...prelude to battle for 'democracy'! D.
Javid Iqbal Karbala did claim, the greatest martyr in the cause of democracy; Imam Hussein (RA) nevertheless it also established the basic human quest for freedom of thought and spirit.
Like every refreshing thought in human history; ISLAM descended with a message, nor only renewing the pledge of free spirit, but giving it a new dimension.
This meant conceptualizing consensus, whilst easing out confrontation.
It is true that a definite format had not been prescribed; however guidelines were laid down in, which eventually evolved into a format.
The Holy Book 'Al-Quran' as well the 'Hadith' the word and deed of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) had laid down 'Shoura-e-Bainahum' the mutual consultation, as its essence.
'Al-Quran' had made obedience to the one chosen by consensus mandatory, provided the spirit of the word of 'Allah (SWT)' as enshrined in 'Al-Quran' and the deed of 'Prophet (PBUH)' is not violated.
That was never ever meant to be dogmatism, but enjoining discipline and morality, in the conduct of public affairs.
The consensus, once it was evolved in electing the Caliphs, developed a format.
This is true of flowering of any democratic concept.
The format gets established in a manner, where it wouldn't need even a draft.
From the year 632 A.D (10 A.H) when Prophet Mohammad (AS) left for his heavenly abode; until a shade short of three decades; the spirit of democracy prevailed in 'Madinat-ul-Nabi' the city of Prophet (AS).
"Censor me, if you may; in case I deviate from the path laid down in the conduct of public affairs' said the revered first Caliph, Syedena Abu-Bakr (RA), on being elected.
Others who followed him Syedena Omar Farooq (RA), Syedena Uthman-ul-Ghani (RA) and that noblest of nobles, the lion of Allah (SWT); Syedena Ali Murtaza (RH) worked in the same spirit.
As often happens, the promise; wherein human spirit finds its essence, its thrill and joy is subjected to strain by forces, which cannot visualise a world, beyond their own.
A world, wherein personal interest rides over the interest of masses.
The flowering of free spirit, its fragrance is put in oblivion by 'Gul-cheen' the one who plucks the bud and robs, what pleases the eye and lifts the soul.
The leader of the forces of resistance, in the path of democracy emerged from a quarter; supposed to have been neutralised and won over.
Amir Muwaiyah, scion of 'Umayyad' the son of Abu-Sufiyan provided the lead.
The father had spared no effort to thwart every effort of Prophet (AS) to rid humanity of blood feuds, female infanticide, ignorance and self interest, prevalent in one of the most decadent societies, around the globe.
The State of Arabia was a contradiction in terms, it had hardly ever evolved into one; hence remained for ages a land of wilderness, where warring tribes would jump on each others throat, at the slightest provocation.
And remain engaged in battle, for the generations to follow.
The civilized societies; the Persians, the Byzantine Romans bordering the desert had almost given it up, as a land of unruly savages.
The interaction was restricted to caravans emerging from the desert to trade in items peculiar to the land.
In an exchange; barter or otherwise, they would return to indulge in, what they knew best.rekindling the blood feuds! Abu Sufian's resistance melted the day, when he could afford it no more.
Mecca, the holy city, where Prophet (AS) was born and bred had been reclaimed.
This was the city, from where resistance was organized.
In an act touching the extremes of benevolence, of chivalry of spirit, of forgiveness, of let bygones be bygones; Prophet (AS) declared general amnesty.
It was an act far ahead of his times; completely out of tune with what his people were used to.
Not only the people living wildly in the wilderness of desert; even the Caesars of Rome or Chosroes of Persia, at the pinnacle of so called 'Civilized Societies' of ancient world wouldn't ever imagine of such a magnanimity.
They were in fact locked in a conflict; a battle between super powers of 7th century.
Whilst Prophet (AS) was marking the right path 'Surat-ul-Mustaqim' for his people, the Persians were laying siege to the palace of Caesar, across the Bosporus, in Constantinople.
Caesar sued for peace; Persians turned it down.
And then in a reversal of fortunes; Caesar turned the tables, not only chasing the Persians out, but maintaining pressure, military as well as diplomatic.
Getting back to our story in Arabia; not only was Abu Sufian forgiven, his wife 'Hind' who had chewed on the liver of 'Hazrat Hamza' the revered warrior, a dear uncle of Prophet (AS) in the battle of 'Uhad' had been spared and their house declared a place of sanctuary.
Anyone taking refuge there would remain entitled to amnesty; whatever the crime! Such a pardon, the world had never ever witnessed, in a moment of triumph! Eventually Abu-Sufian's son, an intelligent, educated Youngman 'Muawaiyah' was picked up by Prophet (AS) to be his 'Secretary'.
His assignment was to record the word of 'Allah (SWT)' as it descended to Prophet (AS) through 'Arch angel Gabriel'.
It was meant to be, an assignment of honour.
In the days of Caliphate, he was picked to be the 'Governor of Syria' a province of considerable importance in the Islamic republic; what was in pre-Islamic era, a jewel in the crown of Byzantine Caesars.
It was in fact the financial nerve centre; much as New York is in the modern era.
