The creator of universe has created several facts some of which are materialistic, some non materialistic, some heavenly , some worldly, some physical, some non physical, some for a time and some beyond that. The creator along with creating these facts has also granted men the ability to understand these facts. The Holy Quran has discussed about these facts and has appreciated those who have made attempts to understand them and condemned those who have only learnt to eat, drink and sleep. Allah (s) says that those whom we have given eyes but don't see, have ears but don't listen, have been given intelligence but don't think are not considered as humans in fact they are beasts and even lower than beasts. Thus the humanity of man is hidden in this reality that he should see, listen and think from the faculties of seeing, listening and understanding given by Allah that too the same way as he has been asked to do.

Eyes have been given by Allah but there are very few who benefit from them. Those who throw their eyes on realities also do not have same type of vision. There are several states of human vision; some look at realities with a usurping vision, some with envy, some with greed and some as stranger. But there are some individuals who look at realities with a pure vision; they have a pure innate nature (Fitrat), pure mind and intelligence and pure eyes and ears. The same reality is seen by various persons but everyone visualizes a different scene and everyone develops a different picture in their minds.

Allah (s) has also said that some who have been blessed with luminance (Noor) by us they see the realities by the light given by us to them. They are termed as divine persons who look at everything with enlightened and divine vision as a result of which correct and pure picture of everything comes to their minds. And with the help of their power of expression they transfer this to others. If persons possessing divine vision are not present than ordinary persons will be deprived of grasping realities.

Those personalities whom Allah (s) has blessed with special bounties have also been given an elevated self, hopeful heart, pure vision and a restless soul to find realities.

This greatness further elevates when the realities under consideration are related to esteemed divine and human values; such realities which can transform the destiny of humans and whose effects fall on generations of man like Mohurrum, Ashura, Karbala, Martyrdom, Martyrs, Loyalty, Sacrifice, giving life, perseverance, resistance, etc.

If such realities are not understood correctly than the outcome won't be just ignorance in knowledge but also misguidance. Allah (s) for the sake of understanding such realities has aroused Prophets and sent Messengers. The Infallibles and Imams have been associated with them in order to get acquaintance of such realities. The duty of scholars is to teach these realities to the people but despite of this the majority is not having a grasp over these the way it is desired.

In the garden of values such visionary are born rarely for whom the values are waiting for thousands of years to come and get over them.

Mohurrum and Ashura have been a significant subject since centuries for Shiite and in fact entire humanity. Many have looked at Mohurrum with beliefs, respect, fulfilment of desires, personal gains but there are very few who have seen this event full of secrets with a divine vision to get benefit for humanity from this precious gem. Mohurrum and Ashura is a deep and vast sea on whose shore we can see a big crowd but there are no deep divers seen who can dive deep into this sea.

There are many who have thought about Mohurrum and Ashura and some have distanced themselves and distanced others as well. They have drowned themselves and done the same for others as well. Some took full advantage of the generosity of this sea of Karbala lying on its shore whereas some did not even took the pain to go to the shore and created another Karbala out of their imagination and illusions which has no relation at all with the real Karbala.

Allah (s) has granted Imam Khomeini (r.a) extraordinary vision and foresight. The entire world has seen the miracles of his divine foresight and vision. Whatever Imam acquired was at the mercy of Ashura and his statement ما ہر چہ داریم از سید الشہداء داریم  " Whatever I have is from Doyen of Martyrs" has crossed all limits of fame.

Volumes of books would be required to present what Imam (r.a) got from Ashura and Karbala; and whatever he acquired from Ashura and Karbala he also presented it to others. According to Imam (r.a) Ashura is not just an event it is a school and Ideology and he has absorbed the path of salvation of Ummah and realities of religion from this school. Imam (r.a) shed tears on Ashura and mourned on the Martyrs but at the same also acquired the message of Ashura. He made the message practical and got the results from it; and by his words and character spread that to others as well.

According to Allama Iqbal:

دکھا دوں گا جہاں کو جو میری آنکھوں نے دیکھا ہے
تجھے بھی صورت آئینہ حیراں کر کے چھوڑوں گا

I will show the world what my eyes have seen
O my face I will leave the mirror astonished

The recognition of religion, understanding of religious laws and Quran by Imam (r.a) is different from all other visionaries. What this great leader saw was present in the books but could not be visualized by others studying the same books since centuries. The secret of Ashura and Mohurrum could not be understood by thinkers for centuries but this wise Jurist sensed it with his sharp vision. When he himself reached the secrets he demanded from Allah that whatever I have seen others should also be blessed with the same:

According to Allama Iqbal

محروم تماشا کو پھر دیدۂ بینا دے
دیکھا ہے جو کچھ میں نے اوروں کو بھی دکھلا دے

Let the deprived spectators get eyes again
Whatever I have seen show it to others as well

Imam (r.a) saw Hamasa, Resistance, courage, sacrifice, Dignity and resolution in Mohurrum. This statement of Imam that Mohurrum is the month of victory of blood over sword should get imprinted on heart of every human.

