View source for Imam al-Husayn b. 'Ali (a)

{{infobox Imam
 |name = Al-Husayn b. 'Ali
 |sequential number = 3rd [[imamate|Shia Imam]]<!--e.g. 1st Imam of Shi'a-->
 |main title = al-Shahid
 |image = Zarih_Imam_al-Husayn.jpg
 |caption = [[Darih]] of Imam al-Husayn (a)
 |kunya = Abu 'Abd Allah
 |born = [[Sha'ban 3]], [[4]]/[[January 11]], 626
 |birthplace = [[Medina]]
 |beginning of imamate = [[Safar 28]], [[50]]/[[March 30]], 670
 |duration of imamate = 10 years
 |reign = 
 |contemporary rulers = [[Mu'awiya]], [[Yazid]]
 |martyrdom = [[Muharram 10]], [[61]]/[[October 13]], 680
 |place of martyrdom = 
 |cause of martyrdom = at the [[Battle of Karbala]]
 |burial place = [[Karbala]]<br>{{Coord|32|36|59|N|44|1|56.29|E|type:landmark|display=inline}}
 |predecessor = [[Al-Hasan b. 'Ali (a)]]
 |successor = [['Ali b. al-Husayn (a)]]
 |father = [['Ali b. Abi Talib (a)]]
 |mother = [[Fatima bt. Muhammad (a)]]
 |brothers = [[al-Hasan b. 'Ali|Al-Hasan]], [['Abbas b. 'Ali|'Abbas]], [[Muhammad al-Hanafiyya|Muhammad]], ...
 |sisters = [[Zaynab bt. 'Ali|Zaynab]], [[Umm Kulthum bt. al-Imam 'Ali (a)|Umm Kulthum]], ...
 |spouses = [[Rabab bt. Imri' al-Qays|Rabab]], [[Layla bt. Abi Murra|Layla]], [[Umm Ishaq bt. Talha|Umm Ishaq]], [[Shahr Banu]] (?)
 |sons = [[Imam al-Sajjad|'Ali]], [['Ali al-Akbar]], [['Abd Allah b. al-Husayn|'Ali al-Asghar]], ...
 |daughters = [[Sukayna bt. al-Husayn|Sukayna]], [[Fatima bt. al-Husayn|Fatima]], [[Zaynab bt. al-Husayn|Zaynab]], ...
 |descendants = 
 |titles = Al-Shahid <small>(the martyr)</small>,<br> al-Sibt <small>(the grandson)</small>,<br>Sayyid Shabab Ahl al-Jannah <small>(the master of the youth of paradise)</small>,<br>Sayyid al-Shuhada <small>(master of the martyrs)</small>
}}
{{Mourning of Muharram-vertical}}
'''Al-Ḥusayn b. ʿAlī b. Abī Ṭālib (a)''' (Arabic:{{inlineArabic| الحسين بن علي بن أبي طالب}}) (b. [[Sha'ban 3]], [[4]]/[[January 11]], 626 – d. [[Muharram 10]], [[61]]/[[October 10]], 680) also known as Abu 'Abd Allah and [[Sayyid al-Shuhada']], is the third [[Imam]] of the [[Shi'a]], the second son of [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] and [[Lady Fatima (a)]], and the grandson of the [[Prophet (s)]]. After 10 years of [[Imamate]], he was martyred in the [[Battle of Karbala]]. 

At the time of birth of al-Husayn (a), the Prophet (s) foretold his martyrdom and chose his name. The Prophet (s) introduced him and his brother, [[Imam al-Hasan (a)]], as the [[Masters of the Youth of Paradise]]. The Prophet (s) loved the two ([[al-Hasanayn]]) and instructed people to love them. Al-Husayn (a) is one of the [[Ashab al-Kisa']], one of the participants of the [[Mubahala]], and one of the [[Ahl al-Bayt (a)]] about whom [[al-Tathir Verse]] is revealed. There is a lot of hadiths narrated from the Prophet (s) regarding the high position of al-Husayn (a).

There is few reports about his life in the three decades after the demise of the Prophet (s). In the period of the caliphate of Imam 'Ali (a) he accompanied his father and participated in the battles of [[Battle of Siffin|Siffin]], [[Battle of Jamal|Jamal]] and [[Battle of Nahrawan|Nahrawan]] alongside his father. After the demise of Imam 'Ali (a), he followed and supported [[Imam al-Hasan (a)]]. He confirmed the [[treaty between Imam al-Hasan (a) and Mu'awiya]]. Even after the martyrdom of Imam al-Hasan (a), Imam al-Husayn (a) adhered to the treaty until the [[Mu'awiya]]'s death. In his answer to the letters from Kufa, which invited him to lead an uprising against Mu'awiya, he invited them to patience till the death of Mu'awiya.

However, after Mu'awiya died, Imam al-Husayn (a) refused to give [[allegiance]] to [[Yazid]] and considered his rise to [[caliphate]] as illegitimate. When al-Walid b. 'Utba, the governor of Medina, was sent to order Imam al-Husayn (a) to either pledge allegiance to Yazid or be killed, Imam al-Husayn (a) made his way from Medina towards [[Mecca]] on [[Rajab 28]], [[60]]/[[May 7]], 680. At the same time, the people of [[Kufa]] pledged their support to the Imam (a) as a ruler. As the Imam (a) and his companions made their way to Kufa, the army of [['Ubayd Allah b. Ziyad]] stopped the Imam's caravan on Yazid's order. For fear of retribution from Yazid's army, the people of Kufa broke their promise of support for the Imam (a). The [[battle of Karbala]] took place on the [[Day of 'Ashura']]. Imam (a) along with his few companions (around [[Martyrs of Karbala|72]]) were martyred and the remaining companions were taken as prisoners to Kufa and [[Syria]].

The martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn (a) was decisive in shaping Islamic and [[Shi'a]] history. The timing of the Imam's (a) life and martyrdom were crucial as they were in one of the most challenging periods of the 7th century. During this time, [[Umayyad]] oppression was rampant, and the stand the Imam (a) and his followers took became a symbol of resistance inspiring future uprisings against oppressors during that time and future generations to come.

