Arbaeen, is one of the most revered religious occasions on the Islamic calendar, which marks the culmination of a 40-day mourning period after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein, Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) grandson.
Imam Khomeini the leader of the Islamic Republic used to frequently emphasize on significance of reviving the culture of Ashura and genuine message as delivered by the grandson of the holy prophet of Islam, Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).
Imam said it were the months of Moharram and Safar which have revived the genuine teachings of Islam throughout the history: “The months of Moharram and Saffar have kept Islam alive.”
The great leader of the Muslim world used to regularly participate in the mourning ceremonies which were held in memorial of the sufferings of the household members of the honorable prophet during this period.
The spiritual leader of the world also advised all preachers to spread real, rational and genuine teachings, as promoted by the holy prophet and his infallible successors, from the tribune during these days.
Imam Khomeini frequently maintained that the Islamic Revolution had been inspired by the culture of Ashura and has had deep roots in the pure legacy of Islam.
Imam’s historical massage for the Islamic Revolution was manifested itself in the slogan of “the blood’s triumph over the sword.”
According to Imam Khomeini, The martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH) along with his faithful companions on the 10th of Muharram 61 AH, created one of the most heart-breaking scenes. The Ashura movement also brought on the course of human history such a great spiritual and moral change whose profound impact after several centuries is still being felt.
The grandson of the holy prophet of Islam rose up against the corruption of the corrupt rulers who claimed to be the caliph of Muslims at that time and had caused a decline in religion by distorting the pure tents of Islam and a denial of the divine revelation. Those rulers were resorting to the rituals of age of Jahiliyah (ignorance).
The most significant achievements of Imam Hussein’s martyrdom are: separating truth from falsehood; revealing the ill-nature of the successors to the caliphate; and demonstrating the real face of Islam and its pure and genuine teachings.
As mentioned by great Imam Khomeini, the Islamic Revolution is a continuation and a precious legacy of pure Islam and the inspiring event of Ashura.
The founder of the Islamic Republic maintained that Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), the grandson of the holy prophet of Islam wanted to establish an Islamic system where masses can experience justice and human values.
The great leader of the Muslim world said that one of the important objectives of Imam Hussein’s sacred uprising against the tyrant rulers was to inform the Ummah about the crimes the Umayyad dynasty was committing against the Islam. The tyrant ruler of that time was distorting the genuine teachings and damaging the very basic pillars of Islam.
The founder of the Islamic Republic believed that the Islamic societies deserved to be run by likes of infallible Imam Hussein (PBUH) and his pious followers. No one should doubt that the grandson of the holy prophet wanted to throw out the tyrant rulers and instead establish a system where all people could exercise divine, social, and moral values and establish justice.
The other objective pursued by the infallible successor of the holy prophet was pursuing to command for good and forbid from bad at all levels of the society.
Imam Khomeini the leader of the Muslim world also used to maintain that Ashura is the overflowing spring of liberality and the secret of permanent struggle for safeguarding the Divine religion of Islam.
According to great Imam, Ashura is the code which ushers in monotheism and justice, and befits the eminence of human status.
According to Imam Khomeini’ the elements of God-given consciousness and the fervor of seeking the truth, makes the humankind to become fit for the vicegerency of God on earth, and in this manner man's soul may become a manifestation of the monotheism and justice.
The founder of the Islamic Republic used to insist that Ashura is the inspiration behind the fervent Revolution which emerged as victorious in Iran and is the greatest event of contemporary history.
The Islamic Revolution took place under the guidance of the great Ashuraic leader of our times, Imam Khomeini, for establishing a society based upon the foundations of monotheism, moral and human values.
Opportunities for providing a proper understanding of the contents of the movement of Ashura should be honored, and the presence of scholars, cultural figures and the Muslim nations as well as non-Muslim scholars from other countries for understanding, analyzing and contemplating the contents of this event, should be given due regard.
Imam Khomeini believed that lessons should be learned from tragic event of Ashura and its message must be implemented at all levels and layers of the Muslim societies.
The great Imam also called on the masses and scholars to take serious intellectual efforts to comprehend and promote the real philosophy behind the tragic event of Ashura.
Imam Khomeini insisted that the mourning ceremonies should be used to promote the genuine and pure teachings of Islam as conveyed by the holy prophet of Islam and his infallible successors.
The founder of the Islamic Republic explained the philosophy behind Imam Hussein's (peace be upon him) uprising which was to take a stance against aggression and tyranny. The grandson of the holy prophet also wanted to install and promote the Islamic principle of commanding for good and forbidding from evil.
Imam Khomeini in his historical speech on the eve of Muharram highlights the objectives achieved by the uprising of His Holiness, the Doyen of the Martyrs (‘a).
Several religious and social experts say the Islamic Revolution under the wise leadership was inspired by the historic event of Ashura and great sacrifices rendered by the infallible grandson of the holy prophet of
According to analysts, the epic of Ashura inspired Imam Khomeini to rise up against the tyrant of his day and it also inspired those soldiers fighting against Saddam’s forces during what Iranians call the “Imposed War.”