Lessons from Karbala

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.