International Sufi Order

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The Martyrdom of Imam Hussain

(May Allah be well pleased with him) 

Introduction

After praising Allah (Hamd) and blessing His beloved Holy Prophet (Salaat), the previous night I spoke to you on the excellence (fazilat) of martyrdom and the philosophy regarding martyrdom i.e. what is martyrdom and that martyrdom is a great reward from Allah for which great personalities entertain a desire to attain. I also explained that the martyrdom of both Hazrath Imam Hassan and Hazrath Imam Hussain (may Allah be well pleased with them both) is in actuality the martyrdom of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family). I also explained that Hazrath Imam Hassan and Hazrath Imam Hussain (may Allah be well pleased with them both) received this perfect martyrdom from the court of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family). This is the perfect martyrdom of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family), which manifested itself through the personalities of Hazrath Imam Hassan and Hazrath Imam Hussain (may Allah be well pleased with them both). So, the personalities of Hazrath Imam Hassan and Hazrath Imam Hussain (may Allah be well pleased with them both) are the ‘Location of the manifestation of the perfection of the Chosen One’ (mazhare kamale Mustafa). Also just as the personalities of Hazrath Imam Hassan and Hazrath Imam Hussain (may Allah be well pleased with them both) are the ‘Location of the manifestation of the perfection of the Chosen One’ (mazhare kamale Mustafa) it is also the ‘Location of the Beauty of the Chosen One’ (mazhare jamale Mustafa). I also explained that Hazrath Imam Hassan received the greatness of ‘The Secret Martyrdom’ (Shahadate Sirri) and Hazrath Imam Hussain received the greatness of ‘The Open Martyrdom’ (Shahadate Jahri). This in reality was the greatness and emanation (al-fayz) of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family). In doing so I touched briefly on aspects of the Martyrdom of Imam Hassan (may Allah be well pleased with him) and today, if Allah wills, I will relate notable incidents relating to the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain, briefly. I pray that Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) makes the relating of the life and martyrdom (tazkira) of these two Imams a means of salvation for us, accept their remembrance from us and make it a means of salvation for me and you. May it be so! 

 Yazid in Temporal Power but Hussain in Spiritual control

Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) says in the 2^nd Sura, al-Baqarah, Verse 154 of the Holy Qur'aan:

I expounded this verse the previous night. Many were martyred in the Community of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family). Allah blessed and rewarded many with this great status. Hazrath Umar al-Faruq, Hazrath Uthman Gani and Hazrath Ali (may Allah be well pleased with all of them) received this reward. In the Battles of Badr, Uhad and Khyber many Companions of the Holy Prophet were blessed with this great status of being martyred. However the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (may Allah be well pleased with him) is so unique that neither in previous times nor in the latter times can we find another martyrdom to compare with it. You have heard this incident being narrated during the week in the gathering to narrate them (majaalis) that when Yazid sat on the seat of Caliphate he became so haughty and arrogant that he acted in ways that are against the ‘Sacred Laws of Islam’ (as-Shariah). It happens that the reigns of power, the intoxication of control seize a man that he acts unjustly. You may have heard many a time that initially Pharaoh was a poor man but when he assumed power and became rich and powerful; as soon as he sat on the throne he claimed he was god. He said,

He asked people to worship and revere him. Those who refused to worship and revere him would be put to death. He killed thousands who refused to worship him. Yazid also became drunk with power. When his father was alive he hid and performed acts of sin and transgression, but now that he was in power and no one could stop or question him, he openly performed acts of sin and transgression.

 Forcing allegiance from the pious

He knew that due to his immoral behavior the great personalities in the Islamic Community would never give their allegiance to him and their refusal to pledge allegiance would become a reason for others refusing to do so. He therefore sought to force the pledge of allegiance from the pious and influential and threatened them with death if they refused. In this way he hoped to deal with any threat to his Caliphate and rule. Thus he sought allegiance from Imam Hussain, Hazrath Abdullah bin Zubayr and Hazrath Abdullah bin Umar. These were the most pious and influential personalities of the time. They were pious and influential and were the offspring of pious and influential parents. There was no way in which they would swear allegiance to such a sinner and transgressor like Yazid. They refused to swear allegiance to him. Hazrath Abdullah bin Umar left Madinah, the Illuminated without meeting Hazrath Abdullah bin Zubayr and went to live in Makkah, the Ennobled. Imam Hussain went to meet, Waleed, the governor of Madinah. He spoke to the governor who informed him that Yazid has requested that Imam Hussain swear allegiance to him. Imam Hussain replied that he could not swear allegiance to Yazid since he was a sinful transgressor who was not worthy of being accepted as the Caliph. This was a proof of the resolve of Hazrath Imam Hussain (may Allah be well pleased with him). If he had sworn allegiance at that stage his life would be saved, his family would be safe, and he would have been short of no material comforts but the organizational system of Islam would have been disrupted and a precedent would have been set that till the day of judgment it would have become lawful to pledge allegiance to every sinful transgressor who assumes leadership. Imam Hussain’s allegiance would have become the proof of the legality of swearing allegiance to every sinful transgressor who assumes leadership. Imam Hussain’s refusal sent a message for all time that Hussain can bear many tribulations and see his family being martyred in front of his eyes but he cannot bear to witness the organizational system of Islam being disrupted and the system set by his grandfather, the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family) being changed. Imam Hussain, the Imam of Magnificence presented proof by his action and character and made it apparent to the world that this is the state of a Man of Allah, he would rather sacrifice his life and the lives of those he loves but he would never submit to falsehood. Through his actions he, proved the loftiness of his character and made apparent his state. After he had refused to swear allegiance to Yazid, he gathered his followers and said, ‘ O my followers, if I remain in Madinah, the authorities of Yazid will force me to give my hand, in a pledge of allegiance to Yazid, and this I would never do. Their insistence will lead to fighting and discord and I don’t want to be the cause of mischief and in fighting in Madinah. Therefore it would be better for me to emigrate to Makkah.’ His followers replied that they would abide by any decision that Imam Hussain (may Allah be well pleased with him) as their leader would make.

 Emigration To Makkah

He now made up his mind to emigrate to Makkah. Here one should ponder as to what political turmoil had dawned upon them that Imam Hussain had to leave Madinah, where his beloved maternal grandfather, the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family) lay buried. How heavy hearted he must have felt to leave that city for whose visitation people come from far and wide, spending vast sums of money, leaving behind loved ones and closing businesses. It is that city for whose vision every eye desires. He who was the Spiritual Governor (wali) of the city had been forced to leave it. He was the apple of the Holy Prophet’s blessed eye. However with eyes full of tears he approaches the Sacred Burial Chamber of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family) presents his greeting (salaam) and takes permission to leave the City. Crying accompanied by his family and companions he left Madinah and arrived in Makkah.  Why did he go to Makkah, the Ennobled city? Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) says in the 3^rd Sura al-i-Imraan: Verse 97 of the Holy Qur’aan:

It is forbidden to fight, quarrel or kill somebody within the Sacred Boundaries of the Haram[1]. It is even forbidden to kill lice in the Sacred Precincts. Even animals that don’t endanger lives are not to be killed. In Islam a Mumin[2] has a very great status. The dignity afforded to a Mumin in Islam is tremendous. Therefore in order to avoid fighting, quarrelling and bloodshed Imam Hussain sought refuge in The Noble Sacred Sanctuary. He hoped to live the rest of his days in peace, worshipping Allah on this sacred ground.

