Chapter1.BetrayalinKufa

Pin‐dropsilenceprevailedinthemosqueatKufawherealargecongregationhadgatheredto

offereveningprayers.Outsidethemosquethetown‐crierwasreadingoutofthe

proclamation.Everyoneofthecongregationwasstraininghisearstolistentoeveryword

withraptattention.

Atthetopofhisvoicethetown‐crierwasshouting:“BeitknowntothepeopleofKufathat

Obeidullah,sonofZiad,hasassumedthegovernorshipofKufaundertheordersoftheKhalif.

HehasnotedwithperturbationthatthepeopleofKufahaveextendedtheirwelcometo

Muslim,sonofAqil,whohascomefromMedinaasanemissaryofHusain,sonofAli,whohas

declinedtooweallegiancetotheKhalif.Itisherebyproclaimedfortheinformationofallthe

citizensofKufathatanypersonfoundassociatingwithMuslim,sonofAqil,willbeconsidered

arebelagainsttheKhalifand,bywayofpunishment,hewillbehanged,drawnandquartered,

hisentirefamilywillbeputtotheswordandhispropertyconfiscated.Incaseofthosewho

havehithertoextendedtheirwelcometohim,iftheynowrepentanddesistfromdoingso,

amnestywillbegiven.”

Withbatedbreath,everyonelistenedtotheproclamation.ItwasthissameMuslim,sonof

Aqil,whowastoleadtheprayersthatevening,andastheproclamationendedhearoseto

fulfillhisduty.Afewexchangedenquiringglanceswiththeirfriends.Someotherswhispered

somewordstotheirneighbors.Atthismoment,thecallforprayerswasgivenandMuslim

silentlyrosetoleadthecongregationalprayers.

WhenMuslimcompletedtheprayersandturnedback,hefoundthemosqueempty,exceptfor

onepersononly–HaneeIbneOrwahatwhosehouseMuslimwasstayingasaguest.Thetwo

lookedateachother.NowordswereneededtotellMuslimwhythepeopleofKufahad

desertedhim.ThepeopleofKufa,whohadsopersistentlyaskedHusaintocomeovertothem

totakeuptheresponsibilitiesoftheirspiritualameliorationhad,onhearingthe

proclamation,gotscaredoutoftheirwits.Therewerethepeoplewhohadinthepast

betrayedMuslim’suncleAli,theCommanderoftheFaithful,andshowncowardiceintimesof

troubleandtribulations.ThesewerethepeoplewhohaddesertedMuslim’scousin,Hasan,

sonofAli,inhishourofneed.

Muslimstoodforawhilemotionless.Hisfacewasfullofanguish.Hewasnotdismayedatthe

fatethatawaitedhim,becauseafightingdeathwasnottheheritageofhisfamily.Hewasonly

disconsolateatthethoughtthathehadreposedconfidenceinthesepeople’ssincerityand

writtentohiscousin,Husain,tocomeovertoKufaastheirmoral,mentalandspiritual

preceptor,tosavethemfromsinkingintothedepthsofmoraldegradation.Howhewishedhe

hadnotbeenhastyaboutjudgingthesepeople!

Amoment’sreflectionwassufficienttomakeuphismind.Atleasttherewasonemanwith

himwhocouldbereliedupon.IfhecouldonlysendamessagetoHusainthroughHaneeIbne

OrwahaboutthetreacheryofthepeopleofKufa!

WiththesethoughtsMuslimturnedtowardsHanee.Beforehecouldgivetheexpressiontohis

thoughts,HaneeIbneOrwahanticipatedhiswords.Inlowwhispershesaid,“Muslim,my

respectedguest,Iknowwhatisuppermostinyourmind.IfGodenablemetoleavethis

cursedtownintime,Ishallrushpost‐hastetowarnourmasterandImamtoturnback.”He

hunghisheaddownandinatonewhichwashardlyaudible,added,asifmutteringtohimself,

“Muslim,mydutytowardsyouasyourhostdemandsthatIshouldremainheretoprotectyou

andshedthelastdropofmybloodinyourdefense.ButIknowthatyouwouldlikemeto

attendmyhigherdutywhichwebothowetoourLord,HusainIbneAli.Thereinhardlytime

tobelostandsoIbidyoufarewell.MayAlmightyGodprotectyouandyourinnocentsons

fromthefuryofthesetreacherousfiends.”

HaneeIbneOrwahrushedoutoftheMosque.Heknewthathehadtoactquickly,ifatallhe

wastosucceedinhismission.BeforeleavingKufa,hehadtodosomethingforthesafetyof

the2youngsonsofMuslimwhohadnotyetreachedtheirteens.Hewasquicklyrevolvingin

hismindhowhecouldhidetheseinnocentboysandwhere.Hecouldnotthinkofanybody

knowntohimwhowouldbetrustedtogivesheltertothem.Hehardlyhadanytimeathis

disposaltomakearrangementsbecausehisparamountobligationwastoconveyMuslim’s

messagetoImamHusain.Hisquick‐workingminddecidedthatthechildrenofMuslimmust

bewarnedtogetoutofthehousewheretheywerenolongersafeandleavetheresttoGod.

Onreachinghishouse,Haneeaskedhiswifetowhiskthechildrenoutofthehousebythe

backdoorfortheirsafety.Heaskedhisservanttoharnesshishorseasquicklyashecould.

HardlyMuhammadandIbrahim,theyoungsonsofMuslim,hasbeenputontheroadtoface

theworldanditsturmoilsinastrangeandunfriendlycity,thehouseofHaneewas

surroundedbyarmedtrooperssentbyObeidullah.Haneerealizedthatthehopehehad

cherishedtoleavethetownandcarrythemessageofMuslimtoHusainwascompletely

frustrated.HeunsheathedhisswordandhelluponthehirelingsofObeidullahwiththe

intentionofsellinghislifeasdearlyashecould.Theoddsagainsthimweretooheavy.Hewas

soonoverpoweredandchainedandmarchedofftothecourtoftheGovernor.

AfterHanee’sdeparturefromtheMosque,Muslimreflectedforawhile.Atfirst,hismindwas

putateasebyHanee’sassurancethathewouldcarrythewarningtoHusainaboutthe

happeningsinKufa.Butonsecondthoughts,herealizedthattherewaseverypossibilityof

Haneebeingcapturedbeforehecouldleavethetown.Whatifthathappened?Hehadfullest

confidenceinHanee’ssincerity,buthowcouldhebesosurethatHaneewouldbeableto

makegoodhisescapefromKufa?Although,Muslimwasfullyalivetothelotthatwouldbefall

hisinnocentsonsontheircapture,herealizedthattherightcourseforhimwastofindsome

otherpersonwhomhecouldtrusttocarrythemessagetotheImam.Kneelingdownin

prayer,hemuttered,“MercifulAllah,sparemeforawhilesothatIcansendthewarningto

myImam.”

Hecameoutofthemosqueslowly.Hedidnotknowwhichwaytoturn.Heonlyknewthatthe

wholetownhadturnedhostiletohim.Assoonashesteppedoutofthemosque,hesaw

groupsofpeoplecollectedhitherandthitherandengagedinanimatedconversation.On

seeinghimcomingouttheyscatteredandwalkedawayasiftheyhadneverknownhim.

Muslimrealizedthattheywere,oneandall,mortallyafraidofthereprisalsthatwouldbefall

themiftheystoodbyhim.Nowhesawhowdifficultifwasforhimtofindasinglepersonwho

couldfulfillhispurpose;wheretolookforhim;wheretofindhim?

Withaheavyheart,Muslimwasnottrudgingthenarrowby‐lanesofKufa.Thesunwasfast

descendingandthedarknarrowlanesofKufabecomingdarkereverymoment.Makinga

hoodofhisgown,soastocoverhisheadtoavoididentification,Muslimwaswalkingonand

on,almostaimlesslyambling.Thedesertedcobbledpavementswereechoinghisfoot‐steps.

Theonlyothersoundtobeheardwasofthehorses’hoofsasthesoldierswerepatrollingthe

streetsandsearchingforhiminallnooksandcorners.Whilstwalkingaimlessly,hewas

furiouslythinkinghowtofindsomeonewhowouldcarryhismessagetoHusain.

Soondarknessdescendedonthewholetown.Ascurfewhadbeenimposedbytheordersof

theGovernor,notasoulwasventuringout.ItbecameevidenttoMuslimthat,ifhewalkedon,

therewaseverypossibilityofhisbeingarrestedbythepatrolmenand,ifthathappened,his

lasthopeoffindingamessengerwouldvanish.Theeventsofthedayhadmadehimtiredin

bodyandsoul.

Hesatonthedoorstepofahouse,hesitatingwhethertoknockatthedoorandaskforwater.

Whilsthewasstillwavering,heheardtheopeningofthedooragainstwhichhewasleaning.

Anoldladystoodtherewithaflickeringcandleinherhands.Fromherenquiringeyeshe

couldunderstandthatshewaswonderingwhyhewasseatedthere.Muslimturnedtoherand

requestedaglassofwater.Sheaskedhimtowaitforaminuteand,goingintothehouse,

returnedwithatumblerofwater.Muslimdrankittothelastdropandthankedthelady

profusely.Heagainsatdownonthedoorstep.Theoldladylookedathimforawhileandthen

askedhim,“Myson,whydoyounotreturntoyourhouse?Doyourealizehowyourwifeand

childrenmustbeworryingaboutyoubyyourremainingawayfromthehouseinsuch

troubledatmosphere?Don’tyouhaveahousewithwifeandchildren?”Alumpcameinto

Muslim’sthroatwiththerecollectionofhisfamilyandhome.Controllinghisemotionsand

checkingthetearswhichweregushingfromhiseyes,hesaid,“Goodlady,Ihaveahouse,but

inadistantland.MywifeandyoungdaughtersareathomeandmysonsareinKufabut

perhapstheywillwaitformeforever.”Afterabriefpause,headded,“Inthisunfriendlytown

IhavenohomeandnobodytowhomIcanturnforshelter.”

Thesewordsofdespondencymovedthelady.Sympatheticallyshesaid,“Fromwheredoyou

comeandwhyareyouhereintheretroubledtimes?”

Muslimmurmuredinreply,“IamfromthecityoftheProphet.Icameontheinvitationofthe

peopleofKufaastheirguest.Thoughthousandswelcomedmeonmyarrival,thereisnownot

asoulwhowilladmitmeintohishouse.”

Thevenerableoldladywastakenabackbythisreply.Sheraisedthecandleshewascarrying

tobringtonearerMuslim’sface.Withanexclamationofrecognitionshebentdownonher

kneesandsaid,“MyGod,youareMuslim,theemissaryofmyImam,mybelovedHusain,who

ishuntedbyObeidullah’ssoldiers.HowdidInotrecognizeyouatthefirstglancewhenyour

words,youraccent,yourdemeanor,allhadthestampofpeopleoftheProphet’sHouse?”

Sobbingbitterlyandovercomebycontritionsheadded,“HowwillIfacemyladyFatimaon

thedayofreckoningwhenshewillaskme,‘Taha,myHusain’semissarycametoyou,

friendlessandshelterless,butyoucallouslyandrelentlesslyturnedhimout!’WhatreplywillI

givetoher?TheleastthatIcandoforyouistogiveyoushelterinmyhousetillthe

opportunityarisesforyoutomakegoodyourescapefromthiscursedcitywhosepeopleare

steepedinperfidy.”

Muslimfeltreluctanttoacceptherofferforfearthatthegodfearingoldladymightbe

victimizedforgivinghimprotection.Butonsecondthoughts,hedecidedtostayinherhouse

withthehopethat,ifhecouldavoidarrestforsometime,hemightbeabletofindsomeoneto

carryhismessagetoHusain.

TahaaskedMuslimtoremainintheatticofthehouse.Shegavehimwhateverfoodtherewas

inthehousebuthecouldhardlypartakeofanything.Howcanapersoninhispredicament

relishfood?Hedecidedtopassthenightinprayersashehadapremonitionthatthiswould

behislastnight.

Beforeretiringintotheattic,MuslimtoldTahaabouthisdesiretosendamessagetothe

ImamnottocometoKufainviewofwhathadtranspired.Sheassuredhimthatwhenherson,

whowasintheGovernmentarmedforced,returnedfromhisbeat,shewouldtakehiminher

confidenceandenlisthissupportinfindingsomereliablepersonforthismission.

HardlyafewhourshadpassedwhenTaha’ssonreturnedhome.Helookedtiredandworn

out.WhenTahainquiredfromhimthereasonforhiscominghomesolate,hetoldherthat,

alongwithothersoldiershewaspatrollingthestreetsinsearchofMuslim.Shewasaghastat

thethoughtthatherson,ofallpeople,shouldbeinthepartysearchingforMuslim,whenshe

herselfwasdevotedtotheHouseoftheProphet.Shestronglyprotestedtohersonattherole

hewasplaying.Thatcunningmanturnedroundandassuredhismotherthat,thoughhehad

inthecourseofhisdutytopretendasifhewassearchingforMuslim,inrealityhewasas

muchdevotedtoMuslim,andtheHouseoftheProphet,asshewas.Hisdisingenuous

assurancecarriedconvictiontothesimpleoldladyand,aftermakinghimswearbyhisfaith,

shetookhersonintoconfidenceandtoldhimeverythingaboutthehappeningsofthat

evening.ThecraftysonofTahawasinwardlyelatedatthethoughtthathewouldbeableto

collecttheprizeplacedonMuslim’shead.HisfirstthoughtwastobeheadMusliminhissleep

but,cowardthathewas,hegotscaredatthefatethatwouldbefallhimifMuslimwouldwake

upbeforeheaccomplishedhispurpose.Hethoughtfuriouslyforafewmomentsandthen

decidedtogoandinformObeidullahibneZiadthathehadMusliminhishouseandhecould

beeasilycaptured.Hiswarpedmindquicklyinventedanexcuseforgoingoutinthedeadof

thenight,withoutarousingthesuspicionsofhisnoblemother.Hetoldherthat,asinhis

presence,HaneeIbneOrwah,atwhosehouseMuslimandhistwosonshadbeenstaying,had

beenbeheadedandasthetwoyoungboyswereroamingthestreetsofKufa,hethoughtithis

boundendutytosearchforthemandbringthemhomesothatthefatherandsonscouldbe

reunited.HetoldTahathathewouldalsoseeoneofhistrustedfriendsandthroughhim

arrangetoconveyMuslim’smessagetotheImamforwhichhewassoanxious.Tahawas

takeninbytheguilesofherperfidiousson.Shefeltelatedthathersonwassokeentodothe

goodworkandthathecouldnotwaittilldaybreak.

TheavaricioussonofTahahastenedtotheGovernor’shouseandlostnotimeingetting

himselfadmittedtohispresence.InfactObeidullahwasawakewaitingforthenewsof

Muslim’sarrestashewasmightlyafraidthat,ifMuslimremainedatlarge,hemightsucceed

inrallyingroundhimafewpersonswhocouldofferverystiffoppositiontohisforcesand

evenupsethisuglyplans.Hefeltrelievedandoverjoyedatthetidingsbroughttohimby

Taha’streacherousson.Heimmediatelyorderedoneofthecommandersofhisforcestoget

togetherawell‐equippedcontingentforMuslim’sarrest.

Accompaniedbymountedsoldiers,thetraitorreturnedtohishouseforMuslim’sarrest.

Muslimwasatthattimeengagedinprayers.Whenheheardthebeatingofseveralhorses’

hoofsonthepavedroads,heunderstoodthatthesoldiershadcomeforhisarrest.He

snatchedhisswordwhichwaslyingbyhissideandrushedout.Tahastoodatthethresholdof

herhouseflabbergastedtoseethathersonhadbroughtthesoldiersforthearrestofher

reveredguest.ShefellonMuslim’sfeetandcried,“Muslim,myprince,howcanIexplainto

youthatIhavenotbetrayedyoubutmycursedson,whomItrustedandneversuspectedof

suchblatanttreachery,hasruinedme.Ishallnotletthemcrossmythresholdexceptovermy

deadbody.”MuslimdidnotrequiretobetoldthatTaha’savermentsweresincere.Hegently

toldher,“Mybenefactor,Iknowthatyouhavebeenverykindandconsideratetomeandthe

thoughtofbetrayingmecannotevencrossyournobleandpiousmind.Idonotintheleast

blameyouforthetreacheryofyourson.Asyourguest,whohaspartakenofyourhospitality,I

cannotallowyoutobekilledbythesemercilessbrutesandletyourhousebereducedto

shambles.LetmegooutofthehouseandsellmylifeasdearlyasIcan.”

MuslimgentlypushedasideTahafromthethresholdandwalkedoutswordinhand.Bythis

time,thesoldiershadreachedthehouse.TheyweretakenbysurpriseatseeingMuslim

emergingfromthedoorlikeanenragedlion.Thelanewassonarrowthat2horsescouldnot

comeupabreast.ThisgaveMuslimthebestopportunityforsinglecombat.Thoughhewason

footandthesoldieroppositeofhimwasmounted,hepossessedtheprowesswhichwasthe

heritageofAli’sfamily.Oneaftertheotherthesoldiersweretastingtheswordofthiswarrior

andfallingdownfromtheirhorses.Intheprocesstheyweregettingcrushedandtrampled

underthehoofsofhorsesoftheirownmen.

Theleaderofthebandofsoldiers,whohaddiscreetlykepthimselfbehindhismen,sentword

formoremen.Thoughmoreandmoresoldierswerepouringin,thetopographyofthescene

ofthisstreetbattlewassuchthattheycouldnotattackenmasse.Headsofenemysoldiers

werefallinglikenine‐pins.HourspassedbutstillMuslimwasfightinghisdefensivebattle

mostcourageously.

WhenObeidullahibneZiad’scouriers,whowerebringingtohimthenewsofthefight,

informedhimthatMuslimwasgivingafightthelikeofwhichhadnotbeenseensincethe

daysofAli,theKhalif,hegotinfuriated.Hetauntinglyaskedhisgeneralshowmany

thousandsofwarriorstheyneededtocaptureonesolitaryperson.Oneofthemangrily

retortedtohimthathewasforgettingthatthepersontobecapturedwasnotanordinary

home‐keepingyouthorshoe‐keeperbutarenownedwarrioroftheHouseofAli.Heeven

suggestedthatifObeidullahhadnoconfidenceinthegenerals,hecouldhimselfdemonstrate

hisskillwiththeswordbyofferingcombattoMuslim.Thissuggestionscaredthewitsoutof

Obeidullah.He,ofallpeople,knewwhatitmeanttocrossswordswithAli’snephew.

Swallowingthetaunt,hereplied,“Mygoodgeneral,Ifullyknowwhatitmeanstofightwitha

personsodesperatewhofindshimselfatbay.Insteadoflettingourmendiebyhisswordin

suchlargenumbers,whycannotsomeoneadoptstratagemtomakehimleavehisvantage

positionsothatitmaybeeasiertoattackhimfromallsides?”

ThissuggestionappealedverymuchtothecowardlysoldiersofKufa.Aftersome

consultationsamongstthemselves,theydecidedtosendsoldierstothetopoftheroofofan

adjoiningbuildingandfromtheretohurlstones,burningembersandmissilesatMuslim.It

didnottakethemlongtocarryouttheirstrategy.Withshowersofarrows,stones,fireand

missiles,Muslimwassomuchwoundedthathedecidedtogiveuphisvantageposition.He

chargedonthesoldiersinfrontofhimandtheyfellback.Hewentforward,wieldinghis

sword,andintheprocess,sendingthosewhowerewithinitsreachtotheperditionanddoom

whichtheymerited.

Onceagainhastycounselswereheldamongthecaptainsofthearmy.Someonesuggested

that,sinceMuslimwasnowdesperatelymovingforward,atrenchcouldbedugontheroad

andcoveredupwithstrawsothatitwascompletelycamouflaged.Theideawastotrap

Muslimashemarchedforward.Itwasrealizedthat,withoutsuchsubterfuge,Muslimcould

notbekilledorcapturedwithoutsacrificingthecreamofthearmy.

ThetreacherousruseproposedbyObeidullah’smercenariesworkedasplanned.While

rushingonandwieldinghissworddexterously,Muslimfellintothetrench.Nowthosewho

wereavoidingtocomewithinthereachofhisswordswoopeddownonhim.Withgushing

bloodMuslimcouldnotregainhisfeet.Hetoppledoverandlayunconsciousinthetrench.It

wasnowamatterofminutestocapturehimandsoonhewaschainedandbound.

WhenMuslimregainedconsciousness,hefoundhimselfacaptive.Hiswoundshand

accentuatedhisthirst.Thedawnwasnowbreakingandthecallforprayerswasraisedinthe

mosquesofKufa.Muslimrequestedhiscaptorstogivehimsomewatertodrinkandfor

ablution.Insteadofaccedingtohisrequest,theymockedandjeeredathim.Muslimwas

extremelysurprisedandpainedtoseethatthepeopleofKufa,whowereclaimingtobethe

followersoftheProphet,werefloutingtheinjunctionsofIslamforkindnesstoallinahelpless

predicament.LittledidMuslimknowthatthesesamepeoplewouldbehavewithutter

callousnessandbeastlinesstowardsHusainandhischildreninthenottoodistantfuture!

BeforebeingmarchedofftotheCourtofObeidullah,Muslimwasparadedthroughthestreets

ofKufawithheavychainsonhishandsandfeet.ThepeopleofKufa,whoonlyafewdays

beforewerevyingwithoneanotherjusttohaveaglimpseofhim,werenowwatchinghim

fromtheirwindowswithperfectequanimity,asifhewasanutterstrangertothem.Some

devilsamongstthemwerehard‐heartedenoughtopeltstonesathim.

WhenMuslimwaspresentedbeforeObeidullah,hestooderectwithdignity.Thegovernor

askedhimwhetherheknewthefatethatawaitedhimandhismasterHusainIbneAli.With

utterdisdainMuslimreplied,“OmercenaryofYazid,Idonotcarewhatyoudotome,butIdo

notliketohearyourcursedtonguementioningHusain’sname.”

ObeidullahIbneZiadfeltcrestfallenatthisboldrebukeofMuslim.Withintentionofcreating

animpressionofhismagnanimityonthepeoplewhoweregatheredinhiscourt,hesaidto

Muslim,“Accordingtotheage‐oldArabcustomIwantyoutomentionyourlastdesirebefore

youarebeheadedsothatImayfulfillit.”

AglintofhopecameintoMuslim’seyes.Couldhetakethismanathiswordandaskhimto

sendthemessagewhichhewantedtobeconveyedtohismaster?Likeadrowningmanwho

catchesastraw,Muslimdecidedthat,ifatall,thiswayhisonlychance.Heimmediately

replied,“Obeidullah,ifyouaretruetoyourword,fulfillmylastwishandsendamessageto

mymasterImamHusain,askinghimtogobacktoMedinaandabandontheideaofhisvisitto

Kufa.”

ObeidullahhadneverexpectedthisrequestfromMuslim.Hehadthoughtthatperhaps

Muslimmightrequesthimtosparethelivesofhistwoyoungsonswhentheywerecaptures,

astheyweresuretobe.Forawhilehewasnonplussed;hewasatalosswhattosay.Heknew

thathecouldnotfulfillthiswishofMuslimwithoutincurringthedispleasureofYazid;butto

declinethisrequestwouldbetrayhiminhistruecolor.Hiscrookedminddidnottakelongto

findasolutiontothisproblem.HebeckonedtohisexecutionerstotakeMuslimtothetopof

theGovernmentHouseandtobeheadhim.Heimmediatelydismissedhiscourtandhurried

backtohisapartment.

WhentheswordoftheexecutionerwasswayingoverMuslim’sheadhislastthoughtswere

withhismaster,Husain,whomhehadlovedandcherishedmorethananythinginlife.His

onlyregretwasthattilltheendhecouldnotdowhathewantedmost,towarnHusainagainst

thetreacheryofthepeopleofKufa.Astheswordfellonhisneckhesilentlymutteredaprayer

toGodtosoordainthatHusainmightcometoknowofthehappeningsinKufa.Thiswasthe

lastprayerofthebravewarriorwhostoodsteadfastindeathasinlife.

MercifulGoddidnotallowMuslim’slastprayertogoinvain.Hewholistenstotheprayers

emanatingfromtheheartsofsinceredevoteeslikeMuslim,enabledonewitnesstothe

ghastlyenactmentsofthatday,whohadsomesparksoffaithinhim,togoridingoutofKufa

attheearliestopportunity.HereachedthecampofImamHusainasfewdaysafterMuslim’s

martyrdom.HeconveyedthesadtidingstoHusainwhoweptbitterlyasifhisheartwould

rend.HecalledtheyoungdaughterofMuslim,whowastravelingwithhim,andtoldherthat

henceforthsheshouldregardhimasherguardian.Hegaveonepairofearringstoherand

onetoSakina.Whenthemessengeraskedhimwhetherhewasturningbackandreturningto

MedinainviewofwhathadhappenedtoMuslim,hereplied,“Iamgoingforwardtomeetmy

destiny;tofulfillmypurposeofmylife.Mydeathisbeckoningtomeandsothereisno

questionofmyretracingmysteps.”

Chapter2.Fifty­fourfriends

Somepoet,writingaboutbattleshassaid:"Few,fewshallpart,wheremanymeet."Inaway

thisistrueformostofthebattlesrecordedinhistory.ButthebattleofKarbalaisuniquein

onerespect.NotasinglesoldierfromHussein’sarmysurvivedonthatfatefulday.Hussein

andhisfaithfulfollowerswereoutnumberedtoanextentwhichisalmostunimaginablein

caseofabattle.Stillwhatvalortheydisplayed,whatheroicfeatstheyperformed,what

gloriousexamplestheysettothecominggenerations!

Inotherrespectstoo,thebattleofKarbalacanclaimuniquefeatures.Thiswastheonlybattle

beforethestartofwhichtheCommanderdidnotthinkitnecessarytoexhorthissoldiersto

fightbravelyortosticktotheirground.OntheotherhandHusseinassembledhisdevoted

followersonthenightbeforethebattleand,inatouchingaddress,explainedtothemthat

theywerefreetoleavehimandgoawaywiththeirdearones."Dearfriendsandkinsmen,"he

said,"Iknowwhathardshipsandprivationsyouhavesufferedinrallyingtomyside.Yazid

andhismenareaftermybloodand,ifyoudecidetoleave,theywillbetoohappytogiveyoua

safepassageoutofKarbala.IfyouthinkthatIshallconsideritadesertionandbetrayalin

caseyouleavemenow,letmeassureyouthatIconsiderwhatyouhavedoneformetobe

enoughtoearnmygratitudeandthepleasureofGod."Headdedaftersomethought,Perhaps

youmaybefeelingembarrassedtoleavemelikethis.Iam,therefore,puttingoutthelightsso

that,inthedark,nobodywillknowwhohasleftme."Sayingthis,heorderedthelightstobe

putout.Inthedarktent,notasoulstirred.ThefaithfulfriendsandrelativesofHusseinwere

toomuchovercomebytheiremotionstosayanything.Afterawhile,whenHusseinsawthat

theywouldnotbudgeaninch,helightedthecandlesagain.Hesawallhisbelovedfriendsand

devotedkinsmenstandingsilentlywithheadsbentandtearsflowingfromtheireyes.Someof

themwereoldandbentwithage;someofthemwereyoungandstillintheprimeofyouth.At

lastthesilencewasbrokenbyHabibIbneMazahirwhospokeonbehalfofallthefaithful

companions:"Hussein,tousyouareeverything.Howcanweexplaintoyouthatforeachone

ofuslifewouldbeameaninglessburdenwithoutyou?Itisnotonlybecauseweknowthat

youarethesonoftheHolyProphetbutalsobecauseweknowthatwecannotfindaperson

likeyou,sokind,soconsiderate,solovingandsohelpful.Althoughwecannotdaretocall

ourselvesyourfriends,becauseyouaresosuperiortousineveryway,stillweknowthatyou

havealwaystreatedusasifwewerenotwhatweare,yourhumblefollowers,butasifwe

wereyourdearestfriends."ThesentimentsexpressedbyHabibIbneMazahirwereechoedby

allthefaithfulcompanions,MuslimIbneAusaja,BuraireHamadani,ZuhairIbneKainand

others.Withonevoicetheysaid:"Wecanonlyconsiderourselvessuccessfulinlifeifwediein

defendingyou.Withoutyoulifeforuswouldnotbeworthaday'spurchase."Whatbrave

soulswerethesefaithfulfollowersofHussein!Whatauniqueattachmenttheyhadforhim!

