SUMMARY: This article analyzes the Sunnite views of \u2018\u0100sh\u016br\u0101\u2019 and the assassination\/martyrdom of al\u2013\u1e24usayn, the grandson of the Prophet Mu\u1e25ammad. It is not an exhaustive work; it is rather selective, searching for meaningful examples to demonstrate the diversity of opinions among Sunnite Muslims in the past and modern times, in moving borders between the two communities. The three main texts analyzed are those of Ab\u016b Bakr Ibn al\u2013\u2018Arab\u012b (d. 1148), Ibn Khald\u016bn (d. 1406) and Mawd\u016bd\u012b (d. 1979). A variety of opinions vacillates from the compassion with al\u2013\u1e24usayn\u2019s tragedy to a more cautious position. The core of the question is the moral evaluation of the first generations of Islam, from whom Muslims received the Message. The credibility of the Prophet\u2019s Companions remains a crucial doctrine in the Sunnite mind, the scandal of Karbal\u0101\u2019 was not the only challenge but perhaps the most eloquent.<\/p>\n