HAZRAT HASSAN=

He was the elder son of Hazrat Ali (RZ) and Hazrat Fatima (RZ) and the

grandson of Holy Prophet. He was born on 1st Ramadan 3 A.H. in Madinah.

Prophet (PBUH) recited Adhan in his right and lqamah in his left ear, Prophet

(PBUH) also sacrificed two rams for him, offered him honey and offered

charity equivalent to the weight of his hair. He was named ’Hassan’ meaning

‘the beautiful one’ by the Holy Prophet (PBUH). It is reported that the name

was never used in pre-Islamic period and Hazrat Jibrail asked Prophet

(PBUH) to name him as Hassan.

 Also known as Shabbar, which in Hebrew language means ‘handsome’. This

name is based on name of Hazrat Haroon (A.S)’s son.

 Prophet (PBUH) loved him greatly, Different stories of Prophet (PBUH) are

there which shows Prophet (PBUH)’s love for him i.e. allowing his grandson to

climb on his back while Prophet (PBUH) was prostrating. He would often be

seen sitting in the Holy Prophet (PBUH)’s lap, along with his younger brother

and Usama bin Zaid (RZ). Once when Prophet (PBUH) was carrying him on his

shoulders the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Oh Allah! I love him, so I beseech

You to love him.”

 Events are also narrated when Prophet (PBUH) interrupted his sermon and

came down from Minbar i.e. pulpit to pick him up when he tripped over.

 Hazrat Mohammad (PBUH) and Hazrat Ali (RZ) were his only teachers. He

learnt newly revealed verses by heart as Mohammad (PBUH) recited them to

him.

 The rule of prohibition of alms for Prophet (PBUH)’s family was established

in an event related to him. Once Prophet (PBUH) was distributing dates of

(PBUH) asked him to take it out of his mouth. Followed by this the Prophet

(PBUH) said: “Verily these alms (Zakat) are only the impurities of men

and they are not lawful for Mohammad or for the family of Mohammad”.

(Muslim)

 He was 8 years old when Muhammad (PBUH) passed away. His mother also

died six months later. Thus, he was living under the guidance of Hazrat Ali

(RZ) for the remaining years of his boyhood.

 He served the caliphs with loyalty. In the rule of Hazrat Uthman (KZ), he

tried to help the caliph during the besiege of the caliph’s house. He was sent

by Hazrat Ali (RZ) several times with food and water supplies to help the

caliph.

 During Hazrat Ali (RZ)’s caiiphate he took part in all battles. He brought

forces from Kufa on his father’s orders to reinforce Hazrat Ali (RZ)’s army

against Hazrat Aisha (RZ), Hazrat Talha (RZ) and Hazrat Zubair (RZ). He

actively participated along with his father in battles of Camel, Siffin and

Nahwarwan. He also held charge of the Bait-ul-Maal.

 Shias revere him as the second Imam in the chain of twelve Imams. They

believe, before Hazrat Ali (RZ)’s martyrdom, Hazrat Ali (RZ) transferred

Imamat to him. Thus, they count him as infallible i.e. Masoom or sinless and

they also credit different miracles to him.

 After Hazrat Ali (RZ)’s martyrdom, he was ascended to the office of

caliphate supported by 40,000 supporters. Besides being Imam, he also

occupied the function of Caliph for about six months, during which he

administered the affairs of the Muslims. Hazrat Muawiya (RZ) was found
gathering his forces on the Iraq-Syria border. When he attempted to rally

his lraqi troops for battle with Hazrat Muawiya (RZ) on the Iraq-Syria

border, it became evident his supporter had turned away from him. Thus,

deserted by most of his supporters, he signed a peace treaty with Hazrat

Muawiya (RZ) to prevent bloodshed of the Muslims of two opposing camps.

 Ameer Mu’awiyah (RA) not only accepted the offer but also sent a blank

cheque, so to say, for a settlement in accordance with the terms of Hasan

(RA), who laid down the following conditions:

 The tax collections from the province of Ahwaz shall be paid to

Hasan (RA).

 A grant of two million dirham shall be paid annually to Hussain (RA),

his younger brother.

 Banu Hashim shall be preferred in the distributions of allowances and

grants.

 A general amnesty shall be declared for all who took part in the

Battle.