Religious sources and social traditions mark the timing of the events of 'Ashura' to fall within the month of [[Muharram]], and that month is the focus of mourning for Shi'a Muslims. The event of Ashura has inspired a variety of artistic reflections on different levels of Shi'a thoughts; in literature, drawings and symbols for many centuries.<ref>''Da'irat al-ma'arif buzurg Islami''. vol. 20. p. 664-665</ref>

==Lineage, Naming, Kunya, and Titles==
Al-Husayn b. 'Ali b. Abi Talib b. 'Abd al-Muttalib b. Hashim was a [[Hashemite]] and from the [[Quraysh]] tribe. His father was [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] and his mother was [[Lady Fatima (a)]]. He is a grandson of the [[Prophet (s)]].<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Irshād'', vol. 2, p. 27.</ref> Imam al-Hasan (a), [[Abu l-Fadl al-'Abbas]], and [[Muhammad b. al-Hanafiyya]] are his brothers, and Lady Zaynab is his sister.

{{Family tree Ahl al-Bayt (a)}}

According to [[Shi'a]] and Sunni narrations, the Prophet (s) followed God's order and named him al-Husayn<ref>See: Kulayni, ''al-Kafi'', Vol. 6, p. 33-34; Saduq, '' 'Ilal al-shara'i''', vol. 1, p.137-138; Tusi, ''Misbah al-mujtahajjid'', p. 367; Ibn Shahrashub, ''Manaqib al Abi Talib'', vol. 3, p. 397; Al-Irbili, 'Ali b. 'Isa, ''Kashf al-ghumma'', vol. 1, p. 525</ref> The names al-Hasan and al-Husayn have no historical precedence before Islam and are translations of Shubbar and Shubayr the names of the two sons [[Aaron]].<ref>Ibn Shahrashub, ''Manaqib al Abi Talib'', vol. 3, p. 397; Irbili, ''Kashf al-ghumma'', vol. 1, p. 525; Saduq, '' 'Ilal al-shara'i''', Vol. 1, p. 138</ref>

Imam al-Husayn's (a) kunya was Abu 'Abd Allah which, like his name, was given by the Prophet (s) when the Imam (a) was a child.<ref>''Mawsu'at kalamat Imam al-Husayn'', p. 38</ref> Also, Imam al-Husayn (a) was known by other kunyas, Abu 'Ali, Abu l-Shuhada [father of the martyrs], Abu l-Ahrar [father of the free-minded], and Abu al-Mujahidin [father of the fighters (on the way of God)].

Many titles have been attributed to Imam al-Husayn (a), and some of them are same as the titles associated with his brother, [[Imam al-Hasan (a)]], like Sayyid Shabab Ahl al-Janna (master of the youth of the paradise). Al-Zaki, al-Tayyib, al-Wafi, al-Sayyid, al-Mubarak, al-Nafi', al-Dalil 'Ala Dhat Allah, al-Rashid, and al-Tabi' li-Mardat Allah are among the special titles of Imam al-Husayn (a). Ibn Talha al-Shafi'i reports al-Zaki as the most popular title and Sayyid Shabab Ahl al-Janna as the most important of the Imam's (a) titles. In some [[Shi'a]] hadiths, Imam al-Husayn (a) is referred to as al-Shahid or [[Sayyid al-Shuhada]]. [[Thar Allah]] and [[Qatil al-'Abarat]] are other titles which are mentioned in some [[ziyarah text]]s.

== Birth ==
Imam al-Husayn (a) was born in [[Medina]]. While some have recorded that he (a) was born in 3/625, the most preferred account among historians and scholars is that his birth was in [[4]]/626. There is no consensus regarding the day the Imam (a) was born but it is believed it was most likely on [[Sha'ban 3]]. Al-Mufid mentioned his birth in Sha'ban 5.

According to Ibn Sa'd,<ref>Ibn Sa'd, Muhammad, ''Tabaqat al-kubra'', vol. 6, p. 400-401</ref> the Prophet (s) ordered Umm Fadl, wife of [['Abbas b. 'Abd al-Muttalib]] to take care of al-Husayn and thus he became the [[Rida']]i (foster) brother of [[Qutham b. Abbas b. 'Abd al-Muttalib|Qutham b. 'Abbas]] who was also an infant.<ref>Ibn A'tham, ''al-Futuh'', vol. 4, p. 323; Al-Irbili, 'Ali b. 'Isa, ''Kashf al-ghumma'', vol. 2, p. 308-320, 348-349</ref>


== Wives and Children ==
There is disagreement about the count of the children of Imam al-Husayn (a). [[Al-Shaykh al-Mufid]] reports Imam al-Husayn (a) had six children, four boys and two girls. Some scholars such as [[al-Sayyid Muhsin al-Amin]] and [[Ibn al-Khashshab]] counted nine children, six boys and three girls, but others including [[Ibn Shahrashub]] in his ''[[al-Manaqib]]'' and [[al-Irbili]] in ''[[Kashf al-ghumma]]'' attributed ten children to the Imam (a), six of whom were boys, and four were girls. Few people have said his children were more than ten.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Wife !! Lineage !! Children !! Comment
|-
| [[Shahrbanu]] || daughter of Yazdgird the king of Iran || [[Imam al-Sajjad (a)]] || contemporary researchers doubt this, in some reports she is mentioned as Sindiyya, Ghazala, and Shah-i Zanan
|-
| [[Rabab bt. Imri' al-Qays|Rabab]] || daughter of Imru' al-Qays b. 'Adi || [[Sukayna]] and [['Abd Allah b. al-Husayn (a)|'Abd Allah]] || She was present in the [[Battle of Karbala]] and went to Syria among the [[captives of Karbala]]. 'Abd Allah was an infant when he was martyred during the Battle of Karbala. Today, Shi'as name him as 'Ali al-Asghar.
|-
| [[Layla|Layla bt. Abi Murra al-Thaqafi]]|| daughter of Abu Murra b. 'Urwa al-Thaqafi || [[Ali al-Akbar (a)]] || 'Ali al-Akbar (a) was the eldest son of Imam al-Husayn (a), who was martyred in Karbala.
|-
| [[Umm Ishaq|Umm Ishaq bt. Talha]] || dauter of Talah b. 'Ubayd Allah|| [[Fatima bt. al-Husayn|Fatima]] || Umm Ishaq was a wife of Imam al-Hasan (a), after his martyrdom, Imam al-Husayn (a) married her.
|-
| Sulafa or Maluma || from [[Quda'a tribe]] || Ja'far || He passed away before the events of 'Ashura', and was survived by no children.
|}

Ibn Talha al-Shafi'i attributed ten children to the Imam (a) but only mentioned the names of nine. In some later books of elegies, a four-year-old girl named [[Ruqayya bt. al-Husayn (a)|Ruqayya]] is mentioned among the children of Imam (a).

