Karbala’s Moral Dimensions: A Study in Faith and Resistance
The tragic event of Karbala, where Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and his loyal companions faced martyrdom, is a profound moment in Islamic history. The tragic event of Karbala occurred on the 10th of Muharram in 61AH, which corresponds to October 10, 680 AD. It was on this day that Imam Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), along with his family and companions, faced martyrdom at the hands of Yazid’s forces. The event of Karbala is deeply embedded in the values of faith and sacrifice, which are paramount in Islamic teachings. Imam Hussain’s journey to Karbala was underscored by an unshakeable faith in God and the principles of Islam. This faith was not merely an abstract belief; it was an active, lived commitment that called for the highest form of sacrifice. This article delves into the moral dimensions of Karbala, exploring themes of Faith, sacrifice, resistance, integrity, and the struggle against oppression.
The Holy Family’s steadfastness in the face of tyranny and oppression serves as a timeless testament to their profound faith and moral fortitude. The events of Karbala highlight the profound values of selflessness, courage, and devotion to divine principles, reflecting what the Holy Family stood for, lived for, and ultimately died for. This legacy continues to inspire and resonate deeply within the hearts of Muslims, reminding them of the enduring struggle for justice and the spiritual depth of their faith.
If we want to understand the sacrifice of Imam Hussain ibn Ali, we must delve into divine teachings and comprehend what Islam commands regarding faith and obedience. For this, I would like to quote Maulana Maududi, as he has explained faith and obedience in Islam in his book “Towards Understanding Islam”.
“The right course for man is to live in obedience to God, and for such a life of obedience knowledge and faith are essential; knowledge of God and His attributes, His likes and dislikes, His chosen way and the Day of Judgement; and unflinching faith in this knowledge; this is Iman. One must also know the consequences of belief and obedience and those of disbelief and disobedience. He must know what blessings would be showered upon him if he chooses God’s way and leads a life of purity, virtue, and obedience. And he must also know what evil and harrowing consequences would follow if he adopted the way of disobedience and revolt. Thus, the knowledge of life after death is essential for this purpose. Man must have an unwavering belief in the fact that death does not mean the end of life; that there will be a resurrection and he will be brought to the highest court of justice, to be presided over by God Himself; that on the Day of Judgment, complete justice will prevail; and that good deeds will be rewarded, and misdeeds punished. Everybody will get his due and there is no escape. This is bound to happen. This sense of responsibility and accountability is quite essential for the full-fledged obedience of the Law of God”
Imam Hussain ibn Ali’s stand at Karbala is a paramount example of unwavering faith and obedience to divine principles. His actions and sayings during this tragic event epitomize the core values of Islam. Imam Hussain’s martyrdom was a pledge to Allah and Islam alone, encapsulating the unconditional surrender to God without parallel. When we talk about the sacrifice of Imam Hussain, we can also refer to the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham to further understand this concept. Just recently, we observed the month of Dhul-Hijjah, which prompts us to reflect on the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham. Through this reflection, we attempt to understand the case of faith and obedience, and how in religion, Allah tests His chosen people in various ways.
To illustrate this case, I would like to quote the Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard who explored the concept of faith through the story of Abraham and Isaac. We will use this to explain how Karbala was also a test of faith for Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) from Allah.
Soren Kierkegaard’s exploration of faith through the story of Abraham in his book “Fear and Trembling” parallels the profound faith and obedience exemplified by Imam Hussain. Kierkegaard’s concept of the “leap of faith,” where one embraces belief beyond rational understanding, mirrors Imam Hussain’s unwavering commitment to stand against Yazid’s tyranny, despite overwhelming odds. Both figures face ultimate tests of faith, trusting completely in God’s wisdom and purpose. Kierkegaard writes, “Faith is the highest passion in a human being. Many in every generation may not come that far, but none comes further.” This sentiment resonates deeply with Imam Hussain’s sacrifice at Karbala, where his moral and spiritual resolve echoes Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice Isaac. Both stories highlight the essence of true faith and the willingness to surrender entirely to divine will, demonstrating that ultimate obedience to God transcends all earthly considerations.
Kierkegaard explained how incomprehensible Abraham’s faith is. Abraham didn’t question God, didn’t complain or weep, he didn’t explain himself to anyone, he simply obeyed God’s orders
In the same context where Abraham’s faith is being discussed, I will quote al-Tabari on Abu-Mikhnaf’s account regarding Imam Hussain’s sayings, illustrating how he prioritized the command of Allah’s Prophet and sacrificed his life.
