Imam Zainul Aabedeen (a.s.) :A short summary

His Birth and blessings

The 4th Imam after Imam Hussain(a.s.) was his son Imam Ali Zain-al-Abideen(a.s.). His mother was Bibi Shahar Bano who was a princess from Persia, the daughter of the Kind Yazd Gard II. She was brought as a prisoner of war during the caliphate period of mam Ali(a.s.) during 31 A.H. and Imam Ali(a.s.) got her freed and married her to Imam Hussain(a.s.). Imam Zain-al-Abideen was born from this wedlock. She, however, died within 10 days of the birth of Imam Sajjad(a.s.).

His title Zain-al-Abideen was granted to him by the Holy Prophet(pbuh&hf) himself who mentioned that on the day of judgement a call for Zain-al-Abideen will be made and my son Ali bin al-Hussain(a.s.) will responde to the call saying "Labbaik". His other Title, Syed-us-Sajideen, was given because of his devotion to prayers. He would pray for long durations specially during the nights and would pray a lot of prayers of gratitude - Namaz-e-Shukrana.

Imam Sajjad(a.s.) spent the first 2 years of his life under the care of his grandfater Imam Ali(a.s.) and after his death in 50 A.H., he was brought up under the care of the 2nd Imam Hasan(a.s.). Imam Sajjad(a.s.) was married to the Bibi Fatima(a.s.) - daughter of Imam Hasan(a.s.). Imam Hasan(a.s.) was martyred in 50 A.H. and the Imamate of Imam Hussain(a.s.) started which terminated on 10th Moharram 61 A.H. from where the Imamate of Imam Sajjad(a.s.) began.

Period of Imamate and events of Karbala

Imam Sajjad(a.s.) was about 22 or 23 years old when the sad event of Karbala occured. Since Allah(swt) mentions in his holy Book that this world cannot survive for a moment if there is no Masoom "Imam" present at all times, Allah(swt) arranged it such that Imam Sajjad(a.s.) became severly ill during that battle and could not participate as a warrior. He asked the permission to fight in the battle but Imam Hussain(a.s.) told him that he had been assigned a different type of "Jihad" that was to start after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain(a.s.) - namely leading the women and children of the household of Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) into the bazars and courts of Kufa and Damascus. Imam Sajjad(a.s.) was made a prisoner of war together with the whole family of the Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf). It was at this time that he was given the responsibility of Imamate and his was one of the most difficult times when any Imam was given this responsibility. Truly speaking, for him, it would have been very easy to die on the battle field as a martyr than to be taken as prisoner of war and see all the insult and humiliations thrown on him and on the womenfolk of the house of the Prophet. However, he did what Allah wished him to do

After the martyrdom of Imam Hussain(a.s.), the survival of Islam depended on Imam Zainul Abideen(a.s.), and that also at a tender age of 22. He had a very hard job of letting the world know the mission of Imam Hussain(a.s.) and exposing the evil intentions of Yazid and the Bani Umayyah. He had to keep the message of Islam alive and save it from being confused by the evil Bani Umayyah.

The army of Yazid treated him very badly by putting him in heavy chains. As a prisoner of war, he was made to travel on the open back of a camel in burning sunshine from Kerbala to Kufa and then from Kufa to Shaam (Damascus) - a distance of about 750 kilometres. Sometimes, he would be made to walk on the burning sands of the desert. This was not all. Women and children of the family of the Prophet Muhammad(pbuh&hf), too, were hand-cuffed and treated like they were slaves. The daughters of Imam Ali(a.s.) and Bibi Fatima(s.a.) were treated worse than criminals, their Hijabs were taken away from them. A caller accompanied them introducing them to the passersbys as "Those who had disobeyed the Muslim ruler, Yazid". They were then presented as prisoners, first to Ibn-e-Ziyad in Kufa and then to Yazid in Damascus.

In the courts of Ibn-e-Ziyad and Yazid, Imam Sajjad(a.s.) gave lion-hearted lectures and presented the true Islam to the listeners and introduced himself and his accompanying members as the descendents of the Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) and the leaders appointed by Allah(swt). His lectures had such an impact on the listeners that despite several attempts to kill him inside the court of both Yazid and Ibn-e-Ziyad could not materialize. Bibi Zainab(s.a.) and other women of the household of Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) became the frontline protectors and were backed by the people in the court of Yazid who had still left some shame in them.

To quote one incidence, Yazid asked one of his employed preachersto go on the 'Mimber' (pulpit) of the Mosque and abused Imam Ali(a.s.) and his family. When the preacher finished his lecture, Imam Sajjad(a.s.) turned to him and said, "Be ashamed of yourself, you evil speaker. With your words you have displeased Allah so as to please people". Then the Imam(a.s.) asked Yazid to let him talk to the people. Yazid refused to do so. The people of Syria, however, forced Yazid to allow the Imam to go on the Mimber.

Once on the Mimber, Imam Zain al-Abideen(a.s.) first praised Allah(swt) and His Messenger(pbuh&hf). After that the Imam gave along and very powerful speech letting the Syrians know the great position of Imam Husain(a.s.) to Allah(swt), and how evil Yazid and his family were. Part of the speech is summarised below:

"O listeners Allah has given us (Ahle Bart) six things which no one else has. He has given us special Wisdom, Patience, Dignity, Power of speech, Courage and Respect. He gave us special benefit of belonging to the family of his Prophet. To us belong Hamza and Jafar. To us belong Asadullah (The lion of Allah, Imam Ali(a.s.)). To us belong the leader of the youths of paradise (Imam Hassan(a.s.) and Imam Hussain(a.s.)).

"Those who know me, know me. Those who do not, then know that I am the son of Mecca and Mina. I am the son of Zamzam and Safa. I am the son of he who gave Zakat to the poor. I am the son of the best of those who have ever put on Ihram and performed ceremonies of Hajj. I am the son of he who was taken on the night journey from house of Allah to the Mosque of Aqsa and then to Miraj. I am the son of he who was taken around by Gibrael to the Lote-tree of the boundary (Sidratul Muntaha).

"I am the son of Muhammad Mustafa(pbuh&hf). I am the son of Ali Al-Murtaza(a.s.) who fought the polytheists in the battle till they submitted to Islam and fought in the presence of the Prophet until his sword was broken and to whom Zulfikar was given. I am the son of he who had the honour to migrate twice in Islam. I am the son of Fatima the best women of the world...".

