans who had pledged their unwavering support and allegiance to him. What happened later was a tragedy that still pains our heart to this day, that the very grandson of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam was martyred by people who professed Imaan.

 

Fast forward to present day and we have people who consider the month of Muharram to be a month of mourning due to the tragedy of Karbala. In their rituals of grief and mourning, they march in the streets crying and lamenting, beating their chests and cutting their bodies to the chant of Yaa Husain!, Yaa Husain!

 

Every action that a Muslim does is guided by the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. These are the primary sources of Islamic Law and the criterion of judging right from wrong. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam experienced many losses and tragedies in his life. In fact Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has stated, “No one has been tested with hardship to the extent that I was tested.”

 

He Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam lost many and dear ones, some on the battlefield like the Leader of the Martyrs, his uncle Hazrat Hamza Radhiyallahu Anhu and some in his very lap, like his son Hazrat Ebrahim Radhiyallahu Anhu. Yet Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam never held mourning ceremonies nor did he teach the Sahaabah Radhiyallahu Anhum the same. Rather, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam cautioned us, “That person is not from us who beats his face, tears his clothes and cries and laments as was the custom in the period of ignorance.” (Bukhari)

 

Holding mourning ceremonies for the martyred heroes of Islam is not only illogical but it stems from a lack of Islamic knowledge. Firstly, because there is no day in the Islamic Calendar wherein a pious and accepted slave of Allah had not given his life for Allah. If we were to mourn them, then every day of our lives would be in mourning. Secondly, because in our human emotion we feel the pain of their loss but for the martyrs, they have achieved the victory of martyrdom, a victory they aspired for and made Dua for throughout their lives.

 

Allah Ta'ala says, “Do not suppose that those killed in the Way of Allah are dead. No indeed! They are alive and well provided for in the very presence of their Lord. Delighting in the favour Allah has bestowed upon them and rejoicing over those they left behind. Feeling no fear and knowing no sorrow, rejoicing in the blessing and favours from Allah.” (Quran Surah 3, Verses 169-171)

 

A Muslim is not guided by feelings and emotions. A Muslim is guided by the life and Sunnah of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam.

 

Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)

Council of Muslim Theologians

223 Alpine Road, Overport, Durban

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What is the relationship of the Day-of-Ashoora (10th Muharram) to the historic events in Karbala?

 

Question

What is the relationship of the Day-of-Ashoora (10th Muharram) to the historic events in Karbala?

 

Answer

THE MONTH OF MUHARRAM

Muharram is the month with which the Muslims begin their lunar Hijrah Calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months about which the Holy Quran says,

“The number of the months according to Allah is twelve months (mentioned) in the Book of Allah on the day in which He created heavens and the earth. Among these (twelve months) there are four sanctified”.

 

These four months, according to the authentic traditions are the months of Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. All the commentators of the Holy Quran are unanimous on this point, because the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) in his sermon on the occasion of his last Hajj, has declared: One year consists of twelve months, of which four are sanctified months, three of them are in sequence; Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and the fourth is Rajab.

 

The specific mention of these four months does not mean that any other month has no sanctity, because the month of Ramadhan is admittedly the most sanctified month in the year. But these four months were specifically termed as sanctified months for the simple reason that their sanctity was accepted even by the pagans of Makkah.

 

In fact, every month, out of the twelve, is originally equal to the other, and there is no inherent sanctity which may be able which may be attributed to one of them in comparison to the other months. When Allah Almighty chooses a particular time for His special blessings, the same acquires sanctity out of His grace.

 

Thus, the sanctity of these four months was recognized right from the days of Sayyidina Ibrahim (Alayhis salaam). Since the Pagans of Makkah attributed themselves to Sayyidina Ibrahim (Alayhis salaam) they observed the sanctity of these four months and despite their frequent tribal battles, they held it unlawful to fight in these months.

 

In the Shariah of our Noble Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) the sanctity of these months was upheld and the Holy Quran referred to them as the “sanctified months”.