 Invitations And Letters From Kufa

As soon as he reached Makkah many invitations and letters were sent to him from the residents of Kufa. In a little while after his arrival he received over 150 letters from Kufa.  Some scholars (ulama) have documented that 1200 letters were sent. However very authentic scholars (ulama) have agreed on 150 letters. In that age when letters were sent over long distances via a messenger on horseback, it was a matter of urgency to have received 150 letters. The gist of the contents of the letters was as follows:

Letters were received from noble families and clans. Some had even written that if Imam Hussain did not come to Kufa then they would have to pledge allegiance to Yazid out of desperation and neglect, since they did not have the power to challenge the ruling power. They said that on the Day of Reckoning when Allah would question them as to what made them swear allegiance to an unfit ruler like Yazid, they would say that they wrote letters and sent messengers, to the grandson of the Holy Prophet, pledging their lives and property, but he did not come. When he did not accept our invitation, being unable to challenge authority, we pledged allegiance out of desperation. They stressed to Imam Hussain that he would carry the responsibility of their actions. These types of statements made Imam Hussain think seriously as to what action should be taken according to Islamic Law (Shariah).

 Hazrath Muslim Bin Aqil (May Allah Be Well Pleased With Him)

 After consulting with many people and much deliberation he came to the conclusion that he would first send a reliable person to Kufa to access the situation, see if the people are genuine about their concerns and then decide whether Imam Hussain, should go to Kufa. Imam Hussain (may Allah be well pleased with him) sent his paternal cousin Hazrath Muslim bin Aqil (may Allah be well pleased with him) to access the situation in Kufa. Imam Hussain explained to Hazrath Muslim bin Aqil, about the written requests being sent from Kufa and therefore he is appointing him as his representative to go to Kufa and give a first hand report on the situation there. Imam Hussain told him that if the situation warrants that he should come to Kufa then he should send a letter and call him, but if the situation is not good then Imam Muslim should return to Makkah. His paternal cousin Hazrath Muslim bin Aqil (may Allah be well pleased with him) accepted the mission. Imam Hussain (may Allah be well pleased with him) wrote a letter to the people of Kufa telling them that he was sending Hazrath Muslim bin Aqil as his deputy to Kufa and they should give the pledge of allegiance to Imam Hussain, on the hands of Imam Muslim and they should serve him. He further said that if he gets a favorable report from Imam Muslim then he would come to Kufa. He sealed the letter with his personal seal and sent it with Imam Muslim to Kufa. Hazrath Muslim bin Aqil’s two sons Hazrath Muhammad and Hazrath Ibrahim requested that their father, take them with. Imam Muslim did not want to dishearten his infant sons and he took them with him. Imam Muslim first went to Madinah, met his dear ones, and then left for Kufa. On arriving in Kufa, Imam Muslim went to the house of a person by the name of Mukhtar bin Ubaida, a lover of ahle bayt. The people of Kufa on hearing that Imam Muslim had arrived flocked to the house in large numbers to swear allegiance on his hands. About 40 000 swore allegiance. They showered him with much love and reverence. Some kissed his hands; some his shoes and many invited him to their homes. He wrote to Imam Hussain saying that these people possessed great love and respect, 40 000 of them had sworn allegiance and Imam Hussain should come over to Kufa.  As soon as the letter carrier was dispatched the situation changed. Some followers of Yazid also lived in Kufa. They informed Yazid of the show of support for Imam Hussain and the 40 000 pledging allegiance on the hands of Imam Muslim. They told Yazid that he was oblivious of the rebellious situation in Kufa and if he did not tackle it immediately it would go out of control. They urged him to crush this rebellion with force. When Yazid received this news, he became worried and realizing the danger to his seat of power, he dismissed Normaan bin Bashir who had taken no action against Imam Muslim, as the governor of Kufa. He dispatched ibn Ziyaad, whose name was Ubaidullah, a very strong willed and hard hearted man, who had been the governor of Basra, as the new governor of Kufa. Yazid wrote to him that he should retain his governorship of Basra but should also assume the position of governor of Kufa. Yazid ordered him to crush opposition to his Caliphate with all the power at his disposal. He gave him the power to act as he sees fit as long as the rebellion is crushed. Ibn Ziyaad arrived at Kufa with full authority from Yazid. I will not delve into the details of his arrival, since I have spoken on it on many occasions. The first thing he did on arrival was to arrest and jail at the city governing offices, all influential persons who had given allegiance to Imam Hussain. The news of these arrests quickly spread around Kufa. People became afraid that if such influential people had been jailed what would be their fate. Ibn Ziyaad in the meantime was thinking of ways to arrest Imam Muslim. When Imam Muslim realized what was happening he called a meeting, and gathered all his followers. The 40 000 plus gathered around him and they went to the city governing offices. Imam Muslim could have ordered an attack on these offices but he did not. The governing authorities did not have power nor an army at that stage, to crush such a large number. But, that had to transpire what Allah had planned. Seeing the march on the government offices ibn Ziyaad became very afraid, and he acted very cunningly.  He gathered all the influential persons whom he had arrested and said to them that if they wanted their families to be safe then they should listen to him. When they asked him what he wanted, he said that every one of them has a relative in this crowd around the governing offices, so they should stand on the roof and explain to them to leave the side of Imam Muslim. He threatened them that if they did not act as he orders then they would be killed and the approaching army of Yazid would destroy Kufa, their houses would be burnt and children killed. So he threatened them to act as he orders if they desire their safety and the safety of their families. They climbed onto the roof and called out to their dear ones. They said that power and rule was in Yazids hand and although Imam Hussain was the grandson of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family) he could not stop the Yazidi administration. They warned them that if they did not leave the side of Imam Muslim and withdraw their support for Imam Hussain then they would all be killed. People began leaving the side of Imam Muslim in groups. Initially he had surrounded the government offices with 40 000 persons. Between Asr Salaah and Maghrib Salaah only 500 followers were left with Imam Muslim. Imam Muslim felt very despondent seeing that he was left with 500 followers only. He summoned them to accompany him to the Jaame Masjid to perform Maghrib salaah and decide on what action to take. They reached the mosque, the call to prayer was given, and they stood for prayer behind the Imam.  500 had started the salaah with Imam Muslim but when he made the final salaam of the 3 cycles of Maghrib prayer he found that the 500 had deserted. He was left alone. These were the very people who claimed to be lovers of the Household of the Prophet and called themselves Lovers of Ali. They had written letters to Imam Hussain promising to sacrifice life and property. They had sworn allegiance on the hand of Imam Muslim making big promises. They became so afraid of ibn Ziyaad’s threats that they betrayed Imam Muslim. After the salaah Imam Muslim began to ponder as to what he should do since he had already sent word to Imam Hussain that he should come to Kufa. He left the Masjid and went to the houses of his disciples but found every house locked from the inside. Imam Muslim was now walking the streets at night desperate and alone. He saw a lady in a house and asked for some water. The lady gave him some water and asked as to who he was, where he came from and where he was going. He replied, ’O sister! I am Muslim bin Aqil, that came to Kufa as the deputy of Hussain bin Ali.’ She asked, ‘You are Muslim bin Aqil and you are wandering around in this state? I heard that over 40 000 people had pledged allegiance on your hand, prepared to sacrifice life and property.’ Imam Muslim explained how the people of Kufa had deserted him and how they had all shut their doors in his time of desperation. The lady replied, ‘that her humble abode was open for him, and she considered it her great fortune that a member of the Holy Prophet’s family be her guest.”  That lady gave shelter to Imam Muslim. He spent the evening at the ladies home. The ladies son was an evil person. This is Allah’s will that in the home of the good he can bestow an evil offspring, whilst in the home of the evil he can give a good child. Allah says in the 3^rd Sura al-i-Imraan: Verse 27 of the Holy Qur’aan:

