God's Sacrifice: The Epic Saga of Hussein and His Legendary Martyrdom
The book God's Sacrifice: The Epic Saga of Hussein and His Legendary Martyrdom shows how Hussein became a singular figure who fills history with his grace and grandeur, becoming a meta-historical legend, epitomizing the perennial struggle between good and evil. This is his true, albeit unbelievable story.
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| Author | Ayatollah Sayyid Hadi al-Husayni al-Modarresi |
|---|---|
| Published | 2015 |
| Publisher | Enlight Press |
| Pages | 446 |
About the author[edit | edit source]
Ayatollah Sayyid Hadi al-Husayni al-Modarresi, is an Iraqi-Iranian Shia scholar, leader and orator. He is viewed as a charismatic speaker, enamoring many Muslims, radiating a certain magnetism in his oratory. He spent much of his career in opposition to the Bathist government, and he spent many years in exile, particularly in Bahrain. al-Modarresi returned to Iraq following the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and administers humanitarian projects in there.
About the book[edit | edit source]
This book published in Enlight Press (November 12, 2015), has 446 pages and best sellers rank of 2,892,767 in Books.
The story of the book begins with the meeting of two friends and conversations between them about the state of government, and ends with the incident of Karbala.
Abstract of chapters[edit | edit source]
TIMES OF UNREST[edit | edit source]
In this part, Rahman and Abdullah talk about Ali and who will become the caliph after Ali's martyrdom. Abdullah wants to convince Rahman, his guest, that Mu'awiyah does not deserve the caliphate. He explains how Ali's enemies feared Ali and eventually hit him during prayers.
SUCCESSION[edit | edit source]
In this part, Mu'awiyah's efforts to replace his son are enumerated. Mu'awiyah received a positive response to allegiance by bribing the opponents of Yazid's successor and giving gifts to silence the elders who hated Yazid. Finally, in response to someone who said God will ask every shepherd about his flock, so beware of God O Muawiya! said:
"all that remains of the Companions of Muhammad is my son and their sons, and my son is dearer to me than theirs."
THE TYRANT[edit | edit source]
Rahman and Abdullah talk about whether Hussein stop at what he said in his meeting with Muawiya or not. Abdullah believes that Hussein opposes the appointment of Yazid as Muawiya’s successor not for the sake of worldly power, or desiring any personal gain. No, he does so to protect the essence of the religion. Hussein wants to reform the religious, social and political system, so that the ruler does not merely see himself as the head of state, like any other emperor, tyrant or Caesar, but rather as the successor of God’s Messenger.
TESTIMONY[edit | edit source]
After Muawiya’s death, Yazid came to Damascus and went to the Green Palace, where a place had been prepared for him. He sat on the throne and demanded that people pledge.
CRISISOF LEGITIMACY[edit | edit source]
Mu'awiyah is dead and Yazid tries to pledge allegiance to those whom Mu'awiyah had threatened to pledge allegiance to him, before they heard the news of Mu'awiyah’s death.
GOVERNOR’S MANSION[edit | edit source]
When Yazid’s governor (Walid and Marwan) asked Hussein to pledge allegiance and take allegiance from the people, Hussein said:
"Someone like me does not pledge allegiance in secret. So when you have summoned the people to pledge allegiance, summon us with them, and then we will be on a single affair."
Marwan told Walid:
"If Hussein leaves you now without pledging allegiance, you will never have another opportunity such as this without an abundance of bloodshed between you. Either detain him until he pledges allegiance or cut off his head!"
THE DEPARTURE[edit | edit source]
After Yazid’s governor wanted to force Hussein to pledge allegiance, he took his family and left Medina, he told those who accompanied him:
I go forth only to seek reform in the Nation of my grandfather, Muhammad. I intend to enjoin the good and forbid the evil, and follow the method of my grandfather, Muhammad, and that of my father, Ali Ibn Abu Talib. Whoever accepts me in truth, God is more entitled to the truth. And whoever rejects me, I shall wait for God to judge between me and the people with truth, and to judge between me and them, and God is the best of judges Peace be upon you and those that follow guidance, there is no power or means except by God, the High, the Mighty.’
DECISION[edit | edit source]
Abdullah spoke to a man named Ahmad who believed that it is not easy to change the people such that they will give up their servitude to this world day and night and begin again to search for that which will bring them near to God by sacrificing their lives and wealth for him. Most people are not like the Prophet’s Household who show asceticism towards this world, not wanting anything except good for others, not seeking anything for themselves. So the outcome of these matters is not clear.
REVERSALS[edit | edit source]
When Yazid found out that Muslim ibn Aqeel is in Kufa taking the pledge of allegiance for Hussein, he became worried and asked for help from one of his father’s advisors, a Roman called Sir John. He sought assistance from foreigners, who advised him on courses of action that were not in the interest of the religion of the people, because they were fundamentally enemies of that religion.
SHOWDOWN[edit | edit source]
Here there is a showdown between Hussein's representative and Yazid's governor.
If Hussein wanted to win, meaning to overcome his enemy and win power, he would have promised people victory rather than death. Hence the balance of forces is not in Hussein's favor; he cannot win against this empire that Yazid inherited from his father with such a small force, not to mention the fact that all the people want is to live an easy life and remain forever on the earth; they fear death. Treasuries filled with gold and silver are at Yazid's disposal; he buys the consciences of the weak-willed, while Hussein demands selflessness from people. In the short-term, Hussein will not defeat Yazid, but in the long-term he will win no matter the immediate outcome.
And the story goes on until the Karbala incident, martyrdom of the Prophet's household, etc.
And the heavens wept blood...