 

The month of Muharram has certain other characteristics peculiar to it which are specified below.

 

1. Fasting during the month
The Noble Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) has said: ‘The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadhan are those of the month of Muharram.”

Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet, the one who fasts in these days out of his own will and choice is entitled to a great reward by Allah Almighty. The Hadith cited above signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are most rewardable ones among the Nafl fasts i.e. the fasts one observes out of his own choice without being obligatory on him.

 

The Hadith does not mean that the award promised for fasts of Muharram can be achieved only by fasting for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit. Therefore, one should avail of this opportunity as much as he can.

 

2. The day of ‘Ashurah’
Although the month of Muharram is a sanctified month as a whole, yet, the 10th day of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named ‘Ashurah’.

 

According to the Holy Companion Ibn ‘Abbas (Radhiallaahu Ánhu). The Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), when migrated to Madinah, found that the Jews of Madinah used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which the Holy Prophet Musa (Moses) (Alayhis salaam) and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the Pharaoh was drowned in its waters. On hearing this from the Jews, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, “We are more closely rotated to Musa (Alayhis salaam) than you” and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of ‘Ashura’. (Abu Dawood)

 

It is also reported in a number of authentic traditions that in the beginning, fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’ was obligatory for the Muslims. It was later that the fasts of Ramadhan were made obligatory and the fast on the day of ‘Ashura’ was made optional. Sayyidina ‘Aisha (Radhiallaahu Ánha) has said:

“When the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) came to Madinah, he fasted on the day of ‘Ashura’ and directed the people to fast it. But when the fasts of Ramadhan were made obligatory, the obligation of fasting was confined to Ramadhan and the obligatory nature of the fast of ‘Ashura’ was abandoned. Whoever so desires should fast on it and any other who so likes can avoid fasting on it.” (Sunan Abu Dawud)

However, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) used to fast on the day of ‘Ashura’ even after the fasting in Ramadhan was made obligatory. Abdullah ibn Musa (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) reports that the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) preferred the fast of ‘Ashura’ on the fasts of other days and preferred the fasts of Ramadhaan on the fast of ‘Ashura’. (Bukhari and Muslim)

 

In short, it is established through a number of authentic Hadiths that fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’ is Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and makes one entitled to a great reward.

 

According to another Hadith, it is more advisable that the fast of ‘Ashura’ should either be prefixed or suffixed by another fast. It means that one should fast two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th and 11th of it. The reason of this additional fast as mentioned by the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is that the Jews used to fast on the day of ‘Ashura alone, and the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) wanted to distinguish the Muslim way of fasting from that of Jews. Therefore, he advised the Muslims to add another fast to that of ‘Ashura’.

 

Some traditions signify another feature of the day of ‘Ashura. According to these traditions one should be more generous to his family by providing more food to them on this day as compared to other days. These traditions are not very authentic according to the science of Hadith. Yet, some Scholars like Baihaqi and Ibn Hibban have accepted them as reliable.

 

What is mentioned above is all that is supported through authentic sources about Ashura. However, there are some legends and misconceptions with regard to ‘Ashura’ that have managed to find their way into the minds of the ignorant, but have no support of authentic Islamic sources, some very common of them are these:

 

- This is the day in which Adam (Alayhis salaam) was created.
- This is the day in which Ibrahim was born.
- This is the day in which Allah accepted the repentance of Sayyidina Adam (Alayhis salaam)
- This is the day on which the Qiyaamah (doomsday) will take place.
- Whoever takes bath in the day of ‘Ashura’ will never get ill.

 

All these and other similar whims and fancies are totally baseless and the traditions referred to in this respect are not worthy of any credit.

Some people take it as Sunnah to prepare a particular type of meal in the day of ‘Ashura’. This practice, too, has no basis in the authentic Islamic sources.

