salamislam

6 Signs of Courage in Imam Hussain (AS) and His Revolution

6 Signs of Courage in Imam Hussain (AS) and His Revolution

02 - Feb - 2021
Lifestyle
7
Min

It takes courage to live in this world. Because if you are alive, then you need to take action. And for taking a decisive step, you need to be courageous. The courage to stand up for an oppressed person, the courage to stand up against discrimination, the courage to stop violence against animals, the courage to preserve the earth, or even the courage to listen to the news of genocide and wish to have the strength to do something for it.

But many of us do not take action. Or do not even care. We may be afraid or may wait for someone else to do something. Say a superman or someone beyond us. 

Many philosophers from Plato and Aristotle to modern thinkers regard courage as one of the most vital human virtues. For Plato, courage is “what allows reason to rule, both in the individual and in society.” Aristotle also believes that courage is not just about taking risks but thinking wisely in the face of danger [1]. Taking risks is courageous, but knowing why you are risking is even more critical. 

What Makes Courage Different in Islam?

Islam, also, values the attribute of courage highly [i]. In Islam courage is the result of many other virtues. Even more, the reason behind your courageous deed is of more importance than having courage in itself. In other words, you are courageous if you are taking action for the right cause. That is, what you have found belief in after in-depth and rational investigation [ii], and do not forget to be moral along the way. 

Imam Hussain (AS) Was Courageous in the true Sense of the Word Because He…

1. Stood up against What Was Wrong

Imam Hussain (AS), saw the injustice that was imposed upon the society of his time and realized how what the rulers called Islam was far from the true teachings of Islam. Oppression, tyranny, unjust use of public property, etc. made life miserable for people.

So, instead of remaining silent and doing nothing, he decided to improve the society. He practiced courage in standing up against what was wrong, and in accepting the dangers of his decision. 

Surrendering to and accepting the injustice and oppression, is considered a huge sin in Islam for someone who is capable of standing up against it and can improve the situation. That is one of the reasons why enjoining the right and forbidding the wrong (Amr bi-l-maʿruf and Nahy ʿani-l-munkar) are among the practical principles of Islam; to improve the society and bring awareness to people.

Image removed.

2.Took risks, but not at the Expense of Transgressing Human Values

Imam Hussain (AS) was courageous and stood up against what was wrong. But he never gave up his human virtues for the sake of furthering his purpose. In other words, for Imam Hussain (AS), “the end does not justify the means.” While his enemy was impatient to start the war, he did his best to prevent it by negotiating and bringing awareness to them [1].

He was not afraid of fighting, yet, for him starting a war with the enemy was not the end. Instead, leading them to what is right, toward a life of honor and dignity rather than humiliation and oppression, was his ultimate purpose. Imam Hussain (AS), tried to show that being just is far more important than being courageous. If everyone is just, then no right would be taken away, and you do not need to be courageous to stand up against it [iii].  

According to Imam Ali (AS), courage is dependent upon three virtues which complement each other. These are self-sacrifice, not bowing down to humiliation and oppression and not being after making a name for yourself [2]. In his movement, Imam Hussain (AS) exhibited all these virtues. He sacrificed his life and family, did not surrender to the injustice his enemies were imposing, and never cared about his fame but was entirely devoted to Allah’s cause [iv].  

3. Insisted on His Right Cause, not any Cause

In Islam, the intention always comes before the action. Imam Hussain (AS) knew well why he was taking action. For him, nothing was more important than Allah’s satisfaction and reviving the true teachings and peaceful message of Islam in the corrupt society of his time [v].

He was courageous for the right cause. Neither was he after usurping the throne, nor manipulating people for his own sake. In that case, he would not be courageous anymore but selfish. As Charles Dickens admitted, “If Husain (as) had fought to quench his worldly desires…then I do not understand why his sister, wife, and children accompanied him. It stands to reason, therefore, that he sacrificed purely for Islam” [6].

