Tuesday
Monday
2011
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Updated September 2011.
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Salam and Welcome to UK SHIAS
This website is for Shia Muslims living in Britain.
Website is about beliefs of Shia Muslims. Some posts have been left blank for additions.
Here seekers of truth will find beauty and wisdom of holy teachings given by God's chosen leaders. In the opening page, only Ashura related content is presented. Other older archives contain articles and pictures about the rest of Shia things. Some posts have been left blank for later additions. Karbala leaflets are part of a project to present to non-shias a brief account of martyrdom of Husayn.
Shias are the true original believers of God Almighty the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth. We Shias accept spiritual truths only from those who are chosen and sent directly by God Himself. Hence only true information about God gets to Shias. All the guides [imams] of Shia are sinless and free from error.
Imams of Shias are pure of all sin and evil. Peace be upon them all.
Imam Ali
Imam Hasan
Imam Husain
Imam Ali Zainulabideen
Imam Al Baqir
Imam Jafar Al Sadiq
Imam Musa Al Kazim
Imam Ali Al Reza
Imam Al Taqi
Imam Al Naqi
Imam Hasan Al Askari
Imam Al Mehdi
The other sites for Shias are:
UK BELIEVERS (events open to public and advice for seekers)
NEW FOR BELIEVERS (accurate news for Shias)
GOD FOR CHILDREN (new book for Shia children)
SHIA PHOTOS (pictures and images of Shia people)
SHIA TEXT (books and articles by Shia academics)
God loves Shias because they love whom God loves - the Leaders of the Believers and Master of the Universe Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib. Peace be upon him and his holy family.
If you have any question or comment about
the contents of this website, then please write in
the comment box below, or email the Editor in Chief: S. Saklayn
saklayn@yahoo.com
______________________________________________
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Moon Dates
* * * * * *
2010 - 2020
THREE MOON DATES
Start days for three holy days:
Ramadan
Eid al Fitr
Moharram
__________________________________________
Year - Ramadan - Eid - Moharram
2010 – Aug 12 – Sep 10 – Dec 8
2011 – Aug 01 – Sep 01 – Nov 27
2012 – Jul 21 – Aug 20 – Nov 16
2013 – Jul 10 – Aug 09 – Nov 05
2014 – Jun 29 – Jul 29 – Oct 26
2015 – Jun 19 – Jul 18 – Oct 15
2016 – Jun 07 – Jul 06 – Oct 03
2017 – May 28 – Jun 26 – Sep 22
2018 – May 17 – Jun 16 – Sep 12
2019 – May 07 – Jun 06 – Sep 01
2020 – Apr 25 – May 25 – Aug 21
__________________________________________
* * * * * *
2010 - 2020
THREE MOON DATES
Start days for three holy days:
Ramadan
Eid al Fitr
Moharram
__________________________________________
Year - Ramadan - Eid - Moharram
2010 – Aug 12 – Sep 10 – Dec 8
2011 – Aug 01 – Sep 01 – Nov 27
2012 – Jul 21 – Aug 20 – Nov 16
2013 – Jul 10 – Aug 09 – Nov 05
2014 – Jun 29 – Jul 29 – Oct 26
2015 – Jun 19 – Jul 18 – Oct 15
2016 – Jun 07 – Jul 06 – Oct 03
2017 – May 28 – Jun 26 – Sep 22
2018 – May 17 – Jun 16 – Sep 12
2019 – May 07 – Jun 06 – Sep 01
2020 – Apr 25 – May 25 – Aug 21
__________________________________________
* * * * * *
Salvation in Shia Faith
* * * * *
YOUR LIFE, YOUR CHOICE
Important questions for every thinking person are:
What is salvation, and where to find it.
We all want to be happy. No one likes to live in misery and doubt.
Each religion has its own concept of what is salvation.
Each religion also tells how to find salvation.
According to the Shia Faith, salvation means closeness to God, complete peace of mind, living a life of honour, and securing Eternal life after death. This is true success.
