Be Free
“If you do not have a religion or do not fear the hereafter, then be free in this world.”
The statement above was cried by a free man in the face of the fortresses of darkness and oppression during the Battle of Karbala. Imam Hussain cried trying to reason with the unreasonable, the ruthless. He explains that if you do not believe in a religion that stops you from committing such act of savagery, or if you do not believe in the day judgment where righteousness and falsehood carry heavy weight, then be free in this world. To do as you see right regardless to any external pressure. To not do because you fear and do not speak because you fear. Let no materialistic thing dictate your principles and morals.
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Imam Hussain is called “Abu Al-Ahrar,” meaning “Father of the Free.” He gave us, humankind, an absolute and wholesome understanding of what it is to be free. Whomever follows the guide of Father of the Free, will not ever be persuaded by materialism. Not anyone can pressure the free to change their ethics.
He set the most ultimate example of being free through his sacrifice. He stood up against falsehood and oppression, and stood up to the truth and justice. A governor and his army of thousands against Imam Hussain and 72 companions. He knew it was the end. He knew his loved ones would be affected. He could have stayed quiet. But no, he stood up for righteousness, he could not allow corruption to go on. He sacrificed so much for the greater good, for the truth. The truth that is God and his message.
"Don’t you see that the truth is not followed and the falsehood is not discouraged? (The situation is so severe) so that a Believer wishes to meet God (to die). And today I don’t see death but prosperity, and living with tyrants is nothing but disgust and disgrace,” said Father of the Free.
He set the most ultimate example of being free through his sacrifice. He stood up against falsehood and oppression, and stood up to the truth and justice. A governor and his army of thousands against Imam Hussain and 72 companions. He knew it was the end. He knew his loved ones would be affected. He could have stayed quiet. But no, he stood up for righteousness, he could not allow corruption to go on. He sacrificed so much for the greater good, for the truth. The truth that is God and his message.
"Don’t you see that the truth is not followed and the falsehood is not discouraged? (The situation is so severe) so that a Believer wishes to meet God (to die). And today I don’t see death but prosperity, and living with tyrants is nothing but disgust and disgrace,” said Father of the Free.
After the Battle of Karbala, after the martyrdom of Father of the Free, outrage encircled the world, every living thing was in mourning. To express her mourning and to not allow his blood to shed in vain, Lady Zainab, Imam Hussain’s sister, marched. She walked and walked and walked, telling her brother’s story, spreading God’s message. She wanted to be heard, for people to know the injustices of murder, slaughter, greed, oppression, and abuse; for people to know the truth. Ever since, millions of people march even single year on the anniversary of the 40th day after his martyrdom. To mourn and pay tribute to the beloved Imam Hussain, and to revive the tragedy, which is the embodiment of God’s message.
God’s message which includes, "O people, your Lord is one and your father (Adam) is one. There is no favor of an Arab over a foreigner, nor a foreigner over an Arab, and neither white skin over black skin, nor black skin over white skin, except by righteousness. Have I not delivered the message?” said by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny).
Just months ago, on May 25th, 2020, a 46 year old black man, Goerge Floyd, was murdered for no other reason than his skin color. His murder resulted in a worldwide protest against anti-racism. In several countries, people marched, just as Lady Zainab did.
1400 years later and we are still fighting against the injustices Imam Hussain sacrificed his life for. We will continue Imam Hussain’s legacy and preserve God’s message of peace. We will honor Imam Hussain’s sacrifice. George Floyd’s death, and the many deaths like his, will not go in vain. May God bring peace upon the whole of humanity; may he bring justice to all those who suffered as George Floyd did.
Just months ago, on May 25th, 2020, a 46 year old black man, Goerge Floyd, was murdered for no other reason than his skin color. His murder resulted in a worldwide protest against anti-racism. In several countries, people marched, just as Lady Zainab did.
1400 years later and we are still fighting against the injustices Imam Hussain sacrificed his life for. We will continue Imam Hussain’s legacy and preserve God’s message of peace. We will honor Imam Hussain’s sacrifice. George Floyd’s death, and the many deaths like his, will not go in vain. May God bring peace upon the whole of humanity; may he bring justice to all those who suffered as George Floyd did.
Sources:
- https://www.al-islam.org/shiite-encyclopedia/some-traditions-imam-al-husayn
- http://shiaonlinelibrary.com/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%A8/1691_%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B9%D8%A9-%D9%83%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B3%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%B9-%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%86%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AB-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%B9%D9%87%D8%AF-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%88%D9%85-%D8%B9/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D9%81%D8%AD%D8%A9_600
- Figure 1: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/555702041491369048/
- Figure 2: https://fineartamerica.com/featured/fight-for-freedom-debasish-das.html
- Figure 3: https://twitter.com/aun74306860/status/1169215765041410048?lang=de
- Figure 4: https://www.picuki.com/media/2261593048746890242
- Figure 5: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/jun/03/how-artists-have-reacted-george-floyd-killing-us
