The History of the Tragic Day of Ashura and Arba’in of Imam al-Husayn(AS)

Occasion for presenting this book:

20 Ṣafar: Arba’een of Imam al-Ḥusayn (peace be upon him) / The Return of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) to Karbalā’ / The Reunion of the Blessed Head of Imam al-Ḥusayn with His Sacred Body

Book Bibliographic Details:

Author: Shaykh ‘Abd al-Zahrā’ al-Ka’bi

Translator: Shaykh Dr Usama Al-Atar

Publisher: Islamic Publishing House

Length: 288 Pages

Language: English

ISBN: 978 1 7775879 8 7

Publication Date: June 14, 2023

About the Book:

Maqtal and Arba’in of Imam al-Husayn: From Ashura to Arba’in is a detailed historical chronicle that details the tragic martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and its immediate aftermath. The narrative spans from the pivotal Day of Ashura – when Imam al-Husayn and his small group of family and companions made a stand against the tyrannical rule of Yazid on the plains of Karbala – through the grueling forty-day journey of his surviving family members as captives, culminating in the first commemoration of Arba’in. Drawing directly on traditional historical reports, the book provides a day-by-day account that highlights both the physical sacrifices made on the battlefield and the spiritual movement of dignity, truth, and resistance that Arba’in continues to inspire among millions today.

About the Author:

The author, Shaykh ‘Abd al-Zahrā’ al-Ka’bi (1909–1974), was one of Iraq’s most revered Shia scholars, seminary professors, and religious orators (khateeb) of the 20th century. Raised in the holy city of Karbala, he dedicated his life to teaching Islamic jurisprudence, Quranic sciences, and Arabic rhetoric, while remaining a firm opponent of Ba’athist political oppression. He achieved widespread historical fame as the first scholar to formalize and publicly broadcast the complete Maqtal (the chronicle of martyrdom) of Imam al-Husayn over the airwaves – a legendary recitation that remains one of the most widely heard and iconic recordings in Husayni history across the Middle East.

Where to find it:

You can find the book at one of the online bookstores below:

• Hujjat Bookshop
• Shaykh Dr. Usama Al-Atar Webpage