ThefriendsandfollowersofHusseinwhohadgatheredroundhiminKarbalawerefrom

differentwalksoflife.Butallofthemhadsomethingincommonamongstthem—their

unflinchingdevotionforHussein,theirundyingloveandaffectionforhim;theirsupremefaith

inthejusticeofhiscause.Someofthemwerefreemen,soldiersboldandtrue.Otherswere

bondsmenwhohadcometherewiththeirmasters,butwithoutanycompulsion.Evenwhen

theirmastershadgrantedthemfreedomandaskedthemtogoawaywheretheyliked,not

oneofthembudgedaninch;notoneofthemthoughtforamomentofleavingKarbalatosave

hislife.Onthecontrarytheyearnestlyentreated,outoflovewhichwastoodeeprootedand

sinceretobedescribed,thattheyonlywantedonethingandthatwasfreedomtolawdown

theirlivesindefendingHussein.WithwhatsimplicityJawn,thefreeslave,hadasked“Ohmy

Lord,IamaNegroslaveandpeoplesaythatblackpeoplehaveblackbloodalso.Giveisthe

privilegeofhavingourbloodmingledwithbloodofthemartyrsontheplainsofKarbalato

provethatwetoohavefeelingsofdevotion;thatwetoocanrespondtothecallofduty

withoutanycompulsionwiththespontaneityoffreemenofthehighestorder.”Overpowered

bytheexuberanceofhisemotions,hehadsupplicatedthatheshouldnotbedeniedtheright

todemonstratehisundyingdevotionandloveforHussein.

Onthatday,inthefaceoftrialsandtribulations,Husseinhadonlytheconsolationofknowing

thathehadwithhimabandoffaithfulsupportersthelikeofwhichtheworldhadnotseen.

Theywerepersonswhohadrelegatedallpersonalconsiderationstothesecondaryplane,

whodidnotforamomentthinkofwhatwouldhappentotheirwivesandchildrenwho

survivedthem.TheonlythoughtuppermostintheirmindswastoprotectanddefendHussein

andhisfamilyandindoingso,toconsidernosacrificetoogreat.

Topersonsacquaintedwiththesenoblesoulsitwouldnotbeamatterofsurprisethatthey

weredisplayingsuchunflinchingdeterminationtodiefightingforHussein.WasnotHabib

IbneMazahirattachedtoHusseinfromhischildhoodwithaffectionuniqueevenforafriend?

InMedina,duringthelifetimeoftheProphet,whenHabibwasachildofabout8yearsand

wasplayingwithotherladsofhisage,theProphethadpickedhimupwhilstwalkingby,and

hadfondlycaressedthechild.ThecompanionsofMuhammad(SA)whowerewithhimatthat

time,weresurprisedatthisbecause,althoughtheyknewhisloveandaffectionforchildren,

hispickingupthischildinparticularhadseemedinexplicabletothem.Oneofthemhad

venturedtoaskMuhammad(SA)thereasonforthisspecialhandlingofthisboyHabib.

Muhammad(SA)withtearsinhiseyes,hadrepliedthathehadseenHabibdevotedly

followinghisHusseinwhereverhewent;hehadseendhimliterallykissingtheground

troddenbyHussein.TheProphetaddedthathecouldforeseeadaywhenthisverychild

wouldbefriendHusseininamannerwhichwouldmakehisnameimmortal.Surelythiswas

theoccasionMuhammad(SA)wasreferringto.Husseinmusthavebeenawareofthis

prophecyfor,whenhearrivedinKarbala,thefirstthinghedidwastowritetoHabib,who

wasinKufa,informinghimthatheandhiskinsmenhadarrivedinKarbalaandwere

surroundedbyYazid’shordes.WhenHabibreceivedhisletter,hewashavingdinnerwithhis

wife.Onreadingtheletter,heweptbitterly.Whenhiswifehadaskedhimwhathad

happened,hetoldheraboutitscontents.Healsotoldherthat,earlierthatday,whenhehad

gonetothemarkettobuyhenna,hehadheardthenewsthattheforcessentbyObeidullah

IbneZiad,GovernorofKufa,tomassacreHusseinandhisfamily,hadsurroundedhimfromall

sides.Hetoldherthat,onhearingaboutthis,hehadthrownawaythehennawhichhehad

purchasedfordyeinghishairanddecidedtherewouldbenoneedforitnowsincehisown

blood,flowinginHussein’sdefense,woulddothedyeing.Headdedthat,sincethattime,he

wasbroodingoverhowhewouldbreakthisnewstoher.Heofferedtogiveherfreedomand

allhehad,ifshesodesired.ThatfaithfulladytoldHusseinthatshewasfeelingproudatthe

nobledecisionthathehadtakentolaydownhislifeindefenseofHussein.Sheadded:“A

friendinneedisafriendindeed.YouhavebeentakingprideinthefactthatHusaintreatsyou

andregardsyouashischildhoodfriend.Hisfaithinyouisborneoutbythefactthat,ofall

people,hehaswrittentoyouinhishourofneed.IwishyouGodspeed.”

Habibwaspossessedbyonethought—toreachKarbalaasquicklyaspossiblesothathis

reachingthemwasnottoolate.Heaskedhisfaithfulslave,whomhehadtakeninhis

confidenceandinformedabouthisplanstotakehishorseoutsidethetownthatverynight

andwaitforhimtherethathecouldquietlyridetowardsKarbalawithoutanybodyknowing

aboutit.WheninthedeadofthenightHabibreachedthespotwherehisslavewaswaitingfor

himwiththehorse,heheardtheslaveimpatientlymuttering:“Iwonderwhathaddelayedmy

mastersomuch.Ifhehasbeenarrestedonhiswaytothisplace,orpreventedforciblyfrom

cominghere,IshallmyselfrideofftoKarbalaonthishorseandtellHusseinthatmymaster

wasnotforgetfulofhisobligations,wasnotobliviousofthedemandsoffaithfulfriendship,

butwasforciblypreventedfromcoming.ItwouldbetheacmeofsuccessinlifeformeifI

couldfightforHusseinandlaydownmylifeindefendinghim.”Habibblesseshisfaithfulslave

forhisnobilityandfreedhimonthespot.LeavingKufa,hereachedKarbalaonthenightof

the9thofMuharram,whenHusseinwasdistributingarmsagainstthefewselflesssoulswho

wereleftinhiscamp.Hehadkeptasideonesetofarmsandwhensomeofhiscompanions

askedhimthereasonfordoingso,hereplied:“Habib,mydearestfriend,issuretocomewhen

hehearsaboutmyplight.Thesearmsarekeptforhim.”

InHussein’scamptherewasayounglad,Wahab,whohadjustgotmarriedandwasreturning

tohishometownwithhismotherandthenewly‐wedbride.PassingthroughKarbala,they

foundacamppitchedononesideandalargearmypoisedagainstthefewinthosetents.On

enquiriesWahabcametoknowthatHussein,sonofAliandgrandsonoftheProphet,had

beensurroundedonallsidesbyYazid’shordeswhowereinsistingonHusseineitherto

acceptYazid’sspiritualleadershiportodieattheirhands.Wahabcarriedthenewstohiswife

andmother.ThemotherofWahab,whohadknownHusseinfromhischildhoodandwasan

ardentadmirerofAliforhisfearlessbattlesagainstforcesoftyrannyandoppression,knew

thatHusseinwouldneveryieldtothesethreatsandbowhisheadinsubmissiontothewillof

aprofligatepersonlikeYazid,whohadopenlyfloutedalltheinjunctionsofIslamandwho

wastakingprideindefyingandbreakingIslamicprinciples,preceptsandpractices.When

Moawiya,thefatherofYazid,wasrulinginDamascusandpropagatinghatredofAliandthe

Prophet’sfamily,thiscourageouslady,whowaslivingatthattimeinDamascus,hadbeen

openlydenouncingthetyrannyandsacrilegiouspracticesofMoawiya.AswasMoawiya’s

practice,hehadtriedtowinoverthisboldladyofinfluencebyofferingherlargesumsof

moneyinreturnforheragreeingtostoppraisingAliandacknowledgeallegiancetohim.She

hadwithunmitigatedcontempt,spurnedthisoffertoMoawiya’samazementandchagrin.In

surpriseMoawiyahadaskedherhowshecouldbesoadamantwhensheknewAliwouldnot

giveherevenasimpleDirhamwhereashewasofferingheralargesuminsolidgoldcoins.

Withcharacteristicfrankness,sheretortedthatthereasonwhyshepraisedAliand

condemnedhimwasthat,whereasAlwasnotusingstatefundsforbriningpeopletohisside,

Moawiyawasplacingducksanddrakeswiththefundsofthetreasuryoverwhichhehadno

rightandwhichwereheldbyhim,accordingtotheProphet’sruling,intrustforthepeopleof

theMuslimstate.Enragedbythis,MoawiyahadexpelledherfromDamascusaftersubjecting

hertoinhumanetortures.UndeterredbyallthisshehadcontinuedtopraiseAliandhis

family.WhenhersonWahabwasbornlateinherlife,shehadthoughtitherdutytoinculcate

inhimloveofAliandhissons.Shewasalwaystellinghimfromhischildhood,dayinandday

outthatisanoccasionarose,heshouldnotintheleasthesitatetolaydownhislifeindefense

ofAli’ssons.Asifmypremonition,sheknewthat,soonerorlater,therewouldariseaconflict

betweentheforcesofevilandoppressionasrepresentedbyMoawiyaandhisprofligateson

Yazid,andforcesofrighteousnessandIslamicvirtuesrepresentedbythesonsofAli.When

WahabinformedherthatHussein,withafewfaithfulfollowers,wasfacingoverwhelming

odds,sheaskedhersontohurrytohisaid.AllthereofthemcametoHusseinandthemother

beseechedHusseintoletWahabjoinhisfightagainstYazid’sbattalions.WhenHusseinlearnt

thatWahabhadonlygotmarriedonlyacoupleofdaysbefore,heinsistedthathemustleave

himandseeksafetywithhiswifeandmother.Thatbravesonofabravemotherwouldnot

howeveragreetothis.“OhImam,”hesaidwithhisheadbowed,“howisitpossibleformeto

leaveyouandyourdearonesinthiscondition?IfIleaveyouandgoaway,myconscience

wouldeverstingmeforfailingtodomyduty.”HewasabletoconvinceHusseinthathemade

uphismindandnothingcouldmakehimchangehisdecision.

TherewasinHussein’scampMuslimIbneAusaja,avenerablecompanionoftheProphet.Age

hadbenthisbackbutnotdampenedhiszealforthecauseoftruth.HehadseentheProphet

fondlykissingHussein.HehadseentheProphetgettingdownfromthepulpitintheMosque

atMedinainthemidstofasermonwhenHusseinfelldownbytrippingoverthedate‐leafmat.

HehadbeheldtheProphet’sperturbationwhenHussein,duringhischildhood,criedon

accountofanypainsufferedbyhim.Hehadbeenwitnesstothesightwhen,onanEidday,the

ProphethadgonethroughthestreetsofMedinacarryingHassanandHusseinonhistwo

shouldersandutteringthecriesofacamel,topleasethesebelovedchildrenwhowantedto

haveacamelride.HehadheardoneoftheProphet’scompanionsexclaiminamazementat

thissight:“Whatawonderfulmountthesechildrenhavegot!”andtheProphet’sprompt

reply:“Nay,donotsaythat.YoumayrathersaywhatexcellentridersIhavegot.”Thisaged

followerofHusseincouldnotevenbearthethoughtofleavingHusseininthishouroftrial,

thoughHusseindidhisbesttoconvincehimthatathisageofmorethanfourscoreandten,

engaginginbattlewasunthinkable.Thoughagehadphysicallywitheredhim,hisenlightened

spiritsustainedhimandaddedtohisunswervingdeterminationtofightforHusseinandshed

hisbloodtothelastdrop.

TherewasBurairHamadani,thatbravewarriorwhoseprowessinsinglecombathadbecome

legendary.WhenhesawthatAmrSaadandhismenhadmadeuptheirmindtokillHussein

andhiskinsmen,hewasitchingtogivethematasteofhissword,whichhadalwaysstruck

terrorinhisenemies’hearts.WithdifficultyHusseinwasabletorestrainhimandconvince

himthathispurposewasnottoattacktheenemybuttodefendanddielikemartyrs.This

bravewarriorhadcalledameetingofthe53otherfollowersofHusseinontheeveofthe

tenthofMuharramandurgedthemtoguardHusseinandhispeopleagainstanyambushor

surpriseattack.Hehadcautionedthemthattheenemy,whowereknownfortheirstealthy

andcraftytactics,mightmakeasurpriseattackduringthenightandkillHusseinand,ifthis

happened,duringtheirlifetime,anindeliblestigmawouldattachtoallofthemwhichnothing

theycoulddowouldwipeitout.ItwasBurairwho,whilestandingguardoutsideHussein’s

tent,overheardthetalkbetweenHusseinandZainab,whenshehadanxiouslyenquiredfrom

himwhetherhisfollowers,whowerewithhim,wouldfightforhimorleavehim.Hehad,on

hearingthis,calledhisothercompanionsand,withbowedhead,assuredZainabthatthey

wouldnotputbacktheswordsintheirscabbardstilldeathcametothem.Itwasthisbrave

Burairwho,duringhisroundsofthecamp,hadheardthecriesofthethirstychildrenfor

waterandhadcalledafewofthefriendsofHusseintomakearrangementstobringatleast

onebagfullofwatertowetthedrylipsofthechildren.Heandthegallantfewhadmarched

towardstheriverbankwithdeterminationtogetwater,costwhatitmight.Whenchallenged

bythesoldiersofAmrSaad,whowereguardingtheriverbanks,andbeingaskedastowhohe

wasandforwhathehadcome,hehadboldlytoldthemthathewasBurairHamadani,

followerofHussein,andhadcometotakewaterfromtherivertoHussein’scampforthe

thirstychildrenoftheImam.“Wehavenottheleastobjectiontoyouandyourfriends

drinkingasmuchwaterasyouwant,”theyhadreplied,“butwecannotallowyoutotakea

dropofwaterforHussein’schildren.”Howinfuriatedhegotatthisreplyandshoutedbackat

them:“Oheartlessbrutes,youhavenoconsiderationforthehelplesschildrenofHussein

whomthirstiskillingbyinches?Solongastheseinnocentchildrendonotgetwater,itis

unthinkableforanyofustotasteevenadropofit.”Whentheymockinglyrejectedhis

request,hehadadded:fullofrageandfullofgrief,“Ifthatisyourfinalreply,bereadytofight

us,forweshallnotgobackwithoutwater,whatevertheconsequences.”Withwhatbravery

heandahandfuloffriendshadfoughtanddispersedtheregimentthatwasguardingthe

river,andwithwhatsatisfactionhehadfilledthebagwithwaterandhurriedtowardsthe

camp,fightingofftheonslaughtsofsoldierswhohadscurriedtheretopreventwaterbeing

carriedtothechildren!Howwithprideandsatisfactionhehadplacedthebagofwateratthe

feetofthethirstychildrenwhohadclusteredroundthewater‐bagwithshoutsofjoyand

thrownthemselvesonit!Withwhatdismayanddejectionhehadseenthetiedendofthebag

openingunderthecrushofthethirstychildrenandwaterflowingoutonthedrysoil,andthe

childrencryingwithdisappointmentandrubbingtheirbodiesonthewetsand!Movedto

tearsatthisheartrendingsight,howhehadexclaimedinutterdespondency:“Alas,Burair’s

effortshavegoneinvainandthethirstoftheseinnocentshasremainedunquenched!”

Hussein’sdepletedarmy,ifitispermissibletogivethatnomenclaturetothathandfulof

warriors,hadaneleventhhouraddition.ItwasHur,thesonofYazideRiyahi,whohadcome

overtoHussein’ssideontheeveofthebattleofKarbala.Thisbravewarriorwhocommanded

abattalioninthearmyofAmrSaad,hadhisfirstencounterwithHusseinonhiswayto

Karbala.Hur’sforceshadexhaustedtheirwatersupplywhistproceedingtomeetHusseinand

hismenwiththeintentionofpreventinghimfromproceedingtowardsKufaandbrininghim

totheplainofKarbala.Hismenandhorsesweresothirstythattheirtongueswerelolling

fromtheirmouths.WhenHusseinsawtheconditionofHur’smen,heofferedtothemthe

water,whichhewascarryingwithhim.HusseinandAbbaspersonallysupervisedthis

operationandnotonlygavetoHur’smenallthewatertheyneededbutalsoallowedtheir

horsestodrinktheirfill.Afterthis,HurhadaskedHusseintoproceedtowardstheplainof

Karbala.InspiteofHussein’sprotestations,hehadremainedadamant.Hussein,knowingthat

thisbravesoldierwasactingaccordingtohissuperior’sinstructions,withoutrealizingthe

consequencesofhisactions,agreedtodiverthisroute.

WhenHurcutoffHussein’srouteandforcedhimtoproceedtoKarbala,hewasunderthe

beliefthatapeacefulsolutioncouldbefoundinthecourseofnegotiationswithAmrSaad.

LittledidherealizethatthearmyofSyriawoulddaretospillthebloodoftheProphet’s

grandsonandhisbelovedones.Onlyonthenightofthe9thofMuharram,whenan

announcementwasmadebyAmrSaadandShimrthatonthenextdaynoquarterwouldbe

giventoHusseinandhismen,herealizedwhatagreatmistakehehadmadeinforcing

HusseintocometoKarbalaagainsthiswill.Hewasovercomebyrepentance.Contritionwas

gnawingathisheart.HerealizedthatHusseinhadnothingbutpeacefulintentionsandhad

thatnotbeenthecase,hecouldhaveeasilydefeatedhimwhenhehadinterceptedHussein’s

menevenaftergivingwatertohismenandbeasts.HehadhimselfpleadedwithAmrSaadto

makewateravailabletoHusseinandhiskinsmenandthirstychildren,narratingtheincident

ofHusseinprovidingwatertohismenwhentheywereonthevergeofcollapseonaccountof

thirst,aggravatedbytheheatofthedesert.Butallhispleadingsandpersuasionshadbeenin

vain.Whateverhehadurged,hadfallenondeathears.

Hurwaspacingthefloorofhistentlikeacagedlion.Repentancewaseatinguptheheartof

thisgallantsoldierattherealizationthathewasinstrumentalinplacingthisdangerousstate

Hussein,whomhehadinhisheartofheartsalwaysadmiredandrespected.Hewasshaking

withragelikeatwiginafieldfacingagustofwind.Hewasnowconsciousofthefactthatthe

leasthecoulddowastogoovertoHusseinandoffertodieindefendinghimbeforeanyofhis

otherfriendsandfollowers.Oneofhiscolleagues,whosawhiminthisagitatedstatewhile

peepingintohistent,askedhimwithgreatsurprise:“WellHur,Iknowthatmostofthe

soldiersandofficersinourcamparetremblingintheirshoesatthethoughtoffighting

againstthebravesonsandgrandsonsofAlitomorrow.ButIthoughtyouwouldbean

exceptionandwouldnotbefrightenedbythethoughtofmeetingyourdeathonthe

battlefield.”Herepliedwithdisdaininhisvoice:“I’mnotafraidoffacingdeath,butIshudder

tothinkwhatperditionIshallhavetofaceonthedayofResurrectionifIfightagainstthe

grandsonoftheProphetwhowasmybenefactorwhenmymenandIwereathismercyand

wereoverpoweredbythirst.WhatanswerwillIbeabletogivetomyMakerontheDayof

JudgmentwhenHewillaskmewhyIhadbetrayedmyownbenefactor?”

ItdidnottakeHurverylongtoresolvethismentalconflict.Itwasnotadifficultchoicefor

him—eithertochoosetheworldlygains,thefishesandloavesofoffice,powerandpelfwhich

hewouldgetinplentybyremaininginYazid’sarmy,ortoacceptcertaindeathwhichawaited

himincasehewentovertoHussein’scamp.Itwasachoicebetweenhellandheavenandhe

unhesingtatedlychosethelatterwithoutanymentalreservations.Herevealedhisintentions

tohissonandfaithfulslave.Bothofthemwhole‐heartedlyagreedwithhischoiceanddecided

tocrossovertoHussein’ssideregardlessoftheconsequences.Allthreeofthemmounted

theirhorsesandrodeoff.BeforereachingtheoutskirtsofHussein’scamp,thedismounted

fromtheirhorses.TheywerehearingahumofprayersfromthetentsofHussein’sfollowers

andfrequentcriesofthirstychildren.HurfeltthathewasresponsibleforbringingHussein

andhisfamilytothisstateandwhateverhedid,couldnotremovethestigmathatwould

foreverattachtohimfortherolehehadplayedinbringingHusseintoKarbala.Hehadasked

hissontotieuphishandssothathecouldsurrenderhimselftoHusseinandabjectlyaskfor

hisforgiveness.

Seeingallthreeofthemapproachtheircamp,HusseinandAbscameforward.Hurfelldown

onhiskneesandbeggedHusseintoforgivehimforwhathehaddone.“HadIknownthatmy

actiononthatdaywouldcometosuchapass,”hesaid,“Iwouldneverhavesoobstinately

insistedonyourchangingyourroute.”Withtearsinhiseyesheentreated:“OhHussein,my

master,Iconsidermycrimeheinousandunpardonable.TheleastIcandonoislaydownmy

lifefirst,beforeanyonefromamongstyouiskilled.Ihavebroughtmysonwithmetodiein

defendingyoursons.Ithrowmyselfonyourmercyandimploreyoutoforgivemeas,without

pourpardon,Icanneverredeemmysoul.”

HusseinwasdeeplymovedbyHur’swords.Advancingtowardshim,heembracedhimwith

cordialitypeculiartohimandsaid:“Hur,mynoblefriend.Idonotintheleastblameyoufor

whatyouhavedone.Thestrengthofcharacteryouhavedisplayedbyspurringallworldly

gainsandallthetemptingallurementsofthisworldlylifewhichwouldhavecometoyouhad

youremainedontheotherside,hasaddedinchestoyourmoralstature.Ifthereisatall

anythingtobeforgiven,Ihavealreadyforgivenyou.Nay,Iconsideryoutobemyhonored

guest.MyregretisthatIcannotdoanythingforyouatthistimewhen,contrarytohaving

meansofentertainingyou,wedonotevenhaveamorseloffoodoradropofwatertooffer

you.”

Hurwasrenderedspeechlessatthisdisplayofgenerosity.Hehadheardsomuchofthe

forgivenessandothernobletraitsinthecharacterofthegrandsonsoftheProphetbuthewas

surprisedthat,withoutawordofreproach,withouttheleastcastigation,withouttheleast

bitternessorrancour,Husseinhadwelcomedhimwithopenarms.

Likemothshoveringroundacandle,Hussein’scompanionsandkinsmensurroundedhim

throughoutthenight.Itwasasleeplessnightforthem,everyminutewhichwasspentinthe

remembranceoftheCreatororinexhortingoneanothertoseethatnoharmcametoHussein

solongasanyoneofthemwerealive.Withthebreakingofdawn,AliAkbargavethecallfor

morningprayers.Astheyweremakingpreparationsfortheirprayers,avolleyofarrows

greetedthemfromtheenemy’sside.AmrSaadwasthefirsttofireanarrowinHussein’s

direction,aftercallinghismentobearwitnesstothisactbeforeYazid.Blindedbythelureof

rewards,hebeganthedaywithadespicabledeedwhichwastocondemnhimandhisname

tilleternity.

Seeingthehostileactionsoftheenemy,Hussein’sfriendsandcompanionsheldhasty

consultationsanddecidedthatafewofthemshouldstandroundHusseinwhiletherestofthe

congregationengagedinprayers,sothatnoharmwasdonetothembytheenemy’sarrows.

StandingasshieldsinfrontoftheImam,thesebravesoldiersweremovingsidetosidenotto

dodgethearrows,butreceivethemontheirbodiestoprotectthoseengagedinprayers.

Whentheprayerswereoverabout23ofHussein’ssoldierswereseriouslywounded.

Withtherisingofthesun,theenemystartedbeatingbattle‐drums.Abovethedinofthe

battle‐drumsrosethecriesofenemysoldierschallengingHusseintosendhismenfor

combatswiththem.Hurwasadamantlyinsistingthatheandhissonandslave,whomhe

lovedasmuchashisson,shouldbeallowedtogofirst.Perhapshehadatthebackofhismind

theideathatthebattalionof1,000,whichhehadcommandedinAmrSaad’sarmy,couldbe

movedbyhisappealonHussein’sbehalf,andifhesucceededinmakingthemwaver,the

otherstomightfollowsuit.Hehadsomerayofhopethathemightbeabletosavethedayand

undowhathehaddonebybringingHusseintoKarbala.

MountinghishorseandgettingpermissionfromHussein,Hurrodeoutwithhissonandslave.

PausingbeforethearmyofYazid,hedeliveredaharanguefullofeloquenceandpersuasion.

Hetoldtheenemysoldiersthatonlytillthepreviousnighthewaswiththembutwhenthe

realizationofwhathewasdoinghaddawnedonhim,hehaddecidedtogoovertothesideof

truthandjusticerepresentedbyHussein.Hetoldthemthatatthetimehefeltasifhewas

poisedonthetopofahugeridgeoffate,ononesideofwhichlayheavenandontheother

hell;thathehadmadethechoicerealizingthatthisworldwastransitoryandallthatit

offeredwasephemeral.Heeloquentlyurgedthemtorealizethatallthebewitchingthingsand

adornmentswhichlifeofferedthemwerelikeapplesofSodom,goodtolookatbutgallworm‐

woodtothetaste.HequotedtothemversesfromtheQurantotheeffectthatkillingofan

innocentcamelofaProphetofyorehadbroughtdownthewrathofGod.Heaskedthemto

reflectonwhatthekillingofthegrandsonoftheProphetofIslam,whomhehadadoredand

lovedsomuch,wouldbringdownonthem.Hiswordscastamagneticspellontheforcewhich

wereerstwhileunderhiscommand.ShimrrealizedthatallwouldbelostifHurwasallowed

tospeakfurthertothearmyunderhiscommand.HewhisperedtoAmrSaadtoorderhismen

toattackHur,hissonandslavewithoutmeetingtheminasinglecombat,thoughsuchanact

wascontrarytotheacceptedrulesofbattlesinthosedays.AmrSaadatonceorderedhis

armytolaunchamassattackonthethreeofthemandpromisedfabulousrewardstothose

whosucceededinkillingthem.ThecupidityofthosehirelingsofYazidwasarousedand,

forgettingeverything,theyfelluponHur,hissonandslave,allthreeofthemwhomwielded

theirswordsindefense.Suchwastheirskillwiththeswordthat,thoughhopelessly

outnumbered,theykilledenemysoldiersbydozens.Hurrushedthroughtheenemyranks,

dexterouslyusinghissword.Verysoontheoddsbegantotellagainstallthreeofthem.First

tofallwasHur’ssonandthenhisslave.Hurhadadvancedaconsiderabledistancefightingthe

foesonbothsidesofhim.Exhaustedwiththeflowofbloodfromadeepheadwound,he

becamegiddyandfelloverfromhishorse.Evenatthatmomenthehadadesiretohearfrom

Hussein’slipsonceagainthathehadforgivenhim.Musteringallhisstrengthheshoutedfor

Husseinbeforehestruckthegroundandbecameunconscious.

OnhearingHur’scryHusseinandAbbasrushedoutfromthecamp,swordsinhand.Piercing

theenemyranks,theyreachedtheplacewhereHurwaslying.Husseinliftedhisheadandput

itinhislap.Hecleansedthebloodandtiedhiskerchief,whichhadbeenwovenbyhismother

Fatimawithherownhands,asabandageforthewound.Huropenedhiseyesandlooked

straightintoHussein’seyes.Thoughhewasspeechless,hiseyesconveyedtoHusseinhis

message.HusseinunderstoodandaffectionatelyputhishandonHur’sheadexclaiming:“May

Godblessyouforthenobleroleyouhaveplayedtodayinbefriendingme.”Hearingthese

wordsHurbreathedhislastwithhisheadstillrestinginHussein’slap.HusseinandAbbas

liftedthedeadbodyandcarriedittothecamp.

