Ashura Uprising’s Reasons Based on Imam Hussein’s Quranic References
Paying attention to the content of the verses he recited during the journey helps us get a better picture of the objectives of Imam Hussein (AS) in the Ashura uprising, religious scholar Najaf Lakzaei said, addressing a forum on ‘analysis of Imam Hussein’s (AS) Quranic approach in his uprising’.
Following are experts from his remarks at the forum:
There are political aspects and implications in the verses of the Quran that Imam (AS) recited. There are many of those verses and here (I would highlight some of them).
1- When facing Marwan: When the ruler of Medina, at the order of Yazid, asked Imam Hussein (AS) to pledge allegiance with Yazid, Imam (AS) recited Verses 156 of Surah Al-Baqqarah: “We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.” Imam (AS) then said that if this government’s rule continues, Islam will be destroyed. He then recited Verse 33 of Surah Al-Ahzab: “People of the house, God wants to remove all kinds of uncleanliness from you and to purify you thoroughly,” adding that “We are a purified family and cannot pledge allegiance to someone like Yazid.”
2- When entering Mecca: When Imam (AS) arrived in Mecca, he recited Verse 22 of Surah Al-Qasas: “When he (Moses) started his journey to Midian he said, ‘Maybe my Lord will show me the right path.’”
3- When Leaving Mecca: Imam Hussein (AS) recited Verse 21 of Surah Al-Qasas: “So he (Moses) left the city afraid and cautious, saying, ‘Lord, protect me against the unjust people.’” Here Imam (AS) by reciting this verse likens the situation he is in with the situation of Moses (AS).
4- When hearing the news of martyrdom of Muslim ibn Aqil: Imam (AS) recited Verse 23 of Surah Al-Ahzab: “Among the believers there are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah. Some have fulfilled their vow dying, and others await, unyielding to change.” According to this verse, some of the believers achieved martyrdom and the second group are waiting for martyrdom.
5- When hearing Ubaidullah ibn Hurr Jaafi’s offer of help: Ubaidullah ibn Hurr Jaafi did not accept Imam’s (AS) invitation, saying he would not accompany Imam (AS) but would be ready to help. Imam Hussein (AS) recited this verse: “: I did not call (the unjust) to witness the creation of the heavens and earth nor to witness their own creation nor did I want to be helped by those who lead people astray.” (Verse 51 of Surah Al-Kahf)
6- When facing Ibn Abbas: One of those who tried to dissuade Imam (AS) from launching the uprising was Ibn Abbas. There was a conversation between him and Imam Hussein (AS) about Bani Ummayah during which Imam (AS) recited Verse 54 of Surah At-Tawbah: “Nothing prevents their offerings from being accepted except that they do not believe in Allah and His Messenger. They do not come to the prayer except lazily and spend grudgingly.” This verse describes the hypocrites.
7- When Hurr started to block all sources of supply of water to Imam (AS) and his companions: When Hurr embarked on blocking the water supply, Imam (AS) recited Verse 41 of Surah Al-Qasas: “We made them leaders inviting to the Fire, and on the Day of Resurrection they shall not be victors.” Hurr and his army should have realized that by reciting this verse, Imam (AS) is describing Yazid, Ibn Ziyad and others in their front as those who are inviting people to fire while Imam (AS) is inviting people to light.
