Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed (SAWW), once said, “I will never give Yazid my hand like a man who has been humiliated, nor will I flee like a slave… I have not risen to spread evil or to show off… I only desire to enjoin good values and prevent evil.” This quote signifies his unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness, even in the face of extreme adversity.

On the 10th of Muharram, Ashura, Imam Hussain (AS) was murdered by Yazid’s men at Karbala. Imam Hussain (AS) was blocked from accessing water by Yazid’s forces for 10 days in Karbala. Despite the dire circumstances, Hussain’s followers remained with him during the siege. On the 10th day, Ashura, Imam Hussain (AS) and 72 of his companions were killed, and the remaining were imprisoned. The martyrdom of Hussain (AS) and his companions at Karbala signify a resistance and justice in the face of oppression.

From this event, we can learn several lessons:

• Dignity: Imam Hussain (AS) sent a clear message that it’s better to die a free man than to live a life in humiliation.
• Faith: Imam Hussain (AS) had faith that standing up for Justice and the Truth would lead to victory. History is always written by the victors, and the fact that Yazid today is known as a tyrant and deviant is a clear sign of Imam Hussain’s (AS) victory.
• Sacrifice: Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions sacrificed themselves for the greater good.
• Discipline: Imam Hussain (AS) and his followers showed strong will and discipline in the face of adversity. It’s easy to concede, but they valued their morals and the truth over taking the easy path.
• Stand up for Justice: Imam Hussain (AS) refused to turn a blind eye towards oppression from the tyrant, Yazid.

“Those who are silent when others are oppressed are guilty of oppression themselves.” This quote by Imam Hussain (AS) is a stark reminder of our duty to stand up against injustice. In summary, the lessons from Imam Hussain’s sacrifice on Ashura teach us the importance of maintaining dignity in the face of humiliation, having unwavering faith in the pursuit of justice, understanding the value of sacrifice for the greater good, demonstrating discipline and resilience in the face of adversity, and the necessity of standing up for justice, no matter the cost.

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