4. Was Cautious in his Courage  

Imam Hussain (AS) did take a risk in furthering his purpose, but he never acted unwisely and on his whim. When people sent thousands of letters from Kufa to Imam Hussain (AS), to ask for his help and declare their devotion to him, he did not accept their invitation immediately.

Instead, he first sent a representative to their city to validate their claim. Also, on the day of Ashura, despite his enemy's insistence on war, and while he was not afraid of fighting with them, he first tried to reason with them. You cannot be called courageous if you let go of your insight and wisdom and act recklessly [vi].

5. Despite His Strength was not after Making War

As said earlier, Imam Hussain (AS) was not willing to go to war with his enemy. While he was fully capable of fighting with them, and he courageously did it with only 72 people against thousands, he was never in favor of making war without any good reason. He was a courageous leader and guide, not a ruthless tyrant.

Thus, he first tried to guide his enemy toward the true teachings of Islam through speaking and reasoning, but when he saw their insistence on being ignorant, he was forced into a war.

Image removed.

6. Was Strong and Patient when he was faced with Difficulty

It takes courage and spiritual strength to endure the pain of losing your beloved ones. Imam Hussain (AS) lost many of his family members and friends in the battle of Karbala, including his brother and two of his sons. However, while he felt a deep pain in his heart, he never lost his control and power of reason.

And he never regretted his action, nor doubted his cause. He was sure that what he did was for the sake of Allah’s satisfaction and his movement will forever inspire those who are seeking what is right.

Notes:
[i] Imam Ali (AS) said, “Generosity and courage are great attributes that Allah bestows upon whoever He loves most and has examined before”[7]

[ii] “In Islam, faith is nothing beyond human’s reason and understanding; in other words, the axioms of this religion are the fundamental principles that are rational by themselves and can be ascertained by people’s common sense. So stepping onto the stage of this faith depends on the submission that is gained through preliminary investigation of its axioms” [5].

[iii] Imam Ali (AS) said, “ Justice is better than courage. Since if every person is just toward other people, then they won’t need to be courageous” [9]

[iv] On the cause of his movement, Imam Hussain (AS) said,“O' God! Surely you know that whatever we did was not a competition to gain worldly positions and not for the worthless physical attractions of the world. But to show the signs of religious ways and to remove corruption from your lands, so that the oppressed feel secured and act according to your traditions and rules.” [3]

[v] Imam Hussain (AS) said, “My revolution aims to reform the society and revive the true teachings of Islam.” [4]

[vi] Imam Ali (AS) said, “ negligence and not having foresight, spoils the courage” [8].

References:

  1. al-Shaykh al-Mufid, al-Irshad, p.253.
  2. Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.322.
  3. Ibid. p.239.
  4. Ibid. p.243.
  5. The Islamic Axioms
  6. HUssain (AS)
  7. Abd al-Wāhid b. Muḥammad al-Āmidī, Ghurar al-hikam wa durar al-kalim, p.375.
  8. Ali ibn Muhammad Laithi Vaseti, Oyun al-Hikmah va al-Mavaez, p. 182.
  9. Ibn Abi al-Hadid, The interpretation of Nahj al-Balaghah, vol 20, p.333.


Share This Article

Does Islam Permit Homosexuality?

31 - Jan - 2021 379 Read 5 Min

Homosexuality that means sexual or romantic attraction to the people of the same sex has been a controversial issue to psychiatrists since they have been expected to examine this sexual orientation and its relation to mental health.

It has also caused controversy in the religious communities as they have been condemned for being narrow-minded due to their denial of this so-called natural and instinctive phenomenon. Here, we attempt to explore Islamic view on Homosexuality and explain the philosophy behind Islam’s objection to this matter.

Homosexual Community: to Be Continued?

In the Quranic view, the family consists of a pair of male and female. This was indeed the basis of the creation of Adam and Eve. The couple who were the father and mother of the whole human race:

‘O mankind! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you nations and tribes that you may identify yourselves with one another.’ (49:13) [1].

Since family is of high importance in Islamic teachings, anything that damages this ‘Holy’ social unit is subject to criticism. Same-sex marriages contradict the law of creation which is based upon the continuation of the human race. Had homosexuality become popular, reproduction would stop.

