Holy Ashura

The 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Muslim lunar calendar, is significant in different ways for all the revealed religions. For Muslims it is both a day of deep pain and a day of regeneration of oneself as a Muslim. Muslims all over the world remember this day in different ways recalling the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R) and his band of unyielding Muslims on the plains of Karbala.
The day comes to the Muslims, irrespective of the sectarian predilection, as a painful reminder of the brutal massacre of the grandson of the Holy Prophet and his family (SA) in the hands of the soldiers of a cruel ruler. At the same time the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his family in the battle of Karbala invokes in us the cardinal teaching of Islam of never to capitulate to oppression and unjust and illegal demands. It teaches us that not even one's life is more important than one's principles.
While we mourn the dead of Karbala we should transform the grief into strength to defeat evil, both in us as individuals and in the society. If the day is a reminder of triumph of good over evil then, unfortunately, it seems that it is evil that seems to be triumphing. Let us resolve as a nation to internalise the teachings that the sacrifice at Karbala has left for us. Let us resolve not to sacrifice principles and values for self aggrandisement. Let us not compromise our morality for temporary gains.