T HE HISTORY OF KARBALAA

Rahmatul Laah Alaieh

Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Shafee .O
Brief translation of urdu speech in English
By
Irshad Soofi Siddiqui

lm
B ismil-Laahir-Rahmaa Nir- Raheem

A ll Praises are due to Allaah Almighty, the All-

Knowing, the All-Powerful, and Choicest Durood and

Salutations upon His Dearly loved Rasool, the Habeeb,
Mustafaa, Sayyidinaa Muhammad [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam],
and his beloved Aal.
[His family]
May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah Kareem be upon
him, and upon his family, companions, [Sahaabah] and
all those who follow them until the Day of Judgment.
Aameen.
MARTYRDOM SHAAHADAT
 Allaah [Almighty and Glorious is He] says in the Holy Qur'aan, in the 2nd
Soorah, al-Baqrah, :
Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits [of your toil], but give
glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Who say, when afflicted with calamity:

"To Allaah we belong, and to Him is our return"

They are those on whom blessings descend from their Lord, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance.
Martyrdom on the path of Almighty Allaah, to give ones life, is an act of Grace from Allaah Almighty
[an-nimaah] and Blessing [saadat] that we can determine it from a saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad
[Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam],
his family and his companions) in which he says:
I swear by Almighty Allaah, I would love to be martyred in the path of Allaah Kareem, thereafter brought back to life in this
temporal world and be martyred again. Then be brought back to life and be martyred again.
The Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], his family and his companions expressed a desire to be martyred again and again.
 T he Commander of the Believers Ameer ul
Mu'mineen Umar Faarooq [Radiyal Laahu 'Anhu]
Hazrat 'Umar Faarooq
[Radiyal- Laahu Anhu] is such a great personality, that the Holy
Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], his family and his
companions) said that:
If there were to be a Prophet after me, it would have
been 'Umar, but since the Office of Prophet has been
sealed he is not a prophet Hazrat Umar [Faarooq-e-
Azam] [Radiyal Lahu Anhu] used to supplicate to Allaah
[Subhaanuhu Wa Taaalaa]

Allaahummar zuqnee
shahaadatan fee sabeelika wajal
mautee fee Baladi Rasuulik
O Allaah, grant me martyrdom in Your path and
in the City of Your Beloved Prophet, Madinah
Shareef.
 His supplication was accepted and he was martyred whilst reading salaah, in the
Mosque of the Messenger
[Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], in Madinah Shareef.

The aim is to emphasize to you what a great status and blessing martyrdom is. Such
great personalities desired and supplicated to attain martyrdom. Those who drink the
nectar of martyrdom, in the path of Allaah Kareem, dont feel any discomfort at the
moment of attaining martyrdom. The effect of the spear, sword or bullet does not
cause any discomfort to the martyr.
 I t is a Hadees of the Holy Prophet
[Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam],
"The Martyr experiences no more pain in being
killed than one of you experiences from a sting."
[Tirmidhi, Nasa'I, Darimi]
Some may object, that no pain is felt, since
it defies human experience. How can it be
that somebody is shot with a bullet or a
spear; or pierced with a sword and yet feel
no discomfort? I say that a declaration of
the Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam],
[Peace be upon him, his family and his
companions] can never be false. Let me
explain it to you. He who gives his life in
the path of Allaah Kareem must surely
have great love in his heart for Allaah
[Subhaanuhu Wa Ta'aalaa].
 The love is the motivating force that makes one give ones life in
the path of Allaah Kareem. Only one drunk with the love of the
beloved will give his life. The intoxication of love surpasses all
other intoxications. Other intoxications wane, but the intoxication
of love never decreases. The martyr at the moment of
martyrdom sees heaven in front of him.
The Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], have said
One martyred in the way of Almighty Allaah, on the first shedding
of blood, before the drops of blood reach the ground, he is
shown his abode in paradise and He sees the radiations of
Almighty Allaahs Beauty unveiled.
The martyr gets so awestruck and absorbed in the beauty of
Allaah Kareem and the splendor of paradise that he does not feel
the impact of the weapon used to slay him.
 I t says in the Holy Qur'aan.
12th Soorah, Yoosuf: [Verse 31 ]
When the ladies of Egypt saw Hazrat Yoosuf ['Alaiehis-Salaam] they were so absorbed by his beauty that instead of cutting the
fruit, they cut their hands and they said, "Allaah preserve us! No human being is this! This is none other than a noble
angel!"
If the beauty of Hazrat Yoosuf ['Alaiehis-Salaam] could make them not feel the cut on their hands then how could one who sees
the beauty of the Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], his family and his companions) feel the effect of an arrow.
Shaiekh ul-Islaam wal Muslimeen, Hazrat Baabaa Fareed ud deen Ganj e Shakar says that on the tenth night of Muharram
a saint had a dream that Hazrat Faatimah Zahraa [Radiyal laahu-Anhaa] together with a group of women was sweeping the plains
of Karbalaa.
He asked her, O Pure daughter of the Holy Prophet! Leader of the women of paradise! Why are you sweeping this
ground? She replied, My son, Husaien [Radiyal laahu-Anhu] will drink the nectar of martyrdom tomorrow, at this spot. I sweep
this ground so that no stone or thorn should pierce his blessed body. Ask the mother that reared him the reverence of the
blood of Hazrat Saiyyidinaa Imaam Husaien
[Radiyal laahu-Anhu].
The enemies did not know.
They wounded his entire
body and dropped him of
his horse. Their evil actions
did not cease even after
martyring him. They rode
their horses over his
blessed body, burnt his
tents and unveiled the
noble ladies. The Imaam of
Exalted Status, Hazrat
Saiyyidinaa Imaam
Husaien [Radiyal laahu-Anhu]
displayed such patience
and perseverance at
Karbalaa, that history can
provide no other similarity.
 I recited the verse from the 2nd Soorah, al-Baqrah,
Verse 155
Be sure We shall test you with something of fear..
Allaah Almighty tests some with fear and distress, some with hunger and thirst, some with
loss of life and some with loss of children but when the time of the trial of the grandson of
the Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], his family and his companions arrived he tested him
with all these combined.
The grandson of the Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], his family and his companions proved
victorious and successful in all these tests because he was trained by the Holy Prophet [Sallal
Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], his family and his companions) and was nurtured by Hazrat Faatimah Zahraa