The effect of the speech was so powerful that everybody in the Mosque began to weep and to blame Yazid. Yazid was afraid that if the Imam continued his speech, there would be a revolution and revolt. At the same time Yazid could not stop the Imam and get him down from the Mimber. He therefore ordered a "Muazzin" to give Azan, knowing that this would automatically cut the Imam's speech. But he underestimated the Imam's bravery and intelligence. The Imam stopped his speech but did not get down from the Mimber. When the Muazzin said " Allahu Akber" the Imam testified Allah's greatness. When the Muazzin said, "Ash hadu anna Muhammaddan Rasulullah", the Imam stopped the Muazzin from going any further. He then turned to Yezid and asked him. "Tell me o Yazid, was Muhammad(pbuh&hf) your grandfather or mine? If you say he was your grandfather it will be an open lie and if you say he was my grandfather then why have you killed his son and imprisoned his family? Why have you killed my father and brought his women and children to this city as prisoners?"

Yazid had no reply to give.

The effect of this was to turn Syrians against Yazid. Everyone of them now found out about Yazid's crimes that he had committed against the Prophet (pbuh&hf) and his family. They began to blame him and ask for the release of Imam Zain al-Abidin(a.s.) and the womenfolk of the house of the Prophet. Yazid was now afraid that if he did not act fast his rulership would be lost. He therefore freed Imam Zain al-Abidin(a.s.) and let. him return to Medina with full honour and respect.

His Life in Madina

Yazid had to free the Imam(a.s.) out of fear of his own rulership, therefore, Imam(a.s.) was still not completely safe from his evil designs even upon reaching back to Madina. Once in Madina, Imam(a.s.) gathered the people and told them the horrifying stories of Karbala and informed them that his father Imam Hussain(a.s.) and his companions were martyred and his family members were made prisoners and were taken from one city to another and branded as traitors.

Imam Sajjad(a.s.) started regular mourning session right from the day he arrived in Madina and apprised the people of the hard times that the family of the Prophet(pbuh&hf) had to to through. Day in and day out, people used to go to Imam(a.s.) and present condolence and hear the events of Karbala. Once a visitor named Noman came to Imam(a.s.) and asked him which was the most difficult time he had to face and the Imam(a.s.) cried for a long time and three times said "AS-SHAAM AS-SHAAM AS-SHAAM". Another visitor asked him as to how long would he continue mourning and crying and he replied that Prophet Ayub(a.s.) had 12 sons and only one of them got lost and he know that he was still alive but he continued crying until his eyes became white and his back got bent - I had seen 17 members of my family being slaughtered around me like sheep and you ask me as to how long I would continue mourning.

Another task that Imam Sajjad(a.s.) did after coming back from Syria was that he started praying and saying supplications with full devotion. His devotion was so strong and felt by his companions and visitors that they started collection his supplications which still exist by the name of SAHIFA-E-KAMILA. It is also know as SAHIFA-E-SAJJADIA. It consists of 54 Duas, 14 additional duas and 15 Munajaat. In addition to the SAHIFA there are several other supplications of the Imam(a.s.) which appear under different cover names.

His martyrdom

Imam(a.s.) kept his life very personal and preferred to stay in a town close to Madina from where he would preach the true religion of Allah(swt) quietly and with character. His character and preaching inspired a large number of people specially in the vicinity of Madina and Makkah. Slowly the tyrrant rulers of his time began to realize the dangers that they faced from the Imam(a.s.)'s preaching and character. His period of Imamte was full of tyrant rulers such as Yazid untill 64 A.H., Moawiya bin Yazid and Marwan bin-al-Hakam until 65 A.H, then from 68 A.H. until 86 A.H. was the rulership of Abdul Malik bin Marwan and finally from 86 A.H. until 96 A.H. was the period of Walid bin Abdul Malik. Amid this growing threat, Walid decided to poison and kill the Imam and finally he succeeded in his ulterior motives and Imam Sajjad(a.s.) was poisoned by the governor of Madina and martyred on 25th Moharram 95 A.H. (713 A.D.)

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Completion of islam - Ghadeer | 40 Ahadith

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17 DUA'S ON IMAM E ZAMANA (A.T.F.S.)

                   




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Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) and the Month of Muharram

Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) and the Month of Muharram

"My son! Convey my greetings to my followers and tell them that: my father passed away while he was lonely, so weep on him; and that he was martyred, so shed tears over him …”

(Imam Hussain (PBUH) addressing his son Imam Sajjad (PBUH) on his last moments)⁽¹⁾

The Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) constantly encouraged their followers to weep and make others weep over Imam Hussain (PBUH), and they themselves were committed to do so. In Zyiarah of Nahiya, Imam Mahdi (PBUH) addresses his blessed forefather, Imam Hussain (PBUH), by saying; “I shall mourn you every morning and every evening, and I shall weep blood for you instead of tears.” ⁽²⁾

While emphasizing constant mourning for Imam Hussain (PBUH), the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) made their grief more apparent upon entering the month of Muharram.

In this regard, Imam Reza (PBUH) says; “When the month of Muharram arrived, my father was not seen smiling, and during the first ten days, his grief would intensify with every day that passed. The day of Ashura - the tenth day – was the peak of his grief and crying; and he would repeatedly say (on that day): this is the day that Hussain (PBUH) was killed.” ⁽³⁾

In addition to individual mourning and personal grief, the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) also emphasized the mourning gatherings. In fact, they held these gatherings in their houses or public venues.

Di’bil Khuzaii says: I met Imam Reza (PBUH) during the days before Ashura while he was in a state of mourning and sitting among his followers.  The Imam (PBUH)asked me to sit besides him, and he said to me, ”O! Di'bil! These days are the days of grief for us, and the days of delight for our enemies; recite a eulogy for theMaster of the Martyrs (PBUH).”

Di'bil says that I recited a poem about the tragedies of Imam Hussain (as). Imam Reza (PBUH) and the others cried so intensely that the sound of crying permeated the entire house. ⁽⁴⁾

Moreover, Imam Reza (PBUH) said to Rayyan bin Shabib on the first day of Muharram, ”Muharram is the month in which (even) the ignorant Arabs used to forbid any war; however, in this very month our women and progeny were taken into captivity and their tents were set on fire …. and they did not respect the dignity of the Prophet (PBUH&HP).” ⁽⁵⁾

Imam Hussain (PBUH) tolerated all these calamities so that the religion of Islamand true worship of Allah (SWT) would survive. The rising of Imam Hussain (PBUH) guarded the religion of Allah (SWT), and mourning over his tragedies keeps the Divine message of his uprising alive.  To this end, mourning the oppressed martyr of Karbala (PBUH) pleases Allah (SWT), as the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) themselves constantly commemorated his martyrdom. Therefore, it is good to remind ourselves of the life of the Master of the Martyrs (PBUH), the message of his rising, and his grief over these days, and to commemorate and hold mourning gatherings in an attempt to follow the tradition of the dignitaries of our religion.

