Karbala and the martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn (as)

Ibn Khaldun recounts, “When Yazid’s tyranny and the oppression by his deputies became widespread, and after he killed the Prophet’s (S) son, the people of Medina started a rebellion and uprising.”10

When Bashir ibn Jadhlam brought the news of the martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn (as) and the taking of captives, it seemed in Medina as though the trumpet had been blown announcing the Day of Resurrection. The women of Medina came out of their homes and marched towards the city gates. Men, women and children, came out of their houses barefoot and shouting, “O Muhammad! Alas Muhammad! O al-Husayn! O al-Husayn! O al-Husayn!” It was very similar to the day the Holy Prophet (S) passed away.11

Imam al-Sajjad (as) made a sermon and his words had a strong effect on the people of Medina. In addition to that, Zaynab Kubra and other women, all mothers who had lost children in the battle against Yazid, gave public speeches and detailed what had occurred at Karbala. Each of the survivors was explaining the event of ‘Ashura and what had transpired at Karbala. They also gave comprehensive accounts of what had taken place for the captives on the way from Kufah to Sham and their meeting with Yazid. All this news had a deep impact on the community of Medina.