Hawzah News Agency – A prominent researcher in the history of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) emphasized that the message of Ashura transcends time and geography, asserting that “submission to humiliation is impossible.” These powerful words, spoken by the Master of Martyrs (PBUH), encapsulate the defining choice of Karbala: surrender or dignified resistance. Imam Hussein’s decision was clear—jihad in the path of God and martyrdom with honor.
In an exclusive interview with Hawzah News, Fatima Taghizadeh explained that the Ashura uprising is not a historical event confined to a specific era or region. “Ashura was not a confrontation between individuals, but between two opposing ideologies: monotheism versus tyranny. Imam Hussein (PBUH) represents justice and resistance, while Yazid symbolizes corruption and oppression. In today’s geopolitical landscape, the Islamic Republic stands as the front of truth and resistance against the falsehood embodied by global arrogance, particularly the United States and the Zionist regime.”
She highlighted two defining statements of Imam Hussein (PBUH) at Karbala, which she described as the pillars of resistance:
“A person like me does not pledge allegiance to someone like him,”
and
“Hayhat minna al-dhilla – Far from us is disgrace.”
“These are not just personal refusals,” Taghizadeh noted. “By saying ‘someone like me,’ Imam Hussein (PBUH) universalizes the stance. It is a message to every follower of truth that aligning with tyranny, in any form, equates to humiliation.”
She further clarified that Imam Hussein’s interaction with Umar ibn Sa’d should not be misconstrued as a negotiation for peace. “That conversation was a form of divine guidance, fulfilling the Imam’s duty to advise and complete the argument. However, the final path was resistance and armed struggle. Just as the Prophet (PBUH) and Imam Ali (PBUH) refrained from initiating war, Imam Hussein (PBUH) also stood in defense against aggression—not out of weakness, but principled strength.”
Taghizadeh also emphasized that repentance remained open until the final moments, highlighting that Karbala, even at its peak of tragedy, remained a field of guidance for the sincere.
Referring to the late Imam Khomeini’s (RA) famous words, she added:
“Keep Muharram alive; everything we have is from Muharram.”
These commemorations and mourning gatherings, she said, are not merely rituals, but sources of political awareness and identity. “From Karbala, we derive a model of society united around an Imam—brave men, faithful women, the repentant, even those from different faiths or backgrounds—all standing against tyranny.”
She described the harsh realities faced by Imam Hussein’s caravan: economic blockade, denial of water—the most basic human right—and overwhelming military siege. Additionally, psychological warfare was waged through false letters of truce and attempts to demoralize the Imam’s companions, including the valiant standard-bearer, Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas (PBUH).
Taghizadeh concluded by drawing parallels with the steadfastness of the Iranian people:
“For decades, the people of Islamic Iran have revived the spirit of resistance during Muharram. Whether in the eight-year war or in the face of Zionist aggression, the people rallied around their Imam, demonstrating that the path of Imam Hussein (PBUH) remains alive through unity, sacrifice, and unwavering dignity.”
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