🕌 The Life and Martyrdom of AL-ḤUSAIN (الحسين‎): A Pillar of Shīʿah Islam

Definition

AL-ḤUSAIN (الحسين‎): The second son of Fāṭimah, the daughter of Prophet Muḥammad, and ʿAlī, the fourth K͟halīfah. He is revered by Shīʿah Muslims as the third K͟halīfah and is a significant figure due to his martyrdom in the Battle of Karbalā at the hands of Yazīd ibn Muʿāwiyah.

Etymology

The name Al-Ḥusain (Arabic: الحسين)  is derived from ‘Ḥasan’ meaning “good” or “handsome” in Arabic. The addition of ‘“ain’” at the end denotes diminutive or smaller grammatical structure, rendering “Little Good” or “Beautiful.”

Background

Al-Ḥusain ibn ʿAlī was born in 4 A.H. (626 AD) and died in 61 A.H. (680 AD) at age 57 in Karbalā, Iraq. His martyrdom marks one of the most defining events in Islamic history, known as the Battle of Karbalā which pitted him against the forces of Yazīd, the Umayyad caliph. This confrontation, culminating in Al-Ḥusain’s tragic death, is seen as a symbol of the eternal struggle between justice and tyranny.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

Among Shīʿahs

• Muḥarram Commemorations: Shīʿah Muslims commemorate Al-Ḥusain’s martyrdom with profound mournfulness during the first ten days of Muḥarram, culminating in the Day of Ashura.
• Mourning Rituals: This period involves sermons, reenactments of the Battle of Karbalā, public processions, and self-flagellation as an expression of grief and solidarity with Al-Ḥusain’s suffering.

Among Sunnīs

• While the significance of Al-Ḥusain’s death is acknowledged, the rituals and observance during Muḥarram are less pronounced.
• Sunnīs might fast on the Day of Ashura to commemorate the saving of the Israelites by Prophet Moses, rather than focusing solely on Al-Ḥusain’s martyrdom.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• Imām Ḥusain: Reflects his revered title.
• Sayyid al-Shuhadā: Meaning ‘Master of the Martyrs.’

Antonyms

• Oppressor: Often contrasted in literature against members of Umayyad dynasty seen as oppressors in this narrative.

Related Terms with Definitions

• K͟halīfah: The title for the leader of the Islamic state.
• Ashura: The 10th day of Muḥarram observing the martyrdom of Al-Ḥusain.
• Saiyid: Title used for the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad through his grandsons, Ḥasan and Ḥusain.

Exciting Facts

• The city of Karbalā remains a major pilgrimage site for millions of Shīʿah Muslims.
• Al-Ḥusain’s sacrifice has inspired extensive literature, poetry, and theatrical performances known as Taʿziyah or “Miracle Play.”

Quotations from Notable Writers

• “Ḥusain fell, piercing the throne of tyranny with the lance of truth and unifying our hearts with the power of faith.” — Rumi.
• “I learned from Husain how to achieve victory while being oppressed.” — Mahatma Gandhi, expressing the far-reaching influence of Al-Ḥusain’s legacy.

Suggested Literature

• “The Tragedy of Karbala” by Ali Abbas Jalalpura
• Sir Lewis Pelly’s English Translation of Taʿziyah (Miracle Play)
• “Tears of Karbala: Reflections on the Martyrdom of Al-Husayn” by Ayatollah Muhammad Husayn Fadlallah

References

• Halm, Heinz. “Shīʿism”. Edinburgh University Press.
• Tabatabai, Sayyid Mohammad Hossein. “Shi’ite Islam”. State University of New York Press.
• Sachedina, Abdulaziz. “Islamic Messianism: The Idea of Mahdi in Twelver Shi’ism”. Albany: SUNY Press.

May the study of figures like AL-ḤUSAIN inspire us to stand against oppression and to seek justice with unwavering courage and integrity.

Amina Al-Fahad