10 THE SHIA NEWSPAPER No 1

Antoine Bara: You Shi’a do not

appreciate the value of Imam Hussein!
The writer caused a row by confirmi ngt hat J esus pr ophesi sedt hea ppe aranc eo f I m
a mH u s sei n. He a rguest hat “I
am a Christian but call on humanity to follow the holiness of Imam Hussein as he is the conscience of all religions.”

From Al- Minbar Media contained a unique heroic story. I was I was not married at the time, it took
Establishment also surprised that such a story did not me that long to write the book. This
generate much interest from Muslim seemed a long time for me since none
As we headed for the meeting, we did scholars. A non-Shi’a Muslim speaks of my other works had taken more
not expect it to be an appointment about the event as if it were merely a than two years to complete.
with someone who considers himself historical one. This is because of the As soon as I finished the book, which
Shi’a even though he is Christian! prevalent view of the society in which I had changed and revised time and
What we know about him is that he is he lives and in order not to go against again, I sent it to Imam Al-Shirazi. He
a thinker, scholar, Christian and his environment and culture. On the read the book and liked it and said
Syrian who wrote a book titled ‘Imam other hand, this event has emotional literally, “Print it immediately”. I told
Hussein in Christian Ideology’ which significance for a Shi’a Muslim. As him that I will do so as long as he
raised controversy because it for Orientalists, their writings only writes an introduction to the book and
confirms that the Christ (Peace be present a materialistic outlook which he agreed. I talked to Mr Baqir
u po n hi m ) pr op h e s i s e d t h e ignores the spiritual and social Khureibit, editor of ‘Sawt Al-
appearance of Imam Hussein. dimensions of the revolution. Khaleej’ magazine which I worked
In a meeting which lasted more All of this motivated me to note down for, who agreed to print the book;
than three hours, Antoine Bara never remarks about this revolution and the hence the book was published.
mentioned Imam Hussein without character of Imam Hussein (Peace be It is noteworthy here that as soon as
saying peace be upon him after his upon him). My point of view is the book was published, Imam Al-
name. Bara maintains that Imam perhaps the most neutral and Shirazi asked me for 20 copies and
Hussein is not exclusive to Shi’a or objective despite all other religious wanted to pay for them. I said, “How
Muslims but belongs to the whole and emotional considerations. I am a can I accept your money when it is
world because he is the “conscience Christian writer and researcher who thanks to you that I have written this
of religions” as Bara puts it. It is lives in Muslim country and has been book?” He said: “I want to help you.
interesting that Bara considers that exposed to Muslim culture from the And if you do not accept the money, I
being a Shi’a is “the highest degree of same sources, which has caused my will not take the copies”. In fact I was
love for God”. According to Bara, any cultural and social identity to be a very embarrassed and due to Imam’s
one in the world, regardless of his Muslim one even though I am insistence, I had to agree.
religion, can be a Shi’a depending on Christian. This has made my
his own personal interpretation “due awareness and understanding of the Q2: Did your book not provoke
to the greatness of following the pure cause of Imam Hussein (Peace be counter reactions?
family (Peace be upon them) in order upon him) complete. As a matter of A: Of course it raised many reactions;
to preserve the beauty of his fact, I did not have the intention to more than you can imagine. It is true
religion”! write about this topic. However, I that the Shi’a in particular and
Bara, however, chastises the Shi’a, used to visit Imam Al-Shirazi in Muslims in general accepted the book
saying, “You, Shi’a and Muslims, do Kuwait with my friend Azhar Al- and I know many who consider it the
not know the value of Imam Hussein. Khafagi. While talking one time, I best book written on Imam Hussein
You are supposed to be absolutely said that due to the nature of my (Peace be upon him), but some
honest in conveying his words on the journalistic work I have written down Muslims and Christians objected to it.
day of Ashura to the world. This notes on Imam Hussein (Peace be For example, they said, “he is
mission requires not only narrating upon him). Imam Al-Shirazi said to Christian, how can he be a supporter
the surface meaning of the event but me, “why don’t you collect these of the Prophet’s family?
