Hussain (RadiyAllahu Anhu) Lives Forever

[Saalik]

Auzu Billaahi Minash Shaitaanir Rajim Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Assalaatu Wassalaamu Alayka Ya Rasoolallah Sallal Laahu Ta'ala Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wa Sallam

Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu


Hussain (RadiyAllahu Anhu) Lives Forever

There were many wars before and after Karbala. Each one was to defend the principles of Islam and to glorify the name of Allah. There were many wars in which RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam was present himself and there were others fought by his companions. But unfortunately, Muslims today hold very little knowledge about them. Little do they know and realise the great sacrifices through which Islam has reached us.

The point to be made is that why do we hear about Karbala more than any other war? Why is the war of Karbala commemorated each year and not other? One of the main reasons for this is that most of the other wars were waged between Islam and Kufr. Believers were fighting the non-believers. But this was a war within Islam. The opposite parties were both Muslims. But greed had overcome the enemies. They were the people who only desired the wealth and position of this world and neglected the pleasures of the Hereafter. They feared a tyrant ruler but did not fear Almighty Allah. They supported the rich and the powerful and isolated the righteous and the pious. This war is always remembered by the Muslims and so is a lesson for them.

Thus we know that not always, those who claim to be Muslim and apparently practice Islam are on the true path. We have to recognise the true followers of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam in order to protect our Iman. Imam Ahmed Raza Khan RadiyAllahu Anhu was one such personality in the past century who established the principles of Ahle Sunnah in the light of Qur’an and Sunnah and saved us from the misguided ones. May Allah Ta’ala keep us steadfast on the straight path.

[Saalik]

Auzu Billaahi Minash Shaitaanir Rajim Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Assalaatu Wassalaamu Alayka Ya Rasoolallah Sallal Laahu Ta'ala Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wa Sallam

Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu


The Night of Aashura

The night before the war was spent in the remembrance of Allah Almighty and His Beloved RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam by Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu. He did not seem to be threatened by the whispers of war nor was he anxious about his fate. In fact he was under the Mercy of Allah Ta’ala with serenity and tranquillity shrouding over him. He then saw RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam who was present in the field in the midst of angels. RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam came closer to hug him and said, ‘O son! Your enemies are striving to kill you, but they will be deprived of my intercession on the day of Qayamah. O Son! Do not be impatient, very soon you will join me and I will present you with a drink from the Pond of Kausar. Then he prayed for him in these words:

‘O Allah! Bestow Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu with patience and reward.’

[Saalik]

Auzu Billaahi Minash Shaitaanir Rajim Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Assalaatu Wassalaamu Alayka Ya Rasoolallah Sallal Laahu Ta'ala Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wa Sallam

Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu


The Morning of Martyrdom

The night of Aashura passed by and the dawn of a decisive day broke out. Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu led the Fajr prayers. The situation was such that they were suffering from the pangs of hunger and thirst for the past three days, no one had even a morsel of food or a drop of water. And to fight such people is an army of twenty-two thousand soldiers who had no shortage of food, water or arms!

The sun was about to rise when the beloved grandson of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, the lion of Hazrat Fatima and Hazrat Ali RadiyAllahu Anhum rode towards the camp of the enemies to give them a final warning with his wise words which have been recorded in golden letters in our glorious history. ‘O people! Listen to me and do not haste so that I can complete my duty of cautioning you, and to tell you the purpose of my journey here. Thus if you agree with me and testify the truth then this will be a means of eternal pleasure for you and you will lose nothing. But if you disagree with me, then gather all those who agree with you and attack me. Indeed Allah Almighty is my helper, the One who has revealed the Book and the One who is the aide of the righteous.

Do you recognise who I am? Then ask yourself is it right for you to kill me? Am I not the grandson of your Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam? And am I not a son of his associate? Is the leader of the Martyrs, Sayyeduna Hamza and Sayyeduna Jaffer Tayyar RadiyAllahu Anhum not my father’s uncles? Has the narration of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam not reached you that me and my brother are the leaders of the youth of Jannah?

Thus, if you agree then testify it. By Allah Almighty! Since the day I learnt that lying causes the displeasure of Allah Almighty, I have never lied. And if you think that I am lying then ask people like Jabir bin Abdullah, Abu Sa’eed Khudri, Suhail bin Sa’ad, Zaid bin Arqam and Anas bin Malik RadiyAllahu Anhum.

