Nafasul Mahmum : Relating To The Heart Rending Tragedy Of Karbala
Chapter4
Martyrdom of Suwayd bin ‘Amr bin Abi Muta’
Azdi says that Zuhayr bin Abdul Rahman Khas’ami narrated to me that the last person (among the companions) to remain with Imam Husayn (a. s. ) was Suwayd bin ‘Amr bin Abi Muta’. He fought with the enemies, until he was totally wounded and fell unconscious upon the ground among the martyrs. When he regained consciousness, he heard that Imam Husayn (a. s. ) was mar tyred and
he arose in fright. They had taken away his sword, but he had a dagger with him and he lifted it up. He fought with them for sometime until he was martyred (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him). His murderers were Urwah bin Bata‘ Tughlabi and Zayd bin Raqqad, while he was the last martyr (in the battle of Karbala).
Sayyid ibn Tawoos, while praising him says, that he was a nobleman and recited Prayers abundantly. Then he fought like a ferocious lion and re mained firm until he fell down (unconscious) among the martyrs.
I, (the author) say that there is difference of opinion in the narration of the Shi’ah and Sunni historians, traditionists and the authors of Maqtal, regarding the sequence of the martyrdom of the companions of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , their total number, and their Rajaz. Some of them have discussed the former ones in the end and the latter ones in the beginning. Some have mentioned their names and Rajaz only, while still others have mentioned regarding the martyrdom of some and left some.
Till here I have relied upon the reports of the ancient reliable histor ians, thus a group of the martyrs have been left out, whose martyrdom have yet to be discussed. Henceforth I discuss their martyrdom on the sequence given by Shaikh Muhammad bin Ali bin Shahr Ashob, as quoted in his book Manaqib.
According to this sequence, first Hurr entered the battlefield followed by Burayr bin Khuzayr, while their martyrdoms have already been discussed.
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Then Wahab bin Abdullah bin 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 bat tle, 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 battle field is not a joke. ”
He attacked the Kufan army and killed a group among them one after the other. Then he returned back 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. s). ” 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, so that he may inter cede for you on the day of Qiyamah. ”
Wahab returned back saying: “I swear to you O Umm Wahab, to strike them with spears and sword, similar to the swordsmanship of a youth who believes in
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the Almighty, so as to give a taste of the bitter battle to this nation, I am valorous and a youth possessing a clear-cut sword, I am not fearful during battle, Allah, the Wise, is sufficient for me. ”
Then he lay 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 of Allah. ” Wahab proceed ed further so as 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. s. ) 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 back and Wahab fought until he was martyred (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
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. s. ) (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon her).
It is stated in Rawzatul Wa’ezeen and Amali of Shakh Saduq, that formerly Wahab bin Wahab and his
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mother were Christians, and they had accepted Islam at the hands of Imam Husayn (a. s. ). 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 bin 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. s. ). When he entered the battlefield, he put to sword twenty-four foot soldiers and twelve horsemen. Then he was arrested and brought to Umar bin Sa’ad who told him, “What a marvelous valor you possess. ”
Then he ordered him to be beheaded. He was beheaded and his head was thrown towards the tents of Imam Husayn (a. s. ). His mother lifted his head up and kissed it, then she threw it towards the army of Umar bin 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. s. ) saw her and said,
“O mother of Wahab! Return back. You and your son will be along with the Prophet of Allah, while Jehad 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
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Wahab”!
Then ‘Amr bin Khalid Azdi Saydawi came out into the battlefield and told Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , “O Aba Abdillah! I desire to be united with your companions, and I dislike to see you lonely and martyred. ” Imam replied,
“Go forth, and very soon we too shall join you. ”
He advanced further saying: “O self! Proceed towards the Beneficent Lord, with glad tidings of spirit uality and sweet basil, today you shall receive favor for the virtues which you had performed, which is written down upon the Tablet near the Re warder Lord, do not fear nor be frightful, for every living thing will face destruction, while patience has a more part in your peace, O group of Azd from Bani Qahtan. ” Then he fought and was martyred (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
It is narrated in Manaqib that then his son Khalid followed him saying: “Have patience upon the death of Bani Qahtan, so as to acquire pleasure of the Beneficent Lord of Grandeur, Glory and Demonstration, and of Eminence, Longevity and Benevolence, O dear father! You have reached Paradise in the palace of the best of pearls. ” He advanced further and fought until he too was martyred (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
After him Sa’ad bin Hanzalah Tamimi, who was from the noblemen in the army of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , stepped into the battlefield saying: “Have patience upon the swords and spears, have patience upon it to enter Paradise, and reach the Hoor al Ein of delicacy, (like)
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the one who wishes victory and success, and it is not only doubt or guess, O self! Strive for tranquility and try to acquire righteousness. ”
He lay siege and attacked severely and was ultimately martyred (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
Then Umayr bin Abdullah Mazhaji came out reciting the following Rajaz: “The Bani Sa’ad and Mazhaj know, that during battle I am a ferocious Lion, I strike my sword upon the head of a well-equipped man, and throw the warrior upon the ground, and make him a morsel for the Wolf and a lame Hyena. ” He continued fighting until Muslim Zababi and Abdullah Bajali killed him. (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
Muslim bin Awsaja followed him, whose martyrdom has already been discussed.
Then Abdul Rahman Yaznee stepped into the battlefield saying: “I am the son of Abdullah from the progeny of Yazn, I am on the Religion of Husayn and Hasan, I strike you with the sword of a Yemeni youth, through which I desire the Audience of the Giver of Refuge. ” And then attained martyrdom (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
After him Yahya bin Saleem Mazani came out reciting the following Rajaz: “I will strike the army with a decisive sword, a swift sword which hastens towards the enemies, I am not inefficient nor frightful, and nor do I fear the approaching death. ” And he too met with the same fate (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
Qurrah bin Abi
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Qurrah Ghifari followed him reciting the following Rajaz: “The entire progeny of Ghifar rightly knows, as also the Bani Khandaf after the progeny of Nizar, that undoubtedly I am a Lion in the heat of the battle, and I pound and strike at the group of the adulterers with the sword, in defense of the Progeny of the Righteous. ” He put to sword sixty-eight men, and was killed (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
Then Malik bin Anas Kahili stepped into the battlefield saying, “The child ren of Ali are adherents of Allah, while the children of Umayyah are adher ents of Shaitan. ” Then he killed fourteen men, while some say that he killed eighteen and was martyred (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
I (the author) strongly perceive, that Malik bin Anas Kahili, referred to above, is none other than Anas bin Haris Kahili, the companion (of Prophet Muhammad [s. a. w. s. ]). Ibn Aseer Jazari in Asadul Ghabah says that Anas bin Malik was one of the natives of Kufa. Ash’as bin Saleem relates from his father, who says that the Holy Prophet (S) once said,
“This son of mine (referring to Imam Husayn) would be killed at a place in Iraq, then whoever remains at that moment should assist him. ”
Thus he was martyred along with Imam Husayn (a. s. ).
Shaikh Ibn Nima in his Museerul Ehzan says that then Anas bin Haris Kahili came into the battlefield saying: “Our clan of Kahil along with Dawdan knows, as also Khandaf and Qays
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Aylan, that my nation is in trouble, O nation! Turn into a ferocious Lion, and welcome the nation with a swift sword, the Progeny of Ali are the followers of the Beneficent (Lord) , while the progeny of Harb, the followers of Shaitan. ”
I (the author) say that he is referred to as Kahili because of his ancestor Kahil. In the related Ziyarat-e-Nahiyah, it is stated thus: “Peace be upon Anas bin al Kahili as Asadi. ”
Then ‘Amr bin Muta’ Jo’fi stepped out saying: “Today the striking of the sword is a pleasure for us, for the sake of Husayn the violent attack, by this means we desire success and refuge against the fire of hell, when there will be no expectation of refuge. ” And he was killed (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
He was followed by Jaun bin Malik, the freed retainer of Abu Zarr Ghifari. (Malhoof) He (Jaun) was a black retainer. Imam Husayn (a. s. ) told him,
“I give you permission to leave, for you were in our midst in our times of happiness, then do not imprison yourself in our way. ”
Jaun replied, “O son of the Prophet of Allah (S)! I have been feeding at your place during the days of happiness (and security) , then how can I desert you in hardship? By Allah! The smell of my sweat is dirty, my lineage low, while my color is dark. Then permit me Paradise, so that my smell may turn into a pleasant fragrance, my lineage noble and
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my face may be illuminated. By Allah! No, I shall not desert you until this black blood of mine mixes with your pure blood. ”
Then he came out into the battlefield saying: “How do the polytheists find the striking of a black sword, in defense of the children of Muhammad (S)? I will defend them with my words and my hands, while I desire Paradise on the day of Qiyamah through this. ” Then he was martyred (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
(Malhoof) He (Jaun) killed twenty-five men and was martyred. Imam Husayn (a. s. ) came and stood near his head and said,
“O Allah! Illuminate his face, fragrant his smell, include him among the devout ones and make him known near Your Muhammad (s. a. w. s). ”
Imam Muhammad al Baqir (a. s. ) relates that when people came to the plain of Karbala to bury the martyrs, they found the corpse of Jaun after ten days from which fragrance of Musk was emanating.
Then Anees bin Ma’qal Asbahi came out reciting: “I am Anees the son of Ma’qal, and my right hand possesses a clear-cut sword, which I raise upon the heads in the heat of the battle, in defense of Husayn the honorable, endowed with distinction, the son of the Prophet of Allah, who is the best of all Prophets. ” He killed above twenty men and attained martyrdom (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
He was followed by Yazeed bin Muhajir (Abul Sha’sa Kindi) , whose martyrdom we have already discussed.
Then Hajjaj bin
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Masrooq Jo’fi, the Muezzin (Prayer caller) of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , stepped into the battlefield saying: “Proceed forward O Husayn, who are a guide and a guided one! Today you shall meet your Grandfather the Prophet, and your Father Ali, the possessor of munificence, whom we recognize through the Revelation. ” He put to sword twenty-five men and was killed (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
Then Sa’eed bin Abdullah Hanafi, Habib bin Mazahir Asadi, Zuhayr bin Qayn Bajali and Nafe’ bin Hilal Jamali attained martyrdom (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon them). (Their martyrdom have already been discussed).
Janadah bin Haris Ansari followed them while reciting: “I am Janad and am the son of Haris, I am neither fearful nor impotent, until my heirs inherit from me, today my body will lay upon the earth. ” And then he was martyred (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
Then his son ‘Amr bin Janadah came out saying: “Strangle the neck of the son of Hind, and throw towards them this year the horsemen of Muhajereen and Ansar, who had dyed their spears in the heat of the battle against the polytheists during the days of Prophet Muhammad (S) , and today they will be dyed with the blood of the adulterers, today they will be dyed with the blood of the base men, who have forsaken the Qur’an in defense of evil, they have come to avenge the blood of (the battle of) Badr, for which they have brought
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clear-cut swords and spears, I swear by my Lord, I will keep striking the mischievous people with my swift and clear-cut sword, it is rightly incumbent upon Azdi that daily he should meet the enemy, and throw him down and attack while proceeding further. ” Then he fought and was killed (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
Thereafter a youth, whose father had already been killed, came out into the battlefield. His mother told him, “O dear son! Step out and fight in the presence of the grandson of the Prophet of Allah (S). ” When the youth stepped out, Imam saw him and said,
“The father of this youth has been killed, perhaps his mother would not like him to come out into the battle. ”
The youth replied, “Rather my mother has ordered me to do so. ” Then he stepped into the battlefield reciting the following: “My Master is Husayn and what a Best Master, who is the delight of the heart of the conveyor of good deeds and a warner Prophet (S) , Ali (a. s. ) is his father and Fatima (a. s. ) his mother, do you know anyone who is his co-equal? His countenance is like a shining star, and his forehead like a full moon bright. ”
When he was martyred (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him) , his head was thrown towards the tents of Imam Husayn (a. s. ). His mother lifted up his head and said, “Well done my dear son! O contentment of my heart! O coolness of my eyes”!
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Saying this she threw away his head towards a man who was killed by it. Then she lifted a peg of the tent and attacked them while saying: “I am a feeble and old maid of my master, whose (my) house is empty and who has turned frail and weak, but I will strike at you vio lently, in defense of the children of the Noble Fatima (a. s. ). ” She killed two men by it, seeing this Imam called her back and prayed for her.
I (the author) strongly perceive that the youth was none other than the son of Muslim bin Awsaja Asadi. For the report as stated in Rawzatul Ehbab and Rawzatush Shohada, in context of the martyrdom of the son of Muslim bin Awsaja after the martyrdom of his father, is quite similar to this. (Allah knows best).
Then a Turkish retainer of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , who was a memorizer (Hafiz) of the Qur’an, stepped out while reciting the following Rajaz: “The ocean will set on fire due to my striking with the sword and spear, and the atmosphere will become full of my shooting arrows, when the sword comes into my right hand, the heart of the envious bursts. ”
He killed numerous men, and some say that he killed seventy men and then fell down from his horse. Imam Husayn (a. s. ) came to him and wept and placed his cheek upon that of his retainer. He opened his eyes and saw the face of Imam (a. s. ) and smiled and left
for the heavenly abode (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
He was followed by Malik bin Dawdan, who came out saying: “This stroke towards you is from Malik who is a ferocious Lion, the stroke of the one who defends the liberal and honorable people, and who desires reward from Allah, the Possessor of favor. ” And then attained martyrdom (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
Then Abu Samamah Saedi followed him while saying: “Condolence for the Progeny of Mustafa (S) and his daughters, due to the siege by the enemies of the son of Muhammad (S) , the best of humans, condolence for Zahra (a. s. ) , the daughter of the Prophet and for her husband, who is a treasure of knowledge after the Prophet, condolence for the dwellers of the East and the West, and wail for the army of Husayn, the good doer, then who is there to reach my message to the Prophet and his daughter, that your son is fallen in trouble. ” Then he fell a martyr. (May Allah’s Mercy and Bless ings be upon him).
He was followed by Ibraheem bin Haseen Asadi, who was saying: “I will strike at your joints and calves with the sword, so that this nation spills my blood, and Abu Ishaq may attain martyrdom, by the nation I mean the mischievous sons of adulteress women. ” Then he was killed (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
Then ‘Amr bin Qartah followed, whose martyrdom we have already mentioned.
He was followed by Ahmad
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bin Muhammad Hashmi, who was reciting: “Today I shall test my ancestry and my Religion, through my clear-cut sword which is in my right hand, and I shall defend my Religion in battle with it. ” And was ultimately killed (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
It is quoted in Manaqib, that the group of companions of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) who fell martyr in the first raid were:
(1) Na’eem bin Ajalan, (2) Imran bin Ka’ab bin Haris Ashja’ee, (3) Hanzalah bin ‘Amr Shaybani, (4) Qasit bin Zuhayr, (5) Kinanah bin Ateeq, (6) ‘Amr bin Mashee’ah, (7) Zarghamah bin Malik, (8) Amir bin Muslim, (9) Sayf bin Malik Namiri, (10) Abdul Rahman Arhabi, (11) Mujme’ A’ezi, (12) Habbab bin Haris, (13) ‘Amr Janda’ee, (14) Jallas bin ‘Amr Rasebee, (15) Sawar bin Abi Umayr Fahmi, (16) Ammar bin Abi Salamah Walani, (17) Mas’ood bin Hajjaj, (18) Abdullah bin Urwa Ghifari, (19) Zuhayr bin Basheer Khas’ami, (20) Ammar bin Hissan, (21) Abdullah bin Umayr, (22) Muslim bin Kaseer, (23) Zuhayr bin Saleem, (24) & (25) Abdullah and Ubaydullah sons of Zayd Basari, (26) Umroh, the retainer of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , (27) & (28) two freed retainers of Imam Ali (a. s. ) , (29) Zahir ‘Amr, the Retainer of Ibn Humaq. (May Allah’s Mercy and Bless ings be upon them).
In my (the author’s) opinion, the name of the (above referred) last person is quoted wrongly, while the correct one is Zahir, the Retainer of ‘Amr bin Humaq. Thus in the Ziyarat-e-Nahiyah, referring to the martyrs, and
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the related Ziyarat-e-Rajabiyah (as quoted in Misbahuz Zaer) , it is quoted: “Peace be upon Zahir, the Retainer of ‘Amr bin Humaq Khuza’i. ” Thus it is correct that the one referred to is the same.
The proficient Erudite Qazi Mo’man Misri says that ‘Amr bin Humaq was among the Emigrant companions (Muhajereen) of the Holy Prophet (S) and the Tabe’een for whom Paradise was proclaimed by the Prophet, and who remained (faithful) with Imam Ali (a. s. ). ‘Amr remained alive after the death of Imam Ali (a. s. ). Once when Mu’awiyah pursued him, he fled away to an island, along with him was another companion of Imam Ali (a. s. ) named Zahir. Both of them dismounted at a valley and a snake bit ‘Amr at mid night.
When it dawned, a tumor appeared and ‘Amr told Zahir, “Move away from me, for I have heard my friend the Holy Prophet (S) saying that the genies and men will be involved in my murder, and very soon I will be killed. ” They were talking when suddenly they saw the necks of horses, who were in pursuit of ‘Amr. ‘Amr told Zahir, “O Zahir! Hide yourself, and then when they have killed me and taken away my head and left my body, you may bury me. ”
Zahir said, “No I shall not do so, but I will fight them with my arrows and when they are exhausted, I too will be killed along with you. ” ‘Amr replied, “Do what I tell you to do. Allah will give
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you success in that. ” Thus Zahir hid himself and the people came and killed him. Then they beheaded ‘Amr and took his head along with them, this being the first head in Islam, which was raised on a lance. When they returned back, Zahir came out of his hiding and buried ‘Amr, after that he remained alive until he was martyred along with Imam Husayn (a. s. ) in Karbala. [1]
Thus it is proved through this narration that Zahir was from among the distinguished companions of Imam Ali (a. s. ). He was equal in rank to ‘Amr bin Humaq Khuza’i, the companion of the Prophet of Allah (S) and the disciple of Imam Ali (a. s. ). He was a virtuous slave (of Allah) , whom excessive worship had made old, body feeble and his color pale. He had the good fortune of burying ‘Amr, his felicity was favored until he made assisting Imam Husayn (a. s. ) his sustenance, and attained martyrdom.
And among the progeny of Zahir is Abu Ja’far Zahir bin Muhammad bin Sinan, who was from among the companions of Imam Moosa al Kazim (a. s. ) , Imam Ali ar Ridha’ (a. s. ) and Imam Muhammad al Jawad (a. s. ).
Furthermore it should be noted that the historians have quoted the names of some persons, who were present on the tenth of Muharram to assist Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , but they saved themselves and fled away.
(1) A retainer of Abdul Rahman bin Abd Rabbah Ansari. And as has been stated earlier that he said that, “When I saw the
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companions of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) falling down I fled away (in fright) leaving them behind. ” [1]
(3) Marqa’ bin Tamamah Asadi. Tabari and Ibn Aseer say that he had spread his quiver of arrows upon the ground while kneeling down, and was fighting until a group of people from his relatives came to him and offered him protection and told him to return back to them. He returned back with them, and Umar bin Sa’ad took him to the presence of Ubaydullah bin Ziyad and related to him regarding him. Ubaydullah banished him to Zarah. Firozabadi says that Zarah is a reed-bed and the name of an area in Misr and Tarabuloos, and is also a (name of the) mountain in Bahrayn, which has a water spring.
(5) Uqbah bin Sam’an. Tabari and Ibn Aseer say that Umar bin Sa’ad arrest ed him and he was a servant of Rabab (a. s. ) , the wife of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and daughter of Imru al Qays Kalbi and mother of Sakinah (a. s. ). When Umar inquired from him as to what position he held, he replied that he was a retainer and did not have authority, thus Umar released him.
(7) Zahhak bin Abdullah Mashriqi. We deem appropriate to relate about him. Loot bin Yahya Azdi says, that Abdullah bin Asim Hamadani has related to him that Zahhak bin Abdullah Mashriqi told him that: I along with Malik bin Nazr Arhabi came to the presence of Imam Husayn (a. s. ). We saluted him and sat near him. Imam replied
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our salutations, then after welcoming us in quired as to why we came there. We replied, “We have come here to offer salutations to you and pray regarding your well-being, besides renewing our sight of you. Besides we have come to inform you that the people of Kufa have united to fight you, thus you may take your decision. ” Imam replied, “Allah is sufficient and the best Judge for me. ” We related to him the vice of the people, then we made a farewell salute and prayed for his well-being, while asking his permission to leave. Imam said, “Why do you not assist me”? Malik bin Nazr replied that, “I am under debt and have child ren”, while I said that, “I am indebted too even while having no children, then if you promise to excuse me at the time when my defending you would not be beneficial to you, I shall remain with you. ” Imam replied that, “In that case you are free to do so”. Thus I remained behind with him.
Thus Zahhak bin Abdullah remained along with Imam Husayn (a. s. ) till the day of Ashura’, and he has related reports from him regarding the day and night of Ashura’. He further says that: When I saw that all the compan ions of the Imam have been martyred, while the enemies had laid their hands upon him and his family, and no one, except Suwayd bin ‘Amr Khas’ami and Basheer bin ‘Amr Hazramee was there. I came up to him and
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said, “O son of the Prophet of Allah! Do you remember what pact was made between us, and I had promised that until the fighters remain with you I shall fight along with them, if not I shall be free. And you had agreed to it. ” Imam replied,
“You have spoken the truth, but then how will you save yourself? Then if you can do so, you are at liberty. ”
At the time when the horses of the companions were being wounded, while arrows were being shot, I secretly hid my horse in one of the tents of the companions, and I defended on foot. Then I killed two persons in front of Imam and severed the hand of another. That day Imam told me several times,
“Do not severe the hands of anyone, may Allah not amputate your hands! May Allah reward you due to the Proge ny of your Prophet. ”
Then when he gave me the permission, I went and brought my horse from the tent and sat on it. Then I spurned it until it stood on its feet and I rushed from the midst of the army. They gave me the way until I galloped away, while fifteen horsemen started pursuing me, until I reached the village of Shafiyah near the bank of Euphrates.
They came near me and when I turned around, Kaseer bin Abdullah Sha’abi, Ayyub bin Mushreh Haywani and Qays bin Abdullah Saedi recognized me. They said, “This is Zahhak bin Abdullah Mashriqi, our cousin. We request you
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in the name of Allah to lift your hands off him. ” Hearing this three men from among the Bani Tameem sided with them and others too followed suit, thus Allah saved me.