[Radiyal laahu-Anhaa].
 The Beloved Grandson of the beloved holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam] Hazrat Saiyyidinaa
Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] of Exalted Status, saw his eighteen-year-old son, slain in front of
his eyes; his six-month-old son 'Ali Asghar, take a spear to his neck whilst being carried in the
Imaams [Radiyal laahu Anhu] hands; his six nephews; eight brothers and twenty five friends slain but
his feet never wavered from the path of truth. In such circumstances, very brave, courageous
souls lose courage. Who can bear such a scene? Any other would have considered giving the
pledge of allegiance, even a deceitful pledge. No! The exalted Imaam [Radiyal laahu Anhu] gave no
such pledge and showed no weakness. He said that he could witness his entire family being
wiped out; see the flowers of paradise from the garden of Bibi Faatimah [Radiyal laahu Anhaa] being
cut down but he could never give his hand into the hand of the unworthy. The beloveds of
Almighty Allaah, the more hardships they endure on the path of Allaah Kareem in this world,
the more is their worth with Allaah [Subhaanuhu Wa Ta'aalaa]. Allaah Kareem increases their rank and
status proportionately.
 T he martyrs are inmates of heaven. The martyrs will not be questioned and without reckoning they are
admitted to, paradise.
Thus the feeling and sensation experienced at the moment of martyrdom cannot be found even in heaven.
I conclude with the verses of Allamah Iqbal:

Kas nadaanad juz shaheedee nuktah raa

Koo bakhoon khud Khareedee nuktah raa
Besides the martyr none knows this secret
For the martyr gave his life for knowledge of this secret
He who has not given his life ignorant of this secret
And he knows not
Allaah Kareem, through the blessings of these martyrs grants us martyrdom in the city of Madinah also and
on the Day of Reckoning may we be resurrected with these pure souls!
 W AAQI'AH KARBALAA
Introduction
M artyrdom is a great reward from Allaah [Subhaanuhu Wa Ta'aalaa], for which great personalities entertain a
desire to attain. Hazrat Saiyyidinaa Imaam Hasan and Hazrat Saiyyidinaa Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu
Anhumaa]received this perfect martyrdom from the court of the Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam]. The
personalities of Hazrat Imaam Hasan and Hazrat Imaam Husaien are the Location of the manifestation of
the perfection of the Chosen One [Mazhar e Kamaal e Mustafaa]. Also just as the personalities of Hazrat
Imaam Hasan and Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhumaa] are the Location of the manifestation of the
perfection of the Chosen One [Mazhar e Kamaal e Mustafaa] it is also the Location of the Beauty of the
Chosen One [Mazhar e Jamaal e Mustafaa].
 H azrat Imaam Hasan [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] received the
greatness of The Secret Martyrdom [Shahaadat e Sirri]
and Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] received the
greatness of The Open Martyrdom [Shahaadat e Jahri].
This in reality was the greatness and emanation [Al-faayz]
of the Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam].
Yazeed in Temporal Power but Husaien in Spiritual
control
Allaah [Almighty and Glorious is He] says in the 2nd
Soorah, al-Baqarah,
Holy Qur'aan:
And say not of those who are slain
in the way of Allaah:
"They are dead." Nay, they are
living, though you do not perceive
[their life].
 M any were martyred in the Community of the Holy
Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], Allaah [Subhaanuhu Wa Ta'aalaa],
blessed and rewarded many with this great status. Hazrat
'Umar Faarooq, Hazrat 'Usmaan Ghani and Hazrat 'Alee
[Ridwaanul Laahi Alaiehim Ajmaeen] received this reward. In the Battles

of Badr, Uhad and Khyber many Companions of the Holy

Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam]. were blessed with this great
status of being martyred.
However the Martyrdom of Hazrat Saiyyidinaa Imaam
Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] is so unique that neither in previous
times nor in the latter times can we find another
martyrdom to compare with it.
When Yazeed sat on the seat of Caliphate [Khilaafat] he became so haughty and arrogant that he acted
in ways that are against the Sacred Laws of Islaam [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,
Ana rabukumul aala
I am your lord most high
 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. Yazeed 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.
 F orcing 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 Hazrat Imaam Husaien Hazrat Abdul laah bin
Zubayr and Hazrat Abdul laah bin 'Umar. [Ridwaanul Laahi Alaiehim Ajmaeen]
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 Yazeed. They refused to swear allegiance to
him. Hazrat Abdul laah bin 'Umar left Madinah, the Illuminated without
meeting Hazrat Abdul laah bin Zubayr and went to live in Makaah..
H azrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] went to meet,
Waleed, the governor of Madinah. He spoke to the
governor who informed him that Yazeed has
requested that Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu]
swear allegiance to him. Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal
Laahu Anhu] replied that he could not swear allegiance to

Yazeed since he was a sinful transgressor who was not

worthy of being accepted as the Caliph. [Khaleefah]
This was a proof of the resolve of Hazrat Imaam
Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] 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 Islaam
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.
 Hazrat Imaam Husaiens
allegiance would have become
the proof of the legality of
swearing allegiance to every sinful
transgressor who assumes
leadership. Hazrat Imaam
Husaiens [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] refusal
sent a message for all time that
he 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 Islaam being disrupted
and the system set by his
grandfather, the Holy Prophet
(Peace be upon him and his
family) being changed.
I maam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] the Imaam 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 Allaah,
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 Yazeed, he gathered his followers and said,
O my followers, if I remain in Madinah, the authorities of Yazeed will force me to give my
hand, in a pledge of allegiance to Yazeed, and this I would never do. Their insistence will
lead to fighting and discord and I dont 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 Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] as their
leader would make.
 H e now made up his mind to emigrate to Makaah. Here one
should ponder as to what political turmoil had dawned upon them
that Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] had to leave Madinah,
where his beloved maternal grandfather, the Holy Prophet [Sallal
Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], 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 [waali] of the city had been
forced to leave it.
He was the apple of the Holy
Prophets[Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa
Sallam],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
Makaah. Why did he go to
Makaah, the Ennobled city?
 A llaah [Almighty and Glorious is He]
says in the 3rd
Soorah al-i-Imraan:
Verse 97 of the Holy Quraan:

Whoever enters it
The sacred land of Makaah
attains security;
It is forbidden to fight, quarrel or kill somebody within
the Sacred Boundaries of the Haram. It is even
forbidden to kill ant in the Sacred Precincts. Even
animals that dont endanger lives are not to be killed.
In Islaam a Momin has a very great status. The
dignity afforded to a Momin in Islaam is tremendous.
Therefore in order to avoid fighting, quarrelling and
bloodshed Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] sought
refuge in The Noble Sacred Sanctuary. He hoped to live
the rest of his days in peace, worshiping Allaah Kareem
on this sacred ground.
 Invitations and Letters from Kufaa
A s soon as he reached Makaah many invitations
and letters were sent to him from the residents of
Kufaa. In a little while after his arrival he received over
150 letters from Kufaa. Some scholars ['Ulamaa] have
documented that 1200 letters were sent. However very
authentic scholars ['Ulamaa] 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:
O [Hazrat] Imaam Husaien ![Radiyal Laahu Anhu] We
are followers of your father [Hazrat 'Alee,Radiyal
Laahu Anhu] ; and Ahl-e-Baiet. We will not accept