These companions of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam will tell what he had said. Is there no one amongst you who can deter you from shedding my blood? If you think I am lying or doubt that I am the grandson of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam then by Allah Almighty, between East and West there is no one else who can claim to be the grandson of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam.

After all why do you want to kill me? Have I killed any one of you? Or have I seized your wealth? Why do you want to shed my blood? [Istiqamat December 1979, Reference from Tibrani Vol 7 Pages 329-330)

After he received no response from the enemies, he named some of the people who had written letters to him inviting him to Kufa and asking them, ‘Did you not invite me?’ They answered in the negative.

He continued, ‘You surely did. And if you say you did not then let me leave and return to where I can live in peace.’ Qais bin Ash’ab shouted, ‘Submit yourself to Ubaidullah and no one will hurt you.’

The Imam (RadiyAllahu Anhu) replied, ‘You would say that, as you are the brother of Muhammed bin Ash’ab. Is it not enough that you have the burden of killing Muslim bin Aqeel RadiyAllahu Anhu upon your heads? By Allah Almighty! I will not give my hands to the tyrants nor will I surrender myself with humiliation.’

[Ashrafi Brother UK]

SubhanALLAH

[Saalik]

Auzu Billaahi Minash Shaitaanir Rajim Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Assalaatu Wassalaamu Alayka Ya Rasoolallah Sallal Laahu Ta'ala Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wa Sallam

Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu


Dreadful Martyrdoms

The speech of Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu, which he made to clarify his position and to clear any doubts in the minds of the enemies, did not have any effect on them. In fact, they declared the beginning of war and started to fire arrows. This was indeed a very crucial moment for Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu and his followers. One by one they pounded upon their enemies sending scores into the fire of Hell before themselves smelling the sweet fragrance of martyrdom. After the companions it was the time of the family of Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu to offer their sacrifices. The two grandsons of Hazrat Jaffer Tayyar, Hazrat Aun and Hazrat Muhammed, Hazrat Muslim bin Aqeel’s three brothers Hazrat Abdullah, Hazrat Abdurrahman and Hazrat Jaffer, Hazrat Ali’s five sons Hazrat Abbas, Hazrat Usman, Hazrat Abdullah, Hazrat Muhammed and Hazrat Jaffer RadiyAllahu Anhum one by one gave their lives to uphold the flag of Islam. In the same way, Hazrat Imam Hasan’s sons, Hazrat Qasim, Hazrat Abdullah, Hazrat Umar and Hazrat Abu Bakr RadiyAllahu Anhum, and Imam Hussain’s sons Hazrat Ali Akbar and Hazrat Ali Asghar RadiyAllahu Anhum soon followed.

[Saalik]

Auzu Billaahi Minash Shaitaanir Rajim Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Assalaatu Wassalaamu Alayka Ya Rasoolallah Sallal Laahu Ta'ala Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wa Sallam

Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu


The Martyrdom of the Son of Imam Hasan RadiyAllahu Anhu

The blossoming flower from the Hashmi garden, Hazrat Qasim RadiyAllahu Anhu, the son of Imam Hasan RadiyAllahu Anhu is only nineteen years old. He is stood in front of Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu in a very respectful manner. Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu enquired, ‘What is the matter Qasim.’ He replied , ‘When my father was dying he gave me am amulet (Ta’weez) and instructed me that there will be a time when my brother Hussain will be in great trouble, open this Ta’weez, read it and act upon it. Which time can be more crucial than this? So I opened the Ta’weez and it says, ‘Dear son, In the battle of Karbala when the time comes, do not let Ali Akbar RadiyAllahu Anhu go to fight before you, but instead you go first and sacrifice your life in the way of Allah.’ O uncle! I have come to ask permission so I can fulfil my father’s last wish.’ Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu fighting his tears said, ‘Seeing you revives the memories of my brother. How can I permit you to go and be killed?’ Hazrat Qasim RadiyAllahu Anhu pleaded, ‘O uncle, if I don’t go, and if Ali Akbar RadiyAllahu Anhu is martyred before me then what face will I show to my father on the Day of Judgement?’ When Hazrat Qasim RadiyAllahu Anhu insisted, Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu permitted him with a heavy heart and with tearful eyes bid him farewell.

A soldier from the enemy ranks, Hameed bin Muslim states, ‘When Hazrat Qasim RadiyAllahu Anhu came forward it felt like a moon had risen from the horizon. He had no armour on his body and was eagerly seeking martyrdom. He challenged the Yazeedi forces, ‘O enemies of Islam, I am Qasim bin Hasan bin Ali, one of the lights from the family of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. Send whomever you choose to fight me.’

