Imam Husain(a.s) Infant son Ali Asgar Martyrdom in Karbala

 

 

The tragic death of Imam Husain's infant son, Ali al-Asghar (also known as Ali Asghar or Ali al-Ridha), is one of the most heartrending incidents that occurred during the Battle of Karbala. Ali al-Asghar was the youngest son of Imam Husain and Lady Rubab, and he was just six months old at the time of the battle.

During the events leading up to the Battle of Karbala, Imam Husain and his small group of followers were surrounded by the much larger army of Yazid ibn Muawiya, the Umayyad caliph. The Imam's camp was besieged, and they were deprived of food and water for days.

On the day of Ashura, which is the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, the battle reached its climax. Imam Husain, knowing that he and his companions were vastly outnumbered, chose to confront the forces of Yazid and refused to pledge allegiance to an unjust ruler.

Amidst the scorching desert heat and severe thirst, Ali al-Asghar became extremely weak and was crying from thirst. In an attempt to appeal to the enemy's sense of mercy, Imam Husain carried his infant son in his arms and brought him to the battlefield, seeking water for the infant who was dying of thirst.

Imam Husain approached the enemy's camp with the baby in his arms and asked for some water for the child. However, instead of showing compassion, one of Yazid's soldiers, named Harmala ibn Kahil, cruelly shot an arrow towards the baby. The arrow struck Ali al-Asghar in the neck, causing a fatal injury. The baby passed away in his father's arms, martyred in the pursuit of justice and truth.

The death of Ali al-Asghar further intensified the grief and sorrow of Imam Husain and his family members, as they witnessed the unbearable loss of their youngest and most innocent member. The tragedy of Karbala remains a deeply significant event for Muslims, especially for the Shia community, who commemorate and mourn the martyrdom of Imam Husain and his companions, including the innocent child Ali al-Asghar, during the month of Muharram. The remembrance of Karbala serves as a reminder of the struggle against oppression and tyranny and the unwavering commitment to uphold the principles of justice and righteousness.

Imam Husain(a.s) Revolution in Karbala - Shia View

 

In Shia Islam, the event of Imam Husain's revolution holds immense significance and is commemorated every year during the month of Muharram, especially on the day of Ashura (the 10th day of Muharram). Imam Husain was the grandson of Prophet Muhammad and the son of Imam Ali (the first Shia Imam) and Fatimah Zahra (the daughter of Prophet Muhammad).

The revolution of Imam Husain took place in the year 680 AD in the plains of Karbala, in present-day Iraq. It was a pivotal moment in Islamic history and had a profound impact on the development and identity of the Shia community. The core principles and beliefs that emerged from this event shaped the distinct theology and practices of Shia Islam.

The key Shia perspectives on Imam Husain's revolution are as follows:

1. **Defending Truth and Justice**: The central theme of Imam Husain's revolution was to uphold truth and justice. He stood up against the oppressive and tyrannical rule of Yazid ibn Muawiya, the Umayyad caliph at the time, who had deviated from the teachings of Islam. Imam Husain refused to pledge allegiance to a ruler who acted unjustly and sought to preserve the true values of Islam.

2. **Martyrdom for the Sake of Islam**: Imam Husain's refusal to compromise his principles and his decision to face the mighty forces of Yazid's army, even though he was vastly outnumbered, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to Islam. He, along with his family members and companions, chose martyrdom over surrendering their beliefs.

3. **Redemption and Atonement**: Shia Muslims see Imam Husain's sacrifice as a means of redemption and atonement for the Ummah (Muslim community). His martyrdom is believed to have purified the Islamic faith from corruption and deviation. It serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in the face of adversity and to struggle against injustice and oppression.

4. **Continuation of Prophetic Mission**: Shia Islam upholds the concept of Imamat, which means divinely appointed leadership after the Prophet Muhammad. Imam Husain, as the third Shia Imam, is considered the rightful spiritual and temporal leader of the Muslim community after his father, Imam Ali. His stand against tyranny is seen as a continuation of the Prophet Muhammad's mission to establish justice and equity in society.

5. **Resilience and Triumph of Truth**: Despite the apparent defeat on the battlefield of Karbala, the event is viewed as a triumph of truth over falsehood. Imam Husain's message and sacrifice continue to resonate with millions of Muslims, inspiring them to stand up against oppression and to strive for a just society.

6. **Mourning and Commemoration**: The martyrdom of Imam Husain and his companions is deeply mourned and commemorated annually by Shia Muslims during the month of Muharram and specifically on Ashura. These gatherings, known as Majalis, are intended to remember the sacrifices made by the Imam and to renew the commitment to his principles.

It is important to note that while the above points represent the general Shia perspective on Imam Husain's revolution, individual beliefs and practices may vary within the Shia community. The event of Karbala is remembered as a solemn occasion, fostering unity among Shia Muslims and reinforcing their dedication to the values exemplified by Imam Husain.