AlMujtaba Islamic Articles > Imam Hussain Al-Shaheed (AS)

By: Sister Sarah Ismail

Muharram is one of the four months declared sacred by Allah (swt) in the Holy Quran. It also marks a new year in the Islamic calendar. While it is being celebrated by those in the Muslim countries with all sorts of feasts, joy and laughter, there are those who receive it by commemorating the martyrdom of the Holy Prophet’s (saw) grandchild Imam Husayn (as) with grief, tears and sorrow.

On the 10^th day of this month, in 61 Hijrah, Imam Husayn Bin Ali (as) was martyred in Karbala, Iraq, along with 72 of his friends and family. They were martyred with such cruelty that those responsible for committing these vicious acts cannot be called Muslims, let alone human beings. Such was the loyalty of those who claim to be Muslims but who were more keen to received worldly rewards as promised by Yazid, son of Muawiyah (may Allah curse him eternally).

A MESSAGE for today from IMAM HUSSAYN (A-S).

A brief study By: Brother Ali Ja’afary.

بِسمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَن الرَّحيم

“In the Name of ALLAH the Merciful, the Compassionate”

INTRODUCTION:

There is a famous proverb that says: “A picture is worth a thousand words”. Although that may sometimes be the case, in reality often it is not, for at times within words and phrases a never ending source of issues and subjects can develop, especially when those words have a divine and highly intellectual context to them. As well if we deduct a meaning from the context of a word or phrase, we can define a much more precise and clear representation of the setting than any actual picture, for many actual details would be available that are not found in the picture alone. For example, if I look at a picture of a man getting bitten by a dog. My conclusion is the dog is mad or bad and is biting a man, however, if someone gives me an accurate written description of this particular situation and it’s narrated that the man beat and abused the dog to the point that the dog had to defend himself, I will be left with a different impression in my intellect, in this case I will say: This man beat and abused an animal until the animal had no other option but to defend itself against its attacker, which would be a much more accurate and very different impression than the one I had by merely looking at the actual picture. Perhaps the writer of this proverb meant the picture established in our mind after witnessing a given situation. For in our never ending struggle and attempt to live by and spread the truth, the meaning of things is crucial.

Imam Hussain's (A.S.) Sacred Mission

Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S.) was born on the 3rd of Shaban 4th Hijrah in Medinah Munawarra. His father was Ali (A.S.) and mother was Fatimah (S.A.). When the Prophet (S.A.W.) heard the news of Imam Hussain's birth he (S.A.W.) became very happy and came to the house of Fatimah (S.A.). Asma, the maidservant of Hazrat Zahra covered the child in a white cloth and brought him to the Prophet (S.A.W.). The Prophet (S.A.W.), picked the child up in his lap and recited the Azaan in his right ear and Aqamat in the left one. As if, apparently, he (S.A.W.) made the ears of his son familiar and acquainted with the name of God for the first time. On the seventh day of the birth, an angel came from the God and he said, "Just as Haroon was the brother, sympathizer, and helper in each and every difficulty of Moosa (A.S.) similarly Ali (A.S.) is your sympathizer helper and brother in each and every matter of yours. Therefore, keep the name of this child upon the name of Haroon's son "Shabeer," which translated into Arabic becomes 'Hussain'. Thus the name of the second child of Fatimah (S.A.) was also selected by God. On the 7th day of the birth Hazrat Fatimah (S.A.) got a sheep slaughtered as the Aqeeqa and distributed it's meat among the needy and poor. The Prophet (S.A.W.) quite often hugged Hussain (A.S.) taking him into his lap and used to weep bitterly, saying, "A very big tragedy will be met by my son Hussain". The brutals and bloody men of Bani Omyaide will slay my dear son. I will not interces and mediate for them on the dooms day.

IMAM HUSSAIN (A.S) AT KARBALA
Karbala has the unique feature of having its name engraved in the memory of generations and all along the history of the Muslim world. Believers recall this name with sorrow and distress, for they remember the grand sacrifice of Imam Hussain, peace be upon him (a.s.), and his family members and friends.

