Commemorating the Eternal Struggle for Justice and the Lost Khilafah
By Peerzada Masrat Shah
Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds deep significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a time of remembrance and reflection, as it marks the tragic events of Karbala, a watershed moment in Islamic history. To understand the heart-wrenching sacrifice of Karbala, it is essential to delve into the broader historical context, beginning with the Prophet Muhammad’s (Peace Be Upon Him) mission and the prophecies he made about the times that were to follow. Describing the Prophet (PBUH) and His Mission Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), the “Seal of the Prophets,” was chosen by Allah to deliver His final message to humanity. Born in Mecca in 570 CE, he received revelations from Allah through the Angel Gabriel, which formed the basis of the Quran, the holy book of Islam. The Prophet’s mission aimed to bring people out of ignorance and darkness into the light of knowledge and guidance. He preached monotheism (Tawhid) and emphasized social justice, compassion, and moral uprightness.Throughout his life, the Prophet (PBUH) exemplified the virtues he preached, treating all with kindness, humility, and fairness. He advocated for the rights of the marginalized, uplifted the status of women, and worked tirelessly to bring about positive social and moral transformations in society.The Prophet’s Prophecy about Different Epochs: In a poignant Hadith, known as the “Hadith of the Four Epochs,” the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), with divine knowledge granted by Allah, foretold the occurrence of four distinct periods after his era. This profound prophecy serves as a roadmap for the Muslim community, guiding them through the challenges they would face in the future, as prophesized in the Hadith:”Hazrat Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Prophethood shall remain among you for as long as Allah decides for it to remain and then Allah shall lift it when He decides to lift it. After prophethood, there shall be Khilafah ‘ala Minhaj an-Nubuwwah and it shall exist for as long as Allah decides for it to exist. Then He will take away (this blessing) when He decides to take it away. Then, (as per His decree), there will be a mordacious monarchy (under which people will feel dejected and oppressed) […] (Once that period has come to an end, as per His other decree), there will be an even more severe form of tyrannical despotism, until (the mercy of Allah will be moved and) He will bring an end to that period (of oppression and persecution) […] Then Khilafah ‘ala Minhaj an-Nubuwwah shall be established once again.’ Thereafter, he remained silent.” (Musnad Ahmed#12034, status -Sahi) The Golden Era of Islam Khilafat-e-Rashida,The Golden Era of Islam: Khilafat-e-Rashida, or the period of righteous khalifas, represents the zenith of Islamic governance. The four khalifas who succeeded the Prophet, namely Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, Umar-al-Farooq, Uthman Dhun-Noorayn, and Maula Ali (may Allah be pleased with them all), led the Muslim Ummah with unparalleled wisdom, piety, and justice.During this era, justice and consultation were central to governance, and the welfare of the people was prioritized over personal interests. The Rashidun Khalifas were not merely rulers but true servants of the people, dedicating their lives to the welfare and betterment of the Muslim Ummah.Under their rule, the Muslim community flourished, with expansions in territory, justice, and economic prosperity. The principles of justice and consultation were at the core of their governance, and they upheld the values of humility, compassion, and accountability. This period is often referred to as the “Golden Age” of Islam.The End of Khilafat-e-Rashida and Its Responsible Factors: The glorious era of Khilafat-e-Rashida, marked by the rule of the righteous khalifas after the passing of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), eventually faced challenges that led to its end. While the first three khalifas were revered for their exemplary leadership and adherence to the principles of justice and consultation, the rule of the fourth caliph, Maula Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), saw a divisive period in Islamic history.Conspiracies and treachery emerged from certain quarters within the Muslim community, seeking to consolidate power for themselves at the expense of the unity and principles upheld by Khilafat-e-Rashida. Authentic Hadiths provide detailed accounts of the plotting and scheming against the last Khalifa.How the seeds of discord were sown The seeds of discord were sown during the khilafah of the third caliph, Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him). Certain individuals, driven by personal ambitions and grievances, began to conspire against the khilafah, sowing the seeds of dissent and discontent.As the conspiracies intensified, unrest grew among various factions within the Muslim community. The tragic assassination of Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) further fuelled the flames of discord, leading to civil strife and divisions among the Muslims.During the khilafah of Maula Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), while his commitment to justice and righteousness remained unwavering, he faced internal challenges and uprisings from groups seeking to attain power for themselves. Despite his efforts to maintain unity and uphold the principles of Khilafat-e-Rashida, the conspirators successfully instigated a wave of opposition.Authentic Hadiths clearly narrate the plots and intrigues against Maula Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), detailing how some individuals sought to undermine his rule and consolidate power for themselves. Ultimately, the fall of Khilafat-e-Rashida was a result of these internal divisions and the exploitation of grievances