Accordingly, the names of Imam's (a) children are mentioned as following:

{{Shi'a-Vertical}}

== Lifetime of the Prophet (s) ==
[[File:Entrance of Imam al-Husayn (a) Holy Shrine.jpg|thumbnail|Hadith of the [[Prophet (s)]] about Imam al-Husayn (a) at the entrance of [[Imam al-Husayn (a) Holy Shrine]]]]

Imam al-Husayn (a) was seven years old when the [[Prophet of Islam (s)]] passed away; nevertheless, even in those short years, he was present in important events of that time together with the [[Ahl al-Bayt (a)]], such as in the [[Event of Mubahala]] with the Christians of Najran, the event of the [[Ashab al-Kisa']] [the Cloak], giving allegiance to the Prophet (s) and being asked to be a witness when writing letters.

Ibn Sa'd mentioned Imam al-Husayn (a) in the last class (fifth class) of the [[Companions of the Prophet (s)]], he was a small child when the Prophet (s) passed away and did not accompany him in any battle.

Imam al-Husayn (a) was six years and eight months old when the Prophet (s) passed away. He was always especially favored by the Prophet (s). It is narrated from the Prophet (s), "Surely, al-Hasan and al-Husayn are the masters of the youths in paradise."

Ya'li al-'Amiri narrated from the Prophet (s) that, "Al-Husayn is from me and I am from him, God loves who loves him; [[al-Hasan]] and al-Husayn are two sons among the sons [of prophets]."

It is narrated from [[Salman al-Farsi]], that the Prophet (s) put al-Husayn (a) on his lap and kissed him and said, "You are noble, son of a noble person and [will be] the father of noble ones; you are an Imam and son of an Imam and the father of Imams; you are the Proof of God, and son of the Proof of God and father of the proofs of God who are nine and the last of whom is their [[al-Qa'im]]."

Also, it is narrated by Salman al-Farsi, that the Prophet (s) said, "O Salman! Whoever loves these has loved me, and whoever loves me has loved God." Then, he (s) put his hand on the shoulder of al-Husayn (a) and told [me], "he is Imam and son of Imam; nine people from his progeny are righteous, trustworthy and infallible Imams and the ninth of them is their al-Qa'im."

The Prophet (s) is reported to have frequently said, "Al-Hasan and al-Husayn are my children; anyone who loves them, has loved me and anyone who loves me, has loved God; and anyone who loves God, He will grant him [[paradise]]; anyone who dislikes them, has disliked me; and anyone who dislikes me, has disliked God and anyone who dislikes God, He will enter him in [[hell]]."

[[Abu Hurayra]] narrated from the Prophet (s) saying, "Anyone who loves these two children of mine, al-Hasan and al-Husayn, has [actually] loved me; and anyone who is hostile to them, is [actually] hostile to me."

The Prophet's (s) love towards al-Hasan (a) and al-Husayn (a) was so much that when they entered the mosque, he (s) would stop his speech, and come down from the pulpit to welcome them with hugs. [[Anas b. Malik]] says, "When the Prophet (s) was asked whom he (s) loved more among his family, he (s) replied, 'al-Hasan and al-Husayn.'"

== Rule of the Three Caliphs ==
{{Timeline of Imam al-Husayn's (s) Life}}
Imam al-Husayn (a) spent around twenty five years of his life under the rule of the [[three caliphs]]. He (a) was seven years old at the beginning of the caliphate of the [[Abu Bakr|first caliph]], nine years old at the beginning of the caliphate of the [['Umar b. Khattab|second caliph]] and nineteen years old at the beginning of the caliphate of the [['Uthman b. 'Affan|third caliph]]. There is not so much information available about the life of al-Husayn (a) during this period which may be due to [[Imam 'Ali (a)|Imam 'Ali's (a)]] withdrawal from the rule. 

=== Caliphate of Abu Bakr ===
The caliphate of [[Abu Bakr]] was an intense period in the life of the [[Ahl al-Bayt (a)]]. The Ahl al-Bayt (a) mourned the death of [[the Prophet (s)]] while simultaneously disputing over the [[caliphate]]. This made it a difficult time for the family of the Prophet (s). It is reported that in the first days of the caliphate of Abu Bakr, al-Husayn (a) together with his brother, [[al-Hasan (a)]], their mother, [[Lady Fatima (a)]] and their father, [['Ali (a)]] went to the houses of those who participated in the [[Battle of Badr]] to gain support for the rightful position of leadership which belonged to Imam 'Ali (a).

=== Caliphate of 'Umar ===
It is reported in some sources that one of the early days of the caliphate of 'Umar, al-Husayn (a) entered the [[al-Masjid al-Nabawi]] where he (a) saw 'Umar giving a speech on the pulpit of the Prophet (s). So, he (a) stepped up the pulpit and told him, "Come down from the pulpit of my father and go sit on the pulpit of your father!" 'Umar was astounded at this statement and said, "My father did not have a pulpit!" There is reports about the special respect of the second caliph for al-Husayn (a).

