Who was Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS)? What was His Life Like?

Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS)

Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) is a significant figure in Islamic history. He was born on the 3rd of Shaban in 626 AD, during the fourth year of the Islamic calendar in Madina. Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) was the second grandson of the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW), and his sisters were Hazrat Zainab (AS) and Hazrat Umme Kulsoom (AS). After his mother passed away, his father took care of him.

Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) grew up as a pious, brave, generous leader. He followed the teachings of his grandfather and father and stood up for justice and truth. Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) faced many trials and tribulations in his life, but he never compromised his principles. He is most remembered for his martyrdom in the battle of Karbala, where he and his loyal companions fought against the tyrant Yazid and his army. He sacrificed his life for the sake of Islam and humanity and became an inspiration for generations to come.

The Love of Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) for His Grandsons

Hazrat Hassan (RA) and Hazrat Hussain (RA) were blessed to grow up in a family of righteous and noble people. Their grandfather, Hazrat Muhammad (SAW), was the best of creation and the final messenger of Allah (SWT). Similarly, their father, Hazrat Ali (RA), was a brave and loyal companion of the Prophet (SAW) and the fourth caliph of Islam. Their mother, Hazrat Fatima (RA), was the beloved daughter of the Prophet (SAW) and a role model for Muslim women.

If you want to learn more about the life and virtues of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (RA), you can read this blog post: Who was Hazrat Fatima Zahra (RA)?

There are many incidents that show how much Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) loved and cherished his grandsons. One of them is when he (SAW) was praying (salah), and his grandsons climbed onto his back. Instead of stopping his prayer or asking them to get down, he (SAW) prolonged his prostration (sajdah) to let them play comfortably. These examples show his kindness and affection for his family.

In our other blog, we discuss the Prophets and Messengers in Islam.

Another incident is when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was delivering a sermon (khutbah) and saw his grandsons walking and falling while wearing red shirts. 

What do you think the Hazrat Muhammad(SAW) did after watching this?

He interrupted his speech, descended from the pulpit (minbar), carried them, and placed them in front of him. Then he said: “Allah spoke the Truth: Indeed, your wealth and your children are a trial (64:15). I looked at these two children walking and falling, and I could not bear patience anymore until I interrupted my talk and picked them up.” [Jami at Tirmidhi 3774]

The Status of Hazrat Hassan (RA) and Hazrat Hussain (RA) in Islam

Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) also praised the status and virtues of his grandsons in Islam.

He (SAW) said:

“Hussain is from me, and I am from Hussain. Allah loves whoever loves Hussain. Hussain is a Sibt among the Asbat.”

[Jami at Tirmidhi 3775]

Sibt means grandson, and Asbat represents groups or clans. This means that Hazrat Hussein (RA) is a leader among the descendants of the Prophet (SAW). Hazrat Hassan (RA) and Hazrat Hussein (RA) are also among the Ahl al-Bayt, the people of the house of the Prophet (SAW), who have a special rank and honor in Islam.

Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:

“Allah intends only to remove from you the impurity [of sin], O people of the [Prophet’s] household, and to purify you with [extensive] purification.”

[33:33]

Imam Hussain (RA) Family Tree

Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) is a part of the Ahl al-Bayt, the respected family of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). To simplify his family tree, it goes as follows: 

– Grandfather: Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH)

– Father: Hazrat Ali ibn Talib (AS)

– Mother: Hazrat Fatima (RA)

– Brother: Hazrat Imam Hasan (AS)

– Wife: Ummul Banin (RA)

– Sons: Hazrat Ali Zayn al-Abidin (AS), Hazrat Ali al-Akbar (AS), Hazrat Ali al-Asghar (AS), and others.

This family tree shows the direct lineage of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) within the esteemed household of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). It is an integral part of the history and heritage of Islam.

Imam Hussain (RA) in Karbala

The Battle of Karbala is a significant event in Islamic history. It occurred on the 10th of Muharram in 61 AH (680 CE). It was a confrontation between Imam Hussain (RA) and Yazid I ibn Mu’awiyah, the Umayyad caliph. Hazrat Imam Hussain, along with a small group of his family and supporters, faced the overwhelming forces of Yazid near the Euphrates River in Karbala.

Both forces prepared for battle after morning prayers. Hazrat Hussain (RA) appointed leaders for his army, with Hazrat Zuhayr ibn Qayn on the right, Hazrat Habib ibn Muzahir on the left, and his half-brother Hazrat Abbas as the standard-bearer. His (RA) group consisted of 32 horse-riders and 40 infantry, while Ibn Sad’s army numbered 4,000.

Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) addressed his opponents and reminded them of his noble lineage and their allegiance to Islam. He asked them to let him leave peacefully, but they refused and demanded that he submit to Yazid, which he rejected. One of Yazid’s commanders, Hurr ibn Yazid Al-Tamimi, was moved by Imam Hussain’s speech and defected to his side.

