QUOTES
The Ashura incident inspires many; Muslims as well as non-Muslims
This is what they said about Hussain
I am more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam these days. It was the determined simplicity and complete ego annihilation of Hussain. The scrupulous respect for vows, and his intense devotion to his friends and followers, and his fearlessness. It was Hussain's absolute trust in God and in his own mission and not the sword that carried everything before it and overcame every obstacle.
Mahatma Gandhi,
Indian freedom fighter (1869-1948)
One of the many freedom fighters who were inspired by Imam Hussain's tragedy was India's Mahatma Ghandi. He chose the same approach inhis struggle against the British colonial power. He had a wish about peaceful protest against injustice.
The struggle for social justice and dignity were some of the values that gave Ghandi a greater understanding of the peaceful resistance. Despite Britain's vast empiricism and infinite resources, which was no less than Hussain's then conditions based on Yazid's Umayyad Caliphate and its geographical availability.
Source: The Golden words of Gandhiji, GoldenPen Books 2017.
A reminder of the bloodstained battlefield of Karbala where the grandson of God's prophet fell. He was first tortured in the form of thirst and surrounded by the corpses of his murdered relatives. At all times since then, he is a perfect example of evoking the deepest emotions and the most insane grief. A spiritual exaltation, in the presence of suffering, danger and death shrinks to an unconsidered trifle, even in the most lukewarm and reckless feelings.
Edward Granville Browne,
British Orientalist (1862-1926)
Som professor i arabisk og orientalske studier ved University of Cambridge publiserede Edward Browne adskillige artikler og bøger. Han publiserede primært indenfor historie og litteratur. Browne skrev indenfor områder, som få vestlige lærde havde undersøgt og mange af hans publiseringer relaterede til Iran. De relaterede enten til iransk historie eller indenfor persisk litteratur.
Han er muligvis bedst kendt for hans dokumentation og historiske narrativer.
Source: The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, London 1911.
Hussain fell, pierced by an arrow, and his brave followers were slaughtered beside him one by one. The Muslim tradition, which is only with rare exceptions hostile to the Umayyad dynasty, regards Hussain as a martyr and Yazid as a murderer.
Reynold Alleyne Nicholson,
Professor of Arabic (1868-1945)
Nicholson was educated at Aberdeen University and at the University of Cambridge. He was lecturer in Persian from 1902–1926 and professor of Arabic 1926–1933 at Cambridge.
He was a leading researcher in Islamic literature and mysticism. His 1907 History of Arabic Literature remains a standard work on the subject in English; while his many text editions and translations of Ṣūfī writings, culminating in his eight-volume Mathnawi of Jalalu'ddin Rumi (1925–40), greatly advanced the study of Muslim mystics.
Some of his versions of Arabic and Persian poetry entitle him to be considered a poet in his own right. His deep understanding of Islam and the Muslim peoples was the most remarkable in that he never traveled outside of Europe. Despite being shy, he proved to be an inspiring teacher and an original thinker.
Source: A Literary History of the Arabs, New York 1969.
The Karbala tragedy determined not only the fate of the caliphate, but of the Muslim kingdoms long after the caliphate declined and disappeared.
Sir William Muir,
Scottish statesman (1819-1905)
Born in Scotland, Muir and older brother both served with the Indian civil service and were introduced to Oriental languages as part of their training.
While John specialized in Sanskrit and Hinduism, William concentrated on Arabic and Islamic studies. Both put their learning to good use as educators and supporters of Christian missions in India. William Muir's posts included intelligence at Agra Allahabad and the governorship of the North-Western Provinces (1868-1874). During his years in India, he befriended the CMS missionary Karl Pfander (1803–1865), who encouraged him to undertake his first major piece of academic writing, The Life of Mahomet (4 vols., 1858–1865).
After retirement from political service, both Muirs returned to Edinburgh, where they continued their involvement in Oriental studies and comparative religion at the university. As Edinburgh University (1857), as educational development in principle, William Muir produced further works on the Qur'an and Islamic history and wrote several studies of Christian-Muslim encounter, reflecting his sympathy with the controversial apology of Pfander and others.
Source: Annals of the Early Caliphate, London 1883.
If Hussain had struggled to quench his worldly desires, I don't understand why his sister, wife and children followed him. It is therefore reasonable to conclude that he sacrificed purely for Islam.
