PHILOSOPHY AND LESSON OF KARBALA

ISLAMIC STUDIES

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CONTENTS:

INTRODUCTION TO KARBALA
INTRODUCTION OF IMAM HUSSAIN
INTRODUCTION OF YAZEED
CAUSE OF RISE
PHILOSOPHY OF KARBALA
CALL FROM GOVERNOR AND IMAM HUSSAIN S REPLY
DEPARTURE FROM MADINA TOWARDS MAKKAH
PURPOSE OF IMAM HUSSAIN S STAND AGAINST YAZEED
LIST OF CASUALTIES IN HUSSAIN'S ARMY AT THE BATTLE OF KARBALA
CALL FROM KUFA
LETTER OF IMAM HUSSAIN TO KUFEES
IMAM HUSSAIN S SIGNIFICANT STATEMENTS
RELATING TO THE EVENTS OF THE NIGHT BEFORE ASHURA AND THE
SPIRIT OF THE COMPANIONS OF IMAM HUSSAIN (R.A)
WATER CUT OFF; INFLEXIBLE WILL, DEVOTION AND CHIVALRY
NIGHT BEFORE ASHURAH
DAY OF ASHURAH
HEROISM OF WOMEN
LESSON OF KARBALA
CONCLUSION

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Shah hast Hussain, Badshah hast Hussain

Deen hast Hussain, Deen Panah hast Hussain
Sardad na dad dast, dar dast-e-yazeed,
Haqaa key binaey La ila hast Hussain
It's Hussain the Prince, it's Hussain the king,
He is Faith, and Faith's Defender most daring,
He preferred death to Yazid's allegiance,
With his blood, Islam has verily been living

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INTRODUCTION TO KARBALA
At Karbala clouds of blood rained and generations of martyrs and revolutionaries took root and
sprouted. The sound of the fearless voice of Imam Hussain (R.A) still echoes in the valley of
Karbala, ringing in the ears of time. It is a volcano of blood, violently jolting the despots
thrones. It awakens free consciences and stirs within man the spirit of revolution and Jihad. His
voice is still echoing in the ears of mankind:
By God, I will never give you my hand like a man
Who has been humiliated, nor will I flee like a slave.
Karbala was the garden of swords, blood and inspiration for innumerable pens. Karbala is the
word of rightthe hymn on the lips of time. Karbala is a poema rhyme of anguish and pain.
Karbala never passes away. Its sun never sets in the horizon of history. Its anguish can never be
effaced from the conscience of freemen by the collective conspiracy of tyrants.
Hence the only fact remains:
There never was a Hussain before him, there has been none after him. The object of this work is
only to present with extreme brevity the great historic event of the matchless
Sacrifice of the King of Martyrs Imam Hussain (R.A), in the seed of Abraham (R.A) through the
Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), offered to save the Truth and humanity from getting lost to
falsehood forever, for the apostleship had been concluded with the revelation of the Holy Quran,
the Final Word of God.
If anything had to be done or could be done, to save the truth, it was only through the
imamate which was destined to do it, and Imam Hussain was the divinely chosen one for it.

INTRODUCTION OF IMAM HUSSAIN

Of the attributes of the Prophet, the perceiver was Hussain,
Of the Holiness of the Prophet, the inheritor was Hussain,
Of the secrets of Nature, an evidence was Hussain,
Of Providence, the best creature, in existence was Hussain,
For shaping out the universe, in the best of mould,
With the point of his eye-lash he measured life's gold
Imam Husayn alayhis-salam was the grandson of the final Messenger of
Allah Almighty to humanity, the holy Prophet of Islam Muhammad sallallahualayhi-wa-aalih4; the messenger who has been sent as Mercy to the worlds
to paraphrase the holy Quran. His father was Imam Ali alayhis-salam, the
commander of faithful, who comes second only to prophet Muhammad in the
excellent merits that he possessed; qualities such as piety, sincerity, charity,
tolerance, vast

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knowledge, to name a few.His mother was Fatima al-Zahra alayhas-salam,

the daughter of prophet Muhammad and, given her immaculate qualities and
moral values that she possessed, the leading lady of the worlds. Throughout
his life the Muslims used to revere and adore Imam Husayn alayhis-salam,
and used to see in him what they had seen in his grandfather, the Messenger
of Allah salla-llahu-alayhi-wa-aalih. Their adoration for Imam Husayn was not
just because he was the grandson of the prophet salla-llahu-alayhi-wa-aalih,
but also because he was the manifestation of the teachings of Islam and the
conducts of the Messenger of Allah salla-llahu-alayhi-wa-aalih, no one could
fail to see examples of the highest moral qualities in his behaviour.
The holy Prophet has said in the praise of Imam Husayn alayhis-salam:
"Husayn is from me and I am from Husayn."
Chroniclers and historians have individually remarked that Imam Husayn
was the manifestation of the best examples of noble manners and
conduct,as well as his vast knowledge, which he inherited from the
Messenger of Allah salla-llahu-alayhi-wa-aalih. His actions spoke before his
words.Imam Husayn alayhis-salam was humbly gracious and generous to the
poor and those in need. He used to support what is right and fight what was
wrong. People always noticed such attributes in his conduct and behaviour as
perseverance, forbearance, and magnanimity. He was the most pious and
God-fearing of all people of his time.

