The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW)
Early Life and Background
Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) was born in 570 CE in the city of Mecca, located in the Arabian Peninsula. He belonged to the noble tribe of Quraysh and the clan of Banu Hashim. His father, Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib, passed away before his birth, and his mother, Aminah bint Wahb, passed away when he was just six years old.
Following the loss of his parents, he was raised by his grandfather, Abd al-Muttalib, and later by his paternal uncle, Abu Talib, who provided him with protection and support throughout his youth. Even in his early years, Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) was renowned among the people of Mecca for his exceptional character, truthfulness, and integrity, earning him the titles Al-Amin (The Trustworthy) and As-Sadiq (The Truthful).
Marriage to Hazrat Khadija (SA)
In his twenties, Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) managed trade caravans for a wealthy and respected noblewoman named Khadija bint Khuwaylid (SA). Impressed by his honesty, business acumen, and noble demeanor, Khadija (SA) proposed marriage. They married when Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) was 25 years old. Hazrat Khadija (SA) remained his loyal companion, pillar of support, and the first person to accept Islam until her passing during the Am al-Huzn (the Year of Sorrow).
The Divine Call to Prophethood
As he approached his late thirties, Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) spent extended periods in seclusion and contemplation in the Cave of Hira, located on the Mount of Light (Jabal al-Nour) near Mecca.
In 610 CE, at the age of 40, he received the first divine revelation from Allah through the Archangel Jibreel (Gabriel). The first verses revealed were from Surah Al-Alaq:
“Recite in the name of your Lord who created…”
This event marked the beginning of his mission as the seal of the prophets, tasked with calling humanity to monotheism (Tawhid), moral purity, and social justice.
The Meccan Era and Persecution
For the first three years, the propagation of Islam was conducted privately, gaining early adherents among close family and trusted friends. When divine instruction came to preach publicly, the ruling Quraysh oligarchy strongly opposed him, as monotheism threatened their idol-worshipping tradition and social-economic dominance.
The early Muslim community faced severe persecution, social boycotts, economic sanctions, and physical torture. Despite immense hardship, including the passing of his protector Abu Talib and his beloved wife Khadija (SA), Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) persevered with unwavering patience and devotion.
Migration to Medina (Hijrah)
In 622 CE, facing an assassination plot by the leaders of Mecca, Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) migrated to Yathrib (later renamed Madinat al-Nabi, the City of the Prophet). This migration, known as the Hijrah, marks the starting point of the Islamic Hijri calendar.
In Medina, he established a unified Islamic state based on justice, brotherly pacts between the Muhajirun (emigrants) and Ansar (helpers), and the Constitution of Medina (Misaq-e-Madina), which safeguarded the religious and civic rights of all communities, including non-Muslim tribes.
Consolidation, Battles, and Conquest of Mecca
The Meccan forces launched several military campaigns against the young state of Medina, leading to key defensive engagements including the Battle of Badr (624 CE), Uhud (625 CE), and Khandaq/Trench (627 CE). Through strategic leadership, spiritual resilience, and the valor of his companions, the Muslim state prevailed.
In 630 CE (8 AH), Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) marched towards Mecca with an army of 10,000 Muslims. The city was conquered virtually without bloodshed. Upon entry, he showed unprecedented magnanimity, declaring a general amnesty for his former persecutors and cleansing the Holy Kaaba of all idols, restoring it as the sanctuary of Allah’s oneness.
The Farewell Pilgrimage and Legacy
In 632 CE (10 AH), Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) performed his final pilgrimage, known as Hajjat al-Wada’ (The Farewell Pilgrimage). During his sermon at Mount Arafat, he delivered a timeless declaration on human rights, emphasizing the equality of all human beings regardless of race, color, or ethnicity, the sanctity of life and property, and the humane treatment of women.
Shortly after returning to Medina, Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) fell ill and passed away in 632 CE at the age of 62. He left behind the Holy Qur’an and his sacred teachings (Sunnah), leaving an indelible legacy that transformed the Arabian Peninsula and shaped global civilization forever.
