The Assassin of Imam Husain (a.s.) – Ibne Ziyad (Curse of Allah upon him)

The Assassin of Imam Husain (a.s.) – Ibne Ziyad (Curse of Allah upon him)

This is the  first article in the series of the wretched assassins of Imam Husain (a.s.) in the service of our esteemed readers to enlighten them on the character and conduct of the enemies of Ahle Bait (a.s.). Here we have recorded the circumstance of Ibne Ziyad’s immoral life so that the readers of Al-Muntazar may understand his ‘unholy position’.  

Lineage: His name was Ubaidullah and his father’s name was Ziyad bin Abeeh. His epithet was Abu Hafs. His mother’s name was Marjana. His paternal grandmother Somaiya was a slave- maid of Haaris bin Kaldah Taefi. Since her promiscuous nature was known to everybody, hence Haris had refused to own two of her sons viz. Abu Bakr and Ziyad. It was for this reason that Ziyad was known as Ziyad bin Abeeh (his father’s son). When Muawiya bin Abu Sufyan succeeded in grabbing the caliphate then he declared Ziyad to be a son of Abu Sufyan (born under sin) and thus his brother. When Ziyad died in 53 A.H. then all of his sons adhered to Umayyad dynasty. Ubaidullah was more prominent among them. As a conclusion, Ubaidullah was known as a nephew of Muawiya since his father Ziyad was ascribed to Abu Sufyan. Ubaidullah and his father Ziyad, both of them were illegitimate by
birth.  

The ruler of Khorasan and Basra.

In 54 A. H. Muawiya appointed Ubaidullah as the governor of Khorasan.He conquered some of the regions of Mawara-ul-Nahar. In 56 A. H. he was dismissed from the governorship of Khorasan and in the same year, he was made the governor of Basrah. In 60 A. H. with the death of Muawiya, the governorship of Kufa also fell in his hands. In 61 A. H., Yazid deputed him to fight against Imam Husain (a.s.).Under his commandership, the event of Karbala took place. After the death of Yazid, he staked the claim for caliphate and invited the people of Basrah and Kufa for the pledge of allegiance.  

Initially the people of Basrah paid fealty to him but later they rose in rebellion against him. While the people of Kufa out rightly repudiated paying fealty to
him.

(Ansabul-Ashraaf, vol. 4, pg. 79) 

The Activities of Ibne Ziyad in Kufa.

According to a narration, Yazid was displeased with him and wanted to dismiss him. But because of his enmity towards Imam Husain (a.s.) and also at the same time Hazrat Muslim bin Aqeel who was in Kufa seeking allegiance for Imam Husain (a.s.), was seen as a threat by Yazid and hence to counter this threat he send Ibne Ziyad to Kufa so that he can arrest Hazrat Muslim and finally kill him.

(Tabari, the events of 60 A H-)  

While Balazuri writes in Ansabul Ashraaf that Muawiya appointed him as the governor of Kufa in his own lifetime.  When Janabe Muslim bin Aqeel reached Kufa and the people expressed their fealty to Imam Husain (a.s.) and were earnestly awaiting him. In the meantime Ibne Ziyad entered Kufa incognito since the people of Kufa did not know him hence they mistook him for Imam Husain (A.S.). Ibne Ziyad monitored the circumstances very shrewdly and reached the ministerial palace. He ordered search for Muslim Ibne Aqeel.

(Tabari, the events of 60 A H-’, Al-’Bidaya wan-Nihaya, vol.8, pg. 155)

 During his address to the people of Kufa, he threatened his opponents with dire consequences and lambasted them. While his supporters were tempted with bribes and gifts.

(Abul-Qaraj, pg. 97)  

Janabe Haani Ibne Urwah was sick and since Ibne Ziyad knew him, he expected the visit of Muslim bin Aqeel. Ibne Ziyad has come to know of this, hence he summoned Haani Bin Urwah to his palace and imprisoned him. Later he also arrested Muslim Ibne Aqeel and slayed both of them. He dispatched both of their heads to the court of Yazid.

(Tabari, the events of 60 A H)  

The Terrorism of Ibne Ziyad

His tyranny and oppression in Kufa was rising everyday. The prominent and reputed Shias were imprisoned. The seekers of the world who use to brag of their loyalty to Imam Husain (a.s.) joined hands with Ibne Ziyad and strived their best to gain his pleasure. Many of them who had corresponded with Imam Husain (a.s.) and had invited him to Kufa disappeared. In short Ibne Ziyad publicized his despotic maneuvers which were enough to spread terror among the masses.  

A Dialogue

When Janabe Muslim Ibne Aqeel was brought to the court of Ibne Ziyad they exchanged a fiery dialogue which is recorded by the historians. We are quoting it briefly over here:

When Janabe Muslim Ibne Aqeel was ushered in the court he did not greet Ibne Ziyad. When the soldiers said you did not greet the Emir.

 Janabe Muslim: “He is not my Emir.”  

 Ziyad: “You greet or not you will definitely be killed.”  