SAYINGS OF HOLY PROPHET ABOUT IMAM HUSSAIN

"Hussain is of me and I am of Hussain. O' Allah be pleased with those who please Hussain
and hate those who hate Hussain."
These holy words were uttered by the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), the one who never speaks of his
own desire but only as inspired to him by the one Mighty in power.
Anas bin Harith narrates that: One day the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) ascended the pulpit to deliver
a sermon to his associates while Imam Hussain and Imam Hasan were sitting before him. When
the sermon concluded, he put his left hand on Imam Hussain and raising his head towards
Heaven,
Said: "O my Lord! I am Muhammad Thy slave and Thy Prophet, and these two are the
distinguished and pious members of my family who would fortify my cause after me. O my
Lord! Gabriel has informed me that my son Hussain will be killed.O my Lord, bless my cause
in Hussain's martyrdom, make him the leader of the martyrs, be Thou his helper and
guardian and do not bless assassins.'
Prophet (P.B.U.H) said:
Whoever wishes to see such a person who lives on earth but whose dignity is honoured by the
heaven dwellers should see my grandson Hussain.

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INTRODUCTION OF YAZEED
Yazeed was known to be even worse and represented a real danger to the Islamic nation, for he
was not a true Muslim. Yazid was the embodiment of vice, tyranny, and Injustice, and was
openly anti-Islamic in his behavior. His campaign of deceit and false Propaganda had misled the
Muslim masses. Ignorance about true Islam was widespread. The true position of the members of
the family of the Prophet was concealed from the common People. Against this backdrop, Yazid
desired to legitimize his corrupt rule by demanding that Husain submits and swear allegiance to
him, or be killed.
He was not properly educated with the teachings of Islam. And he used to drink alcohol, gamble,
and commit all other sins according to historic sources.
He said: Hashemites staged a play to obtain the Kingdom. Actually, there was neither any
news (from God) nor any revelation.
Such a man could not be entrusted with the affairs of the nation.

CAUSE OF RISE
After the death of Muawiya in 60 Hijra, Yazeed succeeded his father to the throne. Imam
Hussain was then fifty seven years old. Yazeed desired to legitimize his corrupt rule by
demanding that Hussain submit and swear allegiance to him, or be killed. Husain explicitly
declared that an Imam, and an embodiment of all that is good, could not swear allegiance to what
was evil and false. He clearly understood that Yazeed was determined to kill him for his refusal
to submit to him. As a result, Husain had few choices:
He could gather forces and fortify himself in Medina or Mecca and try to escape or resist
Yazeeds power; He could go out in force and try to overthrow Yazeeds government; or, He
could take an open and public moral stand against Yazeeds corruption, and probably die a
martyr.
Imam Hussain knew that avoiding confrontation would only allow Yazeeds defacement of
Islamic values to continue unchecked. He also knew that a military victory would have only
short term success, and would not save Islam in the long run, because it would not reform the
morally complacent Muslim nation. He also did not want to die in vain, and be portrayed as one
who unsuccessfully tried to defeat Yazeed in order to simply gain power.Thus, Hussain chose to
confront Yazeed in the open and on purely moral grounds.
The following are some of the sayings of Imam Husayn alayhis-salam on
occasions which reflect their cause:
Death with dignity is better than life with humiliation.
I do not see death except happiness and prosperity, and life with
oppressors but anguish.
I swear by God, I shall not surrender as a humiliated person, and shall
not escape like slaves.
I have not arisen for the purpose of exuberance, arrogance, corruption,
or oppression, but I have done so in order to seek reform in the nation of my
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Grandfather [Muhammad peace be upon him]. I want to promote virtue and

prohibit vice, and I want to go down the path and tradition of my
Grandfather [Muhammad peace be upon him], and the path of my father [Ali
ibn Abi Talib peace be upon him].
Addressing his adversaries on the battlefield, when he was the only
fighter
left alive, and they started attacking the women and children in the tents:
If you do not believe in a religion, and do not fear the hereafter,
then be free (from arrogance) in your lives.
O Allah! You know that all there was from us was not in competition to
seek power, nor to gain refuse of the world1, but it was nothing other than to
present the signs and essence of Your
religion, and to promote reform in Your land, (so that) oppressed members of
your servants find safety and security, and Your laws,orders and obligations
are acted upon.
As he was returning, he met Marwan on the way who told him: I want to give you some advice.
I think it is best for your worldly life as well as your Hereafter that you accept to give allegiance
to Yazid. Do not put yourself and your relatives into trouble.
Inna Lillahe wa Inna Ilaihe Rajeoon, And bid farewell to Islam? replied Imam Hussain
(pbuh).
If Marwan did not understand Imam Hussains words, others understood afterwards. Obviously
Imam Hussain wanted to say:
If I agree to support Yazids corrupt government, then Islam will be wiped out without any
trace. Opposition to Yazid may prove to be costly, but anyhow we would have saved our
Hereafter. Indeed everything comes from God and returns unto Him.

