Khateeb of Ahl-us-Sunnah in Zahedan, Iran, Shaikh Abdol-Hameed Ismaeelzahi alluded to the uprising of Hussein bin Ali insisting “elimination of despotism” and “implementation of justice” were the main objects of the grandson of Holy Prophet, peace be upon him.
Quoting some stories of the Karbala incident, he said, “Following the martyrdom of the third caliph, Othman bin Affan, Ali bin Abi-Taleb was elected the caliph by the council of Muslims, may Allah be pleased with the both of them. After assassination of Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, his son Hassan held caliphate for six months. Then he compromised with Mo’awiya, may Allah be pleased him, to halt Muslims’ bloodshed.”
Talking to tens of thousands in the Grand Makki Masjid of Zahedan, the rector of Darululoom Zahedan underlined the Guided Caliphs, Abu-Bakr, Omar and Othman, may Allah be pleased with them, used to respect the grand children and households of the beloved prophet in any situation. They used to prefer them on their own family members. In the same way, Ali bin Abi-Taleb and his sons used to help the caliphs and share their views with them in order to advance Islamic aims. No doubt, there was not any dispute between them to force any side for revolt; after reconciliation with Emir Mo’awiya no one revolted against him.
He added more, “Selection of Yazid as the caliph was a blunder; he was not a capable person for the sensitive position of caliphate. There were many other susceptive men for ruling such as Abdullah bin Zubair, Abdullah bin Omar and Hussein bin Ali; if they were caliphs, Muslims would not have seen the Karbala tragedy. When Muslims felt Yazid had jeopardized the fate of Muslims, their leading men ignored to accept his ruler. People of Makkah and Madina as well as Abdullah bin Omar and Abdullah bin Zubair denied to surrender before Yazid’s rule.”
Mawlana Abdol-Hameed went on to say people of Kufa, located in Iraq, asked Hussein to settle in Kufa; they wrote dozens of letters. Kufian people announced their solidarity with him. When Hussein was coming toward Kufa, he came to know they betrayed him. His convoy was surrounded by Yazid’s corps. The cruel militants did not leave any choice for Hussein but to fight or surrender! Hussein denied accepting the abjection of bondage; he fought bravely until embracing martyrdom on the path of Allah Almighty.
Shaikh pointed that the Islamic world can not forget the Karbala tragedy. “Harrah” and Karbala incidents were very painful for Muslims. These tragedies had proved Yazid was a tyrant and unjust ruler who was not ready to listen to the right and advice of others. All of who were involved in the massacre of Hussein and his followers were struck by divine punishment. Yazid ruled for a short period and died soon.
Highlighting some lessons and messages of Hussein uprising, member of the International Union for Muslim Scholars (IUMS) stated, “Imam Hussein rose up to uproot despotism, execute justice and invite people to goodness and forbid them from misdeeds. He wanted to bring a just society where people would live peacefully; Hussein met martyrdom to teach the human society when injustice comes forward, do not sit silent; rather revolt against partiality and tyranny.”
Khateeb of Ahl-us-Sunnah urged all Sunni Muslims love the household of Holy Prophet; if they do not mourn as Shiite Muslims do; it is not the sign of incuriosity. Sunnis would never forget what happened with “Ahl-ul-Bait”. Instead of traditional bewailing over martyrdom of Hussein and his companions, Sunni Muslims take the help of patience and prayer; as the Noble Qur’an recommends on the time of calamity: «یا أیهاالذین آمنوا استعینوا بالصبر و الصلاة», (O you who believe, seek help through patience and prayer. Surely, Allah is with those who are patient.)
At the end of his discourse, Shaikh Ismaeelzahi underlined, “The maintenance of peace is very important in these days; all citizens should strive to maintain peace and stability. It is possible some disguising men would try to create instability by sectarian violence. Every Muslim community commemorates Muharram in its own way, so no one should insult other’s sanctities. Sacred and respect of Sahaba must not be targeted, in particular.”