Abdullah bin Abbas rightly said, while being reprimanded for not siding with Imam Husayn (a. s. ) (in Karbala) , “Not a single person from among the companions (to be martyred in Karbala) could be deleted nor added. We knew them by their names even before meeting them. ”
Muhammad bin Hanafiyah said, “Their [the companions of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) (in Karbala) ] names along with the names of their fathers was written with us. May my parents be their ransom, I wish I would have been along with them, I too would have reached the great achievement. ”
The noble and trustworthy Shaikh Muhammad bin Hasan Saffar Qummi, who died in Qum in the year 290 A. H. , relates in his book Basaerud Darajat from Huzayfa Ghifari, that when Imam Hasan (a. s. ) entered into a peace treaty with Mu’awiyah and returned back to Madina, I was along with him. A Camel laden with load was along with him every time and Imam never let it go away from his sight. One day I inquired of him, “May I be your ransom O Aba Muhammad! What is this load which is never separated from you”? Imam replied,
“O Huzayfa! Do you not know what it contains”?
I replied in the negative. Imam Hasan (a. s. ) replied,
“This is a register. ”
I asked him as to what register was it. He replied,
“It is a
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register containing the names of our Shi’ah. ”
I asked, “Please show me my name in it. ” Imam told me to come the next morning. I went in the morning accompanied by my nephew, who knew to read, while I did not know to do so. Imam asked me as to why I had come early in the morning? I replied that I had come to see that what he had promised me. Imam Hasan (a. s. ) asked,
“Who is this youth along with you”?
I said that he was my nephew and knew how to read, while I did not know. He signaled us to sit down. Imam ordered that the centre register be brought. The register was brought and when my nephew opened it to see, the letters therein shone. Then while reading, he suddenly said, “O uncle! Here is my name. ” I said, “May your mother mourn you! Read my name. ” After scrutiny he showed me my name and we were overjoyed, and this youth was martyred along with Imam Husayn (a. s. ) in Karbala.
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[1]: The entire episode of the martyrdom of ‘Amr bin Humaq has been discussed separately in Section 9 under Chapter 2 of this book.
[1]: Refer to the entire episode in Section 18 of this book.
Receding to the account of the condition of the companions of Imam Husayn (a. s. )
The books of martyrdom state, that the companions of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) started coming to him one after the other and saying, “Peace be upon you O son of the Prophet of Allah”! Imam would reply to their salutations and would say,
“Very soon we too shall follow you. ”
Then he recited the follow ing verse of the Qur’an;
“Of the believers are the men who are true to what they covenanted with Allah, of them is he who fulfilled his vow
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and of them is he who awaits (its fulfillment) , and they have changed not in the least. ” (Surah al-Ahzaab, 33: 23. )
“The cup of death rotates above them, and they have closed their eyes against the world, similar to an inebriate, their bodies have reached death upon the earth in his love, and they souls have ascended in the curtains upon the high heavens, then they have not occupied a place except near their friend, but they have not ascended due to anxiety. ”
Sayyid ibn Tawoos says that the companions of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) competed with one another to sacrifice themselves for him. They were such as has been said regarding them: “They are group who are called to defend at times of anxiety, and some of the soldiers are occupied in striking with the spears and some to gather the valorous, they have worn their hearts upon their armors, as if they preceded one another in sacrificing their lives. ”
Shaikh Ibn Nima says regarding their valor, self-sacrifice and their defense (of the son of the Prophet of Allah): “When they lift up their wheatish colored lances and resolve firmly, then the Lions of the thicket flee away in fright, to the name of the mill-stone of the ferocious battle are warrior weapons, when they lay siege their adversaries are in a loss, when they dig their legs in the battlefield, then their promised place is the day of Qiyamah. ”
Ibn Abil Hadeed in his Sharhe Nahjul Balagha says, that a person who was
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among the army of Umar bin Sa’ad in Karbala was asked, “Woe be to you! You have murdered the progeny of the Prophet of Allah”? To which he replied, “Put stones in between your teeth (keep quite)! If you had seen (that day) what we saw, you too would have done what we did. Valorous persons equipped with swords, who were similar to the male Lions, attacked us.
They would fling the valorous on the left and right and would fall upon death. They would not accept protection, nor be allured by wealth. There was nothing for them except acquiring dominion or death. If we had held back our hands from them even for a short time, they would have annihilated our entire army. What would we have done at that moment”?
Shaikh Abu ‘Amr Kashshi says that Habib was one of those seventy men, who had assisted Imam Husayn (a. s. ). They were forwarding their chests in front of the lances and their faces (in front) of the edge of the swords. They were offered protection and abundant wealth, but they refused to accept the same saying, “We do not have any excuse to offer the Holy Prophet (S) that we remained alive while Imam Husayn (a. s. ) was killed, until we all are killed. ”
I (the Author) say that, “The companions of our Master Imam Husayn (a. s. ) hold a great right upon all the Muslims. It is appropriate that here we quote a short couplet from their praises thus fulfilling an
insignificant part of their rights, for they were similar to what has been said by their eulogizers. [Here the author quotes two couplets, which I forego]
Combat of the members of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) ’s Household (Ahlul Bayt) and their Martyrdom (May Allah be pleased with them)
Martyrdom of Abul Hasan Ali bin Husayn al Akbar (a. s. )
When the companions of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) were martyred and none remained with him except his family consisting of the children of Imam Ali (a. s. ) , Ja’far bin Abi Talib (a. s. ) , Aqeel bin Abi Talib (a. s. ) , and Imam Hasan (a. s. ) , they gathered and bade farewell to one another and resolved to fight.
They were similar to what has been said regarding them, “They are a group, who, when they step into the heat of the battle, you mistaken them to be sun while their faces moon, they never refrain from being compassionate at any cost whether the world deals fairly with them or oppresses them, then when a pleader calls out for help at times of trouble, they put forward themselves and are prepared to part with their lives”.
Others say, “The ones with illuminated countenance whose lineage is noble, (they are) dignified men belonging to the highest rank, when the guest arrive suddenly upon them, their dogs do not bark at them, nor do they question regarding the ensuing darkness”.
And Ka’ab bin Malik says, “They are a group from the Bani Hashim on whose foundation stands a mighty wall, and it is such an authority that cannot be transferred, they are a group due to whom Allah is merciful towards His creation, and by means of whose grandfather (Imam Ali) the Prophet (S)
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was rendered assistance, ones with illuminated countenance, whom when one beholds, shall find generosity flowing from their hands when the prevaricate world seeks excuses from it”.
The eminent Shaikh Ali bin Isa Irbili in Kashful Ghummah relates from the book Itratut Taherah from Awam bin Hawshab, that he said, it is related to me that the Prophet of Allah (S) once glanced at a group of the Quraishite youth, whose faces were illuminated similar to the swords, until grief became visible upon his face. It was told to him, “O Prophet of Allah! What has happened to you? ”
He replied,
“We are a family for whom Allah has preferred the hereafter above this world. I just recalled as to how my family will have to face slaughter and expulsion at the hands of my nation”.
Here the author quotes a sizeable eulogy of Sayyid Haydar Hilli, which we omit.
(Irshad) Ali Akbar (a. s. ) , whose mother was Layla, the daughter of Abi Murrah bin Urwah bin Mas’ood Saqafi, stepped into the battlefield.
Regarding Urwah bin Mas’ood, the maternal (great) grandfather of Ali Akbar (a. s. )
Urwah bin Mas’ood was one of the four noblemen of the Islamic world and one of the two chiefs who has been quoted by the Qur’an, among the infidels of Quraysh, as saying that,
“Why was not this Qur’an sent down to a man in the two cities, (who is) great? ”
(Surah az-Zukhruf, 43: 31. )
He is the one who was sent by the Quraysh to enter into a peace treaty at Hudaybiyah between them and the Prophet (S) , when until that time he was
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yet an infidel. In the ninth year of Migration (Hijrah) , when the Prophet returned from the battle of Taef, he accepted Islam and asked permission to return to his hometown to invite the people towards Islam. He returned back and invited them towards Islam, and when he was reciting the Azan for the Prayers, one of his tribesmen shot an arrow at him and he died. When the Prophet of Allah (S) received the news of his martyrdom, he said,
“The similitude of Urwah is that of the believer of Yasin, [1] who invited his tribe towards worship of Allah and they killed him”.
And it is quoted similarly in Sharhe Shamaele Muhammadiyah in interpretation of the saying of the Prophet that,
“If one beholds Isa bin Maryam (a. s. ) , he will find him to resemble the most to Urwah bin Mas’ood”.
Jazari relates from Ibn Abbas in Asadul Ghabah, that Prophet Muhammad (S) said,
“There are four Chiefs in Islam, Bushr bin Bilal Abadi, Adi bin Hatim, Suraqah bin Malik Madalji, and Urwah bin Mas’ood Saqafi”.
(Malhoof) Ali bin Husayn was the most handsome and elegant among all men. He then asked permission from his father for battle. Imam (a. s. ) gave him permission and then looked at him with dejection, while tears flowed from his eyes and he wept.
(Tasliyatul Majalis) It is related that he lifted his beard towards the heavens and said,
“O Allah! Be a witness upon these men, that the youth who resembles your Prophet the most in character and speech is proceeding
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towards them. Whenever we desired beholding the face of your Prophet, we would look at him. O Allah! Withhold away the bounties of the earth from them and cause dissention among them and scatter them. Disparage their policy and do not make them earn the pleasure of their chiefs, for they invited us so as to assist us, then they leapt upon us and fought us”.
Then he called for Umar bin Sa’ad saying,
“What has happened to you? May Allah terminate your progeny! And may He turn your act inauspicious! And may He dominate someone upon you, who would behead you in your bed as you have ripped our wombs and did not consider the sanctity of the Prophet of Allah (S) with regard to me”.
Then he raised a cry and recited the following verse of the Qur’an,
“Verily Allah did choose Adam and Nooh and the descendants of Ibraheem and the descendants of Imran above all the worlds” (Surah aal-`Imraan, 3: 33).
Ali bin Husayn laid siege upon the army while saying,
“I am Ali bin Husayn bin Ali, by the House of Allah! We possess superiority while bearing relation with the Prophet than Shabas (bin Rab’ee) and Shimr, the base ones, I shall strike at you with the sword until it bends, the sword of a Hashimite Alawite youth, I shall keep defending my father, and by Allah! The son of the illegitimate one shall not have command upon us”.
He attacked the enemies repeatedly and put numerous among them to sword.
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(Tasliyatul Majalis) He killed such a large number that the army started bewailing. It is also related that although being thirsty, he killed one hundred and twenty men. It is related in Manaqib, that he put to sword seventy men and returned back to his father after receiving numerous wounds.
(Tasliyatul Majalis, Malhoof) He said, “O father! Thirst is killing me while the load of iron (ammunitions) has bereft me of my strength. Is there water available so that I may regain strength and pounce upon the enemies? ”
(Malhoof) Hearing this Imam Husayn (a. s. ) wept and said,
“O Aide! O dear son! Fight for a while, and very soon you shall behold your grandfather Muhammad (S). You shall drink from his flowing cup and shall never ever be thirsty”.
(Tasliyatul Majalis) Imam Husayn (a. s. ) told him,
“O my dear son! Remove your tongue out”,
saying this, the Imam (a. s. ) placed his tongue in his mouth and suckled it. Then he placed his ring in Ali’s mouth and said,
“Return back to the battlefield, and I hope that before the night comes forth, your grandfather shall hand you a cup with overflowing drink, consuming which you shall never ever feel thirsty”.
Ali Akbar returned towards the battlefield and said, “The realities for the battle have become apparent and after that it’s evidences too, by the Lord of the heavens! We shall not part with your group until the swords enter the sheaths”. Then he continued fighting until he killed two hundred men.
(Irshad) The army
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of Kufa refrained themselves from killing him. The sight of Murrah bin Munqiz Abadi Laysi fell upon him and he said, “The sins of Arabs be upon my neck, if he passes by me doing what he does, and I do not aggrieve his mother due to him”. [1]
At the time when he was busy attacking the army, Murrah bin Munqiz faced him and hurled a lance at him while throwing him upon the ground. Seeing this, the army surrounded him from all sides and cut him to pieces with their swords. “If the Indian swords have devoured their flesh, while the flesh of the honorable men has always been its prey”. [2]
It is stated in Manaqib that Murrah bin Munqiz Abadi suddenly pierced his lance into Ali Akbar’s back and others attacked him with their swords. Abul Faraj says that he attacked continuously until an arrow pierced his throat and punctured it. He was drenched in blood and called out, “O dear father! Peace be upon you! Here is my grandfather the Prophet of Allah (S) calling me to hasten”. Then he raised a cry and died. (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
Sayyid ibn Tawoos says that then Imam Husayn (a. s. ) came besides Ali Akbar and placed his cheek upon that of his. (Tabari, Tasliyatul Majalis) Hamid bin Muslim relates, that on the tenth day (of Muharram) I heard with my own ears
Imam Husayn (a. s. ) saying,
“O my dear son! May Allah kill the one who killed you. What
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measure of audacity have they acquired against Allah, the Beneficent, and in violating the sanctity of the Prophet? ”
(Irshad) Tears started flowing abundantly from Imam Husayn (a. s. ) ’s eyes and he said,
“Woe be upon this world after you”.
It is stated in Rawzatus Safa that Imam Husayn (a. s. ) wept profusely besides him such that none had ever heard him doing so before. [1]
Here the author quotes a lengthy elegy by Abi Tamam, which we forgo – translator.
It is stated in the salutations of Ali Akbar (a. s. ) related by Imam Ja’far as Sadiq (a. s. ) that,
“May my parents be ransom upon the beheaded one, the one killed guiltlessly! May my parents be ransom upon the blood that reached the Friend of Allah in the heavens! May my parents be ransom upon you who hastened towards the battlefield in the presence of his father, who sacrificed you in the way of Allah! Then he wept upon you and his heart scorched for you. He hurled your blood towards the heavens, not a drop of which returned back, and his cry for you would not be diminished”.
(Tabari, Maqatilat Talibiyyin, Malhoof) Shaikh Mufeed says that Sayyidah Zainab (a. s. ) , the sister of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) hastened, and cried out, “Woe my brother! Woe my nephew! ” She came and threw herself upon the corpse of Ali Akbar (a. s. ). Imam Husayn (a. s. ) lifted her head and brought her back to the tents. Then he called out to the youth saying, “Take your brother”. (Tabari, Maqatilat Talibiyyin) They
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brought him from the spot of his martyrdom and placed him in front of the tent facing which he had fought.
There is difference of opinion in the statements of Scholars regarding the first martyr among the Ahlul Bayt (a. s. ). Some opine that the first martyr was Ali Akbar, while others say that it was Abdullah bin Muslim bin Aqeel. And we, in concordance with the statements of Tabari, Jazari (Ibn Aseer) , Isfahani (Abul Faraj) , Daynoori, Shaikh Mufeed, Sayyid ibn Tawoos and others, consider Ali Akbar to be the first martyr (among the Ahlul Bayt) , while the salutations containing the names of the martyrs bear testimony to this, whose wordings are: “Peace be upon you O the first martyr from among the progeny of the best of Friends (of Allah) ”.
And whatever Shaikh Najmuddin ibn Nima says that, “Quite a few persons were alive among the Ahlul Bayt (a. s. ) when Ali Akbar went to the battlefield”, is weak, and what he intended might be similar to the above, but the trend of his speech does not confirm it.
There is also difference of opinion regarding the age of Ali Akbar (a. s. ). Muhammad Ibn Shahre Ashob and Muhammad bin Abi Talib opine that he was eighteen years old, while Shaikh Mufeed says that he was nineteen years old. Therefore according to this, he was younger than Imam Ali Zainul Abedeen (a. s. ). And some even say that he was twenty-five years old or less, and was thus older than Imam Zainul Abedeen (a. s. ) ,
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while this is accurate and more renowned.
The Eminent among Jurists, Muhammad bin Idris Hilli says at the conclusion of the book Hajj in context of the Salutations of Abu Abdullah Imam Husayn (a. s. ) that, “Then salutations of his son Ali Akbar (a. s. ) should be pronounced, whose mother was Layla, the daughter of Abi Murrah bin Urwah Saqafi. He was the first martyr on the day of the tenth (of Muharram) from the family of Hazrat Abu Talib (a. s. ). He was born during the caliphate of Usman and has narrated traditions from his Grandfather Imam Ali (a. s. ) , while poets, like Abi Ubaydah and Khalaf al Ahmar, have composed couplets in his praise”.
Shaikh Mufeed in his Irshad, says that the one martyred in Karbala was Ali Asghar (the younger) , whose mother was from the clan of Bani Saqif, while Ali Akbar (the elder) is Imam Zainul Abedeen (a. s. ) , whose mother was Shahzanan, the daughter of Khusro Parwiz or was a slave girl. [1]
Abul Faraj relates from Mughirah, that once Mu’awiyah asked, “Who is more worthy of the caliphate? ” It was said unto him, “You”. He replied, “No, the most worthy amongst men for this position is Ali bin Husayn bin Ali who combines in himself the valor of Bani Hashim, the munificence of Bani Umayyah [2] and the honor of (Bani) Saqif”.
It should be borne in mind that according to some narratives and Salutations he had a son and a family. The Trustworthy Authority of Islam Shaikh Kulaini relates from Ali bin
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Ibraheem Qummi, from his father, from Ahmad bin Muhammad bin Abi Nasr Bazanti, who says that I inquired from Imam Ali ar Reza (a. s. ) that, “If a man marries a woman and also marries her father’s slave-girl? ” Imam replied,
“There is no harm in it”.
I said, “It has reached me from your father that Imam Ali bin Husayn (Zainul Abedeen) (a. s. ) married the daughter of (Imam) Hasan bin Ali (a. s. ) and his slave-girl. And one of my friends have asked me to inquire from you regarding it”.
Imam replied,
“It is not so. Verily Imam Ali bin Husayn (Zainul Abedeen) (a. s. ) married the daughter of Imam Hasan bin Ali (a. s. ) and the slave-girl of Ali bin Husayn (al Akbar) , who was martyred in Karbala”.
Hamiri too quotes similarly with his reliable chain of narrators.
In the lengthy salutations quoted by (Abu Hamza) Sumali from Imam Ja’far as Sadiq (a. s. ) in context of the salutation of Ali bin Husayn, the martyr of Karbala, it is stated: “Allah’s greetings upon you, and your progeny, and your household, and your fore-fathers, and your sons”.
And regarding whether his mother was present is Karbala or no; we have seen no reports confirming it. And Allah is the Best Knower.
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[1]: When the people of the city disbelieved and rejected the message from Hazrat Isa (a. s. ) , a man from the outskirts of the city, i. e. Habib-an-Najjar (Habib, the carpenter) , who is popularly known as ‘Mo’mine Ale Yasin’, came running and exhorted his people to believe in the message of the ‘Selfless Ones’ (the Messengers). For his words refer verses 20 to 32 of Surah-al-Yasin (36: 20-32).
The Roman name of the man is Theofelus i. e. Habibullah. There is another tradition that Prophet Muhammad (S) said that, “There are three persons who responded to the call of their Prophets without hesitation and they never bowed to any one besides Allah even for the twinkling of an eye, viz. Habib-an-Najjar, the believer of Ale Yasin; Izekiel, the believer from the people of Fir’aun, and Ali bin Abi Talib (a. s. ) , who is superior among all of them. Ref. Kifayat-ut-Talib by Muhammad b. Yusuf Ganji Shafe’i, Sawaeqe Muhriqa by Ibn Hajar Makki, Tafsire Durre Mansur by Jalaluddin Suyuti, Fath-ul-Qadeer by Shawkani, Tafsir Fath-ul-Bayan by Siddiq Hasan Khan, etc.
[1]: In Rawzatus Safa it is stated that he attacked the army twelve times.
[2]: In certain books of martyrdom it is stated that Murrah bin Munqiz struck his sword upon the crown of his head and the army too struck at him with their swords. Ali put his hands around the neck of his horse who took him in the midst of the enemy. They cut him into pieces with their swords. When his end drew near he called out, “O dear father! Here is my grandfather the Prophet of Allah (S) , who serves me an overflowing cup. Then hasten! Hasten! For he holds a cup in his hand for you too, then you too may partake of it.
[1]: Allamah Turayhi relates, that when Ali bin Husayn (a. s. ) fell a martyr upon the desert of Karbala, Imam Husayn (a. s. ) went besides him wearing a shirt, cloak, and a turban whose two ends were on the either side of his head (upon his shoulders). Imam said, “Now O my dear son! You have found relief from imprisonment and the anxieties of this world, and very soon I too shall join you”.
[1]: Allamah Majlisi says that Muhammad bin Abi Talib and Abul Faraj say, that his mother was Layla, the daughter of Abi Murrah bin Urwah bin Mas’ood Saqafi and on the tenth (of Muharram) he was eighteen years of age. Thus it seems that Abul Faraj also considers his age to be of eighteen years, but Abul Faraj in his Maqatilat Talibiyyin does not state so but says something contrary to it. For he considers Ali Akbar to have been born during the caliphate of Usman bin Affan, and this is more sane than his earlier quote.
[2]: Ali Akbar was not directly related to the Bani Umayyah family; rather his mother Layla was the daughter of Maymunah, the daughter of Abu Sufyan (Ref. Al Husayn wa Batlat Karbala by Allamah Shaikh Muhammad Jawad Mughni’ah). Here Mu’awiyah slyly tries to associate his lofty character with that of his own family (Bani Umayyah) , while in reality Ali Akbar had inherited the outstanding merits and excellent character of the Bani Hashim.
Martyrdom of Abdullah bin Muslim bin Aqeel bin Abi Talib
(Tasliyatul Majalis) The first one among the Ahlul Bayt to step into the battlefield was Abdullah bin Muslim bin Aqeel. He was reciting the following Rajaz: “Today I shall meet Muslim my father, and I shall meet the youth who sacrificed their entirety for the Religion of
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the Prophet, they are a group who do not know to lie, but they were fair and of noble descent from Hashim, the masters of the noblemen”. He attacked thrice and slew ninety-eight men, and in the end, ‘Amr bin Sabeeh Saydawi and Asad bin Malik killed him. (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
Abul Faraj says that his mother was Ruqayyah, the daughter of Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (a. s. ). Shaikh Mufeed and Tabari say, that a man from the army of Umar, named ‘Amr bin Sabeeh, shot an arrow at Abdullah while he placed his hand on the forehead to save himself. The arrow pierced his hand and nailed it to his forehead and he could not separate it. Another man pierced a lance into his chest and killed him. (May Allah sanctify his spirit).
