“The decision of Al-Hurr was not a sudden one, but like a sapling that had sprouted and grown over many years…” (Stephan Friedrich Schfer)
In every movement, in addition to the leaders, the followers and supporters also play a key role in the successes and failures. This is why, in monotheistic movements, the divine prophets have always focused on training cadres and nurturing forces.
In the epic of Ashura, Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) had trained forces and brought along those who had already been trained—individuals who were spiritually, mentally, doctrinally, and physically prepared for such a monumental battle. Usually, the individuals in a movement are selected from among the active, young, and elite members of society, but in the battle of Ashura, there were people of various ages: women, men, the elderly, the young, and children. Despite this, these forces had been trained in such a way that they had reached the stage of “certainty”; they truly believed in the path they had chosen and had complete faith in the leader of the movement.
Indeed, training individuals who are willing to sacrifice for their beliefs and are unafraid of martyrdom in the way of God is extremely difficult, as worldly obstacles present immense barriers that trap individuals. Love for life, attachment to the pleasures of this world, affection for children and spouses, love of wealth and possessions, weaknesses, fears, and interests—each of these is a trap that ensnares humans. This is why Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) said: “People are slaves to the world, and their religion is only a tongue-deep utterance. When tested by a calamity, few are the true followers of faith.” [1] Indeed, overcoming all these obstacles requires a tough and difficult form of training. Only the school of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) was capable of training companions who were sincere, faithful, obedient, and ready for martyrdom.
In this context, a German researcher[2] believes that Al-Hurr’s decision was not sudden, but like a sapling that had sprouted and grown over many years, eventually becoming a strong tree. In fact, he did not even realize that he would ultimately break away from Yazid and join Imam Hussein (peace be upon him). When the initial confrontation between the army of Al-Hurr and Imam Hussein’s caravan took place (before the day of Ashura) and the time for prayer arrived, Al-Hurr and his army followed Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) in prayer. When Al-Hurr prevented Imam Hussein’s army from moving forward, Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) said to him, “May your mother mourn you! What do you want to do?” Al-Hurr replied: “By God, if anyone other than you, O Arab, had said this, I would have responded, whoever they may be! But I swear by God, I cannot mention your mother’s name except in the most honorable manner.” [3] Thus, when Al-Hurr suddenly felt ashamed before his conscience, it reflects his pure and truth-seeking soul, and such a conscience must have been nurtured and cultivated throughout his life.[4]
This is why Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) addressed his companions on the night of Ashura, saying: “I have no better companions than you, nor a more virtuous family than mine. May Allah reward you all on my behalf. These people, apart from me, have no business with you. You may go, and there is no obligation upon you from me.” [5] Yet, that night, none of his companions abandoned him. Their consciences had reached their ultimate perfection, and they performed the ritual purification for martyrdom. And of course, the nurturing of this school continues even today.
(Adapted from the book The Secret of the Eternal Glory of the Ashura Epic, by Ayatollah Is-haq Fayyaz [with some changes and additions])
Footnotes:
[1] Tuhaf al-Uqoul, p. 245
[2] Stephan Friedrich Schfer, who converted to Islam in 1999 and adopted Shia Islam in 2002. After converting, he wrote several articles and books, including “Forty Hadiths on Fasting” and several articles.
[3] Musnad al-Imam al-Shahid, Vol. 1, p. 483
[4] It is important to note that in the army of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), there were individuals who had spent most of their lives away from the educational system of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). However, with their awakened consciences and the spiritual preparation granted by Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), they eventually joined his ranks and attained the blessing of martyrdom and salvation.
[5] Musnad al-Imam al-Shahid, Vol. 2, p. 15