History
A Probe into the History of Ashura by Dr Ibrahim Ayati	Views: 2416
A history of the events leading to and including the tragedy of Karbala, and its aftermath.
Lamentations (Part Two): The Tragedy of the Lord of the Martyrs by Shaykh Mohammad Ishtihardi	Views: 1121
Translated by Shaykh Arif Abdulhussain, edited by Dr. I.K.A. Howard. Spiritual literature commemorating the tragedy of Karbala. Covers partial history of Karbala, including the death of Mu`awiyah, the martyrdom of Muslim ibn Aqil in Kufa, the journey from Makkah to Karbala, the events leading up to `Ashura, the martyrdom of the companions of the Imam (a), the martyrdom of the family members of the Imam (a), the farewell of the Imam (a), and the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a).
Nafasul Mahmoom by Shaykh Abbas Qummi	Views: 1012
The birth of Imam Husayn (a), his virtues, traditions about him, history of events preceding Karbala, and tragedy of Karbala.
The Revolution of al-Husayn (a) by Shaykh Muhammad Shams al-Din	Views: 872
The impact of Karbala on the consciousness of Muslim society. Ziyara (pilgrimage), lamentation poetry, remembering Imam Husayn (a), and weeping.
The Sermon Of Mina	Views: 833
The famous speech of Imam Husayn (a) delivered in Mina on his journey from Makkah to Kufa in 60 AH. Lessons learnt from the sermon, and an english translation of the text
Victory of Truth: The Life of Zaynab bint 'Ali by M. H. Bilgrami	Views: 900
Biography of the daughter of Imam 'Ali (a), her early life, and her important role in the events of Karbala, Kufa and Damascus.

See Also:

Imam Husayn and Karbala

Short Articles
Imam Husayn and his Martyrdom by Abdullah Yusuf Ali	Views: 2146
A lecture by the well-known Sunni English translator and commentator of the Qur'an, on the tragedy of Karbala, its reasons and its consequences.
Abbas - The standard bearer of Husain (a) by Zakir	Views: 1028
The story of Abbas, the brother of Imam Husayn (a), and his contributions in Karbala - from the book Tears and Tributes.
Ali Akbar, the Hashmite Prince by Zakir	Views: 934
The story of Ali Akbar, the son of Imam Husayn (a), in Karbala - from the book Tears and Tributes
'Ashura - Misrepresentations and Distortions by Ayatullah Murtadha Mutahhari	Views: 1023
4 sermons from Ayatullah Mutahhari on distortions that have taken place in regard to the events of 'Ashura.
Betrayal in Kufa by Zakir	Views: 662
An excerpt from the book 'Tears and Tributes' on the young martyrs from the family of Imam Husayn (a), who gave their lives in Karbala.
Betrayl in Kufa by Zakir	Views: 636
An excerpt from the book 'Tears and Tributes' on Imam Husayn's (a) intent to go to Kufa, the betrayl of its people, and tragedy of the death of his cousin Muslim b. Aqeel.
Dhakiri by Mulla Bashir Rahim	Views: 727
Evolution of Dhakiri, the remembrance of the tragedy of Karbala, and its philosophy.
Elegy (Marthiya) on Husayn by Lynda Clarke	Views: 779
The place of marthiya in literary and religious tradition, with translations of some examples of elegies on Imam Husayn (a).
Excellences of the Imam Husayn by M. Ayoub	Views: 706
The life of Imam Husayn has acquired special significance in Muslim piety and has a universal significance in all of Muslim tradition.
Imam Husayn (views of Non Muslims)	Views: 1052
An Islamic Factsheet: Short and concise articles on a single subject in numerous languages. Excellent for quick reading, Muslim centers or places of learning, da'wah purposes, or to give to your friends and coworkers. Part of the Personalities Factsheets.
Imam Husayn's concept of Religion and Leadership by S.H.M Jafri	Views: 1642
Meaning and purpose of religion, necessity of leadership, funcitons of the Imam, and a study of some of the events of Karbala.
Karbala and Imam Husayn in Persian and Indo-Muslim literatur by Annemarie Schimmel	Views: 619
The importance of elegies on Imam Husayn as literary works, and an explanation of some of their major themes and imagery.
Karbala: An enduring paradigm of Islamic revivalism by Sayyid Wahid Akhtar	Views: 658
The impact of the mourning of Imam Husayn (a) in Islamic history
Karbala: The cause by Mulla Bashir Rahim	Views: 788
History of events that led to the tragedy of Karbala.
Karbala: The Islamic Conscience by Mulla Bashir Rahim	Views: 736
The mission of Imam Husayn (a). Case studies of two martyrs in Karbala: Zuhayr ibn Qayn, and Hur bin Yazid.
Karbala: The Pleasure of Allah by Mulla Bashir Rahim	Views: 895
Dhibhin Adhim (the great sacrifice) as mentioned in the Qur'an; the stories of Prophet Ibrahim and Imam Husayn (a).
Martyrdom of Imam Husayn and the Muslim and Jewish Calendars by Sayyid Sa'eed Akhtar Rizvi	Views: 714
Is the commemoration of the tragedy of Karbala a bid'ah (innovation)? The command to observe the 10th of Muharram as a day of mourning in the Old Testament.
Our Husayn (a), Mourning him and his Karbala by Allamah Shaykh al-Ameeni	Views: 817
An article by Allamah al-Ameeni, English translation.
Our Husayn (a), Mourning him and his Karbala by Allama al-Sheikh al-Ameeni	Views: 620
The Prophet's fore-knowledge of the events of Karbala, and events in the early life of Imam Husayn (a) that display this knowledge.
The Fast of 'Ashura by Sayyid Sa'eed Akhtar Rizvi	Views: 947
Authenticity of traditions encouraging Muslims to fast on the 'Ashura, the 10th of Muharram.
The History and Philosophy of Aza of Imam Husayn(a) by Mulla Bashir Rahim	Views: 695
Message of Imam Husayn (a), evolution and importance of 'Aza, 'Aza at a personal level and as an instrument of tabligh.
Why Commemorate the Massacre? by Shaykh Muhammad Jawad Chirri	Views: 703
How the commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a) and the events of Karbala is a source of unity among Muslims and not a cause of division.

Elegies
Elegy (Marthiya) on Husayn by Lynda Clarke	Views: 779
The place of marthiya in literary and religious tradition, with translations of some examples of elegies on Imam Husayn (a).
Sorrows and Sufferings by Noorali S. Merchant	Views: 1901
A Collection of Poems on the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a), and 'what others have to say about Imam Husayn (a)'.
The Track of Blood by Musavi Garmarudi	Views: 594
English poem in commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a).
English Masaib Poetry/Prose - Ashura by Br. Nazim Ali, Al-Husayn Mosque, London [listen/watch 27 min. 22 sec.] [download 1.6 MB]	Views: 8562
Light of my eyes, Husayn, love of my heart [listen/watch 5 min. 33 sec.] [download 666 kB]	Views: 1742

See Also:

Elegies(Nawha/Latmiyyah) Eulogies(Na't, Manqabat, Qasidah)

