What Is 'Ashoora' ? [al-islam.org]

What led to this tragic event of Karbala?

Even in the lifetime of the Prophet of Islam, there were people whose tongues professed faith in Islam but whose hearts lay elsewhere. These people were called “Munafiqeen” (hypocrites) by the Holy Quran. The reasons that these people joined the ranks of Muslims were manifold, some of which were as follows:

1. Enmity towards Islam prompted them to sow discord among the Muslims from within, by distorting the Prophet's message wherever and however possible.

2. Islam was spreading fast and gaining power. They decided to join the winning side and seize whatever worldly gains they could lay their hands on.

The activities of such people gained impetus after the Prophet's passing away, and reached a peak when Muawiya, the son of Abu Sufyan, claimed himself the ruler of Syria.

The hypocrites were now in power and so they mounted a highly organized assault against the very roots of Islam, and they were on the verge of total success. Some of the priorities of the attack were to destroy the awareness of the common Muslims or to destroy their faculty of expression. This was achieved through bribes, through terror and through propagation of ignorance. When these weapons failed in silencing the tongue of a strong Muslim, then that tongue was silenced by death.

By all these means, within half a century after the Prophet's passing away, Islam had been distorted so much that it became totally unrecognizable, so unrecognizable that people knew of the debaucheries of Yazid, son of Muawiya, and still accepted him as a successor of the Prophet and a true leader of the Muslims.

With the advent of Yazid, the vilest of the vile, the mission of destroying the roots of Islam had reached its peak. The right and the wrong had been intermixed so much that it became impossible for a common man to differentiate between them.

This would have been the end of Islam, but for Husayn (as), grandson of the Prophet (S) and son of Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) and Fatima az-Zahra (sa).

What Imam Husayn did was to gather about him in Karbala the exalted members of his family and his hand-picked friends and companions, many of whom had been the companions of the Prophet (S) and of Ali (as) and of Imam Hasan (as). These people were the very best examples of humanity in that period, or for that matter, in any period in the history of the world. Imam Husayn had virtually gathered the sum total of the strength of Islam to himself. This strength comprised not of physical might, but of moral might. With this strength, he proceeded to resist Yazid.

The fact that he traveled from Madinah toward Kufa with his family (including his infant son Ali Asghar as) is a clear indication that it was not his intention to fight for Caliphate and worldly power. No. His aims were higher. He was fighting for the life of Islam.

His sermons, which he delivered in front of his companions during his journey from Madinah to Karbala, clearly indicate that he knew what was going to happen in the next few days. He informed his companions time and again, that he, and those who would accompany him, were going to die. He gave his companions a free and clear choice: death with him, or life away from him. His companions showed that they were fully prepared for the sacrifice of their lives in the company of Husayn (as).

The purpose of this sacrifice

With his sacrifice, Husayn (as) attracted to himself the eyes of all the free-thinking people of his time and of all the time to come. In that time of confusion, when right and wrong had become so intermixed that they had lost distinction, Husayn, in Karbala, irrevocably re-established that distinction, creating a clear, incisive demarcation between right and wrong, and leaving no doubts (for even the most prejudiced of historians) about the fact that the right lay with Husayn, and the wrong lay with those who opposed him.

Establishing this fact, Husayn, through his words and actions and the words and actions of his companions, encapsulated all the teachings of Islam within a short span of time, in the field of Karbala, creating a beacon of light for the truth seekers of all times.

It is this event that is marked on the tenth of Muharram every year. It is this event that has made free thinking people of all times love Husayn with a selfless love beyond compare. And it is this love that expresses itself through mourning during the month of Muharram, and particularly on ‘Ashura’, the 10th of Muharram, every year.

The mourning is a way to remind oneself of Husayn's incomparable sacrifice, a way to thank him, a way to express love for him, and a way to broadcast to the world his message of true freedom.

Courtesy: www.al-islam.org

1. Charles Dickens
"If Husain fought to quench his worldly desires, then I do not understand why his sisters, wives and
children accompanied him. It stands to reason
therefore that he sacrificed purely for Islam."

2. Robert Durey Osborn
"Hosain had a child named Abdallah, only a year old.
He had accompanied his father in this terrible
march. Touched by its cries, he took the infant in his
arms and wept. At that instant, a shaft from the
hostile ranks pierced the child's ear, and it expired
in his father's arms. Hosain placed the little corpse
upon the ground. 'We come from God, and we return to Him!' he cried; 'O Lord, give me strength to bear these misfortunes! ' .
Faint with thirst, and exhausted with wounds, he
fought with desperate courage, slaying several of
his antagonists. At last he was cut down from
behind; at the same instance a lance was thrust
through his back and bore him to the ground; as the dealer of this last blow withdrew his weapon, the ill-fated son of Ali rolled over a corpse. The head was severed from the trunk; the trunk was trampled under the hoofs of the victors' horses; and the next morning the women and a surviving infant son were carried away to Koufa. The bodies of Hosain and his followers were left unburied on the spot where they fell.
For three days they remained exposed to the sun
and the night dews, the vultures and the prowling
animals of the waste; but then the inhabitants of a
neighbouring village, struck with horror that the
body of a grandson of the Prophet should be thus
shamefully abandoned to the unclean beasts of the
field, dared the anger of Obaidallah, and interred the body of the martyr and those of his heroic friends."

3. Edward Gibbon
"In a distant age and climate the tragic scene of the
death of Hosein will awaken the sympathy of the
coldest reader."

4. Thomas Carlyle
"The best lesson which we get from the tragedy of
Karbala is that Husain and his companions were the
rigid believers of God. They illustrated that
numerical superiority does not count when it comes
to truth and falsehood. The victory of Husain despite his minority marvels me!"

5. Mahatma Gandhi
" My faith is that the progress of Islam does not
depend on the use of sword by its believers, but the
result of the supreme sacrifice of Husain, the great
saint."

"As Buddhists, if we had personalities like Imam Ali and Imam Hussain, as well as the book of the source of knowledge (Nahjul Balagha) by Imam Ali, as well as Karbala, we will convert everyone in the world into Buddhism, as we are proud of those two personalities".

-The Dalai Lama, the head of the Buddhist faith

"The message of Allah is meaningless in the understanding of people, except for those who follow Imam Hussain as a model. they gift all for their belief for the sake of Allah and uncover the truth about disbelief at the same time".

-Professor Pierre Lory, Sorbonne University Paris.

"Hussain was martyred as a courageous fighter, but for the barbaric way he was killed, there were deep political and religious effects upon the world Muslim nation as he was killed in such a bloody way for no reason, except for his wishes to affirm the pillars of justice and repeat the path of his grandfather the Prophet of Allah".

-Professor Kostantin Matveev, Russian Assyrians researcher.

It really is a tragedy what happened at karbala, that was a dark time.

I want to ask about the ashura festival Shias do, the beatings, is this a general shia practice? Or its done by some sects within the shia, and why do they do this, I heard its to understand and feel what imam husayn felt but really within the shia context what is the backing for this.

"Everyday is Ashura and EveryLand is Kar'bala"
~Imam Ali ibn Hussain Zaynul Abideen (a.s)

Injustice, mischief and tyranny... on the innocent were the summary of what happened on the day of Ashura in the land of Kar'bala; this is what happen daily on everyland.

Sissie: It really is a tragedy what happened at karbala, that was a dark time.

I want to ask about the ashura festival Shias do, the beatings, is this a general shia practice? Or its done by some sects within the shia, and why do they do this, I heard its to understand and feel what imam husayn felt but really within the shia context what is the backing for this.

Holy Quran 22:32
That [is so]. And whoever honors the symbols of Allah - indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.

