The Holiness and Historical Significance of Karbala
Ancient and Islamic Era History
Pre-Islamic Holiness and Historical Significance
The city of Karbala has long been recognized for its holiness and significant eventful history, even before the advent of Islam. It was used as a cemetery, serving as the burial site for ancient nations. This historical sanctity set the stage for its later importance.
Islamic Era: The Battle of Karbala
During the Islamic Era, Holy Karbala became a symbol of sacrifice and martyrdom during the Battle of Karbala in 61 AH (680 AD). This battle further elevated its holiness and positioned it among other international sacred places. Its central location in Iraq contributed to its status as a city of life, civilization, and humanity.
Contemporary Religious Significance
The soil of Karbala is used in the everyday prayers of Muslims. Many people have immigrated to the city, and others express a strong desire to be buried there to become neighbors to the shrines. Annually, millions of pilgrims from around the globe visit the city and its shrines.
Names of Karbala and Their Meanings
Ancient Names and Descriptions
Karbala has had many different ancient names, some of which refer to different areas within the city, while others are simply descriptive. These names include Nawawis, Al-Taff, Qasr Muqatel, Euphrates River, Al-Ha'ir, Al-Shafiya, and Al-Qadiriyah. The name "Karbala" can be broken down into "Karb," meaning distress, and "Bala," meaning scourge, indicating a place of great trouble or suffering.
The Destruction and Miraculous Preservation of the Shrine
Destruction Ordered by Al-Mutawakkil
In the year 236 AH, al-Mutawakkil ordered his men to destroy the shrine of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) to the ground. As a result, the area of the Imam's grave became sunken, almost as if it had turned into a pit.
Miraculous Occurrences During Destruction
Al-Mutawakkil then commanded his men to flood the land with water for farming purposes. However, the water would not enter the blessed grave of Imam Hussain; instead, it flowed backward or around the grave, as if there was an invisible barrier protecting it. He then ordered cows to plow through the land, but even the cows would not walk over the grave. Some have said that because of this miraculous occurrence, the land is called "Ha'ir," derived from the Arabic word meaning a pit usually filled with water. In the present day, the Ha'ir is considered the area directly beneath the dome and around the darih (sacred enclosure).
Conclusion
Karbala's historical and religious significance has been cemented through centuries of reverence and miraculous events. Its sanctity, deeply rooted in both pre-Islamic and Islamic eras, continues to draw millions of pilgrims, reflecting its enduring importance in the hearts of believers worldwide.
Dates of religious events
Holy Karbala
These are the religious events that take place in the Holy city of Karbala and it is highly recommended experience to visit Imam Hussain pbuh on these certain dates where we have many narrations from Ahlulbayt that have recommended that we do not neglect the Ziarate of Imam Hussain pbuh.
1-10 Muharram
A calamity of Imam Hussain pbuh
10 Muharram
Ashura meaning the 10th day
13 Muharram
Third of Imam Hussain pbuh
17 Muharram
Seventh of Imam Hussain pbuh
25 Muharram
The martydom opf Imam Sajad pbuh
5 Safar
The death of Imam Hussains daughter Ruqayyah pbuh
20 Safar
Arbaeen the forteith of Imam Hussain pbuh and return of captives from Syria
1 Rajab
One of loved acts in the month of rajaf is visiting Imam Hussain AS
15 Rajab
visiting half month of rajaf is visiting Imam Hussain pbuh and death of Sayeda Zainab pbuh
3 Sha'baan
The birth of Imam Hussain pbuh
4 Sha'baan
The birth of Al Abbas Ibn Ebi Talib pbuh
5 Sha'baan
The birth of Imam Sajad pbuh
11 Sha'baan
The birth of Ali al Akbar pbuh
15 Sha'baan
The birth of Imam Mahdi al Muntader may allah hasten his appearance
1-30 Ramadan
Month of Ramadan
1-3 Shawal
Blessed Eid al Fitr
9 Dhul Hijjah
Visiting Imam Hussain pbuh on the day of Arafah
10-13 Dhul Hijjah
Blessed Eid al Adha
Ka'bah and Zamzam; Karbala and Euphrates
The Sacredness and Humility of Karbala and Its Soil
Divine Elevation and Humility
Imam Sadiq's Teachings
Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: "Indeed Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, has elevated some lands and bodies of water above others. Some of them boasted to others and some transgressed, and they were punished for not being humble to Allah. Because of its transgressions, polytheists took over the land of Ka'bah and changed the taste of the Zamzam water."