Amr bin Sa’ad instructed a heavyweight fighter named Arzaq to accept the challenge, but he declined saying that it was not worthy of him to fight a child. Amr reiterated, ‘Don’t take him as a child; he is the son of Hasan RadiyAllahu Anhu who is the son of Ali RadiyAllahu Anhu, who single-handedly uprooted the door of the fort of Khyber. Though he has been starving for three days, fighting him will not be easy.’ Arzaq was adamant that he would not go and instead sent his eldest son thinking he would settle the score in minutes.’ But, in minutes the situation was reversed and Arzaq’s son was lying on the ground dying and Hazrat Qasim RadiyAllahu Anhu had his sword. His second son became furious and went to take on Hazrat Qasim RadiyAllahu Anhu but he too fell prey to the very first attack by Hazrat Qasim RadiyAllahu Anhu and was sent to Hell. Now the third brother jumped to fight using foul language. Hazrat Qasim RadiyAllahu Anhu said, ‘It is not the way of the Ahle Bait RadiyAllahu Anhum to respond to foul language with foul language; instead I will send you to your brothers.’ In one shot he was cut into two pieces. The fourth and last son of Arzaq soon met the same fate also.

Arzaq was now trembling with rage and fear. All his pride was turned to dust. He was now forced to face the Hashmi lion. He entered the field with a roar throwing empty challenges like, ‘Be ready to die.’ Hazrat Qasim RadiyAllahu Anhu replied, ‘You have lost your senses Arzaq, we are the blood of the lion of Allah Almighty, you are nothing compared to us.’ They attacked each other with spears but both shots were off the mark. Then the swords were drawn out. When the fighting began, Hazrat Qasim RadiyAllahu Anhu laughed at Arzaq and said, ‘You did not even remember to tighten the rein of your horse due to the fear of fighting me.’ As soon as Arzaq bent down to look at the rein, Hazrat Qasim RadiyAllahu Anhu struck a final blow cutting him into two pieces.

Hazrat Qasim RadiyAllahu Anhu mounted the horse and sped towards the camp of Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu expressing, ‘O uncle! Thirst thirst. If I can get one bowl of water, I will send all the enemies to Hell.’ Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu replied, ‘Just a little longer my son, soon you will see your Grandfather (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) who will give you a drink from the Pond of Kausar, after which you will never be thirsty again.’ Hazrat Qasim RadiyAllahu Anhu returned to the battlefield. Amr shouted to his people, ‘Surround and kill him.’ Hazrat Qasim RadiyAllahu Anhu was surrounded by enemies from all sides, but he did not give up. He fought fiercely and had twenty seven wounds on his body until finally Sheesh bin Sa’ad pierced a spear through his chest. As he was falling from the horse, he was saying, ‘O uncle! Come and attend to me.’

When Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu heard his cries, he ran towards him and found that the young body was covered with wounds. He took Hazrat Qasim RadiyAllahu Anhu’s head in his lap and started to clean the dust from it. Hazrat Qasim RadiyAllahu Anhu opened his eyes to find his head in Imam’s lap. He smiled and with that his blessed soul left his body. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’oon [Tareekh e Karbala, Reference from Shaam e Karbala]

[Saalik]

Auzu Billaahi Minash Shaitaanir Rajim Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Assalaatu Wassalaamu Alayka Ya Rasoolallah Sallal Laahu Ta'ala Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wa Sallam

Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu


The Martyrdom of the Flag Bearer

The flag bearer of Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu, Hazrat Abbas bin Ali RadiyAllahu Anhum, approached him and asked for permission to fight. He further said, ‘I can no longer bear to see Ali Asghar RadiyAllahu Anhu and other infants who are dying of thirst. Please allow me to go and get a bag of water from the river.' Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu responded, ‘How can I allow you to go as you are the bearer of my flag?’ But Hazrat Abbas RadiyAllahu Anhu repeated his words and insisted to be allowed to go. Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu hugged him and gave him permission. Hazrat Abbas RadiyAllahu Anhu mounted a horse and started towards the river. When the enemies saw Hazrat Abbas RadiyAllahu Anhu approaching the river, they blocked his path. Hazrat Abbas RadiyAllahu Anhu shouted, ‘O Kufans! Be fearful of Allah Almighty and be ashamed of having to face RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. It is so regrettable that firstly you invited Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu and then betrayed him. And now you have joined with his enemies and killed his companions and family members. And if that was not enough, you are torturing young children and infants from the family of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, not allowing them even a single drop of water so that they would die of hunger and thirst. Just think, what face will you show RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam on the Day of Reckoning?’ But the treacherous souls replied that if the whole world was filled with water, still he would not get a drop from it. Hazrat Abbas RadiyAllahu Anhu became agitated and roared like a lion, ‘Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu will sacrifice himself but will never surrender to the evil tyrants.’