Hazrat Maula Ali-ul-Murtaza (ASWS)
Early Life and Lineage
Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (ASWS) was born in Mecca inside the Holy Kaaba—a unique privilege revered in Islamic tradition. He was the son of Abu Talib, the chief of the Banu Hashim clan and uncle of Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW), and Fatimah bint Asad (SA). From an early age, Hazrat Ali (ASWS) was taken into the direct care and household of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW), who raised, educated, and mentored him as his own child.
Acceptance of Islam and Youth
When Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) received the divine call to prophethood, Hazrat Ali (ASWS)—who was around ten years old—became the first male and the first child to embrace Islam. During the early, difficult years in Mecca, he was a loyal protector and companion to the Prophet (SAWAW).
A prominent milestone of his youth was the Lailat al-Mabit (the Night of Migration). When the leaders of Quraysh conspired to assassinate Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) in his sleep, Hazrat Ali (ASWS) willingly lay in the Prophet’s bed, risking his life to distract the assassins so the Prophet (SAWAW) could safely migrate to Medina. He stayed behind in Mecca to return the people’s deposits and trusts that had been left with the Prophet (SAWAW) before joining him in Medina.
Marriage to Hazrat Syeda Fatima-tz-Zahra (SA)
In Medina, Hazrat Ali (ASWS) was married to the beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet (SAWAW), Hazrat Syeda Fatima-tz-Zahra (SA). Their union formed the central pillar of the sacred household of the Prophet—the Ahl al-Bayt. From this union were born Imam Hassan (ASWS), Imam Hussain (ASWS), Hazrat Zainab (SA), and Hazrat Umm Kulthum (SA).
Valor and Leadership on the Battlefield
Hazrat Ali (ASWS) was renowned for his courage, chivalry, and unmatched martial skill. He participated in almost all major battles alongside the Prophet (SAWAW), carrying the banner of Islam in critical engagements:
- Battle of Badr (624 CE): He distinguished himself by defeating key Quraysh champions, playing a pivotal role in the Muslims’ first major victory.
- Battle of Uhud (625 CE): He defended Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) heroically when the Muslim lines broke, earning the famous honorific: “La Fata illa Ali, La Saifa illa Zulfiqar” (There is no brave youth like Ali, and no sword like Zulfiqar).
- Battle of the Trench (Khandaq, 627 CE): He met and defeated the renowned Arab champion Amr ibn Abd Wudd in single combat.
- Battle of Khaybar (628 CE): He conquered the formidable fort of Qamus by lifting the heavy iron gate of Khaybar, securing victory for the Muslim forces.
Event of Ghadir Khumm
On the return journey from the Farewell Pilgrimage in 632 CE (10 AH), at a place called Ghadir Khumm, Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) gathered the companions and delivered a landmark sermon. Taking Hazrat Ali (ASWS) by the hand, the Prophet declared:
“Of whomsoever I am the Master (Mawla), Ali is also his Master.”
This event holds deep spiritual and historical significance across Islamic traditions as the declaration of Maula Ali’s divine guardianship and spiritual authority over the believers.
Caliphate and Governance (656–661 CE)
Following the assassination of the third Caliph, Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan (RA), the Muslim community chose Hazrat Ali (ASWS) as the fourth Caliph of Islam. His reign lasted approximately five years, during which he moved the capital of the Caliphate from Medina to Kufa (Iraq).
His caliphate was marked by strict adherence to justice, administrative accountability, social equity, and the welfare of the poor. He sent detailed letters of advice to his governors regarding governance, human rights, and public welfare—most notably his famous instruction to Malik al-Ashtar:
“Remember that people are of two types: either your brothers in religion or your equals in humanity.”
Martyrdom (Shahadat)
On the 19th of Ramadan, 40 AH (661 CE), while leading the morning prayer (Fajr) at the Great Mosque of Kufa, Hazrat Ali (ASWS) was struck on the head with a poisoned sword by Abd al-Rahman ibn Muljam, a Kharijite fanatic.
Despite his mortal wound, Hazrat Ali (ASWS) instructed his family to treat his assassin humanely and offer him the same food and drink given to him. Two days later, on the 21st of Ramadan, 40 AH, Hazrat Maula Ali (ASWS) passed away at the age of 60. He was laid to rest in Najaf, Iraq, which remains a principal center of pilgrimage and spiritual learning today.
