By Abdul Majid Hakim Ilahi
More than fourteen centuries have passed since the tragedy of Karbala, yet the sacrifice of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, continues to inspire the hearts and consciences of all nations, cultures and faiths.
Ashura is the remembrance of an alternative.
This event is the story of a man who stood up to overwhelming power and refused to give up his principles.
He was the man who chose dignity over submission, truth over propriety, and justice over fear. For this reason, Karbala never belonged to any one community. Its message transcends geography, ethnicity and religion. Wherever people struggle against oppression, seek justice, or defend their dignity, the spirit of Karbala finds fresh expression.
Power can compel obedience, but it cannot command legality.
Weapons can kill but cannot destroy principles and ideas. Political power may dominate for a short period of time, but moral authority endures for generations. This principle is the reason why Imam Hussain’s stance continues to resonate in every era.
The modern world, despite its technological advances and unprecedented interdependence, faces the same ethical challenges that existed centuries ago. People endure occupation and aggression, as we see in the news every day.
International relations are often driven by military power calculations rather than commitments to justice. In such a situation, the message of Ashura becomes very relevant.
This year’s commemoration follows the unprovoked US-Israeli attack on Iran. Resistance, as Imam Hussain taught, is not the goal of conflict.
This is not an ideology of war. It is the determination to persevere when circumstances encourage surrender.
For this reason the language of resistance should not be misunderstood. At its core, it is a moral concept, not a political one.
The purpose of resistance is not endless confrontation. Its purpose is to safeguard justice, protect dignity and create conditions in which peace is based on mutual respect rather than domination.
Lasting peace cannot be imposed through force alone. Lasting peace emerges when justice becomes the foundation of international relations.
Over the past year, I have travelled extensively across India and realised that the memory of Muharram holds a unique place in the civilisational landscape of India. The story of Karbala has inspired Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
It is celebrated in villages and cities, among people of different traditions, who consider Imam Hussain a universal symbol of courage and sacrifice.
MK Gandhi took inspiration from the example of Imam Hussain. GaGandhiji understood that moral courage is more powerful than violence and that steadfastness in truth can achieve lasting change.
Although their historical contexts were different, both Gandhi and Imam Hussain demonstrated that the power of reason is ultimately more effective than the power of coercion.
In every generation there are new forms of oppression and new tests of conscience. Circumstances change, but the moral choice remains the same: whether to bow to injustice or stand up for principle. This principle is why Ashura continues to inspire millions of people.
The views expressed above are the author’s own.
