The 10th of Muharram, known as Yaum-e-Ashura, is a day marked with deep sorrow, reflection, and reverence in the hearts of Muslims, especially followers of Ahl-e-Sunnat wal Jama’ah (Sunni Barelvi). It is the day when the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Imam Hussain ibn Ali (رضي الله عنه), along with his noble family and loyal companions, were brutally martyred in the scorching plains of Karbala in the year 61 AH (680 CE).
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.