سلام بر حسین علیه سلام الله

History of Mubahila Part2

Proposal of Mubahila

After exchange of views on several issues, the delegation did not seem to be willing to accept the observations about the incorrect beliefs of Christianity and the logical explanations proving the incorrectness of their beliefs. At that time Allah send down the famous Ayat-e-Mubahila of the Quran:

Glorious Quran Chapter 3 Verse 61:

And unto him who disputeth with thee therein after the knowledge hath come unto thee, Say! (O\" Our Apostle Muhammad!) (Unto them) come ye, let us summon our sons, and (ye summon) your sons, and (we summon) our women and (ye) your women, and (we summon) ourselves and then let us invoke the curse of God on the liars!

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) recited this Ayat and invited them for Mubahila - praying to God to destroy and banish the liars.

Mubahila became necessary since the Christian delegation was adamant to accept the truth. After some hesitations the delegations asked to be given one day to reconsider their options and then accepted to have the Mubahila after two days. In their consultations among themselves, the grand Bishop Abu Harisa told his companions that if tomorrow, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) brings his companions and his tribesmen and military might with him for Mubahila then they should accept the challenge without fear but if he brings only the members of his family, then never accept the challenge.

Whom did the Prophet (pbuh ) take with him?

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) selected a place close to Medina for the Mubahila which was then cleaned and prepared by Salman Farsi and the next day the Christian delegation reached the designated place. A number of muhajirren and ansaar also gathered at the site. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) took with him Imam Hassan (a.s), Imam Hussein (a.s), Bibi Fatimah (s.a) and Imam Ali (a.s) and headed towards the site in a manner that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was leading the group holding Imam Hassan (a.s) and Imam Hussein (a.s) and Bibi Fatima (s.a.) was behind him and Imam Ali (a.s) was behind Bibi Fatima (s.a).

Saad bin Abi Waqas relates that when the Ayat-e-Mubahila was sent down, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) called Imam Ali (a.s), Bibi Fatimah (s.a), Imam Hassan (a.s) and Imam Hussein (a.s) and said \’O my Allah, these are my Ahl-ul-Bayt\’. (Sahih Muslim, Vol.2, Page 287).

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) sat down under a tree with these weighty personalities and said that when I pray to God, you all should say \'Ameen\'.

When the Christian delegation saw a woman, two children and only one man with the Prophet (pbuh), they got scared and worried and Abu Harisa said \’O my Christian friends, I am seeing such bright faces that if they pray that God move this mountain from its place then the mountain will be moved. I warn you do not have Mubahila with them or you all will be destroyed and banished.\’

The Christian delegation was still amazed and frightened when the brother of Abu Harisa, Karz ibn-e-Alqama stated that \’O my fellows, it appears that Muhammad (pbuh) is the same last apostle and prophet that has been mentioned in our sacred books. We should not have Mubahila with them because anyone who had Mubahila with the prophets in the past as well were destroyed. Look around you and observe that the signs of your destruction are appearing.\’ When they looked around, they observed that the entire atmosphere had changed and it appeared that a furious storm is in offing.

Result of the Mubahila

Witnessing this, they backed off from the contest and requested that their friendship be accepted. Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) accepted their request and asked Imam Ali(a.s) to write the agreement according to which they Najran tribes accepted to pay \'Jazia\' and live under the protection of the Muslims.

This victory is a unique one in the history of this world.

Source:duas.org

History of Mubahila Prat 1

The 24th of Zil-Hajj marks the anniversary of the auspicious occasion of Eid Mubahila. This is the day of victory of Muslims over Christians. The event of Mubahila occurred in the 10th of Hijrah.

Najran was a fertile land located in the Northern mountainous region of Yemen about 20 Kms from Sanaa. About 40,000 Christians inhabited the land divided into 73 small towns. They were idol worshipers historically just like the Arabs but a priest named Femeon, a constructor by profession, preached Christianity in the area of Najran and soon all the population converted to Christianity and Najran became a powerful center of activities of Christians. They also constructed a church and named it \'Kaba-e-Najran\'. They prayed and offered various offerings there which resulted in an annual income of about two hundred thousand Dinars which was used for the priest who lived and studied there.

After the conquest of Mecca when Islam started spreading rapidly and the warring groups came under the flag of Islam, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) starting sending emissaries to the tribes who had not yet accepted Islam. In 10 A.H. a similar message was sent to the Christians of Najran and they were offered either to accept the teachings of Islam or live in the protection of Muslims and give \'Jazia\' - a kind of fee for protection services. When the Bishop of Najran received this message, he invited all the scholars and influential people of Najran and asked them to think and find a solution to this situation. This news spread rapidly among the masses and some people got infuriated as well but the Bishop of Najran pacified them and advised them to be mindful of the military might of the Islamic regime and try to find a peaceful solution.