Allah can cause a believer be born in the house of an unbeliever and cause an unbeliever be born in the house of a believer. He can cause Hazrath Ibrahim, Khalilullah (may Allah bless him with peace) to be born in the house of idol-worshippers and in the house of Hazrath Nuh  (may Allah bless him with peace) his son to be an unbeliever. The wife of Pharaoh can become the leader of the ladies of paradise, whilst the wife of Hazrath Lut (may Allah bless him with peace) becomes an unbeliever.  So this ladies son came home that evening and found his mother very sad. On enquiring as to why she was sad, she explained how Imam Muslim, a descendant of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family) had been betrayed by the people of Kufa and she was fortunate to give him shelter and that he was in their home. She said we are fortunate to be afforded the opportunity to serve him. She said that she was happy that events gave her the opportunity to serve such an esteemed guest whilst, on the other hand she was sad that the people of Kufa had betrayed him. On hearing this, the son thought that fortune was smiling on him, since his mother in her humility does not know that Ibn Ziyaad has offered a reward for the capture of Imam Muslim.  He now planned to inform the authorities that they could capture Imam Muslim in his house and he would claim the reward. He did not inform his mother of his evil plan and he became impatient to claim his reward. Together with a few friends of his he went and informed ibn Ziyaad. Ibn Ziyaad promised him the reward if he himself went and captured Imam Muslim. Seventy police were sent with him to go and capture Imam Muslim. They surrounded the house, abused Imam Muslim verbally and forced him to come out of the house with his sword drawn. He came out with his sword drawn because he could not bear the terrible language used against Imam Hussain and the fact that he was being accused of treason, whilst the tyrant Yazid was being praised. Imam Muslim said something in defense of Imam Hussain and they rained their arrows on him. He addressed them saying that it would be better if they verbally argued with him, but if they were shooting arrows to show strength, then he has the capability to reply in kind. They then challenged him to fight and he came out to face them, sword drawn. He came to face the seventy police and they realized that they made a mistake to enrage a lion. He slew many of them and injured many. Imam Muslim himself was injured in the encounter and an arrow broke his front teeth. He was bleeding from the mouth and requested a glass of water from the lady of the house. The lady respectfully handed him the glass of water and as he drank, his blood colored the water and it became red. He placed the water on one side and remarked that it seemed as if it was not in his fate to drink the water of this world and he would quench his thirst in heaven. Ibn Ziyaad sent Muhammad bin Asad to bring Imam Muslim to him using deceit and pretence.  He came to Imam Muslim and said that the police had acted wrongly since ibn Ziyaad had not sent them to fight but to call him. Muhammad bin Asad asked Imam Muslim to accompany him to the Government Office, so as to discuss with the Governor as to what settlement could be reached since Imam Hussain was on his way also. Muhammad bin Asad assured him that Ibn Ziyaad was seeking a peaceful solution to this difference. Imam Muslim said he also sought a peaceful solution, or else he could have crushed the authorities when 40 000 were prepared to die for the cause. Imam Muslim entered the government building whilst reciting the Holy Qur'aan, the 7^th Sura, al-Araaf, Verse 89

As he entered the building, Ibn Ziyaad’s police were waiting on both sides sword drawn. They had been ordered to kill him. As he entered the building they assassinated him and he drank the nectar of martyrdom. Some ulama have written that he spoke to ibn Ziyaad before being assassinated. Ibn Ziyaad told him that he was a criminal but he would release him on condition that he swears allegiance to Yazid and promise to secure the pledge of allegiance from Imam Hussain.  He replied that neither him nor Imam Hussain could swear allegiance to Yazid and he should do with him as he wills. Ibn Ziyaad replied that he will slay him, and Imam Muslim replied that he should do as he wills. The police were ordered to take Imam Muslim to the roof of the Government Building and slay him. He ordered that the head of the Imam be sent to him and his body be thrown on the road so as to be crushed.  When the police came forward to seize him, Imam Muslim noticed that the building was full of people who came to witness what was transpiring. Those who had called them to Kufa via letter, and had sworn allegiance were also among them.

Imam Muslim addressed them saying. ‘O residents of Kufa! You have betrayed us, but I order you to do three things if you can:

1. Sell my weapons and pay off my debts, since I owe so and so.
2.  When my head is severed and sent to ibn Ziyaad and my body is thrown on the street, then lift up my body and give me a proper burial.
3. if you have an atom of faith left in your hearts, and an atom of love for the Ahle Bayt, then in whatever way possible send a message to Hussain bin Ali (may Allah be well pleased with him) that he should not come to Kufa.’

Ibn Ziyaad threatened the people that they should take care not to act upon what Imam Muslim had requested or they would be killed and their children’s bodies would be raised on spears. He said to Imam Muslim that he would distribute his weapons amongst his men, would not bury his body but would do with it as they please and parade it as an example to the people of Kufa. He said that why should Imam Hussain be stopped from coming since they wanted to show him what happens to rebels. Imam Muslim began crying thinking of Imam Hussain and the betrayal at Kufa. He was dragged to the roof. Imam Muslim requested that he be given an opportunity to read two cycles of salaah and this was refused. He looked towards the province of Hijaz, containing Makkah and Madinah, and said, ‘O my master Hussain, may you be informed of what has happened to me. If only I had not written to you saying that all was well in Kufa. These people have betrayed us and I don’t know what will happen when you arrive here.’ Whilst in this state Imam Muslim was dropped down and beheaded’

