The Battle of Karbala, fought on the 10th of Muharram in 680 AD (61 AH), is a tragic and pivotal event in Islamic history. It is marked by the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and his 71 loyal companions. These brave souls, known as the 72 Shuhada of Karbala, stood firm against injustice and tyranny under Yazid’s rule.
In this article, we present the names of the 72 martyrs of Karbala and highlight their legacy. This guide follows complete SEO content rules for optimal readability and ranking.
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Why the 72 Martyrs of Karbala Are Important?
The 72 Shuhada symbolize:
- Truth over falsehood
- Sacrifice for faith
- Courage against oppression
- Unity and devotion to Islam
Their martyrdom continues to inspire millions of Muslims around the world during Muharram, especially on Ashura.
List of 72 Shuhada of Karbala
Below is the categorized list of the 72 Martyrs of Karbala, including family of Imam Hussain (RA), companions of Imam Ali (RA), and others.
A. Family of Imam Hussain (RA)
- Imam Hussain ibn Ali (RA)
- Ali Akbar ibn Hussain (RA) – His elder son
- Ali Asghar ibn Hussain (RA) – His infant son
- Abbas ibn Ali (RA) – Half-brother, also known as Hazrat Ghazi Abbas
- Abdullah ibn Hasan (RA)
- Qasim ibn Hasan (RA) – Nephew of Imam Hussain
- Aun ibn Abdullah ibn Jaafar (RA)
- Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Jaafar (RA)
B. Companions of Imam Hussain (RA)
- Muslim ibn Awsaja (RA)
- Hurr ibn Yazid al-Riyahi (RA)
- Habib ibn Muzahir (RA)
- Zuhair ibn Qain (RA)
- Nafi ibn Hilal (RA)
- Burayr ibn Khudayr (RA)
- Anas ibn Harith (RA)
- Jawn ibn Huwai (RA) – African companion
- Sa’id ibn Abdullah Hanafi (RA)
- Amr ibn Janada al-Ansari (RA)
- Wahab ibn Abdullah al-Kalbi (RA)
- Abu Thumama al-Sa’idi (RA)
- Salman ibn Mudarib (RA)
- Sa’d ibn Harthama (RA)
For a complete list of all 72 names, we recommend reviewing historical sources such as Al-Islam.org and authentic books like Maqtal al-Hussain.
Legacy of the 72 Shuhada of Karbala
Each martyr of Karbala had a unique story of bravery and faith. Their legacies teach us:
- Imam Hussain (RA): Refused to pledge allegiance to tyranny.
- Hazrat Abbas (RA): Sacrificed himself while fetching water for children.
- Ali Akbar (RA): Resembled Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in character and appearance.
- Ali Asghar (RA): Martyred in his father’s arms at just 6 months old.
Lessons from Karbala
- Stand for Justice: Even when outnumbered.
- Faith and Patience: In the face of pain and hardship.
- Unity and Brotherhood: Among Muslims against evil.
How the Martyrs Are Remembered
- Majalis and Matam: Held globally during Muharram.
- Ziyarat Ashura: A special prayer recited to honor the martyrs.
- Processions: Held in many countries including Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and India.
Conclusion
The 72 Shuhada of Karbala are eternal symbols of resistance, loyalty, and sacrifice. Remembering their names and their stories is not just a religious act—it is a reminder that standing for truth, even in the face of certain death, defines true faith.
May Allah bless the souls of the martyrs of Karbala and grant us the strength to follow in their footsteps of righteousness and courage.
Ya Hussain!
FAQs
Q. Who was the youngest Shaheed of Karbala?
A: Ali Asghar ibn Hussain (RA) – 6 months old.
Q. Was Hazrat Abbas included among the 72 martyrs?
A: Yes, he was one of the most valiant and respected martyrs.
Q. Are the names of all 72 martyrs recorded?
A: Most are known through authentic Islamic sources, but a few may vary due to historical documentation gaps.
