Dr. Muslim Malik Al-Asadi / College of Islamic Sciences / University of Karbala
In a barren land, its name illuminated by pain and affliction, surrounded by a vast desert, stood between him and the grandson of the noble Prophet, 30,000 fighters. They were deceived by the world, their necks drinking from its illusion, their heads raised in anticipation of a reward mixed with disgrace, misery, and destruction. How could they not, when the price of their souls was the head of the grandson of Muhammad (PBUH) and the smallest of his grandsons, the Imam clothed in the mantle of Prophethood and the light of Gabriel, who was also filled with the light of Fatima and Ali (PBUH), accompanied by his older brother, the first grandson, Hassan (PBUH)?
He stood as a counselor, saying in his loud voice, a sermon that was filled with the human and social meanings:
“People, listen to my words, and do not rush until I advise you of what is rightfully mine to offer, and until I apologize for my advance among you. If you accept my apology, believe my words, and give me half of yourselves, you will be the happier for it, and there will be no way for you to disobey me.”
The people, cloaked in injustice, intoxicated by the drinks of oppression, and fed from the rulers’ tables, were reminded by the remaining proof of God and the chosen Imam. He called them to return to their true essence, to the truth that shines like the sun before them. He emphasized that his right as the Imam, the leader, and the protector of the divine law of God was the right of the people to support, believe, and follow him.
He continued:
“If you do not accept my apology and do not give me half of yourselves, then gather your affairs, and your partners, and do not let your affair cause you distress. Then, judge me and do not delay.”
What a great leader, who apologized to them for what would befall them in the coming trials, for the torment and the long nights that would tear them apart with the daggers of confusion. He told them to act with their swords, as they would not regret his killing, for Hell had already opened its mouth to consume them before they could enjoy the gains of his killing.
He said: “Servants of God, fear Him and be cautious of the world. For if the world were to remain with anyone or if anyone were entitled to remain in it, the prophets would have been the most entitled to remain and to be pleased with God’s decree. However, God created the world to perish. Its newness is old, its joy fleeting, and its pleasures darkened. The abode is a grave, and the house is a fortress. So take provision, for the best provision is piety, and fear God so that you may succeed.”
Once again, the Imam, as a messenger of God, returns to warn the people about the consequences of turning away from the truth and slipping into disbelief. He reminds them that the world is fleeting and transient; even the most entitled to eternal life, the prophets, passed away to await the Day of Judgment. The world is decaying, and its delights are fading.
The Imam reminded them once again of the world’s transitory nature:
“O people, indeed, God created the world, making it a place of decay and change for its inhabitants, shifting from one condition to another.”
His speech emphasized the fleeting nature of the world, addressing those who had once pledged allegiance to him, only to betray him later in pursuit of power and positions. The Imam warned them not to be deceived by the world, for it cuts off the hopes of those who rely on it and disappoints those who trust it.
He continued:
“People, do not be deceived by the world, for it will disappoint those who rely on it. I see you have gathered to do something that has angered God, and His face has turned away from you, bringing His wrath upon you.”
The Imam warned them of the dire consequences of their actions, and the wrath of God would soon descend upon them for their betrayal and for killing the grandson of the Prophet (PBUH), Hussain ibn Ali.
In the end, the Imam closed his speech, saying:
“Blessed is our Lord, and wretched are you, the slaves. You pledged allegiance to the wicked and broke your promises. You became accomplices of Satan, and now you are his loyal followers.”
Thus, from this speech, we see that the Imam’s address addressed many dimensions, drawing attention to the human and social values that were ignored by the people. The Imam tried to guide them back to the righteous path, but they were swayed by their desires, blinded by worldly pleasures, and ultimately betrayed the true call of God.
