Lamp of guidance

THERE is no shortage of gruesome wars across history initiated by tyrants and oppressors against the weak and the defenceless. The mayhem we have witnessed in Iran, Lebanon and Gaza is the latest in this long series of blood-soaked events. One of the most poignant and sorrowful episodes where absolute righteousness clashed with absolute evil is what millions across the world are commemorating today: the event of Ashura, where the family members of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) were slaughtered or taken prisoner in the burning desert of Karbala in 61AH. Though this is not the space for geopolitics, there seems to be a link between that watershed event of 14 centuries ago, and today’s unjust wars. Before the start of the Iran war in February, the president of the US reportedly said he was “curious” why Tehran had not “capitulated” despite the massive build-up of military muscle around the Islamic Republic. While opinions may vary about Iran’s ruling system, as a nation, the Iranians are well-acquainted with Karbala, and Imam Husain’s eternal stand based on courage and conviction. Arguably, that is why they refused to yield to a power many times more formidable than them, materially speaking. Though it is true that Iranians are intensely nationalistic, something more than nationalism — something metaphysical — was at play as they resisted a superpower. But one is sure the American leader is unaware of this landmark chapter of Islamic history, or any chapter of Islamic history for that matter, and its impact on nations and civilisations. Similarly, the brave people of Lebanon have resisted the Israeli onslaught, despite losing their children and homes. They, too, are familiar with the lessons of Ashura and Karbala. One recalls seeing a video clip after the 2006 war of a Lebanese man walking through the rubble of his neighbourhood, pointing out the destruction caused by Zionist forces. Having lost nearly everything, he remained dignified and poised, closing the video by sendin