The Death of Yazid: Islamic History’s Dark Chapter

Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Raheem.
Assalamu Alaikum dear viewers.

Yazid is considered one of the most controversial and hated figures in Islamic history. Scholars across different schools of thought have varying views about him, but many agree that during his rule, some of the most painful tragedies in Islam took place — including the heart-wrenching event of Karbala and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (R.A.), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

This article will take you through who this man really was, the horrific events that occurred under his rule, and the disgraceful way his life ended.

Who Was Yazid?

Yazid’s full name was Yazid bin Muawiya bin Abu Sufyan bin Harb bin Umayya. He was the second ruler of the Umayyad dynasty. According to historical records, he was born on July 23, 645 CE during the caliphate of Usman ibn Affan (R.A). His mother was Maisoon, a Christian woman from the Kalbi tribe of Syria.

After the death of his father Muawiya, Yazid took over the caliphate in 680 CE (60 Hijri) at the age of 30. His rise to power was already a violation of an agreement made between Imam Hasan (R.A) and Muawiya, which stated that Muawiya would not appoint a successor.

Tragic Events Under His Rule

During Yazid’s three-year rule, Islamic lands witnessed bloodshed and disgrace. The most infamous incident was the Battle of Karbala, where Imam Hussain (R.A) was mercilessly martyred. His blessed head was severed and taken to Yazid’s court in Damascus — an act that has left an eternal stain on Islamic history.

Yazid was the one who gave orders to force Imam Hussain to pledge allegiance. When Hussain refused, Yazid sent his governor Ibn Ziyad to deal with him. The orders were brutal. The Prophet’s grandson was killed, his family taken as prisoners, and his head presented in Yazid’s court where he showed signs of joy and arrogance.

Another horrific chapter in his rule was the massacre of Madinah, known as the Incident of Harrah, in which thousands of innocent Muslims — including many Sahaba — were killed. Yazid’s army then went on to attack Makkah, throwing stones at the Kaaba, which led to its cloth being burned and the sacred structure being damaged.

How Yazid Seized Power

Yazid’s rule began in the month of Rajab, 60 Hijri, after his father Muawiya’s death. Though only 30 years old, he was determined to keep control through force, fear, and bloodshed. Rather than leading with justice, he led with violence and tyranny.

Before moving on to the details of his disgraceful end, we must first understand the level of his corruption and the crimes for which history holds him responsible.

Accusations Against Yazid

That man is accused of being a corrupt ruler who spread mischief in the land. He dishonored the two sacred cities — Makkah and Madinah — and even the Kaaba and Masjid al-Nabawi were not spared from his cruelty.

It is reported that he tied horses inside Masjid al-Nabawi, and for three days, no adhan or salah was held. In Makkah and Madinah, thousands of Sahaba and Tabi’een were martyred unjustly. Stones were thrown at the Kaaba, its cloth was torn and burned.

The grandson of the Prophet (PBUH), Imam Hussain (R.A) — who was raised in the arms of the Prophet — was kept hungry and thirsty for three days and then brutally killed. His blessed body was trampled by horses after his martyrdom. His sacred head, which the Prophet used to kiss, was cut off and raised on a spear and carried from city to city.

The family of the Prophet was taken as prisoners and brought to the court of that cursed ruler with humiliation. Is there any greater corruption and evil on earth than this? Is there any greater sin than killing the beloved grandson of the Prophet (PBUH) and disrespecting his family?

That is why his end was so shameful and full of disgrace that it became a lesson for the world. His fate stands as a sign of divine punishment for all times.

Different Opinions on Yazid

Before we discuss his end, let us look at what different schools of thought say about that man. Even among Sunni scholars, there is strong disagreement about him.

The Shia viewpoint is very clear. They believe that Muawiya violated the agreement made with Imam Hasan (R.A), which stated that no successor would be appointed. But Muawiya declared his son Yazid as his heir and started taking pledges of allegiance for him.

Some companions of the Prophet rejected this pledge — like Abdullah bin Zubair and Imam Hussain (R.A) — because they believed that Yazid’s character did not match the principles of Islam.

After Yazid took over the throne, he began forcing Imam Hussain to pledge allegiance. He sent strict instructions to the governors of Madinah and later Kufa, telling them to take the pledge by any means necessary. When the governor of Kufa showed signs of leniency, he was removed, and Ibn Ziyad, a cruel and wicked man, was appointed in his place.

Historians have written that Ibn Ziyad, following Yazid’s orders, killed the family of the Prophet (PBUH) and sent their heads on spears along with the prisoners to Damascus. Even there, they were not treated with dignity.

