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Jalsa Biyad-e-Shohda-e-Karbala
July 30, 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
The Battle of Karbala (Arabic: مَعْرَكَة كَرْبَلَاء) was fought on 10 October 680 (10 Muharram in the year 61 AH of the Islamic calendar) between the army of the second Umayyad Caliph Yazid I and a small army led by Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, at Karbala, modern day Iraq.
Karbala holds immense historical and religious significance for millions of people around the world, particularly within the Islamic faith. It is a city located in present-day Iraq and is primarily known for the tragic events that unfolded there in the year 680 CE, during the Battle of Karbala.
The Battle of Karbala is a pivotal event in Islamic history, specifically within the Shia branch of Islam. It was a conflict between a small group of loyal followers of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and the larger forces of the Umayyad Caliphate, led by Yazid I. The battle took place on the 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura.
Imam Hussein, along with his family and a group of approximately 72 companions, faced a daunting task as they stood against the well-equipped and numerically superior Umayyad army. The battle lasted for ten days, during which the small group of Imam Hussein’s followers endured immense hardship, including thirst, hunger, and constant attacks.
On the fateful day of Ashura, Imam Hussein and his companions were surrounded and outnumbered. They valiantly fought, but ultimately met a tragic end. Imam Hussein, along with many of his family members and loyal companions, was martyred in the battle. The surviving members of his family, including his sister Zainab and son Imam Zainul Abidin, were taken captive and led to the court of Yazid I in the city of Damascus.
The events of Karbala and the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and his companions hold profound significance for Shia Muslims. They are viewed as a symbol of sacrifice, resistance against oppression, and the struggle for justice. The suffering and martyrdom of Imam Hussein are commemorated annually during the month of Muharram, particularly on the day of Ashura, through processions, mourning rituals, and recitations of elegies known as “Majalis.”
Karbala itself has become a destination of pilgrimage for millions of Shia Muslims who visit the holy shrines of Imam Hussein and his half-brother Abbas ibn Ali. The shrines, known as the Imam Hussein Shrine and the Abbasid Holy Shrine, are revered as sacred sites and serve as centers of religious and spiritual devotion.
The story of Karbala continues to resonate with people of various backgrounds, inspiring a sense of solidarity, empathy, and the pursuit of justice. It is not only a historical event but also a timeless narrative that transcends boundaries and serves as a reminder of the values of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to principles in the face of adversity.