Global Dimensions of Imam Hussein’s Uprising
Imam Hussein (AS), along with his companions, fought and was martyred in defense of human dignity and honor in such a way that whoever learns about this event in history will testify that the Imam (AS) and his companions were oppressed.
Many freedom-seekers around the world who have fought for the independence of their countries and the liberation of their people from oppression and captivity have praised the movement of Imam Hussein (AS) and taken it as a model.
A famous one is Mahatma Gandhi, the political and spiritual leader of India’s Hindus who led his nation on the path to liberation from British colonialism. He says: “I have studied the life of Imam Hussain (AS), the martyr of Islam, carefully and with enough attention on the pages of Karbala, and it is clear to me that if India wants to become a victorious country, it should follow the example of Imam Hussein (AS).”
Furthermore, the study of the life story of Imam Hussein (AS) and his historic movement has inspired and awakened the heart of every thinker who has come to know this character. Edward Gibbon, the author of the book “The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire”, writes: “Throughout the next centuries, narration and explaining the sad and melancholy death scene of Imam Hussein will result in awareness and sensitivity of hearts and souls for the entire mankind anywhere they might be.”
Great Pakistani thinker, philosopher and poet Muhammad Iqbal (Lahori) writes: The best lesson one can learn from the uprising of Hussein ibn Ali (AS) is spiritual freedom-seeking. The true followers of Imam Hussein (AS) can only be those who first seek freedom and then help others to achieve it after they have achieved it.
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Moreover, the event of Karbala touches the emotions and brings tears to one’s eyes. Orientalist and researcher in Islamic mysticism Professor Edward Browne says about these pure emotions: Is this possible that there could be any minority who hears the story of Karbala but does not get upset and sad? Even non-Muslims cannot deny the spiritual purity under which the Islamic battle was fought.
Many things have been said about this great figure of Islamic history. But above all, the fact that Imam Hussein (AS) is such a character whose life story, both before and during his uprising, teaches us the lesson of steadfastness in the path of truth.
Translated by Seyed Hossein Beheshti Shakib
