Imam husain (as)The Third Imam

Name: Al-Hussain ibn AliFather: ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) the first Imam

Mother: Fatimah az-Zahra (a.s.), the daughter of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.).

Kunniyat (Patronymic): Abu 'Abdillah.

Birth: He was born in Madina in the month of Shaban in the year 4 A.H.

Martyrdom: He was martyred with his companions by the army of Yazid in the month of Muharram 61 A.H. His tomb is in Karbala,

Iraq.Siblings: Hasan ibn Ali, Abbas ibn Ali, Zaynab bint Ali

BirthSecond son of Fatima (sa) and ‘Ali (as) Husain (as) was born on 3rd Shabaan, 4th year of Hijri (10.1.626 AD).

When the good news of his birth reached the Holy Prophet,(saw) he came to his daughter's house, took the newly-born child in his arms, recited adhan and iqamah in his right and left ears respectively and named him al-Husain(as), in compliance with Allah's (Swt) command.

Husayn’s status with the All mighty

On the very day when Imam Husain(as) was born, Allah ordered angel Jibrail to descend and congratulate the Holy Prophet(saw) While descending, Jibrail passed over an island where the angel Futrus had been banished, due to his delay in executing a commission assigned by ALLAH (swt). He was deprived of his wings and expelled to the island where he remained for several years praying and worshipping ALLAH (swt) and asking for His forgiveness. "When the angel Futrus saw Jibrail, he inquired to where he was going. When Jibrailreplied: “Husain (as) the grandson of Muhammad is born, and for this very reason Allah has commanded me to convey His congratulations to His Apostle.”Thereupon, the angel requested: “ Can you carry me also along with you? Maybe

Muhammad (saw) will vouch for my case to Allah.”Jibrail took Futrus along with him, came to the Holy Prophet, offered congratulations

to him on behalf of ALLAH (swt) and himself and referred the case of the angel to him.

The Holy Prophet said to Jibrail : “Ask the angel to touch the body of the newly-born child and return to his place in Heaven.”On doing this, the angel’s wings were restored by ALLAH’s (swt) command .

The sad revelationHowever, angel Jibrail also brought some very sad news that he conveyed to the holy Prophet. The Prophet’s eyes became tearful and his happiness turned into mourning.

The holy prophet Informed Imam Ali (as) and he too began weeping.

When Fatima Zahra(as) inquired why was there weeping instead of happiness, the Prophet gently told her: “Jibrail descended from Heaven and with the message of congratulations on the birth of your holy son. He also revealed the painful news of the martyrdom of my precious grandson Husain (as)

thirsty and hungry in the far off plains of Karbala "

ALLAH’s Promise• Fatima Zahra(as) began to weep uncontrollably.

• She inquired: “"O my father! when would my son be martyred?“

• The Holy Prophet replied “ When neither I nor you, nor Ali or Hassan would be alive.“

• she inquired again,"Who then, O my father, would weep over my Hussain?

• The Holy Prophet said:"The men and the women of a particular sect of my followers, who will befriend my Ahlul-bayt, will mourn for Husain and commemorate his martyrdom each year in every century."

Predicting Karbala

• A Report from the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (saw)

Umme Umme Salma, says that The Angel Jibrail brought some soil from the land of Karbala saying "This handful of soil is a trust with you." The Prophet (saw) smelt the soil and said, "This soil smells of sadness, calamity and tragedy."

• Umme Salma further adds, "The Holy Prophet (S) then told me : "O Umme Salma! When this soil turns into blood, you will know that my son has been martyred."

• The narrator says, "Umme Salma poured the soil in a bottle and she used to look at it every day and say, "O soil! The day you turn into blood shall be a great day (of sadness)!"

Verses of the holy Quran about Hussain(as)Imam Hussain (as) was still a child when several verses of the Holy Quran were

revealed either about or referring to him. One of those verses is referred to as the verse of Mubahilah

• If any one disputes in this matter with you, now after (full) knowledge Has come to you, say: "Come! let us gather together,-our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves: Then let us earnestly pray, and invoke the curse of Allah on those who lie!"(3:61).

