Biography of Imam Husayn (A)


1. Introduction


Imam Husayn ibn Ali (A), the third Shia Imam, was the second son of Imam Ali (A) and Lady Fatimah (S), and the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In Islamic history, he is a symbol of freedom, justice, and resistance against oppression. His life, especially the tragedy of Ashura in Karbala, continues to inspire Muslims and all people who stand for truth.


2. Birth and Naming


Imam Husayn (A) was born on 3rd Sha‘ban, 4 AH (January 626 CE) in Medina. When the Prophet Muhammad heard of his birth, he went to the house of Ali and Fatimah, took the newborn in his arms, recited the call to prayer (Adhan) in his right ear and the commencement (Iqama) in his left, and named him Husayn by divine command. Like his brother Hasan, this name had never been used among Arabs before.


3. The Prophet’s Love for Husayn


From the very beginning, Imam Husayn (A) and his brother Hasan were the dearest to the Prophet. He would carry them on his shoulders, kiss them, and say in front of people:


> “Husayn is from me and I am from Husayn. Allah loves those who love Husayn.”


4. Childhood Years


Imam Husayn (A) spent his early years under the care of the Prophet. He witnessed important events such as the Mubahala with the Christians of Najran and the Verse of Purification (Ayah al-Tathir), being one of the Ahl al-Kisa (People of the Cloak). These years shaped his courageous, compassionate, and deeply spiritual personality.


5. After the Prophet’s Passing


When the Prophet passed away in 11 AH, Imam Husayn was about six years old. Shortly after, his mother Lady Fatimah (S) also passed away. He grew up under the direct guidance of his father, Imam Ali (A), and experienced the political injustice and loss of leadership that befell the Ahl al-Bayt.


6. Youth During Imam Ali’s Caliphate


When Imam Ali (A) became caliph, Imam Husayn played an active role in political, social, and military affairs. He took part in the battles of Jamal, Siffin, and Nahrawan, displaying bravery and loyalty. In Kufa, he supported his father’s mission and preached Islamic values.


7. After Imam Ali’s Martyrdom


After Imam Ali’s martyrdom in 40 AH, Imam Hasan (A) became Imam, and Husayn stood firmly by his side. He supported his brother in both war and peace. Following Imam Hasan’s peace treaty with Muawiya, Imam Husayn respected the agreement and refrained from political uprising until Muawiya’s death.


8. Beginning of His Imamate


In 50 AH, after Imam Hasan’s martyrdom, Imam Husayn became the leader of the Shia community. For the next decade, until Muawiya’s death in 60 AH, he focused on teaching, guiding, and helping people, while exposing the corruption of the Umayyad rulers through moral leadership and public awareness.


9. Death of Muawiya and the Crisis


When Muawiya died, his son Yazid became ruler. Yazid was known for open corruption, tyranny, and disregard for Islamic values. He demanded Imam Husayn’s allegiance to legitimize his rule. Imam Husayn refused, knowing such allegiance would mean approving oppression.


10. Leaving Medina


Facing pressure from the governor of Medina to pledge allegiance, Imam Husayn left the city at night with his family and a small group of followers, heading to Mecca. There, he openly called for reform in the Muslim community and urged a return to the true teachings of Islam. Letters from the people of Kufa soon reached him, inviting him to lead an uprising against Yazid.


11. Journey to Kufa


Imam Husayn sent his cousin Muslim ibn Aqil to Kufa to assess the situation. Muslim initially reported strong support, so Imam Husayn set out for Kufa. However, before Husayn could arrive, Muslim was killed, and the city fell under the control of Yazid’s governor, Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad. Despite knowing the danger, Imam Husayn continued his journey and was stopped by enemy forces in the desert of Karbala.


12. The Tragedy of Ashura

On the 10th of Muharram, 61 AH (October 680 CE), Imam Husayn and his 72 companions faced an army of thousands. That day became one of the most significant events in Islamic history:


His companions fought bravely and were martyred one by one.


Imam Husayn bid farewell to his family and went into battle.


Despite extreme thirst and exhaustion, he fought with unmatched courage.


Finally, he was killed, and his blessed body was left on the plains of Karbala.


13. Aftermath of Karbala


The family of Imam Husayn was taken captive and brought to Kufa and then Damascus. The speeches of Lady Zaynab (S) and Imam Ali Zayn al-Abidin (A) exposed the truth of Karbala to the public, shaking Yazid’s authority. The tragedy of Ashura became a lasting symbol of the fight against tyranny.


14. Qualities of Imam Husayn


Bravery – Fearless against overwhelming odds.


Freedom-loving – Refused to give legitimacy to injustice.


Compassion – Kind even to those who opposed him.


Faith and devotion – Performed prayer and supplication even on the battlefield.


15. Imam Husayn in Islamic Culture


Imam Husayn is revered not only among Shia Muslims but throughout the Islamic world as a hero of truth. The mourning rituals of Muharram and Arbaeen bring millions together every year to honor his sacrifice. His message is universal:


> “If you have no religion, at least be free in this world.”


16. Conclusion


From his childhood in the arms of the Prophet to his martyrdom in Karbala, Imam Husayn’s life is a story of love for truth and unwavering resistance to injustice. He proved that sometimes blood triumphs over the sword, and his name will forever be remembered in history.