The beating of the chest,poetry recitations,chants e.t.c. are all known in arabic as "sha'aira".the word can be translated to mean "expression","symbols","signs","rituals",etc. For instance the circumbulation 7 times around the holy Ka'ba and shaving of the head are rituals,symbols or expressions of hajj.in the above verse we are told one who honors these is an evidence of piety.

When it comes to commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) on the 10th day of Muharram known as Yaumu (day of) Ashura,there are no fixed expressions but there are ones people relate to most to express their emotions/love for the Imam (as).the essence of reviving the memory of Imam Hussain (as) is meant to protect the legacy of Imam Hussain (as) and his revolution,which was to protect and revive Islam and to stand against oppression,tyranny and injustice.more or less the expressions the Shia have come over the centuries to adopt have both cultural and religious leanings that can be seen as traditions.for instance we find in Islamic hadith books that during grief people (among the sahaba) hit themselves as demonstration of grief.doing or not doing certain acts of these (like beating the chest) does not affect one being a Shia or even the commemoration of Imam Hussain (as).Ashura can be commemorated in many ways through many expressions.for instance in Saudi Arabia,the Shia on Ashura Day donate blood to hospitals,as a way of sacrificing their blood which they were not able to do for Imam Hussain (as) and the Household of Prophet Muhammad (sa) centuries ago.it is all about creating awareness.also on Ashura Day,Shia Muslims do processions which is known in arabic as "maseera".different expressions of grief and to create awareness can be undertaken to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as).

Furthermore,apart from the expressions,rituals or symbols that are undertaken to mark Ashura,why must we mark Ashura? To this question I can give so many answers why we must mark the day of Ashura and honor Imam Hussain (as) to benefit Islam and its propagation,and its preservation which Imam Hussain (as) sacrificed everything for.there is a saying that Islam is “Muhammadan” in its existence and “Hussainiyyan” in its preservation.to this end I will give two main reasons from the Quran and Sunnah (not touching on the benefit but on justification from a general Islamic point) why we must commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) on the day of Ashura.

First commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) and grieving for him is a SUNNAH.a sunnah is whatever the Prophet (sa) did or said.the Prophet (sa) is recorded to have shed tears and felt sadness for his grandson when Jibril (as) informed the Prophet (sa) on what would happen to Imam Hussain (as).grieving for Imam Hussain (as) therefore is a prophetic sunnah.

Second,we read in the Holy Quran that different prophets of Allah (swt) have said “their reward is only from Allah”.
“And if you turn away [from my advice] then no payment have I asked of you. My reward is only from Allah, and I have been commanded to be of the Muslims." (10:72)

Additionally, Prophet Muhammad (sa) after making it clear in 34:47 that his reward is from Allah (swt) and whatever he asks from us is for our own good, we read the following:

Say, [O Muhammad], "I do not ask you for this message any payment [but] only love my near relatives." (42:23).

In other words it is for our good as a reward for the Prophet (sa) to love the Ahlul-Bayt (as).it is a command by Allah (swt) to love the Ahlul-Bayt (as) of the Prophet (sa) as reward for His Prophet (sa).now how do we show love for the Ahlul-Bayt (as) since this love is a command in the Quran,the eternal message of Almighty God? Is this love expressible? Or we only say with our mouths and forget later that “we love the Ahlul-Bayt”? to the Shia Muslims,Ashura is one of the occasions where we show love for our Prophet’s (sa) Ahlul-Bayt (as) by not forgetting the sufferings of Imam Hussain (as),and not denying his memory and rights.the expressions of love we project to revive the memory of Imam Hussain (as) are the least we can do in line with 42:23.we don’t just pretend nothing happened,when the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (sa) was betrayed,oppressed,persecuted,besieged,and then beheaded and killed in thirst,along with his loyal Shia (partisans/followers),companions and family members,including his 6 months old baby boy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69jAqMkoeq8

LagosShia:



Furthermore,apart from the expressions,rituals or symbols that are undertaken to mark Ashura,why must we mark Ashura?

May Allah reward you for that detailed reply. However somebody asked a nearly the same question (above) from me though instead of 'Hussain', he inserted 'the prophet'.

My reply were:

"You talked about "commemorating and celebrating the death and birth of
the holy prophet respectively"! Haven't you read the Qur'an: Allah's instructions to the prophet: "Wadhkur' fil kitaba..."(remember the story of so and so in the book)". (~e.g Sura Maryam). Was Allah talking about the living? He asked His beloved prophet to remember the people of the past - what they lived and died for! So you as a muslim, who would
you remember most if not your prophet and his
household, whom you send blessings to in every tashahud of your salat? I will forever remember and commemorate the day 'mercy unto mankind(saws)' departed this world! And likewise remember and celebrate the day 'mercy to mankind' was born into this world. If Allah didn't condemned the jew who made the day manna descended from heavens a Eid (festive) day as reported in the Qur'an, why would I be condemned of doing bid'ah just because I celebrate the birth of Muhammad (saws)?

Here we remember the ONLY symbol of Muhammad
and Islam at the time when Islam was almost extinct, Imam Hussain (a.s), whose rise against the tyrant khalipha Yazid was "amru bil mahruf wa nahy anil munkar" (upholding the truth and forbidding the evil).

Mahatma Gandhi
" My faith is that the progress of Islam does not
depend on the use of sword by its believers, but the
result of the supreme sacrifice of Husain, the great
saint."

Al-Baqir:


May Allah reward you for that detailed reply. However somebody asked a nearly the same question (above) from me though instead of 'Hussain', he inserted 'the prophet'.

My reply were:

"You talked about "commemorating and celebrating the death and birth of
the holy prophet respectively"! Haven't you read the Qur'an: Allah's instructions to the prophet: "Wadhkur' fil kitaba..."(remember the story of so and so in the book)". (~e.g Sura Maryam). Was Allah talking about the living? He asked His beloved prophet to remember the people of the past - what they lived and died for! So you as a muslim, who would
you remember most if not your prophet and his
household, whom you send blessings to in every tashahud of your salat? I will forever remember and commemorate the day 'mercy unto mankind(saws)' departed this world! And likewise remember and celebrate the day 'mercy to mankind' was born into this world. If Allah didn't condemned the jew who made the day manna descended from heavens a Eid (festive) day as reported in the Qur'an, why would I be condemned of doing bid'ah just because I celebrate the birth of Muhammad (saws)?

Here we remember the ONLY symbol of Muhammad
and Islam at the time when Islam was almost extinct, Imam Hussain (a.s), whose rise against the tyrant khalipha Yazid was "amru bil mahruf wa nahy anil munkar" (upholding the truth and forbidding the evil).

Mahatma Gandhi
" My faith is that the progress of Islam does not
depend on the use of sword by its believers, but the
result of the supreme sacrifice of Husain, the great
saint."

Masha'Allah dear brother!

all these explanations from the Quran and hadiths that need to remind us of our duty and closeness to Allah (swt) and His Prophet (sa) only goes to show that Muslims have stopped to think and ponder,or perhaps they have lost their mind thanks to the legacy and propaganda of banu umayyah.and one of the most repeated command in the Quran is for us to think and ponder.

duplicate post

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lAT-D5771A

Karbala, the Chain of Events

Highlights of Karbala, History of Mu'awiyah and Yazid, events of 'Ashura, and lessons from Karbala.
***

Highlights of Karbala

The events of Karbala reflect the collision of the good versus the evil, the virtuous versus the wicked, and the collision of Imam Husayn (the head of virtue) versus Yazid (the head of impiety). Al-Husayn was a revolutionary person, a righteous man, the religious authority, the Imam of Muslim Ummah.

