The Desire for Strength and Power

The desire for power is a deadly spiritual illness. To become true devotees of Imam Husayn رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ, we must free ourselves of this trait. This is because the ones who oppress are usually those with strength and power. Yazeed was intoxicated by his desire for rule and power, which led him to oppress the Ahl al-Bayt. If he possessed humility, he would not have had the courage to do such a thing.

Remember, it is not necessary to actually possess power when having a desire for strength and power. There are many people who do not possess power but think of themselves to be mighty and strong. Mawlana Rum رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه   states:

Nafs-i-Kas Rah Firawn Naist

Laik Oo Rah Awn Kas Rah Awn Naist

Meaning: “Whose nafs ammaara is not Firawn? Yes! Firawn received the throne of Egypt; not everyone is given a throne.”

Whoever frees himself of this desire, refrains from selfishness, keeps his nafs in check and suppresses the evil desires within himself can truly refrain from oppressing others. Look around you. Those who adopt humility do not cause harm to others. If they unknowingly cause someone harm, they waste no time in seeking forgiveness. The one who is not humble is always ready for confrontation and argument.

If we wish to become true devotees of Imam Husayn, we must control our nafs ammaara and adopt humility. Remember, adopting humility does not mean you should begin to fear people. Fearing people is cowardice. Imam Husayn رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ was not a coward; he showed extraordinary levels of bravery. Humility is not acquired through fearing people. True humility is acquired through the fear of Allah Almighty.

Sayyiduna Sulayman عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام is a prophet of Allah. He عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام had a famous bird known as the Hudhud. On one occasion, the Hudhud