Christian mission heads to Medina

After deliberations, it was finally decided to send a mission to Medina and have a dialog with the Muslims. A 14 member delegation headed by Aqib Saidawar and Abu Harisa started off for Mecca. Abu Harisa was considered as the greatest Bishop and scholar of the Christian world at that time and Aqib Sadawar was the biggest strategist and negotiator of the time. When the delegation reached Medina, the people got impressed by their lavish dressing and pomp and show since it was the first time that a mission had arrived in such a manner.

When they entered the Al-Masjid al-Nabawi, The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) looked at the precious stones, gold and silk clothes that they were wearing and turned away his face and did not pay any attention to them. After a while when no one noticed their pomp and show, they got out of the Al-Masjid al-Nabawiand met Usman and Ubaid-ur-Rehman outside and asked them as to why they were invited by the Muslims and then treated in this manner. Usman mentioned that he did not have a clue about that but if they consult Imam Ali(a.s), he would be able to tell them what was going on. They took the delegation with them and arrived at the house of Imam Ali (a.s) and mentioned about the whole incidence to him.

Imam Ali (a.s) said to the delegation that they were wearing dresses of silk and ornaments of gold which depicted their superior mentality and that they should take them off and dress simply.

Only then the Prophet (pbuh) would allow them to visit him and entertain them. when they followed the instructions of Imam Ali (a.s), they were allowed to visit the Prophet Muohammad(pbuh) after the Prayers of Asar and have discussions with him.

Source: duas.org

Dialogue of Ummu-Salamah with Imam Hussein Peace Be Upon Him

Allamah Majlisi says that I have read in some books, that when Imam Hussein (A.S) decided to leave Medina, Ummu-Salamah came to him and said, "O my dear son! Do not aggrieve me by going towards Iraq. For I have heard your Grandfather say that my son Hussein will be killed in Iraq at a place called Karbala." Imam replied:

"O dear Grandmother! I too am aware of it and I shall be forcefully killed while there is no escape from it. By Allah! I know the day when I shall be killed and recognize my murderer besides being aware of the Mausoleum where I shall be buried. And I know all those people among my family, relatives and followers who shall die along with me. Then Imam said:

"O Grandmother! Allah Almighty desires to see me killed and that my head be severed with cruelty and injustice. Besides (Allah) desires that my family and womenfolk be expelled, and my children oppressed, bare headed, arrested and bound in chains. And they would plead and call out for help, but none would come to their aid."

In another tradition it is stated that the holy Prophet (PBUH) gave some sand to Ummu-Salamah and said: when it turns into blood know that my beloved Hussein has been martyred.

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Taken from the book named: NAFASUL MAHMOOM

By Haj Shaikh Abbas Qummi (a.r)

Conversation of Jabir bin Abdullah Ansari with Imam Hussein Peace Be Upon Him

 

Sayyed Bahrani in Madinatul Ma’ajiz quotes from Saqibul Manaqib, and others quote from Manaqibus Sua’da that Jabir bin Abdullah Ansari says, that when Imam Hussein (A.S) intended going towards Iraq, I came to his presence and said, "You are the son of the Prophet of Allah and one of his two endeared grand children. I do not hold any other opinion except that you too enter into a peace-treaty (with Yazeed) as your brother had done with Mu’awiyah, and verily he was trustworthy and rightly guided." Imam Hussein replied:

"O Jabir! Whatever my brother did was ordained by Allah and the Prophet, and whatever I shall do too shall be according to the command of Allah and His Prophet.

Do you wish that at this very moment I invite the Holy Prophet, Imam Ali, and my brother Hassan to testify regarding my action"?

Then Imam looked towards the heavens, suddenly I saw that the doors of heavens opened ajar and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam Ali (A.S), Imam Hassan (A.S), Hazrat Hamza (A.S), Hazrat Ja’far ibn Tayyar (A.S) and (my uncle) Zaid descended from the heavens upon the earth. Seeing this I became frightful, when the Prophet said;

"O Jabir! Did not I inform you prior to Hussein during the time of Hassan that you would not become a believer unless you surrendered to the Imams and not object to their actions? Do you desire to see the place where Mu’awiyah will dwell and the place of my son Hussein and of his murderer Yazeed"?

