Editorial
The tragedy of Karbala
Its teachings transcend time
The 10th day of Muharram is a day of mourning for the Muslims of the world. It is also a day of triumph.
The martyrdom of Imam Hussein (RA) along with his entire family in the hands of Yezid, the grandson of one of the greatest of the sworn enemies of the Prophet during the very nascent days of Islam in Mecca, Abu Sufian, on the banks of the Euphrates in Karbala is one of the most tragic tales that have been chronicled in the annals of human history.
But it is also a day of triumph. It was a day when piety triumphed over evil, when principles were defended at the cost of human blood. It was a day which saw the triumph of belief over immorality. It was the tragic outcome of refusal of the beloved grandson of the holy Prophet to accede to the evil demand of Yezid to demonstrate public allegiance to a repressive dictator and a depraved ruler.
It is essential that the two features of significance of the day be appreciated in the spirit that they represent and the emotional and political aspects of this day be fully grasped with equal intensity. While the tragic elements of the event have been immortalized, as they should be, and are remembered and celebrated in many ways, the equally important political significance of the tragedy appears to be lost upon the Muslims of the world.
The greatest teaching of Karbala is the abjuration of war and hostility on the part of Imam Hussein (RA) who knew well the consequence of violence. Instead, he sought resolution through peace and only when his offer was spurned did he choose death with dignity over surrender. His actions were the manifestation of the very quintessential message of Islam.
Regrettably, it is this very teaching that some of the Muslims have forgotten or chosen to disregard today. What must be emphasized is that the concept of Jihad is not the application of violence in resolving disputes, that intolerance must give way to peaceful disposition in human interactions.
Let the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (RA) and the message of Ashura re-inculcate in all Muslims the urge to not only understand the transcendental values of Islam but also to live by these.
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