Where can we find these things:
Shias believe that salvation is found in loving God and those whom He loves.
Love is the path, and eternal life is the destination.
In short, that is the whole of Shia Faith.
If you love God and his perfect people, then you are
successful in this life and in the next.
We love God with all our hearts and all our minds.
And we love our neighbours as ourselves.
These are the greatests commandments laid down by all the holy messengers of God.
We all know that sooner or later we will all die.
We will all leave this Earth. There is no escape.
God has set this as an absolute law: "Every soul shall taste death".
And after death begins a new life, non-ending existence.
We will be held to account for out behaviour on this life.
Those who took the path of darkness and hatred will be doomed.
Those who walked the path of love, will be happy and saved.
Saklayn [2009]
* * * * *
YOUR LIFE, YOUR CHOICE
Important questions for every thinking person are:
What is salvation, and where to find it.
We all want to be happy. No one likes to live in misery and doubt.
Each religion has its own concept of what is salvation.
Each religion also tells how to find salvation.
According to the Shia Faith, salvation means closeness to God, complete peace of mind, living a life of honour, and securing Eternal life after death. This is true success.
Where can we find these things:
Shias believe that salvation is found in loving God and those whom He loves.
Love is the path, and eternal life is the destination.
In short, that is the whole of Shia Faith.
If you love God and his perfect people, then you are
successful in this life and in the next.
We love God with all our hearts and all our minds.
And we love our neighbours as ourselves.
These are the greatests commandments laid down by all the holy messengers of God.
We all know that sooner or later we will all die.
We will all leave this Earth. There is no escape.
God has set this as an absolute law: "Every soul shall taste death".
And after death begins a new life, non-ending existence.
We will be held to account for out behaviour on this life.
Those who took the path of darkness and hatred will be doomed.
Those who walked the path of love, will be happy and saved.
Saklayn [2009]
* * * * *
Heart of Darkness
*****
LIVING HEARTS
Shia Faith is for people who are:
Brave, fair and kind.
Without these three qualities, you can never know the reality.
Therefore, if you are:
a coward, or unjust, or cruel,
then you are a dark entity.
Light is not for you.
*****
LIVING HEARTS
Shia Faith is for people who are:
Brave, fair and kind.
Without these three qualities, you can never know the reality.
Therefore, if you are:
a coward, or unjust, or cruel,
then you are a dark entity.
Light is not for you.
*****
Context
--
WHO IS GOD AND HOW HE GUIDES
God is not visible. He cannot be seen by human beings.
God does not have parents. He does not bear children.
God is one. He is not two or three or twenty.
There is only one true God alone. There is none other.
God is alone and unique. He has no equals and no partners.
God does create, and He does guide.
God sends angels and men as messengers to communicate His message to mankind.
God sent as His messengers to humanity Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus and Mohammed.
Muhammed is least understood and least appreciated although he is the greatest messenger from God to mankind. His enemies promote false propaganda about him even to this day.
Muhammed like all prophets and messengers of God revealed a simple message for the world. He taught people that idol worship is wrong and that they should love their true creator. He said there is life after death. God will gather the dead and bring them back to life on the day of judgement. They will be held to account. What did they do in their life and why. God will be their ultimate judge. He will bless good people with eternal life in Paradise. He will curse evil wicked people with eternal damnation in fire of Hell.
Here is brief life and character of Muhammed the holy messenger of God.
Muhammed was prophet of God. He was born in Mecca 570 years after Jesus. Peace be upon them both.
