The name “Karbala” in itself is
sufficient to elicit a wide range of emotions and a multitude of questions. It
not just evokes grief but also a sense of responsibility in life. It raises the
level of human thought beyond the bounds of self. Yet, above all these, it also
teaches a number of lessons. First of all, it tells that religion in itself is
not sufficient to ensure that human values are cherished, it requires a great
effort, great both in magnitude as well as perseverence to ensure that the
fundamentals of freedom and equality are preserved. It tells that society will
always have oppressors and oppressed and it is the duty of each and every
individual to choose the right side. Those who keep quiet when people are
oppressed are no less oppressors themselves.
Secondly, it tells that it does
not matter what color, race, age or social or economic status you belong to,
but that every individual has the capacity to make a contribution that will
effect the world for ages to come. It tells that in every battle between right
and wrong, it matters what side you fight for. You cannot justify your wrongs
while your right action needs no explanation.
Thirdly, it tells that men of God
are not those who offer prayer in a articular form. Prayer no doubt cleanses
the heart, but for that the prayer should come from a heart that wishes to
cleanse itself. No amount of following a tradition without meaning it can help
anyone. It will be just a means to deceive one’s own self because one cannot
deceive God. Men of God are those who fight against injustice and fight till
their last breath.
Karbala says stand for the weak
and the oppressed. It calls for action. It is not dependent on tears, what it
wants is that people become better human beings.