 

Some other people attribute the sanctity of ‘Ashura’ to the martyrdom of Sayyidina Husain (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) during his battle with the Syrian army. No doubt, the martyrdom of Sayyidina Husain (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) is one of the most tragic episodes of our history. Yet, the sanctity of ‘Ashura’ cannot be ascribed to this event for the simple reason that the sanctity of ‘Ashura’ was established during the days of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) much earlier than the birth of Sayyidna Husain (Radhiallaahu Ánhu).

 

On the contrary, it is one of the merits of Sayyidna Husain (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) that his martyrdom took place on the day of ‘Ashura’.

Another misconception about the month of Muharram is that it is an evil or unlucky month, for Sayyidna Husain was killed in it. It is for this misconception that people avoid holding marriage ceremonies in the month of Muharram.

 

This is again a baseless concept which is contrary to the express teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. Such superstitions have been totally negated by the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam). If the death of an eminent person in a particular day renders that day unlucky for all times to come, one can hardly find a day, free from this bad luck, out of 360 days of the whole year, because each and every day has a history of the demise of some eminent person. The Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) have made us free from such superstitious beliefs, and they should deserve no attention.

 

Another wrong practice related to this month is to hold the lamentation and mouming ceremonies in the memory of martyrdom of Sayyidna Husain (Radhiallaahu Ánhu). As mentioned earlier, the event of Karbala is one of the most tragic events of our history, but the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) has forbidden us from holding the mourning ceremonies on the death of any person. The people of jahiliyyah (ignorance) used to mourn over their deceased through loud lamentations, by tearing their clothes and by beating their cheeks and chests. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) stopped the Muslims from doing all this and directed them to observe patience by saying “Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji’oon”. A number of authentic Ahaadith are available on the subject. To quote only one of them:

 

“He is not from our group who slaps his checks, tears his clothes and cries in the manner of the people of jahiliyyah”. (Sahih Bukhari)

All the authentic jurists are unanimous on the point that the mourning of this type is absolutely impermissible. Even Sayyidna Husain (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) at shortly before his demise, had advised his beloved sister Sayyidah Zainab (Radhiallaahu Ánha) at not to mourn over his death in this manner. He said, “My dear sister, I swear upon you that you, in case I die, shall not tear your clothes, nor scratch your face, nor curse anyone for me or pray for your death”. (Al-Kamil, ibn Kathir vol. 4 pg. 24)

 

It is evident from this advice of Sayyidna Husain, (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) that this type of mourning is condemned even by the blessed person for the memory of whom these mourning ceremonies are held. Every Muslim should avoid this practice and abide by the teachings of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and his beloved grand child Sayyidna Husain (Radhiallaahu Ánhu).

 

Mufti Taqi Uthmaani

Source

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Fasting for Hazrat Husain (Radiyallahu Anhu)

 

Q: I want to ask can we fast for the Isaal-e-sawaab of Imaam Husain (Radiyallahu Anhu)? Is there any benefit or special reward that Allah Ta'ala will grant us?

A: The gruesome martyrdom of Hazrat Husain (Radiyallahu Anhu) was undoubtedly among the most tragic and heart breaking events that occurred in the annals of history. However despite that, it should be borne in mind that the occasion of Aashura and its virtues are not associated with the martyrdom of Hazrat Husain (Radiyallahu Anhu). Instead, Aashura had received its virtue and auspiciousness before the birth of Hazrat Husain (Radiyallahu Anhu).

There were many other personalities greater than Hazrat Husain (Radiyallahu Anhu) who were also martyred in the path of Allah Ta'ala, from the Ambiya (Alayhimus Salaam) and also from the Sahaaba (Radiyallahu Anhum), the likes of Hazrat Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu), Hazrat Usmaan (Radiyallahu Anhu), Hazrat Ali (Radiyallahu Anhu), Hazrat Ja'far (Radiyallahu Anhu), Hazrat Hamza (Radiyallahu Anhu) and many others. If one feels that he should be fasting for Hazrat Husain (Radiyallahu Anhu), then he should first commence fasting for all those personalities who were greater than Hazrat Husain (Radiyallahu Anhu) and had sacrificed their lives for Deen before he commences fasting for Hazrat Husain (Radiyallahu Anhu). However, there is no day that has been earmarked in the Islamic calendar for one to mourn their death or for one to fast for them, etc.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم من أحدث في أمرنا هذا ما ليس فيه فهو رد (صحيح البخاري رقم 2697)

