Upon Mu'awiya's death, Yazid, 30 years old, managed to impose himself on the people and become the Khalifa. At first people refused to accept him as a representative of the Prophet (S) and Islamic Ummah, but Yazid approached people in mosques for their favours. Like his father Mu'awiya, Yazid used all possible means like bribery, coercion, pressure, threats, and force to receive the people's acceptance of him as the legitimate ruler. Many people were worried, threats to their lives and livelihood were too menacing, so they grudgingly and reluctantly gave in. Imam Husayn ('a) and his family (who practiced Islam in its true sense), did not give in. As the true representative of Prophet Muhammad (S), Al-Husayn ('a) flatly refused accepting Yazid either as a Khalifa or a leader of Islam. Despite Yazid's intimidating military power the Imam stood firm in his resolve and chose to challenge Banu Umayya's authorities.

Yazid commissioned Waleed Ibn Ut'ba, his Governor over Medina, to ask for Imam Husayn's allegiance of loyalty or else upon refusal, his head. Waleed invited Al-Husayn ('a) to a meeting for the purpose. Imam Husayn ('a) did not give his word at the meeting and decided to leave Medina along with his family to proceed to Mecca. When Al-Husayn ('a) reached Mecca, he received 12,000 letters from Kufa urging him to go to Kufa to be their leader, and be the Khalifa. Imam sent an emissary, his cousin Muslim Ibn Aqeel, to Kufa to ascertain first-hand information about the situation in Iraq. In the meantime, Yazid spread a network of informants and secret agents in Mecca to assassinate the Imam during pilgrimage. Imam learned about the spies, and carefully evaluated the situation in Mecca. Imam Husayn ('a) knew that Yazid son of Mu'awiya had no regard for Islamic values and teachings, that he would do anything to enforce his tyrannical rule. Imam Husayn ('a) also knew that giving allegiance of loyalty to an imposter like Yazid would certainly place Islam in great jeopardy. Therefore, he decided to leave Mecca for Kufa to prepare for a confrontation with Yazid and his forces.

Many friends and relatives urged Imam Husayn ('a) not to go to Kufa, but he insisted on going. Imam Husayn ('a), along with family, friends, and companions began the journey toward Kufa (1,100 miles) in a long caravan in the blistering heat of summer.

Imam Husayn ('a) received the first letter from his emissary Muslim Ibn Aqeel with good news. The letter indicated that the people were more than ready to welcome the Imam in Kufa and were looking forward to his leadership. Imam Husayn ('a) decided to send another emissary to Kufa with a message. The caravan kept proceeding toward Kufa. Many days passed but the Imam did not receive any more responses from Muslim Ibn Aqeel.

In Kufa Muslim Ibn Aqeel with the help of Mukhtar Al-Thaqafi and Hani Ibn Urwah continued to hold secret meetings with the supporters of the Imam. Within a short time, the gatherings started to gain momentum. Yazid through his spies and informants learned about Muslim's successes in Kufa. He appointed the tyrant Ubaidullah Ibn Ziyad to replace al-Nu'man Ibn al-Basheer as Governor of Kufa.

Meanwhile, as Al-Husayn's caravan got closer to its destination (Kufa), coming to a place called Zubalah, Imam Husayn ('a) unexpectedly received shocking news. The shocking news was about Muslim Ibn Aqeel and the person who provided him shelter, Hani Ibn Urwah, both of whom were arrested and beheaded by the Governor Ibn Ziyad. Mukhtar was also arrested and imprisoned and tortured by Ibn Ziyad.

Imam Husayn ('a) gathered his companions and disclosed to them about the bad news, and said, “Our Shi'a have deserted us, those of you who prefer to leave us may do so freely and without guilt”

Becoming scared, some companions left the caravan. Imam Husayn ('a) continued with the journey along with close companions and family members until he was face to face with 1,000 horsemen led by Hurr al-Riyahi representing the enemy. The enemy army blocked the camps of Imam Husayn ('a) from advancing. Tension started to rise between the two. The Imam addressed the enemy explaining to them his motives for going to Kufa, that it was in response to the invitation of the people. He even showed them a bagful of letters he received from Kufa. Hurr said that he and his men were not the writers of those letters. Imam told them that if they did not like him to advance with the journey, he was prepared to return to Hijaz.

Hurr replied, “We are commissioned to follow you until we take you to Governor Ibn Ziyad, and suggested to the Imam to go towards a station which is neither Kufa nor Medina”

Imam Husayn ('a) found the proposal fair and turned the caravan away from Kufa. Hurr and his army marched parallel to the Imam. The two sides reached a village called Nainawa where Ibn Ziyad's messenger (Yazid's governor over Kufa) delivered a message to Hur. The message read, “...force Husayn ('a) to a halt. But let him stop in an open space, without vegetation or water”

Hurr conveyed the contents of the letter to Imam Husayn ('a). The Imam, his family and companions defiantly resumed their journey and reached a place where another enemy force blocked their move and forced them to stop. When Imam Husayn ('a) learned that the place was called Karbala, he felt he reached the destination and ordered his camp to be setup. That day was 2nd of Muharram, Hijri 61.

Upon learning that his army had succeeded to lay a siege around the Imam's camp, Governor Ibn Ziyad sent additional military units to Karbala and appointed Umar Ibn Sa'ad in charge. Imam Husayn ('a) opened a dialogue with Umar Ibn Sa'ad and convinced him to lift the siege so that the Imam with his family and companions could leave Iraq. Umar Ibn Sa'ad liked the Imam's proposal and sent a message to Governor Ibn Ziyad notifying him about the results of the talks with Imam Husayn ('a). Ibn Ziyad also found the Imam's proposal acceptable. However before agreeing to it officially, Shimr Ibn Dhil-Jawshan, opposed it strongly. As a result, Ziyad wrote a letter to Umar Ibn Sa'ad commanding him to either go to war with Imam Husayn ('a) or be relieved of his duties as commander of the army and Shimr would not only replace him but dispatch Ibn Sa'ad's head to Kufa.

Umar Ibn Ibn Sa'ad got the letter. After pondering over the consequences, he decided to fight Imam Husayn ('a). On the 7th day of Muharram, he moved his troops closer to the camp and began to surround the Husayni camp. Ibn Sa'ad laid a blockade around the camp to cut it off from access to the river Euphrates, to deprive it of water in a move to force them to surrender.

Two days later, (on the 9th of Muharram), the enemy's military forces closed in on the camp of Imam Husayn ('a). Imam asked his brother, Abbas, to talk to Ibn Sa'ad and request a delay of the aggression by one night. Umar Ibn Sa'ad agreed to the demand. He ordered his troops to delay the aggression till next morning. Imam Husayn ('a) and his pious companions spent that night in prayers. During the night the Imam told the companions, “.... the enemy is interested in none but me, me alone. I'll be most delighted to permit each and every one of you to go back, and I urge you to do so...”

All companions screamed in response, “By Allah, never, never! We will either live with you or die together with you”

Finally, the Day of Ashura dawned upon the soil of Karbala. It was the day when Jihad would be in full bloom, blood would be shed, 72 innocent lives would be sacrificed, and a decisive battle would be won to save Islam and the Ummah.

It had been a few days since the enemy cut off the water supply. Children were crying for water, the women were desperate for water, Zaynul-Abideen, the son of Imam Husayn ('a) was sick with fever. The suffering from the thirst was too painful to bear. And despite this, not a single person in the camp made any complaints or even questioned the mission of Imam Husayn ('a). Each member supported the Imam wholeheartedly and enthusiastically.

Next morning Imam Husayn ('a) went out of the camp and saw Umar Ibn Sa'ad mobilizing his troops to start the hostility. He stared at the intimidating army, and as large as it was Imam Husayn ('a) showed no signs of compromise. Imam Husayn ('a) raised his hands in prayer: “O Allah! It is Thee in whom I trust amid all grief. You are my hope amid all violence. Thou are my refuge and provision in everything that happens to me. How many grievances weaken the heart leaving me with no means to handle them, during which friend deserts me, and enemy rejoices in it. I lay it before Thee and complain of it to Thee, because of my desire in Thee, Thee alone. You relieve me of it and remove it from me. Thou are the Master of all Grace, the Essence of Goodness, and the Ultimate Resort of all Desire”

Hurr Ibn Yazid Ar -Riyahi

Before the actual engagement was to take place Hurr, the previous commander of the enemy force, felt his conscience violently stirring, he was in turmoil. Upon realizing the gravity of the situation, he suddenly broke away from Umar Ibn Sa'ad's camp (along with two others). They rushed toward Imam Husayn ('a) to join his camp. Hurr's heart was jumping with joy, his mind relieved of an agonizing tension. Hur's defection worried Umar Ibn Sa'ad very much, lest others do the same and defect. So, Umar Ibn Sa'ad threw an arrow in the air to indicate the start of the battle. This was the outset of a catastrophe and a tragic event that Mu'awiya had once conceived to happen.1

Hurr Ibn Yazid ar -Riyahi was the one responsible for trapping Imam Husayn and his family in the land of Karbala, forbidding them from proceeding to Kufa or to return to Madina. Even though Imam Husayn offered Hurr’s soldiers’ water and even water to their animals, here it was that now on the Day of Ashura Imam Husayn and his family had been without water for 3 days. All that could be heard were the cries of the thirsty children al-‘Atash al-Atash! The thirst is killing us!

Imam Husayn ('a) came to deliver a speech to the enemy calling them to fear Allah and condemning them for what they were doing to the children of Rasul Allah2. Hurr stood in a difficult spot. He was having a mental tug of war.

Should he remain in the army of Yazid and kill Imam Husayn to receive countless rewards from Yazid or should he abandon this wretched army and join the grandson of the Prophet protecting him till his death? It was a choice between Heaven and Hell.

One of the soldiers of Ibn Ziyad saw Hurr and said to him: “By Allah, I have never seen you like this before! If I was asked who was the bravest man from amongst the people of Kufa, I wouldn’t hesitate to mention you. What is this I see in you today?”

Hurr’s conscience called him to recognize his Imam. Hurr replied to him: “By Allah I find myself between Heaven and Hell and I will not prefer anything to Paradise even if I am cut into pieces and burnt!”

He went and tried to dissuade Ibn Sa’ad from fighting the Imam, but he saw they were intent on killing him. So, he knew what he must do: go and join the army of Imam Husayn and protect him till his last breath.

With that he set off on his horse and rushed to join the Imam while he was immersed in shame and regret.

When he reached the Imam ('a), he said in a loud voice, “O my Lord I am turning towards you while I have terrified Your saints and the son of Your Prophet. O’ Aba Abdillah3, I have repented, would I be forgiven?”

He dismounted his horse while his tears were glistening on his face. He stood before the Holy Imam and said, “May I be your ransom, son of the Apostle of God?” he said, “I was your companion who stopped you from returning. I accompanied you along the road and made you stop in this place. But I did not think that the people would refuse to respond to what you have offered them and that they would ever come to this. By God, if I had I known that they would finish up by doing what I am seeing them do to you, I would not have committed what I have committed against you. I repent to God for what I have done. Will you accept my repentance?”

Imam was glad he was joining him, and he forgave him saying, “Yes, Allah has accepted your repentance and forgiven you”

At that time Hurr related to the Imam a dream he had seen, “Last night I saw my father in dream that he was asking me: What are you doing these days, and where are you?

I replied: I was in pursuit of Husayn. He told me: Woe be on you, what has happened to you. Are you pursuing Husayn, the son of Allah’s Messenger (S)’?

Hurr said: “Yaa Husayn, I request you to grant me the permission to fight so that I may be the first to be killed in your service just as I was the first one to attack you?”