Legacy and Titles
Hazrat Ali (ASWS) is universally revered for his profound knowledge, eloquence, justice, and devotion to God. His speeches, letters, and sayings were later compiled into the acclaimed literary work Nahj al-Balagha (Peak of Eloquence).
Among his most prominent honorific titles are:
- Asadullah (The Lion of Allah)
- Bab-ul-Ilm (The Gate of Knowledge)
- Amir al-Mu’minin (Commander of the Faithful)
- Murtaza (The Chosen / Pleasing One)
Syeda Fatima-tz-Zahra (Salam Allah-Ho Alaiha)
Early Life and Blessed Birth
Hazrat Syeda Fatima-tz-Zahra (SA) was born in Mecca to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) and Hazrat Khadija-tul-Kubra (SA). Her birth brought immense joy to the Prophet (SAWAW), who cherished her deeply as his youngest daughter. Growing up in the early days of Islam, she witnessed the hardships and severe persecution endured by her family and the early Muslim community at the hands of the Quraysh.
Childhood, Devotion, and Umm Abiha
Even as a child, Hazrat Fatima (SA) possessed profound moral strength and unwavering spiritual devotion. Following the passing of her mother, Hazrat Khadija (SA), during the Year of Sorrow (Am al-Huzn), she took on the role of caring for and comforting her noble father.
Her selfless care, compassion, and deep devotion toward the Holy Prophet (SAWAW) earned her the affectionate title Umm Abiha (“Mother of her Father”), bestowed upon her by Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) himself.
Marriage to Hazrat Maula Ali (ASWS)
In Medina, after the Migration (Hijrah), Hazrat Fatima (SA) was married to Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (ASWS). Their marriage was described as a sacred union ordained by divine command.
Their household was characterized by humility, simplicity, hard work, and spiritual excellence. Together, they shared a home where material wealth was sparse, but generosity, charity, and devotion to Allah were paramount.
Noble Offspring and Family Legacy
From the union of Syeda Fatima-tz-Zahra (SA) and Hazrat Maula Ali (ASWS), the pure lineage of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) was preserved and continued. Their children were:
- Imam Hassan (ASWS): The second Imam and leader of the youth of Paradise.
- Imam Hussain (ASWS): The third Imam, martyr of Karbala, and leader of the youth of Paradise.
- Hazrat Sayyida Zainab (SA): The heroine of Karbala, renowned for her courage and eloquent sermons.
- Hazrat Sayyida Umm Kulthum (SA): Revered for her steadfastness and piety.
Through her sons, the descent (Sadaat) of Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) spread throughout the world.
Virtues, Status, and Titles
Syeda Fatima-tz-Zahra (SA) holds the highest spiritual rank among women in Islam. Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) frequently emphasized her elevated status, famously stating:
“Fatima is a part of me; whoever pleases her pleases me, and whoever grieves her grieves me.”
She is universally recognized as Sayyidat Nisa al-Alamin (The Leader of the Women of the Worlds). Among her distinguished honorific titles are:
- Al-Zahra: The Radiant One
- Al-Siddiqa: The Truthful
- Al-Tahira: The Pure One
- Al-Batul: The Devout / Ascetic
Passing and Sacred Resting Place
Following the passing of her beloved father, Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW), Syeda Fatima-tz-Zahra (SA) was consumed by grief. She survived the Prophet (SAWAW) by only a few months, passing away in Medina at a young age (around 18 to 28 years according to various historical narrations).
When time of her demise came, Almighty Allah ordered Angel Izraeel to go to the earth and bring out the soul of Hadrat Syeda Fatima-tz-Zahrah (Salam Allah-Ho Alaiha). On this, Angel Izraeel refused. Almighty Allah asked for the reason. Angel replied: O’My God, Your beloved Prophet Muhammad(SAWAW)’s daughter during her whole life never unveiled her holy head and remained highly modest. If I go to bring her soul out of her holy body, she will be unveiled before me, that’s why I do not want her to be exposed to me. Almighty Allah happily accepted his reply. Here is a point to understand that Azazeel’s refusal made him Iblees, and Izraeel’s refusal pleased Almighty Allah. Therefore, Almighty Allah with His Holy Hand of Blessings Himself brought out the holy soul from the holy body of his beloved Prophet’s daughter Fatima(SA). In accordance with her final wishes, she was buried at night in the presence of her immediate family, including Hazrat Ali (ASWS), to preserve her privacy. Her exact burial site within Jannat al-Baqi in Medina remains concealed, reflecting her enduring sanctity and modesty.