=== Caliphate of 'Uthman ===
It is mentioned in some [[Sunni]] sources that al-Husayn (a) accompanied his brother [[al-Hasan (a)]], [['Abd Allah b. 'Abbas]], [['Abd Allah b. 'Umar]], and [['Abd Allah b. al-Zubayr]] led by [[Sa'id b. al-'As]] in the [[Battle of Tabaristan]] during the time of 'Uthman.

When 'Uthman exiled [[Abu Dhar]] to [[Rabadha]], he forbade anyone from accompanying or bidding him farewell. Al-Husayn (a) with his father, his brother [[al-Hasan (a)]], his uncle ([['Aqil b. Abi Talib]]), his cousin ([['Abd Allah b. Ja'far]]), and [['Ammar b. Yasir]] disregarded the caliph's order and bid farewell to Abu Dhar.

Despite dissatisfaction regarding the leadership of the [['Uthman b. 'Affan|Third Caliph]], [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] ordered al-Husayn (a) and al-Hasan (a) to go and protect 'Uthman's house, when people rose against his oppression and stormed towards his house. This report has supporters and deniers.

== Caliphate of Imam 'Ali (a) ==
Al-Husayn (a) participated in the battles of [[Battle of Jamal|Jamal]], [[Battle of Siffin|Siffin]], and [[Battle of Nahrawan|Nahrawan]]. He gave a speech in the Battle of Siffin to inspire the army for jihad. [[Imam 'Ali (a)]], appointed al-Husayn (a) to be the administrator for his [[Waqf|Mawqufat]] [endowed properties] after [[al-Hasan (a)]]. 

There is a report that at the time of the martyrdom of his father, al-Husayn (a) was in [[Mada'in]] for a task his father had given him and was informed about his father's martyrdom through Imam al-Hasan's (a) letter, so he came back to attend his father's funeral.

== Imamate of Imam al-Hasan (a) ==
During the ten-year imamate and the six-months [[caliphate]] of [[Imam al-Hasan (a)]], al-Huayn (a) accompanied and served alongside his brother. After [['Ali (a)|Imam 'Ali's (a)]] martyrdom, Imam al-Hasan (a) became the [[Imam]] and leader of the Muslims. Al-Husayn (a) gave [[allegiance]] to his brother Imam al-Hasan (a) and greatly helped in mobilizing and dispatching forces to the [[camp of Nukhayla]] and the [[camp of Maskin]]. He (a) accompanied Imam al-Hasan (a) to [[Mada'in]] and [[Sabat]] for military recruitment.

According to reliable reports, at the time of the [[treaty of Imam al-Hasan (a) and Mu'awiya]], some followers of the [[Ahl al-Bayt (a)]] asked al-Husayn (a) to oppose this political peace treaty and stand against Mu'awiya. However, he (a) firmly supported his brother's treaty and gave allegiance to Mu'awiya. When [[Qays b. Sa'd]] asked al-Husayn'a (a) view on the treaty, he (a) openly shared his support for Imam al-Hasan's (a) decision. After the peace treaty was signed, al-Husayn (a) returned to [[Medina]] and remained there.

== Imamate ==
{{Mourning of Muharram}}
After the martyrdom of Imam al-Hasan (a) in [[50]]/670, al-Husayn (a) became Imam and took this responsibility until his martyrdom in [[61]]/680. Most of the duration of Imam al-Husayn (a) was in the time of the rule of Mu'awiya. After Mu'awiya, Imam al-Husayn (a) was martyred in the first year of the rule of [[Yazid]].

=== Proofs of Imamate ===
The hadith of the [[Prophet (s)]] says, "These two sons of mine are Imams, be they sitting or standing", and it is further proof of the [[Imamate]] of al-Hasan (a) and al-Husayn (a).

In addition to this, there are other hadiths narrated from the Prophet (s) in which he (s) has explicitly mentioned the number of Imams, the imamate of [['Ali (a)]], al-Hasan (a), al-Husayn (a) and the nine descendants of Imam al-Husayn (a).

In Imam al-Hasan's (a) will, there was clear direction regarding the succession of Imam al-Husayn (a) following his death, as well as direction to [[Muhammad b. al-Hanafiyya]] to follow Imam al-Husayn (a). [[Al-Shaykh al-Mufid]] believes the imamate of Imam al-Husayn (a) was clear even though he (a) did not announce out of [[taqiyya]] and his belief in the cause of peace and abandoning hostilities. However, after [[Mu'awiya]]'s death, Imam al-Husayn (a) openly declared his position as Imam.

The knowledge over all religious sciences is a requirement of imamate, and Imam 'Ali (a) asked al-Husayn (a) to make speeches to the people, just as al-Hasan (a) did. This stopped the [[Quraysh]] from claiming that he did not have the required knowledge. The available evidence is [[the Companions]]' quotations about Imam al-Husayn's (a) knowledge and people's requests from him for issuing legal rulings. Also, there are references mentioned about Imam al-Husayn's (a) own speeches about his imamate, miracles during that time, and acts of wonder as the proofs for his imamate.

=== Regarding the Peace Treaty of Imam al-Hasan (a) ===
Imam al-Husayn (a) was the most righteous person to rule after [[Imam al-Hasan (a)]]. He (a) stood loyal to the [[Peace Treaty of Imam al-Hasan (a)|peace treaty]] between his brother, Imam al-Hasan (a), and [[Mu'awiya]], and refrained from uprising against [[Mu'awiya]]; even though, the people of [[Kufa]] wrote letters [to him] urging for action against Mu'awiya. He wrote to them: "I do not have this thought now. May God bless you; stay in your land and hide in your houses and avoid from being accused while Mu'awiya is alive; if God brings forth something while I am alive, I will write to you."

Nonetheless, Imam al-Husayn (a) refused to approve the legitimacy of the government of Mu'awiya over Muslims. During the ten years imamate of Imam al-Husayn (a), letters showing the Imam's (a) discontent were exchanged between him and Mu'awiya. These letters show Imam al-Husayn's (a) stance against Mu'awiya, specifically following crimes or non-Islamic deeds of Mu'awiya. 

