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[Excerpt. Ed.Alt. Detailed chapters on Husain's Day of Martyrdom in Karbala]
"The Life of Imam Husain" - Allamah Baqir Sharif al-Qarashi
# In Kerbala
The caravan of holy family halted and camped at Kerbala on Thursday, 2nd of Mohurrum 61 A.H.,[1] while a condition of distress and anxiety reigned upon them as they were now sure that a terrible disaster was to befall them. Imam knew the hardships of his mission and the terrible disasters that were to befall him had become clear to him.
Historians say: Holy imam gathered his Holy family and companions. Then he glanced at them with kindness and compassion knowing that very soon their bodies shall be cut up into pieces. He began to weep profusely and raised up his hands to pray to the Lord. He spoke in a confidential manner and complained about the great calamities that had surrounded him, and he said:
“O my Lord, we are the Family of Your Messenger, Muhammad whom the Bani Umayyah forced out of the sanctuary of our grandfather. They banished us, persecuted and oppressed us. O Allah, take up our rights for us and make us victorious over the unjust people.”
Then he glanced at those stalwarts and said, “People are the slaves of the world and religion is like leftover food that clings to their tongue that as long as their life passes in comfort they follow it. But when they fall into hard times, very few remain religious.”[2]
What a brilliant statement it is, that describes the reality of the people in all the stages of history. Because they are slaves of material world in all times and in all the places but no kind of religious view was found in the depths of their consciences.
And whenever a storm of calamities falls on them they become disgusted of religion and they desert it...
Yes, religion is present in the very nature only for Imam Husain, the selected ones of Holy family and the companions of Holy imam that their sentiments were fused with it and their emotions were merged with it. Therefore they rushed forward to the fields of death so that their position may be exalted and that they may impart lessons in astonishing loyalty with regard to religion.
After praise and glorification of the Almighty the Imam addressed his companions, “So to say: No doubt you are aware of the gravity of the situation which you are witnessing yourselves here and now. Life has certainly changed disguises and its good has gone forever. This has continued till the remaining good in it amounts to
Notes:
[1] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/385. The new moon of Muharram that year was on Wednesday. This is mentioned in Al Ifada min Tarikhul Aimmatus Saadah
[2] Abu Hilal Hasan bin Abdullah Askari in his book, As Sana’teen has quoted the statement of the Imam in this way: “People have become slaves of the world and religion is a meaningless thing on their tongues, till their life passes in comfort they follow it and when hardships befall them, very few remain religious.
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the thin sediment at the bottom of a drinking vessel. Life is a mean food, like a pasture covered with bad grass. Do you not see that the truth is not followed and falsehood not discouraged? The faithful must certainly desire to meet his Lord righteously. I do not deem death other than martyrdom and life among the unjust other than degradation.”[1]
In these sentences the Imam has again spoken of the hardships and difficulties that fell upon Holy imam and he informed them that as much hardships increase Holy imam shall not hesitate in his determination and resolve for the establishment of truth for which he had stepped forward.
Imam did not sermonize his companions to arouse their emotions or to attract their support. Because what could they have done for him while the armies had filled the desert and surrounded Holy imam. He spoke thus in order to make them aware of their responsibilities of establishing truth and to make them determined for an everlasting success and make them willing partners in this mission. While Holy imam had made the desire of death a part of his life, that nothing else could equal it.
When Holy imam concluded his discourse all his companions arose and expressed astonishing examples of loyalty and sacrifice for the sake of justice and truth...
The first one to speak up from his companions was Zuhair Ibn Qain. He was that valiant fighter who had no equal in the world. He said, “O son of Allah’s Messenger, we heard your discourse. If the world had remained for us and we had become immortals in it we would have given preference to fight for you rather than stay in it.”
These statements show the nobility of man in his march on the path of righteousness. Zuhair’s words imparted a great joy and satisfaction to the companions of the Holy Imam and he motivated them to loyalty and sacrifice.
Now another valiant companion of the Imam, Burair stood up, who had dedicated his life to the path of God. He addressed the Imam as follows, “O son of Allah’s Messenger, the Almighty Allah has bestowed a favor upon us through you that we should fight in your service and in your way our body is cut up into pieces. And in that case, on the Day of Judgment your grandfather should intercede for us.”
Burair was certain that his companionship to the Imam was a divine favor for him so that he may obtain the intercession of the Messenger of Allah.
After that Nafe also in the same way addressed his fortunate brothers. He said, “You know that your grandfather, the Messenger of Allah was not able to imbue their hearts with his love nor were they able to become attached to what he (the Prophet) liked. Some of them were hypocrites who used to promise help to
Notes:
[1] Tibrani, Mojam 3/122, Biography of Imam Husain, Pg. 214. Ibne Asakir, Tarikh 14/217-218. Dhahabi, Tarikh Islam 5/112. Hilyatul Awliya 2/39
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him but secretly they betrayed his trust. In front of the Prophet they were sweeter than honey but on his back they were more bitter than Hanzal.[1] Till the time the Almighty Allah took him to Himself.
Your father’s circumstances were also somewhat like this. That some people helped him and on his side fought the Nakiseen, Qasiteen and Mariqeen. Till finally he met his end and joined the mercy of the Lord...
You also are in that condition with us. Anyone who breaks his pledge and leaves off allegiance has caused harm to himself and the Almighty Allah is needles of it. Thus lead us with determination and steadfastness, to the east or to the west. By Allah, we shall not step back from the destiny written by God for us. Nor are we frightened of meeting Allah. And we, on the basis of our aims and perception like what you like and hate what you hate.”[2]
Most companions of the Imam spoke in this way and the Imam thanked them for their sincerity and loyalty.
A man from Bani Asad waits for Imam
As soon as the Imam halted at Kerbala, he was joined by a man from Bani Asad. But historians have not recorded the name of this person. His story is narrated by Uryan bin Haitham who says, “My father used to reside near the place where the incident of Taff occurred. Whenever we used to pass by that place we used to see a man of Bani Asad present there. My father asked him, “I see that you are always present here?”
He replied to my father, “I have heard that Imam Husain shall be martyred at this place. I come here so that perhaps I may encounter him and along with him achieve martyrdom.”
When Husain was martyred, my father said, “Let us go and see if that Asadi man has also been killed.”
We came to the battlefield and searched among the corpses and found that Asadi man among those killed.[3]
He had achieved the grade of martyrdom in the service of the beloved grandson of the Messenger of Allah. He obtained the loftiest status near the great prophets, martyrs and righteous ones. And what nice companions they are.
The Imam’s letter to Ibn Hanafiyah
Imam wrote a letter to his brother, Muhammad bin Hanafiyah and other persons of Bani Hashim from Kerbala. Therein he spoke of his death and the end which was very near. The text of that letter was as follows: “So to say: As if the world has not remained and the Hereafter remains as it was.”[4]
Notes:
[1] A bitter fruit
[2] Muqarram, Maqtal, Pg. 193-194
[3] Ibne Asakir, Tarikh 14/216-217
[4] Kamil az-Ziyaraat, Pg. 157, Chap. 23, H. 21
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This is the briefest letter that especially speaks about those hardships that defeat patience.
With Harthima bin Salmi
Harthima bin Salmi joined the forces of Ibn Ziyad. When they reached Kerbala he remembered something he had forgotten. He was traveling with Amirul Momineen in a journey of war when Holy imam passed through Kerbala and stopped at a tree under the shade of which he stood up to pray. After concluding the prayer he took a handful of sand, smelt it and said, “Alas for you, O dust! A group of people shall be killed upon you and shall enter Paradise without undergoing accounting.”
Harthima hurried to Holy imam, Husain and related to him what he had heard from his father.
Imam asked him, “Are with us or against us?”
“Neither with you nor against you. I have left my family behind.”
Imam advised him and ordered him to go away from Kerbala so that he may not have to witness the tragedy of Holy family and he told him, “Go away from here. By the One in Whose hand is the life of Husain, anyone who witnesses (without rendering any help) our killing today, shall enter Hell.”
Harithma fled from Kerbala and heard reports about the martyrdom of Imam[1] while he himself had been deprived of martyrdom in the company of the beloved grandson of the Messenger of Allah.
Anas bin Harith Joins Imam
A prominent and senior companion of the Prophet, Anas bin Harith joined the Imam and narrated to the Imam what he had heard from the Messenger of Allah regarding him, that Holy imam had said, “This son of mine (that is Holy imam, Husain) shall be killed on a land called Kerbala. Thus whosoever of you sees him should help him.”
After that Anas remained in the service of Imam till he achieved martyrdom in his company.[2]
Ibn Ziyad’s letter to Holy imam, Husain
When Ibn Ziyad was informed that Hurr has surrounded Holy imam, Husain at Kerbala, he sent a letter to Holy imam that displayed his oppressive and arrogant nature. The text of that was as follows: “So to say: O Husain! I have been informed about your arrival at Kerbala. Amirul Momineen, Yazid has written to me that I must not sleep on a bed nor have my drinks till I have not conveyed you to the Kind and Informed Lord, or that you agreed to obey my orders and the command of Yazid!...”
O Ibn Marjana! You and your master, Yazid deserve not to be served with drinks
Notes:
[1] Ibne Asakir, Tarikh 14/222-223. Waseelatul Maal fee idda manaqibul Aal, Pg. 179
[2] Ibne Asakir, Tarikh 14/223-224
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and you must come to your senses as you have committed every type of infamy in Islam.
When the Imam read Ibn Marjana’s letter, considering that transmogrified man to be worthless and weak, he threw down the letter and said, “Those who purchase the pleasure of men through the wrath of God, are never successful.”
Ibn Ziyad’s messenger asked the Imam to give a reply that he may convey to Ibn Ziyad. Imam said, “I have no reply with me because, he is in fact, eligible for divine punishment.”
Ibn Ziyad’s messenger returned and told Ibn Marjana what the Imam had said. Ibn Ziyad was terribly infuriated and he prepared all the forces to fight the beloved grandson of the Messenger of Allah.
Deployment of the Kufan Army
When the news of deployment of army of Ibn Ziyad against Imam Husain spread and it became common knowledge that Holy imam has been surrounded at Kerbala, a pall of gloom and dread descended on all gatherings of Kufa. Ibn Ziyad had spread such terror among the multitudes that they were horrified of their future because death was decreed merely on the basis of suspicion or allegation. Hence the people had no will of their own.
When Ibn Marjana apprehended the son of the conqueror of Mecca and the breaker of idols of Quraish, he realized his dreams and aspirations. So that by killing him he could gain proximity to the grandson of Abu Sufyan, that same leader of the group opposed to Islam. And that he may strengthen his relationship to Bani Umayyah that was based on the testimony of Abu Maryam, the wine-seller.[1]
Ibn Marjana spent all his time preparing for war and he resorted to various ways in arranging for dominance in the coming confrontation while the nobility had sold its conscience and they were surrounding Ibn Ziyad ready to offer their help to complete the program of hostilities.
Ibn Saad selected as Commander-in-chief
Ibn Marjana selected Ibn Saad to be the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces that had been prepared to fight against the beloved grandson of the Messenger of Allah. Before we explain the causes of his appointment let us study some important matters:
Notes:
[1] One day Muawiyah…told Abu Maryam Salooli in front of the people: With what do you testify? He replied: I testify that Abu Sufyan came to me and asked me for a prostitute. I told him: I don’t have anyone other than Sumaiyyah. He said: Bring her even if she is dirty and filthy. I brought that woman…! At that time Muawiyah made Ziyad as his brother and the son of his father, Abu Sufyan. (An-Nasaaih al-Kafiya leman Yatawalla Muawiyah Pg. 81)
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Prophecy of Allah’s Messenger regarding Ibn Saad’s end
Ibn Saad happened to pass by the Messenger of Allah. When Holy imam saw him, he became disgusted with him and prophesied about his bad end: “He shall be with those who eat up the world with their tongues like the cow licks the ground.”[1]
Amirul Momineen had also predicted similarly about Ibn Saad. Narrators say that Holy imam glanced at him and spoke to him. He found him to be the arrogant, one who considered truth worthless and who had the daring to resort to illegal acts. He said, “Woe by on you, O, Ibn Saad, how shall you be when you are in a situation when you have to choose between Paradise and Hell and you decide to choose Hell?”[2]
Saad’s hatred for his son Umar
When Saad heard the statement of the Messenger of Allah regarding his son, he scolded him. Narrators say: “He instructed the executors of his will not to give anything to his son, Umar Ibn Saad.”[3]
Harun Rashid Curses Umar Saad
Harun Rashid cursed Umar Saad and decreed that he be considered an apostate and an outcast from religion. It is an interesting anecdote that deserves to be mentioned here:
Narrators say: Ishaq bin Ibrahim was brought as a captive to Harun Rashid. Ishaq was accused to have apostated from religion.
Ishaq told him: “O Amiral Momineen! I believe in Allah and all His messengers and prophets. I am not an apostate. My fault lies elsewhere.”
Rashid was surprised and he asked, “What is that?”
“Loyalty and devotion to you, Holy family. Can one who believes in love for you and considers it to be obligatory, be considered an apostate?”
Rashid smiled and ordered that the special execution mat and the sword be taken out for him.
Ishaq began to speak and he asked Harun:
“O Amiral Momineen! What is your view about Umar bin Saad, the killer of Husain? Who said: They say: The Almighty Allah created a Paradise and fire and punishment and arrests.”
Rashid bowed his head and thought about it for a long time, then he said, “May Allah curse Umar bin Saad as he had no faith in the Almighty Allah, in resurrection or in prophethood...O Ishaq, do you know from where this is taken?”
“Yes, O Amiral Momineen! It is taken from the poetry of Yazid bin Muawiyah...
Notes:
[1] Ibne Qutaybah, Mukhtasar al-Buldan, Pg. 271
[2] Ayanush Shia 4/437
[3] Balawi, Alif Baa
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“What did Yazid say?”
“He said:
O Alayya give me the goblet and speak up your thoughts as I do not like whispering secretly.
The statement of Abu Sufyan that was used in Uhad till these dirges began to be recited.
And by that word Amr wanted to get Ali but he escaped. But the old man Muawiyah managed to get.
Thus O young mother in red! If I died, you get married and do not wait for reunion after death.
Because whatever is said about resurrection is all useless talk that puts the heart to doubt.
And if people were not useless I would have seen Muhammad, with the pure wine that quenches the bones.
There is no difference in people that Muhammad has chosen a grave in Medina.
Often it is that the pasture stinks on the ground while its branches show the existence of the roots.
We shall be destroyed and no sign shall remain on the earth but the malice of the heart shall remain.”
Rashid was terrified and he said, “May Allah curse Yazid, who had no faith in Allah, the Day of Resurrection and prophethood. O Ishaq, do you know from where he has inherited these beliefs?”
“Yes, O Amiral Momineen! He has taken them from the poetry of his father, Muawiyah.”
“What did Muawiyah say?”
“He said:
Ask me about the monastery of Busra which is of old. Do not condemn me as there is no use of it.
Get up so that in the darkness we may establish a bright sun. Where there are goblets and cups and the luminosity of the stars.
Perhaps separation may call us and we have to go in such a condition that our souls are quenched with it.
What is present here, get hold of it and let go what is being promised. It is the way intelligent people act and delay will cause problems.
Before the nights return all borrowed things because all the dresses of the world are on hire.”
Rashid cursed Muawiyah and said the same things he had mentioned about Yazid.[1]
Notes:
[1] Shaykh Mufid, Ath-Thaqib fil Manaqib, from the written manuscripts at the Imam Amirul Momineen (a.s.) Library
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Ajali considers Ibn Saad a reliable narrator
Ajali has considered Umar Ibn Saad to be a reliable narrator and he says about him, “He has related traditions from his father and other people have narrated from him. He was a reliable Tabii (companion of a companion). He is the same person who killed Husain.”[1]
I don’t know how Ibn Saad was reliable when he had killed the beloved grandson of the Prophet and one who destroyed holy family inspite of the fact that the Almighty Allah has made it incumbent on all Muslims to love them...?
Ajali has deviated from the path of truth due to his considering reliable, narrators who bore enmity to Holy family. In the same way he considered those who were loyal to Holy family to be absolutely unreliable.
Righteous people and those who acted with piety in their religion used to condemn anyone who narrated from Ibn Saad. Once Aaizaar bin Hareeth related a tradition from Umar bin Saad. A person objected to him and said, “Do you not fear Allah? Are you narrating from Umar bin Saad?” Aaizaar wept and said, “I shall never do it.”[2] It is strange that Ibn Hajar has given the biography of Ibn Saad in his Tahdhib at-Tahdhib while he claimed that he was including only those narrators whom he considered reliable!
Habits and Nature of Ibn Saad
Ibn Saad did not have in himself any sort of noble trait or habit because he was by nature hard-hearted. There was not an iota of humanity or goodness in him. Some of his personal qualities were as follows:
A. Surrender to Governor’s Rule
Absolute dedication to the governor’s system was a prominent part of Ibn Saad. According to unanimous verdict of historians, he used to mix up with the ruling class and completely lose his balance for greed of obtaining position and rulership.
He subjected himself to hardships and sorrows in order to earn the confidence of Ibn Marjana. After having killed Holy imam, Husain he had told Ibn Marjana, “By God, the sincerity I performed towards you with regard to the killing of Husain was such that if I had performed such sincerity for my father, I would have fulfilled his rights.”[3]
Ibn Saad did not have a stable personality or a noble intention. He was always inclined to follow the ruling class and he was always striving to earn their confidence and gain material benefits.
Notes:
[1] Tahdhib at-Tahdhib 7/451. Mizanul Etedal 3/198
[2] Mizanul Etedal Pg. 198
[3] Tabari, Tarikh 5/467
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B. Severe Greed for Rulership
Another important trait of his personality was his extreme greed for obtaining power and position of rulership. Historians say: He used to urge his father to enter politics as it was possible the people may become disinclined to Ali and Muawiyah and select him for caliphate. But his father refused to act in this way and he remained content with whatever he had.[1] When Ibn Ziyad appointed Ibn Saad as the governor of Rayy but upon the condition that he must go out to fight Husain his family members heard him recite:
“Should I abandon the governorship of Rayy while it is my heart-felt desire or should I return with the sin of killing Husain?”
He believed that if he gets governorship of Rayy he would be able to spend his life in prosperity and comfort. That is why he committed such a terrible oppression in Islamic history.
C. Decadence
Decadence was another trait of Ibn Saad’s personality, because all the signs of nobility and respect had been destroyed. When Muslim bin Aqil stood as a prisoner before Ibn Ziyad, he asked Ibn Saad to hear his bequest but he refused in order to remain in the good books of Ibn Ziyad, till he was instructed by his masters to listen to Muslim’s will. Thus when Muslim made bequest to him in confidence, he at once turned to Ibn Ziyad and told him what Muslim had willed. Ibn Ziyad also objected to him about it and said, “The faithful would not betray you, but the traitor was confided in.”
Of his decadence was the fact that when Holy imam, Husain had been martyred, he rushed forward to plunder his coat of mail, which he put upon himself at once. If he had the least nobility and honor he would not have plundered the corpse of the beloved grandson of the Messenger of Allah. Because, this action of his was a signal to his soldiers that they could freely plunder even the ladies of the household of prophethood and they did not even spare their veils and bed sheets.
D. Cowardice and Fearfulness
Ibn Saad had no sign of courage and bravery. He was cowardly, weak willed and lacked determination. When he was confronted by the problem of the Penitents, he was terrified completely. He never again slept in his house. He used to sleep in the governor’s palace so that he may be guarded by the palace guards. He used to be agitated all the time and spent sleepless nights. And when officers of Mukhtar attacked him he got up from his bed in a disturbed state. Due to the shock, instead of picking up his weapons he fell down and the soldiers killed him in his bed. And in this way was fulfilled the prayer of Husain that: “May Allah have him beheaded in his bed.”
Notes:
[1] Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 7/282
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What is surprising is that Khairuddin Zarkali used to consider him a brave commander.[1] If he was really as brave as Zarkali has said he would not have abandoned his family to seek refuge in the governor’s palace to dispel his fear and terror.
E. Doubt in Resurrection
Ibn Saad had no faith in resurrection; he was in doubt about it. As he has mentioned in his couplets he recited when he was selected to fight Imam Husain. He said:
“They say: The Almighty Allah has created a Paradise and a Fire, punishments and arrests.”
On the basis of this he neither had faith on accounting, nor on Paradise or Hell as Harun Rashid has said...
These were some traits of Ibn Saad that show him to be a transmogrified man sunk in evils and crimes.
Reasons for selection of Ibn Saad
Ibn Marjana selected him to lead the army against Imam Husain in order to deceive the common people and gullible populace so that they may also take part in this venture because Ibn Saad was the son of the conqueror of Iraq and one of the six members of the Shura Committee instituted by Umar bin Khattab for the position of Islamic Caliphate. Also Ibn Saad belonged to Quraish and was somewhat related to the Imam. In addition to this, Ibn Ziyad was aware of his deviated views and weaknesses and he knew that except for him none could dare to commit this outrage.
Anxiety of Ibn Saad
Ibn Ziyad had appointed Ibn Saad for the governorship of Rayy[2] and areas of Dastabi and Dailam.[3]
After that he told him to proceed and fight against Imam Husain but he wanted to be excused from it. But Ibn Ziyad threatened him that the governorship of Rayy shall be taken away from him. Ibn Saad asked for a night’s respite to make up his mind, which was granted.
Ibn Saad went home and spent a sleepless night thinking whether he should undertake war against the beloved grandson of the Prophet and earn everlasting degradation or he should excuse himself from this matter. In that case he would have to forgo the governorship of Rayy, while it was an ambition of his life, which
Notes:
[1] Zarkali, Al-Alaam 5/205
[2] Rayy is a famous and one of the large cities due to its beauty and excessive fruits and it is situated in Iran. Istakhri has said: After Baghdad no city is as populous as Rayy. And Asmai has said: It is the bride of the world and people traveled to it for business. This is mentioned in Mojam al-Buldan 3/117-186.
[3] Al-Ahkbaar at-Tiwaal, Pg. 253
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would have guaranteed him a life of comfort and prosperity. His family heard him recite the following poem:
“Shall I give up the governorship of Rayy while it is my desire, or shall I soil my hands with the blood of Husain?
In killing him, nothing could stop me from being sent to Hell, while on the other hand the rulership of Rayy is something I desire most.”[1]
Those who tried to stop Ibn Saad
Historians say: Some well-wishers of Ibn Saad went to him and restrained him from going out to fight Husain. One of those who made such a suggestion was his nephew, Hamzah bin Mughairah bin Shoba, who told him, “O Uncle! If you march against Husain, you shall be a sinner in the view of Allah and you would have cut off relations with him. By Allah, if you give up your world and wealth it would be better for you than that you face the Almighty with responsibility of Husain’s murder.”[2]
Some other people also advised him and told him, “Fear Allah, do not do this.”[3] He tried to avoid the battle but he did not have the determination to forgo the governorship of Rayy, because he had become greedy for it and there was nothing which could make him forget it. When morning came he decided to lead the forces against the beloved grandson of the Prophet. He went to Ibn Marjana to inform him about his acceptance of the appointment. Ibn Ziyad also became pleased at his assent. This was so because the presence of Ibn Saad would assure that Ibn Ziyad would not be alone condemned for the elimination of Imam Husain and if anyone other than Ibn Saad had assented, Ibn Ziyad would not have been as much elated.
Ibn Saad marched forward at the head of a 4000 strong army absolutely aware that he was going out to confront the Family of Allah’s Messenger, who were the best of people.
Ibn Saad reached Kerbala and joined the battalion under the command of Hurr Ibn Yazid Riyahi.
March Past
Ibn Marjana stood up to watch the armed units that had been raised to fight against Holy imam, Husain, in order to gauge their strength and the level of their preparation in taking part in battle.
Tirmah says: “A day before I departed from Kufa I saw such a large number of
Notes:
[1] Miraatul Jinaan 1/132. Yafai says: If it were said:
“Should I let go of the governorship of Rayy though I want it badly even though by killing Husain I return as a sinner.” This lamentation informs about the aim in a better way.
[2] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/385-386
[3] Al Futuh 5/152
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people gathered at the outskirts as I have never before seen a greater crowd. I inquired about it and was told that they have been gathered there so that they may be inspected then dispatched to fight Husain.”[1]
Ibn Ziyad had employed all the powers of his regime in this matter because he was absolutely terrified of changed circumstances in the future.
Speech of Ibn Marjana
The tyrant, Ibn Ziyad, ordered people to gather in the courtyard of the Great Mosque. Like frightened sheep, the people obeyed these orders and filled up the entire premises. Ibn Ziyad stood up before them and addressed them as follows:
“O people! You have tested the family of Abu Sufyan and found them as you had preferred. This is Amirul Momineen, Yazid, whom you have found to be of good nature and fine mannered. He is good to the subjects and he rewards according to rightfulness. In his time, the roads are safe as it was during the time of his father, Muawiyah. His son, Yazid has respect for the people and he has made them needless through wealth. He has increased your incomes by a hundred percent. He has ordered me to obtain that income for you. And send you to fight his enemy, Husain. Thus you must listen to him and obey him.”[2]
Ibn Ziyad spoke in such a convincing way that they became submissive to him because he promised them wealth and persuaded them to take part in the most terrible crime of the history of humanity.
He ordered Haseen bin Numair Tamimi, Hijaar bin Abjar and Shimr bin Zil Jaushan that they march forward to fight the Imam. After that he appointed at the command those who had outstanding capabilities. They set out of Kerbala to support Ibn Saad.
Samrah encouraged people to fight the Imam
Samrah bin Jundab was that liar companion who played a very important role in motivating people to join in the battle against the son of Allah’s Messenger, because he was the Police Commissioner of Ubaidullah Ibn Ziyad. So he was at the forefront in recruiting people for the battle of Kerbala.[3]
Shabth bin Rabi feigned Illness
Shabth bin Rabi, the hypocrite did not like to march out against Imam Husain so he feigned illness. But this did not remain concealed from Ibn Ziyad. He sent message to Shabth that: My messenger has informed me about your illness. I fear you might not be of those that when they are with the believers they say: We have accepted faith and when they are alone with their satans they say: we are with you and they make fun of the Muslims. Thus if you obey us you must come immediately. Shabth came to him in the darkness of the night so that he may not discern the absence of illness. Then he responded positively to the proposal of Ibn Ziyad to lead a battalion against Imam Husain.
Notes:
[1] Tabari, Tarikh 5/406
[2] Al Futuh 5/157
[3] Sharh Nahjul Balagha 4/88-89
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Public Mobilization
Ibn Ziyad issued general orders to mobilize people or force them to take part in battle against the Imam. Before they could report in the first cantonment he issued the decree: “No one should remain even from the nobles, elders, traders and residents but that they must all join us in the cantonment. Whoever is found lacking in this would not have any guarantee of security and help.”[1]
He ordered that this order be publicized and instructed Kathir Ibn Shahab Harithi, Muhammad bin Ashath, Qaqa bin Suwaid bin Abdur Rahman Munqari and Asmaa bin Kharja Fuzari to go out among the people and urge them to obedience and threaten them with dire consequences. They set out in Kufa and began to fulfill their duty.[2] After that they joined the cantonment. But Kathir bin Shahab remained in Kufa to restrain the people from helping the Imam and to threaten those who were not willing to go out to fight the Imam. The police arrested a man from Hamadan tribe who had come to Kufa in connection with his inheritance. He was brought to Ibn Ziyad and he condemned him to death. When people saw this, they all rushed out to join the army and not a single grown-up man remained in Kufa.[3]
This was the policy of Ibn Ziyad to persuade the people to join the forces against Imam Husain. And it was the condition through which he could dominate the circumstances perfectly and did not leave anyone free.
Strict Surveillance on Kufa
Ibn Ziyad applied very strict surveillance on Kufa so that no one is able to go out to help the Imam. He appointed spies and guards and designed very strict surveillance machinery. Whosoever was accused for any act against the administration was immediately apprehended and cast into prison or executed mercilessly. Abdullah bin Yasar used to urge people to support the Imam and he restrained people from helping the members of the Umayyad clan. Ibn Ziyad was informed of this and immediately wanted him to be arrested. But he went into hiding and agents went out to search for him till he was finally apprehended by Ubaidullah bin Hurr. He was taken to Sabakha and executed there.[4] He was other than Ubaidullah bin Hurr Johfi.
Ibn Ziyad appointed guards and installed armories around Kufa and kept them in charge of Zajar bin Qais. Also between them and the army of Ibn Saad were kept ready mounted messengers to convey news of whatever may occur.[5]
Flight of Soldiers
The majority of soldiers of Ibn Ziyad, who were of exceptional capabilities, deserted the army and a large number of them avoided taking part in hostilities against the grandson of the Prophet.
Notes:
[1] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/387
[2] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/387
[3] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/387
[4] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/387
[5] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/387
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Balazari says: “A battalion of 1000 soldiers used to depart for Kerbala but when it reached there, it had only three hundred, four hundred or even less men, because the rest had deserted the army as they did not see the expedition to be having any legality.[1]
They were without any doubt convinced that it was the battle of deviated people. They were fighting their God and His Prophet, fighting someone whose obedience and devotion was incumbent upon them.
The Tyrant Ibn Ziyad in Nukhaila
He went to Nukhaila[2] and encamped over there while a large number of contingents accompanied him. He appointed Amr bin Hareeth as his representative in Kufa. He had been informed that people in singles, in twos and threes were running over by the Euphrates route to join the army of the Imam. Therefore he issued commands to secure to bridge and keep it under strict surveillance so that none may escape from there.[3]
Plan to kill Ibn Ziyad
The great stalwart, Ammar bin Salama Dalabi tried to kill Ibn Ziyad at Nukhaila but he could not succeed due to the elaborate security arrangements. When he failed in this attempt he decided to join Holy imam, Husain and in the end he was able to achieve martyrdom with Holy imam.[4]
Number of Umayyad Soldiers
Historians have different opinions as regards the number of soldiers that set out to fight Imam. Here we have stated the opinions of some of them:
1. 80000 riders[5]
2. 50000 riders[6]
3. 35000 riders[7]
4. 30000 riders[8]
5. 22000 riders[9]
6. 20000 riders[10]
7. 16000 riders[11]
Notes:
[1] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/387
[2] Nukhaila was an area close to Zul Kifl which is today known as Abbasiyat. This is mentioned by Muqarram in Maqtal al-Husain, Pg. 199.
[3] Miraat az-Zamaan fee Tawarikhul Ayan (Manuscript)
[4] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/377
[5] Baghiyatun Nubla, Part 2, quoted from Maqtal of Abu Mikhnaf, Pg. 80
[6] Ibne Zuraas, Sharh Shaafiya 1/93 from written manuscripts at Imam Hakim Library
[7] Manaqib, Ibne Shahr Aashob 4/98
[8] Matalib al-So-ool 2/136 (Has quoted 22000). Umdatut Talib, Pg. 192
[9] Miraatul Jinaan 1/132. Shazaratus Zahab 1/67. Matalib al-So-ool 2/36
[10] As Sawaiq al-Mohreqa Pg. 197. Ibne Sabbagh, Al-Fusul al-Muhimma, Pg. 191. Lohoof, 145
[11] Ad Durrun Nadheem Fee Manaqibul Aaimma, Pg. 551
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8. 12000 riders[1]
9. 8000 riders[2]
10. 6000 riders[3]
11. 4000 riders[4]
These are some figures that historians have mentioned. Apart from this whatever reports are recorded, are not free from exaggeration.
Research on this topic
Here it is necessary for research regarding the different theories connected with the number of soldiers that participated in the battle against the Imam so that we may analyze and evaluate the different arguments...
Before everything let us see the number of soldiers that were present in the cantonment in Kufa at that time. The number of soldiers in the middle of the first century were 40000 from whom 10000 used to participate in fighting every year.[5]
This number saw increase during the time the Imam had selected Kufa as his capital because migrants converged on Kufa and 1000 of them accompanied the Imam in the battle of Siffeen along with 8000 slaves of theirs.[6]
Some expressions of views also exist that some people have given that prove the number of soldiers at that time and prove that at that time the roll of soldiers had reached upto a hundred thousand. Because Sulaiman bin Surd Khuzai objected to the treaty of Imam Hasan and said to Holy imam: “I am astonished how you decided to make peace with Muawiyah when you are having a hundred thousand men of Iraq at your command.”
Some letters from the people of Iraq to Imam Husain also mentioned, “We, a hundred thousand men are with you.” And in my view this figure is not without exaggeration and their number was much less...but as for the residents of Kufa, we have not been able to get their list but it is likely that they were so numerous because among them were many workers, traders and artisans and who were not a part of military service...and after this brief research about the number of soldiers and citizens of Kufa we stop here and evaluate the different theories:
First: Acceptance and inspection of everything that is mentioned about the increase of soldiers. Because Ibn Ziyad had declared general mobilization of forces in Kufa and there did not remain any grown up person but that he was sent out to fight Holy imam, Husain. And anyone who opposed this order was doomed to execution or thrown into prison. So much so, all modes of transport were used to transfer people from Kufa to the battlefield against the Holy Imam. In this way the figure of 100000 or more is not an exaggeration.
Notes:
[1] Ad Durrun Nadheem Fee Manaqibul Aaimma, Pg. 551
[2] Miraat az-Zamaan fee Tawarikhul Ayaan, Pg. 92
[3] As-Siraatus Sawi min Manaqib Aalin Nabi Pg. 87
[4] Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 8/169
[5] Sulh al-Hasan, Pg. 114
[6] Al Imamah was Siyasah 1/93 has mentioned the figure of 190000.
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Secondly: There is doubt regarding that large number because most of the fighters considered fighting against the Imam a serious crime and they deserted the army and fled into wilderness. Apart from this a large number of soldiers were with Ibn Ziyad in Nukhaila cantonment. On the basis of this, the number of men who went to Kerbala to fight the Imam was not as high as some historians believe.
The most likely scenario is as mentioned in the tradition of Imam Sadiq that 30000 men came forward to fight Imam Husain. This is the nearest saying about the number of soldiers because this figure or a little more took part in battle against the beloved grandson of the Messenger of Allah.
Military Commanders
Historians have recorded for us the names of some military commanders who participated in the Kerbala tragedy. They are as follows:
1. Hurr Ibn Yazid Riyahi – He commanded a 1000 strong force that besieged Holy imam, Husain at Kerbala.
2. Umar bin Saad – He was appointed commander in chief by Ibn Ziyad. He led a battalion of 4000.
3. Shabth bin Rabi commanded a 1000 strong battalion.[1]
4. Madhair bin Raheena Mazini – He controlled a 3000 men group.[2]
5. Nasr bin Harsha – commanded a 2000 men battalion.[3]
6. Kaab bin Talha with 3000 soldiers.[4]
7. Hijaar bin Abjar – with 1000 men.[5]
8. Haseen bin Numair 4000 strong force.[6]
9. Shimr bin Zil Jaushan – 4000 strong platoon.[7]
10. Yazid bin Rakaab – At the head of 2000 strong regiment.[8]
11. Yazid bin Harth bin Ruwiyam – with 1000 fighters.[9]
These were some military commanders who jointly controlled a force of around 25000 soldiers.[10]
Ibn Jauzi says: Abdullah bin Zohra bin Sulaym Azadi was the commander of Kufa
Notes:
[1] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/387
[2] Manaqib 4/98
[3] Manaqib 4/98
[4] Muqarram, Maqtal al-Husain, Pg. 200
[5] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/387
[6] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/387
[7] Manaqib, Ibne Shahr Aashob 4/98
[8] Manaqib, Ibne Shahr Aashob 4/98
[9] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/387
[10] Calculating the numbers mentioned 96000 is correct figure (Tr.)
