Many of us experience situations in our daily life when we get oppressed by other people, or we witness an act of injustice. We might prefer to keep silent to prevent the probable consequences, not realizing that this may keep us away from immediate harm, but it will be followed by greater consequences and damages later on.

One may ask how keeping silent against oppression and injustice will harm us later on? And what would have happened if Imam Hussain (AS) paid allegiance to Yazid, instead of putting himself and his family in such a horrible situation? 

This article tries to explain the importance of standing against oppression and injustice by learning lessons from Imam Hussain (AS)’s uprising.

What Were the Consequences of Paying Allegiance to Yazid?

As we know, Imam Hassan (AS) remained silent and signed a peace treaty with the ruler of his time, Muawiaya. The main reason was that although Muawiaya had started to bring some changes in some of the rules of Islam, he still preserved his Islamic attitudes in public. Therefore, being in peace with him did not lead to so much damage to religion. But his son Yazid had no intention even to present an Islamic behavior in the Islamic society. Yet, Muawiaya chose him as the ruler after himself. 

If Imam Hussain (AS) kept silence and paid allegiance to Yazid, it would have meant that he approved of his behavior. As a result, all the rulings and laws of Islam that the Prophet (PBUH&HP) had suffered to teach people for a more prosperous life would gradually disappear over time. 

How Did Imam Hussain (AS) React to Yazid?

As Yazid forced Imam Hussain (AS) to pay allegiance to him, he notified his reasons for which he could not accept Yazid’s ruling over the Islamic society. The most important reason was that he was not behaving as a Muslim and had stood up against Allah’s orders. 

It is clearly mentioned in the Quran that it is prohibited for Muslims to accept the ruling of a non-Muslim or a non-believer:

“O! You who have faith! Do not take those who take your religion in derision and play, from among those who were given the Book before you, and the infidels, as friends, and be wary of Allah, should you be faithful.” (5: 57)

However, Imam Hussain (AS) did not mean to start a war, and therefore, he took his family and left Medina for Mecca. Yazid knew that Imam had a significant impact on Muslims’ decisions and was afraid that Imam’s decision would spread among the Muslims and lead to their uprising against him. Thus, he sent his people to bring the Imam (AS) and to take his allegiance. 

Imam left Medina for Kufah and then to Karbala. He was surrounded by the massive army of Yazid and had to choose. Should he have paid allegiance by force and teach a lesson to people that all he did to stand against oppression and injustice was wrong? Or should he have done what he did?

Imam Hussain (AS)’s Choice

Based on his ideology and belief, and the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH&HP) that he had grown up with, Imam Hussain (AS) chose never to surrender against the injustice acts of Yazid. He, therefore, did not give up his duty to stand against injustice and along with his companions and sons, defended his household until they were all martyred. 

The beauty and magnificence of his free spirit and his uprising started to spread throughout the world after his martyrdom. 

He reached his goal to conserve the true religion of Islam and the pathway to prosperity by unveiling the real character and aims of those who desired to rule over the nation.

His Impact on the World

After the event of Karbala, his message on ‘standing against injustice and being free-spirited’ spread all over the world. He became a symbol for all those who care about their spirit, don’t want to accept oppression, tyranny, and injustice for the sake of their benefits in the short life of this world; people like Gandhi, the great leader of India.  

Conclusion

From Imam Hussain's (AS) lifestyle, we learn that neglecting some mistakes may bring significant harm to society and, consequently, to our lives. Therefore, we should be wise and realize in our daily life to speak justice where oppression is taking place. That might be in our relations with our family members, our colleagues, or on a larger scale with those in power.

 “Prophets and Imams (PBUT) are vivid examples and leaders that true believers should practically follow and not just worship. The example of Imam Hussain (AS) teaches us the lesson of standing against tyranny and injustice, the movement of honorable believers who preferred martyrdom to humiliation, and who have shown us what it means not to surrender.” [1]

References

1. Khamenei, Seyyed Ali
    

1. Trust Allah

Trusting in Allah is the expense for achieving whatever worthwhile and the ladder toward whatever elevating.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.364.

2. The All-Present 

Feeling Allah in every breath is more advantageous than exhausting your body in worshipping Him.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.364.

3. Four Things a Believer Needs 

The believer is in need of Allah's favor, his/her inner guide, and being open to the goodwill of the well-wishers.

 Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p. 457.

4. Visiting Friends 

Visiting your friends, even for a short time, improves your health and elevates your mind.

al-Shaykh al-Mufid, Al-Amali, p.329.

5. Do not Trust Unheedfully 

Trusting someone before making sure [of his/her personality] ends up in pain and catastrophe.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.78, p.364.

6. Prosperity 

The believer prospers in not depending on others.

 al-Shaykh al-Mufid, Al-Amali, p.109.

7. The Hidden Secret

Life reveals the hidden secrets to you, [as it goes by]. 

 al-Shaykh al-Mufid, Al-Amali, p.365.

