Muharram History: The Battle of Karbala and the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain

Muharram History: The month of Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, but unlike most New Year observances, it is not a time of joy—rather, it is marked by mourning and grief. This is because nearly 1400 years ago, in the city of Karbala in Iraq, a historic battle took place in which Imam Hussain, the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad, along with 72 of his companions, sacrificed their lives. This battle was not merely a clash of swords and weapons—it was a confrontation between truth and falsehood, justice and tyranny. Let us understand in detail the story behind this battle and the significance of Muharram.

The Significance of Muharram

Muharram is regarded as one of the four sacred months in Islam. Prophet Muhammad called it the “Month of Allah,” emphasizing the importance of fasting and good deeds during this period. For Shia Muslims, however, it is a time of deep mourning, especially on the 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura, the day when Imam Hussain and his companions were martyred.

Sunni Muslims also consider this day significant, though they commemorate it by fasting, remembering how Prophet Moses (Musa) parted the Red Sea. Many Sunnis too express grief over Imam Hussain’s martyrdom.

In India, Muharram is observed through Tazia processions and mourning rituals. Cities like Lucknow, Delhi, and Hyderabad are particularly known for their elaborate commemorations. Muharram is not just a month of sorrow—it teaches us the value of standing against injustice and defending the truth.

The Historical Background of the Battle of Karbala

The Battle of Karbala took place on October 10, 680 CE (10 Muharram, 61 AH) in Karbala, Iraq. It was fought between Imam Hussain’s small caravan and the large army of the Umayyad Caliph Yazid I. The root of the conflict lay in a power struggle over Islamic leadership.

After the death of Prophet Muhammad, the tradition of electing a Caliph was established. The first four Caliphs were chosen by consensus, but the Umayyad dynasty eventually tried to seize control. Muawiyah, from the Umayyad family, had deceitfully taken power after the assassination of Caliph Ali (Imam Hussain’s father), and declared his son Yazid as his successor.

Yazid was known to be a cruel and un-Islamic ruler who promoted drinking, gambling, and immoral behavior. He sought Imam Hussain’s bay’ah (allegiance) to legitimize his rule, but Imam Hussain refused, as he stood for the true principles of Islam and the teachings of his grandfather, Prophet Muhammad.

The people of Kufa, Iraq, had written letters inviting Imam Hussain to lead them. But when he set out toward Kufa, Yazid’s schemes instilled fear among the people, causing them to abandon Imam Hussain.

The Beginning of the Battle

Imam Hussain departed from Mecca toward Kufa with his family and 72 companions. On the way, Yazid’s army intercepted and surrounded them in Karbala on the 2nd of Muharram, 61 AH. They blocked access to the Euphrates River, cutting off water to Hussain’s camp. From the 7th to the 10th of Muharram, Hussain and his followers endured extreme hunger and thirst.

Among them were women and children, including six-month-old Ali Asghar, who cried in agony from thirst. Imam Hussain pleaded with Yazid’s army for water for the children. In response, a brutal arrow struck the infant Ali Asghar in the throat, making it one of the most heart-wrenching moments in Karbala.

On the night of the 9th Muharram, Imam Hussain gave his companions the option to leave, as he knew they were vastly outnumbered and defeat was certain. But none left. Every one of them pledged to remain by his side until death.

On the morning of the 10th (Ashura), while Imam Hussain and his companions were performing their prayers, Yazid’s army launched their attack. One by one, Hussain’s brothers, sons, nephews, and companions fell as martyrs.

The Martyrdom of Imam Hussain

In the final moments of battle, Imam Hussain stood alone. Exhausted from thirst, hunger, and wounds, he still held firm in his faith. Even as he prayed, Yazid’s soldiers surrounded and killed him mercilessly.

With him were martyred his 18-year-old son Ali Akbar, 7-year-old nephew Qasim, and infant son Ali Asghar. The surviving women and children were taken prisoner and paraded before Yazid’s court. The army not only killed Hussain and his companions but also burned their tents and looted their belongings.