Charles Dickens,
Victorian author (1812–1870)
Charles John Huffam Dickens a English, Victorian author and social critic, born in Land port at Portsmouth. In 1814 moved the family to London and later to Chatham. He did not receive much formal schooling, but learned a lot on the streets of London, which came to play a large part in his novels.
Dickens wanted to be a journalist, and at the age of 22 he was employed by a London newspaper. Abroad, he wrote novels such as David Copperfield (1850), Two cities (1859) and Great expectations (1861). He used his great popularity to attack courts and boarding schools that exploited the poor. He died in 1870 in London.
During his lifetime, his works enjoyed unprecedented popularity. He is now considered a literary genius because he created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is considered the greatest novelist of the Victorian era.
Source: Play, Poems, and Miscellanies, London 2008.
Imam Hussain's revolution is one of the unique revolutions in history that has not been seen like it, be it religious calling or political revolutions. The Umayyad state did not last long, and not even in the lifetime of a normal person. The period between Hussain's revolution and the fall of the Umayyads was not more than sixty years or a little more.
Abbas Mahmud al-Aqqad,
Egyptian journalist (1889-1964)
Born on 28 June 1889 in Aswān, Egypt, Abbās Maḥmūd al-Aqqād was an Egyptian journalist, poet and literary critic who was an innovator of 20th-century Arabic poetry and critic.
Born into modest circumstances, al-ʿAqqād continued his education through reading when his formal schooling was interrupted. He supported himself throughout most of his career by writing. An outspoken political commentator, he was imprisoned for a few months in 1930–31 for remarks that were against the government. In 1942, with the advance of German troops, al-ʿAqqād sought refuge in Sudan as a precaution against German reprisals for his criticism of Adolf Hitler.
Al-ʿAqqad's literary works included poems; a novel, Sarāh (1938), based on one of his own romances and criticism of classical and modern Arabic writers. His essays show the influence of 19th century Englishmen, especially Thomas Carlyle.
Source: Al Hussein: Abu al Shuhada, Kairo 1944.
No battle in the modern and past history of mankind has earned more sympathy and admiration and taught more lessons than the martyrdom of Hussain in the Battle of Karbala.
Antoine Bara,
Lebanese Christian writer (1943- )
These are the words of the Christian writer Antoine Bara, whose book "Hussain in Christian Ideology" had provoked both praise and provocation after its publication. In particular, his remarks that Jesus Christ had predicted the appearance of Imam Hussain had dropped a bombshell in the Christian world, and Bara had had to defend his claim.
He describes Imam Hossein with "the living and awake conscience of all religions forever". In his opinion, Imam Hossein's life is most comparable to the Prophet Jesus. Bara believes that Ashura's mourning ceremonies and rituals keep the event alive in people's minds.
Imam Hussein's role and dared to say that the Muslims did not know Hussein's worth and importance to not have learned enough from him and about him.
Source: Hussein in Christian Ideology, Beirut 2008.
Instead, in line with trends in the Middle East, South Asia and the West, blood donation campaigns have become more popular. The idea is to support Imam Husayn's fight for justice by sharing one's blood for a humanitarian cause. While campaigns in the UK have been co-ordinated since 1987, the blood donation campaign in Norway has been increasing over the last ten years.
Ingvild Flaskerud,
Professor of Theology (1962-)
A lack of studies within Shia Islam a little over 20 years ago attracted the interest of Norwegian students at the time.
Her research into the field of theology led to a post-doctoral degree in several prominent universities, including the University of Oslo, the Université de Tromsø and the University of Bergen.
Some of her known works include; "Mediating Pilgrimage in Europe: Pilgrimage remembered and desired in a Norwegian home-community", "Ritual creativity and plurality: Denying Twelver Shia blood-let practices", "Visualizing Belief and Piety in Iranian Shiism" and "Gender, Religion and Change in the Middle East".
Source: Ritual creativity and plurality, Germany 2016.
"The model of social justice, the example of struggle, is something we can find in all faiths, but there is a wonderful illustration in Islam".
Edward Kessler,
British thinker and academic (1963 - )
Edward Kessler is a leading thinker in interfaith relations, primarily in Jewish-Christian-Muslim relations, and is a Fellow of St Edmund's College, Cambridge, as well as Principal of the Cambridge Theological Federation.
Dr. Edward Kessler co-founded The Woolf Institute with Rev. Martin Forward in 1998. Their goal was to create an academic framework and space where people could tackle issues of religious difference constructively.
