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Tale of Hussain's Martyrdom Foreword In the Name of Allah the Compassionate, the Merciful Why the Recurrence of Recounting the Story of the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as.)? Perennial conflict between truth and falsehood did not cease for a moment. At times, the conflict resulted in difficult periods with disastrous consequences for humanity. Had it not been for the Providence, it was about to cause a setback to the human procession towards peace, justice and equity. The advent of Islam with the Prophet, Mohammed (S) and Imam Ah and his eleven descendants (A) at the helm of guidance for humanity was the grace of Allah. Perhaps, the most glaring manifestation of this bitter conflict at the early days of Islam was the hostile stance adopted by the Umayyads towards the Messenger of Islam and his pure progeny. Readers of history will have noticed that the Ummayad clan, rivals of the Hashimite clan, although belonging to the same tribe - Quraish, did not spare any way or means to show their enmity and grudge against the Hashimite. At the time of the Prophet (S) Abu Sufian, Sakhr bin Harb bin Umayya was the commander of the infidel armies who fought the Muslims in the battles Badr, Uhud and al-Khandaq. He professed Islam for fear of his life in 81 H., the year of the conquest of Mekkah. Abu Sufian's grudge against Islam was all apparent. When Othman, an Ummayyad, assumed the mantle of caliph, Abu Sufian hurried to the grave of Hamzah bin Abdul Muttalib, who was martyred in the battle of Uhud. Kicking the grave with his foot, he uttered his now infamous words: "By him whom Abu Sufian take an oath, there is neither heaven nor hell. Snatch it, Oh children of the Umayyads!, as if you were catching a ball; Hold to it (power) with the skin of your teeth". This hostile stand against Islam was handed down from Abu Sufian to his son, Mu'aawiya. This was clearly manifested when Imam Ali (A) was chosen as caliph. Mu'aawiya waged three devastating wars against the legitimate caliph; these were (al-Jamal), headed by Umul-Mo'mineen (Mother of the believers), A'isha at the pretext of venging the blood of the caliph Othman, (Siffeen), commanded by Mu'aawiya at the same pretext and (al-Nahrawan) at the behest of Mu'aawiya; Mu'aawiya's unrelenting efforts and schemings culminated in assassinating Imam Ali (A), while he was leading congregational prayer. After the death of Imam Ali (A), his son Imam Hassan (A) inherited the caliphate. Mu'aawiya did not give him a respite. He commissioned a big army and marched from Syria to Iraq to fight Imam Hassan (A). With deceit and carrot and stick he managed to manipulate the military situation in his favour. With many of his military commanders defecting to the enemy side, falling prey to Mu'aawiya's promises, Imam Hassan had no alternative but to sign a (truce) with Mu'aawiya, driven by concern to preserve what was left of the disciples (companions) of the Prophet in his camp, who were tracked down by Mu'aawiya's agents. It was for this and the fact that Imam Hassan wanted to buy time to re-organise his depleted army. Imam Hassan was forced to sign the cease-fire agreement with Mu'aawiya. However, Mu'aawiya did not keep his part of the agreement. He unilaterally revoked the agreement. For him, extending his power base to include Iraq mattered the most. He made this evidently clear in his address to the Kufans: "Oh people! I did not wage war against you in order to make you observe prayer, fast, pilgrimage, and pay religious dues. I only did so to be able to be in charge of your affairs". As the era of Mu'aawiya was drawing to a close with all the calamities inflicted on the followers of Imam Ali (A), especially the elite amongst them, he appointed his son wayward Yazid as heir-apparent. This move inflamed the feelings of the majority of Muslims. In protest they refused to endorse his appointment due to his public debauchery and the fact that he did not meet the most basic of requirements of the Islamic office of Caliph. On top of those who publicly rejected Yazid's appointment at the helm of Muslim's affairs were Imam Hassan and his brother, Imam Hussain (A). Thus, Mu'aawiya decided to get rid of them so that he may have a free hand in his plan for the succession to the Ummayyad rule. He was successful in assassinating Imam Hassan (A) through poisoning by his wife Ju'dah bint al-Ash'ath, having promised her marriage from his son Yazid. After implementing the plan, he did not deliver, accusing her of betrayal and fearing for his own son as she might do the same thing to him. As for Imam Hussain (A), the circumstance were not right for Mu'aawiya to kill him. He left the task of liquidating him to his son, Yazid. When Yazid rose to power after the death of his father, he ordered the governors of provinces to get the pledge of allegiance for him from the Muslims. Accordingly, the governor of al-Madinah requested the allegiance from Imam Hussain (A). His answer was unequivocal, "The like of me do not swear allegiance to Yazid, the playboy and the killer of respected soul". This statement amounted to a declaration of war against the Umayyads. In his decision to travel to Iraq, Imam Hussain (A) wanted to spare Mekkah and Madinah the honours of war and blood shed, especially during the sacred months. And the fact that the Iraqis invited him to come to them as they, "have brandished swords for him against their enemy, the Banu Umayyah". Yet, even before his arrival in Kufa they betrayed him. They unveiled their true colours in unprecedented dishonesty and cruelty against the Imam, members of his family and companions at the battle of Karbala - as detailed in this tale; a glaring demonstration of enmity, oppression, ruthlessness, and brutality was meted out by the Ummayyad rule. The question that lingers in the minds is: Why is the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A) commemorated every year in this public display of outpourings, as if it were an ever-fresh memory? You will find the answer at the tip of every tongue of those infatuated with the love of Imam Hussain (A): We bring our children up on his memory, teach our youth to follow in his footsteps, remind the elderly of the magnitude of the tragedy so that it remains alive in the hearts and minds; and learn lessons, from his sacrifices and firmness in faith, to be emulated in our lives. At adversity, he never wavered, saying: "If the religion of Mohammed was not going to live on except with me dead, let the swords tear me to pieces". I used to listen to the account of Imam Hussain's martyrdom related in commemorative gatherings in Najaf and Karbala at a tender age. As time passes and circumstances change as a results of adverse events engulfing Iraq in general and Najaf and Karbala in particular, we ended up settling in London. And when we inaugurated Ahlul-Bayt Islamic Centre in 1982, we marked this occasion with the mourning assembly in memory of Imam Hussain following the traditional family commemoration of this solemn occasion. On the tenth day of Muharram, the tale of the tragedy of Karbala used to be recounted by the late Ayatullah as-Sayyid Moharnmad Taqi Bahrul Uloom.(1) After his death, I took the responsibility of reciting it. Since I assumed this responsibility, I consulted many a book dealing with the story of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A). Shorn of sentiments, my aim has always been accuracy of the reports, doing away with exaggerations and half truths. I hope I have been successful. And in order to reach a wider audience, I asked al-Haj Najim al-Khafaji to translate it into English. Also, to ensure veracity of the text, I kindly requested the eloquent orator, al-Haj Mulla Asgharali Jaffer, President of World Federation of K.S.I. Muslim Communities to revise it; he thankfully obliged and contributed to its publication. May their reward from Imam Hussain, in whose memory this publication has been commissioned, be great. From us are due the thanks and from the readers appreciation. After all this my only hope is that all of us may have contributed, each in his own humble effort, to keeping the memory of Imam Hussain, the lord of martyrs so that the people of Kisa (mantle): Mohammed, Ali, Fatima, Hassan, and Hussain be our intercessors on the day of reckoning, when neither wealth nor offspring would avail. Allah, the Most High is the only Bestower of success. Dr. Mohammed Bahrul Uloom London 10th Muharram, 1415 20th June, 1994

