Karbala tragedy: Hazrat Zainab (RA)’s courage kept Imam Hussain (RA)’s message alive forever

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jun, 2026) The tragedy of Karbala in present day Iraq remains one of the most significant sad events in Islamic history, symbolizing the eternal struggle between truth and oppression.

While the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) and his devoted family and loyal companions are central to this sad event, religious scholars emphasized that the unwavering courage and steadfastness of the women of the holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s family, particularly Hazrat Zainab (RA) bint Hazrat Ali (RA), had played a decisive role in preserving and spreading the timeless message of the Karbala.

Speaking to APP, Dr. Muhammad Alam Khan, head of the department of Islamiyat at the University of Peshawar, said Hazrat Zainab (RA) displayed extraordinary resilience, patience, and leadership during and after the battle of Karbala in 680 CE.

According to historians, Karbala occurred on the 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura, when Imam Hussain (RA), along with members of his great family and devoted companions, was martyred after refusing to pledge allegiance to tyrant Yazid. Imam Hussain (RA) viewed Yazid’s rule as tyrant and inconsistent with the principles of justice, morality, and Islamic teachings.

Dr. Alam said that despite witnessing immense sufferings and hardships, Hazrat Zainab (RA) remained steadfast and kept alive the message of Hazrat Hussain (RA) martyrdom alive forever.

Throughout the difficult journey from holy city of Madinah to Karbala and later during captivity, she provided emotional and spiritual support to the women and children of the Iman Hussain (RA)’s caravan.

“Her courage became a source of strength for the surviving members of the holy Prophet (PBUH)’s family during one of the darkest moments in Islamic history,” he said.

Following the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), Hazrat Zainab (RA) assumed the responsibility of protecting the survivors, including the ailing Ali ibn Husain Zayn al-Abidin, who later exposed the tragic events of Karbala.

Historians recorded that the surviving family members were taken captive and transported through various towns before being brought to Damascus present day Syria. During this testing period, Hazrat Zainab (RA) delivered powerful speeches condemning injustice, brutalities and informing the Muslim community about the atrocities committed by tyrant Yazid’s forces against the family of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Her great addresses are regarded as some of the most influential speeches in Islamic history, helping to preserve the memory of Karbala tragedy and counter narratives that sought to justify the massacre.

Dr. Alam highlighted that Hazrat Zainab (RA)’s courage reached to peak in the court of Yazid, where she openly challenged the tyrant ruler despite being a prisoner.

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Her eloquence, confidence, and deep knowledge of the Holy Quran exposed the moral, ethical and political dimensions of the tragedy.

Dr. Alam observed that her speeches reminded people that success is not measured by worldly power but by adherence to truth and righteousness.

Islamic scholars believed that her words will continue to inspire generations and largely contributed to growing public sympathy for family of holy Prophet (PBUH).

Professor Dr Farooq Hussain, Chairman Islamic Theology Department at Islamia College Peshawar said the message of Karbala is the eternal triumph of truth over falsehood.

He said Imam Hussain (RA) refused to submit to a corrupt and cruel Yazid's regime and opted for resistance over compromising his principles. He referred to famous saying of Imam Hussain (RA)’s that death is better than accepting disgrace and humiliation.

Karbala tragedy teaches unwavering resistance against oppression and importance of standing for justice even when standing alone, and the ultimate sacrifice for human dignity and moral conviction.

He said Karbala’s timeless message of faith, courage, loyalty, repentance, and justice are alive as Imam Hussain (RA) and his devoted followers stood for principles that still resonate deeply today.

Dr Farooq said the sacrifices of Karbala continue to resonate across the Muslim world, particularly during the month of Muharram. The scholars reiterated that the sad event teaches lessons of patience, justice, sacrifice, and resistance against oppression.

Hazrat Zainab (RA) is remembered not only for devotion to her great brother but also for her leadership, wisdom, and commitment to preserving the principles for which Imam Hussain (RA) sacrificed his life.

Through sermons, public gatherings, and her steadfast accurate stance, she ensured that the message of Karbala would endure through generations.

Religious scholars maintained that her example transcends time and place, inspiring people especially women to uphold truth, dignity, and justice in the face of adversity.

The tragedy of Karbala thus remains a timeless reminder that moral courage and steadfast faith can triumph over oppression, and the sacrifices offered by Imam Hussain (RA), Hazrat Zainab (RA), and Ahl al-Bayt continue to serve as a beacon of guidance for millions around the world.

Meanwhile, Alm and Zuljiah processions would be taken out from Imambarghas across KP on 9th and 10 Moharramul Haram. The main procession of 9th Moharram will be taken out from Hussainia Hall Peshawar Cantonment where Azadars will pay tributes to the grandson of the holy prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and others martyrs of Karbala. Peshawar police have made foolproof security arrangements for Asura Moharram.