 Imam Hussain Leaves For Kufa

It was divinely ordained that on the very day if the martyrdom of Imam Muslim, Imam Hussain was leaving Makkah with his family and well-wishers. Their wives, daughters and sisters and breast-feeding children, accompanied them. Ulama have written that his group had in it wives, daughters, sisters, breast-feeding children and teenagers. This should be borne in mind, that Imam Hussain did not leave Makkah with the intention to fight or go to war. He who goes to war does not take wives, daughters, sisters and breast-feeding children with him. The fact that he had with him his wives, daughters, sisters and breast-feeding children is proof of his intention. The letter that informed him of a favorable situation in Kufa prompted him to travel with his family. On the way to Kufa he received news of Imam Muslims fate. They were surprised and shocked to hear this, but decided to go on to Kufa and see for themselves as to how the situation took such a drastic turn. They were two hours away from Kufa and met they Hur bin Yazid Riyahi with an army of a thousand soldiers. Hur said to Imam Hussain that he has come to arrest him on the instruction of ibn Ziyaad the governor of Kufa. Hur said that his crime was rebellion against Yazid.  Imam Hussain explained haw the people of Kufa had forced him to take certain steps and since they had changed their stance he was prepared to go back. Hur himself was surprised at the turn of events. He told Imam Hussain that if he let him go his soldiers would complain to ibn Ziyaad and he will be in trouble.  So he advised the Imam to continue discussions with him till night falls. He told him to leave quietly at night when the soldiers were asleep. Imam Hussain agreed. When darkness overtook them and the soldiers were asleep the group of Imam Hussain left. They traveled the whole night and Allah willed that they went in a complete circle finding themselves at the same spot the following morning. They were surprised as to how this happened. Hur himself was surprised but he planned that the negotiations continue and at night they would execute the plan once more. Again they traveled the whole night and Allah willed that they went in a complete circle finding themselves at the same spot the following morning. This occurred for three nights and on the fourth day; they asked a traveler as to what was the name of the place that they were at. The stranger said that this was a place called Karbala in Iraq.

 Karbala In Iraq

As soon as Imam Hussain heard the word Karbala, he said, ‘ my maternal grandfather [The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family)] had prophesized that I would be martyred in Karbala. This is the place therefore it is impossible to leave here. The fact that we departed from here for 3 consecutive nights and returned is proof that this is the place of our martyrdom.’  He ordered all his followers to get of their mounts and to set up camp at that place. It is stated that wherever they poked the ground to pitch tents blood oozed out of the soil. They were surprised to see this occurrence. Bibi Zaynab (may Allah be well pleased with her), the sister of Imam Hussain pleaded with her brother to leave Karbala since she felt upset seeing blood oozing from the ground wherever they poked a tent pole. He relied, my sister! We cannot leave this place; it is the place of our martyrdom. We have to sip the nectar of martyrdom and shed our blood here. The blood of the Holy Prophet’s family was destined to color this ground. The flowers of the garden of the Holy Prophet are destined to fall here and color the ground with their blood. So all of you dismount and display your patience and perseverance since we have to be martyred.’ The people of Madinah had come to Karbala via Makkah. Fate had brought them here since till The Day of Judgment they will be known as the people of Karbala. As soon as Imam Hussain and his followers settled down army units being sent by Ibn Ziyaad and Yazid came to meet them and each one brought the same message, that Hussain should pledge allegiance to Yazid and if he does then he should be brought alive to Yazid and on refusal, his severed head should be brought to Yazid. Imam Hussain replied that it was impossible that he pledge allegiance to Yazid. He said it was strange that he was called to offer his hand so that people would pledge allegiance to him and now his hand was being forced into Yazid’s hand. He said that he left Madinah to avoid pledging allegiance to Yazid and he would never do so now. The enemy asked him to be ready for war. He replied that he did not come with the intention of fighting. They said that he could not avoid both, either he pledge allegiance or fight. When Imam Hussain saw that their intentions posed a danger, and the situation was delicate he had told them he had three requests. Since the letters of the Kufans forced him to come on Legal Grounds (Shariah) and now that they have betrayed him, so he places before them three conditions and whichever they agree to they must act on:

1. Allow us to return to Makkah and we will remain in The Noble Sacred Sanctuary or Haram ash-Sharif and spend the rest of our lives in passive worship.
2. Or let us go to a country where unbelievers and polytheists live so that we may spend our lives in the propagation of Islam and concentrate our efforts on making them Muslims
3. Finally, if you don’t agree to the other two requests take me to Yazid so that I may speak to him. Probably we can reach a mutual understanding and prevent bloodshed.

These three requests were sent to the governor of Kufa, ibn Ziyaad and he became enraged and wrote to his chief army commander, Amr bin Saad that, ‘I did not send you to find grounds for peace between us and Imam Hussain, but to secure his allegiance and on refusal to send his severed head to me. My final order is this that you must fight Hussain and decapitate him. ’ When Imam Hussain heard this his reply was, ‘do as you wish, we will never swear allegiance to Yazid.’

 7^th Muharram- Prevented From Accessing Water

As a strategy of war, on the 7^th Muharram, they prevented Imam Hussain and his followers from taking water from the river. Seven thousand soldiers comprising, two thousand on mounts and five thousand on foot were ordered to guard the river. The order was that not a drop must be given to the Hussainis. As you have been informed that the Hussaini camp had women and children in it. They were surprised that thousands of soldiers had come to confront them. The surprising aspect of this strategy was that water was being denied to the grandson of the owner of the fount of Kauthar (Maalik-e Kauthar) in paradise and the son of the water bearer at Kauthar (Saqi-e-Kauthar).  A poet has said,

All including unbelievers and polytheists were allowed to take water from the river, including grazing animals and birds but the water was closed on the grandson of the owner of the fount of Kauthar (Maalik-e Kauthar) in paradise and the son of the water bearer at Kauthar (Saqi-e-Kauthar).  Imam Hussain mounted his horse rode to face the enemy forces and delivered a brief sermon. He explained to the to stop groping in the darkness and not to stain their hands with his blood, since deliberately killing somebody was purchasing hell. He further explained that he was the grandson of their Prophet, upon whom they testify faith, and at this moment in time there was no other grandson of the prophet on earth. He said that he was that same Hussain about whom the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family) said:

                      Hassan and Hussain are the leaders of the youth of paradise                     

He also explained that when he used to cry whilst his mother cared for him then the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family) said:

He told them, ‘Think if the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family) could not bear me crying in the care of my loving mother, then if you trouble me in this far off land, stain your hands with my blood and trouble my children then try and fathom how aggrieved will the Holy Prophet be’.

