Imam Hussain (RA), the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), holds a cherished place in the hearts of Muslims. His life embodies sacrifice, patience, and unwavering faith. Through various hadiths, we gain insight into the love that the Prophet (ﷺ) had for Imam Hussain (RA), his remarkable character, and the virtues he stood for. This collection of hadiths highlights these elements and teaches us valuable lessons about faith, family, and commitment to truth.
The Blessed Birth of Imam Hussain (RA)
In English
“Hussain Ibn Ali (RA) was born on the 5th of Sha’ban al-Mu’zam, 4 AH.”
In Arabic
“ولادة سيدنا الحسين بن علي رضي الله عنه كانت في الخامس من شعبان عام ٤ هجرياً.”
In Urdu
“حضرت حسین ابن علی رضی اللہ عنہ کی پیدائش ۵ شعبان المعظم، ۴ ہجری کو ہوئی۔”
Explanation and Significance
The birth of Imam Hussain (RA) was an occasion of immense joy and the fulfilment of a divine dream seen by Umm al-Fazl. The dream depicted a piece of the Prophet’s body separating, which he explained as the coming birth of Hussain (RA). This moment not only marked the arrival of a significant figure in Islamic history but also foreshadowed the future trials and sacrifices he would endure for the sake of truth and justice.
The Tahneek and Aqeeqah of Imam Hussain (RA)
In English
“The Messenger of Allah performed the tahneek and aqeeqah for Hassan and Hussain.”
In Arabic
“عَنْ أبِی رَافِع أنَّ النَّبِی صلی اللّٰهُ عَلَیهِ وَسَلَّم أَذَّنَ فِی أُذُنِ الحَسَنِ وَالْحُسَیْنِ حِیْنَ وُلِدَا وَ أمر بِهٖ.”
In Urdu
“نبی کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم نے حضرت حسن اور حسین کی تحنیک اور عقیقہ کیا۔”
Significance of Tahneek and Aqeeqah
Tahneek is the tradition of putting something sweet, like dates, into a newborn’s mouth. This act symbolizes the hope for a life filled with sweetness, blessings, and goodness. By performing the tahneek and saying the adhan in Imam Hussain’s ear, the Prophet (ﷺ) instilled a divine blessing and connected him to the voice of Islam from the very beginning. This practice also highlights the Prophet’s loving care for his grandchildren and the importance of starting a child’s life with the remembrance of Allah.
The Naming of Imam Hussain (RA)
In English
“The Prophet (ﷺ) named him Hussain, a name blessed by Allah.”
In Arabic
“النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم سماه حسيناً.”
In Urdu
“نبی کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم نے انہیں حسین نام دیا۔”
Symbolism of His Name
Ali (RA), initially named his sons Harb, meaning “war.” However, the Prophet (ﷺ) changed it to Hassan and Hussain, meaning “goodness” and “beauty.” This renaming shows a profound lesson: Islam is a religion of peace, not of conflict. It encourages us to seek beauty, kindness, and harmony. The names reflect the noble qualities that both brothers embodied throughout their lives.
Resemblance to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
In English
“Hasan resembled the Prophet from the navel upwards, and Hussain from below.”
In Arabic
“الحسن أشبه برسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ما بين الصدر إلى الرأس والحسين أشبه ما أسفل من ذلك.”
In Urdu
“حسن رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کے مشابہ تھے سر سے ناف تک اور حسین ناف سے نیچے۔”
Significance of Physical Resemblance
The resemblance of Hasan and Hussain (RA) to the Prophet (ﷺ) reflects not only a physical closeness but also an emotional and spiritual connection. It emphasizes the familial bond, showing how Allah blessed the Prophet’s progeny with his qualities and values. Their likeness to the Prophet (ﷺ) served as a living reminder of his teachings and character for the Muslim community.
The Prophet’s Love for Hassan and Hussain
In English
“Hasan and Hussain are my two sweet basils in this world.”
In Arabic
“إن الحسن والحسين هما ريحانتاي من الدنيا.”
In Urdu
“حسن اور حسین دنیا میں میرے دو پھول ہیں۔”
The Prophet’s Affection
This hadith portrays the special affection that the Prophet (ﷺ) had for his grandsons. By calling them his “sweet basils,” he expressed his deep love for them, comparing them to beautiful and fragrant flowers. This love was not only familial but spiritual, showing how Imam Hussain (RA) was cherished both as a grandson and as a symbol of the Prophet’s legacy.
Hussain’s Cry Hurts the Prophet (ﷺ)
In English
“Hussain’s crying causes me distress.”
In Arabic
“بكاء حسين يؤلمني.”
In Urdu
“حسین کا رونا مجھے تکلیف دیتا ہے۔”
Emotional Impact
This hadith shows the deep sensitivity of the Prophet (ﷺ) towards Hussain’s (RA) feelings. The Prophet’s empathy serves as a profound lesson on kindness and compassion. His emotional response to his grandson’s cries reveals a gentle and caring side of the Prophet (ﷺ), reminding Muslims of the importance of empathy and compassion towards one another.
Love for Hussain (RA) Leads to Allah’s Love
In English
“Hussain is from me, and I am from Hussain. Allah loves whoever loves Hussain.”
In Arabic
“حسين مني وانا من حسين احب الله من احب حسينا.”
In Urdu
“حسین مجھ سے ہے اور میں حسین سے۔ اللہ اس سے محبت کرتا ہے جو حسین سے محبت کرے۔”
Divine Love through Love for Hussain (RA)
This hadith underscores the significance of loving Imam Hussain (RA) as a means to gain Allah’s love. It establishes a spiritual connection between love for the Prophet’s family and closeness to Allah. This hadith emphasizes the Prophet’s family as a central part of faith and devotion, encouraging Muslims to honour and love them as part of their religious commitment.
The Prophet’s Delight in Seeing His Grandchildren
In English
“Whoever loves Hasan and Hussain loves me; whoever dislikes them dislikes me.”
In Arabic
“من احب الحسن والحسين فقد احبني ومن ابغضهما فقد ابغضني.”
In Urdu
“جس نے حسن اور حسین سے محبت کی، اس نے مجھ سے محبت کی؛ جس نے انہیں ناپسند کیا، اس نے مجھے ناپسند کیا۔”
A Reflection on Love and Loyalty
The Prophet’s words here indicate that true love for him includes love for his family. This hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of loyalty and respect for the Prophet’s family, emphasizing how our relationships and affections are linked with our faith.