 This was in accordance with the Prophecy of the Holy Prophet (saw) about

Hasan (RA) when he had said, “Through my son Hasan, Allah will bring

about peace between tow warning factions of Muslims.”

 Thus, he announced his abdication in the Masjid-e-Nabvi and retired in

Madina, Sunnis believe that the treaty he asked Hazrat Muawiya (RZ) to rule

the empire as per the teachings of Quran and Hadith. He also decided terms

pertaining to the security of his family. Whereas, Shias believe treaty was

agreed with the clause that Hazrat Muawiya (RZ) would later transfer power

to his younger brother, Hazrat Hussain (RZ).

bint Ash’as. Her father had been an enemy of Hazrat Ali (RZ)’s family.

 He died due to poison. Joda attempted to poison him and on the 3rd attempt

Joda she succeeded. Due to the poisoning he died within hours. Shias believe,

Joda was bribed by Hazrat Muawiya (RZ) as Hazrat Muawiya (RZ) saw him as

an obstacle in his Dynasty. Sunni believe, she poisoned him due to her

father’s rivalry with Hazrat Ali (RZ).

 He received martyrdom in 50 A.H and was buried in Jannat-ul-Baqi.

 During all the ten years of his Imamat, he lived in condition of extreme

hardship and under persecution, with no security even in his own house. In

human perfection, he was like his father and a perfect example of his noble

grandfather.

HAZRAT HUSSAIN=

 He was the younger son of Hazrat Ali (RZ) and Hazrat Fatima (RZ), He was

born on 3rd Sha’aban, 4 A.H. Prophet (PBUH) recited Adhan in his right and

Iqamah in his left ear. Prophet (PBUH) also sacrificed two rams for him,

offered him honey and offered charity equivalent to the weight of his hair.

He was named ‘Hussain’ meaning ‘the little beautiful one’ by the Holy Prophet

(PBUH). It is reported that the name was never used in pre-Islamic period

and Hazrat Jibrail asked Prophet (PBUH) to name him as Hussain.

 He is also known as Shabbir, which in Hebrew language means ‘the patient’.

This name is based on name of Hazrat Haroon (A.S)’s second son.

 Hazrat Fatima (RZ) became ill after bearing him. Hence, he was given to

Umm-e-Fazal for nursing.

 He resembled the Holy Prophet (PBUH) the most.

there which shows Prophet (PBUH)’s love for him i.e. allowing his grandson to

climb on his back while Prophet (PBUH) was prostrating. He would often be

seen sitting in the Holy Prophet (PBUH)’s lap. Once when he was climbing on

Prophet (PBUH)’s back, Hazrat Umar (RZ) said: “Your mode of transport is

the most splendid”. Prophet replied: “Umar! The passenger is also very

splendid.”

 Prophet (PBUH) is also reported to have said: “Hussain belongs to me, and

I to him, May Allah love him who loves Hussain”.

 He was about seven years old when his maternal grandfather died. So he was

then groomed in the special company of Hazrat Ali (RZ).

 He served faithfully all the Caliphs of Islam including his father, then his

brother the 5th caliph of Islam. He was sent to aid Hazrat Uthman (RZ) when

the caliph’s house was besieged by the rebels. He then participated in

Battles of Camel, Siffin and Naharwan in his father’s rule. After Hazrat Ali

(RZ)’s assassination he was reluctant to accept Hazrat Hassan (RZ)’s

renunciation of the caliphate. He spent most of his life in scholarly activities

as it also befits him from his scholarly father and grandfather.

 Shias revere him as the third imam in the chain of twelve Imams. They

believe, on his deathbed Hazrat Hassan (RZ) handed over the charge of

Imamat to him. Thus they count him as infallible i.e. Masoom or sinless and

they also credit different miracles to him

 He opposed the election of Yazid. Hazrat Muawiya (RZ)’s son, Yazid,

succeeded to his father in the office of Caliphate in 60 A.H. at Damascus.

He did not swear allegiance to Yazid. He then left for Makkah, as he did not
want Yazid to cause bloodshed in Madinah. A deputation of the people of

Kufa asked him to come to the rescue of the faith. He sent his cousin Muslim

Bin Aqeel to Kufa to assess the situation. The event occurred towards the

end of 60 A.H. For nearly four months he stayed in Makkah for refuge.