Hurr asked the Imam’s permission to give a speech to the people of Kufa and counsel them. Perhaps some of them would turn back from their wrong way towards the path of truth. The Imam gave him the permission and Hurr called out in a loud voice:

“O people of Kufah! May your mothers lose you and weep over you! You invited him and then cut him off; surrounded him from all sides and forbid him from going to the vast land of Allah, so that he and his family find security. And he became like a prisoner in your hands, he can’t help or harm himself.

And you prevented him and his women and children and companions from the running waters of Furat, who the Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians drink from it, and the pigs and dogs of the woods enter it! And here they are, dying from thirst. What a terrible way for you to repay Muhammad in his progeny, may Allah not quench your thirst on the Day of Thirst”

This speech affected 30 soldiers from the army of Ibn Saad and they joined the Imam’s camp and before leaving they said to the people of Kufa, “The son of Allah’s Messenger (S) presented three proposals but you did not accept anyone of them” They fought bravely on the side of the Holy Imam till they were martyred in his service.

On the Day of Ashura upon seeing the death of Habib Ibn Mazahir, Hurr saw that the death of Habib deeply affected Imam Husayn ('a). The Imam stood beside body of Habib sighing in sorrow and grief and said, “Allah shall be pleased with me and those friends of mine who render help”

At that moment, the great warrior, Hurr Ibn Yazid Riyahi, knew what he must do to gain the pleasure of Allah and that was to help Imam Husayn ('a). He went out to the battlefield and went to welcome death smiling in joy of having helped the grandson of Rasul Allah (S).

Hurr fought while Zuhair Ibn Qain accompanied him. When one of them was surrounded by the crowds of soldiers the other would rush to his aid and rescue him.

Then while fighting, Ayyub Ibn Mashruh aimed an arrow at Hurr’s horse and maimed it. The horse stampeded out of control, but Hurr jumped from it like a lion without encountering any harm. He began to fight on foot courageously till many men from the side of the enemy surrounded him.

Then the soldiers preceded to attack him with swords and spears and he fell down drenched in his own blood. The companions of the Imam rushed towards him and carried him to the Imam’s tent and placed him on the ground. The Imam stepped forward and cleaned the blood from Hurr’s face and mourned for him with the following lines: “Hurr, you are ‘free’ like your mother named you. You are free in this world and the Hereafter”4

Imam Husayn's supporters insisted on being the first to fight. Therefore, they took the brunt of the enemy attack. The battle was ferocious. Within a short time, the Imam's supporters slay a large number of the enemy fighters, they were on the offensive and the enemy on the defensive. This caused apprehension and confusion in the enemy military, the 72 of Husayn's against the 5,000 of the enemy (some say 30,000) being on the defensive. So worried and nervous, the enemy commander-in-chief ordered his army not only to set fire to the Imam's tents (which were occupied mostly by frightened females and children), but at the same time reinforced his fighters with more troops.

The heroes began to fall, they were men of valour welcoming martyrdom, they fell one after another, for the enemy was overwhelming in number. By noon time the Imam stopped the fight to perform the Salat. By this time those left were mainly his family and a few supporters. They performed the Salat together. Two supporters were guarding the performers of Salat. The enemy was standing still, watching!! When Salat was finished one of the guards fell dead; there were 17 arrows in his back. 5 Instead of dodging the arrows like most people would these brave souls were jumping in front of the arrows to catch them with their bodies. This was to protect Imam Husayn ('a) and his Shi’a who were praying so that they did not get hit by arrows while they were calling upon Allah.

Wahab Ibn Abudullah Qalbi

This is the story of a young bride and a young bridegroom who were at Karbala’. They had been married only two months. The bridegroom was his mother's only child.

After his marriage the mother decided to go for Hajj and take the son and his bride. They left Kufa for Mecca in the month of Shawwaal.

On their way back, they found Kufa sealed off. At the border the mother asked why Kufa had been placed under such a strict blockade. She was told that a rebel group was camped at Karbala’ and that Kufa was sealed off to protect the city and its inhabitants from an attack by the rebels. She asked who the rebels were. She was told the leader was Husayn Ibn Ali Ibn Abu Taalib.

On hearing the name, the lady almost fainted. This lady was the widow Abdullah Qalbi and her son, the newlywed bridegroom, was Wahab Ibn Abdullah Qalbi. His father was a companion of Ali. In 40 Hijrah when Abdullah Qalbi's wife was pregnant she became very ill. Abdullah Qalbi went to Ali ('a) and said, “My wife and I have been childless for so long. Now that she is expecting a baby, she is so ill that I may lose her. Please Mawla, pray for her” Ali ('a) prayed, and Abdullah Qalbi's wife recovered. Same year Ali ('a) was martyred. A few months later Wahab was born. Two years later his father died. The widow had brought up her son with great love.

Now she heard the son of Ali ('a) being accused of wanting to attack Kufa and kill the people there. She refused to believe it. She said to her son, “Wahab, I must go and find out what is happening”

Wahab said, “Mother, I too would like to come” The three arrived in Karbala’ on the 7th Muharram.6

On learning the true situation Wahab decided to stay on with Imam Husayn ('a) and fight for him. When he told his mother of his decision, she said, “I am the proudest mother in Iraq”

Wahab Ibn Abdullah Ibn Habbab Kalbi came out into the battlefield. His mother too was accompanying him on that day, who told him, “Arise O son! And defend the grandson of the Prophet of Allah (S)”

Wahab replied, “Verily I shall not act miserly” Thus he came out into the battlefield while saying: “If you do not know me, I am from Bani Kalb, very soon you will see me and my sword, and will behold my attack and influence in battle, I will seek my revenge after the revenge of my companions, and I will ward off grief and affliction before my grief, to fight me in the battlefield is not a joke”

He attacked the Kufan army and killed a group among them one after the other. Then he returned to his mother and wife and stood facing them and said, “O mother! Are you pleased now”?

She replied, “I shall not be pleased until you attain martyrdom in the presence of Imam Husayn ('a)”

Then his wife said, “I request you in the name of Allah not to bereave me”

Hearing this his mother said, “O dear son! Do not accept what she says, go and fight in the way of the grandson of the Prophet (S), so that he may intercede for you on the day of Qiyamah (resurrection)”

Wahab returned back saying: “I swear to you O Umme Wahab, to strike them with spears and sword, similar to the swordsmanship of a youth who believes in the Almighty, so as to give a taste of the bitter battle to this nation, I am valourous and a youth possessing a clear-cut sword, I am not fearful during battle, Allah, the Wise, is sufficient for me”

Then he laid siege until he had killed nineteen horsemen and twelve-foot soldiers. Both his hands were severed, seeing this his mother lifted a peg of the tent and ran towards him saying, “May my parents be your ransom! Strive in the way of the Household of the Prophet (S)”

Wahab proceeded further to return her back to the tents, when she caught hold of his shirt and said, “I shall not return back until I am killed along with you”

When Imam Husayn ('a) saw this, he said, “May Allah reward you favorably due to the right of my family! Return back to the ladies, may Allah have mercy upon you”

Hearing this the woman returned and Wahab fought until he was martyred.

The wife of Wahab came and sat at his head and started wiping the blood from the face of her husband. When Shimr saw her, he commanded his retainer to strike her with his club. He did so and she was the first woman to attain martyrdom in the ranks of Imam Husayn ('a) (May Allah's Mercy and Blessings be upon her).

It is stated in Rawzatul Wa'ezeen and Amali of Shaikh Sadooq, that formerly Wahab and his mother were Christians, and they had accepted Islam at the hands of Imam Husayn ('a). They accompanied the Imam to Karbala, and on the Day of Ashura Wahab mounted his horse, while a peg of the tent was in his hands. He fought until he had killed seven or eight men among the enemies. Then he was arrested and taken to Umar Ibn Sa'ad, who ordered him to be beheaded.

Allamah Majlisi says that he saw in a narration that Wahab was formerly a Christian, then he along with his mother accepted Islam at the hands of Imam Husayn ('a). When he entered the battlefield, he put to sword twenty-four-foot soldiers and twelve horsemen. Then he was arrested and brought to Umar Ibn Sa'ad who told him, “What a marvellous valour you possess”

Then he ordered him to be beheaded. He was beheaded and his head was thrown towards the tents of Imam Husayn ('a). His mother lifted his head up and kissed it, then she threw it towards the army of Umar Ibn Sa'ad, which hit a man and killed him. Then she lifted up a peg of the tents and killed two others until Imam Husayn ('a) saw her and said, “O mother of Wahab! Return. You and your son will be along with the Prophet (S), while Jihad is lifted off from the women”

Hearing this she returned back saying, “O Lord! Do not disappoint me”

Imam told her, “May your Lord not disappoint you, O mother of Wahab”!7

On the Day of Ashura, Wahab fought for Imam Husayn ('a). When he was killed the mother and the bride were standing at the gate of the camp. Their faces were radiant with pride. Umar Ibn Sa’ad ordered Wahab's head to be cut off from the body. He threw the head at Wahab's mother. She picked it up, kissed it and threw it back at Umar Ibn Sa’ad saying, “What we have sacrificed for our Imam and for Islam we do not take back. I am sorry I have one son only. If I had twenty, they all would have fought Yazid today”

Then she went into the camp and took the young bride in her arms. Just then, the tent's curtain lifted, and Bibi Zaynab ('a) came in. She embraced them both and offered her condolences saying: “May Allah grant you patience to bear Wahab's loss!!8

John Ibn Huwai The Freed Servant Of Abu Dharr

Among those who were martyred at Karbala’ were sixteen servants or freed servants. Most of them were from Abyssinia, the present-day Ethiopia. Some of them belonged to Imam Husayn's family and others to the companions of Imam who remained with him.

On the night before Ashura, the Imam and the companions freed all their servants and urged them to go away and seek their safety, but these sixteen would not leave. Amongst them was an Abyssinian called John Ibn Huwai.

Ali ('a) had given John to Abu Dharr Ghiffari, Abu Dharr freed him, but John stayed on with Abu Dharr as a companion. When Abu Dharr was exiled from Madina John went back to Ali ('a) who invited him to stay on as his companion. In the company of Ali ('a) he learnt the tafseer of Quraan and the traditions of the Holy Prophet (S). He also knew the Holy Quraan by heart. When Ali ('a) was martyred John stayed with Imam Hasan ('a) and after Imam Hasan ('a) he moved in with Imam Husayn ('a). When Imam Husayn ('a) left Madina John insisted on accompanying him.

At Karbala’ John could always be seen at the side of Imam Husayn ('a). He was an old man, dark with grey curly hair. Because of his profound knowledge and pleasant manners he was greatly respected by all.

John spent the whole night of Ashura sharpening his sword. On the following day he helped in repelling the first two attacks from Yazid's army. At midday, after the Zuhr prayers, John came to the Imam, and stood silently with his arms folded. It was his habit never to speak in the presence of the Imam until spoken to.

Imam Husayn ('a) looked at John and said, “John, I know you have come for my permission to go to the battlefield. You have been a good and trusted friend. I will not deny you martyrdom for Islam. Go, Allah be with you!”

John smiled happily. He faced the enemy and recited a poem that said “I am a soul willing to die for Allah and have a sword thirsty of the blood of the enemies of Allah. Before I die, I shall fight the enemies of Allah with my sword and my tongue, and thus shall I serve the grand-son of the Holy Prophet (S)”

John fought courageously, all the time reciting the poem. He received several mortal blows, but his recitation of the poem continued. John fell from his horse; he still continued to fight with his tongue by reciting the poem. And then a few horsemen moved to where he lay. John, the Abyssinian, was silenced.

Habib Ibn Mazaahir

Another who died upon the love of Ahl Al-Bayt ('a) was the dear friend of Imam Husayn: Habib Ibn Mazahir.

Habib Ibn Mazaahir didn’t know the whereabouts of Imam Husayn (‘a) until the letter from Husayn arrived at his home. At that time, he was having breakfast with his wife and his young son. Habib read the letter from Husayn. He kissed it and tears began to flow from his eyes.