His parents died when he was still a child of 6. His uncle Abu Talib cared for him. When he reached 25 he married a rich widow Khadija. They had a happy and loving marriage. When he was 40, God sent Angel Gabriel to ask Muhammed to begin his divine mission of reforming his people. Angel gave his God’s holy book the Koran. In this holy book, God confirms that He had sent holy books before Koran. But men had altered Torah, and Gospel for selfish interests. Priests had added to and deleted from words of God in the Bible. But now, God had sent again his pure book Koran for guidance of mankind. In the Koran, God urges a person to live a life of justice and mercy. To live life of compassion and be fair to others is the heart of divine teachings in the holy Koran. Angel Gabriel came and gave this message to Muhammed as he meditated in on top of a mountain. Muhammed came and told his wife and his family what had happened. His wife and few others converted but most rejected his message. At first they mocked him but after a while they began to persecute the messenger of God. He simple asked them to believe in the true creator of the universe and love him. This was the only to happiness and salvation. But they began to oppress him and eventually drove him out of his city. He was given refuge in Medina in the north. He continued to preach God’s message for the world. He encouraged people to use their intellect and seek knowledge always. He taught respect for parents. He said paradise lies under your mother’s feet. If you do not please your own mother then you cannot please God. God will not be happy with you until your mother is happy with you. Chidlren therefore all love their parents and stay with them even in old age. Muhammed also taught immense care for neighbours. He said do not leave your neighbour hungry. If you eat food while your neighbour sleeps hungry, then you are not a believer of God. Muhammed managed to reform the lives of many pagans. When he was attacked, he had to defend himself and his followers. Enemies of truth did not like him or his teachings. They launched wars upon Muhammed. But God aided His holy messenger. By God’s help, he was able to succeed against all odds. Prophet Muhammed died in 630 and left Ali as heir. Ali was married to Fatima, Muhammed’s pious daughter. From this marriage his lineage survived. Some Arabs did not like Ali and Fatima, and in their hatred, they oppressed and killed them and their children. Muhammed’s grandson Husayn was killed at Karbala simple for refusing to give allegiance to evil dictator Yasid.
God bless Muhammed and his family.
__________________________________________
WHO IS GOD AND HOW HE GUIDES
God is not visible. He cannot be seen by human beings.
God does not have parents. He does not bear children.
God is one. He is not two or three or twenty.
There is only one true God alone. There is none other.
God is alone and unique. He has no equals and no partners.
God does create, and He does guide.
God sends angels and men as messengers to communicate His message to mankind.
God sent as His messengers to humanity Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus and Mohammed.
Muhammed is least understood and least appreciated although he is the greatest messenger from God to mankind. His enemies promote false propaganda about him even to this day.
Muhammed like all prophets and messengers of God revealed a simple message for the world. He taught people that idol worship is wrong and that they should love their true creator. He said there is life after death. God will gather the dead and bring them back to life on the day of judgement. They will be held to account. What did they do in their life and why. God will be their ultimate judge. He will bless good people with eternal life in Paradise. He will curse evil wicked people with eternal damnation in fire of Hell.
Here is brief life and character of Muhammed the holy messenger of God.
Muhammed was prophet of God. He was born in Mecca 570 years after Jesus. Peace be upon them both.
His parents died when he was still a child of 6. His uncle Abu Talib cared for him. When he reached 25 he married a rich widow Khadija. They had a happy and loving marriage. When he was 40, God sent Angel Gabriel to ask Muhammed to begin his divine mission of reforming his people. Angel gave his God’s holy book the Koran. In this holy book, God confirms that He had sent holy books before Koran. But men had altered Torah, and Gospel for selfish interests. Priests had added to and deleted from words of God in the Bible. But now, God had sent again his pure book Koran for guidance of mankind. In the Koran, God urges a person to live a life of justice and mercy. To live life of compassion and be fair to others is the heart of divine teachings in the holy Koran. Angel Gabriel came and gave this message to Muhammed as he meditated in on top of a mountain. Muhammed came and told his wife and his family what had happened. His wife and few others converted but most rejected his message. At first they mocked him but after a while they began to persecute the messenger of God. He simple asked them to believe in the true creator of the universe and love him. This was the only to happiness and salvation. But they began to oppress him and eventually drove him out of his city. He was given refuge in Medina in the north. He continued to preach God’s message for the world. He encouraged people to use their intellect and seek knowledge always. He taught respect for parents. He said paradise lies under your mother’s feet. If you do not please your own mother then you cannot please God. God will not be happy with you until your mother is happy with you. Chidlren therefore all love their parents and stay with them even in old age. Muhammed also taught immense care for neighbours. He said do not leave your neighbour hungry. If you eat food while your neighbour sleeps hungry, then you are not a believer of God. Muhammed managed to reform the lives of many pagans. When he was attacked, he had to defend himself and his followers. Enemies of truth did not like him or his teachings. They launched wars upon Muhammed. But God aided His holy messenger. By God’s help, he was able to succeed against all odds. Prophet Muhammed died in 630 and left Ali as heir. Ali was married to Fatima, Muhammed’s pious daughter. From this marriage his lineage survived. Some Arabs did not like Ali and Fatima, and in their hatred, they oppressed and killed them and their children. Muhammed’s grandson Husayn was killed at Karbala simple for refusing to give allegiance to evil dictator Yasid.
