By: Brigadier (R) Syed Karrar Hussain
In Islamic history, the greatest chapter of sacrifice for a noble cause is the event of Karbala. While some non-Muslim historians regard it as a monumental resistance for human rights against tyranny, for us Muslims, it is a radiant proof of the defense of the belief in the Finality of Prophethood and the preservation of Islamic teachings. The supreme sacrifice of Imam Hussain (A.S.) teaches us that there can be no compromise on truth, principles, and obedience to Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him), even at the cost of one’s life.
The Link between Karbala and the Finality of Prophethood
All Muslims firmly believe that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the Last Prophet of Allah. The declaration of “Khatam-un-Nabiyyin” (Seal of the Prophets) is clearly mentioned in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:40). The jihad waged by Imam Hussain (A.S.) against a corrupt system and a morally bankrupt individual (Yazid) was not a political battle for power, but a spiritual war against a system in stark contradiction to the values and law brought by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) through divine revelation.
Yazid’s ideology was rooted in rebellion against Islam. According to Tarikh al-Tabari (Vol. 4, p. 290), Yazid denied the concept of revelation and angelic guidance. He claimed that the Banu Hashim fabricated prophethood to gain political control. Such beliefs directly undermined the teaching of ALLAH ALMIGHTY and the authenticity of the Qur’an.
Thus, Imam Hussain’s refusal to pledge allegiance to Yazid was not a political defiance — it was a principled stand to preserve the core of Islam. Had he (God forbid) accepted Yazid’s rule, it would have given legitimacy to a system that rejected the message of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
The Qur’an on the Reverence of Ahl al-Bayt
The Holy Qur’an has exalted the status of the Prophet’s family. In Surah Al-Ahzab (33:33), Allah says:
“Indeed, Allah only desires to remove impurity from you, O people of the [Prophet’s] household, and to purify you thoroughly.”
Imam Hussain (A.S.) is among these purified souls. In the famous Hadith of the Cloak (Hadith al-Kisa), the Prophet (PBUH) wrapped Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Hussain (A.S.) under a cloak and said:
> “O Allah, these are the members of my household. Remove impurity from them and purify them completely.”
(Reported in Sahih Muslim, Tirmidhi, and other authentic collections)
The Status of Imam Hussain’s Parents
Imam Ali (A.S.), the father of Imam Hussain, was described by the Prophet (PBUH) as “The Gate to the City of Knowledge.”” From his early youth, he defended Islam in every battle — Badr, Uhud, Khaybar, Khandaq, and Hunayn. His sword, knowledge, justice, and worship enlightened the Muslim Ummah.
Sayyida Fatima (S.A.), the mother of Imam Hussain, was declared by the Prophet (PBUH) as “The Leader of the Women of the Worlds.” Her simplicity, patience, purity, and devotion were the foundation upon which she raised the noble personalities of Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain.
Yazid’s Deviance and His Rebellion Against Islam
Yazid was not just a corrupt ruler — he was a symbol of open rebellion against the core tenets of Islam. He indulged in alcohol, music, immorality, and oppression. Renowned historians like Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Ibn Kathir (Al-Bidaya wa’l-Nihaya), and Ibn al-Athir (Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh) unanimously record that Yazid was responsible for the attack on Madinah (Incident of Harrah) and the bombardment and burning of the Kaaba.
These heinous acts are what compelled Imam Hussain (A.S.) to stand up and speak the truth.
Karbala — The Epitome of Patience, Bravery, and Ultimate Sacrifice
The battlefield of Karbala teaches us that even if truth is carried by a few, it has the power to change the course of history. Imam Hussain (A.S.) was accompanied by only 72 loyal companions, while Yazid’s army exceeded 30,000 soldiers — yet the flag of truth was in the hands of Imam Hussain
He declared:
> “Death with dignity is better than life with humiliation.”
(Reference: Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 44, by Allama Majlisi)
The martyrdom at Karbala was not an accident — it was a conscious and divine choice by Imam Hussain. His words were:
> “I will never give allegiance to Yazid, for he is destroying the religion of Muhammad (PBUH).”
The Message of Karbala for Today’s Muslims
In an age where falsehood challenges Islam, the finality of Prophethood, and moral values, the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (A.S.) must be remembered in our conferences, educational forums, and sermons.
His legacy teaches us:
There can be no compromise on the principles of Islam
Silence against tyranny is a form of complicity
Sacrifice for truth is the peak of faith
The legendary statement by Imam Shafi’i (R.A.) summarizes it perfectly:
> “The murder of Hussain, in reality, is the death of Yazid.
For Islam is revived after every Karbala!”
Imam Hussain’s Sacrifice — A Beacon for Humanity
Karbala is not just a chapter in Islamic history; it is a global lesson in freedom, justice, and ethical leadership. Imam Hussain (A.S.) showed the world that when a ruler becomes a tyrant, it is the duty of the righteous to rise, even if it means death.
Even Dr. Radhakrishnan, former President of India, said:
> “Had Hussain not stood against tyranny, Islam might have been reduced to a powerless religion.”
Conclusion: The Aims of Karbala and the Defence of Prophethood
Imam Hussain (A.S.) not only offered martyrdom but preserved the soul of Islam through his sacrifice. He practically demonstrated the meaning of the Finality of Prophethood, the truth of the Qur’an, and the exalted status of Ahl al-Bayt.
His martyrdom is a timeless milestone in the journey of faith.
Sources Consulted:
1. Al-Bidaya wa’l-Nihaya – Ibn Kathir
2. Tarikh al-Tabari – Imam Tabari
3. Bihar al-Anwar – Allama Muhammad Baqir Majlisi
4. Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh – Ibn al-Athir
5. Sahih Muslim & Tirmidhi – Hadith al-Kisa
6. Surah Al-Ahzab (33:33, 33:40) – The Holy Qur’an
A Prayer to Conclude:
> “May Allah grant us the wisdom to learn from the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (A.S.),
defend the finality of Prophethood and uphold the noble values of Islam and humanity.”
“Peace be upon Hussain, and upon Ali, son of Hussain,
and upon the children of Hussain, and upon the companions of Hussain.”
(Ziyarat al-Waritha)