The evil forces attacked from all sides but Hazrat Abbas RadiyAllahu Anhu kept moving forward until he took his horse into the river. He filled his water-bag and was about to have a sip when he remembered the thirst of the children in the camps. He could not tolerate the fact that he would quench his thirst whereas the blessed children from the family of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam would remain thirsty. He hung the water-bag on his shoulder and rode towards the camp. There was an uproar, ‘Stop him, stop him. If this water reaches the camp of Hussain (RadiyAllahu Anhu) then none of us will survive.’

Though he was attacked from all sides, Hazrat Abbas RadiyAllahu Anhu wanted to reach the camp at all costs, so he attacked so fiercely that bodies were falling in each direction and streams of blood was flowing on the ground. Just then he was deceptively attacked from behind by a man called Zararah, due to which his right shoulder was cut off from his body. He took the water-bag in his left hand and also fought with the same hand. He was further attacked by Naufil bin Arzaq and this time his left hand was separated from his body. Now he held the water-bag in his mouth but the water was not to reach the camp. An arrow struck the bag and all the water was lost. Soon he succumbed to the constant attack and fell to the ground calling, ‘O brother! Attend to me.’

Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu ran towards him and found his body soaked in blood and he was very close to attaining martyrdom. Seeing this state Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu cried out, ‘Now my back is broken.’ Soon the soul left the body and Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu carried the body back to the camp. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’oon. [Tareekhe Karbala]

[Saalik]

Auzu Billaahi Minash Shaitaanir Rajim Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Assalaatu Wassalaamu Alayka Ya Rasoolallah Sallal Laahu Ta'ala Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wa Sallam

Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu


The Courage of Hazrat Ali Akbar RadiyAllahu Anh

All the companions and family members of Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu had now attained martyrdom and he was left alone with his three sons; Imam Zainul Aabideen, Hazrat Ali Akbar and Hazrat Ali Asghar RadiyAllahu Anhum. Hazrat Zainul Aabideen RadiyAllahu Anhu was very ill, Hazrat Ali Asghar RadiyAllahu Anhu was still an infant and Hazrat Ali Akbar RadiyAllahu Anhu was eighteen years old. So Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu decided that he should now enter the battlefield. But Hazrat Ali Akbar RadiyAllahu Anhu stopped his way and pleaded, ‘O beloved father! How can you go to fight when I am still alive? Please allow me to go and fight.’ Imam Hussain looked at him with tearful eyes and said, ‘With what heart can I allow you to go? How can I see you covered in dust and blood? The Yazeedi army want my blood and once they kill me, they won’t bother with you.’ But Hazrat Ali Akbar RadiyAllahu Anhu would not listen. Ultimately Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu had to allow him to go and fight.

When Hazrat Ali Akbar RadiyAllahu Anhu was ready to set off, Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu with his own hands prepared his handsome and beautiful son to go to fight. He gave him his sword, mounted him on the horse and handed his weapons to him. Hazrat Ali Akbar RadiyAllahu Anhu gave a farewell look towards Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu and the ladies of his household, and started towards the enemy. Hazrat Ali Akbar RadiyAllahu Anhu was identical in appearance to RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. When he challenged the enemies to confront him, no one had the courage to come forward. So he thrust himself upon the rows of enemies and dispersed them. He fought for a long while until he could not carry on due to thirst. He returned back to his camp and pleaded to his father for water. Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu started cleaning the dirt from his body and gave his blessed fingers in his son’s mouth so that he would achieve some satisfaction. Hazrat Ali Akbar RadiyAllahu Anhu once again returned to the battlefield.

Again no one could gather the courage to face him. Amr bin Sa’ad repeatedly incited his people with promises of hefty rewards until out of greed, a strong man called Tariq agreed to face Ali Akbar. He was killed in the first blow by Hazrat Ali Akbar RadiyAllahu Anhu. His son, Amr bin Tariq, who came after him could not stay any longer and was also killed. The second son Talha bin Tariq met with the same fate. Now the whole army was trembling with fear. No one wanted to face Hazrat Ali Akbar RadiyAllahu Anhu. Then Amr bin Sa’ad instructed Muhkam bin Tufail to launch a joint attack with a thousand men. Those cowards surrounded Hazrat Ali Akbar RadiyAllahu Anhu from all sides and began the offensive of attacks. Soon his whole body was covered with wounds. When he fell onto the ground, he too cried, ‘O father, attend to me.’ Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu brought his son back to the camp and taking his head in his lap, started to clean it. Hazrat Ali Akbar RadiyAllahu Anhu opened his eyes, looked at the blessed face of his father for the last time and proceeded towards the Pleasure of his Lord. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’oon.