8. Allah's Supervision

Know that you are constantly under Allah's supervision, so beware of yourself.

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p. 455.

9. Wrong Deeds

If you approve of a wrong deed, you will be considered to have a share in committing it.

 al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.75, p.82.

10. Ask Your Needs from Allah

Whoever turns to anyone other than Allah, Allah will leave his/her matters to that other person. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.68, p.155.

11. Don't Be Pretentious 

Don't pretend to be Allah's friend while being His enemy in secret. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p.365.

12. Going through a Deed

If you are confused about entering a deed, you'll be desperate in coming out of it.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p.364.

13. Receiving Affection

You receive affection through gaining three characteristics; being fair in your relations, sympathizing [with others] in their hardship and happiness, and keeping your heart unstained [from sins]. 

Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.3, p.139.

14. A Mischievous Person

Avoid befriending a mischievous person, since he/she is like a bare blade whose look is alluring, while its impact [wound] is hideous. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.74, p.198.

15. Generosity 

The good that generous people do for others benefits them more than the ones in need of help since its reward, honor, and reputation belong to them. Therefore, any favor that one does first benefits him/herself. So he/she shouldn't expect to be gratified for what he/she has done. 

Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.3, p.137.

16. Sincerity 

The best worship is sincerity in [intention]. 

Warram b. Abi Firas al-Hilli, Tanbih al-khawatir wa nuzhat al-nawazir , vol.2, p.109.

17. Listening to Someone

When you listen to a speaker, you have turned into his/her slave (follower); if the speaker's words are directed toward Allah Almighty, the listener has glorified Allah, and if his/her words are directed toward Satan, the listener has worshipped Satan.

 Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.6, p.434.

18. Being Thankful 

The blessing, which is not gratified, is like a sin, which has not forgiven. 

Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.309.

19. Relying on a Mischievous Person

The least punishment of the one who relies on a mischievous person is being deprived of his/her aspiration.

Aziz Allah, Atarodi, Mosnad Imam al-Jawad (AS), p.248.

20. Unwise Words

Unwise words cause many disputes.

 Sabbagh al-Maliki, Al-Fusul al-muhimma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, p.274.

21. Piety

If you stay pious despite being in a chaotic situation, Allah will bestow His mercy upon you and show you a way out.

Sabbagh al-Maliki, Al-Fusul al-muhimma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, p.274.

22. Death

Death is like your sleep at night, except that the fatal sleep is longer, and you won't wake up from it until the Day of Judgement.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.3, p.134. 

23. Hope

The needs are requested by hope and answered by divine will. Undoubtedly, the best blessing is well-being.  

Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.309.

24. Your Trustee and Guardian

The one whom Allah is his/her trustee and guardian will never go astray or get disappointed. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.68, p.155.

25. Salvation

Whoever desires Allah will surely be saved. 

 al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.68, p.155.

26. Foresight

Unexpected incidents and calamities will devour the one who lacks foresight.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.68, p.340.

27. Blaming People

Blaming people without any evidence or reason causes anger and distress, and they will never forgive you for this.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.71, p.181.

28. Your Daughter's Suitor

If you are sure about the piety, faith, and trustworthiness of your daughter's suitor, agree to his request; otherwise, it will lead to great misfortune and ruin. 
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.347.

29. The Ignorant

There will be no dispute among people if the ignorant remain silent.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 81.

30. Consider Different Aspects of a Task

Whoever accepts and submits [to a task, command, etc.] without considering its different aspects, has exposed him/herself to destruction and distress. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 364.

31.  Dependence and Independence 

People will be dependent on the one who, by relying on Allah, considers himself independent. And the pious will naturally be favored by people even if they aren't pious themselves. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 79.

32. Learning

Strive in gaining knowledge and wisdom, and know that learning is obligatory (Wajib) and discussing [what has been learned] is recommended (Mustahab).

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 80.

33. Imam Jawad (AS) Knowledge 

Knowledge is the means of helping friends and relatives, the reason for and sign of fairness, a gift and means of entertainment in gatherings, the human's companion in travel, and one's mate in lonely times. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 80.

34. Modesty and Humility 

Modesty and humility are the adornments of knowledge and wisdom.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 91.

35. Politeness 

Politeness and being good-natured are signs of reason and forbearance.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 91.

36. Patience, Poverty, Impulses

Rely on patience in all your life, see poverty as your companion, and stand against your whims and impulses. 

 al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 358.  

37. Prayer (Salat)

One should perform prayer (Salat) in a modest manner. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.74, p. 131.

38. Repentance

The conditions for your repentance to be accepted by Allah are feeling regret at heart, asking for forgiveness by the tongue, compensating for your mistakes, and being determined not to commit those sins again. 

Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.2, p.349.  

39. Two Kinds of Knowledge 

There are two kinds of knowledge; one is heard, and the other is practiced [besides being heard]. There is no use in the knowledge that is heard but not practiced. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 80.

 40. Injustice

The one who does an injustice, the one who participates in it, and the one who is content with it all have a share in it.  

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 81.