Imam Hussain – The Reformist of Human Values

By Ali Haider (alihaider1960@gmail.com)

Islam is a religion which came as a blessing amongst the Arabs who were living in an age of ignorance. An era of cruelty, bloodshed of innocent, oppression, treachery, extreme violation of woman rights, polytheism and superstitious beliefs. The implementation of this religion amongst the Arabs was the greatest revolution in the world which was undertaken by the grandfather of Imam Hussain (a.s), the Holy Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.s). This revolution brought by this great man on divine principles was not exclusively for Arabs only, it spread across the globe.

Imam Hussain Alayh Al-Salam

Imam Hussain the Apostolic imam,When the new of his birth reached Holy Prophet,he came to his daughter's home took the his newly born grandson in his hands and named him Al-Hussain, and started crying Hazrat Fatimah was Surprise and ask her father what happen didn't the birth of my son pleased you,the Prophet replied that as I kissed this son of mine Angle gabriel came to me and told me that This son of your will be Martyed by the order of a bastard,while he will thirsy for three days.Hazrat Fatimah also started crying and ask her father weather any of us will their to help him but Prophet replied 'no' Fatimah None of us will be their , Then Fatimah Asked then Who will Cry on my Son and the prophet replied That God has Promised that a nation will be their to morn at your son.

An introduction to fifth infallible Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS)

Birth

Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S.) was born on the 3rd of Shaban 4th Hijrah in Medinah Munawarra. His father was Ali (A.S.) and mother was Fatimah (S.A.). When the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) heard the news of Imam Hussain's birth he (P.B.U.H.) became very happy and came to the house of Fatimah (S.A.). Asma, the maidservant of Hazrat Zahra covered the child in a white cloth and brought him to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). The Prophet (P.B.U.H.), picked the child up in his lap and recited the Azaan in his right ear and Aqamat in the left one. As if, apparently, he (P.B.U.H.) made the ears of his son familiar and acquainted with the name of God for the first time. On the seventh day of the birth, an angel came from the God and he said, "Just as Haroon was the brother, sympathizer, and helper in each and every difficulty of Moosa (A.S.) similarly Ali (A.S.) is your sympathizer helper and brother in each and every matter of yours. Therefore, keep the name of this child upon the name of Haroon's son "Shabeer," which translated into Arabic becomes 'Hussain'. Thus the name of the second child of Fatimah (S.A.) was also selected by God.

THE DAY OF ASHURA (Martyrdom)

At dawn the Imam glanced over the army of Yazid and saw 'Umar ibn Sa'd ordering his forces to march toward him. He gathered his followers and addressed them thus" Allah has, this day, permitted us to be engaged in a Holy War and He shall reward us for our martyrdom. So prepare yourself to fight against the enemies of Islam with patience and resistance. O sons of the noble and self-respected persons, be patient! Death is nothing but bridge which you must cross after facing trials and tribulations so as to reach Heavens and its joys.Which of you do not like to go from this prison (world) to the lofty palaces (Paradise)?"

THE PRELUDE TO THE MARTYRDOM OF AL-HUSAYN

[What al-Kalbi, al-Madani and other historians (ashab al-sira) have reported]

When al-Hassan, peace be upon him, died, the Shia in Iraq began to make plans. They wrote to al-Husayn, peace be on him, about removing Mu'awiya and giving the pledge of allegiance to him. However, he refused them and pointed out that there was an agreement and contract between himself and Mu'awiya which he could not break until the period( of the contract) came to an end. However, when Mu'awiya did die, he would examine that (matter).

IMAM HUSSAIN (A.S.) BIN ALI IBNE ABI TALIB (A.S.)

"And whoever disputes with you concerning him (Jesus) that has come to you of knowledge, then say: Come let us call our sons and your sons and our women and your women and ourselves and yourselves, then let us pray for the curse of Allah on the liars" Al-Quran 3:61.
The above verse refers to 5 personalties, which were regarded by the Almighty, who were trusted by His lordship as his representatives, unanimously agreed by all sects of Muslims, capable of cursing the liers. History tells the fact that no other individual or group has ever been so explicitly mentioned in the Holy Quran. Who were the sons mentioned above, Al Hasan (A.S.), Al-Hussain (A.S.), referred above as our sons, S/O Ali B.Abi Talib (A.S.), Fatima, peace be upon her, referred as our women, Ali b.Abi Talib (A.S.), referred above as ourselves, and the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) himself.

