ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Al-hussain's Revolt Supplement ( 16 ) Among the differences that exist between matters of the physical world and the social one is that in the material world minerals always demonstrate a single essence. For instance, you cannot find, as a raw material, gold and copper in a single entity. In contrast, in social phenomena, it is quite possible that a single phenomenon might demonstrate a variety of realities and essences.

Man is such a wonder because he can boast several essences at the same time. Jean-Paul Sartre, [1905 - 1980], the French existentialist philosopher and writer, maintained that the existence of man precedes his essence. He is right in this part of his statement. In addition to that, man could possess different semblances at the same time. For example, he could demonstrate a semblance of an angel, a pig, and a tiger.

['Existentialism' is a loose term for the reaction led by Kierkegaard, against the abstract rationalism of Hegel's philosophy. As against Hegel's conception of `abstract consciousness' within which all oppositions are supposedly reconciled, Kierkegaard insisted on the irreducibility of the subjective, personal dimension of human life. He characterised this in terms of the perspective of the 'existing individual'.

Kierkegaard rejected the claim that we can look forward to a time when the different interests and concerns of people can be satisfied through their comprehension within an all-embracing objective understanding of the universe.] According to this, it can be said that social phenomena might exhibit multi-dimensional realities. Imam Hussain's revolt is such a multi-faceted event, not least because several factors were jointly at work to produce it.

For example, there might erupt a revolt in reaction to a particular occurrence, i.e. under the spur of the moment. It might as well be a positive reaction to a certain trend and a negative one in the face of another trend. All these factors were present in Imam Hussain (a.s)'s revolt, hence the description, "a multi-character revolt". Historically, the first factor in the Imam's uprising was the Umayyad's demand of him to swear allegiance to Yezid, [their second Caliph].

In a bid to secure the following of the generality of Muslims to his son, Yezid, Mu'aawiyah sent an emissary to Medina to secure the pledging of such allegiance from Imam Hussain (a.s).