He said about Mohurrum:

With the advent of the month of Mohurrum; Hamasa, Resistance, bravery and sacrifice also begins. This is the month in which blood dominated over sword. This is the month in which the power of truth defeated falsehood forever and placed a seal on the forehead of oppressors and devilish governments. A month which has shown the path of victory to every historic generation by raising itself on the spearhead. A month in which history of Superpowers defeat by words of truth was written. A month in which the leader of Muslims, the Doyen of Martyrs has shown us the path of resistance against tyrants. A path where the lovers of freedom, those desiring resolutions and righteous confronters with their firm feet and closed fists should dominate the Satanic tanks, army and weapons thereby destroying falsehood by the words of truth.

Ashura - The basis of revival of Religion

The Bani Umayyah and specifically Yazid wanted to eradicate Islam and revive the era of ignorance. He denied the Quranic revelations and religious teachings by his words and also practically trampled them. The Doyen of Martyrs started an uprising against Yazid when He (s) saw Islam getting wiped off thereby got salvation for Islam from Yazid's impure motives.

Imam Khomeini (r.a) paid high attention towards this aspect of the Ashura uprising and by taking inspirations from it gave salvation to Islam from the Yazid of his era and his evil motives. This is the reason that in the vision of Imam (r.a) Mohurrum is not just the month of mourning instead a month of salvation for Islam and revival of religion. Imam Khomeini (r.a) says:

Mohurrum is the month in which Islam revived through the leader of crusader and leader of oppressed. The doyen of martyrs gave salvation to Islam from the transgressing elements of Bani Umayyah. Islam from its advent has been watered with the blood of Martyrs and crusaders which made it fruitful. Mohurrum for Shiite is a month in which success has been achieved in exchange of blood and sacrifice of life.

Imam (r.a) by considering Mohurrum as the month of calamities also got towards its true secret because there is a great secret hidden behind these calamities. The outcome of the recognition of Ashura which had led it to the conclusion that it was not the calamities which befell upon Imam Hussain (a.s) instead Imam Hussain (a.s) turned towards the calamities. There were two major objectives active behind taking upon such big calamities.

One was the nurturing and development of those followers of truth who are willing to sacrifice their lives and second was the defeat of a merciless enemy. Both of these objectives cannot be achieved without stepping inside the valley of calamities. The ignorant human being worships to whatever extent but until unless he bears hardships in the way of Allah and gives sacrifices he can neither purify himself nor can he defeat his enemy. This is the reason for Imam (r.a) Mohurrum is the month of construction of human self and defeating enemies. He says:

Mohurrum to what extent is a month full of calamities and how much constructive it is for man and defeat of enemies. Mohurrum is the month of great revolution by the Doyen of Martyrs and Doyen of Saints in which by rising against the devils (Taghut) He (a.s) taught the lessons of constructing man (self) and defeating enemies of humanity. Imam said that the secret of annihilation of oppressors and defeat of tyrants in this month lies in sacrifices and specifically sacrificing life. This is a green chapter of Islamic teachings for all communities until the day of judgment.

There are many factors involved in survival of Islam amongst which are the hardships of Scholars, efforts of Crusaders, the propagation by preachers, the efforts of writers and Jurist, the efforts of lecturers and teachers but according to Imam (r.a) the main cause behind survival of Islam is Mohurrum and Ashura. If the uprising of the Doyen of Martyrs would not have been there than neither lectures nor lecturers would have existed, neither Jurisprudence nor propagation would have taken place, neither pen nor book would be present, neither Quran nor its reciters, neither pulpits nor orators would have existed. All these categories and groups are well appreciated for their efforts in the survival of Islam and have their own position but we should not be negligent about the  main cause of survival of Islam till date and that is Mohurrum and Ashura. Imam (r.a.) had no hesitations to say explicitly in front of scholars, preachers and Jurists that the survival of Islam is only guaranteed by Mohurrum and Ashura.

Imam (r.a) says:

It is this Mohurrum and Safar which has kept Islam alive. We should now keep Mohurrum and Safar alive by expressing the calamities of Ahlulbayt (a.s) because it is due the calamities of Ahlulbayt (a.s) that this religion is still alive. Mohurrum is that month in which people are prepared and have the readiness to listen to truth.

This implies that Mohurrum is a month in which are inclined towards listening to truth. It is intended that just like the Holy month of Ramazan in which the hearts of believers are ready for understanding Quran similarly in the month of Mohurrum the hearts are ready for truth and righteousness. They are ready to accept truth, defend and establish righteousness because it is the month of righteousness. Hence in this month nothing else other than promotion of truth and following of truth should happen. As such no day in a year is for following and promoting falsehood but at least in the month of Mohurrum utmost care should be taken to ensure that falsehood is not promoted.

