High Merits of Hazrat Imam Hussain

The Companions had the highest regard for the relatives of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). All of the companions of Prophet (PBUH) loved Hassan and Hussain with the same tenderness with which they had been loved by their grandfather. Hazrat Ali, the father of great Imam did not take the oath of allegiance to Abu Bakr for about six months. He thought that being the nearest relative of the last Prophet (PBUH), he should have been elected the Caliph. However, there was no ill-will between him and Abu Bakr. Ali soon realized that he should respect the choice of the people. As he took the oath of allegiance, Abu Bakar declared: “By Allah! The relatives of the Prophet (PBUH) are dearer to me than my own relatives.” Abu Bakar really meant what he said. He had the greatest regard for Hasan and Husain, although he never cared for his own interest or the interest of his relatives. He served Islam with an unselfishness that has never been equaled. Abu Bakar was followed by Omar, who had still greater regard for the grandsons of the Prophet (PBUH). His was the period of rapid expansion. His armies overran Iran, Syria and Egypt. This brought a constant flow of riches into Madina. When giving away these riches, Omar was far more mindful about the grandsons of the Prophet (PBUH) than about his own sons.