Janabe Muslim: “If you kill me (so what), as worse people than you have killed a superior people to me.”

 Ibne Ziyad (in a fit of rage): “O you sower of dissensions. Rebel! You have revolted against your Imam. You have tarnished the Muslim Unity and spread
commotion.”  

Janabe Muslim (shot back): “You are a blatant liar. Muawiya was not the caliph of Muslims, rather he overpowered the successor of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) with fraud and deceit and snatched caliphate from him. Similar was his son Yazid.

Commotion was wrought by you and your father Ziyad. I beseech God to bestow martyrdom on me through his worst creatures. By Allah! I have not sown dissensions neither did I make any change in the religion. I am a obedient follower of Husain Ibne Ali, the son of Fatema (s.a.) and the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). We deserve caliphate more in comparison of Muawiya and the offspring of Ziyad.”

(Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah by Ibn Kaseer, vol. 8, pg. 158)

 It is a very lengthy dialogue, in the end of which Ibne Ziyad got so flared up that he started abusing Muslim Bin Aqeel, which is a typical trait of every disgraceful and mean person.  

Who tampered Religion?

A contemplating glance over the dialogue will show that how Janabe Muslim Ibne Aqeel even at the end moments of his life was defending Imamat and very vociferously announced that the Holy Ahle bait (a.s.) did not change or distort the religion rather it has been habit of Muawiya, Yazid and their offspring.  

Who made divisions among Muslims?

He also clearly said in this dialogue that Muslims were divided due to commotion which was spread by Muawiya, Yazid, Ziyad and Ibne Ziyad.

  The Machinations for the assassination of Imam Husain (a.s.)

After the murder of Janabe Muslim Ibne Aqeel he turned towards Imam Husain (a.s.) and commanded Hurr bin Yazid Riyahee with a contingent to intercept Husain where ever he is found and to restrict water to him. He dispatched Umar bin Sa’ad bin Abi Waqas with another contingent. He enticed Umar bin Sa’ad with the greed of ruler ship and asked him to seek allegiance from Imam Husain (a.s.).  

On 10th Moharram 61 A. H. Imam Husain (a.s.) was slain along with his kith and kin. The, plan for this whole massacre was laid out by Ibne Ziyad.

  This heinous crime of Ibne Ziyad displeased Muslims to no end and particularly the people of Kufa were more angered because after the event of Karbala during his first address. Abdullah bin Afeef rose and abused Yazid. Tabari has written that even his mother Marjana was enraged at this. But Ibne Ziyad due to his power and self remained stuck to the caliphate. Finally Yazid left for hell and Abdullah bin Zubair staked his claim for caliphate in Hijaz, while Ibne Ziyad left Iraq and migrated to Syria.   It is a matter of dispute among historians that after Yazid, whether Ibne Ziyad went to Syria and Basra or he made a claim for caliphate in Kufa.  

The death of Ibne Ziyad 

In 67 A. H. he had fled to Syria . Later he made preparations to fight Janabe Mukhtar. Ibrahim bin Malik Ashtar along with a troop of twelve thousand soldiers went towards Mosul in search of Ibne Ziyad. After covering only a few stages of journey, he saw some of the assassins of Imam Husain (A.S.) like Shees bin Rabiee, Shimr bin Ziljaushan, Mohammad bin Ashath bin Qais and Umar-e-Sa’ad. They sent a message to Mukhtar that if leniency was not showed to them then be ready to fight with them. Mukhtar conveyed a message to Ibrahim bin Malik that be soft with them so that they may return towards Kufa. The messenger gave this message to Ibrahim who allowed them to return towards Kufa. When he received the intelligence that they all are at the house of Shees bin Rabiee and are planning to fight against Mukhtar. He immediately raided the house of Shees bin Rabiee and arrested all of them. Fifty men were killed and eight hundred of them were made captive, two hundred and fifty of them were of those who had been to Karbala to fight with Imam Husain (a.s.). They all were beheaded and their heads dispatched to Mukhtar. Then Ibrahim bin Malik again went in the search of Ibne Ziyad. In the region of Mosul both the armies confronted and after a very brief fighting the Syrian army made a bid to escape. But Ibrahim bin Malik moved ahead and encouraged his soldiers in these words:

“O partisans of truth and helpers of religion, kill these children of Shaitan. Kill whoever had come with the son of Marjana.”

 Then he attacked Ibne Ziyad and said , “He is the same who restricted the water of Furat to Imam Husain(a.s. ). He is the same who had told Imam that you will not be granted amnesty unless you pay allegiance to me. He is the one who had misbehaved with the family of prophethood and Imamat and made them captive and dragged them in the streets of Kufa and Syria.”  

These words of Ibrahim bin Malik had such an effect upon the soldiers that they again attacked the Syrian army and devastated them. Ibrahim saw a man near Furat who wore armor and gloves in his hands, with a sword, he attacked him, snatched his sword and killed him. He was Ibne Ziyad, the next day he was beheaded and his head was brought in front of Ibrahim. He became joyous and lay prostrate in gratitude to God.