PHILOSOPHY BEHIND KARBALA

What was the philosophy of Imam Husayn's (A.S.) martyrdom? Was this martyrdom
political in nature or was it spiritual? Had the incident ended in a political victory there would be
no room for the presence of such a question, however, Imam Husayn (A.S.) was killed by the
yazeedi army and the members of his household were taken captives and were dragged from one
town to another. Keeping this in consideration, what could the aim of such a move be? In other
words, what was Allah's purpose in putting His chosen servant (waliyy) through such a plight?
The answer provided by some people was that Allah decreed this tragedy on Imam Husayn
(A.S.) and his companions so that they could be given a more exalted status in heaven. This
answer distances the Imam's move from its political aspect, even though there may be two
different evaluations about the achievements of the Karbala movement. The concept of Inna
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Allaha sha'aan-yaraka qatila could have led some people to believe that Imam Husayn (A.S.) and
his companions were martyred for their own sake; implying that since they were dear to Allah
and because Allah loved them so dearly, they were called to Him in this manner. It does however
apparently promote the idea that the Karbala episode was merely a personal, spiritual movement
rather than a general political one. This answer would certainly lead to another question, viz.,
what was the outcome of this move for the followers of the Imam (A.S.)? One possible
conclusion was that Imam Husayn (A.S.) was martyred so that others could benefit in the
Hereafter from the rewards for mourning his martyrdom.
The goal in the case of Imam Husayns struggle was saving true Islam from permanent
defacement or, worse, obliteration. In martyrdom, he achieved glowing success, by exemplifying
true Islam, and by exposing injustice and tyranny. His goal was not militarily defeating Yazid or
toppling his Empire. Imam Husayn intended to bring about an enduring revolution, through
which the forces of oppression, tyranny, and evil would be weakened forever, the truth would be
manifest, and the difference between a false leader and a true leader (an Imam) would be clearly
demonstrated. Imam Husayn achieved all these objectives, and more. He taught us that human
dignity and freedom are more valuable than life, and that death in defending these values was
preferable to a life of humiliation and disgrace.

The Call from the Governor AND Imam Hussains reply

On receipt of the letter from Yazid, Al-Walid son of Utbah son of Abu Sufyan the Governor of
Madina immediately called his servant (Abdullah son of Omer son of Uthman) and sent word
inviting Imam Hussain and Abdullah son of Al-Zubayr, to visit him. Imam Hussain and Son of
Al-Zubayr were in the Mosque at night time, when Walids servant came to them with the
message inviting them to the Governor House. The moment Imam Hussain heard the call from
the Governor; he suddenly exclaimed that Muawiya had died.
The next day Imam Hussain accompanying around thirty (30) Hashimites courageous youths
visited the Governor, but reaching the entrance of the Governors house, he told the Hashimites
to stay at the door watchful and if they hear Imam Hussain talking unusually aloud they may get
in to him. Walid received Holy Imam with all respect and regard. Offered him the seat besides
him and read out the letter he had received from Yazid and when he reached the matter asking
him to send the severed head of Hussain, if Imam Hussain refuses to pay allegiance. Imam
Hussain smiled and said:
O Walid! Pledge of allegiance cannot be given secretly. Invites the Muslims of Madina
tomorrow and ask them if they say that I should pay allegiance to Yazid, let us then decide.
Walid readily accepted the Holy Imams reply but Marwan son of Al-Hakam the old enemy of
Islam who was expelled by the Holy Prophet out of Madina, seated there, addressing Walid said:
Let not Hussain go out of the grip now, lest the fox is out of the four walls of the court you will
not approach the dust behind it. Cut off his head now and let not this unique opportunity go for,
you will never get it again.
Imam Hussain (R.A) stood up to depart from the Governor and hearing the insulting words of
Marwan, Imam Hussain the son of Ali the Lion of God got angry and retorted aloud:
Woe to you, O son of a foreign women, will you cut my head off? By God, you have told a lie
and showed your base origin. Then he turned to al-Walid and said to him:
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O Walid! We are the household of the Prophet (p.b.u.h). We surely are the centre of the
message, and to our house the angels descend from heaven. By us God sent his first Apostle and
by us He sent the seal of the Prophets. Yazid, on the other hand, is a corrupt man, who imbibes
wine, puts to death the soul which God forbids to be destroyed and declares his debauchery in
public. A man like me would never give a vow of loyalty to him. But we will see about that in
the morning, so will you. We will see and so will you, who is more entitled to the office of
Caliphate and to receive the pledge of allegiance.
Marwan immediately got up and ran away and the Hashimites youth who stood restless and
anxious, hearing the voice of the Holy Imam, rushed into the court with drawn swords. Imam
Hussain immediately commanded restraint and had not Imam Hussain controlled the situation,
the matter would have been settled then and there. The meeting came to an end. Imam Hussain
returned home.

Departure from Madina towards Makkah

Husayn chose to confront Yazid in the open and on purely moral grounds. In the month of Rajab;
exactly four months remained for Hajj. During the time of Hajj, people from every corner of the
country would come for pilgrimage to Makkah. He could then easily convey his message to the
people, Imam Hussain knew that if he were to start his Qiyam and struggle from Makkah, all the
world of Islam would become aware of his objectives and then it would not be so easy for the
regime to deceive the people about him and his aims.
Imam Hussain (Pbuh) determined to leave Madina for Makkah at the earliest opportunity before
the Governor and related officials had any knowledge of his intentions of departure.
This decision was announced before the members of his family and was a secret matter.
Ummul Momeneen (mother of believers), Umm-e-Salma, one of the Prophets wives, clung to
him and adjured him not to go. Then told him, quoting from the Apostle of God (pbuh) that he
would be martyred. Imam Hussain informed her soothingly, Indeed, I know I am going to be
martyred, mother.
There were two persons among the visitors with whom Imam Hussain had a lengthy
conversation and upon whose lives his decision had a direct impact.
The first of them was Muhammad Ibn Hanafiyyah, the eldest of his brothers who, after
conferring with Imam Hussain wanted to accompany him on this fateful journey. Imam Hussain,
however, told him to stay and send him the reports of everyday events that passed in Madina
during his absence.
The second person was Zainab-e-Kubra (R.A) his younger sister, the wife of Abdullah son of
Jafar. When she saw that Imam Hussains decision was final and that nobody could make him
turn away from it. She was deeply moved, with, grief choking her, voice and tears in her eyes,
she spoke to him in these words:
Dear brother! After Grandfather [Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)], Father [Imam Ali (R.A)],
Mother [Bibi Fatima (R.A)] and Brother Hassan (R.A), 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