It is also due to its social consequences that Islam warns us against homosexuality. A person once questioned Imam Sadeq(AS): “Why has Allah prohibited sodomy?”. The Imam (AS) replied: “Had sex with boys been lawful, the men would have become independent of women (and disinclined towards them) causing man's lineage to become terminated and natural heterosexual intercourse to come to an end, and this would have brought about great moral and social evils” [2].

The above narration explains that sodomy, or homosexuality, makes men needless of women sexually and vice versa! So the doer of sodomy no longer desires to marry the opposite sex. This is seen as a serious threat to the continuation of the human race. Since it is through the opposite-sex marriages that the human race will continue.

Homosexuality: In the Quran

Homosexuality is addressed in the Quran through a well-known story called the story of the ‘People of Lot’. This story is cited in the Quran seven times. And it shows the importance of these people and the acts that they were punished for. ‘People of Lot’ are known as a nation that was thoroughly destroyed by God owing to their lustful acts [3]:

"And Lot, when he said to his people, ‘What! Do you commit an outrage none in the world ever committed before you?! Most surely you come to males in lust besides females; nay you are an extravagant people’"(7:80-81).

In the above verse, the Prophet Lot (PBUH) condemns his people for their sexual desires towards men instead of women. Elsewhere in the Quran, he recalls:

‘O my people, these are my daughters: they are purer for you. Be wary of Allah … Is there not a right-minded man among you?’ (11:78)

One of the important aspects of Lot’s story is their punishment. According to Islamic teachings, homosexuality is a sin greater than adultery. So its punishment is more severe.

It is also admitted in the Islamic narrations that when people commit sins that have not been committed before, their punishment will also be unprecedented. The Quran describes People of Lot’s chastisement and remarks that the whole nation was massacred except the Prophet Lot (PBUH) and his true followers:

‘O Lot, we are messengers of your Lord. They will never get at you. Set out with your family in a watch of the night; and none of you shall turn round, except your wife…..So when Our edict came, We made its topmost part its nethermost, and We rained on it stones of laminar shale’(11:82-83)

Homosexuality: As a Mental Disorder?!

In today’s liberal societies people are educated the way that they perceive homosexuality as an 'inborn’ tendency and only a variation of human sexual orientation [4]. In other words, the fact that one is born either male or female does not say anything about his or her sexual orientation. They might be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender! (LGBT) or it may happen that they are sexually straight!

Homosexuality has caused the field of psychiatry such a controversy that even after decades of studies on the issue one single position cannot be found in their findings. Homosexuality used to be identified as a mental disorder for the most of the 20th century. Even so, since 1970 there started a high scientific attempt to declassify homosexuality as a disorder. As a result of almost fifty years of attempts, we can see that since the late 20th-century homosexuality started to become legal in a few liberal countries (mainly Europe and America). And the same-sex marriages started to become recognized as a social norm.

Yet, there are still studies that argue against prior studies. They state that there is a misconception as to the definition of homosexuality in some of the major studies on the issue. Meaning, in the definition of a homosexual person they included any person who had had a same-sex sexual experience as an adult. But, some of the subjects that were engaged in homosexual behavior were not even attracted to the people of their own sex. It is also suggested that ‘homosexual people are at a substantially higher risk for some forms of emotional problems. These include suicidality, major depression, and anxiety disorder’ [5].

Despite the current professional position on homosexuality, same-sex orientation is still understood as immorality and as a rebellion against God by most nations and cultures throughout the world. The table of the LGBT rights according to different countries and territories is the evidence for this claim [6].

It has to be noted, however, that the fact that an individual has homosexual desires does not make him or her criminal according to Islamic law! This tendency is either a psychological or a physiological disorder that has to be cured. And as long as the person does not commit homosexual acts, he is not subject to any divine punishment.

Wrapping up

The aim of this article was to explore the Islamic view on Homosexuality. We found that Islam objects to homosexuality for several reasons. Most importantly, Islam regards the same-sex union as a threat to the continuation of the human race.

