The Probe Into The History Of Ashura

The tragedy of Karbala is an unparalleled event of the history of man-kind. The great sacrifice made by Imam Husayn, the grandson of the Holy Prophet, on shura (the l0th of Muharram 61 A.H.) and the stead-fastness shown by him is a beacon light for everyone, who has faith in his mission and is keen for its success.

When one studies the bewildering events of this incident, a number of questions arise in one's mind such as: What was the purpose of Imam Husayn's rising? Did he want to avoid taking oath of allegiance to Yazid or did he take this step in response to the invitation received from the people of Kufa? Did he wish, in the current terminology, to bring about a revolution?

Did he know that he would be killed or was he under the impression that his life would be spared? Did he act according to a predetermined plan or took decisions in the light of every new development?

When he received the news of the martyrdom of Muslim bin Aqil while he (Imam Husayn) was on his way to Kufa why did he suggest to his companions to go away and leave him alone, and thereafter why did he approach various persons to assist him?

Why did he ask all his companions during the night of shura to go away but also sent Habib bin Mazahir to the tribe of Bani Asad to seek their help? Why did he seek help from Ubaydullah bin Hur Juafi in the palace of Bani Maqatil and why did he say to the sons of Aqil during the night of shura: "You should go away. It is sufficient that from amongst you Muslim bin Aqil has been killed?"

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