On the day of Mubahilah when a spiritual contest between Prophet Muhammad(saw) and the Christians of Najran was set up to invoke the curse of Allah (SWT) on the liars, Hussain (as) and his family were the only ones accompanying the Prophet. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) had orders from Almighty Allah (SWT) through the verse of Mubahilah to take Hassan and Hussain (PBUT) as his sons with him.

Allah surely wants to keep the sin away from you, O People of the House! And to purify you an absolute purification.

(The Holy Quran, 33:33)

• Hussain (as) was one of the five people in regards to whom the verse of Tat'hir (Purification) was revealed. He, his father, brother, and mother were under the Prophet's cloak when Allah (SWT) revealed to His Messenger:

This verse of the Holy Quran is clear proof of the infallibility of this family and their separation from all sins and mistakes.

In another verse, Allah (SWT) commands all Muslims to love those closely related to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP):

"Say: I do not ask of you any reward for it but love for my near relatives?" (The Holy Quran, 42:32)

When the companions asked Prophet Muhammad(saw) who these "near relatives" were, the Prophet (saw) replied: "They are Ali, Fatimah and their two children."

Imam Husayn’s childhood

Hussain (as) spent his childhood with Lady Fatima Zahra (as), Imam Ali (as), and especially with Prophet Muhammad (saw).

The love and affection Prophet Muhammad (saw) had towards Hussain (as) was so unique that all the companions were aware of it, had frequently seen the Prophet express it, and evenhad heard him speak of it repeatedly.

The extent of the love of Husayn (as) by Prophet (saww)

In one account it has been said that the Prophet's prostration took longer than usual in his prayer. People came to the Prophet and asked, "Were you receiving a revelation or order from Allah during prostration?" Prophet Muhammad (saww) replied, "No, my son Hussain had climbed onto my back; I waited until he wished to come down." This is an example showing how the best creature of Allah(SWT) treated Hussain (as) while he was in the best state of worship.

The Prophet’s flowersThe companions had seen Prophet Muhammad (saw) repeatedly put Hassan (as) and Hussain (as) on his shoulders and play with them. At other times he would kiss Hussain (as) and say:

"Hussain is from me, and I am from Hussain. May Allah love him who loves Hussain.“In other traditions the Prophet would say, "Hassan (as)

and Hussain (as) are my two aromatic flowers from this world."

"Hassan and Hussain are masters of the youth in heaven. Whosoever loves them has loved me, and

whosoever has animosity with them, is my enemy."

"You came to awareness by me; you found the right path and were guided by Ali; you were given blessings through Hassan; but your eternal salvation is with

Hussain. Be aware that Hussain is a door from the doors of heaven. Whosoever has animosity towards him can

never enter heaven."

Prophet Muhammad (saww) said:

Zeid, the son of Harith, narrates:I wanted to go see the Prophet (S.A.W.) regarding a task. I went to his house at night and

knocked on the door. The Prophet (S.A.W.) opened the door, while he had something hidden under his cloak. I told him about my task and when we were finished, I asked

him: "O' the Messenger of Allah, what do you have under your cloak?"He opened his cloak and showed Hassan (as) and Hussain (as). He said, "These are my children and the children of my daughter." At that moment the Prophet (S.A.W.) looked

towards the sky and said:"O Allah! You are aware that I love these two children, so You love them too, and love

those who love these two

The Prophet (S.A.W.) was invited to dinner. As he was walking with his companions, he saw his little grandson, Imam Hussain (A.S.) playing in the valley. The Prophet (S.A.W.) went forward to grab him, but he ran away childishly. With a gentle smile on his face, the Prophet (S.A.W.)

started running after him until he finally caught him. He then put a hand around the Imams neck, another hand under his chin, and kissed him. The Prophet (S.A.W.) then said: "Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain. May Allah love that person who loves Hussain."