Hazrat Imam Hassan al-Mujtaba (ASWS)
Early Life and Blessed Birth
Hazrat Imam Hassan al-Mujtaba (ASWS), the eldest grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW), was born on the 15th of Ramadan in 3 AH (625 CE) in Medina. He was the eldest son of Hazrat Maula Ali-ul-Murtaza (ASWS) and Syeda Fatima-tz-Zahra (SA).
Upon his birth, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) came to the house of Syeda Fatima (SA), recited the Adhan in his right ear and the Iqamah in his left ear, named him Hassan (meaning “The Handsome” or “The Good”), and sacrificed two rams for his Aqiqa.
Resemblance to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW)
Imam Hassan (ASWS) shared a striking physical and behavioral resemblance to his grandfather, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW). Historical accounts and Hadith narrations repeatedly emphasize this unique likeness:
- Physical Features: Companions such as Hazrat Anas ibn Malik (RA) narrated that no one resembled the Holy Prophet (SAWAW) more closely in countenance and upper body features than Imam Hassan (ASWS).
- Mannerisms and Demeanor: He inherited the Prophet’s graceful walk, noble posture, gentle voice, and magnanimous demeanor. Seeing Imam Hassan (ASWS) often brought fond memories of the Holy Prophet (SAWAW) to the companions in Medina.
Divine Gifted Spirituality and Virtues
Imam Hassan (ASWS) possessed extraordinary spiritual elevation, wisdom, and nobility from his early childhood. Growing up under the direct spiritual nurturing of the Prophet (SAWAW) and the sanctuary of Ahl al-Bayt, his piety was legendary:
- Leader of the Youth of Paradise: Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) explicitly declared:“Hassan and Hussain are the leaders of the youth of Paradise.”
- Generosity and Compassion: He was widely known by the honorific Kareem-e-Ahl-e-Bait (The Generous One of the Prophet’s Household). He distributed his entire wealth in charity for the sake of Allah twice in his lifetime, and divided his property equally with the poor three times.
- Devotion: He performed the Hajj pilgrimage 25 times on foot out of sheer humility and devotion to Allah.
Caliphate in Kufa
Following the martyrdom of his noble father, Hazrat Maula Ali-ul-Murtaza (ASWS), on the 21st of Ramadan, 40 AH (661 CE), the people of Kufa and the wider Muslim community allegiance (Bay’ah) to Imam Hassan (ASWS) as the fifth Caliph of Islam.
- Governance and Principles: Imam Hassan (ASWS) assumed the leadership of the Muslim state during a period of intense political turmoil and division. He addressed the people of Kufa, reiterating his commitment to the Qur’an, the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (SAWAW), and the righteous path of his father. He administered justice, took care of the public treasury, and maintained state affairs with wisdom and firmness.
- The Challenge of Division: Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, the governor of Syria, refused to recognize Imam Hassan’s caliphate and mobilized a massive army to march toward Iraq. To prevent bloodshed among Muslims, Imam Hassan (ASWS) raised an army and marched out of Kufa to defend the state. However, internal discord, betrayal, and infiltration within the Kufan military ranks threatened severe chaos and fratricidal warfare.
The Peace Treaty (Sulh-e-Imam Hassan)
Faced with the imminent destruction of the Muslim community and recognizing the treacherous state of his army’s unity, Imam Hassan (ASWS) chose a path of profound foresight, diplomacy, and sacrifice. In 41 AH (661 CE), he signed a historical peace treaty with Muawiyah, stepping down from the political caliphate to preserve Muslim lives and unity.
This event fulfilled the famous prophecy of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW):
“This son of mine is a Sayyid (master), and Allah will reconcile through him two large groups of Muslims.”
