From a Sunni Barelvi and Dawat-e-Islami perspective, the real power of Karbala lies in the lessons it teaches us, not just the grief it evokes. Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) taught the Ummah how to stand for truth, remain patient in adversity, and love the Ahl-e-Bayt in a way that uplifts the soul and preserves the honor of Islam.

🌟 1. Standing for Truth, Even When Alone

Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) could have lived a life of comfort in Madinah. Yet, he chose to rise against Yazid — not for power or rebellion — but because Yazid’s rule was unjust, immoral, and a threat to Islamic values.

“I did not rise to spread evil or oppression. I rose to reform the Ummah of my grandfather ﷺ.”

📖 Lesson: Muslims must stand for truth (Haq) and justice, even when it is difficult, unpopular, or dangerous. Remaining silent in front of falsehood is not an option.

🌙 2. Patience in Hardship (Sabr)

From the burning sands of Karbala to the captivity in Kufa and Shaam, the Ahl-e-Bayt showed unparalleled patience (sabr). Despite witnessing the deaths of loved ones, Sayyidah Zainab (رضي الله عنها) and Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (رضي الله عنه) never lost faith or composure.

They never blamed Allah — instead, they submitted to His will, proving the strength of true faith.

📖 Lesson: When facing trials — financial stress, loss, illness, or oppression — we should turn to Allah, pray, and stay firm in our beliefs. Patience is not weakness; it’s spiritual strength.

💖 3. Love for the Family of the Prophet ﷺ (Ahl-e-Bayt)

Loving the Ahl-e-Bayt is an essential part of Sunni Islam. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain.”
(Tirmidhi, Hadith 3775)

Sunni Barelvi scholars emphasize that true love for the Ahl-e-Bayt must be present in our hearts, actions, and lives — through respect, remembrance, and emulation.

📖 Lesson: Teach your children the names, lives, and values of Imam Hussain, Sayyidah Fatimah, Imam Hasan, and Sayyidah Zainab (رضي الله عنهم). Attend Mehfil-e-Hussain and promote du’a and zikr, not rituals of mourning that go against the Shari’ah.

🕌 4. Unity Without Hatred

One of the core lessons from Karbala, especially for Ahlus Sunnah, is that we condemn tyranny without spreading hatred. We honor Imam Hussain (RA) and love Ahl-e-Bayt, but do not curse the Sahaba (رضي الله عنهم).

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi (رحمة الله عليه) said:

“Love the Ahl-e-Bayt is fard. But respect for Sahaba is also fard. We do not curse; we connect hearts with the love of both.”

📖 Lesson: Avoid sectarian division. Instead, hold balanced beliefs that unite the Ummah in love, reverence, and learning.

🕊 5. Reviving the Spirit of Sacrifice

Imam Hussain (RA) gave up everything to protect Islam — even his six-month-old son Ali Asghar (RA). Are we willing to sacrifice our ego, sins, or comforts for the Deen?

📖 Lesson: Let Karbala inspire you to:

• Pray regularly (even Fajr!)
• Avoid lying or cheating
• Wear modest clothing
• Protect your eyes and heart from sins
• Support the oppressed and speak up for the truth

✨ Conclusion: Karbala Is Not Over — It Lives Within Us

The battlefield of Karbala may be in Iraq, but the test of Karbala is in every heart. Will you bow to falsehood? Will you give in to peer pressure, injustice, or sin? Or will you stand like Imam Hussain (RA), even if you’re standing alone?

Karbala lives in every moment we choose Deen over Dunya, truth over lies, patience over anger, and love over hate.

But Ashura is not just a historical event — it is a timeless lesson in sacrifice, dignity, and unwavering commitment to truth.

1. The Background to the Battle

After refusing to pledge allegiance to the tyrant Yazid, Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) journeyed from Madinah to Makkah, and then toward Kufa upon receiving thousands of letters of support from its people. However, before he arrived, the political environment changed, and Kufa was seized by Yazid’s forces, leaving Imam Hussain isolated.

By the time Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) reached Karbala, he was met by an overwhelming army led by Umar ibn Sa’ad, sent by Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad, Yazid’s governor of Kufa. Imam Hussain, along with 72 companions, including women and children, was forced to camp in the desert, with access to water from the Euphrates River completely blocked.

2. The Night Before Ashura

On the eve of Ashura (9th Muharram), Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) gathered his companions and family. He informed them of the reality that they would all be martyred by the next day and gave them permission to leave in the cover of darkness if they wished. But no one abandoned him. Instead, they reaffirmed their loyalty with tears and bravery, choosing shahadat (martyrdom) over life without honor.

That night was spent in salah, tilawat, and du’a — the desert of Karbala resonated with the sound of worship and the name of Allah.

3. The Battle of Karbala Begins – Morning of Ashura

As the sun rose on the 10th of Muharram, the camp of Imam Hussain was surrounded. Despite multiple attempts to avoid war, Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) was left with no choice.

Key Points About the Battle:

• Yazid’s army numbered between 20,000–30,000 soldiers.
• Imam Hussain’s side had only 72 souls, including children and elderly.
• Imam Hussain’s side fought only to defend their faith, not to attack or gain power.

The battle started after Fajr. Imam Hussain organized his small army and prepared them for the final stand of truth.

4. The Martyrdom of the Noble Companions

One by one, Imam Hussain’s companions went to the battlefield, each reciting verses of bravery and the greatness of Allah. They knew they wouldn’t return — yet each went joyfully, treating martyrdom as an honor.

Among them were:

• Habib ibn Muzahir (رضي الله عنه):

An elderly companion of the Prophet ﷺ and close friend of Imam Hussain. He fought valiantly and was martyred defending the family of the Prophet.

• Muslim ibn Awsaja (رضي الله عنه):

One of the first martyrs of Karbala. Though elderly, he displayed immense courage.

• Zuhair ibn Qayn (رضي الله عنه):

A brave warrior who embraced the truth after hearing Imam Hussain’s call and gave his life with pride.

These companions proved that victory does not lie in numbers but in sincerity.

5. The Martyrdom of the Family of Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه)

The sacrifice became even more painful when members of the Ahl-e-Bayt entered the battlefield:

• Ali Akbar ibn Hussain (رضي الله عنه):

The eldest son of Imam Hussain. A young man in his late teens who resembled the Prophet ﷺ in appearance and manner. He was martyred bravely while calling upon Allah.

• Qasim ibn Hasan (رضي الله عنه):

The young son of Imam Hasan (رضي الله عنه), only about 13 years old. Though a child, he begged Imam Hussain to let him fight and embraced martyrdom.

• Abbas ibn Ali – Al-Abbas Alamdar (رضي الله عنه):

The half-brother of Imam Hussain, also known as Ghazi Abbas. He was the flag-bearer of the camp and a symbol of bravery and loyalty. He went to fetch water for the thirsty children and was killed with both arms severed. His martyrdom shook the camp deeply.

Each martyrdom left a deep emotional wound, but strengthened the mission of Imam Hussain — to never accept falsehood.

6. The Martyrdom of the Infant Ali Asghar (رضي الله عنه)

In one of the most heartbreaking moments of Karbala, Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) brought his six-month-old infant, Ali Asghar, to the battlefield.

Holding him up, he said:

“O people! If I am guilty in your eyes, what has this innocent child done? At least give him a drop of water!”

But in response, a three-pronged arrow was shot by Hurmala, piercing the neck of the baby while in the arms of his father. Imam Hussain looked up and said:

“O Allah! Witness the patience of Your Hussain.”

7. The Final Stand of Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه)

By the afternoon, all his companions and family had been martyred. Imam Hussain stood alone — wounded, exhausted, and heartbroken — but spiritually stronger than ever.

He fought alone with immense courage and recited:

“O soul, be content. Return to your Lord, pleased and pleasing.” (Surah Al-Fajr)

Eventually, he fell to the ground, and the cursed Shimr approached him. In the most horrific act, Imam Hussain was beheaded, and his blessed head was taken to Kufa and then Damascus.

Thus, the greatest martyrdom in Islamic history was completed — not in defeat, but in eternal victory of Haqq (truth) over Baatil (falsehood).

