The events of Karbala happened in the first month of the Islamic calendar year, Muharram. That year was 61 hijri (680 AD). The demise of Huzoor Rasullah (sa) happened in the year of 11 AH. So, within 5 decades (so strange!), people of the world witnessed the tragedy of Karbala. The first ten days of Muharram are the most sacred to all the lovers of Ahle-Byat. The 10th of Muharram is the ‘Ashura’ day when many of the households (including) Imam were martyred.

The events of the Karbala are the historical events of the struggle, oppression and martyrdom. Ashura happened between righteous and wrong-doers. There is no event in world history like this, and none will happen in the future. Because the sacrifice offered to the Almighty Allah by the house of Hazrat Muhammad (sa) is unparallel. The third imam of the true believers of Islam, Imam Hussain and his followers given their everything in the name of Islam is unique.

On the 10th of Muharram (Ashura), Hazrat Imam Hussain (as) and his faithful companions preferred death on the banks of river Euphrates and upheld the struggle of good against the tyrants. That is why Huzoor Garib Nawaz (ra) said,

” Sha’st Hussain, Baadsha’st Hussain
Dina’st Hussain, Deen Panaha’st Hussain
Sar Daad Daste dar Daste Yazeed
Haq’aqe Binae La-ila’st Hussain. “

Hussain is the king, the king of all the kings
Hussain is the religion, the saviour of Islam
He didn’t give allegiance to Yazeed, sacrifice his head
Truth is that The root of Islam is Hussain

_{For Extended version, click here}

This poetic couplets are the basis of our belief in the Chishtia Silsila.

This event not only inspires the oppressed Muslims but also the non-believers around the world. Gandhi of India, Mandela of South Africa and so many people mentioned Imam Hussain (as) name.

Here is a brief history with a timeline of the events. For more details, please download/open this pdf on your browser.

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Karbala happened for neither for power nor money. Imam Hussain’s sermon on the land of Karbala explained the full intention of those martyrs. He said, “

“I have not risen to spread evil or to show off, nor for spreading immorality or oppression. But I have left for the REFORMATION of the Ummah of my Grandfather, the Apostle of Allah (s.a.w.) and I desire to do Amr Bil Maroof (invite towards good values) and Nahi Anal Munkar (forbidding from Evil).”
“By Allah, I will never give you my hand like a man who has been humiliated, nor will I flee like a slave.”

The whole of Islam was depending on this event. Without their sacrifice, Islam would have twisted and derailed from the reality.

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In all ages of history, the mindset of the tyrants is the same. They wanted dominion over people of their time with falsehood, fear and persecution. Those are true to Muaviya (Mu’awiya, son of Abu Sufyan) as well.

Before Karbala event, Muaviya says in his sermon in Kufa after dominating Iraq, ” I have not come for you to perform prayer and fasting, I have come to rule you; anyone who opposes me I will destroy him! “

He selected Yazid as his successor of power in the Muslim world, which was largely rejected by the top politicians/leaders. Yazid says, ” If my ancestors who had been killed in the field of Badr were here to see my revenge scene from Bani Hashim …! “

These types of comments are easily found in the study of Islamic history. So, it is clearly has concluded that the tyrant’s motivation was anti-Islamic. Their philosophy behind the Karbala events was purely for power. They did not seek the happiness of the afterlife, they only wanted to rule the world at their disposal. They did not have the love for Allah or Allah’s Prophet (sa.). They did not care about the rath of Allah hereafter.

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Before the war began between two unequal parties and when Imam Hussain (as) saw that both sides, he mounted a camel and faced the opposition and made the following speech:

“ O people do not rush to kill me as I am the grandson of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). I have not come here of my accord but have been called by you people.

At this time, there is not a man on earth who is the grandson of a prophet apart from me. Pause to think for a while regarding who I am. If you want to know about me, go and ask the Prophet’s Companions, who are still alive. Go and ask Ja’far bin Abdullah, Abu Sa’id, Suhail bin Sa’d, Zaid bin Arqam and Anas bin Malik. They will tell you how the Prophet used to love us.

Tell me is it right for you to receive me with un-sheathed swords?

Tell me, for what crime do you want to kill me?

Have I killed anyone that you want to punish me for his or her murder? Or have I taken anybody’s property?

O people listen to me, did you not write letters asking me to come?

Once again I say, I have come here because you have invited me. But since I have come here, you do not recognize me and you do not wish to support me. ”

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Remembering Allah in fear and in the love of Imam Hussain (as) is the key to any nafl (non-mandatory) prayer and supplication. A person who seeks the attention of Allah, Imam Hussain, the Holy 5, the Holy twelve imams and Huzoor Garib Nawaz can perform any of the nafl prayers and supplication at their will and ease. Ashura is celebrated in many ways around the world.

According to a hadith of our Prophet (sa), the 9th of Muharram is sacred to us. During this day, every Muslim should fast. The reward is tremendous. Allah will pardon your minor sins from the previous year. Some more form of good deeds on Ashura is highly rewarding from Allah (Subhanallahu T’ ala):
— Help an orphan, feed a hungry person or give water to a thirsty
— Visit a sick person
— Giving cloth to poor
— Do good to your family, friends and neighbour

Some dua (supplication) can be found at dua.org