Karbala & Humanity

(By Ali Khalfan)

When Imam Hussein and his 72 faithful companions were in Kerb ala standing up against the soldiers of Yazid, the tyrannical ruler and usurper of the mantle of Khilafah, they were sending powerful messages to mankind. No doubt that the sacrifice offered by Imam Husayn was a divine plan; it was not for the sake of worldly power but to save Islam from the clutches of tyrannical rulers. This was the Imam's clear and forthright position. Imam Husayn, a man of great piety and knowledge, openly declared: "A man like me cannot make allegiance to a man like Yazid".

The event of Karbala, which has come to assume great religious significance, can be viewed from yet another perspective. When you study and observe the steadfastness and unflinching support of the companions of the Imam; the unselfishness and subjugation of individualism on the part of Abbas, the brother and the ‘backbone' of the Imam's contingent; the understanding of death by Qasim, the Imam's young nephew; the desire to die an honorable and dignified death than to live a humiliating life demonstrated by Imam Husayn and his followers, you will find that Kerb ala was and is continuously reminding us of the true meaning and value of humanity.

What are the true dimensions of a human being and what is the purpose of his existence?

First, The Qur'an tells us that we are not ordinary creatures of Allah and that Allah has honored us:

We have honored the sons of Adam; provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favors, above a great part of our creation.(17:70)

We have indeed created man in the best of moulds (95:4)

Whoever desires honor, then to Allah belongs the honor wholly. To Him do ascend the good words; and the good deeds lift them up, and (as for) those who plan evil deeds, they shall have a severe chastisement; and (as for) their plan, it shall perish. (35:10)

Now look at these verses and the one following it and observe and ponder that the human being was given a new dimension when the soul, which is by the command of Allah, established a special relationship with the lifeless body:

Man We did create from a quint essence (of clay); Then We placed him as (a drop of) sperm in a place of rest, firmly fixed; Then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then of that clot We made a lump; then we made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh; then we developed out of it another creature. So blessed be Allah, the best to create! (23:12-14)

But He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him something of His spirit. And He gave you hearing and sight and feeling; little thanks do ye give! (32:9)

In tafseer al-mizan by Allamah Tabataba'I, he explains the verses 23:12-14 as follows:

"The verses show that man in the beginning was but a material body changing into various forms. Then Allah made that body into another creation – a creation that has got perception and feeling; now he perceives, wills, thinks, and acts according to his thoughts and ideas. He manages and manipulates the things around him as he likes. These activities and authorities are beyond the power of body and matter. Obviously, neither of these activities emanate from body and matter nor does their doer. In short, the soul in the beginning is the body itself, then it grows into another creation, and lastly it becomes completely independent and separate from the body on death."

These verses show that man has been created with dignity and that honor and prestige belongs to Allah and Allah bestows it to us under certain conditions. Therefore, human beings should not succumb to negative peer pressure - the pressure to conform to a certain group to achieve recognition and honor and the pressure of the low desires - the pressure of Satan's plot. Our trial is to conform to the commandments of Allah and therefore we should seek prestige from the Absolute perfect Creator!

Then the Qur'an reminds us that Satan who was condemned by Allah because of his pride, arrogance and disbelief, has no authority or power over human beings and that we have the power and authority to say NO to the evil suggestions and plot of Satan:

And Satan will say when the matter is decided: "It was Allah Who gave you a promise of Truth: I too promised, but I failed in my promise to you. I had no authority over you except to call you but ye listened to me: then reproach not me, but reproach your own souls. I cannot listen to your cries, nor can ye listen to mine. I reject your former act in associating me with Allah. For wrong-doers there must be a grievous penalty." (14:22)

Verily Satan is an enemy to you: so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his adherents that they may become Companions of the Blazing Fire. (35:6)

Now when we shift our focus to Kerb ala, you will find that Imam Husayn and his companions rose against Yazid's illegitimate rule in order to protect the Godly values on the earth, to show us the true value of a human being and the true meaning of humanity, to explain to us the need to maintain our dignity as human beings, and the need to return to Allah with dignity and honor and not having done injustice to our soul. This dimension of the events of Kerb ala is truly reflected in this cry of Imam Husayn:

"I would rather die a death of dignity than live a life of humiliation".