During this time, Imam al-Husayn (a) explained both directly and indirectly the rulings and qualifications of [[imamate]], [[caliphate]] and the characteristics of the rightful caliph. While respecting the boundaries of the treaty, the Imam (a) stayed active in his responsibilities in speaking out and preaching. Among the preaching activities of Imam al-Husayn (a), he would continue to explain God's rulings in great gatherings of [[hajj]] in the land of [[Mina]] and also his secret gatherings in [[Mecca]].

Like the [[three caliphs]], [[Mu'awiya]] pretended to revere Imam al-Husayn (a) because he knew that Imam al-Husayn (a) held a respected position among people of [[Mecca]] and [[Medina]]; the ill-treatment of Imam (a) would not go unnoticed. However, Mu'awiya regarded Imam (a) as an obstacle in the way of his government, and it worried him. On one hand, he did not disregard Imam's (a) position; he pretended to esteem and respect him and also ordered his agents not to disrespect the Prophet's (s) grandson. On the other hand, he kept Imam al-Husayn (a) under constant and daily surveillance to monitor his private and public life in the city and in travel. Mu'awiya never attempted to keep the surveillance a secret from Imam al-Husayn, so he (a) would not consider rising against him.

Mu'awiya had also advised his son, [[Yazid]], that with all the fear he had from Imam (a), even if he could defeat the Imam (a), he would treat him (a) with forbearance and would not force Imam al-Husayn (a) to give allegiance.

===Against Mu'awiya's Murders===
Mu'awiya's crimes such as murdering [[Hujr b. 'Adi]], [['Amr b. Hamiq al-Khuza'i]], al-Hadrami and his companions met the most severe criticisms from the Imam (a).

==Against Succession of Yazid===
During his rule, Mu'awiya tried to establish [[Yazid]]'s succession to the throne, so he made a visit to [[Medina]] in order to gain the allegiance of the people of Medina, especially their noblemen, the top of them being Imam al-Husayn (a). He visited Imam al-Husayn (a) after he entered the city and during his speech to the people, he mentioned the succession of Yazid and tried to receive Imam al-Husayn's (a) agreement. However, the Imam (a) severely criticized Yazid's deficiencies and whimsical behaviors. He (a) advised Mu'awiya to refrain from appointing him as his successor. Imam al-Husayn (a) was among the few people who did not give allegiance to Yazid and condemned Mu'awiya following his speech.

=== Rule of Yazid ===
{{Main|Yazid b. Mu'awiya}}

{{Timeline of the Event of Karbala Vertical}}

Even before achieving [[caliphate]], Yazid was famous for playing music, singing, and drinking alcohol. His sinning was prevalent to the point that [[Mu'awiya]] also admonished him and prohibited him from too much drinking.

Despite the opposition of many Muslims, especially noblemen of [[Mecca]] and [[Medina]], Mu'awiya insisted on the Muslims' allegiance to Yazid and finally succeeded in gaining support for Yazid in [[56]]/676.

==== Exiting Medina ====
{{Main|Event of Karbala}}

[[Mu'awiya]] passed away in [[Damascus]] on [[Rajab 15]], [[60]]/[[April 24]] 680, when [[Yazid]] was in [[Huwwarin]]. When he arrived in Damascus and people gave allegiance to him, he sent [[al-Walid b. 'Utba]], the ruler of [[Medina]], with specific instructions to not let al-Husayn b. 'Ali, [['Abd Allah b. 'Umar]], and [['Abd Allah b. al-Zubayr]] leave unless they received their promise of allegiance to his caliphate.

Ruler of Medina consulted with [[Marwan b. Hakam]] in this issue and Marwan told him, "If you accept my opinion, call 'Abd Allah b. al-Zubayr and al-Husayn b. 'Ali (a) at this moment before people know about Mu'awiya's death, if they accept to give allegiance, it will be fine, otherwise behead them! Because, if they do not give allegiance and people find out Mu'awiya is dead, they will gather around al-Husayn and the son of al-Zubayr and a great trouble will occur. However, the son of 'Umar is not a man of uprising, unless people go to him and ask him for caliphate."

Walid sent someone to summon them. 'Abd Allah b. al-Zubayr and Imam al-Husayn (a) were in the mosque when the representative of the ruler came and conveyed the message. They told him to go and tell the ruler they would go to Walid right away. When the messenger returned, 'Abd Allah b. al-Zubayr asked Imam al-Husayn (a), "Why have we been summoned?"

Imam al-Husayn (a) said, "I think Mu'awiya has passed away and Walid wants us give allegiance before anyone knows about his death." 'Abd Allah said, "I think the same; so, what do you want to do?" Imam al-Husayn (a) replied, "I will go to the ruler, but I will take some of my relatives so his agents do not hurt me. If they want to hurt me, my relatives can help me."

Imam al-Husayn (a) went to Walid, and when he told him about the death of Mu'awiya, and asked him to give allegiance to Yazid, Imam (a) said, "Someone like me would not give allegiance in secret. Ask people to come, then we will see what happens." Walid said, "Go back safely!" Marwan told Walid, "Do not let him go! If he goes without giving allegiance, you cannot take him back! Kill him if he does not give allegiance!" Imam al-Husayn (a) became angry and said, "Neither you, nor he can ever kill me!" Eventually, Imam al-Husayn (a) and 'Abd Allah b. al-Zubayr left Medina to head for [[Mecca]] without giving allegiance.

==== Letters from the People of Kufa ====
{{Main|Letters from the People of Kufa to Imam al-Husayn (a)}}

The government of [[Damascus]] was worried about those who refused to give allegiance, particularly when talks of uprisings became more popular, specifically from the people of [[Kufa]]. Many followers of [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] were martyred or imprisoned during the twenty-year rule of [[Mu'awiya]], and upon hearing about his death, breathed in comfort and happiness. However, those who murdered 'Ali (a) unjustly and abandoned his son allowing Mu'awiya to do as he pleased, took this opportunity to take revenge, due to Mu'awiya having ignored their service.