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division. Qais bin Ashath was heading the Rabia and Kinda division. Abdullah bin Sabra Jofi controlled the Madhij and Bani Asad division and Hurr bin Yazid Riyahi was the chief of Rabia and Hamadan division.[1]
Arming the soldiers
The army of Ibn Ziyad was armed with all the weapons in use at that time, such that his preparations for battle against the Imam could be described to be terrible whose importance the historians have mentioned to us and said: Blacksmiths and weapon makers of Kufa worked day and night pointing the arrows and sharpening the swords and this continued for more than 10 days…Ibn Ziyad prepared such a well-armed force to fight against Holy imam, Husain that it had the power to conquer a territory if it wanted.
1. Archers
Archers were those who shot arrows and darts. They had a very important role in the battle and they were the first to initiate battle against the Imam when they shot their arrows to the Imam’s camp. So much so that none from the companions of the Imam remained but that was shot by an arrow. Even some ladies were injured and they were terrified by this. Some children of the family of Prophethood also were cruelly killed by these arrows like Abdullah bin Muslim, Abdullah bin Hasan, Abdullah (or Ali Asghar), the infant son of Holy imam and others.
2. Foot soldiers
They were battalions of soldiers who threw stones and their weapon was sling.
3. Armored soldiers
They were of those who covered the fighters with materials that would be secure in the battle. In the same way they used to put such things on their horses also so that they may be protected against arrows and darts.
Number of Companions of Holy imam, Husain
The companions of Imam Husain were less in number but historians have differed as regards their exact figure as follows:
1. Masudi believes that they comprised of 500 riders and 100 foot soldiers. Only Masudi has mentioned this figure and no one else has.[2]
2. Ammar Dahni has narrated from Imam Baqir that they were 45 horsemen and 100 foot soldiers.[3]
3. Ibn Shahr Aashob has mentioned that they were 82 persons of whom 32 were mounted.[4]
Notes:
[1] Miraat az-Zamaan, Pg. 92
[2] Muruj az-Zahab 3/61
[3] Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 8/197. Tahdhib al-Kamal 6/427. Hadaiq al-Wardiya 1/119. As-Siraatus Sawi, Pg. 86
[4] Manaqib 4/98
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4. Saad bin Abduh says: I have seen that they were around 100 persons. 5 or 7 from the descendants of Ali, 10 from Bani Hashim one from Kinana and another from Sulaym.[1]
5. Ibn Kathir Wafa Khori has written that they were 32 riders and 40 footmen.[2]
According to our belief, including the persons of family of prophethood there were 80 persons. This is proved from the fact that the number of heads that were severed and sent to Ibn Marjana and Yazid numbered 79 and not more.
Anyway, these valiant fighters in spite of being less in number effectively confronted that army and caused them terrible losses and by their courageous attitude, displayed nobility of their beliefs and loftiness of their faith.
Ibn Saad’s Messenger meets Imam
Ibn Saad was not in favor of fighting against the Imam and he wanted to shun this in any way possible. Therefore he summoned Azra bin Qais to go and meet the Imam and inquire about the reason for the arrival of Holy imam, but Azra refused as he was one of those who had written to the Imam inviting him to Kufa.
Ibn Saad appointed Kathir bin Abdullah Shobi to meet the Holy Imam. He was an audacious and reckless man. He said: “I am ready for it and if you want I can attack him suddenly and finish the matter.”
Ibn Saad did not agree to this. He told him to approach the Imam and ask him what has brought him there.
Kathir set out to meet the Imam and when Abu Thamama Saidi saw him, he became suspicious about him and told him to remove his sword before he could meet the Imam. But he did not agree to it and thus he was not able to get the permission to meet the Imam. He returned to Ibn Saad and reported the matter to him.[3] Ibn Saad told Qarra bin Qais Hanzali to go and meet the Imam. He agreed to it. When he came the Imam asked his companions, “Do you know him?”
Habib bin Mazahir replied, “Yes, he is from Bani Tamim. I used to know him as a man of sound judgment. I would not have thought that he would be present at this scene.”
He came and greeted al-Husain, peace be on him. Then he informed him of Umar bin Saad’s message.
“The people of this town of yours wrote to me that I should come,” answered Husain, peace be on him. “However, if now you have come to dislike me, I will leave you.”
Habib glanced at him and chided him, “O Qarra, I considered you to be a supporter
Notes:
[1] Tadhib at-Tahdhib 1/156
[2] Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 8/187. Fakhura, Tohfatul Anaam fii Mukhtasar Tarikhul Islam, Pg. 77
[3] Tabari, Tarikh 5/410
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of Holy family. What has changed your attitude? Thus you remain with us and help this gentleman.”
Qarra said: “You are right. But first I shall return to my associates and convey the message to them and after that I shall think upon this matter.”
Qarra returned to Ibn Saad and conveyed to him what the Imam had said.[1]
Ibn Saad was pleased. He thought that there was some peaceful alternative that would free him from this dreadful responsibility.
Ibn Saad Meets the Imam
Ibn Saad wanted to be reassured about this so he expressed the desire to meet the Imam. The Imam agreed to meet him and when he came to Holy imam, he asked, “What has brought you here?”
“People of Kufa.”
“But you don’t know what they have done to you?”
“We the people of God are such that if someone considers it lawful to deceive us, we also for the sake of Allah bear that deception.”
“Now what do you think about escaping from this problem?”
“I shall return and stay in Mecca or Medina or in some other place.
Ibn Saad was pleased at this attitude of the Holy Imam and he saw in it possibility of peace and less chance of hostilities.[2]
Ibn Saad’s letter to Ibn Ziyad
Ibn Saad immediately penned a letter to his governor, Ibn Marjana which said: “So to say: God has put out the fire of hatred, united the people in one opinion, and set right the affairs of the community. This man, al-Husain, has given me a promise that he will return to the place which he came from, or he will go to one of the border outposts - he will become like any other of the Muslims, with the same rights and duties as them; or he will go to Yazid, the Commander of the faithful, and offer him his hand and see if the difference between them can be reconciled. In this offer you have the consent to what you have demanded and the community gains benefit.”
Ibn Saad’s Slander
Doubtlessly, in this letter Ibn Saad has attributed things to Holy imam, Imam Husain that he never said: Aqba bin Sulaiman was with the Imam from Medina to Mecca and then to Iraq and at the time of the martyrdom of Holy imam he was in his service, he has said regarding the fabricated points of this letter as follows:
“I accompanied Husain from Medina to Mecca and then to Iraq and at the time of
Notes:
[1] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/386, Al Futuh 5/155-156
[2] As-Siraatus Sawi min Manaqib Aalin Nabi Pg. 87
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his martyrdom I did not leave him and I heard whatever he said. And I never heard him say that he was ready to give allegiance to Yazid, as people allege. And neither did he say that he would go to any other place. He did not mention this either in Medina or Mecca or Iraq or in his army, till finally he was martyred. Yes, I heard him say: Leave me, so that I may go to the wide earth till I see what the people do.”[1]
Shaykh Muhammad Khazari has also stated that this letter mentions false things. He says: “It is not correct that he proposed to them that he would give allegiance to Yazid; rather he suggested them to leave him so that he may return from where he had come.”[2]
Ibn Saad composed this letter to escape the battle and to keep himself safe from the crime of killing the beloved grandson of the Messenger of Allah. If the Imam had said such a thing, the army of Ibn Ziyad would have dispersed and all the problems would have come to an end…Imam, since the beginning of his mission, refused to bow down before the unjust group and he was determined before the storms of opposition. And he always displayed loftiness of his aims, steadfastness of his resolve and respect of his self.
Shimr Defeats Efforts of Peace
When Ibn Saad’s letter came to Ibn Ziyad, he liked the view of Ibn Saad and he considered it a solution of the problem and a channel for uniting the Muslims. It restrained him from fighting the battle. Thus with surprise he uttered, “This is the letter about a sincere man who is anxious for his people.”
Shimr bin Zil Jaushan was standing besides him and he became annoyed at this, because he was well known for his hatred to people of noble class due to his own lowly birth. Hence he was jealous of Ibn Saad because he was given the command of the army due to his parentage, so he wanted to inflame the fire of battle.
“Are you going to accept this from him,” demanded Shimr bin Zil Jaushan, jumping up, “When he has encamped on your land nearby? By God if he was a man from your land and he would not put his hand in yours, whether he was in a position of power and strength (or) whether he was in a position of weakness and impotence you would not give this concession, for it would be (a mark) of weakness.”
These words made the circumstances explosive and dashed all hopes regarding peace and agreement, because Ibn Ziyad realized something he had not thought of earlier. That is if the Imam escapes from him and does not give allegiance to Yazid and goes away to another area the reality of the situation will become obvious for all. And the people shall stand up in support of the Imam against that sinful group. Hence the tyrant shall emerge to be weaker while Holy imam, Husain shall come out stronger and more influential due to his position as the son of Allah’s
Notes:
[1] Miraat az-Zamaan fee Tawarikhul Ayaan, Pg. 20
[2] Tarikhul Imamatul Islamiya 1/515
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Messenger. These delicate points had never entered the mind of Ibn Marjana; so when Shimr reminded him, he began to think of him as a sincere advisor.
When Shimr understood that he had the situation under his control and that he has succeeded in weakening the position of Ibn Saad near Ibn Ziyad, he tried to have him removed from his post and occupy it himself. So he said, “By God, I have been informed that Husain and Ibn Saad sat down between the two armies and carried out discussions for the most part of the night.”[1]
This meant that Shimr had kept Ibn Saad under secret surveillance so that he may come to know if Ibn Saad committed any shortcoming in discharging his duties. If he did so, the information could be passed on to the government so that he demotes Ibn Saad from his post and Shimr may be able to obtain that place for himself.
Ibn Ziyad Rejected Peaceful Negotiation
Ibn Marjana rejected all the proposals Ibn Saad had written to him with regard to a peaceful solution of this problem. He wrote to Ibn Saad as follows:
“I did not send you to al-Husain for you to restrain yourself from fighting him, nor to idle the time away with him, nor to promise him peace and preservation of his life, nor to make excuses for him, nor to be an intercessor on his behalf with me. Therefore see that if Husain and his followers submit to my authority and surrender, you send them to me in peace. If they refuse, then march against them to fight them and to punish them; for they deserve that. If Husain is killed, make the horses trample on his body, both front and back; for he is a disobedient rebel, and I do not consider that this will be in any way wrong after death. But it is my view that you should do this to him if you kill him. If you carry out your command concerning him, we will give you the reward due to one who is attentive and obedient. If you refuse, we withdraw the command of our province and army from you and leave the army to Shimr bin Zil Jaushan. We have given him our authority. Greetings.”[2]
This extremely acerbic and cruel letter contains the following points:
1. It limited the discretionary power of Ibn Saad with regard to war and fighting and no sort of choice was given to him for making peace or holding discussions with the Imam.
2. There is indication in this letter that if the Imam accepted peace he must submit to the authority of Ibn Marjana so that he may decide what to do; forgive him or put him to death. He wanted the Imam to come to him as a prisoner or a criminal and plead for mercy.
3. If the Imam refuses to surrender to the command of Ibn Ziyad, Ibn Saad was
Notes:
[1] Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 8/175
[2] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/55, Somewhat similar thing is mentioned in Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/390-391. In Tahdhib al-Kamal 6/428 it is mentioned: Ibne Ziyad wrote to Ibne Saad: “No, and no honor will be there for him till he gives his hand into mine.” Then Husain said: “It shall never be so.”
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supposed to immediately put him to death and cut him into pieces.
4. Ibn Ziyad threatened Umar Ibn Saad that he would be stripped of his post if he failed he carry out these commands. After that Shimr bin Zil Jaushan would have the command of all forces and he would carry out the above orders of Ibn Marjana.
Historians say: Ibn Ziyad began his dialogue like this: “Now when our claws cling to him, he hopes for escape but he will be prevented from getting any refuge.”
Shimr set out joyfully and pleased at once. He rode non-stop towards Ibn Saad hoping that he may decline to accept the command of Ibn Ziyad and Shimr would get the chance of being the commander-in-chief. He reached Kerbala to find Ibn Saad bathing in the Euphrates. A man went to him and said, “He sent Juwaira bin Badr Tamimi to you and ordered him to murder you if you refrain from fighting the battle.”
Ibn Saad went to get his clothes and put them on.[1] He glanced at Shimr bin Zil Jaushan and understood that it was his doing. He told him:
“Shame upon you, what is this to you? May God never show favor to your house. May God make abominable what you have brought to me! By God, I did not think that you would cause him to refuse what I had written to him, and ruin for us a matter which we had hoped to set right. Husain will not surrender, for there is a spirit like (his) father’s in his body.”
“Tell me what you are going to do,” demanded Shimr. “Are you going to carry out the governor’s command and fight his enemy or are you going to leave the command of the army to me?”
Ibn Saad fell a prey to his desire and greed and he agreed to carry out the commands of the governor. He said, “No, there is going to be no advantage to you. I will carry that out instead of you.”[2]
Shimr kept Ibn Saad under surveillance just in case he may happen to fall short in carrying out the orders of Ibn Marjana and he (Shimr) may get the command of the army. Ibn Saad conveyed the reply of Ibn Ziyad to the Holy Imam and Holy imam said, “By Allah, I shall never surrender to Ibn Marjana.”[3]
The Imam Meets Ibn Saad
Imam expressed the desire that Ibn Saad comes to meet him. He accepted it unwillingly and met Holy imam at night in a secret meeting attended by none except Holy imam, Abbas and Holy imam, Ali Akbar. Ibn Saad also did not have anyone on his side except Hafs and slave of Ibn Saad. Imam asked him, “O Ibn Saad, would you fight against us? Do you not fear Allah while your return is to Him alone? I am the son of the one you know well. Will you not remain on our side and give up their support, as it would be more liked by Allah?”
Notes:
[1] Dhahabi, Tarikh Islam 5/14
[2] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/391
[3] As-Siraatus Sawi min Manaqib Aalin Nabi Pg. 87
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Ibn Saad presented a very lame excuse saying, “I am afraid that my house shall be destroyed.”
“I shall make it again for you.”
“I fear they shall confiscate my orchard.”
“I shall give you a better one in Hijaz.”
“I have a family in Kufa, I am afraid Ibn Ziyad would kill my family.”
Imam did not get any positive reply from him. Rather he found him adamant on injustice and oppression. Thus he cursed him and said, “What will happen to you? Almighty Allah will soon have you decapitated in your bed and He shall not forgive you on the Day of Judgment. By Allah, I hope you will not be able to consume but a little from the wheat of Iraq.”
Ibn Saad went away from there ridiculing the Imam: “Barley is sufficient for me.”[1]
Shimr offers Security to Brothers of Holy imam, Abbas
The degraded leper, Shimr bin Zil Jaushan thought that he could drive a wedge between Holy imam, Husain and his brothers and thus deprive the Imam from their support. Thus he secured a letter of guarantee for them from Ibn Ziyad and came forward quickly. He stood up before them and called out, “Where are the sons of our sister, Abbas and his brothers?”
Those youths rushed out towards him like brave lions and asked him, “What do you want, O son of Zil Jaushan?”
“I am having a guarantee of security for you.”
They shouted angrily at him, “God curse you and curse the security which you offer without offering it to the son of the Apostle of God.”[2]
That criminal returned a failure while he had expected that the Imam’s brothers are his transmogrified friends. He did not know that they were among those incomparable personalities who shaped the nobility of humanity and created the basis for pride for man.
Embargo on Imam’s Entourage
Ibn Saad surrounded Imam Husain from all sides so that he may not receive any outside help and this was carried out with such efficiency that it was impossible for anyone to join the Imam’s camp or convey any sort of help to him.
Access to Euphrates cut off
The most dangerous deed committed by Ibn Saad was cutting off access to tributary of Euphrates because he had received express orders from Ibn Marjana to deprive Imam Husain, his Holy family and companions from water, like it was done in the case of Uthman bin Affan.
Notes:
[1] Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 8/175
[2] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/391
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He prepared a force consisting of 500 horsemen and according to another report consisting of 4000 horsemen under the command of Amr Ibn Hajjaj. They secured all the tributaries, streams and water holes of Euphrates and thus cut off all access of Imam Husain and his companions to get any water. I feel that this cruel step was taken to achieve the following aims:
First: They cause harm to the Imam’s camp so that there remains no strength in them to fight the battle and the forces of Umar Saad do not face any problem.
Second: In this way they also closed the river route for anyone who may try to join the Imam’s group.
Third: It was apparently to avenge the treatment accorded to Uthman. But the fact was that when Uthman was besieged, it was Imam Husain who had brought water and food for him; but what a pity that Bani Umayyah had even disregarded that favor of Holy imam.
Fourth: Ibn Saad through these steps, hoped that the Imam would be compelled to surrender and accept their orders.
These were some of the factors that motivated Ibn Marjana to issue the command to cut off access to Euphrates and prevent Holy imam, Husain and his companions from getting any water.
Historians have said: “Access to water was cut off for Holy imam, Husain since three days prior to his martyrdom.[1] The most terrible hardship that the Imam experienced was the thirst of young children and ladies and their clamor of “Water! Water!”
Children were not able to bear thirst. Whenever they looked at the Euphrates that was full of water they used to increase their clamor. The Imam’s heart was shocked at this scene and he felt emotional about their pathetic condition. Lips of the children were shriveled and their bodies had weakened. The breast milk of the mothers had dried up while those oppressors were having unlimited access to water.
Noor Jundi says,
“Evil wolves had full access to water while the family of the Prophet were deprived of it.
What injustice it is in the history of man that the heart of the lion had to bear thirst, while he is capable of doing much.
Husain’s children lamented in the desert. O my Lord, render help. What has happened to divine justice?”
All the laws and religions of the world are unanimous that water must not be denied to children and ladies especially the Islamic law is particular that everyone has equal right to pasture lands and water resources. Permission is accorded to
Notes:
[1] Miraat az-Zamaan fee Tawarikhul Ayaan, Pg. 89, Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/389
(680)
drink even from streams owned privately even though the owners may not have accorded their permission. Also, it is considered very detestable to slaughter a thirsty animal. However, the Umayyad army did not care about this matter and they considered all the things decreed unlawful by Shariah to be lawful.
Those cruel people did not even consider the favor the Imam had done to the vanguard under Hurr’s command. It was the group that consisted of 1000 horsemen with Hurr at its leader and it was marching in the desert to find and apprehend the Imam but it ran out of water and was nearly dying of thirst. Holy imam would have let them die of thirst but his magnanimity and nobility could not permit such cruelty. So he ordered his men to provide them all with water, even their beasts; inspite of the fact that Holy imam was in the middle of an arid land and himself in need of water. But those wicked people did not even requite this favor of the Imam. They kept him deprived of water along with the ladies of the house of prophethood and the grandchildren of the Prophet with him.
Decadent Nature
Those transmogrified people who had the control of water under them ridiculed the Imam while they had cut off his access to water. They goaded over this and boasted in a shameless manner; some examples of which are as follows:
1. Muhajir bin Aws
Muhajir bin Aws Tamimi glanced at the Imam and called out loudly, “O Husain, can you see the water sparkling like a snake’s belly? By God, you shall not be able to drink it till you die.”
Imam responded and said, “I hope that Allah may enable me to reach it and prevent you from it.”[1]
2. Amr bin Hajjaj
Amr bin Hajjaj came forward while he was of those who had written to Holy imam, inviting him to Kufa. He came near the Imam’s camp and called out aloud, “This is Euphrates, that dogs dip their snouts in it and donkeys and pigs drink from it. By Allah you will not get a drop of it till you get boiling water of Hell.”[2]
3. Abdullah bin Haseen
Abdullah bin Haseen Azadi came running like a dog to the Imam and asked, “O Husain, do you not see the water that is like the center of sky. By God, you wouldn’t be able to get a single drop till you die of thirst.”
The Holy Imam raised both his hands and prayed, “O Allah, let him die in thirst and do not forgive him.”[3]
Those lowly beasts who had power over water supply were goading over their
Notes:
[1] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/390
[2] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/390
[3] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/389. As-Siraatus Sawi min Manaqib Aalin Nabi Pg. 86
(681)
position so that they may get into the good books of their master, Ibn Marjana and please him in order to gain rewards and allowances from him.
Objection to Ibn Saad
Some companions of Imam Husain and other people also condemned Ibn Saad for denying water access to the beloved grandson of Prophet because it was the most degraded type of revenge while the children of Holy imam, Husain, before their very eyes were dying of thirst. And it happened when there did not exist any cause of revenge except that the Umayyads were contaminated with malice and degradation. Among those who raised objection against Ibn Saad were the following:
1. Yazid bin Haseen
Yazid bin Haseen came out and told Ibn Saad, “This is Euphrates and dogs are drinking from it while Husain, the son of Allah’s Messenger and his Holy family remain thirsty, while you claim to have recognition of Allah and His Prophet?”
Ibn Saad turned his dirty face down and did not provide any reply.[1]
2. Burair bin Khudhair
Burair bin Khudhair Hamadani went to Ibn Saad and called out aloud, “O Umar, would you leave the family of prophethood to die of thirst, while you have denied them access of Euphrates? While you claim to know Allah and His Messenger!”
Ibn Saad replied, “O Burair, by Allah! Indeed the killer of this group would go to Hell. But if you think that I would leave the governorship of Rayy for someone else, you are wrong, because I can never agree to it.”[2]
3. Hurr
When Hurr joined the Imam’s camp and repented for his past attitude to Holy imam, he set out towards Ibn Saad’s army and in a loud voice said, “O people of Kufa! May your mothers grieve for you. That you have invited and besieged and surrounded him from all sides that he may not go away anywhere else in the wide earth and obtain security for himself and his Holy family. He is like a hostage in your hands having no choice of his own. He, his ladies, his children and his companions are deprived of Euphrates water by you while Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians drink from it and the dogs and pigs of this area swim in it. They are in a serious condition due to thirst. What type of ill behavior have you resorted to with the family of Muhammad after his passing away? May Allah not quench you on the day of thirst.”[3]
This objection had no effect on Ibn Saad and he continued to be adamant on his cruelty and oppression. He continued the embargo on water till the Prophet’s family was dying of thirst.
Notes:
[1] Qirmani, Akhbarud Daul, Pg. 108. Waseelatul Maal fee idda manaqibul Aal, Pg. 290. Matalib al-So-ool 2/36-37
[2] Al Futuh 5/171-172
[3] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/65
(682)
Access to a Spring
Thirst tormented the Holy family and children and ladies began to clamor for water. Imam arose and picked up the pick axe and dug around the tents of ladies. A spring of fresh water erupted and they drank from it. However only a little water came out of it and it dried after sometime. Spies conveyed this information to Ibn Ziyad and he became infuriated. He wrote to Ibn Saad as follows:
“I have been told that Husain is digging wells, obtaining water and he and his companions are drinking from it. Thus take care! As soon as my communication reaches you, as far as possible restrain him from digging wells and be strict with him…”
Ibn Saad deployed men to prevent digging of wells and stationed a large number of sentries and mercenaries along the branch of Euphrates so that none may be able to reach it and drink water from it.[1]
Battle over water supply
When Imam saw his children and Holy family tormented and wailing for the killing thirst he was deeply disturbed and aggrieved. So he directed his brother, Holy imam, Abul Fazl al-Abbas to bring water. That great stalwart, set out with 30 horsemen and 20 foot soldiers along with 20 water skins. They all moved to the Euphrates while Nafe bin Hilal Muraid was ahead of them.
Amr bin Hajjaj Zubaidi who was in charge of guarding the Euphrates came forward and asked,
“What do you want?”
“We have come to drink from the water that you had deprived us from.”
“Have it.”
“Shall I drink it while Husain and his companions are thirsty?”
“There is no way they could get water. We have been stationed here to keep them away from water.”
Imam’s men paid no heed. They stepped towards the river to fill up the water skins. But Amr bin Hajjaj rushed to them with his soldiers. Holy imam, Abbad and Nafe bin Hilal confronted with them but none of them were killed. After that the Imam’s group filled up the skins with water and turned back to the camp. It is said that they returned with only a little quantity of water.[2] Holy imam, Abbas quenched the thirst of those who were thirsty among the Holy family and saved them from thirst. From that day he became known as “water carrier”, which is the most famous titles of Holy imam and the one liked by him most.
Notes:
[1] Khwarizmi, Maqtal 1/244. Al Futuh 5/162, Baghiyatun Nubla
[2] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/389
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Habib seeks help from his clan
The famous companion of Holy imam, Husain, Habib bin Mazahir was his most loyal and sincere ally. When he saw the loneliness of the Imam and the unity of oppressive powers to wage a war against Holy imam he sought the Imam’s permission to seek help from his tribe of Bani Asad so that they may fight Jihad on the side of Holy imam. He said, “A group of Bani Asad people reside in this area as nomads. They are located at Nahreen, a short distance from our camp. Do you permit me to go and call them for help, Perhaps through them the Almighty God would give you some benefit or remove your affliction?”
Imam accorded him permission. He went towards them as soon as possible and addressed them, “I invite you towards nobility of the hereafter, its virtues and great reward. I call you towards the help of the son of the daughter of the Messenger of Allah as he is right now in a difficult situation. People of Kufa invited him offering their support. But when he arrived to them they withdrew support and have come to slay him.”
Seventy persons[1] accepted his invitation. Abdullah bin Bushr Asadi was one of them. He said, “I am the first to accept this call.” Then he recited the following war poem:
“When people take a decision they know. And when the riders halt or fall into a hardship.
I am a brave warrior and a valiant one. As if a roaring lion in the den.”[2]
They marched forward to join the Imam but a spy of Ibn Saad was present in that meeting who rushed back to inform about these developments. He dispatched a troop under the command of Jabla bin Umar and it prevented the Bani Asad volunteers to join the Imam. Habib returned aggrieved and informed the Imam about what had happened. Holy imam said, “Exceeding thanks to the Almighty Allah.”[3]
Imam along with his companions passed through extremely difficult circumstances due to the forced detention awaiting that terrible event that was to befall them in the desert of Kerbala.
With the two Encampments
On the pure desert of the land of Kerbala, the powers of betrayal confronted the soldiers of God and the seeds of monotheism. They fought those whose hearts the Almighty Allah had opened up for faith while they were absolutely convinced of their rightfulness...on the other hand their enemies were involved in bewilderment and confusion. They fought with complete awareness of their deviation and misguidance. Here we are compelled to pause for a moment and discuss in some more detail about these two groups.
Notes:
[1] And in a report, ninety persons
[2] Part two of Baghiyatun Nubla
[3] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/388
(684)
Husain’s Camp
The Imam’s camp displayed humanistic nobility and expressed lofty values and great thinking, such that every righteous person obtains a gem from their high values. And it is sufficient for them that they have become immortal in the pages of history. Because of all the families of martyrs of the world none could equal in nobility, loyalty and sacrifice in the path of justice, the martyrs of Kerbala. Here we shall point out some signs of their aims and their personal traits.
Noble Aims
Those noble aims they had taken as their chief slogan and that valor and faith for which they were taking part in this confrontation were as follows:
1. Defense of Islam
The companions of the Imam stood up with sincerity and faith to defend Islam and protect its principles which had been ignored by the Umayyad regime. And in this regard they acted in the best way and with most outstanding sincerity and there are numerous instances deserving of pride. For example, Holy imam, Abbas, who was the nearest relative of the Imam, he did not act on the basis of his brotherly affection and ties of relationship. Whatever sacrifices he offered, they were on the basis of his firm faith in defense of Islam and the support of an Imam of Muslims whose love and obedience was made incumbent upon all people by Allah. He expressed this in the battlefield when the enemies had cut off his right hand. He said:
“By Allah, even though they have cut off my right hand I would continue to defend my religion.
And go on defending the Imam, whom I really believe to be the rightful Imam and the son of the pure trustworthy Prophet.”
The war poem of Abbas clearly shows that Holy imam had not performed Jihad due to his brotherly relationship with Imam Husain. It was due to his concern for the defense of religion and support of the rightful Imam which he truly believed in. People other than Holy imam, Abbas have also announced this reality.
Holy imam, Aba Abdillah had nourished them with his spirit and guidance and dressed them up with his morals and manners in such a way that their souls had distanced from the material world and their bodies had separated from worldly matters. Their hearts and emotions had become free of the activities of life...because what teacher is like Husain? Which school is as inspiring as his school of thought? Can the generations of the world create such faith in Almighty Allah and such sincerity for truth?
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2. In defense of Imam Husain
Another special aim of the companions of the Imam was their concern for the defense of Holy imam from those beasts who had come together to slay the Holy Imam. The Imam’s companions sacrificed their lives for their loyalty and sincerity to Holy imam and through this they set outstanding examples of loyalty. For example when Muslim bin Ausaja, the famous companion of the Imam set out to the battlefield, while his body had been wounded by swords and spears and he fell down fighting, the Imam went to him accompanied by Habib bin Mazahir at a time when Muslim was in his last moments in pain of death. Habib told him to make his bequest about that which was important for him. He said in a soft grievous voice, “I will you to defend him”, pointing towards the Imam, “and sacrifice your life upon him.”[1]
What loyalty is so capable to be a cause of pride and esteem? He imparted important lessons in loyalty with regard to truth, to the coming generations, because when he was in the last moments of his life and the hiccups of death were upon his chest, at that time also he displayed no concern save the defense of the Imam and he had abandoned every other thing connected with this life.
This great warrior is Suwaid bin Abi Muta, who is the most outstanding martyr and the most sincere of them in loyalty. When he fell down wounded in the battlefield, the enemies left him thinking that he was dead. They did not attack him anymore. When he heard shouts that the Imam has been killed, he could not keep still and save his life; he stood up immediately and wanted his sword but he found that it had been plundered. So he tried to get hold of something with which he could fight Jihad with them. He got hold of a knife. He picked it up and used it to stab the enemies. They were terrified of him, thinking that the dead were becoming alive again to restart Jihad. And when they realized that it wasn’t so, they turned to him and slew him. This loyalty of the companions of the Imam indeed continued to the final moments of their life.
Such a loyalty was not restricted to men. Ladies who were present in the field of fighting also possessed this condition, for example a woman used to come to her son and implore him to be martyred in the service of Imam. Wives also rushed to their husbands to ask them to defend Imam, while they did not care for their afflictions, like the death of their sons or that they would have wear the dress of mourning.
It is extremely surprising that even the children of the family of prophethood used to come forward and kiss the hands and feet of the Holy Imam seeking his permission to achieve martyrdom. Among them was Abdullah Ibn Hasan, who was only twelve. When he saw that enemies had gathered to slay his uncle, he could not rest still. He came running but his aunt Zainab came forward to stop him. However, he ran away from her till he reached his uncle when Abjar bin Kaab had
Notes:
[1] Tabari, Tarikh 5/435-436
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raised his sword to hit the Imam. The boy screamed at him, “O degraded man, would you slay my uncle?” That dirty beast rushed to the little boy and aimed his sword at his outstretched hands almost severing them from his body.[1] The boy fell into the lap of his uncle. Harmala shot a cruel arrow upon him and killed him in the bosom of his uncle. The lad tasted death in the way of Holy imam...
Examples greater than those of the companions of Holy imam and his Holy family are not found in pages of history.
3. Saving the community from oppression
Among the aims of the camp of Imam Husain was the emancipation of Muslim community from oppression of Umayyads and their injustice, because they had spread injustice and filled up the world of Islam with mischief. Companions of the Imam arose to destroy that system and to restore the Islamic government. We have already stated this matter in a separate topic during our discussion on the causes of Imam’s revolution.
4. Incomparable natures
Companions of Holy imam, Husain were imbued with a noble nature and they were more distinguished from other people in the following aspects:
A. Nobility and Self-respect
Among the personal qualities of those noble men was nobility and self-respect, because they had accepted death in the way of their nobility. The chief of the nobles, Holy imam, Imam Husain says, “I do not see death except as a success. And I do not consider living with oppressors as nothing but deception.” And his righteous son, Holy imam, Ali Akbar has recited in his war poem of the day of Ashura:
“I am Ali bin Husain bin Ali. By the Lord of the Kaaba, we are more deserving of the Prophet. By Allah, this son of the evil man cannot rule over us.”
Imam Husain had cast the ray of his soul on his companions and Holy family and they welcomed death with honor, respect and nobility.
B. Valor and Steadfastness
Another quality prominent in the Imam’s camp was courage, because they were incomparable warriors of the world. Inspite of their few numbers they displayed untold determination against their numerous foes and caused them terrible harms and serious hardships.
The English historian, Percy Skies says: “Imam Husain and his group of few companions were determined by their firm resolve to face death. And they fought with such valor and courage that to this day no other fighters have earned our astonishment and praise so much.”[2]
Notes:
[1] Tabari, Tarikh 5/450-451
[2] Percy Skies, History of Iran
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Imam dressed them with spirituality and revolutionary zeal and it is natural that the personality of the leader is an important effect on imparting spirituality to the soldiers. Because the mechanism of leadership is instrumental in taking forward the warriors in the battlefield.[1] And the companions of the Imam with a firm determination, without any fear of hardships and hurdles fell upon the Umayyad forces till the earth became constricted for that army and a majority of them resorted to flight. A mercenary of Ibn Ziyad condemned the man who had persuaded him to join this campaign and said:
“It was the most difficult thing in the world that if you had seen what we saw, you would also have done what we did. A group pounced upon us while their hands were upon their swords. Like ferocious lions who were killing mounted fighters on their right and left. They were throwing themselves upon death, not prepared to accept security and not having any desire for wealth. There was nothing between them and death, not even the lure of rulership. Thus if they had got hold of us they would have eliminated all the soldiers of our army. Then what we could have done, may your mother die?”[2]
Kaab bin Jabir Azadi was among the soldiers of Ibn Ziyad who killed the great Qari (reciter of Quran) of Kufa, Burair bin Khudhair and who also had a hand in the Imam’s killing. In a poetical composition of his, he has glorified the valor of the companions of the Holy Imam as follows:
“Make inquiries, so that you may be informed about me, and of that time when you were condemned. That day when Husain was present there and the spears were drawn out.
But I did not do at all what you didn’t want and that which I did on that day, it has not affected me in anyway.
With me was a spear that could not break. And the sword drawn out that I had sharpened at both the edges.
Against the group whose religion was not the same as mine, I caught them as I had faith in Muawiyah.
I fought with swords in the battle such that whoever may defend with obligatory actions will be successful.
They would have been steadfast before the swords and spears and continued to fight if that action had been beneficial.
So tell Abdullah that whenever you see him that I am the obedient one of the caliph.
I killed Burair and after that I attacked Abu Munqadh when he came to confront me.”