AfterHurcamethedevotedturnoftheotherdevotedfriendsofHussein.Eachofthemwas

vyingwiththeotherstosacrificehislifefirst.Eachseemedtobeburningwiththedesireto

dieindefendingHusseinandhisbelovedones.HabibIbneMazahir,MuslimIbneAusaja,

BurairHamadani,ZohairIbneKain,Jawnandotherswentouttofightagainsttremendous

odds,flooredmanywarriorsinsinglecombats,andfellfightingbravelyagainsttheattackofa

hostofenemies.EachofthemcalledHusseinastheyfellfromhorseback:“Mymaster,I

conveytoyoumylastsalutations.”OneachoccasionHussein,withAbbas,Akbar,andhis

otherfollowersandfriends,rushedouttobeatthesideofhisdyingfriend.Hisfriendswould

asktheirdyingbrethrenwhethertheyhadanylastwishtoconvey.Theinvariablereplywas:

“Yes,solongasfamily.”Thoseofthemwhowererenderedspeechlesswouldjustpoint

towardsHusseinandbysignsconveytotheothersthattheirlastwishwasthatallthe

companionsshouldfighttothebitterendindefenseofHusseinsothatatleast,solongasthey

werealive,noenemycoulddaretoinflictanywoundsonhim.

TherewasaregularprocessionofdeadbodiescomingtothemorguesinHussein’scamp.

FromearlyinthemorningHusseinwasliftingthebodiesofthemartyrs,hisfaithfuldefenders

andcarryingthemtohiscampassistedbyAbbas,AliAkbarandtheothers.Hewasinsisting

ondoingthishimselfbecauseheconsideredthistobetheleasthecoulddoforthosenoble

soulswhohaddisplayedloveanddevotionforhiminthesemosttryingcircumstancesthe

likeofwhichtheworldhadnotwitnessed.InthiswayhecarriedthebodiesofMuslimIbne

Ausaja,ZoheirIbneKain,BurairHamadani,Jawn,HabibIbneMazahir,andtherest.Hewept

copiouslyovertheirdeadbodies,rememberingtheirloveandaffectionforhim,theirdeep

devotionandtheirspiritofsacrifice.Thedeathofeachfaithfulfriendwasprovingacrippling

blowforHussein.ThesebravesoldiersdidnothavetheirfamilieswiththeminKarbala.Who

couldmourntheirdeath;butHussein’ssistersanddaughtersandtheladiesofhishousewere

mourningtheirdeathasiftheyweretheirownbrothersandsons.

WahabIbneAbdullahKalabi,theyoungnewlymarriedwarriorwhohadjoinedHussein’s

camp,wasthelasttogo.EverytimehewascomingtoHusseinandbegginghimfor

permissiontogotothebattleplaneanddiefighting,butHusseinwasholdinghimback.When

allofHussein’sfaithfulfriendswereexhausted,thisyoungmanfellatHussein’sfeetand

entreatedhimtolethimgo.Husseintoldhimthat,sincehehadhismotherandnewlywed

wifewithhim,heshouldsecuretheirpermissionbecauseheowedadutytothem.The

motherofWahab,whowasnearby,heardthisandtoldtheImamthatsincethemorningshe

hadbeeninsistinguponhersontofightindefenseofHusseinbeforealltheothers.“Ihave

nourishedhimwithmymilkinhischildhood,”shesaid,“andIshallconsiderhimmysononly

ifhediesdefendingyouastheothershavedone.”AccordingtoHussein’sbiddingWahab

wenttohisbridetoseekpermission.Withtearsinhereyesshesaidtohim:“Itisyourfirst

andforemostobligationtodefendtheProphet’sgrandsonandhisfamilyevenatthecostof

yourlife.Ihopetomeetyouinheaven.Iexpectyoutomeetmeatthethresholdofheavenand

topraythatourmeetingtheremaynotbelongdelayed.”Afterashortsilencesheadded

reflectively,“IknowthattheenemywillnotspareasinglemalememberofHussein’sfamily

andtheywillmakeuswomencaptives.Itisverylikelythattheywillshowsomerespectto

theladiesofHussein’sfamilyoutofregardfortheProphet;buttheymaynotshowthesame

considerationtomeandyourmother.IonlywantyoutorequestfromtheImamthathemay

leaveuswiththeladiesofhisfamilysothatwemaybetreatedwiththerespectthatwillbe

accordedtothem.”HusseinassuredWahabthathiswifeandmotherwouldbelookedafterby

ZainabandKulsumandtheotherladiesofhishouse.LittledidWahab’swiferealizethatthe

heartlesssoldiersofYazidwouldtreattheladiesoftheProphet’shouseworsethanordinary

captivesandslaves.Wahabwentouttothebattlefieldanddiedfightinggallantlyliketherest

ofhiscompanions.

Historyisrepletewithinstanceswherebravepersonshaverisentogreatheightsfightingfor

noblecauses:whereoutofloveandaffection,orsenseofdutyanddevotion,peoplehave

enduredhardshipandsufferingsanddiedindefenseofideasthey’vecherished.Butnever

beforeorafterhavedeedsofsuchselflessdevotionandselfabnegationbeenwitnessedasin

Karbalaonthatmemorableday.HowtrulyHurhadspokentothearmyofYazidthatinthis

transitoryworldnothingenduresforeveranddeathistheinevitablegoalofeverylivingsoul.

ThehirelingsofYazid,whoforthesakeofworldlygainsshedthebloodofinnocentmartyrs,

arealldeadandforgotten,andnotastonetellswheretheylie.Thenamesofthosewho

playedaleadingroleinconductingthecarnageonthatday,arerememberedwithfeelingsof

contemptanddisgust.Theremembranceoftheirdastardlydeedsevokesfeelingsofdevotion.

OntheotherhandwhatthefriendsandfollowersofHusseindidinthebattleofKarbalahas

madeheirnamesimmortal.Theirheroicdeedsarerecalledandnarratedeveryyearduring

themonthofMuharramthroughoutthelengthandbreathofIslamiccountriesand

communities.EvenindeaththeylieburiedaroundHusseinandhissons.HabibIbne

Mazahir’sgraveintheentrance‐hallofHussein’smausoleumconveystheimpressionthat,

evenindeath,thisfaithfulfriendofHusseinisservingthedutiesofasentinelashedidonthe

eveofthebattleofKarbala.Eachofthemhadlivedanoblelifeanddiedanobledeath.

Chapter3.Akbar–TheHashemiteprince

ThewholetownofMedinawashummingwithactivity.Peoplefromallpartsofthetownwere

lookingintothestreetoftheHashimiteswhereacaravanwasgettingreadyforajourney.The

eldersofthetownweretalkingtoeachotherinhushedtones,recallingthewordsofthe

Prophet,thatadaywilldawnwhenhisbelovedgrandsonHusainwouldleaveMedinawith

hissons,brothers,nephewsandkinsmen‐nevertoreturn.Therewassadnessonthefacesof

all,youngandold.TheelderlypeoplewereaghastatthethoughtofHusaingoingaway

forever.Theywereaccustomedtoturningtohiminalltheirneeds.TheyouthsofMedina

weresaddenedbythethoughtofAbbasandAliAkbarandQasimgoingawayforgood.Their

anxiousenquiriescouldonlyelicitthismuchinformationthatHusainwithhiskinsmenand

children,wasgoingforHajjandfromtheretoanunknowndestination.

ThoughtsofpartingweretormentingnotonlythemalepopulationofMedinabutalsothe

womenfolkofthetown.Theytoowereaccustomedtothemunificenceoftheladiesofthe

Prophet’shouse.Whowasthereamongstthemwhohadnotreceivedhelpandcounselfrom

thedaughtersofFatima?Whowouldbeleftnowtowhomtheycouldturnintheirhourof

need,whenZainabandKulsum,UmmeRubabandUmmeLailahaldleftMedina?Hadnot

timesoutofnumbertheirchildrenreceivedgiftsandfavorsfromSakinaandRokayya?

Aswastheirwont,thepeopleofMedina,menandwomen,youngandold,hadgonetothe

tomboftheProphettoprayandseeksolace‐topraytoGodwiththeinvocationsofHis

ProphetthattheymightbesparedtheordealofseparationfromHusainandhisfamily.There

atthetomboftheProphettheywitnessedaheart‐rendingscene.TheysawHusainandZainab

prostratewithgriefandsorrow,biddingfarewelltotheProphet.Theysawbothofthem

visitingthegraveofFatimaandlamentingovertheseparationasiftheywerepartingforever.

ItwasrumoredthatHusainwasleavingMedinatoarrangethemarriageofhissonAliAkber

withsomeprincess,someladyofanoblestockinsomedistantland.Couldthisrumorbe

correct?TheyallknewthattherewasnotayoungladofmarriageableageinArabiawho

couldbesaidtobefittoholdacandlebeforehim.Hishandsomelookswerematchedbyhis

handsomedeeds.Hisnobilityofcharacter,hissenseofduty,hisgenerosity,hischivalry,his

geniality,hisloveofjusticeandfairplayhadendearedhimtoeverysoul.Itwasawell‐known

factamongtheArabsthroughoutHedjazthatAliAkbarwasbearingaremarkable

resemblancetotheHolyProphet.Inlooks,invoice,inmannerism,ingaitandineveryway,he

resembledtheProphet.Theresemblancewassomarkedthatpeoplefromfarandwidewere

comingtoseehim,toberemindedoftheProphetwhomtheyweremissingsomuch.Those

whohadnothadthegoodfortunetoseetheProphetweretoldbytheireldersthatAliAkbar

wastheveryimageofMuhammad,mayPeaceofAllahbeonHim.Therecould,therefore,be

noroomfordoubtthatthenoblestfamiliesofArabiacouldconsideritasignalofhonorifthis

scionoftheProphet’sfamilyweretoasktheirdaughterinmarriage.Butthen,ifHusainand

hisfamilywereleavingMedinaforAliAkbar’smarriage,theywouldnotbesecretiveaboutit.

TheProphet’sgrandsonwouldinthatcasehavegivenoutthegoodtidingstothepublic.

Therewasnotalivingbeinginthattownwhoseheartwouldnothavebeenfilledwithjoyto

hearaboutthebetrothalofAliAkbar.AndifmarriageofAliAkbarwasthepurpose,surely

HusainwouldnotchoosethisseasonwhenoutsidetheoasisofMedina,thescorchingheatof

summerwasbakingthedesertsands!

Afterlongdiscussions,byaconsensusofopinion,itwasdecidedtoapproachHusainina

delegationandtodissuadehimfromundertakingthejourney.Someofthevenerable

companionsoftheProphetundertooktoappriseHusainoftheirforebodingsandtheir

recollectionofhisgrandfather’sprophesythat,ifHusainmigratedfromMedinawithhis

family,hewouldnotreturn.

Thecaravanwasalmostreadytodepart.Thehorseswereneighingwithimpatienceand

champingtheirbitsintheoppressiveheatoftheday.Husainwasstandingnearhishorse

intentlywatchingthearrangementsbeingmadebyAbbasandAliAkbar.Hewasreflectively

followingtheirmovementsastheywerehelpingeachladyandeachchildtomountthe

camels,astheywerelendingahelpinghandtotheladieswithtendercareandaffection;as

theladiesweregraciouslyandprofuselythankingthemfortheexcellentarrangementsthey

hadmadefortheircomfortandforprotectingthemfromtheunbearableheatbyholdingtheir

owngownsovertheirheadsasacanopy.ThissighthadsomeinexplicableeffectonHusain,

forhiseyeswereglitteringwithtears.Thesolicitudedisplayedbyhisbrotherandsonforthe

ladiesandchildrenshouldhavefilledhimwithhappiness;but,insteadtheeffectonhimwas

justtheopposite.Washebeholdingtheshadowsofsomecomingevents?

AtthismomentcametherepresentativesofthepeopleofMedina.Withonevoice,they

entreatedHusaintoabandontheideaofundertakingthisjourney.Theirleader,with

supplicationinhisfalteringvoice,besoughtHusaintotellthemwhyhehaddecidedtoleave

themandtheProphet’stombforwhichhehadsomuchattachment.“OSonoftheProphet,if

wehavedispleasedyouinanyway,pleaseforgiveus.”Atthisdisplayofloveandaffection,

Husainwasmovedtotears.Suppressinghissobs,hereplied,“Mydearbrethren,believeme

thatmyheartisbleedingatthisparting‐partingfromyouandfromthegravesofmybeloved

grandfather,mydearestmotherandmybrother,whomIhelddearerthanmylife.Haditnot

beenforthecallofduty,IassureyouIwouldhaveabandonedtheideaofleavingMedina.It

grievesmemostthatIcannotforoncegrantyouyourwisheswhenyoualllovemesodearly.

ButAlmightyAllahhassowilleditandinHisdivinedispensationordainedthatIshould

undertakethisjourney.Iknowwhathardshipsawaitme;buttheProphethasgroomedme

frommychildhoodtofacethem.”

SeeingthatthehandofdestinywassnatchingawayHusainfromthem,theyconferred

amongstthemselvesandsuggestedthat,ifhisdecisiontogofromMedinawasfinal,heshould

takewithhimalltheable‐bodiedpersonsofthetownsothattheycouldprotecthimandhis

people.Theyremindedhimofthetreacherythatwaspervadingtheatmosphereinthe

adjoiningregions.Husain,obviouslymovedbytheirsincereconsiderationforhissafety,

thankedthemprofusely.Buthetoldthemthat,inaccordancewiththewishesoftheProphet,

hehadtofulfillthemissionofhislifeonlywiththosewhoweredestinedtobeassociated

withhiminthetaskconfrontinghim.

WhentheyreceivedthisreplytotheirentreatiesfromHusain,therepresentativeofthe

MedinitesrequestedHusaintograntthemonewish‐toleaveAliAkbarbehindhiminMedina.

“OhHusain,”theyasked,“WecannotbearthethoughtofpartingwithyoursonAliAkbar.He

istheveryimageoftheProphet.Wheneverwefeelovercomebytheremembranceof

Muhammad,wegotoAliAkbartolookathimandtakecomfort.Weshalllookafterhim

betterthanwelookafterourownsons.Wepromisethatweshalltreathiseverywishasa

command.Infairweatherandfoul,weshallstandbyhim.Evenifwedie,weshallcommand

ourchildrenasourdyingwishtoattendtoallhiscomfortsandneeds.Hisexemplarylifehas

beenanobjectlessonforoursonswhoaredevotedtohimasifheweretheirbrother.”These

pleading,whichhadaringofsincerityandearnestness,renderedHusainquitespeechlessfor

atime.HowcouldhetellthemwhatwasinstoreforAliAkbarwhotheylovedandadoredso

much?Whenhissadreflectionshadsubsided,herepliedtotheminatonetingedwithpathos,

“Alas,IonlywishIcouldentrustAliAkbartoyourcare!Inmymission,hehastoplayarole,

theimportanceofwhichIcannotrevealtoyou;butrestassuredthatIshallalwaysremember

yourkindnesstome.Ishallcarrywithmevividmemoriesofhispartingandrememberyouin

myprayers.”

Whentheheavenswereglowingwiththelastraysofday,thecaravanleftonitslong‐drawn

journeytotheunknowndestination.SoondarknessdescendeduponMedinaasifsymbolicof

thedarknessandgloom,whichthedepartureofHusainhadcast,onthetown,associatedwith

amyriadmemoriesofthischildhood.

Meanderingthroughthedesert,thecaravanhadreacheditsdestination‐adestinationthat

Allahhadwilledforit.ThemarchofHusainandhiskinsmeninthisworldhadended;butit

wasjustthebeginningoftheirmarchtowardstheirgoal.Withthedawnofthe10thdayofthe

monthofMuharramtheevents,forwhichtheProphetandAliandFatimahadprepared

Husain,startedunfoldingthemselves.Whatadayitwasandwhatfatefuleventsit

encompassed!

OnebyonethefaithfulfollowerswentouttofightforthecauseofIslam,whichforcedofevil

wereattemptingtostifle,andintheprocessfaceddeath.Intheirgloriousdeathsthey

demonstratedwhatsteadfastnessandunflinchingfaith,whatcourageofconvictioncan

achieveandattainagainstallodds.Withhisdevotedsupportersnowsleepingthesweet

slumberofdeathfromwhichnothingcouldawakenthem,theturnofHusain’ssonsand

brothersandnephewscame.InspiteofHusain’sbesteffortstosendhissonAliAkbartothe

battlefieldbeforeallhisdevotedfriendsandfaithfulfollowers,theywouldnotevenlethim

mentionit.ThethoughtofAliAkbar,Husain’sbelovedson,layingdownhislifeinbattle,when

theywerestillalive,wastoomuchforthem.Itwouldbeblasphemousforthemevento

entertainsuchidea!

AliAkbarwentovertohisfathertoaskhispermissiontogooutintothatgoryarenafrom

whichnopersonfromhiscamphadreturned.Husainlookedathisface;itwouldbemore

correcttosaythatforacoupleofminuteshisstarewasfixedonthatfacewhichhelovedso

much;whichremindedhimeverytimeofhisgrandfatherwhomheresembledeveryinch.He

triedtosaysomethingbuthisvoicefailedhim.Withconsiderableefforthewhisperedwith

downcasteyes:"Akbar,Iwishyouhadbecomeafather;thenyouwouldhaveknownwhatI

amexperiencingatthismoment.Myson,howcanafatheraskhissontogo,whenheknows

thatthepartingwouldbeforever!ButAkbar,thecallofdutymakesmehelplessinthis

matter.Gotoyourmother,andtoyourauntZainabwhohasbroughtyouupfromchildhood

andlovedyouandcaredforyoumorethanforherownsons,andseektheirpermission."

AliAkbarenteredthetentofhisauntZainab.HefoundherandhismotherUmmeLailagazing

vacantlytowardsthebattlefieldandlisteningintentlytothebattle‐criesoftheenemyhordes.

Theirinstinctmadethemawarethat,nowthatallthedevotedfollowersofHusainhadlaid

downtheirdearlivesdefendinghimandthem,theturnofhissons,andbrothersand

nephewshadcome.Itwasnowonlyaquestionoftime.Itwasonlyaquestionwhowouldgo

firstfromamongstthem.

ThelightfootstepsofAliAkbarrousedbothofthemfromtheirreverie.Bothofthemfixed

theirgazeonhimwithoututteringaword.Zainabbrokethesilencewithanexclamation:"Oh

God,canitbetruethatAkbarhascometobidmeandhismotherthelastfarewellAkbardo

notsaythatyouarereadyforthelastjourney.SolongasmysonsAunandMuhammadare

there,itisimpossibleformetoletyougo."

AkbarknewwhatloveandaffectionhisauntZainabhadforhim.Hewasconsciousofthe

pangsofsorrowshewasexperiencingatthatmoment.Heraffectionforhimtranscended

everythingexceptherloveforHusain.Helookedatherface,andathismother'swhowas

renderedspeechlessbyhersurgingfeelingsofanguish.Heknewnothowtotellthemthathe

hadpreparedhimselfforthejourneytoHeaventhatlayahead.Hesummonedtohisaidhis

mostcoaxingmannersthathadalwaysmadehismotherandZainabaccedetohisrequests

andsaid:"Myaunt,forallmyfather'skinsmentheinevitablehourhascome.Iimploreyou,by

theloveyoubearforyourbrother,toletmegosothatitmaynotbesaidthathesparedme

tillallhisbrothersandnephewswerekilled.Abbas,myuncle,isCommanderofourarmy.The

othersareallyoungerthanme.Whendeathisacertainty,letmediefirstsothatIcanquench

mythirstattheheavenlyspringofKausaratthehandsofmygrandfather."Theearnestness

ofAkbar'stoneconvincedZainabandhismotherthathewasdeterminedtogo.Itseemedto

behislastwishtolaydownhislifebeforeallhiskinsmen.Sinceonnootheroccasionthey

haddeniedhimhiswishes,itseemedsodifficulttosaynotohislastdesire.Withagasp

Zainabcouldonlysay,"Akbar,mychild,ifthecallofdeathhascometoyou,go."Hismother

couldonlysay:"MayGodbewithyou,myson.WithyouIamlosingallIhadandcaredforin

thisworld.Yourfatherhastoldmewhatdestinyhasinstoreforme.Afteryou,forme

pleasureandpainwillhavenodifference."WiththesewordsshefellunconsciousinAli

Akbar'sarms.

Thebattle‐cryfromtheenemy'srankswasbecominglouderandlouder.AliAkbarknewthat

hehadtogooutquicklylesttheenemy,seeingthattheirchallengesforcombatwere

remainingunanswered,gotemboldenedtomakeaconcertedattackonhisfather'scamp.

Evensuchathoughtwasunbearableforhim.Solongashewasalive,howcouldhepermitthe

onslaughtofYazid'sforcesonhiscampwherehelplesswomenanddefenselesschildrenwere

lyinghuddledtogether?HegentlyputhismotherinhisauntZainab'sarmssaying:"Zainab,

myaunt,Iamleavingmymothertoyourcare.Iknow,fromyourchildhood,yourmotherBibi

Fatimahaspreparedyouforthesoul‐stirringeventsoftodayandwhatistocomehereafter.

Mymotherwillnotbeabletobeartheblowsandcalamitiesthataretobefallher,unlessyou

lendheryourcourage.Iimploreyoubytheinfiniteloveyoubearformetoshowthefortitude

thatyouarecapableof,sothatyourpatiencemaysustainmymotherwhensheseesmydead

bodybroughtintothecamp'smorgue.Ientrusthertoyourcarebecausetherewillbenoneto

solaceherandlookafterherintheyearsofdismayanddespondencythatlieaheadofher."

AliAkbarembracedhislovingauntZainabwithtenderloveandaffectionforthelasttime.she

exclaimed:"Akbar,go.Mychild,IentrustyoutoGod,ToeaseyourlastmomentsIpromise

youthat,solongasIlive,IshallafterUmmeLailawiththeaffectionofamother."

WithaheavyheartAliAkbarreturnedtohisfather.Therewasnoneedforhimtosaythathe

hadbidfarewelltohismotherandauntZainab,forthesorrowdepictedonhisfacespoke

volumestoHusain.SilentlyheroseandputtheProphet'sturbanonAkbar'shead,tiedthe

scabbardonhiswaistandimprintedakissonhisforehead.Inafailing,falteringvoicehe

muttered:"GoAkbar,Godistheretohelpyou."

TreadingheavilyAkbarcameoutofthetentwithHusainfollowingcloselybehindhim.He

wasabouttomounthishorsewhenhefeltsomebodytuggingathisrobe.Hecouldhardlysee,

becausehiseyeswerealmostblindedwithtears.HeheardthevoiceofhisyoungasterSakina

supplicatinghimnottoleaveher."Omybrother,"shewassaying,"donogotothe

battlegroundfromwhichnobodyhasreturnedalivesincethismornings."SoftlyAkbarlifted

her,gentlyandaffectionatelykissedheronherfaceandputherdown.Hisgriefwastoodeep

forwords.HusainunderstoodthedepthofAkbar'sfeelingsandpickedupSakinatoconsole

her.

ThesceneofAliAkbar'smarchtowardsthebattlefieldwassuchaswoulddefydescription.

ThecriesofladiesandchildrenofHusain'scampwererisingabovethedinofbattle‐criesand

beatingofenemydrums.Itwasappearingasifadeadbodyofanonlyson,deadintheprime

ofyouth,wasbeingtakenoutofahouseforthelastrites.

AliAkbarwasnowfacingtheenemyhordes.HewasaddressingtheforcesofAmrIbneSaad

withaneloquencewhichhehadinheritedfromhisGrandfatherandtheProphet.Hewas

tellingthemthatHusain,hisfather,haddonethemnoharmandhaddevotedhislifetothe

causeofIslam.HewasexplainingtothemthatbysheddingthebloodofHusainandhis

kinsmen.TheywouldbeincurringthewrathofGodanddispleasureoftheProphetwhohad

lovedHusainmorethananyotherperson.Hewasexhortingthemnottosmeartheirhands

withthebloodofapersonsoholy,soGod‐fearingandsorighteous.Hiswordscastaspellon

thearmyoftheopponents.Theolderonesfromamongstthemwereblinkingtheireyesin

amazementandwonderingwhethertheProphethaddescendedfromtheHeavenstowarn

themagainstthesheddingofHusain'sblood.WhataresemblancetherewaswiththeProphet,

inface,featuresandevenmannerism!EventhevoicewasofMuhammad!Butonsecond

thoughts,theyrealizedthatthiswasAliAkbar,the18yearoldsonofHusain,aboutwhose

closeresemblancewiththeProphetpeopleweretalkingsomuch.

SeeingtheeffectwhichAliAkbar'saddresshadproducedonhissoldiers,AmrSaadexhorted

themtochallengehimtosinglecombat.Afewofthem,covetingthehonourandrewardsthey

wouldgetiftheyoverpoweredandkilledthisbravesonofHusain,emaciatedbythreedaysof

hungerandthirst,cameforwardtochallengehim.Onebyonehemettheminbattle,gave

thematasteofhisskillandprowessinfightingandflungthemfromtheirhorsebacktomeet

thedoomtheysomuchdeserved.NowitwashisturntochallengethewarriorsofYazidto

comeforward.Seeingthatinspiteofhishandicaps,hewascapableofdisplayingvalourand

battlecraftforwhichhisgrandfatherAlihadacquirednameandfameandwhichhadstruck

terrorintotheheartsofenemiesofIslamnonedaredtocomeforward.

AliAkbarhadreceivedseveralgapingwoundsinthecourseofhisvictorioussinglecombats.

Hewasfastlosingbloodandtheeffectofhisthirstwasgettingaccentuatedwitheverysecond

thatwaspassing.Herealizedthatthetreacherousenemieswouldattackhimenmasse.He

hadlefthismotherinadazedcondition.Anirresistibleurgetoseehisdearonesforthelast

timeseizedhimandheturnedhishorsetowardshiscamp.

Hefoundhisfatherstandingatthedoorstepofthetentandhismotherandauntstanding

insidethetent.Husainhadbeenwatchingthebattlesofthisthirstyyouthandthetwoladies

werewatchinghisface:theyknewthatifanycalamitybefellAliAkbar,Husain'sexpression

wouldindicateit.WhilstwatchingHusain'sface,theywerebothprayingofferingsilent

prayers:"OAllah,WhobroughtbackIsmailtoHajra;OAllah,Whograntedtheprayersofthe

motherMusaandrestoredhersontoher;OAllah,WhoreunitedYakoobwithhissonYusufin

responsetotheagedfather'ssupplications,grantusouronewishtoseeAliAkbarforonce."

WasittheeffectoftheseprayersthatbroughtbackAliAkbartothecamp?

AliAkbarwasnowfacinghisagedfatherandhislovingmotherandZainab.Withan

exclamationofjoyandrelieftheyclungtohim.Husainlovinglyembracedhissonsaying:

"Bravo,myson.Thegallantryyouhowdisplayedtodayremindedmeofthebattlesofmy

reveredfather,Ali.Theonlydifferencewasthat,duringhisfights,myfatherAlihadnotto

battleagainsthungerandthirstasyouhadto."AliAkbarwithhisheadbentreplied:"Father,

thirstiskillingmebecausemywoundshaveaddedtoitseffect.Itisusualtoaskforrewards

fromparentsforcelebratingvictoriesinsinglecombatsandIwouldhaveaskedforacupof

refreshingwaterfromyou.Butalas!Iknowthatyouhavenotevenadropofwaterwith

whichyoucanquenchthethirstoftheyoungchildren.Father,knowingthis,Ishallnot

embarrassyoubyaskingforwater.Ihavecomeonlytoseeyouandmydearonesforthelast

time."

AliAkbarmeteachandeveryoneofhisfamily.Thesecondpartingwassadasthefirstone,

perhapssadder.Withoutbeingtold,everyonerealisedthatthiswasthelasttimetheywere

beholdingAkbar.Fizza,thefaithfulmaidofFatimaandZainab,wasasdisconsolatewithgrief

asZainabandUmmeLaila.HusainfollowedAliAkbaroutofthetent.Asherodeaway,Husain

walkedbehindhimwithabriskpaceforsomedistance,asamanfollowshissacrificiallamb

inMina.WhenAkbardisappearedfromhissight,heturnedheavenwardsand,withhishands

raised,heprayed:"OAllah,ThouartmyWitnessthatonthisdayIhavesentawayforsacrifice

onewhomIlovedandcherishedmost,todefendthecauseofrighteousnessandtruth."Hesat

onthegroundasiftryingtolistenexpectantlytosomecallfromthebattlefield.

Itwasnotverylongbeforehereceivedawailingcall,acallfromAliAkbar,acallofanguish

andpain:"Father,Akbarhasfallenwithamortalwoundinhischest.Father,cometomeforI

havenotlongtolive.Ifyoucannotreachme,Iconveymylastsalutationstoyouandmydear

ones."ThoughHusainwasanticipatingsuchacall,whataghastlyeffectithadonhim!Herose

fromthegroundandfell;heroseagainandfellagain.Withonehandonhishearthestruggled

tohisfeet.Torrentialtearswerefloodinghiseyes.Herushedinthedirectionfromwhichthe

cryhadcome.ItseemedasHusain'sstrengthhadebbedawayonhearingthatfatefulcryof

hisdearestson,forhewasfallingateveryfewsteps.Hewassobbing:"Akbar,givemeanother

shoutsothatIcanfollowitsdirection.Akbar,mysightisgonewiththeshockIhavereceived

andthereisnobodytoguidemetowhereyoulie."Abbascamerushingtotheaidofhis

master.HoldinghishandheledhimontotheplacefromwhereAkbar'sdyingcryhadcome.