Audio Video Lectures
10th day of Muharram by Dr. Murtadha Alidina, Stanmore, London, UK [listen/watch 39 min.] [download]	Views: 1844
10th day of Muharram, 1424 AH, 2003 Source: www.hujjat.org
11th Night of Muharram by Dr. Murtadha Alidina, Stanmore, London, UK [listen/watch 30 min.] [download]	Views: 1365
Night of 11th Muharram, 1424 AH, 2003 Source: www.hujjat.org
12th Night of Muharram by Dr. Murtadha Alidina, Stanmore, London, UK [listen/watch 57 min.] [download]	Views: 1272
Night of 12th Muharram, 1424 AH, 2003 Source: www.hujjat.org
4th Night of Muharram by Dr. Murtadha Alidina, Stanmore, London, UK [listen/watch 1 hr. 3 min.] [download]	Views: 1266
Night of 4th Muharram, 1424 AH, 2003 Source: www.hujjat.org
Abbas (a), Sublimination of the Self for the Sake of Perfection by Dr. Murtadha Alidina, Stanmore, London, UK [listen/watch 1 hr. 20 min.] [download]	Views: 1854
Night of 8th Muharram, 1424 AH, 2003 Imam Husayn (a) went to Karbala because of: -resignation to will of Allah -resistance to corrupt government -reformation in corrupt society -revolution -he was part of the cosmic struggle between falsehood and truth, that is in operation even today Everyone desires perfection -- some seek it in power, others in prestige, beauty, or wealth -- but the best perfection is in getting closer to the All Perfect Being.Everyone is given a chance to attain perfection, but refusal of that chance will come to chastise us now, later in this life and finally in the hereafter. Abbas (a) represents sublimation, sacrifice, and subjugation of the self against individualism - he preferred Allah and his brother the Imam over himself. Examples given from a book (published in the year 2000) by David Mires, a social psychologist, where he talks about individualism. Its tenets include: -love yourself before you love others -what's ethical is what's ethical to me -what's moral is what's moral to me -the individual above society -avoid conformity -"i don't recognize the right of any other over me for even one minute of my life. i exist for my life not for the life of others." Discussion about individualism manifesting itself as self-esteem -- the way to improve yourself is for you to do your own thing and for me to do my own thing. Psychotherapists as prophets of our age. Collectivistic vs. individualistic societies. Spending possessions in the way of Allah is an act against individualism -- many verses of the Qur'an are given as examples, including the story of the sacrifice of the Ahl al-Bayt (a) from Surat al-Dahr. An extremely moving rendition of the story of the martyrdom of Hadhrat Abbas (a).Source: www.hujjat.org
Day of `Ashura by Shaykh Amir Mukhtar Faizi, Shi'a Assocation of Bay Area Islamic Guidance Center, San Jose, CA, Muharram 1422 April 2001 [listen/watch 35 min. 9 sec.] [download 9.2 Mb]	Views: 2027
Day of `Ashura First part is in English, second part in Urdu. Narration of the stories of some of the companions of Imam Husayn (a) on the Day of Ashura.
Day of `Ashura  by Dr. Murtaza Alidina , Stanmore, UK , 11th Muharram 1417 AH  [listen/watch] [download 2.1 MB]	Views: 1343
Formations and Mental States of Opposing Forces, Imam Addresses the Enemy, First Skirmish, Salat-ul-Dhuhr, Call of Istighasa, Imam's Battles, Final Farewell, Imam's Martyrdom, Nauha
Does weeping for Imam Husayn (a) guarantee paradise? by Dr. Murtadha Alidina, Stanmore, London, UK [listen/watch 1 hr. 7 min.] [download]	Views: 2330
Night of 2nd Muharram, 1424 AH, 2003 - Many ahadith indicate the importance and rewards of weeping from Imam Husayn (a). How can these ahadith be understood? - For every hadith, the scholars have set forth 3 criteria by which it should be examined: a) Who narrated it b) What were the conditions under which it was narrated c) How does its content correlate with the Qur'anic message? - By looking at what the Qur'an states about those who attain paradise, one can conclude that the mourning of Imam Husayn (a) causes one to be in a state where he/she can then go on to adopt those other characteristics which will cause him/her to live in Paradise in the hereafter. Crying alone without any deeds will not help one to attain paradise. - Story of Imam Husayn (a) setting forth for Karbala.Source: www.hujjat.org
Imam Husayn (a) - King of Martyrs  by Hassanain Rajabali , Toronto, Canada , 10th Muharram 1418 AH, 17th May 1997  [listen/watch 31 minutes ] [download 1.8 MB]	Views: 1309
Imam Husayn (a) and al-Tawheed by Br. Abu Baqir, Shi'a Assocation of Bay Area Islamic Guidance Center, San Jose, CA, Muharram 1423 16th March 2002 [listen/watch 36 min. 19 sec.] [download 9.5 Mb]	Views: 1775
3rd Night of Muharram - Importance of remembering Imam Husayn (a) in the role of a dhakir. Story of the dream of a well-known scholar that thosewho will easily pass through the Day of Reckoning. Story of famous poet, Jamal al-Din al-Musalli al-Hilli whose mother vowed that she would dedicate him to be a highway robber for the zuwwar (visitors) to the rawdha of Imam Husayn (a).- Qur'an 9:119: "O you who believe! be careful of (your duty to) Allah and be with the true ones."- Definition of a true person is one whose batin (inner) corresponds 100% to his outer (dhahir). Such a state can only be achived by the Ma'asumeen (a), as others are affected by waswasah (whispering)- The way to be with the ma'asumeen (a) is either to study their biographies (which is important) or to study their teachings (which is more important). We therefore wish to study the teachings of Imam Husayn (a).- Analysis of portion of du'a Arafah dealing with Tawheed- Entirety of tawheed is encapsulated in "laa ilaaha illallaah". Importance of understanding tawheed as a lifelong process.- Detailed analysis of "Subhaanallahi wa al-Hamdu lillaahi wa laa ilaaha illallaahu wallahu akbar".- Allahu akbar is short for "Allahu akbar min an yoosaf" -- Allah is greater than can be described- Light of understanding that cannot be learned through books
Imam Husayn (a) and the events at Karabala by Dr. Hamid Algar, Univ. of California, Berkeley, USA, 27th September, 2001	Views: 787
Shi'a Islam: Class 7 HTML notes only. Unfortunately, this lecture is not available in audio format.; - early life of the Imam, and close relationship with the Prophet (s) - Events in the life of the Imam between the death of his brother Imam Hasan (a) and the death of Muawiyah - caliphate and personality of Yazid - refusal of Imam to give allegiance to Yazid - journey of Imam from Madinah to Makkah to Karbala - events in Kufa, and the martyrdom of Muslim b. Aqeel - the fateful day of Ashura - conclusions that can be drawn from the tragic events, including the different views of Sunni and Shi'i historians on the first century of Islam - importance of Ashura
Islamic Perspective on Sexual Energy (9th Muharram Lecture) by Dr. Murtadha Alidina, Stanmore, London, UK [listen/watch 1 hr. 17 min.] [download]	Views: 2054
Night of 9th Muharram, 1424 AH, 2003 - Nabi Yahya (a) was killed by a king who succumbed to sexual temptation and who gifted his (a) head to a prostitute. The 4th imam (a) reports that Imam Husayn narrated the story of Yahya (a) several times during during the journey to Karbala, as if warning those who would hear that uncontrolled sexual energy can potentially create a huge disaster. - Why is premarital and promiscuous sex so common in society? a) sex is profitable and we are bombarded with such advertising b) curiousity and hormones c) the media bombards teenagers with sexual images d) peer pressure - Discussion about exposure to drugs. - The Qur'anic perspective on sexual energy is that a) it is a gift from God b) to be used in marriage c) on a premarital level, the energy is so strong that it can harm you, as man has been created weak (Surat al-Nisa verse 28) d) Satan is ready to deceive you and destroy you through sexual deviation - To prevent destruction and channel sexual energy into marriage, Allah has given marriage, and enjoined the following conduct in non-mahram interactions with the opposite sex: a) code of dress b) contact of eyes has to be controlled c) content of conversation be serious and avoid intimacy d) character of conversation should not be with enticing sound e) no covetous behavior e) being a gift from God therefore has the potential in the context of marriatge enables us to move us to perfection. - Story of Nabi Yusuf (a) and how he resisted the attempts of the wife of the governor. - Moving account of the events and spiritual dimensions of the martyrdom of Ali Akbar ibn al-Husayn (a)Source: www.hujjat.org
