The Battle of Karbala

The Battle of Karbala

The Battle of Karbalāʾ was not merely a clash of forces but a confrontation between truth (ḥaqq) and falsehood (bāṭil), justice (ʿadl) and tyranny. The Battle of Karbala recounts the events of ʿĀshūrāʾ (the tenth day of Muḥarram), when Imam Ḥusayn (ʿa, an honorific meaning ʿalayhi al-salām — peace be upon him), the grandson of Prophet Muḥammad (peace be upon him and his Family), offered the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the integrity of faith and the moral order of humanity.

About the Book

Published by the World Organization for Islamic Services, The Battle of Karbala provides a clear and reflective account of the political, social, and spiritual dimensions of Imam Ḥusayn ibn ʿAlī’s (ʿa) stand. Drawing upon ḥadīth (prophetic tradition), classical Arabic sources, and eyewitness narrations, the book reconstructs the unfolding of the battle with historical precision and moral depth. It highlights the steadfastness of Imam Ḥusayn (ʿa), the loyalty of his companions, and the courage of the women of the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa, an honorific meaning ʿalayhim al-salām — peace be upon them, the Prophet’s Household). The author situates the battle within the larger mission of the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa) — a divine effort toward reform (iṣlāḥ, moral rectification) and spiritual awakening that continued through the patience (ṣabr) of Lady Zaynab (ʿa) and the leadership of Imam ʿAlī Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn (ʿa).

What You Will Discover

• A historical and spiritual overview of the Battle of Karbalāʾ and its causes.
• The moral principles of truth (ḥaqq), justice (ʿadl), and reform (iṣlāḥ) at the heart of Imam Ḥusayn’s (ʿa) mission.
• The bravery and steadfastness of the Imam’s companions and family.
• The role of Lady Zaynab (ʿa) and Imam ʿAlī Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn (ʿa) in preserving the message after the battle.
• How ʿĀshūrāʾ continues to inspire faith, resistance, and spiritual renewal across generations.

About the Author

The World Organization for Islamic Services is a Shīʿī research and publishing institution based in Tehran, dedicated to preserving and promoting authentic Islamic works. Through books such as The Battle of Karbala, it seeks to deepen understanding of Imam Ḥusayn’s (ʿa) martyrdom as a universal lesson in sacrifice, courage, and the defense of divine truth.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is for students, scholars, and readers seeking a clear and meaningful presentation of the Battle of Karbalāʾ — its history, its heroes, and its timeless message of faith and moral integrity.