The Ultimate Sacrifice and No Lamb was Given

[Nurjan MirAhmadi]

Assalamu `alaykum warahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

After the Hajj and Month of Sacrifice,
The Ultimate Sacrifice and No Lamb was Given.
The King of Sacrifice and The Owner of Intercession , Master of the Day of Judgment.

Sayedena wa Mawlana Muhammad al Mustafa {S}
Lives of The People of The House of Prophet Muhammad [s]

Events of Karbala

Imam Husain's Discourse to Enemy

When the army approached closer, Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) mounted a camel, kept the Holy Qur'an in front and addressed the enemy forces in the following words:

Link to Listen  Listen of Praising of Prophets Family

    "O people! Listen to me. Do not be rash. Let me admonish you. Let me say a few words in my justification and let me explain the reason of my arrival here. If my excuse is reasonable and if you can accept it, do justice in my case. You would be lucky if you desist from taking arms against me. Even after hearing me, if you refuse to accept my excuse, I will be ready for you. Rush upon me all at once. Do not allow a moment's respite. Whatever be the eventual outcome, I repose confidence in Allah Who supports righteous men."

When this speech was heard by the female members of the Ahlul Bayt there began hue and cry inside the tents. Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) asked his brother Hazrat Abbas (radiyallahu 'anh) and his son Ali to go and console them for they had yet to weep a lot. Thereafter, he remarked: "May Allah bless a long life to Abdullah ibn Abbas." The narrator states: "It was due to the fact that Abdullah ibn Abbas (radiyallahu 'anh) suggested Hazrat Imam Husain at Madinah leaving the women at home but the Imam did not pay any heed to it. Now when he heard their hue and cry, it reminded him of the submission of Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas (radiyallahu 'anh)." He resumed his speech:

    "O people! Remember my lineage. Pause to think for a while who am I. Take stock in your conscience! Is it fair for you to kill me and discard the respect due to me? Am I not the son of your Nabi's daughter, and the son of his cousin? Was the leader of Shuhadaa, Hamza (radiyallahu 'anh) not my father's uncle? Is Ja'far al-Tayyar (radiyallahu 'anh) not my uncle? Don't you remember the famous tradition of the Nabi (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam), 'Sayyids (Chiefs) of the youths of Paradise,' concerning me and my brother? If my statement is true, it is certainly true, as since the time I am conscious of myself, I have not uttered a lie. Tell me is it right for you to receive me with unsheathed swords? If you don't believe in my word, there are persons among you who can testify to the correctness of my statement. Ask Jabir bin Abdullah al-Ansari and Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (radiyallahu 'anhuma). Inquire from Sahl bin Sa'd Sa'di and Zaid bin Arqam (radiyallahu 'anhuma). They can tell you wheter they heard the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam) saying this about me and my brother or not. Should not this fact prevent you from shedding my blood? By Allah, there is no grandson of the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam) on the surface of the globe at this time except myself. I am the direct descendant and grandson of your Nabi (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam). Do you want to kill me, because I have taken the life of any one? Did I shed anyone's blood? Have I usurped the wealth of anyone? Tell me what is the matter? What is my fault?"

Kufan's reply


Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) repeatedly asked this question, but nobody answered. At last, he called out, by name, the prominent persons of Kufa and inquired whether they had not written to him: "Fruits are ripe, the soil has become green and the canals are overflowing. If you come, you will come to the great army of your own; come soon."

Thereupon those persons opened their mouth and said that they had never written to that effect. Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) expressed surprise at it and cried out, "what a blatant lie." Then Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) again called out loudly, "O people! As you dislike me, it is better that I am released, I shall go back."
Humiliation is Unacceptable

At this juncture, one of the Kufans named Qais bin Ash'ath said: "Is it not advisable that you should surrender yourself to your cousins? They will mete out the treatment to you worthy of your position. You will receive no harm from them."

To this, Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) answered, "All of you are tarred with the same brush. O man! Do you want that Bani Hashim should demand ransom for one more life, in addition to that of Muslim bin Aqil? No, I shall not surrender myself to them with humiliation."

Zaheer's Address to Kufans

Zaheer advanced towards the enemy on his horse and shouted: "O Kufans, fear from the wrath of Allah. It is a duty of every Muslim to advise his brother Muslim. Look! We are all Muslims till this time. We believe in the same Deen and the same Shari'ah. So long as the swords are unsheathed, you deserve our advice and well-wishes. But when the swords are drawn the mutual respect will vanish and shall become two rival groups. Look! Allah has test our faithfulness towards the descendants of the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam). We call you to the love for Ahlul Bayt and to the rivalry of Ubaidullah bin Ziyad. Believe you would gain nothing from these rulers. They would make you blind; they would cut your hands; they would disfigure your faces; they would hang you and would kill the pious men one by one; they have already done this. The incidents of Hajar bin 'Adi and Hani bin 'Urwa have not become so old that you have forgotten them."

On hearing this, Kufans began to abuse Zaheer and offered praise for Ibn Ziyad. "By Allah, we shall not go back unless and until we kill Husain and his companions or produce them before Amir," was their reply.

