What We Can Learn From the Story of Karbala

When Imam Hussein stood alone at Karbala, watching his companions martyred one by one, he raised a cry that shook the heavens:

 Hal min nāṣirin yanṣurunī? 

"Is there anyone to help me?"

This was not a cry of desperation. It was a question directed at the soul of humanity for generations to come. It wasn't just about swords or soldiers; it was about truth, justice, and the eternal struggle between oppression and righteousness.

History repeats itself in the most tragic of ways. The people of Kufa, with ink still wet on their letters of allegiance, turned their backs on Imam Hussein when loyalty demanded sacrifice. To them, the cost of standing for truth had become too high and so they chose silence over honor, betrayal over bravery. 

What excuse did Imam Hussein leave? He took with him his children, wife, household and the most loyal companions so what excuse did they have? 

This is not an isolated event. The Prophets, Messengers, and Imams before him suffered the same fate: pledges made, then broken.

"I have experienced nothing from my people but betrayal and faithlessness. They say: 'He is a just man.' But justice weighs heavily on their hearts." (Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali, Sermon 29)

These words echo with the grief of a leader who upheld truth and justice, yet was met with resistance, hypocrisy, and abandonment. Imam Ali, renowned for his unwavering commitment to fairness, integrity, and the principles of Islam, was not exempt from the trials that come with leadership especially when that leadership demands moral accountability from the people.

The very people who praised his justice could not bear its consequences. They recognized his righteousness, yet turned away when it no longer served their personal interests. This reveals a painful irony: many admire justice in theory, but falter when it challenges their desires, exposes their wrongdoings, or calls them to higher standards.

Imam Ali’s lament is not simply a historical grievance; it is a mirror held up to every generation. Betrayal, hypocrisy, and the struggle between truth and self-interest are not new phenomena. They plagued even the most just of leaders, and they continue to test our communities today. His words remind us that standing for truth often comes with isolation and hardship but also that justice must never be abandoned, even when it is unwelcome.

In reflecting on these words, we are called to examine our own relationship with truth and justice. Do we support justice when it’s convenient, or do we uphold it even when it demands sacrifice? His legacy urges us to move beyond lip service and live by the values we claim to honor.

The Golden Calf: When Faith Falters

In the Qur'an and the Bible, after Prophet Moses left his people to commune with God, they turned to a golden calf, a false god made from their own gold.

"Then he brought out [of the fire] for them a [statue of a] calf which emitted a lowing sound, and they said, 'This is your god and the god of Moses, but he forgot.'" (Qur'an, Chapter 20 (Taha), Verse 88)

"Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him." (Bible, Book of Exodus, Chapter 32, Verse 1)

They witnessed miracles with their own eyes, signs clear as day yet in his absence, they turned away. Like the people of Kufa who summoned Hussein with promises of loyalty, only to fall silent when his caravan arrived, choosing safety over truth. When the time came to stand by Moses, the very man they had recognized, testified to, and called a prophet of God, they faltered. When faced with the test of patience and trust, they turned on their heels and walked away from the one they once claimed to follow.

Judas and Jesus: Betrayal from Within

The betrayal of Jesus came not from strangers, but from a close companion Judas Iscariot, who sold out the Messiah for silver. 

"Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?' So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver." (Bible, Book of Matthew, Chapter 26, Verses 14-16)

Judas walked closely with Jesus he learned at His feet, witnessed His miracles firsthand, and shared meals with Him. He saw the wonders, the healings, the power and yet, he betrayed Him for a handful of silver.

This is eerily similar to the people who handed over Muslim bin Aqeel, Imam Hussein's ambassador, in exchange for Yazid's favors. 

Even Imam Hussein referenced betrayal:

"The people are the slaves of this world, and religion is just something they say with their tongues. As long as they live comfortable lives, they keep it. But when they’re tested, true believers are few." (Attributed to Imam Hussein, echoing Imam Ali’s sentiments in Nahj al-Balagha)

Letters to Aba Al-Sadiq: Modern Betrayal

In our age, the letters to the Imam of our time come by way of pledging allegiance to him, with tears and words of loyalty. But when justice demands sacrifice, how many truly rise? 

"O people! Your loyalty is tested in hardship. You cry out under the burden of oppression but when you are called to battle, you hesitate and complain." (Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali, Sermon 97)

Pledging allegiance isn't just about accepting the messenger while ignoring the message. It is not a matter of picking and choosing what suits us. Allegiance means obedience plain and simple. Why? Because we were the ones who called out to Aba Al-Sadiq. We were the ones who cried out for justice. Just as the people of Kufa once wrote to Imam Hussein, today, we have written to Aba Al-Sadiq. The call was ours now the responsibility is ours too. 

How many miracles have we seen? How many times have the blind been able to see, the barren given birth and the dead brought back to life? If that was not convincing enough then how can anyone deny the Holy Will? How many can deny the ultimate proof? 

Now we must stand up to what we believe we must dissolve ourselves in the true King Aba Al Sadiq.

Echoes in the Wind

The betrayals of Karbala, of Jesus, and of Moses are not ancient stories. They are warnings. The test of loyalty repeats in every generation.

Imam Hussein left behind no room for excuses. He did not go to Karbala with an army of warriors or political strategists. He took with him his children, his women, his household, and a small band of the most loyal companions. 

This was no military campaign. It was a living sermon. He led by example, placing those most dear to him in harm's way - not because he sought martyrdom for them, but to show the world that when the cause is righteous, no one is too young, too weak, or too precious to stand up.

Imam Hussein chose to walk a path paved in blood to awaken the conscience of a sleeping nation.

So, what excuse does anyone have?

If Hussein could bring his six-month-old baby to the battlefield not as a warrior, but as a testimony - then what are we waiting for?

If Zainab, daughter of Ali and Fatima, could stand in the court of Yazid with chains on her hands but truth on her tongue, what fear holds us back?

We weren't asked to die like Hussein. We were asked not to live like Yazid’s people, those who saw the truth and chose comfort. 

Those who heard the cry  "Is there anyone to help me?"  and turned away.

Today, we stand in a moment strikingly familiar to the past.

Once again, a caller from the family of Muhammad stands among us: Abdullah Hashem, Aba Al-Sadiq, the Qa’im, the one risen by divine command.

He has not come to seek glory for himself, nor have we gathered to elevate our own names. We have returned in this time, in this age, for one reason only: To honor the Holiest of Holies. To serve the King of Kings. To lay the foundation of a divine, just state beneath the rightful throne of God’s chosen.

This path is not about you. It is not about me. It is about Him, the one whose right has been stolen, whose name has been forgotten by a world drunk on its own arrogance.

We tread this path not driven by our own ambitions, but in humble submission to a higher call. Not out of pride, but out of devotion. Because when the truth arrives at your doorstep  not in stories, but in flesh and blood the only question that remains is:

Now that you know the truth, what will you do with it?

Will you, like those before, write your allegiance with words and abandon it with actions? Or will you rise even if you must crawl  to stand beside your Imam before the page of history turns once again?

“If you hear of the Qa’im from the family of Muhammad, then go to him — even if you must crawl over ice.”