For centuries, the day of Ashura has been known as the manifestation of sacrifice and martyrdom in the path of religion, and the ultimate confrontation between right and wrong. On this day, Imam Husayn (as), together with his small number of faithful and firm companions, stood up against the hard-hearted and merciless army of Yazid and, by this act, turned Karbala into an eternal display of love for God and freedom-seeking. Even though Ashura was only one day, its scope covers all times, and it has left such an impact on the hearts and minds of people that every year the first ten days of Muharram are commemorated throughout the world, while the Day of Ashura, marks the peak of love and sincerity towards the teacher of freedom and the symbol of sacrifice and martyrdom, Husayn ibn Ali (as). All people, even non-Shia, express their gratitude and respect towards the great spirits of those free men. Imam Husayn (as) who, at the invitation of the people of Kufa, left the city of Makkah to join these revolutionary Shias and assume their leadership. However, before reaching, Kufa was besieged by Ibn Ziyad's forces and halted in Karbala. Since he refused to surrender and pay allegiance to the usurping and tyrannical regime of Yazid, it was here, in the land of Karbala, that he had to fight with Yazid’s army. On the Day of Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, Imam Husayn (as), his family and companions fought with amazing bravery, but were eventually martyred. The survivors of this caravan of light were captured by the forces of darkness and taken to Kufa, and then Damascus. Imam Husayn (as) and his seventy-two martyred companions created the greatest epic of human sacrifice, and eternally ingrained their memory into the heart of history and the minds of virtuous people. When compared to other significant events, Ashura occurred over a very short period of time, yet it is an event that has attracted great attention throughout history. In addition to its broad historical role and deep social impact, it has also become a special culture, possessing a unique structure.
The present article seeks to answer this question, what effect did the lessons and implications of Ashura have on shaping the ideals of self-sacrifice, Jihad, anti-arrogance and martyrdom in the statements of Imam Khomeini (ra)? The method used in this research is descriptive-analytical. The findings of this research showed that Ziyarat Ashura held a special importance with Imam Khomeini (ra), and it was this importance that resulted in him implementing its teachings in his life. This is why he recommended his students and followers to recite it regularly and claimed that, by means of its recitation, they would receive special benefits and effects, such as the strengthening of the spiritual bond with the Ahl al-Bayt (as), developing the spirit of anti-tyranny, avoiding deviation, receiving inspiration, putting into practice the concept of enjoining good and forbidding evil and allowing for the best role models to be followed. All of these effects and teachings have been addressed by Imam Khomeini in his statements and speeches.
The Special Position of Ashura and Imam Husayn (as) in the View of Imam Khomeini (ra)
Undoubtedly, one of the most important reasons for Imam Khomeini's success in advancing the Islamic Revolution of Iran was his full attention to Allah (swt) and making recourse to the infallible Imams (as). For instance, he would always ask Imam Husayn (as) for assistance, e.g., during his exile in Najaf, he used to make the pilgrimage to Karbala every Saturday. On special occasions, he would go to Karbala to perform ziyarah in the Blessed Shrine of Imam Husayn (as). On other occasions, especially during the first ten days of Muharram, he used to recite Ziyarat Ashura. After returning to Iran, despite all the responsibilities he had regarding the leadership of the Revolution and the country, Imam Khomeini (ra) never abandoned the act of making recourse to the infallible Imams (as) and reciting supplications and ziyarah, especially Ziyarat Ashura. He used to recite this Ziyarat every day while walking in his yard, holding a rosary to utter its special litanies in the prescribed number. No one would disturb him during this time. Even during his stay in Paris, he did not forget to commemorate the month of Muharram and the anniversary of the Karbala tragedy. Some of his colleagues described how he emphasized reciting Ziyarat Ashura in the following manner.
The first day of Muharram in Neauphle-le-Château, Paris, coincided with the first night when Iranians uttered the phrase ‘Allah Akbar’ from their rooftops. That night, someone called from Tehran and said, “I will leave the phone next to the window so that you can hear the people shouting ‘Allah Akbar’ with the sound of gunfire in the background.” We recorded these sounds and brought them to Imam Khomeini (ra). He was standing in the room, rosary in hand and reciting Ziyarat Ashura. While we were unaware of the start of Muharram, he was reciting Ziyarat Ashura in a country where it had probably never been recited before.
In 1979, when we were in Paris during the first ten days of Muharram, I would come to him every day at 9am to inform him about new events and developments. On the first day of Muharram, I came as usual and entered the house. I found Imam Khomeini (ra) reciting Ziyarat Ashura. After reporting to him on the new developments of the country, he said to me, ‘Do not come to me at 9am. You may either come before I start reciting Ziyarat Ashura or after it.’
Mr. Kothari’s Memory of Imam Khomeini (ra)
Mr. Kothari, who for years used to recite the eulogies at the mourning gatherings held by Imam Khomeini (ra) in Qum, once mentioned, ‘After the martyrdom of Sayyid Mustafa, I went to Najaf. In Najaf, those who were with Imam Khomeini (ra) said to me, "You have come at the right time! Imam has not grieved over the martyrdom of Sayyid Mustafa. Maybe you can help." I asked Imam Khomeini (ra), "Will you allow me to recite a eulogy?" He gave me permission. I started reciting the eulogy, but whenever I mentioned the name of the late Sayyid Mustafa so that Imam Khomeini (ra) could grieve him and start crying, he was unmoved, silent and calm. However, as soon as I mentioned the name of Ali Akbar (as), Imam Khomeini (ra) wept bitterly.”’
Reference: Islamic Revolution Research Quarterly. Vol 11, No 2, Summer 2022, Pgs. 35-53.
Archive of Imam Khomeini
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