Husayn: The Saga of Hope

by Jalal Moughania

In 680 AD, the grandson of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad, Husayn ibn Ali, was brutally slaughtered by an army of thirty-thousand at the order of the Umayyad caliph Yazid ibn Muawiya. History tells us that Husayn knew of his inevitable fate and embraced it – that he would be killed by an unjust lot and in a land that would forever be enshrined in the hearts of men and women across the ages, as Karbala.

While Husayn was killed at the whims of men’s greed and lust for power, what did Husayn actually die for? What was the purpose of his most tragic death? Even beyond the stance of justice against injustice and the notion of supporting the oppressed against oppression, all of which are noble pursuits of humanity, the foundational purpose for which Husayn died is very simple. Husayn died for the same thing that he lived for – Islam. His tragedy, his Saga of Hope, would be the catalyst to save the religion that billions of people around the world have come to follow over the past fourteen centuries.

This book is about his story. It tells the tale of Husayn’s amazing life and most heroic death. Husayn grew up in the lap of his grandfather the Prophet Muhammad, and was slain at the hands of the same people who claimed to follow his grandfather. Husayn was by far the greatest leader, most noble warrior, and highest scholar of his time. He is certainly one of the most inspiring and consequential figures in human history. His legacy of sacrifice, love, and hope, have moved even the coldest of hearts, perhaps even those who took part in killing him.

Genres: Islam, Spirituality

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2022

Reviews

[Zahra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book to all. I will never view Ashura the same again. I visualised all the calamities in front of my eyes, every arrow, every spear and every sword. All I could think about was this book.

"The story of Husayn would be told by his son Ali and sister Zaynab. Their tragedies would not go in vain. Their sacrifices enlivened the soul of Islam and saved the nation of Muhammad. Through Husayn's blood, his sacrifice, his tragedy - the religion of God would be saved. Husayn would give light and hope to all. God never left the people, their eyes were simply closed. Husayn's sacrifice opened people's eyes to God's light. Those eyes will always see that light, and feel that love, with the remembrance of Husayn.

Those who read or hear this saga of hope, will be awakened to the love of God that shined through Husayn and his family. Everything Husayn did was for God. We are for God and to Him we shall return. He repeated those words throughout his life and in his final days. It is the ultimate truth and the relentless hope of humanity - God. For that is what Husayn lived and died for. God. Though his tragedy was unbearable and the atrocities committed against him unspeakable, his family carried his message - that love and hope in God - across the ages. With the mountain of patience that was Zaynab, and the valley of truth that was Ali, the name of Husayn would echo in eternity.

Husayn. Husayn. Husayn."

- Jalal Moughnia

[Aya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The question "Who is Husayn to you?" is one that many are faced with. This book takes on a historical narrative that is not simply written in English but rather written FOR an English-speaking audience. In having the story of Imam Husayn (as) communicated in a way that is digestible for all, the answer to such a question becomes much less daunting. Unlike any narrative I have ever read about Husayn. Moughania has allowed for a story that transcends all borders and boundaries to resonate in such a capacity.

[QueenOfHoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Husayn did not accept their careless silence. So, he filled the air with the relentless weight of truth."

"He was the leader who would sacrifice everything he had for people he would never see, and for generations not yet born."

The writing style made this so much more real and tangible; I bawled my eyes out reading this.