Zaheer replied: "Well! If the son of Sayyidah Fatimat-uz-Zahra (radiyallahu ta'ala 'anha) is not comparable with the son of Sumiyya (Ibn Ziyad) you should pay this much regard to the progeny of the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam) that you would not kill him. Let him talk with his cousin Yazid bin Mu'awiyah and settle the issue. I swear by Allah that it is not necessary to shed the blood of Husain to please Yazid."
Hur Joins Imam Husain's Army

It is narrated by Adi bin Harmla that when Ibn Sa'd ordered his army to advance, Hur asked him whether he really wanted to fight against Imam Husain. Ibn Sa'd replied, "Yes, a battle would be fought in which heads will be cut and hands will be amputated from shoulders." Listening to this, Hur left his own place and proceeded slowly towards Imam Husain's camp. One of his tribe's men, Muhajir bin Aws, inquired whether he wanted to attack Imam Husain. Hur kept quiet. Suspecting him due to his reticence, Muhajir said, "I never found you in such a state during any war. If I am asked to name the bravest man in Kufa, I can point out none except you. But what are you doing now?"

Hur grew serious and replied, "By Allah, I am making a choice between Hell and Paradise. By Allah, I have selected Paradise, no matter if I am cut to pieces." With those words, he whipped his horse and joined Imam Husain's army. He presented himself before Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) and said: "O Grandson of the Holy Nabi! I am the same unfortunate person who prevented you from going back. I pursued you along the way and compelled you to encamp at this place. I never suspected that these people will not concede your terms and will go to such an extreme in your matter. By Allah, had I known that they will act in this way, I would have never done what I did earlier. I am ashamed of the misdeed I have committed and come to you for repentance. I want to sacrifice myself and I think that would serve the purpose of atonement." Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) very kindly invoked divine blessings for him and said, "May Allah accept your repentance and forgive you. As your mother has named you Hur, you are a free man and insha-Allah you will remain free both in this world and in the Hereafter."
Hur's Address to the Enemy

Hur then addressed the enemies and said that they should have accepted any of the conditions offered by Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh), so that Allah might save them from an ordeal. They said that his question would be answered by their Commander Umar bin Sa'd. Umar said that he himself wished to accept this offer, but his proposal was rejected. Thereafter, Hur made a passionate speech and put the Kufans to shame for not abiding by their promise. In reply, they started shooting arrows. Hur was forced to return to the camp.

Battle Starts

When Imam Husain's sincere efforts to bring round the enemy failed, encounter became inevitable. Umar bin Sa'd strung his bow and shot an arrow towards the camp of Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) saying: "Be witness! I have shot the first arrow."

Yasar and Salam, the slaves of Ziyad bin Umayya and Ubaidullah bin Ziyad came forward and challenged for a single combat, as was the ancient custom of warfare in Arab. From the Husaini forces, Habib bin Mazahar and Barbar bin Hasir volunteered themselves to meet this challenge by Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) did not permit them to fight. Then Abdullah bin Amir al-Kalbi stood up and sought permission to go out. This man came from Kufa along with his wife to support Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh). He was a dark-complexioned tall statured man with broad shoulders and strong limbs and was looking like a warrior in all respects. Having a look at him, the Imam was pleased to observe that he was a true warrior and gladly permitted him to meet the challenge. In a few brief exchanges, Abdullah put his both rivals to death. His wife Umm Wahab stood close by with a staff in her hand inciting her husband to fight. Then suddenly she became so passionate that she started advancing towards the battlefield. Hazrat Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) was deeply impressed by her enthusiasm and said: "May Allah reward you for support to Ahlul Bayt, but fighting is not meant for ladies."
Spears Straightened

After that, right wing army of Ibn Sa'd launched an attack and as they drew nearer, front line of the Husaini forces knelt down and straightened their spears towards the horses. Horses were frightened. The enemy mounted troopers could not advance and were repulsed with heavy losses.
General Attack

Later on, ensued a full-fledged battle. In the beginning the chivalrous men from either side came out in response to the challenge and fight with each other. Every challenger of the rival army who came forward was killed by the partisans of Hazrat Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh). On seeing this discouraging start Umar bin al-Hajjaj who was in command of the enemy's right wing, shouted:

    "O fools! First realize to whom you are fighting with. These people are not afraid of death! In this way you will be killed one by one. They are but a handful of souls. You can kill them even with stones."

Umar bin Sa'd approved of the suggestion, and disallowing individual duels ordered for a general attack. Both the sides came to grips and then ensued a hand to hand fight.

After some time when the fighting was stopped it was found that a Husaini brave hero Muslim bin Awsja was writhing in blood and sand. Hazrat Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) ran towards him. He was still breathing. Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) lamented with a deep respiration saying, "Muslim! May Allah shower his choicest blessings on you:

    "Some of them have already died and others are awaiting death. But stand firmly on the right path and do not change their minds."

Muslim bin Awsja was the first martyr from the side of Husaini forces in this battle.
Horses Rendered Useless

After the right wing, the left wing also joined in attack with Shimr as its Commander. This attack too was very severe but the Husaini right wing resisted it manfully. There were only thirty-two horsemen in this wing but wherever they struck they caused a great loss to the enemy. Soon the powerful enemy realized that with the present strength of forces at its disposal it could not achieve the desired goal. They, therefore, sent for reinforcement and soon five hundred archers came to their succor. They, on their arrival, started shooting arrows at the horsemen crippling their horses and forcing them to dismount.
Hur's Gallantry

Ayyub bin Musharrah reported that he had himself injured the horst of Hur bin Yazid, piercing it with his arrows. Hur bin Yazid jumped to the ground. He was holding a sword in his hand and he was looking like a lion. His sword was moving rampantly and he was reciting the following verses:

    "It does not matter if you have made my horse useless. I am of noble blood and am braver than a fierce lion."