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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?
Imam Hussain replied:
No sister. You are a woman with a house, husband and children to take care of. Your husband is
an illustrious man. I am not the one to decide about your affairs. It is Abdullah son of Jafar who
can give you the permission. As to myself, I have no alternative but to leave.
Abdullah son of Jafar (who was himself suffering from sickness at that time) agreed to Zainabs
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 (R.A) and the other will represent his paternal Grandfather Jafar-e-Tayyar.
Less than thirty hours after his meeting with the governor, Imam Hussain was prepared to leave.
As he was making his preparations, he was brought the news that the governor had summoned
all other persons who had opposed Yazids allegiance and conferred with them. One of the
opponents of the regime, Abdullah son of Al-Zubayr had secretly left for Makkah the night
before. He was pursued by the governments men who could not trace him since he had not used
the usual road to Makkah. Not more than a few hours were left for his departure when for the last
time he visited the tombs of his Grandfather, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), his mother,
Bibi Fatima (R.A) & his brother Imam Hassan Mujtaba.
The night passed, and, as the travelers drew away from Madina, the sun came up. One of the
relatives came to Imam Hussain and suggested that the caravan leave the highway for the danger
of being stopped by pursuers: It is possible that they might pursue us like Abdullah son of AlZubayr and catch up with us and cause us trouble. Apparently the suggestion was a good one.
But Imam Hussain, in view of the open and sublime nature of his objectives replied, I will never
deviate from the right way. And you too, friend of Hussain, always choose the right road and
move straight. God will be your protector. There is no danger of losing the way as long as you
chose to travel on the straight highway!
Two days remaining until the end of the month of Rajab, on the night of
Sunday, Imam Hussain (pbuh) left Madina for Makkah with a most simple
caravan together with his family and a few companions. As he left, this verse
of Quran was on his lips, a verse which relates the story of Moses as he fled
from Pharaohs Egypt:
He therefore got away there from, lookingabout, in a state of
fear. He prayed O my Lord! Save me from people given to wrongdoing.
Holy Quran (28:21)
The caravan completed its five day journey from Madina to Makkah and
entered the city on the 3rd of Shaban of the year 60 Hijrah. As he entered the
city, Imam Hussain hopefully murmured this verse of the Quran - the words
uttered by Moses as he entered Madyan fleeing Pharaohs men:
Then,when he turned his face towards (the land of) Madyan, he
said: I do hope that my Lord will show me the smooth and straight
Path.

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Holy Quran (28:22) and there he chose to stay at the house of Al-Abbas
son of Abdul Mutalib.
In the mean time the news about the political uprising in Kufa reached
Makkah, and the leaders of the city wrote a letter in which they declared
their opposition to the Umayyads rule, and they would not accept anybody
else but Imam Hussain (pbuh) to rule them. This letter was followed twelve
thousand(12,000) similar letters, Fruits have ripened and fields have become
green. If you come you will have one thousand swords supporting you. If you
do not come to us, we will dispute with you in frontof God at doomsday.
Imam Hussain could neither blindly accept the call from Kufa, because he
had seen how the people of Kufa had not come to his fathers help when he
needed them, and how they had mistreated his brother Imam Hassan. The
Kufees (people of Kufa) who were known for their unstable character and
unsettled conduct, if later turn treacherous, the world would question Imam
Hussains ready response to their call without the necessary caution.
Therefore Imam Hussain decided to send a deputy of his to Kufa to write to
him after studying the sincerity in the invitation.
In a letter to the People of Kufa through his Envoy Muslim Ibn Aqil: God has chosen
Muhammad (SAWA) from among his people graced him with His Prophethood and selected him
for His message. After he admonished the people and conveyed His message to them God took
him back unto Himself. We, being his Household, his close associates endowed with the quality
of guardianship , his trustees and vice regent, and his heir and legatee, are the most deserving
among all the people to take his place. But the people preferred themselves over us for this, we
became contented, disliking dissension and anxious to preserve the peace and well-being of the
community, though we were fully aware that we were more entitled to this leadership than those
who had taken it for themselves, I have sent my messenger to you and I call you to the Book of
God, and the Sunna of his Prophet (SAWA), the Sunna which has become obliterated and
innovations have become active and energetic. If you listen to me and obey my orders I will
guide you to the right path. May the Peace and the Mercy of God be upon you. [Tabari II p.240]
Kufee peoples turn against imam Hussain and killed Muslim bin Aqeel. Finally
imam turned his way to karbala and reached karbala on 2nd of Muharam.