The peace treaty included key terms aimed at protecting the life, honor, and rights of the followers of Ahl al-Bayt, ensuring peace across Islamic territories, and stipulating conditions regarding governance after Muawiyah.
Later Years and Martyrdom (Shahadat)
After relinquishing the political caliphate, Imam Hassan (ASWS) returned from Kufa to his native Medina, where he spent the remaining years of his life dedicated to teaching Islamic knowledge, nurturing the community, and caring for the needy.
In 50 AH (670 CE), at the age of 45, Imam Hassan (ASWS) was poisoned in Medina. On his deathbed, he displayed immense patience and prohibited his brother Imam Hussain (ASWS) from initiating any retaliatory conflict. The misfortune is that Muawiyah sent a beautiful girl for marrying to Imam Hassan (ASWS) in Madina with hidden mission to keep finding an opportunity to give poison to the Imam. Every time when the Imam was poisoned, he used to go to the holy shrine of his Grandfather to tell about his sickness and in response he was advised to be patient stating that before reaching home, he would be alright and he used to be truly alright. When 71 times poison was given to him arranged and provided by Muawiyah, the Imam visited the holy shrine of his grandfather with a complaint of his sickness and as per previous incidences, he became quite healthy. The same night the Holy Prophet Muhammad(SAWAW) came in his dream and told: “O’My beloved Grandson! the people around you, are your enemies and the whole world is ruthless and that they will not enable you to live happily, so come to me. This was a long dream full of exchanging different talks. When dream ended, the Imam felt need to drink water in which there was poison brought from Syria which was very lethal. As the Imam drank that water, he vomited blood with clots of his liver cut into 72 pieces. Hadrat Syeda Zainab (Salam Allah-Ho Alaiha) picked up the pieces of his liver came out in vomit, placed them in a Lagan (A Pot of Copper) while the Imam was still talking and he recorded his Will to his brother Hadrat Syed Imam Hussain(ASWS) stating that he has few minutes of life and that he must be buried near holy shrine of his Grandfather, the Holy Prophet Muhammad(SAWAW). People of whole Madina were having a sweet sleep in their homes while the Prophet’s Ahle Bait Athaar(ASWS) were facing miserable situation and it was night time and the Imam had demised. His holy burial was prepared with white Kafan and all males of his family and those who used to keep sound love with the Holy Ahle Bait Athaar(ASWS) took up the Janaza of the Imam and tried to go to the holy shrine of the Holy Prophet Muhammad(SAWAW) as per the Will. Nearby the shrine, a mob of people of Madina with 100 Archers (Bow and Arrow) under the supervision of Marwan and a lady sitting on donkey intercepted the Janaza of the Imam. The Janaza was somewhat away from the Holy Shrine, all 100 Archers got frightened to fire arrow but the lady sitting on donkey got the Bow and Arrow and fired the first arrow to the holy body of the Imam on his Janaza. Then all 100 Archers fired arrows to the holy body of the Imam and the Kafan was completely red with blood. The Janaza was taken back to home and when Hadrat Syeda Zainab (Salam Allah-Ho Alaiha) asked his brother Imam Hussain(ASWS) questioning: O’My bloved brother, I prepared the Janaza of my brother Hassan(ASWS) to be buried near Grandfather’s shrine then why you came back with Janaza. Imam Hussain(ASWS) pointing with his holy finger of right hand to the Janaza, answered his sister stating: O’My beloved sister, look at the body of my brother Hassan(ASWS) and Kafan which is red with blood as 100 Archers fired arrows restraining us not to bury my brother Hassan’s holy body with the Prophet’s Shrine as per his Will. Janaza was re-prepared with new Kafan. Hadrat Abbas(ASWS) went into his room and took his sword along with him. Hadrat Syeda Zainab (Salam Allah-Ho Alaiha) stopped him. Nearby, his mother Hadrat Ummulbaneen (Salam Allah-Ho Alaiha) was standing. Hadrat Abbas(ASWS) took her veil from her holy head and put in the holy feet of Syeda Zainab(Salam Allah-Ho Alaiha) stating not to stop him as he would behead all Archers who fired arrows on the holy body of Imam Hassan(ASWS). Then Syeda Zainab allowed him. When Janaza was taken up again and started moving towards the direction of Prophet’s shrine. Suddenly, Hadrat Syed Imam Hussain(ASWS) saw sword with Hadrat Abbas(ASWS) and called him to come near him. He came near Imam Hussain(ASWS) who asked: “Abbas, why you carried his sword with him?”. He replied, “Maula, I will behead all those Archers who fired arrows to Imam Hassan’s holy body. Hadrat Syed Imam Hussain(ASWS) replied: O’my brother Abbas, you are my Alamdar and I do not open the incident of Karbala over here near the holy shrine of my grandfather the Holy Prophet Muhammad(SAWAW) and added that we will turn to Jannatul Baqee. All Archers, Marwan and that lady on donkey were still there ready to fire arrows again but the burial was taken to Jannatul Baqee where the holy body of Hadrat Syed Imam Hassan-al-Mujtaba(ASWS) was buried. My sacrifices are for the divine spirituality of Hadrat Syed Imam Hussain(ASWS) who anticipated the incident of Karbala so earlier while 61 Hijri had the longest time to come.
He was laid to rest in the Jannat al-Baqi cemetery in Medina, alongside his holy grandmother Hazrat Fatima bint Asad (SA).
Core Titles
- Al-Mujtaba: The Chosen One
- Al-Sibt al-Awwal: The First Grandson (of the Prophet)
- Sayyid Shabab Ahl al-Jannah: Leader of the Youth of Paradise
- Kareem-e-Ahl-e-Bait: The Generous of the Prophet’s Household
Hazrat Imam Hussain (Alaihi Salaat-o-Wassalam) holds a paramount position in Islamic history as the third Imam, the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad(SAWAW), and the ultimate symbol of commitment to truth and justice against tyranny.
Early Life and Lineage
Birth and Naming
Hazrat Imam Hussain was born on the 3rd of Sha’ban, 4 AH (approx. 626 CE) in Medina. He was the younger son of Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (karm Allahu wajhah) and Hazrat Fatima az-Zahra (SA), the beloved daughter of Prophet Muhammad(SAWAW).
Upon his birth, the Holy Prophet(SAWAW) named him Hussain (meaning “handsome” or “good”), recited the Adhan in his right ear, and performed the Aqeeqah.
Status in the Household of the Prophet(SAWAW)
The Prophet Muhammad(SAWAW) expressed profound love for Imam Hussain and his elder brother, Imam Hasan. Numerous sayings (Ahadith) highlight their virtue:
- “Hussain is from me, and I am from Hussain. Allah loves whoever loves Hussain.”
- “Hasan and Hussain are the leaders of the youth of Paradise.”
- “Hasan’s face resembles to my face in my childhood”.
Together with their parents and the Prophet(SAWAW), they form the Ahl al-Bayt (the Holy Household), revered across the Islamic world.
Life Under the Caliphates
During the Caliphates of Hazrat Abu Bakr, Hazrat Umar, Hazrat Uthman(Radi Allah Anho), and his father Hazrat Ali (Alaihi Salaat-o-Wassalam), Imam Hussain lived in Medina and Kufa as a scholar, warrior, and pillar of community guidance.
- During Hazrat Ali’s Caliphate (35–40 AH): Imam Hussain stood by his father in political and military efforts, including the battles of Jamal and Siffin, defending the integrity of the Ummah.
- During Imam Hasan’s Leadership (40–41 AH): Following the assassination of Hazrat Ali, Imam Hasan temporarily held leadership before reaching a peace treaty with Mu’awiyah to prevent further bloodshed among Muslims. Imam Hussain respected and upheld this treaty throughout his brother’s life and during Mu’awiyah’s reign.
The Genesis of the Karbala Crisis (60 AH / 680 CE)
In 60 AH (680 CE), Mu’awiyah passed away, nominating his son Yazid as Caliph—violating the terms of the treaty with Imam Hasan, which stipulated that leadership should return to the council (Shura) or the family of the Prophet(SAWAW).
