Battle of Karbala facts for kids
The Battle of Karbala was a very important event that happened on October 10, 680 AD. This date was the 10th day of Muharram in the year 61 of the Islamic calendar. The battle took place in a city called Karbala, which is in modern-day Iraq.
In this battle, a small group of supporters and family members of Husayn ibn Ali fought against a much larger army. Husayn was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. The big army was serving Yazid I, who was the caliph (leader) of the Umayyad empire at that time. The Umayyad army won the battle. Husayn's followers were known as Shia Muslims. Every year, Shia Muslims remember this battle on a special day called Ashura.
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What was the Battle of Karbala?
The Battle of Karbala was a short but very important fight in early Islamic history. It happened between two groups of Muslims. One group supported Husayn ibn Ali. The other group supported Yazid I, the Umayyad caliph.
Who were the Main People Involved?
The two main figures in this battle were Husayn ibn Ali and Yazid I.
- Husayn ibn Ali: He was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Many Muslims believed he should have been the leader after his father, Ali.
- Yazid I: He was the second caliph of the Umayyad dynasty. He became caliph after his father, Muawiyah I, died.
Why Did the Battle Happen?
The battle happened because of a disagreement over who should lead the Muslim community. After the death of Muawiyah I, his son Yazid became caliph. However, Husayn ibn Ali and many others did not accept Yazid as the rightful leader. They believed that leadership should stay within the Prophet Muhammad's family.
People in the city of Kufa, in Iraq, invited Husayn to come and lead them. They promised to support him against Yazid. Husayn decided to travel to Kufa with his family and a small group of followers.
The Journey to Karbala
As Husayn and his group traveled towards Kufa, they were stopped by Yazid's army. The army surrounded them in a desert area near Karbala. They were cut off from water. Husayn and his companions faced a difficult choice: either accept Yazid's rule or fight.
The Day of the Battle
On the 10th day of Muharram, the battle began. Husayn's group was very small, perhaps around 72 people. Yazid's army was much larger, with thousands of soldiers. Despite being outnumbered, Husayn and his companions fought bravely.
Sadly, almost all of Husayn's male companions and family members were killed in the battle. Husayn himself was also killed. The women and children from Husayn's group were taken as prisoners to Yazid's court.
What Happened After?
The Battle of Karbala had a huge impact on the Muslim world. It deepened the division between Shia and Sunni Muslims. Shia Muslims see Husayn as a martyr who stood up for justice and truth against an unfair ruler.
Remembering Karbala Today
Every year, Shia Muslims around the world remember the Battle of Karbala. The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, is a day of mourning and remembrance. People hold ceremonies, processions, and tell the story of Husayn's sacrifice. This helps them remember the values of courage, sacrifice, and standing up for what is right.
Images for kids
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An Ottoman painting showing the two camps before the battle.
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A shrine built where Husayn's camp was located.
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A 19th-century Iranian painting of the Battle of Karbala.
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Another painting showing the Battle of Karbala.
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The al-Abbas Mosque in Karbala.
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The place from which Zaynab bint Ali watched the battle.
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Tilework showing Ali Zayn al-Abidin, Zaynab, and others taken to Yazid's court.
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The Imam Husayn Shrine during Arba'een.
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A ritual of chest beating during Muharram mourning.
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A majlis (gathering) being held in a husayniyya.
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A zuljenah (symbolic horse) in a Muharram procession.
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A camel driver telling people about the events he saw at Karbala.
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See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Kerbala para niños
