The Day of Ashura & The Sacrifice of Imam Hussain
Ashura is observed on the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic lunar calendar. It commemorates the historic stand in 680 AD on the plains of Karbala, where Imam Hussain chose martyrdom over subjugation to tyranny.
What is Ashura?
Ashura is an annual day of solemn remembrance on the 10th day of Muharram. It marks the tragedy of Karbala (present-day Iraq) in 680 AD, where Imam Hussain—the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad—stood with a small band of family members and devoted companions against an army exceeding 30,000 sent by the despotic caliph Yazid.
Besieged in the scorching desert and cut off from drinking water from the Euphrates river, Hussain was presented with an ultimatum: pledge unconditional allegiance to a ruler who oppressed the populace, or be eliminated. Hussain chose to stand with dignity and moral truth:
Who is Imam Hussain (as)?
- Lineage of Virtue: The beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and the son of Ali ibn Abi Talib and Fatima Al-Zahra.
- A Life of Generosity: Renowned throughout Arabia for his charity, compassion for the impoverished, and defence of the vulnerable.
- The Prophetic Declaration: Prophet Muhammad famously stated: “Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain; God loves those who love Hussain.”
Compassion Towards Adversaries
One of the most inspiring lessons of Karbala occurred days before the battle. When a vanguard of 1,000 enemy cavalry under Hurr arrived in the desert exhausted and on the brink of death from severe dehydration, Imam Hussain did not attack.
Instead, he ordered his companions to share their precious water reserves, quenching the thirst of every single soldier and their horses with his own hands. Even when facing people who would later besiege him, Hussain demonstrated that empathy and humanity must never be abandoned.
Global Reflections on Hussain's Stand
“I learnt from Hussain how to be oppressed yet victorious. In my view, Islam did not attain its greatness by the power of the sword but entirely through the self-immolation of its fakirs.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Leader of the Indian Independence Movement
“If Husain had fought to quench his worldly desires, then I do not understand why his sister, wife, and children accompanied him. It stands to reason therefore, that he sacrificed purely for Islam.”
Charles Dickens
Celebrated English Novelist & Social Reformer
“Though defeat was certain, Hussein refused to pay homage to the tyrant. Surrounded by a great enemy force, Hussein and his company existed without water in the burning desert of Karbala, choosing martyrdom over dishonour.”
Dr. Peter J. Chelkowski
Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, New York University
Join the Sydney Ashura Procession
Experience the peaceful commemoration firsthand in Sydney. We welcome individuals and families from all walks of life.