Notes:
[1] Nizami, Ilmun Nafs 1/36
[2] Sharh Nahjul Balagha 3/263
(688)
Kaab has revealed his extreme surprise at the bravery of the companions of the Imam; because neither he nor anyone else had ever witnessed such a kind of steadfastness and valor. Those who were patient in front of the strikes of swords, wounds of spears and death. And of their incomparable courage, according to what historians have said was that none of them resorted to flight and all of them were killed while confronting and none in retreat. They displayed the highest limit of possibility in valor, bravery, steadfastness, rightfulness of intention and strength of determination for the support of the Imam and defense of Holy imam; in such a way that Amr bin Hajjaj Zubaidi advised against fighting them and told the people of Kufa:
“Do you know against whom you are fighting? You are fighting against the knights of this land and the owners of perceptions. Against the people who are in pursuit of death and none of you would attack them but that in spite of their meager numbers you shall be killed.”[1]
His statement has mentioned qualities that were apparent in them; of them were the following:
- They were knights of the people of Kufa, or rather of the complete Arab region.
- They were having living consciences and wakeful souls that they stepped forward to help the Imam with full awareness, and not in greed of wealth or position.
- They were fighting the battle to achieve martyrdom and had no hope from worldly life. Through this they were most capable to make their enemies retreat; however they (the enemies) had been deceived and defrauded by greed.
Regarding their unsurpassed bravery, Aqqad says: “Accompanying Husain were the best knights of Arabs and each of them were famous for their valor, daring, sharp shooting and sword fighting. But it was certain that they would not be earning any fame or praise in accompanying the Imam, because at that time conditions were such that they were only expected to face death boldly.”[2]
It is clear that none of the companions of the Holy Imam had greed for any worldly benefit and none desired anything except the rewards of Allah and success of the Hereafter...
Elements constituting the Imam’s Army
The Imam’s army consisted of two main elements which were as follows:
A. Bondsmen
Bondsmen were having a firm relationship to Imam Husain due to the equitable manner with which Holy imam, Imam Amirul Momineen had dealt with them. And if conditions had been favorable a large number of them would have joined the Imam. The Imam’s army had the following persons from the
Notes:
[1] Tabari, Tarikh 5/432-435
[2] Abu Shohda, Pg. 215
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slave class:
1. Sulaiman, slave of Holy imam, Husain.
2. Qaarib Daili, slave of Holy imam, Husain.
3. Harith bin Nab-haan, slave of Hamzah bin Abdul Muttalib.
4. Sahah, slave of Holy imam, Husain.[1]
5. Aamir bin Muslim, slave of Saalim.
6. Jabir bin Hajjaj, slave of Aamir bin Nahshal.
7. Saad, slave of Umar bin Khalid Saidawi.
8. Raafe, slave of Ahle Shanwa.
9. Shauzab, slave of Shakir bin Abdullah Hamadani Shakiri[2]
10. Aslam Turki, slave of Holy imam, Husain.[3]
11. Jaun, slave of Abu Zar Ghiffari.[4]
12. Zaahir, slave of Amr bin Khuzai.[5]
These were bondsmen who had precedence over freemen as far as their nobility and their decision to support the truth was concerned, because they succeeded in helping the Chief of the youths of Paradise and earned martyrdom in the service of Holy imam.
B. Arabs
The rest of the companions of Holy imam, Husain were of Arab linage and most of them were residents of Kufa, and from Basra, except for a few, none were martyred with Holy imam. In the same way from Hijaz, the great companion, Anas bin Harith Kahili joined Holy imam.
Here we conclude our discussion about the qualities and composition of the Imam’s army.
Umayyad Troops
As for the Umayyad troops, they consisted of trust betrayers and conscience-sellers, such that not a single noble inclination was found among them. In the same way, without any doubt, they were certain that they were in misguidance and deviated from the rightful path…some of their qualities were as follows:
1. Aimlessness
The most prominent sign of these mercenaries was that they were absolutely devoid of any kind of aim and determination. Because most of them – according to
Notes:
[1] Hisan bin Bakr Hanzali killed him.
[2] Hadaiq al-Wardiya 1/121-122
[3] Ayanush Shia 1/126
[4] Biharul Anwar 45/22
[5] Manaqib, Ibne Shahr Aashob, 4/113
(690)
historians – were such that their hearts were with the Imam and their swords were against Holy imam! They had come to fight one in whose rightfulness they believed and they knew that it was only he who could realize their aims and aspirations. If they had an iota of understanding and perception they would have sacrificed their hearts and souls upon him. And that was after they had pledged oath of fealty to the Almighty that they would support and defend him; in spite of this they betrayed the trust.
2. Confusion and Anxiety
Confusion and self betrayal had most of the soldiers of the Umayyad army in its clutches; because they knew that they had fallen into the abyss of falsehood and that Holy imam, Husain and his companions were on the path of rightfulness. As described by Shabth bin Rabi, one of their senior officers and leaders, that:
“I fought on the side of Ali bin Abi Talib and his son, Hasan and after that for five years I served in the army of Abu Sufyan’s family. Then we wreaked oppression on his (Ali’s) son, who is the best of men on the earth. We fought against him on the side of family of Muawiyah and son of Sumaiyyah, the fornicatress. It is deviation and what a deviation? By God! The Almighty Allah will never bestow goodness on the people of this land and He shall never give them success.”
These words describe the level of internal anxiety that had taken over Shabth bin Rabi and without any doubt there were hundreds of people like him who inwardly condemned themselves for having fought against the beloved grandson of Allah’s Messenger. In the same way many of them avoided taking part in martial activities. Just as Amr bin Hajjaj Zubaidi noticed these matters regarding them and addressed them as follows: “Do not fall into doubt in fighting against one, who has left the religion.”
Among the signs of their bewilderment was that none of them have been quoted to say anything about their aims and objectives in this war in their war poems[1] because their mouths were shut and their tongues had become dumb. On the other hand the war poems recited by the companions of Imam Husain and his Holy family were such that they state the aims and principles for which they were martyred…Singing war poems was a practice of those days and the warriors used to recite them during the battle boasting about their own valor and strength and threatening to eliminate their enemies or force them to retreat.
Reciting of war poems, in this way, was a weapon of war upon which relied the warriors of that time in the same way as they relied on the tools of warfare like the sword, arrows and spears. During the battle of Jamal, Ayesha’s supporters sang about their aim in taking part in the battle to be in defense of their mother and the
Notes:
[1] Ibne Habib says: Arabs recited Rajaz in battles to drive camels, to boast of their valor and achievements and for other things. This matter is mentioned in Aghani 18/164.
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companions of the Imam, in their recitations spoke of their defense of Holy imam, Imam Amirul Momineen and described it to be a religious duty, like it was in the battle of Siffeen.
However in the battle of Kerbala, it is noteworthy that not a single line of a war poem has been quoted from any of the men of the Umayyad army or that they mentioned it by way of testimony or example. This is a proof of their confusion and their self-condemnation because all of them were aware with awareness devoid of any misunderstanding or denial that what an infamy they have committed. How they had sunk in falsehood and were submerged in misguidance.
3. Recklessness
A large group of the army men of the Umayyad forces were famous for sinfulness and crime, because they were those who constantly imbibed wine. Historians say: “All those who carried the severed heads of the martyrs to Damascus, drank wine all the way.” In the previous discussions we have explained about their well-known qualities in lying and impiety in religion.
Here we conclude our discussion about some qualities of that army.
Elements of the Army
The Umayyad troops were composed of the following elements:
1. Opportunists
They were those who for greed or fear of the regime joined the army and who were in constant pursuit of their personal gains. In their behavior and actions they gave no preference to rightfulness and were only after their own benefits. Such persons comprised a large group in Ibn Ziyad’s camp and they were entrusted with important posts in the army. They were of the likes of Ibn Saad, Hijar bin Abjar, Shabth bin Rabi, Shimr bin Zil Jaushan, Qais bin Ashath, Yazid bin Harith and others, who had permanently divorced righteousness and not a single act of goodness was seen throughout their lives. They were only known to afflict harm upon others.
2. Mercenaries
A major part of the Umayyad troops consisted of men who had been lured to join the battle by greed of war booty. As soon as the Imam was martyred they rushed forward to plunder his belongings and such was the level of their decadence that they did not even spare the ornaments of the noble ladies of the family of prophethood. They pillaged all the clothes and weapons of the martyred people. Historians say: “They looted all the garments of Holy imam, Husain and left him absolutely unclothed. We shall explain this in more detail in the discussion about the actual martyrdom of the Holy Imam.
3. The Transmogrified
Among the elements that constituted the Umayyad camp were the transmogrified persons. They were such that their breasts were full of malice and enmity towards
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one and all, and their most important tendency was to shed blood unjustly and rushing towards crimes in response to the call of evil which had been deeply rooted in their souls.
Those oppressors from the transmogrified ones were in constant pursuit of criminal deeds and they competed with each other in putting to death young children and tormenting the ladies of Holy family. And they also gloated about their misdeeds and shameful acts. Of such decadent beasts were Shimr bin Zil Jaushan, Harmala bin Kahil, Hakeem bin Tufail Tai, Sinan bin Anas, Amr bin Hajjaj and other rejected dogs like them. Historians have researched the names of some of them who displayed such cruelty in Kerbala that even beasts and dogs would wish to be aloof from them.
4. The Compelled Ones
Another group in the army consisted of those who were compelled to join the battle against the Imam. They were forced into this by the regime of the governor, while their loyalties and feelings were in favor of the Holy Imam, except that their fearfulness and weakness has prevented them from joining the Imam’s camp. These people did not take part in the actual fighting. They instead prayed to the Almighty that may He send his help to the son of the daughter of the Messenger of Allah. One of such characters was even condemned for his attitude and was told, ‘Instead of praying, why don’t you go ahead and help and defend him?’[1] Without any doubt, they had committed a great sin and are deemed to have a share in the criminal acts of mercenaries, because they did not do anything to save the Imam and defend him against the oppressors.
5. Khawarij
One of the elements of the army that came out to fight against the Holy Imam was the Khawarij. They were the most inimical persons towards the family of the Prophet, because Imam Amirul Momineen had fought against them in the battle of Nahrawan and thus they competed with each other in the battle of Kerbala to seek their revenge by eliminating holy family.
These were some elements that constituted the troops of Ibn Ziyad. In one of the Ziarats of Holy imam, Imam Husain they are described as follows: “And they united on him – on fighting the Imam – those whom the world had deceived and who sold their benefit in the least price and lost their hereafter in exchange of a lowly price and they fell into destruction in their selfish desires.”[2]
We conclude here our discussion regarding the camps of Imam Husain and Ibn Ziyad so that we may fully understand the main features of that immortal tragedy in the world of sorrows.
Notes:
[1] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 1/1
[2] Mafatihul Jinan, Pg. 468 Ziarat Arbaeen
# Immortal Tragedy
No community from the communities has faced a more painful calamity and more grievous tragedy than the tragedy of Kerbala. Because there was no difficulty from the problems of the day or a tragedy from the tragedies of the world that did not pass upon the grandson of the Prophet and his beloved one…the calamities of Holy imam have saddened the emotions and injured the feelings to such an extent that even those who are less emotional or even the hard hearted people among them were moved by the terrible events. So much so that even Umar bin Saad, that decadent oppressor was also affected and he also wept upon the horrifying troubles and terrible circumstances of Holy imam. In the tragedy of Kerbala the respect of the Holy Prophet was defiled due to their behavior towards his Holy family.
Imam Reza has said, “The day Husain was martyred our eyes were injured and our relatives were dishonored…”
Here we shall present the portions of that immortal tragedy in the world of sorrows and painful tragedies and the events contemporary to that time.
Beginning of Hostilities
The oppressive powers marched forward to begin the battle, with their hearts filled with mischief, malice and enmity towards holy family, who were restorers of the rights of the persecuted and oppressed people and those who always strived to establish truth.
Vanguard of Ibn Saad’s troops marched forward on Thursday at the time of late afternoon on 9th Mohurrum to fight the Holy Imam because strict orders had arrived from Ibn Ziyad for the Commander-in-Chief to make haste in the battle so that the views of soldiers may not change and there may not appear some groups in their ranks.
When that army began to move forward, Holy imam was seated outside his tent with his sword placed on his knees. He had dozed off. His sister heard the clamor from the enemy’s ranks. She came to him and said, “My brother, don’t you hear the sounds which are getting nearer?”
“I have just seen the Apostle of God, may God bless him and grant him peace, in my sleep,” said al-Husain, peace be on him, as he raised his head. “He said to me: ‘You are coming to us.’”
His sister struck at her face and cried out in grief.[1]
“You have no (reason) to lament, sister,” al-Husain, peace be on him, told her. “Be quiet, may God have mercy on you.”
Then he turned to Abbas bin Ali, “Brother, the enemy have come, so get ready; but
Notes:
[1] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/56
(694)
first, Abbas, you, yourself, ride out to meet them, to talk to them about what they have in mind and what appears appropriate to them and to ask about what has brought them against us.”
Abbas went towards them with about twenty horsemen, among whom was Zuhair b. al-Qain.[1]
“How do you see (the situation)?” he asked. “What do you want?”
“The command of the governor has arrived that we should offer you the opportunity of submitting to his authority, otherwise we must attack you,” they answered.
“Do not hurry to do anything until I have gone back to Abu Abd Allah and told him what you have said,” Abbas requested.
They stopped where they were and told him: “Go to him and inform him, and tell us what he says to you.”
Abbas went galloping back to al Husain, peace be on him, to give him the information.[2]
Now Habib bin Mazahir addressed those men reminding them about the Hereafter and dispensed them good advice. He said, “By Allah, the worst people to meet the Almighty Allah and His Prophet tomorrow would be those who have killed the Family of the Prophet and his partisans; those who spend their days and nights in Allah’s remembrance.”
Azra bin Qais replied to him saying, “O Ibn Mazahir, do you claim to be purified?”
Zuhair bin Qain glanced at him and said, “O son of Qais, fear Allah, and do not be of those who help misguidance and falsehood and slay holy family of the foremost Prophet.”[3]
Azra told him, “You were a follower of Uthman in our opinion, what has happened to you?”
Zuhair said, “By Allah, I did not write to Husain and I did not send any messenger to him. But I met him on the way. When I saw him I was reminded of Allah’s Messenger and I understood what disloyalty and betrayal of trust you are committing. I saw you inclined towards the material world and I decided to help him, and join his entourage so that I may defend the rights of the Messenger of Allah that you have trespassed.”
Abbas came to the Imam and told him what the enemy had said.[4]
“Go back to them,” he, peace be on him, said, “If you can, delay them until the morning and persuade them to keep from us during the evening. Then, perhaps, we
Notes:
[1] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/322. Tabari, Tarikh 5/416
[2] Al Futuh 5/177
[3] Al Futuh 5/177
[4] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/392
(695)
may be able to pray to our Lord during the night to call upon Him and seek His forgiveness. He knows that I have always loved His formal prayer, the recitation of His Book and (making) many invocations to Him, seeking His forgiveness.”
Holy imam, Abbas returned to them and conveyed the message of his brother. Ibn Saad sought the counsel of Shimr in this matter for he feared that if he accepted it of his own accord, Shimr may report the matter to Ibn Ziyad because he was a spy of the governor on Ibn Saad. Or that if Ibn Ziyad were to blame him for giving respite he could claim that even Shimr was an ally in that decision.
Anyway, Shimr did not offer any suggestion and the matter was left to the discretion of Ibn Saad.
Amr bin Hajjaj Zubaidi condemned their refusal to accept Imam’s offer and said, “Glory be to Allah! By God, if the Dailam has put forth such a request you’d have found them worthier to be granted their wish.”[1]
In his statement the son of Hajjaj did not elaborate the subject and state that they were the Family of the Prophet lest the matter be reported to Ibn Marjana and he may be considered to be inclined towards Holy family. Thus earning disgrace from the governor and be deprived from material gains…
Ibn Ashath supported the view of son of Hajjaj and said to Ibn Saad, “Accept their proposal. By my life, tomorrow they shall be fighting against you.”
Ibn Ashath said this because he was under the impression that the Imam was inclined towards submission to Ibn Ziyad that is why he was asking for respite. However when he realized that the Imam was determined to fight it out, he regretted his words saying, “By Allah, if I knew that they would act in that way, I would never have accorded them any respite.”[2]
Ibn Ashath considered his own ethics and the ethics of Kufians to be a standard against which to judge people. And he was of the view that the Imam will accept humiliation and disgrace and turn away from completing his mission. He did not know that the Imam had inherited his existence and all his attitudes from his Holy grandfather.
Battle delayed till the morning next
After most commanders expressed willingness to postpone hostilities, Ibn Saad issued the permission to give respite till the next day. He told one of his men to announce this to the Imam’s camp. He came to the Imam’s encampments and called out, “O Companions of Husain bin Ali, we will grant you a day until tomorrow. Then if you surrender, we will send you to our governor, Ubaidullah bin Ziyad but if you refuse we will not leave you (any longer).”[3]
Battle was postponed till 10th of Mohurrum and companions of Ibn Saad waited for the next day to see if the Imam would agree to surrender to their demands or not.
Notes:
[1] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/57. Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/392
[2] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/392
[3] Al Futuh 5/179
(696)
Imam permitted his companions to go away
Imam gathered his companions and Holy family on the eve of 10th Mohurrum and asked them to go away anywhere from there and leave him alone to his destiny. Holy imam wanted to make them aware of his real position. So he told them:
“I glorify God with the most perfect glorification and I praise Him in happiness and misfortune. O God, I praise You for blessing us with prophethood, teaching us the Quran and making us understand the religion. You have given us hearing, sight and hearts, and have made us among those who give thanks (to You). I know of no followers more loyal and more virtuous than my followers, nor of any House more pious and more close-knit than my House. May God reward you well on my behalf. Indeed, I do not think that there will be any further days left to us by these men. I permit you to leave me. All of you go away with the absolution of your oath to follow me, for there will be no further obligation on you from me. This is a night whose darkness will give cover to you. Use it as a camel (i.e. ride away in it).
And each of you take the hand of one person from my family – so that the Almighty Allah bestows each of you a mighty reward – After that you spread out in the land till the time the Almighty makes the conditions favorable because these people do not want anyone except me and if they are able to get me they will not go after anyone else.”[1]
These valuable statements display the greatness of faith. It shows the style of thinking of the Holy Imam who was the guide of human perfections because in this delicate moment he had removed every type of doubt from them and made his helpers and family members fully aware of the circumstances, that showed that the definite result would be getting killed and laying down of lives as there was nothing else besides it…And he would have liked that they left him and went away
Notes:
[1] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/57-58. Ibne Jauzi, Muntazim 5/337-338 have mentioned the statement of the Imam in another way; because it has some in Maqtal Husain by Abdullah, Awalim 17/346-347 that Holy imam said: You are free from my allegiance, so join your family and friends. And he said to his Holy family: I permit you to leave me; because due to your small numbers do not have the capacity to face their huge number and except for me they do not want anyone else. So leave me for them as the Allah, the Mighty and the Sublime will help me and not deprive me of His good opinion; in the same way as He has done with the former ones. Thus some people from his camp left him but his Holy family (a.s.) said: We shall not leave you, whatever aggrieves you aggrieves us and whatever would befall you shall also befall upon us. We shall always remain with you, we shall be most proximate to the Almighty Allah. Holy imam told them: If you have prepared yourself for that which I have decided, you should know that the Almighty Allah bestows a lofty position to His servants for bearing hardships and if the Almighty Allah has reserved for me the honor that He has reserved for those of my family who have passed away – I am the last of their survivors – if I be bestowed with special bounties it would be easy to bear unwanted hardships and some of the honors of the Almighty Allah shall be there for you also. And know that the world is a sweet and bitter dream and the waking shall be in the hereafter and he is successful that shall be successful there and unfortunate is one that shall be unfortunate there.”
(697)
from him in the darkness of the night as their veil. Perhaps they may be ashamed to go away in daylight or that they may be afraid of him. So he himself released them from the pledges they had given him and he informed them that he was personally the actual target of those wild beasts. Such that if they are able to get him would did not have any other demand.[1]
Reply of Holy family of Imam Husain
The Imam had not yet concluded his discourse that his purified and chosen family members stood up and announced that they have selected the very path they were treading on and they would not go any other way. All of them said tearfully, “We will not leave you to make ourselves continue living after your passing away. May God never let us see such a thing.”
Abbas bin Ali, peace be on them, was the first of them to make this declaration. Then the (whole) group followed him, (all) declaring the same thing.
“Sons of Aqil” said Husain, “enough of your family has been killed. So go away as I have permitted you.”
“Glory be to God,” they replied, “What would the people say? They would say that we deserted our Shaykh, our lord, the sons of our uncle, who was the best of uncles; that we had not shot arrows alongside them, we had not thrust spears alongside them, we had not struck swords alongside them. (At such an accusation) we do not know what we would do. No, by God, we will not do such a thing. Rather we will ransom you with our lives, property and families. We will fight for you until we reach your destination. May God make life abominable (for us) after your (death).”
Reply of Companions of Imam Husain
The companions of Imam Husain were brimming with faith because Aba Abdillah, in their view was having the loftiest principles, inclined towards virtue and eager to march towards the truth. And also that Holy imam was not in any pursuit of post, wealth or position. Rather he had left everything for the sole benefit of the community and religion. This matter had affected the depths of their consciences. And he had considered life worthless and was ridiculing death. Therefore they declared their loyalty and devotion to Holy imam. The following are some of their statements:
1. Muslim bin Ausaja
Muslim bin Ausaja, with tears flowing on his cheeks, came forward and told the Imam:
“Could we leave you alone? How should we excuse ourselves before God concerning the performance of our duty to you? By God, I will stab them with my spear until it breaks, I will strike them with my sword as long as the hilt is in my hand. If I have no weapon left to fight them with, I will throw stones at them. Till the time I am killed with you.”
Notes:
[1] Tabari, Tarikh 5/419. Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/57-58
(698)
These statements spoke of the depth of his faith. He was convinced that he held responsibility before God for defending the beloved son of the Prophet and he would be questioned about it. And that he shall employ all his capacities to defend Holy imam.
2. Saeed bin Abdullah
Saeed bin Abdullah Hanafi began to speak and announced his sincere loyalty regarding the Imam saying:
“By God we will never leave you until God knows that we have preserved through you the company of his Apostle in his absence. By God, if I knew that I would die and then be revived and then burnt and then revived, and then scattered, and that would be done to me seventy times, I would never leave you until I met my death fighting on your behalf. So how could I do it when there can only be one death, which is a great blessing which can never be rejected?”
In the dictionary of loyalty there is no greater loyalty and more truthful than this as he aspires to be killed 70 times so that he may be sacrificed on the Imam and he may succeed in saving the honor of Allah’s Messenger. Now why should he not consider death in this way good, while it is not more than once and after which is such respectability that has no end.
3. Zuhair bin Qain
Zuhair bin Qain also spoke up on the lines of his brother in faith. He said, “By God, I would prefer to be killed and then recalled to life; and then be killed a thousand times in this manner; and that in this way God, the Mighty and Exalted, should protect your life and the lives of these young men of your House.”
These warriors had reached up to the level of such a great daring that no man has ever reached. They have imparted a praiseworthy lesson in loyalty on the path of truth.
Other companions spoke in similar veins, one after the other. Imam Husain prayed to Allah to reward them well[1] and then informed them emphatically that all of them shall be martyred. They called out in unison, “Thanks be to Allah, that He favored us with being your helpers and honored us by martyrdom in your company. Should we not be elated that we shall also live in your level in your company, O son of the Messenger of Allah?”
The Imam tested them and found them to be the most selected ones in rightfulness and loyalty. Their souls were illuminated by the effulgence of faith and free from all worldly attachments and they had become certain that they would be going to the garden of Perpetuity. According to historians they were eager for martyrdom so that they may qualify for the bounties of the Hereafter.
Notes:
[1] Al Muntazim 5/338. Tabari, Tarikh 5/419-420
(699)
The Imam exposes the Deception of Kufians
Imam told his companions how the Kufians had deceived Holy imam by writing to him and inviting him to Kufa. He said, “They wrote to me only to deceive me and get into the good books of Muawiyah’s son.”[1]
Letters sent by most people of Kufa to Imam were sent on the directions of Yazid so that the Imam may come to them and be eliminated. And they had not written to Holy imam on the basis of faith or with the aim for justice.
With Muhammad bin Bashir
Among the companions of the Holy Imam, the one who had reached the highest ranks of faith was one Muhammad bin Bashir Hadhrami. He received the news that his son has been taken a hostage in Rayy. He said, “I do not like that he remains a prisoner and I should continue to live after him. Imam by his statements thought that he wanted to get his son freed. Therefore he accorded him permission to go and get his son released. Imam said, “You are free, go and try to get your son freed.”
That great warrior announced his true resolve to continue in the service of the Holy Imam and sacrifice himself upon Holy imam, “May the wild beasts devour me alive, if I leave you…”[2]
Is it not the truest example of deep faith and great loyalty in the path of Imams? That they loved him and had sincerity regarding him and considered death to be nothing for his sake?
Firaas Makhzoomi Flees
Firaas bin Judah Makhzoomi was a close relative of Imam because his father Judah’s mother was Umme Hani, daughter of Abu Talib. He was among those who had written to Holy imam, Husain to rise up against the Umayyads during the lifetime of Muawiyah and he had joined the Imam at Mecca. He was with the Imam so far, till they reached Iraq. But when he saw the hardships and conglomeration of troops against the Imam he became afraid and was frightened of fighting. He was completely filled with awe. Imam asked him what was troubling him and gave him permission to go away in the dark of the night and he fled from there[3] and he could not achieve martyrdom[4] like some other people also who resorted to flight and could not prove themselves to be helpers of the Imam.
Notes:
[1] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/393
[2] Ibne Asakir, Tarikh 14/182. Tahzib al-Kamal, 6/407. Biography of Imam Husain (a.s.) from Tabaqat Ibne Saad, Pg. 70
[3] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/388
[4] Her Eminence, Sakina has narrated: “I heard my father say to someone who was with him: You came with me as you knew that I have come to those who have pledged allegiance to me by heart and by tongue and that you now see that Shaitan has overpowered them and they have left the remembrance of Allah and they have no intention except to kill me and anyone who performs Jihad with me and I fear that you had not expected this or known about this and you are not dispersing from me due to shame. And deceit and fraud is unlawful for us, Holy family, thus whoever doesn’t want to support us, this night is veil for them, so (you may) go away.
Sakina said: They were ten and twenty persons who dispersed and except for less than eighty persons none remained with Holy imam.” This is mentioned in the second volume of Baghiyatun Nubla.
(700)
The Imam did not allow martyrdom for Sinful persons
Tibrani has reported that the Imam instructed a person to make the following announcement among the people who accompanied him, “Anyone who is having a debt upon him must not be killed with us.” So a man from his companions stood up and said to Holy imam, “A dept is payable upon me and my wife has stood surety for it.”
Holy imam said, “How can a woman stand as a surety?”[1]
Imam wanted the martyrdom achievers with him to be pious people free from liabilities towards others. However here exists doubt because in this case the Imam has not accepted the surety of the wife for debt payable on the husband while there is unanimity in laws of Shariah as to the validity of the surety of the wife regarding monies, etc. and her equality with men in this regard. In our view the last sentence of the above mentioned report must have been a fabrication because Balazari has mentioned this report but not quoted the statement of that man that he was having a debt upon him and that his wife has given surety for it.
The Imam speaks about his death
Imam came to his tent and began to search for his sword, then began to prepare it for use, while he was reciting the following couplets:
“Time, shame on you as a friend! At the day’s dawning and the sun’s setting,
How many a companion or seeker will be a corpse! Time will not be satisfied with any substitute.
The matter will rest with the Mighty One, and every living creature will have to journey along my path.”
By these couplets the Imam described his death to be the death of a noble man, while Imam Zainul Abideen and Her Eminence, Zainab were inside the tent. When Imam Zainul Abideen heard the words of his father he understood what he wanted, thus he controlled his tears and remained silent and on the basis of what he said – he knew that tribulation had come upon them. However when the lady of Bani Hashim heard these lines she became agitated and knew that her beloved brother was determined to confront death and had decided to move towards martyrdom. Therefore she could not control herself; she jumped up, tearing at her clothes and sighing, and went to him. Her eyes were filled with tears. In broken words that came out with pieces torn from her heart she told her brother, “What a grief and what a sorrow! Would that death deprived me of life today. O dear Husain! As if today have died my grandfather, the Messenger of Allah, my mother, Fatima Zahra, my father, Ali and my brother, Hasan. O my surviving one and the guardian of those who survive!”[2]
Notes:
[1] Al-Mojam al-Kabir 3/132
[2] Maqatilut Talibeen, Pg. 111-112
(701)
Imam looked upon her with affection and said, “My sister, don’t let Satan take away your forbearance.”
Her Eminence, Zainab with a face whose color had changed and with a deep sorrow breaking up her kind and aggrieved heart glanced at her brother and with pain and sadness said to him, “Will you take yourself to injustice and oppression so that my grief is prolonged and my heart is further aggrieved?”
At that time when she became sure that her brother will be killed, she could not control her emotions. She tore up her collar, struck her face and threw herself down.[1] Other ladies also shared in her terrible grief. Her Eminence, Umme Kulthum lamented, “O Muhammad! O Ali! O my mother! O my Husain! After you, we shall be destroyed.”
That tragic scene affected the sensibilities of the Holy Imam and his heart became filled with grief and remorse. He turned to those daughters of revelation and advised them to observe patience and forbearance in bearing these terrible hardships. He said, “O my sister! O Umme Kulthum! O Fatima! O Rabab! Take care! When I am killed, do not tear your clothes nor scratch your face or utter useless things.”[2]
The great Imam bore the most terrible kinds of tribulations and the worst of hardships and calamities that were proportionate to his faith in God and he had yet not become free of a difficulty that he was confronted with such a flood of calamities that man is unable to bear them.
Precautionary steps
Imam formulated an elaborate and detailed plan to organize his camp in accordance with the prevailing circumstances and he arranged his front in an outstanding and astonishing manner. He made his camp absolutely secure from external attacks. Holy imam came out in the dark of the night accompanied with Nafe bin Hilal and surveyed the adverse conditions of the surroundings and he checked them closely so that it may not be that they serve as ambush for the enemies during fighting. At that time he instructed his companions to take the following steps:
First: He ordered them to bring their tents much closer together so that the tent-pegs came within the area of each other’s tents. In our opinion they were not arranged in a single row. Rather they were bunched together in a few lines, so that if they remained among their tents, the enemy could only approach them from one side.[3]
Secondly: He asked them to dig up a ditch behind the tents which were around the tents of his relatives and family of Holy imam. Then the ditch was filled up with
Notes:
[1] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/393. Al Muntazim5/338. Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 8/177. As Sayyida Zainab wa Akhbaar az-Zainabiyat, Pg. 20-21
[2] Tabari, Tarikh 5/420. Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/393
[3] Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 8/177
(702)
dried firewood and cane so that it may be fired up during the battle.[1] This was for the following reasons:
A. It was so that during the battle his women and children remain safe during the fighting because the enemies would not be able to cross the burning ditch.
B. They may be able to face the enemy from a single direction. So that there may not be multiple fronts and paucity of Imam’s men may be a serious drawback for them. If this step had not been taken the enemies would have attacked from all sides and finished them off in a short time and the battle wouldn’t have stretched to even a full day.
There were some special precautions that the Imam took to make the best of those difficult circumstances and the steps ordered by the Holy Imam clearly tell us about the martial expertise of the Imam and his knowledge about such complex matters.
Night of worship
The Holy Imam, with his Holy family and companions began to worship and with all their sincerity became attentive to the Almighty and on the basis of what the historians say. Their humming was like the humming of honeybees. They bowed, prostrated and recited the Quran and none of them slept for a moment. They recited hymns to Allah, humbled themselves before His court and begged for forgiveness and pardon.
Imam’s Companions Overjoyed
The Imam’s companions were overjoyed on receiving the glad-tidings of martyrdom in the service of the grandson of the Messenger of Allah. Historians have recorded the statements of some of them which expressed astonishing happiness. For example, Habib bin Mazahir came out to his colleagues while he had a wide smile on his face. Yazid bin Haseen Tamimi objected to him and said, “This is not the time to laugh!”
Habib with deep faith replied to him, “What situation could be more deserving of joy than this? By Allah, very soon these oppressors would fall upon us with their swords and at that time we shall take the Horul Ein in our bosoms.”[2]
Burair also jested with Abdur Rahman Ansari but the latter was shocked by this behavior and he said, “What are you doing in such a situation?”
Burair told him, “My people know that neither in my old age nor in my youth have I ever committed a vain action. But I am elated at what we are going to experience. By Allah, there is no distance between us and the Black-eyed Houries of Paradise except that they attack us with their swords and I also like that they attack us.”[3]
Notes:
[1] Waseelatul Maal fee idda manaqibul Aal, Pg. 190. Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 8/187
[2] Kishi, Rijal Pg.79, No. 133
[3] Tabari, Tarikh 5/423. Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 8/178
(703)
In the families of martyrs of the world faith like this is not found that in spite of being certain of the approaching catastrophe such certainty, recognition, right intention and great sincerity is being displayed…they were elated at being able to achieve Paradise along with the Prophets and the truthful ones and they had become sure that they would die the easiest death, the greatest type of death in the history of humanity in all generations and ages.
Shimr ridicules the Imam
The Holy Imam recited the ritual prayers, while the decadent impure man, Shimr bin Zil Jaushan[1] watched him. He was able to hear the Imam utter the following words of the Almighty:
“And let not those who disbelieve think that Our granting them respite is better for their souls; We grant them respite only that they may add to their sins; and they shall have a disgraceful chastisement. On no account will Allah leave the believers in the condition which you are in until He separates the evil from the good.”[2]
Shimr made fun of the Imam on hearing this and laughed out aloud.
Imam Husain’s Vision
After deadly pains had tired Imam Husain, Holy imam dozed off for a few moments then awoke and looked at his companions and said to them, “Do you know what I dreamt of?”
“Tell us what you saw?”
“I saw dogs attacking me and tearing me into pieces. And among then is a black and white dog who is attacking me more and I think that the one who is going to kill me is a man with leprosy spots from this community…
Then I saw my grandfather, Allah’s Messenger accompanied by a group of his companions. He said to me, ‘My son, you are the martyr of the Family of Muhammad. The folks of the heavens and the higher worlds are talking among themselves about your arrival. Tonight you shall dine with us. Hurry up, do not delay.’ This is what I have seen. The command of the Lord has arrived and the passing away from this world is near.”[3]
A deep sorrow fell upon his Holy family and companions. They became sure of the impending calamity and the end of their journey in the world.
Distress of Ladies of the Prophet’s Family
The ladies of the Prophet’s family were terribly distressed. They could not get any relief on that immortal night in the world of sorrows because their thoughts were
Notes:
[1] In Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 8/178 it is mentioned: One who kept the Imam under surveillance was Abu Harb Sabi-i, Ubaidullah bin Shameer, who was a person always given to nonsensical talk.
[2] Surah Aale Imran 3:178
[3] Al Futuh 5/181
(704)
full of the impending doom and the imminent arrival of horrifying tribulations that seemed very much real. What would be their fate after they are separated from their guardian – the son of the Messenger of Allah? That too when the members of the weaker sex were in a foreign land! And their cruel enemies had surrounded them from all sides? They began to lament and wail and beseech the Almighty Lord to save them from that terrible disaster.