NowHusainwasstumblinghiswayonwardsrestinghishandsonAbbas'shoulders.The

distanceseemedinterminablebutatlastHusainandAbbasreachedtheplacewhereAkbar

waslyinginapoolofhisownblood.Ah,thattragicsight!Maynofatherhaveoccasiontosee

hisyoungoninsuchaconditions.Withonehandonhischestcoveringadeepwoundfrom

whichbloodwasgushingout,withhisfacewrithingwithpain,Akbarwaslyingontheground

prostrateandunconscious.Withtheagonyhewasenduringonaccountofthewoundandthe

thirstthathewasoffering,hewasdigginghisfeetintothesand.WithacryofanguishHusain

fellonthebodyofAkbar."Myson,tellmewhereyouarehurt;tellmewhohaswoundedyou

inthechest.Whydon'tyousaysomething?MyAkbar,Ihavecomeinresponsetoyourcall.

Sayonewordtome,Akbar."SeeingthatAkbarwaslyingtherewithoutanyresponsetohis

entreaties,HusainturnedtoAbbasandsaid:'Abbas,whydon'tyoutellAkbartosay

somethingtome.Mydutifulson,whousedtogetuponseeingme,islyingontheground

pressedbythehandofdeath."HusainonceagainflunghimselfonthebodyofAkbar.His

breathingwasnowheavier,agurglingsoundwascomingfromhisthroat.Itseemedthathis

younglifewasengagedinanunevenstrugglewithdeath.HusainputhisheadonAkbar's

chest.HelifteditandputhisowncheeksagainstAkbar'sandwailed,"Akbar,foronceopen

youreyesandsmile,asyouwerealwayssmilingtogladdenmyheart."ThoughAkbardidnot

openhiseyes,afaintsmileappearedonhislipsasifhehadlistenedtohisfather'srequest.

Withthesweetsmilestillplayingonhislips,heheavedagaspandwiththathissoul

departed.Thecheeksofthefatherwerestilltouchingthecheeksoftheson,indeathasso

manytimeinlife.

Onseeinghisson,hisbelovedson,breathehislastinhisownhands,Husain'scondition

becamesuchasnowordscandescribe.Forquitesometimeheremainedthereweepingas

onlyanagedfatherwhohaslostason,inhisprimeofyouth,insuchtragiccircumstances,can

weep.Abbassattherebyhissidesheddingtears.Whatwordsofconsolationcouldheoffer

whenthetragedywasofsuchamagnitude?Allwordsofsolaceandcomfortwouldsound

hollowandbeinvainwhenafather,anagedfather,givesventtohispentupemotions.After

atime,AbbasreverentiallytouchedHusainonhisshouldersandremindedhimthat,sincehe

hadrushedoutofthecamp,Zainabandtheotherladiesofhishousewerewaitingforhim,

tormentedbyanxiety,dementedbythethoughtsofthetragedythathadbefallenthem.Only

mentionofthiswasenoughforHusain.Heknewthat,astheheadofthefamily,itwashisduty

torallybythesideofthegrief‐strickenmother,hisgrief‐strickensisterZainab,andthe

childrenforwhomthisbereavementwasthegreatestcalamity.

HusainslowlyrosefromthegroundandtriedtopickupthedeadbodyofAkbarbuthe

himselffellontheground.Abbas,seeingthis,bentoverhimandsaid:"Mymaster,Abbasis

stillalivebyyourside.HowcanIleaveyoucarrythebodyofAkbarandremainasilent

spectator.Letmecarryhisbodytothecamp.""NoAbbas",repliedHusain,'letmedothisasa

lasttokenofmylove.Toholdhimbymyheart,eveninhisdeath,givesmesomecomfort,the

onlycomfortthatisnowlefttome."Sayingthis,hemadealltheeffortsthathewascapableof

and,assistedbyAbbas,heliftedthebodyofAkbar.Claspingitclosetohisbosom,hestarted

thelongwalktohiscamp.Howhereachedisdifficulttosay.Itwouldnotbetoomuchto

imaginethathisgrandfatherMuhammad,hisfatherAli,hisbrotherHasanandperhapshis

motherFatimahaddescendedfromheaventohelphiminthistask.

HusainreachedthecampandlaiddownAkbar'sbodyontheground.HecalledUmmeLaila

andZainabandKulsum,SakinaandRokayya,Fizzaandtheotherladiesofthehousetosee

thefaceofAkbarforthelasttime.Thelovingmothercame,thelovingauntscame,the

childrencame,andsurroundedthebodyofAliAkbar.TheylookedatAkbar'sfaceandthenat

Husain's.TheyknewthattheirweepingwouldaddtoHusain'sgriefwhichwasalready

brimful.AliAkbar'smotherwentuptoherhusband,andwithstifledsobsandbenthead,she

saidtohim:"Mymaster,IamproudofAkbarfordyingsuchanobledeath.Hehaslaiddown

hislifeinthenoblestcauseandthisthoughtwillsustainmethroughtherestofmylife.I

imploreyoutoprayforme,toprayforailofus,thatAlmightyAllahmaygrantuspatience

andsolace."Sayingthissheturnedtothedeadbodyofhersonlyingonthegroundandput

herfaceonhis.ZainabandKulsum,SakinaandRokayyahadallflungthemselvesonAkbar's

body.Thetearsthatwereflowingfromtheireyesweresufficienttowashawaytheclotted

bloodfromthewoundsofAkbar.

Husainsatforafewminutesnearthedeadbodyofhisson;thesonwhomhehadlostinsuch

tragiccircumstances;thesonwhohaddiedcravingforadropofwatertoquenchhisthirst.

Hefeltdazedwithgrief.Qasim,thesonofhisbrother,whohadcometoseekhispermission

togotothebattlefield,awakenedhimfromhisstupor.Herosefromtheground,wipedthe

tearsfromhisagedeyesandmuttered,"VerilyfromGodwecome,anduntoHimisour

return."

Chapter4.TheYouthofKarbala

'Thedaysofouryoutharethedaysofourglory'.Whathopesandfeelingssurgeinyoung

heartsduringthistimeoflife!Howeverynerveandsinewquiverswiththejoyofliving!But

therearesomeyouthstowhomthecupoflifeisdealtinanothermeasure.Therearesome

buddingflowersthataredestinedtobesweptawaybythehotdesertwindsbeforetheyhave

theopportunitytobloom.SuchwasthedestinyofHusain'sthreenephewswhowere

gatheredoutsidethetentsontheeveofthateventfuldayofMuharram.

Qasim,AunandMuhammadweregatheredtodiscusstheparttheywouldplayonthe

followingdayindefenseoftheiruncle.Therewasgrimdeterminationwritlargeontheir

youngfaces.Theywerewatchingtheprogressofthemoonasitwasmarchingslowlythrough

thatcloudlesssky,anxiouslywaitingforthemorrowtounfolditsevent.Eachoneofthemhad

thedesiretogofirstintothebattlefieldtoshedhisblood.Eventhefewwordstheyexchanged

amongstthemselvespertainedtotheiranxietylesttheiruncleHussainmightholdthemback.

TheywerediscussingamongthemselveshowtosecurethepermissionoftheImamtomarch

offintothebattlefield.

TheirtalkswereinterruptedbysomeonecomingandinformingQasimthathismotherUmme

Farwawantedhimtoseeher.Hehurriedtothetent.Assoonasheenteredit,hismotherput

herarmsroundhimandsaid:"Qasimmyson,doyouknowwhyIcalledyou?Iwantto

remindyouaboutyourdutytowardsyouruncle,Hussain.Iwanttotellyousomethingabout

theunparalleledloveandaffectionHasanyourfatherhadforHussain.Thetwoofthemwere

somuchdevotedtoeachotherthattheywerealwaysthinkingandactinginunison.The

slightestpainsufferedbyonewasinstantaneouslyfeltbytheotherasiftheyweretwinsfrom

thesameembryo.WiththeuniqueloveyourfatherhadforHussain,Icanwellimaginehow

he,ifalive,wouldhavefelttoday!Hewouldhavebeenthefirsttosacrificehislifeforhis

belovedyoungerbrother."

Shestoppedforafewsecondsandthen,inasofttone,asifreminiscing,added:"Iamsurehe

wantedyoutodeputiseforhimonthisday.Mychild,whenhepassedaway,youweretoo

youngtounderstandlife.Onhisdeath‐bedhislastwordstomewere:"UmmeFarwa,Ientrust

youandmychildrentoGodandHussain.WhenQasimgrowsup,youtellhimthatmydying

desirewasthatheshouldstandbyHussainthroughthickandthin.Icanseethecloudsof

treacherygatheringagainstHussain.Adaymaycomewhenhemayneedtheunflinching

devotionandsacrificeofhisnearanddearones.ThoughIwillnotlivetoseethatday,asmy

lastwishIwantyoutoprepareQasimforitfromhischildhood."Hervoicechokedwith

emotion,asshecontinued:"MyQasim,sincethatdayyourfatherbreathedhislast,Hussain

haslookedafteryouashisownson.Nay,hehastreatedyouonalloccasionsbetterthanhis

ownsons.Youknowhowhehasfulfilledyoureverywishsothatyoumaynotmissthelove

andaffectionofyourfather.Nowitisyourturntoshowthatyoucanrepay,tosomeextent,

yourdebtofgratitudebylayingdownyourlifeforhimbeforeanyofhissons,brothersand

kinsmen.Nowisyourchancetoreciprocatehisloveandaffection,bydemonstratingtothe

enemiesthatyouareascionoftheHouseofAliandcanwieldtheswordindefenseoftruth."

Qasimlistenedtohismotherwithhisheadbowedinrespect.Hefeltverymuchrelievedby

whathismotherhadsaidtohimbecausehehadfeltveryapprehensiveastohowshewould

reactwhenheapproachedherforherpermissiontogoforthefight.Heknewhowhismother

wasattachedtohimafterhisfather'sdeath.Hewaswellawarehowrestlesssheusedto

become,ifshewouldnotseehimevenforafewhours.Hehadthoughtthattheveryideaof

hersonmarchingoutintothebattlefieldwouldmakeherdemented.Hefeltasifhismother

hadtakenaloadoffhishead.Heaffectionatelyhuggedherandsaid"Mydearestmother,I

knownothowIcanthankyouforwhatyouhavesaidtomejustnow.Youknowmyfilial

affectionformyuncleHussain.FrommychildhoodIhavenotknownwhatafather'slove

meansbutºknowthisforcertainthatevenmyfather,ifalive,wouldnothavebeensokind,

soconsiderate,soaffectionatetomeasmyuncleHussainhasbeentome.Hehasnotallowed

metofeelevenforamomentthatIamanorphan.Thankstohim,inourhousemyeverywish

hasbeenacommand.Howisitpossibleforme,thesonofHasan,tobeobliviousofmy

obligationstohim?Formedeathwouldbefarbetterthanlifewithouthimandmydearuncle

Abbas,andmycousinsAliAkbar.Muhammadandothers."

UmmeFarwafeltelatedatthebravereplyofherbraveson.Apainfulthoughtpassedher

mindùthethoughtthatthisdearchildwhowassodevotedtoherandinwhomshehad

reposedallherhopes,wouldperishonthefieldsofKarbala.Withgreateffortsshecontrolled

herself.

OnthedepartureofQasim,AunandMuhammadwaitedforsometimeforhimtoreturn.Then

bothofthemreturnedtotheirtenttoconsoletheirmother,Zainab,whosegriefandsorrow

defieddescription.Astheyenteredthetenttheysawhersittingonthegroundwithacandle

inherhandlookingintentlyatAliAkbar,theircousin,whomshehadbroughtupasherown

sonandforwhomherloveandaffectionwaswithoutaparallel.Whenshesawbothofthem

enteringthetent,shebeckonedtothemtocomeandsitnearAliAkbar.Bothofthemdidso

accordingtoherbidding.Sheturnedtowardsthemandsaidinalowtone:"Mychildren,do

youknowwhattomorrowhasinstoreforus?Itwillbeadayoftrial;itwillbeadaywhenthe

bloodofourfamilywillflowlikewater;itwillbeadayonwhichallthevendettanurturedby

theenemiesoftheProphet'shouseforalltheseyearswillbespilledout.Iwantbothofyou,

mybelovedsons,todefendyouruncleHussainandhischildrenatthecostofyourlives."

Afterapausesheadded:"WhenIwasleavingMecca,yourfatherAbdullahaskedmetotake

bothofyouwithmesothat,ifanoccasionaroseyou,Aun,couldbethedeputyofyourfather

inseekingmartyrdom,andyou,Muhammad,couldbemyofferinginthecauseofIslam."

Hearingtheirmothertalkinthisveintouchedbothofthemtothequick.Howcouldtheytell

theirmotherZainabthattheywerefullypreparedforthedoomthatawaitedthem;thatthey

werebothcovetingmartyrdomindefenseofthecauseofIslamanditsinviolableprinciples

forwhichHussainstoodupsoboldlyandfirmlyinthefaceofodds!Aunwasthefirstto

speak.Hisvoicewasquiveringwithemotionwhenhesaid:"Mother,webothfeelsoelatedto

knowthatwehaveyourpermissiontofightindefenseofouruncleandhisfamily.God

willing,webothwillshowthearmyofAmrSaadthatwearethegrandsonsofJaafar‐e‐Tayyar

whoseprowessinbattlehadbecomelegendary.Weshalloffersuchfighttomorrowthat,

wheneveryouwillrememberusandmournforus,yourgriefwillbemingledwithpridethat

weliveduptothereputationofourfamily."

HardlyhadAunconcludedwhenMuhammad,theyoungerone,burstoutsaying,"Myloving

mother,donotthinkthatweneedanyexhortationtofightvaliantlytomorrow.Iamitchingto

gooutindefenseofmyuncle.FrommychildhoodIhavebeen.hearingaboutthevalorofmy

maternalgrandfatherAli,andpaternalgrandfatherJaafar‐e‐Tayyar.Itisnotfornothingthat

webothofushavelearnttheartofsinglecombatfromouruncleAbbas.Youmayrestassured

that,solongaswebreathe,weshallnotlettheleastharmcometoouruncleHussainorto

anyofhischildren."

WiththisreplyofthebraveyoungstersZainabfeltreassured.Itwasnotthatshe,fora

moment,doubtedtheirdevotionorsenseofduty.Itwasnotthatsheconsidereditnecessary

toinstillanycourageinthem,forsheknewthatbothofthemwerebraveandnoblesonsofa

braveandnoblefather.Herloveforherbravesonswassurgingwithinher.Shewasfeelingas

ifherheartwasgettingsqueezedwhenshewasconjuringupthevisionoftheseyouthsdying

asmartyrs.

AliAkbarwhowaslisteningquietlytothetalkbetweenthemotherandthetwosons,looked

atthefaceofthemotherandthenattheson's.Withafaintsmileplayingonhislipshesaid:

"WeoftheProphet'sfamilywillgoouttomeetdeathasisourwont.Inwhatorderitwillbe,it

isforGodtodetermine."Whenhesaidthis,perhapshehadtheconvictionthatHussainwould

neverallowhisnephewstodiesolongashe,AliAkbar,wasthere.Howrightlyhehad

surmised,theeventsofAshurawouldshow!

Likeallpassingthings,thatnightalsopassedawaytobecomeachapterofhistory.Theday

dawnedandwithitbeganthegoryeventswhichmakemankind,whohavethevestigesof

humanity,tremblewithrageandgrief.AsAliAkbarhadsurmisedthatnight,whentheturnof

membersofthefamilycame,Hussaincameovertohimand,withhishandonhisheart,said

tohim:"Myson,goforwardtofulfillyourappointedtask."MuchasZainabandUmmeFarwa

protestedthat,solongastheirsonslived,theycouldnotthinkofAliAkbarlayingdownhis

life,muchasAbbaspleadedtolethimbethefirstamongtheHashimitestodiefighting,

HussaininsistedthathewouldsendAliAkbarashisownrepresentativetobethefirstamong

hiskinsmen.AliAkbarwenttothebattlefieldnevertoreturnfromit.

ZainabwasdisconsolateonAliAkbar'sdeath.NowAunandMuhammadwerehoveringround

Hussainwithentreatiestoletthemgo.

QasimwasnolessvehementinhissupplicationfortheImam'spermissiontodieonthe

battlefield.ToQasim'srepeatedrequestshisuncle'sreplywas:"Mydearchild,howcanI

permityoutogowhenIknowforcertainthatdeathawaitsthosewhoventureout.Your

father,mybelovedHasan,hadentrustedyoutomycareonhisdeath‐bed.Myhearttrembles

attheverythoughtofsendingyouintothejawsofdeath."

ThisreplyofHussainbrokeQasim'sheart.Hethoughtthathisunclewouldnotunderany

circumstancesallowhimtosharethefateoftheothermartyrs.Withtearsinhiseyeshestood

there,notknowingwhattodotosecureHusain'spermission.

AtthatmomentZainabcameovertoherbrother.WithfoldedhandsshesaidtoHussain,"My

dearestbrother,inmywholelifeIhaveneveraskedyouforafavor.Now,forthefirsttime,I

amrequestingyoutograntmeonewish;letmysonsfollowinthefootstepsofAliAkbar."

HussainlookedatZainabandthenathersons.Withhisheadbent,hereplied;"Zainab;my

dearestsister,Ifinditimpossibletodenyyourfirstandlastrequest,thoughmygrantingit

makesmyheartsinkwithinme."TurningtoAunandMuhammadhesaid:"Mydearchildren,

goforwardandfulfillyourheart'sdesiretodielikeheroes.Ishallsoonbejoiningyouonyour

journeytoeternity."

Atthisreplythetwoyoungheroesfeltdelightedinthemidstofunboundedsorrows.Theyfell

attheirmother'sfeetandaskedherforherblessings.Zainab'sgriefatthepartingwiththese

belovedchildrenfounditswaythroughhertearswhichwerenowpouringfromhereyesin

torrents.Shefeltanurgetoclaspheryoungsonstoherbosombeforetheymarchedouton

theirlastjourney;butforfearthatsuchdisplayofemotionmightunnervethem,sheheld

back.Shecouldnotsayanythingtotheminfarewell.Withsuppressedsobsshewhisperedto

them:"Mybelovedones,mayGodbewithyouandmayHegrantyouquickrelieffromthe

agoniesthatyouaretoendure.ItisZainab'slottoendureignominieswithnobrothers,no

nephews,nosonstoconsoleher.Mylastrequesttoyouistofightbravelyandtodiebravely

sothat,inthemidstofmyunbearablesufferingsincaptivity,Imayatleasthaveone

remembrancetoconsoleme:yourbraveryinthefaceofoverwhelmingodds."

ShemutelywatchedhersonsmountingtheirhorsesassistedbyHusain.Herlipsweremoving

insilentprayers;hereyeswerefollowingthehorsesastheygallopedoutintothearena.

Whentheybothgotoutofsight,withasighshesatonthesandnearhertentasiflostina

reverie.

WhenQasimsawthatAunandMuhammadhadbeengrantedpermis‐siontomarchouton

theentreatiesoftheirmother,herushedtohismother'stent.Almostsobbingwith

disappointment,hetoldUmmeFarwathatAunandMuhammadhadsecuredtheImam's

permissionontheintercessionoftheirmotherbuthehadnobodytopleadonhisbehalfwith

hisuncle.Inutterdespondencyhesaid;"IfIamnotdestinedtobeamartyronthisday,life

hasnocharmleftforme.AmIdestinedtobeacaptiveandledthroughthestreetstoaprison

cell?"

SeeingQasimsobitteranddejectedUmmeFarwaburstintotearsofgrief.Controllingherself

shebegantothinkwhattodotogetHusain'spermissionforhim.Herfirstreactionwastogo

overtotheImamandtoimplorehimashisbrother'swidowandseekpermissionforQasim.

However,inaflashsherememberedherhusband'swordstohershortlybeforehisdeath.He

hadtoldherthatforQasimatimemaycomewhenhewouldfindhimselfinthetroughof

despairanddespondencyandfeeldejectedanddepressedbeyonddescription.Hehadtold

herthat,whenthishappened,sheshoulddelivertohimanenvelopewhereinhehadkepta

letterspeciallyforthisoccasion.Thisshehadcarefullypreservedandkeptwithherasher

mostcherishedthinginabox.Fortunatelyforher,shehadbroughttheboxwithher.She

hastenedtofetchtheletterandhandingovertheenvelopetoQasimshesaid:"Qasim,your

presentplightbroughtbacktomeyourfather'swordsthatadaylikethiswouldcomeforyou

andwhenthishappened,Ishoulddeliverthelettertoyou."Withrekindledhopsand

expectationQasimtooktheenvelopefromhismother'shandandopenedit.Inithefoundtwo

lettersùoneaddressedtohimselfandtheotheraddressedtoHussain.

Heanxiouslyopenedthelettermeantforhimandreaditaloudforhismother'sbenefit.

Hasanhadwritteninit:"Mychild,whenthisletterreachesyou,Iwillbenomore.Whenyou

readit,youwillfindyourselftornwithaconflictbetweenyourdesiretodoyourdutyand

fulfillyourobligationsanddemonstrateyourloveandesteemforyouruncle,andhisloveand

affectionforyoucompellinghimtoholdyouback.MyQasim,Ihaveprovidedforthiseventby

armingyouwithaletterformydearestbrotherHussain.Youmaydelivertheletterto

Hussainsothathemaygrantyouyourheart'sdesire.ThereismuchthatIcouldsayforthis

occasionbutwhenyoureadthis,youwillfindthattimeseparatingusisnotlong.Sohurry

along,mychild,asIamwaitingforyouwithopenarmstowelcomeyou."

Whenhehadcompletedreadingtheletter,Qasimfeltchokedwithemotion.Hismotheralso

stoodspeechlesswithfeelingssurginginherheart.Bothwerethinkinginunisonhowloving

andthoughtfulitwasofHasantoprovideasolutionfortheirdilemma.Qasimreverentially

bowedoverheletterandkissedit.Thetearsrollingfromhiseyesfellonthewritingbut,

insteadofsmearingthelettering,theylentglittertoit.

UmmeFarwawasthefirsttogetoutofthereverie.Shebrokethesilenceandsaid:"My

dearestQasim,nowthatyourfatherhascometoyourrescueevenindeath,takehisletterto

youruncleHussain.Ihavenodoubtthatnowhewillnotbeabletorefuseyouhispermission

forlayingdownyoulife."

Qasimcouldnowhardlycontainhimself.HerushedtowardsthetentofImamHussainwith

theletterinhishands.HefoundHussainstandingoutsideZainab'stentlookingintently

towardsthebattlefield.AbbaswasbyhissideandZainabwasstandingnearthedoorholding

upthecurtainandlookingatthefacesofHusainandAbbasQasimknewthattheywereall

watchingthecombatsofAunandMuhammad.Howcouldhedisturbhisuncleatsuchatime?

HestoodquietlybythesideofHusainandAbbasandgazedinthedirectionofthearmypitted

againsthistwoyoungcousins.Hecouldseefromcloudsofdustrisinginthefardistancethat

oneofthemhadgoneaheadoftheother.Notsofarawayhecouldseetheyoungerone,

Muhammad,battlingagainstanumberofenemysoldiersclusteredroundhim.

Hardlyafewminuteshadpassedinwatchingthebattle,whentheysawAunfallingfromhis

horseandgivingacrytohisuncletocometohimandcarryhisbody.Husain,whohad

alreadybornetheafflictionsofhiscompanions'deathandthelossofhisdearestson,Ali

Akbar,seemedtowinceasifhehadreceivedastabinhischest.HeturnedtoZainabtosee

herreactiononhearingherson'slastcry.AbbasandQasimrushedtohersidetoholdher.As

ifthisblowwasnotenough,Muhammadalsofellfromhishorsemortallywoundedand

similarlyshoutedtoHusaintocometohim.AbbasandQasimknewthatforHusaintoreach

hisdyingnephews,oneaftertheother,wastootryingevenforapersonofhismettlewhohad

rightthroughthemorningperformedthistaskhimself.AbbaswantedtoaccompanyHusain

andassisthiminbringingthedeadbrotherstothecamp,leavingQasimtoattendtoZainab

whohadcollapsedwithgriefandsorrowonhearingthepartingcryofMuhammad.But

HusainbeckonedtohimtoremainwithZainab.QasimtriedtofollowhimbutHusainasked

himalsotoremainnearZainabandconsoleher.

HusainfirstreachedtheplacewhereMuhammadwaslyingmortallywounded.Hebentover

hisbodytofindthat,onaccountoflossofblood,hisyounglifewasebbingfast.Thechildwas

gaspingheavily.Histhroatwassoparchedthatevenwithgreateffortshewasnotableto

speakclearly.HusainputhisearnearMuhammad'smouth.Inafaint,falteringvoicethe

youngladsaid:''Mylastsalutationstoyou,uncle.TellmymotherthatIhaveliveduptoher

expectationsandamdyingbravelyassheandmyfatherwantedme.Givemylastsalaamsto

herandconsoleherasmuchasyoucan."Theeffortsmadebythechildinsayingthesewords

appearedtoexhausthim.Headdedafterafewseconds:"IheardthecryofAunbeforeIfell.

NowthatIambeyondanyhelp,unclepleasegoovertohimandseeifyoucandosomething

forhimbeforeitistoolate."Hardlyhehadsaidthesewords,whenhislifebecameextinct.

Husainwasbesidehimselfwithgrief.Buthecouldnotremaintherelongashehadtogoover

toAun.HerushedinthedirectionwhereAunhadfallen.Onreachinghisbodyhefoundthat

hehadbreathedhislast.Hepickeduphislifelessbodyandpressedittohisheart.

Withaheavytread,withtearsflowingintorrents,theagedunclebeganhismarchtowards

thecampwiththebodyofhisnephewinhisarms.Abbascamerushingfromthecamp

towardshimandsaid,"LetmecarryAun'sbodytothemorgueandyoutakeMuhammad's

body.Mymaster,Abbasisstillalivetoshareyourburdenandgrief."QuietlyHusainhanded

overAun'scorpsetoAbbasandwentovertopickupMuhammad'sbody.Thetwobrothers,

oneoldandoneyoung,wereeachcarryingthebodyofayoungnephew.Thesightwassuch

astoevokesorrowandgriefintheheartsofthemosthard‐heartedpersons.

OnreachingtheircampHusainandAbbaslaidthebodiesofAunandMuhammadonthe

ground.Zainabwhowaswaitingforthemcameoverandfellonthetwobodiesofhersons.

"Mysons,mysons,"shecried,"Whatmotheristheretosendherbelovedonestomeetdeath

asIhavesentmine?"Herfacewasbathedintears.Withsobsshewassaying:"Mydarlings,

youhavegonefromthisworldwithyourthirstunquenched.YourgrandfatherAliwillbe

theretoquenchyourthirstinheaven.Mybelovedsons,forZainabthereisstillalong,weary,

unendingfuturetofacewithoutyoutwotolightentheburdenwithyourbravetalk."

Overpoweredbyhergriefandemotionsshefellunconsciousonthedeadbodies.

Husain,Abbas,Qasimandtheladieswhowereallstandingandcryingbyherside,gently

pickedupZainabandtookhertohertent.Theyallknewthatinsuchagreattragedyashad

befallenher,allwordsofconsolationwouldonlybeinvain.

AswasthepracticeofYazid'sarmy,theystartedbeatingthedrumsontheslaughterofthe

twonephewsofHusain,toheraldtheirvictory.Whenthebeatingofdrumsstopped,they

raisedtheusualcrychallengingtheyoungdefendersofHusaintocomeoutintothefieldto

facedeath.NowQasimcameovertoHusain,whowasstandingnearZainab'sprostrateform

withhisheadbent.Qasimcouldnotmustersufficientstrengthtosaywhathehadcometo

conveytotheImam.HequietlyhandedovertheletterofhisfatherforHusainwhichhehad

foundintheenvelopegiventohimbyhismother.Husainglancedatthehand‐writingonthe

letterandatoncerecognizeditashislatelamentedbrother's.Withsurpriseheopenedthe

letterandasheeagerlyreadit,hecouldnotcontrolhimselfandburstintoacryofgrief.Inthe

letteritwaswritten:"MybelovedHusain,whenthisletterwillbereadbyyou,youwillbe

surroundedbysorrowsonallsides,withdeadbodiesofyournearanddearonesstrewn

roundyou.Iwillnotbetheretolaydownmylifeforyou,Husain,butIamleavingbehindmy

Qasimtobemydeputyonthisday.Husain,Ibeseechyounottorejectmyoffering.Inthe

nameoflovethatyoubearforme,IimploreyoutoletQasimgoforthanddieinyourdefense.