Is it prohibited/haram to attend a wedding of a non-muslim friend during the first ten days of moharram or even on ashura?

We see this is not a Shia fabrication, but also found in our Sunni brethren historic records and hadith. So how can our Sunni brethren fast on this day, as a day of happiness and congratulations, when the sky cried and mourned? وقال علي بن محمد المدائني ، عن علي بن مدرك ، عن جده الأسود بن قيس : احمرت آفاق السماء بعد قتل الحسين بستة أشهر ، نرى ذلك في آفاق السماء كأنها الدم . قال : فحدثت بذلك شريكا ، فقال لي : ما أنت من الأسود ؟ ، قلت : هو جدي أبو أمي قال : أم والله إن كان لصدوق الحديث ، عظيم الأمانة ، مكرما للضيف. “Ali bin Madrak” quotes from his grandfather “Aswad bin Qais” who said: after the martyrdom of imam “Husayn” [AS] the horizon was red until six months and we saw it like blood in sky, “Ali bin Muhammad Madaeni” asked him: what’s your relationship with “Aswad”: he said: he’s my maternal grandfather, “Ali bin Muhammad Madaeni” said: swear by god! he was honest, hospitable and great trustee. “Al-Dhahabi” – Siyar al-A’lam al-Nubala – vol. 3, p 312 عن ابن سيرين قال لم تبك السماء على أحد بعد يحيى بن زكريا إلا على الحسين بن علي. “Ibn Sirin” said: sky has cried for no one other than “Zachariah” and “Husayn bin Ali”. “Al-Dhahabi” – Siyar al-A’lam al-Nubala – vol. 3, p 312 عَنْ نَضْرَةَ الْأَزْدِيَّةِ قَالَتْ : لَمَّا أَنْ قُتِلَ الْحُسَيْنُ بن علي (عليهما السلام) مَطَرَتِ السَّمَاءُ دَماً فَأَصْبَحْتُ وَ كُلُّ شَيْ‏ءٍ لَنَا مَلْآنُ دَما . “Nazrah al-Azdiyyah” says: when “Husayn bin Ali” [AS] was martyred, sky cried blood and we’d see that all our things are covered with blood. “Al-Mazi”- “Tahzib al-Kamal” – vol. 6, p 433 عن عيسى بن الحارث الكندي ، قال : لما قتل الحسين مكثنا سبعة أيام إذا صلينا فنظرنا إلى الشمس على أطراف الحيطان كأنها الملاحف المعصفرة ، ونظرنا إلى الكواكب يضرب بعضها بعضا. “Isa bin Harith Kandi” says: when “Husayn bin Ali” [AS] was martyred, until seven days, whenever we said “Asr” prayer, we’d see that sunlight that hit the walls of our homes is so red as if they were covered with red tent and we’d see that some of stars beat each other. {bumped into each other} “Al-Dhahabi” – Siyar al-A’lam al-Nubala – p 3, vol. 312

Name - Ali-ibn-ul Husain Title - Zain-ul Abideen Kunyat - Abu Muhammad Born - Saturday 15th of Jamadi-ul-Awwal (some mention 5th Sha'ban), at Medina Father's Name - Husain ibn Ali Mother's Name - Shahr Banoo, daughter of King Yazdigard II Died - at the age of 58 years, in Medina , on the 21st of Muharram 95 AH. Poisoned by Waleed bin Abdul Malik Marwan. Buried - Jannat-ul-Baqi .

