The concept of ‘Destiny’ (known as Qaza in Arabic) is understood differently by the various sects of
Islam. Ahle Sunnah (primarily Ashairas)
believe that whatever is written in destiny has to happen and cannot be
changed. Man is forced to commit an act due to destiny – be it an evil act or a
good deed. That is how they try to exonerate Yazid (l.a.) from the grave sin of
killing Imam Husain (a.s.) and his companions. This concept is known as ‘pre-destination
in actions of man.’
However, as per the Shite belief, Allah has given man freedom
to choose and act according to his own wishes. It is up to man to decide his
path which will lead him to heaven or hell in the Hereafter. Pre-destination exists
only in actions of Allah wherein there is no role for man like in creation of
sun, moon, planets, creation of man himself, his color, his health, his age
etc. We believe that man will not be questioned about these pre-destined
things. Reward and punishment is only for actions wherein man has freedom
Let us try to
learn a few things about free-will from the events of Karbala. Many people
wanted to help Imam Husain (a.s.) rise against the tyrant Yazid (l.a.), but
very few were able to shape their destiny into being immortalized companions of
Imam Husain (a.s.). Let us take a look at few personalities in this event who had
utilized their free-will either to earn heaven or to acquire a place in hell.
1.
Janabe Hurr ibn
Yazid-e-Riyahi: The most famous of personalities, who switched sides on the eve of
Ashura. Hurr had the recognition of Imam Husain’s (a.s.) status. He had wished
to avoid a battle with Imam (a.s.) and questioned Umar-e-Saad about the same.
When Umar’s army was determined on attacking Imam Husain’s (a.s.) camp, Hurr
decided that he needed to make a choice. This choice was not an easy one. He
was the leader of his army. He was a brave and valiant soldier and his army
looked up to him with great respect and honor. If he switched sides, he and his
family would be rebuked in society and he would lose all stature in the social society.
But in the end he concluded that his Hereafter would be successful if he joined
Imam Husain’s (a.s.) camp.
2.
Janabe Zuhayr ibn Qayn
Bajali:
Zuhayr was a staunch ‘Uthmani’ during his lifetime. He had proceeded on Hajj in
60 A.H. and during his return back home, realized that his caravan was trailing
the caravan of Imam Husain (a.s.). Inspite of all his efforts, at a station
known as Zaroud his tents were pitched opposite Imam’s (a.s.) tents. When Imam (a.s.)
sent a messenger to Zuhayr, he was reluctant to visit Imam (a.s.). However, at
this stage it was his wife Dayllam binte Amr, who acted as an agent of
‘Taufeeq’ from Allah and insisted that Zuhayr visit the Imam (a.s.), atleast
out of respect for the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). The Zuhayr who left the tent
was Uthmani but the Zuhayr who returned back after meeting Imam (a.s.) was a
complete Alavi and Husaini. The reason for the change is noted in history as an
advice/prophecy from Salman-e-Farsi to Zuhayr after successfully returning from
a battle in Balanjar (an area of Turkistan). Salman told Zuhayr “When you are with the youth of Hazrat
Muhammad’s (s.a.w.a.) progeny, you will be much happier. A holy war in their
company will bring you more joy than this war booty.” (http://www.almuntazar.com/126/prophecies-of-imam-husain-ass-martyrdom/)
3.
Janabe Dayllam binte Amr: Zuhayr’s wife played her
role of supporting her husband and encouraging him to join Imam Husain (a.s.).
She could have easily convinced him to stay back and take care of her and their
family and trade. But she decided that a destiny in the companionship of Bibi
Zainab (s.a.) was better than any wealth of this world.
4.
Janabe Wahab bin Abudullah /Umayr Kalbi: Some traditions [Nafasul
Mahmoon: pg. 298] state that Wahab and his family were Christians and had
met Imam Husain (a.s.) during his journey towards Karbala. Wahab was recently married
and was looking forward to start his new life with his wife Haniya. When he
learnt about the tribulations facing Imam (a.s.) and how he was deserted by the
Kufians, he decided to join the caravan of Imam Husain (a.s.). He died as a
martyr in the way of Imam Husain (a.s.) and his wife too was killed by Shimr in
the battle.
5.
Habib ibn Hammar: Suwaid bin Gafala
narrates that once I was in the presence of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) when a
person came to him saying: “O Ameerul Momineen (a.s.)! When I was passing by
the valley of Qura, I saw that Khalid bin Arfata was lying dead and asked
forgiveness for him.”
Hazrat Ali (a.s.) retorted, “He will
not die until he joins the army of the deviated ones and the flag-bearer of
that army will be Habib bin Hammar.” From that gathering, one person stood up
and said: “O Ameerul Momineen, I am your friend and my name is Habib ibn
Hammar.”
Ali (a.s.) remarked, “Yes, you will
be the flag bearer of that army.”
Ultimately Ibne Ziyad sent Umar Ibne
Saad to Kufa to confront Imam Husain (a.s.). He appointed Khalid bin Arfata to
lead the army and it’s flag-bearer was Habib ibn Hammar. Thus a man claiming to
be Imam Ali’s (a.s.) friend ended up being the flag-bearer of the army that
killed his (a.s.) son. (http://www.almuntazar.com/126/prophecies-of-imam-husain-ass-martyrdom/)
6.
Umar ibn Saad: His love for the worldly
possession of the valley of Rayh convinced him to spill the blood of the Holy
Prophet’s (s.a.w.a.) grandson. He spent an entire night in consultation with
family and friends, but did not heed their good advice, and followed his
selfish desires. In the end, he never got the promised land of Rayh and was
doomed to eternal chastisement in hell.
7.
Shimr Ziljaushan: The most infamous amogst
the killers of Imam Husain (a.s.) is Shimr. He is reported to be the one who
cut off the head of Imam (a.s.). It is vital to note that Shimr was a soldier
in the army of Imam Ali (a.s.) in the battle of Siffeen. So the opportunity for
guidance was provided to him, but he refused it and in Karbala he became the
most accursed person. He will spend eternity in the deepest valleys of Hell.
As can be seen from above examples, each person had the
opportunity to select his path. Some were given the clear opportunity to select
between heaven and hell. Others were given the opportunity to serve the Imam of
their time and attain Allah’s (s.w.t) satisfaction.
Similarly, in our day-to-day lives we face options in
all our actions, either to obey Allah or disobey him. We have the free-will to
select our path in life – though we will be questioned about all our actions in
the hereafter. So we should always pray to Allah to provide us taufeeq
to do good actions, follow the path of the Ahle Bait (a.s.) and to serve them
till the last breath.
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