Islam in General

Martyrdom in the Way of Truth

Al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s) was a man of faith and action. During nights, he worshipped Allah in privacy while during the day he worked hard and guided the people. He was constantly mindful of the poor and the needy, and he used to visit them and cheer them up. He used to tell his followers: "Be always in touch with the needy, for Allah does not love the arrogant".

Al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s) always helped the poor as much as he could. at night he would carry sacks of food to the houses of the poor and leave them near the doors. He worked hard to eradicate poverty, establish justice and aquaint the people with Allah.

During the time of al-Imam al-Husayn a tyrant called Yazid became the ruler. Yazid called himself the successor of Muhammad (s.a.w) but this was a lie. He used to spend the income of the Islamic realm on drinking, gambling and wild parties. Public wealth was wasted for supporting his regime and the rights of the poor were trampled upon. in this way he totally scorned the instructions of Islam.

When Yazid became ruler of the Muslims he immediately demanded al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s) to recognise him as the ruler and accept his leadership; but al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s) was the true successor of Prophet muhammad (s.a.w) and could not accept and endorse the leadership of an oppressor. He began to enlighten and awaken the people about Yazid and exhorted them to dissociate from him. He would tell them:

"Do you not see that the truth is being trampled upon and the falsehood and oppression are prevailing? in such conditions, a muslim must be ready for martyrdom in defence of the right. Martyrdom and self-sacrifice for the sake of truth is victory and success, while life with the oppressors is no more than shame and disgrace."

At that time the people of kufa (Iraq) were loving followers of al-Imam Ali (a.s) who had been suffering at the hands of Yazid and his father Mu'awiyah. they invited al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s) to Kufa to lead them against Yazid and his wicked rule. Al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s) had indeed decided to rise up and fight, and so he accepted the invitation and set off for kufa. When the Imam (a.s) and his followers were near Kufa, they were met by Yazid's troops. the troops wanted to arrest al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s) and his followers and take them to Yazid. the Imam (a.s) told them:

"Never will I accept disgrace and surrender to Yazid, Death for me is superior to disgrace and I am ready to defend Islam and the Muslims until I am Martyred."

At a place called Karbala al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s), his family and helpers were surrounded by Yazid's troops. the Imam (a.s) and his followers stood firm as they fought against the thousands of troops of Yazid. Finally, on 10th Muharram, 61 AH (the day we call Ashura) they were martyred.

Al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s) and his followers were martyred, but they did not submit to injustice and oppression. they defended Islam and the Muslims.

With their blood they saved Islam and the Qur'an from the danger of annihilation at the hands of Yazid. Al-imam al-Husayn (a.s) fought against oppression and defended the religion of Islam, and by doing so, he taught the world the greatest lesson on freedom and righteousness. For this reason we call al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s) "Sayyid al-Shuhada" which means lord of the martyrs. Now the turn has come for us to safeguard and defend Islam. We must shoulder this magnificent resposibility.

Protecting Religion

The day of Ashura is a glorious day for truth and freedom. Ashura is a model for every day of our lives, and the martyres of that day are the forerunners and teachers for all the martyrs in the way of truth.

One of the self sacrificing yound men of that day was called Wahab. He too gave his life for his Imam (a.s) and for the true teachings of the Qur'an, and provided a lesson on martyrdom to all sincere youths of all times and places. Wahab was in his tent when his mother entered. She was obviously flustered and nervous; she said to her son:

"Wahab! what are you waiting for? Don't you know that Yazid's forces have surrounded your Imam (a.s)? Rise and defend your Imam (a.s). Rise and defend the Qur'an, freedom and honour. If you want me to be happy and pleased with you, rise and give your blood for the sake of your religion." Wahab was already busy putting on his clothes and armour for the battlefield. He quickly finished and made his farewells to his mother and to his young wife. He ran to the battlefield with the permission of al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s).