Al-Imam Hasan (as) and Al-Imam Husayn (as)

These two honourable Imams (AS) are brothers and the sons of `Ali (AS) and Fatimah (AS). According to the ahadith the Holy Prophet (SA) had deep affections towards these honourable grandsons whom he called his own sons. The Holy Prophet (SA) was not able to endure their slightest pain and dissatisfaction and used to state: "These two sons of mine are Imams and leaders, be they rising or sitting". The terms `rising' and `sitting' are used ironically and signify taking charge of superficial Khilafa and rising to fight with the enemies of Islam and non-acceptance of superficial Khilafa and rising against it. He added: "Hasan and Husayn are the two leaders of the youth of the Heaven) "

Al-Husayn ibn 'Ali Sayyidu'sh-Shuhada (Peace be Upon him )

Name: al-Husayn.

Title: Sayyidu'sh-Shuhada'.

Agnomen: Abu 'Abdillah.

Father' s name: 'Ali Amir al-Mu'minin.

Mother's name:Fatimah ( Daughter of the Holy Prophet ).

Birth: In Medina on Thursday, 3rd Sha'ban 4 AH.

Death: Martyred in Karbala' (Iraq) at the age of 57, on Friday, 10th Muharram 61 AH and buried there.

About Imam Hussain (AS)

IN THE house of the Holy Prophet(pbuh&hf), which presented the best image of both the worlds - the heaven and the earth - a child who benefited humanity as if he was Divine Impression reflecting the earth, was bron on the 3rd night of the month of Shaban. His father was Imam Ali(a.s.), the best model of kindness towards his friends and the bravest against the enemies of Islam, and his mother was Hazrat Fatimah(s.a.), the only daughter and child of the Holy Prophet(pbuh&hf) who had as universally acknowledged, inherited the qualities of her father. Imam Hussain(a.s.), is the third Apostolic Imam. When the good news of his birth reached the Holy Prophet(pbuh&hf), he came to his daughter's house, took the newly-born child in his arms, recited adham and iqamah in his right and left ears respectively, and on the 7th day of his birth, after performing the rites of aqiqah, named him al-Husayn, in compliance with Allah's(swt) command. Hassan(a.s.) and Hussain(a.s.), the two sons of the Holy Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib(a.s.) and Hazrat Fatimah(s.a.),our Lady of Light, were respected and revered as the "Leaders of the Youths of Paradise" as stated by the Holy Prophet(pbuh&hf).

A Glance at the Life of Imam Husain (A.S.)

Name : Husain
Title : Sayyid ush-Shuhada (Chief of the Martyrs)
Kuniyat : Abu Abdillah
Father : Imam Ali (A)
Mother : Bibi Fatima Zahra (A)
Birthdate : 3rd Shabaan 4 A.H. in Madina
Imamat : From 50 A.H. to 61 A.H.
Martyrdom : 10th Muharram 61 A.H.
Buried : Karbala, Iraq.
The Holy Imam (A) was the second son of Imam Ali (A) and Bibi Fatima (A). He is the third of our Holy Imams (A). His birth was an occasion of great joy for the Ahlul Bayt (A) and was celebrated on earth and in the heavens. When he received the news, the Holy Prophet (S) came and recited Adhaan and Iqamah in the new born child's right and left ears respectively. On the seventh day of his birth the ceremony of Aqeeqa was performed and he was named Husain.

A brief look at the Life of Imam Hussain (a.s)

(This is) an account of the Imam after al-Hasan b. Ali, peace be on him, (giving) the date of his birth, the evidence of his Imamate, the age he reached, the period of his succession (khalifa), the time and cause of his death, and the place of his grave. (It also provides) a selection from the (historical) reports about him.

The Imam after al-Hasan b. Ali was his brother, al-Husayn b. Ali (who was) the son of Fatima, daughter of the Apostle of God, may God bless him and his family, through the designation (nass) of his father and grandfather, peace be on them, and the testamentary bequest (wasiyya) of his brother, al-Hasan, peace be on him. His kunya was Abu Abd Allah (glory be to Him).

The Legacy of Ashura

This guidance has occupied several forms, the most notable of them being the Sacred Revealed Texts, the Prophets and Messengers - beginning with Adam, followed by many as Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Jesus and culminating in the Seal of Prophet hood with Muhammad (PBUH&HP). Followed by a set of 12 perfect guides, teachers & protectors of the revelation.