Dearestbrother,inspiritIamwithyou,watchingyourheroicsacrificesandsharingyour

woesandaffliction."

Hasan'sletterbroughtbacktoHusainthememoriesofhisdearbrothertowhomhewas

devotedandheweptcopiouslyrecollectinghisloveandaffection.WhatuniqueloveHasan

hadforhimthat,thoughdead,hehadlefthisdeputyinQasimforthisday!

WitheffortHusaincontrolledhimselfturnedtoQasimsaying:"Dearchild,yourfather's

wishes,whichIregardascommandsforme,leavemenootheralternative.Marchon,Qasim,

asyourfatherwishedyoutodo.IfitissoordainedthatImaybearthewoundofyour

martyrdom,IshallbowtotheWillofGod."

QasimbowedreverentiallyandhurriedtohismotherUmmeFarwawhowassittingdazed

withgriefonreceivingthesadnewofAun'sandMuhammad'smartyrdom.AsQasimentered

hertent,sheraisedherheadandlookedathimexpectantly.Shecouldseefromthelookof

satisfactionhehadonhisfacethathehadreceivedHusain'spermissionforwhichhehad

beenbeggingsolong.AnexchangeoflooksbetweenthemotherandsonconfirmedtoUmme

Farwathatshewasright.SlowlysheroseandsaidtoQasim:"Mybelovedson,alltheseyearsI

havebeenwaitingforthedaywhenyouwouldbecomeabridegroom,anddressedasa

groom,cometoreceivemyblessings.Itseemsthatfatehasdecreedotherwise.Qasim,Ihave

preservedthedressyourfatherworeonthedayofhismarriagewithme.Ihadhopedthat,on

yourweddingday,Iwouldaskyoutowearit.Nowthatyouaregoingtothelandofnoreturn,

mywishisthatyouputonthatdresssothatmydesiretoseeyoudressedasagroommaybe

fulfilled."Afterapauseshecontinuedinareflectivetone:"Itisthecustomforgroomsto

applyhennaontheirhands‐ThoughIhavenonewithme,Iknowthatyouwillnotneedit.

Yourhandswillbedyedwithyourownblood."Withthesewordsshekissedherson'scheeks

andembracedhim.Itwasalongembrace,theembraceofamotherwhoknewthatshewas

seeingheryoungdarlingforthelasttimeinthisworld.Holdinghimtightlyinherarmsshe

waslookinglonginglyathisface,asifshewantedtolethisimagesinkintohermind'seyefor

ever.Allpartingsaresadbutwherethepartingisforever,andinsuchcircumstances,what

wordscandescribeit?

Themotherandsontorethemselvesfromeachotherlesttheirsurgingloveandattachment

mightmaketheirpartingimpossible.UmmeFarwabroughtouttheweddinggarmentsof

HasanforQasimtowear.DressedintheseclothesQasimwaslookingtheveryimageof

Hasan.Theson,followedbythemother,wentovertoZainab'stenttobidhergood‐bye.

Zainabhadnotcompletelyrecoveredfromherswoon:Inherdazedmindshethoughtfora

momentthatHasanhaddescendedfromheaventodefendhisbrother.Itwasjustaflitting

thoughtwhichpassedawaylikelightning.SherealizedthatitwasQasimwhohadcometo

payhislastrespectsShelookedathimandthenatthismotherwhowasfollowinghim.She

understoodwithwhateffortsUmmeFarwawascontrollingherfeelings.Muchasherown

heartwasburstingwithgriefatthispartingwithherbelovedbrother'sson,sheknewthatit

wasessentialforhertocontrolherselfforthesakeofUmmeFarwa.Withonehandonher

headandtheotheronherheart,shecameforwardtobidadieutoQasim.Withhottears

rollingdownhercheeksshekissedQasimonhisforeheadsaying:"Qasim,mydearchild,your

agedaunthadhopedthatyou,mydearones,wouldcarrymyfuneralbier.Butitiswrittenin

Zainab'sfatethatsheshouldseetheyounglivesofherdearestonesextinguishedbeforeher.

Ithasfallentomylottoseeyoualldeadbeforemeandtocarryyourmemoriesfortherestof

mydreary,unendingdays.MarchonmychildwiththenameofGod."

QasimcametoHusainandreverentiallykissedhishands.SeeingQasimsovividlyresembling

Hasan,hisdear,departedbrother,Husainweptbitterly.HekissedQasimonhischeeksand

heldthehorseforhimtomount.AbbascameforwardtodothisservicebutHusainwouldnot

lethimdoso."Thisisthelastoccasionformetogiveasend‐offtomyQasimandletmedo

thisforhim."HeturnedtoQasimandsaid:"Qasim,Ishallnotbelonginjoiningyou."

Reachingthebattlearena,Qasimaddressedtheenemywithaneloquencewhichreminded

manyofthesermonsofhisgrandfatherAli.Withgapingmouthstheyweretransfixedtothe

groundathiswordsofadmonitiononthebetrayaloftheImam.AmrIbneSaadorderedhis

mentochallengehimtosinglecombat,fearingthatthisyouth'seloquencemightrousethe

vestigesofgoodnessinsomeofhismen.Qasimfoughtbattleswithseveralofthemandthrew

themfromtheirhorsesasifhewereaseasonedwarriorandnotayouthof14,withthree

day'sthirstandhunger.SuchwashisskillwiththeswordandhorsemanshipthatHusain,who

waswatchinghisnephew'sfightfromahillocknearhiscamp,burstintospontaneous

acclamation.Nownowarriorfromtheenemyrankswascomingforwardtomeetthe

challengeofthisbravesonofHasan.HewasnowrepeatedlychallengingthesoldiersofAmr

Saadtocomeforwardandmatchtheirskillandswordsmanshipagainsthiminsinglecombat.

AmrSaad,seeingthatnoneofhiswarriorswaspreparedforthis,orderedhissoldiersto

attackQasimtogether.Itwasnowafightbetweenoneandthousands,ifsuchathingcanatall

becalledafight.HowlongcouldQasimwardofftheattacksofswords,spears,daggersand

arrowscomingathimfromalldirections?Hewaswoundedfromheadtofoot.Whenhesaw

thathecouldnolongerremaininthesaddle,hegaveacryofferinghisastsalutationtohis

uncleHusain.

Husain,whowaswatchingfromadistancethedastardlyattackofthemultitudeofsoldierson

hishelplessQasim,heardthiscryfullofagonyandpain.Hefeltasifhehadhimselfreceived

allthewoundsinflictedonQasim.Heunsheathedhisswordand,likeanenragedlion,he

rushedtowardsthebattle‐field.Withswordinonehandhegallopedhishorsecutting

throughtheenemyhordes.Suchwasthefuryofhischargethattheenemywereremindedof

thechargesofAli,hisfather,inthebattleofSiffin,whenthedexterousLionofGodhadsingly

scatteredtheenemy,runningthroughthemlikeaknifethroughbutter,andkillinghundreds

withhepowerfulsweepsofhissword,whiletheremainderofthearranttowardsranhelter‐

skeltertosavetheircontemptiblelives.ThestampedeofYazid'ssoldierswassuchthatthe

bodyofQasimwastrampledunderthefeetofhundredsofminionswhowereadisgraceof

theircalling.WhenthebattlefieldwasclearedofthecowardsandHusainreachedthebodyof

Qasim,hefoundthatitwastorntopieces.Whatfeelingsthisgruesomesightevokedin

Husain'sheartcanbetterbeimaginedthandescribed.Husainstumbleddownfromhishorse

andfelltothegroundexclaiming:"MyGod,whathavethesecowardsdonetomyQasim?"For

sometimeheweptwithsuchagonythathisbodyconvulsed.Afterawhilehetookoffhisrobe

andstartedpickinguppiecesofQasim'sbody.Onebyoneheputthemallinhisrobeand,

liftingthebundle,putitonhisagedshouldersandmountedthehorse.Ashedidso,he

muttered:"MyQasim,yourmotherhadsentyououtdressedasagroom.Nowyouare

returningtoyourmotherwithyourbodycuttopieces."Ashewasridingbacktowardshis

camp,Husainwasdisconsolatelyexclaiming:"MyGod,hastherebeenaninstancewherean

unclehadtocarryhisownnephew'sbodyinsuchastate?"

OnreachingthecampHusainputdownthebodyontheground.HecalledAbbasandasked

himtobringUmmeFarwaandhissistersZainabandKulsumtothemorgue.Hebesought

Fizza,hismother'sdevotedmaid,toconsoleUmmeFarwaandZainab,forheknewthatthe

conditionofQasim'sbodymightgivethemsuchashockaswouldkillthem.

Qasim'smothercamewithZainabononesideandUmmeKulsumontheother.Fizzawent

overtotheladiesandsaid:"Ibeseechyou,inthenameofmyladyFatima,tomusterallthe

strengthandcourageyoucantoseeQasim'smortalremains.Theymaybetornandcutto

plecesbutrememberhissoulisnowwithmyladyandHasan,whomusthavewelcomedhim

withopenarms."Sayingthis,sheopenedtherobeandunfoldedthebody.Zainabheldher

achingheart,KulsumheldherreelingheadandUmmeFarwafellwithashriekandfainted.

Whatpencannarratethegriefofamotherwhohaslostheronlyson?Whatwordscan

describetheagonyofamother'slovingheartonseeinghersoninsuchastate?Thelandof

KarbalawasechoingthecriesoftheladiesandthewailinWqofthechildrenonQasim'sdeath.

CananyoneattempttodepictHusain'splivqht‐atthattime?RestinghisheadonAbbas's

shoulders,Husainwassayinwq:"MyGod,myGod,ifmyenemieswantedtokillme,theycould

doso;butwhathavemydearonesdonethattheyslaythemsomercilessly?"

Husainstoodthereforsometimeasifinatrance.Hewasbroughtbacktotherealityofthe

situationbyAbbaswhosoflysaidtohim"Mymaster,nowletmego,asothershavedone.Iam

nowthecommanderofsoldierswhoarenomore."Husainforamomentdidnotreply.Then

heequallysoftlysaid:"VerilywecomefromGodanduntoHimweshallreturn."

Chapter5.Abbas–TheStandard­bearerofHussain

TheshiftingsanddunesofKarbalaweresmearedwithblood.Nearoneofwashdunes,onthe

bankofAlkoma,laytheprostratefigureofayouthwithbloodgushingoutfrominnumerable

wounds.Thecrimsonlife‐tidewasebbingfast.Evenso,itseemedasifhewasanxiously

expectingsomebodytocometohim,tobenearhimbeforehebreathedhislast.Throughhis

starchedthroathewasfeeblycallingsomebody.Yes,Abbaswasanxiouslyexpectinghis

mastertocometohimbeforehepartedwithhislife,ashehadcometothesideofallhis

devotedfriendswhohadlaiddowntheirdearlivesforhimandinespousinghiscause.

Itissaidthatbeforeaman'sdeathalthepasteventofhislifepassbeforehismind'seyeina

flash‐back.InhislastmomentsAbbaswasexperiencingthis.Hewasseeinghimselfasachild

inMedinafollowingHusainwithadevotionwhichwasconsidereduniqueevenforabrother.

HewasseeingtheeventsofthathotandsultrydayinKufawhenhisillustriousfatherAliwas

addressingacongregationinthemosqueandhe,asachild,withhischaracteristicdevotion,

waslookingatthefaceofhisbelovedbrotherwatchinghimintentlysothathecouldattendto

hiswishesonaninstantcommand.SeeingfromtheparchedlipsofHusainthathewasfeeling

extremelythirsty,howhehaddartedoutfromthemosqueandreturnedwithatumblerfullof

cool,refreshingwaterandinthehurrytocarrythewaterasquicklyaspossibletoquenchthe

consumingthirstofhisdearestbrother,howhehadspilledwateronhisownclothes.Hewas

recallinghowthisincidenthadmadehisillustriousfatherstopinthemidstofhisspeech,with

tearsrollingdownhischeeksatthesightofhisyoungsonallwetwithwater.Hewas

rememberinghisfather'sreplytothequeriesfromhisfaithfulfollowersastowhathad

broughttearsinhiseyes,thatAbbaswhohadwettedhisbodywithwaterintheprocessof

quenchingHusain'sthirstwouldinthenottoodistantfuturewethisbodywithhisownblood

inattemptingtoquenchthethirstofhisyoungchildren.Hewasvividlyseeingthesceneon

the21stRamazan,waybackin40Hijra,whenhisfathermortallywounded,waslyingonhis

death‐bedandentrustinghischildrenanddependentstothecareofthehiseldestbrother,

Hasan‐allexcepthim.SeeingthathisfatherhadcommendedallbuthimtothecareofHasan

‐howhe,achildof12,hadburstoutintouncontrollabletears.Hisfather,onhearinghim

sobbing,hadcalledhimtohissideandgivenhishandinHusain'shandwiththewords:

"Husain,thischildIamentrustingtoyou.Hewillrepresentmeonthedayofyoursupreme

sacrificeandlaydownhislifeindefendingyouandyourdearones,muchasIwouldhave

doneifaliveonthatday."

Howhisfatherhadturnedtohimandaffectionatelytoldhim:

"Abbas,mychild,IknowyourunboundedloveforHusain.Thoughyouaretooyoungtobe

toldaboutit,whenthatdaydawns,considernosacrificetoogreatforHusainandhis

children."

Hesawbeforehismind'seyethatpartingwithhisagedmotherFatimainMedina.Howshe

hadaffectionatelyembracedhimandremindedhimofthedyingdesireofhisfathertolay

downhislifeinthedefenseofHusainandhisdearones.

Afaintsmileofsatisfactionflickeredforabriefmomentonhisparchedlipsasmileof

satisfactionthathehadfulfilledhisfather'swish;thathehadperformedhisdutyforwhichhe

wasbroughtup.Itjustflittedforamomentandvanishedasotherscenescamebeforehis

mind'seye.Hewasre‐livingtheeventsofthenightbefore.HewasseeingShimrstealthily

comingtohim;andtalkingtohimabouthistiesofrelationship;abouttheprotectionhehad

beenpromisedforAbbasbytheCommanderofYazid'sforces,onlyifhewouldleaveHusain

andgoovertoYazid'scamp;aboutthepromisesofrichesandrewardsthathewouldget;

howhehadspurnedthesuggestionofShimrwiththeutmostdisdaintothechagrinofthat

servileminionwhohadsoldhissoulforamessofpottage.Howhehadscaredawaythat

cowardbyhisscathingragesaying:

"YouworshipperofMammon,donotthinkthatAbbaswillbeluredbyyourtemptingofferof

powerandpelf.IfIdieinfendingmymaster,Husain,Ishallconsidermyselftheluckiest

person.Ocoward,rememberthatvaliantsdiebutonce.Nobodyisborntoliveeternally.By

betrayingmymaster,youhavebetrayedtheProphet,whosereligionyouprofesstofollow.On

theDayofJudgementyouwillbedoomedtoeternalperdition.Iamashamedtoownany

relationshipwithyou.Haditnotbeenforthefactthatyouhavecomehereunarmed,Iwould

havegivenyouthechastisementyoudeserveforyourimpudenceinaskingmetobecomea

turncoat."

Howthatwretchhadscamperedfromthereseeinghimroaringlikeanenragedlion.The

thoughtofthatunpleasantinterludecontractedhisbrows.Orwasittheexcruciatingpainhe

wassufferingonaccountofthedeepgasheshehadalloverhisbody?

YetanotherscenepassedbeforeAbbas'seyes‐Sakinaleading42children,eachwithadry

water‐bag.Thechildrenwereshoutingasifinchorus

Thirst,consumingthirst,iskillingus.

Sakinacomingtohimandputtingherdrywater‐bagathisfeetandsayingtohim:

"Ouncle,Iknowyouwilldosomethingtogetwaterforus.Evenifyoucanbringonebagfull

ofwater,wecanwetourparchedthroats."

Hecouldseethatthirst,aggravatedbythescorchingheatofthedesert,wassqueezingtheir

younglivesoutofthem.Thesightoftheseyoungstershadmovedhimmorethananyother

soul‐stirringeventsofthatfaithfulday.Howhehadpickedupthewater‐bagwithassurance

toSakinathathewouldgoandbringwater‐GodWilling.

HowhehadtakenHusain'spermissionandmarchedoutofthecampwithaswordinone

hand,theflagintheother,andthebagonhisshoulder,withthechildrenfollowinghimina

groupuptotheouterperimeterofthecamp.HowHusainhadrepeatedlyrequestedhimto

avoidfightingasmuchaspossibleandconfinehimselftothetaskofbringingwater!

Histhoughtsswitchedovertotheeventsthathadprecededhisfallfromthehorse.Withthe

objectofprocuringwaterforhisdearlittleSakina,hehadchargedontheenemywhoheldthe

riverbanks.Hehadrunthroughtheenemyrankslikeaknifethroughbutter.Againthis

surgingonslaughtthecowardscouldnotstandandhadrunhelter‐skeltershoutingfor

protection.ForamomentitseemedasifAli,theLionofGod,haddescendedfromheaven.In

notimeAbbaswasneartherivulet.Hehadjumpeddownfromthehorseandbenttofillthe

water‐bag.Whenitwasfilledtothebrim,hehadtakensomewaterinhiscuppedhandto

drinkandsatisfyhiskillingthirst.But,onsecondthoughts,hehadthrownthewateraway.

HowcouldhedrinkwaterwhenSakinaandthechildrenwerestillwitheringwithoutit?How

couldhebesocallousastoforgetthathismasterHusainhadnothadadropofwatersince

thelastthreedays.Hehadturnedtohishorsewhichhadbeenletloosesothatitcouldsatisfy

itsthirst.Theanimalhadbeenintentlylookingatitsmasterasiftosay:

"Itooamawarethat,solongasourmasterandhischildrenremainwithoutwater,ourthirst

cannotbequenched."

Withthewater‐bagfilledhehadjumpedintothesaddlewithonethoughtuppermostinhis

mind,togetthewatertotheanxiouslywaitingchildrenasquicklyaspossible.Seeinghim

gallopingtowardsthecampofHusain,theenemyhadturned.Somebodyhadshoutedfrom

theenemyranksthatifHusainandhispeoplegotwater,itwouldbedifficulttofightthemon

thebattlefield.Thoughitwasanunevenfight,hefoughtthemwithvalourwhichwasso

characteristicofhisfathersThoughhewasthirstyandhungry,hechargedonthemand

scatteredthem.ThemercenariesofYazidwererunninglikelambsinafoldwhenchargedby

alion.Seeingthatafrontalassaultonamansobravewasnotpossible,theyhadresortedtoa

barrageofarrows.Whenarrowswerecomingformallsides,Abbashadonlyonethoughtin

hismind,howtoprotectthewater‐bagthanhislife.SeeingthatAbbaswaspreoccupiedwith

thisthought,onetreacherousfoe,hidingbehindasand‐dune,hadrushedoutanddealtablow

onhisrighthandandcutitoff.InaflashAbbashadtransferredhisswordtohislefthandand

thestandardhewasbearinghehadhuggedtohischest.NowthattheLionofAliwascrippled,

thefoeshadfoundcouragetosurroundhim.Ablowfromanenemy'sswordseveredhisleft

arm.Theoddswerenowmountingagainsthim.Heheldthebagwithhisteethandprotected

theflagwithhischestpressedonthehorse'sback.Nowtheparamountthoughtinhismind

wastoreachthecampsomehowortheother.Asilentprayerhadescapedhislips:

"MercifulAllah,sparemelongenoughtofulfillmymission."

Butthatwasnottobe.Anarrowhadpiercedthewater‐bagandwaterhadstartedgushing

outofit.WasitwaterthatwasflowingoutofthatbagorthehopesofAbbas?Allhisefforts

hadbeeninvain.AfterallSakina'sthirstwouldremainunsatisfiedandallherhopeswouldbe

frustrated.Theenemieswhohadmadeboldtosurroundhim,nowseeinghishelpless

condition,werenowgatheringthickroundhim.Oneofthemcamenearhimandstruck

mortalblowwithanironmace.Hereeledoverandfellfromthehorse.

Hetossedontheburningsandwithexcruciatingpain.Hefeltthatlifewasfastebbingoutbut

hiswishtoseehismasterhadremainedunfulfilled.Withonelasteffort,withallthestrength

thatwasleftinhim,heshouted:

"Omymaster,docometomebeforeIdie."

Asitinanswertohisprayershefeltsomefootstepsnearhim,Yes,hisinstincttoldhimthatit

washislord.Hisoneeyehadbeenblindedbyanarrowandtheotherfilledwithbloodandso

hecouldnotsee.Buthefelthismasterkneelingdownbesidehim,liftinghisheadandtaking

itintohislap.Notawordwassaidforafewsecondsbecausebothwerechokedwithemotion.

AtlastheheardHusain'svoice,ahalf‐sob,half‐muffledcry:

"Abbas,mybrother,whathavetheydonetoyou?"

IfAbbascouldsee,wouldhehaverecognizedhismaster?Withbackbentandbeardturned

whiteandhoary,onhearingthepartingcryofhisbelovedbrother,Husain'splightwassuch

thatnobodycouldhaverecognizedhim‐suchwashistransformation.Abbaswasnowfeeling

thelovingtouchofhismaster'shand.Withefforthemuttered:

"Youhavecomeatlast,myMaster.IthoughtIwasnotdestinedtohavealastfarewellwith

youbut,thankGod,youarehere."

Withthesewordsheputhisheadonthesand.TenderlyHusainliftedhisheadandagainputit

onhislap,inquiringwhyhehadremoveditfromthere.

"MyMaster",repliedAbbas,"thethoughtthatwhenyouwillbebreathingyourlast,nobody

willbetheretoputyourheadinalapandtocomfortyou,makesmefeelthatitwouldbe

betterifmyheadliesonthesandwhenIdie,justasyourswouldbe.Besides,Iamyourslave

andyouaremymaster.Itistoomuchformetoputmyheadonyourlap."

Husainburstintouncontrollabletears.Thesightofhisbrother,whosenamewastobecomea

bywordfordevotionandunflinchingfaithfulness,layingdownhisdearlifeinhisarms,was

heart‐rending.

Abbaswasheardtowhispersoftly:

"Mymaster,Ihavesomelastwishestoexpress.WhenIwasborn,Ihadmyfirstlookatyour

faceanditismylastdesirethatwhenIdie,mygazemaybeonit,too.Myoneeyeispierced

byanarrowandtheotherisfilledwithblood.Ifyouwillclearthebloodfrommyoneeye,I'll

beabletoseeyouandfulfillmylastdyingdesire.MysecondwishisthatwhenIdieyoumay

notcarrymybodytothecamp.IhadpromisedtobringwatertoSakinaand,sinceIhave

failedinmyattempttobringherwater,Icannotfaceherevenindeath.Besides,Iknowthat

theblowsthatyouhavereceivedsincemorninghaveallbutcrushedyouandcarryingmy

bodytothecampwillbeheartbreakingworkforyou.AndmythirdwishisthatSakinamay

notbebroughtheretoseemyplight.Iknowwithwhatloveandaffectionshewasdevotedto

me.Thesightofmydeadbodylyingherewillkillher."

Husainsobbinglypromisedhimthathewouldcarryouthislastwishesadded:

"Abbas,Itoohaveawishtobefulfilled.Sincechildhoodyouhavealwayscalledmemaster.

Foronceatleastcallmebrotherwithyourdyingbreath".

Thebloodwasclearedfromtheeye,onebrotherlookedattheotherwithalonginglingering

look.Abbaswasheardtowhisper:

"Mybrother,mybrother"

andwiththesewordshesurrenderedhissoultohisMaker:Husainfellunconsciousonthe

deadbodyofAbbaswithacry:

"OAbbas,whoislefttoprotectmeandSakinaafteryou?"

TheflowofFuratbecamedarkaswinterandamurmurarosefromtheflowingwaterasifto

protestagainstthekillingofathirstywater‐beareronitsbanks.

Chapter6.FromtheCradletotheGrave

Themotherwaslookingintentlyintothefaceofherchildlyinginthecradle.Itwasaface

whichhadbecomeashen‐paleonaccountofstarvation.Thechild,althoughabouttenmonths

old,wassoemaciatedthatanypersonbeholdingwouldthinkthatitwashardlysixmonths

old.Thechild’seyesappearedtobesearchingforsomething.Asiftoindicatewhatitwanted,

thechildwasopeningitsmouthandtakingoutitsparchedtongueandturneditontoitslips.

Themotherwassittingandwatching,helplesslywaitingfordeathtocometothechildand

relieveitoftheagony.Butwhatmothercanbeartoseeherchilddieofstarvationand,whatis

worse,thirstunquenched?Couldshenotdosomethingtogetafewdropsofwaterwhich

couldwellbecomethelifesavingelixirforthechild?Butwherecouldshegetthesefewdrops

ofpreciouswaterwhichherlord,ImamHussein,andhisnearanddearonesweredeniedby

thearmyofYazidforthreedays?Herheartwasrevoltingagainsttheideaoflettingheryoung

sondieofthirst.Foronedayshehadnursedthechildatherbreastbutassheherselfhad

gonewithouttheessentialnourishmentsforsolong,hermilkhaddriedupcompletelyand

therewasnotadropthatshecouldgivetoherchild.Notfaraway,therivuletwasgushingby

andmurmurofitsripplingwaterscouldbeheardinthestillnessthatpervadedthose

afternoonhours.

Apassingthoughtcameintothemother’smindtotakeupthechildinherarmsandgoout‐to

runtotheriverandsnatchsomewatertoquenchthechild’sthirst.Butitwasjustafleeting

thoughtwhichsherejectedonconsideringwhatherhusband,ImamHussein,wouldsayand

feel.Wouldnotsuchanactiononherpartingoingoutwiththechild,causegreatagonytoher

lord?Hadhenotsufferedenoughduringthedaylosinghisfriendsandmembersofhisfamily,

oneaftertheother,bringingtheirdeadbodiestothemorgue?Sherecalledhowthischild’s

sister,FatimaSughra,hadpleadedwithherinMedinatoleavehimbehindwithhersothat

shecouldpassherdaysinthecompanyofthechild.Sherememberedhowthischild,Ali

Asghar,hadclungtohissisterandwouldnotgotoanybodytillherlordhadcomeoverand

whisperedsomethingintoitsears.WhatthewordswerewhichHusseinhadwhisperedtoAli

AsgharinMedinawhenhewasinhissister’sarms,shedidnotknowbutshedistinctly

recollectedthechild’scomingoverwithasmilefromhissister’sarmsintohisfather’s

outstretchedarms.WhatacontrastthesmilingfaceofAliAsghar,barelysixmonthsoldat

thattime,presentedtotheattenuatedandemaciatedfaceofthechildlyinginthecradle

beforeher!

Everyminutethatwaspassingwasincreasingtheagonyofthechildandgriefofthemother.

UmmeRababdidnotknowwhatshecoulddoexceptwatchthechilddyingbyinches.Shewas

justgettingreconciledtothisthoughtwhenthechild,withonedesperateattempt,lifteditself

andcametoUmmeRabab’sarms.Thoughunabletocrythroughsheerweakness,AliAsghar

utteredaheartrendingmoanwhichtoreasunderthehelplessmother’sheart.Sheclaspedthe

childtoherbosomandstoodmotionless.Sheheardarustlingnoisebehindherand,turning

around,shesawImamHusseinenteringthetent.Seeinghimshecouldnolongercontain

herselfandrushedtowardshimsaying,“Sire,myinnocentsonisdyingofthirst.ForGod’s

sakedosomethingtosavehim.”ImamHusseinlookedatherandthenatthechild.Hecould

seehowtrueherapprehensionswere.Afteramomentsthinkinghesaidtoher:“Umme

Rabab,giveAliAsghartome.Asalastattempt,Ishalltakehiminmyarmsandappealtothe

armyofYazidtogivehimafewdropsofwatertosavehisinnocentlife.”Overjoyedatthe

thoughtofhersongettingsomewater,UmmeRababimmediatelyputAliAsgharinImam

Hussein’sarmssaying:“Sire,goquickly,fortimeismostpreciousforsavingmyson’slife.May

Godhelpyouingettingsomewaterforhim.Whenyoutakehimoutintothescorchingsun,do

coverhimupwithyourrobe,because,inhispresentcondition,hemightwitherawaylikea

flowerintheblazeoutside.”Husseintookthechildinhisarms,coveredhiminhisrobeand

wentoutofthetent.Themotherfollowedhimtotheexitandstoodtherewatchinghimgo

towardsthearmy.