 Hussain believed that the succession of Yazid was an attempt to establish an

illegitimate hereditary dynasty.

 Many of Hussain’s friend in Makkah – Abd Allah ibn al – Zubaiyr the

gransdson of the first caliph Abu Bakr (RA), Abdullah ibn Umer the son of

the second caliph Umar (RA). And Abdullah ibn Abbas – Hussain bin Ali (RA)

to make Makkah his base and fight against Yazid from Makkah. Hussain (RA)

had lot of support in Makkah and Medina and they advised him not to go to

Kufa in Iraq.

 The religious attitudes of the Ummayyad and also inspired the people in Kufa

to believe that leadership of the Muslim community belonged to the

descendent of Prophet Muhammad (saw), so they urged Hussain (RA) to join

them and come to Kufa to establish his caliphate. As he prepared for the journey to Kufa, asked him to
leave the women and children in Makkah.

 “Under the slightest pressure the Kufis would change their loyalities.”

The three Ibad Allah warned Hussain (RA) but he appeared to have taken a

firm decision. So he brushed aside all their pleadings and warnings, and

decided to proceed in Kufa, placing his confidence in Allah (swt). For he

acted in the true spirit of Allah’s and His Prophet’s (saw) command:“So when

you have decided (on a course of action) repose your confidence in Allah

(swt).” (Aal e Imran 3: 159)

 In Kufa, thousands paid homage to him through Hazrat Muslim (RZ). Only

when Muslim bin Aqeel had dispatched a letter asking him to come over to
Kufa, Hazrat Muslim (RZ) saw the treachery by the Kufans. His cousin was

captured by the new Umayyad’s governor of Basra and Kufa, ibne Ziyad, and

martyred. As almost all the leaders of Kufa had been bribed, ibne Ziyad took

strict measures against his supporters in Kufa, who were terrified.

 He had already left Makkah for Kufa with members of his family and close

supporters. Leading Muslims advised him against this, and people he met on

his journey counselled him to return but he didn’t slop.

 On his way to Kufa, he heard the news of Hazrat Muslim bin Aqeel (RZ)’s

assassination. At this stage, large numbers of his companions began to

desert him. However, he proceeded towards Kufa as before and became

determined when he came to know that forces were sent against him.

 Yazid’s army surrounded his camp at Karbala, near the River Euphrates. Soon

all water supplies to the camp of the Imam were cut. When he decided to

fight the enemy’s army and announced that the ultimate end was near, many

people defected. Soon, he was left with only 72 faithful companions.

 By 10th Muharram, all of his companions were slain. Giving the charge of

Imamat to his sick son, Hazrat Zain-ul-Abideen, he went back to the

battlefield. He was wounded from head to feet. When he died, his head was

cut off and taken to Yazid’s court.

 He refused to accept the unjust rule of the Ummayyads even though his

refusal caused him a lot trouble and pain but he laid an example for all the

people that they should never bow down against evil and shortage of

strength and supplies should not stop them. Thus, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RZ)

won an everlasting victory against the forces of evil.

KARBALA
 Since the time of Hazrat Ali (RZ), there was a rivalry between the

Hashmites and Umayyads on holding the power.

 Hazrat Muawiya (RZ) did not accept the caliphate of Hazrat Ali (RZ) and

following Hazrat Ali (RZ)’s death he compelled his successor, Hazrat Hasan

(RZ) to renounce the caliphate. Thus, Hazrat Muawiya (RZ) became Muslims

caliph and held the office.

 Hazrat Hussain (RZ) was reluctant to accept Hazrat Hasan (RZ)’s

renunciation of the caliphate though he knew Hazrat Muawiya (RZ) was too

strong to resist.

 When Hama Muawiya (RZ) died, Hazrat Hussain (RZ) refused to recognize

Yazid as Hazrat Muawiya (RZ)’s successor and Muslims new caliph.

 He knew it would be very difficult to resist Yazid also but he was determined

not to bow before aggression.

 Hazrat Hussain (RZ) left Madinah noticing that the governor of Madinah was

influenced by Yazid’s orders and would pressurize him to accept Yazid’s

caliphate.

