"In a distant age and climate the

tragic scene of the death of Hussain will awaken the sympathy of the coldest reader.” – Edward Gibbon“Insaan ko bedaar to ho lenay do, har qaum pukaray gi, hamaray hain Hussain.”

–Josh Malihabadi

A lot of lessons can be derived from Ashura, or the Day of Remembrance. In 680, when Hussain and his 72 companions, including women and children, engaged with the Kufan army in Karbala, they were to set an undying precedent. The sacrifices that were made on 10 Muharram represent eternal submission in the path of God, and efforts to keep Islam away from corruption and personal interests.

The Battle of Karbala symbolises the conflict between forces of good and evil. Despite Yazid’s victory on the day, forces of good emerged victorious in hindsight. The battle teaches us that no system of oppression is powerful enough that it cannot be resisted. Tyrants might not cease to subjugate their subjects, but it is our duty to stand firm against evil. The odds might not always be in our favour, but that shouldn’t prevent us from resisting oppression.

Today, Muslims all around the world remember and mourn the sacrifices made by Hussain and his companions; for, on that fateful evening, they saved our religion.