Khutbah about Arafah (original) (raw)

The martyrdom of al-Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him) is a seminal event in Islamic history, laden with profound sorrow and deep reflection. Despite the initial promises of support from the people of Kufah, political machinations and betrayals led to a tragic reversal of fortune. Al-Husayn's steadfastness, unwavering commitment to his principles, and ultimate sacrifice at Karbala’ are remembered and honored by Muslims worldwide. This event serves as a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the pursuit of justice. Historically, the martyrdom of al-Husayn has been the source of various practices and interpretations within the Muslim community. Notably, certain practices associated with the commemoration of 'Aashuurah, particularly within the Shi'ah tradition, have sparked significant debate. These practices include self-flagellation and other forms of self-harm, which are innovations with no basis in Islam according to many scholars. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) did not prescribe these actions for his ummah (community). Renowned scholars such as Al-Bukhaari and Muslim have emphasized that such actions are not rooted in Islamic teachings. Furthermore, notable figures such as ‘Ali, ‘Uthmaan, and ‘Umar, who were highly revered, were also martyred, yet their deaths are not commemorated with such practices. The historical practices of extreme mourning on 'Aashuurah, especially during the Bani Buwayh era, were innovations meant to impugn the state of Banu Umayyah, while in Syria, the opposite—celebration of 'Aashuurah—was also an innovation . Colonial influences also played a role in shaping some of these practices. Moosa al-Musawi, in his book al-Shi’ah wa’l-Tas-heeh, claims that the British exploited the Shi'ah's love for Imam al-Husayn to teach them practices like striking their heads with swords during their occupation of Iran, Iraq, and India. These practices were used to portray Muslims as savages to justify colonial rule and intervention. 'Aashuurah itself, observed on the 10th of Muharram, has significant historical and religious context. It commemorates the day when Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the believers from the fitnah (trial) of Fir'aun (Pharaoh). The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) also highlighted the day’s importance by stating that fasting on 'Aashuurah expiates the sins of the previous year. Ahlu Sunnah fasts on ‘Aashuurah, while the Shi’a engage in grief practices such as self-flagellation and other forms of self-harm, which are innovations with no basis in Islam. Conversely, the Naasibis of Syria celebrated 'Aashuurah, which is also considered an innovation. In summary, the martyrdom of al-Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him) is a momentous event that has inspired deep reflection and diverse practices within the Muslim community. While the core message of standing against oppression and injustice remains universally revered, the specific ways of commemorating this event vary significantly. It is essential to distinguish between cultural practices and the foundational teachings of Islam, as emphasized by scholars and historical records. The legacy of al-Husayn’s sacrifice continues to inspire Muslims to uphold the values of truth, justice, and resilience, ensuring that the lessons from Karbala resonate through the ages.