Yazid breaks the treaty: After Imam Hasan (as), Muawiya named his son Yazid as his successor. This broke the peace treaty. Yazid was known for openly breaking Islamic rules, and he demanded the pledge of allegiance (bay'ah) from everyone, including Imam Husayn (as).
Husayn refuses allegiance: Imam Husayn (as) refused. He said that a person like Yazid should not lead the community of his grandfather, the Prophet (SAW). The people of Kufa wrote to him, asking him to come and lead them.
The journey to Karbala: So in 60 AH, Imam Husayn (as) left Madinah with his family and companions, first to Makkah, then towards Kufa. On the way, the army of Yazid stopped him and his small caravan at Karbala, in Iraq.
Example
- Imam Husayn (as) did not leave for power. He left for the sake of Islam itself.
- Sometimes, saying "no" to a wrong thing is the hardest and bravest step.
Key Terms
- Bay'ah (بيعة) — a pledge of allegiance to a leader
- Yazid (يزيد) — the ruler who demanded allegiance from Imam Husayn (as)
- Kufa (الكوفة) — the city in Iraq whose people invited Imam Husayn (as)
Quran or Hadith
Hadith: "Husayn is from me, and I am from Husayn." (Prophet Muhammad, SAW) — to be checked.
Fresh diagram to be drawn: A simple map — Madinah → Makkah → Karbala, with dates. In Project Desk colours.
- Yazid demanded allegiance, and Imam Husayn (as) refused.
- He left Madinah not for power, but for Islam itself.
- The people of Kufa invited him, but his caravan was stopped at Karbala.