God bless Muhammed and his family.
__________________________________________
Ashura Leaflet 7
--
Husain and Zainab
Killing of Grandson of Mohammed
MEN OF GOD AND MEN OF SATAN
God had sent many prophets to guide humanity. God sent holy men such as Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Mohammed. Through his messengers, God told us how to live a happy life in this world and get eternal life in Paradise. Mohammed was the last messenger of God. God revealed his own divine book to Mohammed. It is called the Holy Koran. When Mohammed passed away, he asked us all to follow Ali after him. Some men rejected Ali. They took control of the government by force. Ali was the wise saint of God. He did not fight when they took away his legal right.
History books tells us how within fifty years, the new Caliphs had thoroughly corrupted God’s message and teachings of His holy prophet. They stole his daughter’s property, attacked her home, went to war with his true successor, and persecuted the holy family to the ends of the earth. In fact, the ability of a muslim ruler to openly murder the grandson of Mohammed exposes the full scale degradation that had occurred among prophet’s early companions. The sixth ruler Muaweya, of the Omayya tribe, went to war with Ali. He told Yazid to get rid of his son Husayn. Below is a brief account of how Yazid killed Husayn.
Murder of saint Husayn took place on 10th day of the lunar month of Moharram, in the year 680. He was killed near the river Euphrates in Iraq. On one side were supporters and relatives of Husayn, on the other side was a military detachment from the forces of Yazid, the Omayyad King.
The Martyrdom at Karbala is commemorated during an annual ten day period held every Muharram on its tenth day, Ashura.
MECCA AND MEDINA
The sixth Sunni Caliph, Muaweya, died after 40 years of ruthless tyrannical reign. On his deathbed, Muaweya violated democratic traditions of Islam. He appointed his son Yazid as his successor, thus establishing a dynasty. Both were ruthless dictators. They did not care for the innocents. They had everyone whom they disliked killed. Yazid was Hitler of his time, groomed to invade and enslave nations. Yazid was ready to take over the world by force. But he needed legitimacy. Without Husayn’s backing, people would never truly accept Yazid. As to exactly how Muaweya had himself managed to deceive people for forty years, is, of course, another significant historical episode drenched in blood, treachery and betrayal. In any case, Muaweya was now dying. He tried to secure his son’s political survival. Therefore, he pressured religious clerics to pledge allegiance to Yazid. The most significant threat to this dynastic rule was Husayn, son of Ali. Muaweya knew that Husyan’s support was essential, since he was the only living grandson of the prophet Mohammed. In his own reign, Muawiya had succeeded in assassinating men of Prophet’s holy family. Muaweya now wanted his son's reign to be secure. Muaweya advised his son Yazid to take care of Husayn as a matter of priority. This is exactly first thing the new King proceeded to do. Yazid instructed Walid, his governor in Medina, to force Husain to pledge allegiance. Husain refused. Grandson of Prophet Muhammed uttered his famous words: "How can someone like me ever accept someone like Yazid." Husayn direct defiance of Yazid made confrontation was inevitable. City of the Prophet was not safe for his grandson. Husayn and his family were insecure. Husayn decided to leave Medina. He went to Mecca, which also he found to be too dangerous. The City of God was unsafe for Husayn. God’s beloved did not have a place to rest his head. People knew he was lamb heading for slaughter. Husayn and his holy family were forced to abandon both Mecca and Medina. Grandson of the Mohammed left the cities of God and His Messenger.