However the enemies of Holy family spent the night in joyful anticipation of shedding their purified blood so that they may obtain the acclaim of Ibn Marjana. Riders of a battalion under the command of Urwah bin Qais[1] circled the camp of Holy imam, Husain lest Holy imam escape their clutches or someone may come and join the entourage.
Imam applied Perfume and Anointed Himself
The Holy Imam and his loyal companions now prepared themselves for their meeting with the Almighty Lord and readied themselves for death. Imam ordered the setting up of a tent in which was placed a vessel of musk and fragrance. Camphor was also procured. After that Holy imam entered the tent and applied the fragrant materials to his body. Then Burair entered and anointed himself. All the companions of Holy imam[2] followed suit one after another in order to prepare themselves for death and martyrdom in the way of Allah.
Day of Ashura
In the sky of the world no dawn ever broke as the dawn break of the 10th of Mohurrum and the sun of no other day arose like the sorrowful sun of that day…,because no tragedy in history is as painful and as terrible as the Tragedy of the day of Ashura[3] on the plains of Kerbala, as there did not remain a single calamity that did not befall the beloved grandson of Allah’s Messenger.
Imam Zainul Abideen says, “No day for the Messenger of Allah was as hard as the day of the battle of Uhad on which the uncle of Holy imam, that is Hamzah bin Abdul Muttalib, the lion of God and His Prophet was killed. And after that was the day of the battle of Mutah on which his cousin, Ja’far bin Abu Talib was killed.” Then he said, “There is no day like the day of the martyrdom of Holy imam, Husain. When 30000 mercenaries attacked him while claiming to be from this community and each of them was trying to obtain divine proximity by shedding the blood of Holy imam even though he reminded them of the Almighty but they did not accept his advice till they killed him most unjustly.”[4]
At dawn break of the day of Ashura the great Imam began the ritual prayer, which,
Notes:
[1] Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 8/178
[2] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 30/395-396. Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 8/178
[3] Ashura is the tenth day of Mohurrum. It is said that it is a very ancient name and its cause was that on this day ten of the prophets were given ten miracles. This is mentioned on Pg. 22 of Al Anwaarul Husainia of Balawi.
[4] Biharul Anwar 22/274, H. 21 and 44/298, H. 4
(705)
according to historians, was performed with dry ablution (Tayammum) as no water was available for regular ablution (Wuzu), and the family members and companions of Holy imam prayed behind the Holy Imam.[1] Before they could conclude their recitations after the prayer, a war cry arose from the camp of Ibn Ziyad and armed battalions marched forward chanting: “Either we shall fight or sacrifice our lives for the orders of Ibn Marjana.”
Supplication of the Imam
The chief of the nobles emerged, glanced at the desert that was full of riders and foot-soldiers wielding their swords and spears and thirsty for his blood and that of the righteous members of his family and companions in order to get a paltry price from the son of Marjana. Holy imam asked for a copy of the Holy Quran and kept it on his head and humiliating himself in front of the Almighty recited:
“O God, it is You in Whom I trust amid all grief. You are my hope amid all violence. You are my trust and provision in everything that happens to me, no matter how much the heart may seem to weaken in it, trickery may seem to diminish my hope in it, the friend may seem to desert me in it, and the enemy may seem to rejoice in it. It comes upon me through You and when I complain to You of it, it is because of my desire for You, You alone. You have comforted me in everything and have revealed its significance to me. You are the Master of all grace, the Possessor of all goodness and the Ultimate Resort of all desire.”[2]
The profound faith of Holy imam is seen in this invocation that he turns to the Almighty in all the important matters and is devoted to Him. The Almighty Allah is his guardian and refuge so he seeks His protection in every circumstance and eventuality.
Firing up the Ditch
At dawn break the Imam ordered that the firewood in the ditch behind ladies’ tents be alighted so that it may prevent the enemy from attacking from the rear. Also that not more than one front be opened for the attackers.
Clamor of the Beastly Enemies
When fire was lighted in the ditch, some transmogrified persons from Ibn Ziyad’s camp rushed towards the Imam’s encampments and shouted in ferocious voices. Some of them were as follows:
1. Shimr bin Zil Jaushan
The filthy degraded monster, Shimr bin Zil Jaushan came towards the Imam’s camp and called out in a loud voice, “Husain, are you hurrying towards the fire (of Hell) before the Day of Judgment?”
Notes:
[1] Etemaad al-Sultana Hasan bin Ali, Hujjatus Saadah fee Hujjatush Shohada (Persian) which Shaykh Muhammad Husain Aale Kashiful Ghita has translated into Arabic and it is present in manuscript form at the Public Library.
[2] Ibne Asakir, Tarikh 14/216. Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 8/169-170. Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/60-61
(706)
Imam replied, “Son of a goat-herdess you are worthy to be burnt by that.”
Muslim bin Ausaja wanted to shoot an arrow at him, but the Imam stopped him from doing that saying, “I am unwilling to begin the fighting against them.”[1]
2. Muhammad bin Ashath
Most degraded of the decadent, Muhammad bin Ashath came towards the Holy Imam calling out aloud, “Husain, now you shall go to Hell!”
The Imam told him, “May the Almighty Allah curse you, your father and your community, O son of the sinful apostate and enemy of Allah, the Prophet and Muslims.”[2]
3. Abdullah bin Hawza
Abdullah bin Hawza, the lowly man, hastened towards the Imam’s area and said, “O Husain, glad-tidings for Hell for you.”
The Imam turned his statement towards him, “I am going to the Merciful Lord and an intercessor who is obeyed (the Prophet)” Then he asked about him, it was told that he was the son of Hawza. The Holy Imam raised his hands in prayer and cursed, “May Allah put him in the Hawza (pool) of fire.”
With that his horse upset him in its stride and he fell. His left leg was stuck in the stirrups and his right leg was free. Muslim bin Ausaja attacked him and struck his right leg and cut it off. The horse galloped off (dragging) him (along) and his head struck every stone and clod of earth until he died.[3] God hurried his soul to (Hell) fire. (More) fighting then broke out and more men were killed.
When al-Hurr bin Yazid perceived that the people were determined to fight al-Husain, peace be on him, he said to Umar: “Are you going to fight this man?”
“Yes,” he replied, “it will be a terrible battle, the least part of which will be heads falling and severed hands flying (through the air).”
“Haven’t you any other way of getting what you want?”
“If the matter rested with me,” answered Umar, “I would do (anything else), but your governor has refused (any alternative).”[4]
Masruq bin Wael Hadhrami saw this scene while he were himself thinking about killing the Imam and obtaining reward from Ibn Marjana. At that moment he began to regret his decision and realized the true status of Holy family near the Almighty God. Hence he left the battlefield and ran away due to the fear of divine wrath.[5]
Notes:
[1] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 30/396
[2] Miraat az-Zamaan fee Tawarikhul Ayaan
[3] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/399. Tadhib at-Tahdhib 1/155
[4] Khwarizmi, Maqtal 1/249
[5] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/66
(707)
Both camps became fully prepared
Both the opposite camps became fully alert and ready for the battle. The Imam prepared his army of 72 riders and foot-soldiers. Zuhair bin Qain was given the charge of the right wing and Habib bin Mazahir the command of the left wing. Himself and his Holy family he placed in the center of the battalion[1] and entrusted his standard to his helper and brother, Abbas.[2]
Ibn Saad also organized his battalions and placed Abdullah bin Zuhair Azadi at the helm of the Medina division and put Qais bin Ashath at the head of the Rabia and Kinda division. Abdur Rahman bin Abi Sabra Jofi was commanding the Madhij and Asad division. Hurr Ibn Yazid Riyahi was placed at the command of Hamadan division.[3] At the right wing of the army he placed Amr bin Hajjaj as the controller and the left wing he placed under Shimr bin Zil Jaushan. Urwah bin Qais Ahami was made the commander of the mounted warriors and Shabth bin Rabi at the charge of footed soldiers. His standard, he gave to his slave, Duraid.[4] In this manner both the armies became prepared for battle and fighting.
Severe Objections
The Holy Imam with his great companions made an effort to complete the argument on the people of Kufa and inform them about their true circumstances (the reality of their attitude) and to make them aware of the deadly sin they were about to indulge in, that it was very near that heavens may be rent asunder, the earth may split into pieces and mountains may crash. They tried all means to give them good counsel and restrain those changed people from rushing towards the fire of Hell.
Imam’s Address
The Imam called for his horse, mounted it and galloped to Ibn Saad’s army in such a way that the awe of his grandfather was apparent in him. He stood before them and delivered a historical address which has remained a literary masterpiece of Arabic literature in its eloquence and beauty. Holy imam spoke up in a loud voice audible to most of those present there:
“O people of Iraq,” - and most of them began to listen to him – “People, listen to my words and do not hurry to attack me so that I may remind you of the duties you have towards me and so that by telling you the true circumstances I may free myself from any blame in your attacking me. If you give me justice, you will become happier through that. If you do not give me justice of your own accord as individuals, then agree upon your affairs and your associates; let not your affair be in darkness to you. Then carry it out against me and do not reflect any further. Indeed my guardian is God, Who created the Book, He takes care of the righteous.”[5]
Notes:
[1] Muqarram, Maqtal al-Husain Pg. 225
[2] Tabari, Tarikh 5/422
[3] Miraat az-Zamaan Pg. 92
[4] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/60
[5] Tabari, Tarikh 5/424
(708)
The breeze carried the voice of Holy imam to the great ladies of the family of Prophethood and the women of the house of revelation. They began to lament and their wails arose. Holy imam sent his brother, Holy imam Abbas and his son, Ali towards them and told them to restrain them from weeping as soon they would have to weep much more.
When the ladies were silenced the Imam continued his address. He thanked and praised the Almighty and invoked blessings on His Prophets, Angels and Messengers. In that discourse he spoke in such a way that no speaker has ever been heard before or after him more eloquent in his speech.[1] He said:
“O people, the Almighty Allah created the world and made it an abode of death and destruction. And it takes its inmates from one place to another. Then deceived is the one who is deceived by it. That is unfortunate who has been corrupted by it. Hence this world must not deceive you. As it cuts off the hope of all those who rely on it and whosoever is greedy about it, fails. I see you that you gathered upon a matter with which you have made the Almighty wrathful upon you, that He has turned away His merciful face from you and has decreed his revenge on you. The best lord is our Lord and the worst servants are you. You agreed to obey and brought faith in Muhammad, the Prophet and now you are the same people who marched against his family and intend to eliminate them. The Satan has you under his control and he has made you forgetful of the remembrance of Almighty God. Thus, woe be upon you and what you have intended. We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.
They are those who have disbelieved after their acceptance of faith. Keep aloof from these oppressors.”[2]
Imam counseled them through these words, that illuminated the teachings of the Prophet and the efforts of the Prophets regarding their communities and warned them of the deceptions and frauds of the material world. He threatened them about the future loses they would have to suffer and restrained them from stepping forward to slay the Family of their Prophet by which they shall go out the pale of faith into infidelity and become eligible for everlasting wrath and punishment of the Almighty God.
Holy imam spoke further and continued in the same vein, “Trace back my lineage and consider who I am. Then look back at yourselves and remonstrate with yourselves. Consider whether it is right for you to kill me and to violate the honor of my womenfolk. Am I not the son of the daughter of your Prophet, of his testamentary trustee (wasi) and his cousin, the first of the believers in God and the man who first believed in what his Apostle, may God bless him and his family, brought from his Lord? Was not Hamzah, the lord of the martyrs, my uncle? Was not Ja’far, the one who flies in Heaven, my uncle? Have you not heard the words
Notes:
[1] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/61
[2] Biharul Anwar 45/5-6
(709)
of the Apostle of God, may God bless him and his family, concerning myself and my brother: ‘These are the two lords of the youths of the inhabitants of heaven’? Whether you believe what I am saying and it is the truth, for by God I have never told a lie since I learnt that God hated people who told them - or whether you regard me as a liar, there are among you those who, if you asked them, would tell you: Ask Jabir bin Abd Allah al-Ansari, Abu Said al-Khudri, Sahl bin Sad al-Saidi, Zaid bin Arqam and Anas bin Malik to tell you that they heard these words from the Apostle of God, may God bless him and his family, concerning myself and my brother. Is there not sufficient in this to prevent you from shedding my blood?”
I don’t know of any discourse more eloquent and affectionate than this with regard to its style in such a delicate moment when even the lion-hearted ones become dumb and the valiant one become tongue-tied, we are compelled to say…this discourse befitted only one who had come with presence of mind and created a revolution of views and actions in their ranks because Holy imam asked them to come to their senses and think logically if they were in control of their reasoning capacity, so that they study the matter carefully and know that he was the grandson of their Prophet, the son of his vicegerent and the nearest in kin to the Messenger. He was also the Chief of the youths of Paradise. There is this justification to observe the sanctity of his life and that his blood must not be shed. But those mercenaries who could not understand this beneficial logic, remained adamant to wreak oppression. The darkness of misguidance had covered their conscience and reason which had taken away from them, Allah’s remembrance.
“If I understand what you are saying,” interrupted Shimr bin Zil Jaushan, “then I only worship God (very shakily) on the edge.”
Those stony intellects covered with the dust of falsehood could not understand the Imam and perceive what he was saying.
“I think that you worship God (very shakily) on seventy edges,” said Habib bin Mazahir “for I testify that you are right. You do not understand what he is saying. For God has impressed ignorance upon your heart.”
The Holy Imam continued speaking and said, “If you are in any doubt about this, you are in doubt that I am the son of the daughter of your Prophet. By God there is no son of a prophet other than me among you and among the peoples from East to West. Shame on you, are you seeking retribution from me for one of your dead whom I have killed, or for property of yours which I expropriated, or for a wound which I have inflicted?”
The earth began to tremble under their feet and they became bewildered what to say in reply, because they had not a doubt that he was the son of the daughter of the Messenger of Allah and the beloved grandson of the Prophet and they had no demand from him regarding some blood he had shed or some property he had plundered from them.
(710)
After that the Imam called out the commanders of Kufa who had personally written to him, inviting him to Kufa, “Shabth bin Rabi, Hijar bin Abjar, Qais bin Ashath, Yazid bin Harith, didn’t you write: ‘The fruit has ripened; the dates have grown green; come to an army which has been gathered for you’?”
Those consciences that had broken their pledges and disregarded their vows had no shame at all. Thus they all resorted to lying and said, “We never did so.”
The Imam was astonished at this and he said, “Glory be to God, you have indeed done so.”
Imam turned away from them and addressed individual soldiers and said, “O people! If you are not pleased with me, leave me so that I may go to any safe place.”
Qais bin Ashath, well known for his deception and hypocrisy and who was in every way distant from nobility and respect – and it is sufficient for him that he was from a family that did not produce a single noble soul – glanced at the Holy Imam and said, “Do you not accept the command of your cousins? They have never treated you with anything but what you liked and no unfavorable behavior shall be shown to you.”
Imam replied to him, “You are the brother of your brother (like them)? Do you want that Bani Hashim demand from you more than the retaliation for the blood of Muslim bin Aqil? No, by Allah! I will never give them my hand like a man who has been humiliated; nor will I flee like a slave.[1] O servants of God, I take refuge in my Lord and your Lord from your stoning. I take refuge in my Lord and your Lord from every haughty man who does not believe in the Day of Reckoning.”[2]
Kingdoms shall be destroyed and regimes shall keep on changing but those immortal words shall remain forever because they expressed the greatness of truth, humanity, nobility and courage.
Pity that there brilliant words did not leave any imprint on those adamant people because ignorance had closed all the doors of their perception. “Allah has set a seal upon their hearts and upon their hearing and there is a covering over their eyes, do you think they hear and understand? They are like cattle, rather more astray than them.”
They had totally rejected the call of the Imam and accorded no importance to it. Almighty Allah has rightly said:
“Surely you do not make the dead to hear, and you do not make the deaf to hear the call when they go back retreating.”[3]
Notes:
[1] And in a report, “I will not submit like slaves”.
[2] Tabari, Tarikh 5/421-424. Ad Durrun Nadheem, Pg. 552-553
[3] Surah Naml 27:80
(711)
Zuhair’s Speech
Zuhair bin Qain addressed the soldiers and delivered a speech full of good counsel. He spoke as follows:
“O people of Kufa! Beware of the divine chastisement. It is the duty of every Muslim to dispense good counsel to his Muslim brother. So far we were brothers in one faith till hostilities had not emerged between us and you are deserving of good counsel from us. When swords are drawn, it is the end of security. We shall become one community and you another. The Almighty Allah has tested us and you through the Family of His Messenger so that it be seen how we behave. We invite you to help them and leave off the obedience of the tyrant Yazid and Ubaidullah Ibn Ziyad as you shall see nothing during their regimes except evil. You shall be blinded, maimed, cut up into pieces and impaled on date palms like your elders and reciters of Quran like Hujr bin Adi, his companions, Hani bin Urwah and other like them were dealt with.”
These statements are full of most expressive and outstanding proof; because it contains the call towards truth with all its dimensions of meanings and warning about divine punishment and anger. It explained to them that the aim of warning them was only to fulfill a religious duty as it is incumbent for one Muslim to advise his Muslim brother – when he sees the latter deviated from the truth – he should enjoin him…and it informed them before the Hell fire may be lighted up; because Islamic brotherhood brings them together, thus whenever fighting occurs, the roots of that brotherhood are cut off and each one of the two communities would become a distinct group whom the connections of the Islamic faith have not brought to each other. They were also reminded that the Almighty Allah has tested the Muslims through the Family of His Prophet and He has made their love incumbent in His honored book so that people may be shown how to behave with them.
In the same way the speech called their attention to the injustice and oppression of the Umayyads and how they had dealt with such righteous personages as Hujr bin Adi, Mitham Tammar and others who opposed the oppression and stood up against persecution due to which the Umayyad regime wreaked horrible punishments upon them, gouged out their eyes, maimed them and impaled them on date palms.
Zubair had hardly concluded his speech that some soldiers of Ibn Saad began to ridicule him in the most shameless manner. They threatened him and Imam with death and said, “We are such that we shall kill your friend and his companions or we shall make him and his friends surrender to Ubaidullah bin Ziyad.”
Zuhair replied to them with the logic of truth saying, “O servants of Allah! The sons of Fatima are more deserving of friendship and support than the son of Sumaiyyah. I implore you to seek refuge of Allah lest you put them to death…you leave this man for Yazid that by my life, he will accept your obedience without your killing Husain.”
(712)
Many of them fell silent and confusion and bewilderment overcame them. When Shimr bin Zil Jaushan saw this condition he feared that the army would be inclined to peace. So he shot an arrow towards Zuhair saying, “Keep quiet, may God kill you, I am fed up with your lecture.”
Zuhair regarded him with disdain and looked towards him as if he were the most decadent creature. He told him, “I was not speaking to you; you are not greater than cattle. And by Allah, I don’t think you know even two verses from the Book of Allah. Then be sure of humiliation of the Day of Judgment and painful chastisement.”
That degraded man was enraged by the words of Zuhair and he screamed at him, “Till another time, the Almighty will kill you and your friend.”
Zuhair said, “Do you threaten me with death? By Allah, for me death being immortality is more preferable to me than you.”
Then Zuhair glanced at the soldiers and said, “O servants of Allah, let not this rude oppressor and his like deviate you from your religion. By Allah, the intercession of Muhammad shall not reach those who shed the blood of his family, Holy family, companions and defenders.”
Imam noticed that Zuhair’s speech had no effect on those transmogrified people, so he told one of his companions to restrain him from continuing his dialogue. He went towards him and said, “Aba Abdillah has sent you message that you come back, as by my life, if the believer of the people of Firon had counseled his people and called them to truth, you have also counseled these people and dispensed them good advice if they be of any use.”[1]
Burair’s speech
The prominent Shaykh, Burair bin Khudhair began to exhort the army: “O people! The Almighty Allah sent Muhammad as a warner, a giver of glad-tidings, a caller towards Allah and a shinning lamp. This is the water of Euphrates, the pigs and dogs of this area dive into it, but between it and the son of the daughter of the Prophet of God a distance has been created. Is this the way that you recompense Muhammad?”
They abandoned all nobility and shame and said, “O Burair, you have talked a great deal. Do not say anymore. Husain shall suffer thirst in the same way as before him one had to bear the thirst.”
He warned and showed them the way to the right path, “O people, the family of Muhammad is in front of you. They are the family, family, daughters and members of his clan so tell us what you want to do with them?”
They replied to him, “We like to impose the authority of governor Ubaidullah upon them so that he may decide to do whatever he wants with them.” Burair reminded them of their pledges and letters that they had sent to Holy imam. He said, “Will
Notes:
[1] Tabari, Tarikh 5/426-427
(713)
you not accept from them for which they have come and that they should turn away from it?
Woe be on you, O people of Kufa. Have you forgotten your letters and pledges that you gave him and had them witnessed by Lord Almighty? After having invited the Holy family of your Prophet and having promised that you shall lay down your lives to defend them do you now want to hand them over to Ibn Ziyad and deny them the water of Euphrates? How cruel is your behavior to the family to your Prophet after he has passed away. What would happen to you, Allah will not quench you on the day of Qiyamat as you are the worst people?”
Some of those, whose conscience had become deviated, denied having sent any letters or giving pledges to the Imam. They said, “We don’t know what you are talking about.”
Burair realized their adamancy on sin and their unanimity of intention to commit the infamy. He said, “Thanks be to Allah for having given me more perception regarding you. O Allah, I openly declare my aloofness from the actions of these people. O my Lord, gather them all in such a way that You are infuriated at them. (Be angry!)”
They laughed at him and began to shoot arrows at him.[1] He also went away from them.
Speech of Imam Husain
Kindness and affection of the Imam with regard to his enemies impelled Holy imam to once more try to persuade them to leave off this path of sin so that none from them would have any excuse remaining that he had not been sufficiently warned. Hence he went towards them carrying open the Book of Allah, wearing the turban of his grandfather, the Messenger of Allah and armed with the weapons of Holy imam. He exuded such awe that foreheads humbled before him and eyes could not dare to look upon him. Then he told them:
“May destruction and sorrow afflict you, O people! After calling me eagerly when I hastened to respond you, you have drawn out your swords on me? Have you inflamed the fire against us and for the benefit of your enemies that we had ignited for your and our enemies, without there being any justification for you in that? O do you have hope in it, against your friends you have prepared? Or that if you have hope from them that you have gathered against your friend. Should you not be troubled by hardships when the sword is not yet drawn and no sort of harm has been caused to you? And nothing has been given to it, but you hastened to him like the green locusts and you have come to him like the falling of moths into the fire. At that time you broke the pledge. This humiliation afflicted you because of that. O slaves of the community, outcasts of the tribes and those who have distanced from the Book of Allah and the Sunnahs! Woe be upon you! Will you support these people and deny your assistance to us? Indeed, by Allah, it is a betrayal of
Notes:
[1] Biharul Anwar 5/182-183
(714)
trust among you that your roots have become firm on it and your branches have matured and become strong on it and you have put forth the worst of the fruits, such that you aggrieve one who looks and you become the diet of every usurper.
Verily, this wicked one son of the wicked one, has put forth two options, be killed by the sword or be humiliated. Never! I shall never opt for degradation. Allah, His Prophet, believers, the pure ones, the purified, the exalted and the noble souls would never accept it from me, that I should prefer the humiliation of a decadent person instead of martyrdom of great men. Indeed, I shall fight with these (mine) family members in spite of the scarcity of their number and despite the fact that they (Kufians) have withdrawn their support from us.”
After that he recited the following couplets of Faruta bin Maseek Muradi:
“If we are able to vanquish them, we have vanquished them before also many times and if we are defeated we shall not be of the vanquished ones.
Fear does not come upon us. It is our death and the wealth of others.
Tell those who ridicule to take lesson from us as they shall see what we have seen.
By Allah! After that you shall not remain but as much as one who mounts the horse and it rotates like a hand mill on you and its pivot shakes you up.
I have heard this from my grandfather, the Messenger of Allah: Therefore, sit together and think and decide upon this matter so that your actions may not make you full of remorse. And then you do whatever you want with me without giving further respite. Surely I rely on Allah, my Lord and your Lord; there is no living creature but He holds it by its forelock; surely my Lord is on the right path.”[1]
After that he raised up his hands and prayed: “O Allah! Prevent the clouds from raining on them and make them suffer a famine like that of the time of Yusuf. O Lord! Impose the slave of Thaqif (Hajjaj bin Yusuf) on them so that he may make them taste all kinds of kinds of disgrace and indignity and injustice and oppression as they have rejected me and they have left me without friends. Our Lord! On Thee do we rely, and to Thee do we turn, and to Thee is the eventual coming.”[2]
By these statements, Holy imam burst out like a volcano and displayed such determination and will power as was never seen before. The Imam’s monologue contained the following points:
First: Holy imam severely condemned them for their misdeeds because when they wrote to him for help and he harkened to their call and hastened to come they did an about turn and drew their swords on Holy imam, that were supposed to be drawn against their enemies who had made all efforts to humiliate them and forced them against their will.
Notes:
[1] Khwarizmi, Maqtal Husain (a.s.) 2/8. Al Lohoof, Pg. 157
[2] Ibne Asakir, Tarikh 14/218-219. Khwarizmi, Maqtal Husain (a.s.) 2/8. Al Lohoof, Pg. 157
(715)
Secondly: Holy imam expressed his deep regret for their assistance to the Umayyad regime, a regime that neither acted with justice among them nor spread truth. Nor did they have any hope or aspiration in that regime.
Thirdly: He severely denounced the qualities present in them that had made them the most degraded people of the world; because they were slaves of the community, outcasts of the tribes, those who had become aloof from Quran and they were from the sinners and other evil traits were also found in them.
Fourth: Holy imam clearly announced his emphatic denial to accept the demands of Ibn Marjana, because he wanted to insult Holy imam and far from it that the Imam should have submitted to him, because he had been created to make humanity and lofty values prominent. Then how could he have surrendered to that wicked one, son of the wicked one?
Fifth: Holy imam announced his determination to wage the battle and said that he would step into the battlefield with members of his clan, who were outstanding warriors, steadfast and who considered death to be of no consequence.
Sixth: Holy imam told them what their future shall be after they have killed him; that the Almighty Allah imposes upon them a tyrant who would force them to drink the bitter cup and wreak upon them a terrible punishment. Not much time passed that Mukhtar rose up against them and filled up their hearts with trepidation and horror and butchered them with fury.
These were some of the sensitive points present in the blessed sermon of Holy imam, a speech that was delivered with the power of eloquence and strength of determination and the army of Ibn Saad was thrown into confusion and bewilderment.
Hurr’s Response
Hurr’s soul beckoned him towards righteousness and his conscience was awakened by the speech of the Holy Imam. In that moment that shaped his destiny, he fell into contemplation by which there raged a mental tug-of-war in his mind. Should he join Holy imam, Husain and sacrifice his life and position in spite of his being a commander having status in the view of the regime that had trusted him and appointed him as the leader of the vanguard of its army? Or that he should remain an opponent of the Imam in battle, in which case there was everlasting chastisement for him?
However Hurr responded to the call of his conscience and overcome the mental tug-of-war. He decided to join Holy imam, Husain. Before he set out towards Holy imam he came to Ibn Saad and asked him, “Are you going to fight this man?”
Ibn Saad replied at once without any sort of hesitation and to display his sincerity for his master, Ibn Marjana before the outstanding commander, “Yes, it will be a terrible battle, the least part of which will be heads falling and severed hands flying (through the air).”
(716)
Hurr again asked him, “Haven’t you any other way of getting what you want?”
Ibn Saad said, “If the matter rested with me I would do (anything else), but your governor has refused (any alternative).”
When Hurr became certain that those people were determined to fight the Imam, he broke the ranks while he was trembling, he came forward which surprised Muhajir bin Aws, a man of Ibn Ziyad. In a voice of doubt and suspicion he said to Hurr, “By God, I have never seen you act like this before. If I was asked who was the bravest of the Kufians, I would not normally neglect to mention you. What is this I see in you, today?”
Hurr revealed his reality, to him and told him about his intention. He said, “By God, I find myself with alternatives of Heaven and Hell and I shall not prefer anything to Paradise even though I am cut to pieces and burnt.”
With that he whipped his horse and galloped over and joined the Imam[1] while he was immersed in shame and regret. When he reached the Imam he said in a loud voice, “O my Lord I am turning towards you while I have terrified Your saints and the son of Your Prophet. O Aba Abdillah, I have repented, would I be forgiven?”[2]
After that he dismounted his horse while his tears were glistening on his face. He stood before the Holy Imam and said, “May I be your ransom, son of the Apostle of God?” he said, “I was your companion who stopped you from returning. I accompanied you along the road and made you stop in this place. But I did not think that the people would refuse to respond to what you have offered them and that they would ever come to this position in which they have now come to with regard to you. By God, if I had I known that they would finish up by doing what I am seeing them do to you, I would not have committed what I have committed against you. I repent to God for what I have done. Will you accept my repentance?”
Imam was glad he was joining him and he forgave him saying, “Yes, Allah has accepted your repentance and forgiven you.”[3]
At that time Hurr related to the Imam a dream he had seen, “Last night I saw my father in dream that he was asking me: What are you doing these days, and where are you? I replied: I was in pursuit of Husain. He told me: Woe be on you, what has happened to you. Are you pursuing Husain, the son of Allah’s Messenger…? I request you to grant the permission to fight so that I may be the first to be killed in your service just as I was the first one to attack you?”[4]
Notes:
[1] Tabari, Tarikh 5/427. Kamil 4/64
[2] Saduq, Amali, Pg. 23. Ibne Tawus, Lohoof, Pg. 160
[3] Kamil 4/64, Ad Durrun Nadheem, Pg. 553-554
[4] Khwarizmi, Maqtal Husain (a.s.) 2/10
(717)
Hurr’s speech to the soldiers
Hurr asked the Imam’s permission to exhort the people of Kufa and counsel them. Perhaps some of them would turn back from their wrong attitude towards the path of truth. The Imam accorded him the permission and he set out to address them. He called out in a loud voice:
“People of Kufa, your mothers will be deprived of their sons and tears will come to their eyes. Have you summoned this righteous man; but when he has come to you, have you handed him over to his enemies? Did you claim that you would fight with your own lives for him, and then have you begun to attack him in order to kill him? You have laid hold of his life; you have seized his throat; you have encircled him on every side in order to prevent him returning to God’s broad land (i.e. the Hijaz). He has come into your hands like a prisoner who no longer has the power to use his own life and cannot defend it against harm. You have prevented him, his womenfolk, his children and his people from getting the water of the Euphrates which Jews, Christians and Magians may drink, and which the pigs and dogs of Sawad drink. They (al-Husain’s family) are likely to die of thirst. How wickedly you have treated the offspring left by Muhammad. May God not give you water to drink on the Day of Thirst if you do not repent from your current attitude and make amends for it.”
The earth began to shake below their feet because there were hundreds of people like Hurr involved in waves of mental tussle and who were certain that what they were doing was wrong, however they had responded positively to their selfish desires due to their love for the world. Some of these transformed people showed impudence to Hurr and shot arrows towards him as their argument.[1]
Thirty mounted fighters join Imam’s Army
Thirty riders from the army of Ibn Saad joined the Imam’s camp and before leaving said to the people of Kufa, “The son of Allah’s Messenger presented three proposals but you did not accept anyone of them.” They fought bravely on the side of the Holy Imam till they were martyred in his service.[2]
The Battle
All the efforts that Imam made to maintain peace and avoid bloodshed were defeated and Ibn Saad also feared prolonging the matter because he was afraid lest there develop two opposing groups in the army and the deserting of 30 riders to join the Imam’s camp had shaken him. On the basis of this, that tyrant approached the encampment of the Imam and fixing an arrow to his bow released it towards them saying, “Testify about me to the governor that I was the first to fire to Husain.”
By shooting the arrow that initiated the battle, Ibn Saad wanted to gain the confidence of his ruler, Ibn Marjana and he wanted the soldiers to witness to him
Notes:
[1] Kamil 4/64
[2] Tadhib at-Tahdhib 1/152
(718)
about Ibn Saad’s sincerity and loyalty towards him so that he may continue to trust him and dispel any doubts he may be having regarding him that he did not make his best efforts in fighting against Husain.
Arrows began to rain upon the entourage of Imam Husain from the side of Ibn Saad. Such that no one from the Imam’s side remained but that he was injured by an arrow, and in this way was destroyed the argument for peace that the Imam had desired. Holy imam waited for the enemy to take the first sinful step and when they initiated the hostilities it became obligatory on Holy imam to fight in self defense. Such an obligation that there was no doubt in it. Therefore the Holy Imam turned to his companions and allowed them to begin fighting, “O noble souls, arise as these arrows shot by those people are targeting you.”
Vanguards of truth from the companions of the Imam came forward in the battlefield and in this way started a furious battle that continued to rage for quite sometime. Absolutely never before and after it had such a battle occurred on the face of the earth, because on one side were 32 horsemen and 40 foot soldiers and on the other were tens of thousands. That small group fought against that huge army which was well-equipped and strong in an outstanding manner.
And they displayed such valor and courage that the intellects were astonished and minds were perplexed.
The Imam’s companions dived into the battlefield with absolute faith in purity of intention because they were convinced that they were fighting for the sake of religion they believed in. And they dedicated their lives in its way. Through an outstanding Jihad they established such an honor to this community that no honor could equal it and they made such a great bestowal to humanity that nothing like it has ever been gifted throughout its history.
# Martyrdom of the Companions
Mercenaries of falsehood and misguidance, armed to the teeth with rows like a flood fell upon those chosen noble men who had dedicated their lives to Allah and nothing could make them unmindful of supporting the truth and destroying falsehood while those great personalities assumed patience and sincerity and remained steadfast before those wild beasts. And they were not cowed down by their huge numbers, their weapons and their capabilities. They displayed admirable valor and manliness…
We shall discuss about the events of the battle and incidents related to the martyrdom of those righteous souls.
General Attack
Forces of Ibn Saad launched a mammoth attack on the companions of the Holy Imam and a furious battle erupted between the two parties. This was the first attack in which the Imam’s men participated. It was an attack in which all the divisions of the army of Kufa took part and the companions derived strength from their faith in the correctness of their belief in the defense of Islam and sacrifice with all sincerity. And their martial spirit was awakened to such an extent that they continued to repulse the huge army and rent asunder their ranks and dispersed the rows of soldiers who had been tough as a stone. As a result of which the small band of Holy warriors was able to put to flight the army of Saad.[1] But in this course half of them were martyred.[2]
Number of Imam’s Men who were martyred
The number of martyrs from the Imam’s companions in the first attack, on the basis of what Ibn Shahr Aashob has mentioned were as follows: Naeem bin Ajlaan, Imran bin Kaab bin Harith Ashjai, Hanzalah bin Amr Shaibani, Qasit bin Zuhair, Kanana bin Atiq, Amr bin Mashiya, Zarghama bin Malik, Aamir bin Muslim, Saif bin Malik Numairi, Abdur Rahman Darji, Majma Aaezi, Habbab bin Harith, Amr Jundai, Halaas bin Amr Rasibi, Sawaar bin Abi Umair Fahmi, Ammar bin Abi Salamah Daalaani, Noman bin Amr Raasibi, Zahir bin Amr, slave of Ibn Hamaq, Jabla bin Ali, Masud bin Hajjaj, Abdullah bin Urwah Ghiffari, Zuhair bin Salim, Abdullah and Ubaidullah, two sons of Zaid Basri and ten persons from the slaves of Holy imam, Husain and slaves of Holy imam, Imam Ali.[3]
Single Combat
After the first attack, single combats started between the two armies, because Yasar, the slave of Ziyad and Saalim, the slave of Ubaidullah bin Ziyad came to the battlefield and challenged the Imam’s companions for duels with them. So
Notes:
[1] Ma’-al Husain Fee Nahzatih, Pg. 220
[2] It is mentioned in Biharul Anwar that the number of Imam’s companions martyred in the first attack was fifty.
