SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE:

The cemented foundation of America began on several principles, sparked by the many who arrived in the 17th century, seeking religious freedom. America’s forefathers sought a nation of moral values, free of coercion and intimidation, where the sanctity and freedom of the mind can freely express itself, and where man can live a life of dignity and peace.

Islam shared the same principles through the principled life and final martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hussain. He sought to liberate man from self- and government-imposed slavery.

His story began when the Umayyad regime usurped the Muslim nation. They endangered, distorted and fabricated Islam, God and Muhammad. The regime promoted totalitarianism and nepotism. They ruined the social harmony of the Islamic society. They impoverished the socio-economic level of Muslim yet they basked in the richness of the Islamic state.

No one dared to challenge them except for Hussain. He faced two bitter choices by the regime, either to pay them allegiance or to face execution. His reaction was, “By God! I shall not give my hands in yours like a base man, nor shall I flee away like a slave.”

His valor falls in line with the famous words of Patrick Henry when he said, “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery! Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

On the 10th day in the Islamic month of Muharram (Oct. 3rd, 680), Hussain gave his life to expose truth from falsehood on the plains of Karbala (in Iraq). He awakened the unconscious minds of the Muslims and became an ever-lasting beacon of human moral liberty.

Hussain’s martyrdom is the symbolic rock that erects itself in the struggle against injustice, tyranny, and oppression.

Thus, for 40 days after his anniversary death, which will be Feb. 27, 2008, Shia Muslims worldwide are in remembrance, intense sorrow, and self-reflection.

IMAM SAYED MOUSTAFA AL-QAZWINI leads the Islamic Educational Center of Orange County.