(Kindly ignore the spellings and the wordings in the title. i had to improvise due to the character limit) ‘I said to Aba Abdullah Ja’far (a) Bin Muhammad Al-Sadiq (a), ‘O son of Rasool-Allah (s)! How did the day of Ashura come to be a day of difficulties, and gloom, and distress, and wailing, besides the day in which Rasool-Allah (s) passed away, and the day in which Fatima (a) passed away, and the day in which Amir Al-Momineen (a) was murdered, and the day in which Al-Hassan (a) was murdered by the poison?’ So he (a) said: ‘The day of Al-Husayn (a) was the day of the greatest difficulties from the entirety of the days, and that is that the Companions of the Cloak (As’haab Al-Kisaa) were the most prestigious of the creatures to Allah the High, and they (a) were five of them. So when the Prophet (a) passed away from among them (a), there remained Amir Al-Momineen (a), and Fatima (a), and Al-Hassan (a), and Al-Husayn (a). So there was among them, for the people was a condolence and a comfort. So when Fatima (a) passed away, in Amir Al-Momineen (a), and Al-Hassan (a), and Al-Husayn (a) there used to be condolence and comfort for the people. So when Amir Al-Momineen (a) passed away, in Al-Hassan (a) and Al-Husayn (a), there used to be condolence and comfort for the people. So when Al-Hassan (a) passed away, there used to be for the people, in Al-Husayn (a), a condolence and comfort for the people. So when Al-Husayn (a) was killed, there did not remain anyone from the Companions of the Cloak for the people, to be a condolence and comfort for the people. So, his going away was like the going away of all of them (a), and his remaining was like the remaining of all of them (a). Thus, it is due to that, his day became the day of the greatest difficulties’. Abdullah Al-fazal Al-Hashimy said, ‘So I said to him (a), ‘O son of Rasool-Allah (s)! So did not there become a condolence and comfort in Ali (a) Bin Al-Husyan (a), the like of what was for them in his forefathers (a)?’ So he (a) said: ‘Yes, Ali (a) Bin Al-Husayn (a) was the Chief of the worshippers, and an Imam (a), and a Proof over the creatures after his past forefathers (a), but he (a) did not meet Rasool-Allah (s), and did not hear from him (s), and his Knowledge and inheritance was from his father, from his grandfather, from the Prophet (s). And Amir Al-Momineen (a), and Fatima (a), and Al-Hassan (a), and Al-Husayn (a), the people had seen them (a) with Rasool-Allah (s) in various situations in a steady stream. So whenever they used to look at any one of them (a), they would remember his state with Rasool-Allah (s), and the words of Rasool-Allah (s) for him (a) and with regards to him (s). So when they passed, the people lost the witnessing the most prestigious ones to Allah Mighty and Majestic, and losing one of them (a) did not amount to losing all of them (a) except in the case of losing Al-Husayn (a) because he (a) passed away at the end of them. Thus, it is due to that, his day became the day of the greatest difficulties’. Abdullah Bin Al Fazal Al-Hashimy said, ‘So I said to him (a), ‘O son of Rasool-Allah (s)! So how come the general Muslims call the day of Ashura as a day of Blessing?’ So he (a) wept, then said: ‘When Al-Husayn (a) was killed, the people tried to get closer to Yazeed (la) and placed the news (whatever was pleasing to him (la)), and took parts of the wealth from him (la). So, from whatever they placed to him (la) was the matter of this day that is a day of Blessing so that the people, instead of being distress, and weeping, and difficulties, and the grief, would take to happiness, and the cheerfulness, and the exchanging of gifts, and celebrating it as a festival (Eid). Allah will Judge between us (a) and them (la)’. He (the narrator) said, ‘Then he (a) said: ‘O cousin! And that was the least harmful to Al-Islam and its people, but the people who assumed our cordiality, and assumed that they are actually making a Religion by our Wilayah and are speaking with our Imamate (began) claiming that Al-Husayn (a) was not killed and that it just appeared to be so to the people, and that his matter was like that of Isa (a) Bin Mayram (a). So now there is no authorisation for the Imams (a) against the Clan of Umayya, nor any blame upon them, upon what they were claiming. O cousin! The one who claims that Al-Husayn (a) was not killed, so he has belied Rasool-Allah (s), and Ali (a), and belied the ones after him (a) from the Imams (a). in their news of him (a) being killed. And the one who belies them (a), so he is a disbeliever in Allah the Magnificent, and his blood is Permissible (to be shed) for everyone who hears than from him’. Abdullah Bin Al-Fazal said, ‘So I said to him (a), ‘O son of Rasool-Allah (s)! So what are you saying regarding a people from your Shias who are speaking by it?’ So he (a) said: ‘They are not from my Shias, and I am away from them. Such, and such, and such, and such invalidates the Quran, and the Paradise, and the Fire’. He (the narrator) said, ‘So I said, ‘(What about) The words of Allah the High [2:65] And you have known those among you who exceeded the limits of the Sabbath, so We Said to them: Become apes, despised?’ They were metamorphosed for three days, then died, and did not produce offspring, and that the monkeys today are similar to those ones, and such is the case of the pigs and the rest of the metamorphosed ones. Nothing can be found from these. Since they are similar to it, it is not Permissible to eat their flesh’. Then he (a) said: ‘May Allah Curse the exaggerators (Ghulaat) and the ‘Mufawwiza’ (Believers in delegation of Authority), for they have belittled the disobedience to Allah and have disbelieved in it, and they have associated, and strayed and have strayed others from establishing the Obligations and fulfilment of the rights’. [Al Illal Al Sharaie – V 1 Ch 162 H 1]

