Forgotten Graves
History continuously whispers a truth that men in power are deaf and blind to hear and see
ALÉXANDROS HO MAKEDÓN. History remembers him as Alexander the Great. Standing at the edge of the known world, he believed that destiny bowed to him. Having conquered Greece, Persia, Egypt, and many parts of Asia, legend says he uttered the following sentence, symbolising his intoxicating pride, believing that Earth was too small for his greatness.
“Is there no one else for me to conquer?”
But destiny was smiling. At age 32, the conqueror of conquerors died far from home in Babylon, exhausted, broken, and in agony. He was just a mortal morsel in the jaws of the universe.
Today, despite centuries of searching, the definite location of his grave remains unknown. The man who once possessed half the world, whose name sent shudders down the spine of kings, vanished into the anonymity of dust, starkly proving the fact that, in the end, dust is the ultimate destination.
GAIUS JULIUS CAESAR. History remembers him as Julius Caesar. He stood at the pinnacle of Roman power, exhibiting the confidence of a God. Caesar, in just 4 hours, crushed the forces at the Battle of Zela of Pharnaces II, the rebellious King of Pontus, who had invaded Roman territories in Asia Minor, today’s Türkiye, on 2nd August, 47 BC.
In his hubris, he uttered three words: “Veni, vidi, vici”, meaning “I came, I saw, I conquered.”
Rome celebrated his greatness, statues arose in his honour, crowds cheered, and the Senate became subservient.
But destiny was smiling. At age 55, on 15th March, 44 BC, the same political elite which treated him as a God killed him with daggers. Before dying, legend says he uttered, “You too, Brutus.”
Today, the man has no grave. He survives more in legend than in a stone tomb, where people can pay homage.
TEMÜJIN. History remembers him as Genghis Khan, meaning universal ruler. Rising from the steppes of Mongolia, he became one of the most feared and deadly conquerors. Mongol conquests killed an estimated 20–40 million people, nearly 11% of the world population.
Traditionally, Genghis Khan uttered his most terrifying quote after conquering Bukhara in 1220 CE: “I am the punishment of God. If you had not committed great sins, God would not have sent a punishment like me upon you”.
He believed himself to be an earthly God, as under him was created the longest contiguous empire in human history.
But destiny was smiling. At age 65, on 18th August, 1227, one of the cruellest men died. His exact burial place remains unknown, as legend says his grave was deliberately hidden. The man just vanished from the planet, living on in history, virtually.
NAPOLEONE BUONAPARTE. Rising from a relatively obscure Corsican officer, he became the master of Europe. Starting from 9th November, 1799 till his defeat at Waterloo on 18th June, 1815, his armies marched across continents, reshaping Europe as per his ambition.
After being crowned the Emperor of France, in the presence of the Pope, he said, “Je suis la Révolution” — “I am the revolution.”
But destiny was smiling. At age 51, from the zenith of his ultimate power, Napoleon died alone after exile, on the remote island of Saint Helena.
His tomb is located under the majestic gilded dome of Les Invalides in Paris, France. Tourists visit his tomb, little knowing the circumstances in which he perished.
It is 632 CE. Our most beloved Prophet (PBUH), in his farewell sermon, declares:
“No Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab; no white over black, nor black over white — except in piety and good action.”
The Prophet (PBUH), who changed world history, was a legend of humility and piety. When one goes through his life, one is amazed that he led such a simple, austere life.
When he passed away in 632 CE, he left behind almost no personal wealth or money. He lived a deeply humble and ascetic life, and all his worldly belongings consisted of the bare essentials.
Today, the city of Madinah hosts his revered resting place. It is visited by millions of Muslims of every caste, creed, colour, and gender, from the richest to the poorest. His message resonates around the world, making Islam the fastest-growing religion.
History continuously whispers a truth that men in power are deaf and blind to hear and see. Conquest dazzles, empires pay homage, crowns glitter, titles pontify, but in the end, death equals all. Palaces become ruins, dynasties are eradicated, statues break down, and even the graves disappear into anonymous dust. The tick-tock of time has no memory for arrogance.
But there is another path, which ensures historical longevity. The path of humility, compassion, spirituality, and service to people. Those who heal hearts, providing succour to people lost to the vagaries of time, may not have an empire during their lifetime, but they leave behind a far greater legacy. History has umpteenth examples of selfless people, across religions, who, through their sacrifice, provided spiritual buoyancy to their flock and are revered in return.
Pride shall have a fall. Looking down upon people may polish one’s ego, but always remember that destiny is smiling.
Helping someone, being kind, humble, and helpful, does not degrade one’s status. Rather, it upgrades it.
The choice is simple if understood. However, when sitting at the pinnacle of power, very few people understand the susurration of history.