His wife asked him what’s wrong?

Habib said: “I have received a letter from my master, Husayn. He has asked me to join him in Karbala. Yazid's soldiers have surrounded him and are after his life”

Habib's wife said: “Habib! Your childhood friend has called you. Your master needs your help. What are you waiting for? Go habib, before it’s too late!”

Habib was worried as to how to escape from Kufa without being seen. He instructed his servant to take his horse to a farm outside the city and wait for him there. The servant took Habib's horse to a farm outside the city and preceded to wait for him.

Habib was delayed and the servant started talking to the horse: “O’ horse! Our master Husayn is in trouble. He needs help. He has asked Habib to join him, yet Habib is late. O’ horse! If he does not manage to escape from Kufa, I will ride on you and go to Husayn's help”

At ‘Asr time, most of the men were in mosque, so Habib managed to sneak out and reach the farm where his horse was waiting. He quickly mounted his horse and said to his servant: “Go, my friend, go! I am freeing you from my services”

His servant replied: “Master! You are not being fair. I have served you faithfully for years. now, I have a chance to serve the son of Sayyida Fatimah, and you are asking me to go?! Why are you denying me a place in heaven'?!”

Habib was taken aback by the words of his servant. He was pleased to hear that he had recognized the difference between truth and falsehood. He wanted to sacrifice his life for truth. Habib asked his servant to mount his horse. Together they galloped towards Karbala.

Habib reached Karbala late in the evening where Imam Husayn greeted him with great affection. Sayeda Zaynab heard that Habib had come. She asked her maid, Fizza, to convey her greetings to Habib.

When Habib heard that Bibi Zaynab had sent greetings to him, he screamed out in grief! He threw his turban down to the ground. He slapped his face. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he spoke: “What a sad day! What has happened to the household of Sayyida Fatimah? The master of the women of the worlds! Yazid! You tyrant! What have you done to the household of Sayyida Fatimah?”

The first days and nights of Muharram passed by, and Ashura came. At dawn, Ali Akbar came and gave Adhan for the last time. Yazid's soldiers blew the trumpets to start the battle. One-by-one, Husayn's (‘a) companions went to the battlefield and gave their lives for Islam. Between Zuhr and Asr time, Habib lbn Mazaahir came to Husayn ('a).

He said: “My master, Husayn, allow me to go to the battlefield. Let me sacrifice my life for Islam”

The Imam (‘a) replied: “Habib, my childhood friend. Stay with me. You give comfort to me, my friend”

Habib persisted with his request “Please let me go” Eventually, Husayn (‘a) gave his permission. Husayn (‘a) helped his friend, Habib, onto the horse.

Habib lbn Mazaahir rode into the battlefield. He fought bravely but was finally over-powered. He fell to the ground. As Habib Ibn Mazaahir fell to the ground, an enemy soldier came over and cut off his head. All the martyrs of Karbala had their heads cut off, but Habib's was the first to be cut off by the enemy. Habib's head was not mounted on the spear like that of the other martyrs. Habib's head was tied to a horse and pulled on the ground of Karbala!

Later, in Shaam, Habib's head was tied to a horse's neck. A young boy, called Qasim, followed the horse wherever it went. One day, the man riding the horse asked the young boy Qasim: “Why are you following me around? What do you want?

Qasim just looked at the head hanging from the horse's neck. The man asked again: “Why are you staring at the head?”

The boy replied: “This head is the head of my father, Habib Ibn Mazaahir; please give it to me so that I can bury my father's head”

Habib's head seemed to look at his son and say: “My son qasim, you are thinking of burying my head? What about the head of Husayn on top of the spear?!”9

Ali Akbar

Ali Akbar went over to his father to ask his permission to go out into that gory arena from which no person from his camp had returned. Husayn ('a) looked at his face; it would be more correct to say that for a couple of minutes his stare was fixed on that face which he loved so much; which reminded him every time of his grandfather whom he resembled every inch. He tried to say something, but his voice failed him. With considerable effort he whispered with downcast eyes: “Akbar, I wish you had become a father; then you would have known what I am experiencing at this moment. My son how can a father ask his son to go, when he knows that the parting would be forever! But Akbar, the call of duty makes me helpless in this matter. Go to your mother, and to your aunt Zaynab ('a) who has brought you up from childhood and loved you and cared for you more than for her own sons and seek their permission”

Ali Akbar entered the tent of his aunt Zaynab ('a). He found her and his mother Umme Laila gazing vacantly towards the battlefield and listening intently to the battle cries of the enemy hordes. Their instinct made them aware that, now that all the devoted followers of Husayn ('a) had laid down their dear lives defending him and them, the turn of his sons, and brothers and nephews had come. It was now only a question of time. It was only a question who would go first from amongst them.

The light footsteps of Ali Akbar roused both of them from their reverie. Both of them fixed their gaze on him without uttering a word. Zaynab ('a) broke the silence with an exclamation: “O’ God, can it be true that Akbar has come to bid me and his mother the last farewell Akbar do not say that you are ready for the last journey. So long as my sons Aun and Muhammad are there, it is impossible for me to let you go”

Akbar knew what love and affection his aunt Zaynab ('a) had for him. He was conscious of the pangs of sorrow she was experiencing at that moment. Her affection for him transcended everything except her love for Husayn ('a). He looked at her face, and at his mother's who was rendered speechless by her surging feelings of anguish. He knew not how to tell them that he had prepared himself for the journey to Heaven that lay ahead. He summoned to his aid his most coaxing manners that had always made his mother and Zaynab ('a) accede to his requests and said: “My aunt, for all my father's kinsmen the inevitable hour has come. I implore you, by the love you bear for your brother, to let me go so that it may not be said that he spared me till all his brothers and nephews were killed. Abbas, my uncle, is Commander of our army. The others are all younger than me. When death is a certainty, let me die first so that I can quench my thirst at the heavenly spring of Kausar at the hands of my grandfather”

The earnestness of Akbar's tone convinced Zaynab ('a) and his mother that he was determined to go. It seemed to be his last wish to lay down his life before all his kinsmen. Since on no other occasion they had denied him his wishes, it seemed so difficult to say no to his last desire. With a gasp Zaynab ('a) could only say, “Akbar, my child, if the call of death has come to you, go”

His mother could only say: “May God be with you, my son. With you I am losing all I had and cared for in this world. Your father has told me what destiny has in store for me. After you, for me pleasure and pain will have no difference” With these words she fell unconscious in Ali Akbar's arms.

The battle cry from the enemy's ranks was becoming louder and louder. Ali Akbar knew that he had to go out quickly lest the enemy, seeing that their challenges for combat were remaining unanswered, got emboldened to make a concerted attack on his father's camp. Even such a thought was unbearable for him. So long as he was alive, how could he permit the onslaught of Yazid's forces on his camp where helpless women and defenceless children were lying huddled together? He gently put his mother in his aunt Zaynab's arms saying: “Zaynab, my aunt, I am leaving my mother to your care. I know, from your childhood, your mother Bibi Fatimah ('a) has prepared you for the soul-stirring events of today and what is to come hereafter. My mother will not be able to bear the blows and calamities that are to befall her, unless you lend her your courage. I implore you by the infinite love you bear for me to show the fortitude that you are capable of, so that your patience may sustain my mother when she sees my dead body brought into the camp's morgue. I entrust her to your care because there will be none to solace her and look after her in the years of dismay and despondency that lie ahead of her”

Ali Akbar embraced his loving aunt Zaynab ('a) with tender love and affection for the last time. she exclaimed: “Akbar, go. My child, I entrust you to God, to ease your last moments I promise you that, so long as I live, I shall look after Umme Laila with the affection of a mother”

With a heavy heart Ali Akbar returned to his father. There was no need for him to say that he had bid farewell to his mother and aunt Zaynab ('a), for the sorrow depicted on his face spoke volumes to Husayn ('a). Silently he rose and put the Prophet's turban on Akbar's head, tied the scabbard on his waist and imprinted a kiss on his forehead. In a failing, faltering voice he muttered: “Go Akbar, God is there to help you”

Treading heavily Akbar came out of the tent with Husayn ('a) following closely behind him. He was about to mount his horse when he felt somebody tugging at his robe. He could hardly see because his eyes were almost blinded with tears. He heard the voice of his young sister Sakina supplicating him not to leave her: “O my brother,” she was saying, “do not go to the battle ground from which nobody has returned alive since this morning”

Softly Akbar lifted her, gently and affectionately kissed her on her face and put her down. His grief was too deep for words. Husayn ('a) understood the depth of Akbar's feelings and picked up Sakina to console her.

The scene of Ali Akbar's march towards the battlefield was such as would defy description. The cries of ladies and children of Husayn's camp were rising above the din of battle cries and beating of enemy drums. It was appearing as if a dead body of an only son, dead in the prime of youth, was being taken out of a house for the last rites.

Ali Akbar was now facing the enemy hordes. He was addressing the forces of Umar Ibn Saad with an eloquence that he had inherited from his grandfather and the Prophet (S). He was telling them that Husayn ('a), his father, had done them no harm and had devoted his life to the cause of Islam. He was explaining to them that by shedding the blood of Husayn ('a) and his kinsmen they would be incurring the wrath of God and displeasure of the Prophet (S) who had loved Husayn ('a) more than any other person. He was exhorting them not to smear their hands with the blood of a person so Holy, so God-fearing and so righteous. His words cast a spell on the army of the opponents. The older ones from amongst them were blinking their eyes in amazement and wondering whether the Prophet (S) had descended from the Heavens to warn them against the shedding of Husayn's blood. What a resemblance there was with the Prophet (S), in face, features and even mannerism! Even the voice was of Muhammad! But on second thoughts, they realized that this was Ali Akbar, the 18-year-old son of Husayn ('a), about whose close resemblance with the Prophet (S) people were talking so much.

Seeing the effect that Ali Akbar's address had produced on his soldiers, Umar Ibn Saad exhorted them to challenge him to single combat. A few of them, coveting the honour and rewards they would get if they overpowered and killed this brave son of Husayn ('a), emaciated by three days of hunger and thirst, came forward to challenge him. One by one he met them in battle, gave them a taste of his skill and prowess in fighting and flung them from their horseback to meet the doom they so much deserved. Now it was his turn to challenge the warriors of Yazid to come forward. Seeing that in spite of his handicaps, he was capable of displaying valour and battle craft for which his grandfather Ali had acquired name and fame and which had struck terror into the hearts of enemies of Islam none dared to come forward.

Ali Akbar had received several gaping wounds in the course of his victorious single combats. He was fast losing blood and the effect of his thirst was getting accentuated with every second that was passing. He realized that the treacherous enemies would attack him en masse. He had left his mother in a dazed condition. An irresistible urge to see his dear ones for the last time seized him and he turned his horse towards his camp.

