Complete Life History of Hadrat Syed Imam Hussain (ASWS)
Birth and Early Life
Hadrat Syed Imam Hussain (ASWS), the beloved grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW), was born in Medina on the 3rd of Sha’ban, 4 AH (January 626 CE). He was the second son of Hadrat Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (ASWS) and Hadrat Syeda Fatimah Zahra (ASWS), the daughter of the Holy Prophet (SAWAW).
When the blessed news of his birth reached the Holy Prophet (SAWAW), he came to his daughter’s house, took the newly-born child in his arms, recited the Adhan and Iqamah in his ears, and on the seventh day, following divine command, named him Hussain. The Prophet (SAWAW) held his grandsons in such high esteem that he declared: “Hussain is from me, and I am from Hussain – God loves those who love Hussain”.
Childhood and Sweet Relationship with His Grandfather
Imam Hussain (ASWS) grew up in an environment surrounded by the finest examples of humanity – his grandfather the Holy Prophet (SAWAW), his father Imam Ali (ASWS), and his mother Syeda Fatimah (ASWS), who embodied the teachings of Islam for women. The lap of the Prophet (SAWAW) became the cradle for nurturing the two brothers – Hassan and Hussain (ASWS).
The Holy Prophet (SAWAW) loved his grandsons immensely. It is recorded in Sahih Muslim that the Prophet (SAWAW) said: “By Allah, he loved them immensely”. He also stressed upon others to love them, stating that whoever loved Hassan and Hussain loved him, and whoever considered them an enemy considered him an enemy. The Prophet (SAWAW) also prophesied that: “Hassan and Hussain are the leaders of the youths of Paradise”.
The Event of Mubahala
When Imam Hussain (ASWS) was still young, a significant event occurred that demonstrated his special status. The Christian delegation from Najran came to debate with the Holy Prophet (SAWAW) about Prophet Isa (ASWS). When the Prophet (SAWAW) was commanded by Allah to call for Mubahala (mutual cursing), he took with him his sons – Imam Hasan (ASWS) and Imam Hussain (ASWS); his women – Syeda Fatimah Zahra (ASWS); and his souls – Imam Ali (ASWS). On seeing these radiant, sinless members of the Prophet’s household, the Christians were overawed and accepted defeat.
The Holy Quran refers to this event in Surah Ale Imran, verse 61: “Come, let us call our sons and your sons, and our women and your women, and our souls and your souls. Then let us earnestly invoke and lay the malison (curse) of Allah on those who lie”.
Youth and Virtues
Imam Hussain (ASWS) grew to become the superlative genius of his age in learning and knowledge. His profound knowledge was acknowledged by scholars, with Abdullah ibn Umar commenting that Hussain was the source of inspiration of knowledge. He was married to Shahr Banu, the daughter of Yazdigard, the last Sassanid king of Iran.
His self-control and patience were remarkable. Once, when a slave-girl accidentally spilled soup on his head and neck, he refrained from reprimanding her and instead graciously gave her freedom. He emphasized the application of intellect in religion, stating: “Intellect is a guide to every believer” and “One who has intellect has faith”.
Political Environment and Refusal to Pledge Allegiance to Yazid
After the martyrdom of his brother Imam Hasan (ASWS) and the death of Mu’awiyah, his son Yazid assumed power. Yazid was known for his licentious character and violation of Islamic principles. He demanded allegiance from Imam Hussain (ASWS), who could never agree to it.
Imam Hussain (ASWS) declared: “Indeed, I did not leave out of self-conceit or vanity; neither to cause corruption, nor oppression. Rather, I left in order to seek reform in the nation of my grandfather and father. I wish to promote virtue and prevent vice”.
Journey from Medina to Mecca
On the night of 28th Rajab, 60 AH, Imam Hussain (ASWS), accompanied by most of his family members and some companions, bid farewell to his grandfather’s city and left Medina for Mecca. He recited verse 18 of Surah Al-Qasas, announcing: “I have left for the reform of my grandfather’s ummah”. This clearly declared the purpose of his great journey.