Husain’s early years

Unfortunately, the sweet years of Hussain'schildhood were soon over. He was about seven years old when the Prophet departed from this world.

The Prophet’s followers and companions began jostling for power and position and completely ignored his sayings and commandments

Prophet’s message is ignored when he passes The Prophet's burial ceremony was not over yet, when the conspiracies were applied to rob the caliphate from Ali,(as) -Husain’s (as)father.People ignored all the numerous commandments and recommendations the Holy Prophet had made in regards to his successor.

The great event of Ghadir had been disregarded and ignored, and despite Prophet Muhammad's (saw) frequent emphasis on Ali (as) as his successor, his right for Islamic governorship was usurped.Even Fadak, a fertile land given by the Prophet to his

daughter, was seized from the Prophet's family by the government.

The Prophet's (saw) beloved Husain(as) witnessed the harms and injuries caused upon his mother-Fatima (as) over the conflicts of allegiance, and as a result, lost his mother at the age of eight because of the crisis.

The loss of his grandfather and mother on the one hand, and the oppression metted upon his father on the other hand, were bothered Hussain' (as) dearly

During this turbulent time Hussain (as), followed the path of Ali (as) and was determined to defend truth with any opportunity he received, even though he was in his youth.

He would warn people, in the best of manners, about the alterations made to Islam after the demise of his grandfather Prophet Muhammad (saw).

In one of the cases for example, the third Caliph had exiled Abu Dhar, a close companion of the Prophet. Although the Caliph had banned anyone from meeting Abu Dhar, Imam Ali (as) Hassan(as), and Hussain (as) all went to bid farewell to Abu Dhar to express their support to this companion.

Hussain (as) was about 32 when the authority over Muslims was handed back to its rightful owner, as people paid their allegiance to imam Ali(as).

After some time, Imam Ali (as) migrated to Kufah with his sons, and therein established the new capital of the Islamic government. During the span of his father's rule, Hussain (as) was a true supporter and close assistant to his Imam and father in all political and military stages. He showed his utmost respect to his father and remained obedient to his commands at all times.

•

Trained by the bestHussain (as) was trained and raised by the greatest defender of Islam-his father. From him he learnt the true art of fighting with courage and bravery.

Hussain (as) was totally involved in the three wars during his father's reign.

• In the battle of Jamal, Hussain (as) was responsible for commanding the left side of the army of Ali (as).

• He also achieved the first victory for the army of Ali (as) in the battle of Siffin, where he and his companions freed the river Euphrates from the clutches of Muawiya- son of Abu Sufyan

• He was a witness in the arbitration between Muawiyaand his father, Imam Ali (as).

Imam Ali (as) was martyred in the mosque of Kufa, on January 27, 661 AD.

Imam Hassan (as), by the will of ALLAH (SWT) and the recommendations of Pr. Muhammad (saw), became the 2nd Imam and leader of the Muslims.

He took the responsibility in leading the Islamic society and in preaching the religion of Allah (SWT)

The greatest supporter of Imam Hassan(as)

• As in the case of his father, Hussain (as), continued to obey and respect his brother, while remaining firmly obedient to him in even the smallest matters.

• His manners and obedience towards his brother was so exemplary that historians have acknowledged and recorded many of the cases. In one example, they have recorded a narration from Imam Baqir (as) as follows: "Due to the high respect that Imam Hussain (as) held for his brother, he refrained from walking ahead of or talking before his brother, Imam Hassan (as).“

• When Imam Hassan(as) was chastised when he signed the peace treaty with Muawiya, it was Imam Hussain(as) who was the rock of support. He firmly believed that peace at that time, was the key factor in Islam's preservation.

•

Hussain(as) becomes ImamAfter the peace treaty, Imams hassan (as) and Hussain(as) moved from Kufah to Medina, their birth place .