(The above is a selection taken from “Ihraam of Muharram”, by Abdul Hussain Neishabouri (with changes and additions))

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Heart rending event

This event has been recorded by Ibn Saad in his voluminous Tabakat. As the caravan of prisoners was advancing its way to Yazid’s (L.A) court it passed by a mosque where an old man was reading the Holy Quran. Hearing noise and commotion this very old man with a hunched back emerged from the mosque and inquired about the identity of the prisoners.
He was informed that the captives belonged to people who had rebelled against the ruling king. The old man approached the head of the prisoners; a man whose neck was bent down due to the heavy weight of iron chains. His hands and feet were clad in chains too.
The old man said:
“All praise to Allah who has disgraced you. You had rebelled against the king.” Our fourth Imam: Imam Zain ul aabedeen (A.S) on hearing these words raised his head and asked: “Do you recite Quran?” The old man replied “Yes just now I was reading it in the mosque!”

Our Imam asked; Have you read the ayat of Mawadda from Surah Shura:
“I do not ask you any returns for it but love for my near relatives.” 42:23The old man said “Yes”.

“Have you read ayat e tatheer in Surah Ahzab?”
“Allah only desires to keep away the uncleanness from you, O people of the house! And to purify you a (thorough) purifying.”  33:33 The old man replied “Yes!”

“Have you read Ayat e Mubahila?” 3:61
The old man exclaimed: “Yes! But what do you have to do with these verses? These are verses related toAale Muhammad!”

Our Holy Imam replied: “By Allah, we are Aale Muhammad!”

The old man became agitated and disturbed.
“What is your name?”
‘Ali’
Whose son are you?
I am the son of Hussein. My father is the son of Fatema whose head you see on top of that spear.
The old man cried out in anguish! He fell at the feet of our fourth Imam begging forgiveness. Imam asked him to rise.
The old man lamented: “What an upheaval! The beloved son of the Prophet has been killed.”
The old man inquired: “O son of Prophet! Who are those ladies on the camels?
The Imam said: “Those are the daughters of the Apostle.”

The old man implored: “O son of Prophet! I am too old to fight. Please permit me to lie down in front of the camels so they pass over me, crushing me. On the day of judgement I can say to the Prophet: “Ya Rasul Allah! i could not bear seeing your granddaughters without Hijab!”

Heart rending event

This event has been recorded by Ibn Saad in his voluminous Tabakat. As the caravan of prisoners was advancing its way to Yazid’s (L.A) court it passed by a mosque where an old man was reading the Holy Quran. Hearing noise and commotion this very old man with a hunched back emerged from the mosque and inquired about the identity of the prisoners.
He was informed that the captives belonged to people who had rebelled against the ruling king. The old man approached the head of the prisoners; a man whose neck was bent down due to the heavy weight of iron chains. His hands and feet were clad in chains too.
The old man said:
“All praise to Allah who has disgraced you. You had rebelled against the king.” Our fourth Imam: Imam Zain ul aabedeen (A.S) on hearing these words raised his head and asked: “Do you recite Quran?” The old man replied “Yes just now I was reading it in the mosque!”

Our Imam asked; Have you read the ayat of Mawadda from Surah Shura:
“I do not ask you any returns for it but love for my near relatives.” 42:23The old man said “Yes”.

“Have you read ayat e tatheer in Surah Ahzab?”
“Allah only desires to keep away the uncleanness from you, O people of the house! And to purify you a (thorough) purifying.”  33:33 The old man replied “Yes!”

“Have you read Ayat e Mubahila?” 3:61
The old man exclaimed: “Yes! But what do you have to do with these verses? These are verses related toAale Muhammad!”

Our Holy Imam replied: “By Allah, we are Aale Muhammad!”

The old man became agitated and disturbed.
“What is your name?”
‘Ali’
Whose son are you?
I am the son of Hussein. My father is the son of Fatema whose head you see on top of that spear.
The old man cried out in anguish! He fell at the feet of our fourth Imam begging forgiveness. Imam asked him to rise.
The old man lamented: “What an upheaval! The beloved son of the Prophet has been killed.”
The old man inquired: “O son of Prophet! Who are those ladies on the camels?
The Imam said: “Those are the daughters of the Apostle.”

The old man implored: “O son of Prophet! I am too old to fight. Please permit me to lie down in front of the camels so they pass over me, crushing me. On the day of judgement I can say to the Prophet: “Ya Rasul Allah! i could not bear seeing your granddaughters without Hijab!”

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The Aims and Objectives of Imam Husain’s (a.s.) stand

Ya Husain (a.s.)

The Aims and Objectives of Imam Husain’s (a.s.) stand

 What was the course of Imam Husain’s (a.s) revolution? What reasons prompted him to initiate such a great and unmatched upspring? Did he intended to overthrow the Yazid regime? Did he wish to end the Umayyad dynasty? These and such other questions keep cropping in the mind and everyone wants to know the satisfactory replies, specially the mourner of Imam Husain (a.s) are more eager in this regard.

 When Imam Husain (a.s) vas preparing to leave on his longest journey, he bid adieu to the grave of his grandfather, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Then he wrote a legacy addressing his brother Mohammed Bin Hanafiyyah in which he explained the aims and objectives of his uprising. We are quoting an extract from the same legacy hereunder. He wrote thus:  

“And surely the aim of my stand is not inspired by vain exultation and it is also not for the quest of kingdom, neither it is to cause dissension and corruption nor it is to wrong anybody unjustly.” [These sentences of Imam Husain (a.s) are sufficient enough to beat all the criticisms and accusation leveled against him by the enemies of Islam and the enemies of Imam Husain (a.s).] Now the question arises if these were not the motives of Imam’s uprising than why did he took stand? What were the aims of his uprising? Thus continued Imam Husain (a.s)

“The purpose of my stand is the reformation of my grandfather’s nation. I intend to enjoin goodness and forbid evil. I want to emulate my grandfather, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) and my father Ali Bin Abu Taalib (Peace be upon him). Whosoever accepts me by accepting the truth, then Allah is higher than the truth. And whosoever rejects me then I will bear patiently until Allah adjudges between me and them and He is the best Judge.”

