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Husayn ibn Ali: the story on HearLore | HearLore
Husayn ibn Ali
On the 3rd of Sha'ban in the year 4 AH, which corresponds to the 11th of January 626 CE, a child was born in Medina who would become known as Husayn ibn Ali. He entered the world as the younger son of Ali ibn Abi Talib and Fatima, the daughter of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. This lineage placed him at the center of early Islamic history from his first breath. Muhammad himself named both Hasan and Husayn, though Ali had considered other names like Harb for them. The newborn's arrival was marked by a specific ritual where Muhammad sacrificed a ram to celebrate the birth. Fatima then shaved the infant's head and donated silver equal to the weight of that hair as alms to the poor.
Husayn spent his earliest years within the household of his grandfather, Muhammad. Historical accounts describe Muhammad carrying the young boys on his shoulders or placing them upon his chest. He kissed their bellies and spoke of them with profound affection. One narration states that Muhammad gave a small bottle of soil to Umm Salama, telling her it would turn into blood after Husayn was killed. This prophecy foreshadowed the tragedy that would define his life. During events such as the Mubahala, a Christian delegation from Najran debated doctrine with Muhammad. When they refused to accept Islamic teachings, Muhammad called for a prayer invoking God's curse upon the false party. He brought Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Husayn under his cloak, designating them as the Ahl al-Kisa, or People of the Cloak.
The family formed by Ali and Fatima received repeated praise in Islamic tradition. A hadith recorded in the canonical Sunni collection Sunan al-Tirmidhi declares Hasan and Husayn to be the sayyids, or chiefs, of the youth in Paradise. Another narration states that whoever loves them loves Muhammad, while whoever hates them hates him. These traditions elevated the status of the grandsons beyond mere political figures. They became central to religious identity for both Sunni and Shia communities. The verse of purification in the Qur'an is often attributed to this event, stating that God wishes only to remove taint from the people of the Household.
Nine Years Of Silence
Following the death of his brother Hasan in AH 49, which falls between 669 and 670 CE, Husayn entered a period of nine years where he retreated from active politics. This era began after Hasan signed a treaty with Muawiya I, the Umayyad caliph. The agreement stipulated that Muawiya would not name a successor during his reign, leaving the choice to the community. Although some Shia leaders suggested a surprise attack on Muawiya's camp near Kufa, Husayn refused. He stated that as long as Muawiya was alive, he would abide by the terms of the peace treaty.
During these years, sentiments favoring the rule of Ahl al-Bayt occasionally emerged in small groups. Most came from Kufa, visiting Hasan and Husayn to ask them to be their leaders. Both brothers declined to respond to these requests. When Hasan was poisoned, likely by Muawiya, he refused to reveal the suspect's identity to avoid provoking bloodshed. The burial of Hasan's body near Muhammad became a point of contention. Marwan ibn Hakam swore he would not permit Hasan to be buried near Muhammad alongside Abu Bakr and Umar.
Muawiya delivered a sermon in Kufa declaring he had violated all provisions of the treaty and insulted Ali ibn Abi Talib. Husayn wanted to respond, but Hasan prevented him. Instead, Hasan delivered a counter-sermon before they left for Medina. After Hasan's death, Husayn adhered strictly to the treaty terms even when Iraqis turned to him regarding an uprising. He instructed them to wait until Muawiya died. Meanwhile, Marwan reported frequent visits of Shias to Husayn to Muawiya. The caliph wrote a letter mingling generous promises with advice not to provoke him.
When was Husayn ibn Ali born and where did he enter the world?
Husayn ibn Ali was born on the 11th of January 626 CE in Medina. This date corresponds to the 3rd of Sha'ban in the year 4 AH.
Who were the parents of Husayn ibn Ali and what was his lineage?
Husayn ibn Ali was the younger son of Ali ibn Abi Talib and Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad. His birth placed him at the center of early Islamic history as the grandson of the prophet.
What happened during the Battle of Karbala on the 10th of October 680 CE?