When the blessed head of Imam Hussain (R.A) was brought to Yazid, he placed it on a plate and started striking it with a stick while reciting poetry that exposed his beliefs. The translation of his words is:

“I wish my ancestors who died at Badr were here today to see how I have taken revenge. We have killed their noble descendants and avenged our defeat. The Hashimites were only playing with power. No revelation ever came down, nor did any angel descend.”

Na’uzubillah. May Allah protect us from such kufr and arrogance.

Views of Ahl-e-Sunnat and Other Schools of Thought

Now let’s talk about the viewpoint of Ahl-e-Sunnat and other non-Shia schools of thought regarding that man. Remember, even within Ahl-e-Sunnat wal Jama’ah, Yazid is considered a transgressor and an open sinner.

According to Hazrat Ali Hajveri (Data Ganj Bakhsh), when that cursed man killed the children of the Prophet in Karbala, including Imam Hussain (R.A), and when Imam Zain-ul-Abideen — who was sick at the time — was brought to the court of Yazid, someone asked him, “O Imam of Ahl-e-Bayt, what happened to you?” Imam Zain-ul-Abideen replied, “They did to us what Pharaoh did to the people of Musa — they killed our men.”

Imam Sayyid’s stance was clear: “May Allah curse the killers of Imam Hussain (R.A), including Ibn Ziyad and Yazid.”

Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan Naeemi said: “Yazid was a wretched transgressor. Cursing him is not only permissible but necessary, based on the principles of Ahl-e-Sunnat wal Jama’ah — that if someone is proven to have died without faith, it is permissible to curse them, like Abu Lahab and his wife.”

That does not mean we curse every disbeliever. But if certainty is established that someone died without Iman, then La’nat (curse) is justified. The Qur’an itself declares:
“Indeed, those who harm Allah and His Messenger — Allah has cursed them in this world and in the Hereafter.” (Surah Al-Ahzab)

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan’s Opinion

According to Imam Ahmad Raza Khan, Yazid was a cursed, sinful transgressor and a tyrant. There is no doubt about it among Ahl-e-Sunnat. The only disagreement is about whether we can declare him a disbeliever or just a major sinner.

Imam Ahmad Raza writes that there are three opinions among Sunni scholars regarding Yazid:

1. Some major scholars like Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal and others considered him a disbeliever, and therefore said he will never be forgiven.
2. Some, like Imam Ghazali, considered him a Muslim but said he would face severe punishment.
3. And others said we should remain silent about his belief, but accept that he was fasiq, fajir, zalim, and cursed.

Deobandi Viewpoint

Deobandis, who follow the Hanafi school of thought, differ from the Salafi interpretation. The well-known Deobandi scholar Maulana Qasim Nanotvi called Yazid “a cursed one” (paleed). The same word was used by Rashid Ahmad Gangohi. Ashraf Ali Thanwi also opposed Yazid and labeled him a fasiq.

Mufti Muhammad Shafi wrote that Yazid’s rule began with forcefully taking pledges of allegiance from some of the Prophet’s companions. He noted that when the head of Imam Hussain (R.A) was brought before Yazid, he struck the teeth with a stick and recited poetry.

A Sahabi of the Prophet (PBUH), Abu Barza al-Aslami, who was present in the gathering, stood and said:

“Are you striking the teeth of the one whom the Messenger of Allah used to kiss? On the Day of Judgment, Ibn Ziyad will be your intercessor, and Hussain will be interceded by the Prophet (PBUH).” Then Abu Barza left the court.

That man said to one of Imam Hussain’s (R.A) sons, Umar bin Hussain, “The child of a snake is also a snake.” This means he compared Hussain bin Ali (R.A) to a snake — Na’uzubillah. According to Mufti Muhammad Shafi, even if some people believe that he regretted after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, this regret is not valid, because after Karbala, his sins only increased.

Even after the incident of Karbala, he remained sinful. He sent an army towards Makkah and did not find peace after that tragedy. Allah disgraced him in this world and finally destroyed him with humiliation.

Salafi Scholars’ Misunderstanding

Some scholars from the Salafi school of thought claim that because Yazid joined a battle against Constantinople, he is among those promised Paradise based on a Hadith from Sahih Bukhari:
“The first army of my Ummah that attacks the city of Caesar (Rome), their sins are forgiven.”

But this is a misinterpretation. According to Sunni scholars, Yazid was not part of the first attack. According to historical books such as Al-Bidaya wal-Nihaya, Tarikh al-Kamil, Tarikh Ibn Khaldun, Tarikh Baghdad, and Tarikh Dimashq, the first campaign against Constantinople happened in 42 Hijri, and another in 43 Hijri.

