All posts by Anamta Fatima

The journey of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) from Madina to Karbala is a significant and tragic event in Islamic history. This journey took place in the year 61 AH (Islamic calendar), corresponding to 680 CE. Here is a brief overview of the events leading up to the tragic Battle of Karbala:

1. Uprising in Kufa:
   Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), received letters from the people of Kufa, inviting him to lead them against the unjust rule of Yazid ibn Muawiya, the Umayyad caliph. Responding to these calls, Imam Hussain decided to embark on the journey to Kufa.
2. Departure from Madina:
   Imam Hussain left Madina for Mecca with his family and a small group of followers including women and children in the month of Rajab. However, upon reaching Mecca, he received news that the situation in Kufa had deteriorated, and the people were no longer supportive due to the intimidation and threats from Yazid’s forces.
3. Decision to Stand Against Tyranny:
   Despite the changed circumstances, Imam Hussain refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid, considering his rule oppressive and against the principles of Islam. He made the courageous decision to stand against tyranny and uphold the values of justice, righteousness, and the true teachings of Islam.
4. Journey towards Karbala:
   In the month of Dhul-Hijjah, Imam Hussain, along with his family and a small group of loyal companions, left Mecca for Kufa. The journey was challenging, marked by hardships, as Yazid’s forces attempted to obstruct and divert their path. Imam Hussain continued his journey, demonstrating resilience and determination.
5. Arrival in Karbala:
   The caravan of Imam Hussain reached the plains of Karbala on the 2nd of Muharram. Yazid’s army, led by Umar ibn Sa’ad, surrounded them and cut off their access to the Euphrates River. The tragic events unfolded in the following days, leading to the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his loyal companions on the 10th of Muharram, known as the day of Ashura.
6. Martyrdom and Aftermath:
   The Battle of Karbala resulted in the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, his family members, and loyal companions. The surviving members of Imam Hussain’s family, including the women and children, were taken captive and marched to the court of Yazid in Damascus.

The journey of Imam Hussain is often remembered for its profound moral and spiritual significance. It symbolizes the struggle against tyranny, the defense of justice, and the willingness to sacrifice one’s life for the principles of Islam. Various historical and biographical works contribute to our understanding of these events, though some details might vary across different sources.

         Frequently asked questions

1. Why did Imam Hussain leave Madina for Karbala?
Imam Hussain left Madina in response to the call for help from the people of Kufa, who sought his leadership against the unjust rule of Yazid. Despite facing challenges, he chose to stand against tyranny.

2. Why did Imam Hussain choose Karbala as the destination?
Imam Hussain’s caravan was intercepted by Yazid’s forces in Karbala. The circumstances forced them to halt, and the events of the Battle of Karbala unfolded on the plains of Karbala.

3. What role did the Euphrates River play in the events of Karbala?
The forces of Yazid, led by Umar ibn Sa’ad, cut off access to the Euphrates River for Imam Hussain and his followers. This deprivation of water became a source of immense hardship during the siege.

4. What is the significance of the day of Ashura in this context?
The 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura, marks the day of the Battle of Karbala and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his companions. It holds immense significance for Muslims, particularly within the Shia community, as a day of remembrance and mourning.

5. What happened after the Battle of Karbala?
The surviving members of Imam Hussain’s family, including women and children, were taken captive and marched to the court of Yazid in Damascus. This marked the aftermath of the tragedy of Karbala.

6. How is the journey of Imam Hussain commemorated today?
The events of Karbala are commemorated during the month of Muharram through mourning rituals, processions, and majalis (gatherings) held by Muslims, particularly in the Shia community. These ceremonies reflect on the values of justice, sacrifice, and resistance against oppression.

Shab-e-Meraj, also known as the Night of Ascension, is an event in Islamic tradition that commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey and ascension to the heavens. This event is observed on the 27th day of the Islamic month of Rajab. The details of Shab-e-Meraj are primarily derived from Islamic traditions and Hadiths (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad). In Shia Islam, the significance of Shab-e-Meraj is acknowledged, but the way it is celebrated may vary among different Shia communities and individuals. Many Shia Muslims use this occasion as a time for prayer, reflection, and seeking closeness to Allah. They may engage in acts of worship, recite supplications, and participate in special gatherings or programs at mosques or homes.

The specifics of how Shab-e-Meraj is observing can vary based on cultural and regional traditions within the Shia community. It’s important to note that practices and customs may differ, and individuals may observe the occasion in a manner consistent with their particular school of thought or cultural background.

The event of Shab-e-Meraj is commemorated in Shia Islam, and its significance is drawn from various Hadiths and narrations attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). While the Night of Ascension is generally recognized, the details may vary across different sources and traditions within the Shia community.

One of the key sources for the event of Shab-e-Meraj in Shia Islam is found in the book “Bihar al-Anwar,” a comprehensive collection of Hadiths compiled by Allama Muhammad Baqir ibn Muhammad Taqi al-Majlisi, a prominent Shia scholar. In the eleventh volume of Bihar al-Anwar, there is a section dedicated to the events of the Night of Ascension.
It’s important to note that while there are various narrations regarding Shab-e-Meraj, the authenticity, and acceptance of Hadiths can vary among scholars and within different branches of Shia Islam. Shia Muslims often refer to the works of scholars like Allama Majlisi and others for insights into the events of Shab-e-Meraj and other important occasions in Islamic history.

The event of Isra and Mi’raj, also known as the Night Journey and Ascension, is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran in detailed narrative form. However, there are verses in the Quran that are interpreted by scholars in connection to this miraculous event. The Isra and Mi’raj refer to the night when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) migrated from Mecca to Jerusalem (Isra) and then ascended to the heavens (Mi’raj).

The primary Quranic references are:

1. Surah Al-Isra (17:1):
   “Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.”
   This verse speaks about the night journey from Mecca to al-Masjid al-Aqsa (Jerusalem), marking the Isra.
2. Surah An-Najm (53:13-18):
   “And he certainly saw him in another descent. At the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary. Near it is the Garden of Refuge. The sight [of the Prophet] did not swerve, nor did it transgress [its limit].”
   It refers to the miraculous night journey and ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The key aspects of the event include:

1. Isra (Night Journey): The first part of the journey involved the Prophet Muhammad being taken from the Kaaba in Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem by the angel Gabriel (Jibreel).
2. Mi’raj (Ascension): From Jerusalem, Prophet Muhammad ascended through the heavens, meeting various prophets along the way and ultimately reaching the highest levels of paradise. He had a direct encounter with Allah and received instructions, including the command for Muslims to pray five times in a whole day.
   Muslims commemorate Meraj Night through special prayers, supplications, and reflections on the significance of this miraculous event in the life of Prophet Muhammad. It is considered a night of spiritual significance and a time for increased devotion and reflection on one’s faith. Additionally, communities may organize special events, lectures, and gatherings to mark this important occasion in the Islamic calendar.