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MUTUAL RELATIONSHIP AND INFLUENCE BETWEEN ISLAM , HINDUISM AND OTHER FAITHS Imam Hussein(AS) and His Relationship with Hindu gods By Z.Hasnain. According to religious scholars and thinkers, Imam Hussein (AS) is the most revered and remembered personality. There are several reasons for it. According to popular belief, the sacrifice of Imam Hussein (AS) inspires righteousness, peace and humane thought. While commemorating the sacrifice, one forgets the differences of religion and nationality. While one may retain the noble thoughts of his respective religion, he merges with the reality. Everyone says,” Hussein (AS) belongs to us”.The Hindu gods have also a relationship with Hussein (AS) and this relationship inspired the freedom movement of India. Who was Imam Hussein (AS)? The lineage of Hazrat Imam Hussein (AS) was from Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). He was his grandson and son of Hazrat Ali (AS).They are the source of Islam. Ali is the Caliph and inheritor of Prophet Mohammed(PBUH) and Imam Hussein(AS) is his descendent, who spread the word of Quran.While these pious and holy people were spreading the word of Quran, some mischievous elements were hell-bent on destroying the good work done by these pious people. They were referring God and Prophet (PBUH) with insult and even the fundamentals of Islam were being questioned by them. When Yazid came to power in Hijri 60, even the semblance of decency gave way to open criticism and abuses .Yazid was fond of sports and games, drinking and fornication. Thus the Muslims were abusing the Islam. When grandson of Prophet (PBUH), son of Hazrat Fatima Bibi(SA),Imam Hussein(AS) stood up to save Islam, the Islam has retrograded.The jumma prayers were being offered on Wednesday and the Muslims were doing so. The Muslims had become bereft of Islamic values that none was able to raise voice against malpractices and injustices. At this junction, Imam Hussein (AS) by his highest sacrifice defended the faith and truth. The great sacrifice of Imam Hussein (AS) has inspired not only Muslims, but followers of other religions also. In this context, one Mr.Virendra Kumar Veeru, staunch follower of RSS has composed a poem in the glory of great sacrifice of Imam Hussein (AS). Imam Hussein (AS) and India Hazrat Ali (AS) commenced Islamic relationship with India. When the friends and disciples of Ali (AS) came to India, several Hindus who loved these descendents came forward to help Ali’s (AS) representatives, and they greatly benefited from their knowledge and wisdom of Quran. Thus commenced deep relationship between India and decedents of Prophet (PBUH). Arrival of Shias in India On being persecuted by Arabs and Africans, the Shias left their lands and came to India. The Hindus received them with open hearts. During the sixth Hijri century, a group of Shias escaping the cruelties of Sultan Sahibuddin Ayuubi of Egypt arrived India.Subsequently ,one Tabligi mission of shias came to India .It sought protection at Sindh after Hijri 145. Later, Kasim bin Ibrahim bin Ismial bin Imam Hassan(AS) came seeking protection in India. This trend continued for a long time. Imam Hussein (AS) and his relationship with India The interaction of Prophet’s (PBUH) family with India had begun with Hazrat Ali (AS).Subsequently Imam Hussein (AS) also came to have relations with India in following manner. The then king of Iran was Zazozard, who worshipped fire. The king had three daughters, Meher Bano,Shahar Bano and Keshran Bano.The king of India was Maharaja Chandra Gupta. His capital was at Ujjain and his army commander was Pandit Bhurya Dutt. Iranian king married his eldest daughter Meher Bano to Maharaja Chandra Gupta.She was renamed Chandra Lekha and sired a son, Samundra Gupta. After sometime, Arabs attacked Iran. Iranians were routed and the king was killed. The two princesses were brought to Medina, where the second princess Shahar Bano was married to Imam Hussein (AS). Thus Imam Hussein (AS) came in close contact with India through his son Imam Zainul Abideen (AS), who was born from Shahar Bano .Zainul Abideen (AS) and Samundara Gupta were first cousins. Imam (AS) had wanted to come to India 10 Moharrum, Higri 60, when Yazid’s army had surrounded the Imam Hussein’s (AS) entourage, Imam Hussein (AS) in his last speech had requested the Muslims to give him the way. India at that time was a Hindu nation and there were no Muslims here. An apostle of Islam had expressed his desire to go to India. The speech of Imam Hussein (AS) indicated that Hindus shunned violence; they were just and affectionate towards each other. He had expressed desire to come to India and did not want to go to any Islamic country because He was the incarnation and knew that He would be unsafe in any Muslim country. He had full