The importance of the history of Imam Hussain's (peace be upon him) life, which has turned into the most tragic epic of human history, is not only because waves of the strongest human emotions are raised on an annual basis during the commemoration ceremonies held for this great personality, but rather there is nothing in his movement other than pure religious devotion and humanistic qualities. The gatherings held in his commemoration do not need any form of introduction or marketing; thus, they are without parallel in their field. 

Why were there so few companions in Karbala on the side of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) in comparison to the enemy? There are a number of reasons that there were so few, yet we must realize that the quality of these men outshines the quantity. Yazid's army had thousands of men, but history has shown their quality.

The revolution of al-Husayn was a tremendous event which sent a convulsion through the whole of Islamic society, breaking down the false calmness and the silence which had wrapped itself around it. It made Islamic society think again about its view of many of its political conventions and it gave rise to a movement of self- criticism which was awakened in men's consciences. The soldiers returned to their towns and their tribes with the news of the horror, which they had seen and helped to commit, and of the terrible end that came to revolutionaries. 

Over one thousand three hundred and fifty years ago, on the 10th of Muharram, just before “asr”, a man stood on a sand-dune at Karbala. He was bleeding from several wounds on his body. He had lost everything. Since early morning he had carried several dead bodies into his camp. He had even buried his infant child. 

One very important dimension of the Institution of Karbala overlooked by so many of us is its spiritual dimension. Scholars of gnosis ('Irfan), however, have contemplated over this dimension and narrated so much for us to learn and benefit. In order to make us closer to tangibly perceive the inner dimension of the Karbala event, perhaps the most eloquent revelation is that of Lady Zainab (peace be upon her), the daughter of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) when asked by Ibn Ziyad how Allah dealt with her brother (Imam Hussain) and family. It is narrated that when this was asked, she said: "I did not vision save beauty."

Processions (Juloos) in the holy months of Muharram and Safar have traditionally taken place in public by mourners of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) for centuries. The aim of such processions is to carry on the public relations work which was started by Lady Zainab and the holy women in Karbala, and create awareness of Imam Hussain's sacrifice and his message.

The following pages are based on a report of an Address which I delivered in London at an Ashura Majlis on Thursday the 28th May, 1931 (Muharram 1350 A.H.), at the Waldorf Hotel. The report was subsequently corrected and slightly expanded. The Majlis was a notable gathering, which met at the invitation of Mr. A. S. M. Anik. Nawab Sir Umar Hayat Khan, Tiwana, presided and members of all schools of thought in Islam, as well as non-Muslims, joined reverently in doing honour to the memory of the great Martyr of Islam. By its inclusion in the Progressive Islam Pamphlets series, it is hoped to reach a larger public than were able to be present in person. Perhaps, also, it may help to strengthen the bonds of brotherly love which unite all who hold sacred the ideals of brotherhood preached by the Prophet in his last Sermon.