The story of Karbala started with the birth of Hussain (R.A). Blessed grandson of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was born on 3rd Shabaan 4th Hijri in Madina. The child was named Hussain which means “ beautiful” in Arabic. He and his brother were extremely loved by their grandfather. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) would pray for His grandchildren “O Allah, I love both of them, Thou, too, love them similarly.” (Bukhari, Kitabul Fadha’il)
Hazrat Hussain (R.A) was a companion to his father and brother. Throughout the reign of his father, Imam Hussain (R.A) stayed by his side and fought against the tyrant and barbarous. After the death of his father Imam (R.A) accepted his brother as the leader of Muslims and promised to stay loyal and devoted to him. He looked upon him for guidance.
In the evil plot set by Muawiyah Imam Hassan Mujtaba (R.A) was martyred and then at the age of forty-six Imam Hussain (R.A) got the post of Imamate. As the Imam and leader of Muslims, Imam Hussain’s (R.A) major concern was to secure and safeguard Islam and guide other Muslim fellows towards the right path. On the contrary, Muawiyah and his son Yazeed were using violent force to get control of the Muslim empire by any means necessary.
After Muawiyah’s demise, his arrogant and impure son Yazeed ordered the governor of Madina to take oath of allegiance from Imam Hussain (R.A) at once. Imam Hussain on the other hand firmly denied to follow this order, since there was no way Yazeed could represent Islam. But Yazeed, the tyrant ruler, was resolute in his demand, which resulted in increased distress between the two parties.
Imam Hussain (R.A) received numerous letters of invitations from the people of Kufa who were willing to take the pledge of allegiance at the hands of Imam (R.A). So he decided to go to Kufa. He believed that whatever Allah Almighty Wills would occur. When Yazeed was informed about this movement he sent one of his most corrupt companion Ibn-e-Ziad to tempt and delude the people of Kufa against Imam Hussain (R.A). And then the events changed to such a degree that even those people who sent invitation letters to Imam Hussain (R.A) were ready to fight against him.
When Imam Hussain (R.A) reached Karbala, he learned that the people of Kufa had turned against him, so he gave everyone in his group the choice to return back to their homes. He and his family and a few companions remained to fight till the end. There were approximately 72 people left with him in his camp. In the meanwhile Umar bin Sa’d brought an army of 4000 men with him. He asked Imam (R.A), “Why did you come to Kufa?” He replied, “I came to Kufa because I was invited through letters, messages and personal invitations and now that I have reached here you do not want me to be here.”
Umar bin Sa’d wrote a letter to the governor for further instructions, to which Ibn Ziyad replied, “Tell Imam Hussain to swear allegiance to King Yazeed. If he does, then we shall come to an agreement, but if he does not, then we shall fight with him and his people. We will also stop their supply of drinking water.” On 7th of Muharram Imam Hussain (R.A) and his companions were stopped from getting any water from the river.
When Imam Husain realized that the war was inevitable, 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 our Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), I have not come here of my own 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 who am I? If you want to know about me, go and ask the Prophet’s companions who are still alive. Go and ask Jaffer bin Abdullah, Abu Sa’id, Suhail bin Sa’d, Zaid bin Arkam and Anas bin Malik. They will tell you how the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) 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 want to support me.” He then finished his sermon and dismounted the camel.
On 10th of Muharram the battle of Karbala began where all the Muslims fought courageously and fearlessly in the way of Allah. After the martyrdom of all the relatives, friends and supporters of Imam Hussain (R.A), he was left alone. He was thirsty and was headed towards the river Euphrates so that he could get some water to drink. When he was close enough to the river, he was shot by an arrow that hit him in the face. Then all the enemies surrounded and attacked him simultaneously and he fell on the ground. Yet, he fought dauntlessly until his last breath.
In the end, we can say that the battle of Karbala was about standing in the face of brutality and cruelty, no matter what the cost. Thus, in Karbala, Imam Hussain (R.A) the 54 year old grandson of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) sacrificed himself entirely for only one goal. This goal was to let the truth triumph over falsehood eventually, and he did that brilliantly.