Multiple attacks were made, and Yazid only joined the seventh expedition, which happened many years later. He did not even want to go at first. He mocked the army, saying:

“What do I care if the army suffers in the cold and gets sick with fever? I am happy on my soft bed, reclining with my wife Umm Kulthum.”

When his father Muawiya heard these disgraceful lines of poetry, he became furious and forced Yazid to join the battle. As punishment, he sent him off in 50 Hijri. So, the Hadith about forgiveness cannot apply to Yazid, as he was not part of the first army, and he joined against his will.

Signs of Yazid’s Corruption

According to Fath al-Bari, Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R.A) used to say:

“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the beginning of the year 60 Hijri and from the rule of foolish boys.”

He died in 59 Hijri — just before Yazid took power — as if his prayer was answered.

Hazrat Abdullah bin Hanzalah (R.A) also said:
“We revolted against Yazid because we feared the sky might rain stones due to his sinful acts. He had legalised sin, alcohol, and immorality.”

Yazid’s Shameful Death

The story of Yazid’s death is filled with disgrace. Just days after the tragedy of Karbala, he fell ill with a horrifying disease. He had pain in his stomach and ulcers in his intestines. He would scream like a slaughtered animal in pain, just like a fish out of water.

When he realized death was near, he called his son Muawiya bin Yazid to pass on the throne. But his son rejected the throne, saying:

“The crown soaked in the blood of the Prophet’s grandson — I will never accept it. May Allah keep me away from such rule.”

One narration also states that Muawiya bin Yazid ruled for only forty days, and then gave up the throne.

According to this narration, when Yazid heard these words from his son, he was shocked and deeply disturbed. As he lay dying, he began kicking the bed in anger and pain.

A few days before his death, his intestines began to rot, and worms started crawling out of his body. He would scream like a mad beast, and even a drop of water caused extreme pain when it passed through his throat. He suffered so badly that he was burning in thirst, yet the water felt like knives going down.

This was the wrath of Allah. He was being punished both by thirst and pain. He died in a most painful and disgraceful condition. The stench of his dead body was so foul that no one could come near it. Eventually, they buried him as quickly as possible to avoid the smell.

Yazid’s Death – A Warning for the Arrogant

According to Hazrat Hasan Basri, “Love of the world is the root of all evil.” Yazid’s heart was full of love for this temporary world, and he was blind to the consequences of the Hereafter. In his hunger for power, he spilled the blood of the Prophet’s family, thinking his reign would last forever.

But this cursed man only ruled for three years and six months. He died in Rabi’ al-Awwal 64 Hijri in Homs, Syria, at the age of 39.

One narration says that Yazid had fallen in love with a Christian girl. This girl hated him internally but pretended to love him. One day, while pretending to invite him for fun, she took him to a deserted place. As cold winds blew, Yazid was relaxed and happy.

But that girl, filled with disgust, took out a dagger and said:

“If someone could betray the grandson of the Prophet, how can he ever be loyal to me?” She stabbed him multiple times and left his body there.

His corpse lay there for days and became food for vultures and wild dogs. When his servants finally found the body, they buried it in a hurry without any funeral prayer or honor.

Another narration says that Yazid’s death came when he was drunk, riding behind a wild donkey. He had placed a monkey on the donkey’s back, racing with it in a drunken state. Suddenly, he fell from his horse, broke his neck, and never got up again.

Yazid’s Final Humiliation

Hazrat Ibn Abbas (R.A) narrated that Yazid once went hunting while drunk. In that state, he was chasing a wild mule with a monkey riding it, while he himself raced on his horse behind. He shouted a poem and fell, broke his neck, and died a humiliating death.

This was his end — a disgraceful death that matched his shameful life.

What Happened During His Reign

During the reign of that cursed man, several other events took place. For example, Aqbah bin Nafi conquered Maghrib-e-Aqsa, and Muslim bin Ziyad captured Bukhara and Khwarazm. In Damascus, there was a small canal that Yazid expanded — and because of that, it was later referred to as Nahr-e-Yazid (Yazid’s canal).

It is also said that he was the first to cover the Kaaba with a silk cloth.

Imam Ghazali’s Fatwa

Imam Ghazali (رحمه الله) gave a detailed fatwa regarding Yazid. He said:
“If someone asks whether it is permissible to curse the killer of Imam Hussain (R.A) and the one who gave the command to kill him — then the answer is yes, it is allowed. But if the killer repented before dying, then Allah’s curse should not be upon him.”

