The Staggers

The New Statesman’s rolling politics blog

Signs of Shia courage

Despite the latest wave of suicide attacks in Iraq, millions of Shia Muslim pilgrims continue to flood to the shrine of Hussein in Karbala.

By Sayed Mahdi Al-Modaressi Published 05 February 2010 9:38

Several years ago, I met an Australian man who had converted to Islam (and, specifically, to Shia Islam). He told me that, in 2003, he had been watching the news one evening and was astonished by scenes of two million Iraqis streaming towards the holy city of Karbala, chanting: "Hussein, Hussein." For the first time in three decades, in a globally televised event, the world had caught a glimpse of Shia Iraq from the inside.

With the Sunni Ba'athist regime of Saddam Hussein toppled, Australians, like everyone else, were eager to see how Shia Iraqis would respond to a new era of freedom. "Where is Karbala, and why is everyone heading in its direction?" he recalls asking himself. "Isn't Baghdad the capital of the country? Isn't that where all 'the action' is? Who is this Hussein who motivates these people?"

They were the first in a long line of questions that eventually led him to relinquish his Roman Catholic faith and instead embrace Shia Islam.

What he witnessed in that single, 60-second television news report was especially moving because the imagery was unlike any he had seen before. There was something intense about the commotion. A fervent sense of connection turned human pilgrims into iron filings, automatically aligning with each other as they drew closer to what could only be described as Karbala's powerful magnetic field. It was more than intriguing; it was astonishing and inspiring.

Long trek

In 2007, I travelled to Karbala, my own ancestral home, to find out for myself why such scenes are so captivating. What I witnessed proved to me that even the widest-angle camera lens is too narrow to capture the spirit of this tumultuous, annual Shia ritual.

Thousands upon thousands of men, women and children -- but mostly black-veiled women -- filled the eye from one end of the horizon to the other.The crowds were so huge that they caused a blockade for hundreds of miles. I had the privilege of being driven to Karbala in armoured vehicles with a police escort throughout the nine-hour journey. But the road was overflowing with pilgrims on foot.

The 425-kilometre distance between the southern port city of Basra and Karbala is a long journey by any measure, and must be unimaginably arduous on foot. It takes pilgrims a full two weeks to complete the walk. Some push their parents in wheelchairs. People of all age groups trudge in the scorching heat of the sun during the day and in the bone-chilling cold at night.

They travel across rough terrain, down uneven roads, through terrorist strongholds and dangerous marshlands. Without even them most basic amenities or any travel gear, the pilgrims carry little besides their burning love for "The Master" -- their imam, Hussein. Flags and banners remind them, and the world, of the purpose of their journey.

One banner I saw on my journey read:

O self, you are worthless after Hussein.
My life and death are one and the same,
So be it if you call me insane!

The message recalled words said to have been uttered by Abbas, Hussein's half-brother, who was also killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680AD while trying to fetch water for his thirst-stricken nieces and nephews.

Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, is adored by all Shias. Millions of Sunnis also revere him, as Sayyid ash Shuhada, the "prince of martyrs". He was killed in Karbala on Ashura, the tenth day of the Islamic month of Muharram, having refused to pledge allegiance to the corrupt and tyrannical Ummayad caliph, Yazid.

He and his family and friends were isolated in the desert, starved of food and water and then beheaded. Their bodies were mutilated. In the words of the English historian Edward Gibbon: "In a distant age and climate, the tragic scene of the death of Hussein will awaken the sympathy of the coldest reader."

Shias have since mourned the death of Hussein each year, in particular on the days of Ashura and Arba'een. The latter is the Shia holy day of religious observation that occurs 40 days after the day of Ashura. Forty days is the usual length of mourning in many Muslim (and Middle Eastern) cultures. This year, Arba'een falls on Friday 5 February.

Care and devotion

The horrific bomb blasts of late January and early February in Baghdad and Karbala, which killed dozens and wounded hundreds, illustrate the dangers facing Shias living in Iraq, and the insecurity that continues to plague parts of the country after the war. So it is striking to see so many people -- young and old, Iraqis and foreigners -- making the dangerous journey to Karbala.