In Mecca, Imam Hussain (ASWS) remained until the days of Hajj. However, learning of Yazid’s plot to assassinate him even within the sacred precincts of the Kaaba, he decided to leave Mecca just a day before the Hajj. He converted his Hajj into Umrah and departed for Kufa. When asked why he was foregoing the pilgrimage, Imam (ASWS) replied that he would perform his pilgrimage at Karbala, offering the sacrifice of his kith and kin and faithful friends.
Sending of Hadrat Muslim Ibn Aqeel (ASWS) to Kufa
The people of Kufa, tired of the tyrannical rule of Yazid, had written numerous letters inviting Imam Hussain (ASWS) to come and guide them. In response, Imam Hussain (ASWS) sent his cousin, Hadrat Muslim Ibn Aqeel (ASWS), as his ambassador to assess the situation in Kufa and verify the sincerity of their invitation.
Hadrat Muslim Ibn Aqeel (ASWS) left Mecca on the 15th of Ramadan, 60 AH, and first went to Medina to hide his intentions. On the way to Kufa, his guides lost their way, and he suffered hunger and thirst. Though he wanted to cancel his mission, Imam Hussain (ASWS) commanded him to continue.
Upon arriving in Kufa on the 5th of Shawwal, he stayed in the house of Mukhtar ibn Abi Ubayd and began receiving pledges of allegiance from the Kufans. Between 12,000 to 18,000 people pledged allegiance to him on behalf of Imam Hussain (ASWS).
However, when Yazid appointed Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad as the governor of Kufa, the situation changed dramatically. Ibn Ziyad threatened tribal leaders, and the people abandoned Hadrat Muslim Ibn Aqeel (ASWS) out of fear. He sought refuge in the house of Hani ibn Urwa. When discovered, both Hani and Muslim were arrested and martyred on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, 60 AH.
The Journey to Karbala and the Shocking News
As Imam Hussain (ASWS) began his journey to Kufa, he received the sad news of the martyrdom of his beloved cousin, Hadrat Muslim Ibn Aqeel (ASWS), along with Hani ibn Urwa. Despite this devastating news, Imam Hussain (ASWS) continued his journey, knowing that the mission of truth must be upheld regardless of the outcome.
On the way, at the district of Ninawa, the Umayyad commander Hurr ibn Yazid al-Tamimi confronted Imam Hussain (ASWS) with his contingent and forced him to halt at a place without fortifications and water. Imam Hussain (ASWS) remarked: “This is the stage of distress (karb) and trial (bala)” – thus this place became known as Karbala. They arrived on the 1st of Muharram, 61 AH.
Events from 1st to 10th Muharram (61 AH)
1st Muharram
Imam Hussain (ASWS) and his small caravan arrived at the plains of Karbala. His camp consisted of the ladies of the Holy Prophet’s family, innocent children including babies, and a small band of faithful companions who had chosen to die with him.
2nd Muharram
The situation deteriorated as Umar ibn Sa’d arrived with a fresh Umayyad force of 4,000 men and assumed overall command.
3rd to 6th Muharram
Umar ibn Sa’d learned that Imam Hussain (ASWS) intended to return to Medina, but Ibn Ziyad ordered that all “rebels” should render homage to Yazid. Negotiations took place, but all peaceful solutions were rejected by Ibn Ziyad’s camp.
7th Muharram
An embargo was placed on the water supply to Imam Hussain’s camp. Ibn Sa’d stationed 500 cavalry on the road to the river, cutting off access to the Euphrates. For three days before the massacre, Imam Hussain (ASWS) and his family suffered terribly from thirst.
8th Muharram
A daring sortie led by Hadrat Abbas ibn Ali (ASWS), the brother of Imam Hussain (ASWS), managed to reach the river but succeeded in filling only a few waterskins.
9th Muharram (Tasu’a)
Ibn Ziyad sent his final orders through Shimar ibn Dhul Jawshan: either attack Imam Hussain immediately or hand over command to the army of Shimar. Umar ibn Sa’d advanced with his forces towards the camp. Imam Hussain (ASWS) sent Hadrat Abbas (ASWS) to request a respite of one night, which was granted.