Ibn Aseer in his Kamil says that Mukhtar (bin Abu Ubaydah) called for Zayd bin Riqqad Hababi. He came and said, “I nailed the hand of a youth to his forehead from among them with an arrow, and the youth was Abdullah bin Muslim bin Aqeel. When I shot an arrow at him, he said: O Allah! These men deem us to be lowly and wretched. O Allah! Kill them, as they have killed us. I shot another arrow at him and when I went to his side, he had died. Then I pulled out the arrow from his heart, which had killed him. I also started moving the arrow up and down
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from his forehead, but its handle came out while its point remained therein”. Hearing this, the men of Mukhtar hastened towards him, but he attacked them with his sword. Ibn Kamil said, “Do not kill him with lances and swords, rather kill him with your arrows and stones”. They shot arrows at him and he fell upon the ground and was burnt alive. (May Allah’s curse be upon him).
Martyrdom of Aun bin Abdullah bin Ja’far bin Abi Talib
Tabari says that the army surrounded them from all sides. Abdullah bin Qatabah Ta’i Nab-hani attacked Aun bin Abdullah bin Ja’far bin Abi Talib and killed him. (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
It is stated in Manaqib that he was reciting the following Rajaz: “If you do not know me I am the son of Ja’far, the truthful martyr who abides in the illuminated Paradise, flying with green colored wings therein, and this is enough (proof) for eminence on the day of Qiyamah”. Then he killed three horsemen and eighteen foot-soldiers, and Abdullah bin Qatabah Ta’i killed him.
Abul Faraj (Isfahani) says that his mother was Sayyidah Zainab Aqeelah (a. s. ) , the daughter of Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (a. s. ) and Sayyidah Fatemah az Zahra (a. s. ) , the daughter of the Prophet of Allah (S).
Sulayman bin Qibbah, in elegy for Aun says, “Weep upon Aun if you desire to weep, who was never prepared to forsake him (Imam) in distress, by my life! ‘The Near Ones’ had to face great difficulties, then weep upon a lengthy calamity”.
His mother Aqeelah (Zainab) [1]
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is the one from whom Ibn Abbas relates the narration of Fadak from her mother Fatemah (a. s. ) and says: Our prudent lady (Aqeelah) Zainab, the daughter of Imam Ali (a. s. ) , relates to us....... (etc. ).
It is better to be borne in mind that Abdullah bin Ja’far had two sons named Aun, who were given the title of Akbar (the elder) and Asghar (the younger). The mother of one of them was Zainab Aqeelah (a. s. ) , and of the other Juma’ah, the daughter of Musayyab bin Najabah Fazari. There is difference regarding which of them was martyred along with Imam Husayn (a. s. ) in Karbala. But it is evident that the one martyred (in Karbala) was Aun al Akbar (the elder) , the son of Sayyidah Zainab (a. s. ) , while Aun al Asghar was killed in the incident of Hirrah by the men of Musrif bin Aqabah, the accursed, as opined by Abul Faraj Isfahani.
Martyrdom of Muhammad bin Abdullah bin Ja’far bin Abi Talib
(Tabari) Amir bin Nah-shal Tamimi attacked Muhammad bin Abdullah bin Ja’far bin Abi Talib (a. s. ) and killed him. (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him. )
Abul Faraj (Isfahani) says that his mother was Khawsa, [1] the daughter of Hafsah from the clan of Bani Bakr bin Wael.
Sulayman bin Qibbah, in elegy for him says: “When the one whose name was similar to that of the Prophet fell in their midst, they raised their sharp-edged and clear-cut swords upon his head, then if you desire to weep O my eyes, then weep generously with tears similar to a tempest”.
It is related in Manaqib,
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that he proceeded towards the battlefield saying, “I complain to Allah regarding the enemies, a nation who are blind and who spread devastation, who have changed the characteristics of the Qur’an, the firm revelation, and its rationality, they have sided in disbelief with the despots”. Then he put to sword ten men and Amir bin Nah-shal Tamimi killed him.
Abul Faraj says that following him, his brother Ubaydullah bin Abdullah bin Ja’far was martyred. (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him). It is quoted in Manaqib, that Bashr bin Huwaytar Qanasi killed him.
Martyrdom of Abdul Rahman bin Aqeel bin Abi Talib
Usman bin Khalid bin Aseer Jahni and Bashr bin Sawt Hamadani Qanasi attacked Abdul Rahman bin Aqeel and killed him.
It is quoted in Manaqib, that he was reciting the following Rajaz: “My father was Aqeel thus know my position in the (Bani) Hashim, while the (Bani Hashim) are brothers of one another, and are considerably honest, masters of the Qur’an, this is Husayn whose base is eminent, and he is the Master of the seniors as also the youth”.
He killed seventeen men. It is related from Madaeni, that Usman bin Khalid bin Asheem and a Hamadanide man killed him. (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him). It is also said that the mother of Muhammad bin Muslim bin Aqeel was a slave-girl and Usman bin Khalid Jahni killed him.
It is related in Tarikh of Tabari, that Mukhtar seized two men in Kufa who had participated in the murder of Abdul Rahman bin Aqeel bin Abi
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Talib and looted his clothes. He severed their necks and burnt them, Allah’s curse be upon them.
Martyrdom of Ja’far bin Aqeel bin Abi Talib
His mother was Ummus Saghar, the daughter of Amir, from the clan of Bani Kilab. While some say that his mother was Khawsa’, the daughter of ‘Amr bin Amir Kilabi.
He stepped into the battlefield saying, “I am a youth of the valley, a wanderer, I am from the family of Hashim, the predominant, and verily we are the masters, this is Husayn the most sanctified among all sacred”.
Abdullah bin Urwah Khas’ami shot an arrow at him and killed him. (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
It is stated in Manaqib, that he put to sword two men, while others say that he killed fifteen horsemen and Bashr bin Sawt Hamadani killed him.
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[1]: Sayyidah Zainab al Kubra (a. s. ) (the elder Zainab) , the elder daughter of Imam Ali (a. s. ) and Sayyidah Fatemah az Zahra (a. s. ) was born in Madinah during the life-time of the Noble Messenger of Allah (S). She was thus brought up in the sacred laps of her grandfather, father and mother, along with her brothers and sister. Thus she was surrounded from all sides by infallibility, then why would not one expect such brilliance in her character? She combined in herself the eminence of her grandfather, valour of her father, piety of her mother and morals of her brothers.
Soon after her birth, Jibra’eel descended with greetings upon the Prophet of Allah (S) and presented the name chosen by Allah for her, thus she was named Zainab, viz. embellishment of (her) father, rather she proved to be an embellishment for Islam in particular and the entire universe in general. Zainab al Kubra was married to her cousin Abdullah, titled Bahrus Sakha (the Ocean of Munificence) , the son of Ja’far at Tayyar, and bore him four sons viz. Aun, Muhammad, Ali and Abbas, and one daughter Umm Kulthum.
She sacrificed her sons Aun and Muhammad in the way of Allah at Karbala and seldom wept upon them. After the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) she assumed the role of preserving the name of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and his mission that was to secure the permanence of Islam and unveil the ugly face of hypocrisy and despotism. She faced the worst ordeals of life with unwavering forbearance and unparalleled prowess, which would even falter the feet of the most valourous of men. While her eloquent sermons at Kufa and Syria shook the very foundations of the throne of Bani Umayyah, and people listened to her words dumbfounded and in awe.
She spoke such prudently that people presumed Imam Ali (a. s. ) had risen, she thus dealt a final blow to the wall of despotism. Apart from this, she was the one who was responsible for preserving the continuity of the Progeny of Prophet Muhammad (S) , since it is narrated (at several places in this book too) that at times she saved the life of Imam Ali Zainul Abedeen (a. s. ) and was prepared to sacrifice her own self in his stead. Her sublime qualities can be established by numerous titles bestowed upon her viz. Aqeelat Bani Hashim, the intellectual among the Hashimites; Aqeelat Quraysh, the intellectual among the Quraysh; Shareekatul Husayn, the associate of Husayn; Al Alematul Ghairul Mu’allimah, an intellectual without having being trained; Al Faheematul Ghairul Mufahhimah, a knowledgeable who needs none to make her understand; Saniye Zahra, the second Zahra; Ummul Masaeb, the mother of griefs; Sahibatul Musibatul Uzma, the bearer of the grand sorrow; etc.
There is difference of opinion regarding the place of her burial, some opine that she died in Madinah and is buried there, while others say that she lies buried in Cairo. But the most accurate, which is unanimously accepted by the Shi’ah Scholars, is that she is buried in Damascus, Syria at a place now known as ‘Zainabiyah’.
The pilgrimage to her blessed grave is highly recommended and visiting it is a desire of every true believer and a seeker of truth. Numerous books have been authored depicting her meritorious life, for further readings refer to: Khasaise Zainabiyah by Sayyid Nuruddin Jazaeri, Zainab Ukhtal Husayn by Muhammad Husayn al Adeeb, Zainab al Kubra by Shaikh Ja’far Naqdi, Aqeelat Bani Hashim by Sayyid Ali Hashmi, Ma’a Batlat Karbala by Shaikh Muhammad Jawad Mughniyyah, Ibnatuz Zahra Batlatul Fida by Ali Ahmad Shalabi, Fi Rihabas Sayyidah Zainab by Sayyid Muhammad Bahrul Uloom, Batlat Karbala by Dr. Ayesha Bintush Shati Misri etc. May Allah’s Eternal Blessings be upon her and her Noble Household.
[1]: In certain books it is stated that his (Muhammad’s) mother too was Sayyidah Zainab al Kubra (a. s. ) , ref. Safinatul Bihar by Shaikh Abbas Qummi, Khasaise Zainabiyah by Sayyid Nuruddin Jazaeri, Zainab: Ukhtal Husayn by Muhammad Husayn al Adeeb, etc. And Allah is the Best Knower.
Martyrdom of Abdullah al Akbar bin Aqeel bin Abi Talib
His mother was a slave-girl, while Abu Marham Azdi and Laqeet bin Ayas Jahni killed him (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
Abul Faraj Isfahani relates from Imam Muhammad al Baqir (a. s. ) and Muhammad bin Abu Sa’eed [1] bin Aqeel bin Abi Talib al Ahwal (the squint-eyed) , that his mother was a slave-girl and Laqeet bin Yasir Jahni seized him and killed him according to the narrative of Madaeni who relates from Abu Makhnaf, from Sulayman bin Rashid, from Hameed bin Muslim.
Muhammad bin Ali bin Hamza says that after him, Ja’far bin Muhammad bin Aqeel was martyred. While it is also related from some that he was killed in the incident of Hirrah. But Abul Faraj Isfahani
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says that I have not found the name of the son of Muhammad bin Aqeel named Ja’far in the genealogical books.
It is also related from Muhammad bin Ali bin Hamza, from Aqeel bin Abdullah bin Aqeel bin Muhammad bin Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Aqeel bin Abi Talib, that Ali bin Aqeel, whose mother was a slave-girl, was also martyred on the tenth (of Muharram in Karbala). The persons among the progeny of Abu Talib who were martyred on the tenth day (of Muharram) were twenty two excluding those regarding whom there is difference of opinion.
Ibn Qutaybah states in Ma’arif, that the children of Aqeel, who accompanied Imam Husayn bin Ali (a. s. ) , were nine men, of whom Muslim bin Aqeel was the most valorous.
Martyrdom of Qasim bin Hasan bin Ali bin Abi Talib
His mother was a slave girl. (Tasleeyatul Majalis) When Imam Husayn (a. s. ) saw that Qasim prepared to step into the battlefield, he embraced him and they wept until both of them became unconscious. Then Qasim asked permission to go, but Imam refused to grant him the same. He continuously kissed the hands and feet of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) until he gave him the permission.
Qasim left for the battlefield while tears were flowing from his eyes and he was saying, “If you do not know me I am the son of Hasan, the grandson of the Prophet, the chosen one, the confidante, this is Husayn similar to the one captivated by the mortgager, in the midst of the people who may be deprived of rain water”. He
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fought fiercely and in spite of being of tender age he put to sword thirty-five men.
It is quoted in Manaqib, that he was reciting the following Rajaz: “Verily I am Qasim from the progeny of Ali, by the Lord of the House! We possess superiority while being related to the Prophet than Shimr (bin) Ziljawshan and the son of an illegitimate one”.
It is stated in the Amali of Shaikh Saduq that after him, referring to Ali bin Husayn (al Akbar) , Qasim bin Hasan stepped into the battlefield saying, “Do not be uneasy O my self for everyone shall perish, for today you shall meet the dwellers of Paradise”. He killed three men and they threw him from his horse upon the ground. Fattal Naishapuri too quotes similarly.
But Abul Faraj, Shaikh Mufeed and Tabari relate from Abu Makhnaf, who relates from Sulayman bin Abi Rashid, from Hameed bin Muslim, who says that a youth, similar to ‘the first Splinter of the New Moon’, stepped into the battlefield.
He held a sword in his hand and wore a cloak and shirt. He wore shoes in his feet, the strap of one of which was broken, and if I do not forget it was the left one. Umar bin Sa’ad bin Nufayl Azdi said, “I desire to attack him”. I said, “Glory be to Allah! Why so? This army which has surrounded him from all sides will surely kill him”. He said, “By Allah! I shall attack him”. He attacked him and
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before he could turn his face towards him, he dealt a blow upon his head with his sword and slit it. The child fell down on his face upon the ground and called out, “Alas! O dear uncle! Come to my aid”.
Imam Husayn (a. s. ) leapt into the battlefield like a wild falcon and attacked like a furious Lion. He attacked Umar with his sword and he put his hand against it, which got severed from the elbow and hung attached to it. (Irshad) Then he yelled aloud, which was heard by the entire army, and Imam Husayn (a. s. ) lifted his hands off him. Then the Kufan army laid siege to rescue Umar.
(Tasleeyatul Majalis) When the army attacked, the chest of their horses hit him (Umar) and they started taking rounds until they trampled him and he died. [1] When the sand rested, I saw Husayn (a. s. ) standing at the head of Qasim, who was stretching his feet upon the ground. Imam Husayn (a. s. ) said,
“Far be the nation who have killed you, while their enemy on the day of Qiyamah shall be your grandfather (the Prophet) ”.
Then he said,
“By Allah! It is hard upon your uncle that he could not come to your aid when you called him, or he answered but it could not benefit you”. (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
(Malhoof) Imam said,
“By Allah! Here he has numerous murderers while his aides are quite less”.
Then he pressed him to his chest and took him
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in a state that his legs were drawing upon the ground. (Tabari) Imam Husayn (a. s. ) pressed his chest to that of Qasim. I said to myself, “What does he intend doing to him? ” Then he brought him and placed him near his son Ali bin Husayn (al Akbar) and other martyrs of his family. I asked, “Who is this child? ” And I was told, “He is Qasim bin Hasan bin Ali bin Abi Talib (a. s. ) ”. [1]
It is related that Imam Husayn (a. s. ) said,
“O Lord! Reduce their quantity, kill each one of them, abandon every one of them, and never forgive them. Forbear O dear cousins! Forbear! O my household! After today you shall never ever see humiliation”.
Here the author quotes an elegy by Sayyid Haider in praise of Hazrat Qasim, which we forgo.
In a lengthy salutation quoted by Sayyid Murtaďa Alamul Huda (the Standard of Guidance) it is stated that: “Peace be upon Qasim, the son of Hasan, the son of Ali, and Mercy of Allah and His Blessings! Peace be upon you O the son of the beloved of Allah! Peace be you O son of the sweet basil of the Prophet of Allah! Peace be upon you O whose desires were left unfulfilled by the world! The one who could not cure his heart through the enemies of Allah until death hastened towards him and his desire died felicitations to you O beloved of the Prophet of Allah’s beloved! How felicitous is your striving, and how eminent is
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your honor, and how splendid is your place of return”.
Martyrdom of Abdullah bin Hasan bin Ali bin Abi Talib
It is stated in Biharul Anwar, that before the martyrdom of Qasim, Abdullah bin Hasan, regarding whom we have discussed earlier, entered the battlefield. But the more accurate one is that he went to the battlefield after Qasim, saying, “If you do not know me I am the son of Haydar, I am a Male Lion of the thicket, and am a wild wind upon the enemies”.
He put to sword twelve men and Hani bin Sabeet Hazrami killed him (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him) , who’s face then turned black.
Abul Faraj relates from Imam Muhammad al Baqir (a. s. ) , that Hurmalah bin Kahil Asadi killed him, and his martyrdom shall be discussed later in the context of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a. s. ).
Martyrdom of Abu Bakr bin Hasan bin Ali bin Abi Talib
His mother was a slave-girl, the mother of Qasim (a. s. ). Abul Faraj quotes from Madaeni, who, through his chain of transmitters, quotes from Abu Makhnaf, from Sulayman bin Rashid that Abdullah bin Uqbah Ghanawi killed him.
In the narration of Umayr and Ibn Shimr, it is related from Imam Muhammad al Baqir (a. s. ) that Uqbah Ghanawi killed him.
Sulayman bin Qibbah in his elegies remembers him thus, “A drop of our blood is upon the neck of the progeny of Ghani, while the (responsibility of the) other blood is remembered upon (Bani) Asad which cannot be computed”.
Abul Faraj considers his martyrdom to have occurred before that of Qasim. But Tabari, Ibn Aseer, Shaikh Mufeed and others
relate his martyrdom after (that of Qasim). And Allah is the Best Knower.
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[1]: Abu Sa’eed bin Aqeel is the same man who had humiliated Abdullah bin Zubayr in the assembly of Mu’awiyah. Ibn Abil Hadeed relates from Abu Usman that once Imam Hasan bin Ali (a. s. ) went to meet Mu’awiyah, when Abdullah bin Zubayr was seated there. Mu’awiyah desired to sow the seeds of discord among the Quraysh, thus he asked the Imam, “Who was elder, Zubayr or Ali”? Imam Hasan (a. s. ) replied, “They were near (in age) to one another while Ali (a. s. ) was senior to Zubayr. And may Allah have mercy upon Ali”.
Abdullah bin Zubayr said, “May Allah have mercy upon Zubayr”. Abu Sa’eed bin Aqeel, who was present there, said, “O Abdullah! Why do you get excited when someone sends mercy upon his father”? He replied, “I too send mercy upon my father”. Abu Sa’eed said, “Your father was neither equal nor similar to him”. He said, “Why did he not have a measure in it? Both of them were from the Quraysh and both of them claimed caliphate, while neither of them succeeded”.
Abu Sa’eed replied, “Withdraw this from your mind. Ali (a. s. ) occupied a place among the Quraysh with relation to the Prophet (S) as you know, and when he claimed caliphate they obeyed him, while he was a Chieftain. While Zubayr aspired towards the cause whose commander was a woman, and when the battle of Jamal intensified he retreated back. And before the right would be distinguished from falsehood, he escaped. A crippled man beheaded him and plundered his clothes. While Ali (a. s. ) , similar to the time of his cousin (the Prophet) , proceeded further. May Allah have mercy upon Ali”. Ibn Zubayr said, “O Abu Sa’eed! If you had uttered similar words to someone else, you would have known”.
Abu Sa’eed replied, “For whose sake (referring to Mu’awiyah) you defile him (Ali) is himself reluctant with you”. Mu’awiyah interrupted their speech and they became silent. Ayesha was informed about their speech, and one day when Abu Sa’eed passed by her house, she called him in a loud voice saying, “O Abu Sa’eed! You have uttered such and such words with my brother”? Abu Sa’eed turned around but could not see anyone, and said, “Shaitan looks at you while you do not see him”. Ayesha laughed and said, “Bravo to your father! What a sharp tongue you possess”!
[1]: In certain books it is stated that Qasim (a. s. ) himself was trampled upon by the horses’ hooves in his life-time, and Allah is the Best Knower.
[1]: It is related in Madinatul Ma’ajiz, that Qasim returned back from the battlefield to his uncle Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and said, “O dear uncle! Thirst! Quench my thirst with water”. Imam enjoined him with forbearance and then gave him his ring to place it in his mouth. Qasim says that when I kept the ring into my mouth I found it similar to a spring of water. My thirst was quenched and I returned back to the battlefield.
Martyrdom of the sons of the Commander of the faithful Ali (a. s. )
(Irshad) When Hazrat Abbas witnessed the martyrdom of the better part of his family, he summoned his real-brothers viz. Abdullah, Ja’far and Usman. Then he said, “O sons of my mother! You do not have children, go to the battlefield before me and sacrifice your lives, so that I may witness your sincerity in relation to Allah and His Prophet (S). [1]
Martyrdom of Abdullah bin Ali bin Abi Talib
Abdullah entered the battlefield and fought fiercely and exchanged swords with Hani bin Sabeet Hazrami and ultimately Hani killed him. (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
The following Rajaz is quoted in Manaqib: “I am the son of an aide and an excellent one, Ali the executor of excellent deeds, the sword of the Prophet of Allah, the avenger, from which (sword) might would manifest daily”.
Abul Faraj considers him to be twenty-five years of age.
Martyrdom of Ja’far bin Ali bin Abi Talib
He fought bravely, and according to Manaqib was saying, “Verily I am Ja’far the possessor of excellence, the son of Ali the bestower, the successor to the Prophet a senior and master, I am in proportionate to my (paternal) uncle Ja’far as also my maternal uncle, I defend Husayn the possessor of generosity and grace”. Hani bin Sabeet attacked him and killed him. (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
Abul Faraj quotes Imam Muhammad al Baqir (a. s. ) saying,
“Khawli Asbahi killed him”.
Ibn Shahr Ashob says that Khawli Asbahi shot an arrow that pierced his temple or his eye.
Martyrdom of Usman bin Ali bin Abi Talib
He entered the
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battlefield reciting the following Rajaz: “Verily I am Usman the possessor of glory, my master is Ali the executor of virtuous deeds, this is Husayn the master of fairness, the master of the young and old”.
He was twenty-one years old; he went and stood at the place of his brothers (who preceded him).
Abul Faraj and others say that Khawli bin Yazid shot an arrow at him that threw him down.
