Muharram, Karbala, Islam, and The Greatest Sacrifices of Imam Hussain (AS)

By Dr. Muhaddis Naqvi, Assistant Professor of Law, IBAADAT Intl, University Islamabad

and Muhammad Imran, Staff Member, SAHSOL-LUMS

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and holds deep sorrow and great significance in Islamic history. It reminds Muslims of the tragedy of Karbala, an event that became a turning point in history and left a lasting impact on the moral, spiritual, and political understanding of the Muslim world.

Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) was the son of Hazrat Ali (AS), the younger brother of Hazrat Imam Hassan (AS), and the beloved grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). After the martyrdom of Imam Hassan (AS), Imam Hussain (AS) became a strong voice against injustice, corruption, and oppression. When Yazid was appointed as ruler by Muawiya, the system of leadership changed into hereditary rule, and Yazid demanded allegiance from people across the Muslim world. Many accepted him, but Imam Hussain (AS) refused because he believed his rule was against the true teachings and values of Islam. His refusal was not for political power, but a principled stand for truth, justice, and the protection of Islamic moral values.

As a result of this stand, Imam Hussain (AS) left Madinah with his family and a small group of loyal companions and travelled toward Karbala. On the 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura, Imam Hussain (AS), along with his family members and companions, was martyred in Karbala by the forces of Yazid. Although they were very few in number, they remained united, patient, and firm until their last breath. Their sacrifice became one of the greatest examples of courage, faith, and steadfastness in human history, and Karbala remains a timeless symbol of resistance against oppression.

Among the martyrs was Hazrat Ali Asghar (AS), the infant son of Imam Hussain (AS), remembered as the youngest martyr of Karbala. During the siege, the camp of Imam Hussain (AS) was deprived of water for several days. In deep sorrow, Imam Hussain (AS) brought his infant son and appealed for water. According to historical reports, instead of water, an arrow struck the child, and he was martyred in his father’s arms. This moment is remembered as one of the most heartbreaking incidents of Karbala, representing innocence, suffering, and extreme injustice.

Hazrat Habib Ibn Mazahir (RA) was a respected elder and loyal companion of Imam Hussain (AS). He belonged to Kufa and had been a supporter of Hazrat Ali (AS). When he learned about Imam Hussain’s (AS) situation, he secretly left Kufa and joined him in Karbala despite great danger. On the Day of Ashura, even in old age, he fought bravely and was martyred in defence of truth and justice. His loyalty and courage made him one of the most honoured companions of Karbala.

Hazrat Abbas ibn Ali (AS), also known as Abbas Alamdar, was the half-brother of Imam Hussain (AS) and the son of Hazrat Ali (AS) and Umm al-Banin. He served as the standard-bearer of Imam Hussain’s camp and was known for his strength, bravery, and unmatched loyalty. When water was blocked from the camp, Hazrat Abbas (AS) went to the Euphrates to bring water for the women and children. He filled the water bag but did not drink from it despite extreme thirst, out of concern for others. On his return, he was attacked and martyred before reaching the camp. His sacrifice is remembered as a symbol of selflessness, honour, and devotion.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) strongly emphasized love and respect for his family, known as the Ahl al-Bayt. Muslims are taught to honour and follow their example of patience, faith, and righteousness. The Ahl al-Bayt include Hazrat Ali (AS), Hazrat Fatimah (RA), Hazrat Imam Hassan (AS), and Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), whose lives reflect truth, sacrifice, and complete devotion to Islam.

Many scholars and thinkers have praised Imam Hussain (AS) for his stand against injustice. Among them, Nelson Mandela is often mentioned as someone inspired by his sacrifice. Imam Hussain’s (AS) martyrdom is widely seen as a universal symbol of courage, justice, and resistance against oppression, and his message continues to inspire people of all backgrounds.

The main survivor of Karbala was Hazrat Ali ibn Hussain Zayn al-Abidin (AS), the son of Imam Hussain (AS), who was seriously ill during the battle and did not participate in fighting. After the tragedy, he was taken along with the women and children to Kufa and Damascus as captives. Later, he returned to Madinah, where he spent his life in worship, teaching, charity, and guiding the community with patience and wisdom. He is also remembered for his famous book of prayers, Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya, which reflects deep spirituality and devotion. Another important survivor was Hazrat Zaynab bint Ali (AS), who delivered powerful speeches in Kufa and Damascus, exposing the truth of Karbala and preserving its message for future generations.

The Battle of Karbala remains one of the greatest examples of sacrifice in human history. Although Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions were few in number, they stood firmly for truth and justice against a much larger force. Their sacrifice teaches that standing for truth may demand great patience and hardship, but it leaves behind an everlasting message of courage, faith, dignity, and resistance against oppression that continues to inspire humanity.

Imam Hussain (AS) is so lucky and proudful that despite his request not a single of his companions left him and presented his life before 0.9 million brutal army. 

شاہ است حسینؑ بادشساہ است حسینؑ

دین است حسینؑ دین پناہ است حسینؑ

سر داد نہ داد دست در دست یزید

حقاکہ بنائےلاالہ است حسینؑ

حضرت معین الدین چشتی رح