ThesoldiersofYazidsawHusseincomingtowardsthem,hisbackbent,hisbodywounded,his

beardturnedcompletelywhitewithsorrowandgriefinthespanofafewhours.Theysaw

himbringingsomethingheldunderhisrobe.ManythoughtthatHusseinwasbringingthe

holyQurantopleadwiththemthattheconflictbetweenhimandYazidberesolvedbythe

arbitramentofthisholybook.Hewalkedtowardsthemandstoodatashoutingdistanceand,

whenhefeltthattheycouldseehimclearly,heremovedhisrobewhichwascoveringAli

Asghar.Heheldthechildhighinhishandsand,inaloudandringingvoice,hesaid:“Oh

soldiersofKufaandDamascus,Icametothisplaceattheinvitationofyourpeopletopreach

tothemtheprinciplesofIslam.Insteadoftreatingmeandmypeopleasyourguests,you

betrayedusanddeniedusevenwaterforthepastthreedays.Youhavekilledmyloyal

friends,mynephews,brothersandsons.Ifinyourwarpedjudgmentwehadcommitteda

crime,bynotbowingtothewillofthetyrantYazid,whomyouhaveacceptedasyourspiritual

lord,myyoungson,whomIamholdingbeforeyou,hasnotcommittedanysin,becauseheis

justaninfant.Forthelastthreedayshehasnothadanynourishment—notevenwater.Heis

nowdyingofthirst.Islamisthereligionwhichyouprofesstofollowand,inthenameofIslam,

Iappealtoyoutogivealittlewatertomyinnocentsontosavehislife.Iamsuremanyofyou

mustbehavingyoungchildrenofhisage,Iimploreyou,fortheloveofyourchildren,notto

letthischilddieofthirst.”Sayingthis,heturnedtothechildinhishandsandsaid:“AliAsghar,

myson,Iwishyoucouldtellthemtowhatstateyourthirsthasreducedyou.”Asifin

responsetothis,AliAsgharturnedhismouthandstartedturninghistongue,whichhad

becomebonedryonhisparchedlips.

Hussein’swordsandAliAsghar’smuteappealforwaterhadamagicaffectevenonthe

heartlessmercenarieswhowerearrayedagainstthem.Manysoldiersrecalledthefacesof

theirownchildrenbackhomelyingcontentlyintheircradleswell‐fedandwell‐protected.

Theirpaternalinstinctsforamomentarousedpityintheirheartsforthisinnocentbaby.

Someoftheminspiteofthemselves,couldnothelpsheddingtearstohidewhichtheyhadto

turntheirfaces.Someboldonesamongstthemwerewhisperingtooneanotheraboutgoing

tothecommanderoftheirarmy,AmrSaad,andaskinghimtosavethechild’slifeby

providingsomewatertohim.

Husseinwaswaitingforthereplytohisappeal,withthechildinhisarms.Hefeltthatanother

appealthenmightbehelpful,soheonceagainaddressedthesoldiersofYazid:“Armyof

Yazid,someamongstyoumaybethinkingthatIamaskingforwaterforthechildwiththe

intentionofsatisfyingmyownthirstandthethirstofotherchildrenandladiesinmycamp.If

youthinkso,letmetellyouthatIamincapableofanysuchruse.Ifyoudonotfeelconvinced,

Iampreparedtohandovermysontoyousothatyoucanyourselftakehimandgivehim

water.IamlayingdownAliAshgaronthesandsothatanyoneofyoucancomeandpickhim

upandreturnhimtomeafterquenchinghisthirst.”Sayingthishespreadhisrobeonthe

groundandputAliAsgharonitinfullviewoftheoppositearmy.

Hussein’sactionshadanelectrifyingaffectonmanyofthesoldiers.Someofthemfeltlike

goingovertoAmrSaad,theircommander,andtellinghimthathecouldnotdenyafewdrops

ofwatertothechildwhenHusseinhadclearlydemonstratedthattherewasnostratagemto

getwaterforhimself.

AmrSaadsensedthat,ifmuchtimeelapsed,someofhissoldiersmightrevoltagainsthim—

soldierswhohadnothesitatedtoslaughteryoungHashemitesboysoftwelveandfourteen,

butwhoarenowtouchedtothequickbythemuteappealofthisbabe,afewmonthsold,for

somedropsofwater.HeturnedtohisacearcherHurmula,whowasstandingbesidehim,and

said:“Hurmula,hereisthechanceforyoutoearnthebestfavorofYazid.Cutshortthis

agonizingsituationbyyourarrow.Demonstrateyourskillbypiercingthethroatofthechild.”

Theheartlessarcher’sgreedandcupiditywerearoused.Hepicturedtohimselfthefavorshe

wouldgainatthecourtofYazidwhenitwouldbenarratedthathecametotherescueofAmr

Saad,whenhefacedaverydelicatesituationwithmanyoftheyoungsoldiersstaginganear

revoltonbeholdingthepiteousconditionofthehaplessandhelplesschild.Withoutwaiting

forasecond,hepickeduphisbowandarrowandtookaimatthechild.Atthesameinstant

Husseinpickedupthechildfromtheground.Thearrowwhizzedpastthegroundwherethe

childwaslyingaminutebefore.NowAliAsgharwasinhisfather’sarms.Seeingthathisfirst

arrowhadgonetowaste,Hurmulatookoutanotheroneandaimeditatthechild.Anexpert

marksmenthoughhewas,hecouldnottakecorrectaimashesawinthedistantbackground

bearthedoorofthetentawoman’sveiledform.Hefeltthatitmustbethemotherofthechild

anxiouslyandexpectantlywaitingforthechild’sreturn.Thereasonforhissecondarrow

missingitsmarkwasthat,heartlessashewas,hecouldwellrealizethat,withthepiercingof

thechild’sthroat,hewouldbeshatteringamother’shopesandheart.AmrSaadwhowas

watchingthetwoabortiveattemptsofhisbestarcher,knownthroughoutthekingdomforhis

expertandunfailingmarksmanship,gotscaredofhisfailures.Heknewfullwellthatevery

secondthatelapsedasdangerousforhim.Hefeltthat,whattheotherboldandbravesoldiers

onHussein’ssidecouldnotachieve,mightbeachievedbythislittleinfantinsavingtheday

fortheImam.He,therefore,exhortedHurmulawithallthepersuasionhecouldcommand,

givinghimmostextravagantpromisesofaward,tohastenwithhisthirdarrow.Littledidthe

wretchneedofthesebecause,feelinghumiliatedandchagrinedathisownweakness,heput

thethirdarrowinthebowandtakingaim,letitgo.Itwasreleasedwithsuchuncanny

accuracythatitfounditsexacttarget.Itwastoobigforitstargetfor,howbigisthethroatofa

childafewmonthsold!ThearrownotonlypiercedthethroatofAliAsgharbuttoreit

asunderanddugitselfintoImamHussein’sarms.Suchwasitsimpactthatthechild’sblood

gushedforthasiffromafountainandsplashedthefaceofthefather.

Husseinclaspedthedeadbodyofhisinfanttohischestand,withtearsrollingdownhis

cheeks,muttered:“Myinnocentson,towhatdepthofdegradationthesepeoplesunkthat

theycouldnotspareevenyou.”

Husseinwashesitatingforsometimewhattodoafterthis.Heknewthatthechild’smother

waswaitingforhimtobeingitbacktoher.Whatifsheaskedhimwhetherhehadgotten

waterforhim?Ifhetoldherthattheenemieshadkilledhimwithanarrow,wouldshenotask

whether,beforekillinghim,theyhadquenchedthechild’sthirst?Hewentforwardafew

pacesandthenretracedthem.Hissecondthoughtwastoburythechildonthespotandthen

goandtellthewaitingmotheraboutwhathadhappened.Butherejectedtheidea,becausehe

realizedthatthemotherwouldliketohavealastlookatherdeadchild’sface.Butthenhe

thoughtoftheagonythemotherwouldfeelwhenshesawtheterriblewoundinthethroat.

Stealinghisnerves,ImamHusseincoveredthecorpseofthechildwithhisrobeinthesame

wayashehadcovereditwhencomingtothebattlefieldandwalkedtowardshiscamp.As

soonasheenteredit,hesawtheanxiousmotherwaitingimpatiently.

Shelookedashisdroopingfacesmearedwithbloodandsawtearsrollingdownhischeeks.

Sheunderstoodwhathehadcometotellher.Assonashesawher,hesaid:“UmmeRabab,as

yourhusbandandlord,Iaskyoutomakeonepromisetome.ThisIamaskingfromyouasmy

lastwish.”Shequietlysaid:“Sire,Ishalldoexactlyasyouwantmeto.Tellmewhattheydid

tomyinnocentson,tellmeall.Otheryoungwarriorsdiedfightingbravely.Butmyhelpless

childwastooyoungforthat.Tellmewhethertheygavehimwaterbeforekillinghim.Even

animalsaregivenfoodandwaterbeforetheyareslaughtered.”

Husseinwhispered:“Rabab,Ibeseechyounottocursethepersonswhokilledyourinnocent

childsomercilessly.Alas,theydidnotgivehimadropofwater.Myappealtothemforwater

forhimwasansweredwithanarrow.”Sayingthis,heremovedtherobefromAliAsghar’s

corpseandhandedittoRabab.

Hussein’ssisterZainab,whohadcomeoverthereonhearingherbrother’svoice,sawthe

mothertakingthedeadchildintoherhands,claspingitoherbosom,andthencollapsewitha

piercingshriek.SherushedintoholdUmmeRabab.Whatmothercouldseeherchildinthat

stateandstillremaincalmandpatient!

ZainabcalledalltheladiesofthefamilytocomeoverandconsoleUmmeRabab.Hussein

stoodthereforquitesometimelostinthought.Hewasperhapsrememberingallthathehad

lostinthespaceofafewhours.Notevenhisinnocentchildhadbeensparedbytheenemy

who,itseemed,werebentuponexterminatingthefamilyoftheProphetofIslam,though

professedlyowingallegiancetohim.

HewasstilldeepinthoughtwhenUmmeRababcameovertohimandsaid:“Sire,Iwantmy

childtobeburiedbyyouwithyourownhands.Iknowthatwhenyouarenomore,the

enemieswillnothesitatetodesecratethedeadbodiesofthemartyrs.Iwantthischildtobe

sparedsuchdefilementafterdeath.”

Husseintookthechild’sdeadbodyfromthemother’shands,andwalkedoutofthecamp.He

dugalittlegravewithhisswordwithnonetoassisthim.Atsuchtimesitisusualforothersto

attendtheburialceremonybutHusseinhadnonewithhimwhocouldlendhimahelping

hand,muchlessburythechild.Heplacedthechildinthegraveandcovereditwithearth.Itis

customarytosprinklesomewateroverthegravebutthatwasnotpossiblewheneveninits

lasthour,thechildcouldnotgetadropforanypurpose.

Husseinsatatthegravewithhistearsrollingdown.AfterofferingFatehaatthegrave,

Husseinraisedhisheadheavenwardandprayed:“OhGod.ThouartmywitnessthatIhave

notfalteredinmydutytotheleastandhavegivensacrificesofallmydearestones,including

mylastone,thismybabe—in—arms.”

Chapter7.TheSupremeSacrifice

Husainwasalone,allalone,withnonetobefriendhim,nonetohelphim,nonetodefendhim.

Ontheothersidewasanarmyofseveralthousandstrong,thirstingforhisblood.Hewas

sittingonthesandoutsidehistentlisteningtothebeatingofdrumsoftheenemypunctuated

bytheirbattlecry,“Isthereanypersonlefttocomeoutandfightwithus?”Husainwondered

whethertheywereexpectinganypersontobeleftorwhethertheirbattlecrywasjustto

mockhim.Didtheynotknowthatallhisloyalfriendshaddiedfightingvaliantlytodefend

him?Didtheynotrealizethattherewasonlyonesurvivorleftfromhisbrothers,cousins,

nephews,sonsandhiskindred,eachonehavinglaiddownhislifeinthefewhoursbetween

sunriseandpost‐noonperiod?NowtherewasleftonlyhissonAliZainalAbedeen,whowas

confinedtobedwithfeverwhichhadbeenragingfordaysandwhichhadsoweakenedhim

thathecouldhardlylifehishead,letalonewalk.

ThedecliningsunwasnowcastinglengtheningshadowsontheplainofKerbala.Itseemed

thatHusainwaswaitingfortheinevitablehourtocome.Perhapshewaswaitingtillevening

sothathecouldgooutintothebattle‐fieldafterofferinghisprayers.

Theshoutsfromtheenemy’shordesbecamemoreandmorevociferous.Itseemedthatnow

theywereclamouringtoshedhisbloodsothat,havingaccomplishedtheirtask,theycould

partakeofthefeastwhichtheircommanderhadpreparedforthemtocelebratetheirsuccess.

SomeimpatientsoldierscamemarchingtowardsHusain’scampandshouted,“OHusain,

whereareyoursoldierswhoweresoanxioustoprotectyouandwhohadsworntoseethat

noharmcametoyouaslongasanyofthemlived??Whereareyourbrothers,sonsand

nephewswhohadsworntoprotectyouandtoseethatnobodyraisedhisvoiceagainstyours

whileanyofthembreathed?”

Husainwascuttothequickbythesetauntingwordsoftheenemy.Heturnedtowardsthe

morguewherethedeadbodiesofhisbelovedfriendsanddearoneswerelyingand,

addressingthem,hesaid,“Whereareyou,MuslimIbneAusaja,ZohairIbneQain,HabibIbne

Muzahir,HurIbneRiyahiandmyotherfaithfulfriends?Doyouhearthetauntsofthe

enemies?Whydon’tyourespondtomylastcallforhelp?”Then,turningtowardsthedead

bodiesofhisnephewsandsons,hecried,“Areyouhearingme,OAliAkbar,Qasim,Aun,

Muhammadandmybrothers?AllofyouwereeverreadytodefendmebutnowIamallalone

andwithoutafriendtohelpme,todefendme,oreventoconsolemeinthishouroftrial.”

Turningtheninthedirectionoftheriver,hecried,“Abbas,mybrother,areyouhearingmy

cryforhelp?Whyarenotansweringmetoday?Fromyourchildhood,youwereeverreadyto

chastiseanybodywhosomuchasraisedthisvoiceagainstmine,buttoday,insultsand

ignominiesarebeinghurledatme.Whydon’tyoucometomyhelpnow?”Withthesewords

heweptbitterlyandadded,“Alas,Iknowthatallofyouaresleepingthesweetslumberof

death‐Iknowthatdeathhascreatedthatbarrierwhichyoucannotcrosstohelpme.”

WithfalteringstepsHusainenteredhiscamptobidfarewelltohissisters,daughtersand

otherladiesofhishouse.Standingoutsidehistenthecalled,“OmysistersZainabandUmme

Kulsum,UmmeLailaandUmmeRubab,mydaughtersKubra,RokayyaandSakinaandmy

respectednurseFizza,comeovertometohearmylastsalutationsandfarewellmessageto

youall.”

Hiswordsdrewalltheladiesofhisfamilywhocamerushinginandclusteredaroundhim.His

dearestsisterZainabputherarmsaroundhisneckand,lookingstraightintohiseyes,said,

“Mydearestbrother,isittruethatyouaregoingawayforthelasttime,nevertobeseenalive

again?Obrother,hasthattimecome,whichIwasdreadingalldaylong,foryoutodepart

leavingusatthemercyoftheseheartlesshordes?”

Withhisheadbowed,Husainmuttered,“Yes,Zainab,thetimehascomeforwhichyour

motherhaspreparedyoufromyourchildhood,aboutwhichyourfatherhadspokentoyouon

hisdeath‐bed.FormethispartingissaddestbecauseIknowthatyourrealtrialsandordeals

willnotendbutonlybegintoday.”

“Myownbrother,”repliedZainab,“Iwasallalonghopingagainsthopethatbysacrificingthe

livesofmysons,AunandMuhammad,ofAbbas,QasimandAliAkbar,yourlifemightbe

spared.Withoutyou,whenwillbeleftinthisworldformetolivefor?Brother,whenyougo

toheaven,pleadwithourgrandfathertocallmethere,tosparemetheinsultsandignominies

thatnowawaitme.”

ForamomentHusaincouldnotreplytoZainab’spleadings,forheknewhowtruewhatshe

saidwas.Controllinghisownemotions,afterafewseconds,hesaid,“Zainab,ifyouwillleave

thisworldsosoon,whowillfulfillthemission,whowillaccomplishthetaskwhichIam

leavingunfinished?Iamentrustingtoyourcaremyorphansandwidowsandtheorphans

andwidowsofallmybravesoldiersandmybloodrelations.Itisnowforyoutoleadthem,to

lookafterthem,tocareforthemandtoconsolethem.Ishalldieinpeaceifyoupromiseme

thatyouwillbetothemwhatwerealltheirdeadones,whomtheyhadlosttoday.”Hepaused

forawhileandadded,“AndZainab,IamparticularlycommendingtoyourcaremysonAli

ZainabAbedeen,whomillnesshasbroughttothevergeofdeath,andmybeloveddaughter

Sakinawhohasneverbeenseparatedfrommeevenforaday.Whenshewillnotseeme,she

willaskyouwhereIhavegone.Consoleherasbestasyoucan.Irememberhowshewas

pleadingforwatertoheruncleAbbasbut,eversincehisdeath,shehasnotutteredaword.

Whenyougetwateraftermydeath,giveitfirsttoher.”

Withthesewords,Husainseemedtobechokedwithemotions,butcontrollinghimselfhe

wenton,“TheenemiesknowwellhowdearlySakinalovesmeandIloveher.Tosatisfytheir

vengeanceagainstme,theymightbeatheruptotormentmysoul,and,perhaps,leadherasa

captivefromtheplacewheremydeadbodywilllie.Zainab,dowhatyoucantospareher

thesetorturesandafflictions.”

AsHusainwassayingthis,eachwordwassinkingintoZainab’swoundedheart.Shewas

chokingwithsobsandtheonlyreplyshecouldgivetothelastcommendationsofherbrother

wasbynoddingofherhead.

Afterafewseconds,Husaincontinued,“Zainab,Ihavesomuchtosaytoyoubeforemylast

partingbutIhavesolittletimeforit.Dearestsister,theenemywilltakeyouallprisonersand

theywillperhapsmarchyouthroughthestreetsofKufaandDamascus.Theymaysnatch

awayyourveilsandparadeyouthroughthebazaarsofthesecitiestoaddtoyouragony.They

mayeventieorchainyourhandsandfeetandmercilesslyusethelashandspearstotorture

allofyouhelplessladiesandchildrenoftheProphet’sHouse.Thatwillbetherealhourof

trialforyou,butZainab,Iimploreyoubytheloveyouhaveforme,nottoloseyourpatience.

Whenthesetorturesareinflictedonyouall,youmustgivecouragetoalltheladiesand

childrenwithyou,andaskthemtopraytoGodAlmightyforfortitudeandpatiencetobear

theignominiesinsults,torturesandtorments.Zainab,rememberatalltimesthatwe,people

oftheHouseoftheProphet,muststandfirminthehouroftrialwithoutsomuchasutteringa

curseonourtorturersandtormentors.”

WhenHusainstoppedaftersayingthis,Zainablookedathimthroughtearsandrepliedina

lowvoice,“Husain,IpromiseyouthatIshallexactlyaccordingtoyourlastwishes.Dear

brother,prayformethatGodmaygivemethefortitudetosufferboldlyandpatiently,pray

thatinmyhouroftrialImaynotbefoundwanting.MydearestHusain,IpromisethatIshall

doexactlyasyouwantmetoandshallshouldertheresponsibilitieswhichyourdeathwill

throwonmeandshowtotheworldthatIamyoursister,anddaughterofAliandFatima,and

grand‐daughteroftheProphetofIslam.”

ThisboldandbravereplyofZainabservedasabalmtoHusain’swoundedheart.Heblessed

herandadded,“Yoursufferingswilllastalongtimeandyouallwillhavetoendure

imprisonmentandindignities.WhenyoureturntoMedinaafteryourreleasefromprison,

conveymysalaamstoallmyfriendswhomaycometomournmydeath.Tellthemthatmy

lastmessagetothemwasthatIandmynearanddearonesdieswithoutadropofwaterwith

consumingthirst.Tellthemthat,whentheydrinkcoolwater,theymayremembermeandmy

faithfulfollowersandmembersofmyfamily,andthethirstweenduredtoday.”

AlltheladiesofthefamilywhowerelisteningtothelastwishesofHusainwerebeside

themselveswithgrief.Theywere,oneandall,cryingbitterly.Somewhosestrengthhadebbed

awayonaccountofthirstandstarvationandthesufferingstheyhadundergoneatthelossof

theirbrothersandsonsduringtheday,swoonedandfellunconsciousonthefloor.

“IhavenotyetconcludedwhatIhavetotellyou,Zainab,”saidHusain,afterawhile.“When

yougobacktoMedina,youtellmybeloveddaughter,FatimaSughra,thatthoughIhadleft

herbehindonaccountofherill‐health,Ineverforamomentforgotherandrememberedher

tillmylasthour.Conveymylovetoherandtellherthatfatewilleditthatourpartingin

Medinashouldbeforever.Whenshewilllearnfromyouthatsomanyofheruncles,brothers

andcousinsleftMedinabutnonereturned,shewillfeeldisconsolate.Dowhateveryoucanto

consoleher.”

WhenthesewordsHusainstopped.Thebrotherandsisterembracedeachother.Itwasthe

lastembraceofthelovingbrotherandsisterwhohadthroughouttheirlivesremainedclosest

andmostdevotedtoeachother.Itwasthepartingembraceofabrotherandsisterwhoknew

thattheywerenevertomeetagain.ZainabwasclingingtoHusainasifshedidnotwanttolet

himgo,knowingthathewouldnevercomebackagain.Bothwerecryingtheirheartsout,the

sisteratthethoughtofimminentmartyrdomofherbrotherandthebrotheratthethoughtof

thepredicamentinwhichhewasleavingherandtheothersofhisfamily,womenand

children‐andhisinvalidson.

TimewasnowrunningoutandthisthoughtmadeHusaintearhimselftohissister.Hewent

overtoeachladyandeachchildandmostaffectionatelyandlovinglyhebadehislastfarewell.

Heturnedtohisagednurse,Fizza,whohadlookedafterhimfromhischildhood,andkissing

herhandheaskedhertoblesshimasshehadbeenblessinghimsincehischildhood.ToFizza,

Husainwaslikeason.AtthetimeofFatima’sdeathshehadpromisedhertoremainwithhim

andnevertoleavehim.Tofulfillthatpromiseshehadaccompaniedhimonthisarduous

journey,inspiteofheradvancedage,disregardingtheadviceofalltheelderlyladiesof

Medinawhohadtriedtodissuadeher.Thispartingwastearingherhearttopieces.Heraged

eyeswerewellingwithtearssoshehuggedhimandkissedhisthroatasshehadseenhis

motherdoingwhenhewasalittleboy.“Farewell,myson,farewellfromyouragednurse.May

Godbewithyouinthehourofyoursupremetrial,”shecriedfromthedepthofherheartand

withashriekshefelldown.Hergrief‐stickenagedheartcouldnotbearthissaddestparting.

TurningroundHusainsawhisdearlittledaughterstandingnearhimandlookingupathis

face.Sheappearedtobespeechlessanddazedwithgrief.Thesorrowdepictedonher

innocentfacetoreHusain’sheart.Hefeltasifallthecouragehecouldsummonupwouldnot

besufficienttosteelhisheartforthisoccasionandtellSakinathathewasleavingherfor

ever,leavinghertothemerciesoftheworldthathadnokindnessforher,leavinghertoface

thewoeswhichhadnoparallel,leavinghertoafatewhichhadsuchsufferingsinstorefor

her.Hepickedupperupinhisarmsandimprintedkissesonhercheekswhichwerewetwith

tears.Ah!Hedidnotknowthatthesesamecheekswouldreceivecruelslapsoftheenemyjust

forcryingforherdeadfather!

PuttingSakinaonthegroundhehurriedtowardsthetentwherehisson,AliZainalAbedeen,

waslyingonacouchwithsucharagingfeverthathewasalmostunconscious.Hebentover

himandshookAliZainabAbedeenbyhisshoulderandsaid,“Myson,Ihavecometobid

farewelltoyou.Ali,myappointedhourisdrawingclose,sowakeupandmeetmeforthelast

time.”

AliZainabAbedeenwasarousedfromhisstuporbythesewordsofhisfatherandheopened

hiseyes.HesawHusainforthefirsttimethatdayand,suchwasthechangebroughtaboutin

himbythecruelblowinflictedonhimduringthattime,thatforonemomenthelookedathim

speechlessandbewilderedasifhecouldnotrecognizehim.Hesawhisfather’sbodywith

gapingwounds,hishairsnow‐white,hisbackbent.Withsupremeeffortshesatuponthebed

andcried,“OnGod,whathavetheenemiesdonetomyfather!”LookingupatHusainhe

asked,“Father,whathashappenedtoyourfaithfulfriends?Whathashappenedtomyuncle

Abbas,mybrotherAliAkbar,mycousinsQasim,AunandMuhammad?Howisitpossiblefor

youtobeinthisstate,ifanyofthemisalivetoprotectyou?”

“Myson,”repliedHusainwithasigh,“Allofthemhavetastedmartyrdomindefendingmeand

thecauseofIslam.ThereisnomalememberleftinthiscampexceptyouandI.Nowmyturn

hascometogooutanddiefighting.MydestinyisnowbeckoningmefastandIhavecometo

bidadieutoyou.”

HearingthisAliZainalAbedeenmusteredallthestrengththatwasleftinhimandrosefrom

hisbedandsaid,“Father,solongasIamalive,youcannotgomeetyourdeath.Letmedie

fightingasmybrother,cousinsanduncleshavedone.”

Husaingentlyputhimonthebedandsaid,“Myson,Icommandyou,asyourfatherand

spiritualleader,toremaininbed.Yourtaskistoaccompanyyouraunts,motherandsisters

andotherladiesincaptivity,tomarchthroughthestreetsofKufaandDamascus,withhands

andfeetinchain,tosufferinsultsinthecourtofthetyrantandundergoimprisonmentandto

bearallthesethingswithfortitudeandpatience.Yourtaskistoshowtotheworldthatwe

canbearafflictionsandsorrowswithunfalteringfaithinGodandourcause.Yourdestinyhas

singledyououttodemonstrateforalltimethatrealcrusademeansshowingfaithinthehour

oftrial,whenconfrontedwiththemostdifficultandtryingsituations.Whatyouwillsuffer,

myson,willbefarworsethandeath,fordeathwouldbringreliefbutyoumayhavetolivefor

yearswithmemoriesofyourcruelestsuffering.”

Withthesewords,Husainclaspedhissontohisbosom.Thefatherandsonpartedforever.

ThegriefwastoomuchforAliZainalAbedeentobearandhefelldownonhiscouch

unconscious.Mercifulheavensparedhimtheagonyofseeinghisfather’sdeparture.

Husainfeltthatifhedelayedanylonger,theenemymightrushintothecampenmasse.This

hecouldneversufferashewantedtosavehisfamilyfromtheignominyoftheenemy’s

lootingandpillageaslongashewasalive.Whenhereachedthecourtyardofhiscamp,he

foundhisfaithfulsteedwaitingimpatientlyforhim.Seeinghim,thehorseneighedwithjoy.

ThismountwasZuljenah,presentedtohimbyhisgrandfatherwhenhewasayoungboyand

justlearningtoride.Theagedstallionseemedfullyconsciousofitsmaster’splight.Thesight

ofHusain,woundedandcoveredwithblood,broughttearsintotheanimal’seyes.

Husainstoodbeforethehorseforamomentlookinghitherandthither.Uptothistime,there

wasnotasingleoccasionwhenhisbrotherAbbasorhissonAliAkbar,orhisnephewQasim,

hadnothelpedhimtomountthehorseholdingthestirrups.Instinctivelyhelookedallround

himandexclaimed,“BrotherAbbaswhereareyou?Whydon’tyourushforthtohelpme

mountthehorse?MyAkbar,myQasim,whydon’tyoucomeforwardtoholdthestirrupsfor

metoday?”

Zainab,whohadcometothecourtyardofthecamptoseeherbrotherdepart,noticedthe

conditionofherbrotherandrealizedwhathisfeelingswere.Sherusheduptohimandsaid,

“Husainifthereisnobodytohelpyoutoday,mybrother,Zainabwilldothisserviceforyou.