And it is far from easy to understand what inspires these people. On my own trip, I saw a woman carrying two children in her arms, old men in wheelchairs, a man on crutches, a blind boy holding a walking stick.

I met a 46-year-old man who had travelled all the way from Basra with his disabled son. The 12-year-old had cerebral palsy and could not walk unassisted. For most of the trip, the father put the boy's feet on top of his own and held him by the armpits as they walked. It is the kind of story out of which Oscar-winning films are made, but no Hollywood director or screenwriter dares venture into Iraq these days.

One image that never failed to grab my attention was the sight of thousands of tents, with makeshift kitchens and medical clinics set up by the local villagers who live around the pilgrims' path. The tents (called mawkeb, or "caravan") are the only places where pilgrims can find a space to rest from the exhausting journey.

More surprising were the people asking pilgrims to join them for food and drink. They intercept the pilgrims' paths to invite them, plead with them and eventually prevail on them to take a short break by the side of the road, without asking for payment. They would say: "Please honour us with your presence. Our masters, bless us by accepting our offerings."

Entire towns in Iraq seemed to shut down as millions converged on the holy city. One local tribal leader -- who, in keeping with Iraqi tribal traditions, bows to no one and is treated by his followers as a king -- was standing on the road, calling out through a loudspeaker: "Welcome, o pilgrims of Hussein. I'll kiss the soles of your shoes. May I be sacrificed for you!"

Sacrifice for truth

Just looking at the crowds leaves you breathless. What adds to the peculiarity of the phenomenon is that, as the security conditions get worse, even more people are motivated, it seems, to challenge the terrorist threats and march in defiance to Karbala.

When, days before Arba'een, a female suicide bomber blew herself up after inviting pilgrims to eat in her tent in Alexandria, 45 kilometres south of Baghdad, the crowds turned out in even greater numbers. They chanted in unison:

If they sever our legs and hands,
We shall crawl to the Holy Lands.

And it is not just peasants who take part in this multimillion-man march. There are doctors, engineers, teachers, academics, as well as wealthy entrepreneurs and leading politicians, all of whom participate in what is today one of the biggest annual mass demonstrations in the world. They journey from all over the globe -- Iran, India, Pakistan, Britain, Canada, the United States.

This year, the total number of pilgrims visiting Karbala for Arba'een is officially estimated to have reached ten million. Some say that as security improves in Iraq the figure may one day top 20 million.

Seeing the crowds and joining the procession of pilgrims, I was reminded of the questions that my Australian friend had asked himself when he witnessed the Arba'een procession of 2003: "Who is Hussein? And how does he continue to inspire so many people, over 13 centuries after his martyrdom?"

For Shias, Hussein is the ultimate moral exemplar: a man who refused to bow in the face of tyranny and despotism. Shias see his martyrdom as the greatest victory of good over evil, right over wrong, truth over falsehood. In the words of the Urdu poet Muhammad Iqbal: "Imam Hussein uprooted despotism for ever till the Day of Resurrection. He watered the dry garden of freedom with the surging wave of his blood, and indeed he awakened the sleeping Muslim nation . . . Hussein weltered in blood and dust for the sake of truth."

Holy of holies

But why would all these people walk for hundreds of miles to remember a painful event that took place over 13 centuries ago? Visitors to the shrine of Hussein and his brother Abbas in Karbala are not driven by emotion alone. They cry because they make a conscious decision to be reminded of the atrocious nature of the loss and, in doing so, they reaffirm their pledge to everything that is virtuous and holy.

The first thing that pilgrims do on facing his shrine is recite the Ziyara, a sacred text addressing Hussein with due respect for his status, position and lineage. In it, the Shia imams who followed him after the massacre in Karbala instruct their followers to begin the address by calling Hussein the "inheritor" and "heir" of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus.

There is something profound in making this proclamation. It shows that Hussein's message of truth and freedom is viewed as an inseparable extension of that list of divinely appointed prophets.

Pilgrims go to Karbala not to admire its physical beauty, or to shop, or to be entertained, or to visit ancient historical sites. They go there to cry. They go to mourn. They go to join the angels in their grief. They enter the sacred shrine weeping and lamenting.