البدعة في المذهب ايراد قول لم يستن قائلها وفائلها فيه بصاحب الشريعة وأمثالها (المفردات ص36)

قال الشامي : قوله ( قوله وهي اعتقاد الخ ) عزا هذا التعريف في هامش الخزائن إلى الحافظ ابن حجر في شرح النخبة ولا يخفى أن الاعتقاد يشمل ما كان معه عمل أو لا فإن من تدين بعمل لا بد أن يعتقده كمسح الشيعة على الرجلين وإنكارهم المسح على الخفين ونحو ذلك وحينئذ فيساوي تعريف الشمني لها بأنها ما أحدث على خلاف الحق المتلقى عن رسول الله من علم أو عمل أو حال بنوع شبهة واستحسان وجعل دينا قويما وصراطا مستقيما (رد المحتار 1/560)

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

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THE DAY OF AASHURA (10TH MUHARRAM)  & HISTORICAL EVENTS

 

Although the month of Muharram is a sacred month as a whole, the 10^th of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named 'Aashurah'. It is one of the most important and blessed days of Allah Ta’ala in the Islamic calendar. This day has been accepted as having deep significance. Evidence of its significance has been clearly found in authentic traditions.

 

There are many Prophetic events of great historical importance and also events that happened after the Beloved and Final Messenger of Allah(peace be upon him) had left this world, such as the Battle of Karbala, that have taken place on this day.

 

The importance of the month of Muharram has been mentioned in the Qur’aan in Surah Taubah verse 36. This day of Aashura derives its importance from Prophetic Traditions. In the Ahadeeth (sayings of Rasulullah sallallaho alaihe wassallam) the following have been mentioned:

 

FASTING

 

The Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) has exhorted and encouraged his Ummah to fast on this day. He said:

"This fast is a compensation for the (minor) sins of the past year." < /b>(Hadith:Muslim)

 

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), when migrated to Madinah, found that the Jews of Madinah used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which the Prophet Musa (Moses), alayhis salam, and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the Pharaoh was drowned in its waters. On hearing this from the Jews, the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, said, “We are more closely rotated to Musa, alayhi salam, than you,” …and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of ‘Ashura’. ( Hadith-Abu Dawood)

 

"Observe the fast of Aashura and oppose the Jews. Fast a day before it or a day after." (Hadith:Baihaqi)

 

Hence, it is important to either fast on the ninth and the tenth or the tenth and the eleventh of Muharram. To fast only on the day of Aashora is Makrooh(undesirable).

 

 

BEING GENEROUS

 

One should be generous on one's family and dependants and spend more on them than what is normally spent.

Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) said: "One who generously spends on his family on the day of Aashora, Allah will increase (his provision) for the whole year." (Hadith:Baihaqi)

 

 

HISTORICAL EVENTS

 

There is no doubt on the blessedness of the The Day of Aashura. Many historical events of deep significance have also been recorded on this day. Hazrat Musa (as) and his people, the Bani Israel, were saved from the Egyptian Pharaoh by the miracle of the parting of the sea on the day of Ashura. It was for this reason that the Jews used to fast on this day.< o:p>

 

The Tragic battle of Karbala was also fought on this day. This event has many important lessons for the Ummah (Muslim Nation) especially at this point in time when the Ummah is being maliciously targeted and persecuted just because of their attachment and love for Islam- The Religion of Truth.