In this month mischief, distortions and innovations have no place at all. In this month speaking anything other than truth, uttering a single word away from truth and speaking something else other than truth is equivalent to assassinating the Doyen of Martyrs and his loyal companions. This is because the Doyen of Martyrs for the sake of defending truth whereas Yazid for the sake eradicating truth confronted each other in Karbala.

The duty of Scholar, Orators and Speakers

The way the picture of grief, calamities and mourning comes to our mind immediately on hearing the name of Mohurrum similarly the picture of speakers and orators also comes to our mind. This is because everyone has some role in Mohurrum but the most significant role is that of speakers and orators. Millions at different places listen to the speeches of speakers and orators; through them revive the remembrance of Karbala, listen to the stories of martyrs; the calamities that befell on Ahlulbayt and then mourn out of their heart on Ahlulbayt also considering this act as the means for salvation. The speakers and orators play a fundamental role in preserving Mohurrum, Ashura and Azadari (mourning ceremonies) of the Doyen of Martyrs. But saying this is also true that this same group is the biggest cause of keeping people away from the Philosophy of Ashura, soul of Karbala and deprivation of people from the Message of Martyr of Karbala.

The main reason for this is that many professionals mount the pulpits pretending to be Speakers and Orators who have no acquaintance with Karbala, no recognition of Ashura and no sympathy with Imam Hussain (a.s). They have no concerns about religion but instead their only concern is with fame, money, acceptance of their speech and praises by audience. If this group can really understand Karbala than every Mohurrum could become the basis of destruction of one Yazid. Several stupid speakers and orators call Mohurrum as "season" which means season for earning, looting believers and season for making your personality. Imam Khomeini (r.a) addressed this group and said that the speakers and orators should understand the soul of Mohurrum, should grasp the message of Ashura and should rectify their vision.

Imam Khomeini (r.a) says:

Now when Mohurrum is present as a divine sword in the hands of respected scholars, the orators of the Doyen of Martyrs, the soldiers of Shiite and Islam they should try to reap maximum benefits from it and by reliance on divine powers uproot the leftover roots of oppression and treachery. This is because the month of Mohurrum is the month of defeat for Yazidi powers and Satanic conspiracies.

The causes behind Ashura uprising

Imam (r.a) says regarding the cause behind Ashura uprising.

During the advent of Islam the Holy Prophet (s) who laid the foundation of Justice and freedom; after his death Islam became an easy to swallow morsel for Bani Umayyah due to the deviations they created in Islam. Justice was getting trampled under the feet of tyrants. This was the time when the Doyen of Martyrs created this great revolution of Ashura.

Imam Khomeini (r.a) pointing towards the government of Yazid and his filthy conspiracies says:

The school of Yazid which was the child of Yazid's ignorance was slowly denying the divine revelations under the cover of which he was denying Prophethood and was reviving Arab communism again. He wanted to obliterate Islam and its government of justice into a imperialistic government. This way he wanted to get Islam out of practical grounds. But the one nurtured by divine revelations, the grandson of last Prophet the eminent Mohammad (s) and son of the leaders of saints Imam Ali (a.s), Imam Hussain who was brought up in the laps of the Purest Lady (s.a.) started an uprising and with his outstanding sacrifice and divine movement gave birth to this great event of Karbala.

Umawi Islam in placed of Mohammadi Islam

The big innovation (Biddah) against which the Doyen of Martyrs started this uprising was that Bani Umayyah was promoting their own carved religion in the name of Islam brought by the Messenger (s.a.w.s). They treacherously kept the outward of Islam preserved but destroyed its soul. In order to deceive Muslims they would offer Prayers but were also indulged in all sorts of act of disobedience. In drunken state they would lead prayers and in the state of intoxication they would mount the pulpit to deliver sermon. They would preach the people in an intoxicated state, murder innocent people and then would pretend to be supporter of those murdered. They would crush the opponents of Bani Umayyah in a severe way and render different forms of atrocities on the supporters of Ahlulbayt (a.s). They would oppose all religious facts and favour prohibited things spreading self carved thoughts in the name of religion. They would pay courtyard orators for justifying their sins and inappropriate acts. They would call themselves not just with the title of the Caliph of Prophet (s.a.w.s) but as Caliph of Allah.

The accursed affair of presenting Islam (another form) against Islam and religion against religion was first started by Bani Umayyah which continues as a custom even till date. Even today losses are being incurred by bringing Islam against Islam and religion against religion. The battle of religion versus religion is not understood by every human even if he is a big Jurist (Faqeeh); in order to understand this devilish tactic a divine perception is required. When Bani Umayyah presented Islam against Islam many writers of traditions, companions, close associates of Messenger (s.a) got deceived by it. They were considering Yazid and his father as Caliph of Muslims and considered it forbidden to oppose them. According to these simpletons an uprising against the Caliph of Muslims is not permitted even if he is a worst evil doer.

