Description

The first day (2 Muharram 61 AH) marks the arrival of Imam Hussain (R.A) and his companions in the desolate land of Karbala. Imam Hussain (R.A), along with his family and followers, embarked on this journey despite warnings of the perilous situation awaiting them. As they set foot in Karbala, they were met with a barren landscape and the looming presence of Yazid’s army. Despite the ominous signs, Imam Hussain (R.A) remained resolute in his commitment to stand against injustice and tyranny.

Imam Hussain (R.A) and his companions established their camp in Karbala. The atmosphere was tense as they prepared for the inevitable confrontation with Yazid’s forces. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Imam Hussain’s (R.A) resolve remained unshaken. He addressed his followers, emphasizing the importance of their stand against oppression and the defense of truth and righteousness. The camp became a symbol of defiance against tyranny, drawing admiration from supporters and fear from the enemy.

Yazid’s army, led by the ruthless Umar ibn Sa’d, issued an ultimatum to Imam Hussain (R.A). They demanded his allegiance to Yazid or face the consequences of war. Imam Hussain (R.A) unequivocally rejected Yazid’s authority, refusing to submit to a tyrant who defiled the principles of Islam. Despite the looming threat of violence, Imam Hussain (R.A) remained steadfast in his commitment to uphold justice and preserve the legacy of his grandfather, Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Tensions escalated on the next day as both sides prepared for battle. Imam Hussain’s (R.A) camp was surrounded by Yazid’s forces, cutting off their access to water and supplies. Despite the harsh conditions, Imam Hussain (R.A) and his companions remained steadfast in their resolve, finding strength in their unwavering faith and dedication to the principles of Islam. As the sun set, the stage was set for a confrontation that would determine the course of history.

The next day marked the beginning of skirmishes between Imam Hussain’s (R.A) forces and Yazid’s army. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Imam Hussain (R.A) and his companions displayed remarkable courage and resilience on the battlefield. They fought valiantly against the oppressive forces of tyranny, refusing to surrender to injustice. The sound of swords clashing and arrows flying filled the air as both sides engaged in fierce combat. Imam Hussain’s (R.A) stand against injustice inspired admiration and awe among his followers, who were willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of truth and righteousness.

On the next day, tragedy struck Imam Hussain’s (R.A) camp with the martyrdom of Hazrat Abbas ibn Ali (R.A), the valiant brother of Imam Hussain (R.A). Hazrat Abbas (R.A) was known for his unwavering loyalty and courage on the battlefield. Despite facing insurmountable odds, he remained determined to fulfill his duty to Imam Hussain (R.A) and defend the principles of justice and righteousness. Hazrat Abbas’s (R.A) martyrdom dealt a devastating blow to Imam Hussain (R.A) and his followers, but it only strengthened their resolve to continue their struggle against tyranny.

As the days passed, the siege on Imam Hussain’s (R.A) camp intensified. Yazid’s forces cut off all access to water, subjecting Imam Hussain (R.A) and his companions to unbearable thirst and suffering. Despite the harsh conditions, Imam Hussain (R.A) remained steadfast in his commitment to his cause, refusing to compromise his principles for the sake of personal comfort or safety. His unwavering determination inspired his followers to endure the hardships with patience and fortitude, knowing that their sacrifices would not be in vain.

The eighth day of Muharram brought further tragedy to Imam Hussain’s (R.A) camp with the loss of many of his closest companions and family members. Despite their valiant efforts on the battlefield, they were outnumbered and overwhelmed by Yazid’s forces. The loss of beloved companions and family members weighed heavily on Imam Hussain (R.A) and his remaining followers, but it only strengthened their resolve to continue their struggle against tyranny and oppression. Amidst the grief and sorrow, Imam Hussain (R.A) remained a beacon of hope and inspiration for his followers, guiding them through the darkest of times with his unwavering faith and courage.

As the ninth day of Muharram dawned, Imam Hussain (R.A) and his companions prepared for the final confrontation with Yazid’s forces. Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against them, they remained steadfast in their commitment to uphold truth and justice until the very end. Imam Hussain (R.A) addressed his followers, reminding them of the importance of their stand against oppression and tyranny. His words filled them with renewed determination and courage as they prepared to face their destiny with unwavering faith and conviction.

