Shafaqna English- “Reflections on the Ashura movement” is a book written by “Rasul Jafarian” in Persian, published by Ansarian Publication. Shafaqna English has translated some sections of this book.
The Approach of Imam Ali (AS) and His Family Toward Hardships and Political Challenges
A. Imam Ali’s (AS) Silence — A Strategy for Preserving Islam
Imam Ali’s (AS) political conduct was founded on preserving the essence of Islam through silence — while voicing critique when the opportunity arose. This is clear in his explicit words in the Sermon of Shaqshaqiyyah where he said: “I remained patient while there was a thorn in my throat and a sharp pain in my eye. I saw my inheritance being plundered.”
Similarly, Imam Hussain (AS), in a letter he wrote in Mecca to the people of Basra, expressed the same historical viewpoint. His words: “Our people (i.e., Quraysh) seized what was rightfully ours. We accepted, though unwillingly, out of fear of division and disunity.”
B. The Second Stage: The Effort to Attain the Caliphate
This stage refers to the continued effort to attain the caliphate, which persisted even after the event of Saqifah. Following the caliphate of Umar, Imam Ali (AS) participated in the shura (consultative council) and came close to becoming caliph. After the assassination of the third caliph, however, the Imam showed little desire to assume leadership. Yet, upon the insistent request of the people, he accepted it and adopted a policy of reform.
His four years and nine months of effort—aside from its side effects—left behind a precious legacy in the form of his speeches and writings and had a lasting influence on the development of Shia Islam in Iraq. However, in terms of practical outcomes, it did not yield significant results, and Muawiyah, who considered himself the rightful heir to the legacy of the caliphate (though he had no true claim to it), eventually seized power.
C. The Six-Month Rule of Imam Hassan (AS)
The six-month government of Imam Hassan (AS) was a continuation of Imam Ali’s (AS) rule—an effort aimed at reform. What followed was a forced concession and the conditional acceptance of Muawiyah’s rule, with the stipulation that it would not become hereditary or continue beyond him. This implies that the possibility of regaining control of affairs still existed.
D. The End of the Imposed Truce, the Rise of Yazid, and Imam Hussain’s (AS) Opposition
When the period of the imposed peace ended, Yazid came to power. Imam Hussain’s (AS) refusal to pledge allegiance to Yazid marked the beginning of his movement and opposition, which was, once again, aimed at reform—regardless of whether he would succeed in gaining power or not. In response to pressure to pledge allegiance to Yazid, Imam Hussain (AS) told Utbah ibn Abi Sufyan:
“O’ Utbah, you are aware that we are the Ahlul-Bayt of dignity, the mine of the Prophetic message, and the signs of truth. God has entrusted these truths to our hearts and has made them flow from our tongues. I speak with God’s permission. And I have heard my grandfather say: the caliphate is forbidden to the children of Abu Sufyan.”
Part of the Book Reflection on the Ashura movement by Rasul Jafarian