Third of Sha’ban Marks Birth Anniversary of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him)
Third of Sha’ban Marks Birth Anniversary of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him)
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The third day of the month of Sha’ban marks the birth anniversary of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), the third Imam of Islam, who was born in Medina in the fourth year after Hijra. He was the second son of Imam Ali and Lady Fatimah (peace be upon them), the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family).
Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) is known by several honorific titles, including Aba Abdillah, Sayyid al-Shuhada (Master of Martyrs), Sayyid Shabab Ahl al-Jannah (Leader of the Youth of Paradise), and Sibṭ al-Nabi (the Prophet’s grandson), reflecting his prominent spiritual and moral status in Islam.
According to Islamic traditions, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) recited the call to prayer in the newborn’s right ear and the iqamah in his left. Reports also state that the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) descended with angels to convey congratulations. The name “Husayn” was given by divine command, conveyed through Jibreel.
Traditions further state that on the seventh day after his birth, the Prophet offered a sacrifice, shaved the child’s head, and gave silver in charity equal to the weight of the hair.
Numerous sayings of the Prophet highlight Imam Hussein’s status, including: “Hasan and Husayn are the leaders of the youth of Paradise,” and “Hussein is the Lantern of Guidance and the Ark of Salvation.”
Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) is counted among the People of the Cloak, and several Quranic verses, including the Verse of Purification and the Verse of Mutual Invocation, are associated with his household. His life and conduct are regarded as a practical embodiment of Quranic values.
The month of Sha’ban also holds special significance in Shia tradition as it includes the birth anniversaries of both Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) and Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance), symbolizing a spiritual and historical link between the third and twelfth Imams. Shia scholars note that the remembrance of these occasions renews reflection on their guidance and role in Islamic history.