In this legacy the chief of martyrs has explained three purposes for his stand:

1) The reformation of his grandfather’s nation.

2) Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil.

3) Renewal and Revival of the tradition of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) and Hazrat Ali (a.s).  

These  purposes are not different than each other rather these are complementary to each other because, nation can be reformed only by means of bidding good and forbidding evil. The tradition and path of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and Hazrat Ali (a.s.) is goodness and anything other than that is evil.  

Some facts are stated by Hazrat Imam Husain (a.s) in his other sermons and letters but in other words. When he reached Mecca he wrote a letter to the people of  Basra thus; “I invite you towards the Book of Allah and the Sunnat of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) because indeed sunnat has been mutilated and hereby is revived. Whoever will accept my words, then I will guide him towards the straight path”.

(Tarikhe-Tabari vol. 7, pg. 240)

In another letter to the people of Kufa he wrote thus: “By Allah, Imam is the one who acts on the commands of the Book, deals with Justice, followed the truth and reserves his self for the pleasure of Allah.” These words of Imam imply that only he can be an Imam who possesses these characteristics and the one who does not possess them cannot be an Imam. Hence Yazid Bin Muawiya has had no right to the caliphate.

  When he reached at ‘Baiza’, a place near Karbala  and was besieged by the contingent of Hurr, then he addressed his men and the army of Hurr in these words:  

“The one who sees a tyrant King who is making unlawful as lawful, violating the pledge (of God), opposing the Sunnat of the Holy Prophet ruling on the servant of Allah with sins and oppression. And by his words and actions does not oppose the King and does not strive to reform the circumstances, then it behove Allah to hurl him into Hell along with the King.”Then he continued about the Yazidi regime thus “They have shun the obedience of Allah and acted following shaitan. They are instigating commotion and dismissing the Divine laws. They are expending from the public exchequer for their selfish end and are changing the prohibited things to permissible thing.”

  In the first sermon at Karbala he spoke thus: “Can’t you see that the truth is not followed and the falsehood is not shunned? In such circumstances a believer should desire to meet Allah. Surely I regard death as  nothing but an honor and life with oppressors as anything but disgrace.”

(Tarikhe-Tabari vol. 7, pg. 300)

Nevertheless the unique and unparalleled revolution of Imam Husain (a.s) which began in Rajab 60 A.H. and apparently ended with the glorious martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s), his kith and kin and companions. The purpose of this revolution was to revive and rejuvenate Islam, (which was distorted and Yazidi regime wanted to annihilate it) and also to reform the nation of the Holy Prophet (s.a. w.a.). Some of the Sunni Traditionalists have added a phrase of ‘and on the path of Khulafa Rashedeen’. It is an addition made in the reign of Umayyad dynasty because the term ‘Khulafa Rashedeen’ was coined by the Historians and Scholastic Theologians of that time because this term was not in use at the time of Imam Husain (a.s.). Secondly Hazrat Ali (a.s.) himself was included among Khulafa Rashedeen and hence it seems utterly ridiculous that I will
follow Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and Khulafa Rashedeen, Thirdly Imam Husain (a.s.) was critical about the behavioral pattern of the caliphs, then how he could have desired to follow their paths?

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The Prophecies of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) regarding the event of Karbala

The traditions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) prophesizing the martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s.) has been recorded in Shia and Sunni books alike. Here we shall confine our discussion to the traditions related from Sunni sources:

(1) Ibn Sa’ad and Tabrani have related from Ayesha that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has said:

“Jibraeel has informed me that after me my son Husain (a.s.) will be slain on the land of  Taff. He (Jibrael) brought the soil of that land to me and said that he will be buried underneath this soil.”

Mulla Ali Qaari has recorded the tradition with more details and Khalili has narrated the same in Irshaad with these words:-

“…….this soil belongs to that earth.”

Same tradition has been related from Ayesha with these words:”Certainly
Jibraeel showed me the soil of the earth where Husain will be killed. Then the wrath of Allah will be severe on those who spilled his blood.”

(Sawaeq, p. 190-91; Kanzul Ummal, vol. 2, p. 223)

(2) Abu Baud and Hakim have narrated from Umme Fazl binte Harith that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has said:

“Jibraeel came to me and informed me that my Ummat will kill my son Husain and he gave me little bit of that blood-stained reddish soil.”

(Sawaeq, p. 19; Maqtale-Kkwarazmi, p. 152)

(3) Tabrani and Abu Yaali have narrated from Zainab binte Jahash that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said:

“Jibraeel brought the news to me that my Ummat will kill this son (Husain) of mine. When I asked for the soil of that earth, he handed over the reddish soil to me.”

(Kanzul Ummal, vol. 2, p. 223)

(4) Ahmad bin Hanbal has related from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) that:An angel came in my house who had never come before. Then he addressed me and said:- “This son (Husain) of yours will be killed and if you wish I can bring the soil of that place, and then he gave a bit of reddish soil in my hand.”

(Sawaeq, p. 190)

(5) Ibne Sa’ad narrates from Umme Salma who narrates from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) that: “Jibraeel informed me that my son Husain will be killed in the land of Iraq. When I said show me the soil of the earth where he will be killed, he brought the soil and said here is the soil.”

Ibn Asaakir has also narrated the tradition from Umme Salma with these words:-”…..wrath of Allah be upon his killer.”

(Kanzul Ummal, vol. 2, p. 223)

(6) Ibne Sa’ad has narrated from Sho’bi that: “When Hazrat Ali (a.s.) was going towards Siffin, he passed from Karbala. When he reached the village ‘Nainawa’, located near Furat, and inquired it’s name, he was told that it is known as ‘Karbala’. At this he wept so much that the earth became wet. Abdullah ibne Yahya narrated from his father who was a slave of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) that:”Be patient O Aba Abdillah, be patient O Aba Abdillah, be patient O Aba Abdillah, by the river of Furat.”

He continued that, I visited the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) when he was  weeping. When I inquired about the reason for weeping, he said: “Once Jibraeel told me that my son Husain will be killed in the vicinity of Furat, at a place called Karbala . Then Jibraeel brought out a handful of soil whose fragrance was coming up to my nostrils. After smelling this fragrance, tears came in my eyes.” Ahmad bin Hanbal and Ibne Zahaq has narrated this tradition from Hazrat Ali (a.s.).

(7) Khwarizmi has narrated that Abu Ali Bairhaqi has quoted in his history that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) addressed Imam Husain (a.s.) and said:

“Certainly a special grade has been reserved for you in paradise which cannot be attained without martyrdom.”

