Third Imam

Imam al-Husayn (a)

Sayyid al-Shuhada — Master of Martyrs

Livedc. 626–680 CE (4–61 AH)

Resting placeKarbala, Iraq (Imam Husayn Shrine)

FatherImam Ali ibn Abi Talib

MotherFatima al-Zahra

PassingMartyred at Karbala on Ashura

At the hands ofYazid's army, by his command, 61 AH

Birth & Lineage

Husayn was born in Medina in 4 AH, the younger son of Ali and Fatima. The Prophet held him close and foretold the tragedy that would one day befall him at Karbala.

Life & Virtues

When Yazid demanded his allegiance to a corrupt and unjust rule, Husayn refused, declaring that a man like him would never pledge to a tyrant. Choosing dignity over submission, he set out with his family and companions.

Martyrdom & Legacy

At Karbala, fewer than a hundred faced an army of thousands. Deprived of water for days, Husayn, his sons, his brother Abbas and his loyal companions were martyred one by one on the tenth of Muharram.

His sacrifice became the eternal conscience of Islam — a victory of blood over the sword that still moves millions to stand against oppression. His shrine in Karbala draws pilgrims from across the world.

Further readingRead al-Qazwini’s From the Cradle to the Grave on Al-Islam.org ← All Fourteen Infallibles

Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (a) ←→ Imam Ali Zayn al-Abidin (a)