Also, since the family in Islam is seen as a holy unit and it consists of a male and a female, again homosexual orientation goes against Islamic values and teachings and threatens human survival.  We also examined if the same-sex sexual orientation is a disorder. Despite the high controversy of the issue, there is a kind of consensus that homosexual people are at a higher risk for emotional problems such as suicidality, major depression, and anxiety disorder.

To conclude, despite recent attempts of declassifying homosexuality as a disorder and the legitimization of the same sex union and marriages in some liberal societies, as statics show still the majority of countries and cultures understand homosexual acts as immorality and as a rebellion against social norms and religions that threatens human survival.

 

References:

  1. Qari translation of the Quran, available at
  2. Wasa`il ash-Shia, vol. 14, pg. 252.
  3. Qur’anic references to the People of Lot: 7:80–84, 11:77–83, 21:74, 22:43, 26:165–175, 27:56–59, and 29:27–33).
  4. Rizvi, Sayyid Muhammad, Marriage and Moral in Islam, available at
  5. Bailey, J. Michael,  ‘Homosexuality and Mental Illness’, available at
  6. See the chart at


Read More

40 Inspiring Quotes of Imam Hussain (AS)

10 - Feb - 2021 90,994 Read 5 Min

1.  Aim of Imam Hussain (AS)’s Revolution

The aim of my revolution is to reform the society and revive the true teachings of Islam

(Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.243)

2. Being Free-spirited

If you don’t believe in any religion, at least be free-spirited and honest in your actions  

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 45, P. 51)

3. Revolt against Tyranny

I never revolted in vain, as a rebel or as a tyrant; rather, I rose seeking reformation for the nation of Islam

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 44, P. 329)

4. Patience in the Journey toward What Is Right

On the Day of Ashura, he addressed his companions: 

“Be patient, you noble ones. Death is only a bridge which takes you from misery and loss to the vast Paradise and the eternal graces”.

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 44, P. 297)

5. Peacemaking and Preventing from War 

O’ people! Listen to my words and don’t hasten to start a war, so that I clarify the reason behind my revolution 

(al-Shaykh al-Mufid, al-Irshad, p.253)

6. Being a Just Leader

On the night of Ashura, he gathered his followers in his tent, put out the light and said:

“Beware that I give you permission to leave this place; there is no obligation on you anymore, and you can all leave.”
However, not even one of them left his side….  

 (al-Shaykh al-Mufid, al-Irshad, p. 250)

7. Being a Steadfast Seeker 

joBe steadfast and firm in the way toward what is right, even if your journey is full of pain and challenges.   

(Usul al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 28)

8. Preserving Human Dignity

Death with dignity is better than a life of abasement. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 44, P. 192)

9. Being Courageous 

By God, I will never surrender to my enemies like a humiliated person and never pledge allegiance to them like slaves

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 45, P. 7)

10. Martyrdom for What is Right

To me, death for the sake of what is right, is nothing but happiness, and living under tyrants nothing but living in a hell 

(Tuhaf-al- Uqoul, P. 245)

11. Importance of Praying

The most incapable person is the one who can’t pray.

(Bihar al-Anwar, vol.81, p.257)

12. Generosity 

The most generous person is the one who gives to those who do not expect his help.

(Kashf al-ghumma, vol.2, p.30)

13. Competing in Good Deeds 

Try to compete with one another in good deeds and hurry to seize the opportunities, and forget the good deeds that you haven’t hastened to do.

(Bihar al-Anwar, vol.57, p.121)

14. Being Religious 

People are slaves of this world. Religion is just what they say. They use it as long as it provides them with their living. When they are tested, there remain only a few true religious ones.

(Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.245)

15. Worshiping Allah

If you worship Allah the way He deserves to be worshipped, He will fulfill all your wishes, and bless you much more than what you deserve.

(Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 68, p.184)

16. Helping Others

God will help the person who cares about other people’s needs, both in this world and the hereafter.