It is related in Manaqib, that an arrow pierced his flank and he fell off his horse. A man from (the clan of) Bani Aban bin Darim killed him and took away his head. (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him). It is related from Imam Ali (a. s. ) that he said, “I have named him after my (believer) brother Usman bin Maz’oon”.
Martyrdom of Muhammad al Asghar bin Ali bin Abi Talib
His mother was a slave girl. (Tabari, Abul Faraj) A man from (the clan of) Bani Aban bin Darim killed him and took away his head. (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
Martyrdom of Abu Bakr bin Ali bin Abi Talib
His name is not known (his Kuniyah is Abu Bakr) while his mother was Layla, the daughter of Mas’ood bin Khalid.
(Tabari) A Hamadani man killed him. Madaeni relates that his corpse was found near a stream while his murderer was not known.
It is stated in Manaqib, that Abu Bakr bin Ali stepped into the battlefield reciting the following Rajaz: “My Master Ali is the possessor of numerous excellences, from the progeny of Hashim the gracious, the beneficent, the pre-eminent, this is Husayn the
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son of the Messenger Prophet, we defend him with our sharpened swords, may my life be your ransom O honorable brother”.
He fought until Zahr (or Zajr) bin Badar Jo’fi or Uqbah Ghanawi killed him. (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him).
It is stated in Manaqib, that then his brother Umar came into the battlefield reciting the following Rajaz: “Leave O the enemies of Allah, leave Umar, leave the Lion so that he may strike at you with his sword and he shall not flee, O Zajr! O Zajr! And take your revenge from me”. Then he killed Zajr, the murderer of his brother and entered the battlefield.
We say, that it is known among the historians and biographers that Umar was not present at Karbala along with his brother Imam Husayn (a. s. ). The author of Umdatut Talib, in conclusion of his speech, says that Umar separated himself from his brother Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and did not accompany him to Kufa. While the narration stating that he was present is Karbala is incorrect. Umar died at the age of 77 or 75 years in Tas’a.
Abul Faraj says that Muhammad bin Ali bin Hamza says that on the day of Ashura, Ibraheem bin Ali was also martyred in Karbala, and his mother was a slave-girl. But others have not quoted him and I have not found anyone by the name of Ibraheem bin Ali in the biographical books.
Sayyid ibn Tawoos says that the author of Masabeeh says that Hasan bin Hasan
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al Musannah fought along with his uncle on the day of Ashura and put to sword seventeen men. He was inflicted with eighteen wounds and fell down from his Horse. His maternal uncle, Asma bin Kharejah, took him to Kufa and treated him until he recovered, then he dispatched him to Madinah.
It is quoted in Biharul Anwar from Maqtal of Khwarizmi, that on the day of Ashura, a child came out of the tent of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) wearing earrings in both his ears. He was frightened and was looking towards the left and right while his earrings were shaking. Hani bin Sabeet attacked him and killed him. Shahrbanu [1] looked at him dumbfounded and did not utter a word.
Abu Ja’far Tabari relates from Hisham Kalbi that Abul Huzayl relates from a man named Sakuni who says that during the days of Khalid bin Ubaydullah, I saw Hani bin Sabeet Hazrami, who had turned old, saying in the gathering of the people (of the tribe of) Hazram that, “I was there in Karbala on the day of the martyrdom of Husayn and was riding a horse along with other nine men. The horses were parading and galloping here and there.
Suddenly a small child from among the family of Husayn, wearing a shirt and trouser, came out of the tent. He held a peg of a tent in his hand; he was frightful and was looking towards the left and right. It is as if I see the two beads
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of earrings in his ears shaking, when he was turning his head. And it is as if I see that a horseman galloped towards him and on reaching him bent down and cut him into two pieces with his sword”.
Hisham says that Sakuni said, that the murderer of the child was Hani bin Sabeet himself, and he concealed his name in fear of reproach. “My eyes have not witnessed such children, whose grief would turn the hearts of men to be roasted on fire”.
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[1]: Abu Hanifa Dinawari says that when Abbas bin Ali (a. s. ) saw this, he told his (real) brothers Abdullah, Ja’far and Usman bin Ali, whose mother was Ummul Baneen Ameriyyah, from the progeny of Waheed, that, “May my life be your ransom! Proceed further and lay down your lives for your Master”. All of them went and started shielding Imam Husayn (a. s. ) with their faces and necks. Hani bin Sawb (or Sabeet) Hazrami attacked Abdullah bin Ali and killed him, and then he attacked his brother Ja’far and killed him too.
Yazid bin Asbahi shot an arrow at Usman bin Ali and killed him. Then he proceeded further and beheaded him. He brought the head to Umar bin Sa’ad and asked for a gift. Umar replied, “Go and ask for a gift from your commander Ubaydullah. The gift is with him”. Only Abbas bin Ali remained, he fought alongside Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and defended him. He accompanied him everywhere until he too was martyred.
[1]: This Shahrbanu is not the mother of Imam Ali Zainul Abedeen (a. s. ) , who had died during child birth, as will be quoted in the end of this book.
Relating to the Martyrdom of our Master Abbas bin Ali bin Abi Talib (a. s. )
Shaikh Mufeed in his Irshad and Shaikh Tabarsi in his A’alamul Wara say, that the army attacked Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and also scattered his troops while their thirst intensified. Imam, accompanied with his brother Abbas, galloped towards the Euphrates. The army of Umar bin Sa’ad blocked their way, while a man from Bani Darim called out to them, “Woe be to you! Block their way towards the Euphrates so that they may not reach it”.
Imam Husayn (a. s. ) said,
“O Allah! Let him be thirsty”.
He was infuriated and shot an arrow towards Imam that pierced his chin. Imam pulled out the arrow and placed his palm below it that became full of blood. Then he said,
“O Allah! I complain to You regarding how they treat the son of the daughter of Your Prophet (S) ”,
Then they returned back thirsty. But the army surrounded Hazrat Abbas (a. s. ) and separated him from Imam Husayn (a. s. ). Abbas fought lonely until he was martyred. Zayd bin Warqa’ Hanafi and Hakeem
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bin Tufayl Ta’i jointly killed him after inflicting several wounds upon him and he did not have the strength to move. Sayyid ibn Tawoos too relates somewhat similarly.
Hasan bin Ali Tabarsi relates, that the arrow of the accursed (from Bani Darim) pierced the forehead of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and Abbas removed it. But the previous narration is more renowned.
Tabari relates from Hisham, who relates from his father Muhammad bin Saeb, from Qasim bin Asbagh bin Nabatah, who says that someone who was present (in Karbala) during the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) told me that, when the army of Husayn was routed, he mounted his horse and went towards the Euphrates. A man from Bani Aban bin Darim said, “Woe be to you! Station yourself between him and the Euphrates so that his Shi’ah may not join him”. He galloped his horse and the army too followed him and blocked his access to the Euphrates.
Imam Husayn (a. s. ) said,
“O Allah! Make him thirsty”.
The Abani shot an arrow that pierced the chin of Imam. Imam pulled out the arrow and placed his palm below it, which became full of blood, and he said,
“O Allah! I complain to You regarding how they treat the son of the daughter of Your Prophet (S) ”.
By Allah! Not much time passed, when I saw thirst overwhelming him while he (the Abani man) was never satiated.
Qasim bin Asbagh further says that I was along with the one who was fanning him (the Abani
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man) while a sweet drink, a jar of milk and jug of water was kept. He was saying, “Woe be to you! Thirst is killing me”. A jar of water or a cup, which was quenching the thirst of his family, was handed over to him. He drank and vomited it, then slept for some time. Then again he started saying, “Woe be to you! Give me water, thirst is killing me”. By Allah! A sight similar to this was not seen before, while his stomach cracked like that of a Camel.
We (the author) say that from the narration of Ibn Nima it proves that the name of the person was Zar’ah bin Aban bin Darim.
It is related from Qasim bin Asbagh bin Nabatah, who relates from a person who had seen Imam Husayn (a. s. ) (in Karbala) who had positioned himself upon a high moat close to the bank so as to reach the Euphrates, while Abbas was along with him. Suddenly the letter of Ubaydullah addressed to Umar bin Sa’ad arrived, which said that, “Block the water supply to Husayn and his companions, and let them not taste a drop from it”.
Umar bin Sa’ad dispatched ‘Amr bin Hajjaj along with five hundred men to the waterfront. Abdullah bin Haseen Azdi called out, “O Husayn! Do you see this water flowing similar to the heavens? By Allah! You shall not get a drop from it until you, along with your companions, perish of thirst”. Zar’ah bin Aban bin
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Darim said, “Position yourselves between him and the Euphrates”. Then he shot an arrow towards Imam that pierced his chin, and he said,
“O Allah! Let him die of thirst and never forgive him”.
A drink was brought for the Imam (a. s. ) , but he could not drink due to the constant flow of blood. He threw the blood towards the heavens and said,
“Likewise towards the heavens”.
And it is related from Shaikh Abdus Samad, from Abul Faraj, from Abdul Rahman bin Jawzi, that after this the Abani man (Zar’ah) was inflicted with the (disease of) scorching of the stomach and cold back, and was yelling. Thereafter the above narration of Tabari is quoted until the end.
The author of Umdatut Talib, in context of the children of Abbas (a. s. ) , says that his Kuniyah (agnomen) was Abul Fazl and title Saqqa (the water carrier). He was bestowed this title because he went to seek water for his brother on the day of Ashura, but before he could reach it to him, he was martyred. His grave is situated near the bank of the river (Euphrates) on the spot of his martyrdom. He was the standard-bearer of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) on that day.
Abu Nasr Bukhari relates from Mufazzal bin Umar, that Imam Ja’far as Sadiq (a. s. ) said,
“Our uncle Abbas was prudent and possessed a firm faith. He fought along with Abu Abdullah (Imam Husayn) and underwent trials until he was martyred. While (the responsibility of) his blood lies with the Bani Hanifah, and
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he was thirty-four years when he was killed. His mother, as also that of his brothers Usman, Ja’far and Abdullah, was Ummul Baneen, the daughter of Hizam bin Khalid bin Rabi’ah. ”
Then he goes on to say, that it is related that the Commander of the faithful Imam Ali (a. s. ) inquired from his brother Aqeel, who was a genealogist and knew the Arabian families well, to find a woman from a valorous Arab family, so that he could marry her and she in turn would bear him a valorous son.
Aqeel replied, “Then marry Ummul Baneen Kilabiyyah, for there is none among the Arabs who is more valorous than her fathers”, thus he married her. Then on the day of the tenth of Muharram (Ashura) , Shimr bin Ziljawshan Kilabi came and called for Abbas and his brothers saying, “Where are my nephews? ” They did not reply to him. Imam Husayn (a. s. ) told his brothers,
“Answer him, although he is a lewd person, for he is from among your uncles (of the same tribe) ”.
They asked him, “What do you desire? ” Shimr replied, “Come to me, for you all are under protection, do not kill yourselves along with your brother”. Hearing this they denounced him in harsh words and said, “May you be ugly and may that be ugly too what you have brought (the document of security). Should we desert our Master and Chief and enter your security? ” He (Abbas) along with his three brothers was martyred on that day.
Shaikh Saduq relates from
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Imam Ali Zainul Abedeen (a. s. ) that:
“May Allah’s Mercy be upon Abbas! He self-sacrificed fairly and underwent trials. He offered his life for his brother until both his arms were severed. And Allah, the Mighty, the Sublime, compensated him with two wings and he flies in Paradise along with the Angels as He had presented to Ja’far bin Abi Talib (a. s. ). While Abbas (a. s. ) possesses such a position near Allah, may He be Hallowed and Exalted, that on the day of Qiyamah all the martyrs will be envious of it”.
Abul Faraj (Isfahani) says that Abbas bin Ali bin Abi Talib (a. s. ) ’s agnomen was Abul Fazl, while his mother was Ummul Baneen (a. s. ) , whose eldest son he was. And he was the last among his real brothers to be martyred, for he had sons, while his other brothers had none. He sent them to the battlefield before himself until all of them were martyred and their inheritance passed on to him. [1]
Then he himself stepped into the battlefield and fell a martyr. Ubaydullah (the son of Abbas) inherited from all of them and his uncle Umar bin Ali disputed with him in this regard. Then he settled with him by giving him the wealth that he agreed upon.
Jarmi bin Abul A’la relates from Zubayr, who relates from his uncle, that the progeny of Abbas (a. s. ) referred to him as Saqqa and bestowed him with the agnomen of Abul Qirbah (Lit. father of the water-skin, for he strived hard to get
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water for Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and his family). But I have never seen any of his sons nor have I heard anything like this from them.
A eulogizer praises Abbas thus: “The youth is more worthy to be wept upon whose death made Husayn weep in Karbala, he was his brother and the son of his father Ali, Abul Fazl who was smeared in blood and assisted his brother, he himself remained thirsty and strived to get water for him”.
Kumayt (Asadi) says regarding him: “Abul Fazl whose remembrance is pleasant and a cure for the illness of the soul, who fought against the illegitimate men, while they fought against him who was the most honorable among those who consumed the rain-water”.
Abbas (a. s. ) possessed a pleasant countenance, he was handsome and of immense height. When he would mount upon a sturdy horse, his feet would touch the ground. He was called ‘Qamare Bani Hashim’ (the Moon of the Bani Hashim). He was the standard-bearer of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) on the day of Ashura.
It is related from Imam Ja’far as Sadiq (a. s. ) that he said that,
“Imam Husayn (a. s. ) arrayed his troops and handed over his standard to Abbas (a. s. ) ”.
Imam Muhammad al Baqir (a. s. ) says that Zayd bin Waqad Jahmi (or bin Warqa’ Hanafi) and Hakeem bin Tufayl Tai’ killed Abbas.
It is related from Mu’awiyah bin Ammar, who relates from Imam Ja’far as Sadiq (a. s. ) , that he said that,
“Ummul Baneen, the mother of the four martyred brothers would go to
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(the cemetery of) Baqi’ and would lament with heart-rending and grief-stricken words upon her sons. People would gather and listen to her (sorrowful words). One day Marwan (bin Hakam) came and heard her lamenting and started weeping (in spite of being ruthless himself). ”
Ibn Shahr Ashob in his Manaqib says that Abbas, the Saqqa’ (the water Carrier) , the Moon of the Hashimites, the Standard-Bearer of Husayn, and the greatest of his real brothers went in pursuit of water. They attacked him and he too lay siege and said, “I do not fear death even when it calls out to me, or until I do not fight the tested fighters and fall upon the ground, my life is ransom upon the one who is the life of Mustafa, verily I am Abbas the one who fetches water, while I do not fear on the day of battle”.
He scattered the forces, while Zayd bin Warqa’ Jahni, who was lying in ambush for him behind a tree, severed his right hand along with the help of Hakeem bin Tufayl Sumbosi. Then he took the sword in his left hand while reciting the following Rajaz: “By Allah! Although you have severed my right hand, I shall keep defending my Religion as also my positively Truthful Imam, who is the son of the Chaste and Trustworthy Prophet”.
He fought until he was exhausted and Hakeem bin Tufayl Ta’i hid behind a tree and dealt a blow upon his left hand and severed it. Abbas said, “O
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self do not fear the infidels, may you receive the glad tidings of the Mercy of the Omnipotent, along with the Prophet the Master of the empowered, they have severed my left hand with injustice, O Lord burn them with the fire (of hell) ”.
The accursed killed him with his iron mace. When Imam Husayn (a. s. ) saw him upon the ground near the bank of Euphrates, he wept and said,
“You have done injustice through your actions O accursed nation, and have opposed the words of Prophet Muhammad (S) , did not the Best Prophet bequeath to you regarding us, are we not of the progeny of the Righteous Prophet, is not Zahra (a. s. ) from among you my mother, is not Ahmad (S) the best among the creations, curse befell you and you were humiliated on account of what you did, and very soon you will face the scorching fire (of hell) ”.
We say that if one desires to realize the state of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) on the death of his brother, family members and other companions, should ponder upon the words of Imam Ali (a. s. ) and his condition upon the death of his eminent companions and friends (in the battle of Siffīn) like Ammar bin Yasir, Malik Ashtar, Muhammad bin Abu Bakr, Abul Haysam bin Teehan, Khuzaymah bin Sabit and others. It is related that on a Friday preceding his martyrdom, Imam Ali (a. s. ) made a speech in which he remembered them and said,
“Where are my brothers who were upon the
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thoroughfare and where have they passed who were truth loving men? Where is Ammar? Where is Ibnat Teehan? Where is Zush Shahadatayn (Khuzaymah bin Sabit)? Where are others similar to them who had pledged among themselves to die and their heads were dispatched to the presence of wicked men? ”
Then he held his blessed beard in his hand and wept bitterly, then said,
“Alas upon the brothers who recited the Qur’an and remained steadfast. Those who recognized their obligation and fulfilled them, they enlivened the customs and trampled the innovations. They were invited to strive and they hastened towards it”.
It is related, that when Ammar bin Yasir was martyred in Siffīn along with a group of the companions of the Commander of the faithful Imam Ali (a. s. ) , and when night came, Imam Ali (a. s. ) wandered among the martyrs. When he saw Ammar fallen upon the ground, he lifted his head and placed it upon his thigh and wept, then said,
“O death! Till when shall you be away from me, when you have not spared for me any friend of (my) friend, I find you discerning towards those whom I love, as if you proceed towards them with evidences”.
In the complete poetical work (of Imam Ali) , the first couplet is as follows:
“O death which shall not leave me, relieve me for you have taken away all my friends”.
It is related in Biharul Anwar, that when Hazrat Abbas (a. s. ) found himself alone, he came to Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and
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said, “Do you permit me? ” Imam wept bitterly and said,
“O dear brother! You are my standard-bearer, then if you go away my army will get scattered”.
Abbas replied, “My heart is getting narrow and I am satiated from life. And I desire to avenge the blood of my brothers from these hypocrites”. Imam Husayn (a. s. ) said,
“Then bring water for these children”.
Abbas proceeded and counseled the army and warned them, but it did not prove fruitful. Then he returned back to the Imam and informed him. He heard the children wailing “O thirst”, he took a water-skin and mounted his horse and went towards the Euphrates. Four thousand men, who were guarding the Euphrates, surrounded him from all sides and shot arrows at him. He attacked them and killed eighty men until he had ripped them, then he entered the river. He tried to drink water, [1] when suddenly he remembered the thirst of Imam and his Household. He then threw away the water and filled the water-skin. He placed the water-skin upon his right shoulder and turned towards the tents. They blocked his way and surrounded him from all sides. He fought with them until Nawfal severed his right hand with his sword.
Then he placed the water-skin upon his left shoulder. Nawful then severed his left hand from the wrist and he held the water-skin by his teeth. Then an arrow pierced the water skin and water flowed from it. Another arrow pierced his heart and he
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fell off from the horse and called out, “O Master! Find me”. When Imam came to his head, he saw him smeared in sand and blood and wept.
Regarding his martyrdom, Turayhi says that a man attacked him and struck at the crown of his head with an iron club that split up and he fell down upon the ground and called out, “O Aba Abdillah! My salutations upon you! ”
Ibn Nima says regarding Hakeem bin Tufayl that he stole the dress of Abbas off his body and shot an arrow at him.
It is stated in Biharul Anwar that it is said, that when Abbas (a. s. ) was martyred, Imam Husayn (a. s. ) said,
“Now my back has bent, and my maneuver has lessened”.
Here the author quotes two couplets in praise of Hazrat Abbas, one by Abu Ja’far bin Ameer Alhaj Husaynee, and the other by Shaikh Ibn Nima, which we forgo.
I (the author) , say that while discussing the aid rendered by Hazrat Abul Fazl (Abbas) to Imam Husayn (a. s. ) reminds me of the aid rendered by his (Abbas) ’s father, the Commander of the faithful Imam Ali (a. s. ) to his cousin, the Prophet of Allah (S). Therefore I shall quote it as an embellishment for this book.
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[1]: From the above report of Abul Faraj it appears that Hazrat Abbas sent his brothers before him so that he (or his son) might inherit from them (Allah’s refuge). This seems quite fictitious, for if he had desired the wealth of this world he would have accepted the invitation of Shimr, who had offered him protection and Ubaydullah in turn would have bestowed lavish gifts upon him. But his sincerity and devotion towards serving his Imam is indisputable, while his faith and virtue unparalleled. Thus this report of Abul Faraj is nothing but the outcome of prejudice and his (Abul Faraj’s) pervert opinion.
[1]: The above incident cannot be relied upon for the simple reason being that such covetousness can never be expected from a person of Hazrat Abbas (a. s. ) ’s caliber, who was far more exalted than can be perceived by the ordinary intelligence. Thus to say that Abbas (a. s. ) intended drinking water, in reality tarnishes his eminent personality and falsifies his devotion towards his Imam (a. s. ) , that it was only after he remembered the thirst of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and his household, did he throw away the water.
Probably, what Abbas (a. s. ) , the ‘Virtuous Slave of Allah’, intended, while filling his palm with water, was to announce to the enemies that the water, which they had held back from them, was very easy for them to conquer, and he did this perhaps to instill fear in their hearts. It was very easy for them to vanquish the enemies and crush their suppression, but they had readily submitted to the Will and Command of Allah, thus he threw away the water without partaking a drop of it. Most significantly, it could also be described as a declaration of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) ’s everlasting triumph against evil and despotism at Karbala.
Jahiz in the book Usmaniyah quotes from Ibn Abil Hadeed that Abu Bakr was in great severity in Makkah before migration, while Ali bin Abi Talib (a. s. ) was in safety. Neither was he sought after nor did he seek. Abu Ja’far Iskafi, while refuting this, says that
we have related a reliable tradition with chain of authorities that when Imam Ali (a. s. ) accepted Islam, he was adolescent and sane. And he expelled the Qurayshite polytheists with his tongue and heart and was a burden for them. While he was the one who was confined in the valley (along with the Prophet during boycott) and not Abu Bakr.
He was the one, who in the dark and straightened circumstances of the boycott, was a confidante of the Prophet of Allah (S) and drank the bitter cup of persecutions at the hands of Abu Lahab, Abu Jahl and others, and burnt in the fire of confinement. He bore the difficulties alongside his Prophet and carried the burden of great hardships upon his shoulders while facing dangerous tasks. He was the one, who at night, would steal out in fear [1] from the valley and would go concealing to the noblemen of Quraysh, like Mut’em bin Adi and others, in compliance at the orders of Abu Talib (a. s. ) , and would also carry the load of foodstuffs with a thousand fears and shivers upon his back for the Bani Hashim. And if the enemies like Abu Jahl would see him, they would have shed his blood. Verily Ali (a. s. ) was the one who did thus during the days of boycott, or was it Abu Bakr?
