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Glite Dictionary
Kerbala

Kerbala

1 9.9
A city in Iraq south of Baghdad that is holy for Shiite Muslims because it has Husayn ibn Ali's tomb
  • proper noun
: Kerbala
  • Many pilgrims visit Kerbala each year.

Examples

  • Pilgrims travel to Kerbala each year to commemorate the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali.

  • Fierce battles have taken place near Kerbala throughout its long history.

  • The city of Kerbala holds immense significance for millions of Shiite Muslims around the world.

  • The city of Kerbala holds great significance for Shiite Muslims.

  • Ala was a Shiite, and her family was originally from Kerbala, a city of great significance in their faith.

  • Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit Kerbala to commemorate the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali during Ashura.

  • The streets of Kerbala are filled with people attending religious ceremonies in honor of their heritage.

Synonyms

Karbala
vsKerbala
11 8.7

A city in central Iraq holy for Shia Muslims that holds the tomb of Husayn ibn Ali

is the same city name but uses a different transliteration spelling
Kerbela
vsKerbala
9.9

A city in central Iraq that is holy to Shiite Muslims because it has the tomb of Husayn ibn Ali

is the same name with an alternate transliteration and spelling

Compounds

Battle of Kerbala
9.9

A battle in 680 near Karbala, Iraq, where Husayn, Muhammad's grandson, and his followers were killed by Umayyad forces

Surface Forms

Kerbala main

Etymology

Kerbala may come from the Arabic parts karb and bala, meaning 'distress' and 'trial'. Because it is the place where Husayn ibn Ali was killed—a tragic event remembered by millions—this meaning helps explain why Kerbala is a holy city of mourning and pilgrimage.