I replied in the affirmative. Then the Prophet struck his foot onto the ground and it tore apart and another ground appeared beneath. Then I saw a river flowing, which also tore apart, underneath which was another ground. Thus seven layers of the ground and rivers ripped apart (one below the other) until there appeared hell. I saw that Waleed bin Mughirah, Abu Jahl, Mu’awiyah and Yazeed were bound together in a chain along with the other rebellious Satan. And their torment was more severe than that of the other people of hell. Then the Holy Prophet commanded me to lift my head. I saw that the heavens had opened their doors and Paradise was apparent. Then all those blessed people who had descended from there returned. When they were in the air the Prophet called out to Imam Hussein,

"Come and mingle with me my dear Hussein."

I saw that Hussein ascended too and joined them onto the high status in Paradise. The Holy Prophet then caught hold of the hand of Hussein and told me,

"O Jabir! This son of mine is here along with me, submit to him and do not fall in doubt so as to become a believer."

Jabir says that, "May both my eyes turn blind if whatever I have seen and related from the Prophet is false."

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Taken from the book named: NAFASUL MAHMOOM

By Haj Shaikh Abbas Qummi (a.r)

Umar bin Sa'ad in Karbala

 

"Now then O Hussein! I have been informed that you have halted at Karbala. Yazeed has written to me not to recline my head on the bed and not be satiated until I send you to Allah, or you submit yourself to me and Yazeed bin Mu’awiyah."

When his letter reached Imam Hussein (A.S), he read it and said:

"The one who seeks the pleasure of people against the displeasure of Allah can never succeed."

The messenger asked him the reply for the letter, to which Imam said:

"He has no reply, but has the wrath (of Allah)."

When the messenger reached Ubaydullah and conveyed the Imam’s message to him, he was infuriated and looked towards Umar bin Sa’ad and appointed him to fight with Imam Hussein (A.S). Before that Ubaydullah had given the governorship of Ray to Umar bin Sa’ad, thus when Umar excused himself, Ubaydullah told him to return the post bestowed upon him. Umar asked for respite and thereafter agreed in fear of the governorship being taken away from him.

The author says that this (Umar bin Sa’ad’s excuse to Ubaydullah not to fight) seems unlikely to me. The reliable biographers and historians have mutually agreed that Umar bin Sa’ad reached Karbala one day after Imam Hussein (A.S) entered therein, and it was the day of third of Muharram (thus it proves that he was prepared for it from the very beginning).

It is written in Bihaar al-Anwaar, that Ubaydullah bin Ziyad kept dispatching troops one after the other to Umar bin Sa’ad (in Karbala) until he had thirty thousand horsemen and foot-soldiers with him. Then Ubaydullah wrote to Umar: “I have not left any excuse for you with respect to the (quantity of) army. Then remember to inform me, every morning and evening, about your affairs.” Ubaydullah had started inciting Umar (for battle) from the sixth of Muharram.

Habeeb bin Muzhaahir came to Imam Hussein (A.S) and told him, “O son of the Prophet of Allah (PBUH)! Nearby there is a branch of the tribe of Bani Asad. If you permit, I shall go to them and invite them to assist you; perhaps Allah will defend you through them.” Imam gave him permission and Habeeb, in the darkness of the night, disguised himself and went towards them. They recognized him then Habeeb replied, “I have brought the best gift for you. I have come to you to invite you to assist the grandson of our Prophet. He is here with a group of believers, each one of whom is better than a thousand men, and they shall not leave him, betray him nor surrender him (to the enemies). Then Umar bin Sa’ad has surrounded them. You are my tribesmen; hence I invite you towards welfare. Then today pay heeds to my words and assists him, so as to gain honor in this world as well as the Hereafter. I swear by Allah! Whoever among you is martyred in the way of Allah along with the grandson of the Prophet of Allah, and then he will be in the lofty station among the friends of Muhammad (PBUH).” Hearing this a man from among them, named Ubaydullah bin Basheer arose, and said, “I am the first one to accept this invitation.” Then he recited the following Rajaz: “The nation knows that when the horsemen are ready to fight, I stand as a warrior, valorous, similar to a forest Lion.” Then the men of the tribe gathered until ninety people prepared to go to assist Imam Hussein (A.S).