8. Aftermath and the Captives of Karbala

The remaining family — mostly women and children, including Sayyidah Zainab (رضي الله عنها) and Imam Zainul Abideen (رضي الله عنه) — were taken as captives to Kufa and then Shaam (Syria).

But even in chains, Sayyidah Zainab spoke boldly in Yazid’s court, exposing his tyranny and defending the legacy of the Prophet ﷺ.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Ashura

As taught by Sunni scholars, especially Dawat-e-Islami, the tragedy of Karbala was not a defeat — it was a triumph of Imaan, honor, and resistance. Imam Hussain’s blood was not shed in vain; it preserved the spirit of Islam and exposed the dangers of corrupt leadership.

Ashura is not a day of mere mourning — it is a reminder of our duty:

• To stand against injustice
• To live by the truth
• To uphold the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ
• To love and honor the Ahl-e-Bayt

Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) said:

“I did not rise for power or fame. I rose to reform the Ummah of my grandfather ﷺ.”

Let us honor Ashura with prayers, reflection, and commitment to the path of truth and sacrifice.

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

The Karbala Event is one of the most painful and defining moments in Islamic history. It was not just a political incident, but a spiritual stand for truth, justice, and the preservation of the true teachings of Islam. To understand why Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) stood against Yazid, we must look deeply into the events that unfolded after the passing of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and how the political situation evolved until 61 AH, the year of Karbala.

1. The Period After the Prophet’s Passing ﷺ

When the beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ passed away in 11 AH, the Ummah was naturally shaken. However, the companions of the Prophet ﷺ, being men of deep wisdom and Iman, took steps to ensure leadership remained firm and united.

The Rightly Guided Caliphs (Khulafa-e-Rashideen)

The leadership passed from:

• Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq (رضي الله عنه)
• Sayyiduna Umar Farooq (رضي الله عنه)
• Sayyiduna Usman Ghani (رضي الله عنه)
• Sayyiduna Ali Murtaza (رضي الله عنه)

These four leaders ruled according to the Shariah, the Qur’an, and the Sunnah, maintaining justice, consultation (Shura), and humility.

During Sayyiduna Ali’s (رضي الله عنه) caliphate, internal political unrest had begun due to the martyrdom of Sayyiduna Usman (رضي الله عنه). The Ummah became divided, and external influences began manipulating certain groups, such as the Khawarij.

2. The Emergence of the Umayyad Dynasty

After the martyrdom of Sayyiduna Ali (رضي الله عنه), the caliphate shifted to Sayyiduna Hasan ibn Ali (رضي الله عنه) for a brief period. To prevent further bloodshed among Muslims, Sayyiduna Hasan (رضي الله عنه) handed over the caliphate to Ameer Muawiyah (رضي الله عنه) in a peace treaty that contained important conditions:

• Muawiyah would rule only during his lifetime.
• After his death, leadership would return to the consultation of Muslims.
• He would not appoint anyone as a successor.

This peace pact was respected during Ameer Muawiyah’s life. However, when he neared death, he appointed his son Yazid as his successor, breaking the terms of the agreement.

3. The Rule of Yazid and the Muslim Reaction

Yazid ibn Muawiyah took the caliphate in 60 AH. This transition from Shura-based Khilafah to hereditary monarchy was something many prominent companions and scholars of Islam strongly opposed, including:

• Abdullah ibn Umar (رضي الله عنه)
• Abdullah ibn Zubayr (رضي الله عنه)
• Abdur Rahman ibn Abi Bakr (رضي الله عنه)
• And most notably, Imam Hussain ibn Ali (رضي الله عنه)

Yazid’s personality, behavior, and policies were far from Islamic ideals. He was accused by scholars of:

• Having weak Islamic character
• Associating with immoral people
• Engaging in un-Islamic practices
• Failing to uphold justice and Shariah

Though some in the Ummah accepted his rule due to fear or politics, the true scholars and saints recognized this as a dangerous shift in Islamic leadership.

4. Imam Hussain’s Refusal to Pledge Allegiance

When Yazid became ruler, he demanded allegiance (bay’ah) from important Muslim figures to legitimize his rule. The governor of Madinah, under Yazid’s order, called Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) and demanded his bay’ah.