There is a common practice amongst Muslims to fast on the 10th of Muharram (1 month of the Islamic calendar). Although there are several hadith in support of this act, they can be summarized using the 2 primary hadiths below: “When Allah's Apostle arrived at Medina, he found the Jews observing the fast on the day of 'ashura' (10th of Muharram). The Prophet asked them (about it) and they replied, "This is the day when Moses became victorious over Pharaoh." The Prophet said (to the Muslims), "We are nearer to Moses than they, so fast on this day." Volume 3, Book 31, Number 222: Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas Volume 4, Book 55, Number 609: Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas Volume 5, Book 58, Number 279: Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas Volume 6, Book 60, Number 202: Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas Volume 6, Book 60, Number 261: Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas Sahih Bukhari “During the Pre-lslamic Period of ignorance the Quraish used to observe fasting on the day of 'ashura', and the Prophet himself used to observe fasting on it too. But when he came to Medina, he fasted on that day and ordered the Muslims to fast on it. When (the order of compulsory fasting in ) Ramadan was revealed, fasting in Ramadan became an obligation, and fasting on 'ashura' was given up, and who ever wished to fast (on it) did so, and whoever did not wish to fast on it, did not fast.” Volume 6, Book 60, Number 31: Narrated by Aisha Volume 3, Book 31, Number 117: Narrated by 'Aisha (similar to above hadith) Volume 3, Book 31, Number 220: Narrated by Aisha (similar to above hadith) Volume 5, Book 58, Number 172: Narrated by 'Aisha (similar to above hadith) Sahih Bukhari Let’s investigate the first hadith – fasting in observance Moses victory. In Judaism, this event is known as Passover. The eight-day festival of Passover is celebrated in from the 15th through the 22nd of the Hebrew month of Nissan. The Jews of Medina also followed this calendar and not the Arab calendar. Authentic hadith tell us that the Prophet (saw) migrated from Mecca to Medina at the end of Safar so his first Ashura in Medina was in AH2. Based on on-line date conversion software (+- 1-2 days): 10 Muharram AH2 (Islamic date) = 14 July 623AD (Gregorian date) = 8th of Av, 4383 (Jewish date) Since the month of AV is the fifth month of the Hebrew calendar, it is highly unlikely the Jews were fasting in observance of Passover on the 10th of Muharram since the dates were nowhere close to each other. Now for the 2nd hadith – continuing the custom of Qurayish by fasting on 10th Muharram The Prophet (saw) spent 23 years of his preaching Islam and abrogating the customs of the kuffar of Mecca yet he continued this custom even after hijra? Highly unlikely! Even if the above traditions are taken to be true, why only celebrate one Jewish custom out of thousands of them? Also, if the Prophet (saw) celebrated their joyous occasions, did he observe and show sorrow during their sad or calamitous days? Why not observe the Sabbath or celebrate the birthday of UZA? The entire Muslim community has a choice: either celebrate Ashura by fasting and celebrating in allegiance to the Jews of Medina and Kuffar of Mecca or observe the calamity that befell the progeny of the Prophet (saw) in a solemn and somber manner. BTW, one of the options makes you a munafiq (hint: loving the Prophet but ignoring the calamity of his progeny)

Tell him, mother! Tell him now! Tell him you forbid it, right away. I don’t care what grandpa says— You know father will just agree. Isn’t it bad enough how we suffer? Grandpa is sick and I see the crows The ravens mutter and the vultures circle. I swear it mother, they mean us harm. Yet father just spends day and night in prayer— He’s looking tired. And when I beg him, He tells me God knows best. Mother, how can I rest like this? I’ve seen those horrors Time after time in dreams. I’ve heard those screams, And seen those thirsty faces. They thirst for justice. They thirst for water, mother! I beseech you, Oh mother! My child! Oh the light of my eye! I'm not long with you here. I'll follow my father to the best place. The place where I am queen. You think my heart isn’t broken too? To send my dearest son to that place? Think not of these things now— You are a child. Play with your brothers, They need their sister now. For while they are princes now, Know this well: These men are not of this earth. God has purified them And steadied their hand— They live for special terrible purpose. He is a king, your brother, you know, A king among kings, even. Not just the prince of the hereafter. We must let him go. We must keep steady his path To that barren desert place. I’ve seen too That wretched blood-soaked earth. The screams of children, The thirst of the pious. You must let him go. And you must go with him. Yes, you must go with him, my dear. Your greatest work lies in those days That follow the pain you’ve seen. Your name will forever be met with fear. With a glimpse of the power of woman! In this filthy world of men. After all, my darling, The Message rests in you, As much as your brothers. You are half Messenger yourself! And there is no less in you, Zainab, my dear, The Lion That is in your brother, Hussain.

Hello, I have some questions on my mind. My birthday is on October 15th, in the beginning of ashura. It is my 18th birthday and I want to celebrate it but I dont know if it is right to do so in that specific time. My family members told me a couple of stories about people who disrespected the sad period and were faced with difficulties later on in life. I wanted to know a couple more peoples views on this topic, have you heard any stories about people partying during ashura? If so, did anything happen to them?

هنا في المسجيد لم يقولون عن العاشورا ليش الشيخنا قال إن لم عجيب لذكر . لكم أصدق أن عجيب أن نذكر عن التي كان مات بدفاع الأهله . ما تفكر ؟؟

Asalamualikum. In this post I will be narrating a dream I had several months ago in which I saw Imam Hussain (عليه السلام). The purpose of me sharing this dream is so I can get advice and would preferably like to recieve insight and understanding, of this dream. In this dream, me and my mother are in our house and are wearing black/white clothing, and it seems like we are preparing to commemorate for the day of 10th Muharram. Whilst we are doing so, we feel as if someone is by the main door and my mother opens it. Standing are 3 people that seem like if they are a family (a couple and a daughter). We have them enter in our house and me and my mother have a room prepared for them so they could stay. As they make themselves comfortable, me and my mother approach a larger room of our house, but as we enter, the room is actually one of the rooms of another house of ours in a different country. (so its like we changed country, the minute we enter the large room of our old house, but it actually becomes one of the rooms of our house that we have in another country) Then suddenly we hear a loud thunder and immediately the sky goes black and we think to ourselves that it is the day of Qiyammah. (The end of the world) and the world is going to get destroyed. As we run towards the terrace of the room and step outside, I see the events of Ashura taking place in the sky, in which the clouds seem to be telling the story of ashura, and I see in cloud form, Imam hussain ((عليه السلام)) and him battling. Then I experience a huge gush of wind and the minute we return back to the large room from the terrace I see Imam Hussain (عليه السلام). (I could tell it was him because of the feeling I got) He was very tall and I could not see his face. He was wearing a very large robe. He was very angry and he rebuked me and mother for allowing the family to stay at our home. We apologised to the Imam, whilst crying and ask what we should do to repent so we could gain forgiveness. He then from his robe he took out a rusty, black handle knife/dagger and told me to kill the daughter of the family that was staying at our home. I reluctantly accept, but I remember myself thinking why is the Imam telling me to commit murder. However since it was the order of the Imam I take the knife bravely. My mother also tells me that I have to fulfill this duty since the Imam told me to do so. When I exit the large room, Im back at the old house (we changed countries again) and I hide the knife behind my back. Me and my mother both enter the room which we gave to the family, and then my mother exits and closes the electricity supply of the house. It then goes dark. The family begins to worry as to what happened. I lure the daughter of the family to another room and tell her to stay in the room with me. I lay down on the bed and then I immediately see her change in her behaviour. I sense, dirty, and immoral vibes from her. And she lays down right next to me and the moment she was about to commit a dirty act, I stab her in the stomach. She dies instantly. I exit the room and I am now worried since I believe I have committed murder. My mum gives me hope and tells me the Imam had ordered me to do this so there must be good in this. I return back to the large room and see Imam Hussain((عليه السلام)) laying down on the right side of the bed. I proceed to him and theres a stool right next to bed and I sit on it, whilst crying and asking for forgiveness and I tell him that Ive done what he asked me to do. He gets up and kisses my forehead, and when I close my eyes I see gardens, jewels, gold, mountains, nature, (paradise like things) And thats when I immediately wake up. I got this dream just after the morning prayer. If this is of any use. I am an 18 year old unmarried girl. I would like to request you all to please interpret what this dream means. Since I believe I have a duty to carry out but I don’t know what and how.