At that moment, a man from among them went and apprised Umar bin Sa’ad about the situation and he sent Ibne Azraq with four hundred horsemen towards Bani Asad. When they (Bani Asad) were coming towards the army of Imam Hussein (A.S), the horsemen of Umar bin Sa’ad stopped them on the bank of the river Euphrates. A quarrel started between them which turned into a fierce battle. When the people of Bani Asad realised that they were incapable of resisting them, they returned to their tribe. They left their place that very night fearing Umar bin Sa’ad. Habeeb returned to Imam (A.S) and apprised him of the situation and Imam said:

“There is no Might and no Power except with Allah, the Most High, and the Most Great.”

Then Ubaydullah wrote to Umar bin Sa"ad: "Now then! Prevent Husain and his companions from getting water. They should not get a single drop of water.

Umar bin Sa'ad immediately sent Amr bin Hajjaj with five hundred horse-men to go to the bank of the river Euphrates and block the supply of water for Imam and his companions. They did not allow them to take even a single drop of water, and that was three days before the martyrdom of Imam Hussein(A.S)

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Taken from the book named: NAFASUL MAHMOOM

By Haj Shaikh Abbas Qummi (a.r)

?What Does Karbala Teach Us

 

Husayn had shown by his acts as well as his various discourses during the seven days of Muharram at Karbala, that this conflict was much more universal in nature, and that he knew that he was going to live for ever through his martyrdom.

Yazeed died as uselessly as he lived, only three years after the battle of Karbala took place. While trying to race a baboon, he fell from his horse and broke his neck. As history has recorded, those who were apparent victors at Karbala have disappeared without trace. While the plain of Karbala was transformed from a deserted piece of barren land into a bustling town, of which, the central monument is Husayn's glorious tomb.

Hundreds of thousands of people visit the tomb in reverence, all the year round, day and night. Husayn's martyrdom is observed with solemn deference all over the world, every year during the first ten days of the month of Muharram, by his followers. Public gatherings are held, speeches are made in which the story of Karbala is retold in touching tones and prayers are made to the effect that may the almighty Allah grant the same courage and strength to his followers in their hour of trial as he did to Husayn. At the end of these gatherings, the audience stand up and pay homage to Husayn and his companions in the following formal terms:

I wish I was with you ( at Karbala ) and would therefore, have attained the same exalted station ( as you did ).

Although, the observance of commemoration of Husayn in Muharram has only recently started in the Western countries, they are a part of the Muslim culture in India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq and other eastern countries.

New centers have been established in Canada, the USA, and in many European countries where these practices of Muharram are done with all the elaborate details. The main element of these commemorative practices is the message of Husayn, which is also the message of the Prophet of Islam, that is Islam in its purest form. That is as follows:

1. Islam is a universal religion

2. Islam is the religion of human rights and common sense

3. Islam upholds the basic right of every person to hold his/her own views

4. Islam stands for the poor, the downtrodden and the weak

5. Islam teaches to side with the Mazloom and fight the Zalim

6. Islam appeals to human conscience and consciousness to see the right from wrong

7. Islam appeals to man through his own awareness and power to distinguish between good and evil.

8. Islam does not impose the law by brute force.

Karbala is a gift to humanity. The story of Karbala teaches us the following lessons:

1. It teaches the parents how to love and cherish their children - however, when comes the time of sacrifice, the parent is in the forefront to sacrifice his/her child for the right cause.

2. It teaches men and women how a husband should behave with her wife, and vise-versa. Even when the family is threatened for life, property, and honour, how sensible people keep their heads and act according to Allah's and nature's laws.

3. It teaches the faithful that your beliefs and your convictions are the most important thing in the world.

4. It teaches the faithful to find the right Imam and follow him

5. It teaches the faithful that helplessness and lack of power in this world do not mean a thing as long as one has chosen the right path and he/she is convinced that he/she is on the side of the truth.

One example from our times will suffice to explain this point.

A few days ago, 25 young girls were burnt to death inside a school building in Saudi Arabia. When the fire started in the building, children ran to the gate to save themselves from getting burnt. The religious police of Saudi Arabia would net let them get out of the building because they did not have the proper HIJAB on!!!!!!

When tents were burning in Karbala, Zaynab Husayn's sister approached her 24 year old nephew, Ali Zayn al-Abideen and asked him: "Nephew, you are our Imam now, what is your command about us, shall we all get burnt to death or save our lives and go out of the tents without our HIJAB?" Ali Zayna al-Abideen replied: " Aunt, saving your life is wajib, go out and save yourselves and the children."

