Imam Husayn

Al-Ḥusayn ibn ʿAlī ibn Abi Talib (ٱلْحُسَيْن ابْن عَلِي ابْن أَبِي طَالِب‎‎; 10 October 625 – 10 October 680; also transliterated as Husayn ibn Ali, Husain, Hussain and Hussein) was a grandson of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and a son of Ali ibn Abi Talib (the first Shia Imam and the fourth Rashid caliph of Sunni Islam) and Muhammad's daughter Fatimah. He is an important figure in Islam as he was a member of the Bayt (Household) of Muhammad and the Ahl al-Kisā' (People of the Cloak), as well as the third Shia Imam.

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Imam al-Mahdi . Imam Husayn . Raj'a

I have heard that Imam Mehdi (as) will be killed by a non-Muslim woman with a stone and Imam Hussain (as) will recite his Namaz-e-Janaza and bury him. Is this true and, if so, may I have a reference for it?

Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi, Sayyed Mohammad al-Musawi is originally from Iraq and heads up the World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League in London. Other than being involved in various humanitarian projects, he frequently responds to... Answered 1 month ago

Yes, it is mentioned in many narrations that Imam al-Mahdi (AS) will martyred and Imam Husain (AS) will pray his Namaz e Janaza. (Biharul Anwar , volume 53, page 103 and Al-Kafi 8:250)

Wassalam.

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Ibn Muljam . Imam Husayn . Yazid b. Mu'awiya . Predestination

Was it written for Ibn Muljam to kill Imam Ali and Imam Hussain to be killed by the order of Yazid in Karbala since both events were foretold by Prophet Muhammad (s)? Should we believe that a person may die prematurely?

We need first to define the meaning of Premature death. Because no one dies before his time. That does not mean that every death is Natural. Those who are killed have died in their own time of death. Those who died as victims of a crime of killing, died in their own time of death. We differ with some Non-Muslims who claim that there is a Premature death which means as they claim, that a person who is killed has died before his time of death. They Think that the age which is for certain age group is the maturity for death. Anyone dies before that maturity age as they claim has died Prematurely. This is their own opinion which does not come along with what we read in Quran and Authentic Hadeeths. “Wa Ma Kana Le Nafsin An Tamouta Ella Bi ‘ithnillah Kitaaban Mo’ajjala” ( 3:145)– No one dies but only by permission of Allah, according to written time”
The way of dying can be Natural, and can be a Crime, and can be any other way. Time is written by Allah on everyone from us. Prophet Yahya (AS) was killed by a tyrant of His time instigated by a bad woman from Bani Israeel. Allah knew that such crime will happen, but the knowledge of Allah about a Crime which is to take place does not mean that Allah has permitted the killing. Allah (SWT) informed the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and His Holy Progeny) that His grandson Hussain will be killed in Karbala. Also informed him that Ameerul Mo'mineen Ali (A.S.) will be killed by Ibne Muljim in Kufa. That does not mean that Allah has permitted the Crime at all.
Wassalam.

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School . Imam Husayn

May I write about Imam Hussain (as) as a hero in a school project? If yes, are there any do's and don'ts that I should take into consideration?

Zaid Alsalami, Shaykh Dr Zaid Alsalami is an Iraqi born scholar, raised in Australia. He obtained a BA from Al-Mustafa University, Qom, and an MA from the Islamic College in London. He also obtained a PhD from... Answered 2 months ago

Bismihi ta'ala

Yes, of course you may write about Imam Husain (a.s.) and his humanitarian movement in standing against injustice and oppression. I'm sure you are able to be creative in your style and select things to write that would be of benefit to the readers in your school. There are many elements of the personality and revolution of Imam Husain (a.s.), and you will need to take that into consideration when you want to introduce such a wonderful personality to those around you. Write about his sacrifice, his moral life, his social reform movement, the loyalty of his companions, and so on.

With prayers for your success.

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Burial . Imam Husayn

Is it true that Imam Hussain (as) was buried without a Kaffan?

Bismihi ta'ala

The Islamic ruling is if someone who has participated in an Islamically authorised and legitimate Jihad and dies in battle while fighting the enemy, they are not washed or shrouded with the kafan.

This was the case of Imam Husain (a.s.), his family members who were martyred and his noble companions, peace be upon them all.

And Allah knows best.

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Sayyid . Imam al-Hasan . Imam Husayn . Fatimah al-Zahra

Are Imams Hasan (AS) and Hussain (AS) classed as Syeds because they are the sons of lady Fatima (AS)? If so, then what are the other children of Hazrat Ali (AS) classed as who descended from his other wives?

Zoheir Ali Esmail, Shaykh Zoheir Ali Esmail has a Bsc in Accounting and Finance from the LSE in London, and an MA in Islamic Studies from Middlesex University. He studied Arabic at Damascus University and holds a PhD... Answered 3 months ago

Bismillah

The Sayyid title is applied to all of the descendants of Hashim (they are called Hashimis) so it includes all of Imam Ali's (as) children.

