FEW names in human history have achieved such profound meaning that they transcend time, becoming eternal symbols of truth, sacrifice, and moral courage.
Among these rare souls stands Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), whose legacy continues to inspire generations. His name is not only inscribed in Islamic history, but embedded in the conscience of humanity as a symbol of resistance against oppression.
The stand of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) at Karbala is more than a historical event—it is a timeless message. Faced with the tyrannical rule of Yazid, Imam Hussain (RA) refused to legitimize injustice, choosing instead to uphold truth, even at the cost of his life. His decision was not driven by political ambition or personal gain; it stemmed from a sacred responsibility to preserve the moral compass of Islam and protect the legacy of his grandfather, the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
In a barren desert, cut off from water, surrounded by an army of thousands, and accompanied by only a handful of loyal companions, Imam Hussain (RA) displayed unmatched bravery and spiritual strength. He rose above fear, demonstrating that dignity is not measured by numbers or worldly success but by unwavering adherence to principles. The blood shed at Karbala was not in vain. It symbolized the victory of conscience over cruelty, and of sacrifice over submission. Though centuries have passed, Karbala lives on—not as a tale of sorrow but as a rallying cry for all who dare to resist tyranny. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The best of struggles is to speak a word of truth before a tyrannical ruler.” No one embodied this more than his noble grandson.
In stark contrast, Yazid’s name survives in disgrace. His legacy is not of power, but of shame—marked by injustice, brutality, and spiritual betrayal. He violated the sacred bond with the Prophet’s family, dishonoured Islam’s values, and unleashed terror upon the righteous. The Prophet (PBUH) had declared, “Hussain is from me, and I am from Hussain” (Tirmidhi). To harm Hussain (RA) was to wound the very heart of the Prophet’s household. Yazidiyat did not end in 680. Its manifestations continue in modern tragedies—the bombardment of Gaza, the silencing of Kashmir, the suffering in Syria and Afghanistan, and the persecution of Rohingyas. Whenever the innocent are oppressed and tyrants rule unchecked, the shadow of Yazid returns. And wherever voices rise against that tyranny, the light of Hussain (RA) shines again.
The message of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) is not limited to one sect or nation. It is not confined to Shi’a or Sunni, Arab or non-Arab. His spirit lives wherever oppression is challenged, wherever justice is upheld, and wherever hearts refuse to bow before falsehood. Whether in a Palestinian child’s defiance, a Kashmiri mother’s prayer, or the voice of any human who dares to speak truth to power—Hussainiyat lives on. Every year, as Muharram returns, believers gather not in despair but in devotion. The commemoration of Ashura is more than mourning—it is a pledge. These tears carry a message: Hussain (RA) did not die; he lives within the souls of those who choose honour over compromise. His sacrifice is not a memory but a movement.
And in moments of trial, those who stay silent are not neutral—they are complicit. The failure to stand with the oppressed is a form of betrayal. Silence before injustice is not peace—it is surrender. In the words of history and morality, those who fail to side with Hussain (RA) invariably side with Yazid. For every Yazid who attempts to crush truth, there shall rise a Hussain (RA) who speaks it. For every system built on deceit, there shall be a soul ready to give everything for justice. Imam Hussain (RA) chose death over dishonour, and in doing so, illuminated a path that millions continue to walk—one defined by sacrifice, dignity, and faith.
This eternal battle between Hussainiyat and Yazidiyat leaves no room for ambiguity. One must choose: a life of honour, even if it ends in martyrdom, or a life of shame bound by complicity. Imam Hussain (RA) chose the former. His decision was not just a protest; it was a promise to all generations—that truth must always be defended, no matter the price.
The soul of Karbala teaches that one righteous voice can alter the course of history. That a single act of defiance, rooted in truth, can withstand the test of time. The battle did not end on the plains of Karbala. It continues wherever injustice prevails. As long as hearts beat for truth, as long as the oppressed refuse to bow, the name of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) shall live on. Not as a symbol of sorrow, But as a standard of resistance. Not as a tale of grief, But as a pledge to justice. Not as a martyr fallen, But as a spirit eternal.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
