The Battle of Karbala took place on October 10, 680, in Iraq. In the Islamic calendar the date is the 10th of Muharram, 61 AH.

The battle saw the large and professional army of the Umayyad Caliph Yazid, face the army of Imam Husayn, which, according to some legends, consisted of 72 men and boys, 2 of whom were the Husayn's sons. The forces of Yazid prevailed, and ended the threat to his claim over the caliphate from Husayn. Husayn and his sons were killed in the battle.

During the battle, one of Yazids generals, named Hurr , changed side to face certain death with Husayn.

The body of Husayn was decapitated, and the head was brought back to Yazid.

The day is remembered by Muslims as Aashurah, and is extremely important to the Shia. Yazid's actions in regards to Husayn and the battle have made him a controversial figure.

The commemoration of this event does not follow the Western calendar, but the Islamic one. Therefore, in the Islamic world, the date 10 October has no relevance.

External Shi'a links

• Ashura.com

More history on the battle of Karbala may be found at http://www.shianews.com/hi/articles/islam/0000082.php