also to coming to grips with aspects notes in a book?” “I will think about I recall that someone in Beirut
and spirit of his revolution”. it”, I said. The idea fermented in my published a book containing a
As Mr Bara uttered these words head, so I went to my office, collected response to my book. However, the Antoine Bara
during the meeting, we remembered the notes that I had written, which book’s handling of the case was very
how we squandered the heritage of now seemed a lot, and started to do poor and superficial. The writer court by explaining that I took it from emotional way, this strong effect on
our great Imam and how negligent we more research. As you know once a endeavoured to prove that the case of Muslim books. I also named some of people, which preserved the religion
are in furthering his cause. This can be researcher starts research, he never Imam Hussein was only a historic these books which are widely of Islam, could not have been felt. The
revealed today through telling the finishes. As I got deeper, the research incident related to the struggle for circulated and available in the proof is what happened when the
truth, defending the oppressed and became more difficult and I found power. On the other hand, a doctorate country’s public central library. prisoners of war were returned to
raising the banners of justice and myself caught in a minefield of thesis was written on the book and Addressing the judge I said: “You left Damascus; Sunnis, Shi’a and
freedom. sensitivities. You might adopt an submitted to one of the Lebanese more than 499 pages which praise Christians threw stones at the soldiers
M r B a r a s p o k e o f t h e opinion which pleases some but not universities. Also someone from the figures of Islam starting with the because they were emotionally
circumstances which led him get to others, let alone the fact that as a University of Lahore in Pakistan, Prophet, and then Ali, Fatima, Hassan affected. The same also happened in
know the character of Imam Hussein Christian, I should keep away from named Mushtaq Assad, asked for and Hussein (Peace be upon them) Homs where people beat up the
(Peace be upon him), starting with his research, like this, which belongs to permission to translate the book into and hold onto this one page which you soldiers and deprived them of water
meeting with the Grand religious Muslims. Urdu. I immediately agreed. He was claim is against Othman! In short, the because they deprived the pure family
leader Imam Al-Shirazi in the early However, I continued my research as surprised since I did not ask for a court judged that I pay a fine of fifty of the Prophet (Peace be upon them)
seventies who enthused him to write I thought we, as Christians, should share of the profits. I said “I did not Kuwait Dinars and it confiscated and of water.
his valuable book, and ending with have a balanced view different to that write this book for profit, but because banned the book, even though the Indeed human principles were
the troubles, difficulties and fights he of Muslims, with regard to the issue of my belief in Imam Hussein (Peace book has been approved more than generated by the Ashura revolution.
faced from those who did not like the of Imam Hussein (Peace be upon be upon him)”. three times for inclusion in the This is what pushed me to continue
book. However, he said, “Imam him). I reveal no secret by saying that Also an Iraqi doctor, called Ridha electronic catalogue of the book fair writing the book which only gave me
Hussein (Peace be upon him) will throughout the writing process, I felt a Rasheed, came fromAustria, to ask to and, as you know, the book gets read fatigue and troubles without any other
show kindness towards me on the day special moral inspiration pushing me translate the book into Austrian and every time before inclusion. personal benefits except for the
of judgement”. Here is the text of the to continue researching, editing and Russian. I also agreed. Thanks be to blessing of Imam Hussein (Peace be
interview. writing, however difficult this was God, the book has been translated into Q3: Was the writing of the book an upon him). By blessing I mean the
due to different considerations. seventeen languages. This is only interpretation of a special feeling fact that the book was printed more
Q1: What is the story behind your I have tried to cover all aspects thanks to the grace of Imam Hussein you had or pure scholarly than twenty times, only three of them
book “Hussein in Christ ian through a lot of explanation and (Peace be upon him). research? by me. Many bodies have printed the
Ideology”? analysis of different sides and Ten years after the publication of the A: It was both. In the beginning, book without my permission but I do
A: In the beginning, I did not know dimensions. I have also attempted to book, I was sur prised to be writing the book had a scholarly not mind because I do not consider the
about the brutal incident of Karbala answer a lot of questions which relate summoned to Kuwait, where I used to purpose but as I got deeper and book to be my personal property, on
except some general facts such as to the revolution and the character of work, to be investigated. I was expanded on the historicity of the the contrary it belongs to all humanity
Imam Al- Hussein’s (Peace be upon Imam Hussein (Peace be upon him): accused of being against the Muslims’ topic, a feeling of the greatness of the same way that Imam Hussein
him) revolt against Yazid and his why did this battle take place and was Caliphs! On appearing at the court, I Imam Hussein (Peace be upon him) (Peace be upon him) belongs to all
murder in Karbala. This is because it for a worldly purpose? Why did knew that the case was filed by the grew in me. This character sacrificed humanity.
during our education, this incident Imam Hussein (Peace be upon him) Kuwaiti government. They objected himself for religion and principles
was referred to without any detail. seek martyrdom? What is the secret to a sentence in the book describing and to preserve Muslims from Q4: After this in depth study of the
When I met with Imam Al-Shirazi in behind his words and his screams? Othman bin Afan’s government deviating from the path of Islam to history of Imam Hussein (Peace be
Kuwait, more than forty years ago, he Why did he take women and children policy as corrupt and this policy being ensure the continuity of the message upon him) you must have arrived at
gave me some books about Imam with him? This has extended the the reason behind giving more and passing it over from one a definite description of his
Hussein (Peace be upon him). I read period of writing the book to more authority to the Umayyads. I generation to the other. Had he not character, who is he in your view?
these books and discovered they than five years, two of which were defended the use of the statement in sacrificed himself in this highly A: My own description of Imam
fully devoted to writing. Even though
No 1 THE SHIA NEWSPAPER 11

Hussein (Peace be upon him) is that

he is “the conscience of religions”.