 

BATTLE OF KARBALA

By Abdurrahmaan Umar

 

Close to the end of his life Ameer Muawiyyah bin Abu Sufyaan (RA-Radiallahu Anhu – May Allah be pleased with him) decided to appoint his son Yazid as Khalifa of the Muslims, this was an unprecedented act in the history of Islam. No ruler had prior to this appointed his son or family as successor. Several of the Sahaba (RA) were dissatisfied with this deviation from the standard established by The Meseenger of Allah (Sallalahu Alaihi wasallam) and his righteous guided Khalufa.

 

Of the Sahaba (RA) present at that time Abdullah bin Umar, Abdullah bin Abbas and Abdur Rahmaan bin Abu Bakr (RA) opted to accept the reign of Yazid to avoid further bloodshed in the Muslim Ummah. They did not want to see the repeat of conflicts of Siffin and Jamal, which cost many Muslim lives and threw the Ummah into turmoil. Abdullah bin Zubair (RA) took refuge in Makkah and he remained the ruler of Hijaaz (Makkah, Medina and surrounding areas) for a further ten years.

 

The other objector to Yazid becoming the Khalifa was Husain (RA) the youngest son of Hazrat Ali (RA) and Hazrat Fatima (RA). Based on his understanding of the tenets of Islam he understood this to be a deviation from the path of his grandfather, Rasulallah (Sallalahu Alaihi wasallam). Husain (RA) escaped from Medina to Makkah when the pressures of the governor, Waleed bin Utba, intensified his efforts to compel Husain (RA) to accept Yazid as the Khalifa of the Muslim Ummah.

 

While in Makkah, he began receiving letters of support from Kufa – encouraging him to come to Kufa where he will find many supporters who will help him oppose Yazid. When the number of letters of support exceeded 10’000, Husain (RA) considered going to Kufa, despite the objections of the other Sahaba (RA). He sent his cousin, Muslim bin Aqeel to investigate the situation. Abdulla bin Abbas and Abdulla bin Umar (RA) tried in vain to dissuade Husain (RA) from leaving the sanctuary of Makkah and going to Kufa. Realising that he would not heed their advice, they tried to convince him to leave his family in Makkah and make the journey with a few of his companions. But Husain (RA) had committed himself to opposing this deviation from the Path of Islam; and was prepared to sacrifice his life and the lives of his family to ensure that the Sunnah (Path of Nabi Sallalahu Alaihi wasallam) is not altered. Shariah had established the rules for Mashwera (Mutual consultation) and had abolished any remnants of monarchy.

 

When the cousin of Hazrat Husain (RA), Muslim bin Aqeel arrived in Kufa he found tremendous support for Husain. Nearly 15’000 supporters gathered to pray with him demonstrating their backing of Husain (RA). Encouraged by this situation, Muslim bin Aqeel wrote back saying the situation was favourable and that Husain (RA) should come to Kufa. But the situation quickly deteriorated when the new governor of Kufa, Ubayd-Allah bin Ziyad took power and began persecuting the supporters of Husain eventually killing Muslim bin Aqeel on 9 Dhul-Haij jah 60AH (680 AD) without any resistance from the people of Kufa.

 

Husain (RA) departed for the 1100mk long journey on the 8^th Dhul-Hijjah to avoid any conflict in the holy city during Hajj. En-route he heard of the murder of his cousin, Muslim bin Aqeel and of his supporters deserting his cause, but decided to continue to Kufa saying these famous words:

 

"... The death is a certainty for mankind, just like the trace of necklace on the neck of young girls. And I am enamored of my ancestors like eagerness of Yaqoob  to Yusuf (AS)... Everyone, who is going to devote his blood for our sake and is prepared to meet Allah, must depart with us..." (Lohouf, By Sayyid ibn Tawoos, Tradition No.72)

 

Two days outside of Kufa Husain’s group were stopped by the vanguard of Yazid’s army – Hurr bin Riyahi, who refused him to continue his journey to Kufa. Husain requested to return to Medina, but that too, was denied. Forced by the army of Hurr, Husain (RA) and his supporters camped in the barren, dry area of Karbala on the 2^nd Muharram. The governor of Kufa, Ubayd-Allah bin Ziyad ordered Umar bin Sa’ad to lead the army of 5’000 strong against Husain with instructions to initiate the battl e on the 6^th of Muharram. With further instructions to prevent Husain from access to water despite the close proximity of the mighty Euphrates river.