He found his father standing at the doorstep of the tent and his mother and aunt standing inside the tent. Husayn ('a) had been watching the battles of this thirsty youth and the two ladies were watching his face: they knew that if any calamity befell Ali Akbar, Husayn's expression would indicate it. Whilst watching Husayn's face, they were both praying offering silent prayers: “O Allah, Who brought back Ismail to Hajra; O Allah, Who granted the prayers of the mother Musa and restored her son to her; O Allah, Who reunited Yakoob with his son Yusuf in response to the aged father's supplications, grant us our one wish to see Ali Akbar for once”

Was it the effect of these prayers that brought back Ali Akbar to the camp? Ali Akbar was now facing his aged father and his loving mother and Zaynab ('a). With an exclamation of joy and relief they clung to him. Husayn ('a) lovingly embraced his son saying: “Bravo, my son. The gallantry you how displayed today reminded me of the battles of my revered father, Ali. The only difference was that, during his fights, my father Ali had not to battle against hunger and thirst as you had to”

Ali Akbar with his head bent replied: “Father, thirst is killing me because my wounds have added to its effect. It is usual to ask for rewards from parents for celebrating victories in single combats and I would have asked for a cup of refreshing water from you. But alas! I know that you have not even a drop of water with which you can quench the thirst of the young children. Father, knowing this, I shall not embarrass you by asking for water. I have come only to see you and my dear ones for the last time”

Ali Akbar met each and every one of his family. The second parting was sad as the first one, perhaps sadder. Without being told, everyone realized that this was the last time they were beholding Akbar. Fizza, the faithful maid of Fatimah ('a) and Zaynab ('a), was as disconsolate with grief as Zaynab ('a) and Umme Laila. Husayn ('a) followed Ali Akbar out of the tent. As he rode away, Husayn ('a) walked behind him with a brisk pace for some distance, as a man follows his sacrificial lamb in Mina. When Akbar disappeared from his sight, he turned heavenwards and, with his hands raised, he prayed: “O Allah, Thou art my Witness that on this day I have sent away for sacrifice one whom I loved and cherished most, to defend the cause of righteousness and truth”

He sat on the ground as if trying to listen expectantly to some call from the battlefield. It was not very long before he received a wailing call, a call from Ali Akbar, a call of anguish and pain: “Father, Akbar has fallen with a mortal wound in his chest. Father, come to me for I have not long to live. If you cannot reach me, I convey my last salutations to you and my dear ones”

Though Husayn ('a) was anticipating such a call, what a ghastly effect it had on him! He rose from the ground and fell; he rose again and fell again. With one hand on his heart he struggled to his feet. Torrential tears were flooding his eyes. He rushed in the direction from which the cry had come. It seemed as Husayn's strength had ebbed away on hearing that fateful cry of his dearest son, for he was falling at every few steps. He was sobbing: “Akbar, give me another shout so that I can follow its direction. Akbar, my sight is gone with the shock I have received and there is nobody to guide me to where you lie”

Abbas came rushing to the aid of his master. Holding his hand he led him on to the place from where Akbar's dying cry had come. Now Husayn ('a) was stumbling his way onwards resting his hands on Abbas' shoulders. The distance seemed interminable but at last Husayn ('a) and Abbas reached the place where Akbar was lying in a pool of his own blood. Ah, that tragic sight! May no father have occasion to see his young son in such a condition. With one hand on his chest covering a deep wound from which blood was gushing out, with his face writhing with pain, Akbar was lying on the ground prostrate and unconscious. With the agony he was enduring on account of the wound and the thirst that he was suffering, he was digging his feet into the sand. With a cry of anguish Husayn ('a) fell on the body of Akbar: “My son, tell me where you are hurt; tell me who has wounded you in the chest. Why don't you say something? My Akbar, I have come in response to your call. Say one word to me, Akbar”

Seeing that Akbar was lying there without any response to his entreaties, Husayn ('a) turned to Abbas and said: “Abbas, why don't you tell Akbar to say something to me? My dutiful son, who used to get up on seeing me, is lying on the ground pressed by the hand of death”

Husayn ('a) once again flung himself on the body of Akbar. His breathing was now heavier, a gurgling sound was coming from his throat. It seemed that his young life was engaged in an uneven struggle with death. Husayn ('a) put his head on Akbar's chest. He lifted it and put his own cheeks against Akbar's and wailed: “Akbar, for once open your eyes and smile, as you were always smiling to gladden my heart”

Though Akbar did not open his eyes, a faint smile appeared on his lips as if he had listened to his father's request. With the sweet smile still playing on his lips, he heaved a gasp and with that his soul departed. The cheeks of the father were still touching the cheeks of the son, in death as so many times in life.

On seeing his son, his beloved son, breathe his last in his own hands, Husayn's condition became such as no words can describe. For quite some time he remained there weeping as only an aged father who has lost a son, in his prime of youth, in such tragic circumstances, can weep. Abbas sat there by his side shedding tears. What words of consolation could he offer when the tragedy was of such a magnitude? All words of solace and comfort would sound hollow and be in vain when a father, an aged father, gives vent to his pent-up emotions. After a time, Abbas reverentially touched Husayn ('a) on his shoulders and reminded him that, since he had rushed out of the camp, Zaynab ('a) and the other ladies of his house were waiting for him, tormented by anxiety, demented by the thoughts of the tragedy that had befallen them. Only mention of this was enough for Husayn ('a). He knew that, as the head of the family, it was his duty to rally by the side of the grief-stricken mother, his grief-stricken sister Zaynab ('a), and the children for whom this bereavement was the greatest calamity.

Husayn ('a) slowly rose from the ground and tried to pick up the dead body of Akbar but he himself fell on the ground. Abbas, seeing this, bent over him and said: “My master, Abbas is still alive by your side. How can I leave you carry the body of Akbar and remain a silent spectator? Let me carry his body to the camp”

No Abbas, replied to Husayn ('a), “Let me do this as a last token of my love. To hold him by my heart, even in his death, gives me some comfort, the only comfort that is now left to me”

Saying this, he made all the efforts that he was capable of and, assisted by Abbas, he lifted the body of Akbar. Clasping it close to his bosom, he started the long walk to his camp. How he reached is difficult to say. It would not be too much to imagine that his grandfather Muhammad, his father Ali, his brother Hasan ('a) and perhaps his mother Fatimah ('a) had descended from heaven to help him in this task.

Husayn ('a) reached the camp and laid down Akbar's body on the ground. He called Umme Laila and Zaynab ('a) and Kulsum, Sakina and Rokayya, Fizza and the other ladies of the house to see the face of Akbar for the last time. The loving mother came, the loving aunts came, the children came, and surrounded the body of Ali Akbar. They looked at Akbar's face and then at Husayn's. They knew that their weeping would add to Husayn's grief that was already brimful. Ali Akbar's mother went up to her husband and with stifled sobs and bent head, she said to him: “My master, I am proud of Akbar for dying such a noble death. He has laid down his life in the noblest cause and this thought will sustain me through the rest of my life. I implore you to pray for me, to pray for all of us, that Almighty Allah may grant us patience and solace”

Saying this she turned to the dead body of her son lying on the ground and put her face on his. Zaynab ('a) and Kulsum, Sakina and Rokayya had all flung themselves on Akbar's body. The tears that were flowing from their eyes were sufficient to wash away the clotted blood from the wounds of Akbar.

Husayn ('a) sat for a few minutes near the dead body of his son; the son whom he had lost in such tragic circumstances; the son who had died craving for a drop of water to quench his thirst. He felt dazed with grief. Qasim, the son of his brother, who had come to seek his permission to go to the battlefield, awakened him from his stupor. He rose from the ground, wiped the tears from his aged eyes and muttered: “Verily from God we come, and unto Him is our return”

The Youths Of Karbala Qasim, Aun And Muhammad

Next to the battlefield went the sons of Imam Al-Hasan ('a) and Zaynab ('a). They were all in their teens, but each stood bravely, believing in the mission, facing a formidable enemy, and showed no less enthusiasm in their quest to embrace the martyrdom.

'The days of our youth are the days of our glory'. What hopes and feelings surge in young hearts during this time of life! How every nerve and tendon quivers with the joy of living! But there are some youths to whom the cup of life is dealt in another measure. There are some budding flowers that are destined to be swept away by the hot desert winds before they have the opportunity to bloom. Such was the destiny of Husayn's three nephews who were gathered outside the tents on the eve of that eventful day of Muharram.

Qasim, Aun and Muhammad were gathered to discuss the part they would play on the following day in defence of their uncle. There was grim determination writ large on their young faces. They were watching the progress of the moon as it was marching slowly through that cloudless sky, anxiously waiting for the morrow to unfold its event. Each one of them had the desire to go first into the battlefield to shed his blood. Even the few words they exchanged amongst themselves pertained to their anxiety lest their uncle Husayn ('a) might hold them back. They were discussing among themselves how to secure the permission of the Imam to march off into the battlefield.

Their talks were interrupted by someone coming and informing Qasim that his mother Umme Farwa wanted him to see her. He hurried to the tent. As soon as he entered it, his mother put her arms round him and said: “Qasim my son, do you know why I called you? I want to remind you about your duty towards your uncle, Husayn ('a). I want to tell you something about the unparalleled love and affection Hasan ('a) your father had for Husayn ('a). The two of them were so much devoted to each other that they were always thinking and acting in unison. The other instantaneously felt the slightest pain suffered by one as if they were twins from the same embryo. With the unique love your father had for Husayn ('a), I can well imagine how he, if alive, would have felt today! He would have been the first to sacrifice his life for his beloved younger brother”

She stopped for a few seconds and then, in a soft tone, as if reminiscing, added: “I am sure he wanted you to deputize for him on this day. My child, when he passed away, you were too young to understand life. On his death-bed his last words to me were: “Umme Farwa, I entrust you and my children to God and Husayn ('a). When Qasim grows up, you tell him that my dying desire was that he should stand by Husayn ('a) through thick and thin. I can see the clouds of treachery gathering against Husayn ('a). A day may come when he may need the unflinching devotion and sacrifice of his near and dear ones. Though I will not live to see that day, as my last wish I want you to prepare Qasim for it from his childhood” Her voice choked with emotion, as she continued: “My Qasim, since that day your father breathed his last, Husayn ('a) has looked after you as his own son. Nay, he has treated you on all occasions better than his own sons. You know how he has fulfilled your every wish so that you may not miss the love and affection of your father. Now it is your turn to show that you can repay, to some extent, your debt of gratitude by laying down your life for him before any of his sons, brothers and kinsmen. Now is your chance to reciprocate his love and affection, by demonstrating to the enemies that you are a scion of the House of Ali and can wield the sword in defence of truth”

Qasim listened to his mother with his head bowed in respect. He felt very much relieved by what his mother had said to him because he had felt very apprehensive as to how she would react when he approached her for her permission to go for the fight. He knew how his mother was attached to him after his father's death. He was well aware how restless she used to become, if she would not see him even for a few hours. He had thought that the very idea of her son marching out into the battlefield would make her demented. He felt as if his mother had taken a load off his head. He affectionately hugged her and said: “My dearest mother, I know not how I can thank you for what you have said to me just now. You know my filial affection for my uncle Husayn ('a). From my childhood I have not known what a father's love means but I know this for certain that even my father, if alive, would not have been so kind, so considerate, so affectionate to me as my uncle Husayn ('a) has been to me. He has not allowed me to feel even for a moment that I am an orphan. Thanks to him, in our house my every wish has been a command. How is it possible for me, the son of Hasan ('a), to be oblivious of my obligations to him? For me death would be far better than life without him and my dear uncle Abbas, and my cousins Ali Akbar, Muhammad and others”

Umme Farwa felt elated at the brave reply of her brave son. A painful thought passed her mind, the thought that this dear child who was so devoted to her and in whom she had reposed all her hopes, would perish on the fields of Karbala. With great efforts she controlled herself.