[AbuMondayIbnTuesday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, that was a masterpiece. I cried so much, its insane. The book was so well written that even a new-comer on this topic would understand it. The author did not fail to give the message of Karbala, the writing style was very intriguing and would definitely attract more readers. However, I didn’t rate this a 5 star. This is because the portrayal of Imam Husayn and Bibi Zainab could’ve been done better. In some moments, Imam Husayn was portrayed as a mere person. Of course, he had feelings like a normal human but his spiritual awareness was not delivered well. But I don’t blame the writer as Husayn himself is a mystery. I would appreciate it if bibi Zainab was presented better during Karbala because she is one of the woman that is vital to the situation. Her sermons say that she saw “nothing but beauty” but in moments between Karbala, the author failed to highlight her as a pious and spiritual woman; instead showing that she complains in a worldly sense when Imam Husayn has to leave. Mind you, this is the lady that sent her SONS to fight for Allah, so why would she complain on the sacrifice of Husayn? I am assuming the writer didn’t read some sources as one of the most important moment in Karbala was missing; the time Zainab raised the body of Husayn slightly and prayed that her sacrifice be accepted. Once again, I don’t blame the writer. He is just a lawyer but still managed to describe Karbala so eloquently without exaggerating the details or creating sectarian issues. If this was written by an Alalim, then maybe Husayn, Zainab and Abbas would have been highlighted better. 100 percent recommend it.

[Aya Nasrallah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely added to my experience of what Karbala was like. Author Jalal Moughania articulated the historical contexts, scenes, and detailed moments to such a tee that it did not feel as if I was reading a book of history, but rather a tragic tale, as if it was a movie in front of my very eyes. To top it off, this tragic tale did truly take place, and the best of individuals to exist were the characters. I felt visceral honor, emotion, and courage through their experiences, and the easy flow of the book allowed me to feel as if I was right there with them.

I highly recommend this piece to anyone seeking to learn more about what happened to Imam Husayn and his family. I have even gifted the book to those who do not share the same sect just as I would share a book of Malcolm X or Gandhi. Characters like these are meant to inspire all people, and the nobility of Imam Husayn will be evermore groundbreaking for anyone who dives into a book like this.

[Kayy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal from beginning to end. Rarely have I been so captivated from the very first page of the preface.

Moughania’s style of writing places you front and center, as though you are witnessing the events unfold in real time. He masterfully balances storytelling with historical context, ensuring that readers from all backgrounds are neither lost nor overwhelmed. His thoughtful approach weaves a rich tapestry of history that is both enlightening and emotionally gripping.

The narrative evokes profound emotions—tears of heartache mingled with awe at the enduring legacy of Imam Husayn (AS). Moughania not only recounts the tragedy but also delves deeply into its significance, asking the essential question: Why was Imam Husayn (AS) martyred?

The answer is profound: Imam Husayn (AS) lived and was martyred for the same noble cause as his family before him—upholding Islam and standing against oppression.

This book transcends mere history, offering readers a timeless lesson in humanity, resilience, and hope.

[Jehanzaib Zafar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will recommend this book to all those who are eager to know the events of Karbala, how the family & close relatives of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) was massacred brutally by Yazid’s forces under command Amr ibn Saad with Ubaidullah bin Ziyad as Governor of Kufa(Iraq). The book is filled with facts, logics and emotions that all Muslims must be enlightened to. This book is not dedicated for a specific sect whether Sunni or Shia but for all Muslim community.
Hence it is advised for all Muslims to give it a read to gain Knowledge regarding how and why Imam Hussain never bowed his head in front of a tyrant leader.

[Ayesha S. Khan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book leans heavily into one perspective, offering a narrative that feels more devotional than historical. It lacks a balanced examination of events and makes little effort to reference verifiable sources or present differing viewpoints.
While the passion is evident, the absence of critical depth and factual foundation makes it difficult to treat this as a reliable account. Those looking for a well-rounded, research-based understanding may find this work unsatisfying.

[Mariam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best english narration of the tragedy of Karbala that I have yet read. Beautifully articulated & perfect for an English-speaking audience, like the author intended. It’s written like a novel, rather than a historical narration, which gives you yet another new perspective of the story, that as Shia, we have heard countless of times.

[Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book became one of my favourites. The historical events were well articulated, and the details are so well put together.
Even though my heart aches reading it and visualising what Husayn, the prophet's grandson, went through during the day of karbala, it is still worth it 💯

[Hussain Al-Hashimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on the battle of Karbala.

[corey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
good if you already know the details; can serve as summation