Translator’s Foreword

Preface to the Second Edition

Preface to the First Edition

How Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn (a.s) saved Islam from Destruction

“And We Ransomed him with a Great Sacrifice”

Prophecies Regarding the Tragedy of Karbala’ from Ancient Books

Why the Martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a.s) became Immortal?

Effect of Husayn’s Martyrdom on the Principle of Caliphate

Azadari and Innovation

Azadari of Husayn (a.s) from the Islamic Point of View

Banu Umayyah in the View of the Holy Qur’an

Who were the killers of Imam Husayn(a.s)?

Conclusion

Appendix 1: Mischiefs of the Daily Hilal

Appendix 2: A ‘Revolutionary’ Book: Caliphate of Muawiyah and Yazid

Appendix 3: Martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a.s) and the Muslim and Jewish Calendars

Appendix 4: Fasting on Ashura

Appendix 5: The Illustrious Period of the Imamate of Imam Zainul Aabidin (a.s)

This text is basically a collection of articles published in different
periodicals over the years and a radio speech, but they were arranged by
the author himself in this present book form and published originally in
Urdu.


Understanding Karbala

Preface to the Second Edition
=============================

The first edition of this book was published in 1982. Since long all the
copies are exhausted but there is still public demand for this book.
Hence the second edition is being published in 1989 with further
corrections and additions.

An article titled, “Who were the killers of Imam Husayn (a.s)” is added
in this edition. It was first published in the Muharram issue of
Sarfaraz Journal (Urdu) of 1954/1974.

The typographical mistakes remaining in the first edition have been
corrected. May Allah not allow more mistakes to remain in it.

Although to remain free of errors is only for the infallibles.

My first writing on “Karbala’ Shinasi” (Understanding Karbala’) was a
short article that I had written on the aim of Martyrdom and it was most
probably published in the Muharram issue of Sarfaraz Journal of 1946. If
before going to the press we are able to locate that article, it would
also be included in this book. Otherwise, Insha Allah[^1] it would be
reserved for the next edition. And there is no Tawfeeq[^2] except from
Allah.

**Humble Servant: Sayyid Sa’eed Akhtar Rizvi**  
**3 Rabi-at-Thani 1409 AH/14th** **November 1988**

[^1]: If Allah wills

[^2]: Divine opportunity