The Unique Status of Karbala and the Euphrates
"Indeed, the land of Holy Karbala and the Euphrates River were the first land and body of water that glorified Allah, the Blessed and Exalted. The land of Karbala said: 'I am the sacred and blessed land of Allah. Cure has been placed in my dust and water, and I am not arrogant. Rather, I am humble and humiliated before He who has blessed me. I do not boast to those who are lower than me in rank. On the contrary, I am thankful to Allah.' So Allah honored it, increased His blessings upon it for its humility, and rewarded it by burying in its land Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) and his companions."
Lessons in Humility
Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) added: "Allah elevates those who humble themselves before Him and He degrades those who are arrogant."
The Sacred Distance and Its Significance
Distance Between Shrines
The same distance of 377 meters (412 yards) between the mountain of Safa and Marwah, where pilgrims perform their sa'i, is the same distance between the shrines of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) and Hadrat Abbas (peace be upon him).
The Creation and Sanctity of Karbala
Creation from the Soil of the Holy House
Imam Jafar Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: "Allah created the soil of Al Ghadiriya (i.e., Holy Karbala) from the soil of the Holy House. Allah, the most Exalted One, created the soil of Karbala and blessed it. It remained blessed and will be so till Allah turns it to be the best blessed soil of paradise. It is the home and residency of saints of Allah in paradise."
Encouragement to Visit Karbala
Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) encouraged: "Keep visiting Karbala and don't abandon this habit since the good sons of the prophets safeguarded it. The angels visited Karbala one thousand years before my grandfather Imam Al-Hussain was buried there. Gabriel and Michael visit his tomb every night. The right bank of the valley Allah mentioned in the Quran is the Euphrates, and 'hallowed ground' is Karbala. Between the tomb of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) to the seventh heaven, there are different angels. The position of the tomb of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) holds a known sanctity, and the one who knows it and seeks refuge will take it. One of the most loved works for Allah is to visit the tomb of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him)."
Conclusion:
The Blessings of Karbala
The teachings of Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) highlight the unparalleled sacredness and humility of Karbala. Its soil and water are blessed, and it is the resting place of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) and his companions. The land of Karbala, due to its humility, has been honored by Allah, making it a site of immense spiritual significance. The consistent emphasis on visiting Karbala underscores its importance in Islamic tradition and the profound blessings associated with it.
'The Moon of the Hashimites'
Al Abbas son of Imam Ali pbuh
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Al Hussaini Camp - Mukhayam
Here is where Imam Hussain peace be upon him laid camp with tents of the family of the Holy Prophet slwat.
Tent of Imam Hussain (as)
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The tent of Imam Zain Al Abidin as
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Tent of Lady Zainab as
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Tent of Qasim son of Imam Hassan as
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Horses stall of the camp
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The Martyrdom of Abbas (peace be upon him) and His Heroic Stand at Karbala
The Attack and Separation
The Initial Attack
Shaikh Mufeed in his "Irshad" and Shaikh Tabrasi narrate that the army attacked Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) and scattered his troops as their thirst intensified. Imam Hussain, accompanied by his brother Abbas, galloped towards the Euphrates River. However, the army of Umar bin Sa'ad blocked their way on the return from the river. In an attempt to get back, Imam Hussain and Abbas separated and fought alone until Abbas was martyred.
Abbas's Valor and Faith
Imam Jafar Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: "Our uncle Abbas was prudent and possessed a firm faith. He fought alongside Abu Abdullah (Imam Hussain) and underwent trials until he was martyred. While the responsibility of his blood lies with Bani Hanifah, he was thirty-four years old when he was killed, as well as his brothers Usman, Jafar, and Abdullah. His mother was Ummul Baneen, the daughter of Hizam bin Khalid bin Rabi'ah."
Abbas's Lineage and Marriage
Imam Ali (peace be upon him) enquired from his brother Aqeel, a genealogist knowledgeable of Arabian families, to find a woman from a valorous Arab family so that he could marry her and she would bear him a valorous son. Aqeel replied, "Then marry Ummul Baneen Kilabiyyah, for there is none among the Arabs who is more valorous than her fathers," thus he married her.
The Day of Ashura and the Call of Shimr
Shimr's Offer
On the 10th of Muharram, the Day of Ashura, Shimr bin Ziljawshan Kilabi called for Abbas and his brothers, saying, "Where are my nephews?" They did not reply to him. Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) told his brothers, "Answer him, although he is a lewd person, for he is from among your uncles (of the same tribe)." They asked him, "What do you desire?" Shimr replied, "Come to me, for you are all under protection. Do not kill yourselves along with your brother." Hearing this, they denounced him in harsh words and said, "May you be ugly, and may that be ugly too, what you have brought. Should we desert our Master and Chief and enter your security?" Abbas (peace be upon him) along with his three brothers were martyred on that day.