That night, Imam Hussain (ASWS) assembled his relatives and companions and gave them the option to leave for safety, saying: “I know of no worthier companions than mine; may God reward you with all the best of His reward. I think tomorrow our end will come. I ask you all to leave me alone and to go away to safety. I free you from your responsibilities for me”.
His companions replied with unwavering devotion: “By God, we will never leave you alone until all of us are killed and our bodies are torn to pieces. By this we will have fulfilled our duties to you”.
10th Muharram (Ashura) – The Day of Martyrdom
On the morning of Ashura, Imam Hussain (ASWS) drew up his small band of 72 companions: 32 horsemen and 40 foot soldiers. He addressed the enemy army, saying:
“Tell me! Do you want me killed to avenge the death of one of you whom I have killed? Or because of property belonging to you which I have expropriated? Or to avenge some wound which I have inflicted upon you?”.
He reminded them of their letters inviting him to Kufa, but they refused to acknowledge this. Soon after, the battle began.
Hadrat Hurr ibn Yazid al-Tamimi, the very commander who had first confronted Imam Hussain (ASWS), was now confronted by his own conscience. He spurred his horse towards Imam Hussain’s camp and threw himself at his feet, seeking forgiveness. Imam Hussain (ASWS) embraced him and said: “You are as free-born and noble as your mother named you”. Hurr then turned to face the Umayyad army and was the first to fall as a martyr from Imam’s camp.
One by one, the companions went to the battlefield and sacrificed their lives. The martyrs included:
- Hadrat Abbas ibn Ali (ASWS) – the brave standard-bearer
- Hadrat Ali Akbar ibn Hussain (ASWS) – the young son of Imam Hussain
- Hadrat Qasim ibn Hasan (ASWS) – the 14-year-old son of Imam Hasan
- Hadrat Habib ibn Mazahir – the commander of the left wing
- Hadrat Zuhayr ibn Qayn – the commander of the right wing
- Hadrat Muslim ibn Awsaja – the 70-year-old faithful companion
When all his companions and family members had been martyred, Imam Hussain (ASWS) brought his six-month-old baby son, Hadrat Ali al-Asghar (ASWS), and holding him in his arms, demanded some water for the dying infant. A poisoned arrow from the enemy forces pinned the baby’s neck to the arm of his helpless father. The thirst of the infant was quenched by martyrdom.
At last, Imam Hussain (ASWS) himself went to the battlefield. He was attacked from all sides and martyred on the plains of Karbala. His final prayer was: “O Lord! Thy Hussain has offered in Thy way whatever Thou hast blessed him with”.
After Ashura – Role of Syeda Zainab (Salam Allah-o Alaiha)
After the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (ASWS) and his 72 companions, the Umayyad forces looted the camp and set the tents on fire. The women and children of the Ahl al-Bayt were taken as captives.
Hadrat Syeda Zainab bint Ali (Salam Allah-o Alaiha) played a pivotal role after Ashura. Despite the unimaginable grief of losing her brother, her nephews, and all the men of the family, she displayed extraordinary strength and courage. She protected the women and children, gave powerful sermons that exposed the tyranny of Yazid, and ensured that the message of Karbala would survive through the generations.
The captives were taken from Karbala to Kufa and then to Damascus, where Syeda Zainab (SA) fearlessly delivered her historic sermon in the court of Yazid, condemning his cruelty and exposing the truth of what had happened at Karbala.
Legacy
The martyrdom of Hadrat Syed Imam Hussain (ASWS) stands as the greatest tragedy in Islamic history. His sacrifice was not for power or worldly gain but to protect the true faith of Islam and to uphold the principles of justice, truth, and human dignity. His stance continues to inspire people across the world who fight against tyranny and oppression.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) had prophesied: “The remembrance of Hussain, the son of ‘Ali, is greater in heaven than it is on earth. On the right of God’s throne, he is written as ‘the lamp of guidance and the ship of salvation’”.
The legacy of Imam Hussain (ASWS) lives on, and his timeless message remains a beacon of light for all of humanity.