Ijtihad Network Being Wise and Faithful Muslim in the Contemporary World
Drawing on both classical Shiʿa sources and contemporary moral philosophy, the book explores Imam Hussein’s choices through the lens of universal ethics, highlighting his relevance not only for Shiʿa Muslims but for all who seek moral clarity in times of injustice.
This question stands at the heart of The Charm of the Red Rose: A Moral Explanation of the Battle of Karbala, the latest publication by Iranian philosopher Professor Abolqasem Fanaei (Sajjadiyya Press, 2025). In this profound yet accessible work, Fanaei offers a compelling ethical interpretation of Imam Hussein’s stand at Karbala – not as a fated martyrdom or a purely political revolt, but as a conscious moral choice rooted in principles of justice, human dignity, and inner freedom. Drawing on both classical Shiʿa sources and contemporary moral philosophy, the book explores Imam Hussein’s choices through the lens of universal ethics, highlighting his relevance not only for Shiʿa Muslims but for all who seek moral clarity in times of injustice. Published by Sajjadiyya Press, The Charm of the Red Rose situates a 7th-century tragedy in a modern ethical context, showing how Imam Hussein’s legacy can inspire anyone confronted with injustice today.
The book’s approach is engaging and educational, combining the richness of Shiʿa Islamic heritage with the rigour of modern moral theory. Fanaei – a scholar trained in both the seminaries of Qom and Western academia bridges scripture, history, and philosophy in order to answer timeless questions. How can an event that occurred in 680 CE speak to the ethical challenges of our era? By studying what Imam Hussein said and did in his own time, Fanaei derives insights applicable to our context. He portrays Imam Hussein as a moral and spiritual role model for humanity, intentionally reaching beyond sectarian boundaries. In fact, the lessons of Karbala — resisting oppression, preserving dignity, living virtuously amid hardship emerge here as universal values that connect us all. The result is a thought-provoking narrative that is as relevant to students and general readers as it is to specialists.
Chapter One – Karbala: The Scene of the Confrontation Between ʿAlawīte Islam and Umayyad Islam.
The opening chapter sets the stage by situating the Battle of Karbala within its comprehensive historical and ideological context. Fanaei contrasts the moral worldview of Imam Hussein (whom he associates with “ʿAlawīte Islam”) with the ideology of the Umayyad regime, highlighting Karbala as a clash between two visions of Islam. This chapter introduces Imam Hussein as a principled, spiritual role model for all humanity. It also explores the logical implications of viewing Hussein’s defiance as a stand on moral principle, asking readers to consider what was truly at stake in that desert standoff so long ago. By the end of Chapter One, Karbala is no longer just an event in history; it is the backdrop for a profound ethical confrontation between justice and tyranny.
Chapter Two – The Battle of Karbala from a Moral Perspective.
This chapter distils insights from two in-depth interviews with Dr. Fanaei, arguing that a moral explanation of Karbala is not only possible but also urgently necessary. Here, Fanaei identifies three core moral principles at the heart of Imam Hussein’s decision-making: Justice, Human Dignity, and Freedom. He discusses how these principles informed Hussein’s refusal to bow to an unjust ruler, and how they can inform our own responses to oppression. Chapter Two also engages with contemporary ethical theories – from consequentialism and deontology to virtue ethics – examining how each might illuminate the actions of Imam Hussein. Finally, Fanaei turns to the Ethics of Mourning, reflecting on why and how communities remember Karbala through ritual lamentation. By linking ancient sacrifice to modern moral theory, this chapter invites readers to see Karbala not as a relic of the past but as a living example of ethical courage.
Chapter Three – Common Explanations of the Battle of Karbala.
Having made the case for a moral reading, Fanaei next examines and critiques the most prevalent traditional explanations of Karbala. This chapter reviews several familiar lenses through which people have understood Imam Hussein’s martyrdom, including mythical or metaphysical interpretations that focus on divine destiny and miracles, political interpretations that cast the battle purely in terms of power and rebellion, and jurisprudential (legalistic) interpretations that emphasise duty and religious law. Fanaei analyses each of these perspectives, highlighting their insights but also their limitations. By comparing these common explanations side by side, he shows that while factors such as theology, politics, and law all played a role, none fully captures the moral vision that truly propelled Imam Hussein. Chapter Three challenges readers, especially those already familiar with the story, to rethink comfortable narratives and consider Karbala from a fresh ethical standpoint.
Chapter Four – Imam Hussein: The School of Justice and Dignity.
This chapter delves deeply into two of the highest moral values exemplified by Imam Hussein: justice and human dignity. Fanaei discusses the importance of these values in Islamic ethics and beyond, outlining what it means to uphold justice in society and to preserve human dignity even in the face of great adversity. He then retraces Imam Hussein’s fateful journey from Medina to Mecca to Karbala, interpreting each step of that journey through the lens of justice and dignity. What emerges is a vivid portrayal of Hussein’s mission as a quest to realise justice on the ground – to reform society, defend the oppressed, and refuse indignity at any cost. Fanaei describes the mechanisms and stages by which social justice can be actualised, effectively turning Karbala into a case study in ethical leadership. This chapter is both inspirational and practical, showcasing Hussein’s example as a “school” from which anyone can learn how to live with honour, stand up for what is right, and never tolerate humiliation or injustice.
Chapter Five – Religious and Meta-Religious Morality in Karbala.
The final chapter tackles one of the most thought-provoking aspects of Fanaei’s analysis: the relationship between religious ethics and universal moral principles. Centering on a famous saying of Imam Hussein during the battle, Fanaei distinguishes between “religious” morality (ethical duties derived from religious law or doctrine) and “meta-religious” morality (a more universal moral law that can be grasped through reason or conscience). He explains that while these two moral systems share the same core values and norms, they differ in terms of moral psychology and motivation – that is, why people act ethically, whether from faith-based devotion or from a more general human commitment to virtue. By elucidating this, Fanaei shows how Imam Hussein’s stand at Karbala can be appreciated both within a devout Islamic framework and in broader humanistic terms. This chapter offers readers a nuanced discussion on the nature of morality itself, suggesting that the lessons of Karbala resonate on a meta-religious level, accessible to anyone of any (or no) faith tradition. It’s a fitting conclusion that broadens the book’s reach, underscoring the message that Hussein’s sacrifice resonates with the conscience of all humanity.
Throughout The Charm of the Red Rose, Fanaei’s aim is not only to explain the past but to illuminate the present. His writing carries a thought-provoking yet accessible tone that invites readers to reflect on their own values. The book succeeds in offering universal ethical insight and moral clarity to contemporary readers by demonstrating that Imam Hussein’s moral vision – his unwavering commitment to justice, dignity, and freedom – remains as relevant today as it was in 680 CE. In a world still plagued by oppression and moral confusion, Fanaei’s work provides a beacon of guidance. It fosters a cross-cultural understanding of Karbala, presenting it not as a sectarian tale but as a shared human heritage of righteous resistance. Ultimately, Fanaei invites readers to see Imam Hussein’s legacy as “a call to [their] own moral journey” – a timeless call to stand up for what is right, to remain steadfast in ethics even against overwhelming odds, and to find unity in the pursuit of justice. This new publication by Sajjadiyya Press is not only an educational exploration of an Islamic tragedy but also a poignant reminder of our shared moral responsibilities, sure to engage and inspire students and general audiences alike.
About the Author
Bibliographic Information
Title: The Charm of the Red Rose: A Moral Explanation of the Battle of Karbala
Author (s): Abolqasem Fanaei
Publisher: Sajjadiyya Press
Language: English
Length: 168 Pages
ISBN: 978-1999862107
Pub. Date:
