The journey of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (رضي الله عنه) from Madinah to Makkah, and finally to the plains of Karbala, was a mission of truth, sacrifice, and reform. This was not a political rebellion, but a peaceful stand against injustice, oppression, and the misuse of Islamic leadership. Let us understand the powerful reasons and sacred events that unfolded during this blessed journey, as viewed by Sunni scholars, especially those following the Ahl-e-Sunnat wal Jama’ah (Barelvi/Dawat-e-Islami) tradition.
1. Why Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) Left Madinah
In the year 60 AH, when Yazid ibn Muawiyah assumed the caliphate, he sent direct orders to the governor of Madinah to take bay’ah (pledge of allegiance) from Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه).
But Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) firmly refused.
His reason was clear: he could not legitimize a corrupt and unjust ruler. Yazid’s character, conduct, and leadership were contrary to Islamic values. Accepting him would mean accepting falsehood.
Realizing that Yazid would not stop at anything — and possibly planning to assassinate him — Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) decided to leave Madinah, not to seek power, but to protect his family and safeguard Islam.
He bid farewell to the resting place of his beloved grandfather, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and departed from Madinah with a heavy heart and pure intention.
2. Journey to Makkah – A Sanctuary
Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه), along with his family members and a small group of companions, arrived in Makkah, the sacred sanctuary, where no blood should be shed. He was warmly welcomed by the people and began to receive visitors and letters from various parts of the Islamic world.
During his stay, Imam Hussain made it clear that:
“I am not seeking power or authority. I only desire to reform the Ummah of my grandfather ﷺ, enjoin good, and forbid evil.”
3. The Letters from Kufa
While in Makkah, hundreds of letters began arriving from Kufa — a city in Iraq. The people of Kufa were familiar with the pious legacy of Imam Ali (رضي الله عنه) and were deeply dissatisfied with Yazid’s rule.
They wrote:
“We have no Imam other than you. Come to us and we will give you full support.”
In many letters, they promised allegiance, protection, and loyalty. Over 18,000 letters were sent. To assess the situation, Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) sent his cousin, Muslim ibn Aqeel (رضي الله عنه), to Kufa as his ambassador.
Muslim ibn Aqeel initially received strong support, and Imam Hussain began preparing to respond to the call. However, this support was short-lived due to the fear and oppression caused by Yazid’s newly appointed governor in Kufa, Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad.
4. The Journey of His Caravan Towards Kufa
Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه), despite knowing the risks, decided to proceed — not for war or rebellion, but in response to the call of the people of Kufa, and to fulfill his duty of speaking the truth.
He left Makkah before Hajj, replacing his intention with Umrah, to avoid the sacred city becoming a place of bloodshed. Yazid had already sent assassins to Makkah to kill him during Hajj — a horrifying act against the sanctity of the Kaaba.
Thus, the caravan of Imam Hussain set out with:
- Family members, including women and children
- Close companions and supporters
- The flag of truth, courage, and sincerity
During the journey, he stopped at various places, delivering sermons, and warning people of the situation. At each stop, he made it clear that:
“If the people of Kufa no longer want me, I am ready to return.”
But news of Muslim ibn Aqeel’s martyrdom soon reached Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) during the journey — a moment of deep sorrow. Still, he did not turn back, because retreat would mean allowing falsehood to prevail and breaking his promise to stand for justice.
5. Arrival at Karbala
On the 2nd of Muharram 61 AH, the caravan reached the barren land of Karbala, by the bank of the River Euphrates. Yazid’s army surrounded them and blocked access to water, even for children.
Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه), despite several peaceful attempts, was not allowed to proceed or return. The enemies insisted he pledge allegiance to Yazid, but he refused, declaring:
“Death with dignity is better than life with humiliation.”
Thus began the final stage of the journey — one that would end in the greatest sacrifice in the history of Islam.
Conclusion: A Journey of Truth, Not Politics
From Madinah to Makkah, and then to Karbala, the journey of Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) was not for worldly power, but for preserving the soul of Islam. As per Sunni scholars and Dawat-e-Islami, this journey symbolizes the eternal battle between Haqq (truth) and Baatil (falsehood).
Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) chose hardship over ease, sacrifice over comfort, and martyrdom over silence — all for the sake of Allah and the Deen of his grandfather ﷺ.
Let us remember this blessed journey and take inspiration to always:
- Speak the truth
- Stand against injustice
- Remain firm on the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