The Battle of Karbala: Outstanding Example of Courage

The battle ensued with arrows, duels, and assaults. Imam Hussain’s companions fought bravely and fearlessly despite being outnumbered and outmatched. Yazid’s army set fire to Imam Hussain’s tents, causing chaos and confusion. By the time of the noon prayers, most of Imam Hussain’s companions had been martyred, including his son Ali Akbar and his half-brothers Abbas, who was killed while trying to fetch water from the river, and Ja’far, who was killed while defending the women and children.

Imam Hussain and his companions showed us an unparalleled example of courage, sacrifice, and devotion to Allah Almighty. They did not waver in their commitment to justice and resistance against tyranny. Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and their companions faced death with dignity and honour, knowing they were on the right path. They taught us that life is not worth living if it is not lived in accordance with Allah’s will. They also taught us that oppression and injustice cannot last forever and that truth will always prevail over falsehood.

You can learn about the Lessons of Karbala by reading our blog post, which can be very helpful in our day-to-day life.

Why Imam Hussain (RA) went to Karbala?

Hazrat Hussain (RA) went to Karbala after refusing to support Yazid I ibn Mu’awiyah. He was aware that his life was in danger as Yazid I ibn Mu’awiyah didn’t tolerate opposition and had a policy of killing those who disagreed with him. To ensure his safety, Hazrat Hussain (RA) left his hometown, Medina, and took his family to Mecca, the capital of Islam and the home to the Kaba. He hoped that Yazid I ibn Mu’awiyah would respect the holiness of the city, but unfortunately, he did not. Yazid I ibn Mu’awiyah sent a huge army to block Hazrat Hussain (RA) when he decided to go to Kufa, a city in Iraq where he had support. 

In Karbala, Hazrat Hussain (RA), along with his family and 72 companions, faced Yazid’s I ibn Mu’awiyah army, which consisted of up to 30,000 men. Despite being vastly outnumbered and limited access to water, Hazrat Hussain (RA) refused to give up. Yazid I ibn Mu’awiyah gave him a final choice: support the government or be killed.

Why did Hazrat Imam Hussain Refuse Yazid?

The main reason behind Imam Hussain’s resistance in the Battle of Karbala was the forced oath of allegiance (bayat) imposed on him by Yazid I bin Muawiya’s governor, Waleed bin Utbah. Hazrat Hussain (RA) refused to submit to Yazid’s unjust rule, as pledging allegiance to oppression went against his role as an Imam dedicated to upholding justice and opposing tyranny. 

Moreover, the Umayyad Caliphs’ suppression of rightful successors, the Ahlulbayt, further strengthened Imam Hussain’s resolve. His selfless sacrifice in Karbala serves as an example of his commitment to preserving true Islam and resisting injustice.

How did Imam Hussain (RA) Die?

Hazrat Hussain (RA) was martyred during Muharram 61 AH in Karbala, Iraq, after being betrayed by the people of Kufa. He had sought their support against the tyranny of Ubaydullah, but they turned their backs on him and ignored his pleas for help. He sent two messengers to aid them, but they were killed or captured. When Shimr arrived with orders to either get Hazrat Hussain’s (RA) allegiance or kill him, he found no allies among the Kufans. Hazrat Hussain’s (RA) death was the consequence of the betrayal of his own Kufans followers, who had abandoned him or joined his enemies.

Shrine of Imam Hussain (RA)

The Imam Hussein Shrine is a significant religious site located in the city of Karbala, Iraq. It holds immense cultural and historical importance as one of the holiest sites in Islam. On this day in 61 Hijri, Imam Husayn is believed to have been buried here. After the departure of Ahl al-Bait, the Bani Asad community gathered at the grave of Imam Hussain. Historical records provide limited information about the first builder of the Shrine, but it is assumed that Bani Asad was the first to assemble a tent over the Imam’s grave. The Shrine marks the burial place of Imam Hussein, who was martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. It is a symbol of standing up against unfair treatment and oppressive rule.

Muharram & Imam Hussain (RA)

Muharram is a significant month in the Islamic calendar that is observed annually to honour and remember Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). For Muslims, this month carries great importance as it provides an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by Imam Hussain and his companions during the Battle of Karbala. Religious gatherings are organized during this period, where believers pay tribute to the principles of justice, courage, and resistance against oppression that were exemplified by Imam Hussain.

For more information on this topic, you can also read our blog post titled “Significance of Muharram-ul-haram in Islam.”

It’s worth noting that the remembrance of Muharram is not limited to Shia Muslims only. The message of standing up for righteousness and opposing injustice is universal and resonates with Muslims worldwide. The events of Karbala serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle for truth and justice.