Beginning as the Center for Jewish-Christian Relations, the institute later expanded to include the Center for the Study of Muslim-Jewish Relations - the first and only center in Europe dedicated to promoting a better understanding of Muslim-Jewish relations. Later, the center became a center for politics and public education. In 2010 these centers were merged under the name "Woolf Institute" in honor of Harry, Lord Woolf, former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales.
Source: What have non-Muslims learnt from Imam Hussain, London 2019.
Outside of Islamic traditions, very little is known about him. Here is an example of a spiritual leader, religious leader, political leader who I think could actually speak much more broadly to the world. It would be nice to include Hussain in the kind of pantheon of religious greats that people often talk about; Moses, Jesus, Buddha, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King. These names that people regularly know.
Joshua J. Ralston,
Professor of Theology (1969-)
Dr. Joshua Ralston teaches Christian-Muslim relations at the School of Divinity at the University of Edinburgh and is director and co-founder of the Christian-Muslim Studies Network funded by the Henry Luce Foundation.
Before moving to Scotland, he was associate professor of theology at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. He earned his bachelor's degree in philosophy at Wake Forest University before studying world Christianity at Edinburgh, divinity at the Candler School of Theology, and Christian theology and Islamic thought at Emory University.
He has published widely on Reformed theology, Christian theological engagement with Islam, Arab Christianity and on political theology. His monograph, "Law and the Rule of God: A Christian Engagement with Shari'a" was published by Cambridge University Press (2020) and he has edited two books, "Church in an Age of Global Migration: A Moving Body (Palgrave , 2015)" and "religious diversity in Europe: comparative political theology" (Ferdinand Schöning, 2020).
He is currently working on a monograph: "Witness and the Word: An Approach to Christian-Muslim Dialogue".
Source: What have non-Muslims learnt from Imam Hussain, London 2019.
More quotes?
Frequently asked questions
1. What does Ashura mean?
Ashurameans "tenth" in Arabic and refers to the tenth day of the Islamic month of Muharram. It is a significant day for Muslims, especially Shia Muslims, who commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at the Battle of Karbala. Ashura is associated with mourning, self-reflection, and devotion to upholding justice and fighting injustice.
Ashura (the 10th day of the month of Muharram) is a day of mourning and reflection for many Muslims around the world, commemorating the bravery and unwavering commitment to principles of Imam Hussain. It serves as a reminder of the eternal struggle for justice, freedom and human dignity. Ashura Day (10th Day).
Local events: - Today's morning hours start with the recitation of the Karbala battle (Maqtal/ مقتل). - After midday prayer, mourners gather for a peace march in, among others, Copenhagen (Ashura procession).
Global events: - The city of Karbala is flooded with mourners. - Millions of mourners gather in holy cities such as Karbala, Najaf, Samarra, Kadhemiya, Mash'had and Damascus. - Peace marches and processions mark Ashura Day in capitals around the world, to commemorate Hussain's struggle against injustice and sacrifice for justice.
2. Who is Hussain?
Hussain was a central figure in Islam and was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Born in 626 AD, he played a crucial role in upholding Islamic teachings and principles. His most famous act was his resistance to tyranny and injustice at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, where he and his family were brutally murdered. Imam Hussain symbolizes courage, justice, and sacrifice for the cause of faith. His sacrifice is a source of inspiration and a reminder of the importance of standing up against oppression and defending the truth.
Hussain also called Imam Hussain was a revolutionary leader. In everyday speech, "imam" is used to refer to a religious leader, while Imam (including Imam Hussain), refers to the divinely appointed successors of the Prophet Muhammad.
Imam Hussain was the youngest grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and the son of Lady Fatima. Hussain was the younger brother of Imam Hassan and the older brother of Lady Zainab. There are hundreds of narrations in which the Prophet expresses his love publicly for Hassan and Hussain.
3. Why is Hussain relevant in the 21st century?
ShiaMuslims in Denmark send a universal message of peace, love and justice. We encourage active participation in creating a better world for all and for Muslims and non-Muslims to stand together in a solution-oriented society and create harmony. It is through unity that we can defeat injustice and spread goodness and compassion in our common journey towards a better society for all people, regardless of faith or background.
