On the birth of Imaam Hussain, it was prophesied that the faith of Islam would be rescued by him. Umayyad ruler, Mu’awiya appointed his son Yazid as his successor, who was one of the most licentious of men. The people, fearing death and destruction at the hands of the tyrant, had yielded to him out of fear. Yazid demanded allegiance from the Holy Imam Hussain but Hussain refused to submit and stood by his values even in the advent of death.

In such circumstances, Hussain had to retire to Medina where he led a secluded life.  Even here he was not permitted to live in harmony and had to look for asylum in Mecca.   Yezid plotted to persecute him in this holy sanctuary as well and thus Hussain had to leave Mecca and proceed to Kufa. Thus in Karbala, Hussain and his companions sacrificed themselves in the name of God to show their stand against injustice and cruelty.

The events of Karbala are not to be simply confined to the pages of history, they are not just a historical record to be argued over, debated and discussed. They are, in fact, the most incomparable, painful, tragic killing of any human being ever. 

Karbala was the place where Imam Hussain (A.S.) the third infallible, gave up his life in order to challenge the corrupt ruler of his time, Yazid Ibn Muawiyaand. He stood up to him to stop him from changing and corrupting Islam. Had it not been for his sacrifice, Islam would have been changed beyond recognition. This is why Karbala is so important and relevant today. There would be no Prayers, no Fasting, no Shariah, had it not been for Imam Hussain’s (A.S.) sacrifice.

In the face of adversity, he stood alone along with his 72 companions. He died to bring down a despot and his cruel regime. Imam Hussain’s (A.S.) stand is an example of how every one of us can inspire hope in a world of desperation and despair regardless of colour, creed or religion.

In a world plagued with increasing inequality and social injustice it is easy to give up, but, “There is still hope”.

This is what the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S.) has taught us.