son Yazeed. We are the followers of the

Commander of the Faithful, your father,
[Hazrat 'Alee [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] and your brother
Hazrat Imaam Hasan [may Allaah Kareem be
well pleased with them all]. We have refused
to accept Yazeed as the Caliph and we accept
you the rightful Caliph. So please come to
Kufaa so that we may take baiet [Oath] on
your blessed hand. We will defend your
Caliphate with our lives and property and
spend our lives serving you. So please come
over and bless us with your esteemed
presence.
L etters were received from noble families and clans. Some
had even written that if Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu]
did not come to Kufaa then they would have to pledge
allegiance to Yazeed 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 Allaah Almighty would
question them as to what made them swear allegiance to an
unfit ruler like Yazeed, they would say that they wrote letters
and sent messengers, to the grandson of the
Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], 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 Hazrat Imaam
Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] that he would carry the responsibility of
their actions. These types of statements made Hazrat Imaam
Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] think seriously as to what action should
be taken according to Islaamic Law [Shariah].
 Hazrat Muslim Bin Aqeel .....
[Radiyal Laahu Anhu]

A fter consulting with many people and much deliberation Hazrat Imaam Hussain, [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] came to the
conclusion that he would first send a reliable person to Kufaa to access the situation, see if the people are genuine
about their concerns and then decide whether he should go to Kufaa.
Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] sent his paternal cousin Hazrat Muslim Bin 'Aqeel [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] to access the
situation in Kufaa. He explained to Hazrat Muslim Bin 'Aqeel [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] about the written requests being sent
from Kufaa and therefore he is appointing him as his representative to go to Kufaa and give a firsthand report on
the situation there.
Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] told him that if the situation warrants that he should come to Kufaa then he
should send a letter and calls him, but if the situation is not good then Imaam Muslim should return to Makaah.
 His paternal cousin Hazrat Muslim Bin
'Aqeel [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] accepted the
mission. Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu
Anhu] wrote a letter to the people of Kufaa

telling them that he was sending Hazrat

Muslim Bin 'Aqeel [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] as his
deputy to Kufaa and they should give
the pledge of allegiance to Hazrat
Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu], on the
hands of Hazrat Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu
Anhu] and they should serve him.
 He further said that if he gets a favorable report
from Imaam Muslim Bin Aqeel [Radiyal Laahu Anhu]
then he would come to Kufaa. He sealed the letter
with his personal seal and sent it with Imaam
Muslim to Kufaa.
Hazrat Muslim Bin 'Aqeel [Radiyal Laahu Anhu]s two sons
Hazrat Muhammad and Hazrat Ibraaheem
requested that their father, take them with. Imaam
Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] did not want to dishearten his
infant sons and he took them with him. He first went
to Madinah, met his dear ones, and then left for
Kufaa.
O n arriving in Kufaa, Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] went to the house of a person by the name of Mukhtaar
bin 'Ubaieda, a lover of Ahl-e-Baiet .. The people of Kufaa on hearing that Imaam Muslim[Radiyal Laahu Anhu] 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 Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] saying that these people
possessed great love and respect, 40, 000 of them had sworn allegiance and Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu]
should come over to Kufaa. As soon as the letter carrier was dispatched the situation changed.
 S ome followers of Yazeed also lived in Kufaa. They informed
Yazeed of the show of support for Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] and the
40, 000 pledging allegiance on the hands of Imaam. They told Yazeed
that he was oblivious of the rebellious situation in Kufaa and if he did
not tackle it immediately it would go out of control. They urged him to
crush this rebellion with force. When Yazeed received this news, he
became worried and realizing the danger to his seat of power, he
dismissed Normaan bin Basheer who had taken no action against
Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] as the governor of Kufaa.
He dispatched Ibn Ziyaad, whose name was Ubaied ul laah, a very
strong willed and hard hearted man, who had been the governor of
Basra, as the new governor of Kufaa. Yazeed wrote to him that he
should retain his governorship of Basra but should also assume the
position of governor of Kufaa. Yazeed 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 Kufaa with full authority
from Yazeed. 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 Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] The
news of these arrests quickly spread around
Kufaa. 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
Imaam Muslim[ Radiyal Laahu Anhu] . When Imaam
Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] 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.
I maam Muslim could have ordered an attack on these offices but
[Radiyal Laahu Anhu]

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 Allaah
Almighty 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 Imaam Muslim Bin Aqeel
[Radiyal Laahu Anhu] .
 He threatened them that if they did not act as he orders then they would be killed and the approaching army of Yazeed
would destroy Kufaa, 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.

T hey climbed onto the roof and called out to their dear ones. They said that power and rule was in Yazeeds hand and
although Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] was the grandson of the Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], he could not stop
the Yazeedi administration.
They warned them that if they did not leave the side of Imaam and withdraw their support for Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu
Anhu] then they would all be killed. People began leaving the side of Imaam 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
the Imaam.
Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] 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 masjid, the call to prayer was given, and
they stood for prayer behind the Imaam[ Radiyal Laahu Anhu] 500
had started the salaah with Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu]
but when he made the final salaam of the 3 rak'at of
Maghrib prayer he found that the 500 had deserted. He
was left alone. Thes were the very people who claimed to
be lovers of the Household of the Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa
Sallam], and called themselves Lovers of Hazrat 'Alee
[Radiyal Laahu Anhu]
www.okarvi.com
T hey had written letters to Hazrat Imaam
Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] promising to sacrifice
life and property. They had sworn
allegiance on the hand of Imaam Muslim
[Radiyal Laahu Anhu] making big promises. They

became so afraid of Ibn Ziyaads threats

that they betrayed the Imaam. After the
salaah Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] began
to ponder as to what he should do since he
had already sent word to Imaam Husaien
[Radiyal Laahu Anhu] that he should come to Kufaa.
 He left the Masjid and went to the houses of his
disciples but found every house locked from the inside.
Imaam Muslim[Radiyal Laahu Anhu] 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 'Aqeel,
that came to Kufaa as the deputy of Hussain bin 'Alee [Radiyal
Laahu Anhu].. She asked, You are Muslim bin 'Aqeel 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.
 Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] explained how
the people of Kufaa 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 Prophets [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi
Wa Sallam], family be her guest. That lady gave

shelter to Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu]. He

spent the evening at the ladies home. The
ladies son was an evil person. This is
Almighty Allaahs 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.
 Allaah Kareem says in the 3rd Soorah Al-e -Imraan:
Verse 27 of the Holy Quraan:

You bring the Living out of the Dead, and

You bring the Dead out of the Living;
A llaah Kareem 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 Hazrat Ibraaheem, Khaleel ul laah ['Alaiehis-Salaam] to be born in the
house of idol-worshippers and in the house of Hazrat Nooh ['Alaiehis-Salaam] his
son to be an unbeliever.
 The wife of Firaun [Pharaoh] can become the leader of the ladies of
paradise, whilst the wife of Hazrat Looth ['Alaiehis-Salaam] becomes an
unbeliever. So this ladies son came home that evening and found his
mother very sad. On inquiring as to why she was sad, she explained how
Imaam Muslim, [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] a descendant of the Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu
Alaiehi Wa Sallam], had been betrayed by the people of Kufaa and she was

fortunate to give him shelter and that he was in their home.