People gathered in the house of [[Sulayman b. Surad al-Khuza'i]] and consulted about their next step. Sulayman knew how erratic and emotional his fellow citizens were, and said, "O, People! If you are not serious and fear for your lives, do not misguide this man!" People disagreed, "Never ever! We have forgotten about our lives and have vowed upon our blood that we will overthrow [[Yazid]] and make al-Husayn caliph!"

Finally, they wrote letters to Imam al-Husayn (a) saying, "Thanks and gratitude belongs to God who defeated your enemy. The enemy who murdered the righteous people of [[Muhammad]] and brought the worst of people to power. One who distributed the treasure of Muslims among the wealthy and unruly. Now, there is no obstacle in the way of your caliphate. The ruler of this city, [[Nu'mam b. Bashir]], lives in the government palace. We neither consult with him, nor do we follow him in [[congregational prayer]]." This was one of the hundreds, even thousands, of letters sent to al-Husayn (a).

With this support, Imam al-Husayn (a) deemed it necessary to answer and not leave them waiting. Thus, he wrote a short letter saying, "I send to you [[Muslim b. 'Aqil]], my cousin, who is trustworthy to me so that he may see the situation in the city and inform me about it. If what you have written is verified, I will come to you."

Concurrently, [[Umayyad]] advocates, particularly those who sought their personal interests in following orders from [[Damascus]], sent letters to Yazid in [[Syria]] warning of possible uprisings. They wrote, "If you want the control over Kufa and Iraq, you need to send a competent ruler there, since Nu'man b. Bashir is an incompetent person or he tries to show himself as one." Yazid consulted with Sirjun, his Roman counselor and gave the government of Kufa to [['Ubayd Allah b. Ziyad]] who was the ruler of [[Basra]].

As Yazid was working to replace Nu'man b. Bashir, Muslim b. 'Aqil arrived in Kufa with Imam's (a) letter in hand. People welcomed him, and he never thought such people who gave allegiance to him so warmly would soon abandon him. When he saw the people's eager welcome, he wrote a letter to Imam al-Husayn (a), "The people of Kufa and Iraq are all your followers and are waiting for you to arrive. It is good if you soon come to Iraq."

==== Moving towards Iraq ====

When Imam al-Husayn (a) received [[Muslim b. 'Aqil]]'s letter, he moved towards [[Iraq]] accompanied by his family and companions. On the other hand, when [['Ubayd Allah b. Ziyad]] received [[Yazid]]'s order, moved toward [[Kufa]]. Because of his father's history as a ruler of Kufa, he was familiar with the people who were going to rule. He knew what had to be done in order to control the people of Kufa. After he arrived, he began threatening and persuading the famous people of Kufa, and with their help, he began to repress others and used spies to find out where Muslim b. 'Aqil was hidden. He then imprisoned [[Hani b. 'Urwa]] who sheltered Muslim b. 'Aqil. Muslim b. 'Aqil and gathered nearly 100,000 individuals to revolt against the ruler, but they abandoned him in less than a day without ever raising arms against 'Ubayd Allah's forces. Muslim was abandoned to the point that when he did his [['Isha' prayer]], he prayed in solitary. Finally, 'Ubayd Allah was informed of Muslim b. 'Aqil's hiding place. 'Ubayd Allah's soldiers captured him, killed him and Hani, and beheaded them both. He dragged their headless bodies in the city to scare the people of Kufa into abandoning the cause of Imam al-Husayn (a). Noble men of Kufa became silent and stayed in their houses as if nothing ever happened.

Imam al-Husayn (a) was informed of the martyrdom of Muslim b. 'Aqil and Hani b. 'Urwa as well as the betrayal of the people of Kufa on his journey to Iraq. He told his companions about it and gave them permission to leave before arriving to a most certain death. While some left, his relatives, and loyal companions stayed with him. When Imam (a) arrived near Kufa, he encountered the first people of the army of 'Ubayd Allah b. Ziyad, lead by [[Hurr b. Yazid]] from [[Banu Riyah]] tribe, they blocked the Imam's (a) path towards Kufa in the land of [[Karbala]]. When the ruler of Kufa heard that Imam al-Husayn (a) had arrived near Kufa, he sent an army led by [['Umar b. Sa'd]]. 'Ubayd Allah b. Ziyad wanted to force Imam al-Husayn (a) to give allegiance to Yazid, but even in the face of death, he (a) refused.

==Martyrdom==

Imam al-Husayn (a) was martyred in [[Karbala]], [[Iraq]] on [[Muharram 10]], [the Day of Ashura], [[61]]/[[October 10]], 680 which has been reported to be a Saturday, Sunday, Monday, or most commonly believed, a [[Friday]]. [[Abu l-Faraj al-Isfahani]] argues that [[Sunnis]] commonly believe that it was a Monday, However calendar calculations have shown that the possibility of this is rather unlikely.

Depending on his birth, there are three possibilities of Imam al-Husayn's age (in lunar years) at the time of martyrdom: 56 years and 5 months, 57 years and 5 months, or 58 years old.

=== Event of Karbala ===
{{Main|Events of the Day of 'Ashura|Martyrs of Karbala|Captives of Karbala|Imam al-Husayn's (a) Sermons on 'Ashura|Karbala}}
[[File:تابلوی عصر عاشورا.jpg|thumbnail|[[The Evening of Ashura]], created by [[Mahmud Farshchian]], 1976]]

When Imam al-Husayn (a) refused to give allegiance to [[Yazid]], the army of [['Umar b. Sa'd]] prepared to fight against him. They engaged in what would become known as the [[Battle of Karbala]] on Muharram 10, 61/October 13, 680 (cf. Day of Ashura, event of Ashura). Imam (a) tried his best to awaken the sleeping consciences of the army standing against him through his altruistic and benevolent speeches. He (a) told them it was their last chance to live free and that if they were to fail this test, they would never find happiness. He told them that if they ignored dignity, a life full of misery awaited them. The early hours of the tenth day was spent sending and receiving messages and giving speeches. Imam al-Husayn (a) and [[Martyrs of Karbala|his companions]] made key speeches that have been recorded in the history showing their spirit of free-mindedness, dignity and piety, the peak of altruism, and benevolence towards ignorant people. Even as death came upon them, they made efforts to save the enemies from themselves. One of Imam al-Husayn's (a) speeches in those crucial hours read,

