1. Imam Hussain’s (pbuh) uprising: A fight against human degradation
Essentially, Imam Hussain’s (pbuh) movement was a fight against human ignorance and humiliation. In fact, although Imam Hussain fought Yazid, his extensive historical fight was not merely a fight against the worthless Yazid with his short life. Indeed, it was a fight against human ignorance, debasement, deviation, humiliation and degradation.
Ayatollah Khamenei
Apr. 14, 2000
2. Hussain ibn Ali (pbuh): Victorious in the Ashura battle
It is wrong to think that Imam Hussain (pbuh) was defeated. Being killed does not mean being defeated. In a battle, the one who is killed has not been defeated. The one who does not achieve his goal has been defeated. The goal of Imam Hussain’s (pbuh) enemies was to eliminate Islam and all those who remained from the Prophet (his family) from the earth. They (his enemies) were defeated because they did not achieve this.
Ayatollah Khamenei
July 1, 1992
3. Ashura: A permanent example for the Islamic nation
Ashura was not simply a historical event. It is a culture, a continuous flow, and an example for the Islamic nation that lasts forever.
Ayatollah Khamenei
Jan. 25, 2006
4. The logic behind the Ashura uprising
Addressing the enemy’s army, Imam Hussain (pbuh) said, “Oh people, the Prophet of God (pbuh) once stated, ‘If anyone is witness to an oppressive ruler who says that which God has made haram (forbidden) is halal (permissible), who breaks the divine covenant, who opposes the Prophet’s traditions and who oppresses people, but he/she does not oppose this oppressive ruler with his/her words and actions, such a passive person will be deserving of the same place in Hell as that of the oppressive ruler.’” Such an indifferent, passive person will be on the same side with that oppressive ruler. The Prophet (pbuh) said this.
Ayatollah Khamenei
June 9, 1995
5. A movement based on dignity
Imam Hussain’s (pbuh) movement was a movement of dignity—the dignity of the truth, religion, Imamate, and the path presented by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Imam Hussain was a manifestation of dignity, and since he stood up (against evil), he was a source of honor and dignity. Sometimes a person says something expressing a certain intention, but he does not stand by what he said. Dignity does not belong to such a person. Dignity is for the people, nation, and communities that are true to their word and do not let the flag they have raised be brought down by a storm. Imam Hussain (pbuh) held onto the flag firmly.
Ayatollah Khamenei
March 29, 2002
6. The innocence of the greatest human being
Imam Hussain (pbuh) is the greatest fighter in the history of Islam for he stood in such a field, was not afraid, and fought in the way of God. But this great man was oppressed to the same degree as his greatness.
Ayatollah Khamenei
July 1, 1992
7. The reason for the Karbala martyrs’ greatness
This is the reason for the greatness of the Karbala martyrs! They did not fear the greatness of the enemy because of a sense of duty, which was jihad in the path of God and religion. They were not terrified by their being alone. They did not seize on the excuse of being few in numbers to escape from the enemy. This is what brings greatness to a person, a leader, and a nation—not fearing the phony greatness of the enemy.
Ayatollah Khamenei
July 1, 1992
8. Imam Hussain (pbuh) was completely submissive to God
When hundreds of people sent letters to him stating that they were his honest followers and his Shi’a waiting for him in Kufa and Iraq, Imam Hussain (pbuh) did not become arrogant with pride. He did not say we will do such and such. He did not threaten his enemies or entice his friends by offering them official positions. On the day when less than 100 of his followers remained with him when he was surrounded by 30,000 ruffians, who threatened the lives of his dear ones and him, and who also threatened to capture the women who were under his protection, this man of God and dear personage in Islam did not feel a tinge of anxiety.
Ayatollah Khamenei
Apr. 14, 2000
9. If Imam Hussain (pbuh) had not risen up,…
It has been reported that when Imam Sajjad (pbuh) returned to Medina after the events of Ashura, someone went to him and said, “O son of the Prophet! Did you see what happened because of your going?!” Imam Sajjad (pbuh) replied, “Think about what would have happened if we had not gone.” Yes, if they had not gone, the bodies would have survived but the truth would have been destroyed, the human spirit would have been lost, people’s consciences would have been trampled underfoot, logic and wisdom would have been blamed throughout history, and not even the name of Islam would have remained.
Ayatollah Khamenei
March 18, 2002
10. The achievement of Imam Hussain’s uprising: Reviving the spirit of fighting oppression
The movement led by Imam Hussain (pbuh) awakened the people and turned the prevalent spirit of irresponsibility into a spirit of responsibility and fighting oppression. In other words, Imam Hussain (pbuh) aroused the people’s consciences. As a result, you see that after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, Islamic movements emerged one after another. Although they were suppressed, a movement being suppressed by the enemy is not what is most important. Of course, this is painful. What is more painful is when a society reaches a point that it is passive in the face of oppression. This is a great danger.
Ayatollah Khamenei
Nov. 21, 2012