 S he 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 Kufaa 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 Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] He now planned to inform the authorities that they could
capture Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu].. 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. He promised him the reward if he himself
went and captured Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu].
 Seventy guards were sent with him to go and capture
Hazrat Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] They surrounded the
house, abused Hazrat Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] 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 Hazrat
Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] and the fact that he was being
accused of treason, whilst the tyrant Yazeed was being
praised. Hazrat Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] said something
in defense of Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] 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 guards
[officer police] and they realized that they made a mistake
to enrage a lion. He slew many of them and injured many.
Hazrat Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] 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 Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] to him using deceit and
pretense. He came to Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] and said that the guards [police] had acted
wrongly since ibn Ziyaad had not sent them to fight but to call him. Muhammad bin Asad asked
Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] to accompany him to the Government Office, so as to discuss with the
Governor as to what settlement could be reached since Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] was
on his way also.

Muhammad bin Asad assured him that Ibn Ziyaad was seeking a peaceful solution to this
difference. Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu].. 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. Imaam Muslim [Radiyal
Laahu Anhu] entered the government building whilst reciting the Holy Qur'aan,
the 7th Soorah, al-Araaf, Verse 89

Our Lord! Decide with truth between us and our

people in truth, for You are the best to decide."
 A s he entered the building, Ibn Ziyaads police were waiting on both sides sword
drawn. They had been ordered to kill him. 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 Yazeed and promise to
secure the pledge of allegiance from Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] He replied that
neither him nor Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] could swear allegiance to Yazeed and
he should do with him as he wills. Ibn Ziyaad replied that he will slay him, and Imaam
Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] replied that he should do as he wills.
 The police were ordered to take Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] to the roof of the
Government building and slay him. He ordered that the head of the Imaam 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, Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu].. noticed that the building was full of
people who came to witness what was transpiring. Those who had called them to
Kufaa via letter, and had sworn allegiance were also among them.
H azrat Imaam Muslim addressed them saying. O residents of Kufaa! You
[Radiyal Laahu Anhu]

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
Baiet, then in whatever way possible send a message to Husaien bin Alee (may Allaah
Kareem be well pleased with him) that he should not come to Kufaa.
Ibn Ziyaad threatened the people that they should take care not to act upon what
Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] had requested or they would be killed and their childrens
bodies would be raised on spears.
He said to Imaam Muslim[Radiyal Laahu Anhu] 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 Kufaa. He said that why should Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] be stopped from
coming since they wanted to show him what happens to rebels. Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu]
began crying thinking of Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] and the betrayal at Kufaa. He was
dragged to the roof. Imaam Muslim requested that he be given an opportunity to read two
rak'aat of salaah and this was refused.
He looked towards the province of Hijaaz, containing Makaah and Madinah, and said, O my
Master Husaien, [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] may you be informed of what has happened to me. If only I had
not written to you saying that all was well in Kufaa. These people have betrayed us and I
dont know what will happen when you arrive here. Whilst in this state Imaam Muslim [Radiyal
Laahu Anhu] was dropped down and beheaded him and he drank the nectar of Martyrdom.
H AZRAT IMAAM HUSAIEN
[Radiyal Laahu Anhu]

leaves for Kufaa

 Hazrat Imaam Husaein [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] leaves for Kufaa

I t was divinely ordained that on the very day when Hazrat Imaam Muslim [Radiyal Laahu Anhu]

was martyred Hazrat Imaam Husaein [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] was leaving Makaah with his family and
well-wishers. Their wives, daughters and sisters and breast-feeding children, accompanied
them. 'Ulamaa have written that his group had in it wives, daughters, sisters,young
children and teenagers. This should be borne in mind, that Hazrat Imaam Husaein [Radiyal
Laahu Anhu] [did not leave Makaah with the intention to fight or go to war. He who goes to war

does not take wives, daughters, sisters and small children with him. The fact that he had
with him his wives, daughters, sisters and children is proof of his intention.
The letter that informed him of a favorable situation in Kufaa prompted him
to travel with his family. On the way to Kufaa he received news of Imaam
Muslims [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] fate. They were surprised and shocked to hear this,
but decided to go on to Kufaa and see for themselves as to how the
situation took such a drastic turn. They were two hours away from Kufaa
they met Hur bin Yazeed Riyahi with an army of a thousand soldiers. Hur
said to Hazrat Imaam Husaein [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] that he has come to arrest him
on the instruction of Ibn e Ziyaad the governor of Kufaa
KUFAA IRAQ-ROUTE
 Hur said that his crime was rebellion against Yazeed. Hazrat Imaam Husaein [Radiyal Laahu

explained haw the people of Kufaa had forced him to take certain steps and since they
Anhu]

had changed their stance he was prepared to go back. Hur himself was surprised at the
turn of events. He told Hazrat Imaam Husaein [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] that if he let him go his soldiers
would complain to Ibn Ziyaad and he will be in trouble. So he advised the Imaam to
continue discussions with him till night falls. He told him to leave quietly at night when the
soldiers were asleep. Hazrat Imaam Husaein [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] agreed. When darkness overtook
them and the soldiers were asleep the group of Hazrat Imaam Husaein [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] left.
 They traveled the whole night and Almighty Allaah 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 Almighty Allaah 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 Karbalaa
in Iraq.
Kisi nay Jab Wattan Pooch haa ,
Tou Yuun Hazrat ne Farmaayaa

Madinay Waalay Kehlaatay

Thay, Ab Hayn Karbalaa
Waalay
 Karbalaa In Iraq
As soon as Hazrat Imaam Husaein heard the word Karbalaa, he said, my
[Radiyal Laahu Anhu]

maternal grandfather The Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], had prophesied that I would be
martyred in Karbalaa. This is the place therefore it is impossible to leave from 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.
 Hazrat Bibi Zaienab [Radiyal Laahu Anhaa] the sister of Hazrat Imaam Husaein [Radiyal Laahu Anhu]
pleaded with her brother to leave Karbalaa since she felt upset seeing blood oozing from
the ground wherever they poked a tent pole. He replied, 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 Prophets [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], family was destined
to color this ground. The flowers of the garden of the Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam],
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 Karbalaa via Makaah. Fate had brought them here since till The
Day of Judgment they will be known as the people of Karbalaa.
As soon as Hazrat Imaam Husaein [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] and his followers settled down. The army units being sent by
Ibn Ziyaad and Yazeed came to meet them and each one brought the same message, that Hazrat Imaam
Hussain [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] should pledge allegiance to Yazeed and if he does then he should be brought alive to
Yazeed and on refusal, his severed head should be brought to him.
Hazrat Imaam Husaein [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] replied that it was impossible that he pledge allegiance to Yazeed. 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 Yazeeds hand.
He said that he left Madinah to avoid pledging allegiance to Yazeed 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 Hazrat Imaam Husaein [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] 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 Kufaans 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. A llow us to return to Makaah 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 Islaam and
concentrate our efforts on making them Muslims.
3. Finally, if you dont agree to the other two requests take me to
Yazeed 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 Kufaa, 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 Hazrat Imaam
Husaein [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] , but to secure his
allegiance and on refusal to send his
severed head to me. My final order is this
that you must fight Imaam Husaien [Radiyal
Laahu Anhu] and decapitate him. When