Tents Burnt

The fighting was in its full swing. It was now midday but neither side seemed to have gained the upper hand. The reason was that the Husaini army had pitched the tents at one place and the enemy could only attack from one side. When Umar bin Sa'd realized that he could not succeed in this way he deputed some of his men to uproot the tents. Only four or five men from the Husaini army pushed them back. Failing in this attempt Umar bin Sa'd ordered his men to set the tents on fire. His soldiers rushed towards tents carrying fire in their hands. Husaini forces were perturbed due to this grave situation but  Hazrat Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) said: "No matter, let them burn the tents. It will be better for us because they cannot attack from the rear."
Assassination of Hazrat Umm Wahab

At this stage Zaheer bin al-Yaqin launched a severe attack on Shimr's forces and put them to rout but this state did not obtain for long. In a short time the enemy gathered its strength. Now the helplessness of Husaini forces was evident. Several warriors and renowned leaders were killed one by one. Abdullah bin Amir al-Kalbi was one of them. His brave wife Umm Wahab was sitting in the battlefield and was wiping dust from the face of her martyred husband saying repeatedly: "Greetings to you for attaining an abode in the Paradise." Shimr saw her and killed her (radiyallahu 'anha).
Prayers Banned

Abu Thumama Amr bin Abdullah Samdi realized his helplessness and said to Hazrat Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh): "Enemy is approaching fast. By Allah, I shall defend you even at the cost of my life. Enemy will not harm you as long as I am alive. However, it is my earnest desire to offer my Prayers before meeting my Rabb." On hearing this Hazrat Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) raised his head and said: "Ask the enemy to give us respite for offering Prayers." But the enemy did not accede to their requests and the battle continued.
Martyrdom of Habib and Hur

It was a very tough time. The enemy had put in the battle its full force. Unfortunately, Habib bin Mazahar, Commander of the right wing of the Husaini forces, was also killed. It was a dead blow to the Husainis. The next came the turn of Hur bin Yazid who advanced straight into the enemy forces reciting the following verses with great enthusiasm:

    "I have sworn no to be killed unless and until I have killed them. I shall die only while I am advancing. I shall inflict heavy casualties with my sword. I shall neither fear no shall I run away."

He boldly attacked the enemy and eventually, sore and weary with fatal wounds, gave up his life.
Martyrdom of Zaheer

Now the Zuhr time was over. Hazrat Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) offered Salat-ul-Khawf along with his companions. After the Salat the pressure of the enemy increased all of the more. On this occasion Zaheer bin al-Yaqin, Commander of the left wing, took command of the army and attacked the enemy reciting the following verses:

    "I am Zaheer, son of al-Yaqin. I shall keep them away from Husain with the point of my sword."

After dispersing the lines of rival forces he returned and putting his hand on Imam Husain's shoulder recited the following verses:

    "Advance, Allah has guided you to the right path. You will be meeting today with your grandfather, the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam), and Hasan, and Ali al-Murtaza, the young grave Ja'far al-Tayyar, and the living martyr Asadullah Hamza (radiyallahu 'anhum)."

Then he turned towards the enemy and put a number of them to death until he himself was killed.
Bravery of the Ghiffari Brothers

Companions of Hazrat Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) now realized that it was quite impossible for them to stop the enemy. Therefore, they all decided to sacrifice themselves one by one. Accordingly, to Ghiffari brothers moved forward and began to fight with the enemy. While fighting they were reciting the following verses:

    "Bani Ghaffar and tribes of Nazar have known fully well that we will cut the vicious people into pieces with our glittering swords. O people! Support the pious ones with they spears and they swords."

Sacrifice of the Jabri Brothers

Thereafter two Jabri brothers came forward who were weeping bitterly. Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) said to them: "O sons of my brother! Why are you weeping? By Allah, I believe you will be killed after a few minutes." They replied that they were not shedding tears due to the danger to their lives, but it made them weep seeing that the enemy had surrounded them and they could do nothing to save him. Then both of them began to fight courageously chanting aloud: "As-Salaamu 'alayka O' Son of the Holy Nabi!" Hazrat Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) replied: "Wa 'alaykum-us-Salaam wa Rahmatullah." At last they were also killed.
Martyrdom of Hanzala bin As'ad

After than Hanzal bin As'ad stood before the enemy shouting: "O people! I fear for you the same disaster as befell upon the nations of Aad and Thamud. I fear you may be destroyed. O' People! Don't slay Husain lest Allah should send calamity on you." He fought manfully until he was martyred.
Ali Akbar's Martyrdom

By now all the companions were killed one after the other. It was now the turn of the Bani Hashim and the family of the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam). First of all, Ali Akbar came into the battlefield and attacked the enemy, reciting the following verses:

    "I am Ali bin Husain bin Ali. By the Rabb of Ka'bah, we are more deserving being nearest to the Holy Nabi."
    "By Allah the son of the man whose father is unknown cannot rule over us."

