Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) was son of Hazrat Ali (RA) and Hazrat Fatima (RA).He was the grandson of the last messenger of ALLAH (SWT) – Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). He (RA) spent his early life in the love and warmth of his parents and grandfather. He (RA) was brought up in a house where Islam was the main element. He started receiving Islamic education from a very early age. Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) was raised in an Islamic environment under the guidance of his parents and grandfather and that’s why he possessed great qualities of kindness, selflessness, love, and equality since his childhood.
LOVE OF THE HOLY PROPHET (PBUH) FOR HAZRAT IMAM HUSSAIN (RA)
Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) was very dear to the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The last messenger of ALLAH was deeply attached to his grandsons and showered them always with his love, warmth and affection. He (PBUH) used to call Hazrat Hussain (RA) with different nicknames like “Hussain,” “Shabbir” (the handsome one), and “Sayyidu Shabab Ahl al-Jannah” (the master of the youth of Paradise). These names reflected the admiration and affection he held for his grandson.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to show love and affection to his grandsons openly. He (PBUH) used to kiss, hug, and love Hazrat Imam Hassan (RA) and Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), sitting with his companions. He (PBUH), with his acts of kindness with his grandsons, taught the world to treat children with kindness and warmth.
The Hadith of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) reflects his love for Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and how special he was to him
“Hussain is from me, and I am from Hussain. Allah loves whoever loves Hussain.”
Hadith Recorded in Jami Tirmdhi Narrated Ya’la bin Murrah
RELATIONSHIP OF HAZRAT IMAM HUSSAIN (RA) WITH HIS PARENTS
Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) was blessed to have parents like Hazrat Ali (RA) and Hazrat Fatima (RA) who were already the shining stars of the Islamic community and were spending their days and nights in the progress and expansion of Islam. Hazrat Ali (RA) and Hazrat Fatima (RA) raised Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) in the light of Islamic values and teachings. They played a crucial role in the upbringing of Hazrat Imam Hussain and instilled all the qualities of a great Muslim in their son.
He was also very close with his parents. He always showed respect and obedience towards them and proved himself as a good son. He (RA) took his parents as role models and tries to follow in their footsteps in the challenges of life. He endured the qualities of bravery, kindness, and justice from his parents.
THE EVENT OF KARBALA
The story of Karbala is a very sad and significant event in Islamic history. It happened on the 10th of Muharram in the year 680 CE. The two groups involved in this event were the scene led by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), who was the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the other Yazid, who was the ruler of the Umayyad Dynasty.
Imam Hussain (RA) went to Karbala because he was against the unjust rule of Yazid. His only objective was to protect the true teachings of Islam from being corrupted by the Umayyad dynasty.
In Karbala, Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions, including family members and friends, faced many hardships and challenges. They were surrounded by Yazid’s powerful and well-armed army. Despite knowing they were lesser in number and weaker than the Yazid army, they stayed strong in their commitment to truth and justice.
The most intense part of the battle, known as the Battle of Karbala, took place on the day of Ashura (the 10th of Muharram). Yazid’s forces relentlessly attacked Imam Hussain (RA)’s camp, causing them to suffer from thirst and exhaustion. But they bravely fought back, showing them incredible courage and determination.
Sadly, one by one, Imam Hussain (RA)’s companions were martyred, including his half-brother Hazrat Abbas (RA), nephews Ali Akbar (RA), and many other loyal supporters. Despite witnessing such heartbreaking losses and immense suffering, Imam Hussain did not accept defeat and stood strong.
In the end, Yazid’s forces succeeded in killing Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). He met a very brutal death, and his lifeless body lay on the battlefield. This tragic event showed how those who stood up for justice and truth were ruthlessly suppressed.
The Karbala tragedy deeply affected the Muslim community and people worldwide. It made Imam Hussain (RA) a revered and heroic figure, remembered for his sacrifice and refusal to compromise on his principles.
LEGACY AND INFLUENCE
The legacy Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) has left behind is exemplary and enduring. His bravery and fearlessness are an inspiration for every person in the world. He did not kneel in front of the power and stood firm for the sake of his religion and values. Imam Hussain (RA) for once did not think of himself and his comfort but chose the way of truth.
Imam Hussain (RA)’s unwavering commitment to justice, the truth, and resisting tyranny can be seen by his refusal to submit to an oppressive ruler like Yazid. His sacrifice serves as an enduring reminder of the value of standing up against injustice, even in the face of extreme adversity.
LESSON LEARNT FROM IMAM HUSSAIN’S LIFE
Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) taught the lesson of bravery, justice, and fairness to every person in this world. He with his martyrdom got the highest status in both worlds. It is because of his bravery and love towards Islam that even after centuries, his name is taken with the heroes of Islam who sacrificed their lives but raised the flag of Islam.
Holy Prophet (PBUH) mentioned the status of Imam Hussain (RA) in his hadith by saying
“Hussain is one of the leaders of the youth in Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 31, Hadith 5917)