Hazrat Imaam Husaein [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] heard

this his reply was, do as you wish, we will
never swear allegiance to Yazeed.
7th MUHARRAM UL
HARAM
An artist aerial viewof Karbalaa field
7TH MUHARRAM
 Prevented From Accessing Water
As a strategy of war, on the 7th Muharram, they prevented Hazrat Imaam Husaein [Radiyal
Laahu Anhu] 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 Husaeini. As you have been
informed that the Husaeini 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 fountain of Kauser
[Maalik-e Kauser] in paradise and the son of the water bearer at Kauser [Saaqi-e-Kauser]
 A poet has said,
Haakim Kaa Hukam yeh Thaa Keh Paani Bashar Piyay
Ghoray Piyay Oont Piyay,
Ahle Hunar Piyay
Sab Piyay Charind o Parind Piyay,
Mana'a Tum Naa Kijiyo
Magar Ek Faatimah Kay La'al Ko Paani Na Dijiyo

The authority has ordained that any man may drink water
The horses, camels and common man may.
All may drink the grazing animals and birds
But dont give water to Fatimahs beloved!
 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 fountain of Kauser
[Maalik-e Kauser] in
paradise and the son of the
water bearer at Kauser
[Saaqi-e-Kauser].
 H azrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] mounted his horse rode to face the

enemy forces and delivered a brief sermon. He explained to them 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 Muhammad [Sallal Laahu
upon whom they testify faith, and at this moment in time there was no other
Alaiehi Wa Sallam],
grandson of the prophet on earth. He said that he was that same Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] about
whom the Holy Prophet Muhammad [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], said:
Hasan and Husaien 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 [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], said:
O Faatimah! Dont make Husaien cry, since I become uneasy when he cries.
He told them, Think if the Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], 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 [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], be.
 D ont you read in the Quraan
[the 33rd Soorah, Al-Ahzaab, verse 57):

Those who annoy Almighty Allaah and His Prophet,

Allaah [Subhaanuhu Wa Ta'aalaa], has cursed them in this world
and in the Hereafter, and has prepared for them a
humiliating Punishment.
H azrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] 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 Kufaans who had
betrayed him. They had become hardhearted and stubborn since hell was their fate so the Imaam's 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.
Allaah Kareem says in the Holy Qur'aan, the 17th Soorah, al-Israa, Verse: 15
Nor do We punish until We have sent a messenger
to give warning.
9th MUHARRAM UL
HARAM
Attack Begins
 I t was the 9th of Muharram, the Yazeedi force were impatient to fight. Hazrat
Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] sent a messenger asking for a day stay before
commencing battle. They granted a stay of one night. Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal
Laahu Anhu] 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 Imaam, if
we leave your side at this critical moment, with what face will we face the
Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], on the Day of Judgment. The Holy
Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], will ask us if we valued our lives more than his
grandsons 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 Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] 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 Allaah [Ta'aalaa], 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 Allaah Kareem.
They would have to drink from the nectar of martyrdom and become shining examples of truth
for all the future generations. The Imaam 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 Allaah [Subhaanuhu Wa Ta'aalaa],. Each one left the gathering and went to their resting
places. Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] entered his tent and started reciting the
Holy Qur'aan. Whilst reciting the Holy Qur'aan, Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu]
fell asleep. In his dream he sees the Leader of all creation, the Holy Prophet
Muhammad [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], approaching him and taking him in his hands.
 The Prophet Muhammad [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam],

placed his blessed hands on the chest of Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu
Anhu] and supplicated:

Al laahumma Aatil Husaiena sabraw Wa Ajraa

O Allaah! Grant My Hussaein, Patience And Reward Him
The Prophet Muhammad [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa
Sallam], then said to him, my son Husaien, 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 Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhus] chest
into a treasure house of patient perseverance, the
Prophet Muhammad
[Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], left.
H azrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] awoke and related his dream
to his followers. The Fajr Salaah was performed and thereafter Hazrat
Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] supplicated to Allaah Kareem 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 [aa'meen]. When these
thirsty followers and princes had completed their supplication and were
still seated then all hell broke loose. The Yazeedi force mounted their
horses and surrounded Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] s camp.
 F ifty Followers MartyredKarbalaa

Arrogantly they called out for someone to come and challenge them and shot a few
arrows towards Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu]s tent. Imaam Husaien
[Radiyal Laahu Anhu] s followers sought his permission to reply to those taunts. He granted

them permission and his followers showed their bravery on the plains of Karbalaa.
Being hungry and thirsty for three days they displayed such bravery that they
troubled the Yazeedi force. Every one of them took on ten of the enemy.
 F ifty Followers MartyredKarbalaa

The fighting was so fierce that fifty of Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] s followers
were martyred but also killed many Yazeedis before being martyred. Imaam
Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] 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 Allaah
Kareem! I am resigned to Your will. His fifty followers were martyred and now his
family remained. His brothers, nephews and sons remained.
Hur Bin Yazeed...
[Radiyal Laahu Anhu]

I maam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu]

mounted his horse and faced the Yazeedi army and

said, Is there any one who would assist the Family of
the Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], and
thereby be assured of paradise.
Hur Bin Yazeed...
[Radiyal Laahu Anhu]

This statement invoked a change in the attitude

and destiny of Hur bin Yazeed. He became
restless on his horse to the extent that one of his
associates inquired 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 Yazeed 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 Yazeedi camp saying, if I can help it I
must go to heaven. Hur left the army of Yazeed:
 Yeh Na'rah Hur Ka thaa, Jis Waqt Fauj e Naar se Niklaa
Kay Dekho Yuu Nikaltay Hayn Jahannam Se Khudaa Waalay