In Medina, they continued to educate, enlighten, interpret, and explain the commandments of ALLAH (SWT) to the people. Not long after, however, Imam Hassan (as) was poisoned and martyred by his own wife on the urging of Muawiya.

As Imam Hassan (as) departed this world, the divine position of Imamate was once again passed to the most deserving. His brother Hussain (as) became the next Imam in Islam.

Imam hassan (as) poisoned by his wife

Muawiya’s conspiracy

• Imam Husayn (as) was Imam for a period of ten years, all but the last six months coinciding with the caliphate of Muawiya.

• Imam Husayn (as) lived under the most difficult outward conditions of suppression and persecution, because religious laws and regulations had lost much of their weight and credit, because of Muawia’s Umayyad government in power.

• Secondly, Muawiya and his aides made use of every possible means to shove awaythe Household of the Prophet (saw) and the Shias, and thus destroy the name of Ali (as) and his family.

Muawiya’s evil plan

Muawiya wanted to bequeath the caliphate to his son, Yazid, who because of his lack of principles and morals was opposed by a large group of Muslims.

Therefore, in order to quell all opposition, Muawiyahad implemented severe measures. Imam Hussain(as)thus had to endure these days and to tolerate every kind of mental and spiritual agony and affliction forced on him by Muawiya and his aides.,until 60 A.H., when Muawiya died and his son Yazid took his place.

Demanding the pledge of allegiance

• Muawiya had asked the distinguished among the people to give their allegiance of support to Yazid, but had not imposed this request upon Imam Husayn(as)

• He had especially advised Yazid in his last will that if Hussain(as) refused to pay allegiance to him, he should pass over it in silence, as Muawiya knew the consequences which would follow if the issue were to be pressed.

• But because of his egoism and recklessness, Yazidignored his father's advice and immediately after the death of his father ordered the governor of Medina either to force a pledge of allegiance from Imam Husayn(as) or send his head to Damascus.

THE QUESTION OF ALLEGIANCEThe governor of Medina summoned Imam Husayn(as) and informed him of the death of Muawiya and also demanded his allegiance to his heir apparent-his son Yazid. Imam did not answer immediately, but asked for time.

One of Yazid’s advisors- Marwan wanted an immediate answer and urged the governor to kill Imam Hussayn (as),

Imam knew what would happen and he went prepared. He made a signal and Imam’s brother Abbas and son Akbar appeared from outside scaring off Marwan and his soldiers.

Imam Hussain (as) knew that this was not going to end and to avoid bloodshed, decided to leave Madina for Makkah

THIS DECISION WAS ANNOUNCED BEFORE THE MEMBERS OF HIS FAMILY. AND CLAN. SOME TRIED TO DISCOURAGE HIM FROM LEAVING.UMM-E-SALAMA, ONE OF THE PROPHETS WIVES, CLUNG TO HIM AND INSISTED HIM NOT TO GO. THEN TOLD HIM, QUOTING FROM THE APOSTLE OF GOD (SAW) THAT HE WOULD BE MARTYRED. IMAM HUSSAIN (AS) INFORMED HER KINDLY, "INDEED, I KNOW I AM GOING TO BE MARTYRED, MOTHER."

Imam Hussain (as) had a lengthy conversation with his eldest brother Muhammad Ibn Hanafiyyah, who, wanted to accompany him on this fateful journey. Imam, however, told him to stay and send him the reports of everyday events that passed in Madina during his absence.

Not more than a few hours were left for his departure when for the last time he visited the graves of his Grandfather, the Holy Prophet

Muhammad (as), his mother, Bibi Fatima (as) & his brother Imam Hassan Mujtaba (as).

Imam Hussain (as) replied: "No sister. You are a woman with a house, husband and children to take care of. I am not the one to decide about your affairs. It is Abdullah

son of Ja'far who can give you the permission. As to myself, I have no alternative but to leave."

