Karbala: The enduring symbol of resistance against oppression

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Jun, 2026) The tragedy of Karbala remains one of history's most powerful symbol of unwavering faith and resistance against oppression and injustice, where Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) embraced martdyom alongwith devoted companions for supremacy of Islam.

In 680 CE, Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), chose to stand for upholding truth, justice and supremacy of islam rather than submit to tyranny.

His unwavering stand on the scorching plains of Karbala in present-day Iraq demonstrated that righteousness is not measured by numbers or worldly power, but by steadfast commitment to truth, justice and moral values.

The tragedy of Karbala was not merely a military confrontation rather it was a profound struggle between justice and tyranny, truth and falsehood, and principle and power.

At the heart of this historic tragic event stood Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), accompanied by around 72 loyal companions who embraced martyrdom rather than surrender to the oppression and tyranny of the tyrant ruler Yazid.

Despite the overwhelming strength of the opposing forces, Imam Hussain (AS) chose martyrdom over submission to injustice and falsehood, leaving behind a timeless legacy of courage, sacrifice and faith.

"The supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), his beloved family and devoted companions teaches us to stand firmly against oppression and falsehood, regardless of the circumstances," said Maulana Tayyab Qureshi, Chief Khateeb, Auqaf Department while speaking to APP on Tuesday.

He said that Imam Hussain (AS) had refused to pledge allegiance to tyrant Yazid, whose rule, he added, marked the transformation of the caliphate into a hereditary monarchy.

“Imam Hussain's (AS) martyrdom was not merely a personal sacrifice rather it was a timeless stand for justice and truth that continues to inspire people across generations, sects and continents forever,” Maulana Tayyab said.

He referred to Imam Hussain’s (AS) famous declaration, "death with dignity is better than a life of humiliation," which reminds believers never to compromise their principles or bow to tyranny for the sake of justice and survival.

Following the death of Caliph Muawiya, he said the tyrant Yazid sought allegiance from leading Muslim figures to legitimize his oppressive rule. Imam Hussain (AS), recognizing what he viewed as injustice, declined.

Responding to appeals from the people of Kufa, he set out toward the city but was intercepted by Yazid's forces, who surrounded his caravan at Karbala and cut off access to water.

Despite immense suffering and hardship, Imam Hussain (AS) and his small group of followers, including women and children, remained steadfast and faced all oppression with courage.

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On the 10th of Muharram, his companions were martyred one after another, including members of his beloved family and close associates. In the final hours, Imam Hussain (AS) stood alone, displaying extraordinary courage and steadfastness before embracing martyrdom for supremacy of Islam.

“Though tyrant Yazid claimed military victory, history remembers Imam Hussain (AS) as the true victor because his unparalleled sacrifice drew a clear distinction between truth and falsehood, and between justice and oppression,” Prof. Dr. Ghafoor Ahmad, former Dean, Shiekh Zyad Islamic Centre, University of Peshawar while talking to APP.

“The sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) and his great companions was not for personal gain; it was for Islamic faith. His message was clear that nothing stands above the will of Allah and truth of Islam,” he said.

Chairman Islamiyat Department at Islamia College Peshawar Prof. Dr. Hifazatullah Shah described the tragedy of Karbala as the saddest event in Islamic history that seperate justice and cruelty.

He said that Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions endured extreme hardships at scorching heat of Karbala but never wavered in their principled struggle for justice and truth.

“To be Hussaini means to uphold peace, empathy and continue striving for justice and righteousness in life. Those who fuel violence and promote hatred acts contrary to the legacy of Karbala,” he said.

He stressed that the true message of Karbala lies in transcending sectarian divisions and honoring the sacrifice of the Ahlul Bayt for the cause of justice, truth and humanity.

Today, Imam Hussain (AS) is remembered across the world as a symbol of unwavering faith, resistance to oppression and exceptional moral courage.

His legacy teaches that even when truth appears outnumbered by the forces of cruelty and injustice, standing firm for what is right carries eternal value.

“Truth may be surrounded, but it is never defeated,” Dr Hifazatullah said. “The lesson of Karbala signifies that leadership is not about power but about principle and remain steadfast in difficult situation. Imam Hussain (AS) showed that true leadership lies in compassion, sacrifice and standing with the oppressed.”

He called for unity and collective efforts to uphold justice and oppose all forms of oppression and cruelty.

The scholars agreed that, now more than ever, people must draw inspiration from the eternal legacy of Karbala to stand for truth, justice and human dignity.