How Do You Spell KARBALA?

Pronunciation: [kɑːbˈɑːlə] (IPA)

Karbala is a city in Iraq that holds great significance in the Shia Muslim community. The spelling of the word Karbala is pronounced as kʰar 'baːlæ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable 'kʰar' is pronounced with an aspiration and the second syllable 'baːlæ' is pronounced with a long 'a' sound. The spelling has remained consistent throughout history due to its religious significance and cultural importance. It is commonly spelled as كَرْبَلَاء ‎in Arabic and is often used as a symbol of resistance and martyrdom by Shia Muslims.

KARBALA Meaning and Definition

1. Karbala is a city in central Iraq which holds immense historical and religious significance for the Shia Muslim community. It is renowned as the site of an iconic battle in Islamic history that took place in 680 AD. The Battle of Karbala is considered one of the most tragic events, marking the martyrdom of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, Imam Hussein, along with his loyal companions.

   The city of Karbala has become a place of pilgrimage and mourning for millions of Shia Muslims, who visit the holy shrines and participate in commemorative processions and rituals every year, particularly during the month of Muharram. The annual pilgrimage to Karbala, known as Arba'een, attracts millions of devotees from around the world, making it one of the largest gatherings of humanity.

   The tragic events of Karbala have left an indelible mark on Shia Islam, shaping its religious observances, rituals, and communal identity. The story of Karbala serves as a reminder of the struggle against injustice, oppression, and tyranny, inspiring acts of self-sacrifice, courage, and steadfastness among Shia Muslims.

   Karbala is not only a physical location but also a symbol of resistance, resilience, and unwavering faith for Shia Muslims worldwide. It signifies the importance of upholding justice and righteousness, while standing against oppression and injustice in all forms. The name "Karbala" has become synonymous with the historical battle, its aftermath, and the values it represents within the Shia Muslim tradition.

Common Misspellings for KARBALA

• marbala

Etymology of KARBALA

The word "Karbala" has its roots in Arabic and can be traced back to the combination of two words: "karb" and "bala".

The Arabic word "karb" (كرب) translates to "grief" or "sorrow". It signifies a deep emotional pain or distress.

The word "bala" (بَـلَـىٰ) in Arabic means "tribulation" or "affliction". It refers to a hardship or a severe calamity that befalls someone or a group of people.

When combined, "karb" and "bala" form "Karbala", representing a place of great sorrow and tragedy. Karbala is a city in modern-day Iraq and is most famously associated with the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, a significant event in Shia Islam.

Similar spelling word for KARBALA

• Kerbala.