The doyen of martyrs immediately sensed this accursed tactic of Bani Umayyah by his divine foresight and also started an uprising against it. In the beginning itself he invited all Muslims for this uprising but those were deceived by the propagation of Bani Umayyah did not pay any heed to His (a) invitation and kept on silently following the Umawi Islam by considering it as the true Islam. But Imam Hussain (a.s) declared it as disgraceful and openly started opposing it. This was the reason that Bani Umayyah were sensitive about Imam Hussain (a.s) because they were aware that in the entire Muslim Ummah if someone can defeat them than he is this grandson of Messenger (s.a.w.s). Their sensitivity and feeling was absolutely correct and therefore they considered not taking extreme steps against Imam Hussain (a.s) also as pragmatism and got verdicts (Fatwa) issued by the Jurist of Umawi Islam against the Imam of Mohammadi Islam. And then finally martyred him thirsty in Karbala after which they prepared for celebrations.

Imam Khomeini (r.a) understood this aspect of the uprising with utmost attention and depth and then when he looked at the situation in his era he felt that even today the battle of Islam versus Islam and religion versus religion is ongoing. An adulterated Islam is presented even today to the simple minded Muslims and to simple minded scholars as well in order to isolate them from true Islam. Imam gave this Islam the title of Islam of America which was made and promoted against Mohammadi Islam and today its glimpses are clearly seen in majority of Islamic nations. In such a situation the duty of a Jurist (Faqeeh), Researcher (Mujtahid) and Marja-e-Taqleed is the same which was delivered by Imam Hussain (a.s) in the era of Bani Umayyah that was to rise against this fraudulent and American Islam and propagate Mohammadi Islam. Though the outcome of this act would be the same as that of the uprising of the Doyen of Martyrs but Imam (r.a) said that when the Doyen of Martyrs can sacrifice his life for securing Islam than the blood of Jurists is not more precious than the blood of Imam Hussain (a.s). The reasoning and justification of such an act cannot be better understood by anyone else other than an Infallible (a.s). The uprising of the Doyen of Martyrs despite of all dangers was considered as an accomplishment of proof by Imam Khomeini (r.a) and by considering this a custom and character of an Infallible started an uprising against the Yazid of his time and defeated him.

Imam Khomeini (r.a) in regards to the battle of Islam versus Islam and religion versus religion and the related uprising of the Doyen of Martyrs says:

The Doyen of Martyrs saw that Muawiyah and Yazid are destroying Islam and presenting it upside down. The Islam which had come to develop man and not for acquisition of power and forming a government for yourself was presented in an opposite manner. That father and son like this father and son ( Reza Khan Pahlavi and his son Mohammad Raza Pahlavi) were presenting Islam in the opposite way, they used to drink (alcohol) and lead prayers, organize gatherings of fun, entertainment, singing and dancing and then lead prayers as well. They were leader of prayers and also gamblers, they would mount the pulpit and also consider themselves worthy of it. In the name of Messenger (s.a.w.s) they considered themselves appointed by Him (s.a.w.s). Their slogan was "La Ilaha Ilallah" but had started an uprising against divinity. Their character and trend was Satanic but considered themselves as Caliph of Messenger (s.a.w.s).

A simple apprehension of thoughts and its check

Bani Umayyah made certain formulas for promoting Umawi Islam and placed them in the minds of people as principles of religion which are considered even today by the Muslims as Islamic principles. Amongst these one was that the Muslim leader is never self appointed and is made by Allah thus he is the Caliph of Allah on land . Hence his absolute obedience is obligatory and disobedience is forbidden. Whatever he does is with the permission and order from Allah. No one has the rights to oppose him and thus anyone who raises his voice against the Muslim Caliph or starts an uprising is out of religion. He will be declared as a rebellion and his assassination is mandatory.

This thought is present even today in the minds of Muslims in some or other form. Different sects also consider this as divine principle acquired through divine revelations. Hence they themselves also do no rise against devils (Taghoot) nor do they provide others with the justification to rise. The scholars becoming governmental and Kings courtyards ones has this Umawi principle behind it.

It was under this principle that verdicts were acquired from courtyard Jurists thereby declaring the Doyen of Martyrs as a rebel against Muslim Caliph thus declared as obligatory to kill. When Imam Khomeini (r.a) rose against the Shah of Iran certain prominent and known elderly scholars opposed him by saying that in the entire world Shah is the only Shia Emperor and an Emperor is Zillullah (Caliph who implements Allah's rules on earth) and it is not permitted to rise against Zillullah. These scholars also prevented their followers to participate in this uprising.

These kind of thoughts have always given justification for oppression to Satanic governments and have inspired Muslims to obey tyrants. Since these thoughts are presented with the support of distorted narrations (Hadith) ordinary persons accept it as an Islamic vision. Imam Khomeini (r.a) waiving this historic apprehension from the minds of Muslims said:

Yazid was a powerful emperor whose empire had spread far off so under what pretext the Doyen of Martyrs rose against the emperor of his time and stood against Zillullah? On the basis of which evidence he started this uprising against this ruler who was reciting the Witness slogan (Kalema-e-Shahadatain) and was declaring himself as the Caliph of Messenger (s.a.w.s)?

