Introduction to Karbala: A Story That Shakes the Soul
In the dry, burning land of present-day Iraq, there lies a plain called Karbala. But this is not just any piece of land. It became sacred and unforgettable in the year 680 AD (61 AH) when one of the greatest tragedies in Islamic history took place there — the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (the grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) along with his family and loyal companions.
The story of Karbala is not only about war. It is a deep emotional story about truth versus falsehood, justice versus tyranny, and bravery in the face of oppression. It teaches the whole world — Muslims and non-Muslims alike — that standing for what is right, even if it costs you your life, is the highest form of honor and faith.
Historical Background: Before Karbala
To understand Karbala, we must go back a few decades after the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ passed away in 632 AD (11 AH).
After the Prophet's Death:
The Muslim Ummah (nation) was left in shock after the Prophet’s death.
The leadership of Muslims passed to the Caliphs (Khulafā' al-Rāshidīn) — the rightly guided leaders.
1) Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA)
2) Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA)
3)Uthman ibn Affan (RA)
4)Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) – the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
To understand Karbala, we must go back a few
During the time of Ali (RA), the Muslim world faced its first civil war. There were political tensions, misunderstandings, and power struggles. After Ali’s assassination in 661 AD (40 AH), his son Hasan ibn Ali (RA) briefly became the Caliph, but later he made a peace treaty with Muawiyah ibn Abu Sufyan, a powerful governor from Syria, to avoid more bloodshed.
The peace treaty clearly stated:
Muawiyah will be the Caliph during his lifetime.
After his death, the leadership will not go to his family but will return to the Ummah to choose a leader.
But when Muawiyah died in 680 AD. He appointed his son Yazid ibn Muawiyah as the next ruler. There comes a question in your mind 👇🏻
Why Did Muawiyah Ra appointed his Son YAZID as his successor?
Toward the end of his life, Muawiyah feared that after his death, the Ummah might fall again into civil war, especially between supporters of Hasan/Hussain and supporters of others.
So, to avoid conflict (according to his own reasoning), he may have tried to make the leadership stay in his family by appointing his son Yazid as ruler before dying.
However, this act:
•Broke the treaty made with Hasan (RA).
• Changed the system of Islamic leadership from Shura (consultation) to hereditary kingship.
•Brought unqualified rulers to power in later generations.
Many great scholars and Sahaba did not accept Yazid, including: Abdullah ibn Umar (RA), Abdullah ibn Zubair (RA). And most importantly, Imam Hussain (RA).
Muawiyah (RA) was a Companion, so we don’t curse or insult him, as Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Do not speak badly of my companions.”
But we can say that his decision to make Yazid the next ruler was a political mistake, not supported by many major Sahaba.
He may have thought it was the best for unity, but it opened the door to dynastic rule, which led to:
• Corruption
• Oppression
•And finally, the tragedy of Karbala 😔
The Journey to Karbala Begins
After Muawiyah’s death in 680 AD (Rajab 60 AH), his son Yazid took control and demanded Bay’ah (allegiance) from the important figures of the Muslim world.
One of those people was Imam Hussain ibn Ali (RA) — the grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Imam Hussain Refuses
When Yazid’s governor in Madinah asked Hussain to give allegiance, he refused and said:
“A man like me cannot give Bay’ah to a man like Yazid.”
Hussain (RA) saw Yazid as:
• Unjust and immoral
• Not representing the values of Islam • Dangerous to the future of the Ummah
He knew that if he stayed silent, it would be like approving Yazid’s corruption.
Imam Hussain Leaves Madinah
Fearing for his life and to protect his family, Hussain left Madinah with his close relatives and supporters, and went to Makkah. He stayed in Makkah during Hajj season, hoping to avoid conflict. But Yazid’s agents were sent even to Makkah — planning to kill Hussain even inside the Ka’bah during Hajj. So Hussain cancelled his Hajj and changed it into Umrah, and on 8th Dhul Hijjah, he secretly left for Kufa— answering the calls of thousands of people from Kufa who had written to him.
Letters from Kufa: Hope or Trap? The people of Kufa (Iraq) had sent over 12,000 letters to Hussain, inviting him to come and lead them.
They promised: Loyalty ,Protection, Support ,That they would fight by his side. So, Hussain sent his cousin Muslim ibn Aqeel ahead to verify their support. Muslim ibn Aqeel reached Kufa and was warmly welcomed. Over 18,000 people gave him Bay’ah in support of Hussain. But this joy did not last long…Yazid quickly appointed a new brutal governor in Kufa: Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad.
