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It was the year 61 Hijrah. Arrows were filling the sky of Karbala like stars in the darkness. Swords were flashing like lightning through heavy clouds. One side, with thousands of armed horsemen, was fighting against the 72 saviours of Islam, the descendants of the Prophet ﷺ, the ones who were commanded by Allah. The ones whose heads were separated from their bodies, but it did not stop them. The ones who left their children and wives, entrusted to Allah, and were martyred.

Currently, in 1448 Hijrah, this incident still grieves the hearts, bleeds the hearts, and revives the hearts.

Since childhood, I have really felt miserable whenever I read the tragic history of Karbala, and I am sure as Muslims, you all feel that way too, As we have no control to change it, but what if we were there? Who would we have sided with?

As Muslims, our reply would always be: Imam Hussain (AS). We would have been willing to lay down our lives and sacrifice our loved ones for him, right?

But history says something we would not like to accept.

Have you ever asked yourselves: what were the followers of Imam Hussain ibn-e-Ali(AS) , and what were the followers of Yazid ?

The followers of Yazid were not only the people who stained their hands with the blood of the saviours of Islam; they were also the people who stayed quiet. Some of their hearts were with Imam Hussain (AS), but their swords were with Banu Umayya.

So how can we say that only because we love Imam Hussain (AS), we would have been among his followers? Because the same human weaknesses that made people abandon truth on Ashura can appear in smaller forms in our own lives. To identify which side we stand on, we need to answer some questions.

Followers of Yazid

The followers of Yazid were influenced by fear of the state, financial stipends, and worldly advancement. They were willing to violate the sanctity of the Prophet’s family, Medina, and the Kaaba to fulfil royal commands.

So, does the love for money and the world mean more to me than what is right?

The followers of Yazid were brutal and ruthless. They not only martyred the household of the Prophet ﷺ but also treated the wives and children of the martyrs brutally.

So do I treat the innocent brutally for my own selfish desires?

The Banu Umayya followed strict tribalism. Their political structure relied heavily on the pre-Islamic dominance of the Banu Umayya clan, despite the principles of equality taught by the Prophet ﷺ.

Do I care about caste and creed? Do I treat people differently depending upon the social and financial status they have?

Some of the followers of Yazid did not hate Imam Hussain (AS), but they were too cowardly to stand with the truth and sacrifice themselves for it.

Do I stand with justice even when I know it will not be in my favour?

Now, do you want to know what the followers of Imam Hussain (AS) were like?

FOLLOWERS OF IMAM HUSSAIN IBN-E-ALI(A.S)

Imam Hussain ibn Ali (AS) was offered safety and high standing if he simply gave his oath of allegiance (bay’ah) to Yazid ibn Muawiyah. But he replied:

“Indeed, I do not see death except as a blessing, and I do not see living alongside oppressors except as a source of misery and disgust.”

Reference note: (Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 5; Al-Irshad by Shaykh al-Mufid, Vol. 2; Luhuf (Maqtal al-Husayn) by Ibn Tawus.)

He chose sacrifice over worldly comfort. He sacrificed everything he had for justice.

Do I sacrifice anything for justice?

The night before Ashura, Imam Hussain(AS) gathered his followers, extinguished the candles to save them from embarrassment, and explicitly told them that the Umayyad army only wanted his life. He released them from their oaths and urged them to leave in the darkness to save themselves.

Every single one of his companions, knowing what would happen to them and their children, refused to leave, choosing to stand and die with him.

They took a highly costly, ethical choice. So am I willing to do that?

Despite the highly segregated culture of tribal race and status, the 72 followers of Imam Hussain(as) included the nobles of Arabia and servants, who were treated equally under the leadership of Imam Hussain.

Do I tolerate a servant sitting next to me?

Over the course of a single day, Imam Hussain (as) watched his brothers, his nephews, his loyal companions, and his own children be martyred. The apex of this trauma was the martyrdom of his six-month-old infant son, Ali al-Asghar (As) who was struck by an arrow while Imam was holding him and asking the enemy for water for the baby.

Instead of complaining to Allah, he showed resilience and submission.

Do I show resilience even when I face slight pain?

On the 2nd of Muharram, when the Umayyad vanguard of 1,000 cavalry under Hurr al-Tamimi first intercepted Imam’s caravan, Hurr’s men and horses were dying of thirst in the desert heat. Instead of attacking them while they were vulnerable, Imam ordered his companions to share their precious, limited water supply with the enemy soldiers and even their horses.

Leaving the enemy aside, do I share anything with people in need?

There are countless virtues of Imam Hussain (AS). Am I following any them?

It does not matter which side you should have chosen 1400 years ago, but the real question is: where do our choices place us today?

Karbala is not only a story of the past; it is a question that lives with every generation. Every day, we are given moments where we must choose between the path of Imam Hussain ibn-e-Ali (AS) and the path of Yazid ibn-e-Muawiya.

Imam Hussain (AS) said:

“People are the slaves of this world, and religion is just a phrase they repeat on their tongues. They guard it as long as their livelihoods are secure and plenty. But when they are tested with trials and tribulations, the true believers become very few.”

Reference note: (Attributed to Imam Hussain (AS) in Tuhaf al-Uqul by Ibn Shu’bah al-Harrani)

Our hearts stand with Imam Hussain (AS), but our swords(our actions) must also stand with him. We must strive for a purpose greater than ourselves.

Let us all pray that Allah sends His blessings and mercy upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his family. May Allah grant the highest station in Paradise to all the martyrs of Karbala and their families. Guide us onto their path, and let our end be with them on the Day of Judgment. Ameen.

JazakAllah Khair for taking the time to read and reflect.

Note: This article is a personal reflection based on historical accounts and my understanding. If there is any authentic correction regarding references or historical details, I welcome respectful guidance.