The nature of the rise of Imam Hussein against the tyrannical rule of Yazid has been a matter of intense debate. Whether the movement could be characterized as a revolution, a martyrdom operation, a defensive measure, or a purely spiritual exercise, has major consequences on how the actions of Imam Hussein, and therefore himself, would be seen. This book analyses the facts and the arguments set forth for each supposition and presents what the author sees as the true nature of what became the greatest showdown between good and evil in the history of mankind.