It Is But a Word

It is but a word.

When Al-Walid demanded that Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, pledge allegiance to Yazid, he addressed him: We ask nothing but a word. Just say “I have pledged allegiance” and go in peace to the masses of the poor. Just say it — how easy it is. It is but a word.

And what was the reply of Imam Hussein, knowing that his stance meant martyrdom?

He replied: The word has grown great. And what is allegiance but a word? What is a person’s faith but a word? What is a person’s honor but a word? What is God’s honor but a word?

Do you know the meaning of the word?

The key to paradise is in a word. Entrance to the fire is upon a word. And God’s decree is the word.

The word is light. Some words are graves. Some words are towering fortresses in which human nobility takes refuge.

The word is the criterion between a prophet and a transgressor. By the word, the darkness is dispelled. The word is a light and a guide that the nation follows.

Jesus was nothing but a word. He illuminated the world with words and taught them to the fishermen, and they went forth to guide the world.

The word is the earthquake of the oppressor. The word is the fortress of freedom. Man’s honor is the word. God’s honor is the word.

Where are we now from the word? The criterion between a prophet and a transgressor, and a person’s honor and faith?

We hear chatter, sayings, and promises that bear no relation to the honor of the word nor dispel any darkness. Words lead to actions, not to lies. When will the word be our fortress of freedom and our impenetrable shield?

As for falsehood and the depravity of words — they are the smoke of burning garbage in neglected alleys, choking noses and chests.

All our tragedies spring from the word that pledges allegiance to the oppressor, the thief, the debauched, and the transgressor.

When will we illuminate our lives with the magic of the noble word that lights our paths to a beautiful world, producing love and creative works at the hands of builders who know the value of their word and understand the meaning of loyalty, the repentance of hearts, and reconciliation with life — so that we may remain in love and achieve peace and flourishing?