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

proper noun

: Batalla de Kerbala

The Battle of Kerbala is commemorated each year during the Islamic month of Muharram.

Examples

Many historians consider the Battle of Kerbala a turning point in Islamic history.
The tragedy of the Battle of Kerbala inspired countless works of literature and art.
The Battle of Kerbala is a significant event in Islamic history.
Many people commemorate the Battle of Kerbala every year.
Many historians consider the Battle of Kerbala a pivotal moment in Islamic history, marking the struggle for justice and integrity.
Each year, Muslims around the world observe the Battle of Kerbala during Muharram to honor the sacrifices made by Husayn ibn Ali.
The events surrounding the Battle of Kerbala continue to resonate, leading to profound reflections in discussions of faith and sacrifice.

Synonyms

Battle of Karbala

vsBattle of Kerbala

1 9.4

A battle in 680 near Karbala where Husayn ibn Ali and his followers are killed

uses a named leader instead of the general ruling group

Surface Forms

Battle of Kerbala main

Morphology

battle + of + Kerbala

The phrase 'Battle of Kerbala' is compositionally transparent: the pattern 'battle of X' straightforwardly means a military engagement at or near the place X, so a learner who knows 'battle' and the place name 'Kerbala' will understand it refers to a battle associated with that city. While the specific historical details and significance are not recoverable from the words alone, the basic referential meaning is fully predictable from the constituents.

Etymology

Battle of Kerbala was a real fight in the year 680 near Kerbala in Iraq, when Husayn ibn Ali and a small group were killed by the ruler's forces. The strong image of a tiny group surrounded and dying while refusing to give up made the event a symbol of 'sacrifice' and a 'turning point', so people still remember and mourn it today.