Imam Husayn’s sacrifice serves as a light in times of darkness and despair

The message from Imam Husayn’s stance: ‘Tyrannical political leaders using religion to legitimise their agenda must be held accountable.’

SALEEMAH JAFFER

MUHARRAM is on our doorstep, and with it comes the promise of a new beginning for us all. In South Africa, the practice of celebrating and commemorating Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, is widespread. Many families and communities fast on this day and gather at their local masajid for dhikr and reminders on the significance of this occasion.

For the Ahlul Sunnah and lovers of the Prophetic household, the 10^th of Muharram is remembered as the day on which the honourable grandson of our Messenger (SAW), Imam Al-Husayn Ibn Ali (may Allah ta’ala be pleased him), was martyred on the plains of Karbala.

From the various hadith and narrations we know that Imam Husayn was very dear to our Messenger (SAW) and that his rank was elevated. We know he is the ‘Leader of the Youth of Jannah’ and that he resembled his honourable grandfather in both physical features and akhlaq (etiquettes and manners). In addition to being a member of the Ahlul Bayt (member of the Prophetic Household), Imam Husayn is one of the Ahlul Kisa (People of the Cloak).

The honour of the Ahlul Kisa (People of the Cloak) is explained in a Sahih Hadith in the Jami’ of at-Tirmidhi, where Umar bin Abi Salamah (RA) narrated: ‘When these Ayat were revealed to the Prophet (SAW): “Allah only wishes to remove from you the impurity (of sin), O members of the family, and to purify you with a thorough purification…” (Quran 33:33) in the home of Umm Salamah (RA), he called for Fatimah (RA), Hasan (RA), Husayn (RA), and wrapped them in a cloak, and Ali (RA) was behind him, so he wrapped him in the cloak, then he said: “O Allah! These are the people of my house, so remove the impurity (of sin) from them and purify them with a thorough purification.” So Umm Salamah (RA) said: “And am I with them O Messenger of Allah?” He (SAW) said: “You are in your place, and you are more virtuous to me”.’

This narration highlights the honour and virtue of the Ahlul Kisa, and is an everlasting reminder for us all that Allah ta’ala purified these members of the Ahlul Bayt (Prophetic Household).

In a recent conversation with my teacher, Shaikh Muhammad al-Ninowy, I asked a question that has been on my mind: ‘Beyond the story, the heartache and the commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Al-Husayn (RA), what are the key lessons we need to take from it?’

You may also want to read

Legacy of educator Haji Mogamat Rashad Jedaar lives on

7 July 2026 - Updated on 8 July 2026

Sulaiman Nordien: A man of Deen, a doctor for all

5 September 2020 - Updated on 20 July 2021

The Night that renews us: Laylatul Qadr and moral power

17 March 2026

The beginning of creation in light of new evidence

17 December 2020 - Updated on 28 October 2021

Reclaiming agency: From ritual to action Part 2

25 June 2026 - Updated on 26 June 2026

Are you social distancing on social media?

8 July 2020 - Updated on 2 June 2021

As Shaikh Muhammad al-Ninowy mentioned the lessons, I realised that this 1400-year-old battle is as relevant today as it was back then.

Below are three of the lessons, with my reflection, as to why they are important for us as Muslims today:

1. Imam Husayn (RA) was faced with the great challenge of witnessing how Islam was being altered for power and personal and political gains. The leadership at the time attempted to shift Islam in which Quran and Sunnah was at the centre to being figure-centric. Imam Husyan (RA) reorientated the trajectory of our faith from a figure-centric religion back to the Quran and uncontested authentic Prophetic Sunnah. The sacrifice of Imam Husayn (RA) and his household preserved the message of the Quran and authentic Prophetic Sunnah for us. This is a reminder for us all, even today, that our religion is not based on the words of popular figures, powerful leaders or famous influencers, and we should not blindly follow anyone. Our guide is our Messenger (SAW) and he left us a map – the Quran and his authentic Sunnah – so that we may reach our goal of attaining the pleasure of Allah ta’ala.
2. Tyrannical political leaders using religion to legitimise their agenda must be held accountable, and the wrongs of the past must be righted. Political leadership can and will build their own agenda and prioritise their ideals. Muslim leadership, in any sphere, political or otherwise, must be guided by Quran and uncontested authentic Prophetic Sunnah. Muslim leaders have this responsibility towards the people they are leading. There is also a responsibility on those who are followers, to hold leadership accountable and remind leaders if there is any deviation from the uncontested authentic Prophetic path. Our faith does not promote blind following, but rather, it encourages active participation. When we consider our own South African colonial past, we too saw the legitimisation of the oppression of a people based on ‘religious grounds’, where white supremacy was promoted ‘in God’s name’.
3. No political authority or power has the right to exercise violence against a people. When a state implements policies or rulings that legitimise violence, it is a form of structural violence. Imam Husayn’s renaissance was a non-violent resistance against tyranny. The message and methodology of Imam Husayn was firmly embedded in the Sunnah of his honourable grandfather (SAW), where the basic human rights of people were preserved, and violence was abhorred. Imam Husayn condemned the violence by the state, and actively promoted non-violent political and religious dissent. Violence breeds violence, and the only way to break the cycle is to dismantle violent political and social structures and to disempower violent leadership.

Imam Husayn’s sacrifice showed us a path and continues to serve as a light for us in times of darkness and despair. As the ummah of the Messenger (SAW), it is important for us to know his honourable family, and understand their sacrifices, not only for personal enrichment, but so that we can contribute to our community in ways that align with the Quran and authentic Sunnah.

• Saleemah Jaffer holds an MA in Peace and Conflict studies and is a student of the Alawi Husayni Ninowi Zawiyah (Spiritual school).

This article was first published in the July 5, 2024 edition of Muslim Views under Saleemah Jaffer’s regular column, ‘THE ROAD WELL TRAVELLED – exploring issues of social responsibility, spirituality and agency’.