Muharram - The Story of Karbala
A brief historic story of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (AS), a 7th-century revolutionary leader who was martyred hungry and thirsty along with his loyal companions in The Battle of Karbala in his firm dignifi
In the Islamic calendar, Muharram is the first of twelve months. The 10th day of Muharram called Ashura, is a day of intense grief and mourning where Muslims from the Shia community gather together in remembrance of Imam Hussain (AS) and the story of his bravery who died in the battle to save Islam.
Prophet Muhammad (AS) was the founder of Islam. His daughter Fatima Zehra (AS) married Imam Ali (AS) and they both have two sons and two daughters. The second son is Imam Hussain (AS) and he is the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (AS) and is a very important person. “Imam” means spiritual leader who follows and teaches Islam and leads people in prayers. Shias believe that after Prophet Muhammad’s demise, his son-in-law Ali became the first Imam. After him, his first son became the second Imam. After his death, Hussain became the third Imam.
Here is a summary of the history. In 680 AD, when Imam Hussain was living in Medinah amongst huge Muslim community who fully supported him, people from Kufah wrote many letters to Hussain requesting him to come and teach them about Islam and the right way of living. Hussain's friends pleaded with him not to go because the Kufa people were not very strong believers and could easily change their loyalty, but Hussain told them that as long he was the Imam, he should fulfil his duty. He put aside the logics and left Medina for Kufa with his family, relatives and followers. Caliph Yazid, living in Damascus, was the enemy of Hussain and a very cunning person. Anyone who disagreed with him was killed immediately. He ordered a large army and bribed the people of Kufa. People of Kufa changed their mind and joined Yazid’s army to fight against Imam Hussain, because of greed.
On the first day of month Muharram, Yazid’s army laid siege to Hussain and his followers in the desert of Karbala. Yazid ordered Imam Hussain two choices:
1. To give allegiance to Yazid and support him then Hussain will be allowed to go free. Plus, Yazid will give him the money and wealth.
2. Refuse to give allegiance and be killed in the battle.
Imam Hussain knew that Yazid was a spoilt drunkard who did not follow the rules of Islam. If he pledged his allegiance, it would lead to Islam being lost forever because Yazid would take power and change the Islamic rules that would cause chaos. Hussain refused to give allegiance.
Yazid’s army was upset and ordered Hussain and followers to move away from the river. Yazid’s army blocked Hussain from drinking water for 3 days. Hussain’s people consisted of women and children and they were crying and suffering from hunger and thirst under the hot sun.
On the 10th day called Ashura, Yazid armies of 30,000 soldiers started war against Hussain’s 72 men. Hussain’s friends, relatives, cousins, nephews and sons fought bravely without food and water and were killed one by one. When Hussain was the last one, he was ready to go to battle when his wife came to him with his baby son “Ali Asgar” who was crying due to thirst. Hussain held his baby in front of the enemy and said “Remember that it is me you want to fight, but please give water to the baby. He is pure innocent.” One soldier shot an arrow and it hit the baby in his neck and he died. Hussain was shocked that instead of giving water, his enemy gave an arrow. After burying the baby, he fought alone against thousands and his fighting skills were excellent. When it was time for noon prayers, Hussain stopped fighting and bent down to pray Namaz concentrating on Allah. That time, his enemy stood behind him and decapitated him.
Because of Hussain who sacrificed his life while refusing to give allegiance to Yazid, Islam has prospered and is strong and accurate today. The lesson learned from this story is that in life you are always given two paths:
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The right path, which is difficult.
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The wrong path, which is easier.
What would you choose?
Hussain picked the right path and his selfless sacrifice saved the Islam name from corruption. Every Ashura, all Muslims partake in large peaceful gatherings where they share stories and cry in remembrance of Imam Hussain. Some are beating their chest as a cultural tradition to display their grievance. You will see pots of water at every road as a mark of respect to the martyrs of Karbala who died thirsty. Till today, all Muslim in the world appreciates the bravery and patience of Imam. Hussian who sacrificed everything, his family, relatives, friends and his own life for the success of Islam.