Abu Ali Islami says:

“When the army of enemies started gathering to fight Imam Husain (a.s.), then he understood that he would be slain and he bore it patiently.”

(Maqtale Khwarizmi, p. 170)

(8) Sibt ibn Jauzi narrates that when Imam Husain (a.s.) reached Karbala, he inquired about the name of the place and he was told that it is Karbala, and is also known as Nainawah, which is the name of the village. Imam Husain (a.s.) wept at this and said: “This is the land of distress and restlessness.”

Janabe Umme Salma has told me that once when Jibraeel came to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), you were with me. Then the Holy Prophet (S.A.) called you near and made you sit on his lap. Then Jibraeel inquired of him: “Do you hold him dear?”

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) replied: “Yes, of course.”

Jibraeel said: “Your Ummat will kill him and if you wish I will show you the place where he will be slain” and then Jibraeel showed the land of Karbala. Hence when Imam Husain (a.s.) was told that this is the land of Karbala , then he smelled the soil and said: “This is the same land, of which Jibraeel has informed the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), where I will be killed.”

And as narrated in another tradition that he took a handful of soil from there and smelled it – same tradition has been narrated by Ibn Sa’ad in Tabaqat through Waqedi.

                                               (Tazkiratul Khwas, p. 259-260)

Ibn binte Munie has narrated two traditions from Umme Salma in this chapter.

(Zakhaaerul Uqba, p. 147-148)

(9) Ibn Aseer and Tabari have narrated from Fuzarah that:

“Zohair ibn Qain Bajalee who was a partisan of Usman went for Hajj in the same year when Imam Husain (a.s.) left for Iraq.

“While returning he met the caravan of Imam Husain (a.s.) on his way. Since he was a friend of Usman he was loathe to remain with the caravan of Imam Husain (a.s.). But one day, coincidentally when Imam Husain (a.s.) came out of his tent, he also came out and Imam (A.S.) saw him.”

Fuzarah continues:- “Once when we were having our breakfast, a messenger of Imam Husain (A.S.) came and said:

‘O Zohair, Imam Husain (a.s.) has sent me with a message that he wishes to see you.’ We left the morsel in our hand with utter surprise, because Zohair was loathe to meet him. Dailam binte Amr, wife of Zohair, said in a fiery tone: ‘Subhan
Allah, the son of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) calls you through a messenger  and you do not want to go. At this Zohair went to Imam Husain (a.s.), albeit
unwillingly. When he returned, after a while, his face was beaming with joy. He erected his tent near to the tents of Imam Husain (A.S.) and said: ‘I have
decided that I will accompany and defend him even at the cost of my life.’

His wife while bidding him farewell said: ‘May God bless you with goodness, I have a humble request from you that on the day of Qiyamat remember me in the presence of the grandfather of Husain.’

Then Zohair turned towards his companions and said:

‘Whosoever from amongst you wishes to accompany me can come along and whoever wishes to part then this is my last tryst with him. I will tell you one incident. We have been to the city of Balkhajer , which is in Turkey for
participating in a battle. There the Almighty blessed us with a victory. We
gained a lot of booty of war and we were very happy with it. Salman Farsi said: ‘If you get an opportunity to stay in the company of the youth of Ale-Mohammad and fight in their company then that pleasure and joy will be by far surpassing than this war-booty. I assign you to God.’ Then he joined Imam Husain (a.s.) and laid down his life for him. Kamil and Ibn Aseer have quoted another version of Salman’s saying. It is as follows:

‘If you reach the times of the chief of the Youths of Ale-Mohammad then the pleasure of fighting along with them will be much more than today’s war-booty.’ And Tabari has written Salman Bahuli instead of Salman Farsi and it seems to be more correct because Salman Bahuli was killed in Balkhajer.

(Summul-Mane, pg. 141; Al-Kamil,  vol. 3, pg. 277; Talari, vol. 14, pg. 299.)

(10) Ibn Aseer has related from Ghurfa Azdi, who was a companion of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) that:

“There arose a doubt in my heart regarding the status of Hazrat Ali (a.s.). Hence I followed him when he moved towards the side of river Furat. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) stood at a side. We all too stood around him. Then he signaled from his hand and said: ‘This place is the habitat of camels, their riders and other animals. This is also a place where blood will be spilled. My father be their ransom nobody from the earth and skies will be their helper except Allah.’

Ghurfa says that “When Husain (a.s.) was killed; I reached at the spot where they were killed. I saw it was the same place which Hazrat Ali (a.s.) had shown to us. There was not the slightest difference in it. He adds: I seek forgiveness from God for that doubt and I have gained certitude that Hazrat Ali (a.s.) does not take any step without the will of God.”

(Asadul-Ghaba, vol. 4. pg. l69).

(11) Dailami has related from Ma’az that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said:

“I am aware of the martyrdom of Husain, I have seen the soil of the place (of
martyrdom) and I have also been informed of his killers.”

 (Kanzul Ummal, vol. 6, pg. 223)

(12) Ibn Asaakir has related from Ibn Amr that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has said: “May Allah deprive the wretched Yazid of His mercy. Know that I have been informed about the martyrdom of my beloved Husain and also the sand of his grave is brought unto me. I have seen his assassins. Know that Husain has not been slain among those who do not love him but the wrath of Allah be upon them.”

(13) Baihaqi has quoted a tradition from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) that he prophesized about the martyrdom of Imam Husain (A.S.) that “He will be martyred at a place near Kufa called Taff.”

(As-Sirato Nabviyah, vol. 3, pg.220)

(14) Yakubi has written that: “The foremost in Medina who mourned on the calamity of Imam Husain (a.s.) was the wife of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), Janabe Umme Salma because the jar in which the sand of Karbala was kept was given to her by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and he had told her: ‘Jibraeel has informed me that my Ummat will kill Husain and then he gave me the sand. When this sand will turn into fresh blood then understand Husain has been slain.’ That sand was with Umme Salma. When Imam Husain (a.s.) left for Iraq then she used to always look at it. Once when that sand turned into blood, she started wailing aloud. When other women saw her crying even they joined her in the mourning. The whole city was agog with mourning in such a way, as it was never before.”

(Tarikhe Yaqubi, vol. 2, pg. 218, 219)

Ibn Hajar has related from Mulla Ali Qari in Sawaeqe Mohreqa and Ibn Hanbal in his Musnad has recorded the same with a minor difference that “that sand was of the very spot where Imam Husain (A.S.) was slain.”