Don’t you read in the Qur’aan (the 33^rd Sura, al-Ahzaab, verse 57):

Imam Hussain (may Allah be well pleased with him) presented these proofs and tried to reason with them since he had harmed them in no manner and had only come on the invitation of the Kufans who had betrayed him. They had become hardhearted and stubborn since hell was their fate so the Imams sermon had no effect on them. They shouted that they had not come to listen to a lecture but to secure his allegiance and since he had refused he must get ready to fight. He said that he had done his duty so that none of them could complain on the Day of Judgment that they were unaware and none had explained to them. He said, ‘Now the proof has been presented to you do as you would’. [Allah says in the Holy Qur'aan, the 17^th Sura, al-Israa, Verse: 15]

9^th of Muharram- Attack Begins

It was the 9^th of Muharram, the Yazidi force were impatient to fight. Imam Hussain (may Allah be well pleased with him) sent a messenger asking for a days stay before commencing battle. They granted a stay of one night. Imam Hussain gathered his followers and said to them, that he was pleased with them and happily gives them permission to leave in whatever way they could. He said that these people were thirsty for his blood and he would quench their thirst. He advised his followers to leave and save their lives. Not one of them was prepared to leave saying, “O our beloved Imam, if we leave your side at this critical moment, with what face will we face the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family) on the Day of Judgment. The Holy Prophet will ask us if we valued our lives more than his grandson’s life and hence we left him in the clutches of the enemy and left? No! We can never leave you at this critical time. We will remain with you and give our lives for you.” When none were prepared to leave then Imam Hussain told them that if you are remaining then become fortresses of patience and perseverance.  He urged them to become so firm that no amount of force and oppression could shake them since this was the fight against falsehood and a great test. He told them that Allah always tests his true servants. Mountains of problems will be unleashed on them but they would have to be sure footed in the path of Allah. They would have to drink from the nectar of martyrdom and become shining examples of truth for all the future generations. The Imam instilled such patience and perseverance in his followers that they were soaked in the desire to be martyred.  He asked them to rest for the night and leave the events of the next morning to the will of Allah. Each one left the gathering and went to their resting places. Imam Hussain (may Allah be well pleased with him) entered his tent and started reciting the Holy Qur'aan. Whilst reciting the Holy Qur'aan, Imam Hussain fell off to sleep. In his dream he sees the Leader of all creation, the Holy Prophet, Muhammad (Peace be upon him and his family) approaching him and taking him in his hands. The Holy Prophet placed his blessed hands on the chest of Imam Hussain and supplicated:

The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family) then said to him, ‘my son Hussain, whatever is happening to you, remember I am not unaware on the contrary I am witnessing everything. All those that have armed against you, will be deprived of my intercession.’ Saying these words, and through the blessing of his blessed hand transforming Imam Hussain’s chest into a treasure house of patient perseverance, the Holy Prophet left. Imam Hussain awoke and related his dream to his followers. The fajr prayer was performed and thereafter Imam Hussain supplicated to Allah to keep them sure footed on the path of truth; grant them patience and not to let the forces of oppression to swerve them from the true path. He prayed and his followers said, ‘May it be so’ (ameen). When these thirsty followers and princes had completed their supplication and were still seated then all hell broke loose. The Yazidi force mounted their horses and surrounded Imam Hussain’s camp.

 Fifty Followers Martyred

Arrogantly they called out for someone to come and challenge them and shot a few arrows towards Imam Hussain’s tent.  Imam Hussain’s followers sought his permission to reply to those taunts. He granted them permission and his followers showed their bravery on the plains of Karbala. Being hungry and thirsty for three days they displayed such bravery that they troubled the Yazidi force.  Every one of them took on ten of the enemy. The fighting was so fierce that fifty of Imam Hussain’s followers were martyred but also killed many Yazidis before being martyred. Imam Hussain’s witnessed his fifty followers martyred. He saw arrows in the chests of his friends and loved ones. Seeing this he kept on reciting ‘ O Allah! I am resigned to Your will.’ His fifty followers were martyred and now his family remained. His brothers, nephews and sons remained.

Hur bin Yazid (may Allah be well pleased with him)

Imam Hussain mounted his horse and faced the Yazidi army and said, ‘ Is there any one who would assist the Family of the Holy Prophet, and thereby be assured of paradise.’ This statement invoked a change in the attitude and destiny of Hur bin Yazid. He became restless on his horse to the extent that one of his associates enquired as to why he had become so restless. He said, ‘I have seen you in great battles and campaigns and you never were so unsettled. What is the matter?’ Hur bin Yazid said, ‘How can I explain, I am standing in between heaven and hell. A force is pulling me to hell whilst an inner strength is pulling me towards heaven.’

Saying this he whipped his horse and rode away from the Yazidi camp saying, ‘if I can help it I must go to heaven.’ Hur left the army of Yazid:

Hur left the Yazidi army, but the reality was this that his coming over did not strengthen Imam Hussain’s army, since there were thousands on the opposing side but he was meant to be an inmate of heaven and he was standing with the inmates of hell. He was a good man amongst the corrupt and Imam Hussain’s ‘insight of reality’ (basirah) called out to create a reason for him to leave and come over. The call lit up the road to heaven for Hur. Hur left the Yazidi camp and came face to face with Imam Hussain. He said to Imam Hussain, ‘O son of the Messenger! You asked if anyone at this critical juncture would help the children of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family) and enter heaven?  I am at your service, O grandson of the messenger! If I give my life for you will I attain the intercession of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family)?’ Imam Hussain replied, ‘If Allah wills’ (Inshallah). Hur said, ‘O Imam Hussain! Supplicate that Allah forgive my earlier transgression, for now I am going to give my life in defense of you’. He then unsheathed his sword and faced the Yazidi army. Amr bin Saad said, ‘Look at this situation. A commander of our army has defected to the enemy. This is treason.  Teach him such a lesson that it serves as a lesson for generations to come. The Yazidi’s attacked him and he retaliated with divine help. He fought bravely and after suffering many wounds he was martyred.

 Household Of Holy Prophet on The Battlefield

 Hazrath Aqil, the brother of Hazrath Muslim bin Aqil

After Hur was martyred, the son of Hazrath Aqil, the brother of Hazrath Muslim bin Aqil sought permission to go out and fight. Imam Hussain embraced him. Kissed his forehead and permitted him to go out into the battlefield.

Imam Hussain’s Brothers

He went out, displayed his bravery and killed many Yazidi’s and eventually he too was martyred. Now was the turn of Imam Hussain’s brother, who sought permission and went out. The son of the ‘Lion of Allah’[4], showed that he had the father’s blood in him.

The Sons Of Imam Hassan (May Allah Be Well Pleased With Him)

The children of Hazrath Ali showed such bravery that one after the other they were martyred. After seeing all his brothers martyred, his nephews, the sons of Imam Hassan (may Allah be well pleased with him) came to Imam Hussain to seek permission. These were the grandsons of Hazrath Fatimah Zahra and Hazrath Ali  (may Allah be well pleased with them). These were the dear nephews of Imam Hussain. When Imam Hussain saw his nephews, tears swelled in his eyes and he addressed them saying, ‘my beloved nephews! You set out with your uncle, thinking you are heading towards people who love us and believe in us, my disciples so you accompanied me. My children I did not bring you with me to face swords and arrows. Listen to me, for these people want my blood and not yours. I cannot give you permission. You all go back into the tents and return with the ladies to Madinah.’ The nephews said to their uncle, ‘O beloved uncle! Send us out into the battlefield with your blessed hands for we are also impatient to go to paradise.  O beloved uncle! The thirst of three days has taken its toll so let us go to paradise and quench our thirst with the water of Kauthar borne by our grandfather and father.’ These young men who were inspired by the want of martyrdom were ushered onto the battlefield, after being kissed on the forehead by a tearful Imam Hussain (may Allah be well pleased with him). They shone like stars of guidance on the battlefield of Karbala. They also killed many Yazidis and eventually were martyred.

