AL-ḤUSAIN (الحسين)
Definition and Background
Al-Ḥusain ibn ʿAlī (الحسين بن علي) was the second son of Fāṭimah, the daughter of the Prophet Muḥammad, and her husband ʿAlī, the fourth caliph in Sunni Islam and the first Imam in Shia Islam. Al-Ḥusain is a pivotal figure in Islamic history, especially in Shia Islam, where he is regarded as the third Imam. Born in 626 CE (4 AH), he was tragically martyred in 680 CE (61 AH) during the Battle of Karbalā, a watershed event commemorated annually during the first ten days of Muḥarram, especially on the day of Ashura.
Etymology and Translations
Arabic: (الحسين)
Turkish: (Hüseyin)
The name Al-Ḥusain means “the good” or “the handsome.” It is derived from the Arabic root “ḥ-s-n,” which broadly conveys notions of goodness, beauty, and worth.
Historical Context
The Accession of Yazīd and the Call from Cufa
With Yazīd ibn Muʿāwiya ascending to the caliphate, Al-Ḥusain received secret messages from the people of Cufa (modern-day Kufa, Iraq), urging him to lead them in opposition to Yazīd’s rule. His journey from Mecca to Karbalā was marked by strategic moves and countermeasures, often countered by Yazīd’s authorities.
The Encounter with Al-Ḥurr and the Treachery of Obaidallah
Upon reaching the borders of Babylonia, Al-Ḥusain and his small retinue were intercepted by forces led by al-Ḥurr. Although Al-Ḥusain tried negotiating terms, the forces under the command of Obaidallah ibn Ziyād pressured them into an isolated region devoid of fortifications and water.
The Battle of Karbalā
Watering Attempts and Final Preparations
Denied access to water by their adversaries, Al-Ḥusain’s followers dug a trench to limit attack directions, filling it with inflammable materials to prevent a cavalry assault. Despite exhausting attempts to plead for mediation, all efforts were thwarted by Obaidallah’s stringent orders.
The Slaughter on the Plains of Karbalā
On the 10th of Muḥarram, the final assault was executed under the orders of Obaidallah. Al-Ḥusain’s forces were vastly outnumbered. The battle witnessed intense combat, culminating in Al-Ḥusain’s martyrdom and inhumane treatment of his body.
Commemoration: Ashura and Beyond
The tragedy of Karbalā is mourned annually in the month of Muḥarram, with Ashura being the climax of these commemorations. Rituals include the “Miracle Play” or “Ta’ziya,” a dramatic retelling of the events, particularly detailed by Sir Lewis Pelly in English translations.
Books for Further Studies
- “The Tragedy of Karbala” by Abu Hanifa Dinawari
- “The History of al-Tabari, Vol. 19: The Caliphate of Yazid ibn Mu’awiyah” translated by I.K.A. Howard
- “After the Prophet: The Epic Story of the Shia-Sunni Split in Islam” by Lesley Hazleton
- “Islam and Revolution: Writings and Declarations of Imam Khomeini” by Imam Khomeini and translated by Hamid Algar
Takeaways and Conclusion
Al-Ḥusain’s martyrdom symbolizes the eternal struggle against oppression and the quest for justice, transcending centuries and deeply influencing Islamic thought and culture. The battle is more than a historical event; it is etched into the spiritual and ethical ethos of Muslims worldwide, especially within the Shia community, representing the ideals of sacrifice, dignity, and unwavering faith.
By understanding the events and significance of Karbalā, one gains crucial insights into the theological, cultural, and historical fabric of Islam. Al-Ḥusain’s martyrdom serves as a powerful emblem of the fight against tyranny, encapsulated in the words, “Every day is Ashura, and every land is Karbala.”
