During the days of Muharram, when I go the local center at night, I wish, time and time again, that I was in Kerbala. When the nawhas are being recited, I close my eyes, and imagine what it would’ve been like on the day of Ashura. In the land, that, today, is filled with visitors from all over the world, to pay tribute to the Imam who sacrificed everything he had to give us the gift of Islam that we have today.
I imagine a brave warrior holding a flag, and riding to fetch water for his niece, knowing he may not make it back.
I imagine a glowing aura standing in the middle of a desert, stating his last will and going forth to fight bravely, knowing that not too long after, his blood will be mingled with the sands of the holy land.
To think that we value the sand that Imam Hussain (a.s.) shed his blood on, and swear by it, gives me a feeling that I cannot explain. What must the status of this Imam be? That by his living, his dying, and the martyrdom of his companion, we pray for our dearest wishes, and see miracles happen before us.
Such a status given to our Imam, that we long to be near him, not only in this world, but also in the hereafter.
My heart trembles at the thought of the sacrifice. And it makes me wonder, what sacrifice am I willing to give?
Though during these days, our longing to physically be in Kerbala is a constant heart-ache, we must realize that not being there, means we have a mission here – where we are.
We, as Muslims, believe in Allah’s ultimate plan and His Great Wisdom, and we understand that there is a reason for everything. Let’s not hesitate to believe we have a purpose and a mission.
I cannot tell you what your mission is, nor can you tell me what my mission is. It is for each and every one of us to venture and find it for ourselves.
The most critical aspect of it all is that we should never lose hope. We can all contribute to our own lives, and our own deeds. There is something for all of us to do.At the same time, we must also know what we are willing to sacrifice in the name of Hussain and in the name of Islam.
In this month: choose one thing in life that you are willing to sacrifice, not only for these two months, but for the months to come. Follow up on your success of your sacrifice by writing about it or keeping a log.