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Ashura
Misrepresentations and Distortions
contemporary issues
Allaying Misconceptions of
Shia Muslims
Our Response to Media Reports
feature
The Significance of the
Massacre of Karbala
Pro f. S y e d Fa r i d A l a t a s
contents
Jan 2011
muharram special
N u rna z ly na M o h d B a h t iaraffandi
muharram special
Editors
Norhayati Samad 2 Muharram:
Siti Hajar Esa A Soulful Reflection
by Nurnazlyna Mohd Bahtiaraffandi
writers
spirituality
Muharram:
Nadim Ali Kapadia
Mohamad Latiff Rahim
Nur Innayah Rosnan
4 Action & Reaction
Guest Contributor
Prof. Syed Farid Alatas
by Mohamad Latiff Bin Rahim
A Soulful Reflection
Contributors
book review Impossible
Tauqir Karim 6 Ashura - Would I, this wretched being, be able
Syadza Annisa Salsabil Misrepresentations and Distortions To choose among them – all incredible?
Nurnazlyna Mohd Bahtiaraffandi by Nur Innayah Rosnan
…But we have disfigured this shining historic event to such an extent and
have committed such a monstrous treachery towards Imam Husayn that if
he were to come and see, Imam Husayn will say,
“You have changed the entire face of the event. I am not the Imam Husayn that you
have sketched out in your own imaginations. The Qasim ibn Hasan that you have
painted in your fancy is not my nephew. The ‘Ali Akbar that you have faked in your
imagination is not my aware and intelligent son. The companions you have carved
out are not my companions.’’
http://www.al-islam.org/al-tawhid/ashura when the words recited are lies and the events they painted never happened?
An example of such a distortion is the fable created on Qasim who is said to have
requested to tie the knot in the plains of Karbala, and the desire of Imam Hussein to
see him married. A Qasim who wishes to get married would not be on the plains of
Karbala. The Qasim in Karbala had asked his uncle,
Of which his uncle, Imam Hussein, replied with a question as to what were his
his father being Shaikh Muhammad Husain, whom “It is sweeter to me than honey.”
he received his Islamic elementary education on The first one deals with the definition of tahrif, or
Islam from. He continued to learn under the great distortions, and cites examples of tahrif that has There are also some who attempt to associate the death of Imam Hussein with the
banners of Allama Tabatabai, Imam Khumayni and distorted the true account of Ashura. The second crucifixion of Jesus. They state that Imam Hussein had bled and died for them, so they
many other distinguished ulama. Matyr Ayatullah sermon explains the factors that gave rise to the have attained salvation no matter what sins they commit.
Murtada Mutahhari actively worked against the existence of such misconceptions. It is an eye-
idea of communism and how it could corrode opener, realizing that fables have been constructed The third section relates the distortions further and introduces the characteristic of a
islam. When Imam Khumayni was exiled to Turkey, and injected into the recounting of the events sacred movement so that we are aware of the purity of the days of Karbala. The final
Matyr Mutahhari took over his place by handling of Ashura. When it is commonly assumed that section wraps up by highlighting that it is the responsibility of the ulama and the peo-
the Islamic affairs. Matyr Mutahhari was assassinat- these distortions arose from the enemies of Imam ple to combat such distortions. Our religion depends on the movement of Imam Hus-
ed on May 1, 1979. Imam Khumayni shed uncon- Husayn, Matyr Mutahhari exposes the shocking fact sein and we renew our faith by remembering his sacrifices. It is up to us to collectively
trollable tears for this great man at the news of his that some distortions actually stemmed from the work against the forces that seek to taint the pure waters of Imam Hussein and what
demise. In his condolence message, the Imam said: Shias themselves, be it ulamas or the common peo- he stands for. If left unchecked, the distortions done to the message of Imam Hussein
“In him I have lost a dear son. I am mourning the ple. These Shias have forgotten the true meaning of can reach a point whereby it would affect our lives and the future of Shiism.
death of one who was the fruition of my life.” Karbala and Ashura. They think that a high degree
of lamentation needs to be achieved, so any means Let us all help to retain the pure visage of Imam Hussein and his sacred days of Karbala.