After the Morning Prayer on 10 October, both parties took up battle positions. Imam Hussain (R.A) appointed Zuhayr ibn Qayn to command the right flank of his army, and Habib ibn Muzahir to command the left flank. Imam Hussain’s (R.A) companions, according to most accounts, numbered thirty-two horsemen and forty infantrymen; although forty-five horsemen and one hundred foot-soldiers, or a total of a few hundred men have been reported by some sources. Ibn Sa’d’s army totaled 4,000. According to some sources, however, more troops had joined Ibn Sa’d in the preceding days, swelling his army to 30,000 strong. The ditch containing wood was set alight. Imam Hussain (R.A) then delivered a speech to his opponents reminding them of his status as Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) grandson and reproaching them for inviting and then abandoning him. He asked to be allowed to leave. He was told that first, he had to submit to Yazid’s authority, which he refused to do. Imam Hussain’s (R.A) speech moved Al-Hurr ibn Yazid Al-Tamimi to defect to his side.

After Imam Hussain’s (R.A) speech, Zuhayr ibn Qayn attempted to dissuade Ibn Sa’d’s soldiers from killing Imam Hussain (R.A), but in vain. Ibn Sa’d’s army fired several volleys of arrows. This was followed by duels in which several of Imam Hussain’s (R.A) companions were slain. The right-wing of the Kufans, led by Amr ibn al-Hajjaj, attacked Imam Hussain’s (R.A) force but was repulsed. Hand-to-hand fighting paused and further volleys of arrows were exchanged. Shimr, who commanded the left wing of the Umayyad army, launched an attack, but after losses on both sides, he was repulsed. This was followed by cavalry attacks. Imam Hussain’s (R.A) cavalry resisted fiercely and Ibn Sa’d brought in armored cavalry and five hundred archers. After their horses were wounded by arrows, Imam Hussain’s (R.A) cavalrymen dismounted and fought on foot.

Since Umayyad forces could approach Imam Hussain’s (R.A) army from the front only, Ibn Sa’d ordered the tents to be burned. All except the one that Imam Hussain (R.A) and his family were using was set on fire. Shimr wanted to burn that one too, but was prevented by his companions. The plan backfired and flames hindered the Umayyad advance for a while. After noon prayers, Imam Hussain’s (R.A) companions were encircled, and almost all of them were killed. Imam Hussain’s (R.A) relatives, who had not taken part in the fighting so far, joined the battle. Imam Hussain’s (R.A) son Ali Akbar (R.A) was killed. At some point, a young child of Imam Hussain’s (R.A), Ali Al-Asghar (R.A) not more than 6 months, who was sitting on his lap, was hit by an arrow and died.

The Umayyad soldiers hesitated to attack Imam Hussain (R.A) directly, but he was struck in the mouth by an arrow as he went to the river to drink. He collected his blood in a cupped hand and cast it towards the sky, complaining to God of his suffering. Later, he was surrounded and struck on the head by Malik ibn Nusayr. The blow cut through his hooded cloak, which Imam Hussain (R.A) removed while cursing his attacker. He put a cap on his head and wrapped a turban around it to staunch the bleeding. Ibn Nusayr seized the bloodied cloak and retreated.

Shimr advanced with a group of foot soldiers towards Imam Hussain (R.A), who was now prepared to fight as few people were left on his side. A young boy from Imam Hussain’s (R.A) camp escaped from the tents, ran to him, tried to defend him from a sword stroke, and had his arm cut off. Ibn Sa’d approached the tents, and Imam Hussain’s (R.A) sister Bibi Zaynab (R.A) complained to him: “‘Umar b. Sa’d, will Abu ‘Abd Allah (the kunya of Hussain) be killed while you stand and watch?” Ibn Sa’d wept but did nothing. Imam Hussain (R.A) is said to have killed many of his attackers. They were, however, still unwilling to kill him and each of them wanted to leave this to somebody else. Eventually, Shimr shouted: “Shame on you! Why are you waiting for the man? Kill him, may your mothers be deprived of you!” The Umayyad soldiers then rushed to Imam Hussain (R.A) and wounded him on his hand and shoulder. He fell on the ground face-down and an attacker named Sinan ibn Anas stabbed and then decapitated him.