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EVENTS RELATING TO FIRST DAYS OF

ASHURA
The caravan of Imam Husain (A) had arrived in Karbala and their tents were
pitched next to the river Euphrates. As his companions settled down, Imam
Husain (A) took his brother Abbas (A) around the barren desert and pointed
out the various places where each of his comrades would fall and be slain on
the
Day
of
Ashura.
The people living in the area were from the tribe of Bani Asad. Imam Husain
(A) purchased the land of Karbala from them and then gifted it back to them.
He then addressed the men of Bani Asad saying,
"On the tenth of this month you will see our dead bodies lying on
this plain with our heads severed and taken away. Please bury us,
and when our devotees come to visit our graves, treat them with
honour and point out to them the places of our burial." He then
turned to the women of the tribe and said, "O virtuous ladies! If your
husbands, fearing Yazid, do not bury us, then please encourage
them to do so or do it yourselves." Finally, he turned to the children of
Bani Asad and said, "O innocent ones! If your parents, out of fear of
the ruler, do not bury us then, by way of playing, bring some earth
and throw it on our bodies to hide them." This heartrending appeal of
Imam
Husain
(A)
made
all
the
listeners
weep.
When Ubaidullah ibne Ziyad, Yazid's governor in Kufa, learnt that Hur had
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brought Imam Husain (A) and his companions to Karbala, he sent his troops
to surround them. The first man to arrive in Karbala on behalf of Yazid was
Amr ibne Sa'ad, who was the commander-in-chief of all the forces. He
brought with him 6,000 men. After that, regiment after regiment began to
pour in onto the plains of Karbala. Historians all agree that at least 33,000 of
Yazid's men gathered to fight Imam Husain (A), while some state that the
figure was closer to 900,000 men. This large army was bent on the massacre
of Imam Husain (A) and his companions for the sake of the rewards that Yazid
had promised them. Many amongst them were the same people of Kufa who
had invited Imam Husain (A) to come there in the first place.
The first act of the enemy was to order Imam Husain (A) to remove his tents
from near the river. Abbas (A) objected to this demand, claiming priority of
occupation and the right of the grandson of the Holy Prophet (S) to stay
where
he
had
first
camped.
When the enemy threatened to march towards their tents, the lion-hearted
Abbas (A) stood firm and drew out his sword shouting, "If anyone dares to
advance one more step forward, he shall lay headless on the ground." His
bravery was well known and none dared to step closer. However, Imam
Husain (A) called to his brother saying, "Brother Abbas, do not let the
bloodshed be started by our side. When Allah is with us, it does not matter
how
far
the
river
is."
Imam Husain (A) then ordered for their camp to be moved further into the
interior
of
the
desert.
In the days that followed there were several meetings between Imam Husain
(A) and Amr ibne Sa'ad. Amr kept on insisting that the only way to stop war
was for Imam Husain (A) to give the oath of allegiance to Yazid. He said that
once the allegiance was given, all worldly comforts would be at the disposal
of Imam (A). However, Imam (A) remained firm on his stand and replied:"I
shall never yield to the one who does not believe in Allah and one
who defies Him, both by words and actions. I am willing to meet any
calamity
but
will
never
surrender
Truth
to
falsehood."
On the 7th of Muharram, Amr ibne Sa'ad received orders to block all sources
of supply of water to Imam Husain (A). From that day onwards, not a single
drop of water was allowed to reach the camp of Imam (A). The scorching
desert sent heat waves everywhere and the little children began to cry with
intense thirst. Even little babies could not receive milk, because their poor
mothers
were
themselves
suffering
from
thirst.
The brave group of Imam Husain (A) suffered these tortures with patience as
they watched the enormous army that faced them prepare for war.
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IMAM HUSSAIN S SIGNIFICANT STATEMENTS

Before the Tragedy of the 10th of Muharram, he made this very thorough and high significant
statement: O People , remember who I am and search your conscience , think if it is legitimate
for you to shed my blood , am I not a son of the Daughter of your Prophet (SAWA) and son of
his executor Ali (A.S.) , his cousin and the first Believer in God and his Messenger? Isnt Hamza
(A.S.), the Leader of Martyrs, the uncle of my father? Isnt Jaafar (A.S.) the two-wing flier in
Paradise my uncle?
Did you not hear the famous statement of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) who said to me
and to my brother:
Hassan (A.S.) and Hussain (A.S.) the leaders of the youth of Paradise .
If you believe that what I say is true , it would be better for you , by God I never deliberately
spoke an untrue word since I knew that God dislikes untruth , if you do not believe me , there are
Men among you who can inform you of the veracity of my statement , Ask Jabir Ibn Abdullah ,
Abu said Al Khidri , Sahl Ibn Saad , Zayd Ibn Al Arkham , they will testify that they heard it
from the Messenger of God .Isnt this sufficient to prevent you from shedding my blood?.
If you doubt my words, do you doubt that I am the son of the Daughter of your Prophet
(SAWA)? By God there is not in the east or in the west a Son of the Daughter of the Prophet
(SAWA) other than I, Do I owe you a blood that you want to avenge? Do I owe you a fund that I
took from you? Do I owe you a compensation for violation of a right?. There was a dead silence
from the transgressors. Then, Imam Hussain (A.S.), preparing himself for the fateful encounter,
dressed himself in the cloak of the Holy Prophet (SAWA), perfumed himself with musk, and rode
on horseback with the Holy Quran raised in his hand. Addressing his enemies and invoking God
in a long and beautiful sermon, he said:
O God, you are my only Trust in every calamity; you are my only hope in every hardship;
you are the only promise in the anxiety and distress in which hearts become weak and human
action becomes slight, in which one is deserted and forsaken by his own friends, and in which
the enemies take malicious pleasure and rejoice at his misfortunes. O God, I submit myself to
you; my complaint is to you alone against my enemies, and to you alone is my desire and
request. Who else other than you can relieve me from grief. You alone are the custodian of every
blessing and the Master of every excellence and the last resort for every desire.
[Tabari II-P.329; Al Bidaya Wal Nihaya VIII-P.179; Irshad II-P.100]
Imam Hussains numerous speeches and repeated appeals in the name of the Prophet to his
enemies religious sentiments, which he made throughout the day and after each loss of life
among his supporters, were all in vain. The only reply he received was that he must submit
himself to Yazid or be killed. To this demand Imam Hussains reply:
By God I will never give you a humiliated hand, nor will I take a slaves decision