fait and trust on Indians. The second reason he had wanted to go to India was because his wife Shahar Bano and Maharaja’s wife were sisters, and he was certain to be welcomed .In this context, late J.P.Mathur writes that in the peerage and lineage columns of Maharaja of Jaipur, there is description of this relationship. Yazid was aware of this relationship and had not permitted imam Hussein(AS) to proceeds to India, but keeping the entourage hungry and thirsty in the open desert for three days, slaughtered them one by one .Although Imam Hussein (AS) could not come to India ,but the Hindus on learning about incidents of Karbala had fought the Arabs and in the epic battle ,many Hindus had died. Indian poets have sung paeans of the historic battle. Imam Hussein’s (AS) son writes to a Hindu Maharaja Zainul Abideen (AS), the eldest son of Imam Hussein (AS) had written a letter to Maharaja Chandra Gupta, outlining the atrocities perpetrated by Yazid and had sought cooperation from the Maharaja. The letter is still available in the museum in Rajasthan. On receipt of the letter, Maharaja dispatched a force with sufficient strength. The Dutt Brahmins comprised major portion of the force. When the force reached Iraq, Imam Hussein (AS) had attained martyrdom with 72 persons of his entourage. One of his disciples, Ameere Mukhtar was in the process of avenging and eliminating the enemies of Imam Hussein (AS) .On learning the arrival of Indian contingent, Mukhtar welcomed the force and where they were first stationed, is known as ''Darra-e-Hindeeya'' even today. On learning the fate of Islamic Imam (AS), Indian contingent joined forces of Mukhtar and fought bravely under Commander Bhurya Dutt. Later on, a part of the contingent stayed back while the others returned back. When King Chandra Gupta learnt about the battle of Karbala, he was grief-stricken. Maharaja commiserates martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) King Chandra Gupta was overwhelmed with sorrow on the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and whole kingdom offered homage to the departed soul. Thus Moharrum commenced from India and this sacrifice of Imam Hussein(AS) is vividly celebrated by the Indian poets in their poems. Hindus share the sorrow and grief of Karbala martyrdom with their Muslim brothers. 5000 Indian soldiers were dispatched to Iraq Hindi writer Raj Kumar Asthana in his book ''Ancient India'' has written that Meher Bano aka Chandra Lekha was daughter of Shah of Iran Zazozard and was married to Indian king Chandra Gupta and her son Samundra Gupta ascended to throne of India. On the basis of this relationship, Imam Hussein (AS) had expressed his desire to come to India. Asthana further writes that for the battle of Karbala, Chandra Gupta Maurya had dispatched an Indian force of 5000 under the command of General Bhurya Dutt. After traveling great distances, when the force reached Kufa, Imam Hussein (AS) had already attained martyrdom. Ameere Mukhtar had risen in revolt and was taking revenge on Yazid. Half of the Indian force remained back to fight the unjust and remaining half returned to India. When this contingent returned to India, Chandra Gupta had died and Samundra Gupta had ascended the throne. This fact has been mentioned in ''Tafsir-e-Islam''. Husseini Brahmins who lived due to prayers of Hussein(AS), were slaughtered by Yazid There is a small section of Husseini Brahmins who spread all over India after the independence. They consider Hussein (AS) as one of their gods. They can be easily recognized due to a cut mark on their throat. Mehta Press in Asansol belongs to Husseini Brahmins .Likewise there was a Husseini Brahmin studying in Lucknow University, who had a cut mark on the throat. Similarly in Khiri in Aurangabad district, these were persons who had cut mark on their throats. Why Husseini Brahmins have cut mark on their throats ? Why do Husseini Brahmins have cut mark on their throats and why they were slaughtered? It has an interesting history. When Alexander the Great came conquering up to Punjab and while he was returning, he took precious gifts from India .Among the precious gifts were Hindu Brahmin scholars expert in Astrology. A batch of Hindu astrologers comprised his entourage back. During that period, Iraq was under control of Iran. Since Iran had been conquered by Alexander ,Iraq automatically came under the tutelage of Alexander .Alexander found Iraq an appropriate place for control of vast empire. He halted for rest and subsequently breathed his last. The Brahmins of his entourage came to stay there. In due course of time, they settled over there and established themselves. They multiplied and built temples. Later on, Hazrat Ali(AS) made Kufa as his battle headquarter during the battle of Sikfin .The people were aware of the miracles and spiritual powers of