Final answer:
The motivation for the attack on Karbala was rooted in the historical conflicts and power struggles within the early Muslim community. It was part of the ongoing power struggle between different factions after the death of Prophet Muhammad.
Step-by-step explanation:
The motivation for launching an attack on Karbala can be traced back to the historical conflicts and power struggles within the early Muslim community. After the death of Prophet Muhammad, there were divisions and conflicts between different factions, resulting in the assassination of Uthman and the rise of Ali as the new leader.
Uthman's followers wanted revenge, and Ali's rule was undermined by continuous conflicts. This led to the First Fitna or the first civil war between Muslims. The attack on Karbala was a part of this ongoing power struggle, where Husayn, Ali's son and Muhammad's grandson, was ambushed and killed.