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The Speediest Ark of Salvation
By: Seyyed Ali Shahbaz
“Husain is the Beacon of Guidance and Ark of Salvation.” – Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
The Beacon of Guidance that lit the world for the first time on the 3rd of Sha’ban in 4 AH not only continues to shine all the more brilliantly despite the passing of 1423 years but also serves as the speediest of the Arks of Salvation that the Almighty has granted mankind for the journey towards eternity.
The name Husain (AS), if it swells eyes with tears, it soothes hearts with tranquility and certitude beyond the description of words. The person whose birthday we are celebrating in Islamic Iran today as the Day of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), enacted the greatest ever epic. He in fact infused an immortal soul into the lifeless soil of Karbala by giving his own lifeblood and that of his dear and near ones, inspiring legions of reformers and revolutionaries in every age and era to rise to the heights of glory in the fight against the forces of darkness.
That was the reason Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had said: “Husain is from me and I am from Husain.”
It was Husain (AS) who taught humanity how to stand steadfast in the most adverse circumstances. It was Husain (AS) whose blood triumphed over naked swords so that the message of his grandfather should remain in its pristinely pure form unsullied by the devilish designs of the hypocrites.
Hussain (AS), like his parents, his grandfather and other members of the Infallible Household (Ahl al-Bayt), transcends history and all historical developments. The most indelible proofs in this regard are the life-inspiring mourning ceremonies that the faithful hold till this day in the months of Muharram and Safe for the Martyr of Karbala.
The 3rd of Sha’ban is thus no ordinary day. If it is the day, which brought untold joy to the blessed house and made Gabriel descend from the heavens with messages of divine congratulations it also brought the fallen angel Fetrous God’s pardon for the erroneous thought that had once flashed across his mind. As is clear from the wordings of the special supplication that we recite this day, Fetrous’ invocations to God Almighty, while circumambulating the cradle of the newborn Husain (AS) swiftly restored him to his former position.
No wonder, the Holy Prophet (SAW) had described Imam Husain (AS) along with his elder brother Imam Hasan (AS) as Leaders of the Youths of Paradise.
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