It is as though every person has established a personal relationship with the Imam. They talk to him and call out his name; they grip the cage surrounding his tomb; they kiss the floor leading into the shrine; they touch its walls and doors in the way one touches the face of a long-lost friend. It is a picturesque vista, on epic proportions. What motivates these people is something that requires an understanding of the character and status of Imam Hussein and the spiritual relationship that Shias, and in particular Shia Iraqis, have developed with his living legend.

"Who is this Hussein"? For millions of Shia pilgrims, questions this profound, which can cause a man to relinquish his religion for another, can be answered only when you have marched to the shrine of Hussein for 14 days on foot. The verses of a Shia friend of mine sum it up:

The closer I get and when you I'll be seeing,
My emotions take control, with love I begin to shake.
I look at you now and my life has new meaning.
From you some painful beauty with me I must take.

O Karbala, I feel what you're feeling,
O land of loving sorrow, O land of heartbreak,
O land where my leader does rest,
Welcome me as a pilgrim, please make me your guest.

Sayed Mahdi Al-Modaressi is a Shia cleric and chief executive of Ahlulbayt Television Network.

Special Offer: Get 12 issues of New Statesman magazine for just £12

More from Sayed Mahdi Al-Modaressi

View the discussion thread.

334 comments

Wed, 2012-04-11 00:12 — aqeeljr (not verified)

iwant learn inglish

Sat, 2010-02-06 20:50 — Mohamed Dharsi (not verified)

Excellent article. May Allah and His Favorite Ones reward you Syed Mahdi Modarrisi.

I thank all the non-muslims to be very supportive and appreciative. As you can see most of the time we the shia muslims are critized by the rest of the muslims.

Sat, 2010-02-06 20:57 — ZAS (not verified)

Thanks very much for the article! It truly is an amazing event and one of the major pilgrimages in world religions. Thanks Syed Mahdi and NS for telling us more about it and keep up the good work.

Sat, 2010-02-06 21:16 — alireza jawanshir (not verified)

great artical may ALLAH give you the reward in both world

Sat, 2010-02-06 21:31 — B. Ali (not verified)

Amazing article! So nice to see a glimpse of karbala's arbaeen in this great article. It reminded me of my trip to Karbala and brought tears to my eyes. I thought especially of the moment when our bus was leaving Karbala and the heavy heart and tear-filled eyes with which we left. It felt as if I was leaving my own family member behind. I have felt that connection mentioned in this article and it is amazing that these emotions can be invoked by a person I had never met, seen , or heard. Just the knowledge of imam hussain and his mission is more than enough to make your heart ache with sorrow.

Sun, 2010-02-14 00:48 — Raza Rizvi, Shilu Kararvi (not verified)

SOME FAMOUS SAYINGS ABOUT IMAM HUSSAIN A.S

Charles Dickens:
Charles Dickens had said the following about Imam Hussain (AS):

"If Hussain fought to quench his worldly desires, then I do not understand why his sisters, wives and children accompanied him. It stands to reason therefore that he sacrificed purely for Islam."

Thomas Carlyle
Thomas Carlyle has relayed this about the Tragedy of Karbala:

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

Dr. K. Sheldrake
The famous, Dr. K. Sheldrake on Imam Hussain (AS) said this:

"Hussain marched with his little company not to glory, not to power or wealth, but to a supreme sacrifice and every member of that gallant band, male and female, knew that the foes were implacable, were not only ready
to fight but to kill. Denied even water for the children, they remained parched under a burning sun, amid scorching sands yet no one faltered for a moment and bravely faced the greatest odds without flinching."

Brown
Brown in his `A Literary History of Persia' writes:

As a reminder, the blood-stained field of Karbala' where the grandson of the Apostle of God PBUH fell at length, tortured by thirst and surrounded by the bodies of his murdered kinsmen, has been at any time since then sufficient to evoke, even in the most lukewarm and heedless, the deepest emotion, the most frantic grief and the exaltation of spirit before which pain, danger, and death shrink to unconsidered trifles. Yearly, on the tenth day of Muharram, the tragedy is rehearsed in Persia, in India, in Turkey, in Egypt, wherever a Shiite community or colony exists; ... As I write it all comes back; the wailing chant, the sobbing multitudes, the white raiment red with blood from self-inflicted wounds, the intoxication of grief and sympathy.