A brief look at Kerbala

Yazid's Demand for Allegiance

In 50 A.H. when Imam Hasan (A), the elder grandson of Prophet Muhammad (S) was poisoned, the duty of Imamat became the responsibility of his younger brother Imam Hussain (A).

At the time, Muawiya bin Abu Sufyan, the governor of Syria and arch-enemy of the family of the Holy Prophet (S), was virtually the ruler of the whole Muslim Empire.

What is Ashura ?

In the month of Muharram 61 AH (approx. 20 October 680 AD), an event took place in Iraq at a place known as Kerbala on the bank of the river Euphrates. It seemed in those days insignificant from the historical point of view. A large army which had been mobilised by the Umayyad regime besieged a group of persons numbering less than a hundred and put them under pressure to pay allegiance to the Caliph of the time and submit to his authority. The small group resisted and a severe battle took place in which they were all killed.

The date was 8th Zilhijja 60 Hijri (10.9.680 AD) when IMAM HUSSAIN (A.S) lest Makka for Iraq. With him there were about 50 peoples including women and children of his family and friends. His uncle Ibne Abbas and his brother Mohammad-e-Hanafiya did not go with him. They came to bid farewell and tried to warn the Imam of the dangers ahead. Mohammad-e-Hanafiya told him that the Makkans and other pilgrims were wondering why he was leaving just one day before the Hajj. Imam left a letter with his brother which explained his position clearly. The letter read as follows:

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IMAM HUSAYN WAS KILLED ON THE DAY OF SAQIFA

By: Brother Abdulhujjah (A Moderator in ShiaChat.Com)

It all began after the untimely martyrdom of the Messenger of ALLAH, many of those around the Messenger who had claimed to be his friends, were plotting a major revolution after his demise. As foretold by the Messenger and his MASTER in the Holy Quran :

3:144 And Muhammad is no more than a messenger; the messengers have already passed away before him; if then he dies or is killed will you turn back upon your heels? And whoever turns back upon his heels, he will by no means do harm to Allah in the least and Allah will reward the grateful.

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THE CULMINATION OF EVENTS

By: Sister Um Ali

History is plagued with oppressors and tyrannical despots who have avariciously and violently violated the basic rights of mankind for their own selfish desires. Those unforgotten few who stood firm and fought for justice against evil have been lauded for their efforts. Since the fight of good versus evil continues to rage on, it’s incumbent upon us to study the annals of history to learn from the mistakes of the past.

InnAllaha Ma' As'sabireen

By: Shahryar Naqvi

Editor of: Al-Masoom, The English Magazine Imamia Masumeen Center (HOPKINTON USA)

Innallaha ma Asabireen. This means that Allah is with the patient ones. When we speak of patience that else is more patient than Imam Husayn (AS). He was a martyr for Islam and his family were martyrs for Islam. His sacrifice is one of the most important and pivotal points in Islam and Islamic history. At the same time when we think of sacrifice we think of Prophet Ibraheem. Yet he had to sacrifice only one person, his son and even then Allah switched his son to a ram. Imam Husayn (AS) on the other hand sacrificed the whole of his family. How much greater would Imam Husayn’s (AS) sacrifice be, also known as Zibhee Azeem. We celebrate Eidul Adha every year and we rejoice. On this occasion we mourn a sacrifice much like Prophet Ibraheem’s, the sacrifice of Imam Husayn (AS).

The Truth of Karbala

By: Shahryar Naqvi

Shahryar Naqvi attend Mass Bay Community College and he is twenty years old. He lives in Medway.

With the grace of Allah, we participate in these days of Muharaam again this year as we did in prior years and let us pray that we be blessed to continue to mourn this occasion with all due respect for the rest of our lives. Our parents took it from their parents and let us pray to Allah (SWT) to give it to us, the younger generation the intelligence and opportunity to carry on this mission of light and guidance and to really understand the reasoning behind remembering these days. To learn as much as possible and pass on this noble cause to generations to come.

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Imam Hussein (a.s.)