[3] Ibne Shahr Aashob, Manaqib 4/113
(720)
Habib bin Mazahir and Burair stood up to move towards them, but the Imam did not allow them to proceed. Thus, the great warrior, Abdullah bin Umair Kalbi went towards them.[1] He was a daring and courageous man. Imam Husain said, “I consider him a fighter against outstanding warriors.”
When he arrived and faced the two challengers they asked about his name and lineage. He told them about it but they considered it of not much importance and said, “We don’t know who you are. Let Zuhair bin Qain or Habib bin Mazahir or Burair come out against us.” The brave warrior hastened to the two men and screamed at Yasar, “Son of a prostitute, you wanted to do single combat with one of the people. None shall come against you but that he is better than you…”
How meaningful was his statement that: “None shall come but that he shall be better than you.” Each one of the companions of the Imam was better than him and the soldiers of that army because they were fighting with conviction and faith that they were confronting with certainty people of misguidance and deviation in the path of religion.
Kalbi attacked Yasar and felled him to the ground smeared in his own blood. At that moment Saalim attacked him while he was not attentive to him. With his left arm he warded off Saalim’s blow but the fingers of his hand were cut off. Then he turned on Saalim and struck him with the other hand killing him.
The mercenaries of Ibn Saad were terrified of this incomparable warrior. While he was fighting, his respected wife, Umme Wahab[2] took up a tent pole and hastened to him and cheered him to fight on, “May my parents be sacrificed on you, fight for the defense of holy family of Muhammad.”
Companions of Holy imam, Husain were concentrating all their efforts in defense of the Holy Imam and in this matter there was no difference between men or women and young or old.
They displayed daring in battle with fiery emotions and they had become impassioned in their love and devotion to the Holy Imam.
When Kalbi saw his wife behind him he ordered her to go back to the ladies’ tents, but she did not agree. The Imam noticed this and he hastened to her and said, “The Almighty Allah shall bestow a good reward to your family. Go back! May Allah have mercy on you as ladies are not obliged to fight in Jihad…”
Umme Wahab returned to ladies’ tent and Kalbi began to recite the following poem of war:
“If you do not know me, I am Ibn al-Kalbi: I am a man of bitterness and anger, I am not a weakling in the face of disaster.”
Notes:
[1] It is said that Abdullah bin Umair was martyred in the first attack.
[2] The lady Umme Wahab was the daughter of Abdullah from Namr bin Qasit and she was killed after the martyrdom of her husband.
(721)
By this poem he introduced himself that he was from Bani Kalb, a tribe of Qaza-a.[1] In the same way he spoke about his daring, superiority, outstanding valor, intelligence and eloquence and reiterated that he shall not be found wanting in conditions of hardships. Rather in such circumstances he shall be one with foresight and perception. And in this way he described his noble personality which was a lofty quality of the noble souls.
Inconclusive Attack
Ibn Saad’s forces had surrounded the Imam’s camp from all the sides, but inspite of their few numbers the Imam’s companions had stood up to defend themselves, dug their heels in determination and wielded their spears in such a threatening way that the mounted attackers did not dare to approach them. They were compelled to retreat. The Imam’s men showered the foes with arrows, killed some of them and wounded others[2] and the forces of Ibn Saad had to suffer huge losses and were not able to get any sort of success.
Burair’s Imprecation contest with Yazid
Yazid bin Moqal, an ally of Abdul Qais moved towards the camp of the Holy Imam and reaching near, he called out in a loud voice to Burair bin Khudhair Hamadani, “O Burair, how do you find what Allah has destined for you?”
Burair replied to him with calmness and perfect faith, “By Allah He sent good with regard to me and evil for you…”
Indeed, the Allah Almighty conveyed goodness to Burair because He guided him with truth and made him among the companions of the beloved grandson of the Messenger of Allah. On the other hand He abandoned his oppressive and degraded opponent in the maze of misguidance and allowed him to be one of the killers of the sons of the Prophet.
That corrupt man retorted to Burair, “You lie! You were not a liar before this day. I testify that you are of the deviated ones.”
This wicked man has confessed in the truthfulness of Burair before that day. That is of the time he supported the truth and on that day he alleged that he had become a liar. Burair challenged him to an imprecation contest with him? ‘So that the Almighty Allah may curse the liar among us and destroy the one who is on falsehood?’
Yazid agreed and the two of them came before the two camps to take part in the imprecation contest and after that both of them came to attack each other. Yazid lashed at Burair but the strike had no effect on him. Burair turned to him and delivered such a terrible blow that his helmet split and the sword reached upto his brain. That filthy corrupt man was smeared in his blood while the sword had sunk into his head. He fell down and died a few moments later.[3]
Notes:
[1] Qaza-a: It is a Yemenite tribe that had migrated to Kufa.
[2] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/65, Al-Irshad, 2/101
[3] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/66
(722)
Burair was elated that his heartfelt prayers had been fulfilled. He launched an attack on the camp of Ibn Saad, while all the units of that army looked at this incomparable warrior. Burair began to intone the following martial poem:
“I am Burair and my father is Khudhair.
I am not scared of the roar of a lion.
Righteous people recognize goodness by us.
I shall slay them and won’t have to suffer any loss.
And that good deed shall be performed by Burair.”[1]
He introduced himself to the troops of Ibn Saad and he informed them of his unequalled valor and that he was a lion that was not afraid of roaring. Rather he announced his daring and also that at the time when he would rain severe blows upon them, in this action, he did not see any doubt or sin.
Burair’s Martyrdom
Burair stepped forward to fight like a warrior eager for martyrdom while his being was full of faith, aim and determination to defend the beloved grandson of the Messenger of Allah. He called out aloud to the troops of Ibn Saad, “O killers of believing persons! Come near me! O murderers of the son of the daughter of the Messenger of the Lord of the worlds! Come here!”[2]
Razi bin Munqidh Abadi, the corrupt one attacked him and the two of them fought for sometime. However Burair subdued him and sat upon his chest about to behead him. While he was engrossed in his, the decadent corrupt man, Kaab bin Jabir Azadi attacked him from behind because he didn’t dare to attack him from the front. Thus he delivered a blow with a spear on the back of Burair and when he felt the blow he threw himself on Abadi and bit a part of his nose. But Kaab rushed upon him and martyred him.[3] In this way, the life of this exalted believer, who was a prominent Qari of Kufa, came to an end while his killer was condemned and people regarded him as a degraded person. So much so that even his wife began to hate him and she vowed never to speak to him again. She told him, “You have supported the opposition of the son of Fatima and killed Burair, a reciter of Quran. By Allah, I shall never speak to you again.”[4]
His cousin, Ubaidullah bin Jabir was also angry with him. He told him, “Woe be on you. Have you killed Burair? How you’ll face the Almighty?” That wicked man was himself deeply ashamed and he composed some couplets that described his grief and regret for having committed such a deadly oppression, that we have quoted in our previous discussions.
Notes:
[1] Al Futuh 5/186
[2] Al Futuh 5/187
[3] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/399
[4] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/66-67
(723)
Martyrdom of Amr Ansari
Amr bin Qardha Ansari, a famous nobleman from Ansar stepped towards the field of Jihad and honor and with great courage initiated the war of loyalty and faith. He chopped off the heads of wicked people and rained death and destruction on the heads of the enemies, while reciting the following poem of war:
“The Ansars understood that I shall support the center of pledge and honor.
I shall sacrifice my life and house in defense of Husain with blows of youth that do not accept humiliation.”
By this war poem he announced that he was the supporter of pledges and honor. All the companions of the Imam possessed this quality because they were the chosen ones from Muslims for honoring pledges and respecting their promises. In the same way he announced that he would rain terrible blows upon the enemies and fight them with daring and courage in order to defend his chief and master, Holy imam, Husain and in this way he was prepared to sacrifice his life and existence.
He fought the battle with a true intention and firm determination till he achieved martyrdom and his soul joined the exalted ranks. He had a brother among the misguided companions of Ibn Saad so when he saw his brother being killed he came towards the Imam’s camp and screamed, “O Husain, O liar, son of liar! You misguided my brother till you got him killed!”
Imam replied to him, “The Almighty Allah did not deviate your brother. Rather He has guided him and made you deviated.”[1]
The Almighty Allah guided Amr and filled his heart with faith. He performed the Jihad till he reached martyrdom in defending the most sanctified matter of Islam. However, his brother was left deviated by the Almighty and his heart was made crooked. Thus he became a partner in the deadliest sin those wicked people had committed.
Umayyad Army refuses one to one fight
The Umayyad troops were tired of one to one fights because the Imam’s companions displayed such astonishing examples of valor that the Umayyads had to suffer huge losses. They raised a clamor in such a way that Amr bin Hajjaj Zubaidi, an important official of Ibn Saad’s army noticed that if one to one fights continued they shall all be eliminated as a result of the valor of Imam’s companions and the power of their certainty and that they had no fear of death at all. So he yelled at his troops and restrained them from person to person duels:
“O you fools! Don’t you know whom you are fighting? You are fighting the most outstanding mounted warriors from the people of this land and a group that is perfect and seeking martyrdom. So none of you can go to confront them without being killed. By God! If you all attack them together you could kill them with stones.”[2]
Notes:
[1] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/399
[2] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/400
(724)
These statements point out the prominent qualities of the companions of the Holy Imam and their attitude. Some of them were as follows:
A. They were the knights of that country because they possessed remarkable valor and strength of determination that was not present in the troops of Ibn Saad.
B. They were folks having perception and knowledge who had realized the truth and understood the lofty values that the Imam has chosen as his slogans and was fighting to defend these same. Therefore they were fighting with full knowledge and obvious proof regarding their position. They were not like their enemies who were in misguidance and confusion and immersed in falsehood and deviation.
C. They were seeking martyrdom in defense of the Imam and had no hope in their life. They possessed all human virtues that were considered preferable by intellect so that they may achieve lofty valor, exalted honor and deep faith.
Historians say: Ibn Saad accepted the view of Ibn Hajjaj and ordered all his forces to stop fighting the companions of the Imam in single combat.[1]
Attack of Amr bin Hajjaj
Amr bin Hajjaj launched a huge attack on Imam’s entourage and indulged in severe fight of death with them. A most terrible and severe type of battle ensued. Both sides had to bear more losses of lives.
Martyrdom of Muslim bin Ausaja
One of the most prominent and incomparable companions of the Imam, Muslim bin Ausaja fell down fighting in the battlefield. Imam rushed to him and reached him when he was in the throes of death. Imam moved near him and said, “O Muslim, may the Almighty have mercy on you, so of them is he who accomplished his vow, and of them is he who yet waits, and they have not changed in the least…”[2]
At that moment his friend and a partner in his Jihad, Habib bin Mazahir approached him and said, “Muslim, your death is hard for me to bear but I bring you good news of Heaven (where you are going).”
“May God bring you good news too,” replied Muslim in a weak voice.
Habib said, “Even though I know that I would follow you soon, I would still like you to appoint me to carry out everything which concerns you.”
Muslim made a bequest to him regarding that which was most precious to him. He pointed towards the Imam and said, “I will you regarding him, that you sacrifice your life to defend him.”
These were his last words.[3] Indeed, this is the greatness that indicates the height of nobility that the Imam’s companions possessed, because each of them was the representative of human nobility in all the times and places.
Notes:
[1] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/400
[2] Surah Ahzab 33:23
[3] Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 8/182, Tabari, Tarikh 5/435-436
(725)
This is that same loyalty that is caused by unlimited faith. In those moments of their life they were neither worried about their families nor about any other worldly matter. Rather their concern was solely about Imam Husain because they were sincere in their love for Holy imam to the last moments of their lives.
Ibn Saad’s troops sighed with relief when this great warrior was finally eliminated. They congratulated each other and exclaimed in delight, “Muslim has been killed!”
This matter was hard upon Shabth bin Rabi because he knew Muslim and acknowledged his merits to be great. Thus being affected by it he addressed those around him, “May your mothers mourn for you! You are killing yourselves and humiliating yourselves before others. Are you elated on killing Muslim? By the one for whom I accepted Islam, I was a witness of his contribution to the Muslims. I saw him, on the day of conquest of Azerbaijan that he slew six infidels before that the horses of Muslims may sleep (they may rest). Are your pleased at the killing of someone like him?”[1]
Those mutated people who had killed this great warrior; it was as if they had killed themselves, because he was killed in defense of their benefits and rights that the Umayyad regime considered of no importance.
Historians say: Muslim succeeded in putting to death some stalwarts of Ibn Saad’s troops. Of them were Ibn Abdullah Zubabi and Abdur Rahman Ibn Abi Khashkara Bajali.[2]
Shimr’s Attack
The leprous wicked man, Shimr bin Zil Jaushan attacked with a battalion of his the left wing of the Imam’s army that consisted of only 32 mounted fighters. But they stood firm against him and forced him away (with their spears). Imam Husain and his followers were attacked on every side but they fought fiercely. Then their cavalry began to attack and even though they were only thirty-two horsemen, they did not attack any side of the Kufan cavalry without putting it to flight.[3]
Martyrdom of Abdullah Kalbi
Abdullah bin Umar Kalbi fought Jihad like the valiant ones and slashed with his sword on the left and right. According to historians he killed 19 horsemen and 12 foot soldiers,[4] while he had received multiple injuries and was severely wounded. Hani bin Thabeet Hadhrami and Bukair bin Hayy Tamimi pounced upon him and martyred him.[5] In this manner ended the life of this warrior who sacrificed himself for the love and devotion towards the beloved grandson of the Messenger of Allah. His wife, the lady Umme Wahab came out looking for him and searched him
Notes:
[1] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/67-68, Tabari, Tarikh 5/436
[2] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/68
[3] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/68
[4] Ibne Shahr Aashob, Manaqib 4/101
[5] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/68
(726)
among the corpses. When she found it she sat down besides him and congratulated him for his martyrdom with faith and sincerity. She said,
“Congratulations for having achieved Paradise. I pray the Almighty to join me with you in Paradise.”
She continued to invocate the Almighty in this way when suddenly Shimr bin Zil Jaushan the most wicked person on the earth saw her. He ordered his slave, Rustom to eliminate her. The slave hit her on the head from behind with an iron mace. She was martyred in the battlefield. Historians say: She was the first female companion of Imam Husain to be killed.[1] This denotes that there were other ladies also who were martyred from the side of the Holy Imam in the battlefield. And in this way the system of the period of Ignorance returned and the law promulgated by Islam against harming ladies and children was trespassed.
Urwah Asks for Help
Urwah bin Qais was a prominent commander in Ibn Saad’s troops and an expert of warfare. On seeing the bravery of Imam’s followers and the unprecedented losses that their troops had suffered he became very much worried. So he asked Ibn Saad to send more archers and foot soldiers to support them.
He said, “Don’t you see what my cavalry is receiving today from this small number of men? Send the foot soldiers and archers against them.”
Ibn Saad ordered Shabth bin Rabi to go for his help but he did not accept it. He said, “Glory be to God, could you not find anyone else for this job?”
Shabth bin Rabi was not fully satisfied in participating in this battle and he has often spoken of this matter. For example he used to say, “The Almighty Allah would never bless the people of this land and may He not guide them. Don’t you see that we have killed the best of men? We fought them on the side of the family of Muawiyah and the son of Sumaiyyah, the fornicator. This is evil and a strange evil it is!”
When Ibn Saad heard this he summoned Haseen bin Numair and with him dispatched five hundred well-armed and equipped archers with the order that they must shoot at the companions of the Imam. They showered the followers of Husain with arrows. They continued shooting at them until they had lamed most of their horses and wounded some of their men. Then they moved against them and a fierce battle was fought between them for some time. Most of the Imam’s followers were now on foot but despite this there was not the slightest decline in their fervor and courage. And they remained steadfast like lofty mountains and did not move a step backwards while Hurr Ibn Yazid also afoot, followed alongside them. Battle raged more furiously and historians have considered it to be the fiercest of all battles. It continued till midday.[2]
Notes:
[1] Tabari, Tarikh 5/438
[2] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/68-69. Tabari, Tarikh 5/436-438
(727)
Opening of Another front
Ibn Saad noticed that since only a single front was open in the battle, it would prolong the hostilities and his troops were bound to suffer huge losses. Therefore it was decided to open upon another front that would expedite the elimination of the remaining men of Imam Husain. So he issued orders that the tents and camps of the Imam’s followers that were on the left and right of the tents of the Imam should be attacked and uprooted so that the Imam’s entourage would be busy in defending their tents and hence their front shall be weakened.
Soldiers of Ibn Saad launched the attack and began to uproot the tents. However some companions of the Imam were lying in ambush and they began to kill them and maim their horses. As a result of it their plan was changed into a terrible defeat and they could not gain any sort of advantage. Ibn Saad again commanded them to put the tents afire so that riders may attack them. Imam’s followers tried to prevent them but the Imam restrained them from it and said, “Let them burn the tents. If they do so they would not be able to cross over to reach you.” It happened as Holy imam had foretold. The burning tents became a barrier between the enemy and the Imam’s companions and only one battlefront remained as before.[1]
Shimr tries to burn to death the Ladies of Revelation
The filthy wicked Shimr bin Zil Jaushan attacked the tents housing the ladies of the house of revelation and the noble maids of Prophet’s family, screaming, “Get me fire so that I may burn down the occupants of these tents.”
This transmogrified monster had gone much ahead in wickedness and decadence and it is certain that there was none among the martial oppressors and deviated ones of the land like this criminal in wickedness and decadence of nature and lowliness of temperament.
Fear loomed over the daughters of the Messenger of Allah and they began to tremble. They came out of the tents in anxiety and their wails arose, while the children and infants were crying behind them. This tragic scene was absolutely shocking and Imam Husain was deeply hurt by it. He screamed at that filthy wicked man, “Would you burn down my house with my family? May the Almighty burn you with (Hell) fire.”[2]
That wicked one did not change his decision and was ordering his soldiers in the same way to hand over to him a flame so that he may burn down the tents of Holy family.
Objection of Hamid bin Muslim
Hamid bin Muslim objected to Shimr and after he witnessed the terror and fear that had surrounded the daughters of Allah’s Messenger he hastened to Shimr and said, “You won’t gain anything from this. Do you want to earn two sins because of
Notes:
[1] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/69
[2] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/69
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it, that is killing of ladies and killing of children? By Allah, your chief will be satisfied by the killings of men alone.”
“Who are you?” asked Shimr in fury.
Hamid bin Muslim feared that if he introduced himself he may complain about him to Ibn Ziyad. So he said, “I shall not tell you who I am.”[1]
That decadent wicked oppressor remained adamant in his injustice so that he may increase his sins through them.
Condemnation of Shabth bin Rabi
Shabth bin Rabi hurried to Shimr and condemned him in a furious tone and restrained him from that serious crime. He had to give up against his wish and was about to go away from there when Zuhair bin Qain attacked him with ten soldiers and chased him away. They fought with the mercenaries and Abu Arza Zubabi a relative of Shimr was killed. At this moment the soldiers attacked the Imam’s followers. The number of killed and wounded was apparent among the followers of Imam Husain because of the fewness of their number while it was not so apparent among the followers of Ibn Saad because of their great number.[2]
Noon prayer time arrives
Midday arrived and it was the time of Zuhr prayers. The believing fighter of Jihad, Abu Thamama Saidi stood up and looked towards the sky as if he was in anticipation of the thing most beloved to him, which was prayer. When he saw that the sun has crossed the zenith he glanced at Imam and said, “May I be sacrificed on you. I see that they have come close to us. By Allah you shall not be harmed till I lay down my life in your defense and I wish to meet my Lord after having performed the prayer whose time has arrived…”
Death was only a few steps from him but he was neither forgetful of the remembrance of his Lord nor about fulfillment of his religious duty. All the followers of the Imam had such faith in God and in this way they were loyal in fulfillment of their duty.
Imam raised his head towards the sky and calculated the time and saw that the time to perform the religious duty had arrived. So he told Abu Thamama, “You have remembered the Prayer, may Allah include you among the praying ones. Yes, it is the earliest hour for noon prayer…”
Imam asked his companions to request the army of Ibn Ziyad to pause in the battle so that they may perform their devotions to the Almighty Lord. The plea was conveyed to the attacking army but the wicked dirty man, Haseen bin Numair said, “This prayer shall not be valid!”
Notes:
[1] Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 8/183
[2] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/69-70
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Habib bin Mazahir asked in a taunting tone, “You claim that the prayer of the family of the Messenger of Allah will not be accepted but that it will be accepted from you, O donkey?”
Haseen attacked him but Zuhair laid a swift blow to his horse’s mouth and it bolted dislodging its rider to the ground. His colleagues rushed forward and saved him.[1]
The battle continued and before the Imam could complete his prayer some of his companions reached martyrdom while defending him and after that the duty was performed as we shall explain in detail.
Martyrdom of Habib
Habib Ibn Mazahir was the most prominent companion of the Imam and one who made the most efforts in defending Holy imam. He was the right hand of the Imam and one who had purified his soul and nourished it with wisdom and truth. He was a companion of Imam Amirul Momineen and from his special officers,[2] having a deep perception and stable faith.
Historians say: He was the one most elated and overjoyed person on the day of Ashura in anticipation of martyrdom in service of the grandson of the Messenger of Allah. He moved towards the battlefield eager for martyrdom reciting the following lines of Rajaz song:
“I am Habib and my father is Mazahir, a knight on the battle day among the flames of war.
By my life, you are more in number but we are more loyal and patient than you.
Our argument is more dominant and clear regarding the truth and more lasting and valid than yours.”[3]
He informed them about his esteemed personality and the lofty qualities that he possessed because he was of the outstanding warriors and famous knights who did not allow fear and trepidation to reach their hearts. And he announced that in spite of the large numbers of Ibn Saad’s troops and the paucity of the supporters of Imam Husain, the Imam’s followers were having more loyalty and patience and they exceeded their enemies as far as their convictions and proving their rightfulness was concerned. Thus by having these qualities, they were more deserving of immortality and more suitable for permanence.
Habib fought a furious battle and despite his advanced age succeeded in putting to death 62 fellows from the enemy side. The impure wicked man, Budail bin Sareem attacked him and slashed him with a sword and other degraded fellows of Tamim tribe jabbed him with their spears. He fell down and tried to continue fighting, but Haseen bin Numair rushed to him and delivered a sword strike upon his blessed head. He fell down again and that Tamimi dismounted his horse and decapitated
Notes:
[1] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/70
[2] Imam Khui, Mojamur Rijall Hadith 4/227
[3] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/402
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him and that pure spirit, well-satisfied and pleased rose up towards the Lord. Habib’s slaying deeply aggrieved Holy imam, Husain. He stood besides that honorable corpse sighing in sorrow and immersed in grief and remarked, “Allah shall be pleased with me and those friends of mine who render help.”[1]
Hurr’s Martyrdom
At that moment, the great warrior, Hurr bin Yazid Riyahi, who had responded positively to the call of truth, and preferred the Hereafter over this world, came to the battlefield and went to welcome death smiling in joy of having helped the beloved grandson of Allah’s Messenger. He performed a severe fight all the time intoning the following lines:
“I am Hurr and the refuge-giver to the guests who shall attack you with the sword.
In defense of the one who is the best to come to land of Khaif. I shall rain blows on you and not be regretful of it.”[2]
In this poem he spoke of his nobility and generosity and that his home was a shelter for guests and the center of messengers. He also announced that he shall strike off their necks with his sword in defense of the Holy Imam who the most honorable personality to be present in the land of Khaif. And in this matter he had neither any doubt nor any regret in fighting them.
Hurr fought while Zuhair bin Qain accompanied him. When one of them was caught up in crowd of fighters the other used to rush for his help and had him freed. This continued for quite some time.[3]
Hurr’s horse got multiple wounds yet he did not dismount it but continued to remain astride it and fight them reciting the lines of Antara:
“In this way I strike below their necks and chests till they are bathed in blood.”
There was a deep rooted and bitter enmity between Hurr and Yazid bin Sufyan. Haseen bin Numair took this into consideration and said to Yazid, “This is Hurr, whom you desire to kill.” Yazid attacked. Hurr swooped upon him and killed him.[4] Ayyub bin Mashruh aimed an arrow at Hurr’s horse and maimed it. The horse stampeded but Hurr jumped from it like a lion without incurring any harm. He began to fight on foot with courage till he put to the sword according to historians, 42 men from the enemy side.[5] Finally the foot soldiers attacked him with swords and spears and he fell down bathed in his pure blood. Companions of the Holy Imam hastened towards him and carried him to the Imam’s tent in front of which they fought, and placed him on the ground. Imam stood besides him and looked
Notes:
[1] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/70. Tabari, Tarikh 5/439-440
[2] Al Futuh 5/185
[3] Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 8/183-184
[4] Tabari, Tarikh 5/434
[5] Al Manaqib, Ibne Shahr Aashob 4/100
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with a sight full of divine effulgence at his manly face. Imam’s followers also stood in a respectful manner. Imam stepped forward and cleaned the blood from Hurr’s face and lamented for him with the following lines:
“You are ‘free’ (Hurr) like your mother named you. And you are free in the world and the Hereafter.”
Verily! Hurr was free (noble) and his conscience dominated his selfish desire and he chose martyrdom in defense of the Chief of the youths of Paradise over the life of this world and with his honorable death he trod on the path of Allah. One of the Imam’s followers recited the following dirge in his honor:
“The best of free men is Hurr bin Riyahi that even during continuous strikes of spears.
He became the best freeman when he sacrificed himself on Husain and gave up his life in the morning.”[1]
Fulfilling the Duty of Prayer
Inspite of that which had aggrieved the Imam, that is the calamities by whose fear mountains would have pulverized, Holy imam’s prime concern was to fulfill the duty of obligatory prayer, which is the most important worship act in Islam. He requested his enemies to give respite so that they may stand up in the worship of God. They agreed to give respite and Holy imam focused his attention on the Almighty and faced his Lord. Along with the surviving companions he performed the prayer of fear.[2] The prayer of Holy imam, in those moments of danger, was the most obvious sign of his devotion and obedience of Allah.
Saeed bin Abdullah Hanafi stood in front of Imam Husain so that he may defend Holy imam from the arrows and spears thrown from the enemy camp. Because they broke the pledge to give respite for prayer and taking this as an opportunity they began to shoot arrows towards the Imam and his companions.
Saeed Hanafi, according to historians rushed in the direction of coming arrows and stopped them with his chest and neck. He stood like a mountain and the arrows aimed at him failed to dislodge him from his position. The Imam had hardly concluded his prayer that he was seriously wounded by that time and he fell down bathed in his own blood and in a soft voice he was saying,
“O Allah! Curse them with the curse of Aad and Thamud and convey our salutation to Your Prophet and convey to him the pain I suffered from injuries as by this act I desire Your reward and to render help to the Family of Your Prophet.”
Then he glanced at the Imam to see if he has fulfilled his right and honored the pledge he had made to Holy imam. He asked, “O son of Allah’s Messenger, have I fulfilled it?”
Notes:
[1] Al Futuh 5/186
[2] Khwarizmi, Maqtal Husain (a.s.) 2/17
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Imam replied to him thankfully, “Yes, you shall be in Paradise with me.”
When he heard the Imam’s reply, his being became filled with satisfaction and happiness. At that moment his pure soul flew to his Lord while his physical body was shred into pieces by arrows and spears, because in addition to sword and spear blows thirteen arrows had hit him. Indeed this is indescribable and indefinable loyalty.
Zuhair’s Martyrdom
Among the companions of Imam Husain, whose beings were fused with faith in Allah, was Zuhair bin Qain. He was in great haste to go towards Paradise and shake hands with Holy imam, the Holy Prophet. Happy and elated by loyalty in the path of the Imam he went to Holy imam and kept his hand on the shoulder of Holy imam, Husain and addressed the Imam with the following Rajaz (war poem):
“Come, as you are the guide and the guided one. Today I shall meet your Holy grandfather.
And Hasan and Murtuza Ali and Ja’far with a pair of wings, the daring man.
And the Lion of God, that living martyr.”[1]
This recitation indicates his rightful faith devoid of every doubt and with certainty that he shall succeed in meeting the Prophet of Allah, his vicegerent, Amirul Momineen, Holy imam Hasan, Holy imam, Ja’far and Holy imam, Hamzah and it was the best thing that he was thinking.
Imam replied to him, “I shall also meet him after you.”[2]
That valiant fighter attacked the troops of Ibn Saad reciting the following lines of Rajaz poetry:
“I am Zuhair and son of Qain who would chase you away from Husain with swords.”
He informed them about himself and announced to them that he shall battle with them to defend his leader, Holy imam, Husain. He began to fight a fierce battle and according to historians he killed 120 men[3] and performed such a battle that it cannot be described.
Muhajir bin Aws and Kathir bin Abdullah Shobi attacked him and conveyed him to martyrdom. Holy imam, Husain went to the place of his martyrdom extremely sorrowful and aggrieved. Then he cast a farewell glace and remarked in a forlorn tone, “O Zuhair, may the Almighty not make you distant, and may He curse your murderers. Such a curse that they be transmogrified into monkeys and pigs…”[4]
Notes:
[1] Maqtal Imam Husain, Khwarizmi 2/20
[2] Tabari, Tarikh 5/441
[3] Muqarram, Maqtal, Pg. 247
[4] Khwarizmi, Maqtal Husain (a.s.) 2/20
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Martyrdom of Nafe bin Hilal
Among those who had dedicated their lives to the Almighty Allah was Nafe bin Hilal Jamli. He hastened towards the battlefield with faith and sincerity and with poisoned arrows began to confront the enemies of God. He had inscribed those arrows with his name. As he fought he went on reciting:
“I am shooting arrows at them while they are bigger and poisoned too and they cut off their flight.
Till by throwing them the field becomes full and greed is not in any way beneficial to the soul.”
In this manner he shot them with his arrows till he reached his last one. Then he drew his sword and attacked them reciting the following Rajaz song:
“I am a Tamimi Bajali youth and my religion is same as the religion of Husain bin Ali.
If I am killed today and my action is this and that belief of mine, I shall face my deeds.”
He has introduced himself and also stated that his religious beliefs were based on the religion of Holy imam, Husain, the beloved grandson of the Messenger of Allah. Also that he shall fight in defense of his faith.
He fought with a firm determination devoid of any shakiness when he saw the loneliness and isolation of his chief, Husain.
In such a way 12 persons were killed by him, in addition to those he had seriously wounded.[1] At that moment, the enemies of God surrounded him from all sides and began to shoot arrows at him and pelt him with stones. At last both his arms were broken and he could no more be able to wield his sword. They rushed upon him and took him as a prisoner to Ibn Saad.
“What has made you do this to yourself? asked Ibn Saad.
Like one having faith in Almighty he replied, “My Lord knows what I desire.”
A fellow of Ibn Saad glanced at him while his face bled and blood dripped from his beard, and said to him, “Don’t you know what came over you?”
In a taunting manner to infuriate them he replied, “By Allah, I have killed twelve of your men and this is apart from those I wounded. I shall not condemn myself for the deed I have performed and if my arms had remained healthy you wouldn’t have taken me as a hostage.”
The wicked leper, Shimr bin Zil Jaushan arose, took a sword and slew him.
Nafe was shouting at him, “O Shimr, by Allah, if you had been a Muslim it would have been very hard on you to meet the Lord with our blood on your hands. But thanks be to Allah that He appointed our death at the hands of His creatures.
Notes:
[1] Khwarizmi, Maqtal 2/21
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Yes, by Allah, if something had been less important than religion for Shimr he would not have committed that crime, because only one commits it that has no relationship with God.
That degraded one moved to Nafe and striked off his neck[1] and in this way came to an end the life of that great warrior having sincerity about his religion, earnest in defending the son of the Messenger of Allah and the greatest man in Islam in steadfastness for truth and true intention for its defense.
Abis and Shauzab
When the divinely inspired warrior, Abis bin Shabeeb Shakiri saw the loneliness of the Imam and the coming together of the people of Kufa for slaying Holy imam to went to his colleague in Jihad, Shauzab, the slave of Shakir[2] and asked him, “O Shauzab, have you decided what to do?”
Shauzab stood up to speak about his loyalty and spirit of sacrifice present in his decision. Thus he said, “I shall fight unto death.”
Abis thanked and praised him and said, “Go ahead for the service of Aba Abdillah so that he may take you into account like he has taken into account others than you, because today is the day when we can demand whatever reward we want.”
What faith could be like this faith? He strived with all his capabilities to obtain whatever he could that would make him more proximate to Almighty Allah.
Shauzab went forward and invoked blessings on the Imam. Then he attacked the troops of Ibn Saad and fought like a valiant fighter till he achieved martyrdom in the service of Abu Abdillah.[3]
Martyrdom of Abis Shakiri
Abis Shakiri belonged to a noble family having great respect and honor. That family was famous for its bravery and sincerity about truth, and Holy imam, Imam Ali has said regarding it, “If their number reaches upto a thousand, Almighty Allah shall be worshipped as befits Him.”
They had received the title of “the morning stalwarts.” Abis was the elder of the family and the most famous of them. He was of those who carried Holy imam, Muslim’s letter to Holy imam, Husain, in which the Imam was requested to come to Iraq immediately. He remained in the service of the Holy Imam from Mecca to Kerbala and he was the foremost of his companion in his love and devotion to Holy imam. He came forward to obtain the permission of Holy imam to fight. He spoke to the Imam and spoke of his deep love that he cultivated for Holy imam and he said,
“There is no one, near or far on the face of the earth as precious for me as your
Notes:
[1] Ibne Kathir, Tarikh 8/184, Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/404
[2] It has come in Ziarat Rajabia: Suwaid, the slave of Shakir, Biharul Anwar 101/341
[3] Tabari, Tarikh 5/443-444
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goodself. If I were able to remove your hardship I would have done so even if it necessitated sacrificing something more precious to me than my life. Peace be on you! I testify that I am on the path of your guidance and the guidance of your Holy father.”[1]
After that he launched an attack on Ibn Saad’s camp and challenged them to confront him. However no one accepted his challenge because all of them were afraid to face him as they knew him to be the most valiant of men. They called to each other while their hearts were full of terror and fear had caused their complexions to pale. They said, “This is the most ferocious lion, this is the son of Abu Shabeeb, none of you must go out to accept his challenge…”
Ibn Saad screamed at his troops, “Stone him!”
