The Day of Ashura

The Day of Ashura: The 10th of Muharram, in the year 61 AH (680 CE), is called the Day of Ashura. On that morning, Imam Husayn (as) and his companions prayed together one last time.

One by one, martyred: One by one, his companions, his family, and his young sons went forward and were martyred. Among them were his brother Abbas (as), the standard-bearer, who was killed while trying to bring water to the thirsty children; and his young son, Ali Akbar (as), who looked just like the Prophet (saww).

Alone at the end: At the end of the day, Imam Husayn (as) stood alone. He was martyred in the afternoon, thirsty, with his family watching in grief. His small son, Ali Asghar (as), only six months old, had been martyred that same day.

Dignity to the end: But even in the darkest moment, Imam Husayn (as) kept his dignity and his prayer. He did not curse his enemies. He gave his life rather than give up the truth.

Example

A candle in the dark: Think of a candle that keeps burning in a dark room until the very last drop of wax. It does not complain about the darkness — it just keeps giving light. That is Imam Husayn (as) on the Day of Ashura: light, to the very end.

Key Terms

• Ashura (عاشورہ) — the 10th of Muharram, the day of the martyrdom at Karbala
• Abbas (as) (عباس علیہ السلام) — the brother of Imam Husayn (as), the standard-bearer of Karbala
• Ali Akbar (as) (علی اکبر علیہ السلام) — the young son of Imam Husayn (as)
• Ali Asghar (as) (علی اصغر علیہ السلام) — the six-month-old son of Imam Husayn (as)

Quran or Hadith

The Quran says: "And do not think of those who are killed in the way of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord" (3:169). — to be checked.

Fresh diagram to be drawn: Simple, respectful diagram of the day — morning prayer, the companions and family, and the stand of Imam Husayn (as). No graphic detail; a plain timeline is enough.