In this book, Matyr Mutahhari touches on the idea possible is done to work the masses up into frenzy. Let us all not be among those who desire to paint their own version of Karbala; for
of misconceptions. Misconceptions with regards They went to the extreme of creating fictional tales those who do will sink much deeper into waywardness, while all the time thinking he
to Shia islam is nothing new and distortions of the to induce weeping. What are those tears worth, was right by ‘following’ his own ‘Imam Hussein”.
Towards
own distinct cultural and historical perspective. constructive approach at freeing our subjugated
Behind the negative portrayals of Islam lies a strong minds off the shackles of Orientalism.
demarcation of the Orient and the West, followed
Rebuilding Truth
by the production of a corpus of knowledge about Therefore, ongoing inter-faith dialogue initiatives
the Orient that is a construction and interpretation that seek to rejuvenate discourse on Islam
of the West. An ontological and epistemological and other religions for that matter are very
Deconstructing Dominant Portrayals of Islam divide is presumed, with the West occupying a
superior position in all domains.
much welcomed as a start to deconstructing
popular “knowledge”. This is with the criteria that
such dialogues aim to promote an objective
Global and regional developments in recent decades have stirred further tension between Western With such a demarcation and notion of superiority understanding and appreciation of other religions
and Muslim societies. People are witnessing disconcerting changes throughout the world. Muslims in play, Orientalist knowledge fundamentally and that participants come with an open mind,
and non-Muslims alike have become victims of terror and violence on countless occasions by people essentializes the groups they study. Groups are putting aside any baseless judgements or biased
claiming to act in the name of Islam. Misunderstanding and prejudice seem to have grown on both reduced to particular traits that can either be real preconceived notions they have of others. The
sides especially in this era of communication spurred by the role of media in shaping public opinion and or imagined. A critique along methodological starting point of dialogue initiatives should be
covering realities via their censorship. Like it or not, the media is actively shaping the world and how we lines also emerges as the pivotal absence of social the conviction that regional conflicts must not
see it. The conjuring up of images of Islam and Muslim societies has reached a stage whereby Islam has science concepts in Orientalist scholarship is noted be understood simply as culturally or religiously
been dominantly depicted by the Western media as “fundamentalism”, “extremism” and “radicalism”. The to have led to its erroneous conclusions. Despite motivated. Lack of mutual understanding,
Western powers’ subjugation of the media has ensured that this body of belief about Muslim societies gets grave limitations, Orientalist scholarship however especially that resulting from an over-consumption
ingrained in the young and impressionable worldwide. is buttressed by material interests and institutional of Orientalist-produced “knowledge” must be
networks that facilitate the sustenance of these overcome by dialogue. Strengthening pluralism
Such portrayals are undoubtedly manifestations of a conception of the world through an Orientalist prism. Orientalist ideas and allow for their dissemination within societies and reducing prejudices and foe
On top of geographical, political, economic and cultural divide between the East and the West, a further and use in popular discourse. images of other societies or religions should also
demarcation is created as the West labels the East, especially Muslim societies, as “the other” that is “alien” be part of the vision. Dialogue, therefore, must
to the West. Such “alien other” are deemed as dangerous, if not hostile. Apparently, under the pressure of Reacting to Orientalism and the intellectual and not refrain from controversies and must endure
their sense of danger, whether real or imagined, a deformed image of the “alien society” and its beliefs take epistemological hegemony of the West, there open debates in order to make the complexity of
shape in men’s minds. By misapprehension and misrepresentation, a notion of the ideas and beliefs of the have been attempts at discrediting Orientalist- the issue at stake transparent and enable different
society can pass into the accepted myths of another society, in a form so distorted that its relation to the produced knowledge by diminishing its perceptions while still safeguarding the universal
original facts is sometimes barely discernible1. Doctrines that are the expression of the spiritual outlook of proponents i.e. the entire Western society to a acceptance of human rights and fundamental
the “alien society” are interpreted ungenerously and with prejudice to the extent that facts are modified to mass of soulless, decadent, rootless and unfeeling freedoms.
