Karbala is, in many ways, the lens through which we see the world today. The oppression, violence, and brutality seen today can be traced back to what occurred on the plains of Karbala.
Firstly, it is our obligation as Muslims to engage with Islamic history and understand it. When we go to school, when we learn about a specific subject, we do not immediately receive education on the contemporary state of that subject. We often closely analyze the history of this subject, learning about its development through time, and through this process, we understand what it has become today.
Islam is no different. When people ask why we repeatedly mention Karbala, it is because, after analyzing and understanding Islamic history, we see the events of Karbala as significant, especially as they pertain to the state of our world today. Karbala gives us endless insight into the characteristics we must develop within ourselves and our communities to fight against injustice and oppression. Karbala teaches us to stand up for justice, to sacrifice for our principles, to have resilience in adversity, to have unity and brotherhood, to have moral courage, and to create a legacy of resistance based on the truth. These lessons are precisely why we view the oppressive state of the world today through the lens of Karbala.
Imam Al-Hussain (AS) suffered immeasurable consequences in Karbala due to his refusal to pledge allegiance to a tyrannical regime. This should be our example today; we need to understand that standing with the oppressed comes at a price. That price may be becoming oppressed ourselves, losing loved ones, facing economic sanctions, or suffering political consequences. While these are difficult things to endure, we must always stand with the oppressed and against the oppressors, no matter the worldly consequences. Karbala illustrates that having principles without sacrificing for them is empty and meaningless. Imam Al-Hussain (AS) and his followers sacrificed all that they had for the sake of truth and justice; they should be our role models today. They also highlight to us that amidst the adversities we endure in our lifetimes, we must stay steadfast in our faith.
In light of all that is transpiring in our countries today, and the oppressions we face, there is a reason and a purpose behind it all. Understanding this can significantly help us remain on the path of purity and truth. We must reflect deeply on the revelation of Islam, the teachings of the Quran, and the lives of the Prophet and his AhlulBayt (AS). These invaluable resources can illuminate our struggles today. This doesn’t mean we should suppress our feelings of sadness or sorrow over difficult situations; these emotions are part of being human. Rather, it means we should recognize that such feelings serve a purpose. They draw us closer to our forefathers and establish a spiritual connection to their struggles. They remind us that Karbala was not merely a historical event but a profound lesson for humanity.
We must derive “Baseera” from our ongoing challenges. The term “Baseera,” meaning “insight” or “wisdom,” appears multiple times in the Quran. It often conveys the idea of understanding and perception, particularly concerning faith and guidance. By reflecting on the tragedies of our forefathers and our own experiences, we can extract insight and wisdom. In this reflection, we will uncover a reason and purpose behind every struggle we face. Ultimately, we will feel honored and blessed to have been chosen to follow the righteous path of the Quran and the AhlulBayt (AS).
The path of purity is not for the weak; it is indeed for the strong. It is for those who are secure in their religion and convinced in their beliefs. This path is one of martyrdom, oppression, and confrontation. It is undeniably a path of immense struggle but infinite beauty. While acts of violence occur in our countries, the world watches with no objection. Yet Sayeda Zaynab (AS) oversees the situation from her holy shrine in Damascus, saying, “I see nothing except beauty,” as we continue to tread the path of her precious AhlulBayt (AS). Indeed, we must not forget the honor and dignity of the path we are taking. Despite the depth of the tribulations we may encounter, we must stay on the path of truth. We must embrace the truth and follow it until Allah (SWT) leads us to victory over the oppressors. For whomever stands with the oppressors is irrelevant, as Allah (SWT) is with the believers.
The enemies may possess superior weapons, technology, and seemingly limitless finances in this battle. However, the One who created them and endowed them with their resources is on our side. Surely, whoever the Creator is with will attain eternal victory. The Holy Prophet (S) said: “Surely, there exists in the hearts of the Mu’mineen, with respect to the martyrdom of Husayn (A.S.), a heat that never subsides.” Let us continue to ignite this heat within us, allowing it to lead us to victory over our oppressors in this world, and more importantly, in the afterlife.
Indeed, we vow to follow in the footsteps of our heroes; we vow not to live in humiliation; we vow to see nothing but beauty in our struggle and resistance. These are lessons deeply inherited within us, and they will never leave us until the Day of Judgment.
“Do not ever think that Allah is unaware of what the oppressors do. He only postpones them until a Day when the eyes will stare (in horror)” (Quran 14:42).