Imam Qaasim (May Allah Be Well Pleased With Him)

 Now that nephew of Imam Hussain stepped forward, the 19-year-old Imam Qaasim (may Allah be well pleased with him) who was proposed to Imam Hussain’s daughter, Hazrath Sakina (may Allah be well pleased with her). When Imam Hussain saw this young nephew of his, his future son-in-law, he began sobbing loudly. He said, ‘my son! How can I permit you to go out on the battlefield? Must I permit you to take arrows and sword wounds on your body? My son, listen to me. It was the desire of my brother, Imam Hassan that you be married to Sakina, so when you reach Madinah, marry my daughter and fulfill your fathers wish.’ Hazrath Qaasim said, “My beloved uncle! My father had another desire also. He had put a tawiz on my neck and said that I should open it and read its contents during my most difficult time. I have opened it and it says. ‘O my son Qaasim!  A time will come when the enemy at Karbala who will be after his life will surround my brother Hussain. So my son, when this occurs, sacrifice your life for your uncle, for Allah will give anyone who does so a high status.’ In view of this my dear uncle, allow me to go out into the battlefield so that I may go to heaven, quench my thirst and fall on my fathers feet and tell him that I fulfilled his wish for I sacrificed my temporal life for my uncle. Imam Hussain embraced his young nephew and sent him into the battlefield. Imam Qaasim massacred brave warriors of the enemy, although he was hungry and thirsty for three days he displayed such bravery that he confounded the enemy. Eventually this young man, severely wounded, fell from his horse and reached paradise. Imam Hussain’s brother’s sons had been martyred, and after them

Hazrath Zaynab’s (may Allah be well pleased with her) Sons

His sister Hazrath Zaynab (may Allah be well pleased with her) stood in front of him with her two sons. She said, ‘O Hussain! Your sisters sons are also impatient to give their lives for you.’ He replied, ‘Please don’t put me in such a difficult position, I did not bring these children along to take arrows and sword wounds on their bodies. Please take them away to the tents.’ His sister said, ‘ It can never happen that my sons don’t defend you. I also want to go to heaven and tell my mother, Bibi Fatimah (may Allah be well pleased with her) that I also sacrificed my two sons for your beloved son. My sons also want to quench their thirst in paradise. Embrace them and let them go.” He who was prepared to sacrifice all for upholding the truth, embraced his nephews and sent them out.’ The apples of Bibi Zaynab’s eye, the tranquility of her heart, her sons were going towards the battlefield and with tears in her eyes, she hid her face behind her scarf and said, ‘My sons I entrust you’ll to Allah.’ The children were martyred in no time, and they were lifted up on spears. Imam Hussain went running and lifted up their bodies and brought them to the tent of Bibi Zaynab and said ‘Here you are Hazrath Zaynab, my sister, your desire has been fulfilled, your sons are quenching their thirst in heaven.’ Bibi Zaynab, went to the bodies and stroking their hair, she said, ‘O my children! You have made your mother happy.’

 Hazrath Ali Asgar (May Allah Be Well Pleased With Him),

After the martyrdom of his sister’s sons, Imam Hussain takes his sister by the hand and leads her into her tent. In the tent he sees his little baby, the six month old, Hazrath Ali Asgar (may Allah be well pleased with him), a child who was still on the breast milk, had his tongue hanging out of his mouth due to thirst. The mother of the child [Hazrath Rabarb[5]] tells Imam Hussain that she cannot bear to see this child thirsty for when he cries his voice is not audible. She begs him to get water by any means to quench the child’s thirst.

 When Hazrath Abbas  The Flag Bearer (Alamdar) 

When Hazrath Abbas[6] The Flag Bearer (Alamdar)  (may Allah be well pleased with him) heard this he became restless, and requested permission from Imam Hussain to go and fetch water from the river. Imam Hussain asked Imam Hussain (may Allah be well pleased with him) to be patient for the child will quench its thirst in heaven. Hazrath Abbas The Flag Bearer (Alamdar) said that it was a tragedy that he was here and Ali Asgar should go thirsty, his tongue be sticking out and his thirst not be quenched. Hazrath Abbas The Flag Bearer (Alamdar) said, ‘I am the son of the ‘Lion of Allah’, who had lifted the mighty door of the Jewish ‘Fort of Khyber’, I am going to bring water and quench the thirst of this innocent child.’ Hazrath Abbas The Flag Bearer (Alamdar) draped the leather water container on his shoulders, took his sword in his hand and mounted his horse. He reached the river; rode the horse into the river filled the leather water container, tied the opening spout, and placed the leather water container on his shoulders. Hazrath Abbas The Flag Bearer (Alamdar) took some water to his mouth, but when he brought the water to his lips, he thought of Hazrath Ali Asgar and he said to himself, ‘O Abbas! It is not fitting for you to quench your thirst before Hazrath Ali Asgar. First quench the thirst of that innocent child and then only will you earn the right to drink water.’ He then threw the water back in the river, secured the leather water container and untied his horse. As he did this he saw that the enemy surrounded him. He rode through their ranks fighting, but after passing many, the son of the ‘Lion of Allah’ was overpowered. He was alone and they were four thousand.  Arrows were raining upon him from all sides, and when he had bled so much that he became physically weakened, they approached him. The ones from the back cut the right arm securing the leather water container on his shoulders and it fell to the ground. Hazrath Abbas The Flag Bearer (Alamdar) picked it up onto his left arm and those merciless enemies cut of that arm also. As the leather water container was falling Hazrath Abbas The Flag Bearer (Alamdar) caught it with his teeth. His both arms being cut he could not wield a sword or hold the reigns of the horse and the leather water container was being gripped by his teeth. As the enemy fired a few arrows, they pierced the leather water container and the water flowed onto the ground. He let go of the leather water container and sighed and said, ‘O Ali Asgar if only I could have quenched, your thirst today, I failed but have a look at my state.’ The enemy dropped him of the horse with spears, and he fell under the horse. They surrounded him and struck him with their swords.  Imam Hussain saw his brothers state and he cried and said, ‘ Now my back has been broken, all my companions are slain and my right hand, Hazrath Abbas The Flag Bearer The Flag Bearer (Alamdar) has been cut off. I am left supporter less in a strange country.” He ran to the body of Hazrath Abbas The Flag Bearer (Alamdar), whose both arms had been cut off and body riddled with arrows. The enemy had cut off his head and had taken it with them. When he reached this blood-drenched body he cried with loud wails and said, ‘O my brother! You left me also. We had still so much to talk about.’

