The beginning of the new year for Muslims has already begun with
the commemoration of the martyrdom of Husain, the grandson of
Prophet Muhammad and the third Imam or leader after him. The
battle of Kerbala in which Imam Husain was martyred occurred in
the year 680 AD. In this battle, the Imam and his friends and
family defended themselves against a brutal attack by Yazid, a
despotic leader at the time. Yazid wanted Imam Husain to pledge
allegiance to him. He knew that Imam Husain held a lofty
position and pledging allegiance to him would show that the Imam
supported his leadership. Imam Husain refused to do so because
of Yazid's sinful activities such as womanizing, drinking, and
terrorizing and killing innocent people. Yazid opposed Islamic
teachings yet claimed to be the rightful successor of the
Islamic nation. Imam Husain knew that Islam would be destroyed
if he gave his oath of allegiance, therefore, he could not agree
to Yazid's request even if it meant sacrificing his life. He
said, "A person like me c