Description

LINEAGE

Imam Hussain ibn Ali (R.A) was born in Medina in 626. Imam Hussain ibn Ali (R.A) was the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), through his daughter Bibi Fatimah (R.A) and her husband Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A). Imam Hussain’s (R.A) father was Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A), the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). His mother was Bibi Fatimah bint Muhammad (R.A), the youngest daughter of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his first wife, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (R.A). This lineage places Imam Hussain ibn Ali (R.A) within the noble family of the Prophet (SAW), known as the Ahl al-Bayt or the Family of the Prophet (SAW).

LIFE

Imam Hussain (R.A) was brought up in the household of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) at first. The family formed from the marriage of Hazrat Ali (R.A) and Bibi Fatima (R.A) was praised many times by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He was still a child when his grandfather, Prophet Muhammad (SAW), died. He was the younger son of Hazrat Ali (R.A), and Bibi Fatima (R.A), both from the Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe. Both Imam Hasan (R.A) and Imam Hussain (R.A) were named by Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

There are numerous narrations showing Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) love for Imam Hasan (R.A) and Imam Hussain (R.A), such as carrying them on his shoulders, or putting them on his chest and kissing them on the belly.

His life, marked by principles of justice, righteousness, and sacrifice, serves as a beacon of inspiration for Muslims around the world. During the caliphate of the first three caliphs, Imam Hussain (R.A) lived a life dedicated to scholarship, piety, and service to the Muslim community. However, it was during the reign of Muawiyah, the founder of the Umayyad dynasty, that Imam Hussain’s (R.A) role and significance became more pronounced.

In the nine-year period between Imam Hasan’s (R.A) abdication as caliph in 660 AD and his death in 669 AD, Imam Hasan (R.A) and Imam Hussain (R.A) retreated to Medina, trying to keep aloof from political involvement for or against Muawiyah. Sentiments in favor of the rule of Ahl al-Bayt occasionally emerged in the form of small groups, mostly from Kufa, visiting Imam Hasan (R.A) and Imam Hussain (R.A) asking them to be their leaders – a request to which they declined to respond. When Imam Hasan (R.A) was poisoned, he refused to tell Imam Hussain (R.A) the name of his suspect, probably Muawiyah, for fear of provoking bloodshed. The burial of Imam Hasan’s (R.A) body near that of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), was another problem that could have led to bloodshed, as Marwan ibn Hakam swore that he would not permit Imam Hasan (R.A) to be buried near Prophet Muhammad (SAW) with Abu Bakr (R.A) and Umar (R.A), while Uthman (R.A) was buried in the cemetery of al-Baqi. After the death of Imam Hasan (R.A), when Iraqis turned to Imam Hussain (R.A), concerning an uprising, Imam Hussain (R.A) instructed them to wait as long as Muawiyah was alive due to Hasan’s peace treaty with him. Muawiyah instructed Marwan not to clash with Hussain, in the same time he wrote a letter to Hussain in which he “mingled generous promises with the advice not to provoke him.” Later on, when Muawiyah was taking allegiance to his son, Yazid, Imam Hussain (R.A) was among the five prominent persons who did not give his allegiance, as appointing a successor was in violation of Imam Hasan’s (R.A) peace treaty with Muawiyah. Before his death in 680, Muawiyah cautioned Yazid that Imam Hussain (R.A) and Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr (R.A) might challenge his rule and instructed him to defeat them if they did. Yazid was further advised to treat Imam Hussain (R.A) with caution and not to spill his blood, since he was the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Yazid’s rule was marked by corruption, debauchery, and a blatant disregard for Islamic principles. Recognizing the threat posed by Yazid’s tyranny to the very fabric of Islam, Imam Hussain (R.A) chose to take a principled stand against him. In doing so, he embarked on a journey from Medina to Kufa, where he believed he would find support from the local populace.

However, Imam Hussain’s (R.A) journey ended tragically at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Imam Hussain (R.A) and his followers refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid, choosing instead to uphold their principles of justice and righteousness. The Umayyad soldiers 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 beheaded him. The head was then sent to Yazid, who poked Imam Hussain’s (R.A) mouth with a stick. When Imam Hussain (R.A) was beheaded, the Umayyad soldiers pillaged his camp and severed the heads of Imam Hussain (R.A) and his fallen companions, which they then raised on spears for display.

The battle culminated in Imam Hussain’s (R.A) martyrdom, along with many of his family members and companions. After a few days, the women were compensated for their belongings looted in Karbala and were sent back to Medina. Before going to Medina, they returned to Karbala and Imam Ali Zayn Al Abidin (R.A) was able to place the head of Imam Hussain (R.A) back with the body for burial. Imam Hussain (R.A) was buried in Karbala, Iraq.

The martyrdom of Imam Hussain (R.A) at Karbala served as a catalyst for change within the Muslim community. It galvanized opposition to tyrannical rule and inspired generations of Muslims to stand up against oppression, regardless of the personal cost. His sacrifice serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of upholding principles of justice and resisting tyranny, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

In conclusion, the life of Imam Hussain (R.A) during the caliphates, particularly under Muawiyah, epitomizes the struggle for righteousness and justice in the face of oppression. His unwavering commitment to his principles, culminating in his ultimate sacrifice at Karbala, continues to inspire Muslims worldwide, serving as a guiding light in times of moral ambiguity and adversity.

LEGACY

His legacy is profound and multifaceted, embodying principles of sacrifice, bravery, and unwavering commitment to justice. His legacy is primarily defined by his stand against tyranny and oppression, notably exemplified in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. The tragic events of Karbala culminated in the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (R.A) and his companions, including women and children, on the 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura. Their sacrifice serves as a symbol of resistance against injustice and oppression, inspiring millions around the world, particularly within the Shia community.

Imam Hussain’s (R.A) legacy transcends religious boundaries, resonating with people of diverse backgrounds who admire his unwavering commitment to principles of justice, integrity, and selflessness. His martyrdom is commemorated annually through rituals of mourning and reflection, known as Muharram, which serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against oppression and the enduring quest for righteousness.

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