 In his meeting with the governor of Madinah Hazrat Hussain (RZ) sensed

that his life was in danger therefore he set out for Makkah immediately.

Moreover, he didn’t want bloodshed in the sacred territory of Madinah.

 A deputation of the people of Kufa asked Hazrat Hussain (RZ) to come to

the rescue of the faith.

 Hazrat Hussain (RZ) sent his cousin Muslim bin Aqeel to Kufa to assess the

situation. This event occurred towards the end of 59 A.H.

 For nearly four months Hazrat Hussain (RZ) stayed in Makkan in refuge.

 In Kufa, thousands pledged for Hazrat Hussain (RZ). When Muslim bin Aqeel
had dispatched the letter asking Hazrat Imam Hussain to come over to Kufa,

he saw the treachery by the Kufans. He was captured and killed by

Umayyad’s governor at Kufa and Basra, Ibne Ziyad.

 As almost all the leaders of Kufa had been bribed, Ibne Ziyad took strict

measures against Imam Hussain’s supporters in Kufa, who were terrified.

 On the other hand, Hazrat Hussain (RZ) suspected troubles during the Hajj

therefore he set out from Makkah for Kufa with members of his family and

close supporters.

 Leading Muslims advised him against this, and people he met on his journey

counselled him to return. Despite the pieces of advice, Hazrat Hussain (RZ)

continued to advance to Kufa.

 Many of Hussain’s friend in Makkah – Abd Allah ibn al – Zubaiyr the

gransdson of the first caliph Abu Bakr (RA), Abdullah ibn Umer the son of

the second caliph Umar (RA). And Abdullah ibn Abbas – Hussain bin Ali (RA)

to make Makkah his base and fight against Yazid from Makkah. Hussain (RA)

had lot of support in Makkah and Medina and they advised him not to go to

Kufa in Iraq.

 The religious attitudes of the Ummayyad and also inspired the people in Kufa

to believe that leadership of the Muslim community belonged to the

descendent of Prophet Muhammad (saw), so they urged Hussain (RA) to join

them and come to Kufa to establish his caliphate. As he prepared for the

journey to Kufa, asked him to leave the women and children in Makkah.

 “Under the slightest pressure the Kufis would change their loyalities.”

The three Ibad Allah warned Hussain (RA) but he appeared to have taken a

firm decision. So he brushed aside all their pleadings and warnings, and
decided to proceed in Kufa, placing his confidence in Allah (swt). For he

acted in the true spirit of Allah’s and His Prophet’s (saw) command: “So when

you have decided (on a course of action) repose your confidence in Allah

(swt).” (Aal e Imran 3: 159)

 On his way to Kufa, Hazrat Hussain (RZ) heard the news of Muslim bin

Aqeel’s assassination.

 At this stage, a large number of his companions began to desert him.

 However, Hazrat Hussain (RZ) proceeded towards Kufa as before and

became more determined when he came to know that forces were sent

against him.

 On 2nd Muharram 60 A.H, Hazrat Hussain (RZ) camped at Karbala in the

desert near Kufa.

 The next day an army of Umayyad troops surrounded the camp and

prevented anyone from fetching water from the river of Euphrates.

 Negotiations were conducted between the two sides for some days, but

without any result.

 Ziyad, the governor of Kufa, arrived there with one thousand soldiers under

his command and offered to Hussain (RA) in accordance with the instruction

from Ameer Yazeed:“You can neither go to Kufa nor return to Makkah,

but you can go anywhere else you want.” Obviously, the only course open for Hussain (RA) was to
Damascus, the capital. It is very unfortunate that

he turned down the offer continued his sojourn at Karbala trying to win over

the support of Ibn Ziyad’s men because in his address to the Kufis under Ibn

Ziyad’s command, he mentioned the persons by name who had written letters

to him pledging, loyalty and support and pleaded with them to honor their

pledges. The Kufi’s, fearing the possibility of ensuing persecution and

 Ibn Ziyad sent a brief letter to Umer Ibn Sa’ad that commanded, “Prevent

Hussain (RA) and his followers from accessing water and do not allow them to

drink a drop [of water]. Ibn Sa’ad followed the orders, and his horsemen

blockaded the Eurphrates. One of the Hussain’s follower met and tried to

negotiate some sort of access to water, but was denied. The water blockade

continue upto the end of the battle on Muharram 10th (October 10, 680 CE).