Name: Al-Hussein
Father: Ali, son of Abu Talib
Date of Birth: He was born in Medina, on the third of Sha’ban in the year 4 A.H. (1/8/626).
Date of Death: 10th of Muharram, 61 A.H. 10/10/680/
Martyrdom: Sword of Shimr, in the Battle of Ashura
Kunyah: Abu Abdallah
Title: Sayyidu’sh Shuhada’ as Sibt (al-Asghar)

Merits of Imam Hussein (a.s):
These traditions were related from Ibn Athir’s book entitled, Usudul Ghabah.

A man asked Abdullah bin Umar: "What will be the position if the blood of a mosquito touches the dress of a man?" Abdullah ibn Umar said: "Look here!" This Iraqi inquires about the blood of a mosquito, although these very Iraqis killed the son of the Prophet saying: "Hasan and Hussein are my two fragrant flowers in the world".

The Greatness of Imam Hussein (a.s.)

On the third of the blessed month of Sha'ban, the fourth year after Hijrah, and a year after the birth of Imam Hassan, Imam Hussein (a.s.) was born.

The status of Imam Hussein (a.s.) is unparalleled, except by that of his father, mother, brother, and the Imams of his offspring (peace be upon all of them). Should a historian make a good research, collecting the stories and traditions concerning Imam Hussein (a.s.), he would certainly end up with the Imam (a.s.) as the top example among the Muslims. He would write a
voluminous, great work covering this Imam.

The Glorious Qur'an, the supreme divine document, which falsehood can never reach from before or behind it, expresses in many verses the lofty position Imam Hussein (a.s.) achieved in the sight of Allah (swt). Following are some of these verses:

Imam Hussein (a.s.) and Ashura’

Mournful tears are shed at the beginning of every new Islamic year, Muharram.
What is the significance behind these tears and who are they shed for? Imam Hussein, the
Leader of the martyrs is the honorable name and reason of why we stand here today and
cry. More importantly, it is Imam Hussein (a.s.) of why mournful tears are recited, and
why people pound on their chests.

Azadari: Research Report

Written by: Ayatollah Mohammed Yazdi
Translated by: (Late) Dr. Mir Mazhar Ali

All praise be to the creator of the universe who filled life with sciences and mysteries. He created man who is the bearer of this life, the most mysterious of all his creatures. Our unlimited salutations to the most exalted heir of Adam (A.S.), the prophet Mohammed-e-Mustafa (S.A.W.A.W.S), who showed wandering humanity the path to (the world of) splendor and good fortune. Our salutations to his twelve successors each of whom in his tenure (of Imamath) saved humanity from following the course of destruction. Our salutations especially to his most promising son Husayn, son of Ali (A.S.), who carried out the war against oppressors to its extreme. (This article is dedicated to his sacred name).

Brief Notes on Some of Those Martyrs in Kufa and Karbala

Names of some of the martyrs in Kufa and Karbala while defending Imam Hussain (AS) in Karbala

Imam Hussain's Revolution: Analytical Review

INTRODUCTION

This survey of the unique revolution of Imam Hussain (p.b.u.h.) is analytical in essence. The purpose of this essay is to give a qualitative rather than quantitative account. It has dealt with the causes, policy and results of this eternal revolution. This is done in the hope of unveiling the startling aspects of the revolution's message, which is often neglected in its traditional commemoration.

Imam Hussain's Revolution: Reasons and Motives

All those who are familiar with the Imam's life do certainly realize that his role in serving Islam had started very early in his life. He has contributed to the rising Islamic movement when he was a boy, and played a significant role, when his father was the Commander of the faithful, taking part in all three wars that his father fought along with the rest of the faithful companions and followers.

Fifth Infallible Sayings

O Allah what did he finds who lost you, and what did he loose who found you.
On his way to Karbala, Imam Hussain(A.S.) said: This world has changed, snubbed, and its good has turned tail. Nothing has remained from it except a thing that is as scanty as the leftover of a cup and a mean life that is like a noxious grazing. Have you not noticed that the right is ignored and the evil is not forbidden? This is sufficient for making the believer's desire for meeting Allah rightfully. I consider death as happiness and life with the wrongdoers as boredom. People are certainly the slaves of this world. The religion is only a slaver on their tongues. They turn it wherever their livelihood demands. If they are examined by misfortunes, the religious will be very little.

Al-Hussain Ash-Shaheed (AS)

Birth

The Journey of Imam Husain - Part 6