Had it not been for him, all divine
religions would not have continued to
exist. Islam started with Muhammad,
and continued with Imam Hussein,
and Zaynab (Peace be upon them)
being the scream which completed
the march of Jihad and the preserving
of Islam.
God wanted to preserve this new
religion that is why He sent Imam
Hussein to his grandfather as a martyr
but not as a prophet. Karbala was a
turning point. Had Imam Hussein not
carried out his revolution, the concept
of monotheism would not have
continued to exist and the new
religion of Islam would have become
tied to the practices of the rulers
whose societies would have accepted
and surrendered to their oppression
under any circumstances because
they were the rulers.
I believe that Imam Hussein (Peace be
upon him) was commanded by God to
follow this path because he had a
specific divine mission, the same way
that prophets had a specific divine
mission. Unfortunately, even though
Imam Hussein (Peace be upon him) is
a holy character to you Muslims and
Shi’a, you do not recognise his value
and you have neglected his heritage
and revolution. Today you must know
how to support this great Imam by
saying the truth, helping the
oppressed, reforming society and
achieving justice and freedom. You being referred to in the above quote heritage, but you have not made use who love the family of the Prophet not being there at the time of Imam
are supposed to be absolutely honest from the Bible. of them in a way that frees the world (Peace be upon him and his pure Hussein (Peace be upon him). It also
in delivering his scream on the day of I have discussed this fact in detail in from its tragedies by turning to Imam family), who are the descendants of means that you are ready to sacrifice
Ashura to the world. This task the book and I do not want to repeat Hussein. If Imam Hussein was one of the Prophet Muhammad and Ali yourself and everything you have to
requires you to get to study myself here but in the third edition of us, we would have built him a beacon (Peace be upon them). Shi’ism is the join the march of Imam Hussein.
thoroughly the dimensions of his the book, I added an introduction in on every part of the world for he is not pride of humanity. Any one in the As for the blood-shedding rituals, I
revolution. It is not enough to narrate which I included more proof of Jesus’ a stage in life but the march of human world can be a Shi’a by virtue of the believe it is a symbolic message
and describe the outward aspect of the prophesy about Imam Hussein (Peace freedom. He is a permanent principle. greatness of following the pure stating that you are prepared to
tragedy to the world. be upon him). It is there in the third However, many Muslims have not yet family of the Prophet (Peace be upon sacrifice your blood for Imam
edition for those who want to refer to discovered the secret of Imam them) in order to preserve the beauty Hussein (Peace be upon him) which is
Q5: The chapter in which you said it. Hussein’s (Peace be upon him) of his faith. truly a great and effective message.
that Christ (Peace be upon him) I would like to point out here that at revolution and its effect on people’s
prophesised the appearance of that time, and after publishing the souls. Q8: What attracted you most in the Q11: What is the message that you
Imam Hussein (Peace be upon him) book, I met with a Christian priest in character of Imam Hussein (Peace want to convey to the followers of
was like a bomb! It was the most Lebanon who said to me “I have heard Q7: This statement raises many be upon him) and which of his Imam Hussein (Peace be upon
controversial chapter in the for a long time that Christ prophesised questions. How come you are words and sayings are closest to him)?
book…can you shed more light on the appearance of a martyr, but I Christian and at the same time you?