But Imam Hussain refused.

Why?

Because pledging allegiance to Yazid would mean validating a corrupt system and giving religious authority to someone who did not deserve it.

Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) said:

“A person like me can never pledge allegiance to a person like Yazid.”

This one sentence sums up the entire stance of Imam Hussain: A man of piety, knowledge, and truth cannot support oppression, innovation, and injustice.

5. The Call from the People of Kufa

Meanwhile, the people of Kufa, remembering the legacy of Sayyiduna Ali (رضي الله عنه), sent thousands of letters inviting Imam Hussain to lead them against Yazid. They promised support, safety, and loyalty.

After deep consultation and seeking the pleasure of Allah, Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) decided to travel to Kufa with his family and a small group of supporters. This was not a political campaign but a journey of reform.

As per Sunni scholars and the views of Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat (Dawat-e-Islami), Imam Hussain’s aim was not to gain power but to:

• Protect Islam from distortion
• Uphold the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ
• Defend truth against falsehood
• Awaken the Muslim Ummah from accepting tyranny

6. Betrayal of the Kufans and Siege at Karbala

As Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) approached Kufa, Yazid’s army, under Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad, had already taken control of the city. The people of Kufa turned away out of fear and betrayal.

Imam Hussain and his family were stopped in the desert of Karbala, surrounded by Yazid’s forces, denied water for days, and given a choice: surrender or die.

Even then, Imam Hussain refused to submit to falsehood.

He declared:

“I did not rise up to create confusion, nor to seek power. I have risen to reform the Ummah of my grandfather ﷺ. I want to enjoin good and forbid evil.”

Conclusion: Karbala Was Not a Power Struggle – It Was a Mission of Deen

From the Sunni Barelvi perspective, as beautifully taught by Dawat-e-Islami, the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) at Karbala was not political, but spiritual. It was the stand of truth against falsehood, and love for Allah and His Messenger ﷺ over worldly gain.

Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) left a timeless message:

• Never accept tyranny
• Never compromise Islam
• Truth must be spoken, even if it costs your life

The tragedy of Karbala is not just a historical memory—it is a reminder of our responsibility as Muslims to follow the truth, speak against injustice, and remain loyal to the teachings of our beloved Prophet ﷺ.

His Birth, Life, and Special Love of the Prophet ﷺ

Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) was born on the 5th of Sha’ban, 4 AH in Madinah. When he was brought to the Prophet ﷺ as a newborn, the Prophet recited Adhan in his right ear and Iqamah in the left, and named him Hussain, a name never used in the Arab world before.

The Prophet ﷺ held a deep and public love for both Imam Hasan (رضي الله عنه) and Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه). He used to carry them on his shoulders and kiss them lovingly. In one Hadith:

“Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain. May Allah love the one who loves Hussain.”
(Tirmidhi, Hadith 3775)

Another narration mentions:

“These two (Hasan and Hussain) are the leaders of the youth of Paradise.”
(Ibn Majah, Hadith 118)

From these Hadiths, we learn that Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) was not just a family member of the Prophet ﷺ, but a spiritual leader and a role model for the Ummah.

His Noble Character, Piety, and Position in Islam

Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) inherited the best of qualities from his family — bravery from his father Ali (رضي الله عنه), modesty and piety from his mother Fatimah (رضي الله عنها), and mercy from his grandfather, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Some of his noble traits include:

• Unmatched courage and fearlessness for truth
• Taqwa (God-consciousness) in every aspect of life
• Generosity and humility, especially towards the poor
• Simplicity in lifestyle and devotion in worship

He spent his nights in Tahajjud, engaged in Qur’an recitation and dua, and helped the needy without expecting praise.

As per the Sunni scholars , Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) is not just a martyr but a symbol of steadfastness in Deen, whose stand against injustice at Karbala preserved the true spirit of Islam.

Conclusion

Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) is more than a historical figure—he is an inspiration. His unwavering stand for truth, his noble lineage, and the immense love of the Prophet ﷺ for him make him one of the greatest personalities in Islam.