“Narrated by Ali ibn Hussain ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib (Imam Zainul Abideen) via Abu Mikhnaf: Abdullah ibn Jafar ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib wrote a letter to Imam Hussain saying, “Don’t go to Iraq, you will be killed there.” Imam Hussain replied, “I saw the Prophet (SAAW) in a dream and has commanded me to do what I’m doing (go to Iraq). Safe Conduct is only with God in this life and the hereafter. The only people that don’t have safe conduct in hereafter, are those who don’t fear God.”
Imam Hussain’s defiance against Yazid was a profound declaration of faith and a commitment to uphold the sanctity of Islam. It was a moral choice to prioritize divine principles over yielding to an unjust worldly authority.
Here, I will mention a letter attributed to Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was the father of Hussain (AS), as mentioned in Letter 47; Nahjul Balagha, Part 2.
“I advise you (both) to fear Allah and that you should not hanker after the (pleasures of this) world even though it may run after you. Do not be sorry for anything in this world that you have been denied. Speak the truth and act (in expectation) for reward. Be an enemy of the oppressor and helper of the oppressed.”
Yazid ibn Mu’awiya, through his actions, violated the principles outlined in Islamic teachings. He sought allegiance through force and coercion, contrary to the Quranic principle of no compulsion in religion. His rule was marked by tyranny and moral corruption.
Let's analyse the event of Karbala through the lens of contemporary governance policies and strategies. We can understand how Hussain defended Islamic principles and refused to accept a regime that violated not only Islamic principles but also the fundamental principles of humanity. Here I will refer to Machiavelli’s strategy of governance and war which Yazid Ibn Mu’awiya employed during his rule.
Machiavelli’s strategy of governance and war, as expounded in “The Prince,” emphasizes the pragmatic use of power, deception, and manipulation to achieve political goals. This approach starkly contrasts with the Islamic principles exemplified by Imam Hussain’s resistance at Karbala. Imam Hussain’s stand against Yazid’s oppressive rule serves as a timeless example of defiance against tyranny and injustice. His refusal to pledge allegiance to Yazid, despite facing overwhelming odds, underscores the Islamic values of justice, dignity, and moral integrity.
In the modern world, numerous examples of oppression against Muslims and in Africa echo Imam Hussain’s struggle. In places like Palestine, Kashmir, Chechnya, and Xinjiang (East Turkestan), Muslims face persecution under the guise of state security or counter-terrorism measures. The plight of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar and Uighur Muslims in China’s Xinjiang region highlights systematic oppression, including mass detentions, forced assimilation, and cultural erasure. In Africa, conflicts fuelled by ethnic and religious divisions often lead to humanitarian crises and human rights abuses, affecting Muslim communities.
Imam Hussain’s stance at Karbala teaches us valuable lessons amidst these challenges. His sacrifice underscores the importance of resisting oppression and upholding justice, even in the face of daunting adversity. It challenges Machiavelli’s notion that the ends justify any means, instead emphasizing the moral imperative of maintaining principles of fairness and dignity. Imam Hussain’s legacy inspires individuals and movements worldwide to confront injustice and uphold human rights, transcending time and geography as a symbol of moral courage and unwavering commitment to justice.
In conclusion, the tragedy of Karbala stands as a profound testament to the unyielding faith, moral integrity, and ultimate sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions. Their martyrdom on the 10th of Muharram, 61AH, signifies not only a pivotal moment in Islamic history but also a timeless embodiment of the principles of justice, courage, and resistance against tyranny. Imam Hussain’s unwavering commitment to uphold the sanctity of Islam, even in the face of overwhelming odds, echoes the profound values of faith and obedience. This historic event underscores the essence of true faith, an active, lived commitment to divine principles, transcending rational understanding and earthly considerations.
The lessons from Karbala continue to resonate deeply within the hearts of Muslims and inspire individuals worldwide to confront injustice and uphold human rights. By examining the actions and sayings of Imam Hussain, one can draw parallels between his moral stand and the sacrifices made by other revered figures in religious history, such as Prophet Abraham. This legacy challenges the pragmatic, often ruthless approaches to governance proposed by thinkers like Machiavelli, instead highlighting the enduring power of principled resistance and moral courage.
In the modern context, the struggles faced by oppressed communities across the globe, from Palestine to Kashmir, mirror the defiance of Imam Hussain against tyranny and oppression. His legacy serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action, urging us to uphold the values of justice, dignity, and moral integrity in our lives and societies. As we reflect on the profound impact of Karbala, we are reminded of the enduring struggle for justice and the spiritual depth of our faith, inspiring us to remain steadfast in the face of adversity and to continue striving for a just and equitable world.
