Who is Imam Hossein<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nNo more than 50 years had passed since the death of Muhammad (the last Prophet of Islam) and the Muslim Empire was sliding into corruption under a tyrant from the Ummayad dynasty, Yazid.<\/p>\n
Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad took a stand against Yazid\u2019s illegitimate rule. Whilst Yazid was in equal parts feared and despised for his ruthlessness, Hussain was admired and respected by society at large. Mindful of this, Yazid decided that he would demand Hussain\u2019s allegiance, hoping to gain some form of legitimacy for his inherited rule.<\/p>\n
Hussain\u2019s stand against tyranny.<\/p>\n
Hussain had a choice to make. To endorse Yazid would no doubt mean a handsome reward and a life of luxury. To refuse would invariably lead to his own demise. What should he do? What would you or I do? For Hussain the choice between the easy thing and the right thing was no choice at all.<\/p>\n
Hussain refused.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cI will never give Yazid my hand like a man who has been humiliated, nor will I flee like a slave\u2026 I have not risen to spread evil or to show off\u2026 I only desire to enjoin good values and prevent evil.\u201d<\/p>\n
The final stand of Hussain ibn Ali.<\/strong><\/p>\nThat night Hussain assembled his group, stressing to them that it was his life that Yazid wanted and that they might be able to escape. Again, Hussain\u2019s selflessness shone through. There he stood, amongst his family and companions, all having been deprived of water in the scorching desert for three days, pleading with them to leave him and save themselves!<\/p>\n
After a few days of this stalemate, the government forces were commanded to attack and kill Hussain and his companions. Hussain\u2019s men were vastly outnumbered. The hour for battle commenced, Hussain\u2019s companions departed from their camp in small bands and one after the other \u2013 all fighting valiantly before being killed.<\/p>\n
Throughout the day the forces of Yazid asked Hussain for his allegiance, yet Hussain resisted. Eventually Hussain was alone with no one left to support him. Fatigued, thirsty, and heavily wounded, Hussain fell to the ground as the women and children looked on.<\/p>\n
He too was killed mercilessly, yet he died holding on firmly to his principles.<\/p>\n
Hussain\u2019s victory and inspiring legacy.<\/strong><\/p>\n