THE CITY OF KARBALA
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Old and controversial
The origin of the name Karbala has many theories. Although these theories differ in translation and origin, they reflect the great importance of the city. One theory connects the name with Babylonia.
It may derive from Babylonian terms such as "Karb-ila," "Qurb-ila," or "Qurb-ila Allah," which translate to "closeness to God." Alternatively, it may come from the Arabic term "Kar Babel," which refers to a collection of ancient Babylonian villages, which included:
- Nainawa.
- Al-Ghadiriyya,
- Karbella,
- Al-Nawaweess.
- Al-Heer.
Another theory derives from two Arabic words: "karb" means "sorrow and pain," and "bala" means "trial," which also describes the events of the Battle of Karbala.
The battle and its origins
In October 680 AD (or during Muharram in 61 AH), one of the most significant battles in Islamic history took place in Karbala: the Battle of Karbala. Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet, fought against the forces of Yazid.
Imam Hussainwas tragically murdered by Yazid's army, and his severed head was put on display after the battle. The Prophet's family (women and children) were taken to Yazid's palace (Umayyad palace in Syria), where they were imprisoned. The youngest martyrs were Ali Asghar, Imam Hussain's six-month-old son, who was struck by a poisoned arrow, and Sakina, his four-year-old daughter, who died of her wounds in Yazid's prison.
The Battle of Karbala marked a crucial turning point for the Muslim world, where Imam Hussain, who disagreed with the rule of Yazid I and chose to fight against him who tried to kill him and eradicate his opposition, Hussain represented hope, truth and the memory of the Prophet. The Battle of Karbala is still commemorated today, with millions of Muslims making pilgrimages to his shrine and gravesite in Karbala.
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Home and gathering place
After the tragic events of the Battle of Karbala, many of the martyrs who were killed were buried on the battlefield, while others were taken by surviving family members.
Imam Hussain and Abbas (son of Imam Ali from his second wife) are famously buried on the battlefield, with their two shrines facing each other as a moving reminder of their sacrifice.
These mausoleums are one of the wonders of Karbala, attracting millions of Muslims every year to pay their respects to those killed during the Battle of Karbala.
Meeting point & knowledge center
Karbala is home to prominent institutions such as AhlulBayt University and the University of Karbala, which focus on Islamic sciences, law, and religious studies (hawza).
Students from all over the world come to Karbala to study, and many graduate with qualifications to become sheikhs, teachers, and doctors.
Along with the cities of Najaf and Qom, Karbala is considered a religious center of learning for Shia Muslims.
Largest peaceful gathering in the world
In 2024, Imam Hussain was visited by just over 22 million people from all over the globe and this number is growing annually.
Every year, 40 days after Ashura, millions of Muslims gather in Karbala to commemorate the martyrs of the Battle of Karbala during Arbaeen. This gathering, larger than the Hajj pilgrimage, attracts millions of pilgrims each year, traveling from all over the world.
Iraqi locals open their homes and set up tents along the pilgrimage route, offering everything from food, tea, sleeping accommodations, and the best of Iraqi hospitality. The Arbaeen March, which culminates in the beautiful city of Karbala, is perhaps one of the most moving examples of the power of this ancient and profound city.