He fought heroically but was killed by the sword of Marra bin Manqaz al-'Abadi. The narrator said that he saw a woman hurrying out of the tent. She was beautiful like the full moon and was crying: "Ah! My brother! Ah! My nephew." When he inquired as to who she was, he was told that she was Hazrat Sayyidah Zainab bint Fatimah al-Zahra (radiyallahu 'anhuma). Hazrat Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) caught hold of her hand and took her to her tent. Then he lifted the dead body of Ali Akbar (radiyallahu 'anh) and placed it before the tent.

A Graceful Youth

Thereafter, other scions of the Hashimite blood and members of the Ahlul Bayt came to the forefront, and fighting courageously sacrificed their lives one by one. Meanwhile a graceful young man appeared on the scene. He was wearing a simple dress and putting sandals on his feet. He was a very beautiful person and his face was shining like a moon. He came out like a roaring lion and attacked upon the enemy with his immense force. Amr bin Sa'd Azdi struck on his head with a sword. The young man cried: "O' Uncle!" and fell upon the ground. On hearing his cries Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) came to his rescue and attacked upon the killer with a sword like a hungry falcon and ferocious lion. The assailant raised his hand in his defense but could not succeed. His hand was cut off from the elbow. Being wounded the killer called for help. The army came to his help but rode over him in a state of utter confusion. The narrator said that when the dust was slightly subsided he saw Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) standing near the youngman who was in the agony of death. Imam Husain was saying: "Disaster seize them who killed you. What answer will they give to your grandfather on the Day of Resurrection? By Allah, it is heart-rending for your uncle that you cried for help but he could not save you from the clutches of the enemy. Alas! Enemies of your uncle have increased in number than his friends." Then he took the dead body in his lap and pressed it close to his chest. He brought the dead body to the tent with its feet trailing on the ground and laid it beside the body of Hazrat Ali Akbar (radiyallahu 'anh). The narrator enquired of the people as to who he was and was told that he was Sayyid al-Qasim bin Hasan bin Ali bin Abu Talib (radiyallahu 'anh).

Martyrdom of Newly-Born Babe

While Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) was standing there, he was apprised of the birth of a son. The babe was put in his arms and as he was calling the Adhan in his ears, an arrow was shot from the opposite direction that pierced the throat of the infant. The infant died instantaneously. He pulled out the arrow from the throat of the infant. The blood gushed out of the wond and by taking a handful of it, Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) smeared the body of the infant. He then said: "By Allah, you are more dearer in the sight of Allah than the she-camel of Nabi Salih (alaihis-Salaam). And Nabi Muhammad (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam) has more prestige in the sight of Allah than Nabi Salih (alaihis-Salaam). O' Allah! Thou has withheld they succor to us. Do what Thou may deem fit for us."

Likewise most of the prominent personalities of Bani Hashim and Ahlul Bayt were martyred. Historians have recorded the names of the following Shuhadaa:

   1. Muhammad bin Abi Sa'id bin 'Aqil
   2. Abdullah bin Muslim bin 'Aqil
   3. Abdullah bin 'Aqil
   4. Abdur-Rahman bin 'Aqil
   5. Ja'far bin 'Aqil
   6. Muhammad bin>
      Transfer interrupted!
      bin 'Abdullah bin Ja'far
   7. 'Abbas bin Ali
   8. Abdullah bin Ali
   9. Uthman bin Ali
  10. Muhammad bin Ali
  11. Abu Bakr bin Ali
  12. Abu Bakr bin al-Hasan
  13. Abdullah bin al-Hasan
  14. Al-Qasim bin al-Hasan
  15. Ali Akbar bin al-Husain
  16. Abdullah bin al-Husain

Boldness of a Child

Now it was the Imam's turn to sacrifice himself for the cause of Allah. He was standing alone in the battlefield but no one dared attack him. Enemy tried a number of times to kill Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh), but nobody was willing to take the responsibility of killing him, and wanted to bear the burden of this sin. At last, Shimr started provoking his army men to attack. They encircled Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) from every side. Now there were only woman and a few teenagers in the camp of the Ahlul Bayt. A teen aged boy saw Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) in danger and became impatient. He picked up a wooden stick in his hands and ran out to help the Imam. Hazrat Sayyidah Zainab (radiyallahu 'anha) saw him and caught hold of him. Hazrat Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) also said to his sister: "Stop him. Don't let him come out." The boy, however, forced himself loose from her grip and ran to the side of the Imam. The same moment Bahrain bin Ka'b drew his sword to strike the Imam. The boy remonstrated: "O' wicked! Will you kill my uncle?" The stone-hearted assailant brought down his sword on the boy who took the blow on his arm. His hand was severed. The boy cried with pain. Hazrat Husain clasped him to his bosom and consoled him saying: "Be patient, my child! Let this suffering be the means of reward from Allah. Allah Ta'ala will join you with your elders: Nabi Muhammad (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam), Ali bin Abu Talib, Hamza, Ja'far, and Hasan bin Ali (radiyallahu 'anhum).