Al-Fakhri
World famous Arab historian al-Fakhri has said this about Imam Hussain's sacrifice:

"This is a catastrophe whereof I care not to speak at length, deeming it alike too grievous and too horrible. For verily, it was a catastrophe than that which naught more shameful has happened in Islam...There happened therein such a foul slaughter as to cause man's flesh to creep with horror. And again I have dispersed with my long description because of
it's notoriety, for it is the most lamented of catastrophes."

Sir Muhammad Iqbal says:
Imam Husayn uprooted despotism forever till the Day of Resurrection. He watered the dry garden of freedom with the surging wave of his blood, and indeed he awakened the sleeping Muslim nation. If Imam Husayn had aimed at acquiring a worldly empire, he would not have traveled the way he did (from Medina to Karbala). Husayn weltered in blood and dust for the sake of truth. Verily he, therefore, became the bed-rock (foundation) of the Muslim creed; la ilaha illa Allah (There is no god but Allah).

Ronay wala hoon Shaheed-e-Kerbala key gham men main,
Kya durey maqsad na dengey Saqiye Kausar mujhey

I am one who weeps at the plight of the Martyr of Kerbala
Won't the reward be given to me by the Keeper of Kauser Allama Iqbal in his Baqiyat (in Urdu)

KHWAJA MOINUDDIN CHISTI (RA)says:
He gave his head, but did not put his hand into the hands of Yazid. Verily, Husayn is the foundation of la ilaha illa Allah. Husayn is lord and the lord of lords. Husayn himself is Islam and the shield of Islam. Though he gave his head (for Islam) but never pledged Yazid. Truly Husayn is the founder of "There is no Deity except Allah."

Shah ast Hussain, Badshah ast Hussain,
Deen ast Hussain, Deen e Panah ast Hussain,
Sar dad, na dad dast, dar dast-e-yazeed,
Haqaa key binaey La ila ast Hussain

It's Hussain the Prince, it's Hussain the king,
He is Faith, and Faith's Defender most daring,
He preferred death to Yazid's allegiance,
With his blood, Islam has verily been living.

Imam Hussain
Mr. H Wells.

Pitched upon the scorching desert,
The tent of Hussain lay,
Encompassed round with Satan’s hounds
Upon that black sad day.
They numbered less that eighty strong,
Women and children too,
While Yazid’s thousands stood around,
Awaiting the Fiend’s lure.
Driven away from the cooling steam
His children wailing for water,
Awaiting with patience extremely sublime
Like sheep for the butchers slaughter.
Oh! How valiantly fought that pitiful few,
Against Yazid’s wild murderers,
Fought with a courage unequalled in time,
Fought with fierceness that was surely Divine.
The earth quaked and trembled as noon drew near,
But still the survivors knew no fear,
But fever grew that pitiful band,
For Islam, God & Hussain they stand.
At last, all were dead, the Devil had won,
Blood-red sank down the merciless sun,
Trampled and torn lay the gallant Hussain,
For Islam, and God, the Faithful were slain.

Sat, 2010-02-06 22:08 — Zuher (not verified)

Thank-you for the wonderfull article Sayed Mahdi Al-Modaressi and many thanks to NewStatesman for publishing it.

Sun, 2010-02-14 06:23 — mahmood padhani (not verified)

what can one-but- adduce from an article that bestrides(on the one hand)the love of Imam Hussain a.s. and on the other ( the sanctity of the precepts of shiasm)
momineen in Karbala in their hearts have the record-of the best and the happiest sorrowful moments of the trajedy of karbala.
we are all aware of the evanescent vistations of thought and feeling of
sometimes associated with place and person,sometimes regarding our mind alone and always arising unforseen and departing unbidden. However, Karbala-in the article and in comemmeration- is so elevating and delightful beyond all expression: so that even any desire or regret that you may have turns to pleasure in the participation.