They picked up stones and began to pelt him from all sides. When that warrior saw their terror and refusal to accept his challenge, he threw away his coat of mail and helmet and pounced upon them like a lion and drove away more than a hundred mounted soldiers from before himself. They began to attack him from all sides, threw him down and beheaded him. But they began to argue among themselves. Each of them claimed to have killed him so that he may be entitled for the reward. However, Ibn Saad did not accept that one of them be his killer. Rather a group of them shared in his killing[2] and in this manner came to a close the life of that mighty stalwart who strived to his best in defense of Islam and performed a Jihad like the Jihad of the Prophets.
Zahhak flees
Zahhak bin Abdullah Musharrafi was one of the Imam’s followers but when he witnessed so many companions being killed he decided to flee from there. He came to Holy imam, Husain and said, “I have accompanied you so that whenever you face a battle I may die with you. So allow me to go way, because I am incapable of defending you or myself.”
Imam permitted him to leave and he fled from there. Some men of Ibn Saad blocked his way but later left him off. He thus escaped from there and could not obtain martyrdom in the service of the beloved grandson of the Messenger of Allah.”[3]
Jaun’s Martyrdom
Jaun is an outstanding personality of Islam.[4] He was the slave of Abu Zar Ghiffari and much advanced in age. But his being was brimming with piety and faith. His black skin and unremarkable lineage did not prevent him from achieving that lofty status and he became a prominent Muslim. And he was able to earn such honor and respectability that no warrior in history has been able to gain.
Notes:
[1] Tabari, Tarikh 5/444
[2] Tabari, Tarikh 5/444
[3] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/404-405. Tabari, Tarikh 5/444-445
[4] It is said that his name was Huwi. Tabari, Tarikh 5/420
(736)
Historians say: He approached the Holy Imam and begged him for permission to sacrifice his life in service of Holy imam.
Imam told him, “O Jaun, you accompanied us in need of life, you are authorized by me (to go away).”
Jaun threw himself at the feet of the Holy Imam and kissed them. Tears were flowing upon his face and he was saying, “In prosperity I lick your vessels but in hardships should I abandon you? My smell is not pleasing, my origin and lineage is unremarkable and my skin is black. Bestow Paradise to me so that my body becomes fragrant, my origin and lineage gain honor and my skin turns fair. No by Allah, I shall not leave you till this black blood fuses with your bloods…”[1]
These brilliant statements, what greatness they speak of? And what an honor that soul had obtained...? His black skin was the most illuminated and elegant from the complexions of those slaves. He was a freeman with that loftiness of courage and personal nobility that he possessed. His smell was more pleasing than theirs and his origin and lineage was illuminated. The people of Kufa themselves were rendered of unknown identities, because they were not aware of their humanity and they brought disgrace and dishonor for all humanity.
Jaun’s statement was full of the logic of a noble man, because it is against humanity that he should remain under the protection of the Imam during times of peace and prosperity but in hard times, desert the Holy Imam. This was so because loyalty was one of the dominating qualities of each of the companions of Imam Abu Abdillah which distinguished them from all the other martyrs of the world.
Imam accorded permission to him and he set out for the battlefield full of self-respect reciting the following:
“O sinner how will you see the black strikes from the wielded and original sword?
We defend the children of Muhammad with the sword. We shall defend them by the tongue and by hand.
Through this I am hopeful of being saved on the day of gathering by the One and Only Lord.
Because there is no intercessor like Ahmad near Him.”[2]
By this Rajaz poetry he has described his daring and courage and that he was defending the children of the Prophet and shall continue to help them by his words and deeds and by doing thus he was hopeful of salvation and intercession of the Prophet.
Jaun fought like a courageous fighter and according to historians, he eliminated 25 fellows from the enemies. At last the enemies of God fell upon him and martyred
Notes:
[1] Ibne Numa, Matheer al-Ahzaan, Pg. 63
[2] Al Futuh 5/198
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him. Imam hurried to his side and glanced at his blood smeared body. He prayed for him, “O Allah, make his face fair and his body fragrant and raise him up with Muhammad and bestow him with the recognition of Aale Muhammad.”
The Almighty Allah accepted the Imam’s supplication because whoever passed through that battlefield perceived from him a fragrance more pleasing than that of musk.[1]
Martyrdom of Hanzalah Shabami
Hanzalah Shabami was the gentleman who had constructed his life with faith in God and he lived with faith and piety till he obtained the path to the loftiest of human values. He went to the Imam with eagerness and inclination in order to obtain for himself the status of martyrdom with the companions of the Imam. He pleaded for permission from Holy imam and the Imam granted it to him. He set out for the battle front and began to exhort those people towards rightfulness and reminded them of the abode of the Hereafter. He said:
“O people I fear for you a day like the day of confederates, like the community of Nuh, Aad, Thamud and those who succeeded them. The Almighty Allah will not be unjust to the people. O people! I am fearful regarding you for the day of entreaties, the day you shall be turned back and not have any refuge from the Almighty Allah. One who is led astray by Allah is not guided…O people! Do not slay Husain lest the Almighty involves you in chastisement. Whosoever resorts to slander, fails…”
Those decadent people could not understand his statements. They continued in their disobedience and misguidance as the Lord Almighty had sealed their hearts and ears and they could not see.
Imam thanked him for his discourse and said, “May Allah have mercy on you. They have become eligible for divine chastisement. They have requited you with the matters you told them inviting them to truth and they stood to confront you to destroy you and your colleagues. Then how can it be that they have killed your rightful brothers?”
“You are right, son of Allah’s Messenger! Are we not heading for the Hereafter?”[2]
The Holy Imam gave him permission and he moved to the field of battle with eagerness till he achieved martyrdom. He fought like a courageous soldier till he was martyred fulfilling his pledge to the Almighty that he would support the truth and sacrifice himself on the path of Islam.
Martyrdom of Hajjaj
Among the illuminated pages of loyalty that were embellished with the greatness of humanity was Hajjaj bin Masruq Jofi. He rushed speedily to the battle front and performed a ferocious fight till he was bathed in his chaste blood. He became extremely elated and joyful for having beautifully fulfilled his loyalty to Imam
Notes:
[1] Muqarram, Maqtal, Pg. 252
[2] Tabari, Tarikh 5/443
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Husain. He returned to Holy imam and addressed the Imam with this poem:
“I shall meet your grandfather, the Prophet today and after that your father, Ali, the generous one, whom I recognize to be the vicegerent of the Prophet.”
He came to the blessed grandson of the Messenger of Allah with his head held high due to having displayed remarkable loyalty and sacrifice.
Imam replied to him, “I shall meet them after you.”
Then he returned to the battle ground and resumed fighting with courage and steadfastness till he was martyred in defense of truth.[1] May he be rewarded with the best and everlasting divine rewards.
Martyrdom of Amr bin Junada
The fruitful youth, Amr bin Junada Ansari, the most youthful soldier in the army of Husain came to the field. In intellect and religion he was superior to every fellow of Ibn Saad’s camp. Historians say, “He was eleven years old and his father had been martyred in the battle. When he approached the Imam to permit him to fight, Holy imam refused it saying, “This boy’s father was martyred in the very first attack and perhaps his mother would not like him to go out and fight.”
The youth persisted with the Imam and said, “My mother has ordered me to go.”
The Imam then gave him permission. That young man sped to the ground in eagerness. Not much time passed but that he was martyred and the lowly creatures of Kufa severed his head from his body and tossed it towards the camp of Imam Husain. His respected mother came towards it, took it in her arms and kissed it profusely. Then cleaned up the blood and tossed the head to a man nearest to her and threw it down. She ran back to the tents and picking up a tent pole attacked the enemies of God reciting the following lines of poetry:
“I am an old woman from the weak ladies; absolutely hollow and empty from inside...
I shall give terrible blows to you in defense of the son of the honorable Fatima.”
She wounded two persons but the Imam sped to her and made her return to the camps.[2] The isolation of the Holy Imam had deeply affected the emotions of this great lady and after sending her beloved child to the battlefield she herself rushed to the field so that she may lay down her life for her master. These are really the favors of faith and devotion.
Martyrdom of Anas Kahili
Anas bin Harith Kahili was a companion of the Holy Prophet and with Holy imam he participated in the battles of Badr and Hunain. He had heard Holy imam state, “This son of mine (that is Holy imam, Husain) shall be killed in
Notes:
[1] Muqarram, Maqtal, Pg. 253-254
[2] Khwarizmi, Maqtal 2/21-22
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the land of Kerbala. So whosoever of you is present there must support him.”[1]
He was a gentleman much advanced in age but he remained in the service of Holy imam, Husain and accompanied him from Mecca. He sought permission of Holy imam to perform Jihad in his service. Holy imam granted the permission. He tied his waist with turban because his body was stooping. In the same way his drooping eyebrows were tied to his forehead.
When the Holy Imam looked at him, he began to weep and said, “The Almighty Allah conveys thanks to you, O Shaykh!” Despite his old age he fought like a brave warrior and reports state that he killed 18 persons and after that he was martyred[2] and his pure soul joined with the prophets, the truthful ones and the martyrs in the high realm. And how pleasing is their company.
Martyrdom of Abul Shasa
Abul Shasa Yazid bin Ziyad Muhajir Kandi was a brave stalwart and an outstanding knight of the Arabs. He was among those who had come out with Ibn Saad to confront the Holy Imam. When the Imam put forth his proposals and Ibn Saad did not accept them, he came over to the Imam’s side[3] and shot the soldiers of Ibn Saad with his arrows. Historians say that he shot one hundred arrows upon them of which only one missed its target. Whenever he shot an arrow the Imam said, “O Allah, make his arrow find its target and make Paradise his reward.”
When the stock of his arrows was exhausted, he drew out his sword and attacked them intoning the following Rajaz poem:
“I am Yazid and my father is Muhajir, braver than a lion that rests in a grove.[4]
Lord, I am in support of Husain and am away and aloof from Ibn Saad.”
He fought valiantly till he received the position of martyrdom[5] and in this way came to a close the life of this great man in defense of the religion of God and in support of the blessed grandson of Allah’s Messenger.
Martyrdom of Two Jabiris
Among the most outstanding colleagues of the Holy Imam were two Jabiris, namely Saif bin Harith bin Saree Jabiri and Malik bin Abd bin Saree Jabiri. They were brothers from their mother’s side and cousins of each other. They approached the Imam while tears were flowing from their eyes. The Imam asked them, “What has caused you to weep. I am hopeful that at a later hour your eyes shall be illuminated.”
Notes:
[1] Usud al-Ghaba 1/349. Al-Isabah 1/68. Kanzul Ummal 12/126, H. 34314
[2] Muqarram, Maqtal, Pg. 252-253
[3] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/405. Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/73 and it is mentioned there that he was the first martyr from the companions of the Imam.
[4] In Al Futuh 5/199 it has come with some variation.
[5] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/405
(740)
The two of them quickly replied, “May Allah make us your ransom! We are not weeping at ourselves. We are crying for you. We see that you have been surrounded but there is no way we can be of any use to you.”
The hearts of the companions of the Imam were rich with remarkable devotion and deep sincerity regarding Holy imam. They were only worried about him and they were only affected with his grief and sorrow.
Those two Jabiris fought with zeal and when the swords and spears had cut up their bodies they reached martyrdom near the Holy Imam.[1]
Martyrdom of Two Ghiffaris
Two brothers, Abdullah and Abdur Rahman, sons of Urwah Ghiffari arrived in the grounds of Jihad and fought with exemplary fervor till they were martyred in the service of Imam Husain.
Martyrdom of Two Ansaris
When Imam called out for help and sought helpers and supporters to defend the ladies of the family of prophethood and noble women of the abode of revelation this matter deeply affected these two Ansaris. They were Saad bin Harith and his brother Abul Hatoof and they were in the party of Ibn Saad. They attacked the troops of Ibn Saad with wielded swords and fought till they achieved martyrdom.[2]
Martyrdom of Anees
Anees bin Mauqal Asbahi entered the plains of Jihad for the sake of Aba Abdillah while chanting the following poem of war:
“I am Anees and I am the son of Mauqal. In my right hand is a broad and a polished sword.
I strike with it in the battle so that it becomes clear and with it I hack at the heads of soldiers amidst the dust of the battlefield.
In defense of Husain with elegance, son of the Messenger of God, the best of the Prophets.”
This Rajaz poem is expressive of religious sentiments dominating him; because he introduced himself and announced that they were fighting in defense of the son of Allah’s Messenger and in this matter he had no desire except to earn the pleasure of Allah…this stalwart fought a furious battle till he reached martyrdom.[3]
Martyrdom of Qurra Ghiffari
Among the companions of the Imam martyred on the way of truth was Qurra bin Abi Qurra Ghiffari who departed for the battlefield humming the following Rajaz:
Notes:
[1] Tabari, Tarikh 5/442-443, Ibne Athir, Tarikh 3/392
[2] Hadaiq al-Wardiya 1/122
[3] Al Futuh 5/198-199
(741)
“Indeed the Bani Ghiffar knew and Khandaf after the Bani Nizar.
That I am a lion in the dust of the battle to slash at the transgressing people.
With every original cutting sword I hack in defense of the family of the Chosen Prophet.
The family of the Prophet, those chiefs of the righteous ones.”[1]
This Rajaz is brimming with life and feelings for the defense of the family of the Prophet that indicates his valor so that the Bani Ghiffar, Khandaf and Bani Nizar, all the tribes can vouch for his bravery. He fought for defending the chief of the righteous, the sons of Allah’s Messenger in a remarkable Jihad...the stalwart of Ghiffari clan put up a severe fight till he fell down wounded by the blows of swords and spears and his lofty soul joined the highest realm.
Martyrdom of Yahya Mazini
Yahya bin Muslim Mazini departed for the fighting grounds reciting the following poetic composition:
“I shall attack these people with sword blows that would cut them apart. Terrible blows that would soon rain upon the enemies.
Neither shall I be weak in it nor would I show any sloth. Nor do I fear the approaching death today.
But I am like a lion defending its cubs.”
Through these lines he declared his bravery and that he would rain terrible strikes on his enemies and fight them with valor and manly determination. Such that he shall neither display any sort of weakness nor any laziness. He also is not fearful of death. Rather he shall attack them like a lion in order to defend the Family of the Messenger of Allah. He attacked them like a fighter and fought a severe battle till he reached martyrdom in the service of Holy imam, Abu Abdillah.[2]
The Imam and his companions
Imam blew into the hearts of his companions the spirit of determination and fortitude and trained them to be patient before hardships. He told them:
“O sons of great men! Be patient, for death is nothing but a bridge that would take you from hardships and difficulties towards vast gardens and everlasting bounties. Which of you would not like to be transferred from a prison to a palace? My father has narrated from Allah’s Messenger that he said, ‘The world is a prison for a believer and a paradise for an infidel and death is the bridge that conveys the former to gardens and the latter to Hell.’ Neither have I lied nor been lied to.”[3]
Notes:
[1] Al Futuh 5/195
[2] Al Futuh 5/194
[3] Abdullah bin Nurullah, Maqtal al-Husain Awalim Imam Husain 17/351
(742)
These words enflamed their passions and they rushed to the whirlpools of death like a raging storm so that they may reach their positions in the garden of perpetuity.
Martyrdom of Abdullah Yazani
Abdullah Yazani hurried to the fields of battle and fought with exemplary courage while he was reciting the following:
“I am the son of Abdullah from the Family of Yazan. My religion is same as that of Husain and Hasan.
I shall rain blows upon you like the blows of the stalwart from Yemen as I am seeking through it salvation near my Lord.”
He introduced his lineage and native country and informed them that he was following the faith of his master, Husain. Also that he shall sacrifice himself in his path. It was so that he may gain salvation near the Almighty...Like his martyr brothers, he put up a furious fight and continued to battle with daring and a firm determination till he reached martyrdom.[1]
The Imam Besides the martyrs
The Holy Imam stood besides his great martyred companions and glanced at them with his glowing countenance. He saw them bathed in the blood of martyrdom and fragrant with the breeze of divine mercy. And regarding them to be great he lamented in their sorrow:
“Corpses like the corpses of prophets and of the families of the prophets.”[2]
Martyrdom of Suwaid
The last one to achieve martyrdom from the companions of the Holy Imam was the brave warrior, Suwaid bin Amr bin Abi Mata Khathami who fell down wounded in the battlefield. They thought that he was dead so they did not continue to attack him. He fainted due to the pain of his injuries and loss of blood but when he heard those people screaming: “Husain is killed”, he stood up like a wounded lion and without paying any heed to the pain of his injuries he began to search for his sword but he could not find it. However he found a knife and with it he attacked the foes injuring them. They ran away from him bewildered and thinking that the dead companions of Husain were coming back to life to again perform Jihad. But when they realized their mistaken notion they came towards him and conveyed him to martyrdom. Urwah bin Butan Thalabi slew him.
The history of humanity does not remember more devoted and sincere loyalty than this that indeed it is the splendor of the Imam’s camp that till the last moment of their life they remained steadfast in their loyalty to their Imam.
These were some companions of the Imam who put in such great efforts in battle that description and definition fails to describe them because they performed a
Notes:
[1] Al Futuh 5/194
[2] Abdullah, Maqtal al-Husain Awalim 17/346
(743)
Jihad whose like is not found anywhere else in the world. They confronted that huge army and rendered serious losses and hardships to it in spite of their own few numbers and despite suffering from a severe thirst.
That group of warriors of faith fought the battle with hardships and arrived to that terrible whirlpool of that battle and resisted like a man and led the movement of faith. The determination of none of them fell slothful and the spear of none of them softened. All of them were bathed in their blood while they were feeling delighted and proud, and by great loyalties displayed the greatness of Islam as it had bestowed them with revolutionary spirit which enabled them to resist those wild beasts with patience and fortitude whose greed had impelled them to commit the most dreadful carnage of the history of mankind.
Their pure souls ascended to the exalted friend (God) in the best way possible and they sacrificed themselves in the path of Allah. And they followed the way that was most equitable according to the unanimity of all...And the most beautiful praise for them is found in the words of Imam Sadiq who said: “May my parents be sacrificed on you. You are pure and pure is the dust where you were buried. By Allah! You have reached the best of stations!”[1]
Notes:
[1] Biharul Anwar 101/201
# Martyrdom of holy family
When the chosen honorable companions of the Imam were martyred the sons of the family of prophethood from the youth and children stood up for loyalty and sacrifice. And inspite of their young age they resembled lions who did not fear death; and calamities didn’t scare them. They hastened to the fields of Jihad with earnest zeal though the Imam didn’t want some of them to go to die. However they stood pleading Holy imam and kissed his hands and feet so that he may permit them to fight in his defense.
A terrible scene that scorches the hearts and shocks every living being is that these youths were saying farewell to each other for the last time. Each of them kissed his brother or cousin again and again while they were immersed in tears of sorrow and grief for the beloved grandson of the Messenger of Allah. Because they saw Holy imam in solitude and isolation while the enemy troops had surrounded him. Also they saw the ladies of the family of revelation and prophethood raising up their wails and lamentations...,the Almighty Allah helped the Imam to bear these tragedies that break backbones and bewilder intellects and no man could bear them, except those whose hearts Allah has tested for faith... Among the descendants of the Messenger of Allah who were martyred in Kerbala were the following:
Ali Akbar
Historians are unanimous that Ali Akbar, son of Husain resembled his grandfather, Holy imam, the Messenger of Allah in appearance and manners. He possessed the same qualities that elevated him among all the prophets. And what a great wealth it was that the son of Hashim had. He possessed all the human capabilities and lofty values that the great reformers gain prominence from.
Among the outstanding examples of the manners of Holy imam were, magnanimity, great courage, self-respect, powerful and continuous steps in the fields of human perfection; because he considered death preferable and regarded life worthless in the way of nobility and he did not submit to the orders of that spurious one, son of the spurious one. When Ibn Saad dispatched one of his men to call to him, “You are having kinship to Chief of believers, Yazid. And we want to respect this relationship. Thus if you like we shall guarantee your safety!!”
Ali bin al-Husain ridiculed him and shouted at him, “Relationship with the Messenger of Allah is more deserving of respect.”[1]
He was among the most righteous sons of the Holy Imam and the foremost of them in his loyalty and defense of Holy imam. He was the first Hashemite to depart for the battle with exceeding eagerness. At that time his age – according to historians – was 18 years.[2] When the Imam saw him he continued to look at him
Notes:
[1] Nasab-e-Quraish, Pg. 57
[2] Al Futuh 5/207 it is mentioned that his age was 23 as mentioned in Umdatut Talib, Pg. 192. And it is said that his age was 27 on the basis of what Muqarram has written in Maqtalul Husain, Pg. 255
(745)
for a long time while his heart was melting with sorrow and he was almost on the verge of death; because he beheld a son, the like of whom there was none, moving towards death. Thus he raised his face to the heavens and in a sad forlorn voice prayed:
“O Allah! Be a witness on these people that a youth has gone towards them to fight who in appearance, manners and speech most closely resembles their Prophet, Muhammad. Whenever we used to be eager to see Your Prophet we used to glance at him...O Allah! Prevent the bounties of the earth from them and make them dispersed and distressed and make them a divided people. And never let their rulers be pleased with them as they had invited me and offered to help me, but later on they oppressed us and confronted us in battle.”
In these grief-filled statements could be seen the level of the sorrow of Holy imam for his son whom he loved with all his being and with a burning heart he begged to Allah to punish those sinful people in the world with His most terrible chastisement. The Imam’s heart was burning for his son in emotions and he screamed at the sinful criminal, Umar bin Saad:
“What has happened to you, may Allah cut off His mercy from you, not bless any of your deeds and impose such a one upon you that shall kill you in your bed like you have cut off my relations and not honored our kinship with the Messenger of Allah.”
Then he recited the following verses of the Holy Quran:
“Surely Allah chose Adam and Nuh and the descendants of Ibrahim and the descendants of Imran above the nations. Offspring, one of the other; and Allah is Hearing, Knowing...”[1]
Tearful and immersed in sorrow the Holy Imam escorted his son, while the ladies of Holy family were behind Holy imam and their lamentations and wails for the image of the Messenger of Allah arose that he was going to be cut up into pieces by swords and spears.
That young man moved towards the battlefield with dignity, having absolutely no fear or worry. He had the awe of the Holy Prophet, valor of Amirul Momineen, daring of Hamzah and magnanimity of Husain. He positioned himself amidst the swords and spears of the enemies reciting the following:
“I am Ali bin al-Husain bin Ali. By the Lord of Kaaba, we are those rightly endowed with the Prophet.
By God, the spurious one, son of the spurious one will not rule upon us.”[2]
Yes, by Allah, you and your father, O pride of Bani Hashim were most deserving
Notes:
[1] Surah Aale Imran 3/32-34
[2] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/74. Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/361-362
(746)
to have the Prophet and you were most eligible for that position because you are the nearest person and one most closely related to them. But the political greed that dominated these people removed you from your position and these oppressive people gained power over you. They cut your physical organs into pieces and destroyed you completely so that they may have the field open for themselves and that they may unjustly rule over the Muslims.
In his war poem, Ali bin al-Husain announced the greatness of his courage and the intensity of his magnanimity and that he preferred death to submission to the orders of that wicked tyrant son of the wicked tyrant...At that moment he became involved in confrontation with the enemies of Allah while their hearts were full of fear and terror. He displayed such valor that it is impossible to describe it faithfully; because he reminded them of the valor of his grandfather, Amirul Momineen. According to some historians he slew 120 mounted soldiers and they were in addition to those he wounded. After that he returned to his father to complain to Holy imam about the thirst that was killing him and to say farewell to him for the last time. His father welcomed him warmly and Ali Akbar said to Holy imam:
“Thirst is killing me and the weight of the armor is painful. Is there any possibility of getting water from somewhere so that I can gain power over the enemy?”
The father was very much pained and affected by this. Then in a soft voice and with tearful eyes he said, “It is not possible to get water right now, but soon you shall meet your grandfather and he would quench your thirst by his own cup after which you shall never be thirsty again.”
Then he made him suck his tongue to show him his own thirst that its severity had dried up his lips. He then kept his finger ring in Ali Akbar’s mouth.[1]
This terrible scene was the most grievous of the calamities in which Imam Husain was involved; because he was looking at his beloved son in the prime of his youth and on the threshold of manhood terribly wounded and injured and that he was nearly dying of thirst while he was helpless to provide him with a glass of water or quench his thirst.
Hujjatul Islam Shaykh Abdul Husain Sadiq in his famous poem says:
“He complained of thirst to the best of fathers, but he did not complain of his internal thirst except to the one who was more thirsty.
Thus he would have preferred him over himself with the moisture of his lips if the remaining moisture of his mouth hadn’t dried.”
Ali bin al-Husain returned to the battle ground paying no attention to the injuries that had weakened him physically and the thirst that was scorching his internal organs. He was only concerned about the isolation of his father and the coming together of the enemies of Allah to eliminate Holy imam. Then he recited the
Notes:
[1] Khwarizmi, Maqtal Husain (a.s.) 2/30-31
(747)
following couplets:
“For the battle that would uncover the truths and the meanings that shall be known after that.
By the Lord of the Throne! I shall not return my sword to the scabbard till I have driven away your huge army.”[1]
Through these lines he announced the pride of Bani Hashim that in battle shall reveal the realities and the great aims of Holy family that were behind it shall be known to all. And they shall fight in this way for realization of their aims before the swords are sheathed.
Ali Akbar performed a severe and ferocious battle till the number killed by him reached 200.[2] The foes bore the brunt of his attack and suffered huge losses. They began to scream in terror. Then the decadent wicked man, Marrah bin Munqidh Abadi[3] said: “May the felonies of the Arabs come on me, if he gets past me doing the same as he has been doing, (and) if I do not deprive his mother of him.”[4] Then that wicked one moved to the image of the Messenger of Allah and struck him with a spear on his back like a coward who attacks from behind. And he slashed at his head splitting it open and Ali Akbar embraced the horse’s neck aiming to reach his father’s camp to see him once again. But his horse carried him into the rows of enemies who attacked him from all sides. They did not even rest content at killing him but continued to hack him into bits and pieces with their swords to revenge the terrible losses they had suffered at his hands. Ali Akbar called out in a loud voice:
“O Aba Abdillah! My salutation to you! Here is my great grandfather, the Messenger of Allah quenching my thirst by his cup so that I shall never be thirsty again. He is saying that a cup is also ready for you.”
The breeze carried these words to the grief-stricken father splitting up his heart and insides and despite being terribly wounded and exhausted he hastened towards Ali Akbar. He threw himself upon his dying son putting his cheek on Ali Akbar’s cheek while he had become a lifeless body that had been shredded into pieces by the savage swords. The Imam wept for him and in a soft voice that was bursting his heart said: “May God kill the people who killed you, my son. How foolhardy they are against the Merciful and in violating the sanctity of the family of the Apostle,
Notes:
[1] Al Futuh 5/209
[2] Khwarizmi, Maqtal 2/31
[3] Munqidh the father of Marrah was a commander of Imam’s forces in the battle of Jamal and he was martyred in it and his son, Marrah took the standard after him and participated in the battle and he fought on the side of the Holy Imam the battles of Siffeen and Nahrawan. After that he became an apostate and deviated from Islam and joined the army of Ibne Saad and in this battle he committed the worst sorts of evil deeds one of which was the killing the image of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.), Ali Akbar (a.s.).
[4] Muqarram, Maqtal al-Husain Pg. 259. Maqatilut Talibeen, Pg. 115
(748)
may God bless him and his family.”[1]
Youths from his uncles and cousins rushed towards him and threw themselves upon him kissing his body that was almost shredded by wounds and pledged that they shall also tread the path he had traversed. Imam ordered them to carry him to the camp.
The pure granddaughter of the Prophet, Her Eminence, Zainab, hastened to the corpse of her nephew while only a few moments ago she had looked at his splendor. This tragic scene shocked the Imam and affected him deeply and Holy imam began to condole while repeating the words, “There will only be dust on the world after you.”
Ali bin al-Husain was the vanguard and the leader of every brave noble who opposed humiliation and injustice and lived in the world with courage and self-respect.
Farewell, O warrior of Islam!
Farewell, O pride of Bani Hashim!
Farewell, O morning of every night!
Along with your father we also bid you farewell in the sorrowful words: “There is no world after your passing away.”
Martyrdom of Aqil’s family
The daring youths of Aqil’s family raced towards Jihad while they considered death as nothing. Imam noticed their courage and eagerness to render support to Holy imam and he said, “O Allah! Kill the murderers of the family of Aqil…O family of Aqil! Be patient as you are promised Paradise.”[2]
Holy imam, Ali bin al-Husain, Zainul Abideen used to be very fond of the family of Aqil and accorded them preference over the family of Ja’far. When he was asked about this matter he explained, “I remember their day with Abu Abdillah and my heart burns for them.”[3]
From them nine persons were killed in defense of the beloved son of the Messenger of Allah as the poet has said regarding them:
“O eyes, weep and lament and be mournful if you sit in mourning for the family of the Prophet.
Seven in all from the family of Ali and nine from the family of Aqil were martyred.”[4]
They pounced upon that army with intent and a firm determination and rendered them the severe-most losses. Among the martyrs of Aqil’s family were:
Notes:
[1] Khwarizmi, Maqtal Husain (a.s.) 2/31. Al Lohoof, Pg. 167. Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/74. Nasab-e-Quraish, Pg. 57
[2] Batal al-Qama 1/277
[3] Bihar 46/110
[4] Al Ma’arif, Pg. 204
(749)
Abdullah bin Muslim
The youth of Bani Hashim, Abdullah bin Muslim[1] hastened to the field of Jihad and arrived with eagerness into the whirlpools of hardships of the battle while he was bewildering the audience with his elegant appearance and valor and was reading the Rajaz war poem quoted below:
“Today I shall meet my father, Muslim and the daring, the valiant ones who have passed away on the faith of the Prophet.
They are not those who are recognized for lying, rather they are righteous and of noble lineage.
From Bani Hashim, the original Sadat.”[2]
He introduced himself that he was the son of the immortal martyr, Muslim bin Aqil and on that same day he would meet his father and the brave ones from his cousins who had been martyred in the way of Islam and passed away on the religion of the Holy Prophet. They were not like the people of Kufa well-known for deception, betrayal of trust and lying. Rather they were from the family of Hashim, the leaders of Arabs in whose personality had accumulated every merit and honor in Islam.
That young man fought a severe battle and in three attacks killed a number of people so the oppressive decadent one, Yazid bin Raqqad[3] shot a terrible arrow towards him. Though this youth had placed his hand before himself the arrow pinned it to his forehead and he was not able to remove it and a terrible pain pierced through his body. He cursed those criminals and said: “O Allah, they have considered us lowly and degraded. So kill them like they have killed us.”
Other wretched persons pounced upon him and struck a spear on his chest and thus was martyred that youth in defense of the most Holy sanctity in Islam.[4]
Ja’far bin Aqil
Ja’far bin Aqil[5] rushed to the fields of Jihad and arrived in the middle of the battleground, reciting the following poem of battles:
“I am a youth of Abtah and a Talibi from the group of Bani Hashim and Bani Ghalib.
Indeed we are the chiefs of the tribes, this is Husain the leader of the pure ones.”[6]
Notes:
[1] Mother of Abdullah bin Muslim was Ruqaiyya, daughter of Holy imam, Amirul Momineen (a.s.). This is mentioned in Nasab-e-Quraish, Pg. 45
[2] Al Futuh 5/202-203
[3] It is mentioned in Tarikh Ibne Athir 4/74: Amr bin Sabih Sadaiee shot arrow at him.
[4] Khwarizmi, Maqtal Husain Pg. 362
[5] The mother of Ja’far bin Aqil was Umme Thughar, daughter of Aamir Aamiri from Bani Kilab (Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 97)
[6] Al Futuh 5/203
(750)
He introduced himself to them that he was from the family of Prophethood, which is the most noble family of Arabs and the most magnificent of them. Also that he was fighting in defense of his leader, Husain who is the head of the pure ones and the pride of this world.
That youth fought a ferocious fight till Urwah bin Abdullah Khathami shot an arrow at him and martyred him.[1]
Abdur Rahman bin Aqil
Abdur Rahman bin Aqil[2] headed for the war front and began to attack in a furious manner calling out this poem of Rajaz:
“My father is Aqil, so you recognize his status too from Bani Hashim and they are our brothers.
Truthful men who were the leaders of the confrontation, this is Husain with his exalted position.”[3]
He spoke of his remarkable lineage that he was the son of Aqil, the cousin of the Prophet of Allah and that he was of the chiefs of the nobility who were most prominent examples of loyalty, greatness and respectability on the earth; in the same way he remembered Imam Husain with respect that Holy imam had a very lofty position due to his exalted values and his superior qualities and his relationship with the Holy Prophet…He fought the battle like a valiant soldier till the time Uthman bin Khalid Jehni and Bashir bin Haus Qaidh pounced upon him and sent him to his martyrdom.[4]
Muhammad bin Aqil
Muhammad bin Aqil was a religious jurisprudent who arrived into the battlefield in defense of the beloved grandson of Allah’s Messenger and achieved martyrdom in the service of Holy imam.[5]
Abdullah Akbar
Abdullah Akbar[6] came to the field and began to fight till the time Uthman bin Khalid bin Aseer Jehni and a man from the Hamadan tribe attacked him and sent him towards martyrdom.[7]
Notes:
[1] Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 97
[2] Mother of Abdur Rahman bin Aqil was a slave mother (Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 96)
[3] Al Futuh 5/203
[4] Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 96
[5] Mother of Muhammad bin Abi Saeed al-Hawl bin Aqil was a slave mother (Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 98)
[6] Mother of Abdullah Akbar was a slave mother (Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 97)
[7] Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 97
(451)
Muhammad bin Abi Saeed bin Aqil
Muhammad bin Abi Saeed bin Aqil was a witty speaker and he also presented himself in Jihad field and achieved martyrdom in the service of Imam.[1]
Muhammad bin Muslim
Muhammad bin Muslim[2] came to the field of the battle and was attacked by Abu Murham Azadi and Luqait bin Ayas Jehni and martyred by them.[3]
Ali bin Aqil
Ali bin Aqil came to the battlefield and fought a hard battle and reached martyrdom in the service of Abu Abdillah.[4]
The youths from the family of Aqil displayed incomparable and admirable valor and courage and competed with each other for martyrdom in the service of Holy imam, Husain and sacrificed their lives for him.
Sons of Holy imam, Hasan
Daring youths from the sons of Holy imam, Hasan, who were in the prime of their youth and the threshold of adulthood came forward and competed with each other to reach martyrdom so that they may sacrifice their lives for their uncle. They were as follows:
Abdullah bin Hasan
His agnonymn was Abu Bakr and his mother was Umme Walad named Ramla. He rushed towards the battlefield, swords and spears lacerated his body and he fell down bathed in his own blood.[5]
Qasim bin Hasan
Qasim was the foremost among sons of Imam Hasan. According to the description provided by historians he was in elegance and handsomeness like a moon and in freshness and beauty he was like a beautiful flower who the Almighty Allah had bestowed with great intelligence and faith despite his tender age and his uncle had nurtured him with his good habits and qualities and threw upon him the ray of his soul till he became an exemplar of perfection and strong faith.