May you always be successful

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Karbala . Daughter . Imam Husayn

How many daughters did Imam al-Hussein (as) have? Is it true that he left one of his daughters named Fatima in Madina while going to Karbala?

Amina Inloes, Amina Inloes is originally from the US and has a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter on Shi'a hadith. She is the program leader for the MA Islamic Studies program at the... Answered 3 months ago

Regarding whether he had a daughter named Fatima in Madina, there is some discussion here: https://www.al-islam.org/ask/what-information-is-available-on-the-life-o...

Historians do not agree on how many children Imam Husain had. However, this is a good summary of what various authors have said: https://en.wikishia.net/view/Imam_al-Husayn_b._%27Ali_(a)#Wives_and_Children

Hope that helps - history is a challenging subject!

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Imam Husayn

I have heard that Imam Hussain (as) used to stutter. Is that true?

Not true at all. Imam Hasan (AS) and Imam Husain (AS) inherited from their father Ameerul Mo'mineen (AS) and their grand father the Prophet (SAWA) the best speaking abilities. Reading some of the sermons and sayings of Imam Husain (AS) reflects the great eloquent level which he had.

Wassalam.

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God (Allah) . Divine Mercy . Karbala . Imam Husayn

When Allah is so Raheem and Kareem why didn't He stop the harsh behavior of Yazid and his army on Imam Hussain and his family?

Allah (SWT) does not enforce justice in this life stopping people from doing wrong, but He gives freedom and leaves human beings to select their own options, whether good or bad, although He guides and helps them to do good, that is why He did not stop Cane from killing his brother Able and did not stop the criminals who killed prophets like Yahya (AS) and did not stop Ibn Muljam from killing Imam Ali (AS). That is the Justice of Allah which gives every one the result of his own actions.

Wassalam.

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Karbala . Imam Husayn

Was Sukayna, the daughter of Imam Husain, the same person as Ruqayya? If they were different, which of the two was present at Karbala and what was her age?

Traditionally, it is said that Sukayna bint al-Husayn and Ruqayyah bint al-Husayn were 2 daughters of Imam Husayn who were present in Karbala. (In some cultures, they are treated as one and called "Sakina").

From a historical perspective, it can be deduced from historical reports that Sukayna bint al-Husayn was a young woman (maybe about 13 years old) at the time of Karbala, and that this is the same Sukayna bint al-Husayn who was mentioned in later historical sources. Also, in a poem ascribed to Imam Husayn to comfort her, he refers to her as the "best of women" (that is, she wouldn't have been a young child or else he wouldn't have called her a "woman"):

وقال:
سيطول بعدي يا سكينة! فاعلمي * منك البكاء إذا الحمام دهاني لا تحرقي قلبي بدمعك حسرة * ما دام مني الروح في جثماني وإذا قتلت فأنت أولى بالذي * تأتينه يا خيرة النسوان

"O, my dear Sukayna! Know that after me your weeping is prolonged. [So my daughter] do not burn my heart by your sorrowful tears as long as I am alive. O, the best of women! Weeping is more suitable for you after my martyrdom."

It is said that Ruqayyah was about 3 years old in Karbala, that she died when Yazid sent her the head of her father, and that her shrine is in Syria. However, historical reports about her are scant. Maybe people in those days didn't consider it too important to keep records about young children as children often did not live past childhood.

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Daughter . Imam Husayn

What information is available on the life of Fatima Al-Aleela, the daughter of Imam al-Hussain? Can you please give a summary or a source to enable more research?

We find in many narrations that Imam Hussain (a.s) had many daughters named Fatimah,

1. One is the eldest Fatima of the daughters of Imam Hussain (a.s). She was the daughter who was given an important document by her father Imam Hussain (a.s) was he was going for martyrdom on the day of Ashura. She gave what was given to her to Imam Ali ibn Hussain Zainul Abideen (a.s). This is mentioned in al-Kafi (volume 1, page 303).

2. Another daughter is Fatima bint al-Hussain, who was the wife of al-Hasan al-Muthanna, who is son of Imam Hasan (a.s) and her mother is Umm Isaaq. She was a very pious and very learned lady, who has also narrated many narrations in our books.

She was in Karbala, and was arrested by the enemies and the narration of her suffering is mentioned in Amaali al-Sadooq (page 227).

She gave a sermon which is mentioned in many books. It was narrated by al-Tabrisi in his book al-Ehtijaj (volume 2, page 27).

This Fatima bint Hussain narrated from Asmaa' bint Umais the narration of 'Radd ash Shams' - the return of the sun for Amir al-Mumineen (a.s), as it is mentioned in the book of Sheikh al-Sadooq, Man la Yahdaruhul Faqih (volume 4, page 439).

She was the Daughter of Imam Hussain (a.s) who had the incident in Shaam (Syria) when one of the people of Shaam asked Yazeed to give him

It is mentioned in Kitab al-Irshad by Sheikh al-Mufid (volume 2, page 121). In Basar al-Darajat by al-Saffar (page 205), it is mentioned that this lady (i.e, Fatima) had some important items from the Prophet Muhammad (saw), and also it is in the book al-Iqbal by ibn Tawoos (volume 3, page 86) that her father Imam Hussain (a.s) informed her about what will happen to some of her children.