 

On the afternoon of the 9^th the army of ibn Sa’ad began advancing to attack – Husain (RA) requested them to delay for one day. That night he spent in prayer and devotion; at Fajr he gathered his men and informed them that they faced certain death and if anyone wished to leave they were free to do so. All his supporters, 32 horsemen and 40 foot-soldiers, emphatically opted to stay by his side. Hearing Husain’s emotional call to defend the family of Nabi (Sallalahu Alaihi wasallam), Hurr Al- Riyahi, the commande r of one of the enemy battalions left the ranks of Yazid’s army and joined the small group of Husain.

 

Fearing that more people may defect to Husain Umar bin Sa’ad, commander of the army started the battle by firing an arrow saying: "Give evidence before the governor that I was the first thrower." The army attacked with ferocity but were repulsed by the courage of Husain bin Ali (RA) followers. Despite being charged at by infantrymen these brave soldiers of Allah Ta'ala stood their ground and defended the family of Nabi (Sallalahu Alaihi wasallam).

 

Husain’s (RA) followers came to bid farewell to him as they plunged into the battle, sacrificing their lives in defense of the grandson of the Master, Rasulallah (Sallalahu Alaihi wasallam). Abbas bin Ali (RA) the half-brother of Husain (RA) could not tolerate the suffering of the women and children who had been without water for several days. Penetrating the enemy forces he reached the river and began filling water skins. Laden with water skins and hopelessly outnumbered he made his way back to the camp. The enemy surrounded him determi ned not to let this brave warrior of Islam succeed in getting water to the camp. Before he died, Abbas called out to his brother Husain (RA) asking forgiveness that he could not bring the water.

 

As the day drew to a close, only Husain (RA) remained from the men. Few of the enemy dared attack him, some out of the dread of attacking the grandson of Nabi (Sallalahu Alaihi wasallam)  others from the fear of his ferocity. Umar bin Sa’ad, commander of Yazid’s forces ordered his men to murder the noble grandson – most were reluctant then Shimr ibn Dhiljawshan advanced to slit the throat of Husain (RA). He severed the head of this noble leader of Islam and placed it on a spear. History will always mark this day &nd ash; 10^th of Muharram 60AH (680AD) as the day the noble grandson of the Master Muhammad (Sallalahu Alaihi wasallam) gave his life in defense of the established Path of Islam. He would tolerate no deviation from the Shariah (Islamic legal code) or Sunnah. Leaving this world at the age of 57 he became the leader of the youth of Jannah (Paradise).

 

Umar bin Sa’ad ordered his men to gather all the women and children, and to set fire to the tents. The next morning the captives from the family of Nabi (Sallalahu Alaihi wasallam) were marched to Kufa and then to Damascus. In the court of Yazid bin Muawiyyah the heads were displayed and the prisoners were paraded. Zaynab bint Ali (RA) fearlessly condemned Yazid for his actions and eulogised Hazrat Husain (RA).

 

This is a mere recording of events from authentic Sunni sources. Allah is the Best Judge. Allah Ta'ala makes it clear:

 

“That was a people that hath passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did, and ye of what ye do! Of their merits there is no question in your case” (Qur’an-Surah Baqarah 2:141 and 2:134)

 

But it leaves us with the profound question: How much are we willing to sacrifice in the defense of Deen, Truth and the laws of Islam. If each of us were willing to make the sacrifice of Hazrat Husain (RA) then there would be no deviation from the True Path. The call is not only to give up our lives in preserving our religion, but to give up our desires in fulfilling the Orders of Allah Ta'ala.

 

www.eislam.co.za

[ummtaalib]

Ashura: Sunni vs Shia Perspective & Practise

Difference between the practices of the Sunnis and Shias on 10th Muharram (Ashura)