::"O people! Do not hurry! Listen to my words [first]. I wish only good for you. I want to tell you why I have come to your land! If you listen to my words and be fair and see that I tell the truth, this battle which may happen at any moment right now will be cancelled. If you do not listen to me, and if you do not follow the path of truth, you will suffer from its harms. O people, do you know who I am? Do you know who my father is? Is it just for you to kill me? And is it just for you to disrespect me? Am I not the son of the Prophet's (s) daughter? Is not my father the successor and the cousin of the [[Prophet (s)]] and [[the first Muslim]]? Have not you heard this hadith about me and my brother, where the Prophet (s) said, 'These two are my sons, the masters of the youths in paradise?' If you think I tell the truth, well, to God I swear I have not told a lie since I have known myself. And if you think I tell you lies, still there are few companions of the Prophet (s) alive, so that you can ask them [such as], [[Jabir b. 'Abd Allah al-Ansari]], [[Abu Sa'id al-Khudri]], [[Sahl al-Sa'idi]], [[Zayd b. Arqam]], and [[Anas b. Malik]]! They will tell you that what I say is true. O people! With what religious permission are you going to spill my blood?!"

When the battle finally began, it was only a few hours before Imam al-Husayn (a) and his companions were martyred. The enemy captured their women and children, and took them to Kufa, then onward to Syria. They did not kill [[Imam al-Sajjad (a)]] only because he was ill in [[Karbala]].

== Attributes and Merits ==
{{Main|Ahl al-Bayt (a)|Ashab al-Kisa'|Mubahala Verse|Tathir Verse|Hadith al-Thaqalayn}}

After the martyrdom of [[Imam al-Hasan (a)]], Imam al-Husayn (a) was the most honorable person of [[Banu Hashim]], even though there were others elder than him. Regardless of his age, they consulted with him in their affairs and prioritized his opinion over others.

===Appearance===
Imam al-Husayn (a) had a bright face. He sometimes wore a turban made of fur, and at other times, a black turban. He used to dye his hair reddish brown. In most [[hadith]] sources, he is likened to the noble [[Prophet (s)]], and he is described as the most similar person to the Prophet (s). In another hadith, [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] regarded al-Husayn (a) as the most similar to himself, regarding manner and behavior.

The lettering on his two rings read "La ilah illa Allah, 'uddat li-liqa' Allah" [(the word) "there's no god except Allah" is the supplement for meeting Allah] and "Inn Allah baligh amrih" [Indeed Allah carries through His command].

Imam al-Husayn (a) went to [[hajj]] on foot, accompanied by his relatives twenty five times in his lifetime.

===Position===
Even his enemies recognized his pious attributes, as [[Mu'awiya]] said, "like his father, 'Ali (a), al-Husayn (a) is not a man of trickery". [['Amr b. al-'As]] knew him as the most beloved person on earth among the dwellers of skies.

He (a) always respected his brother Imam al-Hasan (a) and never spoke before him. He (a) never walked ahead of Imam al-Hasan (a) or prioritized his opinion over Imam al-Hasan (a) when he was present. Although Imam al-Husayn (a) was famous for his generosity and charity in [[Medina]], he (a) respected Imam al-Hasan (a) even in this regard. It is reported that once a poor person came to Imam al-Hasan (a) asking him for some help, and Imam al-Hasan (a) gave him some money. Then that poor person went to al-Husayn (a) to ask for more. When al-Husayn (a) was informed of how much his brother gave to the poor person, he (a) gave the man one [[dinar]] less out of respect for Imam al-Hasan (a).

====Behavior====
He used to sit with the poor, accepted their invitations, ate with them, invited them to his house, and never hesitated in giving charity. If a beggar asked him for help while he (a) was praying, he (a) tried to recite the remainder of his [[prayer]] quickly in order to give the beggar what he (a) had. 

He (a) used to free slaves and bondwomen for their good manners. It is reported that Imam al-Husayn (a) freed a bondwoman [[Mu'awiya]] had sent for him along with gifts and clothes, in return for reciting some verses of the [[Qur'an]], and a poem about the mortality of the world and human beings. Imam al-Husayn (a) gave her all the gifts. Once, one of his slaves did something wrong, and even though he deserved punishment, the Imam (a) recited the verse "And (those who) excuse [the faults of] the people." (Quran 3:134) and forgave him. Then the slave continued with "And Allah loves the generous." (Quran 3:134); therefore, Imam (a) freed him for the sake of God. It is also reported that Imam al-Husayn (a) paid off the debt of [[Usama b. Zayd]] who was unable to take care of his debts due to a serious illness.

It is reported that Imam al-Husayn (a) spent the land, and whatever he (a) inherited before he (a) received them in the way of God. He (a) gave his ring and paid the full debt of a man in return for answers to three questions. His generosity was to the extent that a Jewish couple became Muslim when they saw this merit of his. Regarding his forbearance, it is reported that when a man from [[Syria]] insulted him and his father, Imam al-Husayn (a) forgave him and treated him with kindness. It is also said that the lasting marks of the bags of food he (a) carried for the orphans and the poor was clearly seen on his back, even to the day of his martyrdom.

It is reported that when [[Marwan b. Hakam]] insulted [[Fatima al-Zahra (a)|his mother]], Imam al-Husayn (a) reacted harshly to it, the same as when [[Umayyads]] swore about Imam 'Ali (a), he (a) reacted harshly towards them.

