The bollywood movie "Karbala" is soon to be released. This movie relates to the Battle of Karbala, fought on the site of the modern city on October 10, 680 AD (10 Muharram 61 AH). Both Hussein ibn Ali(a.s) and his brother ʻAbbās ibn ʻAlī were buried by the local Banī Asad tribe at what later became known as the Mashhad Al-Hussein. The battle itself occurred as a result of Hussein's refusal to accept the Umayyad Yazid ibn Mu'awiya as caliph. The Kufan governor, Ubaydallah ibn Ziyad, sent thousands of horsemen against Hussein as he traveled to Kufa. The horsemen, under 'Umar ibn Sa'd, were ordered to deny Hussein and his followers water until Hussein agreed to give an oath of allegiance. On 9 Muharram, Hussein refused and asked to be given the night to pray. On 10 Muharram, Hussein ibn Ali(a.s) prayed the morning prayer and led his troops into battle along with his brother al-Abbas. All of Hussein's followers, including all of his present sons, were slaughtered.

We condemn the release of this movie, as it hurts the Muslim beliefs. Imam Hussein Ibn Ali(a.s) has a very sacred and pious place in the hearts of Muslims and as well in history. The movie writers and directors have not consulted with any Shia Ayatullah before writing the script. Nor have they shown the movie to Shia Ayatullah and gain their consent. Also, no Muslim, can ever accept any person in the role of Imam Hussein Ibn Ali(a.s) or any of the 72 martyrs.

This movie hurts the religious sentiments, so we want its release to be stopped and this movie be banned. Life of Imam Hussein Ibn Ali(a.s) is no entertainment.