[Saalik]

Auzu Billaahi Minash Shaitaanir Rajim Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Assalaatu Wassalaamu Alayka Ya Rasoolallah Sallal Laahu Ta'ala Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wa Sallam

Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu


Hazrat Ali Asghar RadiyAllahu Anhu and the Unimaginable Torture

The youngest son of Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu, Hazrat Ali Asghar RadiyAllahu Anhu was still an infant; he was dying of thirst and was the subject of the extreme torture from the people of Yazeed who had stopped water since the 7th of Muharram. The breasts of the mothers had also dried up and there was not a single drop of water anywhere in the camp. Hazrat Ali Asghar RadiyAllahu Anhu would become unconscious at short intervals, and when he would regain consciousness he would pull his tongue out to his mother. When his mother could not bear to see him in this state, she brought him over to Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu and pleaded, ‘Please carry him outside, maybe the enemies will show some mercy towards this infant of six months and give him some drops of water as this infant will neither fight them not stand up against them.’

Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu carried the baby towards the enemies and said, ‘O people who pray the Kalima of my Grandfather (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam). You have destroyed my whole family to satisfy your greed and anger, but this infant has not wronged you at all. If you have any mercy in your hearts, then give him just two drops of water.’ But the stone-hearted wretched souls were not to be moved by anything. In fact, one of them aimed at the dry neck of the baby and shot an arrow which passed through the neck and into the shoulder of Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu. A fountain of blood oozed out of the neck when the arrow was pulled out and the thirsty infant died in the hands of his blessed father. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’oon.

When the Imam walked towards the camp, the mother thought that Ali Asghar RadiyAllahu Anhu had been given water as he was not crying. When she enquired with Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu, he replied, ‘He did not have the water of this world but in fact is enjoying the drink of Kausar from the blessed hands of his Grandfather RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. Allah Almighty had accepted this little sacrifice as well.'

[Saalik]

Auzu Billaahi Minash Shaitaanir Rajim Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Assalaatu Wassalaamu Alayka Ya Rasoolallah Sallal Laahu Ta'ala Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wa Sallam

Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu


Martyrdom of the Grandson of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam


All had now presented their lives in the way of Allah Almighty, only the rider of the shoulder of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, the coolness of the eyes of FatimaRadiyAllahu Anha, the inheritor of the lion of Allah Almighty, the leader of the youth of Paradise, Hazrat Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu was left with his ill and weak son Imam Zainul Aabideen RadiyAllahu Anhu, who could barely move from his bed. But he still managed to gather some strength and with a spear in his hand, approached his father and requested, ‘O father, let me go before you. It is not possible for you to be killed whilst I am still alive.’ Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu took the ailing son to one side and explained, ‘My dear son, on you lays the responsibility of protecting the women of our family, and you have to escort them back to our land. And from you will continue the progeny of mine and you will inherit the precious belongings of my grandfather and my father. All my hopes are with you. Look, be very patient and enduring; face all the troubles in the way of Allah Almighty with boldness and without complaint. In all circumstances, uphold the principles of Islam and the Sunnah of your grandfather Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. When you reach Madinah, present my Salaams to RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam and describe all you have witnessed. You are my only inheritor and so you cannot go to the battlefield.’

Then Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu handed over all the responsibilities to Imam Zainul Aabideen RadiyAllahu Anhu, placed the Amamah on the head of his son and made him lie down on the bed. Then he came to another camp, opened a trunk, took out the armour and wore it. He then took the Blessed Amamah of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam and put is on his blessed head; took the shield of Sayyedina Ameer Hamza RadiyAllahu Anhu and covered his back; hung around his neck the blessed sword ‘Zulfiqar’ belonging to his father, the lion of Allah Almighty, Hazrat Ali RadiyAllahu Anhu; took the spear of Hazrat Jaffer Tayyar RadiyAllahu Anhu, and wore the belt of his brother Imam Hasan RadiyAllahu Anhu around his waist. The members of the family were watching this sight and knew very well that their leader was going to take leave from them for a long time. The army of Allah Almighty was to lose their commander. The women who had already lost their husbands were about to lose their only protector and guardian. His children were about to become orphans. There was no consolation for them but only tears in their eyes as they bid farewell to their master.

