Life is a journey full of twists and turns. Without a guide in this deceptive path, one can become lost, forfeiting something that cannot be regained - the precious gift of redemption. That is why Islam emphasizes the need for Muslims to never be without a leader. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH&HP) is the best example of a Muslim within Islam.

There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often. (The Holy Quran 33:21)

O you who have faith! Obey Allah and His Apostle, and do not turn away from him while you hear [him]. (The Holy Quran 8:20)

These Quranic verses firmly establish that no one surpasses Prophet (PBUH&HP) as the ideal role model, guiding us to emulate his actions and lifestyle for our salvation. When we follow someone as a model in our life, we inherently respect his beliefs and ideas. 

From this, we deduce that if our model is devoted to Islam, religion, and the path of Allah's pleasure, we will also try to align ourselves with that path and potentially attain spiritual ascension. Our model here is not an ordinary person but our dear Prophet. Therefore, there is no disputing the goodwill of this revered figure. An important thing that we must learn from the Prophet (PBUH&HP) as the supreme model for Muslims is to know whom to love and whom to dislike.

The question is: how does understanding Prophet’s feelings towards individuals would help us? 
The answer lies in this: “By following the Prophet as an example, we can accurately discern these people, subsequently progressing toward Allah’s satisfaction and eternal happiness.” 

Two figures whom the Prophet constantly favored were Imam Hassan and Imam Hussein (as). Imam Hussein (AS) was born on the third of Sha'ban in the fourth year of AH.

Since the great Prophet passing in the tenth year of AH, Imam Hassan and Imam Hussein (AS) spent their childhood with their dear grandfather.

Before delving further, let us know more about our third Imam. Imam Hussein (as) is also called Aba-Abdillah and Sayyid al-Shuhada among the Shias. He is the third Imam for the Shias, martyred in the course of Ashura. He is the second child of Imam Ali (AS) and Fatemeh Zahra (AS), and the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH&HP). Following his brother Imam Hassan’s (AS) leadership, he took charge of leading the Shias for ten years. Both Shia and Sunni historical records confirm that the Prophet of Islam (PBUH&HP) announced his martyrdom at his birth and chose the name "Hussein" for him. (1)

The Prophet held deep affection for Imam Hassan and Imam Hussein and recommended everyone to love them. Imam Hussein (AS) is one of the of Prophet’s Ahl al-Bayt and also one of the recipients of the verse of purification*.

Numerous narrations from Prophet Mohammad (PBUH&HP) extol Imam Hussain’s virtue. A famous narration quotes the Prophet (PBUH&HP) on Imam Hussain (AS): “Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain. Allah loves who loves Hussain.” (2)

Through this narration, the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HP) show other Muslims the sacred position of Imam Hussein (PBUH) and imparts the exceptional stature of this lineage. In an era where falsehood and hypocrisy infiltrate the Muslim community, this saying compels believers to rid themselves of hypocrisy and misguidance. 

Regrettably, despite its resonance, this profound message did not deter the brutal martyrdom of Sayyid al-Shuhada (PBUH), which transpired in the Karbala before thousands of seemingly Muslim individuals.

The Prophet’s (PBUH&HP) adoration for Imam Hussein (AS) served a dual purpose: it conveyed not only his love for his grandson, but also aimed to engender affection towards Imam Hussein as the Imam of the Ummah, rallying people to follow him. Therefore, the Holy Prophet of Islam consistently introduced the Imam Ali, Fatima Zahra, Imam Hassan and Imam Hussein (AS) as his family and Ahl al-Bayt. He equated them with the Quran on numerous occasions,  underscoring the necessity for Muslims to accept their leadership and guidance for spiritual elevation. The Prophet also said this in the hadith of the thaqalayn: 

"Indeed, I am leaving two things among you, to which if you hold yourself, you will never astray: the book of Allah –who is almighty and great- and my Ahl al-Bayt (household), my 'itra (family). O people hear! And I have announced to you that indeed you will enter my presence and I will ask you about what you did to the thaqalayn (two weighty things) and the thaqalayn are the book of Allah and my Ahl al-Bayt."(3)

Conclusion: 

These narrations illuminate Imam Hussein’s (AS) lofty status in the the Prophet’s (PBUH&HP)eyes and the Prophet’s responses to him serves as a guide. Not only are Muslims, as followers of the Holy Prophet, must praise and love Imam Hussein, but we must also adopt his behavior, thoughts, and ethics, and follow his path in our lives. Furthermore, the Prophet's interactions with Imam Hussein underscore that those who harbor hostility or animosity towards him today are not true Muslims. This group should not be regarded as part  of the Prophet’s (PBUH&HP) religion.

