Muharram and remembering Karbala.
Muharram is the month when Shia Muslims around the world remember the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a), the grandson of the Prophet (s), at Karbala. For a new believer, it can be overwhelming to see. Today you'll understand what happened, why it's remembered, and how to take part meaningfully.
What happened at Karbala
In 61 AH (680 CE), Yazid ibn Muawiya demanded that Imam Husayn (a) give him allegiance. Imam Husayn (a) refused, because Yazid openly violated the teachings of Islam. He set out with his family and a small group of companions.
At Karbala (in present-day Iraq), they were surrounded by a large army and cut off from the water of the Euphrates for days in the desert heat. On the 10th of Muharram (Ashura), Imam Husayn (a) and about 72 companions and family members, including his brother Hazrat Abbas (a), his sons Ali Akbar (a) and the infant Ali Asghar (a), were martyred. The women and children, led by Sayyida Zaynab (a) and Imam Zayn al-Abidin (a), were taken captive to Kufa and Damascus, where Sayyida Zaynab's (a) fearless speeches exposed the truth.
Read more on our Karbala page.
Why it's remembered
- To mourn the injustice done to the Prophet's (s) family, as the Prophet (s) himself wept for Husayn (a).
- To learn: standing for truth and justice, even at great cost.
- To renew our commitment to the values Imam Husayn (a) died for: prayer, dignity, justice and faith.
He declared that he did not rise out of arrogance or to cause corruption, but to reform the community of his grandfather, to enjoin good and forbid evil.
Ways of remembrance
Key dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1 Muharram | Beginning of the mourning period |
| 10 Muharram | Ashura: the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a) |
| 20 Safar | Arbaeen: 40 days after Ashura; millions walk to Karbala |
Hyderabad's Muharram heritage
Hyderabad has one of the oldest Muharram traditions in South Asia, from the Qutb Shahi era: historic ashurkhanas like the Badshahi Ashurkhana, the procession of the Bibi ka Alam on Ashura, and majalis across the Old City. Explore our Gallery and Shia Market pages to learn about local heritage.
On which day was Imam Husayn (a) martyred?
Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, 61 AH.
What is a majlis?
Majalis are gatherings of remembrance and learning.
Your task (20 min)
Read our Karbala page. Attend a majlis this Muharram (or watch one online in a language you understand) and note one lesson from Imam Husayn's (a) stand that you can apply in your life.
Lesson 10 complete!
You understand the story of Karbala, Ashura and Arbaeen, the practices of remembrance, and Hyderabad's Muharram heritage. Next: finding your community.
Next: Finding your community →