Ashura: Standing for Truth, Justice and Compassion in Challenging Times

Truth over Scapegoating

As we approach the Day of Ashura, we are reminded of one of the most powerful lessons in Islamic history: the courage to stand for truth, justice and human dignity, even when it is difficult. Ashura is not simply a day to remember historical events; it is an opportunity to reflect on how those lessons apply to the challenges we face today.

For many Muslims, Ashura is associated with the sacrifices of many Prophets عليهم السلام and their families and followers, who stood firmly against oppression and injustice. Their stand was not motivated by personal gain or power, but by a commitment to truth, justice and moral responsibility. Their example continues to inspire people around the world to speak out against injustice and to uphold human dignity.

One of the greatest challenges facing South Africa today is the growing tension surrounding migration and xenophobic violence. We have witnessed incidents where foreign nationals have become targets of anger and frustration. While the hardships many South Africans face are real — high unemployment, poverty, crime and economic uncertainty — we must ask ourselves an important question: Are we addressing the real causes of these problems, or are we looking for someone to blame?

This is where the concept of scapegoating becomes important. A scapegoat is a person or group that is unfairly blamed for problems that have much deeper causes. Throughout history, societies experiencing hardship have often searched for easy targets rather than difficult solutions. Blaming a vulnerable group may provide a temporary outlet for frustration, but it rarely solves the underlying problem.

Ashura teaches us to resist this temptation.

The lesson of Nabi Moosa Alayhis Salaam`s stand against the tyrannical Firoun, is not merely about opposing oppression when it affects us personally. It is about standing for justice even when it is unpopular. It is about defending truth even when emotions are running high. It is about refusing to allow fear, anger or prejudice to determine our actions.

If we look honestly at South Africa’s challenges, we know there are no simple answers. Unemployment is not caused by one group of people. Poverty is not caused by one nationality. Crime cannot be solved by attacking innocent individuals. These are complex issues that require leadership, accountability, economic growth, education and community cooperation.

Ashura encourages us to pursue truth rather than convenient narratives.

Another important lesson from Ashura is the importance of preserving human dignity. Every person, regardless of nationality, language, race or background, deserves to be treated with respect. The values of Islam teach us that every human-being possesses dignity bestowed by Allah. When people are dehumanised, discriminated against or blamed simply because they are different, society moves further away from justice and closer to division.

This message also resonates deeply with the South African philosophy of Ubuntu. Ubuntu teaches us that our humanity is connected to the humanity of others. “I am because we are.” Similarly, Ashura reminds us that a just society is built not on hatred or exclusion, but on compassion, fairness and mutual respect.

The challenge before us is therefore not simply to condemn violence. It is to create a culture where truth triumphs over rumours, where justice triumphs over prejudice, and where compassion triumphs over fear.

As South Africans, we have a choice. We can allow frustration to divide us, or we can work together to address the real issues affecting our communities. We can blame one another, or we can seek solutions. We can allow fear to shape our actions, or we can allow the values of Ashura to guide us towards wisdom and justice.

As we commemorate Ashura this year, let us remember that the legacy of the Ambiya AS is not merely one of sacrifice; it is one of moral courage. It is the courage to stand for truth when falsehood is easier. It is the courage to stand for justice when injustice seems popular. And it is the courage to uphold the dignity of every human being, even in challenging times.

Perhaps the most important question Ashura asks us today is this:

When our communities face hardship, will we choose blame, or will we choose truth?

That choice will determine not only the future of our communities, but the kind of society we leave for the next generation.