Life of Imam Hussain (RZ)
Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2025 7:45 pm
Early Life and Lineage
Imam Hussain ibn Ali (رضي الله عنه) was born on the 3rd of Sha'ban, 4 AH (626 CE) in Medina. He was the younger grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, born to Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) and Fatimah az-Zahra (RA), the cherished daughter of the Prophet ﷺ. This noble lineage made him part of Ahl al-Bayt—the family of the Prophet—who are deeply respected in Islam for their piety, character, and closeness to the Prophet ﷺ.
Prophetic Love and Praise for Hussain (RA)
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ expressed immense love for Imam Hussain (RA), referring to him and his brother Hasan (RA) with affection and honor in many authentic hadith:
1. Hasan and Hussain are the leaders among the youth in Paradise.
— (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 3768 – Authentic)
2. O Allah, I cherish them—so shower Your love upon them, and upon those who love them too.
— (Sahih al-Bukhari, 3747)
3. Hussain is a part of me, and I am of him. Allah shows love to those who love Hussain.
— (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 3762 – Sound)
These narrations affirm the spiritual status and the deep affection the Prophet ﷺ had for his grandsons, especially Imam Hussain (RA).
Youth and Education
Imam Hussain (RA) grew up in the presence of the Prophet ﷺ, absorbing firsthand knowledge, values, and the spirit of Islam. After the Prophet’s passing, he remained close to the rightly guided caliphs and upheld the teachings of Islam. He was admired for his wisdom, eloquence, bravery, and generosity, earning the respect of both the companions and scholars of his era.
Role During the Caliphate Period
During the caliphates of Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman (رضي الله عنهم), Imam Hussain (RA) remained active in the community and was held in high esteem.
In the era of Ali (RA)—his father and the fourth Caliph—Imam Hussain participated in political and military affairs, particularly during the period of internal conflicts in the Ummah.
Stance Against Injustice – The Lead-Up to Karbala
Following the death of Mu'awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan (RA), his son Yazid took over the caliphate. Imam Hussain (RA) declined to give his allegiance to Yazid, as he questioned his moral and religious conduct. Imam Hussain firmly believed that a true leader should uphold justice, righteousness, and integrity.
People of Kufa (in present-day Iraq) invited him to lead them and promised support. However, despite warnings and uncertainty, Imam Hussain (RA) set out for Kufa with his family and companions.
The Tragedy of Karbala on 10th of Muharram, 61 AH
On the 10th of Muharram, in Karbala, Iraq, Imam Hussain (RA) and his small group (approximately 72 individuals) faced an army of thousands under Yazid’s command. They were deprived of water, encircled by enemies, and subjected to a merciless assault.
Despite immense suffering, Imam Hussain (RA) stood firm, refusing to submit to tyranny or compromise truth. His loved ones and companions were martyred one after another. Finally, Imam Hussain (RA) was killed in battle, sacrificing his life for justice, truth, and the integrity of Islam.
Legacy and Lessons
Imam Hussain’s (RA) martyrdom left a lasting mark on the Islamic world. While Sunnis do not observe Muharram as a ritual of mourning, they honor his sacrifice with reverence and reflection.
Key lessons from his life
[1] Stand for truth, even when alone.
[2[ Never compromise on justice or faith.
[3] Courage in the face of oppression.
[4] Patience in adversity and dignity in death.
Sunni Acknowledgment of His Status
Throughout history, Sunni scholars have acknowledged the nobility and courage of Imam Hussain (RA)
Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) remains a timeless example of moral courage, faith, and devotion to Islam. His life reminds Muslims of all backgrounds to uphold truth, resist injustice, and live with honor—regardless of the cost.
Imam Hussain ibn Ali (رضي الله عنه) was born on the 3rd of Sha'ban, 4 AH (626 CE) in Medina. He was the younger grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, born to Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) and Fatimah az-Zahra (RA), the cherished daughter of the Prophet ﷺ. This noble lineage made him part of Ahl al-Bayt—the family of the Prophet—who are deeply respected in Islam for their piety, character, and closeness to the Prophet ﷺ.
Prophetic Love and Praise for Hussain (RA)
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ expressed immense love for Imam Hussain (RA), referring to him and his brother Hasan (RA) with affection and honor in many authentic hadith:
1. Hasan and Hussain are the leaders among the youth in Paradise.
— (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 3768 – Authentic)
2. O Allah, I cherish them—so shower Your love upon them, and upon those who love them too.
— (Sahih al-Bukhari, 3747)
3. Hussain is a part of me, and I am of him. Allah shows love to those who love Hussain.
— (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 3762 – Sound)
These narrations affirm the spiritual status and the deep affection the Prophet ﷺ had for his grandsons, especially Imam Hussain (RA).
Youth and Education
Imam Hussain (RA) grew up in the presence of the Prophet ﷺ, absorbing firsthand knowledge, values, and the spirit of Islam. After the Prophet’s passing, he remained close to the rightly guided caliphs and upheld the teachings of Islam. He was admired for his wisdom, eloquence, bravery, and generosity, earning the respect of both the companions and scholars of his era.
Role During the Caliphate Period
During the caliphates of Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman (رضي الله عنهم), Imam Hussain (RA) remained active in the community and was held in high esteem.
In the era of Ali (RA)—his father and the fourth Caliph—Imam Hussain participated in political and military affairs, particularly during the period of internal conflicts in the Ummah.
Stance Against Injustice – The Lead-Up to Karbala
Following the death of Mu'awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan (RA), his son Yazid took over the caliphate. Imam Hussain (RA) declined to give his allegiance to Yazid, as he questioned his moral and religious conduct. Imam Hussain firmly believed that a true leader should uphold justice, righteousness, and integrity.
People of Kufa (in present-day Iraq) invited him to lead them and promised support. However, despite warnings and uncertainty, Imam Hussain (RA) set out for Kufa with his family and companions.
The Tragedy of Karbala on 10th of Muharram, 61 AH
On the 10th of Muharram, in Karbala, Iraq, Imam Hussain (RA) and his small group (approximately 72 individuals) faced an army of thousands under Yazid’s command. They were deprived of water, encircled by enemies, and subjected to a merciless assault.
Despite immense suffering, Imam Hussain (RA) stood firm, refusing to submit to tyranny or compromise truth. His loved ones and companions were martyred one after another. Finally, Imam Hussain (RA) was killed in battle, sacrificing his life for justice, truth, and the integrity of Islam.
Legacy and Lessons
Imam Hussain’s (RA) martyrdom left a lasting mark on the Islamic world. While Sunnis do not observe Muharram as a ritual of mourning, they honor his sacrifice with reverence and reflection.
Key lessons from his life
[1] Stand for truth, even when alone.
[2[ Never compromise on justice or faith.
[3] Courage in the face of oppression.
[4] Patience in adversity and dignity in death.
Sunni Acknowledgment of His Status
Throughout history, Sunni scholars have acknowledged the nobility and courage of Imam Hussain (RA)
Ibn Kathir, the esteemed Sunni historian, mentioned in Al-Bidayah wa’l-Nihayah that Imam Hussain's stand was motivated by sincere intentions and noble goals.Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said- No one of the Prophet’s family was more beloved than Hussain after Hasan.
Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) remains a timeless example of moral courage, faith, and devotion to Islam. His life reminds Muslims of all backgrounds to uphold truth, resist injustice, and live with honor—regardless of the cost.