As the representative of his grandfather Prophet Muhammad (S), Imam Husayn's main concern was to safeguard and protect Islam and guide fellow Muslims. On the other hand, the staying power of the rulers (Mu'awiya and his son Yazid) depended solely on the might of the sword. They used brute force to rule over the Muslim empire even by all possible illicit means.

Imam Husayn as head of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) never recognized Mu'awiya nor his followers. Before him Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) had fought battles against Mu'awiya because Mu'awiya continuously violated the Islamic principles. Imam Al-Hasan (a.s.) had to swallow the bitter pill of making a peace agreement with Mu'awiya, in order to safeguard the security of the Ummah which was at stake.

When Yazid son of Mu'awiya declared himself as a ruler over the Ummah, he demanded Imam Al-Husayn's (a.s.) allegiance of loyalty. Imam Husayn on his part flatly rejected Yazid's rule and behavior, for there was no way Yazid could represent Islam, it would be blasphemy. But Yazid, the tyrant ruler over the Ummah, was adamant in his demand, and tension between the two parties increased day by day.

Imam Husayn was quick to realize that giving allegiance of loyalty to Yazid would serve no purpose but to jeopardize the survival of Islam. To safeguard and protect Islam, therefore, the Imam had no choice but to confront and collide with Yazid's rulership irrespective of consequences. Since Yazid had ordered his commanders to seize the Imam's allegiance of loyalty at any cost, even by brutal force, the commanders had to assemble a relatively large army, surrounding Imam Husayn's camp in a desert called Karbala.

Then they cut off the basic necessities to the camp, including access to water. The camp consisted of Imam Husayn, his family, friends, and companions, all of whom stood fast and firmly with him. These braves would rather face death for the noble cause of Islam, than submit to the outrageous tyranny and the un-Islamic ways of Yazid.

Thus, Karbala proved to be a clash involving Islamic truths versus falsehood, right versus wrong, belief versus disbelief, and the oppressed versus the oppressor, faith against brute force. Karbala was about standing in the face of oppression, regardless no matter the cost. Thus, in Karbala, Al-Husayn the 57 year old grandson of Prophet Muhammad (S), 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.

His goal was to foil the plan that Mu'awiya had expertly developed for his son, Yazid, which was to establish a permanent Bani Umayya rulership over the Muslim Ummah (even by sacrificing the Islamic principles), but doing it in the name of Islam. Brilliantly, Imam Husayn succeeded in foiling this plan and he exposed the disreputable nature of Bani Umayya though this was at the expense of his life.



Who Was Mu'awiya?

Mu'awiya was son of Abu Sufyan, a leader of Bani Umayya clan which was one of the clans of Quraish tribes. Mu'awiya grew up in a family known to be cunning, worldly, materialistic, and power hungry. Mu'awiya became Muslim only when Prophet Muhammad (S) triumphed over Mecca. Those who became Muslim in this manner were called Tulaqaa', (a term scornfully used for the disbelievers who became Muslims to save their lives).

Mu'awiya, his father Abu Sufyan, his mother Hind, and his brother Yazid son of Abu Sufyan were all Tulaqaa'; Mu'awiya never forgot this stigma for the rest of his life; he could never shake it from his mind, thus a feeling of malicious vengeance always existed in his heart. Mu'awiya's character and aspirations were entirely opposite to that of his sister, Umm Habiba, who was one of the wives of the Holy Prophet (S). Unlike Mu'awiya, Umm Habiba was a sincere believer and a pious person.

Omar, the second Khalifa, appointed Mu'awiya's brother, Yazid son of Abu Sufyan, as the Governor of Syria when the Muslims captured that territory from the Byzantines. Within a few years, Yazid son of Abu Sufyan died of a disease, and Omar appointed Mu'awiya in his brother's place as the Governor. Upon coming to power, Mu'awiya took advantage of the rich public treasury of Syria using it personally to buy favors and influence people.

Thus he built a large base of support among some tribes, almost to the fanatic level. He used this to his advantage in later years to form a network of informants (spies) against Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and their devotees.

Jamal Confrontation

When Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) became Khalifa, he decided to remove Mu'awiya immediately, notwithstanding Mu'awiya's strong base of support. At that time, Mu'awiya had been the governor of Syria, Palestine, and Jordan for 17 years. Mu'awiya became defiant, he refused to obey ‘Ali's orders. Brazen and unabashed, he even declined to recognize ‘Ali or give allegiance of loyalty to him.

Also in defiance, Mu'awiya established a parallel government in Greater Syria, and started a campaign of treacherous accusations and malicious rumors against Imam ‘Ali (a.s.). He falsely blamed Imam ‘Ali for the killing of Uthman, the third Khalifa, and urged people to take up arms against the Imam. He spread these notorious accusations constantly to incite an uprising against ‘Ali (a.s.).

At the same time A'isha, the Prophet's widow, became highly vocal against Imam ‘Ali (a.s.). She called for taking revenge for the blood of Uthman. As a result, a party of 3,000 insurgents supported by Sahaaba (Companions) such as Talha and Zubair, along with A'isha headed toward Basrah. The insurgents upon reaching Basrah clashed with the local authorities and finally occupied a portion of Basrah. Soon after the occupation these insurgents spread a reign of terror among the people, killing no less than 600 local Muslims, pilfering the treasury and stealing the arms supplies of the armory.

As a Khalifa in charge, Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) could not ignore the situation, he had to act and restore peace and order. He ordered his forces to proceed to Basrah. As the Imam's forces reached near Basrah, Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) tried to persuade the insurgents led by A'isha, Zubair and Talha to change their minds and avoid confrontation, but he did not succeed. A battle broke out though Zubair elected not to fight; Talha was wounded then bled to death.

Thousands of people lost their lives. A'isha fell down from the camel after it was disabled; but luckily she was not hurt. Imam ‘Ali asked Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr, (A'isha's brother), to take A'isha to Basrah for a few days, and from there to escort her to Medina with full honor and dignity. Upon leaving Basrah Al-Hasan (a.s.) and Al-Husayn (a.s.) accompanied the Prophet's widow for some distance before bidding her farewell.

Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) stayed in Basrah for a few weeks to restore law and order. He compensated for the dead, and decided to forgive and absolve all who fought against him, exactly as the Prophet (S) had done when he triumphed over Mecca 40 years earlier.

Battle of Siffin

Upon returning to Kufa, Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) immediately prepared for the anticipated clash with Mu'awiya. The defying Mu'awiya continued to violate the Islamic principles by personally using the public treasury for espionage and buying peoples' loyalty. The people of Syria fully believed him and the in false picture he presented. Ultimately this resulted in a confrontation called Battle of Siffin when the troops of the two sides met at Siffin.

The battle saw ferocious fighting for nine days when Mu'awiya's forces were near collapse. His troops were fleeing and in disarray, and their retreat was in massive disorder, running helter skelter. Mu'awiya was alarmed, tense and frightened, preparing to run away, when he learned of a clever trick. The trick was indecent and unbecoming, it was to make the Holy Quran as an instrument and exploit it, to use it as a tool to his advantage.

Mu'awiya seized on this immediately and commanded his fighters to raise 500 Holy Qurans on tips of spears, in order to stun the troops of Imam ‘Ali. As jolting as it was, this maneuver did break the onslaught and the momentum of ‘Ali's fighters, for they were very pious men. But Imam ‘Ali was quick to recognize this deceit, he knew how deceptive Mu'awiya was, and now that being near collapse, Mu'awiya wanted to save his neck at the expense of the Quran itself.