From this fatwa, several key points become clear:

1. Imam Hussain (R.A)’s killing was unjust. Therefore, whoever was involved in the killing — including Yazid — is guilty of oppression and murder.
2. Imam Ghazali added the condition of possible repentance to stay cautious, not to justify Yazid.
3. Nowhere in the fatwa did Imam Ghazali call Karbala a political conflict, unlike some modern-day deviants.
4. He never said “رحمه الله” (may Allah have mercy) for Yazid, like Zakir Naik and others have falsely claimed.
5. There is no evidence of Yazid repenting. So, the curse remains valid.

Questions for Those Who Defend Yazid

To those who say Yazid was innocent or that he later regretted what happened in Karbala — here are some serious questions:

• If Yazid wasn’t guilty, then why did he remove the righteous governor of Madinah, Hazrat Nu’man bin Basheer (R.A), and replace him with the tyrant Ibn Ziyad?
• Why did he not punish Ibn Ziyad, Umar bin Sa’d, and Shimr after the massacre of Karbala?
• Why were the women of the Prophet’s household taken as prisoners and paraded in chains?
• Why did he give a victory speech in front of Hazrat Zainab (R.A) after Karbala?
• When Imam Hussain’s sacred head was brought to his court, why did he strike it with a stick and show pride?
• If he truly regretted his actions, why didn’t he apologize to the Ahl-e-Bayt or release them respectfully?
• Why did his forces later desecrate Masjid al-Nabawi during the incident of Harrah?
  Even Imam Jalaluddin Suyuti (رحمه الله) wrote that horses were tied inside Masjid al-Nabawi during Yazid’s rule.
• Why was the Kaaba stoned and burned under his orders?
  Imam Suyuti wrote that the cloth of the Kaaba was burned during this attack.

So, after all these crimes, can any honest person still claim Yazid was innocent?

Was Yazid Promised Paradise? A False Claim

One common question people ask is:
“Was Yazid promised Paradise because he was part of the army that attacked Constantinople?”

Some claim that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave the glad tidings of Paradise to the first army that would fight against the Romans (Byzantines), and that Yazid was part of that army.

This is a misunderstanding, which was already clarified earlier. Yazid was not part of the first expedition. He was forced to join later after mocking the army and refusing to go. His father, Muawiya, upon hearing his sarcastic poetry and disrespectful attitude, made him join the seventh expedition as punishment. Therefore, he does not fall under the glad tidings mentioned in the hadith.

Why Do All Sects Say the Kalima But Only One Is on Truth?

There’s another important point to reflect on.
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“My Ummah will divide into 73 sects. All of them will be in Hell, except one.”

So it is possible for someone to say the Kalima (La ilaha illallah) and still be a misguided deviant. For example, the followers of Mirza Qadiani also say the Kalima, yet they are considered non-Muslims by consensus.

So just saying the Kalima is not enough if one’s beliefs and actions are against Islam. This applies to Yazid as well. If his end was without Iman, and no valid repentance is proven, then he is deserving of Allah’s curse.

The Scholars of the Ummah on Yazid

Throughout history, the scholars of the Ummah — Tabi’een, great imams, and muhaditheen — have condemned Yazid.

Some called him a fasiq, some a disbeliever, and others agreed to stay silent on takfeer but still labelled him a tyrant and cursed.

Even if one chooses not to call him a disbeliever, nobody from the major scholars ever praised Yazid, let alone call him “رحمه الله” or “Amir-ul-Mu’minin” like some modern-day misguided individuals do.

Muawiya bin Yazid — A Story of Truth and Repentance

Now let’s discuss a very powerful and emotional incident related to Muawiya bin Yazid, the son of Yazid.

Yazid had great hopes that his son would follow in his footsteps and carry forward his rule. He gave him the best education under a great teacher named Umar al-Maqsoos — who was a secret lover of Ahl-e-Bayt and a strong critic of Yazid.

This teacher taught Muawiya bin Yazid the truth of Islam, the reality of Karbala, and instilled the love of the Prophet’s family in his heart.

So when Yazid died and the people offered Muawiya the caliphate, he was only 20 years old, in the prime of youth, and had the chance to rule the entire Muslim empire.

But what did he do?

