By: Tooba
"Nafrat ke andheron mein bhi roshni deta hai,
Hussain ka paighaam har daur mein jeeta hai."
The issue of Karbala is not only history- it is a message that keeps on living, more specifically the hearts of the youth. Although it occurred more than 1,300 years ago, in 680 CE, the principles exemplified by Imam Hussain ibn Ali continue to influence people today. Lived in a world of injustice, unjust system, corruption, lack of understanding of right or wrong, Imam Hussains action serves as a lesson, that the truth, justice and bravery can never be given up on--as much as it costs. Imam Hussain was the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and he would not pledge his allegiance to Yazid, a corrupt, unjust and morally decayed ruler. Yazid wanted Imam Hussain to accept his leadership, however Hussain could not endorse a leadership that was demolishing the teachings of Islam. He had made a firm decision of not keeping quiet, with the crowd or even death. He defended truth instead, despite having a much smaller and worse-equipped force of 72 followers against a bigger and better-prepared army.
The factor that makes Karbala more so is that of the youth. Most of the companions of Imam Hussain were youths, just as many of us are now. His son Ali Akbar, who was only 18-years old, volunteered to die in the battlefield. Qasim ibn Hasan, the teenager son of Imam Hasan, enquired Imam Hussain, “death is sweeter than honey” when it is in the cause of truth? These young men lacked titles and money and power. It was belief, strength of character, and the purpose to do the right thing that they had. Their bravery provides all youths today with a valuable lesson: Never be too young to make a difference. The spirit of Karbala can be found in all things, in fighting against bullying, protecting a friend, speaking out against evil in your community, or assisting someone suffering. Every act of courage, no matter how minor, has the spirit of Karbala.
Nowadays a great number of young people are lost or overwhelmed. Social media, peer pressure, increased mental health challenges, and a feeling that there is no hope are on the rise. However, the Karbala story teaches us that in difficult times we must go to our values, and to our faith. Imam Hussain and his companions would even stop to pray on the battlefield, to get close to God and to gain strength through their beliefs. And this is a reminder that when we are in need, we should remain anchored to our faith, our values and our mission. The position of Imam Hussain cannot be called on politics or war, it is the decision of truth over false, justice over quiet, and support the oppressed at all costs despite the risks. This is why his message is so contemporary to the youth. Youths are leading various movements globally, against racism, climate change, poverty, inequality in the gender area, and many others. They are depicting a similar situation in Karbala, where young people often start the change through their fearlessness.
The lesson of Imam Hussain is that inaction against evil is tantamount to active encouragement of the deed. Alone, he stood, yet he was tall. He demonstrated to the world that a single voice, accompanied by the truth, can stir an empire. What he added was, I just want to implement good values and stave off evil. I would like to pursue the path of my grandfather and father.” His sacrifice was to the entire humanity; be it Muslims or non-Muslims since he was human dignity, freedom, and righteousness. When a young person today tells the truth in a situation that is difficult, he or she assists a person who is in pain, he or she defends a person who is being mistreated or simply decides to live with integrity and meaning, then he or she is following the path in which Imam Hussain walked. This is the era in which the world desperately needs voices of truth, justice, and mercy. The case of Karbala does not only inspire young people, but it puts them on the straight path. It states: You are never too small to make a huge difference. Be brave. Be honest. Be bold, even though you are by the self.”
Hence, foundations of this story of Imam Hussain remain in minds of people all over the world, from streets of Iraq to classrooms of the West, in speeches of parliamentarians or tweets on social networks. His voice echoes with every youth who will not tolerate injustice. That is why still after centuries Imam Hussain is still an inspiration to the young generations, not with forces, not with fame, but with his immovable stand on the truth. His narrative teaches us that the truth never dies- and the people who fought to protect it will never be forgotten.
"Yeh sirf ek jang nahi thi—Karbala ek soch thi, ek paighaam tha, jo har us dil ko jagaata hai jo sachai aur insaaf ka raahi hai."