== Notes ==
{{notes}}

== References==
{{references}}
*Ibn Shahrāshūb, ''Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib''. Najaf: Maṭbaʿa al-Ḥaydarīyya, 1376 AH.
*Mufīd, ''al-Irshād fī maʿrifat hujaj Allah ʿalā l-ʿibād''. Qom: Kungiri-yi Shaykh Mufīd, 1413 AH.
*Ṭūsī, Muḥammad b. Ḥasan, ''Miṣbāḥ al-mutihajjid''. Beirut: Muʾassisa Fiqh al-Shīʿa, 1411 AH.
*Ibn Qutayba al-Dīnawarī, ''al-Imāma wa l-sīyāsa''. ed. ʿAlī Shīrī. Beirut: Dār al-Aḍwāʾ, 1410 AH.
*Ṭabrisī, Aḥmad b. ʿAlī, ''al-Iḥtijāj ʿalā ahl al-lijāj''. Mashhad: Murtaḍā, 1403 Sh.
*Ibn Ḥajar al-ʿAsqalānī, ''al-Iṣāba''. Beirut: Dār al-Kutub al-ʿIlmīyya, 1415 AH.
*Yūsufī Gharawī, Muḥammad Ḥādī, ''Mawsūʿa al-Tārīkh al-Islāmī''. Qom: Majmaʿ Andīshi-yi Islāmī, 1417 AH.
*Ṭabrisī, Faḍl b. Ḥasan, ''Tāj al-mawālīd''. Beirut: Dār al-Qārr, 1422 AH.
*Ṭabari, Muḥammad b. Jarīr, ''Tārīkh al-umam wa l-mulūk''. Beirut: Dār al-Turāth, 1387 AH.
*Yaʿqūbī, Aḥmad b. Abī Ya'qūb, ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī''. Beirut: Dār Ṣādir.
*Masʿūdī, ʿAlī b. al-Ḥusayn, ''Murūj al-dhahab wa maʿādin al-jawhar''. ed. Asʿad Dāghir. Qom: Dār al-Hijra, 1409 AH.
*Ṣibt b. al-Jawzī, ''Tadhkirat al-khawāṣ''. Qom: Manshūrat al-Sharīf al-Raḍī, 1418 AH.
*Ibn Shuʿba al-Ḥarrānī, Ḥasan b. ʿAlī, ''Tuḥaf al-ʿuqūl''. Qom: Jāmiʿa Mudarrisīn, 1404 AH.
{{end}}

== Further Reading ==
* [[Ibrahim Ayati|Ayati, Ibrahim]], ''[http://www.al-islam.org/probe-history-ashura-dr-ibrahim-ayati A Probe into the History of 'Ashura]'', Islamic Seminary Publications; Karachi - The Islamic Republic of Pakistan
* [['Abd al-Razzaq al-Muqarram]], ''[http://www.al-islam.org/maqtal-al-husayn-abd-al-razzaq-al-muqarram Maqtal al-Husayn]'', Al-Kharsan Foundation for Publications
* [[Shaykh 'Abbas Qummi|Qummi, Shaykh 'Abbas]], ''[http://www.al-islam.org/nafasul-mahmum-relating-heart-rending-tragedy-karbala-shaykh-abbas-qummi Nafasul Mahmum, Relating to the heart rending tragedy of Karbala]'', Islamic Study Circle
* [[Abu Mikhnaf]], ''[http://www.al-islam.org/event-taff-earliest-historical-account-tragedy-karbala-abu-mikhnaf The Event of Taff, The Earliest Historical Account of the Tragedy of Karbala]'', ABWA Publishing and Printing Center, ISBN 978-964-529-266-7
* [[Murtada Mutahhari|Mutahhari, Murtada]], ''[http://www.al-islam.org/truth-about-al-husayn-s-revolt-ayatullah-murtadha-mutahhari The truth about Al-Husayn’s Revolt]'', transcript of a sermon/lecture the late author, Ayatollah Mutahhari, had delivered in gatherings held in Tehran for the annual commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn (a)
* [[Murtada Mutahhari|Mutahhari, Murtada]], '''Ashura - Misrepresentations and Distortions'', [http://www.al-islam.org/al-tawhid/vol13-no3/ashura-misrepresentations-distortions-part-1-mutahhari Part 1], [http://www.al-islam.org/al-tawhid/vol13-no4/ashura-misrepresentations-distortions-part-2-mutahhari Part 2]
* Mahmoud M. Ayoub, ''[http://www.al-islam.org/al-serat/vol-12-1986/excellences-imam-husayn-sunni-hadith-tradition-dr-mahmoud-m-ayoub The Excellences of Imam al-Husayn in Sunni Hadith Tradition]'', University of Toronto; Al-Serat, Vol. 12 (1986)
* ''[http://www.al-islam.org/articles/personalities-what-non-muslims-say-about-husayn-third-successor-prophet-muhammad Personalities: What Non-Muslims Say About Husayn, The Third Successor of Prophet Muhammad]
* [[Muhammad Rida Hakimi|Hakimi, Muhammad Rida]], ''[http://www.al-islam.org/articles/ashura-tenth-muharram-muhammad-rida-hakimi Ashura’, the Tenth of Muharram]''
* [[Ja'far Subhani|Subhani, Ja'far]], ''[http://www.al-islam.org/articles/historical-and-jurisprudential-issues-pertinent-ziyaratu-ashura-ayatullah-jafar-subhani Historical and Jurisprudential Issues Pertinent to the Ziyaratu Ashura]''

==External Links==
* [http://imamhussain.org/english/ Official Website of Imam al-Husayn Holy Shrine]
* [http://www.al-islam.org/file/ziyarat-ashura-powerpoint-presentation Ziyara 'Ashura in Power Point Slide]
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[[fa:امام حسین علیه السلام]]
[[ar:الإمام الحسين عليه السلام]]
[[ur:امام حسین علیہ السلام]]
[[tr:İmam Hüseyin (aleyhi selam)]]
[[es:Imam Hussein (P)]]
[[fr:Imam al-Husayn (a)]]
[[id:Imam Husain al Syahid As]]

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[[Category:Imams (a)]]
[[Category:Imam al-Husayn (a)]]
[[Category:Sahaba]]
[[Category:Children of Imam Ali (a)]]
[[Category:Ashab al-Kisa]]
[[Category:Infallibles]]
[[Category:Martyrs of Karbala]]
[[Category:Buried in the shrine of Imam al-Husayn (a)]]
[[Category:Ahl al-Bayt (a)]]
[[Category:Banu Hashim]]