Kufans heard of Husayn his plight. They invited him to their city. Husayn decided to head for Kufa hoping to get refuge there. He sent his representative Muslim bin Akil to Kufa to check the facts in Kufa. However, the governor Ibn Ziyad killed Akil along with his sons. He terrorised the Kufans and forced them to accept Yazid. They could not stand up to ruthless crackdown by Ibn Ziyad.
MARTYRDOM
Husayn had with him members of his family and some loyal friends. He also took with him 20 women and children. Husayn’s disciples numbered 40 men. These people all vowed remain with Husayn during the journey. A few Kufans who escaped Ibn Ziyad also managed to join Husayn’s caravan.
Husayn was travelling with about 100 people across the hot dry desert of Arabia. When his caravan crossed into Iraq, Yazid’s forces ambushed it. Army of 10,000 men under the command of General Omar Ibn Saad stopped Husayn at Karbala. It was second day of Moharram. Husayn realised these soldiers would not let him leave this place alive. He was forced to camp on the desert plain near river Euphrates. The army demanded from Husayn that he recognise Yazid immediately. Husayn asked Ibn Saad to take him to Yazid's. In that palace he could talk to Yazid directly. General refused this request. Husayn then asked to be allowed to leave the kingdom of Yazid. He said I would go into exile in India. This request was also denied. Ibn Saad was under orders to secure pledge of loyalty from Husayn. Therefore, to pressure Husayn, the general decided to cut off the water supply to his camp. He posted 5000 men to prevent Husayn from getting water. Mighty Euphrates was blocked to the grandson of messenger of God. Husayn's family and friends desperately needed water. Children became thirsty. Women also began to worry. Babies cried. Husayn pleaded with the army to grant some water. No water. Husayn was to die thirsty. One the ninth day Husayn gathered his family and prayed with them. He knew well they would not let him live. Husayn told his family that time of sacrifice had come. On the tenth day of Moharram, weak and thirsty, Husayn mounted his white horse and rode to the army. He begged them not to carry out this evil deed of murder. General Ibn Saad did not listen. He gave the order: Kill this little band of rebels against Yazid.
Husayn and his men were butchered one by one by the soldiers of Yazid’s army. His disciples were the first to lay their lives for Husayn. The General then slew Husayn’s sons. He then processed to kill Husayn’s nephews and cousins. These young boys were all massacred on scorching sand of midday sun. Husayn’s brother Abbas was standard-bearer. Abbas had made desperate attempts to get water for his young niece Sakina. He managed to reach the river and took some water. But soldiers cornered him. They cut off his hands and then his arms. Husayn’s back was broken. Abbas was killed in horrible way. Finally, Husayn was left standing alone on the sands of Karbala. He again asked Yazid’s soldiers to consider what they were doing to grandson of the Holy Prophet. The soldiers again demanded Husayn to submit to Yazid. Husayn would rather die free as a lion then in slavery. Ibn Saad gave orders for murder of Husayn. Soldiers stretched their bows and fired. Husayn looked upward to the heavens. It is Karbala not rain. The sky showered arrows upon thirsty Husayn. The Saint fell from his white horse. Who would do the final evil? Ibn Saad wanted a trophy. He sent Shemar. On his knees before God, pierced with arrows, Husayn made final bows. At this point Shemar came and with his knife decapitated Husayn. The holy Saint was slaughtered like a goat at Karbala. Women wailed loud as they watched this butchery from their tents. Their cries echoed across the Iraqi. Screams of Husayn's sister Zaynab and the weeping of his young daughter Sakina were heard by the entire army. General ordered that all women of Husayn's family be bound taken to Yazid. Soldiers burnt the tents and tied up the holy ladies. This was the day of terrible day of Ashura. General ordered his soldiers to run their horses on the bodies of the dead. Saint's body was desecrated along with others who lay on the desert of Karbala. Next day the soldiers left Karbala, carrying 20 human heads on their lances...
