In the wake of Karbalā: 5 lessons from the 7th century till now
12th July 2024
The Battle of Karbala, fought in 680 AD, stands as a profound moment in history, resonating deeply across centuries and cultures. As we approach the anniversary of this event in 2024, its lessons remain as relevant as ever. Karbala offers timeless wisdom. Here are 5 enduring lessons that we can utilise to guide us in our modern quest for truth and justice:
1. You’re never too young or too old to fight for justice.
The companions of Hussain at the Battle of Karbala were notably diverse, reflecting a wide range of backgrounds, ethnicities, and social statuses. Among the martyrs who were killed in battle was Habib Ibn Mudhahir, who was approximately 75 years old. Hussain’s son, Ali al-Akbar, was only in his teens. Despite being of different generations, they found themselves together at the forefront of the struggle for justice and dignity, resolute in the belief that it was a cause worth dying for.
The diversity present in Hussain’s camp underscores the universality of his stand against tyranny. Justice movements are not exclusive; in fact, they derive power from diversity. Each of us has valuable wisdom, skills, and perspectives we can contribute on the way to realising righteousness.
2. Allow yourself to grow and change.
We often punish ourselves for past mistakes and shortcomings. This shame might make us feel that it is too late for us to make a difference. The story of Hurr proves otherwise:
Hurr was a respected commander in Yazid’s army. He was tasked with intercepting Hussain and preventing him from proceeding to Kufa, where he was invited by the people who sought his leadership against Yazid’s oppressive rule. Hurr and his soldiers intercepted Hussain’s caravan in the desert. As the confrontation at Karbala neared, Hurr was increasingly moved by Hussain’s unwavering commitment to justice, truth, and his dignified demeanour. He began to question his own actions and the legitimacy of Yazid’s rule.
Overwhelmed by remorse and seeking redemption, Hurr made a courageous decision. He left Yazid’s camp, approached Hussain, and asked for forgiveness. Hussain accepted his repentance warmly, welcoming him with open arms. He died shortly after in the Battle of Karbala, fighting on the opposite side from the one he started on. The story of Hurr reminds us that it is never too late to choose the path of righteousness and that true courage lies in acknowledging one’s mistakes and choosing to stand up for justice anyway.
3. Practice loyalty and solidarity.
Hussain’s refusal to pledge allegiance to Yazid, leading ultimately to the battle of Karbala, symbolises a deep commitment to justice, even against overwhelming odds. His actions highlight the principle that one should never compromise on core values and ethical standards, regardless of the consequences. His friends, family, and companions matched this commitment:
Dr. K. Sheldrake, English biochemist and author, said,
Of that gallant band, male and female knew that the enemy forces around were implacable, and were not only ready to fight but to kill. Denied even water for the children, they remained parched under the burning sun and scorching sands, yet not one faltered for a moment. Hussain marched with his little company, not to glory, not to the power of wealth, but to a supreme sacrifice, and every member bravely faced the greatest odds without flinching.
Their show of loyalty and bravery challenges us to remain steadfast and united in the face of modern-day obstacles of achieving change.
4. Sometimes victory looks like defeat.
At the end of the Battle of Karbala, Hussain and his small army of less than one hundred family members and companions were all killed. The women and children that accompanied him, along with one of his adult sons, who was ill during the battle, were taken prisoner by enemy forces. Hussain was defeated.
But the flame of his struggle sparked fires everywhere.
The brutal treatment of Hussain and his family shifted public perception against the Umayyad rulers. This loss of moral and religious legitimacy weakened the Umayyad grip on power and paved the way for revolts and uprisings.
The spirit of Karbala influenced various subsequent revolts and resistance movements throughout Islamic history. The tragedy of Karbala fueled political movements and uprisings against the Umayyad Caliphate. Notable among these were the Tawwabin (Penitents) movement and the Mukhtar uprising, both of which sought to avenge Hussain’s death and challenge the Umayyad authority. The Abbasid Revolution eventually overthrew the Umayyad Caliphate. The ethos of Karbala continues to inspire movements against unjust rulers in different times and places.
Hussain’s stand against Yazid’s corrupt and unjust rule serves as an enduring example of how to confront and challenge oppressive regimes and systems. Leaders of liberation movements like Nelson Mandela to Mahatma Gandhi have cited Hussain’s story as a source of motivation and inspiration.
Antoine Bara, a Lebanese writer, claims, “No battle in the modern and past history of mankind has earned more sympathy and admiration as well as provided more lessons than the martyrdom of Hussain in the Battle of Karbala.”
Even when our movements lose battles, in a very important way, we are, as Martin Luther King Jr. said, “bending the long arc of the Universe towards justice.”
5. Speak truth to power.
The surviving members of Hussain’s family, particularly his sister Zainab bint Ali and his son Ali Zain-ul-Abidin, played crucial roles in spreading the message of Karbala. Despite being held captive and humiliated, they seized every opportunity to shed light on the atrocities committed in Karbala. Zainab’s powerful speeches and eloquent sermons exposed the tyranny of Yazid and cultivated a thirst for resistance within the people. The survivors continuously testified to the atrocities committed, raising awareness and galvanising public opinion against Yazid’s regime, and preserving the historical truth of the Battle of Karbala for future generations.
Inspired by their actions, we can commit ourselves to speaking truth to power. When we become awake to injustice around the world, we must consider our own power and what we can do with it. We all have digital and social platforms. How are we using them? What causes move us? What can we do to raise awareness about them? How can we inspire others to work towards justice?
Source: https://whoishussain.org/articles/in-the-wake-of-karbala-5-lessons-from-the-7th-century-to-2024/