(Zindagani-e-Abi Abdullah Al-Husain by Emaadzadeh, vol. 2, pg. 255).

 A Drop of Blood.

Emaadzadeh writes that after the martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s.), a drop of blood dropped from the holy head of Imam and fell on the thigh of Ibne Ziyad and drilling a hole in it fell on the ground. This wound of Ibne Ziyad was not healed even up to the end of his life (i.e. for five years). It also emitted such a foul smell that it was odious to others hence to suppress the smell he use to always use musk. The soldiers identified him from the strong smell of musk and beheaded him.  

“O Lord! Chastise Ibne Ziyad, his progeny and his partisans.”  

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Umar-e-Sa’d (Curse of Allah Be Upon Him)

Umar-e-Sa’d (Curse of Allah Be Upon Him)

The martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s.) and the massacre of his faithful companions, also destruc tion of the texts, snatching of womenfolk veil, drag ging them from place to place all this was handiwork of those who sold-off their conscience cheaply and proved their wretched origin, their sole object was gaining Yazeed’s pleasure. Among them Umar Ibne Sa’ad was always at the forefront. In other words, Umar Ibne Sa’ad was among the pillars or Yazid’s kingdom, who established his rule more firmly. He was prompted by the greed of Kingdom of Raiy, preferred worldly gains over the hereafter but still remained deprived and went to Hell as a loser.

 The greed of power and pelf and worldly pleasures made him to stoop so low that his nature too became like an animal’s and his eyes were blind to reality. He obeyed Ibne Ziyad and waged a war against Imam Husain (a.s.), in all this he did not think about his formidable end. He was not forced by anyone to kill Imam Husain (a.s.), he could have easily avoided the gruesome sin. Ibne Ziyad lured him that if he will kill Husain he will be made a ruler of Raiy. This made him accept the leadership of ava ricious, ruthless and conscienceless animals that were his army.

 Neither of this world nor of the hereafter

The author of Tarikhe Tabari has written that ‘Ubaidullah Bin Ziyad gifted Raiy to Umar Ibn Sa’ad Bin Abi Waqqas and instructed him to deal with the man. Ibne Sa’ad wrote back apologizing and asking him to absolve him. When Ibne Ziyad was not convinced then Umar Ibne Sa’ad asked for at least a day’s respite. He was given respite. For the whole night he was pondering over the proposition. At the outset of dawn he went to Ibne Ziyad and expressed his agreement and left to fight Husain Ibne Ali. 

(Tarikh Al Umama wal Moluk (Tarikhe Tabari) Section IV, Ch. 10, pg. 215, printed at Nafees Academy , Karachi ).

 The State of Raiy

The ancient state of Iran was considered of star value in front of the Kings of Persia. Since the day Sa’ad Ibne Abi Waqqas (Father of Umar Ibne Sa’ad) conquered this kingdom, Umar Ibne Sa’ad was desirous of ruling the state. He said while instigating his self on the assassination of Imam
Husain (a.s.):-”So by Allah, I cannot understand two important things about which I am too worried and bewildered.

 Should I leave the thought of Raiy, or shall I commit the crime of killing Husain. While his killer will be doomed to hell and nothing can save him, the state of Raiy is the comfort of my eyes.”

(Kamil Ibn Aseer, Tabari)  

Very scant information is at hand about the life of Umar Ibne Sa’ad in the books of history. But in the incidents of Karbala, his mention can be found at several places. Hence we are forced to write only those incidents, which are related to Karbala. When Imam Husain (a.s.) was confronted by Ibn Sa’ad, he suggested three options to Ibn Sa’ad “Accept any of the three options, either leave me so that I may return to the place from where I have come, or let me go to Yazid or at least let me go to any border”. Umar Ibne Sa’ad accepted his last option. But Ibne Ziyad wrote that unless he pledge allegiance to us, we will not leave him. Imam Husain (a.s.) replied “This shall never be.”

(Tarikhe Tabari, Section IV, Ch. 10, pg. 215).  

When Ibne Sa’ad was ordered to go against Imam Husain (a.s.) then Abdullah Ibne Siyaar and the nephew of Ibne Sa’ad, Hamzah bin Mughirah bin Shobah, and others tried to dissuade Ibne Sa’ad from the act. As it was mentioned earlier that Ibne Sa’ad himself foreknew that the assassination of Imam Husain (a.s.) means to be doomed eternally. At the admonitions of these men he tried to exempt himself again and said to Ibne Ziyad: “This contingent which comprises the best men of Kufa, should be headed by such a man who is well-versed in fighting tactics, a good leader and who should comply with your wishes and I may not have any power upon him. Appoint such a man and send him against Husain.” Then he suggested few names too. To which Ibne Ziyad curtly replied that why tell these names to me. I don’t require your counsel about their appointment. Either you go with the contingent of soldiers or return back man firmaan. At this Ibne Sa’ad agreed to leave and took four thousand soldiers with him. He arrived in Nainavah the day after Husain reached there.