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
The massacre of at Karbala was over. Zaynab knew that Yazid would try to hide the killing of Husayn. Zaynab could not let that happen. Zaynab gathered her strengths. She stood and gave defiant speeches in Iraq and Syria. People were horrified when Zaynab unveiled Yazid. She laid bare Yazid’s evil act. Through her wisdom and remarkable courage, Zaynab succeeded in exposing Yazid. She did not let Husayn’s supreme sacrifice go to waste. She could not save her brother’s life. Instead, Zaynab gave Husayn immortality. Through Zaynab, Husayn would forever remain alive. Zaynab saved Husayn as Husayn had saved the Throne of God. Standing before a tyrant ruler and condemning his actions is the best service to God. Holy daughter of Ali did this. Zaynab’s words provided fuel to the revolution kindled by Husayn. Upon hearing Zaynab, the people began to uprise. They revolted in increasing numbers. Cities rebelled against tyranny. Omayyads tried their best to suppress the population. But they failed. Husayn’s sacrifice at Karbala brought down the corrupt regime. Empire had now become cursed along with its supporters and admirers. Husayn shook the foundations of Omayyas, and his sister brought down the structure tumbling down. Husayn and Zaynab showed how achieve the impossible. Husayn’s had set by example of how to live and die in honour. Zaynab showed what a pious woman is capable of. Husayn’s sacrifice remains the supreme sacrifice in human history. Lovers of Husayn would always threaten dictators. Karbala remains a beacon of light for all who love freedom and justice. Husayn is model for religious and secular people of the world. In any period, following Husayn will people free from slavery. Husayn remains unmatched superhero of the world. His sister Zaynab is heroin of humanity.
Peace be upon Prophet and his children.
For more infomation email: saklayn@yahoo.com
http://www.ukshias.blogspot.com/
--
Husain and Zainab
Killing of Grandson of Mohammed
MEN OF GOD AND MEN OF SATAN
God had sent many prophets to guide humanity. God sent holy men such as Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Mohammed. Through his messengers, God told us how to live a happy life in this world and get eternal life in Paradise. Mohammed was the last messenger of God. God revealed his own divine book to Mohammed. It is called the Holy Koran. When Mohammed passed away, he asked us all to follow Ali after him. Some men rejected Ali. They took control of the government by force. Ali was the wise saint of God. He did not fight when they took away his legal right.
History books tells us how within fifty years, the new Caliphs had thoroughly corrupted God’s message and teachings of His holy prophet. They stole his daughter’s property, attacked her home, went to war with his true successor, and persecuted the holy family to the ends of the earth. In fact, the ability of a muslim ruler to openly murder the grandson of Mohammed exposes the full scale degradation that had occurred among prophet’s early companions. The sixth ruler Muaweya, of the Omayya tribe, went to war with Ali. He told Yazid to get rid of his son Husayn. Below is a brief account of how Yazid killed Husayn.
Murder of saint Husayn took place on 10th day of the lunar month of Moharram, in the year 680. He was killed near the river Euphrates in Iraq. On one side were supporters and relatives of Husayn, on the other side was a military detachment from the forces of Yazid, the Omayyad King.
The Martyrdom at Karbala is commemorated during an annual ten day period held every Muharram on its tenth day, Ashura.