4. What are the Ashura rituals?
The rituals of Muharram, the 10 days and nights marking the martyrdom of Hussain, include various practices. Mourning ceremonies are held to commemorate the tragedy of Karbala through the recitation of elegies and mournful poetry, speeches, and weeping. In addition, there are also charitable acts such as sharing food and drink with others and giving alms to the poor, symbolizing solidarity and compassion for those in need. However, these rituals vary in practice and intensity among different Muslim communities.
In the Danish memorials, the deceased are remembered through lectures, stories, plays and mourning poetry, and the programs end with food distribution. In parts of Nørrebro and Copenhagen, free food and drinks are also distributed.
There are also traditions for many Shia Muslims to make a pilgrimage to Karbala in Iraq. Karbala is the city where the massacre took place.
Followers of several religions and sects see in Imam Hussain's uprising and stance a theological and humanitarian connection between calling and action. Therefore, visits by famous Christian leaders in particular are not unknown in the Iraqi cityscape during the Ashura mourning ceremonies.
5. Who started the story of Hussain?
The story of Imam Hussain begins with his grandfather, the Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet Muhammad prophesied about the role of his family, saying that Imam Hussain would be martyred for upholding justice and fighting injustice. After the Prophet's death, Imam Hussain spread the message of truth and justice in a time of corruption and tyranny. His martyrdom at Karbala was passed down by his sons and successors, including Imam Hussain's sister, Mrs. Zainab, and Imam Hussain's son, Al-Sajjad, who passed on the story of Imam Hussain's heroic struggle. Over the years, the story of Imam Hussain has been preserved and shared among Muslims, and it continues to inspire and touch the hearts of people around the world.
The stories have also been told through generations with mourning gatherings, poetry readings, speeches and processions, as well as humanistic and charitable projects.
6. What was the reason for Hussain's rebellion?
Barely 50 years after the death of Muhammad (the last prophet of Islam), the Muslim empire suffered from corruption under the tyrant and monarchist Caliph Yazid of the Ummayad family. The change and distortion of Islam under the then Caliph Yazid reached a terrible climax, with historical accounts suggesting that the Caliph openly displayed and uncovered oppression and injustice.
Hussain had a choice between either supporting the tyrant and living a comfortable and luxurious life, or refusing loyalty and most likely being killed for his decision and stance. Hussain could not live his life as a supporter and supporter of tyranny, and the choice for him was simple. Hussain refused, saying: "I only want to spread good values and prevent evil". This choice is remembered by millions of followers around the world across countries and continents, among both religious, ideological and ethnic groups and individuals.
We must learn from this experience and support the community in making a positive difference and change. This means fighting oppression, promoting justice, and creating an inclusive and harmonious society where all citizens can thrive and live in peace and equality.
7. What significance does Hussain have for Muslims?
Imam Hussain has a deeply significant role for Muslims. He symbolizes courage, justice, and sacrifice. His tragic martyrdom at the Battle of Karbala is a source of inspiration and strength for Muslims and non-Muslims around the world. Imam Hussain represents the fight against oppression and injustice, and his resistance to tyranny stands as a timeless example of upholding principles and faith, even in difficult situations. Muslims remind each other of his legacy and values as a reminder to stand up against injustice and defend the truth, regardless of the consequences. He is a source of inspiration and a guiding star for Muslims in their quest for justice and peace.
8. Why is there a peace march?
Since 1996, a group of less than 50 people have held the annual Ashura procession to mark the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar. The day Imam Hussain and his followers were brutally murdered. It was not just their bodies that were under attack but their stand for justice that was not allowed to exist. Millions of people today remember Imam Hussain's struggle against tyranny and injustice.
We are gathered here today, alongside other mourners around the world, dressed in the colors of mourning. Millions across the globe, as Shiites, as Muslims, and as non-Muslims, commemorate the loss of Imam Hussain.
Imam Hussain, who is remembered by millions of people, even after 1300 years, is the revolutionary fighter for justice, Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
Imam Hussein fought, among other things, for social justice and for the responsibility of an authority towards its people. Imam Hussein stood against the abuse of power and promoted objective and constructive criticism.
In every continent around the world, Hussein's message is remembered annually, where it is relevant to both religious and non-religious people, and without limitation to gender, ethnicity or belief. Imam Hussein's human and humanitarian struggle reminds us to awaken the call to good in ourselves and our fellow human beings. Hussein reminds us that evil should not be allowed to rule, and that we all have a responsibility to speak out against injustice, regardless of the outcome and regardless of who the authority is. Imam Hussein taught us that we must cherish the ability to live and think freely, and yet have respect for objective disagreement with our fellow human beings.