The head coverings (chadars) had already been looted from the heads of the ladies by the enemy soldiers. However, Zaynab was the daughter of Ali and Fatima, the grand-daughter of the Prophet of Islam. She did not need anyone else to tell her what was the law. She had grown up with Islam. By this one act, Zaynab showed to the world the importance of the Imam of the time. At the same time, Ali Zayn al-Abideen's reply showed that Islamic law is what it is, but common sense always prevails.

Source: alhassanain.com

The Important Choice in Karbala Part 3

 

From the beginning, Hurr was hoping that the events would not lead to war, but now war seems to be unavoidable. Human-beings have limited capability in tolerating shame and scorn, except for those who are genius in this respect and can tolerate disgrace unlimitedly.

Hurr never had thought that being an employee of the government of Yazid would mean collaborating in Yazid's criminal acts. For him his job was just a source of income without having anything to do with politics or his religion.

Hurr now realizes that adding his position with his religion is impossible. Thus, hopelessly and as a last resort he talks with the commander of the Army (Umar bin Sa’ad) who like himself is reluctant to get in a war and has accepted the mission to become the governor of the province of Ray. What would then be better than coming up with some sort of a solution without getting involved in the blood of the grandson of the Prophet and his family.

Hurr and Umar bin Sa’ad both have come all the way from the palace of Yazid to Karbala together and they share the same status and social class. Hurr asks Omar:

Can’t you find a peaceful solution for this situation?

You know that if it had been up to me I would have done as what you propose, but your master Ubaydullah bin Ziyaddid not accepts a peaceful resolution!

So are you going to fight with this man (Hussein)?

Yes, by God, I will fight a battle the least consequence of which will be separated heads and broken arms!

Now, it is evident that no longer can he play games with his religion. Now, the two separate their paths.

For Hurr, Yazid’s army of tens of thousand is now nothing more than a bunch of faces, without meaning. A crowd of men without selves, a group of people without hearts, those who shout but don’t know why, fight but don’t know for whom. Now the Jesus of love and conscience cures a blind and resurrects a dead, creating a martyr from a murderer. In a journey it is not enough to ask for the destination, but one should also ask from the origin.

Thus, the length of Hurr’s journey becomes evident when one realizes from where he started, and to where he ended, all in half-a day’s time. In his emigration from Satan to Allah, Hurr did not study philosophy or theology, nor did he attend any lectures or schools.

He just changed his direction, and it is in fact this direction which gives meaning to everything: art, science, literature, religion, prayers, hajj, Muhammad, Ali... Having started his journey, and riding his horse, he slowly leaves his Army toward Hussein. Muhajer-ebn-Ous, who sees him agitated and worried, asks:

What’s wrong with you Hurr? I am puzzled by your case, by God if I were asked about the bravest man in our army I wouldn’t hesitate to mention your name, and now you are so disturbed and worried?

I find myself between the Hell and the Heaven, and I have to select between them, and by God I will not choose but Heaven, even if I were cut to pieces or burnt to ashes!

The creation of Hurr was completed and the fire of doubt has led him to the verity of certitude. He slowly approaches the camp of Hussein, and as he gets closer he hangs his boots from his neck, and keeps his armor down (as a sign of remorse)

I am the one who closed your path O Hussein. He didn’t accept Hussein’s invitation to rest for a while...

Is there repentance for me? He can’t wait any longer, he returns to the front and attacks the army of Omar with the most severe and bitter words, letting his ex-army and ex-commander know that he is no longer a slave, he is free, he is Hurr.

Umar bin Sa’ad, his ex-commander, responds by throwing an arrow and yelling

Be witness and let Amir-al-momenin know that I was the one to throw the first arrow at the army of Hussein!

And this was how the battle of Karbala started...

by: Dr. Ali Shariati

Source: rafed.net

The Important Choice in Karbala Part 2

The history of Islam is full of contradicting features. The two lines starting from Habil and Qabil, existing throughout the history side by side though in different faces, have also continued in Islam. Now, both these streams are dressed in Islam, but in opposite directions. Ironically, our hero is faced to choose between the most extreme end sins each of these parties:

Yazid, and Hussein.

Indeed, had this story been created by an author, he should have been recognized for his genuine and art...

What is the name of this hero? For a historic figure, what is important is the role he plays, and not his name, since his name is something chosen for him by his family, according to his parent's taste. On the other hand, if the story is created by an ingenious writer, he would choose a name which is relevant to the role of his hero.

In this story however, our hero has been named by his mother, Hurr, as if she has been able to foresee the sensitive role his son is going to play. And thus, when the Imam of freedom attends his bloody body, just before his death, tells him: O Hurr! God bless you! You are free both in this world and in the world to come, just like what your mother called you!