Assalamalekum Brothers and Sisters, It's the holy month of Muharram and the great Ashura has already passed. I would like to draw and topic to you and share my findings on the context. Kindly guide me on the issue if required. Fasting on 10th of Muharram is a common practice all over the world. However, I'd like to dissect the issue based on a lecture of Syed Ammar Nakshwani below: 1. Hadith of Fasting in Ashura Narrated Ibn `Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) came to Medina and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He asked them about that. They replied, "This is a good day, the day on which Allah rescued Bani Israel from their enemy. So, Moses fasted this day." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "We have more claim over Moses than you." So, the Prophet fasted on that day and ordered (the Muslims) to fast (on that day). Sahih Bukhari: Book of Fasting, Hadith# 222 Narrated Abu Musa: The day of 'Ashura' was considered as `Id day by the Jews. So the Prophet (ﷺ) ordered, "I recommend you (Muslims) to fast on this day." Sahih Bukhari: Book of Fasting, Hadith# 223 Narrated Ibn `Abbas: When Allah’s Messenger (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) came to Medina, he found the Jews observing the fast on the day of Ashura. They (the Jews) were asked about it and they said: It is the day on which Allaah granted victory to Moses and (his people) Bani Isra'il over the Pharaoh and we observe fast out of gratitude to Him. Upon this the Prophet of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: We have a closer connection with Moses than you have, and he commanded to observe fast on this day. Sahih Muslim: Book of Fasting, Hadith# 2518 Narrated Ibn `Abbas: The Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) arrived in Medina and found the Jews observing fast on the day of 'Ashura. The Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) said to them: What is the (significance) of this day that you observe fast on it? They said: It is the day of great (significance) when Allaah delivered Moses and his people, and drowned the Pharaoh and his people, and Moses observed fast out of gratitude and we also observe it. Upon this the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: We have more right, and we have a closer connection with Moses than you have; so Allaah's Messenger (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) observed fast (on the day of 'Ashura), and gave orders that it should be observed. Sahih Muslim: Book of Fasting, Hadith# 2520 2. Narrators of the Hadith Now let’s dissect this issue in the light of the narrators of the Hadith: Ibn `Abbas: Abd Allah ibn Abbas or ′Abd Allah ibn al-′Abbas otherwise called (Ibn Abbas; Al-Habr; Al-Bahr; The Doctor; The Sea) was born c. 619 CE. He was the son of Al-‘Abbas ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib, an uncle of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, and a nephew of the Maymunah bint al-Harith, who later became Muhammad's wife. He was one of Muhammad's cousins and one of the early Qur'an scholars. Since Ibn Abbas was only approx. 3-4 years old (as our Prophet (SAW) migrated on 622 CE), it’s quite ironic that a child of such age experienced the event of Jewish fasting and can explain the whole event such accurately later on. Abu Musa: Abu-Musa Abd-Allah Ibn Qays al-Ash'ari, better known as Abu Musa al-Ashari (d.ca. 662 or 672) was a companion of Muhammad and an important figure in early Islamic history. He was at various times governor of Basra and Kufa and was involved in the early Muslim conquests of Persia. Abu Musa came originally from Zabid, region of Yemen, where his tribe, the Ashar, lived in the pre-Islamic period. He accepted Islam at Mecca prior to the hijra and returned to his native Yemen to propagate the faith. There was no news of him for more than a decade until following the conquest of Khaybar in 628 when he came to Muhammad in Medina with more than fifty converts from Yemen including his two brothers Abu Ruhm and Abu Burdah. Since Abu Musa returned in Khaybar on 628 CE, it can be seen that he was not also present during the Jewish Fasting issue. 3. Meaning of Ashura Although the term Ashura is considered as the 10th of Muharram, but according to the explanation of Arabic language scholar Ali-Ibn Al Athir (1160-1233), the word Ashura has two meanings, an old meaning and a new meaning. Ashura came from ‘Ashrah’ which means ten in Arabic, so according to the old meaning- the 10th day of any month is known as Ashura, and according to the new meaning- after the martyrdom of Hussain bin Ali (AS) the term Ashura refers to 10th day of Muharram month. So if for the sake of argument if we believe that the Jewish fasting was on Ashura, it’s not necessary that it was the 10th of Muharram. 4. Arabic Calendar VS Jewish Calendar It’s quite ironic that Jews of medina were following the Arabic calendar that time, whereas they had their own calendar. It’s assumed that the day they referred that time could be the 10th of Tishri or 15th of Nisan according to the Jewish calendar. 10th of Tishri in Judaism is known as YOM KEPOOR or Ayiam e Kaffara (Year of Attonment) was the date when Moses (AS) came back from mount Sinai and saw his followers worshiping the golden calf. And 15th of Nisan was the date when the Jews were saved from being drowned in Nile. Now let’s peep into the miscalculations of dates for the event: 1. If the event referred to 10th of Tishri, the only year that time when 10th Muharram and 10th Tishri collided, was on 40th Year of Hijrah. So it could not be the Year when Prophet (SAW) entered Medina. 2. If it was 15th of Nisan, then it should have been the 23rd of Ramadan of the Year of Hijrah, not 10th of Muharram. 3. Last but not the least, Prophet (SAW) entered Medina on Rabiul Awwal, not Muharram!! Considering the discussed facts we can conclude that the Hadith of Jewish fasting is a fabrication and should not be let supersede the greatness of the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his holy family. Jazakullah Khairan.

Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu. Till when we have to fast today on Ashura?Till before Maghrib or till Maghrib?

Hi. There are many places around the world where people are not as aware of Ashura as other holy days and even if they are aware there is a disconnect with other communities around the world mourning in Ashura. So I have come up with the idea to form a facebook event for Ashura 2019 but am not sure how much it will serve the purpose. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/events/2208456515950643/

Is there a Di'Bil here, who can compose a line or few lines? Establishment of Majalis to commemorate the events of Karbala’ https://www.al-islam.org/story-of-the-holy-kaaba-and-its-people-shabbar/eighth-imam-ali-ibn-musa-al-ridha#establishment-majalis-commemorate-events-karbala https://www.al-islam.org/nafasul-mahmum-relating-heart-rending-tragedy-karbala-shaykh-abbas-qummi/dispatching-household-ahlul#entry-household-madinah-and-their-mourning-upon-imam-husayn https://www.al-islam.org/life-imam-ali-bin-musa-al-ridha-baqir-shareef-al-qurashi/chapter-16-affairs-imam-khurasan#immortal-poem-dibil https://www.al-islam.org/life-imam-ali-bin-musa-al-ridha-baqir-shareef-al-qurashi/chapter-16-affairs-imam-khurasan#text-poem ***** https://www.al-islam.org/articles/two-poems-about-ashura-zehra-naqvi#night-ashura’ https://www.al-islam.org/articles/two-poems-about-ashura-zehra-naqvi#there-anyone-help-you

Ayatollah Khamenei narrates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain's 11 year-old nephew http://english.khamenei.ir/news/4208/Ayatollah-Khamenei-narrates-the-martyrdom-of-Imam-Hussain-s-11 ***** https://www.al-islam.org/lohoof-sighs-sorrow-sayyid-ibn-tawus/battle-and-its-related-events#event-4 https://www.al-islam.org/event-taff-earliest-historical-account-tragedy-karbala-abu-mikhnaf/martyrdom-al-husayn#al-husayn-advances-towards-battlefield

Assalamu alaikom. O Allah, May you grant peace and honor on Muhammad and his family. I humbly share this poem with you. If this is the wrong type of content for this site, please inform me and I shall remove it. Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Oh Abbas! You have your father’s eyes. Oh Abbas, I’ve seen them filled with tears, Of a blood-red moon Sobbing in the sky. I’ve seen them laugh, The angel-white moon Of your holy brother’s love. But roar now, Lion cub! Roar! Oh Abbas! We bear witness on that final day, You are your father’s heart!

https://www.al-islam.org/event-taff-earliest-historical-account-tragedy-karbala-abu-mikhnaf/martyrdom-family-members-al#martyrdom-qasim-bin-al-hasan