Imam hussains a.s. humanity coursed through humanity and and left in its wake a resilient tidal wave of kindness, courage, strength and endearment for islam that to-date has been matchless.

As far as Katrina and petal are concerned-to witness a disease of any human understanding, however feeble is distressing; but the spectacle of two minds ( able ) reduced to a state of insanity-vis a viz-their illogical and ill-advised coments-is of course ten times more afflicting.
Neither of them can proclaim anything on islam( much less shiasm)without betraying a shibboleth of ignorance and arrogance of the subject concerned.

Sun, 2010-02-14 08:58 — Rafiq Habib (not verified)

May Allah guid and help us tolerate each other as Muslims
As a Shia I do not force any one to flow us so we pray they do not impose their thinking on us

Thu, 2010-02-18 07:48 — Julie (not verified)

I guess by the looks of things this article does not require another post in its support. But why not. May God bless you Seyed Mahdi you are always an inspiration for Muslims and non Muslims alike. Its true the truth is there but unfortunately some will always be blinded. Lets not get Emotionally caught up by these ignorant people. Lets hope to see another one of theses inspiring articles soon.
Sydney, Australia

Sat, 2010-02-06 23:56 — Siddeeqeh (not verified)

I visited Karbala for the first time last year and it brought about a new kind of connection which I feel for imam Husayn(as).
I yearn to go again and nothreats or bombs can scare me for being near my imam and upholding the values he stood for are more important than life itself for me.
We need lots more articles of this kind so that people are aware of true shiasm.
Well done Syed mudarrisi. May Allah(set) bless with you with a long life and help you can carry on your noble work. Aamin

Wed, 2010-02-10 16:22 — Yasmeen M Janmohamed (LONDON) (not verified)

Peace be on You O Abu'Abdillah
and on the souls that died with you.
Greetings of Peace of Allah be on you,
from me,forever so long as I live
and so long as the night and day remain.
May Allah not make this my last pledge of doing your ziyarat.
Peace be on Hussain,and on Ali the son of Hussain,on the children of Hussain, and the companions of Hussain.
LABAIK YA HUSSAIN LABAIK YA HUSSAIN.

Sun, 2010-02-07 00:00 — Sajjad Manji (not verified)

Excellent article.

Sun, 2010-02-07 00:06 — Sajida Manji (not verified)

A beautiful article which does justice to the beauty of Imam Husayn's message and the impact that he has had on humanity even 14,000 years ago. It was heartwarming to read about the intensity of love that his followers have for him, which makes us wish that we were there. Inshallah, every lover of Husayn (pbuh) will have a chance to visit his holy shrine, to touch the tomb and pledge their allegiance - "you were with the truth".

Sun, 2010-02-07 00:59 — MK (not verified)

GREAT ARTICLE! Us shias really need to publicise Our side of the story more

Sun, 2010-02-07 01:15 — AHP (not verified)

Fantastic article. Kudos to NS for publishing such an enlightening piece.

Sun, 2010-02-07 01:46 — mahmood (not verified)

Al Hamdulilah! Nice articale. May Allah(swt)grant you strength to continue propogate the message of
Imam Husein(as)

Tue, 2010-02-23 09:37 — Mirza Zafar Hussain (not verified)

May Allah bless the author, an excellent article beautifully articulated and worded.
Katrina is free to express her views. It is not worthy of a rebuttal such views and thoughts do make us stronger in our beliefs whatever they may be. Message of karbala will live till the end of time and we will continue to mourn the great martydom.

Sun, 2010-02-07 01:47 — yasmin (not verified)

Wow, really amazing article, was so moving. Thank you for publisihing it.
Was this an actual article on the newspaper/site?? or is it as a blog?

Sun, 2010-02-07 02:00 — Syed Hussain (not verified)

Amazing article by the Sayed & thanks to NS

Karbala - a place where millions upon millions of people will always flock to... not for a holiday, financial or material gain but out of pure LOVE for Imam Hussain. There is no place like
Karbala . Do these terrorists think that a few bombs can stop us from visiting the Master of Martyrs ? All it does is remind us of the message of Imam Hussain " to enjoin the good and forbid the evil". The more these foolish terrorists try to stop us visiting Imam , the more will make the journey. Peace be on you Hussain.