References:

1.  Al‑Irshad (2nd Volume - page 130)
2.  Sunan al-Termizi (6th volume – number 3775)
3.  Al-Kafi (1st Volume – page 452)

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*The Verse of Purification is the 33rd verse of Al-Aḥzāb in the Quran (33:33). The verse has special importance for Shia Muslims due to giving information about Ahl al-Bayt of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP). Shias reportedly believe it to designate the "Ahl al-Bayt" being infallible.

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, a month that holds great significance for many Muslims around the world, including Shias and Sunnis. Literally meaning “forbidden, banned or prohibited,” this month is one of the four sacred months in Islam during which warfare is strictly forbidden. But what is that thing that makes this month, particularly the 10th day of it (Ashura), so special for many Muslims and generally a significant number of people throughout the history?!

What Happened on the 10th of Muharram?

About fourteen hundred years ago, on the 10th of Muharram, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP), Imam Hussain ibn Ali (AS) together with his family members and close companions were ruthlessly slain on the plain of Karbala.
Yazid, the son of Muawiyah, was illegally appointed as the leader of the Muslim community by his father. After Muawiyah’s death, Yazid started to take allegiance from the most influential tribal leaders. He also called upon Imam Hussain (AS) to swear the oath of obedience to him and accept him as the rightful leader.

Imam Hussain (AS) refused to do so as Yazid lacked the minimum qualities required for an ordinary Muslim let alone a Muslim leader. Anyhow, Yazid ordered his governors to either take allegiance from Imam Hussain (AS) or make him surrender by any means, even at the cost of taking his life. Imam Hussain (AS), however, did not give away to their unjust request and unkind pressure. So finally he was martyred along with his sincere companions by Yazid’s forces and their wives and children were taken as captives.

Why Do Muslims Hold Ceremonies in the Month of Muharram? 

Since the 10th of Muharram of 61 A.H., millions of Muslims all over the world hold yearly mourning ceremonies throughout Muharram to commemorate the loss of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH & HP) grandson, Imam Hussain (AS). In their religious gatherings, each year, speeches are given about the life and merits of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions, the sufferings they went through and the sacrifices they made. People recall the incident of Karbala many times and try to keep the message and purpose of this greatest martyrdom in the history of humankind alive through their sorrow and tears. Not only that, but lots of people are also engaged in charitable activities like blood donation, giving food to their fellow brothers and sisters, and helping the ones in need to follow their Imam’s lead.

What Was the Reason behind Imam Hussain's (AS) Uprising?

You might wonder what the real cause of this incident was that still evoke great emotions in the hearts of Muslims and generally anyone who gets the opportunity to hear about it, despite the passage of centuries! The most important purpose for which Imam Hussain (AS) was martyred was his faith. He fought in an unjust battle to revive his grandfather’s religion, the invaluable merits, and values that had been violated and taken for granted all those years. He, along with his companions suffered great miseries and sacrificed all they had for the sake of the principles of Islam, which they believed to be a lot more precious than anything else even their own lives. They practically showed the humankind of all times that sacrifice and martyrdom are essential when the cause is just.

Now, throughout centuries, in the month of Muharram, Muslims turn over a new leaf in their lives by remembering Imam Hussain (AS) and the incident of Karbala. They answer Imam Hussain’s (AS) call for help by expressing their anger to Yazid and the likes. They follow their Imam’s footsteps in fighting the Yazid within themselves and generally resisting any violent oppression and injustice out there in the social and political levels.

As a result, Muslims fully comprehend the core message of Islam, which is the Quranic principle of Tawhid; that there is no one but Allah, and we all need to be committed to Him; that even ordinary Muslims deserve more than a figure like Yazid, and they should always remain defiant against him and any oppression or injustice. The month of Muharram is an opportunity for all of us to remind ourselves of the right belief and the true Islamic teachings that never harmonize with any kind of oppression.