Although Hurr has played a unique role in the history, the essence of his role is not just confined to himself. The meaning of his action, in fact, includes all human-beings, and indeed defines humanity.

It is what distinguishes the human-beings from other creatures, underlining the responsibility of man with respect to God, people, and himself. And Hurr has not played this with words and concepts, but with love and blood. If one grasps the depth of this saying from Imam Sadiq(A.S) that All days are Ashura, and all places are Karbala, and all months are Muharam one readily feels the extension: and all human-beings are Hurr!

Our history, starting from Habil and Qabil, is the manifestation of the eternal conflict between the two poles of God and Satan, though in each period of time these two poles have disguised differently. Therefore, in each period of time, every human-being finds himself just in the same position as Hurr did: alone, in the middle, hesitating, between the same two armies.

On the one side, the commander of the army of evil shouts on his soldiers: O Army of God! Attack! And on the other side, an Imam, with a voice echoing throughout the history asks -and not commands- Is there anybody who wishes to assist me? And you, the man, should choose.

It is by this choice that you become human. Before this choice you are nothing, you are just an existence without essence, you are standing in the middle.

Thus, the man who has found existence through birth finds essence through choice. It is by this choice, that the creation of man completes, and this is exactly when the man feels this heavy burden on his shoulders and finds himself alone, as God and the nature have left him on his own on this dangerous decision.

Now we can evaluate our hero, we can feel what a long journey he has gone through in what a short time, to change him from a Yazidian Hurr, to a Husseinian Hurr. If he stays with the army of Yazid, his world is guaranteed, and if he joins the small army of Hussein, his death is eminent. It is the morning of the day of Ashura, and although the battle has not yet started in the fields, Hurr realizes that the opportunity would not last. Time goes by fast, and the moments count. The storm has already started within him.

by: Dr. Ali Shariati

Source: rafed.net

The Important Choice in Karbala Part 1

Hurr was the name of one of the high-ranking commanders of the army of Omar-e-Sad who faced the grandson of the Prophet of Islam, Hussein-ibn-Ali, with orders from Yazeed-ibn-Muawiah to either get Hussein’s allegiance for his corrupt Khalifat, or kill Hussein and all his friends. It was Hurr and his army who first faced Imam Hussein, and then kept them under siege, preventing them from getting water.

On the day of Ashura, Hurr made a huge decision. Right before the battle started, he left his position and the army he was commanding, and joined Imam Hussein, and was the first to be killed in the way of Allah, by the army he used to be a commander of just a few hours earlier.

The name Hurr means free, freeborn, noble, freeman.

The fate, sometimes, plays a game. The factory of creation, constantly producing uncountable things, stones, trees, rivers, animals, insects, human beings, sometimes shows a scene of humor, creates an innovation or an exception: it writes a poem, paints a work of art, does something unique...In one word, it can be said that these items have a character. From among the houses, Kaba, from all the walls, the China Wall, from the planets orbiting the sun, earth, and....from all the martyrs: Hurr.

The artistic hands of destination have composed this scene with utmost precision, and as if to emphasize the importance of the story, have selected all the characters of the play from the absolutes, to make the story most effective.

The story is about a choice, the most important manifestation of the meaning of human being. But what kind of choice? We are all faced with several choices in our everyday life: career, friend, wife, and house, major... But in this story, the choice is much more difficult: the good and the evil. And even so, not from a philosophical, scientific, or theological perspective. Instead, the choice here is between the truthful and the deceiving religion, between the just and unjust politics, with life being the price to pay.

To further emphasize the sensitivity of the situation, the author has not put the hero of this story in the middle, equally between the right and the evil. Instead, the hero is the head of the army of the evil. On the other hand, the director of this play has to find symbols for his story to make them most effective.

Should he have Promote on one side and some demons on the other side? But this makes the story too mythical...Spartacus? No...This makes the story nationalistic and gives it a class dependent nature. How about Ibrahim and Nimrod? Moses and Pharaoh? Jesus and Judas? No... Again, for most of the people these are metaphysical and heavenly characters different from common ordinary people.

Having them as heroes reduces the effect of the story, and causes people to admire them, but never think about following their examples in their everyday life.

However, the main purpose of this story is to teach, to show the ability of the man to change, to show how it is possible for a common and even sinful man to reject all his social, family, and class ties and show a god-like change.

by: Dr. Ali Shariati

Source: rafed.net