Abbas's Sacrifice and Martyrdom
Imam Ali Zainul Abideen said, "May Allah's mercy be upon Abbas! He self-sacrificed fairly and underwent trials. He offered his life for his brother until both his arms were severed. Allah the Mighty, the Sublime, compensated him with two wings, and he flies in paradise along with the Angels as He had presented to Jafar bin Abi Talib. While Abbas possesses such a position near Allah, may He be Hallowed and Exalted, that on the Day of Judgment all the martyrs will be envious of it."
Abbas's Final Moments
Abbas, the eldest among his brothers, sent them to the battlefield before himself until all of them were martyred. He then stepped into the battlefield and fell as a martyr. A eulogizer praises Abbas, saying, "The youth is more worthy to be wept upon whose death made Hussain weep in Karbala. He was his brother and the son of his father Ali, Abul Fazl, who was smeared in blood and assisted his brother. He himself remained thirsty and strived to get water for him."
Abbas's Valor and Legacy
Descriptions of Abbas
Kumayt Asadi, a poet, said, "Abul Fazl, whose remembrance is pleasant and a cure for the illness of the soul, who fought against the illegitimate men, while they fought against him who was the most honorable among those who consumed the rainwater." Abbas (peace be upon him) possessed a pleasant countenance, he was handsome and of immense height. When he would mount upon a sturdy horse, his feet would touch the ground. He was called 'Qamar Bani Hashim' (the moon of the family of Hashim). He was the flag bearer of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) on the day of Ashura.
Abbas's Heroic Stand
Imam Jafar Sadiq (peace be upon him) said, "Imam Hussain arrayed his troops and handed over his flag to Abbas." Abbas, the Saqqa (the water carrier), the moon of the Hashimites, and the greatest of his real brothers, pursued water. They attacked him, and he too lay siege, saying, "I do not fear death even when it calls out to me, or until I do not fight the tested fighters and fall upon the ground. My life is ransom upon the one who is the life of Mustafa (Prophet Muhammad), verily I am Abbas, the one who fetches water, while I do not fear on the day of battle."
Abbas's Final Battle
Abbas scattered the forces, while Zayd bin Warqa Jahni, lying in ambush behind a tree, severed his right hand with the help of Hakeem bin Tufayl Sumbosi. Then he took the sword in his left hand while reciting, "By Allah! Although you have severed my right hand, I shall keep defending the right of my religion as also my truthful Imam, who is the son of the Chaste and Trustworthy Prophet." He fought until he was exhausted, and Hakeem bin Tufayl hid behind a tree and dealt a blow upon his left hand, severing it. Abbas said, "O self, do not fear the infidels. May you receive the glad tidings of the mercy of the Omnipotent, along with the Prophet, the master of the empowered. They have severed my left hand with injustice, O Lord, burn them with the fire (of hell)."
The Aftermath and Legacy
Imam Hussain's Lament
The accursed killed Abbas with his iron mace. When Imam Hussain saw him upon the ground near the bank of Euphrates, he wept and said, "You have done injustice through your actions, O accursed nation. You have opposed the words of Prophet Muhammad. Did not the best Prophet bequeath to you regarding us? Are we not of the progeny of the Righteous Prophet? Is not Zahra (peace be upon her) from among you my mother? Is not Ahmed (Prophet Muhammad) the best among the creation? Curse befell you, and you were humiliated on account of what you did, and very soon you will face the scorching fire (of hell)."
Abbas's Final Request
Abbas found himself alone and came to Imam Hussain, saying, "Do you permit me?" Imam wept bitterly and said, "O dear brother! You are my flag bearer, then if you go away my army will get scattered." Abbas replied, "My heart is getting narrow, and I am satiated from life, and I desire to avenge the blood of my brothers from these hypocrites." Imam Hussain said, "Then bring water for these children."
The Final Stand
Shaikh Mufeed in his "Irshad" and Shaikh Tabrasi say that the army attacked Imam Hussain and scattered his troops while their thirst intensified. Imam Hussain, accompanied by his brother Abbas, galloped towards the Euphrates River. The army of Umar bin Sa'ad blocked their way on the return from the river. In an attempt to get back, Imam Hussain and Abbas separated and fought alone until Abbas was martyred.
Heaven on Earth
Welcome to the sanctuary over the angels yearn for the opportunity to visit as well a land that witnessed the salvation of Islam. Welcome to the land whose tragedy will be avenged only with the advent of the Awaited Saviour. As you tread these lands, let one of your main du'as be for the return of the Imam (aj) and to be included amongst his companion, just like the 72. Its the paradise on earth, Imam Hussain shrine gives the city more beauty and luster. It's really a beautiful and holy city. Inside the cage there are kerchiefs of gold and silver on the doors are silk curtains.
Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain (as)
Here you you will find in the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain peace be upon him and the grave of his companions.
The tomb of Imam Hussain.
