The Sorrow of Karbala: The Three Rs

I was hoping to have done this in speech format but due to time constraints, wasn't able to. It also took me a while to write this (longer than other blogs/speeches/etc. I've written). I was also hoping to have this done at the beginning of Muharram, but due to time constraints again I wasn't able to do it then. It seems to have worked out better as I've completed it right after Arba'een. Please let me know your thoughts!

 The Sorrow of Karbala: The Three Rs

Throughout the Islamic year, there are many opportunities that are available for us where we can have a spiritual recharge & revitalization. Some examples would be during the Fatimiyyah program; the months of Rajab & Shaban, which then lead to Shahru Ramadhan; and the time of Hajj. Another opportunity that is given to us are the months Muharram and Safar; the months in which we commemorate the Sorrow of Karbala and what took place after. These months of mourning give us the perfect opportunity because the tears we shed, if they are shed sincerely, soften our heart and help bring about a change within us spiritually. As human beings, none of us are perfect; there is always room to improve. More importantly, there is also room to get closer to Allah (SWT). Bringing about a change is not easy within us; it takes time and has to be done in steps. But if we are truly sincere about making a change, then it can happen inshaAllah.As it says in the Holy Quran, “Surely Allah (SWT) does not change the condition of a people until they change their own condition.” (Surah ar-Ra’ad; 13:11)
These steps can be summarized in three Rs: revolution; resolution; and reformation.

The first step is that of ‘revolution’. This is the stage where you realize that a change is required, and has two other Rs that go with it: reflection and realization. During reflection, you contemplate on different aspects of your life: your akhlaq; what angers you; your spiritual level; etc. This is crucial because without reflecting, you won’t be able to realize what and where you can improve. Reflection requires silence and thinking to be truly successful.
Rasoolullah (SAW) says, “A moment's reflection and pondering over is better than one year's worship.”
After carefully and deeply reflecting, you come to the point of realization. At this point, you understand that there is a need for change within yourself. You realize that there is improvement required in certain areas; that there is room to grow spiritually and as a human; and that you can get closer to Allah (SWT). As human beings, we need to constantly grow & involve so that we don’t become stagnant; and the only way that is possible is by constantly evaluating ourselves through reflection in order to come to that realization. After reflecting & realizing, a revolution can then begin within us.

After understanding that a ‘revolution’ is required within us, the next step is ‘resolution’.  In the Common Era (CE), it’s a tradition that people make New Year’s resolutions where they look to make commitments in order to accomplish personal goals or reform certain habits. It goes along with a theme, ‘a new year, a new beginning’. Examples of New Year’s resolutions are losing weight, improving finances, or improving education by going back to school. However, a lot of these resolutions tend to fail. There are numerous potential reasons as to why. One reason could be the intention and its sincerity. Another reason could be a weak will, drive, & determination. But the biggest reason could be that most of these resolutions aren’t done on a spiritual level to get closer to Allah (SWT). The concept of a New Year’s resolution is a great way to reform ourselves. We always require a spiritual recharge; and one of the best opportunities to recharge is when our hearts are soft while we mourn. The beginning of new Islamic year provides the opportunity perfectly with the months of Muharram and Safar for us to make New Year’s resolutions. But the biggest difference would be that these resolutions would be made on a spiritual level for the sake of Allah (SWT) in order to closer to Him.
As it says in the Holy Quran, “Say: Surely my prayer and my sacrifice and my life and my death are (all) for Allah (SWT), the Lord of the worlds.” (Surah al-An’aam; 6:162)
One general resolution we should have and keep is to always do every act for Allah (SWT); when we also keep that in mind, then we can also think twice before we commit any acts to ensure that it will have Allah’s (SWT) pleasure in it. It’s also important to understand that we don’t need to make a complete turnaround in every aspect of our lives right away; this would likely be impossible and result in failure. Instead, take a step-by-step approach. Understand your priorities first and which changes you feel are most important; then start making the resolutions on what changes you want to make based on your priorities.

The third, final, and most important step is ‘reformation’. This is where the plan is put into action. The Pareto principle (i.e. 80-20 rule) can apply in this. In most cases, planning takes up 80% and action takes up 20%. However, the opposite would happen in this case; 20% goes to planning (i.e. revolution & resolution) and 80% goes to action (i.e. reformation). This is because reformation will be a long-term, continuing process as there will always be room to improve. More importantly, there will always be room to get closer to Allah (SWT). How to get closer to Him? By constant remembrance of Him to try and understand & appreciate Him. How to reform? By also constantly remembering Him and understanding what will please Him.
Amir ul-Momineen (AS) says, “The root of reforming the heart is in occupying it with the remembrance of Allah (SWT).”
And by constantly remembering Him, we can constantly reform ourselves as we always remain careful in our actions & intentions. Thus we constantly grow and prevent ourselves from becoming stagnant.

To conclude, these three Rs are a very basic approach and by no means is the only way. There are many small steps that happen in between. However, it gives us all a starting point towards making changes within ourselves so that we can closer to Allah (SWT). Rather than focusing on resolutions that will only benefit us in this world, we need to shift the focus and make resolutions that will help us spiritually and benefit us in the next world. And ultimately, what benefits us in the next world is what pleases Allah (SWT).
Imam Hussain (AS) says, “He who has You has everything; and he who has deprived himself of You is the poorest in the world. Loser is the one who chooses and be content with anyone or anything other than You.”
And especially for the youths who are going through high school and university, plant it in yourselves from now that this materialistic world will be of no benefit to you; only the pleasure of Allah (SWT) will benefit you in any & every aspect of your life. You’re at an age where it is easy to reform and make changes.
As Imam Ali (AS) says, “Surely the heart of the youth is like the uncultivated ground – it will accept whatever you throw upon it (and that is what will grow from it).”
I’d like to end with one last hadith that summarizes these three Rs along with why Imam Hussain (AS) took the stance he did: “I never revolted in vain, as a rebel or as a tyrant, but I rose seeking reformation for the nation of my grandfather Muhammad (SAW). I intend to enjoin good and forbid evil, to act according to the traditions of my grandfather, and my father Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS).”
The sacrifice of Aba Abdillah (AS) should not just be concluded in 12 days during Muharram or a few days for Ashra-e-Zainabiyya during Safar; it should live on in each and every day of our lives to help us reform in preparation of the Awaited Saviour, Hujjatul-Qaim (AJTF). Aba Abdillah’s (AS) message was a universal one that could (and should) be applied to any & every time period and to any & every person. And inshaAllah we followers & lovers of the Ahlul Bayt (AS) utilized this opportunity to start a revolution within us, make resolutions to improve ourselves spiritually, and have committed ourselves to reforming ourselves.