KARBALA ORIGIN & MEANING

There are many opinions among different investigators, as to the origin of the word "Karbala".

Some have pointed out that "Karbala" has a connection to the word "Karbalaho", while others attempt to derive the meaning of word "Karbala" by analysing its spelling and language. They conclude that it originates from the Arabic word "KarBaabel" which was a group of ancient Babylonian villages that included Nainawa, Al-Ghadiriyya, Karbala, Al-Nawawees, and Al-Heer. This last name is today known as Al-Haaer and is where Imam Husain's (a.s.) grave is located.

The investigator Yaqut al-Hamawy has pointed out that the meaning of "Karbala" could have several explanations, one of which is that the place where Imam Husain (a.s.) was killed is made of soft earth "Al-Karbalat".

Other writers made the connection between the name and the disastrous event which painted the desert with blood, and so the word "Karbala" was said to compose of two Arabic words: "Karb" meaning grief and sorrow, and "Balaa" meaning affliction. Such a connection, in fact, has no scientific evidence, since Karbala was known as such even before the arrival of Imam Husain (a.s.).