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NIGHT BEFORE ASHURAH

On the 9th of Muharram, Shimr arrived in Karbala with orders from
Ubaidullah ibne Ziyad for Amr ibne Sa'ad. The orders stated that if Imam
Husain (A) did not surrender and give the oath of allegiance at once, he must
be fought and killed immediately.
On receipt of these orders, Amr rallied a part of his army and marched
towards the camp of Imam Husain (A). Abbas (A) advanced towards the
enemy with 20 horsemen and enquired from them the reason for their
sudden approach. When he was told of the ultimatum, he said that he would
inform Imam Husain (A) of the position and bring back the reply.
When Abbas (A) briefed Imam Husain (A) of the situation, Imam (A) said to
his brother, "Go back to them, and if possible, ask for an extension of time till
tomorrow morning, so that tonight we may offer prayers to Allah, make Du'as
and ask for His forgiveness".
Amr granted them respite till the next morning with great reluctance. Now
that they knew that death was inevitable the next morning, the whole camp
of Imam Husain (A) readied themselves for martyrdom.
Imam Husain (A) gave a speech on the night of Ashura saying in part, "O
Lord! I thank You, because You have honoured us by means of
Prophethood and taught us the Qur'an, made us understand the
religion and its commandments, granted us eyes, ears and hearts,
kept us free from the evils of idol-worship and then enabled us to
thank You for Your blessings. I am not aware of any companions
more faithful and honest than my companions, and any relatives
more righteous and kind than my relatives. May Allah grant you all
a good reward. I think the day of our fighting with this army has
arrived. I permit you all to go away, because the enemies are after
me only. You are free to depart without any restriction and can take
advantage of the darkness of night".
The people who had come with the wrong intentions had already left before,
and the ones who remained were perfect in their faith and loyalty. The
listeners all rejected the option of abandoning Imam (A). One said, "Should
we go away to live after you? We pray to Allah that the time may not come
when you may be killed while we remain alive".
Thereafter the whole camp busied itself in preparation for the events of the
next day. The sound of prayers and supplications filled the air like the buzz of
hundreds of bees. Some soldiers checked their weapons, while others
discussed tactics of warfare that would allow them to cause the most
damage to Yazid's army. Mothers prepared their sons to lay down their lives
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with Imam Husain (A) in the cause of Islam.

Imam Husain (A) went around the camp talking to his men as well as his
family and giving encouragement and last minute instructions. He consoled
his sister Bibi Zainab (A) and urged her to remain patient in the face of the
hardship that was to follow his martyrdom.
The night eventually came to an end and the morning of the day of great
sacrifices arrived. After reciting the dawn prayers, Imam Husain (A) arranged
his small army in readiness for the battle. Just about one hundred brave men
readied themselves to face the onslaught of thousands.

Martyrdom of companions
Then Qasim bin Hasan (R.A) asked, Am I too included in the list of the martyrs? Hearing this
Imam was moved and said,
O my dear son! How do you consider death (martyrdom in the way of Allah) to be near you?
Qasim replied, It is sweeter than honey. Imam said,
Verily, by Allah! May your uncle be your ransom! You are one of them, who shall be martyred
along with me after having fallen prey to a severity, and my (infant) son Abdullah (Ali Asghar)
shall be martyred too.
Hearing this Qasim asked, O dear uncle! Then will the enemies reach the womenfolk so as to
kill the suckling child Abdullah? Hussain replied,
Abdullah will be killed at that time when I, absorbed in intense thirst, will come back to the tent
and ask for water or honey and nothing will be available. Then I will request my child to be
brought to me so that I may kiss his lips (and thereby find relief). The child will be brought and
placed in my hands, and a lewd man (from among the enemies) will shoot an arrow upon his
neck and the child shall raise a cry. Then his blood will get filled in my palms and I shall raise
my hands to the heavens and say: O Allah! I forebear and leave the accountability to You. The
lances of the enemies will then be hurriedly thrown at me, while the fire in the trench dug behind
the tents shall be roaring. Then I will attack them, the moment being the most bitter of my life.
Then whatever Allah wills shall come forth.
Saying this Imam started weeping and we too could not control our tears, the voice of lamenting
arose from the tents of the Progeny of the Prophet of Allah (S).

