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.

91508

Imam Husayn

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

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 year ago

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.

86007

God (Allah) . Divine Mercy . Battle of 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.

86255

Battle of 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?

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... Answer updated 1 year ago

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.

62032

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 2 years 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.

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Imam Husayn

Why is Imam Husain (AS) called Abu Abdillah?

In Arabic, every one has a name like Husain and a Kunyah like Abu or Aba or Abi. The name of the Prophet (SAWA) is Muhammad and his Kunyah is Abu Qasim. Ameerul Mo'minen (AS) name is Ali and his Kunyah is Abul Hasan. Imam Hasan's Kunyah is Abu Mohammad. mam Husain's Kunyah is Abu Abdillah or Aba Abdillah.

Abu Abdullah means father of Abdullah. Imam Husain had a son named Abdullah.

Wassalam.

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Battle of Karbala . Banu Hashim . Imam Husayn

How many people besides the Banu Hashim came to Karbala with Imam Hussain (A) from Madina?

Many people traveled from Madina with Imam Husain (AS) but their numbers are not exactly known to us because we find in different books of history different numbers.

You can find some details on the website of mam Husain Shrine www.imamhussain.org

Wassalam.

62215

Battle of Karbala . Sunni-Shi'a . Yazid b. Mu'awiya . Imam Husayn

Who was the real killer of Imam Hussain (as) in Karbala? Was he from the Shia or was he a follower of Yazid?

Abbas Di Palma, Shaykh Abbas Di Palma holds a BA and an MA degree in Islamic Studies, and certifications from the Language Institute of Damascus University. He has also studied traditional Islamic sciences in... Answered 2 years ago

as salam alaikum

different sources depict Shimr Ibn Dhil-Jawshan and Sinan Ibn Anas as the killers of Husayn, peace be upon him. It is evident that both played a role in the killing although there may be some variations in the details of various reports. Both were fighting along the army of 'Umar Ibn Sa'd, sent by 'Ubaydullah Ibn Zayd, appointed by Yazid Ibn Mu'awiyah.

With prayers for your success.

58335

Battle of Karbala . Imam Husayn . Al-Abbas ibn Ali . Hurr ibn Yazid . Ali al-Akbar b. al-Husayn

Is it true that Imam Husain (AS) did not allow his brother Abbas, his son Ali Akbar, and his companions such as Hurr to jointly face the army of Yazid? If so, for what reason?

We believe that every act of the Infallible is based on the complete wisdom which may not be available to us as our thinking is limited.

The wisdom behind the way of fighting the enemies in Karbala can be to avoid immediate collapse of the camp of Imam Husain (AS) looking at huge numbers of the enemies facing small number of believers.

It can be also to give more chances to the army of the enemies to reconsider their stand.

After all, the whole wisdom of that arrangements is with Imam Husain (AS) which aims definitely to serve the noble aims of Islam.

Wassalam.

58197

Battle of Karbala . Imam Husayn

Why did Imam Husain (AS) decide to send his family and companions into battle one by one, rather than altogether, in order to fight Yazid's big and mighty army?

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 years ago

Bismihi ta'ala

The tragedy of Ashura' and the martyrdom of the companions and family members of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) did not extend for a long time, and within this short duration of the battle, the sad event enfolded quickly. Historians do mention the first who was martyred, and the last.

There were also common combating practices, like duel fights, but what made the tragedy more severe was that none of these fighting rituals were observed. In general, it was Imam Husain (a.s.) who granted permission for the companions and members of Ahlul Bayt (a.s) to fight.

And Allah knows best.

57969

Muslims . Martyrdom . Sunni-Shi'a . Imam Husayn

What are the most clear benefits that all Muslims, regardless of school of thought, enjoy till today on account of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS)?

The martyrdom of Imam Husain (AS) gave the Muslim Ummah the biggest shock which saved the Ummah from collapse when the rulers (Yazeed and his gangsters) were totally away from the teachings of Islam. Muslim masses could not accept the crime of the killing of the grand son of the Prophet along with his family members including children and imprisonment of the family of the Prophet (SAWA). This greatest shock brought back the sense to the Ummah and was the reason behind hundreds of revolts against tyrant rulers during centuries of the history of Muslims. Imam Husain's martyrdom declared the tyrant rulers as deviants and made the Muslim masses careful when dealing with them.

The martyrdom of Imam Husain (AS) became the guide to his noble value which calls Muslims to be real Muslims and join good and avoid evil. Thousands of scholars, writers, poets were inspired by Imam Husain's martyrdom.

Millions of Muslims all over the world and all over the generations, observe the martyrdom of Imam Husain every year and get spiritually charged to be better Muslims.

Imam Husain's martyrdom has inspired many non Muslims and made them realize the great teachings of justice for which Imam Husain (AS) has sacrificed.

The list of the benefits from Imam Husain' martyrdom will be very long and books can be written on it, but to cut it very short, we need to remember the Prophetic Hadeeth which stated: Husian is from me, and I am from Husain. How the grand father is from his grand son? In fact, he religion of Islam which was sent through the Prophe Muhammad (SAWA), was revived and made everlasting because of Imam Husain (AS).

Reviving Islam is the great benefit not only for all Muslims but for all mankind.

Wassalam.