Echoes of Karbala: Narrations of Muharram

Across the globe, as the new moon of Muharram is sighted, the environment begins to shift. Black banners are hung in mosques, Hussainiyas, and homes. The alam of Hazrat Abbas (as) is raised as a symbol of courage, loyalty, and devotion. Voices begin to echo with poetry, latmiyas, and nohas, all expressing grief for the tragedy of Karbala. 

People gather in black clothing, attending majalis to mourn and reflect. These rituals are not just tradition; they are acts of love. 

This love is for Hussain ibn Ali (as), the beloved grandson of the Prophet (saww). His remembrance awakens our hearts year after year. 

Prophet Muhammad (saww) is reported to have said, “Surely, there exists in the hearts of the believers, regarding the martyrdom of Hussain (as), a heat that never subsides.” 
(Mustadrak al Wasail, v. 10) 

Many narrations help us understand the magnitude of this tragedy. A few of these hadiths are shared below. 

Followers of the Ahlulbayt (as) 

As followers and lovers of the Ahlulbayt (as), we are taught to rejoice during their moments of joy and grieve during their times of sorrow. 

In the Quran, Allah (swt) says in Surah ash-Shura, “(O Muḥammad), say (to your followers), “I do not ask of you any reward for it (i.e., the task of conveying Allah’s message to you) except love for my near relatives.” And whoever performs the good deed (by loving The Prophet’s family), We shall increase for him in its goodness. Surely Allah is Forgiving and Thankful (to those who love the Prophet’s family). (42:23) 

Imam Ali (as) is also reported to have said, “Surely, Allah (swt) has chosen for us (the Ahlulbayt [as]) followers (Shias), who assist us and are happy at our happiness and are sad in our sadness.” (Ghurar al-Hikam, v.1) 

Since the tragedy of Karbala brought tremendous grief to the Holy Household (as), we too must treat Muharram as a time of mourning.  

The Remembrance of Imam Hussain (as) 

Throughout the year, believers continue to honour Imam Hussain (as). On Thursday nights, Ziyarat Waritha is often recited. During nights of special a’maal such as Laylatul Qadr, his Ziyarat is once again brought to our lips and hearts. 

Why do we remember him so often? Because his sacrifice saved Islam. Through him, we draw nearer to Allah (swt). 

The Prophet (saww) is reported to have said, “By He (swt) who sent me as a prophet with truth that the remembrance of Hussain (as), the son of Ali (as), is greater in heaven than on the earth. On the right of Allah’s (swt) throne, he [Hussain (as)] is written as ‘the lamp of guidance and the ship of salvation’.” (Bihar al-Anwar, v.36) 

If we remember him with sincerity, we build a stronger connection to Allah (swt) and His Messenger (saww).  

This can be seen in a tradition attributed to the Prophet (saww) where he says, “Hussain (as) is from me and I am from Hussain (as). Allah (swt) loves whosoever loves Hussain (as).” (Kitab al-Irshad, p.249) 

His martyrdom not only preserved faith, it continues to keep our hearts alive with spiritual purpose. 

As Allah (swt) reminds us in Surah al-Baqarah, “Do not speak of those who are slain in the way of Allah as dead; nay, they are alive, but you do not perceive (how they live).” (2:154) 

Ashura: A Day Like No Other 

Ashura is a day of deep sorrow, pain, and tragedy. No other day compares. 

Imam Hassan (as) is reported to have said, “O Aba Abdillah (as)! There is no day like your day, when 30,000 people who call themselves as followers of our grandfather (saww) and who call themselves Muslims will gather around you, shed your blood, dishonour you and capture your sons & women, and plunder your property.” (Al-Lohoof) 

On this day, we should turn away from all worldly distractions and devote ourselves to mourning the trials faced by Imam Hussain (as) and his caravan. In doing so, we receive immense reward in the hereafter. 

Imam Ali Al-Ridha (as) is reported to have said, “The one for whom the Day of Ashura is a day of tragedy, grief and weeping, Allah The Mighty, The Glorious, shall make the Day of Judgment a day of joy and happiness for him.” (Bihar al-Anwar, v.44) 

Weeping for Aba Abdillah (as) 

Crying for Imam Hussain (as) is a powerful act of devotion. It is a means of forgiveness and connection to the Divine.  

Imam Ali Al-Ridha (as) is reported to have said, “O’ Son of Shabib! Should you weep for Hussain (as) in the measure that tears roll down your cheeks, Allah would forgive all the sins committed by you, whether they be the great sins or the small sins and whether they be meagre or immense.” (Al-Amali of Shaykh as-Saduq, p.111) 

Imam Al-Ridha (as) is also reported to have said, “Those who weep should weep over the likes of Hussain (as) for surely, weeping over him does away with one’s great sins.” (Bihar al-Anwar, v.94) 

These tears hold deep spiritual power. They invite the mercy of the Prophet (saww) and Lady Fatima Al-Zahra (sa).  

In a narration, The Prophet (saww) said to Lady Fatima (sa), “On the Day of Judgment, you shall intercede for the ladies and I shall intercede for the men; every person who has wept over the tragedy of Hussain (as), we shall take him by the hand and lead him into Paradise.” (Bihar al-Anwar, v.94).  

Why Did Imam Hussain (as) Stand Up? 

To truly connect to the tragedy of Karbala, we need to understand why Imam Hussain (as) made the ultimate sacrifice. 

Aba Abdillah (as) reportedly said, “I never revolted in vain, as a rebel, or as a tyrant, but I rose seeking reformation for the nation of my grandfather Muhammad (saww). I intend to enjoin good and forbid evil, to act according to the traditions of my grandfather (saww), and my father Ali ibn Abi Talib (as).” (Bihar al-Anwar, v.44) 

He was left with two options: submit to Yazid (la) and see Islam corrupted, or rise and protect the truth, even if it meant death. He chose to rise. 

Imam Hussain is reported to have said, “To me, death is nothing but happiness; and living under tyrants, nothing but living in a hell.” (Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.245) 

Conclusion 

The hadiths and narrations shared above show how much reward lies in mourning for Aba Abdillah (as). Through our grief, we honour his sacrifice, grow closer to the Ahlulbayt (as), and carry forward the principles of Karbala: justice, truth, and faith. 

May this Muharram be a time of heartfelt remembrance and impactful action. Support the oppressed in honour of Imam Hussain (as). 

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