Qasim used to be inclined towards his uncle and think about his hardships and wanted to keep him safe from the harm of enemies through his blood and he used to say, “Till the time sword is in my hand, my uncle shall not be killed.”[6]
When he saw the isolation of his uncle he was surrounded by painful sorrows and
Notes:
[1] Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 98
[2] His mother was a slave wife
[3] Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 97
[4] Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 98
[5] Life of Imam Hasan (a.s.) 2/470
[6] Imaduddin Isfahani, Al Bustanul Jame Li Jamiul Tawarikhul Zaman, Pg. 25, from photocopy at Imam Hakim Library
(752)
he came to Holy imam to gain permission to perform Jihad for him.
With tearful eyes, the Imam embraced him and after he insisted greatly, accorded permission to him. That astonishing daring youth, who didn’t know what fear was and considered life nothing, set out without armor or helmet, only carrying a sword. He confronted the enemies, striked off their necks and slashed their heads as if death was under his control. He killed whomsoever he wanted. But during his fighting the strap of one of his sandals broke. That child of prophethood didn’t like to fight with a bare foot so he halted to retie the strap without any concern for the surrounding foes. The decadent man, Amr bin Saad saw this as an opportunate moment and he said, “By God, I shall attack him now!”
Hamid bin Muslim criticized him, “Glory be to Allah! What do you intend to achieve by this? While even if one of the family of Husain remains, that will be enough to take vengeance from you for his death.”
Amr paid no attention to him. He attacked Qasim and striked his blessed head with his sword. He fell down like a falling star and called out in a loud voice, “My Uncle!”
The Imam’s heart burst with pain and he rushed towards his nephew, attacked his killer and cut off his hand from the elbow. His colleagues rushed to his help but that sinner was trampled by hooves of the horses.
Imam came to his nephew, kissed him while the youth was thrashing his limbs. Imam spoke to him with the sorrow of his heart, “May the people who have caused your death perish. For the one who will oppose them on the Day of Resurrection on your behalf will be your grandfather…By God, it is hard on your uncle that you called him and he did not answer you, or rather he answered but your cry was too late to help you. For by God, those who kill his relatives are many but those who help him are few.”[1]
Then he carried that youth in his arms, while he was thrashing his legs like a bird with its head cut.[2] He took him and put him with his son, Ali Akbar and the other members of the household who had been slain. He continued to look at those luminous stars of his Holy family for a long time and invoked curse on their terrible killers. At that time he consoled the few surviving members of Holy family and said:
“O Allah! Take their account and do not leave anyone of them and do not forgive them at all. Be patient, O my cousins, be patient! O my Holy family! After this day you shall never be humiliated…”[3]
May Allah be your helper, O Aba Abdillah! You faced with determination such tragedies that even mountains shake in their terror and which destroy the forbearance of every man.
Notes:
[1] Al-Irshad, 2/107-108. Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 8/186. Ad Durrun Nadheem fee Manaqibul Aaimma, Pg. 556
[2] Al-Bustanul Jame, Pg. 25
[3] Khwarizmi, Maqtal 2/28
(453)
Hasan, Son of Imam Hasan
Hasan, son of Imam Hasan fought like a valiant stalwart and fell down wounded on the ground. When those wicked men of Kufa came to cut off the heads of the martyrs, he was on the verge of death. His maternal uncle, Asmaa bin Kharja Fuzari interceded for him and his intercession was accepted. He took him to Kufa with himself, nursed his injuries and restored his health after which he was sent to Medina.[1]
Abdullah bin Hasan
He was a lad of eleven years who saw his uncle surrounded by the enemies and rushed out to help him. His uncle asked Zainab to take care of him and restrain him but he refused to go back and came running to his uncle. Abjar bin Kaab rushed towards Husain and attacked him with his sword. The young lad said to him, “Woe upon you, you son of an impure woman, are you trying to kill my uncle?”
Abjar struck at him with his sword. The boy tried to fend off (the blow) with his arm. The sword cut through his arm to the skin on the other side. There was the arm hanging by the skin. The boy cried out, “O my mother!” Imam Husain took hold of him and embraced him. He said to him, “My nephew, try to bear what has come to you and be comforted with the news that God will unite you with your righteous ancestors.”
Then Holy imam, Husain raised his hands and said, “O God, even as You have made life pleasant for them for a time, divide them into factions and make them follow the ways of factions and let their rulers never be pleased with them. They summoned us so that they might support us and then they become hostile to us and fought us.”[2]
When he was in the arms of his uncle, the wicked decadent man, Hurmula bin Kahil aimed and shot an arrow at him, killing him.[3] Imam picked him up and laid him among the corpses of his Holy family.
Those transmogrified men were devoid of every human quality. They considered the slaying of innocent children permissible, which was even illegal during the pre-Islamic period.
Sons of Abdullah bin Ja’far
The sons of Abdullah bin Ja’far competed for Jihad in service of the beloved grandson of the Messenger of Allah. They were as follows:
1. Aun bin Abdullah
The mother of Aun is Her Eminence, Zainab, the daughter of Holy imam, Imam Amirul Momineen. He hastened to the field of Jihad and fought in the most valiant manner reciting the following couplets of Rajaz:
Notes:
[1] Life of Imam Hasan (a.s.) 2/471-72
[2] Tabari, Tarikh 5/450-451
[3] Al-Lohoof, Pg. 173
(754)
“If you don’t know me, I am the son of Ja’far, that martyr of truth who shines in Paradise.
There, with a pair of green wings he flies, and this excellence is enough for pride of a group.”[1]
He introduced himself that he was a descendent of Ja’far, the immortal martyr in Islam, whose hands were cut off in the way of Islam and according to the Holy Prophet the Almighty Allah bestowed him with a pair of wings by which he glides in Paradise. Thus, being the descendent of such a great man was sufficient for ones respectability.
He continued to fight till Abdullah bin Qutbah attacked and martyred him.[2]
Sulaiman bin Qatah has versified this as follows:
“Observe mourning if you weep, for your brother Aun who did not fall short in rendering his help.
By my life! You have versified the grief of the relatives of the Prophet, so weep for these prolonged calamities.”[3]
2. Muhammad bin Abdullah
Muhammad bin Abdullah bin Ja’far’s mother was Hausa from the Bani Bakr bin Bani Wael tribe.[4] He landed in the battlefield humming the following lines:
“I shall complain to Allah about your injustice. The battle in which they have become blind in killing.
They have changed the signs of the Quran and the explanation of unambiguous and clear verses.
And they have exposed their disbelief and disobedience.”[5]
With this Rajaz he complained to Allah about the pain and grief of Holy family against that oppressive people who had gone beyond all bounds in injustice and wickedness and had become completely blind. Who have destroyed themselves in misguidance and distorted the laws of Quran and exposed infidelity and sinfulness.
That young man fought a hard battle till he was attacked by Aamir bin Nahshal Tamimi[6] and wounded by his sword. He fell down on the burning sands of Kerbala smeared with his blood. Then he passed away after a few moments as described by Sulaiman bin Qatah in his poetry:
“The one named like the Prophet passed away from them wounded by the strikes of sharpened swords.
So O, my eyes! If you weep, weep profusely with tears like a flowing flood.”[7]
Notes:
[1] Al Futuh 5/204
[2] Al-Irshad, 1/107
[3] Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 95
[4] Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 95
[5] Al Futuh 5/204
[6] Al-Irshad, 2/107
[7] Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 95-96
(755)
3. Ubaidullah bin Ja’far
Ubaidullah bin Ja’far’s mother was Khausa, the daughter of Hafasa. He set out for Jihad and reached martyrdom.[1]
Brothers of Holy imam, Husain
After that the chosen pure ones of Holy family reached martyrdom, none remained with Husain except his brothers from his father’s side. They also hastened towards Jihad and entrusted themselves to death till they sacrificed their lives and existence upon the beloved son of Allah’s Messenger.
Holy imam, Abbas and his Brothers
When the stalwarts of Bani Hashim and pride of the clan of Adnan, Holy imam, Abbas, son of Imam Amirul Momineen saw so many dead from his Holy family he glanced at his full brothers and said, “Go ahead, sons of my mother, that I may see you loyal for Allah and His Prophet and sacrifice yourselves because you are issueless (and as yet unmarried).”[2]
These statements show the depth of the faith of Holy imam, because he wanted his brothers to lay down their lives loyally for God and His Prophet. And in this matter he had no other factor in mind, like relationships and lineage…Holy imam, Abul Fazl addressed Abdullah the eldest one among the rest of his brothers, “My brother! Go ahead so that I see you killed and ask Allah about your recompense.”[3]
Worthless statement
Among the most worthless and absurd things is that which Ibn Athir has reported. He says, “Holy imam, Abbas told his brothers, “Go Ahead, so that I may inherit you; because you are all issueless.”[4] They have attributed such a statement to him in order to belittle the importance and greatness of this brave stalwart who presented such an exemplary sacrifice in the forefront of Islamic forces. Is it possible that in that hour when death was only a few steps away from Holy imam, that Holy imam, Abbas should be concerned about material things and worldly matters in spite of the terrible calamities that had surrounded them? He was seeing that like stars his nephews were lying on the sands and he could hear the wails of the ladies of the family of prophethood and was aware of the screams of children complaining of thirst. He saw his brother surrounded by the enemies and he wanted helpers but no one was coming to his help. Such terrible calamities that astound the minds surrounded him from all sides and he was not thinking of anything else except that he should pass away from this world as soon as possible. Apart from this, his mother, Ummul Baneen was yet alive and in the table of inheritance she held a higher position. And perhaps that which has been
Notes:
[1] Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 96
[2] Al-Irshad, 2/109
[3] Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 86
[4] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/76
(756)
recorded is: “So that I may take revenge for you.” And the words have been distorted.
Martyrdom of Abdullah son of Amirul Momineen
Abdullah bin Amirul Momineen, whose mother was Ummul Baneen, marched towards the plains of Holy war and busied himself in engaging the enemies in battle. At the same time he recited the following poetic composition:
“My master is Ali, owner of great honor, from Bani Hashim, having great value and generosity.
This is Husain, son of the Messenger Prophet whom I defend with a sharpened sword.
May my life be sacrificed on him. What a brother! O my Lord! Grant me reward of position.”[1]
Through these lines he has boasted about his father, Imam Amirul Momineen the gate of the city of knowledge of the Prophet, the vicegerent of Holy imam. In the same way he has expressed pride about his brother, Imam Husain, the beloved grandson of the Messenger of Allah and that he was not defending him on the basis of his relationship. Rather, through this he desired to obtain the pleasure of Almighty and the abode of the Hereafter.
That daring youth fought in this ferocious manner till the sinful oppressor, Hani bin Shabth Hadhrami attacked him and made him reach martyrdom.[2]
Martyrdom of Ja’far
Ja’far bin Amirul Momineen, whose mother was Ummul Baneen, was only 19 years old. He set out for the field and conducted the battle of a courageous warrior till he was attacked by Hani bin Shabth and sent to his martyrdom.[3]
Martyrdom of Uthman
Uthman bin Amirul Momineen, also son of Lady Ummul Baneen, was 21. He too left for the battle front of Jihad and Khawli shot him with an arrow and incapacitated him. A man from Bani Daram attacked and martyred him. Then he picked up his head[4] to take it to his master, Ibn Marjana and get reward for it.
Martyrdom of Holy imam, Abbas
In the history of humanity, neither ancient nor modern, there exists brotherly relationship more truthful, prominent and loyal than the brotherhood of Abul Fazl for his brother, Holy imam, Imam Husain because this brotherhood contains all the human values and lofty exemplars.
Notes:
[1] Al Futuh 5/205
[2] Al-Irshad, 2/109. And in Al Futuh 5/205 it is mentioned that his killer was Zajar bin Badr Nakahai.
[3] Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 88
[4] Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 89
(757)
Among the most prominent signs of that incomparable brotherhood were sacrifice, equality and loyalty; because Holy imam, Abul Fazl sacrificed his life for his brother and equally shared all the hardships and calamities. Imam Zainul Abideen has praised this incomparable quality of his uncle and said:
“May Allah have mercy on my uncle, Abbas. He displayed loyalty and service and sacrificed himself on his brother; so much so that both his arms were severed. Allah Almighty, the Mighty and Sublime granted him a pair of wings by the help of which he floats in Paradise, just as they were bestowed for Ja’far bin Abu Talib...there is such a position for Abbas near the Almighty that on the Day of Resurrection, all the martyrs shall vie for it.”[1]
This true brotherhood is a cause for respect and astonishment near all the people and it serves as an example for all generations and periods of time, such that the grandson of Holy imam, Fazl bin Muhammad[2] has prided over it and said:
“Among men, one who is most deserving to be mourned is that daring man who made Holy imam, Husain weep in Kerbala.
His brother and son of his father, Ali, Abul Fazl, bathed in blood.
Who showed loyalty to him and nothing prevented him, in spite of his thirst, he accepted water only for him.”[3]
And Kumayt says:
“And Abul Fazl whose goodly remembrance is medicine for pains of the hearts.
He killed the wicked ones when they slew.
He was the most honorable of those who drink rain water.”[4]
Holy imam, Abul Fazl had extensive strength of piety and religion, the effulgence of his face was clear; so much so that he was called the Moon of the Hashemites; in the same way he was the most outstanding warrior in Islam. Even though he rode a very tall horse the legs of Holy imam used to trail on the ground.[5] He had inherited the qualities of valor and fighting from his father.
On the day of Ashura, the Holy Imam entrusted the command of the army to him and handed his standard to him, so he raised it aloft and waved it and performed a ferocious battle. When he saw the isolation of his brother and the killing of his companions and Holy family – those who had sold their lives to Allah – he came to Holy imam and asked him for permission so that he may meet his bright future.
Notes:
[1] Bihar 44/298, H. 4
[2] Fadl bin Muhammad bin Hasan bin Ubaidullah bin Abbas, this is mentioned in Uyun al-Akhbaar wa Fununul Aathaar Pg. 101
[3] Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 89
[4] Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 90
[5] Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 90
(758)
Imam did not permit him and told him in a low and sad voice, “You are my standard bearer.”
As long as Holy imam, Abul Fazl was alive, the Imam felt strong and powerful, because he was like a battalion besides him that would defend and support him. Holy imam, Abul Fazl urged Holy imam too much and said, “These hypocrites have constricted my chest and I wish to take my revenge from them.”
Holy imam’s heart had become restricted and he was fed up with life in such a way that like luminous stars, he saw his brothers, nephews and uncles lying beheaded on the sands of Kerbala. He became nostalgic and restless to join them and to take their revenge.
Imam requested him to try to get water for children which would quench their thirst. That daring man rushed towards those transmogrified people and began to exhort them goodness, warned them of Divine Chastisement and revenge and addressing Ibn Saad said, “O Ibn Saad! This is Husain, the son of the daughter of the Messenger of Allah whose companions and Holy family are slain. These are his thirsty ladies and children; provide drinking water for them as the thirst is scorching their beings. Also he has proposed to you: Leave me, I shall go home or to India and leave Iraq and Hijaz to you.”
The earth shook below their feet and they wished it had swallowed them up. Some of them began to weep and a terrible silence reigned over them. The dirty decadent beast, Shimr bin Zil Jaushan replied to him and said, “O son of Abu Turab! If all the face of the earth was water and had been under our control we wouldn’t have given you a drop from it till you pledged allegiance to Yazid.”
Abul Fazl returned to his brother and informed him about their oppression and sinfulness. That courageous daring man heard the wails of the children shouting for help and screaming: O thirst! O thirst! Water! Water!
When Abul Fazl al-Abbas looked at them – what a terrible sight it was – he saw that their lips had dried up completely, their vision was confused due to thirst and they were on the verge of death. Abbas was deeply pained by this and extremely shocked. Daringly he hastened to help them; taking a water skin he mounted a horse and attacked the banks of Euphrates. By his courageous power he succeeded in breaking up the cordon that guarded the waterfront. Mercenaries fled from him because they were reminded of the valor of his father, the conqueror of Khaiber and the destroyer of the polytheists.
Holy imam reached the water while his heart was bursting of thirst. He picked up some water to drink but was reminded of the thirst of his brother and the ladies and children accompanying him. So he threw down the water and refrained from quenching the thirst that was killing him. Then he recited the following:
“O self! After Husain you are nothing and after him there is nothing.
This is Husain who is going towards death while you would drink cool water?
(759)
By Allah! This is not an action sanctioned by my religion.”[1]
With all respect and honor humanity pays tribute to this great attitude and mentality that has created excellence and exalted Islam in the world; an attitude that imparts the most prominent lessons of human nobility and lofty values.
This sacrifice which had gone beyond the limitations of time and place; it was from the most outstanding qualities in the manners of Abul Fazl; because emotions full of loyalty and devotion with regards to his brother did not give him the possibility to drink water before him. Thus what sacrifice could be better and truer than this? He had merged his heart with the heart of his brother and his soul had become one with that of his brother and between the two there was no plurality of being.
After the pride of the Hashemites had filled the water skin he set out for the camp carrying the water which was for him more precious and important than his life. On the way he became involved in a ferocious confrontation with the foes; because they had surrounded him from all sides to prevent him from supplying water to quench the thirst of Holy family. That stalwart killed a large number of them, beheaded many and felled their fighters, reciting the following poem:
“I do not fear dying if I am confronted with death till I may even be felled to the ground by swords drawn out.
May my life be a ransom for the life of the grandson of Mustafa, the pure one. I am Abbas carrying the water skin.
And on the day of battle I have no fear of death.”[2]
He announced to them his incomparable courage and great valor and said that he wasn’t afraid of death, rather he was welcoming it on the way of defense of his brother, the just leader of society on the earth...He prided upon the fact that he was carrying a skin full of water to quench the thirst of Holy family.
Soldiers of falsehood fled from him in terror and trepidation; because Holy imam Abul Fazl displayed a courage that was beyond description; they became certain that they would not be able to confront him. Except for the cowardly decadent one, Zaid bin Raqqad Jehni who concealed himself behind a date palm waiting in ambush and did not come out face to face. He slashed at the right hand of Abbas severing it completely...he cut off the hand that was generous and good doing to the people and which defended the rights of the persecuted and oppressed.
Abul Fazl did not pay much heed to his right hand and began to recite:
“By Allah! If they cut off my right arm, I shall continue to defend my faith as before.
And defend the rightful Imam in certainty, the son of the pure and Truthful Prophet.”[3]
Notes:
[1] Muqarram, Maqtal al-Husain, Pg. 267-268
[2] Ibne Shahr Aashob, Manaqib 4/108
[3] Al Manaqib 4/108
(760)
In this Rajaz recitation he has indicated his great aims in fighting against them because he was confronting in defense of religion and defense of the Imam of Muslims.
Holy imam had not proceeded much when the most wicked of men, Hakim bin Tufail Tai stood in ambush behind a date tree and hacked the left arm of Holy imam and severed it. Some accounts of Kerbala tragedy have mentioned that Holy imam held the water skin in his teeth and began to gallop fast to convey the water to the thirsty people of Holy family while he paid scant regard to that which was causing pain to him, loss of blood and severity of wounds etc. This was the pinnacle of loyalty, mercy and kindness that humanity in all its stages had achieved.
While he was speeding fast a wicked arrow pierced the water skin and water flowed on the desert sand and that brave stalwart fell into gloom and sorrow because the loss of water was harder for him than strikes of sword and hits of spears. During this moment a decadent man from those people attacked him and bludgeoned his blessed head with an iron mace. This caused the top of his head to split and he fell to the ground calling out his farewell and last salutations to his brother and saying, “My salutation for you, O Aba Abdillah!”[1]
The movement of breeze carried his words to his brother bursting his heart and shredding his insides. In spite of feeling extremely exhausted and shattered, Holy imam mounted a horse and rushed to the enemy troops and reached to the side of that blessed body which was in the throes of death. He threw himself upon him, kissed him and shed tears on him and with the corners of his heart that the tragedies had burst, he said:
“Alas, my back has broken and my strength is gone!”
The Holy Imam looked at the body of his brother for a long time and the true brother, rare loyalty and the brave one who had no equal…his dreams were shattered. The only thing that made it a little easier for him bear these tragedies was that he was also going to join him in the near future and that he wouldn’t be alive after him except for a little while. But for him those moments were like years and he would have liked that death came to him before his brother passed away.
The Imam was immersed in sorrow and grief while his strength had sapped and he didn’t even have the capacity to lift his feet. The signs of exhaustion and sadness were apparent upon him. He stood up and went towards the camps wiping his tears. Sakina came forward to receive him and she asked, “Where is my uncle?”
Holy imam, deep in sorrow and tears informed her about his martyrdom. When the granddaughter of the Prophet, Her Eminence, Zainab, learnt of the martyrdom of her brother, she became distressed and anxiety enveloped her. She kept her hand on her broken heart and lamented, “O my brother! O my Abbas!
Notes:
[1] Muqarram, Maqtal al-Husain, Pg. 269
(761)
After you I shall be lost!”
Imam accompanied his sister in mourning for his righteous brother and that patient man raised his voice and called out, “Abul Fazl, after you woe be upon our helplessness.”[1]
After the loss of his brother, the Holy Imam felt lost and isolated, a brother who did not leave a single kind of good deed and sacrifice but that he performed it for his brother.
Peace be upon your custom and remembrance, O Abal Fazl! That you went towards your great destiny while you were of the greatest of martyrs in prominence and sacrifice.
Farewell, O moon of the Hashemites!
Farewell, O valiant one of Kerbala!
Peace be on you! The day you were born, the day you were martyred and the day you shall be raised again.
Muhammad Asghar
Among the brothers of Imam Husain martyred from his father’s side was Muhammad Asghar. His mother was Umme Walad.[2] He fought fiercely. A man from Tamim tribe attacked him and sent him to his martyrdom.[3]
Abu Bakr
Abu Bakr was the Imam’s brother from the father’s side and his mother was Laila binte Masud.[4] His name is not generally recorded but according to Khwarizmi he was named Abdullah.[5] He went to the battlefield and a person from the Hamadan tribe caused him to be martyred. It is said that his killer is not known exactly.[6] Tabari believes that it is doubtful that he was killed at all.
Abbas Asghar
Abbas Asghar was also a brother of the Holy Imam from paternal side. His mother was Lubaba, daughter of Ubaidullah Ibn Abbas. He was martyred on the day of Ashura.[7] Qasim bin Asbagh Mujashayee says: When the severed heads were brought in Kufa, I saw a rider from the shank of whose horse hung the severed head of a lad who yet didn’t have facial hair. His face was as handsome as a full moon. Whenever the horse brought its head down the lad’s severed head used to reach to the ground. I asked about that rider. They said, “He is Hurmula bin
Notes:
[1] Muqarram, Maqtal al-Husain, Pg. 269-270
[2] Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 90. And in Tarikh Khulafa of Khaiyaat 1/34 it is mentioned that his mother was Lubaba daughter of Ubaidullah bin Abbas.
[3] Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 91
[4] Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 91
[5] Khwarizmi, Maqtal al-Husain 2/28
[6] Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 91
[7] Tarikh Khulafa of Khaiyaat 1/234
(762)
Kahil.” I asked about that severed head. I was told that it was the head of Abbas bin Ali.[1] And this report confirms the existence of Abbas Asghar, because Abbas, the elder was 32 years old on the day of his martyrdom and he wasn’t a lad yet to get facial hair.
Here comes to a close our discussion regarding the martyrs of Holy family by whose slaying was defiled the sanctity of the Prophet and the Umayyad troops did not pay any regard to their relationship to Allah’s Messenger, though they were more than anything else, deserving of regard and kindness.
Notes:
[1] Miraat az-Zamaan fee Tawarikhuz Zamaan, Pg. 95. Hadaiq al-Wardiya 1/127-128. As-Siraatus Sawi min Manaqib Aalin Nabi Pg. 92
# Martyrdom of the Great Imam
Calamities and hardships descended upon the beloved grandson of the Messenger of Allah one after another continuously in such a way that one crushing tragedy had yet not completed when more terrible and greater hardships befell Holy imam.
However in those fearsome moments, he was compelled to bear the pain of such hardships as no reformer had seen. Of them were:
Firstly: Holy imam looked at the great ladies and noble women from the family of prophethood and revelation while they where in such a condition of anxiety that except for the Almighty Allah none was cognizant of it, because in every moment they received a relative from the heroes of holy family bathed in blood in the throes of death and passing their last moments of life before his very eyes.
What increased their distress was the fact that those oppressor’s whose hearts were absolutely devoid of mercy, had surrounded them from all sides and they did not know what would befall them after their defenders are no more. The Imam looked at the fear and terror that reigned over them and the heart of Holy imam burst with grief and remorse. He ordered them to observe patience and forbearance and informed them that the Almighty Allah would protect and save them from the mischief of the enemies.
Secondly: Wails of young children due to the intensity of the killing thirst rose up. Holy imam could not find a way to help them and his noble heart full of concern and mercy for children and ladies of the family, was scorched. They were pained by a thing they were not capable of bearing.
Thirdly: Aggression of those sinful killers after they had killed the companions and Holy family in murdering innocent children, nephews and cousins.
Fourthly: Having to bear the discomfort of a terrible thirst. Regarding the intensity of the thirst of Holy imam it is reported that he did not see the sky but as a thing like cloud and the liver of Holy imam had split due to the severity of the thirst.
Shaykh Shustari says: “The thirst of Holy imam, Husain affected four organs: His lips had withered due to the heat of the thirst, the liver had split due to the absence of water in such a way that Holy imam himself became despaired of life and (that army also) knew that he would not be alive after that. He told them: “Give me a drop of water as my liver is shattered and the tongue has become wounded due to the severity of chewing it. Such that it has come in traditions that: “And the eyes had become sightless due to thirst.”[1]
Fifthly: He looked at his tents after his relatives from Holy family and his companions were slain and found them empty. This made him further aggrieved and sorrowful and he lamented for them with the most touching words.
Notes:
[1] Khasais al-Husain (a.s.), Pg. 62
(764)
Hearts melt by the calamities that passed over the son of the Messenger of Allah.
Safiuddin says: “Holy imam, Husain bore hardships and calamities that no Muslim hears about them but that his heart burns with shock.”[1]
The Imam Calls for Help
Helpless Imam looked at the Holy family and companions with a glance of remorse and pain and saw them as slaughtered sheep, lying headless on the sands of Kerbala with the burning sun scorching their bodies and members of Family (ladies and children) wailing. Therefore Holy imam began to call out for help. He sought helpers and supporters for defending the sanctity of the Messenger of Allah:
“Is there no defender who could save the sanctity of the Messenger of Allah? Is there no monotheist who fears the Almighty with regard to us? Is there no helper who for the sake of Allah may fulfill our need?”[2]
This call for help had no effect on the hearts that had became rusted by falsehood and were immersed in sins…when Holy imam, Zainul Abideen heard the call of his father, he arose from his bed and leaned on his walking stick due to the intensity of his illness. Holy imam, Husain saw him and shouted out to his sister, Umme Kulthum: “Take care of him lest the earth becomes devoid of the Family of Muhammad.” Her Eminence rushed towards him and returned him to his bed.[3]
Martyrdom of the suckling infant
Patience of Aba Abdullah, what a patience it was? How was he able to bear these tragedies…,it was such a patience that universe remains helpless before it and mountains shake due to its fear. Of the most tragic and difficult calamity of Holy imam was to be pained regarding his infant son, Abdullah, who was as beautiful as the full moon. Holy imam picked him up and kissed him many times and said farewell to him for the last time. He found him unconscious and his eyes were sunk and his lips had withered due to the intensity of the thirst.
Holy imam picked him and carried him to those people in order to arouse their sentiments. Perhaps they would allow some water for him. He brought him before them shading him from the sun with his cloak. He asked them to give a little water to him but the hearts of those mutated people were not moved and the decadent oppressor, Hurmula bin Kahil aimed an arrow at him; the villain smiled and boasted to his colleagues and said: “Take this arrow and quench his thirst.”
That arrow – O my God – split open the neck of the infant. When he felt the pain of the arrow he took out his hands from his wrapping and began to thrash his limbs
Notes:
[1] Waseelatul Maal fee idda manaqibul Aal
[2] Abul Fath bin Sadqa, Durarul Afkaar fee Wasaful Sifwatul Akhyaar, Pg. 38
[3] Majlisi, Biharul Anwar 45/46
(765)
on his father’s chest like a slaughtered bird. That infant looked up to the sky and submitted his life on the hands of his father…it was a scene that bursts hearts and seals tongues by its fearsomeness…Imam raised his hands full of that pure blood and threw it to the sky in such a way that according to Imam Baqir not a drop fell to the ground. Then he spoke confidentially to the Lord and beseeched Him greatly, saying:
“Whatever befalls me, makes it easier for me to be in Your presence.
O Allah! In Your view this child should not be less important than the She-Camel of Prophet Salih. My Lord! If it be so that You have kept the help of Heaven from us, then let it be because Your purpose is better than immediate help. Take vengeance on these people who are such oppressors. And make it a treasure for us in the Hereafter that which has befallen us in this world. O Allah! You are the witness of the people who have killed the one most resembling Your Prophet, Muhammad.”
Then Imam dismounted and with the scabbard, dug a grave for his child and buried the body which was bathed with blood. And it is also said that he kept him alongside the other martyrs.[1]
O Aba Abdillah! May Allah help to bear the hardships that none of the prophets had to bear and those calamities that no reformer had to suffer.
Steadfastness of the Holy Imam
Imam stood alone in the field facing his enemies while those terrible tragedies had increased the faith and certainty of Holy imam. With a fresh face and satisfied with the position of perpetual Garden to which he will soon depart.
Imam stood with a deep rooted determination neither weakened by the martyrdom of his sons and companions nor pained by the thirst and loss of his blood. This is the steadfastness of the Ulul Azm Prophets (the five greatest prophets), those whom Allah had exalted over His other creatures. Hazrat Ali Ibnul Husain, Zainul Abideen has narrated an example of astounding patience and steadfastness of his father and said: “As much the circumstances worsened, his face brightened and his being used to become tranquil.” So much so that some of them said: See, how he is heedless of death.[2]
Abdullah bin Ammar has also said: “I saw Husain, when they gathered against him, he attacked those who were on his right and terrified them completely.[3] By Allah! I have not seen such a person who has lost his sons and companions to death to be more steadfast and determined. And by Allah! I have not seen anyone like him before or after him.” Then he quotes Ibn Khattab Fahri:
“O my cousins! Fear in oppressing us as calamities have surrounded us.
Notes:
[1] Muqarram, Maqtal al-Husain, Pg. 273
[2] Shustari, Khasais al-Husain, Pg. 40
[3] Ibne Kathir, Tarikh 8/188
(766)
It is for those like you, that use the swords and those who do not respect our origin and lineage.
Whenever I speak about my family and lineage, by my respectful status, I speak truly of that group.
Bright faced men who wore the Kohl of blood in their eyes on the day of the battle.”[1]
At that moment he attacked the enemies and conducted a ferocious battle that people had ever seen, while huge multitudes were crowding on the right wing. He recited the following lines of Rajaz poem:
“Death is better than a life of degradation and degradation is better than Hell-fire.”
After that he attacked the left wing intoning the following:
“I am Husain bin Ali and I swear I shall not turn back.
I shall defend the family of my father and I shall follow the religion of the Prophet.”[2]
Yes, you are Husain who filled the world with nobility and greatness. You are alone that one who did not turn back from determination and intention. Neither you humiliated yourself, nor became heedless; rather you moved forward in the way of confrontation and destroyed the ambushes of oppressors and sinners.
You followed the religion of your grandfather, Holy imam, the Prophet and you are the one who promoted and reformed it. If you hadn’t been there, an aspect would have remained concealed and life would not have had its real form.
Ibn Hajar has narrated that the Imam was fighting and at the same time reciting the following couplets:
“I am the son of Ali, a noble of the family of Bani Hashim and sufficient for me to pride when I pride over it.
And my grandfather is the Messenger of Allah, the most honorable one of those who walked the earth and we are the lamp of God lighted among the people.
And Fatima the daughter of Ahmad is my mother and my uncle is Ja’far, who is called by the title of ‘one with a pair of wings’.
The Book of Allah descended among us with truth and it is regarding us that guidance and revelation reminds about.”[3]
Notes:
[1] Raihaanatur Rasool, Pg. 64 and it is mentioned therein: The extraordinary thing is that whosoever quoted these couplets as examples, reached martyrdom. Holy imam, Husain (a.s.) quoted them on the day of Ashura, Zaid bin Ali on the day of Sabakha, Yahya bin Zaid on the day of Zauzjan and when Ibrahim bin Abdullah bin Hasan, in his uprising against Mansur his companions considered it a bad omen and not much time passed but that a cruel arrow came to him and killed him.
[2] Ibne Shahr Aashob, Manaqib 4/110
[3] As Sawaiq al-Mohreqa Pg. 197. Jauharatul Kalaam Fi Madhis Saadaatil A’laam, Pg. 119
(767)
Attitude of those who were forced
Some foolish people who had joined Ibn Saad’s army under compulsion, began to pray for Imam’s success and help over his enemies.
Saad bin Ubaidah says, “Old men from us, the people of Kufa stood on a mound and were tearfully saying: O Allah! Send Your help to Husain.”
Saad objected to them and said, “O enemies of Allah! Why don’t you come down to help him?”[1]
Ibn Saad’s Fear
Ibn Saad was distressed by the losses his troops had to suffer. That impure decadent man employed the method of hatred and he persuaded his soldiers to fight the beloved grandson of the Messenger of Allah saying, “This is the son of Ali, he is the son of the killer of Arabs. Attack him from all sides.”
Ibn Saad employed the enmity of ignorance against the Holy Imam. He reminded them of Arabs who had been killed at the hands of Amirul Momineen and urged them to take vengeance for their blood. This is a logic having no relation to Islam, because Imam Amirul Momineen did not slay the Arabs. Rather, Holy imam had destroyed the powers that had deviated from religion.
Ibn Saad told the archers to target the Imam. On the basis of what historians says, four thousand arrows were shot towards the Holy Imam. The blessed body of Holy imam became a target of the arrows of those wicked people.[2] After that Holy imam became involved in battle with them which was so ferocious that it’s like hasn’t been seen anywhere in the history of humanity.
Imam Reaches Water
Thirst had become intense upon the Imam and caused him untold discomfort. So he attacked the Euphrates. While according to some historians 4000 men were guarding it. However they fled from before the Holy Imam and he was able to reach to the water. He took some water in his hand to quench his killing thirst but a decadent man from those people shouted at him, “You want to enjoy the water while your family is being attacked?”
With a mighty courage, Imam threw back the water and rushed back to save the honor of his women and children, but he found them safe and sound and realized that it was nothing but a ruse to lure him away from the river.[3]
Ibn Hajar says, “If they had not employed this ruse and not prevented him from getting water they would not have been able to have an upper hand over him because he was such a stalwart who neither fled nor surrendered.”[4]
Notes:
[1] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/424
[2] Biharul Anwar 45/50
[3] Ibne Shahr Aashob, Manaqib 4/58
[4] As Sawaiq al-Mohreqa Pg. 197
(768)
Attack on the camp of Imam Husain
The noble-minded Imam fell among the armies of the enemy. He fought them with great valor and ferocity while those people had launched an attack on his camp to plunder the ladies and children. So he shouted on them:
“O followers of Abu Sufyan’s family! Even if you have no religion and do not fear the Hereafter, at least be noble in your lives and return to your origin and lineage if you are Arabs, as you claim to be…”[1]
By these words, the Imam removed them from the circle of Islam and considered the family of Abu Sufyan to be inimical to Islam whose descendants led the powers of oppression. The tragedy of Kerbala was nothing but a continuation of their malice and hatred to the Prophet of Islam…
Imam urged them to at least follow the Arab customs followed in the pre-Islamic period of Ignorance in Arabia, which included not persecuting the ladies and children and restraining from every type of wickedness and oppression. At that time, the decadent wicked man, Shimr bin Zil Jaushan spoke, “What are you saying, O son of Fatima?”