Letmeholdthestirrupsforyou.”BeforeHusaincouldsayanything,Zainabwasholdingthe

stirrups.Husainblessedherandvaultedonthehorse’sback.HeurgedZainabtogobackinto

thetentandtrytoconsolealltheladiesandchildrenwhoseafflictionsonthatdayknewno

bounds.Indeferencetoherbrother’swishes,Zainabwentbackintothetenttoperformthe

dutieswhich,fromthathour,hadfallenonherlot.

AssoonasZainabhadgonebackintothetent,HusainspurredZuljenahtomoveon.Thehorse

didnotrespondandstoodstillasifitwasgluedtothespot.Husainwassurprisedatthe

horse’simmobility.Heknewthat,withhim,thehorsehadsufferedwoundswhilstgoingto

thebattlefieldoneveryoccasionafriendormemberofthefamilyfellfighting.Heknewthat,

withhimandmembersofhisfamily,thehorsehadalsogonewithoutfoodandwaterfor

threedays.StillZuljenah’sbehaviorseemedinexplicable.

AddressingZuljenah,Husainsoftlymurmuredintoitsears,“Mycompanionfromchildhood

andmyfaithfulcharger,Iknowthatyouareoldandwearyseeingandexperiencingthe

eventsoftoday.ButZuljenah,thisisthelasttimeIammountingyou.Takemetotheplace

wheremydestinybeckonsme.Takemetomyjourney’send.”

ThehorseappearedtounderstandwhattheImamwassaying.Thoughspeechless,it

indicatedbybendingitsheadtowardstheground,thereasonwhyithadstoodmotionless.

LookingdownHusainsawhisyoungdaughterSakinaclingingtothehorse’sforelegsand

softlymoaning,“Zuljenah,Iimploreyounottotakeawaymyfathertothefieldofbattlefrom

whichnoneofmydearoneshadreturned.Zuljenah,IsawmyuncleAbbasrideawayandI

waitedforhimtocomebackwithwater,butmywaitingprovedtobeinvain.Zuljenah,I

knowfromthetalkofmyfatherthatheisnowgoingaway,goingforeverandever,neverto

comebackagain.Ibegyounottotakehimout,ifyoudonotwanttoseemeasanorphan,

withnobodylefttolovemeandcareforme.”

Throughthelackoffoodandwaterandsheerexhaustion,Sakinahadbecomesoweakthat

Husaincouldhearhermoaningwithgreatdifficulty.Shehadcomeuptothehorsesoquietly

thathehadnotnoticedhertillhelookeddowninresponsetothehorse’sindicationbe

bendingofitshead.NowheknewwhyZuljenahhadstoodstill.Heimmediatelyjumpeddown

fromthehorse’sback,pickedupSakinainhisarmsandsatontheground.Thefatherand

daughterclungtoeachotherasifnothingcouldpartthem.Bothwerechokedwithsobs;both

werecryingtheirheartsout.WhenHusaincouldsomewhatcontrolhisemotions,hesoftly

saidtoSakina,“Mydarlingdaughter,whydidyourushoutofthetent?Mychild,youmust

nowremainwithyourmothertoconsoleher.Youknow,afterthekillingofAliAsghar,how

disconsolateyourmotherhasbecome.”

Sakinalookedintotheeyesofherfatherandinnocentlyexclaimed,“Father,tellme,areyou

notgoingoutforthelasttime,nevertoreturn?AreyounotleavingyourSakinaforever?O

Father!HowwillSakinalivewithoutyou?WhenyoubroughtthedeadbodyofmybrotherAli

Akbar,Ithoughtthathislosswouldkillme;butthenthethoughtthatyouwerethereto

consoleusandbewithussustainedme.WhenyouinformedmethatmyuncleAbbashad

gonetoheavenandthatIwouldneverseenhim,myheartsankwithinme;butyouconsoled

me.Tellmefatherwhenyouaregone,whowillbetheretoshareourgriefandsorrow,to

speaktousafewwordsofconsolation?WithwhomshallIbeabletosharemygrief?No

father,Iwillnotletyougo.Youwillnevergo‐forSakina’ssake,youwillnotgo.”Sayingthis,

Sakinawept.Itwastheweepingofachild,aninnocentchildthatknew,inspiteofhertender

age,whatdeathwas;whatthepangsofparting—eternalparting,broughtaboutbydeath—

were.Shehadexperiencedthem,oneaftertheother,onthatfatefulday.

HusainwasstunnedbytheingenuouspleadingsofhisSakinawhomhelovedmorethan

anythinginthisworld.HeknewverywellwhatwasinstoreforhisbelovedSakina,whomhe

hadbroughtupwithloveandaffectionwhichwasunique.Herememberedtheday,during

thejourneytoKerbala,when,onhearingthenewsofthedeathinKufaofhisemissaryand

cousinMuslimIbneAqil,hehadcalledMuslim’syoungdaughter,whowasaccompanyinghim,

and,pattingherwithtenderaffection,hadpresentedherwithapairofearringssimilartothe

pairhehadgiventoSakina.AtthattimeSakinahadwhisperedinhisearsaskingwhetherit

wastruethathercousinhadlostherfather,andsayingthat,ifsheherselflostherfather,she

wouldnotbeabletolivewithouthimevenforaday.Littledidsheknowatthattimethatthe

dayonwhichshewouldbeorphanedwoulddawnsosoon!

WithsupremeeffortsHusaincontrolledhisfeelingsandkissinghisbelovedSakinaagainand

again,hesaidtoher,“MyownSakina,mydearestchild,howshallIexplaintoyouthatImust

goouttomeetmydeath,asothersfromourhousehavedone.Child,youaretooyoungto

understandwhatisatstake.HowcanIexplaintoyouthatthisdayIamfightingthebattlefor

thecauseoftruthofrighteousnessandIcannotsacrificethemevenforthesakeofallthatI

holddearesttomyheart.Sakina,Icanonlytellyouthatlifeistransitoryandallthatisin

existenceinthisworldistoperishsoonerorlater.Child,bydyingtoday,Iamonlygoing

beforeyouandyouwillfollowmetoheavenwhichistobeoureternalabode.MySakina,God

Almightyhassoordainedthatwemustsuffertheordealsforthecauseoftruth.Mychild,do

notholdmebackbutwithasmileonyourinnocentlips,saygoodbyetome.”

Asifherfather’swordshadkindledsomehopeinheryoungheart,shesaid,“Father,yousay

thatIwillalsojoinyouinheavenaftersometime.Promiseme,fatherthatitwillbesoon—

verysoon.Father,promisemethatyouwillremembertopleadtoGodtoendmyseparation

fromyouandtounitemewithyouinheaven,nevertobepartedagain.Ifyouwillpromise,

fatherIshallletyougo.”BeforeHusaincouldreplytoher,sheadded,“Andfather,Iwantyou

tomakemeonemorepromise.WhenIwillnotseeyou,Iwillfindtheworldandlifenothing

butmisery.Thoughindeathyouwillnotbeabletoseemeinperson,promisethatyouwill

cometomeinmydreamssothatIwillbeabletounburdenmyhearttoyouandtellyouhow

Isufferedwithoutyou.Ifyoupromiseme,father,atleastIhavesomethingtolookforwardto

everyday.Ishallwaitforthenighttocomesothatinmydream,Icantalktoyou,asIhave

alwaysdone;tokissyouandclingtoyouasIhavedoneeveryday.”Withthesewords,she

clungtoherfatherwithachokingheart.

Husain’sheartwasbleedingandtheinnocentwordsofSakinamadehimweepashehad

seldomdoneinthecourseofthetragedieshehadsufferedthatday,oneafteranother.Father

anddaughtersatthereembracingeachother—bothcryingtheirheartswithgriefunconfined.

Realizingthattimewasnowrunningoutandhearingthecriesfromtheenemy’sarmy,calling

himtothebattlefield,Husain,withtheutmosteffort,controlledhimself.KissingSakinaagain

andagain,hesaid,“MySakina,mybelovedchild,Ipromiseyouwhatyouwereaskingfor.My

darling,youalsopromisemethatyouwillbearallthesufferings,allthetorturesthatthe

enemieswillsubjectyoutowithcourageandfortitude.AndSakina,rememberthatifyouwill

cryformetoomuch,yourauntZainab,whohadalreadysufferedsomuchandwhowillnow

beshoulderingalltheresponsibilitiesafterme,willbecrushedbyyoursorrowsand

weeping.”

Sakinamurmuredsoftly,“Father,Sakinapromisesyoutofaceallthesufferingsandafflictions

silently.Mybelovedfather,Ishalldoexactlyasyouwantmeto.Asifshehadremembered

something,shesoftlyadded,“FathereverynightIusedtocometoyouandsleeponyour

chest.Now,thatwillnomorebepossible.HowIwishIcouldsleeponyourchestforthelast

timesothatIcouldcarryitsmemoriesfortherestofmylife.”

Husaincouldnotfindanywordstoreplytothisinnocentrequest.Helaydownontheburning

sandsofthecourtyardandclaspedhisdaughter.Sakinarestedherheadonherfather’schest

andlaytherecryingsilentlyforquitesometime.ThesobsofSakinaandHusainwere

punctuatingthesilencethatpervadedthecamp.Silently,SakinarosefromtheImam’schest,

kissedhimgoodbyeandstoodnearthehorse.Shesawhimmountingthehorseanddriving

away,withalastaffectionateglanceatherthatexpressedhisdeepestloveforher.Sheraised

hersmallhandandreverentiallybowedinsalutationtohim—forthelasttime.

Sakinareturnedtohermother,UmmeRubab,andrushedintoherextendedarms.Withher

headrestingonhermother’sbosom,shewasweepingandhermotherwascaressingherand

strokingherheadtenderly.UmmeRubabwassomuchstunnedbythemagnitudeofhergrief

thatshehadbecomespeechless.

Zainabheardherbrotherridingoutofthecamp.Shecouldnotcontainherselfandraisingthe

curtainfromthedoorofthetent,shefollowedhimwithhereyes.

ImamHusainrodeonstraighttothearmiesarrayedagainsthimontheoppositeside.The

soldiersofAmrSaadsawHusaincomingtowardsthemcladintheProphet’sturbanandrobe.

Facingthearmy,headdressedinastentorian,clearandringingvoicewhichwasaudibleto

theenemyhordes,“OsoldiersofYazid,IhavecometoaskyouwhetheryouknowwhoIam.If

anyofyoudon’tknow,ImakeitclearthatIamthegrandsonofProphetMuhammad,whom

youacknowledgeastheProphetofIslam.IamthesonoftheProphet’sdaughterFatimaand

theProphet’scousinAli.Iamthelastofthe5personsaboutwhomtheProphetofIslamspoke

timeandagaintohispeople.ManyofyouhaveseenandheardtheProphet.Iasksuchofyou

whetheryouhavenotseentheProphetcarryingme,andmybrotherHasan,onhisshoulders,

whenwewereyoungchildren?HaveyounotseentheProphetcryingwithgriefwhenIcried

onaccountofanysorroworaffliction?TheProphetisnomore,butIamherebeforeyou.You

havewoundedmyheartbymercilesslykillingmysons,mybrothers,mynephews,andmy

faithfulfriendseachoneofwhomwasasdeartomeasmykithandkin.Youhavenospared

myinnocentAliAsgharwhowastoolongtocauseyouanyharm.Eachoneofyouhasbeen

killedbyyou,hungryandthirsty.Youhavedeniedmeandmyfamilyevenfoodandwater,

knowingwellthatthescorchingheatofthisplainismultiplyingmanifoldouragoniesand

sufferings.Iaskyou,inthenameofGodandHisProphet,whathaveIdonetodeservethis

treatment?”

Withthesewords,Husainpausedforawhiletogetareplytohisquestion.AmrSaad,

CommanderofYazid’sarmy,repliedsaying,“Husain,therewasnoneedforyoutosaywhat

youhavesaidbecausewearenotgoingtorelentabit.Wehavegiventhechoicetoyouto

acceptYazidasyourspirituallordandmaster,andsubjectyourselftohisrulingsanddecrees

inallmatters,spiritualandtemporal,recognizinghimastheLeaderoftheFaithfuland

successoroftheProphet.Ifyouwanttosaveyourlifeandsaveyourfamilythesufferings,

whichawaitthem,youmustsurrendertoourdemand.Thereisnootherchoicebeforeyou.”

Husainheardthisreplysilentlyandsaid,“AmrSaad,yourfatherwasacompanionofthe

Prophet,andofallthepeople,youwereawitnesstoallthatIhavementionedbecauseyou

haveveryoftenaccompaniedyourfatherwhenheusedtovisittheProphet.Doyouexpect

me,foramoment,toacceptYazidwhois,yourknowledge,adebaucheeandaprofligate,as

thespiritualleaderofthefaithfulandrightfulsuccessoroftheProphet?Doyouexpectmeto

acceptallthedistortionsandchangesthathewantstointroduceinthetenetsofIslamandbe

asilentspectatorjusttosavemylifeandtostopthebrutaltreatmentyouplantometeoutof

mychildrenandladies?Letmedispelanydoubtthatyoumaybeentertainingandmakeit

cleartoyouthat,ifyouwantmetocompromisemyprinciplesforthesakeofworldlygains,I

shallneverdoit.Ifyouwanttooffermethechoicebetweenhonoranddeath,Ishallprefer

death.IfsacrificeofIslamicprinciplesandQuranicteachingsisthepriceyouaredemanding

formylifeandthehonorofmyfamily,Iamhereandnowrejectingyouroffer.Iamasking

you,inthenameofIslam,totellmewhetherIhave,eveninasingleinstance,actedcontrary

totheprinciplesofreligion?HaveIdoneanythingtojustifythetormentsyouareinflictingon

me?OyewhoclaimtobethefollowersoftheProphet,donotsmearyourhandswithmy

bloodfor,onthedayofreckoning,youwillhavetofacemygrandfatherandmymotherwho

willaskeachofyouwhyyoushedmyblood,knowingthatIwasinnocent;knowingthatIhad

notdoneanyharmtoanyofyou.OsoldiersofKufaandDamascus,whatIhavesufferedat

yourhandsduringthedayisenoughtokillme,evenifyoudesistfromslaughteringme.I

appealtoyouthink,forGod’ssake,whatyouhavedoneandwhatyouwerebentupondoing.

Evennowitisnottoolateforyoutorepent.Despiteallthatyouhavedone,Ishallnotcurse

you,foritisthetraditionoftheProphet’shousetoprayfortheenlightenmentofthosewho

tortureandtormentus;toprayfortheforgivenessofthosewhosincerelyrepentandwho,

throughcontrition,changetheirfuturelife.”

Husain’sspeechwasmosteloquent,remindingthosewhowerehearinghimoftheeloquence

ofhisfatherwhenheusedtomountthepulpitandaddressthecongregationinthemosquein

Kufa.However,thegreedofthemercenarieshadcompleteswayovertheirheartsandminds.

Theywerethinkingthattheirtaskwasalmostaccomplishedandtheywouldbecomeeligible

fortheextravagantrewardswhichtheyhadbeenpromised,iftheybroughttheheadsof

HusainandhisfollowerstoYazid’scourt.

AmrSaadnotedwithsatisfactionthathissoldierswerestillthinkingintermsofworldly

gains,ratherthanrewardsandretributionsoftheotherworld.Hesawthattheywerenot

preparedtoheedtherumblingofadistantdrum.Thisemboldenedhimandherepliedbackto

theImam,“Husain,wehaveheardenoughfromyou.Youhavenotacceptedtheoneandonly

conditionwewantyoutofulfill,thatis,explicitallegiancetoYazidasthespiritualmentor

withfinalauthoritytohimtodowhathewantsinallreligiousmatters.Sinceyouarenot

acceptingthis,youwillbebeheaded,saywhatyouwill.Weknowthat,againstthe

overwhelmingodds,youhavenottheleastchancebutstillyouaretryingtogaintime.Inyour

presentplight,eventheweakestofmysoldierswouldbemorethanamatchforyou,letalone

thewholearmyIhavegotundermycommand.”

ThesetauntingwordsarousedHusain’swrath.HisHashimitebloodwasnowboilingatthe

insultingwordsutteredbyAmrSaad.AfterallhewasthesonofAli,theLionofGod,whose

victorieshadbecomeknownthroughoutthelengthandbreadthofArabia.HadnotAli

scatteredvastarmiesofinfidelssingle‐handedandsavedthedayofIslamagainst

overwhelmingodds?Hisirewasarousedandhewantedtoshowthesehirelingsandstooges

ofYazidthatifhewanted,hecouldgivethematasteofhissword,eveninthatcondition.

Tremblingwithrage,Husainputhishandonhisscabbardandunsheathedhissword,which

hehadinheritedfromhisfather.Likealionheroared,“AmrSaad,Iacceptyourchallengeand

offersinglecombattothebravestofthebraveinyourarmy.Nay,notonebuyasmanyasyou

wanttosendtofightme,oneaftertheother.”

ThecowardlyCommanderofYazid’sforcesandhisequallypusillanimoussoldierswere

shakenbyHusain’swords.TheyrecalledhowAli,fatherofHusain,haddealtwiththebest

warriorsofhisopponents’armiesinthedifferentbattlesfoughtbyhim.Nonehadthecourage

toacceptthegauntletthrownbyHusainandgooutforsinglecombatwithhim.

Afterhurriedconsultationswithhisofficers,AmrSaadgaveorderstofireavolleyofarrows

atHusain.HealsogaveorderstohisinfantryandcavalrytoconvergeonHusainwithswords,

scimitarsanddaggers.Husain,withswordinhand,chargedontheattackingsoldiersmowing

downallwhocamewithintherangeofhissword.Aconfusionaroseintheenemyranks,

becauseallthesoldiersofYazid’sarmywereclashingwithoneanotherwhilstHusainwas

chargingandcuttingthroughtheirranks.Hefirstattackedtherightwingofthearmyandthe

enemysoldiersinutterconfusionfellback.Heveeredroundandlaunchedafuriousattackon

theleftwingofthearmyand,beforethesoldierscouldrealizewherehewas,hehadcut

throughthecoreofthatwing.Hethenturnedlikelighteningtothecenterofthearmyandthe

cowardlysoldiers,whowereanxioustosavetheirlivestogetthebenefitoftheawardsfor

whichtheyhadsoldtheirsouls,retreatedinpanicandconfusion.Husain’sswordwasflashing

intheblazingsunlikelightening.Soswiftwerehismovementsandsowell‐trainedforbattle

washischargerthatwithincrediblespeedhewasabletoscatterandmowdownthe

opposingsoldiers.TheconfusionwasbecomingworseconfoundedinYazid’sarmy,because

soldiers,whowerechargingforward,werefindingthemselvesclashingwitheachother.Fora

momentinutterpanicthesoldiersfeltasifAli,thefatherofHusain,haddescendedfrom

heaventofightanddefeatthewholearmyofYazid.Someofthesoldierswereawestruckby

thebattleprowessshownbyHusain,thisagedHusain,whohadnofoodandwaterforthree

days,whoseheartwastornbythelossofallhisdearestonesandeveryinchofwhosebody

wascoveredwithwounds.Theycouldnothelpexclaimingspontaneouslytheiradmirationfor

thebravestfighthewasputtingupinthefaceoftheheaviestoddsanywarriorhadfacedin

thehistoryoftheworld.Themorecowardlyamongstthemwerepiteouslyappealingtohim

tosparethem—tosparetheircontemptiblelives.

ThearmythathadtriedtoconvergeonHusainwasnowscatteredandinfullretreat.He

haltedinhischargetoseethatthewaytotherivulet,thetributaryoftheFurat,wasnow

clear.HesawthedeadbodyofAbbaslyingthere.Instinctivelyheexclaimed,“Abbas,didyou

seeyourbrother’slastfight?Mybrother,inlifeyouwerealwaysreadywithpraiseforany

bravedeed.Whydon’tyousay‘bravo’tome?”

Husainlookedattheskyandsawthatthesunwasnowdeclining.Herealizedthatitwastime

fortheeveningprayerswhichhethoughtthat,asthesoldiershadfallenback,hecoulduse

therespitetooffer.Withthisthoughtheputbackhisswordinthescabbard.

AmrSaadandhissoldiers,whowerenowwatchingHusainfromadistanceandconferring

amongstthemselvesabouttheirnextmove,weresurprisedtoseeHusainsheathehissword.

SomeonesaidthatitwasagoldenopportunitytoattackHusainbutnonehadthecourageto

marchtowardshimaftertestinghisskillwiththesword.AmrSaadorderedhisarcherstofire

volleyaftervolleyofarrows,hisinfantrytohurlstonesandmissilesathimfromadistance.

Heaskedsomeofthemtocatapultstonesandburningcoalsathim.Theorderswereexecuted

withoutamoment’sloss.

Husain,whowasalreadywoundedfromheadtofoot,wasnowreceivingonemortalwound

afteranotherinquicksuccession.Hisbloodwasflowingsofastthathewasfindingitdifficult

toremainonhorseback.Dizzinesswasnowoverpoweringhim.Heknewthathisfightwas

nowover.HefeltthathissisterZainabmightbenearthetentwatchinghim.Hewantedto

spareherthesightofhisdeath.Puttinghisarmsroundhishorse’sback,hesaid,“Zuljenah,

takemetoalowlyingareafromwhereImaynotbevisibletomyfamilyinthecamp.”

SuchwasZuljenah’sunderstandingofhismaster’swishesthatheimmediatelybolted,

carryingHusaintoaplacewhichwasinatrough.KnowingthatHusainwasnowsemi‐

consciousandnotinapositiontodismount,itspreadoutitsfrontlegssothatHusainmight

notfallheavilyonthegroundbutslipeasilyontoit.Zuljenahwasaccustomedtothiswhenit

usedtocarryHusainasachild,whenhewastooyoungtodismount.Husainmanagedtoslide

downfromthesaddletotheburninggroundbeneath;butforafewmomentshisbody

remainedsuspendedonthespikesofthearrowsthathadpiercedhisbodyfromtoptotoe.He

immediatelylostconsciousness.

Fromthecamp’sexitZainabwaswatchingherbrother’slastbattle,lostinadmirationatthe

bravefightputupbyhim.Shehadseenhimscatteringtheenemy’shordes,thenhaltinginhis

attackandfinally,thehorsetrottingawayveryfasttoaplacefromwhereshecouldnotsee

him.Inaveilcoveringherfromheadtofoot,sherushedouttowardsahillocknearthecamp

sothatshecouldhaveafullviewofthebattlefield.Fromthishillock,knowneversinceas

“Zainab’shillock”,shesawherbrotherlyingunconsciousontheburningsandsandZuljenah

standingguardoverhimwithhisheadbowed.Shewasatalosstounderstandwhatwas

happeningthere.

Husainwasnowinasemi‐consciousstate.Inthisconditionhefeltthatalltheprophetsofthe

bygoneageshadcomeovertowitnesshisordeals—Adam,Noah,Abraham,MosesandJesus,

andalltheotherprophetsofyore.Hesawthemretreatingonebyone,sayingtooneanother

thattheycannotseehishelplessandsaddestplight.Hesawhisowngrandfather,Prophet

Muhammad,hisfatherAli,andhisbrotherHasan,weepingathishelplesscondition.Heheard

themalsosaytoeachother,thattheytoocouldnotbeartoseehissufferingandagonies,and

leavewithlimitlessgriefandsorrow.Theninhissub‐consciousstate,hesawhismother

Fatimacomesoverweepingandwailingandsaying,“MyHusain,whattheyhavedonetoyou?

Mychild,noneofthemhadanypityforyou!Didnooneamongthemrecognizethatyouwere

theProphet’sdearestchild?MyHusain,thereisnobodytobenearyouinyourlasthour,but,

I,mychild,amheretobewithyou.IwillnotletyourheadlieontheburningsandsofKerbala.

Iwillholditinmylap,tillthelast.”

Hefeltasifshehadcomenearhimandputhertenderhandonhisforehead,muchasshe

usedtododuringhischildhood.Onhisburningforehead,hefeltsomethingcooland

comforting—hethoughtitwashismother’shandwipingawaythebloodandsweat.

Hissensesrevivedatthissensationandheopenedhiseyes.Hesawthesundespitehishorse

tryinginvaintoprotecthimfromitsblazingrays.Therealizationdawnedonhimthathehad

stoppedthefightsothathecouldfinishhiseveningprayers.Hefeltthatunlesshehurried

withit,theenemymightnotgivehimtimetocompleteit.Therewasnowateravailable

anywhereforablutionsohecleansedhishandsandfacewiththeburningsandsofthedesert

andbeganhisprayers.Hefinishedthemandwithhisheadprostratedinprayers,he

addressedhisMaker,“MyAllah,ThouartmyWitnessthatIhavefulfilledmymissioninlife

withoutanyhesitation,withoutsquirming,withoutfaltering,withoutcomplaining.MyLord

andLordoftheUniverse,IsubmitunreservedlytoThyDecreesandresignmyselftoMy

Dispensation.”

WhileHusainwasstillofferinghisprayers,AmrSaadcalleduponhiswarriorstocutoffhis

head.Theyweresocowardlyandscaredafterhavingtastedhisswordthatnonecouldmuster

enoughcouragetogonearhimandcarryouttheCommander’sorders.Theywerewillingto

woundbutafraidtostrike.EvenAmrSaad’scoaxingandcajolingcouldnotinstillsufficient

courageinthemtoventurenearhim.AmrSaadthenaskedShimrtogoforthandbehead

Husainwhilehewasstillengagedinprayers.Heofferedhimhighestrewardsand,togivehim

heart,heevenofferedtoaccompanyhimandstandbyhim,swordinhand.Thetwoofthem

marchedtowardstheplacewhereHusainwaslying,hisheadstillprostratedindevotion,his

lipsutteringprayerstotheAlmightyGodoftheuniverse.

Whenthetwoofthemreachedthespot,theyheardmurmursfromHusain’slips.Shimr

thoughtthathemightbecursingthosewhohaddoneeverythingtoexterminatehisfamily

andfriends,whohadsobrutallyandmercilesslytreatedhim.HebentovertheImam’s

prostratedbodytohearwhathewassaying,whenhecaughtthesewords,“OAllah,Ibeseech

TheewithallhumilitytoforgivethetrespassesoftheerringonesforThouarttheMost

Beneficent,themostForgiving.”

SeeingthatHusainhadconcludedhisprayersandfearingthathemightgetuptodefend

himselfwithwhateverstrengthwasleftinhim,Shimrdecidedtohurryupwithhismost

dastardlyact.HemountedonHusain’sback,and,withtheswordhewascarrying,he

preparedhimselftocutoffHusain’shead.Husain,whowasnowtooweakwiththelossof

bloodtoraisehishead,turnedalittleandsawwhatShimrwasabouttodo.Inafaltering

voice,whichwasaudibletoShimr,hesaid,“OShimr,Iamthirsty.Iamthirsty.OShimr,give

meafewdropsofwaterbeforeyouaccomplishyourtask.”

Zainab,whowaswatchingtheeventsastheywerehappeningbeforeher,sawAmrSaadand

Shimrreachingtheplacewhereherbrotherlay.ShesawShimrmountherbrother’sback

withswordinhand.Insheerdesperationasalastattempttosaveherbrother’slife,she

rushedforth,herhoodtrailingbehindher.ShereachedtheplacewhereHusainlayandgoing

beforeAmrSaad,shesaid,“OAmrSaad,Iappealtoyouasthegrand‐daughteroftheProphet

ofIslam,tosavemybrother’slife.”Heturnedhisfaceawayfromhersoshewentovertothe

othersideandsaid,“OsonofSaadBinAbiWakkas,willyoustandhereandwatchmybrother

beingslaughteredsomercilesslywithoutadropofwater?InthenameofGod,Iappealtoyou

tosaveHusain’slife.”Hestillremainedsilentasifhewascompletelyoblivioustoher

pleadingsandappeals.

Husainsawallthisand,greatashisagoniesandpainswere,hecouldnotbeartoseehissister

beinghumiliatedbytheutterdisdainofAmrSaad.Healsoknewthathissisterwouldfeelif

hisheadweretobeseveredinfullview.Musteringallthestrengththatwasleftinhim,he

raisedhisvoiceandsaidtoZainab,“Mysister,Iappealtoyoutoreturntothecamp

immediately.Forthesakeoftheloveyoubearforme,hastentothetent.Itwillgiveme

greatestgriefifyouremainhereanylonger.”