With that in mind, ‘Ali (a.s.) urged his generals not to halt, but to keep fighting since victory was almost at hand. Alas, ‘Ali's generals and fighters were in shock, for the sight of the Holy Quran high on spear heads was startling to say the least. They could not take it. Not willing to fight, they wanted to accept Mu'awiya's offer to halt the fighting and negotiate instead. The termination of the battle in this manner and the consequences thereof proved to be disastrous to say the least, especially for Ahlul Bayt and Islam.

It is said that there was a conspiracy between Amr Ibnil Aas of Mu'awiya's side, and Ash'ath Ibn Qais, a General in Imam ‘Ali's camp, who was working as a spy against ‘Ali, secretly working as an agent for Mu'awiya. In this battle 45,000 men lost their lives in Mu'awiya's camp, and about 25,000 in ‘Ali's (a.s.) camp.

Many men of high caliber from both sides died, especially Ammar Ibn Yasir, the great Companion of the Prophet (S), who was 90 years old and fought on Imam ‘Ali's side against Mu'awiya.

After Siffin

Imam ‘Ali's (a.s.) generals, who stopped the battle to negotiate with Mu'awiya, did not pick the right person for the negotiation. They unyieldingly refused to accept Imam ‘Ali's choice, instead they picked Kufa's Governor, Abu-Musa Ash'ari, an incompetent Governor who had been previously dismissed from office by Imam ‘Ali. Mu'awiya appointed Amr Ibnil Aas, a shrewd and cunning man, to be his representative in the negotiation. Negotiation between the two sides did not take place for about one year.

When the two negotiators came face to face, it was clear that Ash'ari's capability was no match for his opponent Ibnil Aas. In the negotiations, Ash'ari proposed that, both Mu'awiya and Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) were to abdicate and to let the people hold election for the Khilaafah. Amr Ibnil Aas, a deceptive man at best, quickly agreed to Ash'ari's proposal and asked Ash'ari to first announce the agreement.

Ash'ari stood up and announced, "O people, we have agreed not to consider ‘Ali or Mu'awiya for Khilaafah. You may choose or elect whomever you think is fit." The cunning Amr Ibnil Aas stood up next to say, "O people! I won't consider ‘Ali for the Khilaafah. But Mu'awiya, in my opinion, is the person for that office!"

Upon hearing this (and feeling deceived), the people screamed disapprovingly, an uproar was the result. Imam ‘Ali's (a.s.) camp was in shock, they were double-crossed, deceived and lied to, they felt deeply cut. Amr's double crossing and deception was simply beyond their imagination. They left the place bewildered and utterly disappointed. Because of this a large group of Imam ‘Ali's supporters defected to form a separate group called Kharijies, meaning the Outsiders.

The Khariji became fanatically opposed to Imam ‘Ali and Mu'awiya. Some of their members met secretly in Mecca and drew a plan to assassinate ‘Ali (a.s.) in Kufa, Mu'awiya in Syria, and Amr Ibnil Aas in Egypt. Three fanatics took the responsibility, they were to attack their victims in the morning, the same day, as the would-be victims were going to the mosque to lead the morning salat.

Ibn Muljim attacked and fatally wounded Imam ‘Ali (a.s.), whereas Mu'awiya escaped with a light wound of his buttock. Amr Ibnil Aas was ill that day and his replacement was killed by the Khariji. Imam ‘Ali (a.s.), in wounded condition, conferred the Imamah and the reign of the Islamic nation to his 37 years old son Al-Hasan.

Peace Agreement Between Imam Al-Hasan And Mu'awiya

Imam Hasan (a.s.) faced extremely difficult conditions from the start. He observed that fear, anxiety and much distress were ever present in Kufa, Basrah, Medina and other towns. The anxiety, uncertainty and insecurity were caused by Mu'awiya's ill dealing of sincere Muslims. Mu'awiya had spread secret agents all over to defame Ahlul Bayt.

Imam Hasan knew that his father Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) had stood like a lion in all difficulties and fought battles against Mu'awiya, but these confrontations had resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.

A mass scale family devastation was visible everywhere. Considering all circumstances, Imam Hasan (a.s.) discussed the matter with his brother Husayn (a.s.) and other relatives. He revealed to them that in order to end the bloodshed and to provide a reasonable safety and security to the Ummah, he would make a peace agreement with Mu'awiya and abdicate until after Mu'awiya's death. After a few days of careful consideration, Imam Hasan (a.s.) accepted an agreement as per the terms dictated by the Imam and agreed to by Mu'awiya. Four noteworthy terms of this agreement were:

- People of Syria, Iraq, Hijaz, Yemen and other places shall enjoy amnesty against persecution,

- Friends and companions of Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) and all their women and children shall be protected from all dangers,

- Mu'awiya is to immediately stop the use of abusive language with reference to Ahlul Bayt (cursing Imam ‘Ali) after Salat of Jumu'a), and

- Mu'awiya shall not appoint anyone as his successor.

Once the treaty was signed, Imam Hasan (a.s.) and brother Husayn (a.s.) moved out of Kufa and settled in Medina. Over there both Imams lost no time in holding nightly meetings for Islamic discussions. The nightly meetings proved very successful and gained tremendous popularity. More people started to attend, to hear the Imams give of their fountain of knowledge on Islam and humanity.

The reputation of these meetings began to fly to faraway places. People from as far away as Egypt, Iraq, Yemen, and other distant areas travelled to Medina to learn about the Islamic values. As years passed, the knowledge thus given started to bear fruits. The number of Islamic scholars multiplied and increased considerably.

In the meantime Mu'awiya, unabashedly elected to disregard the terms of his treaty with Imam Al-Hasan.

a) He sent secret agents to terrorize, kidnap, or even kill innocent people specially those who were loyal to Ahlul Bayt (a.s.).

b) Instead of helping the needy with the public treasury, Mu'awiya's governors and their surrogates used the public treasury for personal use, freely and excessively as they wished.

c) Freedom suddenly died, and dictatorship took its place.

d) Mu'awiya gathered a very large number of collaborators who unabashedly would do anything for money.

Mu'awiya's Plot to Poison Imam Hasan (a.s.)

It was Mu'awiya's ardent desire to impose his son Yazid (who had been named after his uncle) upon the Muslims by making him the succeeding Khalifa, despite the fact that Yazid was the playboy of the time, with many evil habits including gambling, heavy drinking, and indulgence in the pleasures of the flesh.

But the peace agreement would not permit Mu'awiya to appoint Yazid as his successor, (According to the agreement Imam Hasan would immediately become Khalifa upon Mu'awiya's death). Therefore, it was obvious to Mu'awiya that, if Al-Hasan did not outlive him, Mu'awiya could do as he pleased. Thus Mu'awiya planned to kill Imam Al-Hasan in order to pave the way for his son Yazid to be his successor.

Mu'awiya sent one of his agents to contact Imam Al-Hasan's wife Joda who was the daughter of Al-Ash'ath (once a secret agent for Mu'awiya against Imam ‘Ali in the Battle of Siffin). Joda was asked a small favor, i.e., to put a little poison in Al-Hasan's food, and in return Mu'awiya would give her a large sum of money and also make her wife of his son Yazid. She found the offer too attractive to ignore, and foolishly agreed to accept it. A few days later, she mixed poison in honey and gave it to the Imam.

As soon as the Imam took the poisoned honey he became seriously ill. Sensing that his death was imminent, the Imam designated his brother Al-Husayn (a.s.) to be the third Imam. Although Imam Al-Hasan knew he was poisoned, he did not reveal that to anyone but to his brother Al-Husayn.

One thing Al-Hasan had wished was to have his burial by the side of his grandfather, Prophet Muhammad (S). Imam Husayn made all the arrangements to fulfill that wish but Mu'awiya's governor over Medina did not let that happen and used military force to stop it. Imam Al-Hasan was 47 year old when he died of poisoning.