Hazaaron May Bahattar Tan Thay Tasleem o Razaa Waalay

Haqeeqat Mayn Khudaa inkaa Thaa Aur Yeh Thay Khudaa Waalay

Kisi nay Jab Wattan Poochha , Tou Yuun Hazrat ne Farmaayaa

Madinay Waalay Kehlaatay Thay, Ab Hayn Karbalaa Waalay

Husaien Ibne Alee ki Kyaa Madad Kar Saktaa Thaa Kooee

Yeh khud mushkil kushaa Thay aur thay mushkil kushaa Waalay

Dawaa'e Dard E Isyaa Panj Tan Kay Dar Se Milti Hai

Zamaanay Mayn Yehi Mash Hoor Hayn Daarush Shifaa Waalay
 Hur left the Yazeedi army, but the reality was this that his coming over did
not strengthen Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu]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 Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu]s insight of reality
[baseerah]called out to create a reason for him to leave and come over.
The call lit up the to heaven for Hur. Hur left the Yazeedi camp and came
face to face with
Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu]s
He said to Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu]s O son of the
Messenger! You asked if anyone at this critical juncture would help the
children of the Holy Prophet! [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], and enter heaven? I
am at your service, O grandson of the messenger! [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam],.
 If I give my life for you will I attain the intercession of the
Holy Prophet! [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam],?
Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu]s replied, If Allaah wills [In shaa Allaah]. Hur
said, Imaam Husaien [Radiyal Laahu Anhu]s ! Supplicate that Allaah Kareem 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 Yazeedi 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 Yazeedis attacked him and he retaliated with divine help. He fought bravely
and after suffering many wounds he was martyred.
 Household of
Holy Prophet

Muhammad
[Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam]
On the Battlefield
 H azrat Aqeel [Radiyal Laahu Anhu] the brother of Hazrat Muslim
bin Aqeel
After Hur was martyred, the son of Hazrat Aqeel, the brother of
Hazrat Muslim bin Aqeel sought permission to go out and fight.
Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] embraced him. Kissed his forehead
and permitted him to go out into the battlefield.
Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] s Brothers
He went out, displayed his bravery and killed many Yazeedis and
eventually he too was martyred. Now was the turn of Imaam
Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] s brother, who sought permission and went
out. The son of the Lion of Allaah, showed that he had his
fathers blood in him.
T he children of Hazrat Hazrat 'Alee [Radiyal laahu Anhu] showed such bravery that one
after the other they were martyred. After seeing all his brothers martyred, his
nephews, the sons of Imaam Hasan [Radiyal laahu Anhu] came to Imaam Husaien
[Radiyal laahu Anhu] to seek permission. These were the grandsons of Hazrat Faatimah

Zahraa and Hazrat 'Alee [Radiyal laahu Anhuma] who were the dear nephews of
Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu].
 When he 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.
 T he 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 Kausar 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 Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu]. They shone like stars
of guidance on the battlefield of Karbalaa. They also killed many Yazeedis
and eventually were martyred.
 T he Sons Of Imaam Hasan
(May Allaah Be Well Pleased With Him)
Now that nephew of Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] stepped forward, the 19-year-old
Imaam Qaasim [Radiyal laahu Anhu] who was engaged to Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu]
daughter,
Hazrat Sakeenah [Radi Allaahu-Anha]
When Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] 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, Hasan that you be married to Sakeenah, so when you reach Madinah, marry my daughter
and fulfill your fathers wish. Hazrat Qaasim said, My beloved uncle! My father had another desire
also. He had put a taweez 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 Karbalaa who will be

after his life will surround my brother Imaam Husaien [Radiyal
laahu Anhu]. So my son, when this occurs, sacrifice your life for

your uncle, for Allaah Kareem 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. Imaam
Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] embraced his young nephew and
sent him into the battlefield. Imaam Qaasim [Radiyal laahu Anhu]
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. Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] s brothers sons
had been martyred, and after them.
 H azrat Z aienab
[Radiyal laahu Anhaa]

H is sister Hazrat Zaienab [Radiyal laahu Anhaa] stood in front of him with her
two sons. She said, O Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] ! Your sisters sons are
also impatient to give their lives for you. He replied, Please dont 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 dont defend you. I also want to go to
heaven and tell my mother, Bibi Faatimah [Radiyal laahu Anhaa] that I also
sacrificed my two sons for your beloved son.
 H azrat Z aienab
[Radiyal laahu Anhaa]

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 Zaienabs [Radiyal laahu Anhaa] 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 youll to Allaah [Ta'aalaa].
The children were martyred in no time, and they were lifted
up on spears.
 Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] went
running and lifted up their bodies and brought them
to the tent of Bibi Zaienab [Radiyal laahu 'Anhaa] and said
Here you are Hazrat Zaienab, my sister, your desire
has been fulfilled, your sons are quenching their
thirst in heaven. Bibi Zaienab [Radiyal laahu Anhaa] went
to the bodies and stroking their hair, she said, O my
children! You have made your mother happy.
 H azrat 'Alee Asghar
[Radiyal laahu Anhu]

After the martyrdom of his sisters sons, Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] takes his
sister by the hand and leads her into her tent. In the tent he sees his little baby, the
six month old, Hazrat 'Alee Asghar [Radiyal laahu Anhu] 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
tells Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] 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 childs thirst.
H AZRAT ABBAAS
[Radiyal laahuAnhu]
The Flag Bearer
['Alamdaar]
W hen Hazrat Abbaas The Flag Bearer ['Alamdaar] [Radiyal laahu Anhu] heard this

he became restless, and requested permission from Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] to go
and fetch water from the river. Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] asked him to be patient for
the child will quench its thirst in heaven.
Hazrat Abbaas [Radiyal laahu Anhu] said that it was a tragedy that he was here and 'Alee Asghar
should go thirsty, his tongue be sticking out and his thirst not be quenched. Hazrat Abbaas [Radiyal
laahu Anhu] said,
I am the son of the Lion of Allaah, 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.
 H azrat Abbaas
[Radiyal laahu Anhu] 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.
 H azrat Abbaas [Radiyal laahu Anhu] took some water to his
mouth, but when he brought the water to his lips, he thought of
Hazrat 'Alee Asghar and he said to himself, O Abbaas! It is not
fitting for you to quench your thirst before Hazrat 'Alee Asghar.
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 Allaah 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. Hazrat Abbaas
[Radiyal laahu Anhu] The Flag Bearer ['Alamdaar] picked it up onto his left
arm and those merciless enemies cut of that arm also. As the leather
water container was falling Hazrat Abbaas [Radiyal laahu Anhu] 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.
A s 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 'Alee Asghar 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. Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] saw his brothers state and he cried and
said, Now my back has been broken, all my companions are slain and my right
hand, Hazrat Abbaas [Radiyal laahu Anhu]
 The Flag Bearer has been cut off. I am left supporter less in a
strange country. He ran to the body of Hazrat Abbaas [Radiyal laahu
Anhu] whos 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.
 H e left the body there and returned to the tent and saw his eighteen year old, young son
Hazrat 'Alee Akbar [Radiyal laahu Anhu] who was the look alike of the
Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family).
He said to Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] , O My father! Let me go out into the battlefield for
I dont want to live if you are slain. Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] said. O my son! You are the
mirror image physically of the
Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam],
 We look at you and satisfy our desire to see the Holy Prophet. By sending you I am sending image of the
Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam] out of my home. Dont go they are after my blood. But
Hazrat 'Alee Akbar
[Radiyal laahu Anhu] 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 Imaam Husaien
[Radiyal laahu Anhu] , the apple of the Holy Prophets [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], eye, the flower of paradise from the