As received: Chronology of Events on the Day of 'Ashura In accordance with the interview held with the deceased Doctor Ahmad Birshak in Gashimari-ye Irani, the event of Karbala falls on the Solar calendar on the 21st of Mehr, year 59. The Solar calendar is not like the Lunar calendar in the sense that it changes. The position of the Earth in relation to the Sun is fixated, and it is thus possible to calculate the timings of the city of Karbala on this date and allocate the words of the individuals who have written the Maqtal to the appropriate hours and minutes. 5:47 AM: Fajr Adhan Imam Husayn (as) gives a sermon for his companions after the morning prayers. He invites them towards patience and struggle and then recites the prayer: اللهم انت ثِقَتی فی کل کَرب [O Allah! You are my trust in all calamities]. The Kufans also prayed on their side behind ‘Umar ibn al-Sa'ad and after the morning prayers, became busy in preparing the army and gathering their strength together. Approximately 6 AM Imam Husayn (as) orders for a trench to be dug around the tents, and asked it to be filled with thorny shrubs so that they could later set it on fire and make them an obstacle for the enemies to attack from behind. 7:06 AM - Sunrise A short time after sunrise, Imam sat on a camel so that he could be seen better. Then he went towards the army of Kufa and with a loud voice, gave a sermon for them. He reminded them of the attributes and merits of himself, his brother, and his brother. He also reminded them that the Kufans had written letters to the Imam (as), and directly conversed with some soldiers in the army of Kufa, and asked Hijar bin Abjar and Shabth Rab'i whether they had not invited him (with their letters)? They rejected any such invitation, and thus the Imam threw their letters towards them and thanked Allah [swt] for establishing his proof upon them. The sermon of the Imam was approximately thirty-minutes long. Approximately 8 AM After he speech of the Imam (as), some of his companions such as Burayr - who was known as Sayyid al-Qurra’ (The master of the Qur'an reciters) of Kufa - and according another narration, Zuhayr, gave similar sermons. After the sermon of Zuhayr and Burayr, the Imam asked: “Is there anyone to help me?” A few soldiers become unsure of what to do, particularly Hurr. Another individual by the name of Abu al-Sha'tha and two brothers who were previously from the Khawarij, came towards the army of the Imam. It is not far-fetched that others who felt that the army of Kufa is serious about fighting Husayn, also ended up coming towards the army of the Imam. Approximately 9 AM It was at this time that the accursed Shimr asked Umar ibn al-Sa'ad as to why he is delaying the battle. Eventually Umar determined that it is appropriate to start the battle, and shot the first arrow towards the army of Imam Husayn (as). He says to his army: “Testify in front of Ubaydallah that I shot the first arrow.” After that, the bowmen of the Kufan army, all together began shooting arrows. The Imam said to his companions: “Become prepared for death.” A few individuals from the army of Imam Husayn (as) were martyred in this initial attack. Some reports mention that those who were killed in the initial shower of arrows from the army of the Imam was close to fifty people. Approximately 10AM After the initial shower of arrows, Yasar the slave of Ziyad bin Abih, and Salim the slave of Ibn Ziyad came out from the army of Kufa to continue the battle in duels. Abdullah bin Umayr requested permission to fight from Imam Husayn (as). The Imam gave him permission and he killed both of them - however the fingers of his left hand were cut. After this duel, the Kufan army began attacking collectively. Hijar attacked the right flank of the army of Imam Husayn (as), but Habib and his companions stood their ground firmly. At the same time, Shimr was attacking the left flank of the army, where he faced Zuhayr and his companions. Shimr himself was slightly injured in this attack. After pushing back the two sets of soldiers of the Kufan army, Umar ibn al-Sa'ad ordered 500 bowmen to shoot arrows at the army of the Imam. A number of companions of the Imam were killed in this attack. Some reports have mentioned that 50 people were martyred, Ibn Shahr Ashub mentions that 38 were martyred. The first to become martyred in this attack was Abu al-Sha'tha - who was a bowman himself, and shot 8 arrows, killing 5 people. The Imam supplicated for him. A group of men from the army of Shimr asked to attack the Imam from behind, where the Imam had dug a trench and set fire in it. Zuhayr and 10 other companions attacked them. Approximately 11AM After these attacks, the Imam asked his companions to go out individually. The companions of the Imam agreed amongst themselves to not let anyone from Bani Hashim go towards the battlefield until they are alive. The companions were very eager to taste martyrdom. Some become martyred in the sight of the Imam. One of the first individuals to be martyred was the old and ascetic Burayr and after him Muslim bin ‘Awsajah. Habib went towards Muslim and said that he wished he would have been able to execute his last-will. Muslim pointed towards the Imam and said “That is my last-will (i.e. protect him)”. At one point, 7 companions of the Imam were surrounded by the army of the enemy, and ‘Abbas came and saved them. 12:50 PM - Adhan of Zuhr Habib ibn Mazahir was martyred at the time of Zuhr. It has been recorded that the Imam said to his companions that one of them goes and asks Umar ibn al-Sa'ad to pause the battle for the time of prayers. One of the soldiers from the Kufan army said: “Your prayers are not accepted”. Habib replied to him: “O Donkey! You think that your prayers are accepted, and that the prayers of the son of the Prophet is not accepted?” He went out to fight him, but the soldiers of the Kufan army came to help and Habib was thus martyred. Imam (as) was extremely saddened by Habib’s martyrdom and for the first time he (as) cried on the day of ‘Ashura. Imam (as) prayed Qasr and in accordance to the rules of Salat al-Khawf. Some companions followed the Imam in congregation, while others continued fighting. Zuhar and Saeed bin Abdullah Hanafi were guarding the Imam. It has been recorded that Saeed bin Abdullah took 13 arrows to the body and was martyred. Approximately 1 PM 30 companions of the Imam were martyred by the end of the prayers, including Zuhayr and Hurr. After the companions had been martyred, the Bani Hashim began to come out to fight. The first person to fight was Ali Akbar, the son of Imam Husayn (as). Other reports mention Abdullah bin Muslim bin Aqeel being the first to go out and fight from the Bani Hashim. Approximately 2 PM 28 members of the Bani Hashim were killed: 7 brothers of Imam Husayn , 2 sons of Imam Hasan, 2 sons of Imam Husayn, 2 grandsons of Ja'far bin Abu Talib, 9 members of the family of Aqeel, and the rest from the extended family of the Imam. Eventually, only Imam Husayn (as) and 'Abbas remained. Abbas requested permission to go the battlefield, but the Imam instead asked him to go get water. The enemy was able to split the two brothers, and while 'Abbas was on his quest to get water for the women and children, both of his arms were cut off. One of the enemies attacked his head with a pole and he fell on the ground. It has been reported that this was the second time the Imam (as) cried and said: “Now my back has been broken”. Approximately 3 PM The Imam returned back towards the tents and began to bid farewell. He started tearing parts of his shirt and wore it so that when the enemies begin their looting, they do not rob his shirt. While bidding farewell, he took his 6-month old Ali Asghar out of the tents to get him a drop of water, when Hurmala shot an arrow at the baby and killed him. The Imam returned back to the battlefield to fight and initially very few dared to fight him, so they would shoot arrows from far or throw their spears at him. After the Imam (as) was martyred, it has been reported that there were 33 injuries from spears, 34 injuries due to swords on his body. It has been reported that when the Imam was in his last moments, no one dared to come towards him to finish him. The horse of the Imam went towards the tents and the women and children became aware that the Imam was no longer on the horse. A child by the name of Abdullah the son of Imam Hasan ran towards Imam Husayn (as), but the enemies killed him while he was in the lap of the Imam. 4:06 PM - Adhan of 'Asr According to the report by Hamid bin Muslim in Tarikh al-Tabari, the time that Imam Husayn (as) was martyred was the time of 'Asr. It was at this time that Sinan bin Anas attacked the Imam and beheaded him. Other reports mention that it was Shimr who beheaded the Imam. Approximately 5 PM After the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (as), people began to loot him. It has been reported that all of those who had stolen something from the Imam, became afflicted with incurable diseases. The army began to loot possessions of his martyred companions as well. Umar ibn al-Sa'ad asked his army to stop the looting temporarily. Suwayd bin Mata’ - one of the Shi'as from Basra - arrived in Kerbala after the martyrdom of the Imam and in order to protect the family of the Imam, began fighting the enemies until he was also killed. It was close to sunset when the head of the Imam was given to Khuli so that he could take it to Ibn Ziyad. After that, Umar ibn al-Sa'ad ordered his soldiers to trample the body of the Imam with horses. 6:49 PM - Adhan of Maghrib The sorrowful day of 'Ashura ends with Umar ibn al-Sa'ad holding congregational prayers of Maghrib. Sinan bin Anas started reciting poetry alluding to him being rewarded with gold, for he was able to kill the best of men.

