Guess what I have found this time of the year? Here’s a unique offset print of an holy horse, originally painted by the artist M. H. Chughtai in the early 1900s. The horse depicted in this painting is a significant figure in Islamic history, especially in Shia Islam. Before we delve in to the history of this holy horse, I would like to share a brief history insight in to the origins of Islam, which took shape in the 7th Century C.E. Thanks to Purathanam, which Continues to open doors of knowledge with every new addition to its collection.
Key Figures in Early Islam;
Islam has several important figures who played key roles in shaping the religion. While the most significant figures may vary between different sects (Sunni and Shia), here are five of the most universally recognized personalities in Islamic history:
1. Prophet Muhammad (570–632 CE) – Founder of Islam and the last prophet.
2. Imam Ali (600–661 CE) – Cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (married to Fatima).
3. Lady Fatima (605–632 CE) – Daughter of Prophet Muhammad and wife of Imam Ali.
4. Imam Hasan (625–670 CE) – Eldest son of Imam Ali and Lady Fatima.
5. Imam Husain (626–680 CE) – Youngest son of Imam Ali and Lady Fatima.
Among these great personalities, our holy horse ‘Zuljanah’ is directly connected to the last person from the above list, Imam Husain ibn Ali. Imam Husain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, was a key figure in Islamic history, known especially for his martyrdom in the Battle of Karbala (680 CE).
The Rise of the Umayyad Dynasty and the Reason for the Battle of Karbala (680 CE);
We all know that Prophet Muhammad was the founder and leader of Islam in the early 600s CE. After his death in 632 CE, the leadership of the Muslim community (Caliphate) passed to Abu Bakr, then Umar, then Uthman, and finally Ali, who was the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law. However, Ali had strong opposition, and his biggest rival was Mu’awiya, the governor of Syria. Mu’awiya refused to accept Ali as the leader, leading to a civil war. In 661 C E. Ali was assassinated and his elder son, Imam Hasan, became the next leader. However, Mu’awiya continued to oppose him. Eventually, Hasan agreed to step down to prevent bloodshed, but only on the condition that after Mu’awiya’s death, leadership would not remain within his family instead, it would go to whoever was most deserving. Mu’awiya agreed to this deal.
However, in 670 CE, Imam Hasan was poisoned, and many believe this was orchestrated by Mu’awiya’s followers. Later, when Mu’awiya died in 680 CE, guess what happened to ‘the deal’? Instead of honoring his promise, Mu’awiya made his son Yazid the ruler, turning the caliphate into a dynasty “the Umayyad Dynasty” rather than a leadership based on merit and justice.
The Tragic Battle of Karbala (680 C.E.)
When Yazid came to power, he demanded Imam Husain’s allegiance, but Husain refused because he knew Yazid was a corrupt and unjust ruler. Meanwhile, people from Kufa (Iraq) invited Husain to lead them in rebellion against Yazid.
However, before Husain could reach Kufa, Yazid’s army intercepted him and his followers at Karbala. They were surrounded, and their water supply was cut off, leaving them to suffer under the scorching desert sun. Despite hunger, thirst, and being heavily outnumbered, Husain and his 72 companions fought courageously. After days of unimaginable suffering, on 10th Muharram, 680 CE (Ashura), Imam Husain and his supporters were brutally martyred, one by one. Imam Husain head was then sent to Yazid as a trophy. After all men with Imam Husain were killed, the army of Yazid burnt the tents and looted the women and children and made them prisoners.
Imam Husain’s Holy Horse: Zuljanah;
Zuljanah is a white Arabian Stallion that belonged to Imam Hussain who rode it during the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. Throughout this painful journey, ‘Zuljanah’ remained by his side. Horses have always played an important role in the lives of great leaders, sharing in their struggles, battles, and victories. But ‘Zuljanah’ was no ordinary horse. He was deeply loyal to Imam Husain and is believed to have had an almost divine awareness of his master’s mission.
On the battlefield of Karbala, Zuljanah helped Imam Husain to fight courageously. When Husain was struck down, Zuljanah did not abandon him. Instead, it is said that the horse, covered in Husain’s blood and arrows, returned to the camp, mourning and alerting the family of the tragedy. Unlike other warhorses, Zuljanah did not flee but he too died in Karbala, refusing to leave his master’s side. This painting depicts ‘Zuljanah’ the horse pierced with arrows, symbolizing its role in the battle where Imam Hussain and his followers were martyred.
But here’s the thing, Even though our main subject of this blog post is our holy horse ‘Zuljanah’, the blog would remain incomplete if I don’t say what happened after the death of Imam Hussain in battle of Karbala in 680 C.E.
The Fall of the Umayyad Dynasty (750 CE);
Imam Husain’s death was not a defeat. His sacrifice became the ultimate symbol of standing up against oppression. Even though Yazid won the battle, he lost in the long run. People never forgot Karbala, and that injustice eventually led to the downfall of the Umayyad Dynasty in 750 CE. Imam Husain ibn Ali’s sacrifice is remembered as a fight for truth, justice, and righteousness. Today, Husain is honored as a hero, and his story continues to inspire people to stand against tyranny, no matter the cost.
Imam Husain is remembered throughout Islamic history as a symbol of resistances against oppression. He is mourned annually during Muharram, especially on Ashura. His shrine in Karbala, Iraq, is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Muslims.
(The shrine of Imam Husain, Karbala, Iraq)
Similarly, Zuljanah ( the Holy Horse) is remembered with great respect. In many places, a White/ grey horse is brought out during Muharram processions, symbolizing the undying loyalty and sacrifice of this noble animal.
I am truly glad to have found this beautiful offset print of Zuljanah, the holy horse. Through it, I discovered the rich history of Islam’s origins and the significance of the Battle of Karbala. I felt compelled to share this knowledge with the Purathanam family, as every piece in our collection carries a deeper story waiting to be told.
Click here if you are interested in buying the offset print of Zuljanah.