9. What is the annual Arbaeen Peace March?
"Arbaeen Peace March" is the name of the annual march that was started in Denmark in 2005 by a few mourners. The desire was to walk a symbolic distance, like the million march that takes place annually in Iraq, in memory of Imam Hussein's family, who were taken hostage after the Karbala tragedy in the year 680.
"Arbaeen Peace March" is Wednesday, September 6th on Zealand.
The march stretches approximately 20 kilometers from Hundige to Nørrebro and takes place from 6:30 a.m. to approximately 2:00 p.m.
The route and rest areas are as follows:
- 06:30: Hundige station. (start)
- 07:00: Ishøj station.
- 07:30: Vejlegårdsparken.
- 08:30: Strandesplanaden, Brøndby strand.
(rest break, Arbaeen greetings and food and drink distribution).
- 10:30: Friheden station.
(hvilepause og mad- samt drikkeuddeling).
- 11:30: Valby station.
- 12:30/ 14:00: Nørrebro station.
(end).
Arbaeen / 40th Day:
Throughout the world, millions of Shia Muslims and freedom lovers mark the Arbaeen event year after year by walking a symbolic distance to commemorate this tragedy.
On par with the pilgrimage to Mecca, the Arbaeen peace march has become one of the largest Muslim holidays ever. Where both Shia, Sunni, Christians and non-Muslims visit Imam Hussain in Karbala, Iraq.
A growing crowd of 20 million visitors to this international event cannot be overlooked or underestimated, especially in times when the SoMe movement and the media in general make it easier for followers to explore all over the world's geographies, cultures, and nations.
Visitors gather in these huge numbers to empathize and recall the horrors and atrocities that the captives among the Prophet's family and children have endured. This memory of humiliation and inhuman treatment reminds all societies of their role in enjoining good and forbidding evil, which can also be manifested in a symbolic walk.
10. What does Arbaeen mean?
Arbaeenis an important religious event within the Muslim world, marking the 40-day mourning period following the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at the Battle of Karbala. It is a time when millions of Muslims, regardless of nationality or background, gather in Iraq to participate in a pilgrimage to Hussainiyah, the burial site of Imam Hussain. Arbaeen is the world's largest annual human gathering, symbolizing unity, solidarity and homage to Imam Hussain and his sacrifices. During this event, important values such as mercy, compassion and love are practiced in an impressive expression of devotion and faith.
The gathering point is the various cities of Iraq; primarily Najaf or Baghdad and the destination is the city of Karbala, where the Ashura incident took place. The gravesite of Imam Hussain and Abbas can be found in the center of Karbala. Up to 20 million people gather for Arbaeen (the 40th day) after the Ashura tragedy to mark the mourning ceremony. Visitors from all corners of the world show their sympathy and support for the Prophet's family by walking longer distances of up to 90 kilometers spread over a few days with Karbala in sight. On a par with the pilgrimage to Mecca, the Arbaeen peace march has become one of the largest Muslim holidays ever.
The visitors proudly hoist their national flags and flaunt their national identity in order to illuminate the obvious love for the Prophet's family. They show their loyalty to the Prophet by mourning and remembering the captives of Karbala, their journey and suffering from their then destination from Kufa to Damascus.
11. Where can I read more about Hussain?
- Read more about Hussain here
- What do famous non-Muslims say about Hussain? Read more here.
- Get an overview of events and rituals that occur here i Denmark.
- Use the timeline to understand the travel of Hussain Timeline.
12. Quotes by Hussain
- "Death with dignity is better than life in humiliation."
Imam Hussein's quote encyclopedia, page 602. - "I prefer to die with honor than live under oppression."
Al-Manaqib, Khawarizmi 4; 68. - "If you don't believe in anything, you will fall for everything."
Imam Hussein quote encyclopedia, side 509. - "No one fights for God without experiencing victory."
Imam Hussein citatglose, side 580. - "The goal is not to live long, but to live meaningfully."
Mizan Al-Hikma, Raishahri, 3; 2690. - "True heroes don't die, they live forever in the hearts of those they have touched."
Bihar Al-Anwar, Majlisi. 44; 297. - "Stick to the truth is not always easy, but it is always the right thing."
Mizan Al-Hikma, Raishahri. 1; 656. - "Perform good deeds even when you are surrounded by evil."
Samlingen af shia beretninger, Burujardi. 8; 30.