(Ibid, pg 237).  

Umar Ibn Sa’ad Prohibited Water on Imam Husain (a.s.)

Ibne Ziyad wrote a letter to Umar Ibne Sa’ad com manding him to put restrictions of water on Imam Husain (a.s.). At the receipt of this letter Umar Ibne Sa’ad gave 500 soldiers under the command of Amr Bin Hajjaj and instructed him to put a stop on water to Imam Husain (a.s.)’s camp. These soldiers put a stay at the bank of Furaat and became a barrier between the water and the camp of Imam Husain (a.s.)

(Ibid, pg 239).  

An in-depth study of history of events of Karbala reveal about Umar Ibne Sa’ad that though he obvi ously was the assassin of Imam Husain (a.s.) he committed this heinous act under threatening pres sure of Ibne Ziyad. Besides, the greed of state at Raiy, was another factor, which instigated him to do what he did. Otherwise he did not wish to do so.  But the thoughts and actions of Umar-e-Sa’ad and his submissive obedience to the command of Ibne Ziyad are the ample proofs that he indeed was a lowly man with mean and base character. Why else will he drag the women, mothers and sisters of the martyrs to the place where their corpses lay smeared with blood and soil? At such a heart rendering sight, the women screamed and raised their wail in such a pitiful manner that even the hard-core soldiers of Umar Ibne Sa’ad’s army wept, while it was not expected of such stone-hearted rogues.  

TheElimination of Umar-e-Sa’ad

In the year 66 A.H. Mukhtar Ibne Abi Ubaid Saqafi rose to avenge the blood of Imam Husain (a.s.). Tabari has written the events of 66 A.H. in detail including the revolt of Mukhtar and his revenge from the assassins of Imam Husain (a.s.). He wrote: “One day Mukhtar told his companions that tomorrow I shall slay such a man whose legs will be long, whose eyes will be held in his brows. His murder will please the angels and all the believers”

(Ibid, pg. 503).  

When Umar lbne Sa’ad learnt of Mukhtar’s intention through Uryaan, the son of Hasheem Ibne AI-Aswad Al Nalshee (he was a companion of Mukhtar), he left his home and went to the public bathhouse. At second thought he returned home through ‘Rowhaar’, preferring to remain at home then elsewhere. When Mukhtar received information that Umar-e-Sa’ad has returned home he sent Abu Umrah to call. When Abu Umrah received the message Umar Ibne Sa’ad rose to follow him. But his robe came in between and he tripped and fell. Abu Umrah be headed him, covered his head with his robe and threw it in front of Mukhtar 

(Ibid, pg 504)

As is popularly known, Umar Ibne Sa’ad was killed on 9th Rabiul Awwal 66 A.H.   

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The Day of Aashoora – The Day of Imam Husain (a.s.)

Hazrat Imam Husain ibne Ali (a.s.) The Savior of Islam

The Day of Aashoora – The Day of Imam Husain (a.s.)

 In the almanac of the history of mankind there is not a single incident which is remembered and commemorated with so much enthusiasm and fervor as the tragedy of Karbala . Men and Women, youths and the aged, and even young children take part in the activities connected with this day, with unsurpassed enthusiasm. The gatherings to commemorate this incident are eld at homes, in Mosques, Madressas, Imambaras in lanes and by-lanes. The speakers and intellectuals present speeches on this topic and the poets compose elegies (Nauha, Maatam, Marsiya, Soz and Salam). The men of letters bring out books and articles. Even though the same incident is related year after year, yet it does not seem stale. Every time a person hears it, he feels it to be fresh. And the repetition of the incident does not cause it to lose its authenticity and importance. Every age adds to its greatness, its deep philosophical meaning and its lofty aims. In fact it imbibes strength and hope to every believer who hears it. 

The day of Imam Husain (a.s.) is such that the upheavals of the centuries did not cause it to be forgotten. The heart-rending incident of Aashoora has compelled the believers and the lovers of virtue and greatness to bow down their heads in respect. It has become a blazing torch which is a beacon of guidance for the great and peace-loving leaders of all times. It has been a guiding light even in the darkness of ignorance and the unknown. This is the reason why this achievement of Imam Husain (a.s.) has not become a common place incident in history. Rather, it is an incomparable achievement, the like of which is not found in the history of mankind.  

It was such an incident, liked by Allah and considered to be the zenith of the glory of mankind by the inhabitants of all the worlds. It has been regarded as an exemplar by those who possessed the best of human virtues, by the intellectuals, by the Ulul Azm Prophets and by those who sacrificed their livesfor achieving peace. This exemplar is based upon a single personality who is considered to be incomparable in his strength for freedom, his greatness and
steadfastness, persistence and which faced all sorts of injustices and cruelties without any qualms. It has become an illuminated minaret in the tragical
history of mankind. And the greatness of his aim, the purity of his soul, the indifference towards the material world and his dictum that death is better
than a life of degradation.  