The 'Silk Route' the financial link of the ancient times, starting from the 'Himalayan' heights would end here, on one side and on the other side, the caravans from the trans-Arabian route, starting from 'Yemen' would join it.
The manner; gruesome and abhorring, in which the life of the 3rd Caliph; Syedena Uthman-ul-Ghani was ended sparked a row.
The writ of the successor to the seat of Caliphs; Syedena Ali Murtaza (RH) was severely tested with a revolt led by 'Amir Muwaiyah' from Syria.
Succession was bred, in a unified State, extending from the deserts of Arabia to the shores of Atlantic in Morraco on one side and extending to land locked Central Asia, on the other side.
The political plank was built on getting hold of and punishing the guilty involved in gruesome murder.
Syedena Ali Murtaza (RH) was never averse to bringing the guilty to book.
There was however a snag; many were involved in the siege of the house of Caliph and it was difficult to pinpoint the culprit.
The matter needed to be investigated and would take time.
Time; the breather sought was denied.
And with a purpose?! To infuse the dissent and corner the new Caliph, before he would settle to rule effectively.
The blood stained shirt of the murdered Caliph was taken from city to city; with the purpose of working up the sentiments.
Syedena Ali Murtaza (RH) with his seat of power shifted to the city of 'Kufa' in Iraq sought to put down the revolt.
In the battle of 'Safian' the standard bearer of revolt, against the democratic order 'Muwaiyah' was on the verge of a defeat, fair and square, when taking the suggestion of an accomplice; Amr-bin-Aas, the mercenaries put pages of Quran on their lances and flags, asking for quarter.
Syedena Ali Murtaza (RH) sensed he ruse; however his army did not pursue the defeated forces in retreat.
Peace was brokered.
Amr-bin-Aas represented 'Muawiyah' and Abu Musa Ashari was named as envoy of Syedena Ali Murtaza (RH).
The former was crafty; the later, weak of limb and feeble of mind.
The old man was taken in by Amr's proposal to rule out the contenders and eventually elect a new Caliph.
Saving Islam from conflict was Amr's plea.
Abu Musa Ashari ruled 'Syedena Ali Murtaza (RH)' out of contention and contrary to what was agreed; Amr-bin-Aas declared 'Muwaiyah' to be the one and only Caliph.
The act of deceit stands as a block spot on Amr-bin-Aas; otherwise regarded as conqueror of Egypt.
Amr-bin-Aas, an astute politician, wanted to hold the province, as his exclusive preserve, without let or hindrance.
'Muwaiyah' had promised him as much.
However, his deceit, on that fateful day belied his reputation as a politician of some promise.
The conflict continued until 'Syedena Ali Murtaza (RH)' left Syria to 'Muwaiyah' concentrating on rest of Caliphate.
The forces of disruption continued to pursue him, until he was fell to the dagger of an assassin on 27th of January, corresponding to 21st of Ramadan in the year 661 A.D.
"If honesty, purity and love of truth; if knowledge of law and science, constitute a claim to pre-eminence, then all must regard Ali as the foremost Moslem" opines Masudi, the reputed author.
"We shall search in vain to find, either among his predecessors (save one) or among his successors, those virtues with which God had endowed him" continues Masudi; save one, referring to Prophet (AS).
Osborn calls him "the best hearted Moslem that ever lived"! The assassins, it is believed had planned to get to Amr-bin-Aas and Muawaiyah, too; the twosome, they couldn't get to.
Syedena Ali Murtaza (RH) pleaded for soft treatment to his assassin before the 'Lion of God' left for his heavenly abode.
His eldest son Imam Hasan (RA) although chosen by people in Kufa, preferred not to pursue the divisive conflict.
In return of his promise to retire and pursue his theological and literary activities; it was agreed that following Muwaiyah's death, the Caliphate would devolve on Imam Hussein (RA), the younger brother of Imam Hassan (RA).
Of course the oath of fealty; the cornerstone of consensus would take its own course.
The loved and the revered brothers; sons of Syedena Ali Murtaza (RH) and Syeda Fatima Zahra were conscious of the democratic format.
Instigated by Mughaira, Governor of Basra 'Muawiyah' violated the established covenant and worked to install his son 'Yazid'.
Democracy was put on hold and autocracy, completely at variance with spirit of Islam was thrust on masses, across the length and breadth of Islamic world.
Yezid had Imam Hassan (RA) poisoned and where poison didn't work dagger was used.
'Muwaiyah' didn't stop at eliciting the support of the likes of Amr-bin-Aas and Mughaira; age old divisions of Arabia were brought to fore.
These were mainly two 'Himyarites' of 'Yemeni' descent and 'Modharites' of 'Hejazi' (present day Saudi Arabia) descent.
Islam had healed the trauma inflicted by centuries of antagonism.
In post-Islamic era, they were scattered across provinces, which came under Islamic sway.
The politician in 'Muawiyah' while astute enough to hold the balance wasn't averse to playing the 'Modharite' card.
This was the division, he belonged to; moreover they formed his power base in Damascus.
The sub-divisions within 'Modharite' ranks, especially amongst the 'Koreish' were in fact the precursors of the whole conflict.
