Presented by Zia H Shah MD

After the killing of Imam Hussain in 61 AH, Yazid I’s army, led by Muslim ibn Uqba and later Husayn ibn Numayr, attacked Mecca in 64 AH/683 CE to suppress the rebellion of Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr. During this assault, Yazid’s army besieged the city and damaged the Kaaba, killing inhabitants and followers of Ibn al-Zubayr. 

Key details regarding the aftermath of Karbala and actions in Mecca:

• The Siege of Mecca: Following the Battle of Karbala and the uprising in Medina (Battle of al-Harrah), Yazid sent his army to Mecca, where they attacked the city with catapults, causing damage to the Kaaba.
• Targeting Opponents: The main target was Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr, who had taken refuge in Mecca and refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid, similar to Imam Hussain.
• Yazid’s Death: The siege was ongoing when news arrived of Yazid’s death, prompting the army to return to Syria. He died at an age of 37. The siege lasted almost only one month and never interrupted any Hajj.
• Chronological Context: The killing of Imam Hussain occurred in Muharram 61 AH, while the siege of Mecca occurred in 64 AH, shortly before Yazid’s death