When discussing the companions of Imam Hussain (AS), the most significant aspect to consider is their actions and decisions in specific circumstances where they had to make choices. While reading history, it might seem ordinary to us that when faced with oppression and injustice, any rational human being would stand against it. However, before making decisions, people need to be sure if their resistance is worthwhile.

Throughout history, many people fought and died for what they believed to be the truth, only to find out they were supporting evil.

In this text, we will delve into some of the most astonishing characteristics of the companions of Imam Hussain (AS) that made them so special in history.

Obedience

The outcome of faith is guidance: 

“Whoever has faith in Allah, He guides his heart.” (64: 11) 

However, this guidance is achievable through obedience: 

“O you who have faith! Obey Allah and obey the Apostle and those vested with authority among you.” (4: 59)

The most vital trait of the companions of Imam Hussain (AS) was their faith and reliance on Allah, and their obedience to Him, His messenger, and their leader - Imam Hussain (AS). 

On the night of Ashura, Imam Hussain (AS) gathered his companions and said “I release you from the allegiance and oath you’ve taken from me. The darkness of the night surrounds you, so break free from the turmoil hidden in the darkness waves. Then each of you may hold of the hand of my family members and disperse into the villages and cities until Allah grants you relief .” The companions, one by one, replied “By Allah! We shall not abandon you. In fact, we are ready to sacrifice our lives for yours. We shall defend you with our necks, faces and hands. We will fulfill our duty even if it costs our lives.” [1]

Distinguishing right from wrong

The situation in the year 61 AH during the battle of Karbala was perplexing. People had to differentiate between the truth among two groups both claiming to fight for Islam. Imam Hussain (AS) left Medina as he knew Yazid, the son and the successor of the late caliph, disregarded Islamic principles. However, since Yazid and his ministers presented themselves with an Islamic facade, it was challenging for ordinary people to discern the correct side. Consequently, most Muslims were deceived by their hypocritical behavior, or they were threatened by Yazid’s ministers due to fears of losing material gains, causing them to join Yazid’s army. 

It this context, Yazid managed to amass of over thirty thousand soldiers, while only few individuals - less than a hundred – chose to stand with Imam Hussain (AS). This fact highlights the great wisdom and bravery of Imam Hussain’s (AS) companions, and this wisdom, as the Quran mentioned, arises from steadfast faith:

“O you who have faith! If you are wary of Allah, He shall appoint a criterion for you, and absolve you of your misdeeds...” (8:29)

The Arabic term translated as “criterion” in the above verse is Furqan. Furqan is the power to distinguish right from wrong, a type of wisdom and insight bestowed by Allah upon His pious servants, which is not dependent on knowledge, literacy, or information. [1]

Based on this criterion granted by Almighty Allah, the companions of Imam Hussain (AS), coming from diverse ages and social, cultural and religious backgrounds, were all able to differentiate between right from wrong. It is regrettable that only a few comprehend this distinction! 
“… But most of them do not know the truth, and so they are disregardful.” (21: 24)

Detachment from the world

Even among the faithful, some chose not to oppose Imam Hussain (AS) in the battle of Karbala. They remained silent and withheld their support for the Imam. The status of these believers differs from those who sacrificed their possessions and lives for the sake of Allah (SWT). Allah says in the

Quran: 

“Not equal are those of the faithful who sit back—excepting those who suffer from some disability—and those who wage jihad in the way of Allah with their possession and their persons. Allah has graced those who wage jihad with their possessions and their persons by a degree over those who sit back…” (4: 95)

Loving Allah (SWT) and Being Loved by Allah (SWT)

Allah describes the relationship between Him and His pious servants as a mutual bond of love, with Allah (SWT) being the first to express love. In a beautiful Quranic verse Allah portrays His faithful, courageous, and humble servants as individuals loved by Him: 

“O you who have faith! Should any of you desert his religion, Allah will soon bring a people whom He loves and who love Him, [who will be] humble towards the faithful, stern towards the faithless, waging jihad in the way of Allah, not fearing the blame of any blamer. That is Allah’s grace, which He grants to whomever He wishes, and Allah is all-bounteous, all-knowing.” (5: 54)

This verse underscores that these individuals may face criticism and blame from due to their decisions, but it will not make them turn away from their spiritual path. 

Sacrifice

Another important characteristic of Imam Hussain’s (AS) companions was their selfless sacrifice in upholding the religion and tradition of the Prophet (PBUH&HP). It takes a noble soul to make sacrifices for others, and even more so when sacrificing one’s life to preserve the religion of Allah (SWT). This is why in the loving relationship that the companions of Imam had with their Lord, they presented their body and soul in defending the truth. 

“And among the people is he who sells his soul seeking the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is most kind to [His] servants.” (2:207)

References:

1. Qummi, A. Nafassul Mahmoum
2.  Qara’ati, M. Tafseer-e Nour, vol. 3, p. 305
    

1.  Planting Trees

Each fruit of the tree you have planted will be appreciated by a reward from Allah. 
Kanz al-Amaal, vol.12, p.341.

2.  Learning during Youth

What is learned during youth, like an engraving on a stone, will never be forgotten. 
Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 1, p. 222.

3. Mothers

Heaven lies beneath the feet of mothers. 

Mizan al-Hikmah, hadith no. 22691.

4. Respecting The Elderly

Respecting a Muslim elderly is like showing respect to Allah.
Usul al-Kafi, vol.2, p.165.

5. The Sources of  Mercy

The elderly are the sources of mercy and divine blessing.
Nahj al-fasaha, p.222.