Medina was never the same without Imam Hasan (a.s.). Everyone missed him dearly. People at first did not believe Mu'awiya poisoned Imam Al-Hasan, but soon found out the truth.

When Husayn (a.s.) was designated as the 3rd Imam he was 46 years old. Imam Husayn (a.s.) carried on with his mission of teaching Islam as before. A large number of people kept coming to see him and to learn from him. This process continued for several years when people began to hear an ugly rumor that Mu'awiya wanted his son, Yazid, to succeed him.

Mu'awiya Designates Yazid as Successor

Mu'awiya began a campaign to introduce Monarchy into the structure of Islam. To have Monarchy, by force or otherwise is alien to Islam, an innovation in religion, simply not acceptable. Everyone knew that, for Islam does not subscribe to any form of Royalty through inheritance or Monarchy. In Islam it is supposed to be Shura.

Nevertheless, Mu'awiya sent his agents to the prominent members of the communities to obtain allegiance of loyalty to his son Yazid. But Yazid was evil, of the drinking type, incompetent, contemptible, and a pleasure-seeking person. People knew that. So the people protested vigorously. There was anger everywhere.

Emotions went sky high. To calm people down, at least temporarily, Mu'awiya decided to send his son Yazid to Mecca for the pilgrimage. Yes, Yazid did go to Mecca but only after taking alcohol with him as well as a chorus of girls for his entertainment.

Mu'awiya Dies

Mu'awiya was getting older day by day. At the age of 75, he became seriously ill. He was nearing death. He lay weak and lifeless as if something was choking and strangling him. He felt tortured and tormented, and continuously cried for mercy. He was in terrible pain. He wanted to die but death would not come close to him.

His conscience tormented him for the calamities that he brought upon the Islamic Ummah specially Ahlul Bayt. Mu'awiya suffered in agony for many many days. His suffering continued until he breathed his last. At the time of his death, the 30 year old Yazid was nowhere near him, he had gone for fun on a hunting trip.

(Please note that Mu'awiya's brother was by the name of Yazid, and he had named his son after his brother.)

Yazid Becomes Ruler

Upon Mu'awiya's death, Yazid, 30 years old, managed to impose himself on the people and become the Khalifa. At first people refused to accept him as a representative of the Prophet (S) and Islamic Ummah, but Yazid approached people in mosques for their favors. Like his father Mu'awiya, Yazid used all possible means like bribery, coercion, pressure, threats, and force to receive the people's acceptance of him as the legitimate ruler.

Many people were worried, threats to their lives and livelihood was too menacing, so they grudgingly and reluctantly gave in. But, Imam Husayn (a.s.) and his family (who practiced Islam in its true sense), did not give in. As the true representative of Prophet Muhammad (S), Al-Husayn flatly refused accepting Yazid either as a Khalifa or a leader of Islam. Despite Yazid's intimidating military power the Imam stood firm in his resolve and chose to challenge Bani Umayya's authorities.

Yazid commissioned Waleed Ibn Ut'ba, his Governor over Medina, to ask for Imam Husayn's allegiance of loyalty or else upon refusal, his head. Waleed invited Al-Husayn to a meeting for the purpose. Imam Husayn did not give his word at the meeting and decided to leave Medina along with his family to proceed to Mecca. When Al-Husayn reached Mecca he received 12,000 letters from Kufa urging him to go to Kufa to be their leader, and be the Khalifa. Imam sent an emissary, his cousin Muslim Ibn Aqeel, to Kufa to ascertain first-hand information about the situation in Iraq.

In the meantime Yazid spread a network of informants and secret agents in Mecca to assassinate the Imam during pilgrimage. Imam learned about the spies, and carefully evaluated the situation in Mecca. Imam Husayn knew that Yazid son of Mu'awiya had no regard for Islamic values and teachings, that he would do anything to enforce his tyrannical rule.

Imam Husayn also knew that giving allegiance of loyalty to an imposter like Yazid would certainly place Islam at great jeopardy. Therefore he decided to leave Mecca for Kufa to prepare for a confrontation with Yazid and his forces.

Many friends and relatives urged Imam Husayn not to go to Kufa, but he insisted on going. Imam Husayn, along with family, friends, and companions began the journey toward Kufa (1,100 miles) in a long caravan in the blistering heat of summer.

On the Way to Karbala

During the early phase of the journey the caravan met Al-Farazdaq (a famous poet) at a place called al-Sifah. Al-Farazdaq advised the Imam not to go to Kufa because though people's hearts were with him (Imam), their swords would be against him. But the Imam continued with the journey, and he received the first letter from his emissary Muslim Ibn Aqeel with good news.

The letter indicated that the people were more than ready to welcome the Imam in Kufa and were looking forward to his leadership. Imam Husayn decided to send another emissary to Kufa with a message. The caravan kept proceeding toward Kufa. Many days passed but the Imam did not receive any more responses from Muslim Ibn Aqeel.

In Kufa Muslim Bin Aqeel with the help of Mukhtar Al-Thaqafi and Hani Ibn Urwah continued to hold secret meetings with the supporters of the Imam. Within a short time the gatherings started to gain momentum. Yazid through his spies and informants learned about Muslim's successes in Kufa. He appointed the tyrant Ubaidullah Ibn Ziyad to replace al-Nu'man Ibn al-Basheer as Governor of Kufa.

Meanwhile, as Al-Husayn's caravan got closer to its destination (Kufa), coming to a place called Zubalah, Imam Husayn unexpectedly received shocking news. The shocking news was about Muslim Ibn Aqeel and the person who provided him shelter, Hani's Ibn Urwah, both of whom were arrested and beheaded by the Governor Ibn Ziyad. Mukhtar was also arrested and imprisoned and tortured by Ibn Ziyad.

Imam Husayn gathered his companions and disclosed to them about the bad news, and said, "Our Shi'a have deserted us, those of you who prefer to leave us may do so freely and without guilt." Becoming scared, some companions left the caravan. Imam Husayn continued with the journey along with close companions and family members until he was face to face with 1,000 horsemen led by Hurr al-Riyahi representing the enemy.

The enemy army blocked the camps of Imam Husayn (a.s.) from advancing. Tension started to rise between the two. The Imam addressed the enemy explaining to them his motives for going to Kufa, that it was in response to the invitation of the people. He even showed them a bagful of letters he received from Kufa. Hurr said that he and his men were not the writers of those letters. Imam told them that if they did not like him to advance with the journey, he was prepared to return to Hijaz.

Hurr replied, "We are commissioned to follow you until we take you to Governor Ibn Ziyad, and suggested to the Imam to go towards a station which is neither Kufa nor Medina." Imam Husayn found the proposal fair and turned the caravan away from Kufa. Hurr and his army marched parallel to the Imam. The two sides reached a village called Nainawa where Ibn Ziyad's messenger (Yazid's governor over Kufa) delivered a message to Hurr.

The message read, " ...force Husayn to a halt. But let him stop in an open space, without vegetation or water." Hurr conveyed the contents of the letter to Imam Husayn.

The Imam, his family and companions defiantly resumed their journey and reached a place where another enemy force blocked their move and forced them to stop. When Imam Husayn learned that the place was called Karbala, he felt he reached the destination and ordered his camp to be setup. That day was 2nd of Muharram, Hijri 61.

Karbala

Upon learning that his army had succeeded to lay a siege around the Imam's camp, Governor Ibn Ziyad sent additional military units to Karbala and appointed Umar Ibn Sa'ad in charge. Imam Husayn (a.s.) opened a dialogue with Umar Ibn Sa'ad and convinced him to lift the siege so that the Imam with his family and companions could leave Iraq.

