680 CE 72 Companions 1,300+ Years 100M+ Remember

Hussain Day

“People are of two types: they are either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity”Ali Ibn Abi Talib

You scanned this because you received a pen, bookmark, or notebook during the Arbaeen procession. Welcome.

In just 10 minutes, discover why over 100 million people around the world continue to remember Imam Hussain (A.S) more than 1,300 years after Karbala.

01Who is HussainStart here 02Event of KarbalaThe story 03Arbaeen Walk20M+ walking 04FAQ & ResourcesGo deeper

Scroll

Grandson of the Prophet

Who is Imam Hussain (A.S)?

“A man who gave everything—not to gain power, but to defend justice, human dignity, and freedom of conscience.”

Imam Hussain (626–680 CE) was the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the son of Ali (A.S) and Fatimah (s), and the third Shia Imam. He is universally revered as a global symbol of justice, courage, and resistance against tyranny.

In 680 CE, Imam Hussain (A.S) refused to pledge allegiance to the corrupt Umayyad Caliph, Yazid I, choosing instead to stand up for Islamic principles and human dignity. This defiance culminated in the tragic Battle of Karbala in modern-day Iraq. Surrounded by a massive military force, Hussain (A.S) and his small band of 72 family members and companions were cut off from water and brutally martyred.

His ultimate sacrifice transformed Karbala into an eternal epic of conscience over coercion. Today, millions worldwide commemorate his martyrdom annually during Arbaeen, honoring him as an inspiration for opposing oppression.

▶ Learn the Story

The shrine of Imam Hussain (A.S) in Karbala, Iraq
The shrine of Imam Hussain (A.S) in Karbala, Iraq — built where he was martyred in 680 CE.

Three reasons

Why Did Imam Hussain Stand?

The people of Karbala

Meet the Family

Karbala, 680 CE

What Happened at Karbala?

A journey of truth, sacrifice & a message that lives on.

  1. 01

    Madinah

    Refused allegiance to Yazid.

  2. 02

    Makkah

    Left peacefully to avoid bloodshed.

  3. 03

    Karbala

    Stopped by Yazid’s army.

  4. 04

    Water Blocked

    Families—including children—were denied water for days.

  5. 05

    10th Muharram (Ashura)

    Imam Hussain (A.S), his family, and companions were martyred.

  6. 06

    After Ashura

    Women and children were taken captive.

  7. 07

    The Message Lives On

    Lady Zainab (A.S) and Imam Zayn al-Abidin (A.S) exposed the oppression through powerful speeches.

  8. 08

    Karbala is not just history — it is a timeless message that inspires millions to stand for justice.

Water flowing Water blocked

Then and now

Why Does Karbala Matter Today?

More than 1,300 years later, the message of Karbala continues to inspire people around the world. Its timeless values speak to people of every faith and background. Three universal values to connect with today, such as:

Justice

Stand against oppression.

Imam Hussain (A.S) refused to remain silent in the face of injustice, reminding us that justice is worth defending—even when it comes at great personal cost.

Compassion

Serve humanity.

From the compassion shown to friend and stranger alike, to the generosity witnessed during the Arbaeen Walk, Karbala teaches us to care for others with kindness, dignity, and selflessness.

Courage

Do what is right.

Karbala reminds us that true courage is standing by your principles, speaking the truth, and protecting the vulnerable—even when it is difficult.

“If you have no religion, and you do not fear the Hereafter, then be free in your worldly life.”
Imam Hussain (A.S)

This beautifully reinforces that the message of Karbala is an appeal to every person’s conscience and humanity, regardless of their faith or background.

Learn more

The world’s largest gathering

Why Do Millions Walk to Karbala Every Year?

Every year, approximately 40 days after Ashura (the day Imam Hussain (A.S) was martyred), millions of people from around the world walk to the city of Karbala in Iraq to honour the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (A.S). This annual pilgrimage is known as the Arbaeen Walk.

40daysAfter Ashura
80kmNajaf to Karbala
20M+Walking each year
  • Core Values

    Commemorates his stand for social justice, freedom, and resistance against tyranny.

  • Tradition

    Involves walking up to 80 kilometers from Najaf to Karbala in Iraq as an act of supreme sacrifice and faith.

Pilgrims walking side by side along the road from Najaf to Karbala during Arbaeen
Pilgrims on the road from Najaf to Karbala during Arbaeen.

More Than a Walk

  • Massive Scale

    Represents one of the largest annual peaceful public gatherings globally, often exceeding 20 million participants.

  • Community Solidarity and local hospitality

    Showcases immense volunteerism where locals and charities provide millions of free meals, drinks, shelter (mawakib), and medical care free of charge to every visitor, regardless of nationality, race, or religion.

  • Geopolitical Unity

    Unites diverse international Shia and non-Shia communities, reinforcing deep cultural and spiritual ties across borders.

Volunteers at a mawkib serving free food and water to pilgrims along the Arbaeen route
Mawakib — roadside stations where volunteers offer food, water, shelter and medical care free of charge.

Learn more

Explore the history and significance of Arbaeen:

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

01Were Imam Hussain and Yazid fighting over political power?

The conflict between Imam Hussain and Yazid was fundamentally a moral and ideological stand against tyranny rather than a mere political bid for power. Imam Hussain (A.S) refused to pledge allegiance because doing so would legitimize Yazid’s unjust and un-Islamic rule.

02Why is Ashura important?

Commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S) (the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)) at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, and is observed as a solemn day of mourning and reflection on standing against injustice.

03Why do Shia Muslims mourn every year?

Shia Muslims mourn Imam Hussain (A.S) every year to remember Imam Hussain (A.S)’s supreme sacrifice and stand against tyranny.

  • Standing for Justice: It honors his fight for truth and freedom against a corrupt ruler at the Battle of Karbala.
  • Keeping Values Alive: It keeps the core lessons of Islam—patience, bravery, and justice—strong in the hearts of the community.

Read more ↗

04Why do people walk in Arbaeen?

People walk side by side or in casual groups during the Arbaeen Pilgrimage simply as a natural result of moving together in a massive, open crowd rather than following a strict military or ritual formation. Millions of people travel the roads from Najaf to Karbala sharing the path, food and dwellings. Women, men and children from all faiths and religions express solidarity with Imam Hussain (A.S) and his stand against tyranny and shared human dignity and values.

05Was Karbala only for Muslims?

No, the message of Karbala is not limited to Muslims. While deeply rooted in Islamic history through the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (A.S) (the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)), its core principles—resisting tyranny, upholding justice, and human dignity—speak to all of humanity.

06What lessons can anyone learn from Karbala?

Karbala teaches timeless lessons on standing against injustice, unwavering loyalty, and patience in deep hardship. It shows that moral integrity matters more than worldly power.

Take the Next Step

Karbala is more than a historical event. It is a timeless reminder that truth, justice, and compassion are worth standing for—even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Where to read next

Explore More

Beginners

Authentic Resources

Books

Documentaries