The exegesis of this incident is actually the exegesis of the marvels of the human soul, and disdain towards the so-called material world. It is the historical record of the open refutation of disbelief and polytheism, injustice and dictatorship. It is the history of unmatched love of the Creator and the sacrifice in the way of the most High and Almighty. It is a history which is a precedent for the emancipation of all the deprived classes of people.Therefore, it is not surprising if this voice has echoed in the four corners of the world and like the Azan it is still clearly audible. Even after a period of 1300 years it is still the subject matter of the speakers and writers. And its importance and greatness still attracts the hearts of the people. And the believers send salutations upon those who laid down their lives for the propagation of the Commandment of Allah.

There were such valiant people who were not compelled to tower their heads neither by false attractions of the material world nor the fear of death which approached them on the sharp edge of the dagger and swords. They were such people who had turned their faces away from alt such things which may have been the cause of the weakening of will power like property, power, rulership, women, land, children etc. And they achieved the position where the soul is liberated without any hindrance. Opposing these pure people were a group of vile beings whose values were sinking in the quagmire of  ncleanliness. Their souls were shackled in the slavery of power and materialistic pleasures. They were quite unheeding to the meaning of the character. They had no hesitation in murdering the righteous servants of Allah, be they old or young or even infants – in the eyes of the slaves of the material world, the enemies of religion were the unsuccessful ones in the duel of good versus evil. In their opinion the true belief which had imparted strength and steadfastness to Imam Husain (a.s.) and his companions did not have any reality, and the battle of Aashoora had ended in their so-called victory. But in reality, Imam Husain (a.s.) had achieved such a victory that in the history of mankind is unsurpassable and there is not a tinge of defeat in it. According to the great people it is improper to weigh these lofty ideals in the balance of the worldly achievements.  

In the balance of truth and reality every person’s pan is heavy as the strength of his belief and steadfastness in his aim. In their eyes, the manifest victory is the victory of the internal strength upon the basal desires, the victory of the soul upon the body, the victory of reality upon the imaginative world, and the
steadfastness in remaining firm upon one’s aim – Every human being is born to die. And there are numerous examples whereby people have sacrificed their lives for their beliefs and convictions. But they did not become the luminous exemplars like the martyrs of Arial” mce_style=”font-size: 10pt; font-family:
Arial;”>Karbala. Because the martyrs of Karbala had exhibited such endurance and steadfastness and the spirit of martyrdom which was not seen anywhere else. The bravest among the brave ones, the martyrs of Karbala could have saved their own lives. The way they welcomed their deaths with the upright foreheads is not to be found in any other section of the history of mankind. If these god-fearing people had even moved back a step on that day from the battlefield or if the fear of losing their property and life, the fear of swords and spears had defeated them, then the Islamic power would have had to face such a grave loss that it could not have been made up till the day of the judgment. In fact, it would not be wrong to state that the Islamic teachings would have been completely obliterated.   The battlefield of Karbala was not confined to the plains of Karbala nor was it limited to be a
confrontation between two groups of people. It was the duel of truth versus evil. It was the battle of Islam versus disbelief and hypocrisy. If the
righteous had moved their steps backwards then this retraction would also not have remained confined to this day. But all those righteous people who were to come in the future would have suffered defeat at the hands of the evil. The power of evil would have spread to all the corners of the world and even today evil would have been victorious everywhere. Truth would have disappeared.  

But Imam Husain (a.s.) and his unfailing supporters have proved that evil could cut into pieces the bodies of virtuous people but it cannot turn them away from their aim and it could not mutilate their righteous souls. Definitely, it is possible to change the evil and malicious people but it is never possible to change the path of those who tread the Right Path. 

The reasons which have induced the speakers and writers to explain this incident is its religious importance and humanistic appeal. It is the lesson which he people derive from this incident. Arial” mce_style=”font-size: 10pt; font-family:
Arial;”>Karbala is such a school, whose teachings are quite universal. Its lesson is for all sections of people, be they from any country, community, color lineage. Be they urban or village folk. Be they hut dweller or residents of skyscrapers. All of them derive benefits from its guidance. Thus this subject never loses its freshness and apart from its guidance, the blessings which one derives for the after-life cause everyone to remain attentive towards it. It is like the benefit which one derives from the authentic traditions. The speakers of gatherings and writers earn substantial reward. It is also the cause for the nearness to Allah and the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Secondly, since it was the confrontation of good against evil everyone is inclined towards it because basically everyone is by nature inclined towards good.  

The pure feelings of the human beings cause everyone to become the lovers of the righteous people of this battle. This is the reason that thousands of books have been written on this subject. Uncountable couplets have been composed on it and are still being composed. Even during the turbulent times of Bani  Umayyah and Bani Abbas in the times of the despots like Hajjaj and Mutawakkil when the lovers of Ahle Bait (a.s.) were in constant fear, people continued the composition of elegiac poetry and the remembrance was not interrupted at any time. And it still continues and will always continue; for no one can forget the favor which imam Husain (a.s.) has bestowed on humanity.