Abdullah (who was ill) agreed to Zainab's accompanying her brother on the journey. Not only this, he sent two of his sons Aun and Muhammad to accompany her by

saying; "Aun will represent his maternal Grandfather Imam Ali (as) and Muhammad will represent his paternal Grandfather Ja'far-e-Tayyar."

The second person was Zainab (as) his younger sister, the wife of Abdullah son of Ja'far. When she saw that Imam Hussain's decision was final she pleaded, with tears in her eyes, as she spoke to him : "Dear brother! After Grandfather, father, Mother and Brother Hassan (as), only you remain to console my heart and of all of them it is only you who are left. I cannot bear your separation. How can I stay here with unbearable worry and anxiety about what may happen? Is it not possible that I might be of some service to you if I come along?"

ABBAS(as)

Just before Imam Hussain (as) left Madina, UmmulBanin the mother of Abbas (as). Summoned all her four sons (Abbas, Abdulla, Ja'far and Uthman) and said to them:"My sons you must remember that, Imam Hussain (as) is your Master. If Imam or his sisters or his children get injured or hurt while you are still alive, I will never forgive you." There were tears in Abbas's eyes as he promised his mother that he and his brothers would lay down their lives for Imam Hussain (as) and his children.

IMAM HUSSAIN’S (AS) TIMELINE FROM MADINA TO KARBALA

4 MAY 680 AD- Sensing danger from Yazid’shenchmen, Hussain (as) leaves his beloved home town of Madina, in the company of his family and friends and heads towards Mecca.

9th MAY 680 AD- Hussain (as) arrives in Mecca. Whilst there, he receives thousands of letters of support from the people of the city of Kufa, inviting him to go to Kufa.

Imam Hussain(as) forced to leave Mecca

9th JULY 680 Imam Hussain (as) as the Imam of the time has to respond to the invitation and thus sends his cousin Muslim Bin Aqil to Kufa. Muslim arrives to a massive welcome and sends word to Hussain (as) that Kufans support him. Meanwhile Imam learns that Yazid has sent his agents to kill him in Mecca. To avoid bloodshed on sacred land, Hussain (as) leaves Mecca, accompanied by his family and friends, in the middle of the Hajj ceremonies and journeys towards Kufa.

Ibn Ziyad tricks the Kufans into abandoning Muslim Ibn Aqil

While Hussain(as) is en route to Kufa, Yazid’shenchman ibn Ziyad, enters Kufa and threatens the families of those supporting Hussain (as). He sends his people to the homes of the kufans and scares the wives that their husbands and sons will all be killed and they will lose their source of income.The strategy works and the women pull their family members one by one. Eventually Muslim bin Aqil is left alone, he is hunted down and martyred at the hands of Ibn Ziyad.

HURR BLOCKS IMAM (AS)

• October 1 680 AD Imam Hussain (as) his family and followers are accosted by Yazid’s 1,000 strong army led by Hurr. Hurr was under orders not to let Imam reach Kufa.

• Hurr and his army’ water supply had run out and they were thirsty . When the Imam noted this, he asked his followers to give them and their horses some water to quench their thirst, knowing that the same enemy will deny him water in the days to come-such was the magnanimity of Hussain(as)

• Eventually the caravan moves forward until Imam Hussain’s (as) horse stops at a desolate place and refuses to go further. Imam (as) knows that this is his final destination- The land of Karbala.

Purchasing land for their final resting place

October 2, 680 AD Imam Hussain (as), aware of what would happen, meets the locals and purchases about 4 square miles of land from them, which would eventually be the site for his and his family's graves.

October 3, 680 AD4000 additional troops under the command of Umar ibn Sa'd arrive and surround Hussain’s (as) camp, completely cutting them off from the river Euphrates, their only source of water.

Hussain(as) tries to avoid bloodshed

October 4, 680 AD Imam Hussain (as) tries to dialogue with ibn Sa'd, stressing he has no desire to initiate bloodshed and asks to be allowed to leave, but ibn Sa'd refuses to relent. Meanwhile the situation in Hussain's camp is becoming more and more desperate due to the lack of water and fresh supplies. The children are crying for water.