DAY OF ASHURAH

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The 10th of Muharram 61 A.H. is known as the day of Ashura. On this day in
Karbala, the army of Yazid fought the army of Imam Husain (A). On this day
the household of the Holy Prophet (S) was killed, alongside the faithful
companions of Imam (A).
Imam Husain (A) and his companions had spent the entire night in prayer. In
the morning Ali Akbar gave the Adhan. He resembled the Holy Prophet (S)
greatly and his recital reminded the people of the early days of Islam.
After the morning prayer, Imam's (A) followers took it in turns to come
forward to address Yazid's army. Many had relatives and friends in the enemy
camp and they tried to convince them of the terrible crime they were about
to commit.
Finally, Imam Husain (A) came forward himself and addressed the enemy. He
introduced himself and informed them that he was a peaceful man, living
quietly in Madina and not harming anyone. He asked them why they were so
bent on killing the grandson of the Holy Prophet (S), in whom they all
believed.
Hur bin Yazid ar-Riyahi meanwhile realised that he had committed a big sin
by siding with Yazid. He went to Imam Husain (A) and begged for forgiveness.
He stood before Hussain (A), eyes cast down, and asked him, "0! could I but
sacrifice myself for you, You son of the Messenger of Allah! I have been
stalking you all the way. It was me who prevented you from going back (to
where you came from), kept close watch on you, and roared on you in this
place. I have never thought that the people would not agree to your
proposition. Oh Lord! I turn to you in repentance for I frightened the hearts of
Your friends, the offspring of Your Messenger."
"Oh father of Abdullah! I seek penitence from Allah for what I did. Do you,
think that He will accept it? " Imam Husain (A) answered, "Yes, he will accept
your repentance".
Hur then addressed Yazid's army after taking permission from Imam Husain
(A).
"Oh, people of Kufa! You called on this good servant of God; when he
responded you welcomed him and claimed that you do not mind getting
killed to spare him. Then you changed your minds, transgressing against him
with a view to killing him. You put a stranglehold on him, stretched his
patience, and besieged him to prevent him from seeking a safe haven in
Allah's vast land. He became like a hostage. You denied him, members of his
household, and companions access to the waters of the River Euphrates from
which Jews, Christians, and fire worshippers drink, and pigs and dogs wade
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in. Yet Husain, his family, and companion, are dying of thirst. What misery
you inherited the offspring of Mohammad (S)! May Allah not give you drink
on the day of thirst."
Seeing the result of the words of Imam Husain, Amr ibne Sa'ad, the
commander of Yazid's army, was concerned that the morale of his troops
would be affected. He therefore declared that all should witness that he was
casting the first arrow in battle and he shot an arrow towards Imam (A).
This was the beginning of the battle. Imam (A) had only 32 horsemen and
about 72 to 110 soldiers in all. He had fortified his camp by locating it so that
it was enclosed by a chain of hills on three sides. This area is known as "Haayer" and can be seen even today.
He pitched his tents close together and dug a ditch at the exposed rear. The
ditch was filled with firewood which was set alight when the enemy attacked
the camp.
After a few single combats, there was a general attack in the mid-morning.
Although the enemy was repulsed. Most of the army of Imam (A) was killed.
By now it was time for the Zuhr prayer. Imam (A) prayed Salatul Khawf
(prayers under attack) while the battle continued.
In the afternoon, it was the turn of the family of the Holy Prophet (S), the
Banu Hashim, to sacrifice themselves. Ali Akbar (A) was the first to go and
within an hour, no adult male remained alive in Imam's (A) camp except his
ill son Ali Zainul Abideen (A) and himself.
The mother of Ali Asghar, Imam Husain (A)'s six month-old child, requested
the Imam to ask Yazid's army for some water as the infant had been thirsty
for three days. The Imam held the child in his arms and brought him infront
of Yazid's army. Instead of providing him with water, Hurmala bin Kahil on
orders of Omar bin Sa'ad, shot the baby with an arrow, killing him in the
arms of his father.
After burying the baby, it was Asr time when Imam Husain (A) bid the ladies
and children farewell and entered the battle-field. He gave his last speech,
once more urging the enemy to consider their actions. Yazid's army did not
want to listen. They wanted to fight. The Imam met in duel with many a man,
killing them all.
Thereupon Omar bin Sa'ad yelled at the crowd, "Mind! He is the son of the
exterminator of the Arabs. Set upon him from every direction." They rained
him with 4,000 arrows. The soldiers cut him off his camp. Imam Husain (A)
fought bravely, scattering them wherever he turned. The enemy could not
stop him.
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Finally, Imam (A) paused. He was dizzy with the loss of blood. He slid off his
horse in a little hollow. Here the enemy found him with his head in Sajdah.
The accursed Shimr committed the most terrible of crimes when he
beheaded Imam (A).
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji'oon.