On the 10th of October 680 CE, Husayn ibn Ali fought against an army of four thousand Umayyad soldiers with thirty-two horsemen and forty infantrymen. He was eventually killed by Sinan ibn Anas after being wounded multiple times and beheaded.
How did the death of Husayn ibn Ali influence the development of Shi'ism?
The death of Husayn ibn Ali transformed the early pro-Alid party into a unique religious identity known as Shi'ism. Heinz Halm describes this event as the big bang creating rapidly expanding Shi'ism with specific rituals and collective memory.
When did the first historically recorded pilgrimage to the tomb of Husayn ibn Ali occur?
The first historically recorded visit to the tomb of Husayn ibn Ali occurred when Sulayman ibn Surad and the Penitents went to the grave before their departure to Syria. This tradition remained limited to Shi'a imams for decades until gaining momentum under Jafar Sadiq.
When Muawiya I died on the 22nd of April 680 CE, his son Yazid demanded that Husayn pledge allegiance immediately. This appointment of a successor directly violated the Hasan-Muawiya treaty. Yazid charged Walid ibn Utba ibn Abu Sufyan, the governor of Medina, to secure this pledge with force if necessary. Husayn answered the summons but declined to pledge allegiance in the secretive environment of the meeting. He suggested it should be done publicly instead.
Marwan ibn Hakam told Walid to imprison or behead Husayn, yet Walid was unwilling to act against Muhammad's grandson due to their kinship. A few days later, Husayn left for Mecca without acknowledging Yazid. He arrived at the beginning of May 680 and stayed there until September. During this time, letters from pro-Alids in Kufa reached him. They claimed to be tired of Umayyad rule and asked him to lead them in revolt. Husayn replied affirmatively, stating that a rightful leader acts according to the Qur'an.
He sent his cousin Muslim ibn Aqil to assess the situation in Kufa. Ibn Aqil initially attracted widespread support and informed Husayn he could join safely. However, Yazid removed Nu'man ibn Bashir al-Ansari as governor and installed Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad. Under Ibn Ziyad's suppression, Ibn Aqil's following began to dissipate. He was forced to declare the revolt prematurely, which failed, and he was killed. Husayn remained unaware of these changes until he decided to depart for Iraq.
The Journey To Karbala
Husayn prepared to leave for Kufa on September 10 or 12, 680 CE, performing Umrah instead of Hajj. He secretly departed with fifty men who could fight if needed, including women and children. On the way, Abd Allah ibn Ja'far persuaded the Governor of Mecca to send his brother after Husayn to ensure safety. Husayn refused to return, citing a dream where Muhammad ordered him to move forward regardless of consequences.
Further along the route, news arrived that Muslim ibn Aqeel had been executed. The poet Farzadaq told Husayn that while hearts were with him, swords served the Umayyads. When Husayn reached Thalabiyah, reports confirmed the murder of Hani ibn Arwa. At Zabalah, he learned his messenger Qais ibn Mushar Sa'idawi had fallen from the roof of Kufa Palace. This betrayal caused many supporters to leave, though those from Hejaz stayed.
At Sharaf or Zuhsam, armies emerged under Hurr ibn Yazid. Husayn offered water to them and announced his motives. He stated that if they supported him, he would go to Kufa; otherwise, he would return. Hurr blocked his path, refusing entry to Kufa or return to Medina. He instructed Husayn to write to Yazid or wait for orders. Husayn continued toward Azad or Qadisiyya despite warnings that war meant death. On the 2nd of October 680 CE, he arrived at Karbala, a desert plain north of Kufa, and set up camp.
The Battle Of Karbala
On the 10th of October 680 CE, both parties took battle positions after morning prayer. Husayn appointed Zuhayr ibn Qayn to command the right flank and Habib ibn Muzahir to command the left. His half-brother Abbas served as standard bearer. Most accounts state thirty-two horsemen and forty infantrymen fought against an army of four thousand Umayyad soldiers. The ditch containing wood was set alight by Ibn Sa'd's forces.
