Karbala chronology
Chronological account of Karbala — classical Twelver Shia historiography
An eight-chapter chronological account from Rajab 60 AH through the return of Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) to Medina, grounded in classical maqtal sources. For younger readers, see the Karbala Chronicles in Kids Stories.
Rajab 60 AH
Muawiyah's death, Yazid's demand for bay'ah, and Imam Husayn (A.S.) refuses in Medina.
Sha'ban–Dhu al-Hijjah 60 AH
Imam Husayn (A.S.) arrives in Mecca and receives thousands of letters from Kufa.
Dhu al-Hijjah 60 AH
Muslim ibn Aqeel (A.S.) is sent to Kufa, betrayed, and martyred.
Dhu al-Hijjah 60 AH
Imam Husayn (A.S.) leaves Mecca, meets al-Farazdaq, and is intercepted by Hurr.
2nd–9th Muharram 61 AH
Arrival at Karbala, water blocked on 7 Muharram, and the eve of Ashura.
9th Muharram 61 AH
Imam Husayn (A.S.) releases his companions; not one leaves.
10th Muharram 61 AH
The battle unfolds in seven phases from morning prayers to the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (A.S.).
11th Muharram onward
Shaam-e-Ghariban, Lady Zaynab's (S.A.) sermons, and return toward Medina.
Karbala chronology
Chronological account of Karbala — classical Twelver Shia historiography
An eight-chapter chronological account from Rajab 60 AH through the return of Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) to Medina, grounded in classical maqtal sources. For younger readers, see the Karbala Chronicles in Kids Stories.
Rajab 60 AH
Muawiyah's death, Yazid's demand for bay'ah, and Imam Husayn (A.S.) refuses in Medina.
Sha'ban–Dhu al-Hijjah 60 AH
Imam Husayn (A.S.) arrives in Mecca and receives thousands of letters from Kufa.
Dhu al-Hijjah 60 AH
Muslim ibn Aqeel (A.S.) is sent to Kufa, betrayed, and martyred.
Dhu al-Hijjah 60 AH
Imam Husayn (A.S.) leaves Mecca, meets al-Farazdaq, and is intercepted by Hurr.
2nd–9th Muharram 61 AH
Arrival at Karbala, water blocked on 7 Muharram, and the eve of Ashura.
9th Muharram 61 AH
Imam Husayn (A.S.) releases his companions; not one leaves.
10th Muharram 61 AH
The battle unfolds in seven phases from morning prayers to the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (A.S.).
11th Muharram onward
Shaam-e-Ghariban, Lady Zaynab's (S.A.) sermons, and return toward Medina.