Imam Hussain (as), the third Imam for Shia Muslims, was not only a revolutionary and powerful leader of morality and faith – but he also changed the course of Islamic history.
As his legacy continues to raise hope and remembrance, especially in the Battle of Karbala, it remains imperative on us all to honor, respect, and uphold the memory of his life and his family.
Lineage and Upbringing
Imam Hussain was born in 626 AD in Medina, to Imam Ali (as) and Lady Fatima (sa) – making him the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
The younger brother of Imam Hassan (as), Imam Hussain played an immeasurable role in protecting and safeguarding the Ahlulbayt, the holy family of the Prophet Muhammad.
Raised in the loving and devoted embrace of some of the most important people of Islam meant that Imam Hussian (as) was emboldened with the morals, faith, knowledge, and intellect of what it truly meant to be a worshipping Muslim.
This would serve him and save him, as his political duty became entangled in the evils of his time – resulting in what we now recognize as the turning point in Islamic history, the Battle of Karbala.
Karbala
Imam Hussain (as) witnessed the death of both his father, Imam Ali (as) and his older brother, Imam Hassan (as), and was bound to a tumultuous peace treaty despite these atrocities with the Caliph of the Umayyads, Muawiya.
However, prior to his death, Muawiya appointed his son Yazid as his successor – despite agreeing not to do so in his peace treaty with Imam Hassan. After the death of Muawiya and the rise of Yazid to power, Imam Hussain refused to recognize Yazid’s caliphate.
One of Imam Hussain’s most famous sayings is reported as follows: “Never will be salvaged the people who win the consent of the creature at the cost of the dissatisfaction of the Creator” (Maktal Khawarazmi).
Refusing to bow down to a caliphate riddled with tyranny, mockery, and sin, Imam Hussain left Medina and eventually led a group of his family and close followers to the city of Kufa, where it was reported that they would recognize and follow him as their Imam.
Intercepted and attacked on the way, Imam Hussain and his followers were forced to divert to Karbala, where the Battle of Karbala would forever change the course of history.
On the Day of Ashura, the Battle of Karbala saw Imam Hussain (as) and his 72 followers fight nobly and powerfully against an army of Yazid’s thousands – it remains one of the most heart-wrenching and catastrophic battles in Islamic history.
Imam Hussain was killed and his body mutilated on the 10th of October 680 AD, or the 10th of Muharram in 61 AH – and the deaths of his closest family members, children, and followers were no less tragic. The few survivors, including Lady Zainab were taken captive to Damascus.
Death and Beginning
While the tragic martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) is commemorated each year during Muharram by Shia Muslims across the world, it is also important to recognize the beginning of a very powerful movement after the death of this holy Imam.
This was not the end as Yazid hoped for – in fact, the death of Imam Hussain and his loyal followers only fueled the powerful recognition of faith, morals, and devotion for Muslims across the world not only at the time but up until today.
We continue to fight against injustice, protect the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad, and continue to stand for what is moral and good despite the many difficulties in doing so.
Imam Hussain (as) is reported to have said, regarding our faith with Allah: “He who has You has everything, and he who has deprived himself of You is the poorest in the world. Loser is the one who chooses and be content with anyone or anything other than You.” (Bihar)
Here at The Zahra Trust, we continue to strive in the legacy of Imam Hussain through charitable acts of empowerment, faith, and hope – to learn more about what we do and how you can personally contribute, click here.