The Tragic Fate of Muawiya bin Yazid’s Teacher

Narrations tell us that the speech of Muawiya bin Yazid caused an uproar in the gathering. People were shocked, and everyone began giving their opinions loudly.
Marwan bin Hakam, who was sitting close to the pulpit, stood up and tried to challenge Muawiya. But Muawiya shouted back at him:

“Stay away from me! You want to sneak into my mind with your tricks?
I have not even tasted the pleasures of this caliphate,
and you expect me to carry the burden of your sins?”

He continued:

“If this caliphate is something good,
then it is a pity that my father only used it to increase his sins.
And if it is something evil,
then my father’s curse is enough,
I do not want to pollute myself with it.”

He then wept bitterly, came down from the pulpit, and disappeared from politics forever.

What Happened Next to His Teacher

According to history, the Banu Umayyah — who felt extremely threatened by the speech — believed that Muawiya bin Yazid’s teacher, Umar al-Maqsoos, was responsible for his mindset. They accused him of:

• corrupting the prince’s mind,
• instilling sympathy for Ahl-e-Bayt,
• and turning him against the rule of Banu Umayyah.

In revenge, they arrested Umar al-Maqsoos, dug a pit, and buried him alive.

This shows how much fear the truth caused among the corrupt rulers of that time.

Two Powerful Lessons from This Incident

The story of Muawiya bin Yazid teaches us two important lessons:

1. The Teacher Shapes the Child

If the teacher is righteous and guided, the child can become someone who stands for truth — even if his background is full of corruption.

Muawiya bin Yazid could have become another tyrant.
He had wealth, power, army, and complete control.
But because his teacher taught him the Qur’an, the love of Ahl-e-Bayt, and the value of truth,
he chose honor over authority.

2. Whoever Seeks Truth Will Be Guided

If a person truly seeks guidance, Allah will take him out of darkness and bring him to light.
It is up to the individual whether they accept the truth and become one of Allah’s righteous servants —
or reject it and fall into humiliation like Yazid.

That man — Yazid — died with shame.
And his son — Muawiya — despite being from the same bloodline, became a symbol of truth and courage.

One became an example of Allah’s wrath,
the other — a sign of repentance and wisdom.

The Final Reflection: Yazid’s Legacy of Disgrace

Yazid bin Muawiya’s rule left behind a legacy marked by bloodshed, humiliation, and historical condemnation. His pursuit of worldly power led him to commit acts that not only shocked the Muslim world but also violated the core values of Islam. From the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (R.A) and the desecration of the Kaaba, to the assault on Madinah and the dishonoring of the Prophet’s family — his hands were stained with crimes that generations of scholars have condemned without hesitation.

Despite holding the caliphate for a mere three years and six months, Yazid managed to do damage that echoed across centuries. He died in Rabi al-Awwal, 64 Hijri, at the age of thirty-nine, in the Syrian city of Homs. His end was as disgraceful as his life — riddled with disease, pain, and rejection, even by his own son.

A Son’s Rejection of His Father’s Throne

Perhaps the most powerful chapter in Yazid’s downfall came not from his enemies, but from within his own household. His son, Muawiya bin Yazid, upon being offered the throne, publicly rejected it in a remarkable act of moral courage. In a historic sermon, he acknowledged the sins of his grandfather and father, admitting openly that the throne he inherited had been soaked in injustice and built upon the blood of innocent people — especially the family of the Prophet (PBUH).

He declared that he would not be a party to this legacy of oppression. With tears in his eyes and truth on his tongue, he renounced the caliphate and stepped down, choosing his soul over the seat of power. His teacher, who had instilled in him the love of the Qur’an and the Ahl-e-Bayt, was later executed by the Banu Umayyah for shaping his conscience.

This act remains one of the rare and courageous moments of righteousness in a time clouded by tyranny.

Lessons from the Fall of Yazid

Yazid’s story serves as a chilling reminder of what happens when power is pursued without accountability, faith, or compassion. It demonstrates that even lineage connected to prominent companions or dynasties cannot protect a person who stands against the truth.

It also shows the transformative power of sincere guidance and righteous mentorship. Had it not been for the truthful education of Muawiya bin Yazid, the legacy of his father might have continued. But because of one teacher’s commitment to the truth, a young ruler chose to walk away from a throne, rather than rule with blood on his hands.

Conclusion: A Mirror for Every Generation

Today, Yazid’s name is remembered not as a leader, but as a cautionary tale — a symbol of tyranny, arrogance, and the consequences of injustice. His story is not just history. It is a mirror for every generation to reflect on leadership, morality, and standing firm in the face of wrongdoing.

May Allah grant us the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood, to honor the legacy of the Ahl-e-Bayt, and to speak up against oppression — no matter how powerful the oppressor may be.