this? A: As I have said earlier, you have to
didn’t know who he was. When I read confirm that Islam is the true A: I was attracted to his extreme be absolutely honest in delivering the
A: Of course this chapter looks your book, I was convinced by its relig ion a nd t ha t Ch rist modesty even though he was a great great message and story of Imam
widely into the meaning of the word sound analysis. Imam Hussein is prophesised the appearance of holy figure. Among his words and Hussein to the world. This task
‘Comforter’ which appears in the undoubtedly the martyr that Christ Prophet Muhammad and his screams on the day of Ashura which requires you to have a deep and
Bible. Before I explain what it means spoke of.” grandson Imam Hussein (Peace be most moved me were “Is there any realistic understanding of the spirit of
I would like to confirm that the Bible I believe we all have to get rid of upon them). Explain to us how you supporter to stand by us? Is there any his movement. This will make
mentions Prophet Muhammad (Peace extremism and acknowledge the facts understand the terms Christianity, ally to rescue us?” I always humanity adopt the message and
be upon him and his pure family) as which include Christ’s (Peace be Islam, Shi’ism? remembered these words because employ it in rejecting oppression. The
well as Imam Hussein (Peace be upon upon him) prophesy of Prophet A: Christianity is one of the stages of they describe how ungrateful people annual anniversary of Karbala should
him). This prophesies come in the Muhammad and his family (Peace be the one total religion which has come can be to those sent by God and how not pass just like that. It is true that
context of talking about the one true upon them). We also have to believe after Judaism and preceded Islam. people get involved in pursuing their your rituals in Imam Hussein centres
religion which, in my view, is Islam. that the Islamic story about Christ’s Islam is the religion that personal interests and ignore the have acquainted the world with Imam
Christ (Peace be upon him) spoke of ascent to heaven is more accurate than complements all religions. Since principles and values advocated by Hussein (Peace be upon him) and his
the appearance of Imam Hussein the Christian story of crucifixion and Judais m was theoretical and religions. story. However, Muslim scholars are
(Peace be upon him) in the gospel of resurrection. Anyway, Christ and all Christianity was purely spiritual, Wi t h pa n g s o f c o ns c i e n c e ,negligent because they have not
John by saying: “But now I go My other prophets including the seal of I s l a m c a me t o m e n d t he s e revolutions, including Al-Tawabeen, understood and conveyed the
way to Him that sent Me, and none of prophets, Muhammad (Peace be upon shortcomings. In the end, we are all started. Unfortunately this was after message properly.
you asketh Me, `Whither goest him and his pure family), and alsoAli, Muslims because we all believe in the the death of Imam Hussein (Peace be They have to deliver the story of the
Thou?' But because I have said these Fatima, Hassan and Hussein (Peace one God, the Torah, the Bible and the upon him). How much loss has all revolution to all parts of the globe as
things unto you, sorrow hath filled be upon them) all follow the same Quran. humanity suffered because they there are people who cannot
your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the path, calling for the same religion of betrayed him and did not stand by him
Shi’ism is the highest degree of the understand the revolution correctly
truth. It is expedient for you that I go monotheism, for worshipping only love of God. It is a natural state for all (Peace be upon him). with their limited mentality. I think
away, for if I go not away, the one God. the West would follow Imam Hussein
Comforter will not come unto you;
but if I depart, I will send Him unto “In the beginning, the Q9: What is your view of the ritual (Peace be upon him) if they knew
Q6: In this context, you said in your gatherings held by Shi’a every year about the noble purposes of his
you. And when He is come, He will
book that if Imam Hussein was one purpose of writing the to remember Imam Hussein? revolution.
reprove the world concerning sin, and
of us we would have put up a flag book was scholarly and A: I consider them a model for
concerning righteousness, and
concerning judgment” (John, 16:5-8).
and a minaret for him in every part research related. As I got remembering the Al-Taf tragedy Q12: Do you believe that Imam
of the earth and we would have
Some Christians have explained the called the people to Christianity in deeper and expanded on where pangs of conscience return Hussein will be on your side in the
word ‘Comforter’ as the Holy Spirit. the name of Imam Hussein. How is the historicity o het opi c, and, in turn, faith is re-born in souls day of judgement?
via supporting the continuity of the A: Yes, my master Imam Hussein
But having researched its meaning, I that possible? a special feeling o he cause of Imam Hussein. (Peace be upon him) will be kind to
do not think this meaning applies to it
at all. So, I looked at the other two
A: These are not my own words. greatness of Imam me on the Day when all cannot help
explanations; that this is either
These are the words of a priest who Hussein (Peace be upon Q10: how do you honestly perceive because he knows how much I have
lived at the time of Imam Hussein’s the Shi’a rituals practised in these suffered to bring this book out and all
referring to Prophet Muhammad
martyrdom. These are natural words him) grew in me”. gatherings such as slapping, blood the difficulties and troubles I have
(Peace be upon him and his pure
that reveal how you Shi’a and shedding, mourning, and the like? been through, for his sake without
family) or referring to Imam Hussein
Muslims do not recognise the value of “I believe that all o he A: I think they contribute much in seeking any benefit or personal
(Peace be upon him). After more
research, I realised that Christ (Peace
your Imam Hussein (Peace be upon West will follow Imam r eactivating the memor y and interests. I hope my words will echo
be upon him) could not have sent a
him)! Hussein, i heyk now conscience since you enact the event in the hearts of people. I call on
prophet like himself but it was We had the hoof of Christ’s donkey enough about his without hurting the others. This humanity to be guided by the holiness
possible that he sent a martyr to and we used to make pilgrimage to it revolution and its noble leaves you with the holy relic of faith of Imam Hussein and to take him as a
humanity which means that it is while you have the grave of Imam throughout your life. When you slap beacon to follow in one’s private and
definitely Imam Hussein who is Hussein, his relics, blessings, purposes”. your body, you punish it morally for public life.