The 'Umayyad' in 'Muwaiyah' was never reconciled to the loss of authority to the democratic forces of Islam.
Islam was misconceived as sway of 'Hashmites' the sect of the 'Koreish' Prophet Mohammad (AS) belonged to, hardly realising that the democratic spirit of Islam would never thrive on sectarian staple.
The internationalist in holy Prophet (AS) was beyond sectarian belief; he was what millions of Muslims and right thinking people believe him to be 'Rahmat-ul-Alimeen' a blessing for the planet, we live in and the world beyond that! Muawiyah got his son's succession endorsed in his backyard; Syria without much problem and aided by his half brother Ziad, Governor of Iraq and Khorasan by bribe, coercion and arm twisting in the provinces he controlled.
In the year 671 A.D (51 A.H) realising that without the nobles of Medina swearing the oath of fealty; Yezid's rule would remain bereft of legitimacy; he visited the city of Prophet (AS).
Apart from other Medinites, he was looking to seek support of Imam Hussein (RA), Abdullah bin Omar (RA), Abdullah bin Zubair (RA) and Abdul Rehman bin Abu Bakr (RA).
As often happens, when politics gets criminalised by the likes of Yezid, nobles stay away and pursue, what suits their intellect.
Much as Muwaiyah tried, he drew nought.
Out of these nobles, only Abdullah bin Zubair (RA) had designs of his own.
He was bidding for time; rest wanted to be left alone.
In April 680 A.D (60 A.H) Muawiyah died.
"Astute, unscrupulous, clear headed, miserly, but lavishly liberal when necessary, outwardly observant of all religious duties, but never permitting any human or divine ordinances to interfere with the prosecution of his plans or ambitions.such was Muawiyah" says Ameer Ali Syed in his 'History of Saracens'.
"The accession of Yezid gave the death stroke to the republican principle that 'Commander of faithful' should be elected by the plebiscite of people" further emphasises Ameer Ali.
Yezid's cruelty knew no bounds, so unsafe became the streets with drunks that the 'Harem' a feminine sanctuary of Byzantines, wrongly attributed to Muslims became the only refuge of women of Islam.
Within just half a century of Prophet (AS) leaving for heavenly abode, the republic, he had nurtured and his revered companions had nursed and tendered with all the care and concern, they could muster was rocking in troubled waters.
Groaning with discomfort, in a widening net of tyranny; the Kufans cried for help.
Against advice of those versed with the fickleness of Iraqi's, especially the Kufans, the brave and chivalrous son of Syedena Ali Murtaza (RA); Imam Hussein (RA) confronted Yezid in 'Karbala' with a party of 72, including friends and family.
It has often been said, rightly so that Kufan swords are never seen, where their hearts stay.
As an author relates "They knew not their own minds from day to day.
One moment ardent as fire for some cause or person, the next they were as cold as ice and as indifferent as dead".
While Imam Hussein (RA) was on his way, the Kufan swords were back in their scabbards.
Or, where they ever unsheathed for the one, they had invited to act as their deliverer from tyranny?! Obaidullah, the son of Ziad, was chosen to rein in the Kufans.
His savagery had no limits.
The wilderness of Karbala convinced Imam Hussein of what he been warned of; the fickleness of Kufans, however the "only quality that he lacked" relates the Sedillot, the famous author "was the spirit of intrigue, which characterised the descendents of Ommaya".
For days, he was surrounded.
Although overwhelming in their numerical strength, the enemy didn't dare to test the sword of Imam.
Instead; they laid a siege, blocking supply of water from Euphrates.
Imam Hussein tried to negotiate; placing three options for his enemy to ponder over.
Return to Medina, an assignment on the Turkish front or safe conduct to the court of 'Yazid'.
None was granted.
As a last resort, he asked for sparing women, children and others with him.
With him they might do, whatever they want to! That too got rejected.
He requested his friends and accomplices to make good their escape.
They preferred to stay and fight by his side.
An enemy chief struck by cruelty of his oppressors broke ranks with thirty of his followers to join him in martyrdom.
In the battle that followed, in combats; solitary or a joint charge, a heavy toll was taken of the enemy.
One by one, those professing freedom of spirit instead of autocratic tyranny fell, including Imam's kith and kin.
Finally Imam severely wounded, dragged himself to riverside for one last drink, his course was diverted by darts.
Returning to his tent, he took his infant son in his arms.
The infant was transfixed with a dart.
Getting to the entrance of his tent, one of the women brought some water, as he lifted the container; his mouth was pierced with a dart.
On the verge of martyrdom, he uttered a funeral prayer.
And then he made one desperate last charge.
Scared of even a dying man, the enemy stepped aside.
However, the limbs could support him no more and the brave martyr fell!! Martyr to the cause of free will, of freedom of spirit and thought!! It was an assertion of human dignity ands all that is decent and fair!! "In a distant age and climate" says Gibbon "the tragic scene of the death of Hussein will awaken the sympathy of the coldest reader".
Year after year, in Muharam-ul-Haram (the sacred), he is mourned and the slogan raised 'Long Live the Spirit of Imam Hussein (RA)' the spirit of freedom!!