The army started advancing toward Hussain (RA)’s camp on the afternoon of

Muharram 9th. At this time Hussain (RA) sent Al Abbas Ibn Ali to ask Ibn

Sa’ad to wait until the next morning, so that he and his men could spend the

night praying. Ibn Sa’ad agreed to respite.

 On Muharram 10th, also called Aashura, Hussain Ibn Ali (RA) completed the

morning prayers with his companions. He appointed Zuhayr ibn Qayn to

command the right flank of his army, Habib ibn Muzahir to command the left

flank and his half-brother Ali-Abbas ibn Ali as the standard bearer. Hussain

Ibn Ali (RA)’s companion numbered 32 horsemen and 40 infantrymen. Hussain

(RA) rode on his horse Zuljanah.

 Hussain Ibn Ali (RA) called the people around him to join him for the sake of

God and to defend Muhammad (saw)’s family. His speech affected Hurr, the

commander of the Tamim and Hamdan tribes who had stopped Hussain (RA)

from his journey. He abdoned Ume Ibn Sa’ad and joined Hussain (RA) small

band of followers. On the other side, Yazid had sent Shimr Ibn Thil Jawshah

(the chief commander) to replace Umer Ibn Sa’ad as commander.

 The first skirmish was between the right flank of Hussain (RA)’s army with

the left of Syrian army. A couple of dozen man under the command of
Zuhayr Ibn Qayn fought heroically and repulsed the initial infantary attack

and in the process destroyed the left flank of Syrian army which in disarray

collided with the middle of the army. Seeing this, the Syrian army quickly

retreated and broke the pre-war verbal agreement of not using arrow and

lances. The agreement was made in view of the small number of Hussain Ibn

Ali (RA)’s companions.

 In order to prevent random and indiscriminate showering of arrows on

Hussain Ibn Ali (RA)’s camp which had women and children in it. Hussain

(RA)’s went out to single combats. Men like Burayr Ibn Khudhayr, Muslim Ibn

Awsaja and Habib Ibn Muzahir were slain in the fighting. They were

attempting to save Hussain (RA)’s life by shielding him. Every casuality had a

considerable effect on their military strength since they were vastly

outnumbered by Yazid’s army. Hussain (RA)’s companion were coming one by

one. Ali – al – Akber Ibn Husyn, the middle son of Hussain Ibn Ali (RA) was

the first one of Hashemite who received permission from his father.

 Casualities from Banu Hashim were sons of Ali ibn Abi Talib, sons of Hasan

Ibn Ali (RA), a son of Hussain Ibn Ali (RA), a son of Abdullah Ibn Ja’far Abi

Talib and Zainab bint Ali, sons of Aqeel ibn Abi Talib, as well as a son of

Muslim Ibn Aqeel. There wer seventy two Hashemites dead in all including

Hussain Ibn Ali (RA). Hussain Ibn Ali (RA) told Yazid’s army to offer him single battle, and they

gave him his request. He killed everybody that fought him in single battles.

He frequenctly forced his army to retreat, killing a great number of

opponents. Hussain (RA) and earlier his son Ali-al-Akber Ibn Hussain were

the two warriors who penetrated and dispersed the core of Ibn Sa’ad’s army.

 His enemies invaded back towards him. They continuously attacked each
other, until his numerous injuries caused him to stay a moment. At this time

he was hit on his forehead with a stone. He was cleaning blood from his face

while he was hit on the heart and he said: “In the name of Allah, and by

Allah, and on the religion of the messenger of Allah.” He then grasped

and pulled the arrow out of his chest, which caused heavy bleeding. The

enemies hesitated to fight Hussain (RA), but they decided to surround him.

At this time Abdullah Ibn Hassan, an underage boy, escaped from the tents

and ran to Hussain (RA). When the soldier intended to slay Hussain (RA),

Abdullah Ibn Hasan defended his uncle with his arm, which was cut off.

Hussain (RA) hugged Abdullah, but the boy was already hit by arrow. Then

Shimr Ibn Dhiljawshan dismounted his horse and cut Hussain (RA)’s throat

with his sword while Hussain (RA) was Prostrating to God.