Sun, 2010-02-07 02:10 — Sayyada (not verified)

An excellent article.HUSSAIN you will always remain in our hearts. Your sacrifice always reminds one on how to be a practising muslim. Thanks Mahdi al Modarresi for this beautiful article and special thanks to NewStatesman for publishing it. Hope you continue doing so.

Sun, 2010-02-07 02:13 — Syed Zafar Abbas (not verified)

Wonderful article. World needs more of this kind of work to understand and respect different faiths, and enhance tolerance. The love of Imam Husain (AS) and for tragedy of Karbala has grown even bigger every time there is an attempt to stop it by violence. This has been seen thoughout the history, and again this year, not just in Iraq, but also in Karachi where bombing of similar procession at Aashoora this year (widely thought to be an act of Talibans)resulted in deaths of dozens. However, this henious crime only resulted in bringing people out of their homes in even bigger numbers 40 days later in Arba'een. Further bomb attacks happened by almost certainly the same group of crimnals on 5th February. However, we are likely to see this bringing people out in similar way later this year, and in later years. This peaceful response to violence is a really effective, but a greatly courageous way to combat it. However, it does require brave people, who can show their way of rejecting violence, and their love for peace - something they so effectively learnt from Karbala around 14 hundred years ago. Thank you NS for publishing such a great article. Please keep it up.

Sun, 2010-02-07 03:14 — Shaima (not verified)

Thumbs up newstatesman!!
Thanks for pionnering this kind of publishment! It's almost a celebration, the fact that an article on Karbala and shia Islam is published without adding spice or lies to it!! Looking forward to many more articles like this!

and brother Jonathan Cainer, welcome to Islam, religion of true submission to Allah.

Thu, 2010-02-18 13:28 — Ali Master (not verified)

It is difficult for most prople to understand the emotional and spiritual aspect of this pilgrimage unless you have done it. However the most important aspect of this article is the universal message of respecting the human rights of ALL and never giving in to despots whatever faith or creed, even if they are so called "Muslims".

This was the true message of Imam Hussein, the Grandson Prophet Mohammed(peace be upon him and his progeny).

Sun, 2010-02-07 04:20 — Mushtaq Al-Mushtaq (not verified)

The message of Imam Hussein is perhaps the biggest miracle of Islam - forget Shia Islam, he saved all of Islam. The Islam that threatened to break out before his great sacrifice would've been corrupt, dangerous and totally against the teachings of God and the Holy Prophet.

It is a sacrifice that has been commemorated every year for over 1400 years.

Thanks to articles such as these, there is a chance for the message to spread even further and people can understand what Shia Islam is and not tarnish it with the same brush as the Islamists (A-Qaeda, the Taliban etc) who are the extreme opposites of what Imam Hussein stood for.

Great article.

Sun, 2010-02-07 04:37 — Riyaz (not verified)

SA;

Tears keep flowing and they are not enough;

Oh! Hussayn Bin Ali
Oh! Zainab Binte Ali
Oh! Abbas Bin Ali

Salutations to the Martyers of Kerbala.

The GREATEST sacrifice in the human race for the sake of ALLAH (SWT).

Labayk Ya Hussayn!!!!

May We all die like HUSSAYN!!

Tue, 2010-02-23 13:24 — Alissar (not verified)

I have so much to say to someone like you. you are a true inspiration to me personally. you have opened my eyes and through allah [swt] blessing you have helped me fall inlove with my relgion i will keep it short by saying thankyou thankyou thankyou. Assalaamu Aalaikum may Allah[swt] send his greatest blessings upon you and your family.
Sydney Australia

Fri, 2010-09-10 22:29 — ALI JAFRI (not verified)

Salamz/Hello to all, first of all the article is exceptional and very well written plus communicates the thoughts and emotions of one's heart.