Here was a fighter who had been starving for the past three days and had attended to the bodies of his cousins, nephews and his own sons. Now he descended onto the battlefield, looked the enemy in the eyes and made some final remarks. After praising Allah Almighty and His Rasool Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, he continued on and said, ‘O people! The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) you believe in has said, whosoever makes enmity with Hasan and Hussain (RadiyAllahu Anhum) does so with me and whosoever has animosity with me he has so with Allah Almighty. So fear Allah Almighty and avoid fighting with me. If you are true believers then think what your answer to Allah Ta’ala will be? And what face will you show to the beloved RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam? O you who have destroyed the family of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, just ponder over your fate. O disloyal ones! You invited me to come over and to help you against a tyrant and now when I have arrived you are turning your backs on me. O oppressors! You have destroyed my family and killed my dear ones, and now want to kill me. Just think who am I? Whose grandson am I? Who are my parents? You still have chance, drop the idea of killing me and save yourselves from the fire of Hell.'

There was chaos in the enemy camp. One of them shouted, ‘O Hussain (RadiyAllahu Anhu), you have only one choice, either give your hand in the hand of Yazeed or be ready to die.’ Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu replied, ‘O treacherous ones, I knew you would not listen, as your hearts have been sealed and your Islamic spirit is dead. I only spoke to justify my position so that you cannot say on the Day of Judgement that you were not aware. Alhamdulillah, I have done my duty. As far as Yazeed is concerned, I will never submit myself to a wicked oppressor. Now if you have made up your mind then send your chosen one to fight me.’ Thus, Amr bin Sa’ad called the fighters who were saved to fight Imam Hussain (RadiyAllahu Anhu). First to go was a famous wrestler from Syria, Tameem bin Qahtabah. He came boasting about his strength and skills but in just one blow from his sword Zulfiqar, he was left to die on the ground.

Badr bin Suhail was watching all this. He started swearing at the other fighters saying they were cowards and did not know how to fight. He sent one of his sons to fight. Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu said, ‘It would be better if your boasting father came to fight so he would not have to see his son dying’. In no time Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu sent him into Hell. Badr could not bear to see this state of his son and leaped forward to attack Imam Hussain with his spear. Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu defended his attack. Badr then removed his sword and attacked. Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu again saved his attack and launched such a mighty blow that Badr’s head went rolling like a football.

One after the other they all came to try their luck but none could withstand the power of Zulfiqar. The bodies kept piling up. There was a roar in the camps of the enemy that if the son of the lion of Allah Almighty continues in this way then none of us will survive. Cowards then decided to attack from all sides. Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu was surrounded from all sides by bare swords thirsty of his blood. But when the Zulfiqar came into action, the heads of the enemies dropped like leaves on the ground.

When Amr bin Sa’ad saw that his trick had failed miserably, he ordered to shoot arrows from all sides. Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu was being bombarded with arrows from all directions. It was one against thousands now. His horse was so injured that it could not move anymore. Imam Hussain’s body got covered with so many wounds that blood was gushing all over his body. Suddenly a poison-tipped spear hit his blessed forehead, the same forehead which was always kissed by RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu now lied sub-conscious on the ground. But the attacks did not stop. The wicked souls were still attacking him with spears. One of the spears went right across his body. After suffering seventy two lethal wounds, he bowed down in prostration. It was in this state that his blessed soul left his body and entered into the eternal pleasure and mercy of his Lord. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’oon.

At the time Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu attained the highest degree of martyrdom, his age was 56 years 5 months and 5 days. The date was 10th Muharram 61 Hijri.

Nadhr bin Harsa came forward to detach his blessed head from his body but was terrified by the majesty of the Imam’s body. Then Khola bin Yazeed, Sunaan bin Anas or Shimar was the ill-fated dog who did the gruesome task.

Yazeed and his followers did not stop there. They went on a looting spree not even sparing the clothes and shoes on Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu’s body. They then turned towards the camps that were sheltering the women of the family of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, insulting and looting them.

Then Amr bin Sa’ad announced, ‘Who will run their horses on the Imam (RadiyAllahu Anhu) and mutilate his body?’ Ten wretched souls volunteered, mounted on their horses and crushed his blessed body.’ [Tareekh e Karbala]