for personal gain. The conspiracies and tricks of certain individuals, as evident from the authentic Hadiths, stand as a cautionary tale of the dangers of forsaking justice and consultation for the pursuit of power and authority.The decline of Khilafat-e-Rashida served as a turning point in Islamic history, marking the transition from a period of just governance to one marred by dynastic rule and authoritarianism. The lessons from this era are as relevant today as they were in the past, emphasizing the importance of unity, justice, and adherence to the principles laid down by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the righteous khalifas who followed him. Transition to Malukiyat (Kingship) As the second period prophesied by the Prophet commenced, the system shifted from righteous khilafah to monarchy or kingship (Malukiyat). Political power became centralized, and leadership moved away from the principles of justice and consensus.With the rise of dynastic rule and hereditary succession, the principles of Khilafat-e-Rashida began to erode. The institution of khilafah, where leadership was based on merit and virtue, began to transform into hereditary rule and absolute monarchy. This transition led to a concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals.With the shift to Malukiyat, the system of governance deviated from the principles of Khilafat-e-Rashida. Tyranny, nepotism, and corruption crept into leadership, leading to widespread social and political injustices.The ideals of justice, and compassion, which were once hallmarks of the Rashidun Khalifas rule, were increasingly neglected. The result was the oppression of the weak and marginalized, as those in power pursued their self-interests rather than the greater welfare of the Ummah.As narrated in the hadith:”Sa’eed bin Jumhan narrated: Safinah narrated to me, he said: ‘The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Al-Khilafah will be in my Ummah for thirty years, then there will be monarchy after that. ‘ Then Safinah said to me: ‘Count the Khilafah of Abu Bakr,’ then he said: ‘Count the Khilafah of ‘Umar and the Khilafah of ‘Uthman.’ Then he said to me: ‘Count the Khilafah of ‘Ali. ‘ He said: So we found that they add up to thirty years. Sa’eed said: I said to him: ‘Banu Umaiyyah claim that the Khilafah is among them.’ He said: ‘Banu Az-Zarqa’ lie, rather they are a monarchy, among the worst of monarchies.” (Sunan Tirmizi#2226, status -Sahi) The tragic events of Karbala Yazid ibn Muawiya is often associated with the tragic events of Karbala and introduced to us as the principal villain of the incident. However, it is essential to recognize that Yazid’s ascension to power was not an isolated event but the culmination of a system that had been established through conspiracies and deceit.Yazid’s rise to the throne was the outcome of a carefully orchestrated plan by his elders, who sought to consolidate power for their own benefit. The decision to designate Yazid as the successor was a clear departure from the merit-based system of leadership upheld by Khilafat-e-Rashida. When Yazid assumed power, he inherited a system that had been compromised by deceit and intrigues. His reign was marked by a blatant disregard for the principles of justice and righteousness.Yazid’s involvement in the tragic events of Karbala reflects not just his individual actions but the system’s overall degradation, which had allowed such injustices to prevail. The corrupt system, established through conspiracies and deceit, ultimately culminated in the zenith of corruption witnessed in the form of Yazid’s rule.Yazid, as the representative of the corrupt system, serves as a symbol of the devastating consequences of forsaking the principles of Islam. Understanding this historical context is crucial for comprehending the events that unfolded in Karbala and drawing lessons that resonate with the challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah today. It is a reminder of the perpetual struggle for justice and the responsibility of Muslims to uphold the true teachings of Islam, striving to create a just and righteous society for all.Imam Hussain’s Stand for Justice: Ahl al-Bayt (may Allah be pleased with them all), the esteemed family of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), holds a unique and revered position in Islam. They are the carriers of the Prophet’s legacy, embodying the true essence of Islamic teachings and values.Among them, Imam Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him) is renowned for his courageous stand against injustice and oppression. He stood as a beacon of resistance, refusing to pledge allegiance to the tyrant Yazid, who represented the corrupt system that had deviated from the basic principles of Islam. Defining moment in Islamic history Imam Hussain’s (May Allah be pleased with him) stand against Yazid was driven by a fundamental breach of the treaty that had been established. The treaty, known as the “Treaty of Hasan,” had laid down specific terms that were meant to ensure peace and unity within the Muslim community. However, Yazid’s declaration as the successor to his father violated this crucial agreement, leading him to take a courageous stand against the corrupt system that had emerged.In the face of immense pressure and against overwhelming odds, Imam Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him) chose to confront the oppressive regime of his time. He sought to revive the lost principles of Islamic system, wherein justice, consultation, and compassion were at the core of governance.His martyrdom at the Battle of Karbala remains a defining moment in Islamic history. Imam Hussain’s (may Allah be pleased with him) sacrifice was not merely a struggle for power; it was a genuine attempt to uphold the true teachings of Islam and establish a just and righteous order.The original theme of his martyrdom was to inspire the Muslim Ummah to reject tyranny and oppression, to