Clashes among Family Members

The Prophet of Islam (SAW) says: “The Muslim man after Islam, didn’t achieve any extra advantage over his wife; a wife who when her husband looks upon her feels cheerful, follows her husband’s instructions and in his absence, protects her chastity and her husband’s property.” (“Wasail-ash Shi’a”, vol. 14, p. 23)

The family has always been one of the most valuable spiritual institutions of the society. In the foundation of social life, the family has been the focal point and putting aside the responsibilities related to the giving birth to and rearing of children which results in the continuation and perpetuity of mankind. Other responsibilities for example, the Kid's Health and endorsing of societal awareness of an individual are also included. Family is an elite system which gives the individual a sense of belonging and being. This family system belongs to that group of systems, which have remained existent throughout history, and there are two main reasons for this:

1) The family environment secures the basic needs of a society and shoulders the responsibility of making individuals socially aware

2) The family is a strong and influential center, which brings about the feeling of closeness and emotional support in individuals. The family is also a medium, which plays an important role in the transfer of values, customs, and cultural heritage of the society.

Family Disputes:

Family disorders have many aspects, which may eventually lead to separation or divorce. One of the basic reasons for divorce is unwarranted expectations, which the two parties have of one another. These expectations are related to the status of the two parties (i.e. husband and wife) in the society, sexual relations, whether one or both of the spouse are renown, physical health, financial security and the role that both the man and woman plays in the marriage.

At the same time, it should be mentioned here that the above expectations may be very influential in the strengthening of the family foundation. For example, in the present society, it can be seen that before marriage the couple believes that as long as their love for one another doesn’t decrease, nothing can break the bond that exists between them. But after the marriage, they quickly come to the realization that the love and interest that was abundant in their marriage, has lost some of its color, or disappeared completely and in order to solve their family problems, they are forced to use more practical methods.

In the same way, children whose parents are not happy in their marriages but remain living together, become affected by the family disputes, which are a result of the relationship of the parents.

How to Prevent Family Disorders

In order to prevent family disorders and undesirable life occurrences, young married men and women need to keep certain points in mind and practice them in their lives; as below:

1) One of the basic points for successful family life is self-knowledge. Every man and woman has certain capabilities and limitations, which they need to discover within themselves. The husband and wife, who are clearly aware of their good and bad points and the reality of their personalities, will have fewer disputes in their family lives. Then it is necessary that the husband and wife accept one another and love one another with all his/her faults and finer points.

2) The husband and wife should respect one another and should not do anything to cause disrespect or hate in the other party. Married couples should hold themselves and their spouse in high regard and should be aware that if they want or like their spouse to be or act according to their own opinions, it is only going to be a waste of time and effort. People are all different. Married couples should accept one another as they are, and not try to compare one another to others, because this only causes psychological injury to themselves.

3) Married couples should try in their domestic lives to foster their talents. Couples can become acquainted with their particular talents in various fields, for example, sports, physical expertise, interest in study, and other fields. The more that couples study and read about different topics, on a daily basis, the more valuable their lives will become.

4) Couples need to form close relationships with others. The reason for many family disputes lies in separation and seclusion from others. A husband and wife, who like others are part of the society, need the support, calm and assurance that come from others - (e.g., family members, friends, neighbors, etc.). For this reason it is necessary to have close, active affectionate and at the same time healthy and well-rooted relationships with others in order to prevent family disputes.

PEACE IN FAMILY

Justice and peace are the core of Islam and essential need for human being. Peace of course, is a natural outcome of justice. However, they are not mutually exclusive.

Justice in its comprehensive meaning and implication include among other things to properly recognize everyone's due right. If you fail to do so you would be in war with those whose right you abuse until they get their due right.

Is peace necessary for family success? What role does peace play in the family? And haw can peace be achieved in the family. Indeed, peace is the first essential ingredient for a success in family.

Thus, Allah stated in Qur'an 30: 21" And among His Signs is this that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them. And He put love and mercy between your hearts. Verily in that are signs for those who reflect". In this verse, Allah has pointed out that He put love and mercy between spouses hopefully they may dwell in tranquility.

Indeed, tranquility, love and mercy all are indications of peace and justice. Naturally speaking, children who grow up in a peaceful house live peaceful, productive and dynamic lives. To achieve peace in the family as Muslims or as any subscriber of other divine religion, one must abide by the rules and instructions laid down by Allah and His messenger.

"Failing to do so we will never have peace. Surely, in this is a message for any that has a heart and understanding and gives ear and is an earnest witness" Qur'an 36: 37