Wahab fought like a valiant lion and his sword fell on the heads of the enemy like lightening. But the day was hot and soon he became more thirsty and tired. He withdrew from the battle to rest for a while, and seeing his mother standing and watching the battle alongside one of the tents, he rushed to her side. She kissed the bleeding face of her son, and said:

"My son, I was watching you, but rest is not permissible. Our Imam's (a.s) helpers are few; return to the battlefield and either defeat the enemy or be martyred in the presence of your Imam (a.s). Only in this case I will be content with you and pray for you. Go now, my brave son."

With this encouragement, and after seeing his mother and wife, just once more for the last time, Wahab returned to the battlefield with an ardent desire for martyrdom. An enemy sword fell on his arm and wounded him. Watching from afar, his mother let out an involuntary groan. She picked up a stick and hurried to defend her son. Wahab's young wife also saw what had happened and she too rushed off to help him. She arrived at his side to find him lying, with blood spurting from his deep wound.

Wahab's wife wanted only to defend her husband and play her part in defending the religion. While taking care of her wounded husband, she too was attacked by the enemy troops and was martyred.

Defending Islam and the Qur'an is obligatory on both men and women. When necessary, Muslim women must learn shooting and other techniques of warfare. they must learn first aid and the art of nursing and attending on the injured. they are to be ever vigilant guardians of the Islamic homelands and honour.

In Iran, the brave Muslim women in Islamic Hijab (dress) followed the instructions of their great leader and took part in the demonstrations that freed the country. these freedom-loving women wearing their modest Islamic dress entered decisively into arena, and with the cry of Allahu Akbar on their lips they toppled down the imperial palace itself.

These Muslim women, following the instructions of Islam and observing Islamic Hijab in accordance with the Islamic teachings, cooperated with the men and delivered their country from the grip of traitors. Today, the Muslim women of Iran are playing an important role in all the organizations of the country.

These are the women who raised in the enviroment of Islam. Islam wants women to be veiled, to wear plain clothes in public, to keep their beauty and their adornments for their husbands and families, to avoid unnecessary contacts with men who are not mahram (with whom marriage is not permitted) and to maintain in this way their dignity and respect.

Allah tells us in the Qur'an that the believing women must not gaze at men who are not mahram and must hide from their bodies and hair. the women brought up in Islamic enviroment can grow spiritually and turn into brave defenders of Islam, the Qur'an, dignity and honour. they can play an impotant role in freeing and developing the great Islamic nation.

Prayer for Noble Ethics and God-pleasing Acts I Take Refuge in Allah from the Stoned Satan. In Name Of Allah the Source Of Mercy To All Of Creation; The Source Of the Mercy To the Believing Congregation. Oh Allah! Bless Muhammad's Soul, And Rain Down Peace On His Household. On Allah! Inspire Me With Piety, Most God Conscious Fear. Make My Speaking A Guidance, Moving, and Clear. And Employ Me in Work Most Pleasing To You. Make Me Successful in All That I do. And Each Goal I accomplish, Make It Be Just For You. And Your Mission Of Mercy; Holy, and True. Oh Allah! Make Me Walk, and then Run On A Most Model Path; Live, and Die in Your Nation, Away from Your Wrath. Oh Allah! Bless Muhammad's Soul, And Rain Down Peace On His Household. Make Me Enjoy Moderation, Like Your Most Righteous Slave. Make Me One Of the People Who Does Not Misbehave; Whose Lives Are A Proof That Your Way Is the Best; Who Worship the Truth, and Pass Every Test. Give Me Ultimate Victory, At the Place Of Return. Make Me Safe from the Ambush, from Sin Let Me Turn. Oh Allah! Take from My Soul What Will Make It Most Pure, And Leave What Will Make It Most Righteous, and Sure. For If You Don't Keep It, My Soul Wont Endure. Oh Allah! When I am Depressed, and in Sorrow, and Grief, Turn My Mind To My Blessings, and Give Me Relief. When I Am Deprived, in An Impoverished State, Be My Foraging Ground, and My Poorness Abate. When Deeply Afflicted I Cry Out For Your Aid. For You have What Is Lost, Trough You It's Repaid. You Can Reform What's Corrupt; What's Not Good Upgrade. And When You Oppose Those Who Have Gone Renegade, You Can Cause Revolution; and Those Rebels Degrade. So Show kindness To Me With Well Being Before Affliction; Wealth Before Asking, Freedom Before Addiction; Most Righteous Guidance Before I'm Astray; Excellent Guidance, and Make Me Obey. Shame Me Not in Folks Eyes, My Faults On Display. Make Noble My Face On That Most Dreadful Day. Oh Allah! Bless Muhammad's Soul, And Rain Down Peace On His Household.