Husayn delivered a speech reminding opponents of his status as Muhammad's grandson. He asked to be allowed to leave but was told he must submit to Yazid first. This speech moved Hurr to defect to Husayn's side. Afterward, Zuhayr attempted to dissuade soldiers from killing him in vain. Volleys of arrows were fired followed by duels where several companions fell. The right wing led by Amr ibn al-Hajjaj attacked but was repulsed. Shemr launched another attack on the left wing, also failing despite losses on both sides.
Cavalry attacks continued until Husayn's horses were wounded by arrows. His men dismounted to fight on foot. Since Umayyad forces could approach only from the front, Ibn Sa'd ordered tents burned. All except the one housing Husayn and family were set ablaze. Flames hindered the advance temporarily. After noon prayers, companions were encircled and almost all killed. Relatives joined the battle, including Ali Akbar, who died at age nineteen. Abbas went to the river with Husayn but became separated and was killed.
The Death And Captivity
During the final moments of the battle, Umayyad soldiers hesitated to initiate a direct attack on Husayn. He was struck in the mouth by an arrow while going to drink water. He collected his blood in a cupped hand and cast it toward the sky, complaining to God of his suffering. Later, Malik ibn Nusayr struck him on the head, cutting through his hooded cloak. Husayn removed the cloak while cursing the attacker and wrapped a turban around his head to staunch bleeding.
Shemr advanced with foot soldiers as few remained on Husayn's side. A young boy escaped the tents to defend him, having his arm cut off. Ibn Sa'd approached the tents where Zaynab complained that Abu Abd Allah would be killed while he watched. Ibn Sa'd wept but did nothing. Eventually Shemr shouted for soldiers to kill him. They rushed forward, wounding him on hand and shoulder before Sinan ibn Anas stabbed and beheaded him.
Seventy or seventy-two people died on Husayn's side, including twenty descendants of Ali. His clothes were stripped, sword taken, and jewelry seized from women. More than sixty wounds covered his body, which was then trampled with horses as instructed by Ibn Ziyad. The heads of dead companions were decapitated. Eighty-eight Umayyad soldiers died and were buried before departure. Members of Banu Asad tribe buried the headless bodies of companions. Husayn's family and the heads were sent to Yazid.
The Birth Of A Sect
Before 680 CE, the Muslim community was divided into two political factions without a distinct religious sect developing. Karbala transformed this early pro-Alid party into a unique religious identity with specific rituals and collective memory. Heinz Halm describes the death of the third imam as the big bang creating rapidly expanding Shi'ism. There was no religious aspect to Shi'ism prior to this event.
Mukhtar executed Kufans involved in killing Husayn, including Ibn Sa'd and Shimr. Thousands fled to Basra before he sent Ibrahim ibn al-Ashtar against an approaching Umayyad army led by Ibn Ziyad. The Umayyad army was routed at Khazir in August 686, and Ibn Ziyad slain. Later, in April 687, Mukhtar himself was killed. These uprisings demonstrated how Karbala galvanized opposition to Umayyad rule.
Shia Muslims consider pilgrimages to Husayn's tomb a source of divine blessings. According to tradition, the first visit occurred when surviving family members returned from Syria to Medina. The first historically recorded visit was by Sulayman ibn Surad and the Penitents going to the grave before their departure to Syria. They lamented, beat chests, and spent a night by the tomb. This tradition remained limited to Shi'a imams for decades until gaining momentum under Jafar
Rituals Of Mourning
Sadiq.
Special visits occur on 10 Muharram during Ashura Pilgrimage and forty days after the anniversary known as Arba'in pilgrimage. In contrast to simple lamenting, elaborate public processions arose during the tenth century. Their earliest recorded instance happened in Baghdad in 963 CE during Mu'izz al-Dawla's reign. Participants parade barefoot through streets, wailing and beating chests before returning to husayniyya for gatherings called majlis.
In South Asia, an ornately tacked horse named Zuljenah representing Husayn's battle horse is led riderless through streets. In Iran, battle scenes are performed on stage in rituals called taziya or shabih. Most rituals take place during the first ten days of Muharram reaching climax on the tenth day. Occasionally Sunni participation has been observed in past centuries. Anthropologist Michael Fischer states commemoration presents life models applicable to all aspects of life.