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In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Hussain, the Aware Martyr
Usually in political movements, the leaders dont keep away from alluring, threatening, gathering arms and forces, and immoral measures for gaining victory. However, those who want to act morally, provide for the dangers and do their best in making alliances and gathering a force, and do not speak about possible defeat and probability of enemys victory. So they dont hint on a ruthful crush and gloomy future, otherwise all the defense force would be dispersed.
Therefore if a leader of a rising does not take either of these ways and interpret his rising as embracing death and martyrdom, it would be arguable that his rising is not merely aimed at usurping power and political ends. For the same reason, ordinary people with worldly motives who ally with leaders in the political risings do not usually take part in such movements.
Looking at the pages of history, it will testify that Hussain Ibn-Ali (PBUH) repeatedly spoke about his fate of martyrdom and never spoke of dethroning Yazid and conquering the Islamic territories. However, he obliged everyone to join him against Yazid, not to pay allegiance to him, and stand against him, but he was aware that such prevalent rise would not take place, and he must rise with a small group and finally get sacrificed. Hence he announced his martyrdom beforehand.
Hussain (PBUH) did not have in his motives rule, worldly ranks nor increase in power, wealth and influence. He rather did not pay allegiance to Yazid because he wanted to obey the order of Allah (SWT). He left Mecca and Medina and made Jihad to have obeyed the order of God. So one may not consider any cause for his rising other than obeying the order of Allah (SWT) and performing duty.
For instance, Ibn-Abbas and Abdullah Ibn-Umar spoke to him about what was taking place to possibly discourage him from his decision. After a long debate they both were satisfied by Imam Hussain (PBUH). He then told Abdullah Ibn-Umar, For Gods sake! Am I wrong in this decision and in this situation? If you think so, tell me your opinion.
Ibn-Umar told him, God knows that you are no wrong in this, and He does not lead the son of His Prophets daughter to wrong ways. A person as pure as you, and close to the great Prophet should not pay allegiance to a person like Yazid. But I am afraid that swords come down on your nice face. So come with us to Medina and still dont pay allegiance to Yazid.
Hussain (PBUH) said, How far! (This hope is in vain) that I can return to Medina and live there in safety. Thou, son of Omar! If these people dont have a hand on me, they would search for me to either force me to ally or kill me. Dont you know that it is the contempt of this world that they brought the head of Yahya/John son of Zachariah for a fornicator of the son of Israel? (1)
Then Abdullah Ibn-Umar asked to kiss where the Prophet used to kiss. Then cried and said, I deposit you to God that you will be martyred in this journey. (2)
(Selection taken from the book A Glimpse of Imam Hussains (PBUH) Magnitude, By Ayatullah Safi Golpaygani (with little changes))
Footnotes:
1. Maqtal Khawarazmi, pp 192-192
2. Ghamgham Zekhar, p. 333
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