The writer is a graphic designer and photographer and has been involved in leadership and community service positions.
Inspiring the Next Generation Through the Husayni Example
The son of Ali and Fatemah, and the grandson of the Holy Prophet, could have only been a man with qualities that came from seeing, understanding and emulating the elders of his family. This could be the first inspiration about child upbringing; for they see and learn from those around them, such that if they were to learn from outside, it would be because there is a void of the greed for knowledge that is not being entertained.
The clear and concise way to understand the psyche of this Imam, this guide who lived purely for the sake of his creator and was killed mercilessly in the pursuit of his famous political will, where he declared his intention to reform the nation by following “the way of my grandfather [Muhammad] and my father, Ali Ibn Abi Talib.” The way that went against the tyrants and, more so, those who did not have gratitude or submission in their hearts.
His most notable supplication in peacetime is full of lessons; Dua e Arafah is a profound supplication, a masterpiece of Islamic spirituality, known for its deep theological teachings, reflection on divine grace, and themes of ultimate submission and gratitude to God. A supplication so powerful, so apt for all times, for its central theme is Allah, the lord who Husayn loved dearly and understood deeply, something that is clearly what he saw and learned from his family circle. This is also seen in Zain al Abideen and Mohammed Baqir, for their understanding of their lord and how to supplicate to him would have been passed on from inside their family circle as well – through generational knowledge and spiritual wealth.
Husayn pours into Dua Arafah what he knows and understands: the verses of the Holy Qur´an. When using the words of your lord to him means you have at least read and understood Surah Fatiha, where the plea is to the lord about being guided to the right path, and soon after, being answered by Surah Baqarah, in the first 3 verses. Thereafter, the Holy Qur´an is a guide that leads you on the path correctly, despite Shaitan saying, “For leaving me to stray I will lie in ambush for them on Your Straight Path. I will approach them from their front, their back, their right, their left, and then You will find most of them ungrateful.” (Surah A’raf 7:16-17)
The initial verses of his supplication are praises and divine recognition, close to Dua Jaushen, acknowledging that there is no other than the one who sustains (Qur’an 2:255, Ayat al?Kursi), sees and hears, and that to Him shall be his return as in (Qur’an 2:156). As he goes further, an embryologist (Qur’an Surah Az-Zumar 39:6) would be envious of the knowledge Husayn has about the subject, from conception behind the three veils to birth; and beyond even to the pronunciation of words. He even acknowledges that his coming to this earth is because of the sympathy the lord has for him. (Qur’an 16:18)
Imam Husayn is an inspiration in many ways. His journey through life, however, has always been guided by the Holy Quran. His knowledge, his resolve, his gratitude and the ultimate surrender (Tasleem) to his Lord are all due to his steadfastness in taking guidance from the Holy Quran. From youth to elderly youth, let us not be the community whom the Holy Prophet complains about in Surah Furqan 25 verse 30: The Messenger has cried, “O my Lord! My people have indeed received this Quran with neglect.”
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