6. The Most Generous according to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP)

The most generous among you is the one who spreads what he has learned among people.
Mizan al-Hikmah, hadith no. 13825.

7. The Faithful  

The faithful are tied in kindness and affection together like members of a body, one’s pain and hardship affect the others. 
Bihar al-Anwar, vol.58, p.150

8.  Marriage 

The one who gets married has completed half of his/her religion. 

Kanz al-Amaal, hadith no.44403.

9. The Mission of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP)

Indeed, I have been sent to revive the virtues and good morals.
Bihar al-Anwar, vol.16, p.286.

10.  Playing during Childhood

Playfulness during childhood will elevate one in wisdom in his/her adulthood.
Nahj al-Fasaha, p.564, Hadith no. 1940.

11.  The Closest Ones

The kindest, most amiable, generous, patient, and just among you is the closest to me in manner.   
Usul al-Kafi, vol.2, p.240-241.

12. Treating Children 

Be childlike with children.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Man la Yahduruhu al-faqih, vol.3, p.483.

13.  Keep Your Promises to Children 

Love children and be kind to them and keep your promises to them since they only know you as their providers.
Usul al-Kafi, vol.6, p.49.

14. The One Who Wins Allah's Praise  

Allah’s love and praise be upon the one who helps his/her children by doing good to them, caring for, and educating them. 
Mustadrak al-Wasaiil, vol.15, p.169.

15. Greeting Children, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP)'s Tradition

There are five activities that I won’t leave off till I’m alive so that they would become part of my tradition. [One of them] is greeting children.
Makarem al-Akhlaq, vol.1, p.251.  

16. Fathers   

Being like your father is one of the best blessings of Allah to you.
Bihar al-Anwar, vol.71, p.84.

17. Looking Kindly at Your Parents   

The kind look of a child to his/her parents is as praying in Allah’s regard. 
Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.46.

18. Treating Your Family 

The best among you is the one who treats his family best, and I am better than all of you for my family.
Nahj-al fesaha, p.472, Hadith no. 1520.

19. The Desired Family    

Whenever Allah desires the best for a family, He raises their awareness about the religion. The younger ones respect the elders, they observe moderation in their expenses, and they would know about their faults to make them right. 
Nahj-al Fasaha, p.181, Hadith no. 147

20. Delighting Your Parents  

Whoever delights his/her parents, has delighted Allah and the one who displeases them has displeased Allah.
Ali ibn Abd-al-Malik al-Hindi, Kanz al-Ummal, vol.16, p.470.

21.  Imam Ali (AS)

Whomever I am his/her leader (Mawla), then Ali is his/her leader (Mawla). 

Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, vol.4, p.370. 

22. Women's Status in Allah's Regard

Women are held dearer in Allah’s regard than men, and Allah will highly reward any man who brings joy to his Mahram women.  
Usul al-Kafi, vol.6, p.7.

23. Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS)

Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) has ignited the hearts of believers with a pain that will never be subsided.
Jami al-Ahadith al-Shia, vol 12., p.556.

24. A Good Friend 

When Allah wants to pour His blessings upon you, He endows you with a Good Friend. 
Nahj al-Fasaha, p.776. 

25. Allah's Favorite    

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

26. Lady Fatimah (AS)  

Fatima is of my flesh, who is the light of my eyes and the warmth of my heart.
al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Amali, p.486.

27. Humanity    

Loving Humanity is second only to having faith in Allah as one of the best deeds in Islam. 
Nahj al-Fasaha, p.74,  Hadith no. 387.

28.  An Act of Charity

If a Muslim plants a tree or any plant and a human, bird, or any other animals use it, Allah counts it as an act of charity.” 
Mustadrak al-Wasaiil, vol.13, p.460.

29. Lying      

Lying would negatively influence your livelihood.
Nahj al-Fasaha, p.373, Hadith no. 1087.

30. The Most Honest, Steadfast and Kindest   

On the Day of Judgment, those who were most honest in their words, steadfast in their promises and kindest in their manners, will be the closest ones to me.
Al-Shaykh al-Tusi, Al-Amali, p.229.

31. The Lawful (Halal) Earning

Praying has seventy parts, the most important and biggest of which is lawful (Halal) earning. 
Mustadrak al-Wasaiil, vol.13, p.12.

32. Performing Prayers

The most praised deeds in Allah’s regard is performing prayers (Salat) on their due time.
Kanz al-Amal, vol. 7, Hadith 18897.

33. A Desired Companion

The most desired companion is like a perfumer; his/her perfume would reach you, even if he/she didn't give you anything.

Kanz al-Amal, vol.9, Hadith 24676.

34. Eating Less  

Eating less results in a healthier body and a more tender heart while overeating makes one sick and hard-hearted. 
Mizan al-Hikmah, Hadith 579.

35. "I Love You"  

The words of “I love you,” said by a man to his wife, will forever be engraved upon the woman’s heart. 
Wassail al-Shia, vol. 14, p.10.

36.  Causing Harm   

Causing harm to yourself and others is forbidden in Islam.
Usul al-Kafi, vol.5, p.292.

37. Security and Health 

There are two blessings to which no one gives thanks: security and health. 
Khisal, p.34. 

38. The Most Grateful Person    

The most grateful person is the one who thanks people most.

Nahj al-Fasaha, Hadith no. 312.  

39. Saving someone's Reputation   

Whoever saves a believer’s reputation will surely be rewarded by heaven. 
Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Thawab al-a'mal wa 'iqab al-Amal, p.145.

40. Ignorance and Wisdom  

No lack is more irritating than ignorance, and no wealth is more advantageous than wisdom.  
Ususl al-Kafi, vol.1, p.25-26, Hadith 25