suit the dominant interpretation2. parasites. Occidental accusations of the West
1 - Norman Daniel, Islam and the West: The Making of an Image, Oxford, England: Oneworld, 2000, p. 12
together to commemorate the tragedy of Karbala. Being a mother myself, I cannot imagine the pain Bibi Rubab must have felt when she had no food and
It is a unity which allows a group to become kin water to feed her son for three days. The night of Shame Ghariba proved to be one of the greatest chal-
by exhibiting an unequivocal sense of care and lenges she experienced as this was her first night spent without her son, Ali Asgher. How could she sleep
respect towards one another. This emphasizes comfortably when her son was lying alone under the sands of Karbala? The 6 months old baby was merci-
the importance of family and community ties, to lessly martyred on the day of Ashura. In the prison of
which I am reminded of Sukayna, someone whom I Damascus, Bibi Rubab had to witness the death of her
believe epitomized the love between a parent and young daughter, Bibi Sakinah. After Bibi Sakinah (AS)
a child. was buried in prison, Bibi Rubab placed her cheek on
Bibi Sakinah’s grave and cried out, “Speak to me Sakina,
It is a scene which brings sorrow: her young age, Speak to me”!
undeniable thirst and devastating separation from
her beloved father Imam Hussain (A. S.), yet one The loss of a child is the worst tragedy that can befall
that prompts individual reflection. As a daughter a mother. Bibi Rubab however was always patient and
and adolescent, it is easy to simply stray away from never complained. Despite the difficulties she went
the right path and chase romanticized notions through, Bibi Rubab remained thankful to Allah (SWT)
of individualism. Yet it is difficult to sometimes and believed in Him. Bibi Rubab knew that she lost
remember the two people who have given all and both her children for the sake of Islam.
willing to give more for my sake- my parents.
Let us now ask ourselves what have we sacrificed for Is-
Sukayna’s affections towards her parents are lam? It might be far-fetched to think that we can make
most honourable. They exemplify the strength a similar sacrifice as that of Bibi Rubab. But there are
of family bonds, even amidst adversities. What other similarly meaningful things that we can do to
I had learnt from the annual night sermons of serve Islam. It is our responsibility to ensure that our
Karbala is Sukyana’s immeasurable love during children grow up to be good Muslims who perform
an atmosphere of despair. Although narratives their prayers on time, maintain their hijab, have great
focus on the bond between herself and her understanding and love for Ahlulbayt and refrain from
father, I believe it goes beyond cooperation and all acts that would displease Allah (SWT). Even if we are
kindness within a family. It reflects the feeling of not making as huge a sacrifice as that of Bibi Rubab,
togetherness within a group of people with shared we can at least take comfort in the fact that we have
believes and grievances towards the tragedies of brought up children who will contribute to the better-
Karbala. ment of religion and society.
SIGNIFICANCE
of a leader guided by the ideal of excellence. His dying from thirst, to drink some water. His appeal,
life was an example for others to follow. Leaders however, was met with a deadly poisoned arrow
such as Sayyidina Ali k.w. display various traits that struck the baby’s neck. Finally, Imam Husain
that are crucial for just rule. In their personal lives, himself fought and gave his life in the fashion of a
they never accumulated wealth, abused power, true martyr. The army of Yazid, having killed him,
cut off his head and raised it on a lance7.
of the oppressed the weak or acted arbitrarily. Their
Massacre of Karbala
actions were informed by the ideal of excellence
and the form of their rule was republican, guided A Conflict of Values
by the Qur`an6.
The conflict between Iman Husain r.a. and Yazid
T he slaying of Sayyidina Husain r.a. along with dozens of his family members and followers at Karbala
on 10 Muharram, 61 A.H. (Ashura) is an event that has the greatest of significance for humanity for
several reasons. Here, I would like to highlight the connection between the massacre of Karbala with the
Imam Husain at Karbala
of Shia Muslims:
with regard to the position taken regarding Ashura. There may be differences over how to commemorate
Ashura, but this is a secondary issue.
It should also be pointed out that what is significant about Ashura is not that Imam Husain was from the Our Response to Media Reports
ahl al-bayt but that he sacrificed his life for a noble cause. His sacrifice and martyrdom would have been of
no lesser importance had he been from any other family.
Finally, if we are to make productive use of the history of Ashura, of the shocking and deplorable actions
of those who claim to be Muslims, we should relate them to our present context. We should ask Muslim
politicians and other leaders to seriously think about their ideals of excellence and decide if they wish to
emulate Imam Husain r.a. or the likes of Yazid.
1 - Syed Hussein Alatas, “The Ideal of Excellence”, Paper delivered to the Asian Youth Council 4 th Advanced Youth Leadership Training Workshop,
T
28 May – 9 June, 1978, Singapore. he Shia Muslim community in Singapore is This basic right to practice one’s faith was suppressed
2 - Alatas, Kita Dengan Islam: Tumbuh tiada Berbuah, Singapore: Pustaka Nasional, 1979, chap. 8.