Valor of Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh)

Eventually, Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) remained alone to face the grim situation single-handed. The enemy now passed close to the Imam who began to wield his sword right and left and forced the enemy to retreat. Abdullah bin Amar who was himself taking part in the fight reported that he attacked Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) with his spear and might have killed him, but he desisted, thinking not to carry the sin on his head. He said: "Hazrat Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) was being attacked from all sides but he made the enemy to retreat. He was wearing a shirt and a turban. By Allah, I have not seen such a disheartened man whose family members were killed before his eyes, so valiant, bold, resolute, and steadfast. The position was that the attackers were running right and left like sheep before a lion." This position continued for a long time. Meanwhile Hazrat Sayyidah Zainab (radiyallahu 'anha), the sister of Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) came out of her tent and cried: "O' Umar, would Abu Abdullah be killed before your eyes." Umar turned his face but tears began to roll down from his eyes upon his cheeks and beard.
Arrow Pierced the Throat of Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh)

While fighting Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) felt very thirsty, and went towards Euphrates to quench his thirst but the enemy did not allow him to drink water. Suddenly his throat was pierced by an arrow. He pulled out the arrow and threw the blood which oozed out of his throat towards the sky saying: "O' Allah! I complain only to Thee. See how the people are treating the grandson of Thy Messenger (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam)."

Shimr was Reprimanded

Then Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) turned towards his camp but he was resisted by Shimr and his companions. Then Imam Husain realized that their intent was to plunder the tents. Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) said: "If you have deserted your religion and are not afraid of the Last Day, at least you should respect the worldly morals. Keep safe my tents from your vagabonds and debauchees." Shimr replied, "Yes, we shall not harm your tents."

The Last Warning

Now it was too late. The narrator reported that had the enemy wished it would have killed Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) earlier but nobody was inclined to take the responsibility of this heinous crime. At last Shimr [the Damned] cursed his army men and shouted: "May you meet with ill-fate. What are you waiting for? Why don't you kill Husain?" The enemy surrounded him again. The Imam (radiyallahu 'anh) said to Shimr: "Why are you inciting your army to kill me. By Allah, Allah would not be displeased on anyone else's murder so much as of mine."

Sinan bin Anas Kills Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh)

The time of Imam Husain's martyrdom was now drawing near. Zur'a bin Sharikh al-Tamimi injured Imam Husain's left arm and then struck a blow on his shoulder. Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) swerved due weakness. People being frightened moved to the rear but Sinan bin Anas of Najaf 2 came forward and attacked Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) with a spear. Imam Husain fell down upon the ground. Shimr ordered a savage to sever the Imam's head from his body but he could not do it. Sinan bin Anas, in a mood of indignation, cursed him; dismounted from his horse and cut off Imam Husain's head from his body.

Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (radiyallahu 'anh)3 narrated that after the murder of the Imam, thirty-three injuries of swords and thirty four wounds of arrow and spear were found on his dead body.

The Murderer

Sinan bin Anas was extremely confused after killing Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh). He did not allow any body to come near the dead body. He was running to and fro lest some one else should sever the head and take it away. The killer (may Allah give that wretch what he deserves!) himself severed the head and handed it over to Kholi bin Yazid Asbhi and then ran to Umar bin Sa'd's tent shouting:

    "Load me with gold and silver for I have killed a Great King; I have killed him whose parents are most venerable and who is the best among his lineage at present."

Umar bin Sa'd called him inside the tent and showed his indignation. "By Allah, you are insane!" Then striking him with his stick said: "O' mad man! Don't say so. You are saying a thing which if it comes to the notice of Ibn Ziyad, he will definitely get you killed."

Plundering and Looting

After the perpetration of the murder, the Kufans took off the clothes of the dead body of Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) and then rushed to his tents. Ali Zain-ul-'Abidin was lying sick in the bed. Shimr reached along with some soldiers and said: "May we not also kill him," but some of his companions dissuaded him, saying: "Will you kill even the children?" Meanwhile Umar bin Sa'd arrived on the spot and ordered that no one should enter the ladies' tents or tease them. If someone had plundered anything, he should return it forthwith.

On listening these words Imam Zain-ul-Abidin (radiyallahu 'anh) said in his ailing voice: "Umar bin Sa'd! May Allah reward you for this act of kindness. Your orders have saved us from the culprits."

Body Trampled

Umar bin Sa'd ordered that Imam Husain's body should be trampled over by the horses' hoofs. He called for volunteers. Ten men came forward and trampled the body.

    "When on the day of Judgement Naziri shows up with a blood-stained shroud, people will cry aloud: 'Who the petitioner is!'"

In this battle, seventy-two men of Hazrat Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) were martyred, while eighty-eight of the Kufans were slain.

Hazrat Zainab (radiyallahu 'anha) Beholds the Mangled Corpse

On the following day, Umar bin Sa'd left the battlefield of Kufa taking the women and children of the Ahlul Bayt with him as prisoners. Qara bin Qais, an eye witness, narrated that when these ladies saw the mangled corpses of Hazrat Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) and that of his relatives and his companions, the could not restrain their grief and lamentations. Qara could not forget the bewailing of Hazrat Sayyidah Zainab bint Hazrat Fatimah (radiyallahu 'anhuma):

    "O' Muhammad! May the blessings and salutations of the angels in heaven be upon you. Behold! Your Husain is lying in blood and sand in the desert. His body has been cut to pieces. Your daughters have been made prisoners. Your progeny has been killed and is lying in dust."

