Husain’s martyrdom – his courage...

Husain’s martyrdom – his courage, steadfastness, dignity, and true devotion in times of great crisis – has inspired Muslims from all walks of life. Husayn has inspired the best poetry in all Islamic languages; even non-Muslim poets celebrated his great virtue and valour. Above all, however, Imam Husain’s martyrdom became a source of strength and endurance for Muslims in times of suffering, persecution and oppression.

He has stood with every wronged man or woman before oppressive rulers, reproaching wrongdoers and encouraging the oppressed to persist in their struggle for freedom and dignity. The following encounter between Zayd b. Arqam, a venerable companion of the Prophet, and ‘Ubayd Allah b. Ziyad is a living testimony to the struggle between illegitimate authority and the power of right. When the head of Imam Husain was brought before him, Ibn Ziyad began to poke its teeth and lips with a stick.

Zayd protested: ‘Take away your stick! For, by God, I saw the Apostle of God often kiss these lips.’ Saying this, Zayd began to weep. Ibn Ziyad reprimanded him, saying: ‘May God cause your eyes to weep! Had it not been that you are an old and senile man, I would have cut off your head.’ Zayd then walked away, exclaiming: ‘O men, you are slaves after this day. For you have slain the son of Fatima and set as amir over you the son of Marjana [i.e., Ibn Ziyad].

By God, he shall kill the best of you and enslave the most wicked among you. Perish those who accept humiliation and shame.’ Zayd then said, ‘O Ibn Ziyad, I shall tell you something that will enrage you even more. I saw the Apostle of God seating Hasan on his left leg and Husain on his right, and say, “O God, I commend them and the most righteous of the people of faith to your trust.” How have you dealt with the trust of the Prophet, O Ibn Ziyad?’ (5). To be continued!

NOTES: __________________________________________ 1. Al-Fayruzabadi, 3: 187. 2. Ibn Hanbal, 2: 513; al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, 7: 109. 3. Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, p. 221 4. Al-Tirmidhi, 2: 307 5. Ibn Hajar, p. 118. Leave a Comment Leave a Comment Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Name * Email * Comment * Δ Newest Video View All The Succor of Patience and Prayer Why is mercy mentioned twice in Bismillah?