SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE:

In the Islamic lunar month of Muharram 10, 61 H (Oct. 3, 680 AD), a dreadful event took place in the desert plains of Karbala, Iraq. Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, was massacred because he stood to oppose oppression, tyranny and corruption against the reigning Umayyad government. This day has been engraved in the history of Islam as “The Day of Ashura.”

Millions of Muslims worldwide are undergoing a vigil and revival of Hussain’s sacrifice for the first 10 nights of Muharram, which began Monday. It is an opportunity to revive in ourselves the spiritual consciousness of truth, justice and sacrifice through Hussain’s life.

It all began a few decades after Muhammad’s departure when Hussain began witnessing the desertion of Islam among the Muslim nation and the gripping corruption of the institute of the caliphate. Islam was on the brink of annihilation and Muslims were living numb to its moral teachings. Hussain, a living spirit of his grandfather, could no longer remain silent. Sadly, in the end, he stood chivalrously with a few companions, barren and gravely wounded on the desert plains of Karbala to oppose human injustice until it took his life.

He stands as an eternal icon for those pursuing a moral and ethical code to live by, no matter how great or desperate the challenges may be. He is the beacon that ignites the flame of renaissance and revolution against tyranny, terrorism, disease, poverty and all vices. Hussain’s sacrifice is an everlasting example of justice and harmony irrespective of national borders, ethnicity, religion, gender, and socio-economic and educational levels. His legacy is applicable to every generation and era. For such reasons his soul rules the hearts of people and his way lights the example of the path of righteousness.

SAYED MOUSTAFA AL-QAZWINI is the Imam for the Islamic Educational Center of Orange County in Costa Mesa.