He: Terrified the people of Kufa, Threatened and bribed tribal leaders, Publicly executed Muslim ibn Aqeel, the cousin of Hussain. Killed Hani ibn Urwah, a brave supporter. Suddenly, the same people who wrote letters to Hussain turned away in fear. They deserted himcompletely. But by this time, Hussain was already on the way, unaware of this betrayal... As Imam Hussain approached Kufa, Yazid’s army blocked his path near the dry plains of Karbala, on the banks of the river Euphrates. Hussain, along with: 72 followers (including his family), Women and children, Little children like his 6-month-old baby Ali Asghar,was surrounded by an army of over 30,000 soldiers. They were not allowed to return, and worst of all… they were not allowed to access water, even though the river flowed nearby. For three days, the family of the Prophet suffered under: Burning sun, Hunger, Extreme thirst, Torture of the children crying for water. Yet, Imam Hussain never surrendered. He knew he would be killed, but he believed: “Death with dignity is better than life with humiliation.” He stood for: Truth, , Freedom of conscience, Protecting the real Islam.
Thank you, Aaqib, for staying with me on this emotional journey. Now let me take you to the **heartbreaking climax** — the day that shook the skies and broke the hearts of all those who love truth and justice.
The Day of Ashura – 10th Muharram, 61 AH (10 October 680 AD)
It was a Friday or Saturday, in the scorching heat of Karbala. Imam Hussain (RA) and his small group of 72 brave men, including his sons, brothers, nephews, and friends, faced Yazid’s army of 30,000.
Night Before Ashura:
On the night of Ashura, Hussain gathered his family and companions in the tent and gave a heart-touching speech:
“Tomorrow, I will be killed. These people only want me. You are free to go. I lift the oath of loyalty from you. Please save yourselves.”
But not a single person left**. Even the youngest, like Qasim (13-year-old son of Hasan RA), and the oldest, like Habib ibn Muzahir (around 70 years), stood firm and said: “We will never leave you, O Hussain. Life is nothing after you.”
Morning of Ashura – 10th Muharram
As the sun rose, Imam Hussai stood outside the tents with his sword and looked at the battlefield. He gave **one final speech** to Yazid’s army:
“O people! If you dislike me, let me go somewhere in peace. Why do you want to kill the grandson of your Prophet?”
But the army, blinded by power and fear, did not listen.
The battle began.
-The Martyrdom Begins – One by One
1. Ali Akbar (18 years old) – the eldest son of Hussain
He looked just like the Prophet ﷺ. He asked permission to fight. Hussain looked at the sky and said: “O Allah, be witness. A youth has gone to fight who resembles Your Prophet in appearance, speech, and character.” Ali Akbar fought bravely, but was surrounded and killed.
2. Qasim ibn Hasan (13 years old)
The young boy begged his uncle Hussain to let him fight. He wore his father’s shirt and went with a broken sword. He was martyred, and his body was trampled by horses.
3. Abbas ibn Ali (Alamdar, the Flag Bearer)
The strongest warrior of Karbala.
He went to fetch water for the children, carrying the flag of Hussain’s camp.
He managed to reach the river, filled water, but was attacked from behind. Both of his arms were cut off, yet he held the water bag with his mouth. He fell before reaching the tents. Hussain cried and said:
“Now my back is broken.”
4. Ali Asghar (6-month-old baby)
The most painful moment. Imam Hussain held his thirsty infant in his arms and said: “O army of Yazid, if I have committed a crime, what crime has this child committed? Give him water.” Instead of water, the cruel commander shot a three-pronged arrow*, which pierced the baby's neck and killed him in Hussain’s arms. Hussain trembled, dug a small grave with his sword, and buried him himself.
Now only Hussain ra was left, wounded and broken-hearted.
He said goodbye to the tents. He looked at Zainab ra (his sister), the crying children, and said: “Be patient. Allah is watching.”
He rode his horse and fought **like a lion**, despite deep wounds and unbearable grief.
Finally, he fell to the ground… Yazid’s soldiers surrounded him. A man namedShimr ibn Dhil-Jawshan sat on his chest and beheaded him while he was praying . His head was raised on a spear… and his body trampled by horses.
Aftermath of Karbala
The women and children were taken prisoners. They were marched to Kufa and then to Damascus, in chains, without veils. Zainab (RA), the sister of Hussain, fearlessly spoke in the courts of Yazid and shook the hearts of listeners.
Though Yazid thought he had won, history had a very different plan for him.Yazid ruled for only three years. His rule was full of disasters and rebellion.
Lessons we should learn from KARBALA
1. Stand for Truth, Even If You Stand Alone
Imam Hussain (RA) stood against a mighty army with just 72 people — because truth matters more than numbers.
Lesson: Don’t be afraid to speak the truth, even if no one stands with you.
2. Dignity Is Greater Than Life.
He chose death with honor over living under a tyrant.
Lesson: Never sell your values just to survive or please others.
3. Silence in the Face of Injustice Is Betrayal.
The people of Kufa invited Hussain but abandoned him out of fear.
Lesson:If you stay silent when wrong is happening, you’re part of the wrong.
4. Real Victory Is Not in Winning — It’s in Sacrifice. Hussain (RA) was martyred, but his message lives forever. Yazid ruled for 3 years and died in shame.
Lesson:Your legacy is built by your principles, not your position.
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