Who is Hussain (AS)?

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A world of love, of morality, of compassion, is one worth striving for.  What’s more – it’s within our grasp. All we have to do is learn from the life of a truly inspirational man named Hussain.

Hussain was born in 620 AD to a family famed for their values of equality, love and peace. Raised by his grandfather Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HF - the last prophet of Islam). Hussain was a figure known for his integrity, generosity of spirit and blindness to colour, social class and personal beliefs. It was for this reason that people flocked to him and his family.

A man of love, compassion and integrity. Despite cultural expectations of him as the prince of his tribe, Hussain would always be seen talking to all members of society. He broke all cultural moulds. He brought people together and helped where he could. A celebrated example was when he and his brother Hassan cared tirelessly for a poor blind man they came upon in their city, in spite of traditional social expectations.

A breaking society. Not long after the passing of Muhammad SAW, the leadership of the vast Arab Empire had fallen into the hands of the corrupt. The morality that Muhammad SAW had spent his life instilling into society was slowly eradicated as the new ruler, Yazid, from the Ummayad dynasty was hell-bent on gaining complete control.

Hussain knew something had to be done. Hussain witnessed the fundamental human rights of his fellow citizens being usurped. He knew something had to be done. Yazid knew nothing of morality or common humanity, and ruled with an iron fist. He demanded Hussain pay him an oath of allegiance, to lend credibility to his brutal rule.

It was now that Hussain faced his dilemma… Should he give his oath of allegiance to a vicious despot – and stand aside as he people around him were being oppressed? Or should he take a stand and risk great personal loss? The timeless words of his grandfather echoed in his heart and Hussain knew what to do:
“The greatest stand is to speak the word of truth in the face of a tyrant.”

Hussain’s sacrifice. Hussain chose to make a stand against Yazid. He chose to take what was the macrocosm of his life and demonstrate it in a single act of extraordinary devotion. In 680 AD, on the deserts of modern day Iraq and against an army of 30,000, Hussain stood and fell to defend those around him being oppressed. What’s all the more extraordinary is Hussain chose to rise up against this mammoth army despite having only 72 followers.

Through this heroic act of sacrifice, he inspired millions around the world. From people who volunteer at their local charities to civil rights leaders like Gandhi, inspired by his selflessness, Hussain’s legacy of compassion and integrity live on.

Hussain Inspired....

I learnt from Hussain how to achieve victory while being oppressed... If India wants to be a successful country, it must follow in the footsteps of Hussain.
Mahatma Gandhi - Indian Political and Spiritual Leader 

In a distant age and climate the tragic scene of the death of Hussain will awaken the sympathy of the coldest reader.
Edward Gibbon - English historian and member of parliament

The best lesson which we get from the tragedy of Karbala is that Hussain and his companions were rigid believers in God. They illustrated that the numerical superiority does not count when it comes to the truth and the falsehood. The victory of Hussain, despite his minority, marvels me!
Thomas Carlyle - Scottish Historian

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