  The reasons which account for the popularity of this incident will always cause it to be always in the forefront of the guidance of the people. And it shall always be a precedent whenever the good confronts evil. Human beings will never be satiated by listening to the account of the deeds of those people who laid their lives in the plains of difficulties and sorrow. The men of letters would continue to record the incident of Karbala on the pages of history. But they
themselves should not be conceited. Only then, neither the ears would ever tire of listening, nor the eyes even tire of shedding tears on it, or the tongue tire of relating the account.

  This will continue till the day of Judgement when the beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) will petition Allah about the treatment meted out to her by the nation. And she will repeat the tragic incident of Karbala once again.

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The Daughters of the Holy Prophet(s.a.w.a.) in the Courts and the Market

The Daughters of the Holy Prophet(s.a.w.a.) in the Courts and the Market 

Kufa was the capital of Iraq and the capital of Hazrat Ali’s (a.s.). It was also a place of residence of Hazrat Ali’s (a.s.) friends and partisans. The walls and doors of Kufa were familiar with the eloquence of Hazrat Ali (a. s.). 

Janabe Zainab (a.s.) lived here as the daughter of the ruler. The women used to greet her as ‘the daughter of Ameerul Momeneen’ and ‘the daughter of Rasool Allah’. She was an extremely respected figure of the city. Today she was brought as a captive in this city. Those who had respected her were looking at her as a tragic spectacle. Those who greeted her were taunting at her. She did not have chadar over her head, and she was seated on the bare back of a camel. Instead of feeling remorse on the killing of the son of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) they were celebrating with joy. 

On the one hand such inhuman behavior of the masses and on the other hand the pain of sitting on un saddled camels while they were veil less, and led by the heads of the loved ones atop the point of spears, with a group of thirstily wailing children, chained and manacled Imam Sajjad (a.s.) on top of all hordes of onlookers, who were ridiculing at this pathetic sight.

Whenever afflicted ones are ridiculed their afflictions are multiplied. In such conditions should some one have probed into the heart of Janabe Zainab (a.s.). It is difficult to raise the head in such hordes of calamities leave alone delivering sermons. While effective sermons have certain conditions, like the speaker should not be under any mental strain and should be in a relaxed mood. He should not be tormented by hunger and thirst, nor should he be under stress of sorrow and pain. None of these conditions were present here. Hunger and thirst were beyond any limit, the speaker was under all sorts of emotional and physical strains. 

The children were crying, the atmosphere was hostile; every glance was full of hatred. But here the speaker was inherited with the qualities of eloquence from her father. When she spoke, she shook the hearts of the ruthless killers. Her words penetrated the hearts of the listeners, their eyes were moistened. The mourn ing voices turned into sounds of groaning and weeping.  

When she decided to speak, her one gesture froze everything in sight. Not only men but animals too were quietened. Her awe and fury, her dominance and authority upon the universe and despite of all these her restrain and control, made her a person beyond praises. She spoke thus:  

“All praise to Allah and blessing be upon my father, Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) and his pure progeny”.

  Here she referred the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) as her “father” instead of grandfather only to make the people realize that how much was she close to him. She showed that these captives were none but the family of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).   

She continued: “O people of Kufa, O people of deceit and treachery, are you mourning for us. Let not these tears dry, let not these pleadings be silenced. Your example is like that of a woman who herself knits the yarn firmly but then she breaks it herself. (You believed in the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and then you yourselves violated the covenant.) 

You believed as you wished to (not fulfill the conditions of belief). You are but flatterers, mischief-mongers, self-conceited, men dacious and fiendish men. You disgraceful son of slave-maids, you are quipping like enemies. You are like the vegetation on marsh (which apparently looks green but inwardly is lousy and filthy, talks are good but acts are hateful).

Or you are like that silver which is buried under sand. Your life has prepared perdition for you. Certainly the chastisement of Allah will be inflicted on you and you shall remain in it forever. You are weeping while you yourselves cut our loved ones to pieces. Why are you wailing? By Allah you should cry more and laugh less. By this sin you have earned disgrace and disrepute. This blemish can never be removed. (Certainly this sentence is the living testimony for the killers of Imam Husain (a.s.), that they are still tainted with the sin.) This stain can never be removed. You have killed him who was the son of the last Prophet (s.a.w.a.), Chief of the Youth ofParadise , refuge of your virtuous men, hope of the oppressed  ones, beacon of proofs and centre of sunnat. You have one a  huge misdeed. 

May you perish. May Allah chastise you. Now your efforts will remain fruitless. Your hands are severed. You have suffered an enormous loss. You are reverting towards the punishment of Allah. Insults and disgrace have been decreed for you. O Kufans! curse be upon you. 

Do you know which beloved of the Prophet have you slain, 

 and whose veils have you plundered? Whose blood have you spilled? Whose chastity have you disregarded? You have committed such a sin that it may split the skies, divide the earth and blow off the mountains.You have done a shameless act. 

