A Probe into the Date of Birth of Ali al-Akbar in Historical Sources

Ali al-Akbar was an outstanding Ashura martyr in Karbala whose mention makes part and parcel of mourning the tragic martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn. However, his precise age at the time of martyrdom has since remained a question. The present paper seeks to shed light on this question based on historical accounts. Other themes dealt with include designations of the elder son of Imam al-Husayn, Ali al-Akbar's understanding of the ruling period of his grandfather, Imam Ali, and his various titles in the ziarat-texts issued in his favor.