On the departure of Qasim, Aun and Muhammad waited for some time for him to return. Then both returned to their tent to console their mother, Zaynab ('a), whose grief and sorrow defied description. As they entered the tent, they saw her sitting on the ground with a candle in her hand looking intently at Ali Akbar, their cousin, whom she had brought up as her own son and for whom her love and affection was without a parallel. When she saw both entering the tent, she beckoned to them to come and sit near Ali Akbar. Both did so according to her bidding. She turned towards them and said in a low tone: “My children, do you know what tomorrow has in store for us? It will be a day of trial; it will be a day when the blood of our family will flow like water; it will be a day on which all the vendetta nurtured by the enemies of the Prophet's house for all these years will be spilled out. I want both of you, my beloved sons, to defend your uncle Husayn ('a) and his children at the cost of your lives” After a pause she added: “When I was leaving Mecca, your father Abdullah asked me to take both of you with me so that, if an occasion arose you, Aun, could be the deputy of your father in seeking martyrdom, and you, Muhammad, could be my offering in the cause of Islam”

Hearing their mother talk in this vein touched both to the quick. How could they tell their mother Zaynab ('a) that they were fully prepared for the doom that awaited them; that they were both coveting martyrdom in defence of the cause of Islam and its inviolable principles for which Husayn ('a) stood up so boldly and firmly in the face of odds! Aun was the first to speak. His voice was quivering with emotion when he said: “Mother, we both feel so elated to know that we have your permission to fight in defence of our uncle and his family. God willing, we both will show the army of Umar Ibn Saad that we are the grandsons of Jaafar al-Tayyar whose prowess in battle had become legendary. We shall offer such fight tomorrow that, whenever you will remember us and mourn for us, your grief will be mingled with pride that we lived up to the reputation of our family”

Hardly had Aun concluded when Muhammad, the younger one, burst out saying, “My loving mother, do not think that we need any exhortation to fight valiantly tomorrow. I am itching to go out in defence of my uncle. From my childhood I have been hearing about the valour of my maternal grandfather Ali, and paternal grandfather Jaafar al-Tayyar. It is not for nothing that we both have learnt the art of single combat from our uncle Abbas. You may rest assured that, so long as we breathe, we shall not let the least harm come to our uncle Husayn ('a) or to any of his children”

With this reply of the brave youngsters Zaynab ('a) felt reassured. It was not that she, for a moment, doubted their devotion or sense of duty. It was not that she considered it necessary to instill any courage in them, for she knew that both were brave and noble sons of a brave and noble father. Her love for her brave sons was surging within her. She was feeling as if her heart was getting squeezed when she was conjuring up the vision of these youths dying as martyrs.

Ali Akbar who was listening quietly to the talk between the mother and the two sons, looked at the face of the mother and then at the sons. With a faint smile playing on his lips, he said: “We of the Prophet's family will go out to meet death as is our wont. In what order it will be, it is for God to determine”

When he said this, perhaps he had the conviction that Husayn ('a) would never allow his nephews to die so long as he, Ali Akbar, was there. How rightly he had surmised, the events of Ashura would show!

Like all passing things that night also passed away to become a chapter of history. The day dawned and with it began the gory events that make mankind, who have the vestiges of humanity, tremble with rage and grief. As Ali Akbar had surmised that night, when the turn of members of the family came, Husayn ('a) came over to him and, with his hand on his heart, said to him: “My son, go forward to fulfil your appointed task”

As much as Zaynab ('a) and Umme Farwa protested that, so long as their sons lived, they could not think of Ali Akbar laying down his life, much as Abbas pleaded to let him be the first among the Hashimites to die fighting, Husayn ('a) insisted that he would send Ali Akbar as his own representative to be the first among his kinsmen. Ali Akbar went to the battlefield never to return from it.

Zaynab ('a) was disconsolate on Ali Akbar's death. Now Aun and Muhammad were hovering round Husayn ('a) with entreaties to let them go.

Qasim was no less vehement in his supplication for the Imam's permission to die on the battlefield. To Qasim's repeated requests his uncle's reply was: “My dear child, how can I permit you to go when I know for certain that death awaits those who venture out. Your father, my beloved Hasan ('a), had entrusted you to my care on his deathbed. My heart trembles at the very thought of sending you into the jaws of death”

This reply of Husayn ('a) broke Qasim's heart. He thought that his uncle would not under any circumstances allow him to share the fate of the other martyrs. With tears in his eyes he stood there, not knowing what to do to secure Husayn's permission.

At that moment Zaynab ('a) came over to her brother. With folded hands she said to Husayn ('a), “My dearest brother, in my whole life I have never asked you for a favor. Now, for the first time, I am requesting you to grant me one wish; let my sons follow in the footsteps of Ali Akbar”

Husayn ('a) looked at Zaynab ('a) and then at her sons. With his head bent, he replied; “Zaynab; my dearest sister, I find it impossible to deny your first and last request, though my granting it makes my heart sink within me”

Turning to Aun and Muhammad he said: “My dear children, go forward and fulfil your heart's desire to die like heroes. I shall soon be joining you on your journey to eternity”

At this reply the two young heroes felt delighted in the midst of unbounded sorrows. They fell at their mother's feet and asked her for her blessings. Zaynab's grief at the parting with these beloved children found its way through her tears which were now pouring from her eyes in torrents. She felt an urge to clasp her young sons to her bosom before they marched out on their last journey; but for fear that such display of emotion might unnerve them, she held back. She could not say anything to them in farewell. With suppressed sobs she whispered to them: “My beloved ones, may God be with you and may He grant you quick relief from the agonies that you are to endure. It is Zaynab's lot to endure ignominies with no brothers, no nephews, no sons to console her. My last request to you is to fight bravely and to die bravely so that, in the midst of my unbearable sufferings in captivity, I may at least have one remembrance to console me: your bravery in the face of overwhelming odds”

She mutely watched her sons mounting their horses assisted by Husayn ('a). Her lips were moving in silent prayers; her eyes were following the horses as they galloped out into the arena. When they both got out of sight, with a sigh she sat on the sand near her tent as if lost in a reverie.

When Qasim saw that Aun and Muhammad had been granted permission to march out on the entreaties of their mother, he rushed to his mother's tent. Almost sobbing with disappointment, he told Umme Farwa that Aun and Muhammad had secured the Imam's permission on the intercession of their mother, but he had nobody to plead on his behalf with his uncle. In utter despondency he said; “If I am not destined to be a martyr on this day, life has no charm left for me. Am I destined to be a captive and led through the streets to a prison cell?”

Upon seeing Qasim so bitter and dejected Umme Farwa burst into tears of grief. Controlling herself she began to think what to do to get Husayn's permission for him. Her first reaction was to go over to the Imam and to implore him as his brother's widow and seek permission for Qasim. However, in a flash she remembered her husband's words to her shortly before his death. He had told her that for Qasim a time might come when he would find himself in the trough of despair and despondency and feel dejected and depressed beyond description. He had told her that, when this happened, she should deliver to him an envelope wherein he had kept a letter especially for this occasion. This she had carefully preserved and kept with her as her most cherished thing in a box. Fortunately for her, she had brought the box with her. She hastened to fetch the letter and handing over the envelope to Qasim she said: “Qasim, your present plight brought back to me your father's words that a day like this would come for you and when this happened, I should deliver the letter to you”

With rekindled hopes and expectation Qasim took the envelope from his mother's hand and opened it. In it he found two letters one addressed to himself and the other addressed to Husayn ('a). He anxiously opened the letter meant for him and read it aloud for his mother's benefit. Hasan ('a) had written in it: “My child, when this letter reaches you, I will be no more. When you read it, you will find yourself torn with a conflict between your desire to do your duty and fulfil your obligations and demonstrate your love and esteem for your uncle, and his love and affection for you compelling him to hold you back. My Qasim, I have provided for this event by arming you with a letter for my dearest brother Husayn ('a). You may deliver the letter to Husayn ('a) so that he may grant you your heart's desire. There is much that I could say for this occasion but when you read this, you will find that time separating us is not long. So, hurry along, my child, as I am waiting for you with open arms to welcome you”

When he had completed reading the letter Qasim felt choked with emotion. His mother also stood speechless with feelings surging in her heart. Both were thinking in unison how loving and thoughtful it was of Hasan ('a) to provide a solution for their dilemma. Qasim reverentially bowed over the letter and kissed it. The tears rolling from his eyes fell on the writing but, instead of smearing the lettering, they lent glitter to it.

Umme Farwa was the first to get out of the reverie. She broke the silence and said: “My dearest Qasim, now that your father has come to your rescue even in death, take his letter to your uncle Husayn ('a). I have no doubt that now he will not be able to refuse you his permission for laying down your life”

Qasim could now hardly contain himself. He rushed towards the tent of Imam Husayn ('a) with the letter in his hands. He found Husayn ('a) standing outside Zaynab's tent looking intently towards the battlefield. Abbas was by his side and Zaynab ('a) was standing near the door holding up the curtain and looking at the faces of Husayn ('a) and Abbas Qasim knew that they were all watching the combats of Aun and Muhammad. How could he disturb his uncle at such a time? He stood quietly by the side of Husayn ('a) and Abbas and gazed in the direction of the army pitted against his two young cousins. He could see from clouds of dust rising in the far distance that one of them had gone ahead of the other. Not so far away he could see the younger one, Muhammad, battling against a number of enemy soldiers clustered round him.

Hardly a few minutes had passed in watching the battle, when they saw Aun falling from his horse and giving a cry to his uncle to come to him and carry his body. Husayn ('a), who had already borne the afflictions of his companions' death and the loss of his dearest son, Ali Akbar, seemed to wince as if he had received a stab in his chest. He turned to Zaynab ('a) to see her reaction on hearing her son's last cry. Abbas and Qasim rushed to her side to hold her. As if this blow was not enough, Muhammad also fell from his horse mortally wounded and similarly shouted to Husayn ('a) to come to him. Abbas and Qasim knew that for Husayn ('a) to reach his dying nephews, one after the other, was too trying even for a person of his mettle who had right through the morning performed this task himself. Abbas wanted to accompany Husayn ('a) and assist him in bringing the dead brothers to the camp, leaving Qasim to attend to Zaynab ('a) who had collapsed with grief and sorrow on hearing the parting cry of Muhammad. But Husayn ('a) beckoned to him to remain with Zaynab ('a). Qasim tried to follow him, but Husayn ('a) asked him also to remain near Zaynab ('a) and console her.

Husayn ('a) first reached the place where Muhammad was lying mortally wounded. He bent over his body to find that, on account of loss of blood, his young life was ebbing fast. The child was gasping heavily. His throat was so parched that even with great efforts he was not able to speak clearly. Husayn ('a) put his ear near Muhammad's mouth. In a faint, faltering voice the young lad said: ''My last salutations to you, uncle. Tell my mother that I have lived up to her expectations and am dying bravely as she and my father wanted me. Give my last salaams to her and console her as much as you can”

The efforts made by the child in saying these words appeared to exhaust him. He added after a few seconds: “I heard the cry of Aun before I fell. Now that I am beyond any help, Uncle please go over to him and see if you can do something for him before it is too late”

Hardly had he said these words when his life became extinct. Husayn ('a) was beside himself with grief. But he could not remain there long as he had to go over to Aun. He rushed in the direction where Aun had fallen. On reaching his body he found that he had breathed his last. He picked up his lifeless body and pressed it to his heart.

With a heavy tread, with tears flowing in torrents, the aged uncle began his march towards the camp with the body of his nephew in his arms. Abbas came rushing from the camp towards him and said, “Let me carry Aun's body to the morgue and you take Muhammad's body. My master, Abbas is still alive to share your burden and grief” Quietly Husayn ('a) handed over Aun's body to Abbas and went over to pick up Muhammad's body. The two brothers, one old and one young, were each carrying the body of a young nephew. The sight was such as to evoke sorrow and grief in the hearts of the most hard-hearted persons.

On reaching their camp Husayn ('a) and Abbas laid the bodies of Aun and Muhammad on the ground. Zaynab ('a) who was waiting for them came over and fell on the two bodies of her sons. “My sons, my sons,” she cried, “What mother is there to send her beloved ones to meet death as I have sent mine?” Her face was bathed in tears. With sobs she was saying: “My darlings, you have gone from this world with your thirst unquenched. Your grandfather Ali will be there to quench your thirst in heaven. My beloved sons, for Zaynab there is still a long, weary, unending future to face without you two to lighten the burden with your brave talk” Overpowered by her grief and emotions she fell unconscious on the dead bodies.

