Imam al-Husayn (as) in Sunni Books

With recourse to Sunni books of tradition [hadith] and biography, it can be seen that most Sunni scholars hold Imam al-Husayn (as) in great esteem and high respect.

We will now refer to certain parts of Imam al-Husayn’s (as) history according to narratives which have been recorded in Sunni books of hadith.

Imam al-Husayn’s (as) birth

1. Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr writes, “Al-Husayn (as) is the son of ‘Ali ibn Abu Ṭalib (as) and Fatimah (as), the Prophet’s (S) daughter. His nickname is Aba ‘Abd Allah. He was born on the 5th of Sha‘ban in either the third or fourth year of the Islamic calendar [hijrah]. This is the popular opinion which is held by a majority of his companions.”(1)

2. It is thus recounted in the book entitled, “Akhbar al-Duwal”, “When al-Husayn was born, the Prophet (S) was informed about this

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