3. Another daughter of Imam Hussain (a.s) is Fatima al-Aleela who was left in Madina al Munawara because she was not well.

Allama al-Majlisi in Bihar ul Anwar, al-Khawarizmi (Sunni scholar), ibn Asaaqir (Sunni scholar) and ibn al-Adeem (Sunni scholar) all narrated a narration to al-Mufaddal bin Omer al-Juffi from Imam al-Sadiq (a.s) who received it from his father Imam al-Baqir (a.s), who received it from his father Imam Ali ibn Hussain Zainul Abideen (a.s) that when Imam Hussain (a.s) was killed in Karbala, Ghurab (the black bird) came from Karbala to Madina with some of the blood of Imam Hussain (a.s) and went on the wall of the house where Fatima bint Hussain was. When she saw the bird with the blood, she started crying on her father.

This is mentioned in Bihar al Anwar (volume 45, page 172), in Tarikh Madina Dimishq by ibn Asaakir (volume 70, page 24), in al-Talab fi Tarikh Hallab by ibn al-Adeem (volume 6, page 2647) and in al-Hussain by al-Khawarizmi (chapter 12).

This is some of what we have now about Fatima al-Aleela (a.s).

Wassalam.

Daughter . Imam Husayn

What information is available on the life of Fatima Al-Aleela, the daughter of Imam al-Hussain? Can you please give a summary or a source to enable more research?

It is not strongly established historically that Imam Husayn (A) had a daughter named Fatimah who stayed in Medina when he was travelling due to illness. For instance, al-Shaykh al-Mufid only mentions one Fatimah who was born to Imam Husayn (A) who was reported to have been in Karbala.

Of course, it is certainly possible that this happened especially because historians do not usually not mention everything about young children, and I don't personally feel there is any harm in discussing it in majalis despite the absence of sources from the angle that it could have happened, or it is said to have happened.

However, Bihar al-Anwar does include a report saying that Imam Husayn (A) had a daughter named Fatimah (and she was al-Sughra, the younger) who stayed in Medina. It does not say why she stayed. However it says that a crow came to her with the blood of Imam Husayn (A) (vol 45 / p 171).

Anyway, history is a complicated and murky subject. We should not be surprised that there is little information about some things; rather, we should be surprised that after so many years we have so much!

God knows best.

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Imam Ali . Imam al-Hasan . Imam Husayn . Uthman b. 'Affan . Sunni-Shi'a

Did Imam Ali (as) order Imam Hassan (as) and Imam Hussein (as) to protect Uthman while he was a caliph? If so, why did he do that?

Rebecca Masterton, Dr Rebecca Masterton graduated with a BA in Japanese Language and Literature; an MA in Comparative East Asian and African Literature and a PhD in Islamic literature of West Africa. She has been... Answer updated 11 months ago

A good book to read on this is The Succession to Muhammad [s] by Wilferd Madelung, who explains very clearly the subtleties of the political situation of 'Uthman. 'Uthman had incited fury among Egyptians, Kufans and others because of his nepotism and awarding his family property that belonged to the umma. He had also cut 'Aisha's stipend, angering her. The Egyptians came as a delegation to 'Uthman with their grievances, but he refused to listen to them. Instead, he appealed to Imam Ali (as) to tell them to go away. Imam 'Ali (as) warned 'Uthman more than once that in order to calm the situation, he must listen to their grievances and correct his actions. 'Uthman refused to listen, and so Imam 'Ali (as) distanced himself. 'A'isha sent out letters inciting those who were angry with 'Uthman to kill him. 'Uthman's palace was stormed. Interestingly, 'Uthman was abandoned by his cousin Marwan and his sons in his time of need. Imam 'Ali (as) sent just Imam Hasan (as) (not Imam Husayn) and some others to try to calm the crowds, but they went ahead and killed 'Uthman. Because Imam 'Ali (as) had not directly intervened, Aisha later took advantage of this and accused him of being responsible for 'Uthman's murder. She used this allegation to try to overthrow Imam Ali (as). Imam 'Ali (as) says in sermon 30 in Nahj al-Balagha that both parties were in the wrong: 'Uthman was wrong for misappropriating property and governing badly; and the Egyptians and others were wrong for murdering 'Uthman, basically meaning that the grievances should have been addressed through a legal process: "If I had ordered his assassination I would have been his killer, but if I had prevented others from killing him I would have been his helper... I am putting before you his case. He appropriated wealth and did it badly. You protested against it and committed excesses therein. With Allah lies the real verdict between the appropriator and the protestor.' Thus, in sending Imam Hasan (as) to try to calm the crowds, Imam 'Ali (as) was not actually siding with 'Uthman, nor supporting him, but was rather trying to prevent excessive and unlawful behaviour on behalf of the aggrieved parties.