Sunday 3 January 2016

Nimr Family- Symbol of Patience with Courage


Brother of Martyr Sheikh al-Nimr
Dr.Mazhar Naqvi
The grief-stricken family of martyr Sheikh Baqar al- Nimr has shown to the world as to how  patiently the followers of Hussaini ideology behave in most trying circumstances. As the news of Sheikh Nimr’s ‘execution’ sparked- off protests in various corners of the world, his brother Muhammad al-Nimr called for reaction within the peaceful framework. Expressing shock over his brother’s killing; he declared “We took this stance from the very beginning, saying that we would not resort to violence even if Sheikh al-Nimr is executed”.
The statement issued by the Nimr family after the execution is also an example of courage with patience. It stated fearlessly about the unfair execution of Sheikh in defiance of international appeals but used not even a single word to instigate its supporters. The bereaved family certainly has in mind how the survivors of Karbala had faced persecution with dignity and bravery after the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain in 680 AD. In accordance with the path shown by Lady Zainab and Imam Zain-ul-Abdeen, the family is using words as weapon against the ‘House of Sauds’ and attracting world attention towards matchless record of Riyadh in violation of human rights.
The restrained approach of Nimr family prompted US to open its mouth for the first time since execution of the cleric. While US avoided of condemning the execution, its state department appealed to Saudi Arabia to respect and protect human rights and ensure fair and transparent judicial proceedings.US spokesperson, John Kirby also urged the Saudi government to permit peaceful expression of dissent and, along with other leaders in the region, to redouble efforts to reduce regional tensions.US reaction can be termed as an outcome of the outcry resulted from execution. It is just an attempt to counter the allegations made by Imami cleric yesterday that Nimr was killed with the consent of US. Had US been really interested in saving Nimr’s life or restraining Saudi Arabia from violating human rights and turning judicial process into a farce, it would have taken the issue with King Salman during his recent visit. But US did not do it, for it does not want a peaceful world. Christians who have condemned the execution deserve praise for being with the truth. Muslims also need to do likewise in peaceful manner so as to check the growing tendency of Riyadh to crush dissent and democratic values.
The excerpts of the letter written by the martyr to his mother should open eyes of all. He writes:
“My Patient Mother Umme Jafar,
My mother! always be grateful to God and accept the fate that is awaiting to you; because What God has foreordained for you is more better than its human one, and what he has chosen for us is more wisely than what we want for ourselves; It is true that we need to pray and to ask him anything but he knows our interests better than us.
Praise is to God, who orders people while they are living under the shadow of his rule, [so] nobody can change anything unless the will of God be at that way. My mom! Be aware that God is seer of what people are doing even the smallest one and [our works] are not out of his will; it is enough for us to know that what happens to us are only on the basis of divine providence and nothing else.At the end, I leave you and all people to God who is the best guardian and protector.”

Those acquainted with the sermons delivered by Bibi Zainab, Imam Sajjad and Janab-e-Umme-Kulsum in Kufa can immediately recall how they had disgraced Ibn Ziyad when he tried to justify the killing of Imam Hussain and his companions as ‘Wish of Allah’. Although Nimr family too is striving to disgrace Saud family through words and calling for peaceful reaction, it is incumbent upon all those who believe in humanity to salute their spirit, offer condolences and carry on the legacy of Sheikh by fearlessly raising voice against oppression, injustice and tyranny.          

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