By Wajeeha Batool
The tragedy of Karbala remains one of the most heart-wrenching and defining moments in Islamic history. It was a battle where Muslims fought against Muslims, but with a crucial difference: on one side was the family of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and on the other were those who claimed to follow him — yet stood against his own bloodline. For the sake of a throne, Imam Hussain (A.S.), the beloved grandson of the Prophet ﷺ, was kept without water for three days in the scorching desert of Karbala along with his children and companions. On the 10th of Muharram, he was martyred while still thirsty.
After the battle, the women, children, and the ailing Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (A.S.) were taken captive. They were paraded through the streets of Kufa and Damascus, falsely introduced as rebels. In Yazid’s court, they were humiliated — but it was there that Lady Zainab (S.A.) and Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (A.S.) delivered fearless sermons that shook the tyrant’s authority. Among those captives, young Sakina bint Hussain (S.A.) passed away in Damascus, where she was buried. History tells us that those who killed Imam Hussain (A.S.) for worldly power were eventually denied that very throne.
The Awakening and Revival Message of the Hussaini Movemen
One of the key objectives of Imam Hussain’s leadership was the revival of true Muhammadan Islam. Fifty years after the Prophet’s passing, his message was being distorted, and Hussain’s stand sought to restore it to its original purity. The events of Ashura and the aftermath sparked a wave of awareness and resistance against tyrannical rulers, shaking the foundations of corrupt regimes.
The Everlasting Call of Karbala
The revolutionary spirit of Karbala has never faded. The Imams of the Ahlulbayt (A.S.) constantly emphasized remembering this event to keep alive the spirit of sacrifice and the desire for justice. In modern history, Imam Khomeini (R.A.) drew upon this spiritual legacy to challenge and topple oppressive powers, giving new meaning to the Hussaini movement.
Arbaeen: Historical and Spiritual Significance
Arbaeen (the 40th day after Ashura) holds a special place in the Hussaini movement. According to the Leader of the Muslim Ummah, Ayatollah Khamenei, the first public expression of love for Imam Hussain (A.S.) emerged on Arbaeen when Jabir ibn Abdullah Ansari and Atiya reached Karbala to visit his grave. This tradition has continued for centuries and is now observed globally with deep devotion.
Arbaeen Pilgrimage: A Sign of a True Believer
Islamic narrations describe the Arbaeen pilgrimage as one of the signs of a true believer. It is believed that the family of the Prophet ﷺ, upon being freed from captivity in Syria, returned to Karbala on the day of Arbaeen. This moment symbolizes a return to the spirit of Ashura and making Karbala the center of life’s inspiration.
The World’s Largest Religious Gathering
Today, millions of lovers of the Ahlulbayt (A.S.) from across the world travel to Karbala for Arbaeen. The march from Najaf to Karbala is considered the largest annual religious gathering in the world. Pilgrims walk in unity, offering condolences to the family of the Prophet ﷺ.
Beyond Religious Boundaries
Remarkably, the Arbaeen pilgrimage has also drawn non-Muslim participants, who join out of admiration for Imam Hussain’s stand for justice. It is a gathering of humanity, where no distinctions are made between people — all stand together in Karbala with love and reverence for the Imam.
The message of Imam Hussain’s sacrifice is timeless: it is a call to uphold justice, protect faith, and resist oppression. Today, the cry of “Labbaik Ya Hussain” echoes across the globe, a testament to the enduring power of Karbala’s message.
