The heart-wrenching sacrifice of Imam Husayn (A.S), the 10th of Muharram – a day of mourning, legacy, and truth.
Read Ziarat e Ashura
Read Amaal e Ashura
Surah al-Fatiha
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
Today is the 10th of Muharram, the Day of Ashura – the most tragic and significant day in Islamic history, particularly for Shia Muslims. It marks the day when Imam Husayn ibn Ali (A.S), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was martyred in the Battle of Karbala.
The Tragic Significance of Ashura
The Day of Ashura is remembered for the brutal massacre of 72 faithful companions of Imam Husayn (A.S), who stood firmly against tyranny and sacrificed their lives for truth, justice, and the survival of Islam.
It is the day when the heavens weep, and the Holy Ahlul Bayt (A.S) descend from paradise to mourn with the believers. Bibi Fatimah (S.A), Mawla Ali (A.S), and the Holy Prophet (PBUH) join the mourners in spirit.
It is a day of grief, matam, and reflection. It is the day when patience, bravery, and loyalty were redefined by the family of the Prophet.
The Battle of Karbala Begins
At dawn, Ali Akbar (A.S) called out the Adhan. Yazid’s army blew their horns. The battlefield was set.
One by one, the brave warriors of Islam embraced martyrdom:
- Aun–Muhammad, the beloved sons of Bibi Zainab
- Qasim ibn Hasan, trampled beneath the hooves of the enemy’s horses
- Hazrat Abbas (A.S), the valiant standard-bearer, lost both his arms while bringing water for the children
- Ali Akbar (A.S), the young and handsome son of Husayn, struck with a spear through the chest
Each martyr was brought back to the camp by Imam Husayn (A.S) himself. Despite unbearable sorrow and thirst, he never stopped.
Husayn’s heart was heavy, but his mission was clear.
The Final Companions Fall
By Zuhr, all of Husayn’s companions had been martyred.
The noble women of Karbala prepared their sons for martyrdom. The cries of “Ya Husayn!” echoed through the desert. Mothers kissed their sons for the last time.
Imam Husayn was now alone — with his ill son, Imam Zainul Abideen (A.S), and his infant son, Ali Asghar (A.S).
The Martyrdom of Ali Asghar (A.S)
Ali Asghar (A.S), only six months old, was dying of thirst. Imam Husayn took him to the battlefield, holding the infant up and pleading with the enemy:
“If you think I am guilty, what crime has this infant committed?”
Not a drop of water was given. Instead, an arrow with three prongs was fired — piercing the tiny throat of Ali Asghar.
Husayn caught the blood in his hands and wiped it on his face, unable to let it fall to the earth or rise to the heavens.
Together with Bibi Rubab, Husayn dug a grave behind the tents and buried his son with his own hands.
The Last Farewell
Now, only Imam Husayn remained.
He called out to the women:
“My salaam to you all. Fi aman Allah.”
He went to the tent of his son, Imam Zainul Abideen (A.S), to give his last advice:
“Be patient, my son. Convey my salaam to our Shi’as. Tell them Husayn died for truth and justice. Tell them to remember me when they drink water.”
Then he turned to Bibi Zainab (S.A):
“Sister, I leave the caravan in your care. Look after Sajjad and my dear daughter Sakina.”
When Husayn mounted his horse, little Sakina ran and held the horse’s legs:
“O horse! Do not take my father away. He will not return like the others.”
Husayn dismounted, lay on the sand, and let Sakina rest on his chest one last time. She bid him farewell:
“Go, father, go. Fi aman Allah.”
The Final Stand
Imam Husayn entered the battlefield like a lion. Yazid’s soldiers feared him.
He reached the River Furaat, but did not drink — remembering the thirst of his children and the sacrifice of Abbas.
Angel Jibrael descended:
“O Husayn, Allah is pleased. Your mission is complete.”
Imam Husayn laid down his sword. The enemy attacked. Arrows pierced his body. Stones were thrown.
He fell to the ground — not upon sand, but upon blades of arrows.
The Final Moments
Shimr approached. Husayn asked for time to pray. He performed two sajdah:
“O Allah, all praise is to You!”
Shimr severed Husayn’s head while he was in the position of sajdah.
The sky turned black, the earth trembled, the sun disappeared, and Jibrael cried out:
“Husayn has been killed in Karbala!”
Bibi Zainab saw the head of her brother raised on a spear and cried:
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaih Raja’oon!
Ya Husayn! Forever in Our Hearts
We cry for you, O Husayn. We live by your values. We mourn your loss, not just with our tongues, but with our souls.
Your message of justice, truth, sacrifice, and loyalty will echo through the hearts of believers until the end of time.
Ya Husayn! Ya Husayn! Ya Husayn!
