Before I say anything, I'd recommend anyone who doesn't know the story of Kerbala or Imam Hussein to watch this video. It'll give you a brief summary of the tragedy and my post will make a lot more sense to you as well. For those who do know the story, the video is great to share with your non-shia or non-Muslim friends if they're interested.
"Every day is Ashura; Every land is Kerbala". This has been a very common saying among Shia Muslims during the time of Ashura. But do we even know the meaning of it? Do we truly understand the truth in that statement? Maybe this will help:
Afghanistan - 61 killed and more than 160 injured
Iraq -30 killed
Men, women and children who wanted to exercise their right as Shias to mourn the death of their beloved Imam and his family are met only with multiple bombings. Blood spilled, body parts thrown across the streets and the cries of women and children. Where have we heard this before? Seven centuries may have passed but those who show their support and love for the truth are still brutally killed all over the world. And you know how in Kerbala the ones who killed the family of the Imam also called themselves 'Muslim'? Nothing's changed there. It's still Muslims on both sides. Scary right?
But those atrocities are just on Ashura. What about the oppression that runs rampant every single day? Bahrain. Palestine. Libya. Tunisia. People wanted their rights and for justice to be served, to not have to bow down to a corrupt government and though they were peaceful with their protests, many were imprisoned, abused, injured and brutally killed. Ring a bell? THIS is the story of Kerbala. and it's TODAY. it's EVERYDAY. This is what you should think of when you say the words 'everyday is Ashura, every land is Kerbala'. But should we just leave it to those who are going through these difficulties? Is that what we've learned from the story that we've been hearing over and over since childhood? Imam cried for help after every soldier and family member he had, died. And nobody replied. Our brothers and sisters are calling us from all of those places where everyday really is Ashura. Are we going to ignore their calls? Or are we going to take action and do everything in our power to help them overcome oppression and make sure justice is served. Many people suffered in Kerbala but the Imam and his family's sacrifice caused people to realize what had happened. Bibi Zainab's courage and bravery caused people to listen. Are we going to follow in her footsteps? Kerbala is already happening everywhere. Now we just have to take the steps of Bibi Zainab and the rest of the Imam's companions to spread the word. Spread the word of injustice. Spread the word of oppression. Open people's eyes and ears to the horror that others face every single day. Then only will we be truly fulfilling the mission Imam Hussain started so many years ago.