Ali(AS).When the Hindu priest learnt of the spiritual powers of Ali(AS) , he came to pay his obeisance. The Brahmin was issue-less as all his children had died in their infancy. He prayed to Ali(AS) to bless him with progeny. At that time, Imam Hussein(AS) was standing before Ali(AS). Ali requested Hussein(AS) to pray for the Brahmin . After the prayers, Brahmin was blessed with a son who did not die. Subsequently he had seven sons who did not die and attained adulthood. Brahmin did not know about the battle of Karbala. When forces of Yazid were returning back , they halted for the night at the temple of Brahmin. They were carrying the 72 decapitated heads of Hussein(AS) and his followers on their lances. During nighttime, they use to put the heads into the boxes for safe custody. When they put the 72 heads in the boxes in temple , Brahmin did not like it that his temple was being used for such purposes. When he went to bed, he could not sleep. He would get up from the bed, take a round of temple and lie on bed again. In one such round, he found light emanating from the box. Brahmin was amazed and thought that temple had caught fire .The commander of Yazid said that it is not fire but light radiating from the slain head of Hussein(AS). Then he narrated the full story of the battle of Karbala and Brahmin was disturbed to hear Imam Hussein’s(AS) martyrdom. He told his sons that the head of their benefactor, who had granted them life is kept in the temple. Early next morning, the seven sons of Brahmin fought the Yazid's army till they were slain. After the departure of Yazid’s army, the Brahmin took the dead bodies and heads to a nearby place and put them together .Then he prayed to Imam Hussein(AS): Imam sahib, by your prayers and blessings, these seven sons were born. They died defending you. Now I pray you to grant them life again. His prayer was answered and all seven were alive again. However, they bore the mark of slitting on their throats .This cut mark is even now found on the throats of Husseini Brahmins, the Brahmin with seven sons left Iraq and returned India to settle down in Punjab, and the Husseini Brahmins came to be associated with slit marks on throats. Assistance of Dutt Brahmins in Karbala Dutt Brahmins is another sect who were in Indian army. They were martial and they had fought in Iraq and laid down their lives. One of the commanders of Dutt Brahmins had sacrificed his sons for Imam Hussein(AS). One European historian has named sons of Dutt Brahmin as following: Sahus Rai, Harjas Rai, Sher Rai, Ram Singh, Raipun, Ghabra and Paura. These names are immortalized in Husseini book and were all martyrs. Hindu gods express grief: Imam Hussein(AS) and Lord Shankar The various Hindu incarnations had prophesied about the events of Karbala. The Hindu gods were very disturbed about the prophecy of Karbala and had expressed grief. In this context, it is to be mentioned that Lord Shankar, who come to the world several hundred thousand years ago had full knowledge of what was to happen in Karbala. We wish to narrate to you a story from ''Manusmiriti''. The story had first appeared in a journal (Annual Hussein Report, 1989) printed from Kanpur (UP) .The article ''Grandson of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and Lord Shankar. ''The story is as following: One day Lord Shankar and his wife (Parvatiji) were touring the earth .At one place, the searing heat so unnerved Parvatiji that she enquired from Lord about the place, which is so unbearably hot. Lord Shankar prophesied that it is the place where after many generations, the sinners will slaughter the hungry and thirsty grandson of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) . At another instant, Lord Shankar told his lady wife that in times to come, after the death of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), his two grandsons will be mercilessly slaughtered by the sinners who pay only lip service to Islam and Prophet (PBUH), but do not follow the tenets. These sinners will be followers of Prophet (PBUH) for name sake, but will act contrary to teachings of Prophet (PBUH). What first Shankaracharya has to say about Imam Hussein (PBUH)? The venerated Shankaracharya (Hindu high priest) has to say the following about Imam Hussein (AS): " I have yet to see a greater martyr than Imam Hussein (AS). His martyrdom had the most profound effect on mankind." The prophecy of Lord Rama During later period, many noble souls will be born. They will radiate the earth with Their Light and they will be very dear to God. Lord Ram has categorically said that at regular intervals, God will send his messengers, who will spread His Word and they will be very dear to Him. When they incarnate, they will spread His Light and they will be dear to masses. The last incarnation is of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and