Now I would like to ask a FAVOR from some of the people here who can help me out. I am in middle of a RESEARCH, about the non-muslims thinkings about Shia Islam and the ones ofcourse who have converted to it. The people(other than Muslims) who regard Karbala and Imam Hussain(as) as a hero for humanity not just for Muslims. Please contact me, I have some questions for you, if u do have some time for that. Specially people like:

Wayne Stevens
Jonathan Cainer
Kerry Hamilton
David
Thomas Jenkins
Irish Sister
Anthony Segal
Julie
Maxwell

My E-mail for contact is: ailiya_2520@yahoo.com

THANK YOU VERY MUCH :)

Sun, 2010-02-07 08:55 — Fatima Rizvi (not verified)

Labayk Ya Hussain(a.s)

Gr8 article...keep it up!!

Sun, 2010-02-07 09:11 — Zbr (not verified)

A heart touching article. I wish more such articles are written which can give a true insight about islam and shiaism to those who know little about it. Furhtermore, importance of Arbeen can be understood by the fact that it is the largest gathering of human beings on earth after Haj. The center of this gathering, Imam Hussien, who offered the greatest sacrifice to save human race from evil, no doubt his love attracts more and more humans to go for his ziarat even when they know that they can be killed in this journey. May God give all of us the courage to follow our imam. Amin

Sun, 2010-02-07 09:33 — Abbas (not verified)

Live Video from Holy Shrine of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S.) Grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

http://www.panjatan.tv/live/

Sun, 2010-02-07 10:17 — Mohamed (not verified)

Excellent article by Sayed on the philosophy, practices and lessons of Karbala. Also thanks to the New Statesman for allocating the column inches, it is very much appreciated.

Sun, 2010-02-07 10:38 — Mortadha Abu Hasan (not verified)

Thank You Sayed Mahdi Almodarresi..
rely the modarresi Family Is Olama Falmily And "hadha alshebel Men zakal Alsad".

Sat, 2010-06-19 09:23 — tom665533

A great article get people know about this information.thanks
Home Insurance
Tom

Mon, 2010-02-15 05:34 — sal (not verified)

very informative article on Kerbla which always remains in our heart.

Thu, 2010-02-18 15:44 — hassan (not verified)

If only the whole world new of the tragic story of imam Hussain (a.s) surely no matter what religion you follow we would all benefit from the principles imam Hussain (a.s) conveyed through his actions. If we all follow his characteristics we would truly master the meaning of being human.

Sat, 2010-06-19 09:29 — tom665533

Excellent article for this its provide a lot of information in home insurance.
Home Insurance

Fri, 2010-02-05 12:09 — Asim Abbas (not verified)

How refreshing to see such an article in a political magazine.

What has been happening in Iraq with the 2 suicide bombing and no doubt multiple failed attempts thus far is a great tragedy.

The biggest travesty is the fact that Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, Wahhabis and their ilk are managing to brainwash people into blowing themselves up to kill as many Shia's as possible.

All they are doing is commemorating the death and martyrdom of the grandson of the Holy Prophet. Forget joining us in that commemoration, instead they feel that Shia's should be killed for such an act.
These suicide bombers have been convinced that what they are doing will be rewarded by heaven - kill some muslims who are on a pilgramage and you will be rewarded by God. No they won't and the fact that they made to believe that is a great tragedy.

Tue, 2010-02-23 18:57 — kulsum Abbas (not verified)

This is KARBALA,it can make anybody cry even after thousands of years & can make people change their religion as the call of Imam Hussain AS to HAQ (truth) is alive even today.
LABBAIK YA HUSSAIN.
Jazakallah Alim Saab & great job New Statesman.

Fri, 2010-02-05 12:05 — Sameem Jaffrey (not verified)

Great article Sayed Al-Modaressi and Thank You for sharing your experience and views. The question the Australian gentleman asked is relevant to all Muslim brothers, not only the Shia. I am reminded of the famous saying of our Prophet p.b.u.h (apologies if I misquote) - "Hussein is from me and I am from Hussein". In my humble opinion collective rememberance of this fact (and others like it) by the Ummah, our brothers and sisters in Islam, would help us all heal divisions in the spirit expected of us.

