salamislam

Imam Hussain (AS), Fight or Peace? 

Imam Hussain (AS), Fight or Peace? 

26 - Sep - 2022
Lifestyle
3
Min

 

After Imam Ali (AS) was martyred, Imam Hassan (AS) took over as his successor who like his father fought against Mu’aviah but he couldn’t defeat him because his army was not sufficiently loyal. His reliable followers were inadequate and he feared that they could be killed in the battle. Thus, Imam Hassan (AS) made a peace treaty with Mu’aviah, under the duress against his own will. 

Mu’aviah became the Caliph under specific circumstances. For instance, he wasn’t allowed to choose the next Caliph and his son (Yazid) couldn’t be his successor. On the other hand, when Mu’aviah died, Imam Hussain (AS) was opposed to and fought against Yazid and he and his followers were brutally martyred. Both Imam Hassan (AS) and Imam Hussain (AS) had few collaborators/ associates/ helpers; however, this did not stop him from protesting against Yazid and his tyranny. 

One of the most controversial questions about Imam Hussain (AS) is that why he did not make peace with Yazid just like his bother did with Mu’aviah? 

The Wrong Belief

It is worth noting that it would be so irrational to think that Imam Hussain (AS) had a different disposition from Imam Hassan (AS), for example one was more of a diplomat while the other was more of a fighter. In fact the objective conditions at the times of two Imams were rather different hence, their approach apparently differed. 

1.    Mu’aviah was willing to make peace with Imam Hassan (AS) but Yazid wasn’t like his father. Mu’aviah did not want to fight against either Imam Hassan (AS) or Imam Hussain (AS) and they were not prepared to do so. Once the governor of Medina wrote to Mu’aviah that Hussain (AS) does not want to take over the kingdom for now but he may do in the future. Mu’avia wrote to the ruler:
Leave Hussain (AS) and do not bother him because we don’t want to conflict with him while he is in peace with us (1)

On the other hand, when Yazid became the Caliph, he ordered the  governor of Medina to make Imam Hussain (AS) to either obtain the oath of loyalty (to the Caliphate of Yazid) or failing that, kill Imam Hussain (AS), cut off his head and send it to Yazid.

2.    In public Mu’aviah was, at least superficially, a pious person who would not commit sins or harm innocent people. Sometimes even the followers of Imam Ali (AS) had doubts about the impiety of Mu’aviah. While Yazid had no reservations, he would commit sins in public including drinking wine, playing with dogs and monkeys and etc. As in  this regard Imam Hussain (AS) said:
Yazid is an alcoholic person and kills innocent people and does sins in public, so a person like me wouldn’t accept a person like him as their king (2)

3.    Mu’aviah was a very powerful king with strong army but Yazid was not as clever and strong.

4.    The loyalty of many of Imam Hassan’s (AS) followers was questionable.   Some abandoned him and some others tried to kill him or even surrender him to Mu’aviah. But the companions of Imam Hussain (AS), as he himself said, were of a better and more loyal caliber. (3)

5.    Mu’aviah was among the companions of the Prophet (PBUH) which earned him the respect of Muslims in general whereas Yazid was not a companion of the Prophet (PBUH) was so important to Muslims in that time and people would respect him so much. But Yazid wasn’t a companion of the Prophet. 

6.     Mu’aviah’s sister (Um Habibah) was the Prophet’s wife. Since the prophet’s wives are called ‘’the mothers of the believers ‘’; therefore, Mu’aviah was called “the uncle of the believers”. Yazid, however, did not have such status.

7.    Although he did not meet any of his commitments that he had already made, Mu’aviah could say that he is legally the caliph because of the peace agreement between him and Imam Hassan (AS) because Yazid could not claim such legitimately. 

imam hussain

Imam Hussain (AS) and respect to the Peace

Some people think that Imam Hussain (AS) didn’t agree with his brother in making peace with Mu’aviah however because of his respect for his brother, he observed the peace treaty and did not oppose Muaviah. However, this view about Imam Hussain is not right.

If we assume/Supposing that Imam Hussain (AS) did not actually agree with his senior brother, he could fight against Mu’aviah; because, the latter broke his agreement that he had made with Imam Hassan (AS), when he made his son, Yazid, his successor and Imam Hussain (AS) had no agreement with Muaviah however the circumstances of Imam Hussain were unsuitable for an uprising against Muaviah.


References 

  1.  Bihar al-anvar, Majlesi, vol.44, pg.212
  2.  Maghtal al-Hussain (AS), Abd ar-Razzaq al-Muqarram, pg.129
  3. Musnad al-Imam ash-Shahid, al-Atarodi, vol.2, pg.4


Share This Article

40 Inspiring Quotes of Imam Hussain (AS)

10 - Feb - 2021 82,562 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

A Seed of Hope and a successful life

29 - Jan - 2023 70 Read 2 Min

What is “hope” and how important it is in our lives? Why do we need hope? How can we cultivate moments of hope in our lives and honour our hope in small ways even through hard times? In other words, How hope makes us successful? And what is the importance of hope for a believer?
 A seed of hope is the beginning of every good thing in our livesHope gives birth to  ?! life. It always believes for the best, even in the face of the worst circumstances. 
For believers in Allah, hope is much more than a wish or a positive outlook; it is based on the promises of Allah found in His Word. They are promises to move on our behalf. 

How can we hope in this world full of problems?

 We can have hope in life no matter what surrounds us because we serve a mighty Allah who cares about us as  knows us by name, and understands the desires of our  hearts. “He knows whatever there is in the heavens and the earth, and He knows whatever you hide and whatever you disclose, and Allah knows best what is in the hearts”.[1] He who  had known us before we were even formed in our mother’s womb. “Indeed the knowledge of the Hour (Resurrection) is with Allah. He sends down the rain, and He knows what is in the wombs. No soul knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it will die. Indeed Allah is The  All-knowing, The All-aware”.[2]

a seed of hope


 Perhaps you are facing setbacks with your job or relationships. Maybe you are struggling financially or the pressures of life  is just overwhelming you. If  it applies to you, there is still hope! Allah is for you, not against you. His resources are endless As He says, “There is not a thing but that its sources are with Us, and We do not send it down except in a known measure”. [3] His power and love know no boundaries. Allah is on your side. Do not let the enemy, Satan, your  thoughts, or anyone else tell you anything different. Keep hope alive and never  give up! “Satan frightens you of poverty and prompts you to [commit] indecent acts. But Allah promises you His forgiveness and grace, and Allah is The All-bounteous,  The All-knowing”. [4] Allah is a God of more than enough as He does not have any lack. He always has a solution and is ready to speak to you,  encourage you and for some, to rescue you. Let me ask you where your hope is today. Is it in people; in your   capabilities; in your  occupation? Be encouraged and build your hope on nothing less than Allah himself. And put your trust in Him; He suffices as trustee “and He is an excellent trustee”. [5] He is your solid rock in which all other ground is sinking sand. 
Hope today, hope now! Know that whoever hopes in Allah and trusts in Him, will never be/get disappointed. This is the right path and this is the way of salvation. Always remember this verse of the Holy Quran, “Say, nothing will befall us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our master, and in Allah let all the faithful put their trust”.[6]

references

  1. (The Qur’an; 64:4)
  2. (The Qur’an; 31:34)
  3. (The Qur’an; 31:34)
  4. (The Qur’an; 31:34)
  5. (The Qur’an; 31:34)
  6. (The Qur’an; 9:51)

 



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