Imam Ali (a. s. ) , in his renowned sermon, explains his state at that time and says,
“They pledged together that they would not deal with us not enter into a
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wedlock. They kindled the fire of battle upon us and they drew us, the entire Bani Hashim, into a mountain of severity. Those who were believers among us desired reward (in lieu of assisting us) and the disbelievers were assisting their family. All the tribes of Quraysh gathered together to oppose them and withheld their sustenance from them. And they waited for them every morning and evening to succumb to hunger while there was no way for any redress or improvement. Their determination parted away and their desires died away”.
Abu Ja’far Iskafi says, that there is no doubt that Abu Usman Jahiz has succumbed under the influence of falsehood and has traversed the road of error and treachery. Ultimately he became perplexed and understood nothing until he said that what he said. And he assumed that Imam Ali (a. s. ) did not face miseries and hardships before Migration, and that only after Migration, from the day of (the battle of) Badr, was he engulfed in severity and trials. He has very well forgotten the days of the boycott in the valley as to how Imam Ali (a. s. ) faced severity while Abu Bakr was in comfort and tranquility. And he (Abu Bakr) could sit along with anyone whom he pleased and eat whatever he desired, while he was independent and contented.
But Imam Ali (a. s. ) was in the whirlpool of imprisonment and bore hunger and thirst. Every morning and evening he faced the risk of being killed, for it was he, who
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at the invitation of the noblemen and the wise men of Quraysh, would go to acquire the food for them, until he would take care of the Prophet of Allah (S) and the rest of Bani Hashim in the straightened circumstances of the imprisonment in the mountain. And it was very much possible that the enemies of the Prophet of Allah (S) would unsparingly make him a prey of their swords. And he could become a victim of Waleed bin Mugheerah, Utbah bin Rabi’ah and other Pharaohs and tyrants of Quraysh.
He himself remained hungry and gave his own food to the Prophet of Allah (S) , while he himself remained thirsty and gave away his share of water to the Prophet of Allah (S). It is he who nursed the Prophet during his illness and was his aide during his loneliness. While Abu Bakr was discharged from all these difficulties and he did not face their pain and hardships, in fact he was unaware of their state, rather roughly.
Dealing with them or marriages among them was banned for three years. They were imprisoned in the valley and could not step out and look after their affairs. Then how could (Abu Usman) Jahiz overlook this merit and neglect this privilege that was unparalleled. “This being one of his numerous excellences, from which you can analyze other (excellences) ”. Here the author quotes some couplets of Shaikh Azari.
I (the author) , say, that Abu Ja’far Iskafi has truly said that Imam Ali (a. s. )
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nursed the Prophet (S) during his illness. As Ibn Abil Hadeed relates from Salman Farsi (a. s. ) that, I went to the presence of the Prophet (S) on the morning preceding the day of his death. He said,
“Do not ask me as to how I passed the last night in pain and sleeplessness with Ali”.
I asked, “O Prophet of Allah! Do permit that tonight I may bear the sleeplessness with you in place of Ali”. The Prophet (S) replied,
“No, rather he is more worthy than you for this task”.
May my parents be your ransom O Ali!
Here the author quotes a couplet and another that of Safiyuddin Hilli.
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[1]: Abu Ja’far Iskafi, in his above narration, has misinterpreted that, “Ali (a. s. ) would steal out in fear from the valley......... ”. These words do not confirm to the invincible character of Imam Ali (a. s. ) , whose invincible prowess is evident in Islamic history, quoted by both Shi’ah and Non-Shi’ah sources. In fact he often said, “By Allah! I do not fear whether I hasten towards death or death hastens towards me”, these being the words of a dauntless warrior, being ‘Approved’ (Murtaďa) by Allah. Verily the friends of Allah, no fear shall be upon them, nor do they grieve. (Surah al Yunus, 10: 62).
Description of the valor of Hazrat Abbas (a. s. )
It should be noted that valor is a spiritual attribute and can be perceived by the intelligence and not through observation. It cannot be understood by itself but can be comprehended by beholding its influences. If one desires to know whether Abbas is a valorous man, then one should see him at the time when he is surrounded from all sides by the valorous, while death has shortened his time and he has fallen in the heat of the battle.
Then if he turns restless, is frightful and trembles, and he flees and finds relief, and takes upon himself the disgrace of baseness and wears the armor of disgrace of flight facing the tail of the sword, then know, that he is far away from valor. But if he attacks forthwith and considers the voice of the (striking of the) sword to be that
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of a pleasant flute, and he hastens into the ranks of the combat as if he proceeds amidst pleasures, and enters the waves of dread with a relaxed heart and considers the embracing of the swords to be a felicity and striking with the points of lances to be a profitable good-tidings.
“He acclaims the lances with his neck as if it is an aloes wood of a sweet basil, while the sound of the (striking of the) sword near him is similar to the singing voice of women who sing for him”. Then know that it is he who holds the reins of valor in his hands, and he wears valor that is the favorite of Allah.
Then know as to what we have said regarding the combat of the companions of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and that of his family, as we have quoted, then one would conclude that all of them possessed the highest status of valor and the lofty position of vigor except that Abbas b. Ali (a. s. ) had the abundant share amongst them and a lofty and excessive position while all of them were the pickers of his harvest. He possessed a steadfast faith, profound foresight, and holds such a position near Allah that all the martyrs will envy him on the day of Qiyamah. And why would not this be, when his father was none other than the Commander of the faithful Imam Ali (a. s. ).
Mas’oodi relates in Murujuz Zahab regarding the battle of Jamal, that
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the enemies attacked the right and left rank of Imam Ali (a. s. ) and pushed them back. One of the sons of Aqeel came to Imam Ali (a. s. ) while he had laid his head upon the cover of the saddle and was dozing off. He said, “O dear uncle! Do you see where our right and left ranks are, while you sleep? ” Imam (a. s. ) replied,
“O nephew! Remain silent! Your uncle has a destined day (of death) that cannot be avoided. By Allah! Your uncle does not fear whether he hastens towards death or death hastens towards him”.
Then he commanded his son Muhammad bin Hanafiyah, who was his standard-bearer in the battle, to attack the Basran army. Muhammad showed slackness for he was facing a group of archers, he waited for them to exhaust their arrows. Imam Ali (a. s. ) approached him and asked,
“Why did you not attack? ”
He replied, “There was no other way except proceeding while facing the arrows and lances, then I waited for them to exhaust their arrows so that I may then attack them”. Imam replied,
“Then proceed in the midst of the arrows, for death is your armor”.
Hearing this Muhammad attacked and was left in the midst of the points of the lances and the shooting arrows. Imam Ali (a. s. ) came to him, and striking at him with the hilt of his sword, said,
“The vein of your mother has desisted you”.
Then he took away the standard from him and attacked, while
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others attacked along with him, and the Basran army seemed similar to ashes that were blown away by the wind.
The above-referred Muhammad bin Hanafiyah is the son of the Commander of the faithful Imam Ali (a. s. ). Thus Zuhri says that he was the most wise and valorous among men. While Jahiz says regarding him, that all unanimously agree that he was unparalleled and a true man in his age. He excelled all in perfection and excellence, while his valor is proved from that which the historians have quoted regarding the battle of Siffīn.
And it is enough (proof) that he was the standard-bearer of Imam Ali (a. s. ). And in spite of this he showed slackness towards the archers (in the above incident) so that they would exhaust their arrows, but may my parents be ransom upon Abbas (a. s. ) , the standard-bearer of his brother Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , the commander of his army, who advanced into the ranks of four thousand men employed to watch upon the Euphrates. And he stood firm like a mountain facing their archers he did not tremble nor did he fear, rather he said, “I do not fear death even if it comes upon me”.
As is related earlier that he (Hazrat Abbas) rescued some of the companions of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) when they were surrounded from all sides by the enemies. Then know that he acted as a shield for his brother Imam Husayn (a. s. ). May my parents be your ransom O Abal Fazl!
Here
the author quotes some couplets regarding the valor of Hazrat Abbas (a. s. ). [1]
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[1]: Hazrat Abbas (a. s. ) , the son of Imam Ali (a. s. ) through his marriage with Ummul Baneen Fatemah al Kilabiyah was born on 4th Sha’ban 26 A. H. Since early childhood he was devoted to his respected father Imam Ali (a. s. ) and elder brothers Imam Hasan (a. s. ) and Imam Husayn (a. s. ). He looked upon Imamayn Hasanayn (a. s. ) as his masters rather than his elder brothers and considered himself as their wretched slave, as instructed by his mother, and was ever prepared to sacrifice his entirety for them.
He, as well as his real brothers, thus accompanied Imam Husayn (a. s. ) to Karbala and remained attached to him until their martyrdom. Abbas could easily have accepted the proposal of security brought to him by Shimr, the accursed, and could thus have saved himself and lead a lavish life thereafter, but he refused to succumb to treachery and hypocrisy, and rather preferred to be martyred while striving in the path of Islam and the truth. He is often looked upon as only a valourous and dauntless fighter, while the other prominent aspect of his life is often neglected which demonstrates his excellent conduct, unfaltering faith, absolute submission (to Allah and His Hujjat) , unwavering forbearance, abiding piety, intense virtue, unparalleled wisdom, while in reality he combined in himself all the qualities of a perfect ‘Slave of Allah’.
His outstanding status can be validated from the traditions of Aimmah (a. s. ) in his praise. He has been bestowed with numerous titles, which again portray his eminence, viz. Afzalush Shuhada, the Most Excellent among the Martyrs; Bab-al-Hawaej, the Door of (the fulfillment of) desires; Abdus Saleh, the Virtuous Slave (of Allah) ; Qamare Bani Hashim, the Moon of the Hashimites; Abul Qirbah, the father of the water skin; Al Saqqa, the water fetcher, Sahibe Liwa’il Husayn, the Standard-bearer of Husayn (a. s. ) etc. , while his Kuniyah (agnomen) is Abul Qasim and Abul Fazl. He married Lubabah, the daughter of Ubaydullah bin Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib.
The names of his children are quoted as Ubaydullah, Fazl, Hasan, Qasim, and a daughter, while it is related that two of his sons, viz. Fazl and Qasim were martyred in Karbala. Imam Ja’far as Sadiq (a. s. ) , in his salutations, remembers Abbas (a. s. ) in the following words: Peace be upon you O the Virtuous Slave (of Allah) , who served Allah and his Prophet (S) , and the Commander of the faithful (a. s. ) , and Hasan (a. s. ) and Husayn (a. s. ) , may Allah’s blessings be upon them all and His benedictions. Peace be upon you and Allah’s Mercy and His blessings, and his forgiveness, and His Paradise upon your (blessed) spirit and (sacred) body. I bear witness, as also Allah, that you tread a path similar to the people of Badr and those striving in the way of Allah, as also the devout ones who struggle against His enemies, who strive to assist His friends, and defend His beloved ones.
Thus may Allah reward you, (with) an excellent reward, abundant reward, prudent reward, a reward similar to (the one bestowed by Him upon) those who fulfilled their allegiance to Him, and accepted His call, and served those Authorised by Him”. Numerous books, dealing with his life and merits, have been authored by the Shi’ah scholars, for further study refer to: Al Abbas by Sayyid Abdul Razaq al Muqarram, A’alamun Nas fi Fazaelil Abbas by Sayyid Sa’eed Behbahani, Al Batalul Alqama by Shaikh Abdul Wahid al Muzaffar, Khasaesul Abbasiyah by Shaikh Muhammad Ibraheem Karbasi, Maqtalul Abbas by Sayyid Mahdi Tabatabai Yazdi, Tareekhe Zindaganiye Qamare Bani Hashim by Husayn Imadzadeh etc.
Thus he lived a fruitful life and died a felicitous death. Hazrat Abbas (a. s. ) lies buried in a Magnificent Mausoleum at Karbala, Iraq, facing the Mausoleum of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , perhaps yet shielding his Master. His Mausoleum is an asylum for those seeking fulfillment of their desires from Allah on his behalf, and a refuge for every destitute, oppressed and downtrodden. May our lives be your ransom O Abbas!
Relating to the Martyrdom of Our Master Abu Abdullah Husayn (a. s. ) , and furthermore the Martyrdom of a suckling child and Abdullah bin Hasan (a. s. )
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This is the section that causes the tears to flow, grills the heart, and scorches the liver of the believers! Complaint (against this tyranny) is to Allah and aid is requested from Him (alone)!
In some books of Martyrdom it is related that when Imam Husayn (a. s. ) saw that seventy-two persons among his friends and relatives had fallen down, he turned toward the tents of his family and called out,
“O Sakinah! O Fatemah! O Umm Kulthum! My salutations be upon you all! ”
Hearing this Sakinah said, “O dear father! Have you resolved to die? ” Imam replied,
“How could the one, who is bereaved by his friends and helpers, not resolve to die? ”
Sakinah said, “O dear father! Then return us back to the sanctuary of our grandfather”. Imam replied,
“Alas! If a sand-grouse (a type of a bird) is released at night, it will sleep in peace”.
Hearing this, the women of his family started lamenting and Imam Husayn (a. s. ) consoled them.
It is related in the same book that Imam Husayn (a. s. ) then turned towards Umm Kulthum (a. s. ) and said,
“I enjoin you towards goodness in matter of yourself. I am proceeding towards the battlefield in the midst of these enemies”.
Hearing this Sakinah started lamenting while Imam loved her extremely. He pressed her to his chest and wiped her tears and said,
“Know O my dear Sakinah! Very soon you will have to weep after me when death
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will have surrounded me, then do not aggrieve me now with your tears until the spirit remains in my body. Then when I am killed, you are more worthy of weeping upon me, O the best of women! ”
It is related from Imam Muhammad al Baqir (a. s. ) , that when Imam Husayn (a. s. ) resolved to be martyred, he called for his eldest daughter Fatemah (a. s. ). He then handed over to her a sealed envelope and an open testament. Imam Ali bin Husayn (Zainul Abedeen) (a. s. ) was ill at that moment, Fatemah later handed over the letter to Imam Ali Zainul Abedeen (a. s. ) and from him it came down to us.
It is related in Isbatul Wasiyyah of Mas’oodi, that Imam Husayn (a. s. ) called for Imam Ali Zainul Abedeen (a. s. ) in his state of illness, and then handed over to him ‘the Exalted Name’ (of Allah) and the legacy of the Prophets. He told him that he had handed over the (esoteric) wisdom, texts, books and weapons to Umm Salama (a. s. ) and had advised her to hand over those things to him.
It is related in the same book that Khadijah, the daughter of Imam Jawad (a. s. ) and sister of Imam Hadi (a. s. ) says that Imam Husayn (a. s. ) apparently bequeathed to his sister Sayyidah Zainab (a. s. ) , and during the days of (the Imamate of) Imam Ali Zainul Abedeen (a. s. ) , the Knowledge of Ale Muhammad (a. s. ) spread through her medium so as to conceal Imam Zainul Abedeen (a. s. ) (from the enemies) and to
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safeguard his life.
Qutubuddin Rawandi in his Da’wat relates from Imam Ali Zainul Abedeen (a. s. ) , that on the tenth of Muharram, my father pressed me to his heart while blood was flowing through him, and he said,
“O dear son! Memorize the supplication which Sayyidah Fatemah (a. s. ) received from the Prophet of Allah (S) , who in turn received from Jibra’eel and which was handed down to me, for it is beneficial for fulfillment of all desires, in important matters, anxieties, harsh circumstances and vital tasks. ”
The supplication is as follows:
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِیْمِ
بِحَقِّ یٰس وَ الْقُرْآنِ الْحَکِیْمِ وَ بِحَقِّ طٰهٰ وَ الْقُرْآنِ الْعَظِیْمِ یَا مَنْ یَقْدِرُ عَلَى حَوَائِجِ السَّائِلِیْنَ یَا مَنْ یَعْلَمُ مَا فِیْ الضَّمِیْرِ یَا مُنَفِّسًا عَنِ الْمَکرُوْبِیْنَ یَا مُفَرِّجًا عَنِ الْمَغْمُوْمِیْنَ یَا رَاحِمَ الشَّیْخِ الْکَبِیْرِ یَا مَنْ لاَ یَحْتَاجُ اِلَی التَّفْسِیْرِ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ.
BISMILLAHIR RAHMANIR RAHEEM
BEHAQQE YASEEN WAL QUR’ANIL HAKEEME, WA BEHAQQE TAHA WAL QUR’ANIL ‘AZEEME, YA MAN YAQDERO ‘ALA HAWA’EJIS SA’ELEENA, YA MAN YA’ALAMO MA FIZ ZAMEERE, YA MUNAFFESAN ‘ANIL MAKRUBEENA, YA MUFARREJAN ‘ANIL MAGMUMEENA, YA RAHEMASH SHAIKHIL KABEERE, YA RAZEQAT TIFLIS SAGEERE, YA MAN LA YAHTAJO ILAT TAFSEERE, SALLE ‘ALA MUHAMMADIW WA ALE MUHAMMAD.
We (the Author) say, that another supplication of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) is quoted on the morning of the tenth, while a third one narrated from him on the same day and which has been quoted by Shaikhut Taifa (Al-Tusi) in the supplications of the third of Sha’ban wherein he says:
“Then recite the supplication of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) on
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the day of Kauthar (referred to the tenth of Muharram). ”
It is related by Kaf’ami that the last supplication of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) on the day of Ashura is....... (until the end).
It is related in Biharal Anwar, after quoting the martyrdom of an infant child who had come out of the tent, that Imam Husayn (a. s. ) turned towards the right and did not find anyone. He then turned towards the left and saw none, Imam Ali Zainul Abedeen (a. s. ) , who did not even have the strength to lift up a sword (due to ailment) , came out. Umm Kulthum (a. s. ) followed him calling out, “O dear son, return back”. He replied,
“O dear Aunt! Leave me so that I may strive for the son of the Prophet of Allah”.
Imam Husayn (a. s. ) saw him and said,
“O Umm Kulthum! Stop him, lest the world may turn vacant of the descendants of Muhammad (S) ”.
Martyrdom of the suckling child (Abdullah, Ali al Asghar)
His mother was Rabab, the daughter of Imru al Qays bin Adi, and her mother was Hind al Hanood. Sayyid Ibn Tawoos says that when Imam Husayn (a. s. ) saw the corpses of his youth and friends, he resolved to be martyred, and called out,
“Is there anyone who could defend the family of the Prophet of Allah? Is there any monotheist who would fear Allah in respect of us? Is there any aide who could come to assist us for the sake of Allah? Is there anyone who could rush to our aid in lieu of reward
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from Allah? ”
The voice of lamenting of the ladies arose and Imam came to the door of the tent and called for Zainab (a. s. ) saying,
“Give me my infant child so that I may bid him farewell”.
Then he took him in his arms and bent to kiss his lips. Hurmala bin Kahil Asadi shot at arrow at the child, which pierced his neck and severed his head. (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him and may Allah’s curse be upon his murderer) A Poet says regarding this, “And the one who bent to kiss his child, but the arrow preceded him in kissing his neck”. Then he called out to Sayyidah Zainab (a. s. ) to take him back. He filled his palm with the child’s blood and threw it towards the heavens saying,
“Every hardship is easy upon me when Allah is the Beholder”.
Shaikh Mufeed says regarding the suckling child that Imam Husayn (a. s. ) sat in front of the tent while Abdullah, who was an infant, was brought to him. A man from the Bani Asad killed him by shooting an arrow at him.
Azdi says that Aqabah bin Basheer Asadi relates from Imam Muhammad al Baqir (a. s. ) that he told me,
“O Bani Asad! We hold a liability of blood among you”.
I asked, “O Aba Ja’far! What sin do I share in it? And which is that blood? ” Imam replied,
“A child was brought to Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , who held him in his lap, one person from among you,
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the Bani Asad, shot an arrow at him and severed his head. Imam gathered his blood and when both of his palms became full of the blood, he sprinkled it upon the earth and said, ‘Almighty Allah! If You have withheld assistance from the heavens, then bestow upon us that which is better, and take our revenge from these evil- doers’. ”
Sibt Ibn Jawzee relates in his Tazkirah from Hisham bin Muhammad Kalbi, that when Imam Husayn (a. s. ) saw them persistent on killing him, he brought the Qur’an and opening it placed it upon his head, and called out,
“The Qur’an and my grandfather, the Prophet of Allah (S) , are the judge between yourselves and me. O people! How do you consider the shedding of my blood to be lawful? Am I not the grandson of your Prophet? Has not the tradition of my grandfather reached you regarding me and my brother that we are the Masters of the youth of Paradise? Then ask Jabir (bin Abdullah Ansari) , Zaid bin Arqam and Abu Sa’eed Khudri. Is not Ja’far at Tayyar my uncle? ”
Shimr replied, “You shall shortly hasten towards ‘the raging fire’ (of hell) (Allah’s refuge) ”. Imam said,
“Allah is great! My grandfather the Prophet of Allah informed me, that he saw a dog filling his throat with the blood of his Ahlul Bayt (a. s. ) , and I perceive that it is none other than you”.
Shimr replied, “I shall worship Allah by the tongue only, if I understand what you speak”. Imam Husayn (a. s. ) turned
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his face and saw his infant weeping due to thirst. He took him in his lap and said,
“O people! If you do not pity me, at least pity this young one”.
A man shot an arrow at the child and severed his neck. Imam wept and said,
“O Allah! Be a judge between us and those who invited us, having promised assistance, and in return killed us”.
A voice came from the heavens calling out to him,
“Leave him O Husayn! For he has a maid awaiting to nurse him in Paradise”.
Then Haseen bin Tameem shot an arrow at his lips and blood flowed from it. Imam wept and then said,
“O Allah! I complain to You regarding how they have faired with me, my brothers, my sons and my family”.
Ibn Nima says that then he lifted up the child and placed him among the martyrs of his family.
Muhammad bin Talha quotes in his Matalibus Su’ool from the book Futooh, that Imam Husayn (a. s. ) had an infant child. An arrow was shot at him that killed him, and then Imam dug a grave with his sword for him and reciting Prayers upon him, buried him. Then he quotes an elegy.