LIST OF CASUALTIES IN HUSSAIN'S ARMY AT THE BATTLE OF

KARBALA

Army of Husayn ibn Ali:

The following is a list of casualties of Husayn ibn Ali's companions in Battle of Karbala.
Descendants of Banu Hashim:
These people were descendents of Abu Talib and members of Banu Hashim who died in the
Battle of Karbala:

Hussain ibn e Ali

Abbas ibn e Ali a half-brother of Husayn ibn Ali
Jafar ibn Ali, brother of Abbas ibn Ali from Ummul Bneen
Abdullah ibn Ali, a half-brother of Husayn ibn Ali and full brother of Abbas ibn Ali.
Uthman ibn Ali, brother of Abbas from Ummul Baneen
Abdullah ibn Ali, son of Layla bint Masud.
Abi Bakr ibn Ali, son of Layla bint Masud.
Abdul Rahman ibn Ali
Muhammad ibn Ali

Fatima daughter of Hazam, the mother of Abbas. Summoned all her four sons (Abbas,
Abdulla, Jafar and Uthman) and said to them, My sons you must remember that, Imam
Hussain (pbuh) 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 Abbass eyes as he promised
his mother that he and his brothers would lay down their lives for Imam Hussain (pbuh) and
his children.

Sons of Hassan ibn Ali

The following were sons of Hassan ibn Ali

Qasim ibn e Hassan he son of Hassan ibn Ali and grandson of Ali ibn Abu Talib

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Abi Bakr ibn Hasan, the son of Ramla.

Abdullah ibn Hasan, the son of Umm Wald. A young boy, who ran out of the tent to
save Husayn when he was being killed, and died before Husayn.
Sons of Husayn ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib:
The following were sons of Husayn ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib:

Ali al akbar son of Husasin ibn Ali and Umm e laila

Ali al asghar he was a six-month-old baby boy of Husayn ibn Ali and Umm e rubab

Sons of Abbas ibn Ali

The following were sons of Abbas ibn Ali:

Al-Fadl, son of Abbas ibn Ali

Qasim ibn al-Abbas

Sons of Aqeel ibn Abi Talib

The following were sons of Aqeel ibn Abi Talib:

Ja'far ibn Aqeel

Abd al-Rahman ibn Aqeel

Muhammad ibn Abi Sa'eed ibn Aqeel

There were alot of other personalities who died in the battle of Karbala. Approximately
hundred of people were not from banu Hashim. There were a lot of women children elders
who were standing beside Imam e Hussain just for the sake of islam.

Heroism of the Women

There were women: for example, Zainab the sister of the Imam, Sakina his little daughter, and
Shahr-i-Banu, his wife, at Karbala. A great deal of poetic literature has sprung up in Muslim
languages, describing the touching scenes in which they figure. Even in their grief and their tears
they are heroic.
They lament the tragedy in simple, loving, human terms. But they are also conscious of the noble
dignity of their nearness to a life of truth reaching its goal in the precious crown of martyrdom.

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The Sermon of Janabe Zainab (s.a.) in the court of Yazeed:

When Imam Ali bin Husain (a.s.) entered the court of Yazid along with the
members of his family they were brought near the blessed head of Imam
Husain (a.s.) which was placed in a tray and Yazid (l.a.) was striking it with a
stick and was saying,
Bani Hashim played a
game to acquire rulership. There was neither any message which descended
nor any revelation. How I wish my elders who were killed in Badr would be
able to see this and the injury stricken people of Khazraj who were severely
wounded in the Battle of Ohud would see then they would be pleased with
me and would praise me and say, O Yazid, may your hands never be
paralysed! We have taken a heinous revenge from their family and through
this revenge of mine I have avenged my ancestors of Badr. Had I not done
this then I did not belong to the progeny of Khindif, and I not taken revenge
from the family of Ahmed (Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)) for what they did.
The daughter of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) and Janabe Fatima Zahra (s.a.)
announced in a loud voice:
All Praise is for Allah the Lord of the Worlds and blessings be upon my
grandfather, the Chief of all the Prophets (s.a.w.a.). Surely Allah Glorified be
He has said the truth as He says,

Then how bad was the end-result of those who committed sins
as they denied the signs of Allah and mocked at them.
[Surah Room (30): Verse 10]

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O Yazid! Do you think that by committing atrocities against us and by

displaying the progeny of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) as imprisoned slaves you
shall somehow manage to reduce our exalted position before Allah the High
and you shall attain some position of honor and respect? On the contrary,
you are under this false impression that the tragedy which we have faced
has caused you to gain honor and it is probably due to this wrong impression
that you are displaying such arrogance and have started to broaden your
shoulders out of misplaced pride. Yes! You are overflowing with joy just
because your tyrant government has expanded across various boundaries
and your kingdom has become stable? Do you think that in our mastership
you shall get the opportunity to do whatsoever you wish without any fear?
Wait O Yazid! Be patient! Breathe a little! Have you forgotten these words of
Allah the Almighty?

And beware the disbelievers should not think that Our giving
respite to them is beneficial to them. We only wish to give them
respite that they should increase their evil deeds and there is a
degrading chastisement prepared for them.
[Surah Aale Imran (3): Verse 178]
O son of slaves who were freed by us! Is this Justice? That you have
covered your women and maids in veils and curtains and have snatched
away the veils of the grand-daughters of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)? You have
torn apart their dignity? Their enemies drag them from one city to another
while their heads are uncovered and unveiled to the extent that people of
cities and villages look upon them and they have become a spectacle for
those who live near and far. Both the noble and the abased raise their eyes
towards them. Their condition has become such that their menfolk are no
longer alive to defend them and nor do they have any supporters. This is
clear rebellion against Allah, a declaration of war against the Holy Prophet
(s.a.w.a.) and an evident opposition to everything that he (s.a.w.a.) has
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