The battle of Karbala is one of the most impactful battles in Islamic history, and its story continues to draw the attention of many to this day. In this battle of Karbala summary, you’ll learn about the key events, causes, and outcomes of the battle. Keep reading to discover the full story behind the Day of Ashura.
What was the Battle of Karbala?
Many people ask what was the battle of Karbala, and the answer is that it was a battle that took place between the army of Al-Husayn ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and the army of Yazid ibn Muawiya.
The battle lasted for three days and ended on the 10th of Muharram, known as the Day of Ashura, in the year 61 AH.
The Battle of Karbala is also called Waqi’at al-Taff, and it played a major role in shaping the relationship between Sunni and Shia Muslims. From that time, the burial site of Al-Husayn in Karbala became a sacred place for the Shia.
What were the causes of the Battle of Karbala?
When we talk about the battle of Karbala summary, we must mention the causes of the battle. After the leadership of the Muslims settled with Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan, Al-Hasan ibn Ali—may Allah be pleased with him—gave up the caliphate and pledged allegiance to Muawiya.
This came after a series of conflicts that began with the trial following the assassination of Uthman ibn Affan—may Allah be pleased with him. The conflict ended with reconciliation, and that year became known as the Year of Unity (Aam Al-Jama’a).
One of the conditions of the peace convention was that the caliphate should return to the principle of shura( discussion) after the death of Muawiya. All parties agreed to this condition.
After some time, Al-Hasan passed away, but Al-Husayn remained committed to the terms of the treaty. In fact, he even joined the army that Muawiya sent to conquer Constantinople in the year 49 AH.
The main reason the conflict resumed was that Muawiya nominated his son Yazid as the next caliph, which broke the agreement that had been made.
The companions objected to Muawiya’s decision, viewing it as turning the caliphate into a hereditary monarchy. This led to division within the Muslim state and the rise of opposition movements against Muawiya’s rule.
After Muawiya died, his son Yazid took over the caliphate. He sent a message to Al-Husayn ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib, asking him to pledge allegiance. Al-Husayn refused and secretly left Madinah for Makkah, where he sought refuge, When this news spread, some groups that supported Al-Husayn began to mobilize.
What happened at the Battle of Karbala?
Many wonder what happened at the battle of Karbala and how Yazid ibn Muawiya claimed victory. This section is divided into three parts
Before the battle:
When Umar ibn Sa’d arrived in Karbala, negotiations began between him and Al-Husayn ibn Ali to avoid fighting. He sent Qura ibn Qais to ask Al-Husayn about his intentions.
Al-Husayn replied:
“The people of your city wrote to me, asking me to come. But if they no longer want me, then I will return.”
Umar ibn Saad wrote to Ibn Ziyad with this response, and Ibn Ziyad replied, instructing him to demand that Al-Husayn pledge allegiance to Yazid along with all his followers. When this offer was presented to Al-Husayn, he refused, and preparations for battle began.
Preparing for battle
After Al-Husayn rejected the demand to pledge allegiance to Yazid ibn Muawiya, both armies began gathering more soldiers to prepare for war.
Umar ibn Sa’d ordered the water supply to be cut off from Al-Husayn’s camp on the 7th of Muharram. They were denied even a drop of water before the battle began.
The Battle of Karbala Summary
The two armies got ready for battle. Umar ibn Sa’d assigned Amr ibn Al-Hajjaj Al-Zubaidi to the right wing of the army, Shimr ibn Dhil-Jawshan to the left, and Urwah ibn Qais to the cavalry.
Al-Husayn’s army was small, consisting of only 32 horsemen and 40 infantry soldiers. He gave the battle standard to his brother, Al-Abbas ibn Ali.
The fighting began and continued for about an hour, during which 50 of Al-Husayn’s companions were killed. The battle went on, with the companions of Al-Husayn being killed one by one.
Al-Husayn moved forward to fight, and his brother Al-Abbas tried to bring water from the Euphrates River but was killed by the Umayyad army. In the end, Al-Husayn was left alone on the battlefield. He was struck by an arrow in his neck and then attacked with spears and swords.
The one who killed Al-Husayn was Shimr ibn Dhil-Jawshan, who cut off his head. Al-Husayn died in the Battle of Karbala at the age of 56. The only male survivor from his side was Ali Al-Asghar ibn Al-Husayn, who carried on his father’s lineage.
Who is the first martyr of Karbala?
There is disagreement about Who is the first martyr of Karbala? Some say it was “Ali Al-Akbar,” the son of Al-Husayn, while others say it was “Muslim ibn Awsaja Al-Asadi.”
This second opinion is supported by what is written in Al-Bidaya wal-Nihaya by Ibn Kathir, and it is considered the more likely answer.
Who won the Battle of Karbala?
Yazid ibn Muawiya won the Battle of Karbala against Al-Husayn ibn Ali. In this battle, Al-Husayn, all his companions, and several of his family members were killed. Thus, we have answered the question Who won the battle of Karbala?
Conclusion
As we’ve seen in this battle of Karbala summary, the Battle of Karbala was not just a military confrontation; it was a turning point in Islamic history. It left a deep impact on the religious and political consciousness of Muslims, especially regarding Sunni-Shia relations. Although it started due to political reasons, it ended as a tragic event marked by the martyrdom of Al-Husayn ibn Ali and his companions. The story of Karbala is still told today as a symbol of sacrifice and standing firm on one’s principles.
If the story of Karbala moved your heart and you wish to deepen your understanding of the Prophet’s biography and the lives of his companions and their followers, Rahiq Academy offers you the perfect opportunity.
With comprehensive online courses in the Qur’an, Hadith, Seerah, and Tafsir, you can learn your religion from trusted sources, in a simple style that suits all ages and levels.
Enroll now in Rahiq Academy and begin your journey toward a deeper understanding of your faith.
