The events that changed the flow of the Islamic world: Hz. Hüseyin (r.a.) and the Case of Karbala

Muaviye’s command that states an obedience to his son Yazid bothered many Muslims including Hussein (His Holiness). Some notable people from Kufe like Şebes b. Rib‘î and Suleyman b. Surad who heard that Hussein (His Holiness) would not obey to Yazid and travel to Mecca, wrote letters inviting him to be enthroned as the caliphate. Accepting that invitation after some quests, Hussein (His Holiness) set out to become a caliph despite the objections of his close friends and relatives. On the 10th of Muharram, 61 (Hijri) / 10th October, 680 (AD), Hussein (His Holiness) was stopped by the soldiers of Yazid before he arrived in Kufe. He was given no choice but to obey to Yazid. In Karbala, under unfair circumstances and through disproportionate forces, a war broke out between Hussein (His Holiness) and the armed forces of the Emevi sovereign, Yazid. The effects of this episode which concluded with the martyrdoms of Hussein (His Holiness) and his companions have continued until today. Therefore, it has been regarded as the beginning of some religious and social events. The death of Hussein (His Holiness) resulted in a breaking point in the history of Islam since his followers were divided into groups, forming different sects and orders. One of the most remarkable issues in the Karbala CASE, which also reflected an important break in the History of Islamic Sects, was the movement of Tevvabun initiated by some inhabitants of Kufe who felt regret and aimed to revenge on Yazid. The Tevvabun movement, which created great reactions among the public, can be seen as a strong response to the status quo on behalf of Ehl-i Beyt (People of the House). Muslims experienced great sufferings due to the Karbala case, which included political and tribal factors. To relive these pains, one should try to fully understand the case by reading authentic sources, re-evaluate the process and its results, and avoid exaggeration and underestimate rather than dramatize the episode as if it had just happened, renew the enthusiasm, or transform Karbala commemorations into masochist ceremonies. Unity and solidarity among Muslims can be ensured by these suggestions. Otherwise, in current Islamic geography, Muslim blood will be shed by Muslim hands and this will cause new Karbala cases.

Keywords

Karbala, Islam, the Prophet. Hussein, the Ahl al-Bayt, Unity and Solidarity