Lessons learnt from Karbala

By: Zafarul Islam

Accept all physical pressures and pain - always on our true faith we steadfastly remain

Battle begun unjustly by oppressors - brave Husain (as) till the end tried to guide aggressors

Combine with words, when necessary, more swords - consolidate speech, if it fails, with spears against stubborn warlords

Differentiate, by trial, true faithful from false claimants - devilish lovers of worldly pleasures rejected as remnants

Expose true identity of governing tyrant - evil Umayyad family who ruled as if invincible giant

Face bravely and fight fiercely transgressors - fondly taught Islam's Prophet to Husain (as), the True Successor

Gandhi and other freedom fighters won independence - greatly inspired by Husain (as)'s unforgettable resistance

Honor, self-respect, self-determination - Husain (as)'s call to humanity till world's termination

Invite, instruct, instill in all mankind godly values - indeed such were Islam, Prophet's and his family's views

Job in life is to perform God-given task - judge results by Godly standards, questions don't ask

Keep your debt-book clean, owe nothing from anyone - king of martyrs refused to meet His Lord having hurt someone

Ladies in captivity bravely spread Kerbala's message - lightning and thunderous words hastened tyrants downward passage

Martyrdom preferable to life of humiliation under evil-doers - military might never frightens brave good-doers

Never despair in struggle against falsehood by small quantity - numbers matter less with sterling quality

Objectives of Qayam declared publicly at all stages - opportunities utilized maximally for sacred rage

Perseverance on truth till the last brother and last breath - persistent refusal to surrender to evil till death

Quest for forgiveness granted to misguided enemy repentant - Quran says God's mercy available for the penitent

Revive Prophet of Islam's Godly way of life - reject leader of evil's unholy sway and strife

Sacrifice all dear and near to uphold God's law - surrender animal-self to divine Wisdom and God's Awe

Tolerance of all hardships easy with God's remembrance - trials and tribulations readily accepted with God's Munificence

Unending support to Godly Leader's advice - untiring struggle against ungodly army's stance

Victory of holy blood over blade of sword - vanquishing might with right, brawn with brain, sword with word

Warriors of truth participated from all ages, race, class & sanctuaries - winners in war, those whose message alive over centuries

Xtra power & position corrupt ungodly human xtravagance, lifestyle of immature Man

Yield total person & possessions to God's Pleasure - youth engage in holy war, not in temporary leisure

Zealous to die for truth, virtue, Laws of God - zest of life is to love God & live for God – [compilation: M. Koja]

END