Qara bin Qais added further that there was no eye that did not shed tears on hearing this lamentation.
Seventy-two Heads

Then the heads of all the Husainis killed in the battlefield were severed. These heads were seventy-two in number. Shimr Zil Joushan, Ibn al-Ash'ath, Umar bin al-Hajjaj and Gharmara bin Qais took all these heads to Ubaidullah bin Ziyad.

Imam Husain's Head was placed before Ibn Ziyad

Hamid bin Muslim who accompanied Kholi bin Yazid while carrying the head of Hazrat Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) to Kufa reported that when Imam Husain's head was placed before Ibn Ziyad, he repeatedly struck his stick on the lips of the Imam. On seeing this, Zaid bin Arqam stood up and admonished him not to do so, as he had seen the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam) kissing these lips. He then began to weep bitterly. Ibn Ziyad got annoyed and said: "May Allah make you weep! Had you not been decrepit I would certainly have put you to death. Zaid bin Arqam (radiyallahu 'anh) left the meeting, saying:

    "O' people of Arab! Henceforth you are slaves. You have killed Ibn Fatimah. You have appointed Ibn Marjana (Ibn Ziyad) as your ruler. He puts your noble men to death and enslaves your pious persons. You have chosen humiliation. May Allah destroy them who accept humiliation."

Ibn Ziyad and Hazrat Zainab (radiyallahu 'anha)

The narrator reported that when the women and children of the Ahlul Bayt were brougth before Ibn Ziyad, Hazrat Zainab was wearing ordinary clothes and was surrounded by her maids. Ibn Ziyad inquired as to whom she was, but no one responded. When he inquired for the third time, a maid servant replied, "She is Zainab bint Fatimah (radiyallahu 'anha)." Thereupon Ibn Ziyad (May Allah give him what he deserves!) shouted: "Praise be to God who has disgraced and destroyed you and brought dishonor to your name." Hazrat Sayyidah Zainab (radiyallahu 'anh) replied: "All praise is due to the Almighty Allah Who honored us by raising the Holy Nabi Muhammad (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam) amongst us and purified us. Only the wicked and vicious are disgraced." Ibn Ziyad said again, "Don't you see how Allah has treated your family?!" Hazrat Sayyidah Zainab (radiyallahu 'anha) replied, "Death was their fate, so they met with death. Allah will gather you and them together very soon and then you can cross question each other in His Court." Ibn Ziyad said: "Allah has rejoiced me with the death of your arrogant leader and the rebels of your family." Sayyidah Zainab (radiyallahu 'anha) tried to restrain herself but could not suppress her tears and said: "By Allah, you have killed my leader, destroyed my family, slashed my branches, and cut off my roots. If this rejoices your heard, you may rejoice over it."

Ibn Ziyad smiled and said: "Bravo! This is heroism. Your father was a poet as well as a hero. Hazrat Sayyidah Zainab (radiyallahu 'anha) replied: "What a woman has to do with heroism? My misfortune had made me unmindful of heroism. What I say comes out of my mouth with a burning heart." Ibn Ziyad was enraged. Seeing him in this condition Umar bin Harth said: "My Allah ennoble the Amir! She is merely a woman. A woman's utterance should be taken lightly."
Ibn Ziyad and Imam Zain-ul-Abidin

After these bitter exchanges, Ibn Ziyad cast a glance on Ali Zain-ul-Abidin bin Husain bin Ali (radiyallahu 'anh) who was seriously ill at that time. Ibn Ziyad inquired his name. He replied: "Ali bin Husain." Ibn Ziyad asked with astonishment: "Has Ali bin Husain not been killed in the fight." Hazrat Zain-ul-Abidin (radiyallahu 'anh) did not reply. Ibn Ziyad said: "Why don't you speak?" Imam Zain-ul-Abidin replied: "Another brother of mine was named Ali. People killed him. Ibn Ziyad said: "People did not murder him, but Allah has killed him." On this Hazrat Zain-ul-Abidin recited the following Ayat of the Holy Qur'an:

    "It is Allah Who deprives one of his life at the time of death. And no one dies except by Allah's Command."

On hearing this Ibn Ziyad shouted: "May Allah kill you! You are also one of them." Ibn Ziyad wanted to kill him but Hazrat Zainab (radiyallahu 'anha) cried impatiently: "I implore you in the name of Allah not to kill the boy. In case you are bent upon to kill the boy, kill me also along with him." Imam Zain-ul-Abidin said in a loud voice: "O' Ibn Ziyad! If you have even the remotest kinship with these ladies, send them after I am killed under the escort of a pious man who should treat them gently in accordance with social principles of Islam." Ibn Ziyad fixed his gaze upon Hazrat Zainab for a long time and then said to the people: "Relationship is a very delicate sentiment. By Allah, I am sure she really wants to lay her life along with the lad. All right, leave the lad and allow him to go with the women of his family."
Murder of Ibn Afif

After this incident Ibn Ziyad instructed the citizens to assemble in the main Masjid and delivered a sermon before the assembly as follows:

    "All praise is due to Allah Who made the truth manifest and has granted victory to the followers of truth. Yazid bin Mu'awiyah, the Commander of the faithful and his party became victorious and defeated Husain bin Ali and his companions, the liars."