It is stated in Ehtijaj, that when Imam Husayn (a. s. ) was left alone and none remained with him except his son Ali Zainul Abedeen (a. s. ) and a suckling child named Abdullah. He lifted up the child to bid farewell, when an arrow came and pierced the neck killing
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him. Imam dismounted from his horse and dug a grave with the sheath of his sword, then he buried the child under the sand drenched in his blood, he then leapt from his place, arose and recited elegies. The writers of Martyrdom, as well as the author of Ehtijaj say, that then Imam mounted his horse and went for the battle while saying:
“The nation has disbelieved and have turned their face away from the reward of the Lord of the worlds; the nation killed Ali and his son Hasan, the excellent, the son of esteemed parents; they were filled with hatred and rancor and called upon people and gathered to fight Husayn; Woe be to the ignoble nation that assembled groups to fight the people of the ‘Two Sacred Sanctuaries’; thus they left while inviting others towards obedience of the apostates; opposing Allah to shed my blood, for the sake of Ubaydullah from the progeny of the polytheists; and the son of Sa’ad has killed me aggressively with the help of an army similar to torrential rains; and all this was not in restitution of any crime committed before me, except that my pride are the two stars, Ali who was the best after the Prophet, and the Prophet who was the son of Quraishite parents; my father is the best among men and I am the son of the two best ones, the silver which has emerged from gold, I am the silver the son of the two golden
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ones; then is the grandfather of anyone among men similar to my grandfather, or their father similar to my father; then I am the son of the two best ones, my mother is Fatemah az Zahra and my father is the one who fractured the back of the polytheists in (the battles of) Badr and Hunain, and who worshipped the Lord since childhood when the Quraysh worshipped the two idols and worshipped the Lat and Uzza together; and my father is the one who offered Prayers while facing the two Qiblahs, then my father is the sun and my mother a moon, while I am a star, the son of the two moons; and he (Ali) displayed such wonders on the day of Uhad, that warded off envy, by splitting the two armies, as also in the (battle of) Ahzab and Fathe Makkah in which death was the word of the day for both the armies, and all this was performed in the way of Allah; but how has the debased nation dealt with the two children, the progeny of the righteous Prophet Mustafa (S) and of Ali, similar to red roses, on the day of striking of the two armies”.
Then he stood facing the army with his sword unsheathed, renouncing life and heart resolved to die. And he was saying,
“I am the son of Ali the chaste from the progeny of Hashim, and this grace is enough for me whenever I pride, my grandfather is the Prophet of
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Allah the most eminent among all, we are the lanterns of Allah among the creatures, and my mother is Fatemah Zahra (a. s. ) , the daughter of Ahmad (S) , and my uncle Ja’far is known as the possessor of two wings, and among us is the Book of Allah and has been revealed in truth, and in us lies lawfulness and the revelation proclaimed with goodness, and we are the trusts of Allah among all men, while we declare this in secret and in the open that we possess authority upon the spring (of Kauthar) and we shall feed our followers with the cup of the Prophet, which cannot be denied, and our followers are the eminent among followers, while the one who bears animosity towards us shall be doomed on the day of Qiyamah”.
Muhammad bin Abu Talib says that Abu Ali Salami relates in his history, that this elegy is composed by Imam Husayn (a. s. ) himself and there is no other elegy similar to it.
“Although this world is considered to be pleasant, the reward of Allah is magnificent and meritorious; and if the body is created for death, then martyrdom in the way of Allah is the best for man; and if sustenance is distributed and assured, then man should not strive hard to seek it; and if the gathering of this wealth will result in leaving behind, then why should man be avaricious”.
Then he called the army for combat and whoever came close to him, he would be killed instantly
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until he piled up the corpses. Then he attacked the right wing of the army and said,
“Death is better than perpetration for humiliation, while humiliation is better than entering the fire of hell”.
Then he attacked the left wing of the army and said,
“I am Husayn the son of Ali, I have sworn not to run away from the enemy, and defend the household of my father, until I die on the Religion of the Prophet”.
It has been related by some narrators that, “By Allah! I have not seen a more valorous man similar to him, who is broken by the death of his son, household and friends. The warriors initiated the attack upon him and he responded to their attack similarly. And he scattered them, similar to a wolf that enters the ranks of the sheep, and routed them and scattered them. He attacked the well-equipped army of thirty thousand and they scattered like locusts in front of him. Then he returned to his place and said,
“There is no Might and no Power except with Allah, the Most High, the Most Great”.
It is related in Isbatul Wasiyyah, that he killed one thousand and eight hundred warriors with his own hands.
It is quoted in Biharul Anwar, that it is related by Ibn Shahr Ashob and Muhammad bin Abi Talib that he attacked continuously until he had killed one thousand nine hundred and fifty men, excluding the wounded ones. Umar bin Sa’ad called out to his army, “Woe be to you!
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Do you know with whom you fight? He is the son of a pot-bellied one. (Here he desires ridiculing Imam Ali, Allah’s refuge). He is the son of the assassin of the Arabs. Attack him from all sides”. Four thousand archers surrounded him and blocked his way to the tents.
Muhammad bin Abi Talib, Ibn Shahr Ashob and Sayyid Ibn Tawoos say, that Imam Husayn (a. s. ) then said,
“Woe be to you O followers of the family of Abu Sufyan! Then if you are irreligious men and do not fear the day of Qiyamah, at least be noblemen and come to your senses if you be from the progeny of Arabs”.
Shimr said, “O son of Fatemah! What do you mean? ” Imam replied,
“I say that we should fight with one another, while the ladies have not erred. Lift your hands off plundering my household until I am alive”.
Shimr said, “Verily right is with you”. Then he called out, “Return from the tents and make him your target while he is a merciful match”. Then the entire army turned towards him and Imam Husayn (a. s. ) asked for water. And whenever he tried to go towards the Euphrates, the army would attack him and turn him away from the river.
Ibn Shahr Ashob says that Abu Makhnaf relates from Jaludi, that Imam Husayn (a. s. ) attacked A’awar Salami and ‘Amr bin Hajjaj Zubaydi, who were deputed with four thousand men to guard the bank of the Euphrates. Then he entered his horse into the river and when
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the horse put his mouth into the water to drink it, Imam said,
“O my horse! You are thirsty as also myself, and until you do not drink I shall not quench my thirst”.
When the horse heard these words of the Imam, he lifted his head up and did not partake of the water as if he understood what the Imam said. Imam said,
“I shall drink and you too drink”.
He extended his hand and filled his palm with water, when a person from the army called out, “O Aba Abdillah! You are pleasantly drinking water while your tents are being plundered? ” Hearing this, the Imam threw away the water and lay siege while splitting the army and found his tents to be safe”.
Allamah Majlisi in his Jilaul Uyoon says that then again he bade farewell to his household and enjoined them with forbearance, and promised them reward and recompense, then said,
“Wear your veils and prepare to face trials, and know that Allah is your protector and support and will deliver you from the evil of the enemies and will make excellent your conclusion. His wrath will engulf your enemies in different trials and He will bestow upon you distinct blessings and wonders in lieu of these trials. Do not complain and do not utter such things which would lessen your status”.
It is stated in Biharul Anwar, that Abul Faraj says that Imam Husayn (a. s. ) went towards the river and Shimr said, “You shall not go towards
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the river, rather you shall go towards the fire” (Allah’s refuge). A man called out to him, “O Husayn! Do you not see the Euphrates waving similar to the bellies of the fishes? By Allah! You shall not taste of it until you perish due to thirst”. Imam said,
“O Lord! Kill him due to thirst”.
The narrator says that the (same) man would say, “Give me water to drink”. Water would be handed over to him and he would partake of it and vomit it. Then again he would say, “Give me water to drink, for thirst kills me”. This went on and on until he died. (May Allah’s curse be upon him)
A man named Abu Hatoof shot an arrow at Imam Husayn (a. s. ) that pierced his forehead. He pulled it out and blood flowed upon his face and beard. Then he said,
“O Lord! Do You see what I have to face at the hands of these evil men? O Lord! Diminish their number and kill them until the last one. And do not leave anyone among them upon the earth, nor forgive them”.
Then he attacked them similar to a ferocious Lion, and there was none who would reach him, except that he would split open his belly and kill him. They shot arrows at him from all sides and he took them upon his chest and neck and said,
“How badly have you treated the Progeny of Muhammad (S) after him. After killing me you shall not fear killing
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any of the servants of Allah, and killing me would make their slaughter easy upon you. I desire from Allah that in exchange of this humiliation of your’s he may bestow martyrdom upon me, and then seek my revenge upon you through means that you have never ever thought of”.
Hearing this Haseen bin Malik Sakuni said, “O son of Fatemah! How shall Allah take your revenge from us? ” Imam replied,
“He shall engulf you in wars and shed your blood, then a fierce punishment shall befall you”.
Then he fought until he was inflicted with enormous wounds. Ibn Shahr Ashob and Sayyid ibn Tawoos numbers them to be seventy-two.
Ibn Shahr Ashob relates from Abu Makhnaf, who relates from Imam Ja’far as Sadiq (a. s. ) that,
“The body of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) was inflicted with thirty three wounds of the lance and thirty four cuts of the sword”.
Imam Muhammad al Baqir (a. s. ) says that Imam Husayn (a. s. ) was inflicted with three hundred twenty plus wounds of lances, cuts of swords and injuries by arrows.
In another narration it is stated that the number of wounds were three hundred and sixty. While still in another three hundred and three wounds, and it is also said that the wounds numbered one thousand three hundred. The arrows were pierced in his armor similar to the thorns on the body of a porcupine. And it is also related that all the wounds of his body were upon his front side only.
It is related that (excessive) fighting
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had tired Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and he paused for sometime to rest. At that moment a stone was flung at his forehead and he lifted the front part of his dress to clean it (the blood) , when a poisoned three-pronged arrow came towards him piercing his chest. In some narratives it is stated that it pierced his heart and he said,
“In the name of Allah! And by Allah! And upon the custom of the Prophet of Allah (S) ”!
Then he lifted his head towards the heavens and said,
“O Lord! You know that they have resolved to kill the one besides whom there is no other son of the Prophet upon this earth”.
Then he pulled the arrow from his back (or chest) and blood started flowing down similar to a groove. He filled his palms with it and threw it towards the heaven, and not a single drop of it fell back. The redness in the heavens was not seen before Imam Husayn (a. s. ) did so. Then he filled his other palm with it and wiped it on his head and beard saying,
“I desire to meet my grandfather, the Prophet of Allah (S) , dyed with this blood of mine. And I will say: O Prophet of Allah! Such and such persons killed me”.
Shaikh Mufeed, after quoting the mounting upon the horse of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and going to the bank of the Euphrates and martyrdom of his brother Abbas (a. s. ) says, that when Imam Husayn (a. s. ) returned
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from the Euphrates towards his tents, Shimr bin Ziljawshan, accompanied with a group of his accomplices, came to him and surrounded him from all sides. A man named Malik bin Bashr Kindi stepped ahead and started abusing Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and struck at his head with his sword. It cut the night-cap which he had worn and reached his head while blood started pouring forth filling the night-cap.
Imam Husayn (a. s. ) said,
“You shall never eat or drink again with this hand of yours’ and you shall arise (on the day of Qiyamah) along with the oppressors”.
He removed the cap from his head and asked for a kerchief and tied his head with it. Then he wore another cap and fastened a turban upon it.
We (the Author) say, that Tabari too quotes similarly but says that he wore a burnoose instead of a nightcap, and further says that Imam Husayn (a. s. ) was exhausted when a man from Kinda (Malik bin Bashr) stepped forward and seized the burnoose from his head, which was made of fur. He brought the burnoose to his wife Umm Abdullah, the daughter of Hurr and sister of Husayn bin Hurr Badi. When he tried to wash the blood from it, his wife perceived that it was of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and she said,
“You have brought the stolen cloth of the grandson of the Prophet of Allah (S) into my house? Get away with it from here”.
His friends say that he remained indigent until he
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died.
Tabari says that Abu Makhnaf relates, that Shimr gathered ten Kufan foot soldiers and proceeded towards the tents of the ladies of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and stood between the Imam and his household. Imam Husayn (a. s. ) said,
“Woe be to you! Then if you are irreligious men and do not fear the day of returning (Qiyamah) , at least be free-minded in the world of yours and be noblemen. Keep your scoundrels and stupid men away from my household”.
Shimr said, “O son of Fatemah! Verily right is with you”. Then he proceeded towards Imam Husayn (a. s. ) with his group of lackeys which included Abul Junub Abdul Rahman Ju’fi, Qash’am bin ‘Amr bin Yazid Ju’fi, Saleh bin Wahab Yazbee, Sinan bin Anas Nakha’i and Khawli bin Yazid Asbahi. Shimr incited them to kill Imam Husayn (a. s. ).
He told Abul Junub, who was well equipped with arms, “Proceed further”, and he said, “Why don’t you proceed further? ” Shimr replied, “Do you back-answer me? ” And he said, “Then do you order me? ” They started abusing one another, and Abul Junub, who was a valorous man, said, “By Allah! How I wish to thrust this spear into your eye”. Shimr lifted his hands off him and said, “By Allah! I wish I could strike at you with the sword”.
It is related that Shimr, accompanied by the foot soldiers, turned towards Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and he attacked them and scattered them. Then they surrounded him with severity when a child ran towards Imam Husayn (a. s. )
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from the tents of the household. Imam called out to his sister Sayyidah Zainab (a. s. ) saying,
“Take care of him”.
The child did not pay heed and ran until he reached Imam and stood at his side. Shaikh Mufeed identifies him as being Abdullah bin (Imam) Hasan. The child said, “By Allah! I shall not part from my uncle”.
(Tabari) Bahr bin Ka’ab struck at Imam Husayn (a. s. ) with his sword and the child said, “Woe be to you O son of ill-natured man! Do you intend killing my uncle? ” The accursed struck at him with his sword, which the child took upon his hands, and cut it till the flesh, while it hung. The child cried, “O mother! Come to my aid”. Imam took him in his fold and said,
“O nephew! Forbear upon this trial and consider it to be blessing for you. You shall unite with your virtuous fathers the Prophet of Allah (S) , (Imam) Ali bin Abi Talib (a. s. ) , Hamza (a. s. ) , Ja’far (at Tayyar) (a. s. ) and (Imam) Hasan bin Ali (a. s. ) ”.
Then he lifted his hands for Prayers and said,
“O Lord! Hold back the rains of the heavens and the abundance of the earth from them. O Lord! Then if you give them some more life, then dispel them, and take Thou among them, then make the rulers to be ever displeased with them. For they invited us to render assistance and then rebelled against us and killed us”.
(Malhoof) Sayyid ibn Tawoos says that Hurmalah
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shot an arrow at him (Abdullah bin Hasan) and killed him and he was in the arms of his uncle Imam Husayn (a. s. ). (May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him)
Ibn Abd Rabbah in his Iqdul Fareed says that the sight of a Syrian man fell upon Abdullah bin Hasan bin Ali (a. s. ) , who was handsome among men, and he said, “I desire to kill this youth”. A man told him, “Woe be to you! Lift your hands off him”. He did not pay any heed and struck at him with his sword and killed him. When the sword reached him, he cried out, “O uncle! Come to my aid”. Imam replied,
“Here I am! This is a voice of the one who possesses less companions and abundant murderers”.
Imam attacked his murderer while severing his hand and with another stroke killed him. I (the author) say, that Ibn Abd Rabbah has clearly committed error and has identified Abdullah bin Hasan instead of Qasim bin Hasan (whose martyrdom has already been discussed).
Tabari says that Imam Husayn (a. s. ) then attacked the foot soldiers and pushed them away from him.
Shaikh Mufeed says that the foot soldiers attacked the companions of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) from the left and right sides and killed them until three to four men remained with him.
Tabari and (Ibn Aseer) Jazari quote similarly and say, that when Imam Husayn (a. s. ) was left with three or four men, he called for a long fringed shirt that dazzled the eyes.
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It was of Yemeni origin and minutely stitched. He tore it from some sides so that it could not be removed off his body. One of his companions said, “I wish you wore breeches underneath your clothes”. Imam replied,
“It is a garment of disgrace, and wearing it is not befitting me”.
It is said that when he was killed, Bahr bin Ka’ab robbed the shirt away from his body leaving it bare.
Azdi says that ‘Amr bin Shu’ayb relates from Muhammad bin Abdul Rahman, that both the hands of Bahr bin Ka’ab would ooze out pus in the winters and in the sUmmrs it would turn dry similar to wooden sticks.
Sayyid Ibn Tawoos says that Imam Husayn (a. s. ) said,
“Bring me a garment which I may wear below my dress so that they may not bare me”.
Breeches were brought for him, and he said,
“This is the dress of the disgraceful ones”.
Then he called for a worn-out shirt, and tearing it, wore it below his dress. When he was martyred, it was removed off his body.
Shaikh Mufeed says that when only three men remained with Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , he turned towards the enemies while the three men defended him and warded off the army away from him until they were martyred and Imam was left alone. He was wounded upon the head and body, he then attacked them from the left and right side and scattered them.
Hameed bin Muslim says that, “By Allah! I have not
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seen a shattered person more valorous than him whose sons, family and friends have been killed yet his heart being invincible. The foot-soldiers attacked him and he faced them similar to a wolf who attacks the sheep and scatters them to the right and left”.
When Shimr saw this, he called for the cavalry and stationed them behind the frontline of the foot soldiers. Then he commanded the archers to shoot their arrows at him. And such number of arrows pierced his body that it looked similar to a porcupine, then he lifted his hands off them and they came and stood facing him.
Zainab (a. s. ) came to the door of the tents and called out to Umar bin Sa’ad, “Woe be to you O Umar (bin Sa’ad)! Abu Abdullah is being killed why you behold? ” He did not reply and she said, “Woe be to you! Is there not a Muslim amongst you? ” But again none replied.
Tabari says that Umar bin Sa’ad neared Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , and Zainab (a. s. ) said, “O Umar bin Sa’ad! Abu Abdullah is being killed while you behold? ” The narrator says that it is as if I see tears flowing upon his cheeks and beard while he turned his face away from Zainab (a. s. ).
Sayyid Ibn Tawoos says that when Imam Husayn (a. s. ) was exhausted by numerous wounds and he looked similar to a Porcupine, Saleh bin Wahab Yaznee thrust a lance at his flank and he fell on his left cheek upon the ground from the
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Horse’s back. Then he said,
“In the name of Allah! And by Allah! And upon the Creed of the Prophet of Allah”!
Then he stood up.
The narrator says that Sayyidah Zainab (a. s. ) came out of the door of the tent calling out, “O my brother! O my Master! O my family! I wish the heavens would fall upon the earth and I wish the mountains would scatter upon the desert”.
It is related that Shimr called out to his companions, “Why are you waiting for this man? ” Then they attacked him from all sides.
Hameed bin Muslim says that Imam Husayn (a. s. ) had worn a fur cloak and a turban upon his head, while his hair was dyed with Wasmah. I heard him say, before he was martyred, when he was on foot but fought as if he was mounted, and defended himself from the arrows, while the cavalry were split from all sides and he attacked them with sword,
“You conspire together against me? By Allah! After me you shall not kill anyone else by whose murder Allah would have been more wrathful towards you. By Allah! I desire that Allah cherish me in lieu of this contempt of yours’. And He may take my revenge from you through means of which you are unaware. Beware! By Allah! If you kill me, Allah too shall kill you and shed your blood. Then He shall not lift His Hands off you until He doubles the grievous punishment”.
It is related that he remained
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alive for a lengthy period of time that day, and if the army had desired they would have killed him. But they considered one another for it, and each group desired that the other would kill him. Shimr called out in their midst, “What do you have to wait for? Kill this man, may your mothers mourn upon you”. Thus they attacked him from all sides.
Shaikh Mufeed says that Zar’ah bin Shareek severed his left arm and struck at his shoulder with his sword and he fell down upon his face.
Tabari says that then they retreated back and he was in a very bad state and he would rise and fall. At this moment Sinan bin Anas bin ‘Amr Nakha’i hit him with a lance and threw him upon the ground.
Shaikh Mufeed and Tabarsi say, that Khawli bin Asbahi came forward hastily and alighted from his horse to severe his head, but he trembled. Shimr said, “May Allah break your hands! Why do you tremble? ” Then he alighted from the horse and beheaded him.
Abul Abbas Ahmad bin Yusuf Damishqi Qirmani, who died in the year 1019 A. H. , says in Akhbarul Dawl, that thirst became intense upon Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and they did not give him water to drink. A cup of water came to his hand and when he bent to drink it, Haseen bin Nameer shot an arrow at him, which pierced his chin, and the cup became full of blood. He then lifted his hands
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towards the heavens and said,
“O Allah! Lessen their quantity, kill each one of them, and do not spare a single one from among them upon the earth”.
Then they attacked him from all sides and he flaunted upon them from the left and right side until Zar’ah bin Shareek struck at his left hand with the sword and entered another into his shoulder. Then Sinan bin Anas thrust a lance into his body throwing him down. Shimr then alighted from his horse and beheaded him and handed it over to Khawli Asbahi. Then they looted his clothes. [1]
I (the author) , say, that it is related in the narrative by Sayyid Ibn Tawoos, Ibn Nima, Shaikh Saduq, Tabari, (Ibn Aseer) Jazari, Ibn Abdul Birr, Mas’oodi and Abul Faraj, that Sinan (bin Anas) , the accursed, beheaded him.
Sayyid Ibn Tawoos says that Sinan came forward and said, “Although I know that he is the grandson of the Prophet of Allah (S) and his parents are the best among humans, I shall behead him”. Then he struck at his blessed neck with his sword and severed his sacred and honorable head.
A poet says regarding it: “And what other disaster can be greater than that of Husayn, when the hands of Sinan were killing him”.
Abu Tahir Muhammad bin Hasan (or Husayn) Barasi (or Narasi) says in Ma’alimud Deen, that Imam Ja’far as Sadiq (a. s. ) said, that when Imam Husayn (a. s. ) ’s matter reached this stage, the Angels started lamenting in the Audience of Allah and
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said, “O Lord! This Husayn is Your guest, he is the grandson of Your Prophet”. Then Allah created an image of Imam al Qaem (a. t. f. s. ) and said,
“I shall seek revenge from them through his medium”.
It is related, that Mukhtar arrested Sinan and severed each of his fingers one after the other. Then he cut off his hands and feet and flung him into a large vessel in which olive oil was boiling hot.
The narrator says that at the moment when they beheaded Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , a violent and dark hurricane erupted engulfing the entire horizon into darkness. Then a red storm blew and nothing could be seen, while the army presumed that the curse of Allah had descended. This continued for an hour and then ceased.