Imam (a.s) started this uprising because Yazid was an usurper who wanted to usurp the Muslim Ummah. He desired to usurp and eat away all the earnings of the Muslim nation.

The danger to Islam from Muawiyah and Yazid was not that they have usurped Caliphate, this was not that big a danger, the big danger was their desire to transform Islam into Emperorship and Imperialism. They desired to transform spirituality into devilishness, they wanted to change Islam into a devilish government under the title of Caliph of Islam and this was the most significant issue. The heavy stroke which these two wanted to deliver and in fact delivered on the structure of Islam was not done by anyone else before. They wanted to topple the foundations of Islam itself.

They had alcoholic and gambling gatherings in their kingdom and on the other hand possessed the title of Caliph of Allah and were also Imam-e-Juma (leader of Friday prayers). This was the big danger which was defended by the Doyen of Martyrs. The threat was not just limited to usurpation of Caliphate. The Doyen of Martyrs rose against a devilish government else if they would have succeeded in their evil motives than the map of Islam would have been something different.

Islam had come to terminate devilish governments replacing it with the foundations of divine governance. Islam had come to break Satans and in their place establish the government of Allah whereas these people desired to again place devils in place of Allah and revive the era of ignorance. But the Doyen of Martyrs with his martyrdom defeated their conspiracy because he stood for Allah and an uprising which starts for Allah can never be defeated.

When the Doyen of Martyrs saw that these people are adulterating the school of Islam, they are doing oppression in the name of Islam and Caliphate and world is witnessing their affairs as acts of Caliph of Messenger , He considered this as his duty to rise and present martyrdom in the way of Islam so that the effects of Yazid and Muawiyah can be absorbed.

The scarcity of Supporters and uprising against Devils (Taghoot)

A big activator behind the existence of governments like that of Bani Umayyah and Yazid is the scarcity of follower of truth and supporters of religion. As it is mentioned by Ameerul Momineen (a.s) that the followers of truth have always remained in scarcity. The Holy Quran has also discussed about the scarcity of supporters of religion.

This same element has a big role in the silence of people against tyrannical governments. In entire history the Islamic Scholars also declare the scarcity of supporters as the cause behind silence and stillness. A general impression found is also that until unless there is a complete majority of supporters it is not permitted to rise against devils and tyrants. It is essential to analyse the standing of the presenters of this excuse of generic impression, character of silent scholars and scarcity of supporters under the light of religion, Quran and the character of Ahlulbayt. The stand of Quran is very clear on this. The character of Prophets has also been specified by the Quran with complete details. Allah (s) has declared the success of the followers of truth over majority as a divine custom and has informed the supporters of religion till the doomsday that minority always dominates the majority.

 کم من فئة قلیلة غلبت فئة کثیرة باذن اللہ

In the character of Prophets also the victory of minority over majority is clearly visible. And specifically the victory of Taloot and his limited companions against Jaloot and his big army is a proof of righteousness of this divine principle.

Imam Khomeini (r.a) from the very beginning was not in agreement with this excuse for silence of people and scholars and scarcity of supporters. He considered this excuse as non religious and practically also he acted against this. He along with his few companions rose against the strongest tyrannical government of Middle East and toppled its throne.

A question that comes up over here is that on what basis or from where Imam Khomeini (r.a) got this contentment that success can be achieved by an uprising against oppression even with very few supporters. He gave the answer to this in various sermons. Imam (r.a) would always say that the character of Imam Hussain (a.s) is a practical role model for us because Imam Hussain (a.s) without being concerned about the results just acted upon his responsibility. The scarcity of supporters can be effective on the results but is not an obstacle in delivering responsibility. This is the fundamental difference between Imam (r.a) and other scholars that they always expect instant results whereas Imam (r.a) recognizes his duties. The Holy Quran has explicitly said that rising against oppression is obligatory under all circumstances irrespective of whether you are one, or you have few companions with you or you have big majority support. The delivery of this duty is obligatory in all circumstances. Imam (r.a) would always mention this verse of Holy Quran in which Allah (s) says:

انما اعظکم بواحدة ان تقوموا للہ مثنیٰ و فرادی
"Allah only preaches you that whether you are one or two, you have to rise in all situations"

The Scholars who are the followers of Silent Religion only inferred the ruling of congregation prayers from this verse. But a crusading scholar derived an uprising against tyrants and oppression from this verse. He just did not inform others but also himself acted upon it.