MECCA AND MEDINA
The sixth Sunni Caliph, Muaweya, died after 40 years of ruthless tyrannical reign. On his deathbed, Muaweya violated democratic traditions of Islam. He appointed his son Yazid as his successor, thus establishing a dynasty. Both were ruthless dictators. They did not care for the innocents. They had everyone whom they disliked killed. Yazid was Hitler of his time, groomed to invade and enslave nations. Yazid was ready to take over the world by force. But he needed legitimacy. Without Husayn’s backing, people would never truly accept Yazid. As to exactly how Muaweya had himself managed to deceive people for forty years, is, of course, another significant historical episode drenched in blood, treachery and betrayal. In any case, Muaweya was now dying. He tried to secure his son’s political survival. Therefore, he pressured religious clerics to pledge allegiance to Yazid. The most significant threat to this dynastic rule was Husayn, son of Ali. Muaweya knew that Husyan’s support was essential, since he was the only living grandson of the prophet Mohammed. In his own reign, Muawiya had succeeded in assassinating men of Prophet’s holy family. Muaweya now wanted his son's reign to be secure. Muaweya advised his son Yazid to take care of Husayn as a matter of priority. This is exactly first thing the new King proceeded to do. Yazid instructed Walid, his governor in Medina, to force Husain to pledge allegiance. Husain refused. Grandson of Prophet Muhammed uttered his famous words: "How can someone like me ever accept someone like Yazid." Husayn direct defiance of Yazid made confrontation was inevitable. City of the Prophet was not safe for his grandson. Husayn and his family were insecure. Husayn decided to leave Medina. He went to Mecca, which also he found to be too dangerous. The City of God was unsafe for Husayn. God’s beloved did not have a place to rest his head. People knew he was lamb heading for slaughter. Husayn and his holy family were forced to abandon both Mecca and Medina. Grandson of the Mohammed left the cities of God and His Messenger.
Kufans heard of Husayn his plight. They invited him to their city. Husayn decided to head for Kufa hoping to get refuge there. He sent his representative Muslim bin Akil to Kufa to check the facts in Kufa. However, the governor Ibn Ziyad killed Akil along with his sons. He terrorised the Kufans and forced them to accept Yazid. They could not stand up to ruthless crackdown by Ibn Ziyad.
MARTYRDOM
Husayn had with him members of his family and some loyal friends. He also took with him 20 women and children. Husayn’s disciples numbered 40 men. These people all vowed remain with Husayn during the journey. A few Kufans who escaped Ibn Ziyad also managed to join Husayn’s caravan.
Husayn was travelling with about 100 people across the hot dry desert of Arabia. When his caravan crossed into Iraq, Yazid’s forces ambushed it. Army of 10,000 men under the command of General Omar Ibn Saad stopped Husayn at Karbala. It was second day of Moharram. Husayn realised these soldiers would not let him leave this place alive. He was forced to camp on the desert plain near river Euphrates. The army demanded from Husayn that he recognise Yazid immediately. Husayn asked Ibn Saad to take him to Yazid's. In that palace he could talk to Yazid directly. General refused this request. Husayn then asked to be allowed to leave the kingdom of Yazid. He said I would go into exile in India. This request was also denied. Ibn Saad was under orders to secure pledge of loyalty from Husayn. Therefore, to pressure Husayn, the general decided to cut off the water supply to his camp. He posted 5000 men to prevent Husayn from getting water. Mighty Euphrates was blocked to the grandson of messenger of God. Husayn's family and friends desperately needed water. Children became thirsty. Women also began to worry. Babies cried. Husayn pleaded with the army to grant some water. No water. Husayn was to die thirsty. One the ninth day Husayn gathered his family and prayed with them. He knew well they would not let him live. Husayn told his family that time of sacrifice had come. On the tenth day of Moharram, weak and thirsty, Husayn mounted his white horse and rode to the army. He begged them not to carry out this evil deed of murder. General Ibn Saad did not listen. He gave the order: Kill this little band of rebels against Yazid.