Hilal bin Nafe’ says that I was standing along with the companions of Umar bin Sa’ad and someone called out, “O commander! Have glad tidings that Shimr has killed Husayn”. I then went to the spot of his martyrdom and stood at his side and he was dying. By Allah! I have never seen a better corpse drenched in blood than his, and a face more illuminated than his. While the light of his countenance and his formidable beauty made me forget his death. In this state he asked for water, and a man said to him, “By Allah! You shall not partake it until you enter ‘the raging fire’ (of hell) ” (Allah’s Refuge). I heard Imam say,
“Woe be to you! I
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[1]: Daynoori says that Imam Husayn (a. s. ) was thirsty and asked for a cup of water, and when he lifted it up unto his lips, Haseen bin Nameer shot an arrow at his mouth and he could not drink it. Then he kept the cup upon the ground.
am not proceeding towards ‘the raging fire’, nor shall I taste ‘the boiling water’ therein. Rather I am going to the presence of my grandfather, the Prophet of Allah (S) , and I shall be residing in his place of the truthful residue in the shelter of Allah, the Almighty. And I shall drink of the pure water, and then I shall complain to him regarding what you did to me”.
Hearing this all of them became enraged, as if they had no mercy in their hearts, and in this very state, while he was speaking to them, they beheaded him. I was astonished at their ruthlessness, and said, “I shall never ever accompany you in any task from now on”.
Kamaluddin Muhammad bin Talha says in his Matalibus Su’ool, that the head of the grandson and the beloved of the Prophet of Allah (S) was severed with a sharp sword. Then they raised his head upon the lance as is done with the apostates, and they paraded it in the midst of the slaves of Allah in the cities. And they lead his family and children in a state of disrespect, and mounted them upon the shaft of the Camel without saddle or seat, in spite of knowing that they were the Progeny of the Prophet, while their love was incumbent as specified by the Qur’an and the true faith.
If the heavens and earth would have the power to speak, they would have bemoaned and lamented upon them. And if
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the disbelievers had been aware of it, they would have wept upon them and lamented. While if the obstinate ones of the age of ignorance would have been present, they too would have wept upon them and would have condoled one another upon their martyrdom. And if the oppressive tyrants had been present at the episode of his martyrdom, they would have assisted and aided him.
Woe be upon this catastrophe which has afflicted the hearts of the God-fearing and remained as an inheritance for them! Woe be upon the calamity which has grieved the hearts of the believers and pained those who shall come in the future! Alas upon the Progeny of the Prophet, whose blood was shed, and upon the family of Muhammad (S) whose swords had decelerated, and Alas upon the Alawites who were left deprived of aide and their masters being killed! Alas upon the Hashimites, whose sanctity was violated, and shedding of whose blood was considered lawful!
It is related in Nawadir from Ali bin Asbat, who relates from some of his companions, that Imam Muhammad al Baqir (a. s. ) said, that on the tenth of Muharram, my father (Imam Zainul Abedeen) was very ill and was inside the tent. I saw my friends walking to and fro along with Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and bringing water for him. Once he attacked the right wing of the army and then the left wing, while once the central part. They killed him in a manner that the Prophet had
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prohibited them to slaughter an animal. They killed him with swords, lances, stones, sticks and batons. Then they trampled his body by the horse’s hooves.
I (the author) , say, that Imam Husayn (a. s. ) was martyred on Friday, the tenth of Muharram, sixty first year of the Migration (Hijrah) after the Prayer of Zuhr. He was fifty-seven years of age. In another narration it is related, that he was martyred on Saturday or Monday, but the more accurate one seems to be Friday.
Abul Faraj (Isfahani) says that what has been related by the Ammah (Non-Shi’ah) regarding the day of Monday is an error and is not supported by any narration. This is so because the first day of Muharram, the month in which the martyrdom occurred, according to the conclusion from all astronomical deductions by the procedure of Indian calculations, fell on Wednesday, hence the tenth cannot be on Monday (but on Friday). And this itself is an evidence for truth that confirms the narration.
Shaikh Mufeed, in context of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) on the tenth of Muharram says that at the dawn of Friday, while some others say Saturday, Umar bin Sa’ad (mobilized his forces) , and according to the previous report it is evident that it was Friday. And in context of his entering Karbala, Shaikh Mufeed says that then he came forward, and that was on Thursday, the second of the month of Muharram, sixty first year of Migration (Hijrah).
It is narrated in the Tazkirah of Sibt Ibn
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Jawzee, that he (Imam Husayn) was martyred on Friday, in between the Prayers of Zuhr and Asr, for he had recited the Salatul Khawf along with his companions, while some say that it was Saturday, which we have already discussed.
In the same book it is mentioned, that there are numerous reports regarding his murderer. Hisham bin Muhammad (Kalbi) says that it was Sinan bin Anas Nakha’i, the other one who is named is Haseen bin Nameer, who shot an arrow at him and came forward and beheaded him. Then he hung it in the neck of his horse so as to be endeared by (Ubaydullah) Ibn Ziyad. The third name being that of Muhajir bin Aws Tamimi, the fourth one Kaseer bin Abdullah Sha’abi, the fifth Shimr bin Ziljawshan. We say that the sixth one who is named is Khawli bin Yazid Asbahi. (Allah’s curse be upon all the murderers of Imam Husayn).
Muhammad bin Talha Shafe’i and Ali bin Isa Irbili Imami say, that Umar bin Sa’ad ordered his companions saying, “Come forward and behead him”. Nasr bin Harshah Zababi came forward and repeatedly struck at the neck of Imam Husayn (a. s. ). Umar bin Sa’ad was enraged and signaling to a man standing on his right side, said, “Woe be to you! Go forward and relieve Husayn”. Khawli bin Yazeed, May Allah enter him in the fire of hell eternally, came forward and beheaded him.
Daynoori says that Sinan bin Aws Nakha’i thrust a lance at him and threw him down,
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and then Khawli bin Yazeed Asbahi stepped forward to behead him. His hands trembled and his brother, Shabal bin Yazid beheaded him and gave it to his brother Khawli.
Ibn Abd Rabbah says that Sinan bin Anas killed him and Khawli bin Yazid Asbahi, who was from the clan of Hameer, ended his life by beheading him. He took his head to Ubaydullah and said, “Fill my stirrup with abundant wealth........ ” (as will be quoted later).
It is related from Imam Ja’far as Sadiq (a. s. ) , that when a stroke was dealt upon Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , he fell off his horse and they ran to behead him. A voice sounded from the heavens
“O the nation which has become obstinate and turned astray after the passing away of their Prophet! May Allah not bestow upon you the grace of fasting and the (Eid of) Fitr”. Then he (a. s. ) said, “Therefore by Allah! They have not prospered nor shall they thrive until the seeker of revenge (Imam Mahdi) for Imam Husayn rises”.
Ibn Qawlawayh Qummi relates from Halabi, who in turn relates from Imam Ja’far as Sadiq (a. s. ) , that when Imam Husayn (a. s. ) was martyred, someone called out in the Kufan army. When he was reprimanded for it, he said, “Why should I not cry when I see the Prophet of Allah (S) standing, at one time he looks at the earth and another time at your battle, and I fear lest he imprecate upon the dwellers of the earth and you would
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be damned”.
The Kufan army said, “He is insane”, while the ‘repentants’ among them said, “By Allah! What have we done to ourselves? We killed the Master of the youth of Paradise for the sake of the son of Sumayyah”. Then they revolted against Ubaydullah and their situation reached such as aught to be. The narrator says that I asked them, “May I be your ransom! Who was the caller? ” They replied, “We presume it was Jibra’eel”.
In the narration of Mashhadi it is related that Salmah went to the presence of Umm Salama (a. s. ) while she was weeping. He asked, “What makes you weep? ” She replied, “I saw the Prophet of Allah (S) in a dream and his head and beard were smeared with dust. I asked: O Prophet of Allah (S)! What has happened to you that you are smeared in dust? He replied: Just now I have witnessed the murder of my Husayn”.
It is related in Sawaeqe Muhriqa of Ibn Hajar, that one of the signs that appeared on the day of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , was that the heaven turned dark so much so that the stars were visible during the daytime. And whichever stone was lifted up, fresh blood was found beneath it. And it is also said, that the heavens turned red due to his martyrdom and the sun pitch-black. The stars became visible during the daytime, while the men presumed that the (day of) resurrection had arrived. And on that day whichever
stone was lifted up in Syria, fresh blood appeared beneath it.
Part 3: Relating to the incidents after the Martyrdom
After Martyrdom
The narrator says that after the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , they looted his clothes. His shirt was taken away by Ishaq bin Haywah Hazramee, who when he wore it, became inflicted with leprosy and his hair fell off.
It is related, that his shirt bore marks of a hundred and some arrows, lances, and strokes of swords.
Imam Ja’far as Sadiq (a. s. ) says that there were thirty-three wounds of the lances and thirty-four cuts of swords upon the body of Imam Husayn (a. s. ). His trousers were taken away by Bahr bin Ka’ab Tamimi and it is related that he became bed-ridden and his legs turned paralytic.
His turban was snatched away by Akhnas bin Mursid Hazramee who wore it upon his head and turned blind. His sandals were nabbed away by Aswad bin Khalid, while his ring by Bajdul bin Saleem Kalbi who snatched it by severing his finger. (May Allah’s curse be upon all of them).
When Mukhtar arrested him (Bajdul) , he severed his hands and legs; he wallowed in his blood until he died. Imam possessed a bathing-gown of fur that was looted by Qays bin Ash’as. His armor was taken by Umar bin Sa’ad, and when he was killed, Mukhtar presented it to his killer Abi Umroh. His sword was plundered by Jamee’ bin Khalq Awdee, while it is also narrated that a Tamimite man named Aswad bin Hanzalah or Falafis Munshali
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took it.
While this swift sword was other than the exclusive Zulfiqar, which was among the trusts of Prophethood and Imamate, as also his unique ring, were in the safe custody of his family.
Shaikh Saduq relates from Muhammad bin Muslim, that Imam Ja’far as Sadiq (a. s. ) was questioned regarding the ring of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) as to who got it when it is said that his clothes were looted? Imam (a. s. ) replied,
“It is not so as is said. Imam Husayn (a. s. ) bequeathed to his son Ali (Zainul Abedeen) (a. s. ) and handed over his signet to him, as also the chores of Imamate that were handed over by the Prophet of Allah (S) to the Commander of the faithful Ali (a. s. ). Imam Ali (a. s. ) handed it over to Imam Hasan (a. s. ) , who in turn handed it over to Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , which later came to my father’s (Imam Muhammad al Baqir) possession and it came down to me. It is there with me and I put it on Fridays and Pray while wearing it”.
Muhammad bin Muslim says that on Friday I paid a visit to him and offered Prayers with him. When he ended his Prayers, he stretched his hand towards me and I saw the ring in his finger in which it was engraved: There is no other Deity but Allah, Ready to meet Allah. Then Imam (a. s. ) said,
“This is the signet of my grandfather Abu Abdullah Husayn (a. s. ) ”.
It is related in the Amali of Shaikh Saduq
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and Rawzatul Wa’ezeen, that the horse of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) smeared his mane and forehead in his blood and started running and neighing. When the daughters of the Prophet heard his neighing they came out of the tents and saw the horse without his rider, thus they knew that Imam Husayn (a. s. ) was martyred.
Ibn Shahr Ashob in his Manaqib and Muhammad bin Abi Talib say, that the horse of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) fled from the folds of the army and dipped his forelocks in the blood. He rushed towards the tents of the women-folk and started neighing. Then he went behind the tents and started beating his head upon the ground until he died.
When the ladies saw the horse devoid of its rider, they started wailing and Sayyidah Umm Kulthum (a. s. ) beat her head with her hand and called out, “O Muhammad! O Grandfather! O Prophet! O Abul Qasim! O Ali! O Ja’far! O Hamza! O Hasan! This is Husayn who has fallen down in the desert while his head is severed from the nape. His turban and cloak have been robbed off”, saying this she became unconscious.
It is said in the renowned Ziyarat-e-Nahiyah that:
“And your horse wandered away towards your tents, neighing and weeping, then when your women-folk beholded your horse devoid of it’s rider and saw the saddle bent, they emerged from the tents, with disheveled hair, beating their faces, unveiled, and wailing, lamenting, in a dejected state after having being honored, they ran towards the
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spot of your martyrdom, while Shimr (the accursed) was seated upon your chest, moving his sword (upon your neck) to slaughter you, while clasping your hair in his hand, he was slaughtering you with his Indian sword, you had turned motionless while your breathing was ceasing, (your were beheaded) and your head was raised upon the lance”. [1]
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[1]: It is related in Madinatul Ma’ajiz from the same Ibn Shahr Ashob, that Abu Makhnaf relates from Jaludi, that when Imam Husayn (a. s. ) fell down upon the earth, his horse defended him. He leapt upon the horse-riders and threw them upon the ground from the saddle. He crushed them with his feet and started circulating around until he killed forty men. Then he drenched himself with the blood of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and rushed towards the tents. He started neighing aloud and struck his hooves upon the ground.
Plundering of the belongings of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and the wailing of the womenfolk of Ahlul Bayt
Sayyid Ibn Tawoos relates, that a maid came out of the tents of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and a man told her, “O maid of Allah! Your master has been killed”. She says, I hastened to my lady and started lamenting, seeing this all the ladies arose and started wailing.
It is said that then the army jointly proceeded further to plunder the tents of the Progeny of the Prophet (S) and the light of Zahra (a. s. ) ’s eyes, besides looting the veils off the ladies’ shoulders. The daughters of the Prophet (S) ’s family and his household started wailing together and wept upon the loss of their associates and friends.
Hameed bin Muslim says that when a woman from (the family of) Bakr bin Wael, who was accompanying her husband, who was along with Umar bin Sa’ad, saw that the army had advanced towards the women’s tents while looting their veils, she pulled out a sword and turning towards the tents called out, “O family of Bakr! They are looting the daughters of the Prophet of Allah (S). There is no judgment and no decree except with Allah! Arise to avenge the blood of
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the Prophet of Allah! ” Hearing this, her husband seized her and took her away.
It is related, that the ladies were drawn out of the tents and the tents were set on fire. The women of the Prophet’s family were bareheaded, bare-feet and marauded similar to the ones in captivity. They were disturbed and wandered while saying, “By Allah! Take us to the spot of the martyrdom of Husayn”. When their sight fell upon the martyrs, they started wailing and beating their faces. It is said: By Allah! I cannot forget that Zainab (a. s. ) , the daughter of Ali (a. s. ) , wept upon Husayn (a. s. ) and called out in a grievous voice,
“O Muhammad, salutations of the heavenly angels upon you! This is Husayn, who has fallen down with body smeared in blood and bodily components cut asunder, while your daughters have been captivated. I complain to Allah! And also to Muhammad Mustafa (S)! And Ali Murtaďa (a. s. )! And Fatemah Zahra (a. s. )! And Hamza, the Master of Martyrs! O Muhammad (S)! This is Husayn, who has fallen down in the desert, while the wind is gasping upon him, and he is killed at the hands of the illegitimate ones. O griefs! O trials! Today my grandfather the Prophet of Allah (S) has departed from the world! O companions of Muhammad (S)! Come and behold the Progeny of Mustafa (S) being seized similar to the captives”.
In another narration the following words have been related,
“O Muhammad (S)! Your daughters have been seized and your Progeny
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killed. The wind is gasping dust upon them. This is Husayn, his head severed from the nape while his cloak and mantle have been looted. My father be ransom upon the one whose army was marauded on Monday! My father be ransom upon the one, the cord of whose tents was broken up! My father be ransom upon the one, meeting whom is not possible now and whose wounds are incurable! My father be ransom upon the one on whom I ransom my life! My father be ransom upon the one who died in sorrow and thirsty! My father be ransom upon the one whose beard dripped blood! My father be ransom upon the one whose grandfather is Muhammad al Mustafa (S)! My father be ransom upon the one whose grandfather is the Prophet of the Lord of the heavens! My father be ransom upon the grandson of the guided Prophet! My father be ransom upon Muhammad al Mustafa (S)! My father be ransom upon Khadijatul Kubra (a. s. )! My father be ransom upon Ali al Murtaďa! My father be ransom upon Fatemah Zahra (a. s. ) , the mistress of the women-folk! My father be ransom upon the one for whom the sun turned back so that he may offer Prayers! ”
The narrator says that by Allah, hearing this, each and everyone, whether friend or foe, wept. Then Sakinah (a. s. ) embraced the corpse of her father and the Bedouins gathered around and pulled her away from him.
It is related in Misbah of Kaf’ami,
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that Sakinah (a. s. ) said, that when Husayn (a. s. ) was martyred, I embraced him and fell unconscious and I heard him say,
“O my followers (Shi’ah) remember me when you drink water! And lament upon me when you hear about any traveler or martyr! ”
Hearing this I arose with fright while my eyes were hurt due to weeping, then I started beating my face. [1]
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[1]: Ibn Abd Rabbah in his Iqdul Fareed, relates from Hammad bin Muslimah, from Sabit, who relates from Anas bin Malik, that when we had buried the Prophet of Allah (S) , Sayyidah Fatemah Zahra (a. s. ) approached me and said, “O Anas! How did your heart consent when you poured earth upon the face of the Prophet of Allah (S) ”? Saying this she wept and called out, “O my dear father! You consented when your Lord desired meeting you. O my dear father! The one with whom his Lord is near.......... (until the end) ”.
The state of Fatemah (a. s. ) was thus after the burial of her father, then what would have befallen Sakinah (a. s. ) when she beholded her father’s body drenched in blood, with head severed, and robbed off his turban and clock, with fractured and bent back? Then she described her state in the following words: “How could your heart consent when you killed the son of the Prophet of Allah (S) , how could you crush his chest which was a treasury of the ‘Righteous Knowledge’”?
Looting of the heads of the martyrs, jewelry of the women folk and Camels of the Master of the oppressed by the Kufan army
Shaikh Mufeed says that they looted the belongings, camels and the chattels of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and also the veils of the women-folk of his family.
Hameed bin Muslim says that by Allah! I have seen with my own eyes that they pulled the veils off the shoulders of the women-folk, their daughters or other ladies and removed from them forcibly.
Azdi says that Sulayman bin Abi Rashid relates from Hameed bin Muslim, that I reached the bedside of Ali bin Husayn al Asghar (a. s. ) (Imam Zainul Abedeen) , who was ill and bed-ridden. Shimr bin Ziljawshan, along with his lackeys rushed upon him and said, “Shall we kill him? ” I said, “Glory be to Allah! Shall we also kill the infants? This infant is already at the verge of death”.
I kept a watch upon him and defended him when anyone approached him until Umar bin Sa’ad came there. He said, “None should enter the tents of the women-folk and none should disturb this ailing child. The ones who have robbed their belongings should return it back to them”. By Allah! None among them returned anything back.
In Akhbarud
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Dawl of Qirmani it is related that Shimr (May the curse descend upon him which is due to him) decided to kill (Imam) Ali al Asghar (Zainul Abedeen) who was ill. Zainab (a. s. ) , the daughter of Ali bin Abi Talib (a. s. ) , came in and said, “By Allah! You shall not kill him until you kill me”. Hearing this Shimr lifted his hands off him.
It is related in Rawzatus Safa, that when Shimr entered the tent of the ailing one (Imam Zainul Abedeen) , he saw him lying upon the pillow. Shimr pulled out his sword to kill him when Hameed bin Muslim said, “Glory be to Allah! How will you kill this infant child? Do not kill him”. Some say that Umar bin Sa’ad caught hold of the hand of Shimr and said, “Are you not ashamed before Allah? You intend killing this ailing infant? ”
Shimr replied, “We have orders of the commander Ubaydullah to kill each and every son of Husayn”. Umar repeatedly restrained him until he retreated back. Then he ordered that the tents of the Progeny of Mustafa (S) be set on fire.
It is related in Manaqib of Ibn Shahr Ashob, that Ahmad bin Hambal says that the reason for Imam Zainul Abedeen (a. s. ) becoming ill in Karbala was that he had worn a long armor, and he clipped the extra part of it with his bare hands and tore it (and thus developed fever).
Shaikh Mufeed relates that the accursed Umar bin Sa’ad came in facing the
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tents and the women started weeping and wailing in front of him. He turned towards his accomplices and said, “None should enter the tents of the women-folk and none should disturb this ailing infant”. The women-folk desired from him that whatever was looted from them be returned back so that they may cover themselves.
He said, “Whatever one has looted off the belongings of these women should return it back to them”. By Allah! None returned anything. Then he appointed some guards upon the tents of the ladies and of the ailing Imam and said, “Guard them, none should enter therein nor should ruin them”. Saying this he returned to his tent and called out in the midst of his associates, “Who will volunteer to gallop horses upon Husayn? ”
Tabari says that Sinan bin Anas came to Umar bin Sa’ad and stood at the door of his tent and called out, “Fill my stirrup with rewards for I have killed the King whose door was guarded, I have killed the one who was the best with regard to his father and mother, and whenever ancestry was discussed he possessed the best ancestry”. [1] Umar bin Sa’ad said, “You are insane and shall never come to your senses. Bring him to me”. He was brought to him and Umar beat his hand with the cane and said, “O insane one! You have uttered that, which if heard by Ibn Ziyad, he will blow your head off”.
Umar bin Sa’ad arrested Uqbah bin Sam’an,
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the servant and retainer of Rabab (a. s. ) , the wife of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , and asked him, “Who are you? ” He replied, “I am a retainer”. Then he was released, and we have related regarding him, along with Marqa’ bin Samamah, in the preceding chapter.
It is related, that then Umar bin Sa’ad called out in a loud voice among his accomplices, “Who among you will volunteer to gallop the horses upon the body of Husayn? ” Ten men among them volunteered to do so. Among them was Ishaq bin Haywah Hazramee, who had looted the shirt of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , and was later bed-ridden with leprosy, and Ahbash bin Marsad Hazramee. They proceeded further and galloped their horses until they had crushed the back and chest of Imam Husayn (a. s. ). I have been informed that after this incident, Ahbash bin Marsad was standing in the battlefield, when an unknown arrow came and struck at him and he died.
Sayyid Ibn Tawoos says that Umar bin Sa’ad called out in the midst of his accomplices, “Who is desirous of volunteering to gallop the horses upon the back and chest of Husayn? ” Ten men among them volunteered to do so, among them was Ishaq bin Hawah Hazramee, the one who robbed the shirt of Imam Husayn (a. s. ).