Imam Khomeini (r.a) says that after this clarity from Quran and a clear and splendid uprising by the Doyen of Martyrs it is not permitted for anyone to remain silent and adopt stillness. Imam Hussain (a.s) snatched away from everyone the excuse of scarcity of followers. It is not permissible for anyone to sit silent with the justification and excuse of scarcity of companions. Imam Khomeini (r.a) narrates from Abu Makhnaf that at the camping station of Baiza when the army of Hurr stopped Imam Hussain (a.s), He (a.s) stopped his caravan there and delivered a sermon to the army of Hurr in which after praising Allah (s) said:

 ایھاالنّاس انَّ رسولَ اﷲ ۖ قال : مَنْ رأیٰ سُلطاناً جَائراً مُستَحِلّاً لحُرُم اﷲ، ناکثاً لِعھدِ اﷲ، مخالفاً لسنّةرَسُولِ اﷲ ۖ یَعْمَلُ فی عبا دِ اﷲِبِالاِثمِ والعُدوانِ ، فَلَم یُغَیّر علیہ بِفعلٍ وَلاَ قولٍ کَانَ حقّاً عَلیٰ اﷲِ أن یُدْ خِلَہ مَدْ خَلَہ''

O People! The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s) has said: Anyone who witnesses a tyrant emperor who is declaring the forbidden things of Allah as permissible, breaking the covenants of Allah, opposing the customs of Messenger (s.a.w.s), is ruling amongst people with sins and enmity than anyone who does not oppose him by his words and actions it will become obligatory on Allah to include this silent person with the tyrants on the day of judgment.

Imam Khomeini (r.a) says:

Imam Hussain (a.s) said these words when he was on the way of his uprising from Mecca towards Karbala. The number of his companions were very few whereas the enemies were in big numbers. The superpower of that time Yazid was in opposition to Imam and all the governmental affairs were in his hands. This tradition and words of Imam Hussain (a.s) stagnates our excuse that we don't have numbers, we don't have power because Imam Hussain (a.s) narrated this tradition when he was on the way of his uprising against a tyrant like Yazid.

Imam (a.s) addressed people and mentioned the reason for his uprising; why I have started this uprising against this transgressor? It is because he has broken the covenant of Allah, he has opposed the customs of Messenger (s.a.w.s), he has rejected divine sanctities; and it is for these circumstances the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s) has said that anyone who sits silently and shows no dignity in his words and actions than his place is the same as that of Yazid, which is Hell.

The meaning expressed by the Doyen of Martyrs was not just for that era it is for everyone. The Messenger (s.a.w.s) has said that anyone who witnesses a tyrant who has the aforementioned traits and then sits silently, does not say anything and does not takes any step will have the same position as that of this tyrant.

Yazid was a person who was a Muslim in his exterior and was declaring himself as Caliph of Prophet, he was reciting prayers also and was doing all those things which we are doing but on the other hand was sinful and disobedient of Prophetic customs. His treatment of people was against the way Prophet (s) treated people. The Messenger (s) was a defender of the blood of people whereas Yazid was shedding blood of people. He was looting and wasting people's wealth and earnings. His father had the same trend against which Ameerul Momineen (a.s) started his uprising though he had an army present with him but the Doyen of Martyrs had very limited numbers with him.

The objectives of Ashura uprising

Even though Imam Hussain (a.s) from his sacred lips has clearly expressed the objectives and purpose of uprising and at certain places he has specified it in writing but still there are various interpretations about the purpose of his sacred uprising. Some have said that there was no purpose behind this uprising and he was just forcefully brought to Karbala and martyred; if He (a.s) would have been left on his own than he would have never adopted this path. Some have this thought that Imam (a.s) went to Karbala for sacrificing his life for the sake of salvation of his Ummah (nation). Some Scholars based on opinions of rulers say that God forbid the grandson of Messenger (s.a.w.s) did not had a proper idea about the situation due to which he took such decisions which became the cause for His (a.s) martyrdom. A general opinion also found is that the Doyen of Martyrs got martyred to make arrangement for Ummah to earn rewards (Thawaab) because mourning for Him (a.s) and Azadari are the basis of earning rewards hence He (a.s) did not wanted Ummah (nation) to be deprived of rewards (Thawaab).

All these are incorrect visions and do not even have a particle of truth in it. Those who have expressed these have only illustrated their ignorance.

It is unjustified to remain confused, astonished and perplexed about the purpose of uprising because the purified self of the Doyen of Martyrs has himself specified this. This was because he was aware that in the forthcoming period people would become victim of astonishment. He (a.s) was not just aware about the purpose of this uprising but was also well aware about its results as well but despite of this He (a.s) started this uprising and the results were same as prophesized by Him (a.s) before.

Imam Khomeini (r.a) searched the need and purpose of the uprising of the Doyen of Martyrs in His (a.s) own words and then declared those objectives of Ashura as the purpose of his uprising. In the vision of Imam Khomeini (r.a) the important objectives of the uprising of the Doyen of Martyrs were these:

Social Reformation

Imam Hussain (a.s) declared the reformation of Ummah (nation) as one of the prime objectives of his uprising for which Imam Khomeini (r.a) says:

All Prophets had come for social reformation and all have expressed the same fact that an individual should sacrifice himself for society. Even if the person is great which means the greatest and most eminent person whose value is more than anything else in the world should also not refrain from giving sacrifices for social reasons. The Doyen of Martyrs under this law and on this scale came with family and supporters presenting all sacrifices for the sake of reforming the society.

