What after Muharram?
By: Syed Mustafa Ahmad
Now, all the virtues of Muharram have been discussed as well as cherished, it is crystal clear that Imam Hussain (AS) and his progeny sacrificed themselves for the sake of God. He proved it that when the cause is great, there is nothing left not to be sacrificed for the same.
We mourned and did whatever we could in the name of the great master and leader. However, the greater question is: Shall we remember Imam throughout the year? Are we ready to look directly into the eyes of a tyrant and proclaim truth? Are we ready to sacrifice our egos for the sake of Imam, so that he can feel pleased with our deeds?
Or is it all about rituals and forgetting Imam (AS) for a year, then come back the next year, start mourning and follow Yazid? Is it like throwing dust into the eyes of the world that on one hand, we challenge Yazid while on the other, we follow the path of Yazid for the whole year?
This paradox is a part and parcel of every Muslim, though some are real champions of Hussainiyat. In the first 13 or 14 days of the above said month, we leave no stone unturned to tell the world that we are the followers of Imam (AS).
However, this wave of enthusiasm ebbs down and the stormy sea becomes calm, with no sign of upheaval or upsurge. This is quite contrary to the cause for which Hazrat Hussain (AS) laid his life at Karbala. We spend a lot of money and time for the cause of Karbala. On the contrary, we irrigate the roots of Yazeediyat every day. We are rebels, mourners and informers. Why are not we able to implement Hussain (AS) in our lives? Let us discuss some causes responsible for it.
The first is materialism. It has made us blind. The lust for more and more has made us cowards and we are not ready to lose the piled wealth for the greater cause. Preferring our children to Islam is in our veins. Outwardly, we showcase our loyalty. However, deep inside, there is the monster of materialism that doesn’t allow us to spend a penny in the way of God.
This sort of mind set is contrary to Imam’s mission. Imam could have worshipped God like others uses to do. Having a lavish life style on one side while showing austerity in public, Imam could have followed the suit. However, Islam would have been reduced to some rituals only.
The main seed would have withered away. The second is vague concept of Islam. We have not understood Islam in the real sense. We think Islam is a set of rituals and practices. It has nothing go do with the practical life. Following rituals without knowing the truth behind, it is our version of Islam.
On the contrary, Islam means submission to God. Everything belongs to Him. Imam gave the practical dimension to it. However, we think Islam means to believe in some metaphysical things and that is all. This mind set doesn’t allow us to look above the surface and understood Islam fully.
The third is the step-motherly treatment meted out to the Progeny of the Last Prophet (PBUH). In my opinion, the teachings of the Progeny of Hazrat Muhammad have been deliberately kept hidden from the common Muslims. Both the Companions of the Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and his pious Progeny are the source of guidance for all of us, though there are some misunderstandings.
However, there is so much common that we can assemble in the name of Hussain. One group of ours always discuss the former while the other group discusses the latter. It is in our best interest if we chart out a moderate path and give due respect to everyone.
Everyone knows the Companions of the Prophet. However, there is less information available about the Progeny of the Prophet. In this way, we are unable to relate ourselves with them. Our future course must be to take both the groups into account and follow their common teachings, without resorting to blotting the pious image of Islam.
In order to get the better of the Hereafter, we must mend our ways. Remembering Imam for some specific days is not a sign of loyalty. If we are loyal enough towards Islam and Imam, we must paint ourselves with the grandson of the Last Prophet (PBUH).
His path is a candle, in the dark hours of ignorance. May Allah be pleased with Imam! May Allah shower His blessings on their pious graves! May Allah accept our alms and charities in the name of Hazrat Hussain! Long live Islam! May Muharram bring some decency in our indecent lives!