his descendents. The Hindu scriptures of their time have predicted the coming of Islamic messenger and they know about the Holy Light, which Islam will radiate. Those who prophesied about Mohammed (PBUH) and Hussein(AS) knew of their radiance. When Pandavas and Kauravas come to the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna prays as following : Prayer of Lord Krishna "Oh All-mighty Lord, purest of the Pure, Essence of the World, Great and Noble Soul, on the oath of your Greatness and on the oath of who is your dearest, on the oath of Ahli, who will show the greatest miracles at the biggest temple next to black stone . Hear to my prayers , destroy the evil and truth be victorious. Oh Lord, Ala-Ala-Ala. (Extract from 'Krishna Prayers' by Pundit Ramdhan, 1931). Please read Lord Krishna’s prayer carefully. He is invoking the creator of earth and sky, the All-mighty Lord. Dearest of the dear is Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Ahli is a Sanskrit word, which is akin to Ali (AS) in Arabic. The biggest temple is Kabba and black stone is Hajre-Aswad, where miracles will take place. Repetition of Ala thrice indicates Ali (AS), who is of the highest order. It is now crystal clear that all the great Hindu incarnations were aware of the coming of great messengers of the God and they used to remember them in their prayers. That is why they all were sad about the incidents of Karbala. All the Hindu incarnations were aware of the great leaders of Islam and they had foreseen the Radiating Light and Lord Ram had stated that all those dear to God will be able to see and feel the miracle of Islam. Events of Karbala and Mahatma Gandhi Gandhiji said that in his youth he read about the sad episode of Karbala and he was absolutely amazed to read it. He said I do not present any thing new before the Indians, but I have read and studied about the protagonist of Karbala and I have the unshakeable faith that India can truly be free and attain salvation if we could follow the Husseini ideals. Guru Nanak's love for Imam Hussein (AS) Guru Nanak states that Ali (AS) is the Tiger of God and God himself has given the title of Tiger to Ali(AS). Guru Nanak states that Mohammed (PBUH) lives in my heart along with Hazrat Imam (AS), Fatima (AS) and Hazrat Ali (AS). My heart contains the whole abundant love of Kabba. By naming all the descendents of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), Guru Nanak said they were all Great and loved mankind. They also respected Kabba. The Hindu gods and nobles have commanded that Islamic pantheon should be respected. Imam Hussein (AS) and Rajputs Great writer Abdul Latif Shastri in his book 'Touhaftul' writes that where as there are no Muslims in India and ajan is not heard at all, the rich Hindus have made grand Imambaras and Tajias. On seeing the moon of Mohrrum, they dress in mourning clothes and giving up comforts and sleep, they read the holy books. They mourn the death of Imam Hussein (AS) and on his martyrdom, they offer food and zakat to poor. They respectfully bow before the tajias and later bury them at Karbala. Marathas love Imam Hussein (AS) An English army officer Sir Thomas Durebrught has in a letter narrated the Marahatas respect for Hussein (AS). The letter dated 26.2.1809 was published in 1813. He writes that every Marahata during certain period becomes a fakir, wears torn green colour clothes and take rounds of the camp, repeating the names of Mohammed (PBUH), Ali (AS) and Hussein (AS) .Even Maharaja also become a fakir for Hussein (AS). The Maharaja appears very sad and on the night of 10th Ashura, they walk the whole night around the camp. There were 100 tajias which were taken up to the Kings palace. Behind each tajias, there were several fakirs who were commiserating, beating their chests and repeating the name of Hussein (AS) again and again. Great Indian leaders views on Hussein (AS) a) Mahatma Gandhi When Mahatma Gandhi commenced the Satyagrha campaign and Dandi March with his 72 companions, Gandhi ji said "Imam Hussein (AS) is that great leader who sacrificed himself for humanity before Yazid, but did not submit to him. He did not bow his head and became a martyr along with his entourage of 72 people. His sacrifice is source of great inspiration for me". b) Jawahar Lal Nehru The deplorable incident of Karbala has had a lasting impact on the mankind. Lessons must be drawn and learnt from this event. It is indeed surprising that for centuries, this event has great impact on the human beings and has won their sympathies. If sacrifice is made for some special reason, it influences the mankind. The greater the sacrifice the greater will be the impact and greater will be admirers and followers. It will have lasting impression on men and women alike. While a sad event brings out sympathies, its