Such a crime which filled the earth and the sky. It will not be surprising if blood poured down from the skies. And the retribution in the hereafter will be disgraceful. None shall help them, nor will they be given reprieve. Allah does not hasten in giving punishment. He does not fearthe exhaustion of punishment and He is after you.”

  Imam Sajjad
(a.s.) said: “O aunt! Be quiet now. Praise be to Allah you are learned without being taught and God-gifted thinker.”

(Maqtal Al Husain, pg 310; Lohuf, pg 68; Ehtejaj Tabarsi, vol 2, pg 31, Najaf; Balaghatun Nisa, pg 23; Adabul Husain and Hemaseh Ahmad Sabir, pg 176-178)

Bashir bin Hazim Asadi has related “By Allah, I have not seen more bashful and pure women who can be a better speaker than Zainab. She delivered a sermon as if Hazrat Ali (a.s.) himself was speaking.”

 

(Lohuf, pg 88, Qum )

The effect of this sermon was this that those who were celebrating after the killing of Imam Husain (a.s.) realized their crime. Their existence became a source of
shame for them. That day Kufans were constrained and confounded, weeping and
slap ping their faces, chewing their fingers. Bani Umayyah and their propaganda was reduced to a cipher. Janabe Zainab (a.s.) said at the end “Allah never hastens in giving punishment.”  

The Court of Ibne Ziyad 

Janabe Zainab (a.s.) delivered this sermon on the roads and streets. When Ibne Ziyad returned from the camp of Nakhila and entered the palace, he ordered for the decoration of the court and opened it for the public. Captives were brought in
the  court. They were brought in the court in such a manner that the sight was hair raising. Imam Husain (a. s.)’s head was kept in a platter and placed in front of Ibne Ziyad. He desecrated those lips with his stick which were kissed by Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).  

He was doing this to announce his victory to them and threaten them with his tyranny. He was showing that now there was no strength left in the clan of Bani Hashim and Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), all of them are killed. Now there is no threat to his government and Yazid’s government as well.

  When Janabe Zainab (a.s.) saw this, she in order to expel her anger and displeasure, separated from the women and sat alone. Her anger was writ large on her face. While her face was gleaning with the awe of Imamat. 

Ibne Ziyad inquired about the woman who sat separately and how dare can she show her indifference in his court? When he was told that she is none other than the daughter of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) he was filled with rage. In order to pacify himself he said: “Praise be to Allah, who disgraced you, killed you and belied you.” Janabe Zainab (a.s.) sprang to her in the style of her mother and gave such a fearless retort that the whole earth was subdued by her all-pervasive eloquence, in the words uttered by her: “Praise be to Allah who gave us respect through His Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) and purified us from all impuri­ties thoroughly.  ertainly only sinners are disgraced and belied and it is not us but other than us.”

  She showed her closeness to Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and proved that this can never be taken away from us. The silence of Ibne Ziyad disclosed that Janabe Zainab (a.s.) was correct in her saying. When he could not think of anything else, he said: “How do you find Allah’s dealing with you Ahle Bait?” 

This sentence reflected the theory of compulsion that we did not do it but Allah has done this. He meant that Allah is responsible for the event of Karbala and not they. But he was not dealing with an ordinary person. 

She could read between the hidden words and replied:  

“I found Allah’s treatment to be the best. Since Allah destined martyrdom for them hence they were martyred. But soon Allah will gather you and them at one place and conduct a trial. There arguments will be made against you. Then see who shall succeed. O Son of Marjana! your mother will cry on you”  She clearly exposed the defeat of Ibne Ziyad behind the facade of victory. In the court of Ibne Ziyad, in front of armed soldiers and ministers, she castigated him and shattered his egotistic fancies. Ibne Ziyad could not tolerate this castigation and started quiv ering with anger.

(Maqtalul Husain, pg 324, Qum )

Then, he in order to hurt her said:

“The elimination of you Ahle Bait, who rebelled
and revolted against me, Allah has given solace to my heart.”  

Janabe Zainab (a.s.) had tears in her eyes at this, she said: 

“By Allah, you killed my elders. You dragged us Ahle Bait from place to place. My roots were chopped to pieces and breathing became difficult for us. If this gives you pleasure then be pleased.” 

 (Kamil Ibne Aseer, vol 4, pg 33; Maqtal
Khwarizmi, vol 2, pg 42)  

Here also she abrogated his accusation that he hadn’t killed Ahle Bait but Allah did.  

The Court of Yazid

Yazid(l.a.) rejoiced when he heard about Imam Husain (a.s.)’s assassination. As his father became happy over the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (a.s.), as his grandmother Hinda became joyous over the death of Hamza. Hence he wrote to Ibne Ziyad that cap tives should be immediately sent to Syria. These sorrowful desperate captives left for Syria. Imam Zainul Abedeen (a.s.) hands  ere tied behind his neck. His womenfolk were with him. When after facing the calamities of the journey they reached Syria . Yazid recited verses of joy in the full court, which reflected his credo. These verses clearly clarify that he does not have any relation with Islam. 