3 - Syed Hussein Alatas, Cita Sempurna Warisan Sejarah, Bangi: Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 2000. Syarahan Perdana, saddened by the arrest of 200 Shia Muslims in by the raid in Selangor. It is worth noting that this
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Selangor. An article entitled “200 Shia Muslims may raid occurred while the Shias were commemorating
4 - Alatas coined the term jadong. It is derived from the be charged for following sect” reported on 21st of the death of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam
Malay words jahat, bodoh and sombong. December 2010, seemed to have aggravated the is- Husayn, who was killed mercilessly in Karbala, Iraq,
5 - Alatas, Cita Sempurna, p. 46.
6 - Alatas, Cita Sempurna, p. 30. sue by potentially painting a negative light on the 1400 years ago. Through this tragic historical event,
7 - For details see Imam Al-Suyuthi, Tarikh Khulafa`, community and its practices, which could cause fric- messages of peace have been imparted through
Cairo: Dar al-Fajr Lilturath, 1999. tion amongst communities in Singapore. This article the centuries. Great leaders of the modern era such
8 - Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, Beirut: hopes to provide an insight into our perspective as Mahatma Gandhi have been inspired by the ac-
Dar Sadir, vol. 8, pp. 255, 259.
9 - Imam Al-Suyuthi, Tarikh Khulafa`, p. 166. on this issue and to dispel the misconceptions sur- tions of Imam Husayn. He once proclaimed that, “I
rounding Shia Muslims reported in the local press. learned from Husayn how to achieve victory while
being oppressed.” These messages of peace are in
15 January 2011 Prof Syed Farid Alatas Shia Islam, the second largest denomination of Is- stark contrast to a statement made by the director
Sultan Mosque Auditorium
8pm - 10pm KARBALA: lam, has more than 300 million followers worldwide. of JAIS, Mr Muhammad Khusrin Munawi, who said
Registration starts at 8pm The Model of Social Activism -
Free Admission Lessons and Modern Day Applications In Singapore, Shias have been living harmoniously that, “the Shia doctrine is a threat to national security
with their Sunni brethren, and within the wider so- because it permits the killing of Muslims from other
Ustaz Md Rosli Hassan
SAIDINA HUSSAIN(r.a):
ciety, for more than a century. The numerous Sin- sects who are regarded as infidels.” It is clear that
karbala and saidina hussain(r.a)
The Pioneer of Islamic Revivalism gaporean family units with Sunnis and Shias living this statement has no foundation in Shia teachings
together are a tribute to this peaceful co-existence. and beliefs.
The Catalysts of Islamic Revivalism
Regrettably, this harmony is not allowed to exist On a final note, it is imperative for the media to act
“
in Selangor, Malaysia. As the abovementioned ar- responsibly in disseminating news. The miscon-
And if my Sin is Love of the
Family of Muhammad(S.A.W),
“ ticle quotes, the Public Relations officer of JAIS, Ms
Nurhamizah Othman, stated that the group of 200
strued image of Shias carried in local newspaper
reports may inadvertently promote intolerance that
Then that is a Sin which I do not Repent
Imam Syafi’i were arrested for allegedly following an “outlawed can contribute to disunity and division amongst
Shia sect.” This contradicts the agreement endorsed Muslims here in Singapore. The media has a respon-
by the Malaysian government during the Interna- sibility to unearth the truth, instead of relying on re-
tional Islamic Conference held in Amman in 2005. ports from other news agencies, and it is essential
The Amman Message, endorsed by 84 countries, that the media presents a balanced perspective to
For any enquiries, please email unanimously attests that Shia Islam is among the its readers, particularly when quoting messages of
muharram.talk@gmail.com
legitimate Islamic schools of thought and allows its hatred from divisive personalities.
followers to practice their faith freely.
