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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books A Shi'ite Encyclopedia (chapter 5) Imam Husain (as): a Brief Description and Analysis Since we are approaching to the day of Ashura (10th of Muharram), the anniversary of the martyrdom of al-Husain (AS), the grandson of Prophet (PBUH&HF), we use this opportunity to give a short biography of Imam Husain.

Al-Husain (AS), the second child of Ali and Fatimah, was born in the year 4 AH, and after the martyrdom of his elder brother, al-Hasan, became his successor Husain was Imam for 10 years which was mostly during the reign of Muawiyah, except the last 6 month which coincided with the reign of Yazid. Imam Husain lived under the most difficult conditions of suppression and persecution.

This was due to the fact that, first of all, religious laws and regulations had lost much of their weight and credit, and the edicts of the Umayyah government had gained complete authority and power. Secondly, Muawiyah and his fans made use of every possible means to put aside the Household of prophet and to move them out of the way.

Above all, Muawiyah wanted to strengthen the basis of future kingdom of his son, Yazid, who because of his lack of principles and scruples was opposed with a large group of Muslims. Therefore, in order to quell all opposition, Muawiyah had undertaken more severe means until he died in 60 AH and his son Yazid took his place. Giving the oath of allegiance, was an old Arab practice which was carried out in important matters like governorship.

Well-known people would give the oath of allegiance as a sign of agreement and obedience to their king and showing their support for his future actions. Braking the agreement after the oath of allegiance, was considered as a definite crime. Muawiyah during his life time, had asked well-known people to give the oath of allegiance to Yazid, but did not impose this request upon Imam Husain.

He particularly told Yazid in his last will that if Imam Husain refused to give the oath of allegiance, he should take it easy because Muawiyah knew the bad consequences of such enforcement. However because of his egoism and recklessness, Yazid neglected his father's advice, and immediately after taking over the power, ordered the governor of Medina to either take the pledge of allegiance from Imam Husain, or send his head to Damascus.