Yazid demanded absolute allegiance (Bay’ah) from prominent leaders, including Imam Hussain.
Imam Hussain firmly refused to pledge allegiance, stating that endorsing Yazid’s rule would corrupt the core moral principles of Islam, legitimize tyranny, and destroy religious governance.
“A person like me cannot give allegiance to a person like him.”
Departure from Medina to Mecca
To avoid bloodshed in Medina, Imam Hussain left for Mecca in Rajab, 60 AH. While in Mecca, he received thousands of letters from the people of Kufa (Iraq), begging him to come and lead them in establishing a just government according to the Sunnah.
Imam Hussain sent his cousin, Hazrat Muslim ibn Aqeel, to Kufa to assess the situation. Initially, thousands pledged support, but under the ruthless newly appointed governor of Kufa, Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad, the Kufans were intimidated or bribed. Muslim ibn Aqeel was betrayed and martyred in Kufa in Zilhajj, 60 AH.
The Tragedy of Karbala (61 AH / October 680 CE)
Unaware of Muslim ibn Aqeel’s martyrdom, Imam Hussain departed Mecca for Kufa on the 8th of Zilhajj, 60 AH (choosing to leave before Hajj to prevent bloodshed in the Sanctuary of the Kaaba).
Interception at Karbala
En route, an army battalion led by Hurr ibn Yazid al-Tamimi intercepted Imam Hussain’s caravan and redirected them away from Kufa. On the 2nd of Muharram, 61 AH, Imam Hussain and his family/companions arrived at the plain of Karbala, near the Euphrates River.
By the 7th of Muharram, Ibn Ziyad ordered his commander, Umar ibn Sa’d, to cut off all access to the Euphrates River for Imam Hussain’s camp, leaving men, women, and young children in extreme heat without water.
The Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram, 61 AH)
On the morning of 10th Muharram, Imam Hussain prepared his small band of 72 companions and family members to face a massive Umayyad army estimated between 4,000 and 30,000 soldiers.
Highlights of the Battle
- The Heroism of the 72: One by one, companions and family members—including young sons, nephews, and brothers—requested permission to fight. Among them were:
- Hazrat Ali al-Akbar: The 18-year-old son of Imam Hussain, who resembled the Prophet ﷺ in appearance and character.
- Hazrat Qasim: The young son of Imam Hasan.
- Hazrat Abbas ibn Ali (Alamdar): The courageous brother of Imam Hussain and standard-bearer. He made a desperate attempt to fetch water for the thirsty children from the Euphrates. Despite reaching the water, he refused to drink a drop while his family was thirsty. Both his arms were severed before he was martyred holding the water skin (Mashq).
- Hazrat Ali al-Asghar: The 6-month-old infant son of Imam Hussain. When Imam Hussain brought the parched infant to ask for water, an arrow shot by Harmala pierced the infant’s throat.
- Martyrdom of Imam Hussain:Left alone after the loss of all 72 companions and relatives, Imam Hussain fought courageously despite severe injuries and extreme dehydration. Finally, while in the state of prostration (Sujood), he was struck down and martyred by Shimr ibn Dhil-Jawshan.The forces of Ibn Sa’d severed the heads of the martyrs, trampled the bodies with horses, and set fire to the tents of the Holy Household.
Aftermath: Captivity and the Trials of the Holy Ladies
Following the massacre, the only surviving male adult was Imam Hussain’s ailing son, Imam Ali ibn al-Hussain (Zayn al-Abidin), who was saved from execution due to the protection of his aunt, Hazrat Zainab bint Ali (radiyallahu ‘anha).
The March to Kufa and Damascus
The surviving women and children of the Holy Household were taken as prisoners of war:
- They were stripped of their veils and forced to ride on unsaddled camels.
- The severed heads of the 72 martyrs, including Imam Hussain’s head mounted on a lance, were carried ahead of the caravan as trophies.
The Courage of Hazrat Zainab
Despite the deep humiliation and grief, Hazrat Zainab (radiyallahu ‘anha) emerged as the defender of the Prophet’s legacy.
- In Kufa: She delivered powerful speeches in the court of Ibn Ziyad, rebuking the townspeople for their betrayal and confronting the governor with unyielding dignity.
