Ashura the tenth day of Muharram, one of the sacred months in the Islamic calendar, was marked across Afghanistan on Thursday. People paid homage to Imam Hussein (AS) ibn Ali (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Imam Hussein (AS) and his 72 companions were killed on the order of Yazid in the battle of Karbala in 61 A.H. Security arrangements were strict. Kudos to Afghanistan National Security Forces that remained highly alert to allow the people pay respect to the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in a peaceful environment. It is a success for the Afghan police and army that no unwanted incident happened during Muharram gatherings and processions.
Imam Hussein (AS) is highly regarded by Muslims as a martyr because he refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid who had evil intentions towards the religion of Islam. His decision to fight for justice is considered a guideline not only for Muslims but for all human beings. According to Imam Hussein (AS), life without justice is meaningless. We must live to establish peace and justice in all aspects of our life. If we cannot do this, there is no need to live. Fight against Yazid does not mean anything except protecting peace and justice.
Imam Hussein (AS) laid emphasis to the freedom of man when he said, “If you do not abide by religious values and you do not believe in a creed, at least be free. The free man is the one who does not sell himself or his position or opinion in return for money or positions. Do not be slaves, because you are fighting to obey those who enslave you.”
For the people of Afghanistan, who have been suffering the worst consequence of war and brutality, the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) has thousands of invaluable lessons. If a nation truly follows the path shown by Imam Hussein (AS), no one can damage its independence and its religious and cultural values.
The sacrifice of Imam Hussein (AS) has not only been acclaimed by Muslims but also by notable non-Muslim people. The historical progress of Islam, according to Gandhi, is not the legacy of the Muslim sword but a result of sacrifices of Muslim saints like Hussein (AS). Edward Gibbon says, “In a distant age and climate, the tragic scene of the death of Hussein (AS) will awaken the sympathy of the coldest reader.”
Imam Hussein (AS) wanted to liberate the people who were enslaved by the rulers, and therefore the revolution of Imam Hussein (AS) was launched based on this humanitarian aspect in order to achieve freedom for the entire mankind.