The verse were as follows:

“Had  my forefathers been alive today they would have become happy and blessed me
that how I avenged them. The clan of Hashim played a game, neither any Prophet
came nor did any Revelation.”

At this
stage also the courageous daughter of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) overturned the designs
of Yazid. 

She said:

All praise be to the Lord of the Worlds. Peace be upon the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) an his progeny. Allah has truly said,

“Then evil was the end of those who did evil, because they rejected the
communications of Allah and mocked at them.”

(Surah Rum: 10) 

  O Yazid! Do you surmise that you have straitened the expanse of skies and the earth and dragged us from place to place. Do you think this degrades us and elevates you and you must be too happy with this thought and swelling with ego and haughtiness. Your world is gay and you usurped our rightful place. Don’t hurry but wait. 

Have you forgotten the verse of Quran:

‘Those who have disbelieved should not deem that we have given them respite for good rather we have given them reprieve so that they may increase their sins and for them is a formidable and disgraceful chastisement.’

(Surah Aale Imran: 172)

O son of Freed slaves (Those who were released by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) after the fall of Mecca) is it just that your women should sit in veil while the daughters of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) should be lugged from door to door? 

They be made captive, their veil be snatched, they should be dragged from town to town and all may look at them, and mean persons stare at them. They are neither helped nor aided by anybody.How can he expect the Mercy of Allah who chew the flesh of holy men and martyrs of Islam. How can you lag behind in the enmity of Ahle Bait who bore such hatred towards us. Then without any guilt feeling shamelessly you boasted that ‘Had my forefathers been alive they would have congratulated me and would have said may your hands never be be numbed’.  

At this you desecrate the lips of Imam Husain (a. s.) with your stick. You have caused these wounds. You have spilled the blood of the Progeny of Muhammad (s.a.w.a.). You have silenced the earthly stars of the clan of Abdul Mutallib and you are addressing your forefathers and talking to them in your imagination. Soon you will join them. Then you will wish that your hands should have been be numbed and your tongue be bedumbed. Whatever I did I should not have done it  nd whatever I said I should not have said it.

“By Allah O Yazid! By this tyranny and oppression you have minced your own skin and have blown your flesh to smithereens. How will you face Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) while you had spilled the blood of his Ahle Bait. While you have disregarded his chastity. Then indeed the day Allah shall assemble them he will seek retribution for them ‘ Do you not think them dead who were martyred in the way of Allah. But they are alive and receiving sustenance from their Lord.’ 

 (Surah Aale Imran: 163)

   O Yazid! Though   rcumstances and calamities have made me to stand here and I am forced to address you. While I think you are too lowly and debased. I condemn you and I rebuke you. Why not? My eyes are brimming with tears and my heart is wrenchful at the death of my loved ones and rela tives. “Surprising and highly surprising is that cho sen one of Allah should be slain at the hands of Satanic horde of freed slaves. Your hands are stained with our blood. Your mouth is full of flesh of Ahle Bait.

Pure corpses are lying on the ground and animals
are looking at them and desert sand is coming on them. If you think our murder and captivity is good for you then soon you shall witness your misdeed. No treasure of yours will help you. Allah never tyrannizes His servant. I complain against you to Allah and trust His self. “O Yazid! Utilize all your viles, employ all your efforts and use your full strength. But by Allah you can never obliterate our names. You can never finish our revelations. Nei ther can you drive away ignominy and disgrace from yourself. Your thoughts and imaginations are too weak. Your      are numbered. The day caller will call curse of Allah be upon oppressors.   And praise be to Allah, the Lord of the words Who decreed   rgiveness and bliss as our beginning and mercy and martyrdom to be our end. I pray from Allah for the most perfect reward for the martyrs and multiply it manifold  nd make our succession the best. Surely He is Merciful and Beneficent.  llah alone is sufficient for us and He is the Best Protec tor.”     

 (aghatun Nisa, pg 21; Maqtalul Khwarazmi, vol 2, pg 64; Maqtalul Husain, pg 357; Adabul Husain and Hemasah, pg 179-181).

 This sermon speaks volumes about the invincible courage of Janabe Zainab (a.s.) . No trace of tremble or hesitation can be found in her voice. She is not ashamed nor sorry, she claims martyrdom to be a source of pride and a cause of infamy for the tyrants. 

She said in the full court that “You can never obliterate our
names nor can you finish our Revelation.” Then until today every namaz, azaan and all the precepts of religion affirm that a handful of Yazids can never undo their names, they made attempts though.  

 May Allah bless our women to emulate Janabe Zainab (a.s.) so that they may enliven the Islamic teachings in the present atmosphere of disbelief and polytheism.

Sipah e Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) 

الــلَّــهُــمَّ صَــلِّ عَــلَــى مُــحَــمَّــدٍ وآلِ مُــحَــمَّــدٍ وعَــجِّــلْ فَــرَجَــهُــمْ

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