 لِیَقُومَ النَّاسُ بِالْقِسْط…

So that people can rise for establishment of justice and a system of justice comes into existence amongst people.

The martyrdom of Imam (a.s) was for this reason that divine justice remains established and house of Allah remains protected.

Establishment of Islamic Government

Imam Khomeini (r.a) opposing this common impression that Prophets and Imams (a.s) did not desire government and were only struggling for spirituality and hereafter declares that a big purpose behind the struggle of all Prophets and Infallibles was for establishment of divine government. According to him Islam cannot be practised (in totality) without a government. Denial of Islamic government is equivalent to denying Islam. Those who used to say that the Infallibles never had this vision of establishing Islamic government, Imam (r.a) replied to them with a question , than why were tyrannical governments assassinating Imams (a.s) ? Why did they made the Infallibles (a.s) captive in prisons? Why did they apply pressure on people to stay away from them (a.s)?

In the vision of Imam (r.a) the uprising of the Doyen of Martyrs was also for the same reason of establishment of Islamic government. Imam Khomeini (r.a) says:

From the Doyen of Martyrs to the Imam of our age and from Prophet Adam to the Last Prophet (s) everyone has one purpose in life and that was to establish a government of justice against tyrannical governments. The uprising which the Doyen of Martyrs started from day one was motivated by establishment of Justice.

The Doyen of Martyrs says:

 ألَا تَرون انّ الحقّ لا یُعملُ بِہ وَ انّ البَاطِلَ لا یُتنَاھیٰ عنہ

Don't you see that truth is not being practised and evils are not being prohibited.

Imam (a.s) wanted to establish Maroof (goodness and values) and eradicated evils (Munkar). All other paths other than the right path and the path of monotheism are personification of deviation and evils which should be obliterated.

We the followers of the Doyen of Martyrs should see how was His (a.s) life? The purpose of his uprising was for Nahi Anal Munkar (prohibition from evils) and a tyrant government is also an evil which should be destroyed.

The Doyen of Martyrs sacrificed his entire life, existence and the life of his children for this purpose. He was aware what was going to happen. If someone reads his words when he was departing from Medina, then when entering Mecca and departing from Mecca would realize that Imam was attentive towards all what he wanted to do. It was not that He (a.s) started an uprising and waited to see what the opponents are going to do instead He (a.s) did his uprising to take the government under his control and this was the reason he started this uprising and is a matter of prestige. Those who think that the Doyen of Martyrs did not rise for government are not correct instead He (a.s) rose for government so that government should come under control of a divine person like the Doyen of Martyrs or should be in the hands of the followers of Imam Hussain (a.s)

Protecting Islamic Ideology

The Doyen of Martyrs did not get martyred so that rewards (Thawaab) can be accumulated. In his vision rewards were not important instead he did his uprising to give salvation to the Ideology and revive Islam.

The Doyen of Martyrs saw that Ideology is being destroyed. The uprising of Imam Hussain (a.s) or the uprising of Ameerul Momineen (a.s) against Muawiyah or the uprising of Prophets against all powerful, tyrannical and infidels is not for the sake of acquiring a country because the entire universe has no significance for these personalities. Their ideology and purpose is not to invade countries. The thing which dragged the Doyen of Martyrs here was Ideology, it was unity and belief which got him here. It was for the sake of faith and beliefs that he sacrificed everything he possessed and with his martyrdom defeated the enemy.

Delivering Divine responsibilities

In this chapter Imam Khomeini (r.a) says:

The Doyen of Martyrs started an uprising against Yazid and maybe, in fact certainly he was contented that he won't be successful in uprooting the government of Yazid.

We get indications of this in narrations that He (a.s) was aware about this.

In Lahoof, the letter which Imam Hussain (a.s) wrote to Bani Hashim has been copied :

بسم اﷲ ا لرحمن الرحیم ، منِ الحسین بن علی بن ابی طا لب الی بنی ہا شم ۔ أما بعد فا نہ مَن لحق بی منکم استشھد ومن تخلّف لم یبلُغ مبلغَ الفتح، والسلام، اللھوف علی قتل الطفوف

From Hussain ibn Ali to Bani Hashim:

One who joins me will get martyred and one who leaves me will not be successful. But still I will rise against the tyrant ruler even if I am martyred.

He did the uprising, gave martyrs and himself also drank the cup of martyrdom.

Thus it was the demand of divine responsibility to do this uprising, to give your blood so that this nation can be reformed and the flag of Yazid can be brought down. Thus He (a.s) did what he desired. He sacrificed his own blood and that of his children and gave everything for the sake of Islam.