Hazrath Ali Akbar (May Allah Be Well Pleased With Him)

He left the body there and returned to the tent and saw his eighteen year old, young son Hazrath Ali Akbar (may Allah be well pleased with him) who was the ‘look alike’ (Hamshakle Mustafa) of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family). He said to Imam Hussain, ‘O My father! Let me go out into the battlefield for I don’t want to live if you are slain.’  Imam Hussain said. ‘O my son! You are the mirror image physically of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family). We look at you and satisfy our desire to see the Holy Prophet. By sending you I am sending image of the Holy Prophet out of my home. Don’t go they are after my blood.’ But Hazrath Ali Akbar said, ‘I would also go there where my brother Qaasim is. Let me go and quench my thirst in paradise. Please send me out with your blessings.’ Who was going out, it was the life of Imam Hussain, the apple of the Holy Prophet’s (Peace be upon him and his family) eye, the flower of paradise from the garden of Bibi Fatimah Zahra and the Holy Prophet. Ali Asgar recited the following as he went into the battlefield:

He faced the enemy and said, ‘I am Ali Akbar, the son of Imam Hussain, O slayers of the Prophets Household, destroyers of the flowers of the garden of Bibi Fatimah Zahra, have my blood on your hands also. Fire your arrows.’ Imam Hussain reports that the enemy  were so confused that they could not fire an arrow or lift a sword. Amr bin Saad, said to them, ‘ What is the matter, why do you not slay him. I promise the governorship of Mosul.’ Taariq bin Sheesh, a well-built and merciless warrior, thought here is my chance to become governor of Mosul. He charged Hazrath Ali Akbar with his spear. Hazrath Ali Akbar moved his horse to one side, changed direction and cut off the head of Taariq bin Sheesh. Seeing this his son Umar bin Taariq attacked the Imam sword drawn, but he too was slain. The other son, Talha bin Taariq also tried to attack, but was killed by Hazrath Ali Akbar. When the three had been slain, Hazrath Ali Akbar turned his horse around and went back to his father, Imam Hussain. His father approached him and Hazrath Ali Akbar dismounted and said, ‘ Thirst has slowed me down or else if I had a glass of water to drink, I will send every one of them to hell. I have slain three of their warriors but my mouth and throat is dry, and I am finding it difficult to breathe.’ Imam Hussain consoled him asking him to have a little more patience for soon he will reach paradise and quench his thirst with the water of Kauthar. He embraced his son and asked him to open his mouth and Imam Hussain put his dry tongue into his son’s mouth. He sucked the blessed tongue of his father and this gave him some satisfaction to return to the battlefield. He proved it in the battlefield that he was the grandson of the Conqueror of Khyber, Hazrath Ali (may Allah be well pleased with him), and in his blood and arms was the strength of Hazrath Ali. He killed eighty Yazidis before being severely wounded and then martyred. As he fell from his horse he exclaimed, ‘O my father! Catch me your son is falling.’ As Imam Hussain ran towards his son’s body and before he could reach him, he saw that his son had been decapitated. Hazrath Imam Hussain stood crying at his sons body crying and then he carried the body to the tents. Hazrath Zaynab came out of the tent looked at the body and said; “these tyrants have obliterated ‘the resemblance of the Holy Prophet’ (Peace be upon him and his family)”. Imam Hussain too his sister by the hand and led her into the tent. He asked her to be patient for everything that is happening is happening with the will of Allah. He said, ‘We have got to pass this test of patience and endurance for it is from Allah.’

 Hazrath Ali Asgar’s Condition Worsens

In the tent his wife Hazrath Sherbanu[7] said, ‘Hussain, come and see the condition of your son Ali Asgar.’ The child was in such an extreme state of dehydration that he could not make a sound when he cried or squealed and his tongue was out. She said she could not bear to see the child in that condition, so she said that perhaps the enemy is unaware of the presence of minor children in the camp and he should carry the child and show him to them. She thought that perhaps they would see the innocent child and have some sympathy for even unbelievers have a soft spot for children. She asked Imam Hussain to plead with them for a few drops that they themselves could put into the child’s mouth. Imam Hussain told her that since she requests that he do so, he would, but he did not trust these tyrants. So he carried the child out and said, ‘Look at this innocent 6 month old child, my son Ali Asgar. He is from the children of your Prophet, upon whom you testify faith. So listen to me for I may have offended you but this child is innocent. We cannot bear to see him suffering in this extreme state of dehydration. So please don’t give me water in my hands, but put a few drops with your hands down this child’s throat. If he satisfies his thirst you can be assured he is not old enough to take a sword and fight you. The ladies of the household cannot bear to see his state.’ A heartless person named Hirmala shot an arrow that pierced the throat of the innocent child in the arms of Imam Hussain. Imam Hussain saw that the child jerked and he put his little hands on his chest. Imam Hussain began crying loudly, and said, ‘you have no honor for the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family) also. The non-believers have pity on children, but it seems as if you people are heartless. He pulled the arrow out of the child’s neck and threw it on the ground. Then he addressed Allah saying,

                    ‘O Allah whatever these people are doing You are my witness.                   

He then brought the little body to the tents and placed it on the floor. He said, ‘Here you are Sherbanu and Zaynab, now Ali Asgar will no more be in agony. For he is sitting on the lap of Bibi Fatimah in paradise drinking the water of Kauthar.’  He then placed the body next to Ali Akbar’s body. Both sons of Imam Hussain were laying on the ground of Karbala.

The plains of Karbala, had the bodies of the flowers of Bibi Fatimah scattered everywhere.

Imam Zain al-Aberdeen

Imam Hussain went into the tent and his ailing son, the 22 year old Imam Zain al-Aberdeen got out of bed, burning with fever and said to his father, ‘O my beloved father! Allow me to go out and be martyred.’ Imam Hussain embraced his son and said, ‘ Zain al-Aberdeen, if I allow you to go out then from whom will my progeny continue, I pray that Allah spare you, to continue my progeny. He then bestowed him with Khilafath and Imaamat[8], then embraced him and spiritually gifted him. He then told him that after undergoing all these difficulties then as soon as he reaches Madinah, he must go to the ‘Sacred and Blessed Burial Chamber’ (Roza Mubaraq) of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family) and present your fathers salutations and inform him of what transpired. After giving his son this advice the Imam Hussain gets ready to go out into the battlefield.