garden of Bibi Faatimah Zahraa and the Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam]. Hazrat 'Alee Akbar [Radiyal
laahu Anhu] recited the following as he went into the battlefield:
 A naa Aliyub nul
Husaien Ibne Alee
Nahnu ahlul baieti
Aulaa Binnabee
I am 'Alee the son of Imaam Husaien
[Radiyal laahu Anhu] , who is the son of 'Alee
Murtazaa we are the Household of the
Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], most loved
by him.
He faced the enemy and said, I am 'Alee
Akbar, the son of Imaam Husaien [Radiyal
laahu Anhu], O slayers of the Prophets [Sallal
Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], Household, destroyers
of the flowers of the garden of Bibi
Faatimah Zahraa [Radiyal laahu Anhaa] have my
blood on your hands also.
 I maam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] 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 Hazrat 'Alee Akbar [Radiyal laahu Anhu] with his spear.
Hazrat 'Alee 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 sword drawn, but he too was slain.
 The other son, Talhaa bin Taariq also tried to attack, but was killed by Hazrat 'Alee Akbar [Radiyal laahu Anhu].
When the three had been slain, Hazrat 'Alee Akbar [Radiyal laahu Anhu] turned his horse around and went
back to his father. His father approached him and Hazrat 'Alee Akbar [Radiyal laahu Anhu] 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. Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] consoled him asking him to have a little more patience for
soon he will reach paradise and quench his thirst with the water of Kausar. He embraced his son and
asked him to open his mouth and Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] put his dry tongue into his sons mouth.
He sucked the blessed tongue of his father and this gave him some satisfaction to return to the
battlefield.
H e proved it in the battlefield that he was the grandson of the Conqueror of Khyber,
Hazrat 'Alee [Radiyal laahu 'Anhu] and in his blood and arms was the strength of Hazrat
'Alee [Radiyal laahu Anhu]. He killed eighty Yazeedis 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 Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] ran towards his sons body and before he
could reach him, he saw that his son had been decapitated.
Hazrat Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] stood crying at his sons body crying and
then he carried the body to the tents.
Hazrat Zaienab [Radiyal laahu-Anhaa] came out of the tent looked at the body and said; these
tyrants have obliterated the resemblance of the Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam].
Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu 'Anhu] too his sister by the hand and led her into the tent. He
asked her to be patient for everything that is happening with the will of
Allaah [Subhaanuhu Wa Ta'aalaa].
He said, We have got to pass this test of patience and endurance for it is from Allaah
[Subhaanuhu Wa Ta'aalaa].
 H azrat 'Alee Asghars Condition Worsens
In the tent his wife Hazrat Sherbanu said, Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] , come
and see the condition of your son 'Alee Asghar. 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 Imaam
Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] to plead with them for a few drops that they themselves
could put into the childs mouth. Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] 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 'Alee Asghar.
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.
W e cannot bear to see him suffering in this extreme state of dehydration. So please
dont give me water in my hands, but put a few drops with your hands down this childs
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 Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu]. He saw that the child jerked and he put his
little hands on his chest. Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] began crying loudly, and
said, you have no honor for the Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam] also. The non-
believers have pity on children, but it seems as if you people are heartless. He pulled
the arrow out of the childs neck and threw it on the ground. Then he addressed
Allaah [Subhaanuhu Wa Ta'aalaa], saying
.
'O Allaah 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 Zaienab, now 'Alee Asghar will no more be in agony. For he is sitting on
the lap of Hazrat Bibi Faatimah [Radiyal laahu Anhaa] in paradise drinking the water of Kausar.
He then placed the body next to Hazrat 'Alee Akbars body. Both sons of
Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] were laying on the ground of Karbalaa.
.
Z ameen e Karbalaa pe Faatimah
kay phool bikhray hayn
Shaheedo ki Yeh khush buu hai
keh sab jangal mehektaa hai

The plains of Karbalaa, had the

bodies of the flowers Of Hazrat
Bibi Faatimah [Radiyal laahu Anhu]
scattered everywhere
 H azrat Zaienul Aabideen
[Radiyal Laahu 'Anhu]
Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] went into the tent and his ailing son, the 22 year
old Zaienul Aabideen got out of bed, burning with fever and said to his father, O
my beloved father! Allow me to go out and be martyred. Imaam Husaien [Radiyal
laahu Anhu] embraced his son and said, Zaienul Aabideen, if I allow you to go out then

from whom will my progeny continue, I pray that Allaah Kareem spare you,
to continue my progeny.
He then bestowed him with Khilaafat and Imaamat, 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 [Rauza Mubaraak] of the
Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], and present your fathers salutations and inform him
of what transpired. After giving his son this advice the Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu]
gets ready to go out into the battlefield.
HAZRAT IMAAM HUSAIEN
[Radiyal Laahu Anhu]s

MARTYRDOM
I maam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] ties the blessed turban of the Holy

Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], on his head, and the cloth belt of his
brother Imaam Hasan [Radiyal laahu Anhu] on his waist. He took his blessed father,
Hazrat 'Alees sword, Zulfiqaar, 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, Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] was also
going out.
 They watched as their last source of comfort,
Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] was also going out.
He said to his wife, Sherbanu, I salute you for the
last time. O Rubaab! Look at me one time for you
may not get this opportunity again. O Zaienab!
Your brother is leaving; you are the daughter of the
Conqueror of Khyber, Hazrat 'Alee (may Allaah
be well pleased with him), and the Hazrat
Saiyyidah Faatimah (may Allaah be well
pleased with her) so never stop being patient and
perform any deed that disappoints Almighty
Allaah and His Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa
Sallam], O Zaienab! Please never let my beloved
daughter Sakeenah 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 Allaah
[Subhaanuhu Wa Ta'aalaa].
 A s he said this innocent
Sakeenah came running and wrapped
her arms around her fathers legs.
Hazrat Rubaab 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?
Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu]
said, Allaah is with you. You are
His Prophets children, from the
Prophets Household. Allaah
Kareem will protect your
dignity.
I maam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu]
went out and untied his horse,
Zul janaah and was about to mount
it. Hazrat Bibi Zaienab [Radiyal laahu-
Anhaa] 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 Faatimah
Zahra [Radiyal laahuAnhaa] was going to be
martyred. The grandson of the Holy
Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], who
had sacrificed his whole family in the
path of Allaah Kareem was himself
going out to be sacrificed.
 H e 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 [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], whom he carried on his blessed shoulders,
kissed my neck and cheeks often and proclaimed this is my blood. My mother is Faatimah, the Flower
(Zahraa) and my father is 'Alee, the Elect [Murtazaa], My maternal grandfather is the Prophet of
Allaah, [Subhaanuhu Wa Ta'aalaa].
the seal of Prophets, Muhammad, the Chosen [Mustafaa][Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], .
I am him for whom the Holy Prophet , prolonged his
[Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam]

