By Javeed Ali
Today is the Ashura of Muharram-ul-Haram 1440 AH. Each one of us is commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussain (A.S) and his companions which they gave for the revival of the Islamic principles in the battlefield of Karbala in Iraq. The event which happened in the year 61 of the lunar calendar gave impetus to Islam and laid the foundation of effective movement against the falsehood, immorality,arrogance, injustice, tyranny and oppression happening across time and space.
To all the tribulations and brutalities which were inflicted on Imam Hussain (A.S) and his loyalists, they faced them bravely and courageously and set exemplary lessons for all of us. Every Islamic and moral task was beautifully illustrated in Karbala by the martyrs due their steadfastness and commitment to their cause. These lessons of Karbala have created a treasure of sublime ethics and values for the whole humanity. There are many lessons which we can imbibe from Karbala, one such lesson is the importance of Salat (Namaz).
There is no doubt that Yazid and his soldiers crossed all limits in unleashing oppression and tyranny on Imam Hussain (A.S.) and his companions and brutally massacred them but couldn’t succeed in breaking their resolve and faith. Karbala martyrs stood firm to their noble cause and never deviated from their righteous path.
A day before Ashura (10th Muharram), Imam Hussain (A.S) pleaded for one night so that he and his companions could spend the last night in the worship and supplication. They spent the whole night in prayers, reciting Holy Quran and remembrance of Allah Almighty. Even the enemies acknowledged that the voices from the tent of Imam Hussain (A.S) on the night of Ashura were like the murmur of bees in the beehive.
Soon after morning prayers were offered, the enemy attacked and the battle started. All the atrocities and barbarism were thrown upon on Karbala martyrs. Despite all the cruelty and savagery of the enemies of Islam, Imam Hussain (A.S) set up for the Zuhar prayers with his nears and dears soaked in blood. Two of his companions shielded Imam Hussain (A.S) from the arrows and spears while he offered Salat. This is the clear indication that Salat is so important that two loyal followers of Imam Hussain (A.S) attained martyrdom while defending it.
There is a famous saying that friend of friend is a friend so if we claim that we love Imam Hussain (A.S) then we should love and follow everything whatever he loved and followed. Imam Hussain (A.S) loved Salat and the remembrance of Allah Almighty. If we assert that we love Imam Hussain (A.S) then how can we remain careless about performing our Salat. The honorable Imam even prostrated for the Asr prayers on Ashura with his body riddled with arrows, daggers and spears so how can we neglect Salat on the pretext of petty issues. A true follower and lover of Imam Hussain (A.S) whether he is Shia or Sunni will never abandon Salat whatever athe circumstances. As is being said anything beloved to a lover is to be venerated and idolized. Salat was very close to the heart of Imam Hussain (A.S) so it should also be close to our heart.
Commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussain (A.S) should renew our faith and belief. Participating in Muharram processions and congregations should rekindle our soul and it should make us more pious and devout. As Salat is of higher rank among the various acts of worship, therefore it should not be missed. Salat is a pillar of Islam and its being considered as the ascent (Meraj) of a believer.
Whatever deeds we perform for Islam and humanity will only be accepted in the court of Allah Almighty if our Salat gets acceptance. So, our remembrance and mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S) and his companions in the battlefields of Karbala will only be rewarded if we offer our daily Salat punctually and religiously. Karbala occurred for the revival of Islam , so it should revive our faith and belief; if not then we have not yet understood the true significance of Karbala.
Allah Almighty says in Surah Taha, Surah No. 20, Verse No. 132:
“And enjoin prayer upon your family and adhere thou steadily unto it”
This verse clearly reveals that we should be punctual in our Salat and also we should persuade others for it.(Al Quran)
Let’s make a firm resolution this Muharam-ul-Haram that we will not skip any of our obligatory prayers and we will influence others to do the same. Inshallah!
-The author is a freelance writer and can be reached at [email protected]