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Grave of 72 Martyrs
It is located to the east of Grave of Imam Hussain pbuh few meters away are buried the honorable who were martyred with Imam Hussain pbuh and his relatives. They were buried in one mass grave place this is a mark for their graves. The tomb as two windows made from silver the names of 72 martyrs are inscribed above the grave,
Imam Hussain pbuh slaughtering place
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Habib Ibn Muzahir Al Asady
This is the tomb of Habib Ibn Muzahir ibn Ria'b ibn al Ashtar ibn Hajwas al Asady al Kindy. He was one of the very brave commanders he settled in Kufa and accompanied Imam Ali pbuh in all his wars. His tomb is located in the southern west of Imam Hussain pbuh grave. It is said whomever visits Imam Hussain pbuh he will witness on the day of judgement of your visiting the grave of Imam Hussain pbuh.
Ibrahim Al Mujab
He is Ibrahim son of Muhammad son of Imam Musa al Khadim pbuh he was blind and was called 'The Anwsered' after an incident. He went to Karbala on 247 A.H according to the Islamic calander and walked toward Imam Hussain grave and said ''Peace be upon you my grandfather.'' he immediately heard an anwser from the Holy grave saying ''And peace be upon you my grandson''.
The Construction and History of Imam Hussein's Tomb
Initial Construction by Banu Asad
Burial and First Construction
There are numerous narrations indicating that the first people to build the tomb of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) were the Banu Asad tribe, who buried him and his companions in the year 61 AH. This is evidenced by historical records showing that when the repentants (Tawwabun) came to visit the tomb, it was already built and visible. As Ibn Tawus mentioned in his book "Al-Iqbal," the repentants established a visible marking of the grave of Imam Hussein to be known to the people of truth. The presence of the repentants at the Noble Grave indicates that by the year of Yazid's death (63 or 64 AH), the tomb was apparent and known, which implies it had been built by that time.
Expansion by Al-Mukhtar bin Abi Ubaidah Al-Thaqafi
This initial building remained until the year 66 AH (680 AD) when Al-Mukhtar bin Abi Ubaidah Al-Thaqafi ordered the construction of a second building over the Holy Grave. This new structure was larger and included a small village made from clay and palm leaves around it. The sources describe this building as consisting of a brick dome built over the grave and a mosque next to it with two doors.
Umayyad and Abbasid Eras
The Umayyad Period
The building remained standing through the end of the Umayyad state and into the establishment of the Abbasid state. During the Abbasid period, the Noble Tomb underwent numerous stages, including attempts to erase its traces and obliterate its features. However, divine will ensured that each attempt to destroy the tomb only increased its prominence and reverence. Imam Zayn al-Abidin (peace be upon him) expressed this resilience, stating:
"And they are erected with this thinner mark on the grave of the Master of Martyrs, its trace will not be studied, nor will its marking be forgiven over countless nights and days. Let the imams of disbelief and the sects of misguidance strive to erase and obscure it, so that his trace will only increase in appearance, and his command will only increase in exaltation."
Relative Calm During the Umayyad Era
Dr. Abd al-Jawad al-Kalidar notes a period of relative calm over the purified tomb from after the Battle of al-Tuff until the end of the Umayyad dynasty. He suggests that the Umayyads, content with the crimes they had already committed against the owner of the grave, refrained from further desecration. This restraint was likely not out of piety but due to fear of public revolt. The Umayyads were preoccupied with suppressing Alawite revolts, including the revolts of Zaid bin Ali and his son Yahya, who visited the grave of Hussein with his companions before announcing his revolution. To prevent such gatherings, they established armed forces and police stations to hunt down visitors and impose harsh punishments.
Destruction and Rebuilding During the Abbasid Era
Destruction by Al-Mansur Al-Abbasi
The construction of the tomb remained until the establishment of the Abbasid state. Sources indicate that Al-Mansur Al-Abbasi was the first to demolish the tomb of Hussein. Dr. Abdul-Jawad Al-Kulaidar, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Samawi, and Sayyed Saleh Al-Shahristani all mention this demolition, although the exact year is not specified. Researcher and investigator Professor Yacoub Naoum Sarkis states:
"Al-Mansur demolished the tomb of Al-Hussein in the year 146 AH."
Rebuilding During Abbasid Mahdi's Reign
The tomb was soon rebuilt during the time of the Abbasid Mahdi, who allowed the Shiites to rebuild it and made room for them to visit it in the year 158 AH. This building remained until the era of Harun al-Rashid.
References
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Nuzhat Ahl al-Haramayn, p. 14
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History of Karbala Al-Mu’alla, p. 10
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History of Karbala, p. 173
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History of Karbala, p. 174
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My Fields of Kindness, p. 39
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The History of Mourning for Imam Hussein, Part 2, p. 5
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Al-Badil Al-Islami newspaper from Damascus: 62/8