ISLAM: Standing up for righteousness

Muharram epitomises the courage of conviction called ‘Jazba-e-Husseini’ to stand up against religious corruption, political oppression, moral bankruptcy, social injustice, and tyranny. Over 1,300 years ago, on this day—the 10th of Muharram known in Islamic history as the “Ashura Day”—a great tragedy happened in Karbala in Iraq. On this day, several significant historical events related to the Prophets of Islam, Christianity and Judaism also occurred. But Karbala’s battle and Imam Hussein’s martyrdom marked the completion of all previous prophecies. It signified the prayers of Prophet Moses and marked the day God saved the children of Israel from the Egyptian Pharaoh. It also fulfilled an incomplete sacrifice of Prophet Abraham’s son, Ishmael. However, the event at Karbala remains an unfulfilled mission of the Imam: repel injustice and replace evil with the common good. The tragedy of Karbala is not yet over. Everywhere in the world, there are scenes of Karbala.

This is why Imam Hussein’s grandson Ja’far as-Sadiq averred: “Every day is the day of Ashura and every land is the land of Karbala”. Today, we’re living in Akhir-al-Zaman, the end times or Kali Yuga. While commemorating Muharram, we often forget those who stood by Hussein in his harshest times. Those who exerted concerted efforts to fight for truth and justice, though they did not belong to the religion of the Imam. At Karbala, it was a mere handful of Muslims—Imam Hussein’s 72 family members and supporters—who bravely faced their fate. Yet, the spirit of justice and righteousness that they embodied transcended religious boundaries. Far from the battlefield, a group of courageous Indians, known as the “Husseini Brahmins”, left their homes to stand in solidarity with Hussein’s family in Iraq.

Their journey to Karbala in 680 AD is a shining example of Hindu-Muslim unity, a testament to the universal appeal of justice and righteousness. Though small in number and little known, Husseini Brahmins were the epitome of bravery. Their spirit re-enlivened the battle of Karbala. They were mainly from the Dutt community and Mohiyals, found in Punjab, and traced their roots to Rajput Mohiyals who stood by Hussein in Karbala. Hussein lives in the everlasting spirit of the lesser-known but truly unforgettable heroes of human history.