Who can be the Prophet's Successor?

The passengers of this aeroplane have boarded, but the pilot hasn't come yet. It seems he has fallen sick and is unable to come.

Who will be put in his place to fly the passengers to their destination? One of the passengers?

... the Stewardess? ... A passer-by? ... Who?

Will they select someone to take the place of the pilot who doesn't have the awareness and vision of this skill? Would the passengers have confidence in him? Would they fly with him? Who can become the pilot's replacement?

Definately it must be someone who knows how to fly a plane and has the "insight and awareness" of this skill. Now, with regard to this example, can you say: Who can be the "Imam"?

Who can be the Prophet's replacement?

How must the Prophet's replacement be?

Can someone who doesn't have the vision and awareness to guide the people, be the Prophet's replacement? Is someone who doesn't know the rules of religion properly, who sins and makes mistakes, be worthy of successorship?

Would people have confidence in him? Who knows better which person is capable of succeeding the Prophet?...God, or the people? Of course, God knows better and that is why He appoints the capable person to be the Prophet's replacement and orders the Prophet to place his divine vision and awareness at his successor's disposal. the Prophet acts according to God's command and picks the person out to be his successor and introduces him to the people as such.

The successor of a Prophet is called an "Imam".

The Prophet, according to God's command, selects an honest and trusworthy person to be his successor and to perform his tasks after him. The Imam is a trustworthy and honest person selected by God for Imamate and Leadership of Mankind. the Prophet, according to god's command, introduces this person so that by words and deeds he guides mankind towards God, and the people take example from him and follow him in the way they live their lives.

The Prophet, with the permission of god, places his vision, knowledge and awareness at the disposal of his successor for him to correctly lead and guide the people. the Imam knows the laws and instructions of religion (as God and the Prophet have taught him), and communicates this to the people. the Imam, like the Prophet, is a perfect example of religion and acts perfectly in accordance with religious instructions.

The Imam, like the Prophet, sees the ugliness and foulness of sin and because of this vision and awareness he never commits sins, rather he is disgusted by them. Because the Imam, like the Prophet, commits no sins and makes no mistakes, people have confidence in him and are able to follow his words and actions.

The Imams (twelve Imams) are all infallible. This means that:

They commit no sin, they are perfectly honest and trustworthy, and they fully and correctly communicate the laws and instructions of religion to the people. (That is, they never make mistakes or forget anything).

Nahjul Balagha : Sayings of Imam Ali (a.s.)

In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful Salaam alaikum wa rahmatullah my brothers and sisters, I was looking for something else yesterday, and I stumbled upon this wonderful sermon of Imam Ali (as). What a guide for our lives!!

Somebody requested Imam Ali to advise him how to lead a useful and sober life. Imam Ali thereupon advised him thus: "Do not be among those people who want to gain good returns without working hard for them, who have long hopes and keep on postponing repentance and penance, who talk like pious persons but run after vicious pleasures. Do not be among those who are not satisfied if they get more in life and are not content if their lot in life's pleasures is less (they are never satisfied), who never thank Allah for what they get and keep on constantly demanding increase in what is left with them;