Husayn and his men were butchered one by one by the soldiers of Yazid’s army. His disciples were the first to lay their lives for Husayn. The General then slew Husayn’s sons. He then processed to kill Husayn’s nephews and cousins. These young boys were all massacred on scorching sand of midday sun. Husayn’s brother Abbas was standard-bearer. Abbas had made desperate attempts to get water for his young niece Sakina. He managed to reach the river and took some water. But soldiers cornered him. They cut off his hands and then his arms. Husayn’s back was broken. Abbas was killed in horrible way. Finally, Husayn was left standing alone on the sands of Karbala. He again asked Yazid’s soldiers to consider what they were doing to grandson of the Holy Prophet. The soldiers again demanded Husayn to submit to Yazid. Husayn would rather die free as a lion then in slavery. Ibn Saad gave orders for murder of Husayn. Soldiers stretched their bows and fired. Husayn looked upward to the heavens. It is Karbala not rain. The sky showered arrows upon thirsty Husayn. The Saint fell from his white horse. Who would do the final evil? Ibn Saad wanted a trophy. He sent Shemar. On his knees before God, pierced with arrows, Husayn made final bows. At this point Shemar came and with his knife decapitated Husayn. The holy Saint was slaughtered like a goat at Karbala. Women wailed loud as they watched this butchery from their tents. Their cries echoed across the Iraqi. Screams of Husayn's sister Zaynab and the weeping of his young daughter Sakina were heard by the entire army. General ordered that all women of Husayn's family be bound taken to Yazid. Soldiers burnt the tents and tied up the holy ladies. This was the day of terrible day of Ashura. General ordered his soldiers to run their horses on the bodies of the dead. Saint's body was desecrated along with others who lay on the desert of Karbala. Next day the soldiers left Karbala, carrying 20 human heads on their lances...
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
The massacre of at Karbala was over. Zaynab knew that Yazid would try to hide the killing of Husayn. Zaynab could not let that happen. Zaynab gathered her strengths. She stood and gave defiant speeches in Iraq and Syria. People were horrified when Zaynab unveiled Yazid. She laid bare Yazid’s evil act. Through her wisdom and remarkable courage, Zaynab succeeded in exposing Yazid. She did not let Husayn’s supreme sacrifice go to waste. She could not save her brother’s life. Instead, Zaynab gave Husayn immortality. Through Zaynab, Husayn would forever remain alive. Zaynab saved Husayn as Husayn had saved the Throne of God. Standing before a tyrant ruler and condemning his actions is the best service to God. Holy daughter of Ali did this. Zaynab’s words provided fuel to the revolution kindled by Husayn. Upon hearing Zaynab, the people began to uprise. They revolted in increasing numbers. Cities rebelled against tyranny. Omayyads tried their best to suppress the population. But they failed. Husayn’s sacrifice at Karbala brought down the corrupt regime. Empire had now become cursed along with its supporters and admirers. Husayn shook the foundations of Omayyas, and his sister brought down the structure tumbling down. Husayn and Zaynab showed how achieve the impossible. Husayn’s had set by example of how to live and die in honour. Zaynab showed what a pious woman is capable of. Husayn’s sacrifice remains the supreme sacrifice in human history. Lovers of Husayn would always threaten dictators. Karbala remains a beacon of light for all who love freedom and justice. Husayn is model for religious and secular people of the world. In any period, following Husayn will people free from slavery. Husayn remains unmatched superhero of the world. His sister Zaynab is heroin of humanity.
Peace be upon Prophet and his children.
For more infomation email: saklayn@yahoo.com
http://www.ukshias.blogspot.com/
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Leaflet Intro
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Ashura Leaflet
This leaflet on the sacrifice of Imam Husain and his holy family
is dedicated to all the innocent victims who were murdered during the
Israeli attack on Gaza in January 2009.
This is a public leaflet. It contains information about the Ashura and Karbala.
It is distributed on many days of commemorations of the Holy Family.
God bless the Holy Family and their mourners.
Ashura Leaflet
This leaflet on the sacrifice of Imam Husain and his holy family
is dedicated to all the innocent victims who were murdered during the
Israeli attack on Gaza in January 2009.
This is a public leaflet. It contains information about the Ashura and Karbala.
It is distributed on many days of commemorations of the Holy Family.
God bless the Holy Family and their mourners.
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