Biography of Imam Hussain (peace be on him)
Imam Hussain (AS), the revered grandson of Prophet Muhammad and son of Imam Ali and Lady Fatimah, is a central figure in Islam. He is recognised as the third divine Imam and one of the five key personalities, known as Ahl al-Kisa or "Panjtan". His life was characterized by profound devotion, sacrifice, and a steadfast commitment to justice, leaving a lasting impact on Islamic history and inspiring countless people globally.
Early Life and Lineage:
He was Born in Madinah on the 3rd of Sha'ban in the year 4 AH (626 CE), Imam Hussain was deeply influenced by his distinguished family from an early age. His father, Imam Ali, was the Prophet's first cousin and chosen successor, and his mother, Lady Fatimah, was the Prophet’s cherished daughter. This lineage instilled in him a strong sense of spiritual and moral responsibility.
Imam Hussain grew up under the nurturing care of his grandfather, Prophet Muhammad, who adored him and his brother, Imam Hassan. The Prophet often itroduced them as "the leaders of the youth of Paradise" and underscored their pivotal roles in the community.
The Prophet notably said, “Hussain is from me, and I am from Hussain. Allah loves those who love him.” He also remarked on the significance of Hussain’s future when he said, "The martyrdom of Hussain ignites a heat in the hearts of the believers that never cools."
Witnessing Early Challenges:
Imam Hussain witnessed significant events from an early age, including the pivotal event of Ghadeer, where the Prophet declared Imam Ali as the rightful leader. He also experienced the sorrow of his grandfather’s passing and the subsequent political shifts that led to the isolation of his father, Imam Ali, after the Prophet's death.
During the caliphate of his father, and later his brother, Imam Hassan, Hussain was a first-hand witness to the political and social tribulations of the early Muslim community. He supported his father's mission to uphold justice and the true principles of Islam. After the assassination of Imam Ali in 661 CE, and during the leadership of his brother, a crucial peace treaty was signed with Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan to avoid further conflict, though it was fraught with violations and challenges.
The peace treaty was concluded in 661 CE, brokered under terms set by Imam Hassan and consented to by Muawiya. The pivotal clauses of the treaty included:
- Muawiya was prohibited from appointing a successor, specifically barring his son Yazid. The decision regarding the next ruler after his death was to be made by Imam Hassan or Imam Hussain.
- Muawiya was obligated to ensure the safety and security of Imam Hassan, his followers, and his family. This included a stipulation against the persecution or harm of Imam Ali's (AS) followers.
Historical accounts reveal that Muawiya did not honour these conditions. Contrary to the agreement, he appointed his son Yazid as his successor, actively persecuted, and inflicted violence upon the followers of Imam Ali, fostering animosity against Imam Ali and his family. Ultimately, Muawiya is also accused of orchestrating the death of Imam Hassan (AS) through poisoning.
Stand Against Injustice and the Journey to Karbala:
Following the martyrdom of his brother Imam Hassan and the rise of Yazid, Imam Hussain faced a critical decision. Yazid’s rule was marked by tyranny and deviations from Islamic principles. Refusing to endorse such a regime, Imam Hussain chose to stand against this oppression.
In 680 CE, responding to calls from the oppressed in Kufa, Imam Hussain set out from Makkah with his family and close companions, fully aware of the risks. This journey culminated in the tragic Battle of Karbala on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura), where Imam Hussain and his small group of 72 companions faced a vast army. Despite severe hardships and the ultimate sacrifice of his companions and even his infant son, Ali Asghar, Imam Hussain's resolve never wavered.
He famously declared, “By God! I never revolted in vain, as a rebel or as a tyrant; rather, I rose seeking reformation for the nation of my grandfather Muhammad. To me, death for the sake of righteousness is nothing but happiness, and living under tyrants nothing but living in hell.”
Legacy and Commemoration:
The martyrdom of Imam Hussain is a pivotal moment in Islam, commemorated annually during Muharram, especially on the Day of Ashura. These commemorations involve mourning rituals and recitations that remember the events of Karbala and honor Imam Hussain’s virtues.
Imam Hussain's stand is a timeless emblem of the struggle between justice and oppression, guiding people across generations to uphold righteousness and resist tyranny.
"Peace be upon you, O Hussain, master of freemen and hero of humanity”.
