Modern-day Yazids: Recognizing and resisting tyranny

The tragedy of Karbala is a poignant and soul-wrenching episode in history, starkly contrasting the narratives of other troubled communities, such as Bani Israel. While Bani Israel had their own tumultuous encounters with the Prophets, none compare to the heart-wrenching massacre at Karbala, where an entire family of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was brutally martyred. The story of Karbala, despite its immense sorrow, serves as an enduring institution for humanity, teaching us to distinguish between right and wrong, to stand against oppression and injustice, and to refuse allegiance to tyrants.
To understand the modern-day oppressors, it is crucial to delve into the persona of Yazid Ibn Muawiya. Yazid, the second caliph of the Umayyad Caliphate, is infamous for his inhumane and wicked deeds. In the first year of his rule, he orchestrated the martyrdom of Imam Husain (A.S.), the “Leader of the Youth of Paradise,” along with his family and companions. This tragic event is forever etched in the annals of history as a symbol of ultimate sacrifice and unwavering righteousness.
In the second year of his rule, Yazid perpetrated the deplorable incident of “Harrah,” which further blackened the pages of history. The people of Madinah, having realized the evils of Yazid after the martyrdom of Imam Husain (A.S.), refused to obey him and expelled his agents from their city. Yazid, following his father Muawiya’s advice, dispatched a heartless and brutal commander, Muslim ibn Aqbah, with a strong army to Madinah. The Yazidi army committed heinous crimes in the holy city, desecrating the sanctity of the Prophet’s tomb and shedding innocent blood. The Masjid un-Nabawi was filled with blood, and the sacred mosque was defiled with urine and dung. Seven hundred pious and noble individuals were killed, and ten thousand innocent men, women, and children were massacred. The Yazidi army looted and raped indiscriminately, leaving a trail of devastation and disgrace.
After subjugating Madinah, the Yazidi forces marched towards Makkah to crush Abdullah ibn Zubair. Under the leadership of Hasin ibn Namir, they attacked Makkah and even desecrated the Holy Kaaba. The Yazidi army hurled stones and inflammable materials at the Kaaba, causing it to burn and crumble. Yazid’s actions reveal him as a mere mass on Earth, devoid of any moral or human values.
Today, we witness similar atrocities around us, with modern-day Yazids perpetrating crimes on both micro and macro levels. Who are these modern-day Yazids, and how can we identify them? A modern-day Yazid may speak a different language, call you a friend, or be a stranger, but their vile actions will reveal their true nature. They may pray or fast, but their dealings with people will be so poor and malicious that they will be shunned by those around them, except those who seek personal gain. They could be political leaders, corporate magnates, or even individuals within our communities who abuse their power and influence to oppress and exploit others. Well, how do we recognize them? And restrain ourselves?
1. Identifying Vile Actions: Modern-day Yazids often disguise themselves with piety and righteousness. However, their actions, which are rooted in selfishness, cruelty, and oppression, reveal their true nature. They manipulate, deceive, and exploit those around them, leaving a trail of broken lives and shattered hopes.
2. Standing Against Injustice: Embracing Hussainiyat means standing against all forms of oppression and injustice. It requires courage to speak out against the wrongdoings of those in power, whether they are political leaders, community figures, or individuals within our personal circles.
3. Voicing Condemnation: It is essential to voice our condemnation of modern-day Yazids, just as the people of Madinah eventually recognized and rejected Yazid’s tyranny. Silence in the face of injustice is complicity; we must be vocal advocates for the oppressed and marginalized.
4. Choosing the Right Path: Like Imam Husain (A.S.), we must choose the path of righteousness, even if it leads to personal sacrifice. This means making ethical decisions, supporting just causes, and distancing ourselves from those who perpetrate injustice.
Questions to Reflect Upon
1. How can we recognize modern-day Yazids in our communities and workplaces?
2. What are the key characteristics that distinguish a person with Yazid’s traits?
3. How can we build the courage to stand against oppression and injustice in our daily lives?
4. In what ways can we support the victims of modern-day Yazids and advocate for their rights?
5. What lessons from the tragedy of Karbala can we apply to contemporary issues of oppression and tyranny?
Let’s take a moment and think about all these questions AND question ourselves.
The case of Noor Mukaddam and many other women who have been victims of domestic violence and femicide is a stark reminder of the vile acts of Yazidiyat that must be condemned at all costs. To avoid the curse of Yazidiyat, one must follow the path of Hussain Ibn Ali, who chose martyrdom over allegiance to tyranny, and his sister Zaynab Bint Ali, who saw beauty in their struggle.
Embracing Hussainiyat means standing against oppression, injustice, and tyranny in all its forms. It means being a voice for the voiceless and making the right choices in the face of adversity. Let us honor the legacy of Imam Husain (A.S.) and his family by upholding the principles of justice, righteousness, and unwavering faith in the face of oppression. By doing so, we can ensure that we are on the right side of history, advocating for a world where tyranny has no place, and justice prevails.