 Imam Hussain’s Martyrdom

Imam Hussain ties the blessed turban of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family) on his head, and the ‘cloth belt’ of his brother Imam Hassan on his waist. He took his blessed father, Hazrath Ali’s sword, Zulfikaar, in his hands and advances to the battlefield. He gave one look at the veiled women, every one of them a shining example of patience and endurance. They had reached a stage beyond tears in their eyes for their hearts was crying tears of blood since they had lost their entire family. They watched as their last source of comfort, Imam Hussain was also going out. He said to his wife, ‘Sherbanu, I salute you for the last time. O Rhubarb!  Look at me one time for you may not get this opportunity again. O Zaynab! Your brother is leaving; you are the daughter of the Conqueror of Khyber, Hazrath Ali (may Allah be well pleased with him), and the patient Lady Fatimah (may Allah be well pleased with her) so never stop being patient and perform any deed that disappoints Allah and His Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family). O Zaynab! Please never let my beloved daughter Sakina cry. She is very dear to me, shower her with love and embrace her. I am now leaving and leaving you all in the hands of Allah.’ As he said this innocent Sakina came running and wrapped her arms around her fathers legs. Hazrath Rhubarb came running placing her head on his shoulders and cried asking why he was leaving them. She said, ‘what will be our faith in the hands of these criminals?’ Imam Hussain said, “Allah is with you. You are His Prophets children, from the Prophets Household. Allah will protect your dignity.”  Imam Hussain went out and untied his horse, Zuljanan, and was about to mount it. Bibi Zaynab came out and said, ‘My brother I have come to see you off since, I will hold the reins while you mount for you had seen everyone else off, I will see you off.’ The crown off Fatimah Zahra was going to be martyred. The grandson of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family) who had sacrificed his whole family in the path of Allah was himself going out to be sacrificed. He faced the enemy and said look at me, who I am, ‘ I am the leader of the youths of paradise, that grandson of the Holy Prophet whom he carried on his blessed shoulders, kissed my neck and cheeks often and proclaimed this is my blood. My mother is Fatimah, the Flower (Zahra) and my father is Ali, the Elect (Murtuza), My maternal grandfather is the Prophet of Allah, the seal of Prophets, Muhammad, the Chosen (Mustafa). I am him for whom the Holy Prophet prolonged his prostration, when as a child I climbed on his back.’ He then said, ‘Come forth you who want to obliterate the household of your Prophet. You who have cut out the flowers of the garden of Fatimah and scattered them on the plains of Karbala. Come and have my blood on your hands also. I am the last remaining obstacle.’ The tyrants advanced, unsheathed their swords and straightened their spears. Imam Hussain unsheathed his sword and attacked them and they retreated like a flock of sheep or goats. He beheaded many and their severed heads were falling everywhere.  He killed many despite being wounded and thirsty for three days. His sword, the Zulfikaar, displayed that same precision that it displayed at the Battle of Badr, in the hands of the ‘Lion of Allah’, Hazrath Ali (may Allah be well pleased with him). At Badr whilst fighting in the hands of Hazrath Ali, a recitation could be heard from the unseen saying:

That sword showed the same spiritual strength that it showed at Badr. Imam Hussain slew many and took multiple wounds to his blessed body.  Amr bin Saad ordered a combined volley of arrows to be shot at Imam Hussain. Arrows fired from four sides were shot and it pierced the body of Imam Hussain. Some arrows also pierced his horse. Being pierced by a multitude of arrows, he wiped his mouth and said, ‘O heartless tyrants! You have no pity for your Prophets family. He looked up and he sees the Holy Prophet standing in front of him with a bottle in his hand together with Hazrath Ali, Bibi Fatimah and Imam Hassan (may Allah be well pleased with them all). They said, ‘O Hussain! Look we have come to take you.’ The Holy Prophet was collecting drops of Imam Hussain’s blood in the bottle and he was reciting:

The grandson of the Holy Prophet was drenched in blood and his blessed body was ripped. He fell from the horse the throne of Allah (arsh) shook and Hazrath Fatimah Zahra’s blessed soul was disturbed.   The apple of the Holy Prophet’s blessed eye fell off and Hazrath Ali sighed. Him whom the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family) used to mount on his blessed back fell off his mount. As he fell Shimr and his heartless group approached him and put their sat on his blessed, blood drenched body. Shimr sat on his blessed chest and Imam Hussain said, ‘my grandfather had prophesized that only the heartless tyrants will spill the blood of his Household. You are that individual who is my murderer. O Shimr! Today is Friday (Yaum al-Jumua) all true believers prostrate to Allah, today , so please severe my head when I am in prostration.’ Even at that critical moment Imam Hussain did not desire quenching his thirst or to see his children but to ensure that his head is subservient to Allah in prostration. His submission was for Allah, he never submitted to the forces of falsehood. He prostrated and performed his prayer and left a lesson for all mankind, for all times that the example of Hussain is this that although he is wounded and drenched in blood he does not forsake his prayer (salaah). So with his actions he proclaimed that if you truly love me take a lesson from my life. He placed his head on the ground in prostration and read, ‘Glorious is Allah, Most High! O Allah!  If you accept my sacrifice then forgive the Community (Ummah) of my grandfather.’ At the moment of decapitation, Imam Hussain’s horse rubbed its forehead in his blood and ran. The horse attacked those that tried to stop it kicking and biting them to death. The horse killed over seventy warriors until Shimr ordered them to leave it alone. The horse ran to the tent of Imam Hussain and began wailing and crying. When Bibi Zaynab heard the horse she said to Sakina, ‘ Let me go and check, probably your father has come back.’ She came outside and saw the empty saddle and blood soaked forehead of the horse and it was the sign that told her brother had been martyred.’ She cried as was the Arab custom, ‘Wa Hussaina, Wa ghariba’. When the ladies in the tent heard her cry they began crying. She said, ‘0 Sherbanu take care of Sakina whilst I check the whereabouts of my brother.’ The daughter of Fatimah Zahra, whose head cover had not been seen by any strange man, who never left her home unnecessarily, was running to and fro in a strange land, on the plains of Karbala, looking for her brothers blessed body.

She said, ‘O unreligious tyrants! Move aside let me see my brother, for one last time.’ They replied, ‘whom would you see, for he has been decapitated.’

Hazrath Zaynab went and saw and she saw, her brother’s body lying on the plains of Karbala.

She sat at the body crying, ‘O my brother! You have left us, leaving us to these oppressors.’ The blessed body was drenched in blood carrying multiple wounds. Hazrath Zaynab lies by her brothers blessed body and sees Hazrath Sakina freeing herself from the comforting embrace of Hazrath Sherbanu runs on the plains of Karbala looking for her father. Her aunt called her saying, ‘Come to me I am sitting by your father.’ Hazrath Sakina saw her fathers decapitated, blood drenched body and she fainted falling on her father’s body. Hazrath Zaynab lifted herb niece up and carried her to the tent. The bodies of Imam Hussain and his companions lay scattered on the plains of Karbala. The Yazidis buried their dead, but did not bury the Household of the Holy Prophet. They spent the night there intending to leave the next day. At night Hazrath Zaynab left the tents and looked at the scattered flowers of the garden of Bibi Fatimah on the plains of Karbala. She began crying loudly and sat next to Imam Hussain’s blessed body saying ‘O My brother! I am your sister alone in a strange land. Madinah is so far away, from where must I get a burial shroud for you and bury you.’ She looked towards Madinah cried and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Here lies your grandson Hussain blood drenched, beheaded and without a burial shroud.’ They spent the night there and were escorted to Kufa the following day. Scholars have written that at the time of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the sky darkened and stars could be seen and clouds gathered raining blood. It rained blood for seven days and in Jerusalem under every stone blood was found. The jinn wept and many unusual things occurred. The martyrdom of Imam Hussain is difficult to express. Lastly I say, ‘O grandson of my Prophet! That place where you shed your blood, and fell off your horse lifting the falling community (Ummah), I pray that Allah shower His mercy and blessings on that sacred ground, and your lovers will cry on that spot till Judgment Day.’

A lecture delivered by Maulana Muhammad Shafi Okarvi (may Allah be well pleased with him) in Pakistan.

Translated by Irshad Soofi Chishti Nizami Habibi on March 1^st, 2004 / Muharram 10^th 1425 Seeking one look of grace from Imam Hussaint