Husayn ('a), Abbas, Qasim and the ladies who were all standing and crying by her side, gently picked up Zaynab ('a) and took her to her tent. They all knew that in such a great tragedy as had befallen her; all words of consolation would only be in vain.

As was the practice of Yazid's army, they started beating the drums on the slaughter of the two nephews of Husayn ('a), to herald their victory. When the beating of drums stopped, they raised the usual cry challenging the young defenders of Husayn ('a) to come out into the field to face death. Now Qasim came over to Husayn ('a), who was standing near Zaynab's prostrate form with his head bent. Qasim could not muster sufficient strength to say what he had come to convey to the Imam. He quietly handed over the letter of his father for Husayn ('a) that he had found in the envelope given to him by his mother. Husayn ('a) glanced at the handwriting on the letter and at once recognized it as his late lamented brother's. With surprise he opened the letter and as he eagerly read it, he could not control himself and burst into a cry of grief. In the letter it was written: “My beloved Husayn ('a), when this letter will be read by you, you will be surrounded by sorrows on all sides, with dead bodies of your near and dear ones strewn round you. I will not be there to lay down my life for you, Husayn ('a), but I am leaving behind my Qasim to be my deputy on this day. Husayn ('a), I beseech you not to reject my offering. In the name of love that you bear for me, I implore you to let Qasim go forth and die in your defence. Dearest brother, in spirit I am with you, watching your heroic sacrifices and sharing your woes and affliction”

Hasan's letter brought back to Husayn ('a) the memories of his dear brother to whom he was devoted, and he wept copiously recollecting his love and affection. What unique love Hasan ('a) had for him that, though dead, he had left his deputy in Qasim for this day!

With effort Husayn ('a) controlled himself turned to Qasim saying: “Dear child, your father's wishes, which I regard as commands for me, leave me no other alternative. March on Qasim, as your father wished you to do. If it is so ordained that I may bear the wound of your martyrdom, I shall bow to the Will of God”

Qasim bowed reverentially and hurried to his mother Umme Farwa who was sitting dazed with grief on receiving the sad news of Aun and Muhammad's martyrdom. As Qasim entered her tent, she raised her head and looked at him expectantly. She could see from the look of satisfaction he had on his face that he had received Husayn's permission for which he had been begging so long. An exchange of looks between the mother and son confirmed to Umme Farwa that she was right. Slowly she rose and said to Qasim: “My beloved son, all these years I have been waiting for the day when you would become a bridegroom, and dressed as a groom, come to receive my blessings. It seems that fate has decreed otherwise. Qasim, I have preserved the dress your father wore on the day of his marriage with me. I had hoped that, on your wedding day, I would ask you to wear it. Now that you are going to the land of no return, my wish is that you put on that dress so that my desire to see you dressed as a groom may be fulfilled” After a pause she continued in a reflective tone: “It is the custom for grooms to apply henna on their hands- Though I have none with me, I know that you will not need it. Your hands will be dyed with your own blood”

With these words she kissed her son's cheeks and embraced him. It was a long embrace, the embrace of a mother who knew that she was seeing her young darling for the last time in this world. Holding him tightly in her arms she was looking longingly at his face, as if she wanted to let his image sink into her mind's eye forever. All partings are sad but where the parting is forever, and in such circumstances, what words can describe it?

The mother and son tore themselves from each other lest their surging love and attachment might make their parting impossible. Umme Farwa brought out the wedding garments of Hasan ('a) for Qasim to wear. Dressed in these clothes Qasim was looking the very image of Hasan ('a). The son, followed by the mother, went over to Zaynab's tent to bid her good-bye. Zaynab ('a) had not completely recovered from her swoon: In her dazed mind she thought for a moment that Hasan ('a) had descended from heaven to defend his brother. It was just a flitting thought that passed away like lightning. She realized that it was Qasim who had come to pay his last respects She looked at him and then at this mother who was following him. She understood with what efforts Umme Farwa was controlling her feelings. Much as her own heart was bursting with grief at this parting with her beloved brother's son, she knew that it was essential for her to control herself for the sake of Umme Farwa. With one hand on her head and the other on her heart, she came forward to bid adieu to Qasim. With hot tears rolling down her cheeks she kissed Qasim on his forehead saying: “Qasim, my dear child, your aged aunt had hoped that you, my dear ones, would carry my funeral bier. But it is written in Zaynab's fate that she should see the young lives of her dearest ones extinguished before her. It has fallen to my lot to see you all dead before me and to carry your memories for the rest of my dreary, unending days. March on my child with the name of God”

Qasim came to Husayn ('a) and reverentially kissed his hands. Seeing Qasim so vividly resembling Hasan ('a), his dear, departed brother, Husayn ('a) wept bitterly. He kissed Qasim on his cheeks and held the horse for him to mount. Abbas came forward to do this service, but Husayn ('a) would not let him do so. “This is the last occasion for me to give a send-off to my Qasim and let me do this for him” He turned to Qasim and said: “Qasim, I shall not be long in joining you”

Reaching the battle arena, Qasim addressed the enemy with an eloquence that reminded many of the sermons of his grandfather Ali. With gaping mouths, they were transfixed to the ground at his words of admonition on the betrayal of the Imam. Umar Ibne Saad ordered his men to challenge him to single combat, fearing that this youth's eloquence might rouse the vestiges of goodness in some of his men. Qasim fought battles with several of them and threw them from their horses as if he were a seasoned warrior and not a youth of 14, with three day's thirst and hunger. Such was his skill with the sword and horsemanship that Husayn ('a), who was watching his nephew's fight from a hillock near his camp, burst into spontaneous acclamation. Now no warrior from the enemy ranks was coming forward to meet the challenge of this brave son of Hasan ('a). He was now repeatedly challenging the soldiers of Umar Ibn Saad to come forward and match their skill and swordsmanship against him in single combat. Umar Ibn Saad, seeing that none of his warriors was prepared for this, ordered his soldiers to attack Qasim together. It was now a fight between one and thousands, if such a thing can at all be called a fight. How long could Qasim ward off the attacks of swords, spears, daggers, and arrows coming at him from all directions? He was wounded from head to foot. When he saw that he could no longer remain in the saddle, he gave a cry offering his last salutation to his uncle Husayn ('a).

Husayn ('a), who was watching from a distance the dastardly attack of the multitude of soldiers on his helpless Qasim, heard this cry full of agony and pain. He felt as if he had himself received all the wounds inflicted on Qasim. He unsheathed his sword, and like an enraged lion, he rushed towards the battlefield. With sword in one hand, he galloped his horse cutting through the enemy hordes. Such was the fury of his charge that the enemy were reminded of the charges of Ali, his father, in the battle of Siffin, when the dexterous Lion of God had singly scattered the enemy, running through them like a knife through butter, and killing hundreds with the powerful sweeps of his sword, while the remainder of the arrant towards ran helter-skelter to save their contemptible lives. The stampede of Yazid's soldiers was such that the body of Qasim was trampled under the feet of hundreds of minions who were a disgrace of their calling. When the battlefield was cleared of the cowards and Husayn ('a) reached the body of Qasim, he found that it was torn to pieces. What feelings this gruesome sight evoked in Husayn's heart can better be imagined than described. Husayn ('a) stumbled down from his horse and fell to the ground exclaiming: “My God, what have these cowards done to my Qasim?”

For some time, he wept with such agony that his body convulsed. After a while he took off his robe and started picking up pieces of Qasim's body. One by one he put them all in his robe and, lifting the bundle, put it on his aged shoulders and mounted the horse. As he did so, he muttered: “My Qasim, your mother had sent you out dressed as a groom. Now you are returning to your mother with your body cut to pieces”

As he was riding back towards his camp, Husayn ('a) was disconsolately exclaiming: “My God, has there been an instance where an uncle had to carry his own nephew's body in such a state?”

On reaching the camp Husayn ('a) put down the body on the ground. He called Abbas and asked him to bring Umme Farwa and his sisters Zaynab ('a) and Kulsum to the morgue. He besought Fizza, his mother's devoted maid, to console Umme Farwa and Zaynab ('a), for he knew that the condition of Qasim's body might give them such a shock as would kill them.

Qasim's mother came with Zaynab ('a) on one side and Umme Kulsum on the other. Fizza went over to the ladies and said: “I beseech you, in the name of my lady Fatimah ('a), to muster all the strength and courage you can to see Qasim's mortal remains. They may be torn and cut to pieces but remember his soul is now with my lady and Hasan ('a), who must have welcomed him with open arms” Saying this, she opened the robe and unfolded the body. Zaynab ('a) held her aching heart, Kulsum held her reeling head and Umme Farwa fell with a shriek and fainted.

What pen can narrate the grief of a mother who has lost her only son? What words can describe the agony of a mother's loving heart on seeing her son in such a state? The land of Karbala was echoing the cries of the ladies and the wailing of the children on Qasim's death. Can anyone attempt to depict Husayn's plight at that time? Resting his head on Abbas's shoulders, Husayn ('a) was saying: “My God, my God, if my enemies wanted to kill me, they could do so; but what have my dear ones done that they slay them so mercilessly?”

Husayn ('a) stood there for some time as if in a trance. Abbas who softly said to him “My master, now let me go, as others have done, brought him back to the reality of the situation. I am now the commander of soldiers who are no more” Husayn ('a) for a moment did not reply. Then he equally softly said: “Verily we come from God and unto Him we shall return”

Abu Fadl Al-Abbas Ibn Ali

The shifting sand dunes of Karbala were smeared with blood. Near one of the wash dunes lay the prostrate figure of a youth with blood gushing out from innumerable wounds. The crimson life-tide was ebbing fast. Even so, it seemed as if he was anxiously expecting somebody to come to him, to be near him before he breathed his last. Through his starched throat he was feebly calling somebody. Yes, Abbas was anxiously expecting his master to come to him before he parted with his life, as he had come to the side of all his devoted friends who had laid down their dear lives for him and in espousing his cause.

It is said that before a man's death all the past events of his life pass before his mind's eye in a flashback. In his last moments Abbas was experiencing this. He was seeing himself as a child in Medina following Husayn ('a) with a devotion that was considered unique even for a brother. He was seeing the events of that hot and sultry day in Kufa when his illustrious father Ali was addressing a congregation in the mosque and he, as a child, with his characteristic devotion, was looking at the face of his beloved brother watching him intently so that he could attend to his wishes on an instant command. Seeing from the parched lips of Husayn ('a) that he was feeling extremely thirsty, how he had darted out from the mosque and returned with a tumbler full of cool, refreshing water and in the hurry to carry the water as quickly as possible to quench the consuming thirst of his dearest brother, how he had spilled water on his own clothes. He was recalling how this incident had made his illustrious father stop amid his speech, with tears rolling down his cheeks at the sight of his young son all wet with water. He was remembering his father's reply to the queries from his faithful followers as to what had brought tears in his eyes, that Abbas who had wetted his body with water in the process of quenching Husayn's thirst would in the not-too-distant future wet his body with his own blood in attempting to quench the thirst of his young children. He was vividly seeing the scene on the 21st Ramadhan, way back in 40 Hijra, when his father mortally wounded, was lying on his death-bed and entrusting his children and dependents to the care of his eldest brother, Hasan ('a) - all except him. Seeing that his father had commended all but him to the care of Hasan ('a) - how he, a child of 12, had burst out into uncontrollable tears. His father, on hearing him sobbing, had called him to his side and given his hand in Husayn's hand with the words: “Husayn ('a), this child I am entrusting to you. He will represent me on the day of your supreme sacrifice and lay down his life in defending you and your dear ones, much as I would have done if alive on that day”

How his father had turned to him and affectionately told him: “Abbas, my child, I know your unbounded love for Husayn ('a). Though you are too young to be told about it when that day dawns, consider no sacrifice too great for Husayn ('a) and his children”

He saw before his mind's eye that parting with his aged mother Fatimah ('a) in Medina. How she had affectionately embraced him and reminded him of the dying desire of his father to lay down his life in the defence of Husayn ('a) and his dear ones.

