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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books An Everlasting Instruction, Imam al-Husayn’s Journey to Makka Reasons Behind Imam al-Husayn’s move to Makka If one were to carefully analyze the reason why the Imam (‘a) left for Makka, he/she would be able to understand the sanctity of the move.

Following are reflections about the same: The Importance of a Global Platform In one of his historic statements Imam al-Husayn (‘a) clearly says that the main reason behind his uprising (in whatever stage it may be) is to seek reform in the Muslim nation.

Then he describes the path he would undertake to meet this aspiration: أُرِيْدُ أَنْ آمُرَ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَ أَنْهَى عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ ‘I would like to invite towards good and shun the evil.’ [^1] In order for him to carry out this reform immediately, the best place to go to was Makka, where pilgrims from all over the Muslim world would come to perform 'Umra and Hajj. They would listen to his message, wake up, and relate the same to their people on their return.

Historical records tell us that while in Makka, Muslims from different countries would come to Imam al-Husayn ('a) day and night, and listen to what he had to say. Opposition Against Falsehood The flight of Imam al-Husayn (‘a) reveals the Imam's liberated spirit. He never allowed himself to submit to any government that does not obey the laws of God. In fact it is a practical manifestation of ‘Islam’ (submission to the will of God).

Submitting to every call of disbelief or polytheism is to alienate from the path of utter submission to Almighty Allah. In Imam al-Husayn (‘a)’s not surrendering to falsehood and remaining very steadfast in his stance, he taught every future human being 'the lesson of steadfastness' by not submitting to falsehood and oppression. And this unwavering stance remained until the end of his ephemeral life.

Seeking Refuge in Allah Imam al-Husayn ('a)'s move to Makka also alludes to something highly important.

His flight to the Divine sanctity of safety, perhaps demonstrated that his only refuge is Allah in whose house there is always safety: فِيهِ آيَات بَيِّنَاتٌ مَّقَامُ إِبْرَهِيمَ وَ مَن دَخَلَهُ كانَ ءَامِناً In it are clear signs and whosoever enters therein is safe (3:97) Seeking refuge in the Divine sanctity, however, should transport us to a loftier meaning: one who really seeks refuge in Allah is safe from all kinds of polytheism and oppression.

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