Understanding Karbala

by Mohamed Ali Albodairi, Sayyid Muhammad Saeed Al-Hakeem

“Surely, whoever follows me will be martyred. Whoever does not follow me will not witness the Triumph.” These were some of Imam Hussain’s last words before leaving Medina. He set out from Medina towards Kufa, and ultimately to Karbala, knowing the great sacrifice that he would make. He foretold of his fate and knew that his movement will only result in a crushing military defeat. But he also knew the great value – the great triumph – that was to be gained. He set out not to achieve any immediate results or short term goals. Rather, his movement was meant to build an eternal legacy and achieve lasting reform in the nation of his grandfather. But what and how did Imam Hussain reform the nation of his grandfather? Why did Imam Hussain sacrifice as he did? What was the context in which this sacrifice and tragedy took place? What was the role of the remainder of the Household of the Prophet before and after the tragedy? What was Imam Hussain’s goal and how did he triumph despite the grand massacre? Understanding Karbala is an in depth historical and theological analysis that attempts to answer these far-reaching questions about Imam Hussain’s movement. Based on the work of Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Saeed al-Hakeem, the book looks at the driving factors behind Imam Hussain’s journey. It sets the theological framework for studying the movement of the Household of Prophet Muhammad, and then begins to analyze their choices as seen in their words and actions, as well as the historical context in which they operated. The book also looks at the great triumph Imam Hussain aimed for and was able to achieve through his movement. By studying the short and long term effects of the grand tragedy, the book sheds light on Imam Hussain’s objectives and achievements, and how the remainder of the Household of the Prophet worked to preserve that triumph.

Genres: Islam

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2017

Reviews

[~:The N:~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written. The author does a superb job of capturing the meaning of Grand Ayatollah Al-Hakeem's original work, with the references and clear command of the English language.

[Salman Mustafa Husain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written; delves into the context surrounding the tragedy of Karbala, unravelling how and why it was a divine, necessary and revolutionary event which changed the course of history.

Besides explaining the motives and reasons behind Imam Hussain's (A.S) stand - the main topic of this book - the author also examines the course of action taken by Imam Ali (A.S) and Imam Hassan (A.S) during their respective circumstances.

Why did Imam Ali (A.S) not take up arms when deprived of his right?

Why did Imam Hassan (A.S) settle for a truce with a tyrant who had committed unspeakable and horrendous crimes?

Albodairi sheds light on all of the above, and many other issues such as the stance adopted by the Imams (A.S) after Imam Hussain (A.S) to preserve the teachings of Islam.

A short, smooth read.

[Alfadhul Almubarak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding word to describe this book is a hard job. this books describes what happened in Karbala in such an interesting and engaging way. it encompasses historical events, causes of the massacre, consequences, the benefits, the role of imam Ali and imam Hassan in Karbala, and the role of imam Hussein's progeny in faith preservation. the book is considered short for the amount of knowledge a person could gain after reading the book.

يصعب اختصار الكتاب في بضع كلمات. مما يميز الكتاهب هو شرح الحدث في كربلاء بشكل شيق. يتطرق الكتاب الى الاحداث التاريخية، الاسباب، الفوائد، العواقب، دور الامام علي والامام الحسن في كربلاء، بلإضافة الى دور العترة في الحفاظ على الدين ونشر ما حصل في الكربلاء وظلامات العترة الطاهرة من ال بيت النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم

[Mehdi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even those who are known as Shia face a difficult time finding out the real goal on Imam Hussain in Karbala. For those who are unaware of the progeny of the holy prophet, this becomes even harder. However, in this book of Late H.E Ayatollah Saeed al Hakeem, he has gone indepth of the actual agenda of Imam Hussain and how he orchestrated the most mounrned and remembered event in the modern history. The translators too have done justice to the original work making sure the book is easy to read and well organised.

[Yousra Bushehri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This read a lot like a college dissertation. There was a lot of repetition for emphasis. But as the first book I’ve read on Karbala, it was a good starting point with a well respected primary source.

I’m reading this for entirely personal reasons, just wanting to learn more about my faith, so I can’t really judge this book for someone who’s reading to for academic purposes.

For me, it served its purpose and I might end up rereading it in the future. The repetition was just want irked me a little.

[Mohammad Rafay · Rating 3 out of 5]

The tragedy of KARBALA is no doubt a source of countless lessons. The writer has done their best to translate this important source. The book goes well but sometimes becomes too loose to connect and the reader feels disconnected. The newly edited version must focus on reframing the lessons into a new serial order. I recommend it to the ones who love the Progeny of the Prophet (PBUH).

[Stephen Escue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imam Hussain (a.s) rose up against a depraved tyrant, Yazid of the Umayyad dynasty, knowing full well that he would lose militarily and would consequently be martyred. Why? That is what this book endeavors to explain. In doing so, it simultaneously defends and delineates the faith as expounded and protected by the progeny of the final prophet (s.a.w).

[Muhammed al-Kadhimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book if you want to know early Islamic History up to Karbala in an easy way for beginners.