(Bihar al-Anwar, vol.75, p.121)

17. Having Faith in Allah
 
O’ Allah! What has gained the one who has not found You, and what has lost the one who has found You?

(Bihar al-Anwar, vol.95, p.226)

18. Don’t be an Oppressor

Avoid oppressing the one who does not have any supporter against you, other than the Almighty God. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 118)

19. Allah’s Bounties 

When Allah chooses to favor someone, makes him/her the source of satisfying other people's needs. 

(Bihar al-Anwar, vol.74, p.205.)

20. Beware of Your Own Sins

Beware! Do not be among those who are concerned about the sins of others while neglectful of their own sins. 

(al-Kafi, vol.8, p.49, Hadith #9)

21. A True Friend 

One who reveals your faults to you like a mirror is your true friend, and one who flatters you and covers up your faults is your enemy. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 128)

22. Satisfying People, while Disobeying Allah

Whoever seeks the satisfaction of people through disobedience of Allah; Then Allah subjects him to people. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 126)

23. Follow the Truth

Wisdom will not be gained, unless through following the right path. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 127)

24. Say Good Things

Say what you like to be said about you, in the absence of your fellow believer. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 75, P. 127)

25. Don’t Commit What is Wrong 

Avoid doing things that would make you apologize; since a believer won’t commit a wrong action that would make him/her sorry. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 75, P. 120)

26. Actions should be done for Allah

If you lead your actions through committing sins and disobeying Allah, your intentions won’t be fulfilled and will be caught in what you fear most. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 75, P. 120)

27. Kindness and Faithfulness 

Kindness elevates human beings, and faithfulness is the sign of decency.

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 75, P. 122)

28. Extremism and Abject People

Extremism is like going down in a swamp, and keeping company with abject and corrupt ones will bring evil and misery for you. 

(Kashf al-ghumma, vol.2, p.30)

29. Knowledge
 
Seeking knowledge will lead you toward wisdom and elevation. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 75, P. 128)

30. Visiting Relatives

Visiting relatives and keeping in touch with them will bring you a longer and more substantial life. 

(Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Oyoun Akhbar Al-Ridha, vol.2, p.44)

31. The Most Generous 

The most generous person is the one who forgives while in power. 

(Kashf al-ghumma, vol.2, p.29)

32. Maintaining Family Ties

The best way of maintaining family ties is through visiting the ones who have cut ties with you and haven’t visited you for a while. 

(Kashf al-ghumma, vol.2, p.29)

33. Helping Your Fellow in Religion 

Whoever helps his/her fellow in religion for the sake of Allah, He will compensate for him/her and eliminate the hardships from his/her life. Also, whoever relieves a believer’s grief, Allah will free him/her of his/her pains and sufferings in this world and the other world. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 75, P. 121)

34. Trusting Others

Only trust those who believe in Allah and are afraid of His questioning on the Day of Judgement. 

(Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Jameh al- Akhbar, p.97)

35. Paying the Debts 

While on his way to Karbala, Imam Hussain (AS) said: “I cannot have whoever owes a debt in my company. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) used to say: ‘whoever dies while owing to other people, his/her good deeds will be void in the hereafter.’”

(Kalimat al-Imam al-Hussain (AS) (Words of Imam Hussain), p.417)

36. People’s Praise and Blame 

Gain people’s praise with your efforts and successes, and do not expose yourself to people’s blames through laziness and lethargy. 

(Kashf al-ghumma, vol.2, p.29)

 37. Gaining Experience 

Long and numerous experiences strengthens your mind. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 75, P. 128)

38. A Scholar’s Sign
 
One of the signs of a scholar is criticizing his/her own words and thoughts and being aware of different viewpoints. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 119)

39. Beware of What You Say 

Do not say something which would undermine your self-worth.  

(Muhammad Baqer al-Majlisi, Jala’a al-Oyoun, vol.2, p.205)

40. Physical Health  

Observe your physical health in your lifetime. 

(Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.239)
 



Read More
Category Article
Popular Article
salamislam
Category Gallery
Popular Gallery
Podcast of the week
tags