who advise others to such good deeds that they themselves refrain from; who appreciate good people but do not follow their ways of life; who hate bad and vicious people but follow their ways of life; who, on account of their excessive sins hate death but do not give up the sinful ways of life; who, if fallen ill, repent their ways of life and on regaining their health fearlessly readopt the same frivolous ways;

who get despondent and lose all hopes, but on gaining health, become arrogant and careless; who, if faced with misfortunes, dangers or afflictions, turn to Allah and keep on beseeching Him for relief and when relieved or favoured with comfort and ease they are deceived by the comfortable conditions they found themselves in and forget Allah and forsake prayers; whose minds are allured by day dreams and forlorn hopes and who abhor to face realities of life; who fear for others the enormous repercussions of vices and sins but for their own deeds expect very high rewards or very light disciplinary actions. Riches make such people arrogant, rebellious and wicked, and poverty makes them despondent and lethargic. If they have to work, they work lazily and if they put up a demand they do it stubbornly.

Under the influence of inordinate cravings, they commit sins in quick succession and keep on postponing repentance. Calamities and adversities make them give up the distinguished characteristics of Muslims (patience, hope in future and work for improvement of circumstances). they advise people with narration's of events and facts but do not take any lesson from them. they are good at preachings but bad at practice, therefore they always talk of lofty deeds but their actions belie their words. they are keen to acquire temporal pleasures but are careless and slow to achieve permanent (Divine) benefits. they think good for themselves the things which are actually injurious to them and regard harmful the things which really benefit them. they are afraid of death but waste their time and do not resort to good deeds before death overtakes them.

the vices which they regard as enormous sins for others, they consider as minor shortcomings for themselves. Similarly, they attach great importance to their obedience to the orders of Allah and belittle similar actions in others. therefore, they often criticize others and speak very highly of their own deeds. they are happy to spend their time in society of rich persons, wasting it in luxuries and vices but are averse to employing for useful purposes in company of the poor and pious people: they are quick and free to pass verdicts against others but they never pass a verdict against their own vicious deeds. they force others to obey them but they never obey Allah. they collect their dues carefully but never pay the dues they owe. they are not afraid of Allah but fear powerful men".

Your sister, Zainab

Lessons from Karbala Accept all physical pressure and pain always on our true faith we steadfastly remain Battle begun unjustly by oppressors brave Husain till the end tried to guide aggressors Combine with words, when necessary, more swords consolidate speech, if it fails, with spears against stubborn warlords

Differentiate, by trial, true faithful from false claimants devilish lovers of worldly pleasures rejected as remnants Expose true identity of governing tyrant evil Umayyad family who ruled as if invincible giant Face bravely and fight fiercely transgressors fondly taught Islam's Prophet to Husain, the True Successor

Gandhi and other freedom fighters won independence greatly inspired by Husain's unforgettable resistance Honour, self-respect, self-determination husain's call to humanity till world's termination Invite, instruct, instill in all mankind godly values indeed such were Islam, Prophet's(s) and his family's views

Job in life is to perform God-given task judge results by Godly standards, questions don't ask. Keep your debt-book clean owe nothing from anyone king of martyrs refused to meet His Lord having hurt someone Ladies in captivity bravely spread Karbala's message lightning and thunderous words hastened tyrants downward passage

Martydom preferable to life of humiliation under evil-doers military might never frightens brave good-doers Never despair in struggle against falsehood by small quantity numbers matter less with sterling quality Objectives of uprising declared publicly at all stages opportunities utilized maximally for sacred rage

Perseverance on truth till the last breath persistant refusal to surrender evil till death Unending support to Godly Leader's advice untiring struggle against ungodly army's stance. Victory of holy blood over blade of sword vanquishing might with right, brawn with brain, sword with word

Warriors of truth participated from all ages, race, class & sanctuaries winners in war, those whose message alive over centuries Xtra power & position corrupt ungodly human xtravagance, lifestyle of immature Man Yield total person & possessions to God's pleasure youth engage in holy war, not in temporary leisure.

Zealous to die for truth, virtue, Laws of God zest of life is to love God & live for God.