Historical Figure
Husayn ibn Ali
d. 680
Grandson of Muhammad and the 3rd Imam
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Biography
Husayn ibn Ali was an Alid political and religious leader. The second son of Ali and Fatima and a grandson of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, as well as a younger brother of Hasan ibn Ali, Husayn is regarded as the third Imam in Shia Islam after his brother, Hasan, and before his son, Ali al-Sajjad. Husayn is a prominent member of the Ahl al-Bayt and is also considered to be a member of the Ahl al-Kisa and a participant in the event of the mubahala. Muhammad described him and his brother, Hasan, as the leaders of the youth of paradise.
In Their Own Words (5)
In a distant age and climate, the tragic scene of the death of Husein will awaken the sympathy of the coldest reader.
Edward Gibbon, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. 2, p. 218
People are slaves to the world, and as long as they live favorable and comfortable lives, they are loyal to religious principles. However, at hard times, the times of trials, true religious people are scarce.
Our enemy is the enemy of my grandfather, Muhammad.
One who reveals your faults to you like a mirror is your true friend, and one who flatters you and covers up your faults is your enemy.
Tolerance is man’s ornament, keeping promises is a sign of nobility, and bonding with others is a grace.
Timeline
The story of Husayn ibn Ali, told in moments.
Born in Medina. Grandson of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatimah and son-in-law Ali. Muhammad reportedly said of Husayn and his brother Hassan, "They are the leaders of the youth of Paradise."
His brother Hassan ceded the caliphate to Muawiyah to end the civil war. Husayn accepted the truce. When Muawiyah died in 680, his son Yazid claimed the succession. Husayn refused to swear allegiance.
Marched toward Kufa with 72 followers and his family, answering letters of support from Iraqi Shia. Yazid's forces intercepted them at Karbala. The promised support from Kufa never arrived.
Killed at the Battle of Karbala. His small group fought Yazid's army of thousands. Husayn was the last to fall. His head was taken to Damascus. His death became the defining event of Shia Islam. Ashura marks this day.
His stand at Karbala transformed Islam permanently. "Every day is Ashura, every land is Karbala" became a Shia saying. Annual mourning processions draw millions across the Muslim world 1,300 years later.
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