A faint smile of satisfaction flickered for a brief moment on his parched lips a smile of satisfaction that he had fulfilled his father's wish; that he had performed his duty for which he was brought up. It just flitted for a moment and vanished as other scenes came before his mind's eye. He was reliving the events of the night before. He was seeing Shimr stealthily coming to him; and talking to him about his ties of relationship; about the protection he had been promised for Abbas by the Commander of Yazid's forces, only if he would leave Husayn ('a) and go over to Yazid's camp; about the promises of riches and rewards that he would get; how he had spurned the suggestion of Shimr with the utmost disdain to the chagrin of that servile minion who had sold his soul for a mess of pottage. How he had scared away that coward by his scathing rage saying: “You worshipper of Mammon, do not think that Abbas will be lured by your tempting offer of power and pelf. If I die in defending my master, Husayn ('a), I shall consider myself the luckiest person. O’ coward, remember that valiant die but once. Nobody is born to live eternally. By betraying my master, you have betrayed the Prophet (S), whose religion you profess to follow. On the Day of Judgment, you will be doomed to eternal perdition. I am ashamed to own any relationship with you. Had it not been for the fact that you have come here unarmed, I would have given you the chastisement you deserve for your impudence in asking me to become a turncoat”

How that wretch had scampered from there seeing him roaring like an enraged lion. The thought of that unpleasant interlude contracted his brows. Or was it the excruciating pain he was suffering on account of the deep gashes he had all over his body?

Yet another scene passed before Abbas's eyes - Sakina leading 42 children, each with a dry water bag. The children were shouting as if in chorus: “Thirst, consuming thirst, is killing us!”

Sakina coming to him and putting her dry water bag at his feet and saying to him: “O uncle, I know you will do something to get water for us. Even if you can bring one bag full of water, we can wet our parched throats”

He could see that thirst, aggravated by the scorching heat of the desert, was squeezing their young lives out of them. The sight of these youngsters had moved him more than any other soul-stirring events of that faithful day. How he had picked up the water bag with assurance to Sakina that he would go and bring water - God Willing.

How he had taken Husayn's permission and marched out of the camp with a sword in one hand, the flag in the other, and the bag on his shoulder, with the children following him in a group up to the outer perimeter of the camp. How Husayn had repeatedly requested him to avoid fighting as much as possible and confine himself to the task of bringing water!

His thoughts switched over to the events that had preceded his fall from the horse. With the object of procuring water for his dear little Sakina, he had charged on the enemy who held the riverbanks. He had run through the enemy ranks like a knife through butter. Again, this surging onslaught the cowards could not stand and had run helter-skelter shouting for protection. For a moment it seemed as if Ali, the Lion of God, had descended from heaven. In no time Abbas was near the rivulet. He had jumped down from the horse and bent to fill the waterbag. When it was filled to the brim, he had taken some water in his cupped hand to drink and satisfy his killing thirst. But, on second thoughts, he had thrown the water away. How could he drink water when Sakina and the children were still withering without it? How could he be so callous as to forget that his master Husayn ('a) had not had a drop of water since the last three days. He had turned to his horse that had been let loose so that it could satisfy its thirst. The animal had been intently looking at its master as if to say: “I too am aware that, so long as our master and his children remain without water, our thirst cannot be quenched”

With the water bag filled he had jumped into the saddle with one thought uppermost in his mind, to get the water to the anxiously waiting children as quickly as possible. Seeing him galloping towards the camp of Husayn ('a), the enemy had turned. Somebody had shouted from the enemy ranks that if Husayn ('a) and his people got water, it would be difficult to fight them on the battlefield. Though it was an uneven fight, he fought them with valour that was so characteristic of his fathers. Though he was thirsty and hungry he charged on them and scattered them. The mercenaries of Yazid were running like lambs in a fold when charged by a lion. Seeing that a frontal assault on a man so brave was not possible, they had resorted to a barrage of arrows. When arrows were coming from all sides, Abbas had only one thought in his mind, how to protect the waterbag rather than his life. Seeing that Abbas was preoccupied with this thought, one treacherous foe, hiding behind a sand dune, had rushed out and dealt a blow on his right hand and cut it off. In a flash Abbas had transferred his sword to his left hand and the standard he was bearing he had hugged to his chest. Now that the Lion of Ali was crippled, the foes had found courage to surround him. A blow from an enemy's sword severed his left arm. The odds were now mounting against him. He held the bag with his teeth and protected the flag with his chest pressed on the horse's back. Now the paramount thought in his mind was to reach the camp somehow or the other. A silent prayer had escaped his lips: “Merciful Allah, spare me long enough to fulfil my mission”

But that was not to be. An arrow had pierced the water bag and water had started gushing out of it. Was it water that was flowing out of that bag or the hopes of Abbas? All his efforts had been in vain. After all Sakina's thirst would remain unsatisfied and all her hopes would be frustrated. The enemies who had made bold to surround him, now seeing his helpless condition, were now gathering thick round him. One of them came near him and struck mortal blow with an iron mace. He reeled over and fell from the horse. He tossed on the burning sand with excruciating pain. He felt that life was fast ebbing out but his wish to see his master had remained unfulfilled. With one last effort, with all the strength that was left in him, he shouted: “O’ my master, do come to me before I die”

As it in answer to his prayers he felt some footsteps near him, yes, his instinct told him that it was his lord. An arrow had blinded his one eye and the other filled with blood and so he could not see. But he felt his master kneeling down beside him, lifting his head and taking it into his lap. Not a word was said for a few seconds because both were choked with emotion. At last he heard Husayn's voice, a half-sob, half-muffled cry: “Abbas, my brother, what have they done to you?”

If Abbas could see, would he have recognized his master? With back bent and beard turned white and hoary, on hearing the parting cry of his beloved brother, Husayn's plight was such that nobody could have recognized him - such was his transformation. Abbas was now feeling the loving touch of his master's hand. With effort he muttered: “You have come at last, my Master. I thought I was not destined to have a last farewell with you but, thank God, you are here”

With these words he put his head on the sand. Tenderly Husayn ('a) lifted his head and again put it on his lap, inquiring why he had removed it from there.

“My Master,” replied Abbas, “the thought that when you will be breathing your last, nobody will be there to put your head in a lap and to comfort you, makes me feel that it would be better if my head lies on the sand when I die, just as yours would be. Besides, I am your servant and you are my master. It is too much for me to put my head on your lap”

Husayn ('a) burst into uncontrollable tears. The sight of his brother, whose name was to become a byword for devotion and unflinching faithfulness, laying down his dear life in his arms, was heart-rending.

Abbas was heard to whisper softly: “My master, I have some last wishes to express. When I was born, I had my first look at your face and it is my last desire that when I die, my gaze may be on it, too. My one eye is pierced by an arrow and the other is filled with blood. If you will clear the blood from my one eye, I'll be able to see you and fulfil my last dying desire. My second wish is that when I die you may not carry my body to the camp. I had promised to bring water to Sakina and, since I have failed in my attempt to bring her water, I cannot face her even in death. Besides, I know that the blows that you have received since morning have all but crushed you and carrying my body to the camp will be heart breaking work for you. And my third wish is that Sakina may not be brought here to see my plight. I know with what love and affection she was devoted to me. The sight of my dead body lying here will kill her”

Husayn ('a) sobbingly promised him that he would carry out his last wishes added: “Abbas, I too have a wish to be fulfilled. Since childhood you have always called me master. For once at least call me brother with your dying breath”

The blood was cleared from the eye one brother looked at the other with a longing lingering look. Abbas was heard to whisper: “My brother, my brother”

And with these words he surrendered his soul to his Maker: Husayn ('a) fell unconscious on the dead body of Abbas with a cry: “O Abbas, who is left to protect me and Sakina after you?”

The flow of Furat became dark as winter and a murmur arose from the flowing water as if to protest against the killing of a thirsty water bearer on its banks.10

The 6-Month-Old Infant Son Of Husayn ('A), Ali Asghar

By the afternoon 70 brave persons had sacrificed their lives in Karbala to save Islam. All had fought under nerve racking conditions, severe thirst, dehydration, exhaustion, and agonizing feeling of what would happen to the family of the Prophet (S) afterwards. Husayn ('a) endured all that and more, for he saw his entire beloved ones brutally cut to pieces, including children.11

By the afternoon his brave companions had sacrificed their lives in Karbala to save Islam. All had fought under nerve racking conditions, severe thirst, dehydration, exhaustion, and agonizing feeling of what would happen to the family of the Prophet (S) afterwards.

Husayn (‘a) endured all that and more, for he saw his entire beloved ones brutally cut to pieces, including the children.

Remaining the only one, Imam Husayn (‘a) was to face the enemy head on. Precisely at that moment Imam Husayn (‘a) heard his baby crying incessantly, agonizing because of the thirst. Imam Husayn's (‘a) love for his family was without end, especially for a suffering baby.

Parents think of your children right now and how it pains you to see them cry for the slightest thing. Now imagine the pain of Imam Husayn (‘a) seeing his infant son the grandson of Rasul Allah without milk for 3 days.

The voice of lamenting of the ladies arose and Imam came to the door of the tent and called for Zaynab ('a) saying, “Give me my infant child so that I may bid him farewell”.

Zaynab brought him his son, Abdullah, whose mother was Rabab. He sat him on his lap, kissing him and saying,

بُعداً لِهَؤُلاءِ القَومِ إذا كانَ جَدُّ كَ المُصطَفى خَصمُهُم

“Distanced are these people (from the Mercy of Allah), when your grandfather, Al-Mustafa, will be their enemy”

He held the six months old baby, his youngest son Ali Asghar in his arms, and appealed to the enemy fighters for some water for the baby. Imam wanted to awaken their conscience and stir their human feelings but the stonehearted enemy.

He then carried him and brought him to the enemies asking them for water. Instead of giving water, Harmalah Ibn Kahil Al-Asadi shot at arrow at the child, which pierced his neck. It not only pieced his neck but it severed his head!12 He was martyred while in the arms of his father. Imam Husayn (’a) was shocked. He felt an unbearable wave of pain. The sight of the limp baby in his arms was agonizingly painful.

Imam Husayn ('a) filled his hand with the blood of the baby and threw it to the skies, and not a single drop of it came back, and he said,

“What eases what I have experienced is that he is cared for by Allah. O Allah! Do not let the one who killed him go unpunished as you did not leave the one who killed the baby camel of Saleh go unpunished. O my Lord! If you kept victory away from us, then make it for what is better to come for us, and seek revenge to us from the oppressors. Make what is happening to us now a reward for us in the future. O Allah! You are the Witness of people who killed the one who most resembles your Messenger Muhammad (S)”

He then heard a voice saying,

دَعهُ يا حُسين، فَإنَّ لَهُ مُرضِعاً في الجَنَّة

“Let him go, O Husayn! Indeed, there is a nursing mother for him in Paradise”

Imam Abu Ja’far al-Baqir has said, “Not a drop of it fell”

Imam Mahdi may Allah hasten his reappearance, says,

السّلامُ عَلى عَبدُ اللهِ الرَضيع

“Peace be unto Abdullah, the slaughtered infant, the one shot with an arrow, the one whose blood was shed in a most cruel manner and whose blood ascended to the heavens, the one slaughtered with an arrow in his father's lap! The curse of Allah be upon the person who shot him, Harmalah Ibn Kahil al-Asadi, and upon his people”

He came back to the tent of Zaynab ('a) carrying his slain baby. He did not take him back to his mother, for surely it would have been unbearable for her to see her son slain in such manner. Zaynab ('a) came out of her tent, and saw the young boy slain from one end of his neck to the other, and the arrow is in his throat, with the blood all over his chest.

