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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Uprising of Ashura and Responses to Doubts Imam al-Husayn’s Personality Imam al-Husayn (as) in Sunni Books With recourse to Sunni books of tradition [ hadith ] and biography, it can be seen that most Sunni scholars hold Imam al-Husayn (as) in great esteem and high respect. We will now refer to certain parts of Imam al-Husayn’s (as) history according to narratives which have been recorded in Sunni books of hadith .

Imam al-Husayn’s (as) birth Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr writes, “Al-Husayn (as) is the son of ‘Ali ibn Abu Ṭalib (as) and Fatimah (as), the Prophet’s (S) daughter. His nickname is Aba ‘Abd Allah. He was born on the 5th of Sha‘ban in either the third or fourth year of the Islamic calendar [ hijrah ].

This is the popular opinion which is held by a majority of his companions.”[^1] It is thus recounted in the book entitled, “ Akhbar al-Duwal ” , “When al-Husayn was born, the Prophet (S) was informed about this happy occasion. He came to al-Zahra’s (as) house, requested to see al-Husayn (as) and held him in his arms. The Prophet (S) recited first the adhan (the call to prayer) in the newborn’s right ear and next the iqamah (the prelude to prayer) in his left ear.

The Archangel Gabriel [ Jibra’il ] appeared to the Noble Prophet (S) and brought Allah’s orders that the newborn child should be named al-Husayn (as). This was an exact repetition of what had earlier taken place when al-Hasan (as) was born.”[^2] Sibṭ ibn al-Jawzi says, “His nickname is Aba ‘Abd Allah.

He was also endowed with the titles Sayyid Wafiyy, Waliyy, Sibṭ, and the Martyr [ shahid ] of Karbala.”[^3] Imam al-Husayn’s (as) acts of worship Ibn ‘Abd Rabbih recounts that it was asked of ‘Ali ibn al-Husayn (as), “Why are your father’s progeny few?” The Imam (as) answered, “I am surprised at how he managed to sire children at all because he was constantly engaged in prayer every day and night. He used to perform a thousand units [ rak‘ah s] of prayer per day.

How could he find free time for women?”[^4] Ibn Ṣabbagh Maliki narrates, “Whenever al-Husayn ibn ‘Ali (as) was in a state of prayer, his color would turn pale.” They asked him, “What is this state which arises in you whenever you stand in prayer?” The Imam (as) replied, “You do not comprehend He whom I stand before.”[^5] Zamakhshari recounts that some people saw al-Husayn ibn ‘Ali (as) performing the circumambulation of the Ka‘bah [ tawaf ].