Shortly after the demise of Prophet Muhammad, a power struggle divided the people which led to the rise of a despotic tyrant.
Hussain witnessed his society’s moral decline after his grandfather passed away. A series of civil wars had fractured the nation and paved the way for oppressive leaders to cease control.
Subsequently, a man called Yazid gained full power. Yazid was widely regarded as a corrupt narcissist who wanted to rule with an iron fist. To give legitimacy to his own rule, Yazid demanded Hussain’s allegiance, threatening him with his life.
Hussain refused. Hussain knew that if he gave his allegiance to a man like Yazid there would be no turning back for his society. In a powerful sermon, he said: “I did not rise up for the cause of wickedness, amusement, corruption or oppression, but I rose up to reform the nation of my grandfather. I want to promote virtue and prevent vice.”