The others being Akhnas bin Mursid, Hakeem bin Tufayl Sumbosi, Umar bin Sabeeh Saydawi, Raja’ bin Manqaz Abadi, Saleem bin Khaysamah Ju’fi, Wahez bin Na’em, Saleh bin Wahab Ju’fi, Hani bin Sabeet Hazramee and Usayd bin Malik.
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(May Allah’s curse be upon all of them). They trampled the body of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) with their horse’s hooves until they crushed his chest and back. The narrator says that these ten men came to Ubaydullah, and Usayd bin Malik among them said, “We trampled the chest after the back with the powerful hooves”.
(Ubaydullah) Ibn Ziyad said, “Who are you? ” They replied, “We trampled the back of Husayn until the bones of his chest turned into a powder”, he bestowed some gifts upon them.
Abu ‘Amr Zahid says, that we investigated regarding these ten men and concluded that all of them were born illegitimate. Mukhtar arrested all of them and fastened their hands and feet to an iron fence. Then he ordered that horses be galloped upon their backs until they died.
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[1]: Tabari says that the army told Sinan bin Anas, “You killed Husayn, the son of Ali, and Fatemah, the daughter of the Prophet of Allah (S) , and you have killed the most dangerous Arabian man who had desired snatching the kingdom away from the Bani Umayyah. Then go to your commanders and desire abundant rewards, for even if they hand over all of their wealth in lieu of the murder of Husayn, it is quite less”.
Incidents of the evening of the tenth of Muharram (Ashura’) and dispatching the blessed heads to the accursed Ubaydullah bin Ziyad
(Manaqib, Irshad, Malhoof) Then Umar bin Sa’ad dispatched the head of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) with Khawli bin Yazeed Asbahi and Hameed bin Muslim Azdi on the same day of the tenth of Muharram to Ubaydullah bin Ziyad. Then he gathered the heads of Imam’s companions and relatives that numbered seventy-two. He then dispatched them along with Shimr bin Ziljawshan, Qays bin Ash’as, ‘Amr bin Hajjaj and Uzrah bin Qays, who reached it to Ubaydullah bin Ziyad.
Tabari says that Khawli brought the head of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) to the royal palace (in Kufa) and saw that the gate was closed. He took the head to his own house and kept it under a drum of
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the laundry. He had two wives, one of them was from (the clan of) Bani Asad and another from Bani Hazram named Nawar, the daughter of Malik bin Aqrab, and it was the turn of Nawar that night.
Hisham (bin Muhammad Kalbi) says that my father relates from Nawar, the daughter of Malik, that Khawli brought the head of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and kept it in the courtyard below a drum of the laundry.
Then he entered the room and relaxed upon the bed, I asked him, “What news have you brought? ” He replied, “I have brought abundant wealth for you. This is the head of Husayn which lies in the courtyard of your house”. I said, “Woe be to you! People bring gold and silver, while you have brought the head of the grandson of the Prophet of Allah (S)? By Allah! I shall never ever lay my head besides you upon the bed”. Then I stepped away from the bed and came into the courtyard of the house. Then he
(Khawli) called for his other wife from Bani Asad who entered his bed, while I sat there beholding the head. By Allah! I saw a pillar of light extending like a sheet from the courtyard to the heavens, while white birds were circumambulating it. Then when it dawned, he took the head to (Ubaydullah) Ibn Ziyad.
It is narrated in Matalibus Su’ool and Kashful Ghummah, that Basheer bin Malik brought the head of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , and placing it
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before Ubaydullah bin Ziyad said, “Fill my stirrup with gold and silver for I have killed the King whose door was guarded, and the one who recited the Prayers facing the two Qiblahs in his childhood, and whenever ancestry is discussed he possesses the best ancestry, I have killed the one who was the best with regard to father and mother”.
Hearing this Ubaydullah was enraged and said, “If you knew that what you just said, then why did you kill him? By Allah! Nothing will reach you from me and I shall dispatch you to him”. Then he pulled him closer and beheaded him.
Shaikh Abu Ja’far Al-Tusi, in his Misbahul Mutahajjid, relates from Abdullah bin Sinan, that I entered the presence of my Master Imam Ja’far as Sadiq (a. s. ) and it was the day of the tenth of Muharram. I saw that his color had faded away while grief prevailed upon his cheeks, and tears similar to the royal pearls were falling from his eyes. Seeing this I said, “O son of the Prophet of Allah! Why do you weep? ” He replied,
“Have you been negligent? Do you not know on which day Husayn was martyred? ”
I asked, “O my Master! What do you have to say regarding fast on this day? ” Imam replied,
“Fast on that day without intention and end it without joy and do not fast entirely. Then break your fast one hour after the time of Asr Prayers (nearing sunset) with a drink. For it was
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at that moment of the day that the battle ended upon the Progeny of the Prophet (S) and their martyrdom concluded. While thirty men from among the family of the Prophet lay (martyred) upon the ground in the midst of the group of their companions. And their martyrdom was unpleasant for the Prophet (S) , and if he would have been alive on that day, condolence regarding them would have been offered to him”.
Saying this Imam started weeping until his beard was soaked with his tears.
Sayyid Ibn Tawoos in his Iqbal says; know that it was the evening of the tenth of Muharram when the family of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and his daughters and children were captivated by the enemies. And they were besieged with grief, regret and lament. And they spent the entire day in such a state that relating the extent of their anguish and disrespect is beyond the strength of my pen. They spent the night in a forlorn state devoid of aide and their men.
While the enemies loathed them extremely and abandoned them while considering them to be wretched. And by this means they desired seeking nearness to Umar bin Sa’ad, the apostate, the one who orphaned the children of Muhammad (S) , and who injured their hearts; and of Ubaydullah bin Ziyad, an atheist; and of Yazid bin Mu’awiyah, a renegade, the apex of heresy and obstinacy.
Then he says that, I have seen in Masabeeh a tradition related from Imam Ja’far as Sadiq (a. s. )
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that he said, that my father Imam Muhammad bin Ali (al Baqir) (a. s. ) related to me that I asked my father Imam Ali bin Husayn (Zainul Abedeen) (a. s. ) regarding the medium of transport sent by Yazid for him, and he replied,
“I was mounted upon a feeble and naked Camel (without a litter) , while the head of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) was raised upon a bamboo. And the women were behind me mounted upon mules devoid of saddles. While the guards had surrounded us behind our heads and all around with extended lances. And if a drop of tear would fall off from anyone of our eyes, their heads would be beaten with their lances, until they entered us into the city of Damascus. And a caller was announcing, ‘O Syrians! These are the captives of the accursed family’. ” (Allah’s refuge)
I (the author) say, that (O reader) has this grief ever fallen upon your parents or anyone of your relatives, then one should not consider it to be unworthy. And no Muslim, who recognizes the position of the sons of noblemen, also should consider it to be unworthy. And I (the author) also say that when the evening of the tenth of Muharram approaches, stand up and offer condolences to the Prophet (S) upon these afflictions, with heartache, tearful eyes and aggrieved tongues.
And seek pardon regarding one’s deficiency in this grief and ask forgiveness, and also that it (the grief) is not similar to the grief when one looses one’s
dear ones. For it is far away that a person may fulfill the right of mourning upon this severe grief.
Exit of Umar bin Sa’ad from Karbala to Kufa
Umar bin Sa’ad halted in Karbala until the Zuhr of the twelfth (of Muharram).
(Malhoof) He gathered the dead bodies of his associates and recited the burial Prayers upon them and buried them, while he left the body of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and his companions in the desert.
(Tabari) He ordered Hameed bin Bakr Ahmari to announce to people for setting off to Kufa.
(Malhoof) He took along with him the family of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and mounted the ladies of his family bareheaded upon camels without litters. And he drove this ‘Trust of the Prophethood’ similar to the Turkish and Roman captives, while afflicting them in the worst manner of grief and sorrow. It is rightly said that, “Salutations is presented upon ‘the Chosen One’ from the family of Hashim, while it is astonishing that they fight his progeny”.
It is related in Kamile Bahai, that Umar bin Sa’ad halted there (in Karbala) the entire day of the tenth and the next day until the time of Zuhr. Then he appointed some chiefs and trustworthy men to guard Imam Zainul Abedeen (a. s. ) and the daughters of the Commander of the faithful Imam Ali (a. s. ) and the other women numbering twenty. The ailing Imam was twenty-two years old, while Imam Baqir (a. s. ) was four years old, and both of them were present in Karbala, while Allah protected them both.
It is related in
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Manaqib, that they arrested the entire family except Sharbano, [1] who drowned herself in the Euphrates.
Ibn Abd Rabbah in his Iqdul Fareed says that twelve children from the family of Hashim were taken as captives, including Muhammad and Ali, the sons of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , and Fatemah, the daughter of Imam Husayn (a. s. ). The pillars of the kingdom of the sons of Abu Sufyan trembled and they did not find ease until kingdom went away from their hands and Abdul Malik bin Marwan wrote to Hajjaj bin Yusuf, “Keep me far away from the blood of this family, for I have seen myself that when the Bani Harb (Bani Umayyah) fought with Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , their sovereignty was ruined. [2]
(Tabari) Azdi says that Abu Zuhayr Abasi relates from Qurrah bin Qays Tamimi, that he says that I was on guard when the women of the family (of Imam) were passed by the spot of martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , their family and children. They started wailing and beating their faces. I can forget everything but can never forget the moment when Zainab (a. s. ) , the daughter of Fatemah (a. s. ) , passed by her brother Husayn (a. s. ) and saw him fallen upon the ground.
She called out, “O Muhammad! O Muhammad! Salutations of the heavenly angels be upon you! This is Husayn drenched in blood and cut asunder fallen down in the desert. O Muhammad! Your daughters are captivated and your progeny fallen martyred while the wind is sprinkling sand upon their bodies”. He (Qurrah)
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says that, by Allah! Her words made every friend and foes weep.
It is related in a renowned tradition from Za’edah, that Imam Ali Zainul Abedeen (a. s. ) said, that when that what befell us occurred on the plains of Karbala, my father and his companions among his sons, brothers and others fell a martyr, and his women and family were mounted upon camels without litters and taken towards Kufa. My sight fell upon the martyrs who had fallen upon the ground and that none had buried them, my heart pressed. This proved quite severe upon me and it was close that I would have died due to the grief. My aunt Zainab (a. s. ) , the daughter of Ali (a. s. ) , perceived my condition and said, “O remembrance of my grandfather, father and brothers! Why do you risk your life? ”
I replied, “Why should I not turn restless and not risk my life, when I see my master, my brothers, uncles, cousins and my family fallen down drenched in dust and blood, bare and naked in the desert. They are neither shrouded nor buried, none is besides them nor is any human-being circumambulating them as if they were of Turkish or Dailamite progeny”.
She said, “Do not be disturbed upon what you see. By Allah! Your father and grandfather have received recommendation from the Prophet of Allah (S) to forbear upon this calamity. And Allah has taken pledge from a group of this nation, whom the similitude of Pharaohs of this world do not
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recognize but they are renowned among the dwellers of heavens, that they shall gather the fragments of these bodies and bury them. And they shall establish a symbol upon the head of the grave of your father on the land of Karbala, which shall remain eternally and shall never be erased. And if the leaders of infidelity and the supporters of misguidance try to erase it, it’s emblem will not but increase abundantly and its affair will exceed day after day”.
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[1]: This Sharbano is not the daughter of Yazdjurd, the mother of Imam Zainul Abedeen (a. s. ) , for she had died during childbirth as related in authoritative reports. Thus it goes to say that if this report is true, she has to be another woman named Sharbano, for the mother of an Imam can never commit a grave sin of suicide.
[2]: One cannot expect such mercy from Abdul Malik bin Marwan, who himself was no less a tyrant than the Bani Umayyah. Abdul Malik was all for violence and acknowledged openly that his policy was usurpation by force, although he violated the principles of religion. When the news of his appointment (upon caliphate) reached him, he was seated with the Qur’an in his lap, he closed it saying, “This is our final parting” (Abul Fida).
In fact, it was at his instant that his lieutenant and governor Hajjaj bin Yusuf carried out whole-scale massacre in Makkah and Madinah. Catapults were directed towards the Ka’bah and burnt, while Abdullah ibn Zubayr was killed within the limits of the ‘Sacred Sanctuary’. The slaughter of it’s inhabitants continued for three successive days, and numerous companions of the Prophet (S) and Imam Ali (a. s. ) were put to sword in the holy twin-cities. One cannot also forget the brutal massacre of such eminent personalities like Kumayl ibn Ziyad, Qambar etc. in contempt of their affection towards Imam Ali (a. s. ). The number of persons slain by Hajjaj is put at 120,000, and it is said that there were 50,000 men and 30,000 women in his prison (Mas’oodi) all Hashimites or the Shi’ah. While Abdul Malik was even more ruthless than Hajjaj and even more prepared to break faith and violate amnesties. His enmity with the Prophet (S) ’s family is well-known in history.
Relating to the burial of our Master Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and his companions
(Irshad) When Umar bin Sa’ad left, a group from the clan of Bani Asad, who had settled in Ghaziriyyah, came. They recited the Prayer upon the corpse of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and his companions and buried him at the place where his grave is presently situated. They buried Ali bin Husayn al Akbar (a. s. ) at the feet of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , while the martyrs from his family and companions, who had fallen down upon the earth around him, were all buried in a single grave at the side of his feet. They buried Abbas bin Ali (a. s. ) on the road towards Ghaziriyyah, at the spot of his martyrdom where his grave is presently situated.
It is related in Kamile Bahai, that the relatives of Hurr bin Yazid buried him at the spot of his martyrdom. It is said, that the Bani Asad, among all the Arabian tribes, had the honor to recite Prayers upon the corpses of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and his companions and bury them.
Ibn Shahr Ashob and
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Mas’oodi say, that the people of Ghaziriyyah, who were a group from among the tribe of Bani Asad, buried Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and his companions one day after their martyrdom. It is also said, that most of their graves were found prepared and white fowls were seen circumambulating them.
Sibt ibn Jawzee relates in his Tazkirah, that Zuhayr bin Qayn was martyred along with Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and his companions. His wife dispatched her slave saying, “Go and shroud your master”. He went and saw Imam’s body lying bare and said to himself, “How is it possible that I should shroud my master and leave the body of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) bare? No, by Allah”. Saying this he shrouded Imam Husayn (a. s. ) and shrouded his master in another one.
It should be borne in mind that it has been proved that the executor of the shrouding and burial of an Infallible (Ma’soom) can be none other than an infallible. While none, except an Imam, can give the dead body bath to the Imam. And if an Imam dies in the east and his heir (another Imam) is in the west, Allah will unite them.
It is related from Imam Muhammad al Jawad (a. s. ) , that when the Prophet of Allah (S) died, Jibra’eel along with other Angels and the ‘Holy Spirit’, [1] who had come forth on the Night of Grandeur (Laylatul Qadr) , descended. The veils were lifted off the eyes of the Commander of the faithful Imam Ali (a. s. ) , who saw that the heavens
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had opened, and they assisted him in the bath and recited Prayers upon the Prophet (S) ’s body and prepared his grave. By Allah! None other than them dug his grave, and they assisted until they buried him. Then they buried him while the Prophet (S) spoke to them. Imam Ali (a. s. ) heard their conversations that the Prophet (S) enjoined the Angels regarding him. Imam Ali (a. s. ) wept and the Angels answered, “We shall not act miserly with regard to him. Verily he is an authority upon us after you, and none shall see us again after this”.
At the death of the Commander of the faithful Imam Ali (a. s. ) , Imam Hasan (a. s. ) and Imam Husayn (a. s. ) beholded similarly during his burial. They saw the Prophet (S) himself assisting the Angels. And when Imam Hasan (a. s. ) was martyred, the same situation prevailed, and it was seen that the Prophet (S) and Imam Ali (a. s. ) assisted the Angels in his burial. And when Imam Husayn (a. s. ) was martyred, Imam Ali bin Husayn (Zainul Abedeen) (a. s. ) witnessed similarly.
It is related, in context of the remonstration of Imam Ali ar Reza (a. s. ) against the Waqifites, [1] that Ali bin Abi Hamza objected to him saying that, “We have received traditions from your fathers that the executor of the funeral of an Imam is none other than the Imam”.
(Since the Waqifites were deniers of the Imamate of Imam Reza, they meant to say that when Imam Moosa Kazim died, he was in Madinah. And the
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corpse of his father was in the custody of the headsmen of Haroon who buried him in Baghdad. Then if he had been the true Imam, he would have been present in the burial proceedings. Since he was absent it meant that he was not the Imam, Allah’s refuge). Imam Reza (a. s. ) answered,
“Tell me then, so that I may know, as to who was the executor of the burial of Imam Husayn (a. s. )? Was he an Imam or someone else? ”
He replied, “The executor was none other than Ali bin Husayn (Imam Zainul Abedeen) ”. Imam asked,
“Where was Ali bin Husayn? Was he not imprisoned in Kufa under Ubaydullah (bin Ziyad)? ”
He replied, “He came out without their knowledge and attended to the burial proceedings of his father and then returned back”. Imam Reza (a. s. ) then said,
“The One Who capacitated Ali bin Husayn (a. s. ) to come to Karbala to administer the burial proceedings of his father, bestowed similar powers to the Imam (himself) to come to Baghdad (from Madinah) and administer the last rites of his father, although he was not captivated nor was he in prison”.
Shaikh Al-Tusi relates through his chain of transmitters from Imam Ja’far as Sadiq (a. s. ) , that one morning Umm Salama (a. s. ) starting weeping and was questioned regarding it. She replied, “Yesterday night my son Husayn has been martyred. I have never ever seen the Prophet of Allah (S) in my dream after his death except yesterday night, I saw him in a mournful and
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grief-stricken state. I asked him as to why I saw him in such a grievous and distressed state and he replied, that since morning he had been digging the graves of Husayn (a. s. ) and his companions”.
Shaikh Saduq relates from Ibn Abbas, that I saw the Prophet of Allah (S) in a dream at mid-day. He was distressed and smeared in dust and held a bottle full of blood in his hands. He said, “This is the blood of my Husayn that I have been gathering since morning until now”. He noted down the day and it corresponded to the day Imam Husayn (a. s. ) was martyred.
There are numerous traditions similar to the above ones. It is related in Manaqib, that Ibn Abbas saw the Prophet of Allah (S) in a dream after the Martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) with face covered in dust, bare feet and with grievous eyes, while the skirt of his shirt was tied on the waist. He was reciting the following verse of the Qur’an:
“And think not Allah to be heedless of what the unjust ones do. He only respites them to a day when the eyes shall be fixed open (staring up with terror) ” (Surah al-Ibraheem, 14: 42).
Then he said,
“I went to Karbala and gathered the blood of my Husayn from the earth that now lies in my skirt. I shall go now to the presence of my Lord and plead to Him (for justice) ”.
It is related in Kamil of Ibn Aseer, that Ibn
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Abbas says that I saw the Prophet of Allah (S) in a dream on the night of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a. s. ). He held a bottle in his hand that contained blood. I asked him, “O Prophet of Allah (S)! What is this? ” He replied,
“This is the blood of Husayn and his companions that I am taking to the heavens to the presence of Allah”.
When it dawned Ibn Abbas announced the news of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) to the people and related his dream. It was later established that it was the same day when Imam (a. s. ) was martyred.
I (the author) say, that regarding the burial of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , and those who were martyred along with him, are not quoted in detail in the authoritative books. And it is transmitted from Shaikh Al-Tusi, that the (people of) Bani Asad brought a fresh mat and placed it under the body of Imam Husayn (a. s. ). It is related from Deezaj, that he says that I, along with a group of my particular slaves, dug open the grave of Imam Husayn (a. s. ). I saw a fresh mat on which lay the body of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , while the fragrance of musk was emanating from it. I kept the mat at its original place on which the body of Imam was lying. Then I ordered that earth be filled in (the grave) and water to be sprinkled upon it.
It is also related by Abil Jarood, that first
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the grave of Imam Husayn (a. s. ) was opened from the head and then from the feet. Fragrance of musk emanated from it while none had any doubts regarding it.
It is related in a renowned tradition from Za’edah, as quoted by us in the end of the previous Section, that Jibra’eel told the Prophet of Allah (S) , “This grandson of yours”, he said pointing towards Imam Husayn (a. s. ) , “shall be martyred along with a group of men from your family, progeny and the virtuous among your nation on the banks of the Euphrates at a place named Karbala”.
He continued,
“When they shall have fallen down upon their place of comfort, Allah, the Honorable, the Glorified, will take away their souls with His Own Hands. While the Angels of the seventh heaven will come forth with trays of rubies and emeralds full of the Abe Hayat (the water of [eternal] life) and shrouds and perfumes of paradise, they shall then pray upon his dead body in hordes. Then Allah shall activate a group from among your nation, who would not be recognized by the kingdom of polytheists, nor would they be associated in his blood by means of speech, concept or deed. They shall bury them and shall erect a mark for the grave of the Master of Martyrs in that expanse desert, which will act as a guide for the righteous and a means of affluence for the believers. And daily a hundred thousand Angels from each heaven shall circumambulate it
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and shall send salutations to him. They shall glorify Allah and request Him for the salvation of those visiting his grave. Then they shall note down the names of the pilgrims”.
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[1]: Some are of the opinion that ‘The Holy Spirit’ (Ruhul Quds) refers to Jibra’eel, who is also called ‘The Trustworthy Spirit’ (Ruhul Amin) , while others opine that is means inspiration. There is still another interpretation that seems the most appropriate of all. It says that it is a prominent creature greater than the angels. It is stated in a tradition that a person inquired from Imam Ja’far as Sadiq (a. s. ) whether ‘Ruh’ is the same as Jibra’eel, and he replied, “Jibra’eel is one of the Angels and Ruh (Spirit) is greater than Angels. Has Allah, the Exalted, not said: ‘The Angels and Spirit descend (on the night of Qadr) ”? (Tafseer al Burhan by Sayyid Hashim Husaynee Bahrani Vol. 4: Page 481).
[1]: Waqifites: After the martyrdom of Imam Moosa al Kazim (a. s. ) , the majority followed his son Imam Ali ar Reza (a. s. ) , as bequeathed by him, as the eight Imam. However, some halted with the seventh Imam and became known as the ‘Waqifites’ lit. the halting ones.