Maqtal and Arba‘īn of Imam al-Husayn (‘alayhi assalam) - ‘Āshūra’ to Arba‘īn

Discover the profound legacy of two of Islam's most significant commemorations through the lens of meticulous scholarship. This book presents a compelling narrative of both the Day of ‘Äshūrā’ and Arba'în of Imam al-Husayn, as researched and chronicled by the late Shaykh ‘Abd al-Zahrā’ al-Ka‘bi, a renowned authority on Islamic history.

On the Day of ‘Ashūrã', the tenth of Muharram, Husayn ibn 'Ali. the grandson of Prophet Muhammad - made a courageous stand on the plains of Karbala. Refusing to yield to the tyranny and corruption of Yazīd ibn Mu'āwiyah, Imam al-Husayn and his small group of family and loyal companions chose martyrdom over compromise, forever etching their sacrifice into the conscience of humanity. Their story is one of unwavering faith, moral courage, and the eternal struggle for justice.

Forty days later, the Day of Arba'īn marks the end of mourning and the beginning of a powerful movement for remembrance and unity. Arba'īn, meaning "forty” in Arabic, is commemorated by millions who undertake the world's largest peaceful pilgrimage to the shrine of Imam al-Husayn in Karbala. This journey is not just a ritual; it is a living testament to the enduring message of Karbala — that truth, dignity, and compassion will always prevail over oppression.

Drawing on the in-depth research of late Shaykh ‘Abd al-Zahrā' al-Ka'bi, this book weaves together the historical narrative of 'Āshūrā’ and Arba'în. It reveals how, day by day, these events unfolded and what the family of the Prophet went through.

Whether you are a student of history, a seeker of spiritual meaning, or simply curious about the enduring power of the message of Karbala, this book offers an illuminating gateway into two major historical events.

About the Author:

Syed Jafri Sheikh Al-Ka'by was a prominent Iraqi scholar who used to teach at the hawza (seminary) in Karbala. He was born on the anniversary of the birth of Fatima AlZahra in 1909 (hence his name). He became prevalent in 1970s Iraq, at the peak of the Baa’th movement, to which he openly opposed. Speaking out against the tyrannical and oppressive government led to his – and many other scholars and activists who spoke out – torture and oppression in the worst possible ways, and even imprisonment, at the hands of the Baa’th party.

One of his major contributions to the current Hussaini gatherings was the way he recited the maqtal (the story of what happened in Karabala). All around the world today, hundreds of reciters recited the maqtal in the exact way that Sheikh Al-Ka'by did, and this is one of his legacies which must be acknowledged.

He was a regular speaker on the pulpit, which he would courageously use as a platform to enlighten the youth and the community to raise a generation of faithful and strong leaders who would fight oppression wherever it may be – often bringing the example of Imam Husayn (as) of course.

He used to emphasise the importance of children attending majalis in the mosque, saying that “our focus needs to be centered around them as they are the fruits of the future”.

For him, the pulpit was his battlefield – where he would fight with his words for Islam and for the truth to remain intact.

Of course, the Yazid of the time (Baa’thi’s) felt threatened by this Hussain (Sheikh Al-Kaaby) and decided that they needed to get rid of him in the most cowardly way. On the night of the death anniversary of Fatima Al-Zahra 1974, they placed poison in his coffee. Later that night he fell from his pulpit and passed away.