(Sawaeqe-Wloliarreqa, pg. 191) 

The traditions from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) are in abundance which state that he has foretold all the incidents, including the fate of the assassins. Now it is not known why some people are averse to the events of Karbala ? Why they shun this sunnat of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)? Why they carp and criticize those who narrate the events of Karbala ?

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The Martyrs from Bani Hashim

The Martyrs from Bani Hashim

The Promise of extending protection to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and his  eligion Islam which was made by Hazrat Abu Taalib (a.s.) in the very beginning, its evidence can be seen in every period and era of history, whenever Islam was faced with heavy onslaught it was the sons of Abu  aalib (a.s.) who stood as an unflinchable shield and stoically bore the brunt of all  sorts of catastrophes and calamities including the deaths and exiles but did not budged from safeguarding Islam. Who would be unaware of the  acrifices of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and Hazrat Jafar-e-Taiyyar  (a.s.) in the initial stages of Islam? They were always ahead in every field in every arena ever ready to sacrifice themselves in the cause of Islam. They  were true sons of Abu Taalib and real image of his selfless services. Even in Karbala at many places the examples of Abu Taalib’s sacrifice and dedications can be seen. In the epoch making event of Karbala whoever from Bani Hashim had the privilege of attaining the much coveted martyrdom was a flower from the garden of Abi Taalib. Following is a brief mention of these flowers. Today wherever the name of Islam has survived it is the fruits of their sacrifices. The Garden of Islam owes its freshness to these flowers. This fact should be born in mind that it is a gist of study and not a research work hence there may be difference in their order and number.

A) The sons of Aqeel bin Abu Taalib:

1) Abdur Rahman bin Aqeel

2) Jafar bin Aqeel

3) Muhammad bin Abi Saeed bin Aqeel

4) Abdullah bin Muslim bin Aqeel

5) Muhammad bin Muslim bin Aqeel

B) The sons of Jafar bin Abi Taalib:

1) Aun bin Abdullah bin Jafar Tayyar

2) Muhammad bin Abdullah bin Jafare Tayyar

C) The Sons of Ali Bin Abi Taalib (a.s.)

1) Abdullah bin Ali

2) Jafar bin Ali

3) Usman bin Ali

4) Abbas bin Ali

5) Abu Bakr bin Ali

D) The sons of Hasan bin Ali bin Abi Taalib (a.s.)

1) Abu Bakr bin Hasan

2) Qasim bin Hasan

3) Abdullah bin Hasan

E) The Sons of Husain bin Ali bin Abu Taalib (a.s.)

1) Ali bin Husain (Ali Akbar)

2) Abdullah bin Husain (Ali Asghar)

F) The Son of Fatema Zahra (s.a.)

1) Imam Husain bin Ali bin Abu Taalib (a.s.)

If linear graph of any of the above martyrs may be drawn then certainly it will conclude on the name of Hazrat Abu Taalib (a.s.). When the guardians of the light of Imamat i.e. the companions and friends of Imam (a.s.) sincerely sacrificed their lives then came the turn of kith and kin of Imam to make their share of sacrifices The foremost among them who entered into the
arena of martyrdom was the son of Imam Husain (a.s.) who was yet in his teens and who possessed a remarkable resemblance to the person of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) namely Hazrat Ali bin Husain Ali Akbar (a.s.). Hazrat Ali Akbar (a.s.) possessed enviable merits from maternal as well as paternal side. From paternal side it is well known while his maternal grandfather was Janabe Urwah bin Masood Saqafi who was regarded as one of the four leaders of Islam. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) sometimes named him ‘Owner of Yasin’ sometimes the like of Hazrat Isa (a.s.) and sometimes ‘the leader of Islam’

(Usuadul Ghaba, vol. 1, pg. 19, Nafsul Mahmum pg. 307)

When he desired to leave for the battle field the women folk surrounded him a pall of gloom descended on them, their hopes were crumbling, their helper was bidding them adieu, they all were wailing ‘Have mercy on our helplessness your separation is unbearable for us Hazrat Ali Akbar (a.s.) came out of his tent and climbed on the horse of Imam Husain .(a.s.) named ‘Lahaq’. At this sight tears rolled down the cheeks of Imam Husain (a.s.) moistening his beard. He raised his hands for prayers “0 lord be a witness against this people that a youth is leaving who was resembling the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) most……..whenever I was desirous of seeing the holy prophet (saw) I looked at him …” In the battlefield a Yazidi soldier addressed him thus “You are related to Yazid. Think about this relation If you wish we can grant amnesty to you” He retorted “It is more necessary to think about the relation with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)”

(Maqtalul Muqarram pg.311)

NOTE: This thinking was prevalent in every age and era that personal relation and closeness was preferred over religion.

He recited war ode thus: “I am Ali, the son of Husain bin Ali By the house of Allah we are nearer to  prophet” Then he attacked ferociously sometimes at the right wing and with same ferocity  pounced on left wing. Whoever confronted him perished, he dispatch 120 persons to Hell…..when the thirst became severely intense he rushed to his compassionate father who on seeing his thirst stricken son, He could not control his tears and consoled him by saying “Your grandfather the Holy prophet (s.a.w.a.) will quench your thirst” . Saying this he gave his tongue in his mouth then placed his ring on his tongue Hazrat Ali Akbar returned in the battlefield and even in such a debilitating thirst he killed two hundred more enemies. Murrah bin Munqad Abdi said ‘ let the sins of whole Arab be upon my shoulders if I do not make his mother sorrowful ” He smote the spear on his back and struck sword on his head. A wedge appeared in his head and he hung his hands around the neck of his horse. The horse went towards terai, there the enemies assailed him with sword and chopped his body in pieces.

He called aloud “O father accept my salam” my grandfather the Holy prophet
(s.a.w.a.) is fetching me water and says the same is ready for you “Imam Husain (a.s.) reached on the mutilated corpse of his teenage son and threw
himself upon him, placed his cheek upon his and said “Life after you is
meaningless, So audacious they are regarding God, how daringly they have
trampled the dignity of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). It is unbearable for your
father and grandfather that you seek help from them and they could not help you …” Then he filled his cupped-up palm with the sacred blood of Hazrat Ali
Akbar (a.s.) and threw it towards the sky, from which not a single drop returned back- He could not stop the stream of flowing tears, gave a call to the children from his camp and with their help took the corpse in his tent. After seeing the blood-smeared corpse of such a beautiful youth even the women-folk could not contain their grief and started beating their heads and chests and tearing their hairs out of sorrow. Janabe Zainab (a.s.) was at the forefront, she flung herself upon the body and wept bitterly. According
to the narration of Tabari and Khwarizmi all the women were so aggrieved that they left their tents and came out, it was obvious since their grief was really inconsolable.