Uprising, Resistance (Moqawamat) and Perseverance

Imam Khomeini (r.a) says:

Under those circumstances the Doyen of Martyrs identified his responsibility that in order to break the current state of Islam and Muslims there is need to demonstrate Resistance to the extent of Martyrdom so that with his and his companions sacrifices he can upset Yazidiat. This was because he was witnessing that a tyrant ruler is dominating the Islamic state and under such situation he recognized his divine responsibility as an uprising thereby came out in the field, opposed oppression and without being concerned about future harshly expressed his opposition and denial. If we look at the prevailing circumstances than such a small number could never have confronted such a big majority and hence He (a.s) should have not done this uprising but He (a.s) did this uprising because it was an obligation.

The Doyen of Martyrs was concerned about the future of Islam and Muslims. He knew that Islam would spread amongst people as an outcome of his sacrifices and sacred crusade. He (a.s) opposed Yazid so that the political and social system gets established in our society. This was the reason that He confronted and sacrificed himself for the splendid future of Islam and Muslims.

The Martyrs of Karbala's awareness of the path

Speakers and Orators have given this general impression that Imam Hussain (a.s) and his companions were forcefully dragged to Karbala and martyred. If they would not have been pursued then Imam (a.s) would not have been martyred in Karbala. As if this thing has entered their mind that no one adopts the path of death in an intentionally aware manner and death always surrounds man by force.

In reality these people compare Imam (a.s) to themselves; the way they are afraid of death they assume that the Infallibles (a.s) were also the same whereas this comparison is completely void. Death for Infallibles and their followers is a privilege and they have no desire to live. Ameerul Momineen (a.s) says in Nahjul Balagha: By Allah! The son of Abu Talib is attracted towards death more than an infant is attracted towards mother's milk. The martyrs of Karbala also considered death sweeter than honey. For Imam Hussain (a.s) dying on the path of Allah is a privilege and life of humiliation is disgraceful. It is for these personalities that the glorious Quran has said:

 لو کنتم فی بیوتکم لبرز الذین کتب علیہم القتل الی مضاجعہم

If you remain in your homes Allah will bring in your place those who will walk towards their places of slaughter by their own feet.

The secret of greatness of martyrs lies in this fact that dying on the path of Allah is an intentionally selected way and this was the path adopted by the Doyen of Martyrs as well and this was the selected path by His companions also.

Imam Khomeini (r.a) also adopted this path and his followers also by adopting this path drank the cup of martyrdom. Imam Khomeini (r.a) says:

"A community until unless learns the style of adopting martyrdom in the way of Allah will not be blessed with dignity."

Imam Khomeini (r.a) says:

On the day of Ashura with every moment the Doyen of Martyrs coming near to the time of his martyrdom his face was glowing more and more.

Imam Sajjad (a.s) says:

وکان الحسین و بعض مَن معہ من خصا ئصہ تُشرق
ألوانھم و تھدی جوارحھم وتسکن نفوسھم

The faces of Imam Hussain and his companion were glowing and their body was at peace and their heart contented.

His companions were competing amongst each other on who gets martyred first. Everyone knew that they will martyred in few hours, they were aware in which direction they were moving and for what. They all knew that they have come to deliver a divine responsibility so that Islam can be protected.

Imam Hussain (a.s) saw this as a Holy war in the way of Allah, for Allah and since this was a crusade for Allah all those the dear ones who will go on this path will in reality be alive and are all deserving of goodness in the eternal world.

Thus by acting on the character of the Martyrs of Karbala the faces of the Baseej youths of Islamic republic of Iran, the armed forces and Revolutionary guards would also glow and brighten when they stepped into the battlefield.

Uprising for Prayers (Salaat)

Imam Khomeini (r.a) says:

At the time of Zohr on the day of Ashura when the Doyen of Martyrs was in the battlefield , amidst the warfare activity where there was danger for everyone, one of his companion in that state told him that the time for Zohr has come up, He replied:

ذکرت الصّلاة جعلک امِن المصلّین الذاکرین ، نَعم ھذا
أوّل وقتیھا ۔ ثّم قال: سلُوھم أن یکُفّواعنّا حتیّ نُصَلّی

You have remembered prayers (Salaat), May Allah count you amongst those who offered and remembered prayers. Yes! it is the prime time for prayers.

Then He (a.s) said:

Ask this army to stop the battle for sometime so that we can offer our prayers, thus he offered the prayers there and did not say that we are fighting now (so forget about prayers) instead said that this battle is for Prayers (Salaat).

The standard for Life and Death

Imam Khomeini (r.a) says:

Ali ibn Hussain (Ali Akbar) came in the presence of Imam Hussain (a.s) and asked whether we are on righteousness (Haqq) or not ? Imam (a.s) replied that we are definitely on righteousness on this Ali Akbar (a.s) said:

فا ذا ً لا نُبا لی با لموت
When we are on the right than why should we be afraid of death