The Tragedy of Kerbala

Corresponding to 10th October 680 AD, Imam Husain with 72 family members and disciples were martyred in the scorching desert of central Iraq on Friday 10th Moharram, 61Hijri.

Historians rightfully state Imam Husain and his companions to have braved severe hunger and thirst for three consecutive days before facing inhuman atrocities by armies of Yazid bin Muaviya, emperor of the Islamic State at the time (680-683 AD). Thus the prevailing fact is, when conscience, consciousness and conviction preponderate over material being, physical discomfiture and needs, cease to affect human kind.

Imam Husain with an enlightened heart, sincerely refuse to acknowledge Yazid and his abettors’ conspicuous licentious and sinful activities. Later, amidst thousands of adversaries, he expostulated by initiating and appealing for re-adopting conventional ethical and religious norms people had deviated from.

Apparently, it is such victory of spiritual righteousness over material falsehood that Imam Husain procured in Kerbala, which has largely been an inspiration for mankind.

Day of 'Ashura'

'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported:the Quraish used to fast on the Day of 'Ashura' in the pre-Islamic days and the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) also observed it. When he migrated to Medina, he himself observed this Fast (of 'Ashura') and commanded (others) to observe it. But when fasting during the month of Ramadan was made obligatory he said: He who wishes to observe this Fast may do so, and he who wishes to abandon it may do so. [Sahih Muslim 1897]

Ibn ‘Abbas, (RA), reported: “The Prophet, came to al-Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He asked them about that”. They replied, “This is a good day, the day on which Allah rescued Bani Israel from their enemy. So Moosa observed fast on this day.” The Prophet said, “We have more claim over Moosa than you.” So the Prophet, observed fast on that day and ordered (the Muslims) to observe fast (on that day).” [Saheeh al-Bukhari, Muslim]

Ibn ‘Abbas also reported, “The Messenger of Allah fasted on the day of Ashura and ordered the people to fast on it. The people said, “O Messenger of Allah, it is a day that the Jews and Christians honour.” The Prophet, said, “When the following year comes - Allah willing - we shall fast on the ninth.” The death of the Prophet, came before the following year.” [Saheeh Muslim, Abu Dawood]

So it is recommended to fast on the 10th of Muharram and the 9th along with it as well.