impression is long lasting. c) Mrs. Sarojini Naidu I am proud to be one among the several million who remember the sacrifice of Imam Hussein (AS) and celebrate throughout the world. Even after passage of 13 centuries, the events of Karbala are still fresh in the mind as they were when the leading light of Islam was sacrificed. They evoke as much pathos as 1300 years back. Ashwathama, the son of Guru Dronacharya in Iraq The Husseini Brahmins consider Imam Hussein (AS) as one of the incarnations. Shishir Kumar Mishra in his book "Vision of India" has written that Husseini Brahmains consider themselves the descendents of Ashwathama, the son of Dronacharya, who has settled in Iraq. Who taught Mahatma Buddha? Who helped Mahatma Buddha? Hazrat Ali (AS), the father of Imam Hussein (AS) has helped every one during each epoch. He had also helped Gautama Buddha. Ali (AS) was great personality about whom all great leaders had known even before his birth (Birth of Ali (AS)). Ali (AS) and Hussein (AS) were the great lights of Islam, about whom the Hindu incarnations had become aware even before their birth. All the previous prophets of all religions knew about the Islamic lights. Lord Shankar had prophesied about them; during the Mahabharat, Lord Krishna remembered them; Lord Ram predicted about them; they were in the heart of Guru Nanak. Ali (AS) came in dream to Buddha and gave him teaching and helped him. Some of the extracts of “Alia” written by Hakim Mahmood Galani are as following: “Mahatma Buddha tells his friends and disciples that some great soul has blessed him saying his prayers have been accepted. He should now pray and his every wish will be granted. The great soul tells Buddha that his name is Alia . If u want to meet me, my holy place is near to broken wall, where i will meet u in the shape of child, but that time is still far away. In the said description, he had mentioned his name Alia , which in Ibrani language indicates/stands for Ali(AS), and holy place near broken wall is Kabba . The wall will break and i will appear as child. During the birth of Ali (AS), the wall of Kabba was broken down/ split open, and the mother of Ali (AS) had fallen in, where Ali (AS) was born. Even now that sign is clearly visible on the wall of Kabba. Then he preached him that if you pray me, than you will be granted every wish. Every follower of Ali (AS) knows the Ali (AS) helps every one during need and distress. Further, Lord Buddha narrates his dream to his minister, that great being pulled out a shining sword and said that I am the loin. God has sent me as loin to control the sins and corruption and to behold: My king is coming, follow him and follow my king. I am sending you as shepherd and my disciple for this country. Do not get beguiled and cheated. If you face difficulties or miseries, remember me and i shell appear. Hazrat Ali (AS) conveyed to Gautam Buddha about the imminent arrival of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), who would be King of all prophets and everyone will have to follow his teachings. In Islamic literature, only Hazrat Ali (AS) is addressed as Lion of Allah. Thus, whether it is Hazrat Ali (AS) or Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) or Imam Hussein (AS), their connection with the Hindu Gods and prophets has always existed. The Muslims realize that had Hindus been there in Iraq, they would not have tolerated injustices on Imam Hussein (AS) and put their lives at stake to defend him. The Hindu God had also prophesied the coming of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) in Arabia. Prophecy of sage Baharth Five thousand years before Christ, there was a holy sage by name Baharth. He was great scholar of Hindu scriptures and lived in the mountains of Himalayas. He once made prophecy about the imminent arrival of a great saint in the future as following. "Let me convey to you about the imminent arrival of a great saint who would be dearest to God. He would be the king of the kings and will show many wonders. He would be called 'Muhammad (PBUH)' and posses great spiritual powers and his deeds will truly be marvelous. After the king, a prince will also be born at the biggest temple of the world. He will be known as the hand of God, will reflect the Devine qualities of God and will also be known as the father of earth. Like God has many names, he will also have several names. One of his names will be 'Om'. All the prophecies of sage Bahrath point towards Mohammed (PBUH) and Ali (AS), as they were the only people with all the qualities. Husseini Hindus There are several thousand Husseini Hindus who celebrate Moharrum like the Shias. Like Shias, they can be seen hurting themselves and observing grief. They also make Tajias and express grief during the last three days of Moharrum.
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