T
Hauzah Ar-Ridha (Selangor, Malaysia)
he Shia world was saddened when news about within Malaysia. Anything that departs from this
the arrests of members of Hauzah Ar-Ridha (Sel- is labeled as a deviation, leading the Shia Mazhab
angor, Malaysia) on the blessed night of Ashura ech- to be officially declared illegal under the dictates
oed out through electronic media, taking many by of the Malaysian National Fatwa Board in 1996. No
surprise and infuriating others. effort was made to amend this clause despite five
Malaysia representatives, including Dr Abdul Hamid
Recent months have seen an escalation of attacks Othman, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, sign- Sunnah Wal-Jamaah, alongside other accusations. He labeled the Shia as hardliners that posed a serious
and claim-downs against the Shia in places such ing the Amman Message at the International Islamic ‘national security threat.’ Despite his many allegations, no concrete evidence or documents were produced,
as Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Conference in 2005. With the heavyweight of Islamic only to expose the weak grounds for the arrest. Moreover, the JAIS has refused to offer an apology or change
with Malaysia adding to the list. The raid in Malaysia, leaders and scholars from 84 countries, the Amman its position, and remains bent on classifying the Shias as “dangerous deviants.”
however, should not come as a big surprise, given Message unequivocally recognizes the Shia Jaafari
the long history of persecution Shias in the pre- Mazhab as a legitimate school of thought within This incident highlights the growing trend of exclusivist and intolerant ideologies that feel threatened by
dominantly Sunni Muslim nation have experienced. Islam. the worldwide movement towards multi-cultural and inclusive societies. Governments should not fall prey
Nonetheless, this recent raid is the country’s largest to such deplorable ideologies but rather, should work alongside thinkers and theologians across the globe
raid on so called “deviated teachings” and highlights With this shameful and deplorable act, Malaysia is to improve relations between different ethnic and religious groups. Religious opportunists will always be
the brazen audacity of the state in taking unpopular only gambling with its good reputation and popu- quick to use actions by the state to justify their actions and promote further strife and hatred. With over
measures to protect its own interpretation of Islam. larity as a moderate voice in the Muslim world. By 20,000 indigenous Malay Shia and 30,000 Iranians living and working in Malaysia, such actions only serve to
allowing historical antagonisms and Wahabbi ultra- add further risk to their security and well-being.
While the Malaysian Constitution proudly declares orthodoxy to dictate state policy, Malaysia is igniting
that it protects the free practice of one’s religion the sectarian card that may push it further down the The Malaysian government is bound by international and national law to protect all religious groups from
and prohibits discrimination on grounds of race path of violence and bloodshed that has plagued any form of discrimination. The Malaysian government will need to take a more serious effort to clam down
or religion, the recent raids only serve to highlight nations such as Iraq and Pakistan. In his statement, on religious edicts in states and provinces that defy this golden principle and not allow its soil to be a
the shameful hypocrisy and inconsistencies of its Dr Mohammad Khusrin Munawi, Director of the Se- springboard and breathing ground for sectarian discrimination. This is a right the government owes to its
legislation. While other religions are tolerated, diver- langor Islamic Department (JAIS) rubbed salt into citizens and the world community and one that should be demanded unconditionally. In the process, ef-
sity within Islam is not tolerated. Ahlul Sunnah Wal- sectarian wounds by accusing the Shia of legitimiz- forts need to be taken to re-educate the JAIS and other ill-informed individuals about the Shia faith and its
Jamaah is regarded as the normative form of Islam ing jihad (holy war) against the followers of Ahlul correct teachings.
Taking a Different
Islamic role models, religious ceremonies and practices – all of which come together to positively influ-
ence one’s religious identity - are shared and exchanged. This is particularly useful from the Shia standpoint,
where one’s religious identity is strongly shaped by the immense love (mawaddah), obedience and emula-
approach to Shia Sunni dialogue tion towards the Holy Prophet (s) and his Ahlul Bayt.
From personal experience, I have found that my friends from other faith traditions become immediately
attracted and ‘tuned-in’ when I share about the life of the Imams. They feel spiritually energized through the
supplications taught by the Imams, intellectually challenged by their sayings and emotionally touched with
their exemplary lifestyles. This often arouses their attention and makes them more curious to learn about
these individuals so highly venerated, making the transit to doctrinal or theological issues much easier and
palatable.
While many are quick to attack the so-called ‘extremities’ of the Shia faith (e.g. self-flagellation during Muhar-
ram, temporary marriage and cursing of the companions), few recognize and understand the quintessential
position such personalities play in the everyday experience of a Shia Muslim. Perhaps a good way to start
the conversation then would be to talk about the life of one of the Imams, and how his teachings relate to
one’s spiritual experience. Through this softer approach, a lighter and more germane environment can be
forged for first exchanges and conversations.