On hearing this, Abdullah bin Afif Azdi, a well-known companion of Hazrat Ali (Karramallahu Ta'ala wajhah) who had lost his eye-sight in the battles of Jamal and Siffin, stood up and shouted: "By Allah! Ibn Marjana, you are a liar and a son of a liar, and not Husain bin Ali (radiyallahu 'anh)." Ibn Ziyad, the wretch, got annoyed and put him to death.
In the Court of Yazid

Ibn Ziyad fixed the head of Hazrat Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) on a pole and sent the same to Yazid through Zahr bin Qais. Ghaz bin Rabi'ah reported that he was sitting in the court of Yazid when Zahr bin Qais arrived. Yazid inquired: "What is the news?" Qais replied, "I have brought the news of victory. Husain bin Ali came to us along with eighteen members of the Ahlul Bayt and sixty supporters. We stopped them and demanded them to surrender or fight. They preferred to fight than to submit. So we attacked them at the break of dawn. When swords began to strike their heads, they ran to and fro to save themselves just as pigeon ran away on seeing the eagle. Then we put them all to death. At this moment their dead bodies are lying naked. Their clothes are stained with blood. Their dead bodies are rotting in the sun and are serving as a food for vultures.

Yazid Began to Weep

The narrator reported that on hearing this pathetic story, Yazid's eyes brimmed with tears, and he said: "I could be pleased at your loyalty even without the murder of Husain (radiyallahu 'anh). May Allah curse the son of Ibn Sumiyya (Ibn Ziyad, la'natullahi 'alayh)! By Allah, had I been present there, I would certainly have forgiven Husain. May Allah shower his blessings upon Husain." Yazid did not give any reward to the messenger.
Yazid's Reaction
Qasim bin Abdur-Rahman, a slave of Yazid, reported that when heads of Hazrat Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) and that of the Ahlul Bayt were placed before Yazid, he recited the following verse:

    "The swords sever the heads of those whom we love, though they were in fact tyrants who neglected the truth."

Then said: "By Allah, O' Husain! Had I been there I would not have killed you."

Ahlul Bayt in Damascus

After sending the head of Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) Ibn Ziyad dispatched the remaining members of the Ahli-Bait to Damascus under the escort of Shimr bin Zil Joushan and Mahzar bin Tha'laba. Imam Zain-ul-Abidin kept quiet throughout the journey. He did not speak even a single word to anybody. On arrival in the court of Yazid, Mazhar bin Tha'laba cried: "O' Commander of the faithful! I have brought sinners before you." On hearing this Yazid got annoyed and said: "No woman had given birth to a more vicious and wicked child than Tha'laba's mother."
Yazid and Imam Zain-ul-Abidin

Yazid then sent for his Syrian chiefs to his court, and addressing Imam Zain-ul-Abidin, he said: "O' Ali! It was your father who broke off family relationship, forgot my rights, tried to oust me from my rule. You have already seen the results of disobedience committed by your father." In response, Imam Zain-ul-Abidin (radiyallahu 'anh) recited the following Ayats of the Holy Qur'an:

    "There falls not a calamity either in the earth or on yourself but it is recorded in a book before We bring it into being. Surely that is easy for Allah, that you may not grieve over what is lost to you or exult because of that which He has given to you. And Allah loves not the conceited and the haughty." (Surah al-Hadeed, ayats 22-23)

Yazid was displeased to hear this. He desired that his son Khalid should give the answer but Khalid did not understand anything. Then Yazid, pointing out to Khalid said:

    "And whatever misfortune befalls you is due to what your own hands have earned. And He forgives many of your sins." (Surah al-Shura, ayat 30)

Then Yazid turned his attention towards other children and women who were made prisoners. Yazid was greatly moved at their sad plight and declared: "May Allah curse Ibn Marjana (Ubaidullah Ibn Ziyad)! Had he been related to you he would have have treated you in such a way, no sent you to me in this pitiable condition."
Fearless and Daring Conversation of Hazrat Sayyidah Zainab (radiyallahu 'anha)

Hazrat Fatimah bint Ali reported that when we were brought before Yazid, he took pity on us and treated us gently. While we were sitting in a court a Syrian lad stood up and pointing to me requested Yazid to deliver me to him. I was in teen and was very pretty. I began to tremble with fear and caught the hand of elder sister Hazrat Sayyidah Zainab (radiyallahu 'anha), who was older than I. She was very wise and knew that it could never happen. She shouted at the lad: "You are a wretched fellow. Neither you nor he (pointing at Yazid) has the power to do so.

Yazid got angry at this boldness and said: "You tell a lie. By Allah, this is within my powers if I wish to do so. Hazrat Zainab (radiyallahu 'anha) retorted: "No, Allah has not given you this power. It is otherwise if you leave our party and become apostate by renouncing our religion." Yazid got annoyed further and said: "It was your father and brother who renounced the religion." Hazrat Sayyidah Zainab (radiyallahu 'anha) promptly replied: "It was Allah's religion, my father's religion, my brother's religion, my grandfather's religion from which you, your father, and your grandfather obtained guidance." Yazid shouted: "O' enemy of Allah! You tell a lie." Hazrat Zainab replied, "You have become a ruler by force. You are misusing your powers with tyranny and are oppressing the people with your force."