Imam Husayn ('a) then dismounted from his horse and dug a grave for the baby with the end of his sword, and buried him, covered in his blood, and prayed over him.131415

Imam Husayn ('A)

Our Imam (‘a) is all alone! He looks around him. There lie Habeeb Ibn Mazahir, Muslim Ibn Awsaja, Zuhair Ibn Qain and all his friends and companions. There lie Awn and Muhammad. He looks at Qasim's trampled remains. He looks at Ali Akbar, his beloved son, with that dreadful wound on his chest. He looks towards Furat. Gently he whispers, “Abbas, Abbas, I am alone, So very alone!”

Slowly Imam Husayn ('a) moves towards the tent of Imam Zayn al-’Abidin. Zayn al-’Abidin is lying unconscious on his bed. Lovingly Imam shakes his son by the shoulder. The sick Imam opens his eyes, 'Father, Father, why are you alone? Where is my uncle Abbas? Where is Ali Akbar? Where is Qasim? Where are all your companions?' Imam Husayn ('a) says, 'Son, no man, save you and I, is left alive. All of them have died for Islam.'

Imam Zayn al-’Abidin tries to get up. 'Where are you going, my son?' asks Imam Husayn ('a). 'To fight Yazid's army!' replies the young man. 'No, my son, you are too ill for Jihad. I have come to say good-bye. Look after the ladies and the children. And, my son, when you get to Madina, gives my love to Fatimah Sughra. Tell her that I always remembered her and that in these last moments of my life, I wish I could give her a hug before I get killed. And, my son, give salaams to our friends and tell them to think of me when they drink water!'

Imam Husayn ('a) then stands in the centre of the camp and cries out, “O Zaynab, O Kulthoom, O Sakina, O Ruqayya, O Rubaab, O Fizza my greetings to you! Farewell to you all!” The ladies and children weep and wail as they say farewell to Imam.

Imam (a’) walks towards his horse. There is no one to help him mount. Bibi Zaynab ('a) steps forward. She holds the reins as Imam mounts the horse. The horse moves a few steps and then it stops. Imam Husayn ('a) urges the horse to move, but it stands still looking towards its hind legs. Imam turns his head. He sees Sakina clinging to the horse's leg, pleading, 'O horse, do not take my father away from me. Do not let them make me an orphan!'

Imam (‘a) dismounts. He says, 'Sakina, you are the great granddaughter of the Holy Prophet (S)! I love you so much that if you tell me not to go, I will not. But then Islam will be destroyed. How will you or I be able to face the Holy Prophet (S) on the Day of Judgment?' Fighting back her tears the four-year-old Sakina16 can only manage to say, 'Bismillah, father!' The four-year-old holds the reins as her father mounts for a certain death!!

Husayn ('a) rides on. He stands on a hill and cries out, “Who is there who will come to my help?”

Of course, our Imam (‘a) is not expecting any of the enemy soldiers to come to his help! To whom is he addressing this plea for help? Our Imam (‘a) is addressing the plea to all the Muslims, in every age and everywhere, young, and old, men and women, grown-ups and children urging us all to always fight the way of Yazid and refuse to disobey the commands of Allah. Every little effort we make to preserve and act according to our Islamic conscience is a response to our Imam's (‘a) call with Labbaika Yaa Husayn! Labbaika Yaa Husayn!17

Imam (‘a) rides towards the enemy. There is a shower of arrows! Imam ignores the arrows and rides on. He wants to make one last effort to preach true Islam to the enemies of Islam. He stops and turns towards the enemy and begins to speak: “O those of you who do not know me, know that I am the grandson of the Holy Prophet (S). I am on the path of truth. Yazid personifies falsehood and corruption. He wants to lead you away from Islam. Do not follow him. Do not kill the grandson of Allah's messenger. Allah will never forgive you! Remember that when you see a ruler who does what has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, who indulges in sins, who oppresses the people he rules, and you do nothing to stop such a ruler, before Allah you are as guilty as he is. You know my ancestry. My parents did not raise me to submit myself to an evil tyrant. I am your Imam. You have surrendered the freedom of your mind to the evil ways of Yazid. If you do not care for Islam, do, at least, care for the freedom of your spirit!!”

Umar Ibn Sa’ad cries out, “Do not fall victims to Husayn's oratory! Kill him!”

From all directions the soldiers advance towards Imam Husayn ('a) with their naked swords! Imam says: “You are determined to fight me then fight you I shall! I do not fear death. Death to me is sweeter than dishonour. Now I shall let you witness the valour of the son of Ali Ibn Abu Taalib!”

Imam Husayn ('a) takes out his sword and begins to fight. Thirsty, tired, wounded, grieving, our Imam fights as no one had ever seen any one fight! Wherever he turns to, the soldiers flee as rabbits do at the sight of a lion! Umar Ibn Sa’ad sends all his best warriors against Imam. They all perish. No one dares come near our Imam! Imam stands on his stirrups. Casts his eyes to where Abbas lies, and murmurs, “Abbas did you see the battle of your brother, the thirsty, the broken-hearted brother?”

And then Jibra'eel appears and says, 'O Husayn, Allah is pleased with your bravery. The moment has now arrived for you to save Islam with your life!”

Husayn ('a) looks at the sky! Yes, it is the time of Asr! Husayn ('a) returns the sword into the sheath. Lowers himself on the horseback. Whispers to the horse “Take me to where my mother Fatimah is waiting for me! But O’ my faithful horse, go past where my Akbar is lying so that I may see my beloved son just one more time before I die”

Seeing that Imam (‘a) has sheathed his sword the enemy came from all sides some threw stones at him, some hit him with swords. Arrows are shot at him! Suddenly the horse stops! “My son, my son!” cries out the soul of Fatimah az-Zahra’. Imam Husayn ('a) falls from the horse! But his body does not touch the ground. It is resting on the blades of the arrows. He performs his Asr prayers lying on this prayer mat of arrows! Now he goes in to his last sajdah (prostration) and says: “O Allah! All praise is to You and You alone!”

Someone is moving towards where our Imam is in sajdah on the arrows. He is holding a dagger in his hand. The earth trembles! The sun goes into eclipse! Jibraeel cries out: “Oh Husayn has been killed; Husayn has been killed!!!!”

Sakina falls on to the ground unconscious! Bibi Zaynab ('a) runs to the tent of our fourth Imam. “Oh Son! What has happened?” Imam Zayn al-’Abidin staggers towards the curtain of his tent. Lifts it up and pointing his finger at a head mounted on a lance. He cries out in a trembling voice: “Assalaamu 'alaika, Yaa Aba 'Abdillah!!!”18

Shimr whose mother was a disbeliever, came forward and severed Imam Husayn's noble head from the body, the noble head kissed often by the Prophet (S)! The narrations say that Imam Husayn ('a) was beheaded while he was patient. When you slaughter an animal, you give it water before and you cut the neck from the front so that the vein is cut and the death is fast. Imam Husayn ('a) was not given any water nor was his head cut like this. He was beheaded from the back of the neck so that he had to feel every bit of pain and suffering before the knife reached the front! Shimr and others had the audacity to carry it on the tip of a spear to Yazid, 600 miles away!

Umar Ibn Sa'ad ordered the horsemen to trample upon the supine bodies of Imam Husayn ('a) and all others killed, to disfigure them even further, as if the wounds, the bloodied bodies, and the headless forms were not enough.

For three days the exposed bodies of the martyrs were left lying in the desert of Karbala. Afterwards, the people of the tribe of Bani-Asad, who were not far away from the battlefield, helped bury them.19

إِنَّا مُرۡسِلُواْ ٱلنَّاقَةِ فِتۡنَةً۬ لَّهُمۡ فَٱرۡتَقِبۡہُمۡ وَٱصۡطَبِرۡ

“For We will send the she camel by way of trial for them. So watch them (O Saleh) and possess thyself in patience!” (54:27).

وَنَبِّئۡہُمۡ أَنَّ ٱلۡمَآءَ قِسۡمَةُۢ بَيۡنَہُمۡ‌ۖ كُلُّ شِرۡبٍ۬ مُّحۡتَضَرٌ۬

“And tell them that the water is to be divided between them: each one's right to drink being brought forward (by suitable turns)” (54:28).

فَنَادَوۡاْ صَاحِبَهُمۡ فَتَعَاطَىٰ فَعَقَرَ

“But they called to their companion, and he took a sword in hand, and hamstrung (her) ” (54:29).

فَكَيۡفَ كَانَ عَذَابِى وَنُذُرِ

“Ah! How (terrible) was My Penalty and My Warning!” (54:30).

إِنَّآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا عَلَيۡہِمۡ صَيۡحَةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ فَكَانُواْ كَهَشِيمِ ٱلۡمُحۡتَظِرِ

“For We sent against them a single Mighty Blast, and they became like the dry stubble used by one who pens cattle” (54:31).

وَلَقَدۡ يَسَّرۡنَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ لِلذِّكۡرِ فَهَلۡ مِن مُّدَّكِرٍ۬

“And We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that will receive admonition?” (54:32).

If Allah destroyed the people of Prophet Saleh for killing a she camel of a Prophet can you imagine the fate of those who killed the grandson of their Prophet!20

Umar Ibn Sa'ad and his forces (representing Banu Umayya) then took the women and children as prisoners in shackles, put them on camels, and proceeded in a caravan from Karbala to Kufa. At the forefront of the procession were the heads of Imam Husayn ('a) and his followers on the tip of spears. The scene was both grotesque and pathetic. This was the leftover of the beloved family of Prophet Muhammad (S), in such a deplorable unimaginable condition, all caused by people who called themselves Muslims!

Karbala is the cruelest tragedy humanity has ever seen. Yet, the startling (though appalling) events in Karbala proved like a powerful volcano that shook the very foundation of Muslims, it stirred their consciousness, ignorant or learned alike. For sincere Muslims, Karbala turned into a triumph. The tragic event became the very beacon of light to always remind Muslims to practice Islam honestly and sincerely, to do what is right irrespective of consequences, and fear no one except Allah (swt).

On the other hand, Yazid never achieved what he and his father had planned to achieve, for within three years, Allah's wrath fell upon him, causing him to die at the age of 33 years. And within a few decades the rule of Banu Umayya crumbled and came to an end. The tragedy of Karbala taught humanity a lesson that standing for the truth and fighting unto death is more honourable and valuable than submitting to the wrongful, especially when the survival of Islam is at stake.21

• 1. Karbala Chain of Events by Ramzan Shabir.
• 2. The Messenger of Allah (S).
• 3. Imam Hussain ('a).
• 4. Recalling the Sacrifices of Karbala by Sheikh Mateen Charbonneau.
• 5. Karbala Chain of Events by Ramzan Shabir.
• 6. The Journey of Tears by Bashir Hasanali Rahim.
• 7. Nafasul Mahmoom by Sheikh Abbas Qummi.
• 8. The Journey of Tears by Bashir Hasanali Rahim.
• 9. Recalling the Sacrifices of Karbala by Sheikh Mateen Charbonneau.
• 10. The Journey of Tears by Bashir Hasanali Rahim.
• 11. Karbala Chain of Events by Ramzan Shabir.
• 12. Nafasaul Mahmoom by Sheikh Abbas Qummi.
• 13. It is also narrated that he kept him with those killed from his family members.
• 14. Maqtal of Abu Zahra al-Ka’bi.
• 15. Recalling the Sacrifices of Karbala by Sheikh Mateen Charbonneau.
• 16. Who was otherwise known as Ruqayya.
• 17. We are at your service O’ Hussain!.
• 18. The Journey of Tears by Bashir Hasanali Rahim.
• 19. Karbala Chain of Events by Ramzan Shabir.
• 20. Note from compiler.
• 21. Karbala Chain of Events by Ramzan Shabir.