Abdullah bin Muslim After this Janabe Abdullah bin Muslim stepped into the battlefield, he was paternally related to Janabe Aqeel (a.s.) and maternally related to Hazrat Ali (a.s.). He made many fierce attacks. Yazid bin Reqaad Al-Jahni targeted an arrow towards him, he tried to thwart the arrow with his hand but the shot was so powerful that the arrow passed through the hand and pierced the forehead, while his hand also got stuck with the arrow. Despite his consistent efforts he could not release his hand. He invoked God “0 Lord be a witness that they thought us weak and considered us degraded. Kill them the way they killed us.” Yet he was praying when a wretched soldier hit a spear on his chest because of which he
lost his balance on the horse and fell on the ground. The sons of Janabe Jafar and Aqeel. After this the sons of Janabe Jafar and Aqeel came in the arena of death one after  nother for the protection of the Imam of their time and beloved of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and made their sacrifices.

Later Aun bin Abdullah and Muhammad Bin Abdullah came in the battlefield turn by turn and fought gallantly.

When Abdur Rehman bin Aqeel came on the scene he recited this war-ode:

“I am the son of Aqeel know my position I am Q descendant of Hashim the heights of veracity The peak of greatness He is Husain the great The chief of youths of paradise”

Then came his brother Jafar bin Aqeel and said “I am a Talebi
and Abtahi youth This Husain is the purest of pure”

After that Abdullah bin Aqeel came in the battle field and kept fighting until he was badly bruised and battered and collapsed on the ground. Usman bin Khalid Tarnimi killed him.

The Sons of Imam Hasan (a.s.) Abu Bakr bin Hasan who was also known Abdullah Akbar came in the battlefield and laid his life for the cause of Imam (a.s.). Then proceeded Qasim bin Hasan when Imam Husain (a.s.) saw him he embraced him and  hed tears they both wept profusely. He advanced towards the battlefield in a very strange attire, He had a sword in his hand and a mere robe on the body even one of his footwear were broken.

Precisely speaking he neither wore an armor nor war boots. Despite such lack of war preparations he was so desirous of martyrdom and so much a brim with courage that neither his gait staggered nor did his hands quiver. The majority of adversaries could not scare him a bit and he recited the war-ode thus “If you all do not know me, then I am the son of Hasan, the son of the Holy prophet (s.a.w.a.) This Husain has been rendered helpless by you. ou have also deprived him of water.”

In another war ode he said

“I am Qasim a descendant of Ali by Kaaba, we are nearest to the Holy Prophet. Shimr and Ibne Ziyad are very far from him”.

Hamid bin Muslim narrates that such a youth came in battlefield who seemed to be a shining piece of moon and he was faced with the stoned hearted men Amr bin Sa’ad bin Nafil Al Azdi who attacked from all sides and started narrowing the siege.

Hamid bin Muslim asked Amr “What are you up to? What do you want to do with this young man? What is the need of so many soldiers?”

He replied “I will make a heavy onslaught” and he dealt heavy blow on Qasim’s head because of which he fell on the ground on his face and gave a call” O Uncle ” When Imam Husain (a.s.) heard this he rushed towards him and attacked, Amr tried to ward off the attack by hand and lost his hand in  the process, he shrieked so loudly that the whole troop came to his rescue.

When the dust settled Imam Husain (a.s.) was near Qasim who due to extreme pain was rubbing his heels. Imam Husain (a.s…) was reciting the elegy “It is so difficult for your uncle that you call him and he could not reply and when he reached you, could not help you. Alas! the enemies are more in number and helpers are so few”.

Imam Husain (a.s.) lifted him in his hands while his head was on his shoulders and his feet was dragging on the ground. Imam Husain (a.s…) laid him down by the side of Ali Akbar. The Sons of Hazrat Ali Bin Abi Taalib (a.s.) When Bani Hashim were embracing martyrdom one after the another, Hazrat Abbas addressed his brothers thus ” Dear brothers go ahead and defend your master and leader and see that do not leave your position unless you are not killed” After this the brothers of Abbas came on the front and faced deaths turn by turn.

Abdullah bin Ali was killed by Hani bin Sabit Hazran. According to Ibn Shahr Ashob, When Jafar bin Ali came on the front Khule Asbahi shot such an arrow which hit his eye or on forehead because of which he fell from the horse. Then came Usman bin Ali again who was hit by arrow by Khuli Asbahi due to which he fell on the ground and a man from Bani Waraam killed him ( Hazrat Ali (a.s.) named him after one of the beloved companions of the Holy Prophet(s.a.w.a.),Usman bin Mahzun, who was a great man, used to fast at day time and was worshipping at night. He was first to be buried at Jannatul Baqi. According to Sheikh Abbas Qummi after his death the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) kissed him. Hazrat Abul Fazl Al Abbas (a.s.) It needs
quite an amount of courage to write about him. How to write about him who was a beloved brother of Husain, source of solace for Zainab, Centre of hope for the womenfolk, the standard bearer of the troop. He was so handsome that He  was named Qamar-e-Bani Hashim (The moon of Hashmite Clan) He was physically so strong that while astride on horse his feet were not contained in stirrup rather they touch the ground, his bravery was so phenomenal that the multitude of enemy’s army could not frighten him or even bother him to the least. The martyrdom of near and dear ones, separation of brothers and nephews and above all loneliness of Imam Husain (a.s…) was unbearable for him. The cries of “Oh Thirst, Oh Thirst’ mincing the heart. He wished to take leave from Imam (a.s.) so that he can sacrifice himself for the Imam of the time. On the other hand Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) was an invaluable asset for Imam Husain (a.s…). His name itself was enough to send the shivers down the spine of the enemies it meant a spell of permanent fear for the enemies and assurance for the womenfolk. When he expressed his desire to leave. Imam Husain (a.s.) replied “O brother you are the standard bearer of my army, solace of my heart and sign of my troop”.