That wicked man thought that by addressing the Imam with regard to his relation with mother he was being disrespectful to him and he didn’t know that he had related him to the pure source and prophethood. For Holy imam, Husain it was sufficient matter of pride that the chief of the ladies of the worlds was his mother as the Holy Prophet has said.[2]
Imam told him, “I am fighting you. The women are blameless. So ask your mercenaries to keep away from my family as long as I am alive.”
Shimr agreed to this. At that time those criminals surrounded Holy imam from all sides and began to hit with swords and spear in such a way that Holy imam was terribly wounded and bleeding.
The Last Sermon of Imam Husain
Imam in spite of the circumstances and condition he was in, delivered a sermon to his enemies and in it he warned them against deception and mischief of this world. Historians say: Holy imam did not remain alive for much time after that and was soon martyred. The sermon was as follows:
“O slaves of Allah! Fear Allah and beware of the world. That if the world had
Notes:
[1] Al-Lohoof, Pg. 54. Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/76. Tabari, Tarikh 5/450. In Al Abkaar fee Wasaful Sifwatul Akhbar, Pg. 38
[2] Hafiz Suyuti, Ath Thaghurul Baasima fee Manaqibus Sayyadatun Fatima, Pg. 44. From the facsimile at Imam Amirul Momineen (a.s.) Library. And it is mentioned in it that: Imran bin Haseen has narrated that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) went to visit Fatima when she was indisposed and asked her: “How are you?” She replied: “I am unwell and the pain is distressing me, I don’t have a morsel to eat. He said: “My daughter! Do you not like being the leader of the women of the world?” “Then what was Maryam?” she asked. “She was the leader of women of her world and you are the leader of the women of your world.”
(769)
lasted for anyone and if anyone had survived in it forever, the prophets were more deserving of remaining in it and more eligible for satisfaction and good destiny. However the Almighty Allah has created its inmates for death. Thus soon it would be destroyed; its bounties will end and its joys will turn to sorrows. Residence with contentment and lodging on hire. So take the provision and the best provision is piety and fear of Almighty Allah! Perhaps you may be guided.”[1]
Imam asks for worn-out clothes
Imam asked his Holy family to get him his old dress so that no one be impelled to steal it after he is martyred. He wore it below his dress so that it may not be plundered. After that they brought a small dress for him but he did not like it. He said: It is the dress of one who is humiliated. Then he took the dress and tore it from places and wore it below his dress, but that was also plundered after he was martyred.[2]
Imam Husain’s Farewell to his family
Imam turned towards his family to bid farewell to them for the last time while his wounds were bleeding. He requested the honorable ladies of the family of prophethood and abode of revelation to put on their coverings and be ready for tests and tribulations. He ordered them to be patient and submissive before the divine destiny and said:
“Be prepared for trials and know that Allah Almighty will guard and protect you and save you from the mischief of enemies and your end shall be with goodness. The enemy shall involve you in different kinds of hardships and as recompense for these troubles you shall be rewarded with different bounties and honors. So do not complain and do not utter any such thing that would decrease your value.”[3]
Kingdoms shall perish and countries shall be destroyed, civilizations will disappear but this faith which has no bounds, is more deserving for permanence and more eligible for immortality than every existing thing in this life. Which heart has the capacity to bear such tragedies and welcome them with firm determination and submission to the command of God? He is none but Husain, the hope of the Holy Prophet and the beloved grandson of Holy imam and the one who expressed the perfect picture of Holy imam.
When the daughters of the Prophet saw the Imam in this condition they fell into gloom and sorrow. They clung to him and with distressed hearts bid farewell to him. Their faces had paled due to fear. When the Imam saw them his feet began to tremble furiously.
Imam Kashiful Ghita says: “Who can picture Holy imam, Husain while waves of calamities were raging around him and hardships surrounded him from
Notes:
[1] Zahratul Aadaab 1/162. Kifayatut Talib, Pg. 429
[2] Tibrani, Al-Mojam al-Kabir 3/125
[3] Muqarram, Maqtal al-Husain, Pg. 276
(770)
all sides? In that condition he decided to bid farewell to his survivors and remaining ladies and children. Thus he came to the tent that housed the noble ladies of the house of prophethood and the daughters of Zahra. Those noble ladies came out terrified like a flock of partridges, and encircled one who was bathed in his blood. Can you imagine that terrible scene, the condition of Husain and the fearsome circumstances without your heart getting scorched, your intellect confounded and your tears flowing?”[1]
The hardship of the Imam in bidding farewell was the most difficult that Holy imam had to bear. Because the daughters of the Messenger of Allah were striking their faces and their laments and wails arose as they remembered their grandfather, the Messenger of Allah. They threw themselves on the Imam so that they may bid farewell to him. This tragic scene affected the Imam so deeply that none but Allah could gauge its intensity.
The dirty wicked man, Umar Ibn Saad screamed at his armed troops and urged them to attack the Imam and he said, “As long as he is busy with his family, you all attack him now. If he gets a chance he shall, by Allah merge your left wing with the right.”
Those degraded fellows attacked the Imam and shot arrows upon him. The arrows fell among the ropes of the tents and some of them pierced the tents of the ladies and they became agitated and went back inside. At that time Imam Husain rushed towards those mutated beasts like a ferocious lion and began to strike off the necks of those filthy men while arrows were shot from his left and right and Holy imam was facing them with his chest and neck.[2] Arrows that caused the most injuries and pain to the Imam were as follows:
1. Arrow that hit his pure mouth and he began to bleed. Holy imam kept his cupped hand below it. When it was filled with blood he threw it towards the sky and addressing the Almighty said: “O Allah! This is little in Your way.”[3]
2. Arrow that hit upon his blessed forehead illuminated by the effulgence of prophethood. It was shot by Abu Hatoof Jofi. He began to bleed. Holy imam raised his hands to invoke curse on those killers and said: “O Allah! You can see the condition I am in due to Your disobedient servants. O Allah, account them and with Your power send them to destruction, that none of them should remain on the earth and You must not forgive them at all.”
At that time he shouted at that army: “O sinful people! How did you behave with his family after the passing away of Muhammad? You will, after me, not kill anyone but that you consider his killing important. But that act, after my killing will become easier. By Allah, I hope the Almighty shall bestow honor to me with martyrdom and after that He shall take vengeance for me from you in such a way
Notes:
[1] Jannatul Maawa, Pg. 115
[2] Muqarram, Maqtal al-Husain, Pg. 277-278
[3] Ad Durrun Nadheem, Pg. 551
(771)
that you will not realize it…”[1]
They requited the Prophet, who had saved them from poverty and deprivation by persecuting his children and shedding the blood of his relatives. They acted with them in such a way that it makes one shiver due to the horror and faces are ashamed. Allah accepted the prayer of the Holy Imam and took vengeance for him from the oppressive enemies. Because not much time passed but mischiefs and turmoils fell upon them and Imam’s revenge seekers, like Mukhtar, organized a great revolution and pursued each of them such that they were compelled to run in the deserts and Mukhtar’s officers were chasing them till most of them were put to death.
Zuhri says: “None remained from the killers of Husain but that he met his end either by execution, by becoming blind, by having face blackened or being exiled from the country.”[2]
3. The most important thing that injured the Imam was as mentioned by historians: Imam, after he had been weakened due to loss of blood, stood for sometime to rest when a wicked man threw a stone upon him which hit the Imam’s blessed forehead. He began to bleed. Imam picked up the hem of his garment to wipe the blood from his eyes. Another wicked one shot a three pronged arrow to Holy imam that sunk into the blessed chest of the Holy Imam. A chest that contained the heart which was earnest and kind for all. At that time Holy imam became certain of his death. He looked towards the sky and said:
“In the name of Allah, by Allah and for the religion of the Messenger of Allah…O Allah! You know that these people have killed such a one except whom there is no son of the daughter of the Prophet.”
Then he pulled out the arrow from his back and blood was flowing like water from a drain pipe. Holy imam cupped his hand before it and whenever it was full he used to toss it at the sky saying: “Whatever befalls me makes it easier for me to meet the Lord.”
Imam took a quantity of his blood and smeared it over his face and beard and with awe like that of the Prophet said, “I will be like this till I meet the Almighty and my grandfather, the Messenger of Allah while I am smeared in my blood…”[3]
4. Haseen bin Numair shot an arrow at Holy imam on his blessed mouth and injured it. It began to bleed and Holy imam collected his blood in his cupped hand and threw it to the sky invoking curse on those sinful criminals: “O Allah! Take their accounts and destroy them with Your power and not leave anyone of
Notes:
[1] Muqarram, Maqtal al-Husain, Pg. 278
[2] Ibne Qutaybah, Uyun al-Akhbar 1/300-301
[3] Khwarizmi, Maqtal 2/34
(772)
them on the face of the earth.”[1]
Arrows continuously hit Holy imam till the respected body of the Imam became a part of them while the loss of blood and intensity of thirst was causing him a great pain. Thus he sat down and was shaking his neck due to the severity of the pain. He was in this position when the dirty wicked one, Malik bin Nasr attacked him and abused Holy imam. He slashed him with the sword. The cap that the Imam had worn was full of blood. Imam glanced at him and cursed him, “May you never eat with your right hand nor drink by it. May Allah gather you with the oppressors on Judgment Day.”
Then he threw away the cap and called for a cloth which he tied around his head. Then he called for another cap, put it on and bound it in place.[2] That unjust fellow moved to the cap the Imam had thrown and picked it up, but his hands were paralyzed.[3]
Imam with Ibn Rubah
Muslim bin Rubah was the last person from the companions of the Imam who had survived along with the Imam so far. An arrow hit the face of the Imam and the Imam sat down on the ground and pulled it out, the wound started bleeding. Imam did not have further strength. He told Ibn Rubah, “Fill both your hands with this blood.”
Ibn Rubah cupped his hands below the wound and when they were full the Imam said, “Pour it into my hands.”
He poured it into the Imam’s hands and Holy imam raised them towards the sky and addressed the Almighty, “O Allah! Take vengeance for the blood of the son of the daughter of Your Prophet.”
At that moment he threw that blessed blood towards the sky and according to Ibn Rubah not a drop from it fell back to the ground.[4]
Imam’s Confidential Supplication
In those last moments, the Imam turned towards Allah and with an attentive heart spoke to Him with confidentiality and humility and complained to Him about the tragedies and calamities that had descended upon him:
“I am patient on Your decree as there is no deity except You. O one who listens to those who call Him for help! There is no lord for me except You and there is no deity except You. I am patient on Your command, O One Who conveys help to one who has no helper! O the Eternal one Who has no end! O the One Who enlivens the dead! O One Who has power over everything! Dispense justice between me
Notes:
[1] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/407
[2] Khwarizmi, Maqtal 2/35
[3] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/408
[4] Ibne Asakir, Tarikh 14/223. Kifayatut Talib fee Manaqib Ali Ibne Abi Talib, Pg. 431-432
(773)
and them as You are the best Judge.”[1]
This was the faith that had merged with his whole existence and had become the most important element of his being…He remained attached to God and observed patience on Divine decree. He left upon the Almighty the tragedies and calamities that had befallen him and the pain he had received due to them. This deep faith enabled Holy imam to disregard all that was befalling him.
Dr. Shaykh Ahmad Waili, in a remarkable elegy says:
“O the master of the day of Ashura, while the sand of Kerbala has become a green and fresh pasture.
Chosen companions, brother, suckling child clinging to the neck and valiant youngsters.
And those dignified youths whom you had lost and those with elegant faces and attractive appearances.
You went forward to see the sacrifices when pure blood was flowing from them.
A secret prayer was flowing from your lips that thanked the Almighty and glorified Him.
O Allah! You must be pleased with it if he is trying to please You as it is less than Your pleasure.”
Attack on Imam Husain
O Allah! That group of sinners consisting of the most wicked and decadent fellows of the earth attacked Holy imam from all sides and striked with swords and hit him with spears. Zara bin Shareek Tamimi hit the palm of the left hand and another fellow hacked at his shoulder. And the most inimical one to Holy imam was Sinan bin Anas who sometimes attacked with sword and sometimes with the spear and later he used to boast about this act. He used to describe to Hajjaj whatever he had done with Holy imam and say, “I hit him with the spear and cut him into pieces with the sword!”
Inspite of being stone-hearted Hajjaj became sad and he shouted, “But you two will not gather at the same place!”[2]
Enemies of Allah surrounded the Imam from all sides and his pure blood was dripping from their swords. Some historians say that no one in Islam had been as much wounded by swords as Holy imam, Husain because he received at least 120 injuries from swords, spears and arrows.[3]
Imam remained on the ground for sometime. All of them were awed by him and were afraid to kill him, therefore they receded behind each other. Sayyid Haider says:
Notes:
[1] Muqarram, Maqtal, Pg. 283
[2] Majma az-Zawaid 9/194
[3] Hadaiq al-Wardiya 1/123
(774)
“No battle became as prominent because he was lying on the ground but the stalwarts were afraid of him.”
His awe was dominating their hearts. So much so that some of the enemies have said: “The elegance of his face and the luminosity of his countenance dissuaded me from putting him to death.”
No one moved towards him but with the disinclination to kill him. And he used to turn back.[1]
Her Eminence, Zainab comes out
Granddaughter of the Prophet, Her Eminence, Zainab, came out from her tent in distress and anxiety while she was lamenting for her brother and other members of her family and mournfully saying, “If only the sky had fallen on the earth!”
Ibn Saad came before her and she screamed at him, “O Umar! Would you allow Aba Abdillah to be killed while you stand and watch?”
That wicked fellow turned away his face while tears were flowing from his eyes.[2]
The noble lady had no more strength that she could bear to see her brother in a condition that shakes up patience. So she returned to her tent to console the agitated women and children.
Horrible Tragedy
Imam remained alive for a long part of the day while wounds and loss of blood compelled him to lie motionless. At that time he screamed at those oppressors, “Have you gathered to kill me? By Allah! After me you shall not kill any man. By Allah! I am hopeful that the Almighty Allah will bestow me honor with your humiliation. And after that He shall take vengeance from you in a way you would not perceive…”
The malicious sinner, Sinan bin Anas had pulled out his sword and did not allow anyone to go near the Imam lest he may gain precedence over him in beheading Holy imam and he may be deprived from the rewards of Ibn Marjana.
Umar bin Saad, the filthy man, addressed Shabth bin Rabi and said, “Go ahead and bring his head to me.”
Shabth objected to him and said, “I pledged allegiance to him, then betrayed his trust. Now should I go out and get his severed head? By Allah, I shall not do it.”
Ibn Saad was infuriated and he warned him, “I shall complain about you to Ibn Ziyad.”
“Do it!” replied Shabth.[3]
Shimr screamed at the foot soldiers and the cavalry, “Why are you waiting for the
Notes:
[1] Muqarram, Maqtal al-Husain, Pg. 282
[2] Jawahirul Matalib 2/289
[3] Ad Durrun Nadheem fee Manaqibul Aaimma, Pg. 551
(775)
man? May your mothers be deprived of you!”
Khooli bin Yazid hurried to Holy imam and bent down to cut off his head but he fell weak and began to tremble because the Imam’s awe had affected him. Sinan bin Anas scolded him and said,[1] “May God crush your arm! Why are you trembling?” After that, according to some historians, Sinan attacked like a dog and cut off the Imam’s head as we shall explain afterwards, while the Imam was smiling for the everlasting success he had achieved.
Imam gave up his life as a ransom for the glorious Quran, as a price for nobility, respect and magnanimity that enables humanity to achieve an exalted status…,the price that he presented was precious and great, because he was killed as an oppressed and persecuted one after having borne the grief of the death of his children, Holy family and companions and also along with it he was extremely thirsty. He was beheaded right under the eyes of his women and children. Thus what price can be greater than that which the Imam presented as a sacrifice to Allah?”
Imam with a great devotion and loyalty began to praise and thank the Almighty as his transaction had been a profitable deal as the Almighty Allah says:
“Surely Allah has bought of the believers their persons and their property for this, that they shall have the garden; they fight in Allah's way, so they slay and are slain; a promise which is binding on Him in the Taurat and the Injeel and the Quran; and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? Rejoice therefore in the pledge which you have made; and that is the mighty achievement.” [2]
Verily, the Imam in his thankfulness and glorification obtained such a profit and pride that apart from him no one has obtained it because there is none in the family of martyrs for truth who achieved the honor, nobility and immortality as the Imam had. This world exalts his remembrance and the sacred sanctuary of Holy imam is the most popular and important shrine on the earth.
The great Imam raised high the standard of Islam to wave it while smeared with his own blood and that of the martyrs of his Holy family and companions. And in this vast world he spread effulgence for the communities and opened the way for freedom and honor of nations of the earth.
Imam reached martyrdom so that the rule of truth is established in the earth and the society is relieved from the Umayyad regime. Who were such that they had denied the rights of people and converted the country into a killing field so that they may get whatever they want.
Notes:
[1] Khwarizmi, Maqtal 2/36
[2] Surah Taubah 9:110
(776)
The wicked killer
Historians have difference of opinion as to the killer of the Holy Imam. Some of the opinions are as follows:
1. Sinan bin Anas
Many historians are unanimous that it was the wicked transgressor, Sinan bin Anas who beheaded the Holy Imam.[1] Regarding him the poet has said:
“Which calamity is equal to the hardships of Husain? The day he was killed at the hands of Sinan.”[2]
2. Shimr bin Zil Jaushan
Some sources say that Shimr bin Zil Jaushan, the leper, was the killer of the Holy Imam[3] because this wicked man was among the most inimical to the Imam.
Reinhart Dozy, the orientalist says, “Shimr did not hesitate for a moment in killing the grandson of the Prophet while other fellows restrained from committing this heinous crime, though all of them were infidels like him.”[4]
3. Umar bin Saad
Maqrizi and others say, “It was Umar bin Saad who killed the Imam after other murderers refused to put the Holy Imam to death.”[5]
4. Khooli bin Yazid Asbahi
Some sources have mentioned: Khooli bin Yazid Asbahi killed the Imam and severed his head.[6]
5. Shabl bin Yazid Asbahi
Some historians have written that Khooli bin Yazid Asbahi dismounted from his horse to behead the Imam but his hands began to tremble furiously. His brother Shabl came to him and severed the Imam’s head and handed it over to his brother.[7]
6. Haseen bin Numair
Some historians have written that he was the killer of Imam Husain.[8]
Notes:
[1] Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/78. Maqatilut Talibeen Pg. 118. Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 8/188. Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/409. Tarikhul Quzai 330
[2] Al-Istiab 1/395
[3] Khwarizmi, Maqtal 2/36. Muqarram, Maqtal al-Husain, Pg. 284
[4] Spanish
[5] Maqrizi, Khatat 2/285. Daar Ahya al-Uloom
[6] Ibne Shahr Aashob, Manaqib 4/111. Durarul Abkaar fee Wasaful Sifwatul Akhyaar, Pg. 38. And it is mentioned therein that Umar bin Saad said to his men: Come down and cut off his head. So Nasr bin Harsha Zubabi came and hit at the neck of Husain. Ibne Saad became angry and said to the man on his right: Woe be on you! Go to Husain and put him to rest. Thus Khooli went to him and decapitated him.
[7] Tarikh al-Khamis 2/298. Mausisa Shaban
[8] Al Ifada min Tarikhul Aimmatus Saadah
(777)
7. A man from Madhij
Ibn Hajar has mentioned this[1] and it is him alone who has mentioned thus.
8. Muhajir bin Aws
Sibte Ibn Jauzi has written this matter[2] and except for him no one has quoted it.
These were some different opinions regarding the identity of the Imam’s killer. What we however believe is that it was Shimr bin Zil Jaushan who was of those who took upon themselves the responsibility of killing the Imam and along with Sinan he was instrumental in beheading the Imam as some historians have agreed.[3]
Anyway, woe be on the one who stepped forward to commit this heinous crime because what he had done is the worst sin ever committed on the earth in the past or will ever be committed in the future.
It is narrated from Holy imam, the Holy Prophet: When he described the painful chastisement that the killer of Holy imam, Husain would suffer as he had seen in the Hereafter: “Husain’s killer is in a casket of fire and half the punishment of all Hell shall be upon him. While his hands and legs shall be chained in chains of fire and the head is drooping so that he may fall into the fire of Hell. He shall be having such a terrible stink that the inmates of Hell will seek Allah’s refuge from it and he shall continue to bear that horrible chastisement. Whenever his skin is burnt he would be given another skin so that he may taste the painful chastisement and it shall not be reduced a bit for him. He shall be forced to drink boiling water. Woe be on those from the punishment of Allah, the Mighty and the Honored!”[4]
He shall meet the Messenger of Allah in a condition that he had caused Holy imam to mourn for his grandson. Mansur Namri says:
“Woe be on you, O killer of Husain, you have carried such a load that it shall be very difficult for you.
What a good thing you have conveyed to the Prophet in his grave by aggrieving him thus?
With what face will you meet the Prophet while you have been one of his killers?”[5]
Imam’s age at Martyrdom and the year of his martyrdom
Opinions of the historians vary slightly about the Imam’s age at the time of martyrdom. They are as follows:
Notes:
[1] Tahdhib at-Tahdhib 2/353
[2] Miraat az-Zamaan fee Tawarikhul Ayaan
[3] Al Ifada min Tarikhul Aimmatus Saadah
[4] Ibne Maghazali, Manaqib, 66, Hadith no. 95
[5] Zahratul Aadaab 3/669. Al Aghani 12/21. Al Istiab 1/395
(778)
1. 58 years – most historians believe this to be correct.[1]
2. 56 years – Yaqubi believes this to be correct and he says: …as Holy imam was born in the 4th year of the Hijrah.[2]
3. 57 years[3]
4. 65 years[4]
However the year of the martyrdom of Holy imam was the 61st year of the Hijrah as mentioned by most historians,[5] that corresponds to 10th October 680 A.D.[6] And what Hujjatul Islam, Shaykh Muhammad Raza Aale Kashiful Ghita (may Allah have mercy on him) has quoted, that it was on the 10th of July,[7] is not correct…”
Historians say: There was a period of 50 years between the passing away of the Holy Prophet and the day Holy imam, Husain was killed.[8] When Muslims disregarded that Holy imam was the beloved one of the Prophet and his grandson, that the Prophet had left among his community in his place.
Reddening of the sky
The earth began to shake and the horizon became dark and black[9] and a fearsome redness spread in the sky.[10] This was the sign from Allah for the sinful murderers who had defiled all the divine sanctities. Regarding this flaming horizon in redness and fieriness, Abul Alaa Mauri says:
“On the horizon is the testimony of redness for two martyrs, Ali and his son.
Because they were two dawns at the end of night and in its beginning were two rays.
There is an inscription in its dress so that it may come to the Beneficent Lord on the Day of Judgment and complain.”
Even the sun which was on the verge of setting conveyed that it also shared the sorrow of Imam Husain along with all the helpless creatures of the world.
Notes:
[1] Al Istiab 1/397. Tahdhib at-Tahdhib 2/356. Irshad Mufid 2/133. Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 8/198. Tibrani, Al-Mojam al-Kabir 3/111, H. 281. Majma az-Zawaid 9/197-198
[2] Yaqubi, Tarikh 2/246
[3] Al Istiab 1/397
[4] Miraatul Jinaan 1/131
[5] Usud al-Ghaba 2/20. Al-Isabah 1/335. Al Istiab 1/393. Majma az-Zawaid 9/197. Yaqubi, Tarikh 2/245
[6] Tarikh Dawlatul Arabiya Pg. 144, Jadool Pewaste be Fajril Islam, Pg. 305. It conforms to Jadool Pewaste be Tarikh Dawl Ibne Abari with which Yaqubi has fixed the month.
[7] Mujallatul Arab, Year 1, No. 23&24
[8] Tarikhul Khamis 2/299
[9] Miraatul Jinaan 1/134. Tahdhib at-Tahdhib 2/354
[10] Majma az-Zawaid 9/197. Al-Ittiaf be Hubbil Ashraaf, Pg. 42 has mentioned the same.
(779)
Imam Husain's Horse
The horse of Imam Husain smeared its head with the blood of the martyred Imam and in an agitated condition galloped towards the camp of Holy imam in order to inform the family of the Imam about his martyrdom.[1] When they saw the horse they learnt of the Imam’s martyrdom. It is mentioned in Ziarat-e-Nahiya that when the ladies saw the exhausted horse with the saddle sagging down, they came out of the tents in a distressed way, spreading their hair over their faces. They began to wail and lament and being humiliated after being honored they began to head towards the place of the Imam’s martyrdom.
The great lady of revelation cried, “Oh Muhammad! O my dear father! O Ali dear! Oh Ja’far! Oh Hamzah! This is Husain in the wilderness who is lying on the sands of Kerbala. If only the sky had crashed to the earth. If only the mountains had dispersed in the desert.”[2]
Mercenaries of Ibn Saad were terrified and would have liked the earth to swallow them up. They began to weep due to the intensity of the calamity that had befallen the daughters of prophethood.
Burning of the Tents
Those wicked people went towards the camp of the Holy Imam and without caring that daughters of prophethood and respected ladies of revelation were housed therein, while they were carrying burning torches[3] and a caller among them was calling out. “Burn down the houses of oppressors.”
Oh Allah! The Imam’s house they claimed was the house of oppression, and the house of Ibn Marjana is the house of justice! While he and his father wreaked injustice and oppression on people in Iraq.
When the fire began to rage on the tents, the daughters of prophethood and honorable ladies of revelation ran from one tent to another while fire was chasing them. Orphans were screaming and some of them held the skirt of the garment of their aunt to escape the fire and keep themselves away from the injustice of the oppressors. Some of them headed towards the wilderness and some also requested those wicked people to spare them. That scene was so terrible that mountains split by its grief. Such a horrible sight that Imam Zainul Abideen could never forget it as long as he lived. He used to remember it always with deep grief and remark:
“By Allah! Whenever I look at my aunts and sisters I am seized by fury and I recall the way they fled from one tent to another and one camp to another while the caller from those people was screaming: Burn down the houses of oppressors.”
Notes:
[1] Muzaffari, Tarikh Pg. 208
[2] Muqarram, Maqtal al-Husain, Pg. 284
[3] Muzaffari, Tarikh Pg. 284
(780)
Plundering the Imam’s body
Ibn Saad’s troops committed the worst kind of infamy and the most terrible of crimes. With absolute wickedness they hastened towards the body of the great Imam and began to plunder his armaments and garments. A man from Bani Nahshal took away the Imam’s sword,[1] which originally belonged to the Holy Prophet and was called Zulfiqar.[2] Qais bin Ashath, one of the commanders, stole the Imam’s fur towel. He was condemned much for it and even received the nickname of Qais al-Qatifa due to this act of his.
Ishaq bin Hawiya also took the shirt of Holy imam. Akhnas bin Murshid plundered his turban[3] and Bahir took the trousers and put them on, but he fell down paralyzed.[4] Nothing remained on the body of the Imam except for another pair of trousers that the Imam had torn up so that they may leave it alone.
At that time, the most decadent man and the filthiest person Bajdal arrived and searched for something he may plunder from the Imam but he could find anything. He searched more and his eyes fell on the finger ring of the Imam which was smeared in blood. So he cut off the finger of Holy imam and took the ring.[5] At last those oppressors abandoned the unclothed body of the Holy Imam to burn in the sun.
Plundering the Noble Ladies of Prophethood
The decadent fellows of Kufa and the slaves of Ibn Marjana set upon plundering the noble ladies of prophethood and honorable ladies of messengership and looted all the ornaments and jewellery they had…A wicked one of them went to Umme Kulthum and snatched away her earnings.[6] Another evil fellow rushed to Her Eminence, Fatima, daughter of Imam Husain and pulled away her anklets while he began to cry vehemently. The daughter of Imam Husain was shocked by this and she asked him, “Why are you crying?”
“Why shouldn’t I weep, when I am robbing the daughter of the Messenger of Allah.”
When she saw his sympathy she said, “Spare me.”
That degraded man exposed his lowliness and said, “I am afraid that someone else would take it.”[7]
Notes:
[1] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/409
[2] Tarikh Siyasi Dawl Arabi: 2/75. It is mentioned in the marginal notes that this sword was taken by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) as booty in the battle of Badr (Ibne Hazeel, Hilyatul Farsan wa Shajaan, Pg. 15). And it was named Zulfiqar; because it resembled the backbone. (Kunuz al-Fatimeen, Pg. 54). This sword came into the possession of the Abbasids and after that the Fatimids (Al-Majalis, Manuscipt). Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/409
[3] Muqarram, Maqtal al-Husain, Pg. 284
[4] Muzaffari, Tarikh, Pg. 208
[5] Abi Faraas, Sharh Shaafiya 2/2
[6] Muzaffari, Tarikh, Pg. 208
[7] Seer A’laamun Nubla 3/303
(781)
They rushed out to loot the camps and tents. Shimr pounced upon the belongings of Holy imam, Husain to plunder them. He found a little quantity of gold and he plundered it. He gave some of it to his daughter that she may get some ornament made from it. When she took that gold to the goldsmith and just as he put it into fire it turned to smoke and disappeared.[1]
In the same way a woman from the clan of Bakr bin Wail saw the plunder and persecution of the daughters of the Messenger of Allah and she was highly consternated by it. She began to urge her people to save the descendants of the Prophet from those wicked people. She said, “O clan of Bakr bin Wail, should the daughters of the Messenger of Allah be looted? Except for Allah the rule belongs to none. You must take revenge for the Prophet.”
Her husband hastened to her and made her return to her tent.[2]
Those troops had abandoned every human quality and become devoid of every sympathy and kindness, because its elements thrashed the daughters of the Messenger of Allah with the sticks of their spears in such a way that they were terrified and sought refuge in each other. Fatima, the daughter of Imam Husain was hit so hard that she fell down unconscious. When she regained consciousness she saw her aunt, Her Eminence, Umme Kulthum besides her, weeping.[3]
The tragedy of the family of prophethood makes the stone weep and arouses the sentiments of rocks.
Imam Zainul Abideen Attacked
The unjust oppressors attacked Holy imam, Zainul Abideen who was seriously ill and his illness had weakened him much and sorrow had made his heart burst. The leprous wicked one, Shimr bin Zil Jaushan wanted to kill Holy imam but Hamid bin Muslim shouted at him, “Glory be to Allah! Will boys be killed too? He is sick!”[4]
That decadent man paid no attention to him but his aunt, Her Eminence, Zainab ran and clung to him saying: “He shall not be killed except that I am too killed!”[5] The wicked people released him and in this astonishing manner was saved the life of Imam Ali Ibn Husain.
Then Umar bin Saad arrived and the women cried out and wept before him, so he ordered his followers to leave them alone.[6]
Notes:
[1] As-Siraatus Sawi min Manaqib Aalin Nabi Pg. 90
[2] Al-Lohoof, Pg. 180, Muqarram, Maqtal Pg. 301
[3] Muqarram, Maqtal Pg. 300-301
[4] Tabari, Tarikh 5/454
[5] Qirmani, Tarikh, Pg. 108. And in Ad Durrun Nadheem, Vol. 5, Pg. 341 it is mentioned that Ibne Saad issued orders for killing Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s.) but Her Eminence, Zainab threw herself upon him and said: “He shall not be killed till I am alive.” Then she persuaded him to spare him.
[6] Ibne Kathir, Tarikh 8/188-189
(782)
Horses Trample on the body of the Great Imam
The wickedness of those oppressors increased and they did not leave a single sanctity without defiling it and they did not leave out any transgression, because Ibn Saad wanted to carry out all the commands of his lord and master, Ibn Marjana. So he shouted, “Who will volunteer to trample the chest and back of Husain with horses?”[1]
Waqidi says, “Shimr came forward and trampled that holy body under the hooves of his horse.[2] Ten persons from the sons of unchaste women came out and volunteered. They were: Ishaq bin Yahya Hadhrami, Hani bin Shabth Hadhrami, Adlam bin Naim, Asad bin Malik, Hakim bin Tufail Tai, Akhnas bin Murshid, Amr bin Sabih Madhiji, Rajaa bin Munqidh Abadi, Salih bin Wahab Yazani and Salim bin Khaithama Jofi.[3] They trampled the beloved grandson of the Messenger of Allah below their horses.[4] The filthy criminal, Asad bin Malik boasted in front of Ibn Saad and said:
“We trampled the chest after the back with our strong and powerful horses.”[5]
This evil cutting up into pieces took place under the very eyes of Ibn Saad and other forces of those troops.[6] In my view such a thing was not done to any other member of Holy family of Imam or his companions. It is supported by the orders that were sent from Ibn Ziyad for Ibn Saad and they included trampling the Imam’s body and not the body of anyone else.
Anyway, by this wicked deed, they announced the intensity of their malice towards the Imam and their aloofness from all human feelings.
They trampled the body of an Imam brought up under the care of Prophet and whose flesh was grown from the flesh of Ali and Fatima and the Holy Prophet had said about him:
“Husain is from me and I am from Husain. O Allah, love one who loves Husain.”
They trampled the body of one who had stood up to confront the oppressors and transgressors and who wanted to eradicate injustice and to establish justice on the earth as Allah has commanded.
Her Eminence, Zainab at the corpse of Imam Husain
Granddaughter of the Prophet, daughter of Amirul Momineen, Her Eminence, Zainab stood besides the corpse of her respected brother that was shred into pieces by swords and looked at it for a long time. Then she raised her
Notes:
[1] Tabari, Tarikh 5/454-455
[2] Ansaab al-Ashraaf 3/419
[3] Ibne Shahr Aashob, Manaqib 4/111
[4] Ibne Kathir, Al Bidayah wan Nihayah 8/189
[5] Khwarizmi, Maqtal 2/39
[6] Tarikh Dawlul Islam 1/57 and it is mentioned therein: The army men took the Imam’s body to Ibne Saad and that filthy man ordered that it be mutilated by trampling it under the hooves of horses.
(783)
glance to the heavens and with a heavy heart prayed, “O Allah! Please accept this sacrifice.”[1]
Humanity pays tribute to this faith which is the secret of immortality of the sacrifice of Husain.
The brave one of Kerbala bore the burden of those terrible hardships and drunk the cup of those calamities and became eligible for divine rewards, while she humbled before the Almighty and beseeches Him to accept the sacrifice. What patient one could be like this?
The strength of personality became obvious in the granddaughter of the Prophet and the meaning of heritage of Prophet became clear forever. Along with it she defended the aims of the Holy Imam and she revealed the reality of his sacrifice, she opened up the channels to expose the secrets of his martyrdom.
[1] Muqarram, Maqtal al-Husain, Pg. 307
[Source: maaref-foundation.com]
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