stand firmly against injustice, and to preserve the Islamic principles for generations to come. His noble sacrifice serves as a timeless reminder for this.The Seeds of Karbala and the Forgotten Message: The tragedy of Karbala was not a sudden event but rather the culmination of a series of events that had their roots in the establishment of an unjust system. Clear and authentic Hadiths provide insight into how and by whom this system was established, leading to the emergence of individuals like Yazid as representatives of corruption and tyranny.The transition from Khilafat-e-Rashida to dynastic rule marked a significant shift in the system of governance. The Umayyad rule was established which deviated from the merit-based system of Khilafat-e-Rashida. Instead, it introduced a hereditary succession, where power was passed down within a single family, disregarding the principles of justice and consultation. How the seeds of Karbala were sown As the Umayyad rule continued, it increasingly became a system marked by corruption, nepotism, and disregard for the welfare of the Muslim Ummah. The corruption was evident in the concentration of power and wealth within a select few, while the broader interests of the community were neglected.Yazid became the representative of this corrupt system. His ascension to power was not a result of merit but rather nepotism formulated through an unjust system that had been established through conspiracies and deceit.The seeds of Karbala were sown in the establishment of this unjust system years before the actual tragedy took place. The events leading up to Karbala were a manifestation of the consequences of forsaking justice and righteousness in favour of power and authority.Imam Hussain’s (may Allah be pleased with him) stand at Karbala was not just a response to the actions of Yazid as an individual but a principled rejection of the corrupt system that had led to his ascension to power. Defenders of the criminals of Karbala Despite clear and authentic Hadiths detailing the actions of the criminals of Karbala, there are some individuals who, irrespective of the evidence, defend those responsible for the atrocities committed on that fateful day. The defenders of the villains of Karbala may hold various motivations for their stance. Some may have deep-rooted political or sectarian affiliations that lead them to overlook the historical realities and perpetuate a distorted narrative.The Hadiths that detail out the criminality of those involved in the Karbala tragedy are widely accepted by scholars and historians as reliable and credible sources.Individuals who choose to deny or reject these authentic Hadiths may face challenges to the credibility of their faith. The rejection of authentic Hadiths raises questions about the sincerity of their fundamentals of faith. By denying well-established Hadiths that detail the criminality of certain individuals involved in the tragedy of Karbala, these persons are to be considered as Munkar-e-Hadith. Which questions the basic criteria to be proclaimed as believers of the Islamic faith. Revisiting the Essence of Karbala The tragedy of Karbala, with its profound lessons of standing against injustice and upholding the principles of Khilafah, holds immense significance in Islamic history. However, over time, some Muslims have reduced the commemoration of Muharram and Karbala into mere rituals, losing sight of its true essence.The essence of Karbala lies not in superficial rituals or mourning practices but in its powerful message of resistance against oppression and injustice. Imam Hussain’s (may Allah be pleased with him) stand at Karbala was a principled rejection of a corrupt system. However, the significance of this message has been overshadowed by a focus on rituals and lamentation. While commemorating the tragedy is important, it is equally vital to understand and internalize its essence. Imam Hussain’s (may Allah be pleased with him) sacrifice was not merely for the act of mourning but a call to action against tyranny and injustice.Ironically, some individuals who commemorate the rituals of Muharram may unknowingly perpetuate the very injustices that Imam Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him) stood against. Their actions and beliefs may align more with those who were the enemies rather than with the message of justice and compassion championed by Imam Hussain and his family (may Allah be pleased with them).By limiting their understanding of Karbala to rituals alone, these individuals fail to grasp the broader implications of the tragedy. They may unknowingly align themselves with oppressive systems or their support figures whose actions contradict the principles upheld by Imam Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him).To honour the memory of Imam Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him) and the sacrifices he made, it is essential to revisit the essence of Karbala. This requires a deeper understanding of the historical context and the principles for which Imam Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him) laid down his life.Conclusion: The commemoration of Karbala and Muharram goes beyond grieving a historical event. It is a call to action against injustice, tyranny, and corruption. Understanding the historical context, the prophecies made by the Prophet, and the sacrifices of Imam Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him) helps us draw lessons that transcend time.Karbala serves as a reminder of the eternal struggle for justice, the lost principles of Khilafat-e-Rashida, and the responsibility of every Muslim to uphold the true essence of their faith. Note: The Hadith references mentioned in this article are taken from Islam 360, a comprehensive Islamic app that provides authentic sources and references for Hadiths and other Islamic teachings. We acknowledge and appreciate the platform for its valuable contributions to Islamic knowledge and research.