The Day of A'shura: The First Speech of the Al-Imam Al-Husayn (as) https://www.al-islam.org/event-taff-earliest-historical-account-tragedy-karbala-abu-mikhnaf/day-ashura#first-speech-imam The Event of Taff, The Earliest Historical Account of the Tragedy of Karbala’ Abu Mikhnaf

Salam everyone, i am trying to educate myself on Muharram, when I was a kid I use to watch a movie about the battle of Karbala and Muharram but I can’t seem to find any anymore. Can anyone help me out? Whether it’s episodes or a movie even if it’s a cartoon one, I don’t mind. Preferably in English please? Thank you so much in advance.

Salaam, I have heard some rumors that Ayatollah Sistani has issued a recommendation that all shias should observe Ashura on the same day as Karbala. Anyone else hear the same thing? The image below is with reference to this. Can someone translate please? @Ashvazdanghe

https://www.al-islam.org/event-taff-earliest-historical-account-tragedy-karbala-abu-mikhnaf/martyrdom-companions-al-husayn#martyrdom-habib-bin-muzahir

Movie on Qafila e Karbala the Caravan of Pride Full movie(Urdu with Eng sub): https://youtu.be/4_tLhsJMh-A The saviour of mankind|BISKIT: https://youtu.be/PrH4ojZuItg

Today it is 11th of Muharram. After having mourned for Hussain (as) and his loyal companions who have been martyred in the greatest of battles, we have surely been taught something. For around 60 generations we have kept Imam alive. He may not be physically here, but his ideology is day by day being more sound. The more oppressed and corruptive this earth gets, the more we remember Hussain's struggle. We remember the feel Hussain must have had once he realized how the muslims went against him. The feeling of betrayal for worldly pleasures. They swapped gold dimes with a diamond pearl. A person whose face was so pure, it was as if the moon was walking on earth. A person that submitted completely to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى even though he saw how his family and friends were being martyred. A person who wanted to join the martyrs of Karbala even though it would not affect his position in the view of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى. Hussain (as), the name that clouds scream when they pour rain upon us. Hussain (as), whose killers will be avenged by the Hujjat-ul-Allah. Hussain (as), who makes every heart with sincerity cry out his name. Hussain (as), who kept sincere and humble manners even during the slaughtering of his family and companions. He was the one who offered water to his enemy while dying of thirst. What do we learn from Hussain (as)? What do I learn from Hussain (as)? Hussain (as) remembers me the day Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) was struck with the poisonous sword. It was the famous saying of 'Ali that made the ground of the earth shake: "By the Lord of the Kaaba, I am successful" Once Hussain (as) fell on the ground, I always imagine him saying such a line. Some might say, how can they be successful if Allah took their lives? The physical aspects of the Ahl al-Bayt, the 11 Imams might have been killed, but their ideology stands strong. Hussain (as) is remembered every year, every month, every week, every day, every hour, every minute and every second. It is people like Yazeed, Shimr, Omaar ibn Saad - may Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى take away the Prophet's intercession for them - who have lost not only their afterlife, but also their life in this dunya. No one remembers these people nor do they have active shrines. The knowledge of a person stays for eternity. And we thank you for this O' Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt. We thank you O' Messenger of God for leaving us the Qu'ran and your Ahl al-Bayt who will never seperate from each other till they meet you at the Pond. Hussain (as) also resembles the struggle of the Mahdi (as) for me. Hussain (as), just like his brother and father, stood up against tyranny and injustice. Hussain (as) gave his life to save Islam from changing to that of the Ummayyads. Hussain (as) did not only defeat injustice. He did not only fight tyranny. He actually fought and spread the pure Islam for over 1400 years. Every second that passes, every minute that passes that we dedicate to remembering Hussain (as), we are actually spreading pure Islam. Everytime we introduce Hussain (as) to others, we are spreading Islam. Islam does not get spread by wars. But by tragedies like that of Hussain (as). We should ask something very important from Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى this 11th of Muharram. Please, if you are reading this. I beg you. For the sake of towheed and Hussain (as)'s struggle. Please, make du'a today to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى with complete sincerity and humbleness. Make du'a for the reappearance of the Mahdi (as). Please, for once beg Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى and make a promise to stand side by side with the Mahdi (as). Wallahi, if we want to make the Mahdi (as) reappear, we should change our lifestyle and our humbleness to that of Hussain (as). Do not forget Mahdi's (as) pain for over thousand years. Do you think He likes to see the oppression and tyranny? Do you not think he wants to instignate a worldwide Karbala? We must prepare ourselves. Ya Allah, by the martyrs of Karbala, by the nowadays shohada in the wars against oppression. By the sincere and devoted fuqaha we have today. By the inhabitants of Qom who will rise with our Qa'im. By the people who are sincere and humble towards the Ahl al-Bayt. Ya Allah, even though our hearts and tongues do not always sing together, we ask you forgiveness and ask you your mercy upon our souls. We ask You to bless us with the status of being Shohada on the path of truth. We ask you - even though we do not have the 'ilm al-Ghayb - to hasten the reappearance of the Mahdi (as) for who we want to sacrifice our worthless human souls. On this day, which is one day after the maqtal, we sincerely ask you to grant us the fight against injustice. We have been bearing injustice over justice for over 60 generations. And by day it is getting worse. Ya Allah, do not forget our true intentions and do not forget that we strive to reach the status of true devotees. Ya Allah, make our hearts filled with love and affection towards the Thaqalayn, and please, do not punish our souls by taking away our soft hearts which cry for our beloved Hussain (as). Ya Allah, grants us the Prophet's intercession on the Day of Judgement. We cannot bear your severe punishments. Wa sallalahu 'ala Muhammad wa ale Muhammad.

In the name of the lord of the martyrs. I intend to share some video clips as the title of the post says about Ashura, and I ask you to share similar video clips below this post.