He requested again “I had enough of these hypocrites and I want to take
revenge”. Imam (a.s.) finally agreed and said “Go and fetch some water for the children” Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) came on the front. He admonished them and warned them of chastisement of Hell but of no avail (Here is a point to ponder that in such circumstances where blood thirsty enemies can be seen everywhere. Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) was advising them, calling them towards God, warning them about hereafter. Which shows that reformation of an enemy is more preferable then exacting revenge from him. Really how large hearted Ahle Bait (a.s.) were! How much concerned they were about the reformation of others, not for a single moment they gave preference to personal benefit over religion. One more thing becomes clear that they always performed their duties of advice and admonition and preaching and propagation. If it produced any effect then nothing like it otherwise they fulfilled their responsibilities). He turned towards Umar Sa’ad and said:

He is Husain, the son of the Holy Prophet’s (s.a.w.a.) daughter. You slaughtered his companion and relatives His near ones are thirsty. Give them water. Their hearts are roasted due to thirst. Despite of it he is saying that leave me, I will quit Iraq and Arabia for you and go towards India or Rome . This speech made such an impact upon enemies that some of them started weeping.But the accursed Shimr thundered ” O son of Abu Turab ! Even if the whole world turned into water and if left to us we will not allow them to have a single drop of water unless they paid allegiance to Yazid.”

Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) returned towards the camp and narrated the dialogues to Imam Husain (a.s…) and saw the young children crying for water. He couldn’t bear the pathetic plight of the children, he climbed on the horse, carried water bag on the shoulder arid entered the battlefield. The four thousand soldiers encircled him and showered arrows on him. Such a mammoth crowd could not daunt him.

He fearlessly sliced the waves of pouncing soldiers and moved ahead unhindered and unobstructed. The flag of Al-Hamd was fluttering above his head. It was difficult for the enemies to differentiate between him and Hazrat Ali (a.s.) for his very style of attack, his expertise in duel and his dexterity in
driving off the crowd was very much like Hazrat Ali (a.s.). History cannot
produce two warriors of such striking similarities in their inimitable feats of
prowess as were Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and Hazrat Abbas (a.s.), why not for Abbas
was after all son of Ali. Nobody could prove tenacious enough to face him for long and with an incredible ease he led his horse into the river. He filled
water in his cupped palm but soon was reminded of the thirst of Imam Husain (a.s.) and his restless children and he threw off the water. He said: “It  is not my religion that I quench my thirst and Husain and his children should remain thirsty” he filled the water bag and turned his horse towards the camp. The multitude of fiendish soldiers again surrounded him. But even courage will exude pride in getting associated with him, he cleaned his path quite easily, opponents came one after the another and bit the dust in no time. While his horse was cantering towards the camp his sword was doing the needful, he was saying my life be sacrificed for Husain, I am Abbas the ‘water fetcher’ he kept on moving ahead. Until Zaid bin Al- Reqaad Al-Jahni with the help of Hakim bin Tufail Al Nabsi deceptively from behind a tree dealt a heavy blow on his right hand. The blow was so severe that, his right was amputated. He said: “By God though you would have severed my right hand still I will defend my religion and my Imam”.

Just think that, how much concerned he is for safeguarding Islam and Imam of the time despite his thirst, injuries amputated hand bathed in blood. The crowd of calamities and painful wounds could not dampen his spirits if at all he is worried then for his religion and for Imam (a.s.) We wish that if we could be blessed with only a drop of such faithfulness and loyalty for our Imams (a.s.). Though his right hand was chopped but his bravery and valor was least affected. His earnest desire was to deliver water to Imam Husain (a.s.) and his children. As he was moving ahead Hakim bin Tufail again struck sword on his left hand deceptively from behind a tree and thus his left arm was also severed. When the enemies saw this they were encouraged. They surrounded him from all sides andshot-arrows. Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) was all alone that too deprived of both the hands, how could he ward off the attack and how could he remove the arrows One arrow pierced the water bag and another penetrated into his heart. One wretched man hit chopper on his head which made a cleft in his head. He collapsed and came on the ground it is not known how he would have touched the ground since he did not have hands to support while falling He called ” My salaam to you () Abu Abdullah” Imam Husain (a.s.) came. How did he come there by his will power or love of his brother brought him there it cannot be imagined .When Imam Husain (a.s.) reached at the site of Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) he saw the blood smeared body of his beloved brother hands amputated badly bruised body and smothered head how would his eyes had seen such a scene and how would he had consoled himself ? Imam Husain (a.s.) said “O Abbas my Spine has lost support and means of life reduced”.

Imam Husain (a.s.) did not bring the corpse of Janabe Abbas (a.s.) to his camp perhaps because of his greatness so that he may have a separate shrine. The way he enjoyed a distinct, position in the army of Imam Husain (a.s.) so he should have a distinction even in mausoleum. It may become the source of hope for the needy and their desires be fulfilled from here. That hordes and hordes of angels should descend for paying their tributes and visitation. A glance at the grandeur of shrine is enough to envisage the sublimity of his status on the day of Qiyamat.

When Imam Husain (a.s.) walked towards the camp he was sorrowful broken hearted and weeping profusely. He was wiping his tears from his sleeves and was saying “Is there anybody who could help us ? Is there anybody to support us ? Is there any righteous man who could aid us? When Imam Husain reached at his camp then Janabe Sakina and Janabe Zainab (a.s.) came to him and inquired about the fate of Janabe Abbas (a.s.). When Janabe Zainab (a.s.) heard of his martyrdom she cried aloud, the entire group of women followed her in weeping and wailing. Even Imam Husain (a.s.) was mourning at his brother. Hazrat Ali Asghar (a.s.) Though the
death of every companion of Imam Husain (a.s..) aggrieved him but the martyrdom of  Janabe Abbas (a.s..) left an indelible mark of sorrow on his heart. Whata painful scene it was when Imam Husain (a.s..) was left alone at the entrance of the tent, the corpse of the martyrs scattered everywhere, the voice of mourning of women was filling the air and as Imam Husain (a.s..) expressed his call for help then their wailing reached its peak.

Sibt Ibn Jauzi writes in ‘Tazkirat Al-Khwas’ pg:-143: “When Imam Husain (a.s..) heard the crying of an infant, he carried that child towards the soldiers and said “If you do not have mercy on me then at least feel pity for this infant.” But they all were heartless men no one was moved. Hurmula shot an arrow and the infant was slaughtered in the arms of his father. When Imam (a.s.) saw this tears gushed forth from his eyes. He invoked God.” 0 Lord decide between me and this nation. They invited us with faith and assurance for help rather they are killing us.” There came a divine voice,” O! Husain Bid farewell to this child, a midwife has been appointed for him in this paradise.”  Imam Husain (a.s.) came down from his horse dug a grave from his sword and buried the  blood-bathed corpse of Hazrat Ali Asghar (a.s.) After this began the sanguine spectacle of Imam Husain (a.s..)’s heroic martyrdom.

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