October 5, 680 AD The size of Yazid’s army swells to 30,000 as more troops arrive and surround Imam Hussain’s camp.

The situation gets worseOctober 6, 680 ADImam Hussain (as) and his brother Abbas (as) use a tent pole to dig a well, but their relief is short-lived as it dries up. More enemy troops arrive

October 7, 680 ADFearing for the health of the women and children, Imam Hussain (as) asks his brother Abbas (as) to conduct a midnight raid past the Caliphate troops to bring back water from the river. Despite a brief skirmish, Abbas(as)

brings back some precious water to camp, earning himself the title, 'Saqqa', or water bearer. However, the water is not enough to ease the thirst of the entire camp.

Sa’d refuses to relent

October 8, 680 ADHussain (as) tries to reason with the commander of Yazid’sarmy-Umar Ibn Sa'd. He asks Sa'd; "Don't you fear God on the Day of Judgement? Don’t you know who I am?” Ibn Sa'd's loyalty to Yazid is unshaken as Yazid has promised him great rewards including the governorship of Rey (modern day Iran), if he brings him Hussain’s head

The last nightOctober 9, 680 ADAfter a long, hot day in the desert filled with the cries of children for water, Hussain’s (as) camp prepares for the attack they know is coming. Imam Hussain (as) gathers his companions and pleads with them; "Whoever remains with me will be killed tomorrow; so take advantage of the darkness and leave." He then extinguishes all the lights in the camp to allow those who want to leave to do so. His followers weep and reply, "Oh Hussain even if we are killed and brought back to life and killed again, we will never ever leave your side ".Imam Hussain (as) sends a message to Ibn Sa'd asking to be spared one last night so that they may supplicate and recite the Qur'an. Ibn Sa'd reluctantly agrees and the Imam gathers his followers together for one last sermon.

The day of AshuraFriday October 10, 680 AD the day of 'Ashura') On what was to be his last day,Imam Hussain (as) and some of his followers implore Umar ibn Sa'd and his troops not to shed the blood of the Prophet's house. But ibn Sa'd replies by firing an arrow into imam Hussain’s (as) camp.Hurr, after a night of heavy contemplation and soul searching realizes his error and switches sides along with with his son . He leaves Yazid’s camp and approaches Imam Hussain(as) in a state of humbleness, profusely apologizing for what he had done. Imam welcomes him. Hurr’s son goes to fight and Hurrsoon follows, thus they became one of the first martyrs to fall from Imam Hussain’s (as) side.Despite their lack of numbers, the 72 brave ones fight ferociously refusing to give up. However hunger and thirst and being heavily outnumbered , the brave fall one by one.

Ali Akbar

Imam Hussain’s (as) 18 year old Son-Ali Akbar , asked permission to go and fight. Imam Hussain tearfully (as)

accepts and bids him farewell. When he faced the enemy it did not matter to the so called Muslims that Ali Akbar’s face bore a striking resemblance to his grandfather Prophet Muhammad(saw), they were blinded by hatred and the desire of rewards.Ali Akbar fought valiantly, but finally fell with a spear imbedded in his heart.

Imam Hussain(as) tends to his dying son – Ali Akbar

The Brave Abbas (as)

Abbas (as), Imam’s brother keeps on asking for permission to fight. Imam Hussain (as) does not grant him permission, Finally imam gives Abbas (as) permission not to fight, but to try and get water for the children. Abbas (as) , an elite and brave warrior trained by his father Imam Ali (as), who had waited all his life for this day, bows his head in humility and without a word, prepares to go.Abbas (as) heads towards the river armed with just a spear for defense. Yazid’s soldiers run away when they see Abbas, well aware of his fighting power. Abbas (as)reaches the river easily and fills the water-bag. He takes some water in his hands to drink, but remembering the thirst of his family, throws back the water.