- In Damascus: Before Yazid in his court, Hazrat Zainab gave an iconic sermon that exposed Yazid’s cruelty, defended the purity of the Prophet’s family, and shook the court.
“Schemes as you may, Yazid! Exert your maximum efforts… but by Allah, you can never erase our memory, nor can you destroy our inspiration.”
Eventually, public pressure and fear of revolt forced Yazid to release the prisoners. They were returned to Medina, where they spent the remainder of their lives mourning and spreading the truth of Karbala.
Timeline in Islamic History
| Year (AH / CE) | Event |
| 3 / 4 AH (626 CE) | Birth of Hazrat Imam Hussain in Medina. |
| 11 AH (632 CE) | Passing of his grandfather, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and mother, Hazrat Fatima (RA). |
| 40 AH (661 CE) | Martyrdom of his father, Hazrat Ali (RA). |
| 50 AH (670 CE) | Martyrdom of his elder brother, Imam Hasan (RA). |
| Rajab 60 AH (680 CE) | Yazid claims Caliphate; Imam Hussain refuses pledge and leaves Medina for Mecca. |
| Zilhajj 60 AH (680 CE) | Martyrdom of Hazrat Muslim ibn Aqeel in Kufa; Imam Hussain leaves Mecca. |
| 2 Muharram 61 AH | Imam Hussain’s caravan arrives at Karbala. |
| 7 Muharram 61 AH | Water supply cut off from Imam Hussain’s camp. |
| 10 Muharram 61 AH | Day of Ashura: Martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his 72 companions. |
| 61–62 AH (680–681 CE) | Captivity of the Holy Household; march to Kufa and Damascus; return to Medina. |
Legacy and Impact
The sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain at Karbala transcends time and geography. It redefined the struggle between justice (Haqq) and oppression (Batil). His stand ensured that personal despotism could never corrupt the core spiritual principles of Islam without being exposed.
Today, Imam Hussain is remembered globally as an eternal icon of moral courage, sacrifice, and devotion to truth.
Twelve Commanders of Believers
- Hadrat Syed Imam Maula Ali-ul-Murtaza(ASWS) son of Hadrat Abu Talib(AS)
- Hadrat Syed Imam Hassan-al-Mujtaba(ASWS) son of Hadrat Maula Ali-ul-Murtaza(ASWS)
- Hadrat Syed Imam Hussain(ASWS) son of Hadrat Maula Ali-ul-Murtaza(ASWS) (Martyred in Karbala)
- Hadrat Syed Imam Zain-al-Abideen(ASWS) son of Hadrat Syed Imam Hussain(ASWS)
- Hadrat Syed Imam Muhammad Baqar(ASWS) son of Hadrat Syed Imam Zain-al-Abideen(ASWS)
- Hadrat Syed Imam Jaffar Sadiq(ASWS) son of Hadrat Syed Imam Muhammad Baqar(ASWS)
- Hadrat Syed Imam Musa Kazim(ASWS) son of Hadrat Syed Imam Jaffar Sadiq(ASWS)
- Hadrat Syed Imam Ali Raza(ASWS) son of Hadrat Syed Imam Musa Kazim(ASWS)
- Hadrat Syed Imam Muhammad Taqi(ASWS) son of Hadrat Syed Imam Ali Raza(ASWS)
- Hadrat Syed Imam Ali Naqi(ASWS) son of Hadrat Syed Imam Muhammad Taqi(ASWS)
- Hadrat Syed Imam Hassan Askari(ASWS) son of Hadrat Syed Imam Ali Naqi(ASWS)
- Hadrat Syed Imam Muhammad Mehdi(ASWS) son of Hadrat Syed Imam Hassan Askari(ASWS)
From Hadrat Syed Imam Zain-al-Abideen(ASWS) to Hadrat Syed Imam Hassan Askari(ASWS), all Barhaq Imams were assassinated with poison. Every Barhaq Imam was aware of the poison but they followed the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad(SAWAW) who was also given poison. However, in order to save the 12th Imam, Almighty Allah put him in hidden state for a specific purpose.