Umar Ibn Sa'ad liked the Imam's proposal and sent a message to Governor Ibn Ziyad notifying him about the results of the talks with Imam Husayn (a.s.). Ibn Ziyad also found the Imam's proposal acceptable. However before agreeing to it officially, Shimr Bin Dhil-Jawshan, opposed it strongly. As a result Ziyad wrote a letter to Umar Ibn Sa'ad commanding him to either go to war with Imam Husayn (a.s.) or be relieved of his duties as commander of the army and Shimr would not only replace him but despatch Ibn Sa'ad's head to Kufa.

Umar Ibn bin Sa'ad got the letter. After pondering over the consequences he decided to fight Imam Husayn (a.s.). On the 7th day of Muharram he moved his troops closer to the camp and began to surround the Husaini camp. Ibn Sa'ad laid a blockade around the camp to cut it off from access to the river Euphrates, to deprive it of water in a move to force them to surrender.

Two days later, (on the 9th of Muharram), the enemy's military forces closed in on the camp of Imam Husayn (a.s.). Imam asked his brother, Abbas, to talk to Ibn Sa'ad and request a delay of the aggression by one night. Umar Ibn Sa'ad agreed to the demand. He ordered his troops to delay the aggression till next morning.

Imam Husayn and his pious companions spent that night in prayers. During the night the Imam told the companions, " ....the enemy is interested in none but me, me alone. I'll be most delighted to permit each and every one of you to go back, and I urge you to do so...." All companions screamed in response, "By Allah, never, never! We will either live with you or die together with you."

Ashuraa

Finally, the day of Ashuraa dawned upon the soil of Karbala. It was the day when Jihad would be in full bloom, blood would be shed, 72 innocent lives would be sacrificed, and a decisive battle would be won to save Islam and the Ummah.

It had been a few days since the water supply was cut off by the enemy. Children were crying for water, the women were desperate for water, Zainul-Abideen, the son of Imam Husayn (a.s.) was sick with fever. The suffering from the thirst was too painful to bear. And despite this, not a single person in the camp made any complaints or even questioned the mission of Imam Husayn. Each member supported the Imam wholeheartedly and enthusiastically.

Next morning Imam Husayn (a.s.) went out of the camp and saw Umar Ibn Sa'ad mobilizing his troops to start the hostility. He stared at the intimidating army, and as large as it was Imam Husayn showed no signs of compromise. Imam Husayn raised his hands in prayer:

"O Allah! It is Thee in whom I trust amid all grief. You are my hope amid all violence. Thou are my refuge and provision in everything that happens to me. How many grievances weaken the heart, leaving me with no means to handle them, during which friend deserts me, and enemy rejoices in it. I lay it before Thee and complain of it to Thee, because of my desire in Thee, Thee alone. You relieve me of it and remove it from me. Thou are the Master of all Grace, the Essence of Goodness, and the Ultimate Resort of all Desire."

Before the actual engagement was to take place, Hurr, the previous commander of the enemy force, felt his conscience violently stirring, he was in turmoil. Upon realizing the gravity of the situation, he suddenly broke away from Umar Ibn Sa'ad's camp (along with two others). They rushed toward Imam Husayn (a.s.) to join his camp.

Hurr's heart was jumping with joy, his mind relieved of an agonizing tension. Hurr's defection worried Umar Ibn Sa'ad very much, lest others do the same and defect. So Umar Ibn Sa'ad threw an arrow in the air to indicate the start of the battle. This was the outset of a catastrophe and a tragic event that Mu'awiya had once conceived to happen.

The Battle

Imam Husayn's supporters insisted on being the first to fight. Therefore, they took the brunt of the enemy attack. The battle was ferocious. Within a short time the Imam's supporters slay a large number of the enemy fighters; they were on the offensive and the enemy on the defensive. This caused apprehension and confusion in the enemy military, the 72 of Husayn's against the 5,000 of the enemy (some say 30,000) being on the defensive.

So worried and nervous, the enemy commander-in-chief ordered his army not only to set fire to the Imam's tents (which were occupied mostly by frightened females and children), but at the same time reinforced his fighters with more troops.

The heroes began to fall, they were men of valor welcoming martyrdom, and they fell one after another, for the enemy was overwhelming in number. By noon time the Imam stopped the fight to perform the Salat (prayer). By this time those left were mainly his family and a few supporters. They performed the Salat together. Two supporters were guarding the performers of Salat. The enemy was standing still, watching!! When Salat was finished one of the guards fell dead; there were 17 arrows in his back.

‘Ali Akbar, Husayn's son obtained permission to fight and dashed toward the enemy. He engaged them in fierce fighting, falling on them like thunder, slaying numerous fighters. He continued to move forward, deep inside the enemy. The enemy was overpowering in number, it overwhelmed him cutting him with swords and spears, and his body became nothing but wounds gushing blood, until he died.

Imam Husayn (a.s.) rushed to the area and picked up the wounded limp body and brought it to the appalled camp. His sister and others in the camp were horrified and shocked at the scene.

Abbas and five other brothers of Imam Husayn went to fight. They also engaged the enemy in a fierce fighting, almost doing the impossible. Abbas went toward the river to bring some water for the thirsty children. While he was returning on his horse with the water, he was attacked by a large horde of the enemy, overwhelming and severely wounding him. As much as he tried Abbas could not save the water, he fell from his horse to breath his last.

Next to the battle field went the sons of Imam Al-Hasan and Zainab and their cousins (about 17 of them). They were all in their teens but each stood bravely, believing in the mission, facing a formidable enemy, and showed no less enthusiasm in their quest to embrace the martyrdom.

Al-Husayn and His Baby

By the afternoon 70 brave persons had sacrificed their lives in Karbala to save Islam. All had fought under nerve racking conditions, severe thirst, dehydration, exhaustion, and agonizing feeling of what would happen to the family of the Prophet (S) afterwards. Husayn endured all that and more, for he saw all his beloved ones brutally cut to pieces, including children. Remaining the only one, Imam Husayn was to face the enemy head on.

Precisely at that moment Imam Husayn heard his baby crying incessantly, agonizing because of the thirst. Imam Husayn's love for his family was unbound, especially for a suffering baby. He held the six months old baby, his youngest son (‘Ali Asghar) in his arms, and appealed to the enemy fighters for some water for the baby.

Imam wanted to awaken their conscience and stir their human feelings but the stone-hearted enemy, instead of giving water, zoomed an arrow toward the agonizing baby and killed him instantly. Imam Husayn was shocked. He felt an unbearable wave of pain. The sight of the limp baby in his arms was agonizingly painful. He filled his palm with the blood of the baby, and threw it upwards toward the sky, complaining to Allah (swt),

"O' Allah, O' my Lord! My consolation is the fact that Thou in Thine Majesty are witnessing what I am going through."

Al-Husayn by Himself

Imam Husayn (a.s.) was alone, one man against thousands. He took them on, fighting them bravely, and kept fighting, receiving many wounds in the process. Thousands of enemy fighters were surrounding him but none dared to move toward him.

The silence was broken when Shimr screamed for an attack, and then screamed again, threatening, and in response they attacked collectively, and one sword fell on Imam Husayn's left wrist and deeply cut his left hand. The blood gushed like a fountain.

Another sword was soon to follow and it hit his upper back. Imam Husayn (a.s.) felt numb as he fell to the ground, bleeding profusely. He was near the point of shock, even though staggering he tried to stand by leaning on his sword. Then he received the fatal blow.

It was at this point, that Shimr whose mother was a disbeliever, came forward and severed Imam Husayn's noble head from the body, the noble head kissed often by the Prophet (S)! Shimr and others had the audacity to carry it on the tip of a spear to Yazid, 600 miles away!

