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42 / International Multidisciplinary Journal of Pure Life, 11(40), 2024
• Ayoub (1978) in Redemptive
Suffering in Islam examines
Karbala’s theological symbolism
but does not analyze the sermons as
performative acts of resistance.
• Dakake (2007) in The Charismatic
Community discusses Shi’i
communal identity formation but
overlooks the rhetorical strategies in
Imam Hussein’s discourse.
• Hyder (2006) in Reliving Karbala
explores the event’s literary
representations but does not
deconstruct the original sermons’
linguistic and ethical dimensions.
Most prior studies examine Imam
Hussein’s qiyām (uprising) in terms of its
historical, political, or theological
dimensions (e.g., martyrdom as
resistance to tyranny). This article zooms
in on the ethical content of his words on
‘Āshūrā, treating them as a model of
divine morality (e.g., gentleness,
forbearance, honesty) derived from the
Quran and prophetic tradition.
The Manifestations of Moral Virtues in
The Speech of Imam Hussein in ‘Āshūrā
Imam Hussein is an embodiment of the
Quranic methodology of morality which
shines clearly in the sky of ‘Āshūrā. As we
delve deeper into His remarkable
character, we sense the absolute perfection
of humanity in every single word He
uttered and every action He performed
during that momentous historical event.
1. Softly Speaking (Flexible Saying)
Imam Hussein's remarkable and
compassionate speech with his
opponents stands out from the
beginning. Despite being the esteemed
leader of the youth and the beloved of
the Prophet, Imam Hussein chooses to
address His adversaries with utmost
gentleness. One might expect that
someone with such a revered position
and the ability to beseech the Almighty
for severe punishment upon his
enemies would do so, but Imam
Hussein defies this expectation. His
noble character and profound
connection to the Creator reveal His
greatness, kindness, and mercy. Even
in the face of adversity, Imam Hussein
demonstrates His exceptional nature by
choosing to communicate with his
opponents in a manner that reflects his
deep connection to the Divine Essence.
In this respect, Imam Hussein says,
“O people of Iraq! Listen to me and do
not make haste to kill me so that I may
tell you what I must, and appraise you
of the reason for my coming to Iraq. If
you accept my excuse, believe in what
I say, and behave towards me fairly,
you will level for yourselves the path of
prosperity, and then you will have no
reason to kill me. And even if you do
not accept my excuse and deviate from
the path of justice, you must ponder
over the pros and cons of the matter
before you kill me, and should not
undertake such a delicate task rashly
and without deliberation. My supporter
is the Almighty Allah Who has revealed
the Quran. Allah guards His deserving
servants” (Majlisī, 1983, Vol. 45, p. 6).