What happened at Karbala? The story in plain language

The story that ArbaeenArbaeenArabic for “forty”: the 40th day after Ashura, when up to twenty million people walk to Karbala — the world’s largest annual gathering. remembers is not long, but it is heavy. Here it is, told plainly.

A demand, and a refusal

In the year 680 CE, the ruler YazidYazidThe ruler whose demand for allegiance Imam Hussain (as) refused, leading to the events of Karbala. demanded the allegiance of Imam HussainImam HussainThe grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), killed at Karbala in 680 CE for refusing to endorse a tyrant. Honoured as a symbol of standing for justice.. To give it would have meant endorsing a rule Hussain believed to be unjust. He refused, and left the city of Medina rather than be forced.

The journey

Invited by supporters in the city of Kufa, Hussain travelled towards Iraq with his family and a small band of companions — fewer than a hundred people, including women and children. On the plain of KarbalaKarbalaA city in modern Iraq, and the site of the events of 680 CE. Today it is home to the shrines of Imam Hussain (as) and al-Abbas (as)., an army of thousands, sent by the governor, blocked their path.

The siege

For several days the small group was surrounded. Then the water was cut off. In the desert heat, the children of Hussain’s camp went thirsty. Still, Hussain would not submit.

Ashura

On the tenth day of the month of MuharramMuharramThe first month of the Islamic calendar, and the month of Ashura — a time of mourning for Imam Hussain (as). — the day known as AshuraAshuraThe 10th day of the month of Muharram — the day in 680 CE when Imam Hussain (as) and his companions were killed at Karbala. — Hussain and his companions were killed, one by one. He is said to have fallen last, in prayer. His half-brother al-Abbasal-AbbasThe devoted half-brother of Imam Hussain (as) and the standard-bearer at Karbala. His shrine stands beside Hussain’s., who tried to bring water to the children, was killed at the river’s edge. The women and remaining children were taken captive.

Why it endures

Karbala was a defeat, and yet it became one of history’s most enduring victories of conscience. By refusing to legitimise tyranny — even at the cost of his life and family — Hussain made his stand impossible to forget. Forty days later is the fortieth: Arbaeen. See also: the road pilgrims walk today.