Umar Ibn Sa'ad ordered the horsemen to trample upon the supine bodies of Imam Husayn and all others killed, to disfigure them even further, as if the wounds, the bloodied bodies, and the headless forms were not enough.

For three days the exposed bodies of the martyrs were left lying in the desert of Karbala. Afterwards, the people of the tribe of Bani-Asad, who were not far away from the battle field, helped bury them.

Umar Ibn Sa'ad and his forces (representing Bani Umayya) took the women and children as prisoners in shackles, put them on camels, and proceeded in a caravan from Karbala to Kufa. At the forefront of the procession were the heads of Imam Husayn (a.s.) and his followers on the tip of spears. The scene was both grotesque and pathetic. This was the leftover of the beloved family of Prophet Muhammad (S), in such a deplorable unimaginable condition, all caused by people who called themselves Muslims!

Lessons from the Tragedy of Karbala

Karbala is the cruelest tragedy humanity has ever seen. Yet, the startling (though appalling) events in Karbala proved like a powerful volcano that shook the very foundation of Muslims, it stirred their consciousness, ignorant or learned alike. For sincere Muslims, Karbala turned into a triumph. The tragic event became the very beacon of light to always remind Muslims to practice Islam honestly and sincerely, to do what is right irrespective of consequences, and fear no one except Allah (swt).

On the other hand, Yazid never achieved what he and his father had planned to achieve, for within three years, Allah's wrath fell upon him, causing him to die at the age of 33 years. And within a few decades the rule of Bani Umayya crumbled and came to an end.

The tragedy of Karbala taught humanity a lesson that standing for the truth and fighting unto death for it is more honorable and valuable than submitting to the wrongful, especially when the survival of Islam is at stake.



Distance between Medina and Karbala about 1,100 miles.

Distance between Ibn Ziyad in Kufa and Yazid in Damascus about 750 miles.

Average travel by camel per day: 30-45 miles.

http://www.al-islam.org/articles/karbala-the-chain-of-events-ramzan-sabir

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSXO_GhcyL8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJTGUF_87Ys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3Sci_UWFHY

Shi'ites with obsession for ahlul bayt

Sheykul Islam: Shi'ites with obsession for ahlul bayt

"O ahl al-bayt of the prophet, your LOVE have been made obligatory in the Qur'an; it is enough among many of your noble virtue that if anybody prays without saluting you, his prayer is void"~Imam shafi'i (al-sawaiq al-Muhriqa of Ibn Hajar)

So I put it to you @dear sheykul Islam, if you perform salat and did not do salawat to ahl al-bayt, your salat is batil.

"If loving the purified ahl al-bayt of the prophet is termed al-Rafidha, then know that I am a Rafidhi" ~Imam shafi'i.

"Say (O prophet)! I do not ask of any reward from you (of the service) except the love of my near kindred" ~Qur'an.

I say if loving those whose follower ship and obedience is paired with the Qur'an in the two legacy of the prophet left as an assurance for our safety, if loving those whom the prophet described as the Ark of Noah and gate of repentance of whomsoever enters is saved and whosoever turn away from is perished, is called OBSESSION then am glad my name could be permanently changed to "Al-baqir Obsession".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjyIBqfUi3Y

NAMES OF SURVIVING NOBLE COMPANIONS (SAHABA) OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD (s) THAT WERE AMONG THE 72 'SHIA OF IMAM HUSSAIN (as) ' WHO WERE MARTYRED IN THE TRAGEDY OF KARBALA WHILE DEFENDING IMAM HUSSAIN (as) AND MEMBERS OF THE PROPHET'S HOUSEHOLD (AHLUL-BAYT) IN THEIR OLD AGES :


[1] Anas bin al-Harith al-Asadi

[2] Junada bin Ka’b

[3] Habib bin Mudhahir al-Asadi

[4] Muslim bin Owsaja

[5] Muslim bin Kathir al-Azdi

[6] Na’eem bin Ajlan al-Ansari

[7] Dhahir bin Amr as-Salami

[8] Shu’aib bin Abdullah

[9] Abdurrahman bin Abdur Rabb al-Ansari

[10] Uqba bin as-Salt (as-Samit)

[11] Ammar bin Abu Salama

[12] Amr bin Ka’b al-Ansari

[13] Muslim bin Kathir al-Azdi

[14] Na’eem bin Ajlan al-Ansari

[15] Zuhayr Ibn Qain al-Bajali

Jabir Ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) was too old and blind to participate to defend Imam Hussain (as).he was the first to visit the grave of Imam Hussain (as) after his martyrdom.

May Allah (swt) be pleased with these noble companions and may His blessings and mercy be upon them.

http://www.maaref-foundation.com/english/library/pro_ahl/imam03_husain/the_hidden_truth/46.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OQrATP9n3g

Sissie: It really is a tragedy what happened at karbala, that was a dark time.

I want to ask about the ashura festival Shias do, the beatings, is this a general shia practice? Or its done by some sects within the shia, and why do they do this, I heard its to understand and feel what imam husayn felt but really within the shia context what is the backing for this.

Salaam
Be watchful! be vigilant!!

“He is not one of us who strikes his cheeks, rends his garment, or cries with the cry of the Jaahiliyyah.”

(Bukhari and Muslim)

We have been told that
- it is forbidden and that some people just don't listen
- beating the body is part of Islamic tradition
- it is allowed for a shia based on fatwas of his Marji

Based on intention, no one would dictate to you how to express your intentions or not to.on this note,the issue does not act a divisive issue because we all think that everyone mourning for Imam Hussain is doing his best to remember the Imam and bring back the lessons of Karbala to life in our modern times.

If a Sunni said something like this, Shias would say what about the hadith about prohibition of striking oneself
They will say nobody can contradict the Prophet (SAW)
But now since SHias are doing it, the Prophet (SAW) cannot dictate to them their conduct as Muslims

Below is from this thread by a non-muslim
https://www.nairaland.com/1114082/bloody-ceremony-muslims-all-over

Zhul-fiqar:
The majority of the Ayatollahs of Shia Muslims including Ayatollah Ali Khamanei,forbid flaggellating oneself because harming the body is forbidden Islamically.

But these people don't listen because they are lay people.when we feel moved by the narration of Imam Hussein (as), we cry; and when crying isn't enough the lay people do these things which are more of tradition than religion.

Zhul-fiqar:

Chest beating is not "ceremonial" but SYMBOLIC.its done lightly without causing hurt as a symbol of mourning known in Islamic tradition.

So it is Islamic tradition!

as for hitting the chest,that is a symbolic act that has a meaning relevant to what happened at Karbala.its has to do more with a symbolic kind of rememberance like the way some people do a "V-sign" on some occassions.

So it is not Islamic but a secular tradition like the "V" sign

BTW - it is described as a holiday in some places which a Shia denies
But another shia confirms it is a holiday

those men in the pictures and also women and children are taken during Ashura commemoration/processions,a religious holiday

.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................
We are told that Islam was nearly extinct until the killing of Hussain (RA) revived Islam.
Really? So people had lost the shahadatayn, were not praying, were not fasting, were not going for Hajj until Hussain (RA) was killed?

We are to mourn Hussain (RA). So how did the Prophet (SAW) mourn his companions who were brutally murdered?
Did the Prophet (SAW) commemorate the death of Summayyah (the first lady martyred by the Kufar)? How?
And the killing of Hamza? How did the Prophet (SAW) mourn him?
We are dealing with people steeped in hate and deep aversion to moderation
They celebrate the killing of Umar and immortalises the kafir (Abu Lulu) who murdered him

BetaThings:

Salaam
Be watchful! be vigilant!!
(Bukhari and Muslim)

We have been told that
- it is forbidden and that some people just don't listen
- beating the body is part of Islamic tradition
- it is allowed for a shia based on fatwas of his Marji


If a Sunni said something like this, Shias would say what about the hadith about prohibition of striking oneself
They will say nobody can contradict the Prophet (SAW)
But now since SHias are doing it, the Prophet (SAW) cannot dictate to them their conduct as Muslims

Below is from this thread by a non-muslim
https://www.nairaland.com/1114082/bloody-ceremony-muslims-all-over

So it is Islamic tradition!