Abbas enters the river to get the water

Yazid’s cowards attack Abbas (as) from behind

• On the way back, As Abbas (as) passes through some palms trees, the enemy too scared to confront Abbas from the front, hide behind the trees and attack him from behind, cutting off both his arms.

• The brave Abbas (as), determined to get the water back to Sakina and the children, clutches on to the water bag with his teeth, but the enemy rains arrows, one of which pierce the water bag and another his eyes as Abbas (as) falls to the ground with no arms to cushion his fall. As the water from the bag drains away, so do the hopes of Abbas (as) quenching the thirst of his beloved niece, Sakina.

• Imam Hussain (as) rushes to his dying brother and Abbas (as). Abbas (as) requests his brother not take his body back to the camp, as he was too embarrassed that he could not get the much needed water back to Sakina and the other children.

Imam Hussain(as) comforting Abbas (as)

Ali Asghar

Imam Hussain (as), takes his thirsty six months old baby son in front of the enemy and pleads for water for him. The enemy responds by shooting a 3 pronged arrow (used to kill camels), which slices through the tiny neck of the baby, killing him instantly. Imam Hussain (as) hesitantly returns to the tents, taking steps forward and backward with the body of his son, not knowing how to show the limp body to the mother of Ali Asghar . The parents dig a small grave behind their tent and bury their infant child.

Imam confronts the enemy

Finally Imam Hussain (as) is the last one left standing. He bids farewell to his family. As he mounts his horse and prepares to leave, his daughter Sakina holds on to the horses legs. Imam Hussain (as) gets down and comforts the crying little girl. Eventually Sakina falls asleep on her father’s chest,- something that always did. Imam Hussain (as) then heads to the battlefield. After a valiant fight, a thirsty, wounded and tired Hussain(as) finally falls on the battlefield next to his dead comrades. The evil enemy then decapitate and mutilate the imam’s body order to send souvenirs to their master Yazid.

The Martyrs of Kabala

In less than half a day on the 10th of Muharram 680 A.D. on the hot desert sands of Karbala, Imam Hussain(as), and 72 of his family and friends, were martyred under most gruesome circumstances. The martyrs were beheaded & their heads were put on spears, while their corpses were trampled upon by horses and left unburied, on the sands of Karbala.Ali Asghar, the 6 month old baby was not spared either, as the enemy dug up his small body and hung his head on a spear- Such was the barbaric demeanor of these people

The barbaric acts continye do not stopThe ordeal does not stop here, as Ibn Sa’d orders his men towards Imam Hussain’s (as) camp. The Imam’s family members were whipped, and beaten. Their tents were burned down and their possessions looted. Imam’s daughter Sakina was slapped and her earrings torn from her ears. Amongst the prisoners were Husain’s sister Zainab. The only adult male survivor was Imam Zainul Abideen(as) son of Imam Hussain (as) who was ill and could not fight. He was chained with spiked iron collars pierced in his neck, hands and legs. The captives were forced into a long and arduous journey to Damascus, with little food and water, all tied up in ropes. They were paraded in front of Yazid and later imprisoned in Yazid’s dungeon.

Imam Zainul Abedin (as) in the burning tents of Karbala

• Imam Hussain(as), his family and friends sacrificed everything that they had ,in their struggle against tyranny and despotism and for upholding the human values of truth, justice and liberty. Their struggle was aimed at the ultimate goal of awakening human beings of all times to uplift the human spirit beyond short-sighted materialistic pursuits, and establish a just and equitable order in society.

• Imam Hussain(as), explains the mission of his sacrifice in his own words, extracted from a farewell letter written to his brother Mohamed Hannafiyah: “I have taken this stand not out of arrogance or pride, neither out of mischief or injustice. I have risen to seek reform in the community of my grandfather. I would like to bid good, forbid evil, and follow the tradition of my grandfather Muhammad(as) and my father Ali (as)

What the says about Imam Hussain(as)

Imam Hussain’s (as) sayings