God Chose What Is Weak to Shame the Strong

Finding Divine Purpose in Weakness: Lessons from Imam Hussain and Today's World

“Consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise by worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are—so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”
(Corinthians 1:26–29)

Many Muslims might not reflect on this profound declaration from the Bible, but its message resonates deeply with events not only surrounding the sacrifice of the Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him), but also with the heroic and tragic martyrdom of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him).

In the final moments of Imam Hussain’s life, his body was so weak that he could not dismount his horse by his own strength. In his final struggle, he whispered to his faithful companion:

“My dear Zuljanah, kneel down a little so I may roll myself to the ground.”

The loyal steed, despite being hungry, thirsty, and wounded, responded to the Imam’s plea. It spread its legs so that one of the brightest stars in the sky of divinity could gently slide down to the burning sand of Karbala.

There, Imam Hussain—bleeding and broken—offered his final prayer. He pressed his wounded forehead onto the scorched earth, submitting in communion with his Lord. This was the moment of his supreme sacrifice: a victory of truth over falsehood, love over hatred, and faith over tyranny.

Each year, Muslims mourn this moment, but they also celebrate it as a triumph of righteousness. Returning to the biblical wisdom:

“God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise… God chose what is weak…”—this is a divine paradox.

Why does God allow the righteous to suffer? Because within such suffering lies a profound lesson for humanity.

This moment mirrors the crucifixion of Christ (peace be upon him), abandoned by all, betrayed by corrupt religious leaders who sought to silence the truth he revealed. Just as Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, Imam Hussain, through his martyrdom and the massacre of his family, exposed the corruption of those who falsely claimed to be the bearers of Islam.

His sacrifice preserved the essence of truth from being extinguished.

When Umar ibn Saad saw Imam Hussain alone and wounded, he ordered his army to attack. Stones were thrown, swords and arrows struck. The Imam was bleeding from head to toe. The sacred blood of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S), Imam Ali (AS), and Fatima (SA) was being spilled on the soil of Karbala.

Even in his final moments, one of the enemy soldiers recounts:

“When I approached Hussain, the light of his face and its awe-striking beauty overwhelmed me. I forgot my purpose.”

Multiple men were sent to sever the Imam's head, but none could do it. They heard him whispering:

“O All-Merciful Lord of the Universe, accept the humble sacrifice of Hussain… O Lord, O Lord…”

None dared to kill him—despite promises of wealth—until Shimr, a man hardened by cruelty, committed the vile act.

This is not just a story of the past. It is a timeless lesson for mankind.

“God chose what is low and despised in the world… so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”

Hussain is this lesson. His love, his brokenness, and his sacrifice nourish our spirits. The Prophet Muhammad (S) emphasised this when he reminded us in Surah Ash-Shura (42:23):

“Say: I do not ask of you any reward for it but love for my near relatives.”

This is a message of love, wrapped in the tragic events of Karbala.

The Echoes of Karbala Today

Similar scenes are unfolding today—broadcast across social media—from Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Sudan. We are witnessing, once again, the truth of these words:

In Palestine, defenceless men, women, and children face one of the most powerful militaries in the world, backed by major world powers. Yet their resilience, their steadfastness, and their cries for justice echo the spirit of Karbala.

This is the divine warning: God chooses the weak to shame the strong.

Let us, as brothers and sisters in faith, respond with love, not hate—for love comes at a cost in this world, but hate costs us eternally. Let us unite in compassion, break the chains of tyranny, and raise the flag of truth through resistance, self sacrifice, and establishing justice.