So it is not Islamic but a secular tradition like the "V" sign

BTW - it is described as a holiday in some places which a Shia denies
But another shia confirms it is a holiday

Narrated ‘Ali bin Abi Talib:
That Allah’s Apostle came to him and Fatima the daughter of Allah’s Apostle at their house at night and said, “Won’t you pray?” ‘Ali replied, “O Allah’s Apostle! Our souls are in the Hands of Allah and when he wants us to get up, He makes us get up.” When ‘Ali said that to him, Allah’s Apostle left without saying anything to him. While the Prophet was leaving, ‘Ali heard him striking his thigh (with his hand) and saying, “But man is quarrelsome more than anything else.” (18.54)

Ibn Hajr Asqalani-the Nasibi scholar- in the commentary of this tradition in Fatah al Bari, Volume 3 page 11 writes:

قوله يضرب فخذه فيه جواز ضرب الفخذ عند التأسف

“His statement ‘striking his thigh’ shows the permission of striking the thigh to express the grief”
https://www.nairaland.com/1366968/shia-ayatollah-issues-fatwa-permitting/3#19449100

as for the thread by the non-muslim,check the replies in it.

.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................
We are told that Islam was nearly extinct until the killing of Hussain (RA) revived Islam.
Really? So people had lost the shahadatayn, were not praying, were not fasting, were not going for Hajj until Hussain (RA) was killed?

"Don't you see that the truth is not followed and the falsehood is not discouraged?"-Imam Hussain (as).

" I have not risen against Yazid in order to create corruption or discord, nor to elevate myself in the eyes of the people, nor to oppress.’’ I have only risen to rectify, to reform the affairs of the Ummah of my grandfather and of my father. I want to invite people towards good and forbid them from evil.’’-Imam Hussain (as).

check the below Sunni site under section of Imam Hussain (as) :
http://www.islamicity.com/Articles/articles.asp?ref=IC0806-3589

so called Muslims have the guts to behead the son of their Prophet (s) and you think everything was fine.

CAUSES WHY IMAM HUSSAIN (as) ROSE AGAINST YAZEED AND REFUSED HIM ALLEGIANCE:
http://www.abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&id=216160

The TRAGEDY OF KARBALA was not by accident.

We are to mourn Hussain (RA). So how did the Prophet (SAW) mourn his companions who were brutally murdered?
Did the Prophet (SAW) commemorate the death of Summayyah (the first lady martyred by the Kufar)? How?
And the killing of Hamza? How did the Prophet (SAW) mourn him?

"We cry for Husayn (AS) so did the Prophet of Islam (S)" :
http://www.al-islam.org/articles/we-cry-husayn-so-did-prophet-islam-s-yasser-al-madani

as for Hamza (as),the Prophet (s) ensured he was remembered often.this is what happened:

"Sayyida Fatima (Peace be upon her) used to visit the grave of Hamza every Friday and she used to pray and weep there".

We are dealing with people steeped in hate and deep aversion to moderation

you are shameless. we want to mourn,we want to cry,we want to beat ourselves,and we want to preach about our beliefs,what is your business? no one is forcing you to cry or mourn or remember the Prophet's family members (as).why is this issue troubling you? seems you have something to hide.why must you stop us and then accuse us of hatred? in Egypt your salafist brothers have set up a committee to stop people from commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as).why do you hate the grandson of the Prophet (s) so much? why do you prefer to honor Yazeed?

They celebrate the killing of Umar and immortalises the kafir (Abu Lulu) who murdered him

Abu Lu'lu was no kaffir.Abu Lu'lu had embraced Islam and used to pray as you and I do the five prayers.he killed umar because of the unfair racist treatment umar handed his people.Abu Lu'lu was a Muslim.check your books. and why does your Ibn Taymiyyah praise the killer of Imam Ali (as)? Imam Ali (as) according to the Prophet (s) discriminates between faith (iman) and hypocrisy (nifaq).the Prophet (s) said: only a mumeen (believer) loves Ali and only a munafiq (hypocrite) hates him.

SINCERE SUNNI MUFTI EXPLAINS WHY HATERS OF IMAM HUSSAIN (as) OPPOSE COMMEMORATING HIS MARTYRDOM IN ASHURA


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIbqCPOwCaI

“He is not one of us who strikes his cheeks, rends his garment, or cries with the cry of the Jaahiliyyah.”

(Bukhari and Muslim)

At least the Supreme Leader of Iran got it right on this occasion
unless he is doing Taqiyyah while his life in not in danger
Or Ayatollah SYED Khamenei might need to read this Nairaland thread to be properly educated by the highly knowledgeable Shias here after which the Ayatollah might be persuaded to change his mind and his fatwa
We need to send this link to him so that he can become properly schooled on Shia etiquette of mourning
Unless he is just being "stubborn", he will have to change that fatwa after readiing the "truth" on Nairaland

http://www.jafariyanews.com/2k8_news/jan/14tatbeer_khamenei.htm

TEHRAN, Iran: Supreme leader of Iran Ayatullah Ali Al-Khamenei has said Tatbeer, or Qama-zeni (making a cut on head to gush out blood to signify grief on the martyrdom of Hazret Imam Hosein, peace be on him) is not permissible.

Speaking to a gathering of religious scholars, speakers of Hoseini pulpit and people of the holy city of Qom, the Ayatullah said: “iin mokhalefat ba azadari neest, mokhalefat ba zaya kerdan azadari ast…” [This opposition is not of azadari but of wasting azadari (Hoseini mourning)].

Why do mothers also cut their child's body in the name of mourning, the pictures I see are usually very gruesome and looks very bloody,.

Why do Shia hit their chest:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_N_t67hY6Y

BetaThings: At least the Supreme Leader of Iran got it right on this occasion
unless he is doing Taqiyyah while his life in not in danger
Or Ayatollah SYED Khamenei might need to read this Nairaland thread to be properly educated by the highly knowledgeable Shias here after which the Ayatollah might be persuaded to change his mind and his fatwa
We need to send this link to him so that he can become properly schooled on Shia etiquette of mourning
Unless he is just being "stubborn", he will have to change that fatwa after readiing the "truth" on Nairaland

http://www.jafariyanews.com/2k8_news/jan/14tatbeer_khamenei.htm

why do you insist on mocking yourself with half or no knowledge?

the majority of Shia scholars forbid tatbeer (cutting one's self),and the very post you are using to make a clown out of yourself was posted here on nairaland by a Shia to explain that the act is not religiously permitted by the vast majority of our scholars.there are cultural practices which people have been attracted to because they express sad emotions to fit the occasion.however these practices are not religiously sound.the majority of the Shia don't go about cutting themselves.and because there are some lay people who do such acts,that is no justification to tell us to stop holding the memory of Imam Hussain (as) in high esteem,and commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) according to the sunnah of the Prophet (s).Wahhabis/salafists want people to believe they oppose Ashura because of people cut themselves.while in fact whether people cut themselves or not,they just want to erase the memory of the Ahlul-Bayt (as) and the legacy of Imam Hussain (as).

the truth is you can use all tricks and tactics,but we will not stop remembering Imam Hussain (as).if it bothers you, fly into another planet.