DR. KIRMANI’S CORNER
This section is developed through the weekly reflections of Dr. Sayed Shabbir Kirmani, our respected resident scholar. Each week, Dr. Kirmani will share his thoughts on faith, current affairs, and community matters, offering valuable insights on how Islamic teachings relate to both global and local events.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
A Beacon of Guidance: Reflections on Karbala and Modern Life
The tragedy of Karbala, while a source of profound sorrow, also illuminates a path of resilience, courage, and unwavering faith. The sacrifices of Imam Hussain (as), Hazrat Abbas (as), and Imam Sajjad (as) offer timeless lessons, deeply rooted in the principles of the Holy Quran, that resonate powerfully in our modern world.
Imam Hussain (as), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
Imam Hussain (as) exemplified unwavering commitment to truth and justice. His stand against tyranny, echoing the Quranic principle of enjoining good and forbidding evil (3:104), serves as a powerful reminder of our own responsibilities.
“Let there be among you a community that invites to good, and enjoins what is right and forbids what is wrong. They are the ones who are successful” (3:104).
Imam Hussain (as)’s actions demonstrate the ultimate fulfillment of this divine command, even in the face of overwhelming odds. His sacrifice teaches us that true success lies not in worldly gain, but in upholding righteousness, regardless of the cost.
Hazrat Abbas (as), the standard-bearer of Imam Hussain (as)’s army
Hazrat Abbas (as) embodies the virtues of loyalty, devotion, and selfless service. His unwavering support for his Imam, mirroring the Quranic emphasis on obedience to leadership (4:59), serves as a powerful example of true brotherhood.
“O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you” (4:59).
Hazrat Abbas’s loyalty was not blind obedience, but a conscious and informed commitment to the divinely guided leadership of Imam Hussain (as). His sacrifice, while attempting to secure water for the thirsty children of Karbala, exemplifies the Quranic value of prioritizing the needs of others (59:9).
“And [they prefer them] over themselves, even though they are in need” (59:9).
Imam Sajjad (as), the son of Imam Hussain (as)
Imam Sajjad (as), the son of Imam Hussain (as), inherited the mantle of leadership after the tragedy of Karbala. He endured captivity and immense suffering, yet remained steadfast in his faith and dedicated to preserving the teachings of his father.
His resilience, reminiscent of the Quranic emphasis on patience and perseverance (2:155-157), offers a powerful lesson in navigating life’s challenges. “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits. But give good tidings to the patient,1 Who, when disaster strikes them, say, “Indeed we belong to Allah , and indeed to Him we will return” 2 (2:155-157).
Imam Sajjad (as)’s emphasis on prayer and supplication, as reflected in his compilation of Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya, provides a practical means of connecting with the Divine and finding solace in times of difficulty.
The lives of these three luminaries, illuminated by the wisdom of the Holy Quran, offer a profound source of inspiration for contemporary life. They teach us the importance of moral courage, unwavering loyalty, selfless service, and resilient faith. By reflecting on their examples and striving to embody these virtues, we can strengthen our connection with the Divine, navigate the complexities of the modern world, and contribute to building a more just and compassionate society.