Fri, 2010-02-05 12:11 — Katarina (not verified)

Notice how Western islamophobes harshly criticize self-flagellation -- except in this case: when it's their allies in Iraq.

Suddenly, self-flagellation is no longer barbaric and sick - it is something our wonderful Iraqi democratic buddies do.

What disgusting hypocrisy.

Fri, 2010-02-05 12:18 — Katarina (not verified)

The biggest travesty, Mr. Abbas, is that the rejectionist Shia are in bed with the Crusaders, fighting a war against islam and muslims.

Wise men of the old world have said:
"When the Cross becomes strong, Shiism becomes strong as well."

Wed, 2010-02-10 22:00 — SW (not verified)

Really interesting article. Please publish more like this.

Fri, 2010-02-05 12:22 — Sameer Abedi (not verified)

It is a sacrifice that has been commemorated every year for over 1400 years.

Great article.

Fri, 2010-02-05 12:24 — Mohammed (not verified)

Thank you for such an inspiring article on this holy day. Truly the world is oblivious about Imam Hussain and what he stood for. Its time for the universal principles and values that Hussain sacrificed everything for to be upheld.

Sun, 2010-02-07 14:36 — Mazahir Iqbal Hussein (not verified)

Excellent article. Haider! Haider!
Duas and Salaams,
Mazahir

Wed, 2010-02-10 22:19 — Dr Fatima Husain (not verified)

Peace Be Upon You all reading these words!

The following are courtesy of al-imam.net website:-

Thomas Carlyle (Scottish historian and essayist): “The best lesson which we get from the tragedy of Karbala is that Husain and his companions were rigid believers in God.

They illustrated that the numerical superiority does not count when it comes to the truth and falsehood. The victory of Husain,despite his minority, marvels me!”

Immortal words by Imama Hussain:

“Death with dignity is better than life with humiliation.”

We Muslims, Shia and Sunni both must now surely appreciate this message now in a time where......

"Every day is Ashura and every land is Karbala"

May Allah reward you Sayyed Mahdi.

And thanks to The New Statesman for publishing this article.

Fri, 2010-02-05 12:25 — Asim Abbas (not verified)

"the rejectionist Shia are in bed with the Crusaders, fighting a war against islam and muslims."

Katarina what are you on about?

Self-flagellation is a very contreversial part of Shia Islam and one I don't agree with, however to advertise and over-emphasis it to the point that it is the only thing of focus is wrong and a poor representation of Shia Islam.

Fri, 2010-02-05 12:35 — Katarina (not verified)

The Shia allied with the Crusade, in an attempt to destroy the Sunnis in Iraq. Now you complain about the blowback. I have exactly zero sympathy for your casualties.

Wed, 2010-02-10 22:31 — Mehdi Fazal (not verified)

Its good to see the article in the mainstream media.

The message that comes from Kerbala is for the whole of Humanity is about freedom.

Also the message for all moslems is important: Read the full history to see that the Caliphate had already moved to someone who OPENLY DENIED ISLAM!

The Real prophet of Mercy is a prophet for Humanity and not Muslims only.

Principles are more important - are they not. See what they are:

from a prayer by the son of Imam Hussein

O God,
bless Muhammad,
entrusted by Thee with Thy revelation,
distinguished by Thee among Thy creatures,
devoted to Thee among Thy servants,
the imam of mercy,
the leader of good,
the key to blessing,
who wearied his soul
for Thy affairs,

exposed his body to detested things for Thy sake,

showed open enmity toward his next of kin
by summoning to Thee,

fought against his family
for Thy good pleasure,

cut the ties of the womb
in giving life to Thy religion,

sent far those close
because of their denial,

brought near those far
because of their response to Thee,

showed friendship to the most distant
for Thy sake,

displayed enmity toward the nearest
for Thy sake,

Are these not lofty principles that show that submission to God (He receives no benefit, only Humanity does!) - means Islam - does not decide on right because of tribe, nationality, but by the principles adhered to. One of these is - JUSTICE, so not favouring SADDAM and their supporters even if the whole of Muslim Umma support him.

Imam Hussein was in a minority - holding on to the principles when the whole of the muslim nation had already given up the road of the prophet....