Karbala: A Divine Decree by Dr. Murtadha Alidina, Stanmore, London, UK [listen/watch 1 hr. 1 min.] [download]	Views: 1582
Night of 5th Muharram, 1424 AH, 2003 - We know of several reasons why Imam Husayn (a) went to Karbala, for example, the political situation, and to reform society. But there is another reason as well that is evidenced by Imam Husayn's actions words, as well as the vision that Imam Husayn (a) had when he visited the grave of the Prophet (s) before setting forth. The reason is because Allah wanted him to go. - Questions: How did the Imam (a) gain knowledge of the unseen for certain things, when Allah alone has knowledge of all the ghayb? And, if the Imam (a) knew that Allah had decreed he would die, how can he be a role model for us? - The scholars have given several reasons to the first question. a) Departmentalization of knowledge where God shares some knowledge with the awliyaa' b) Some knowledge is fixed and determined. God alone knows that. Some other knowledge is changing (for example, if someone is good to his parents, Allah will lengthen his life). c) Imams (a) potentially had power to learn it, Allah provided the knowledge if it is in the wisdom of Allah to teach it. If it is a test of the Imam Allah may withhold such knowledge. d) If someone is close enough to Allah he will gain such knowledge, although there is some knowledge (like the essence of Allah) which cannot be learned. What about verse 2:95 Qur'an that says you should not plunge yourself into death? a) Imam (a) was living in world of unseens and factors are different. Examples from the actions of Khidr in the presence of Musa. b) Death in this verse is not physical death, but rather death in society or death in other aspects c) Sometimes death is more important than life - The story of Habeeb ibn Madhaahir (r). Ilm al-ghayb was shared even with the companions who were close to the Imams (a).Source: www.hujjat.org
Lessons to be learned from Imam Husayn (a) in Karbala by Shaykh Amir Mukhtar Faizi, Shi'a Assocation of Bay Area Islamic Guidance Center San Jose, CA, Muharram 1422 April 2001 [listen/watch 1 hr. 48 min. 36 sec.] [download 27 Mb]	Views: 1685
Night of `Ashura First 35 minutes is in English, second part is in Urdu. Analysis of qualities exhibited by the Imam (a) in Karbala, including discipline in the face of eminent crisis, organization, and leadership.
Lifestyle of tawbah (turning to Allah) and Karbala by Dr. Murtadha Alidina, Stanmore, London, UK [listen/watch 46 min. 51 sec.] [download]	Views: 1376
Night of 3rd Muharram, 1424 AH, 2003 - Results from a worldwide survey conducted by interviewing thousands of people shows globalization of morality. People can be divided into one of 6 different personality types/lifestyles. - What should be the Muslim lifestyle? Tawbah is the answer. Surat Hud in the Qur'an gives numerous examples of past Prophets where tawbah was given as the solution to living an Islamic lifestyle. - The example of tawbah in the story of those who were exhorted to perform jihad with the Prophet in the expedition of Tabuk but who gave excuses for not participating. They eventually performed sincere tawbah and their example is noted in the Qur'an. - The example of tawbah from the beautiful story of Hurr ibn Yazid al-Riyah who chose paradise over the hellfire by defecting from the army of the enemy to join Imam Husayn (a) -- narrated by Dr. Alidina in a detailed and extremely moving manner.Source: www.hujjat.org
Mentally preparing for the holy month of Muharram by Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi, Ja'ffari Islamic Centre, Toronto, Canada, 31st March 2000 / Dhil hijja 1420 [listen/watch 20 min.] [download 1 MB]	Views: 1122
Friday Khutba