This atrocity marked one of the darkest chapters in human history. Imam Hussain’s martyrdom became an eternal symbol of sacrifice for truth and justice in Islam. His death weakened Yazid’s authority and showed the world that tyranny must never be accepted. Imam Hussain’s son, Imam Zain-ul-Abideen—who couldn’t fight due to illness—and his sister Hazrat Zainab later carried forward his mission and teachings.

The Hussaini Brahmins and Hindu-Muslim Unity

An extraordinary aspect of the Karbala battle is the presence of Hindu Brahmins who supported Imam Hussain. These Brahmins, known as Hussaini Brahmins, belonged to the Mohyal community of Punjab.

Legend says that a Brahmin named Rahab Dutt prayed to Imam Hussain for the blessing of children. After his prayers were answered with seven sons, he and his sons joined Hussain in the battle of Karbala and sacrificed their lives.

Their martyrdom became a shining example of Hindu-Muslim unity. To this day, Hussaini Brahmins can be found in parts of Arabia, Kashmir, and Pakistan, where they commemorate Muharram with mourning rituals. Historians like Hakim Mahmood Gilani and Raj Kumar Asthana have documented this tale, reflecting the pluralistic ethos of India. Renowned actor Sunil Dutt was believed to be a descendant of this lineage, adding a special legacy to the story.

How Muharram Is Observed

Shia Muslims observe the first 10 days of Muharram with mourning. They hold majlis (religious gatherings) where the story of Karbala is narrated, and Imam Hussain’s sacrifice is remembered. On the 10th day, Ashura, processions are held with Tazias, symbolic replicas of Hussain’s tomb, carried on shoulders as a mark of sorrow.

People wear black clothes and beat their chests or use chains to inflict wounds in remembrance of Hussain’s suffering. Sunni Muslims observe the day with fasting and charity to the poor. They too mourn Hussain’s martyrdom but usually do not participate in intense mourning rituals.

In India, Lucknow’s Imambara is the epicenter of Muharram observances, featuring grand processions and gatherings. Significant events also take place in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Gaya in Bihar.

The Message of Karbala

The Battle of Karbala teaches us that one must never bow down to oppression and injustice, no matter the cost. Imam Hussain demonstrated that sacrificing one’s life for truth and justice is honorable, but surrendering to tyranny is unacceptable.

His martyrdom became a timeless lesson in humanity, courage, and patience. It continues to inspire people across religions and communities. The story of Karbala promotes unity—as shown by the Hussaini Brahmins who stood beyond religious boundaries with Imam Hussain.

Muharram reminds us to speak up against any form of injustice around us, big or small.

Muharram Traditions in India

The tradition of observing Muharram in India dates back to the 12th century during the reign of Qutb-ud-din Aibak. Since then, Tazia processions have continued as a major part of the rituals. In Gaya, Bihar, there exists a unique Karbala site built by a Hindu family, where soil from Karbala, Iraq is buried. Ceremonies like the Mehndi procession are also held here.

During Muharram, people decorate Tazias and take them through the streets while remembering Imam Hussain’s martyrdom. These processions are symbols of unity and brotherhood. In many places, people distribute alms and help the poor, in line with Islamic teachings.

The legendary Indian writer Munshi Premchand brought the story of Karbala to the masses through his play Karbala, helping both Hindu and Muslim communities understand and relate to this powerful history.

The story of Muharram and the Battle of Karbala is not just a historical event—it is a profound lesson in humanity, truth, and moral courage. Imam Hussain and his 72 companions stood firm against tyranny and showed the world that those who walk the path of righteousness never truly lose.

Muharram gives us the opportunity to remember their sacrifice and apply their teachings in our own lives. Whether through Tazia processions, mourning, or religious gatherings, every ritual is a reminder of Imam Hussain’s ultimate sacrifice.

This Muharram, let us all come together to spread his message and build a world based on peace, justice, and brotherhood.