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 Faatimah and scattered them on the plains of Karbalaa. 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. Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu-Anhu] 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 Zulfiqaar, displayed that same precision that it
displayed at the Battle of Badr, in the hands of the Lion of

Allaah, Hazrat 'Alee (may Allaah be well pleased with him). At Badr

whilst fighting in the hands of Hazrat 'Alee, [Radiyal laahu-

Anhu] a recitation could be heard from the unseen saying:
Laa Fataa Illaa Alee Laa Saiefa Illaa Zulfiqaar
There is no soldier [warrior] like 'Alee
And there is no sword like Zulfiqaar
T hat sword showed the same spiritual strength that it showed at Badr. Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu
Anhu]slew many and took multiple wounds to his blessed body. Amr bin Saad ordered a combined volley of arrows
to be shot at Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] . Arrows fired from four sides were shot and it pierced the body of
Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu]. 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 [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa
Sallam],. He looked up and he sees the Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], standing in front of him with
a bottle in his hand together with Hazrat 'Alee, Hazrat Saiyyidah Bibi Faatimah and Hazrat Hasan
(may Allaah be well pleased with them all). They said, O Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] !

Look we have come to take you.

 T he Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wassalam] was

collecting drops of Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu]s

blood in the bottle and he was reciting:
Al Laahumma Aatil Husaiena
Sabraw Wa Ajraa
Allaah Grant My Imaam Husaien
[Radiyal laahu Anhu]Patience And Reward Him

T he grandson of the Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam],

was drenched in blood and his blessed body was

ripped. He fell from the horse the throne of Almighty
Allaah (arsh) shook and Hazrat Faatimah Zahraas
[Radiyal laahu Anhaa] blessed soul was disturbed. The apple of

the Holy Prophets [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], blessed eye fell
off and Hazrat Alee sighed. Him whom the Holy Prophet
[Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wa Sallam], used to mount on his blessed back

fell off his mount. As he fell Shimr and his heartless

group approached him and sat on his blessed, blood
drenched body.
Shimr sat on his blessed chest and Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] said, my
grandfather had prophesied 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-Jumuah] all true believers prostrate to
Almighty Allaah, today , so please severe my head when I am in
prostration. Even at that critical moment Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] did
not desire quenching his thirst or to see his children but to ensure that his
head is subservient to Allaah Almighty in prostration.
 H is submission was for Allaah Kareem, 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 Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] 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 Allaah, Most High! O Allaah! If you accept my

sacrifice then forgive the Community [Ummah] of my grandfather. At the moment of
decapitation, Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu]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.
 Z ul janaah
T he horse killed over seventy warriors until Shimr ordered them to leave it alone. The

horse ran to the tent of Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] and began wailing and crying.
When Hazrat Saiyyidah Bibi Zaienab [Radiyal laahu Anhaa] heard the horse she said to
Sakeenah, 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, Waa Husaienaa Waa Ghareebaa. When the
ladies in the tent heard her cry they began crying. She said, 0 Sherbanu take care of Sakeenah
whilst I check the whereabouts of my brother. The daughter of Faatimah Zahraa, [Radiyal
laahu Anhaa] 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 Karbalaa, looking for
her brothers blessed body.
 A lqissah girti parti gaee Fauj k qaree
Aayaa nazar na Faatimah zahraa ka mah jabeen She said, O
Ghayray huway thi chaar taraf se sipaahe kee
Chillaaee raah dou mujhay ae dushmanaan e dee nonreligious
tyrants! Move aside
Yeh Ibne Faatimah hai, may zahraa ki jaaee huu
Deedaar aakhiree ki tamannaa may aaee huu

Qaatil tou iss taraf ko sar e paak lay

let me see my
chalaa brother, for one last
Tarpaa Zamee pe yaa badan e Shaah e time. They replied,
Karbalaa
Tabl e zafar bajaanay lagay dushman e
whom would you
Khudaa see, for he has been
Ghull par gayaa shaheed huwaa ibne decapitated.
murtazaa
Khaytee Alee ki kat gaee basti ujarr gaee
Pardes may Husaien se Zaienab
bichhar gaee.
H azrat Zaienab went and saw
and she saw, her brothers body
lying on the plains of Karbalaa.
Naagaah Behen Ko Aayaa Nazar Laashah E
Imaam
Baghlo May Haath Daal K Liptee Woh Tashnah
Kaam
Rakh Kar Katay Galay Pe Galah Yeh Kiyaa Kalaam
Apni Kahi Na Mayree Sunee Ho Ga'e Tamaam
Haa'e Haa'e Yeh Mayray Aatay Hi Bedaad Ho Gaee
Tum Ho Ga'e Shaheed May Barbaad Ho Gaee.
 S he 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. Hazrat
Zaienab [Radiyal laahu Anhaa] lies by her brothers
blessed body and sees Hazrat Sakeenah
[Radiyal laahu Anhaa] freeing herself from the

comforting embrace of Hazrat Sherbanu

runs on the plains of Karbalaa looking for
her father. Her aunt called her saying, Come
to me I am sitting by your father. Hazrat
Sakeenah [Radiyal laahu Anhaa] saw her fathers
decapitated, blood drenched body and she
fainted falling on her fathers body.
www.okarvi.com
 H azrat Zaienab [Radiyal laahu Anhaa]

lifted her beloved niece up and

carried her to the tent. The bodies
of Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] and
his companions lay scattered on
the plains of Karbalaa. The
Yazeedis buried their dead, but
did not bury the Household of the
Holy Prophet [Sallal Laahu Alaiehi Wassalam].
They spent the night there
intending to leave the next day.
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 At night Hazrat Zaienab [Radiyal laahu Anhaa] left
the tents and looked at the scattered
flowers of the garden of Bibi Faatimah on
the plains of Karbalaa. She began crying
loudly and sat next to Imaam Husaien
[Radiyal laahu Anhu] s blessed body saying O My

brother! I am your sister alone in a strange

land.

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M adinah 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 Prophet of Allaah! Here lies
your grandson Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu Anhu] 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 Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu
Anhu] , 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 Imaam Husaien [Radiyal laahu
Anhu] 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 Allaah
Kareem shower His mercy and blessings on that sacred ground, and your lovers will cry on
that spot till Judgment Day.
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