Night of the Unfortunates  by Hassanain Rajabali , Toronto, Canada , 11th Muharram 1418 AH, 18th May 1997  [listen/watch 35 minutes ] [download 2.5 MB]	Views: 1184
Peer Pressure vs. Dignity of Human Being as Illustrated in Karbala by Dr. Murtadha Alidina, Stanmore, London, UK [listen/watch 70 min. 37 sec.] [download]	Views: 1414
Night of 7th Muharram, 1424 AH, 2003 - During the time of the Prophet (s), those weak in faith would offer excuses for not being able to participate in the battles of the Prophet (s). This is in contrast with Qasim ibn Hasan who pleaded with Imam Husayn (a) to allow him to participate. - Case study of a teenager undergoing changes in behavior. - What is peer pressure? In a recent book by Larkin titled Suburban Youth: Culture in Crisis, he explains that the typical school is divided into the jocks, the rah-rahs, the freaks, the greasers, the politicals, the academic elite, the motorheads, and the silent majority. It is the latter group that is subject to pressure to move into one of the other groups. - Why does (negative) peer pressure occur? What are the factors that influence it? 1. If individual feel low self esteem, feels that joining a group can make him feel better. 2. Parents fail children in relationships. 3. Lack of courage and assertiveness. 4. A belief system which is faulty - How to resist peer pressure? 1. Knowing that Allah has given us self dignity. Examples from Qur'an show that God is proud of us, He loves and cares for us, and we are entitled to become representatives of God on earth 2. If you want to gain popularity and prestige by conforming to society, Allah teaches that power and prestige is in hands of Allah Extremely moving rendition of the martyrdom of Qasim ibn al-Hasan (a), the boy of less than 14 who knew where true power and prestige lie. When Imam Husayn (a) asked him about death in Karbala, he responded: ahla min al-`asl, sweeter than honey.Source: www.hujjat.org
The mission of Imam Husayn (a): Resignation vs. Revolution by Dr. Murtadha Alidina, Stanmore, London, UK [listen/watch 49 min. 42 sec.] [download]	Views: 1279
Night of 6th Muharram, 1424 AH, 2003 Resignation to the will of Allah vs desire for revolution and reform. When we submit to the will of Allah, we should submit fully. Examples from Karbala of Abdullah ibn Hurr who submitted his horse and sword but did not submit himself. Another man submitted himself on the condition that if victory seemed doubtful, he would escape, and on the day of Karbala he did manage to escape by means of a horse he had hidden away. The story of `Awn and Muhammad, the grandsons of Ja`afar ibn Abi Talib al-Tayyar, who submitted fully to the will of Allah and were among the young martyrs of Karbala.Source: www.hujjat.org
The Spiritual Dimensions of the Night of `Ashura by Dr. Murtadha Alidina, Stanmore, London, UK [listen/watch 65 min. 12 sec.] [download 7.83 MB]	Views: 1347
10th Night of Muharram, 1424 AH 2003 - Reports from those who fought against Imam (a) and his companions in Karbala show that despite their small number, fatigue, and thirst, the army of Imam Husayn (a) fought extremely valiantly. What triggered this divinely inspired power? - Imam Husayn (a) had requested that they be given Thursday night (`Ashura was on Friday) to read Qur'an, perform salaat, and to do istighfaar. An analysis of these actions and how they bring one closer to Allah. - Story of `Ali Asghar (a).Source: www.hujjat.org

Aamaal Powerpoint Presentations
Multimedia A`amaal for the Day of `Ashura	Views: 2402
A power point presentation of the supplications and other a'amaal for the day of Ashura. Ideal for use while performing the a'amaal with an English-speaking community.

See Also:

Elegies(Nawha/Latmiyyah) Eulogies(Na't, Manqabat, Qasidah)

Personal Contributions
A Journey	Views: 1691
A poem on the tragedy of Karbala.
Karbala: Chain of Events by Ramzan Sabir	Views: 1171
Highlights of Karbala, History of Mu'awiyah and Yazid, events of 'Ashura, and lessons from Karbala.
The Battle of Karbala	Views: 994
A Marthiyaa of Anis, translated into English verse by David Matthews.
What is `Ashoora? by Ahmed Ali Khan	Views: 816