Hazrat Fatimah bint Ali added that this conversation made Yazid to feel ashamed because then he kept silent. The Syrian lad, however, stood up again and repeated his request. On this, Yazid scolded him, "Be off, O' wretch! May Allah send death to you!"
Consultation with Syrian Chiefs

Yazid consulted the Syrian courtiers in regard to the treatment of the prisoners. Some suggested harsh treatment while Nu'man bin Bashir said: "They should be treated in the matter the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam) would have treated them on seeing their plight." On hearing this, Hazrat Fatimah said: "O' Yazid! They are daughters of the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam)." This reference moved Yazid and his courtiers to tears and he ordered for their lodging in an independent house.
Yazid's Wife Expresses Grief

Meanwhile, the news of the arrival of the prisoners reached Yazid's household. His wife, Hind bint 'Abdullah, put on veil on her face and came out. She asked Yazid: "O' Commander of the Faithful! Is it the head of Husain ibn Fatimah, daughter of the Holy Last Messenger of Allah?" Yazid replied, "Yes, weep as much as you can on the murder of grandson on the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam) and of the scions of the Hashimi house. The wicked Ibn Ziyad made haste in killing him. May Allah kill him too."
Yazid's [Arrogant] Address

Thereafter addressing the courtiers, Yazid said: "Do you know how did it happen? It was the outcome of Husain's error in judgment. He remained under the impression that his father is better than Yazid's father; his mother is better is better than Yazid's mother; his grandfather is better than Yazid's grandfather. And he himself is better than Yazid, hence he deserves more to rule over the country than Yazid. His stand that his father was better than my father was wrong. Ali and Mu'awiyah fought with each other and the world saw who emerged successful in the contest. As regards his statement that his mother is better than my mother, is undoubtedly true. Fatimah (radiyallahu 'anha), daughter of the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam) is decidedly far more prestigeous than my mother. Similarly, his grandfather is certainly better than my grandfather. By Allah, no one who believes in Allah and the Day of Judgement can grade anyone equal to, not to speak of better than the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam). Husain erred in judgment and forgot the following Ayat of the Holy Qur'an, which reads as follows:

    'O' Allah! Malik-ul-Mulk! Thou givest sovereignty to whomsoever Thou wills, and Thou takest away sovereignty from whomsoever Thou wills. Thou exaltest whomsoever Thou wills and Thou abasest whomsoever Thou wills. In Thy hand is all good. Verily, Thou hast power over all things.'" (Surah Aal-e-Imran, ayat 26)

Then the ladies of the Ahlul Bayt were sent to Yazid's palace, where the women of the family of Mu'awiyah began to weep bitterly on seeing their sad plight.


Yazid Tries to Make Amends

When Yazid came into the palace, Fatimah bint al-Husain asked him: "Have the daughters of the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam) become slave-girls?" Yazid replied, "O' Daughter of my brother! It would never happen." Fatimah said, "We have been deprived even of our earrings." Yazid promised to compensate their loss and he did repay them two-fold or even more.

Yazid used to take his breakfast and dinner along with Hazrat Ali bin Husain (radiyallahu 'anh). One day he called Hazrat Hasan's young child Amr to him and by way of joking asked him if he would have a duel with his son Khalid who was of his age. Amr bin al-Hasan replied in the affirmative, adding that both of them should be given daggers in their hands and then their duel be watched. Yazid laughed and holding Amr in his lap remarked: "A serpent begets a serpent."
Yazid's Contrition

Yazid entertained the Ahlul-Bayt as his guests for some days. He used to stay in his private meetings that had he been a little circumspect, he would have kept Hazrat Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) with him for a few days and considered his terms, though it might have weakened his own position to some extent. This attitude would have discharged himself of his obligations towards the rights and relations of the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam). He repeatedly cursed Ibm Marjana (Ibn Ziyad) who forced Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh) to fight by not agreeing to his terms of participating in Jihad on the frontiers or of approaching him for settlement of dispute. Yazid stated Ibn Ziyad (la'natullahi 'alayh) had thus made him (Yazid) the victim of people's wrath.
Departure of Ahlul Bayt to Madinah

While bidding farewell to the Ahlul Bayt on their departure to Madinah, Yazid assured Imam Zain-ul-Abidin (radiyallahu 'anh) cursing Ibn Ziyad: "Had I been there in the battlefield, and had Husain offered his terms to me, I would certainly have accepted them. I would have saved his life at all costs, even at the cost of the life of my own son. But what Allah willed has happened. Keep in touch with me through correspondence and let me know your needs. Afterwards Sakina, daughter of Imam Husain (radiyallahu 'anh), used to say that she had not seen any ungrateful person who was more hospitable than Yazid.
Lamentation in Madinah

This sad news was the talk of the town before the arrival of the Ahlul Bayt. When the party arrived in Madinah, the Hashimi ladies hastened to them, lamenting the loss of lives of the near and dear ones. The daughter of Hazrat 'Aqil bin Abu Talib (radiyallahu 'anh) was in the forefront crying and reciting the following verses:

    "What excuse will you have to offer to the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam) when he questions you as the last of his followers: 'How did you treat my family and my progeny after me?' Some of them are prisoners and the others are writhing in blood."

Assalamu `alaykum warahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Peace & Blessings
Eternally

Nurjan Mir

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