The Martyr of Freedom – Mystical Concepts & Historical Analysis; Ethical Concepts & Social Analysis

The Martyr of Freedom is a two-volume study of Imam Husayn by Ayatollah Ali H. Al-Hakim, an Iraqi-born scholar who teaches Islamic studies in London. It grew out of lectures given in Arabic, Norwegian and English in Europe and the United States between the early 1990s and 2004. Both volumes are in this file.

Volume I, Mystical Concepts and Historical Analysis, traces a 'countdown' of events leading to Karbala, from the Saqifa and Fadak through Jamal, Siffin and Imam Hasan's treaty, then turns to 'irfan, presenting Imam Husayn as heir of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad. Volume II, Ethical Concepts and Social Analysis, draws lessons from Ashura on the aim of creation, freedom and its limits, duty and love, martyrdom, moral values, the treatment of animals, organising for social change and the meaning of Arba'een.

Suited to readers who want history and spirituality together. Published 2013 by the Islamic Ahlul-Bait Foundation, London, with Imam Ali Foundation (Norway) and the University of Isfahan.