Zainabrushedbacktothecampweepingcopiouslyandlamenting.Onreachingthecamp,she

rushedtothetentwherehernephewwaslyingonhissickbed.Sheshookhimupandtold

himwhatshehadbeheldamomentearlier.Supportinghim,shebroughthimtotheexitofthe

camp.Bothofthemstoodtheresilentandspeechless.Theyfeltthatnatureitselfwassharing

theirgrief,becauseastronggustofwindaroseandcarriedwithitsredparticlesofburning

desertsand.ItruffledupthewateroftheFuratandanangrymurmurarosefromthetorrents

thatwereflowingby.Inthedistant,dustypanoramatheysawaspearwithHusain’sheadon

it.TheyheardthedrumsofYazid’sarmyproclaimingtheendofthebattle.Zainabwitha

shriekwailed,“OmybrotherHusain,mybrotherHusain!Atlasttheyhavekilledyou;they

havebeheadedyouwithoutadropofwater.”Withthesewordsshefellunconsciousintothe

armsofhernephew.Hegentlyputherdownonthefloorand,prostratinghisheadonthe

ground,exclaimed,“OGod,wemortalsresignourselvestoThywill.FromTheewehavecome

anduntoTheeShallbeourreturn.”

Chapter8.TheNightofTragedy

AthickpallofdustwashangingoverthebattlefieldofKarbalaasthesunwassetting.The

eventsofthatday,thecarnageandmassacreofsaintlysoulshadcastagloomonthatdesert

tract.Aneeriesilencewasprevailingwhichwasfromtimetotimebrokenbythesoundof

drum‐beatingtocelebratethevictory—thehollowvictoryachievedbyahostofwellfed,well‐

equippedsoldiersagainstahandfulofbravewarriors,tormentedbythreedaysofthirstand

hunger,eachofwhomhadfoughteveryinchofhisgroundanddisplayedvaliancywhichhas

remainedunparalleledintheannalsofmankind.

Whenthebeatingofdrumshadstopped,thedesertwindcarriedthesoundofwailingfrom

tentspitchedonahillock,tentswhichhadbeenplunderedandburnt,tentswhichhadbeen

ransacked,lootedandpillaged.Theseramshackletentswerethelastoftheremainsof

Hussein’scamp.Themoaningsoundthatwascomingfromthemwasoftheladiesand

childrenoftheProphet’shousewhohadsuffereduntoldhardshipsandindignitiesatthe

handsofYazid’smercenaryminions.NotlongaftertheruthlesskillingofHussein,Yazid’s

soldiershadmarchedonthecampwherethedefenselessladiesandhelplesschildrenof

Husseinandhisdevotedfollowersstayedand,withruthlesssavagerywhichonlythese

barbarianswerecapableof,hadrobbedthemevenofwearingapparel.Therewasnotmuch

thattheycouldlaytheirhandson.ThesonofAliandFatimawasnotaccustomedtoworldly

luxuriesandwhattheyfoundinhiscampsorelydisappointedthem.Thecoarseclothesthey

couldgethadonlyimmensesentimentalvaluefortheladiesandchildrenwhoweredeprived

ofthem,becausemanyofthemhadbeenwovenbyFatimawithherownhands.Thesmall

woodencradlewhichtheytookawayhadinestimablevalueforAliAsghar’smother,because

ithadassociationswiththechildwhohaddiedalittlewhileagoinhisfather’sarms,withhis

throatpiercedbythearrowofHurmula.

Thewidowsandorphanswhohad,duringtheshortspanofafewhours,lostalltheirdear

oneswerebrutallybeatenandlashedbytheruthlessmarauders.Notsatisfiedwiththeir

heartlessbrutality,theenemysetfiretothetents.Whataholocaustitwas!Ayoungchildwas

seenrushingoutofoneoftheburningtentswithhisclothesaflame.Oneoftheenemy

soldiers,seeinghispitiablecondition,cametohishelpandputouttheflames.Thechild

lookedathimwithsurprisebecausehehadnotexpectedevenasparkofhumanfeelingsin

thebruteswhohadcometoinflicttorturesonthem.Seeingthathewassomewhatdifferent

fromtheothers,shesobbed:“OhShaikh,whenyouhavebeensokindtome,domeonemore

favorandshowmethewaytoNajaf.”Themanwasverymuchsurprisedatthisrequest.He

replied,“Najafisfarawayfromhere;infact,itisseveralleaguesfromhere.Buttellme,why

doyouwanttoknowthewaytoNajaf?”Thechildinnocentlyreplied:“Iwanttogotothe

tombofmygrandfatherAliinNajafandtellhimwhatyourpeoplehavedonetous—howour

menhavebeenbutchered;howareladieshavebeenwhipped.Iwanttotellhimhowthe

earringsweresnatchedawayfromtheearsofSakina,mycousin,andhowshewasleft

bleedingandinpain.”

Zainab,whowasnowinchargeofthecamp,accordingtothelastwishesofherbeloved

brother,didnotknowwhattodo.Shouldsheaskalloftheladiesandchildrentoperishinthe

fireratherthansuffertheindignitiestheyweresubjectedto?Whosecounselandadvicecould

shetakeinthishouroftrial,forAli,theailingsonofHussein,waslyingunconsciousonthe

barefloorofoneoftheburningtents?EventhematonwhichthisyoungImamwaslyinghad

beensnatchedaway.ZainabhadnoalternativebuttoturntoAliZainalAbedeenwho,though

seriouslyill,wastheonlypersonwhosedecisioninsuchacrucialmattercouldbefollowed.

Sherushedtohimandshookhimhardsaying:“Ohmybrother’sson,asourImamIappealto

youtotelluswhatweshoulddointhepresenttryingcircumstances.Shallweremaininthe

tentsandallowourselvestobedevouredbythefiresthatareragingorgooutofthetentsinto

theopen?”Heopenedhiseyesburningwithfever.WitheffortheroseandrepliedtoZainab,

“Myauntitisourreligiousdutytodoallwecantosaveourlives.Wemustallleavethetents

andgooutintotheopen,howeverunpalatableitmaybetous.”OnhearingthisZainaband

Kulsumledalltheladiesandchildrenoutoftheburningtents.ShehelpedAliZainalAbedeen

togooutintotheopen.

Soonthefiresraginginthetentssubsided.Onlyonetentremainedthoughpartlydamagedby

thefire.Theladiesandchildrensalvagedwhatevertheycouldoftheirmeagerbelongingsand

huddledtogetherintheremnantsofthatonetentwhichaffordedthemsomeshelter.

Withtheadventofthenightthemoonappearedonthehorizon.Itappearedtintedwithred.

Whetheritwasduetotheeffectofdustthatwashangingheavilyintheatmosphere,or

whetherthesilverorbwasredwithangerattheatrocitiesthatwereperpetratedonthe

innocentpeopleoftheProphet’shouse,itisdifficulttosay.Thethirstychildren,whowere

stillwithoutwater,weregoingoutofthetentstoopentheirmouthsinvainattemptstocatch

thedewthatwasfallingintinydrops.Butsuchwastheheatradiatedbythesandthateven

thedewdropswereevaporatingintheatmosphere.

ThebaseanddespicableinstinctsofAmrSaadandhissubordinateofficerswerenotgratified

evenwiththeinhumantorturestheyhadinflictedonthewidowsandorphansinHussein’s

camp.Theywereassembledtoconsiderhowtheycouldfurthersatisfytheirthirstfor

revenge.SomeonefromthemsuggestedthatthebodiesofthemartyrsfromHussein’scamp

shouldbetrampledunderthehoofsofhorsesaftertheyhadgivenaburialtotheirowndead

soldiers.ThissuggestionledsomepersonsfromthetribeofBaniAsadtogetupandprotest

thattheywouldnotpermitthebodyofanyofHussein’sfollowersfromtheirtribetobe

defiledinthismanner.Othersgotupandsimilarlyobjectedtosuchtreatmentbeingmeted

outtothecorpsesofHussein’scompanionsbelongingtotheirclanortribeorinanyway

relatedtothem.AmrSaadseeingtheopposition,decidedthatonlythebodyofHusseinwould

betrampledunderthefeetofhorses.Forthispurposehorseswereshodafreshandthe

brutescarriedouttheirpurpose.Therewasnotasoulamongstthemtosaythat,though

Husseinwasnotrelatedtohim,hewastheProphet’sgrandsonandhisbloodrelationship

withtheProphetdeservedbetterconsideration,ifnotinlife,atleastindeath.Notone

amongstthemhadthedecencytosaythattheProphetofIslamhasexpresslyenjoinedon

themnottodesecrateordefileeventhecorpsesofthefallenfoeswhohaddiedinbattle

againsttheProphet.WhenZainabandKulsum,thelovingsistersofHusseincametoknow

thatonlyHussein’sbodywassingledoutforthisbarbarousdefilement,theirgriefandsorrow

knewnobounds.Butwhatcouldtheydointheirutterlyhelplesspredicament?

Thenightwasprogressingslowly,asiftimehadcometoastandstill.Thoughexhausted,

hungryandthirsty,Zainabrealizedthatshehadtoperformthedutieswhichnowhad

devolvedonherbecausetheillnessofAliZainalAbedeen,theonlysurvivingsonofHussein,

hadbecomeaggravatedbywhathehadendured.ShecalledhersisterUmmeKulsumtoher

andtoldherthattheyhadnowtolookaftertheorphanedchildren,accordingtoHussein’s

lastwishes,inthebestmannertheycould.Theybothdecidedthattheywouldcountallthe

childrentoseethatnoneofthemwaslostinthewildernessduringthepandemoniumthat

hadprevailedasaresultofthearson,andafterthat,theybothwould,byturn,keepvigil

outsidethetent.

Zainabcalledallthechildrentoherandstartedcountingandidentifyingeachofthem.They

foundthatonechildwasmissing.Toherhorroranddismay,ZainabfoundthatSakina,the

beloveddaughterofHussein,whomhehadparticularlyrequestedhertolookafter,before

marchingoutforthelasttime,wasnotthere.Inthedarknight,dimlylitbythepalemoon,

ZainabandKulsumstartedthesearch.Invainheywerelookinghitherandthitherbutno

traceofSakinawasfound.WitheveryminuteofhervainsearchforSakina,Zainab’sanxiety

wasincreasing.Sheknewnotwheretolookforher.Shewasshouting:“OhSakina,mydarling,

tellmewhereareyou?WhereshallIlookforyouinthislimitlessdesert?”Theechoofher

voicewastheonlyreplyshewasgetting.Inutterfrustrationsheturnedtotheplacewhere

thebodyofHusseinlay.Runningtowardsthebodyshecried:“Hussein,mybrother,Icannot

findSakina,yourowndarlingchild,whomyouhadlefttomycare.Tellmebrother,where

shallIlookforherinthiswilderness?”Asshecamenearthebody,themoon,whichhadbeen

hidingbehinddarkclouds,cameoutandlitthesurroundingareawithitspalebeams.Shesaw

Sakinaclingingtothedeadbodyofherfatherandsleepingwithherheadrestedonhischest.

ForamomentZainabthoughtthatthechildhadpassedaway,beingunabletobearthe

tormentsshewassubjectedtosinceherfather’smartyrdom.Slowlyshecamenearthechild

andgentlycried:“Sakina,mychild,Ihavecomeherelookingforyouaftersearchingforyou

alloverthisdesert.”Thegirlopenedhereyes.EveninthatdimlylitdesertZainabcouldsee

thatSakina’seyeswereswollenasfshehadcriedherheartoutembracingthebodyofher

belovedfather.Shegentlypickedherupinherarmsandsaid:“Sakina,tellmewhatmadeyou

comehere?”Innocentlythechildreplied,“Ohaunt,Iwasseizedbyanirresistibledesiretotell

myfatherwhatthesepeoplehaddonetome.IwantedtotellhimthathisdearSakinahad

beenrobbedoftheearringswhichhehadsolovinglypresented.Iwantedtotellhimthatthe

manhadnotevencaredtotakethemoutbutsnatchedthemaway,tearingmyearlobes.I

wantedtotellhimthatwhenIcriedwithpain,Ihadbeenmercilesslyslappedbythatbeast.”

Thechildcontinuedsobbing:“WhenIleftthetentIwasrunningaimlesslyinthedesert

shouting,‘Fathertellmewhereyouarelying.Father,Sakinawantstocometoyouandtell

youallaboutthesufferingsshehasenduredsinceyouhavelefther!’Ifeltthatthewind

broughtamoaningcryfromthisdirection,asifmyfatherwasreplyingtome:‘Sakina,my

ownSakina,comehere,comehere.’IcamerunninginthisdirectionandIfoundmyfather

lyinghere.Zainab,myaunt,InarratedtohimallthatIhadendured;allthatyouand

everybodyelsehadsufferedsinceourpartingwithhim.Mynarratingeverythingtohim

lightenedmyheartandIfeltanurgetosleeponhischest,forthelasttime,asIhadbeen

sleepingsooftenwhenhewasalive.SoIkeptmyheadonhischestandslepttillyoucameto

awakenme.”

HandinhandwithSakina,Zainabreturnedtothecamp.Muchasshehadfeltlikeremaining

therenearHussein’sbodyandpouringherfullheartbeforehim,asSakinahaddone,she

couldnotdosobecauseshewasconsciousthathersisterUmmeKulsumandSakina’smother

werewaitingforherandSakina,withfearandhope.Shehurriedbacktothecampasfastas

hertiredlegscouldcarryher.Onreachingthetent,sheputthechildinhermother’sarms

witharequesttoputhertosleep.ForZainabtherewereotherdutiestoperformandavigilto

keepoutside.Itwasnotsomuchathoughtofprotectingpreciousbelongings,for,ofthese

therewerenone;itwastheintentionofrequestinganypossibleintrudersnottodisturbthe

children,thehungryandthirstychildrenwhowereonebyonefallingintosleepfromsheer

exhaustion.

Shehadhardlycomeoutofthetentwhenshenoticedthatagroupofpeoplewereadvancing

towardstheburntoutcamp.Theirfiguresweresilhouettedbytheflame‐torchestheycarried.

Zainabwasbesideherselfwithrageatthecallousnessoftheseintruderswho,shethought,

wouldnotevenpermitthechildrenthelittlerestwhichsleepaffordedthem.Shehurried

towardsthesepersonsand,whenshewaswithinhearingdistancefromthem,entreatedthem

togoback.“Ifyouhavecomewiththeobjectoflootingus,”shesaid,“Icantellyouthatyour

peoplehavenotleftwithusanythingofvalue.Ourchildrenhavegonetosleepandyour

vandalismwillawakenthem.Ifatallyouwantanything,comeinthemorning.Wehelpless

womenandchildrencannotescapefromyourclutchesduringthenight.”

Alady,whowasaccompanyingthegroup,repliedtoherinaverypoliteway.Zainabwas

surprisedattherespectfultoneinwhichthatladywasaddressingher:“Mylady,wehavenot

cometotakeawayanythingfromyou,forweknowthatwhatyouhavesaidistrueandthere

isnothingleftwithyou.Wehavebroughtsomefoodandwaterforyourchildrenandthe

bereavedladiesofyourcamp.

NothingcouldhavesurprisedZainabmorethanthisreply.ThepeoplefromYazid’sarmyand

theladyaccompanyingthem,hadnowreachedZainab’stent.Shecouldseeintheflickering

lightofthetorchestheywerecarrying,thatwhatthetheladyhadsaidwascorrect.Someof

themenwerecarryingontheirheadslargetrayscontainingbread;othershadintheirhands

pitchersfullofwater.WhatemotionsthissiteofwaterevokedinZainab’sheartcanbebetter

imaginedthandescribed.Forthiswatereachandeveryoneofherkithandkin,hersons,her

nephews,herbrothersandHusseinhadcravedtilldeath,butnotadropwasgiventoanyof

them.Shecontrolledherselfandtooktheladyintothetent.Tryasshewould,Zainabcould

notrecognizethislady,whowastheonlyonefromtheenemy’ssidetohavespokensokindly

andrespectfullytohersincethatevening.Sosheaskedherwhoshewasandwhathad

inducedherpeopletorelentbysendingfoodandwater.Theladyreplied:“Mylady,Iamthe

widowofHur,wholastnightcameovertoyourbrotherHusseinfromYazid’sarmyanddied

thismorningfightingbravelyindefenseofyourbrother.MyhusbandwasageneralinYazid’s

army,commandingathousandsoldiers.WhensomeofthesoldiersofAmrSaadrealizedthat

allofyouwouldperishduetohungerandthirst,andtheywouldnotbeabletotakeyou

beforeYazidaccordingtohiscommand,theydecidedtodeputemetocarrythefoodand

waterforyou.

AssoonasZainabheardthathervisitorwasthewidowofthatbravewarriorwhohadturned

hisbackontheworldwithdisdaintodefendherbrotherHussein,andlaiddownhislife

fightingmostgallantly,sheofferedhercondolencestothewidow.“Ohsister,”shesaid,“we

areallindebtedtoyourhusbandforlayingdownhispreciouslifeindefendingHussein.He

wasourguestbutalas!Hecametovisitusatatimewhenwehadnothinglefttoofferhim.

MayGodgrantyoupatiencetoendureyourbereavement.”Hearingthis,Hur’swidowreplied:

“Mylady,IknownothowIcanoffermycondolencestoyou,foryouhavelostnotone,but18

membersofyourfamily.”Shebroughtthetraysofbreadandwater‐jugsandplacedthem

beforeZainab.

Zainabwasremindedofthepartingwishofherbrother.Justbeforeleaving,hetoldherthat,

ifshegotwaterafterhisdeath,sheshouldfirstofferittoSakina.Withabeakerfullofwater

shewentovertowhereSakinawassleepingandwokeherupsaying:“Sakina,mychildatlast

thereiswaterforyou.Getup,mychild,andwetyourparchedlipsandthroatwiththis

refreshingdrink.”

Sakinagotupfromhersleepandlookedatheraunt.Withchild‐likeinnocencesheasked:

“DearAunt,youtoohaveremainedthirstyfordays.Whydidyounotdrinkitfirstbefore

wakingmeup?”Zainabrepliedwithalumpinherthroat:“Mychild,itisusualtogivefood

anddrinktotheyoungestfirst.Sinceyouaretheyoungesthere,Ihavebroughtittoyou.”

Hearingthis,SakinatookthebeakerfilledwithwaterfromZainab’shandsandranoutofthe

tent.Zainabrushedoutafterhershouting:“Sakina,tellmewhereyouwanttogointhisdark

outside.”Thechildreplied:“IamtakingthewatertomybrotherAliAsghar,whoissleeping

amongstthedead.Didyounottellmeitisusualtooffersuchthingstotheyoungest?Ali

Asgharistheyoungestamongstus.Iknowhedidnotgetadropofwater,forwhenfather

broughthisstillbody,soakedinbloodfromthebattlefield,mymotherhadanxiouslyasked

himwhetheranyofthesoldiersofAmrSaadhadtakenpityonhisconditionandgivenhim

water.Fathercouldnotsayyesinreplytothisquestion;hecouldonlyhanghisheaddown

withtearsrollingdownhicheeks.MymotherandIunderstoodthatAliAsgharhaddied

thirsty.Icannotforgethowmyyoungbrotherwasrunninghisdriedtongueonhisparched

lipssincethismorning.OhAuntZainab,nowthatwaterisavailable,letmegiveittohim.”

ThisinnocentreplyofSakinabroughtbeforetheeyesofeverybodythesceneofthatmorning,

withthechildAliAsghar’stragicrequestforwater.Allofthemweptbitterlyrecallingthe

memoryoftheinfantwhohadperishedwithparchedlips.Controllingherself,Zainabcaught

holdofSakinaandsaid:“Sakina,AliAsgharhadbeengivenwaterinheavenbyyour

grandfatherandheisnolongerthirsty.Lethimsleeptheeternalsleepofdeathfromwhich

nothingcanwakehimup.See,yourfather,youruncleAbbasandyourbrotherAliAkbar,have

nottastedthewaterfromthecoolspringofheavenbecausetheywouldnottouchitsolongas

you,mychild,remainthirsty.Drinkit,mychild,drinkitsothatthosewhoarewaitingin

Heaventoquenchtheirthirst,mayalsotastethewaterofKauther.”Sakinasilentlytookthe

beakerfromZainab’shandsanddrankthewaterwithhottearsrollingdownhercheeks.Was

sherecallinghowheruncleAbbashadgoneouttofetchwaterforher,thissamewaterwhich

wasnowavailabletohertodrinkasmuchasshewanted,nevertoreturn?

Allthechildrenwereservedfoodandwaterafterwakingthemupfromtheirtiredsleep.Can

itbeimaginedhowtheladiesofthehouseoftheProphetpartookofthefoodandwaterwith

thememoriesoftheirdearonesdyingwithoutanyfoodandwater,stilllingeringintheir

mindsandeatinguptheirheartslikecankers?Thechildrenwereputtosleepagain.Zainab

askedalltheladiestosleepandundertooktokeepawatchoutsidesothat,ifanyintruders

came,shecouldwarnthem.Inspiteoftheprotestationsoftheotherladies,Zainabwouldnot

agreetosleepandletthemkeepthewatch.“Itwasmybrother’swishthat,afterhim,Ishould

assumealltheresponsibilitiesofthiscaravanofcaptives.Imustfulfilltheresponsibilities

thatnowhavedevelopedonmeaccordingtohiswishes,”shesaidwithatoneoffinality.

Zainabwasnowmakingroundsofthetentwithahalfburntten‐poleinherhands.Shewas

sometimeslookingtowardsthemorguewherelaythecorpsesofallherdearones,AliAkbar,

Qasim,AunandMuhammad,andothers.Sometimesshewaslookinginthedirectionofthe

riverwherelaythebodyofherbrotherAbbas.Oftenshewaslookinginthedirectionwhere

laythebodyofherdearestHussein.Shewasrecallinghowherbrothers,nephewsandsons

hadtenderlylookedafterherfromthedayshehadstartedfromMedinaontheominous

journeyandwhatahelplessandhaplessstateshewasfindingherselfin,whentheywereall

goneforever.WiththesethoughtssheturnedinthedirectionofNajafwhereherfatherAlilay

buried.TohermindcamethememoriesofthedaysspentbyherinKufawhenherfather,as

theKhalif,washavinghisseatinthattown.Withwhatrespectshewastreatedinthosedays

bytheseverypeoplewhohadnotintheleasthesitatedtohurlinsultsandignominyatheron

thisday!Howtheyhadviedwitheachotherinattemptstohumiliateher!Herheadwas

reelingwiththesethoughts.Sheswoonedwiththegriefwhichhadbecomeunbearablefor

her.Inherunconsciousstateshesawonepersongallopingtowardsthecampasifhewas

comingfromalongdistanceandwantedtoreachtherepost‐haste.Hisfacewascoveredbya

veil.Inhertranceshefeltthathewascomingtotormentthewidowsandchildrenandsoshe

shoutedathimtohalt.Inherfeverishdeliriumsheentreatedhimnottodisturbtheladies

andchildrenwhoweresleeping.Shefeltthatherrequestswerenotheededbytherider.

Burningwithwrathsherushedtowardstherider,caughtholdofhisreinsandshoutedathim

“OShaikh,Iamsupplicatingyoutoturnbackandnottodisturbusinourpresent

predicament,butyouarenotlisteningtome.IamthegranddaughteroftheProphetofIslam

anddaughterofAliandFatima.HaveyounoregardfortheProphetandhisfamilythatyou

aretreatingmyearnestrequestswithsuchscantrespect?”Inherunconsciousstateshesaw

thepersononhorsebacklifttheveilfromhisface.ShesawthefaceofherfatherAli,withdeep

sorrowdepictedonit.Sheheardhimburstoutintotearsandsay:“Zainab,Ihavecometo

takeoverfromyouthedutyofguardingthewidowsandchildrenofmyHussein,hiskinsmen

andcompanions.OZainab!Whathavetheseforcesofevilandoppressiondonetoyouall?”

Zainabfeltasifshemustunburdenherhearttoherfather.“Ofather,howlateyouhavecome!

WherewereyouwhenmyAliAkbarandQasim,andAbbasandothersfellinthebattlefield?

WherewereyouwhenyourHussein’sheadwasmercilesslyseveredfromhisbodywithout

givinghimadropofwater?WherewereyouwhenAliAsghar’sthroatwaspiercedwithan

arrow?WherewereyouwhenSakina’searringsweresnatchedawaymercilesslyandwhen

shewasbrutallyslappedbyShimr?WherewereyouwhenYazid’ssoldierssnatchedawayour

veilsandsetfiretoourtents?”Theseoutpouringsofherheartwereshakingherbodyin

convulsions.Shefoundthatshewastherealonelyingonthedesertsandwithherclotheswet

withthetearsflowingfromhereyes.Thedawnwasbreakingatthattime.Sherecalledwith

paintheeventsofthepreviousday—howatthistimeAliAkbarhadgiventhecallforprayers

andhowthemorningprayerswereofferedbyHusseinandhisdevotedfollowers!Shetook

offhertears,didsubstitutedablutiononthesandandbeganhermorningprayers.Her

morningprayersfinished,shelaiddownherheadinprostrationandprayed:“OAllah,give

mestrengthtobearthewoesthatIhavetoface.Givemecouragetocarryonthemission

whichIhavetofulfill.Givemefortitudeandpatiencetobeartheinsults,ignominiesand

indignitieswhicharetobeinflictedonme—OThouWhoarttheSourceofallPowerand

Strength.”

Chapter9.TheCaptives’Caravan

Whenthesunroseonthemorningofthe11thMuharram,itwasdark‐redincolorwiththe

dustparticles,whichwereheavilyladenintheair.Thisdarkcolorindicatedasifithad

becomeredwithshameatthesightithadbeheldthepreviousdayandthesightitexpectedto

beholdthatmorning.Itwascomingoutslowly,asifreluctanttocastitsraysontheghastly

scene.Itsawastrangeandveryunusualsight,withladiesandchildrenhuddledtogether

outsidetheshambledremainsofburnttents.Withnoshelterovertheirheads,thechildren

weresleepingorratherlyingsemi‐consciouswithexhaustion,andtheladieswere

surroundingthemasiftheywereexpectantlyawaitingsomeuntowardeventstooccur.A

stateofuncertaintywaswritlargeontheirfaces.

Ontheothersideofthiscamp,thearmywasmakingpreparationshurriedlyfortheir

departure.AmarSaadhadcalledhisofficersforconferencewiththemastowhatnextstep

theyshouldtake.Asaresultoftheseconsultations,itwasdecidedthatthefamilyofHusain

shouldbeledascaptives,throughKufaandDamascus,tothecourtofYazid.AmarSaadin

consultationwithsomeofthegeneralsofhisarmy,decidedtomarchaheadtoconveyto

YazidthenewsofwhathadtranspiredatKarbalaandobtaintherewardswhichwere

promised.TheyfeltthatYazidwouldbeverypleasedwiththemiftheydidtheirutmostto

humiliateandsubjectthefamilyofHusaintotheworstindignitiesandinsults.Theywere

vyingwithoneanothertosuggestinwhatformtheycouldbetorturedandtormented.

Somebodysuggestedthatitwouldaddtotheirgriefandagonyiftheyweremadetomarchby

thebodiesoftheirdearones.AmarSaadfeltinwiththissuggestion.ShimrandKhooliwere

askedtoaccompanythecaravanofcaptivesandtoensurethattheywereconductedto

Damuscuswiththeatmostdispatch.

Whenthearrangementswerecompleted,theofficerswhowereappointedtobindtheladies

andchildrenhandandfootwentovertothem.Theysubjectedthemtotheutmostbrutal

treatmentandtiedropesandchainsroundtheirnecks,handsandfeet.Theladieswereputon

camelbackwithoutanysaddles.Thebondsweretiedinsuchawaythattheylinkedthehands

oftheladieswiththenecksoftheyoungchildren.Thesearrangementsbeingcompleted,the

caravanwenttothemortuary,wherethedeadbodieswerelying,Suchwasthediscomfiture

andgriefofthebereavedladiesandchildrenthat,onbeholdinghecorpsesofthemartyrs,

theycouldnotcontrolthemselves.Severalofthemflungthemselvesfromthecamelbacksin

spiteoftheropesandchainsthatboundthem,andthrewthemselvesonthedeadbodiesof

theirbrothers,sons,unclesandotherrelations.Theguards,whoweredeputedtoaccompany

themwerereadywiththelashesandtheymercilesslyusedthem,notsparingevenyoung

childrenwhoseonlycrimewasthattheycouldnotbearthesightofthedeadbodiesoftheir

dearestonesstrewnallovertheplacewithoutasheet,withoutashroud,andcouldnot

controltheirgriefandsorrowonbeholdingthem.

Onebyone,alltheladiesandchildrenwereputbackonthecamels.Theywerenotpermitted

togiveventtotheirgriefandsorrow,ortoweepovertheirdearones.AliZainulAbideenwho

washeavilychainedandmanacled,wasmadetofollowthecaravanonfoot,inspiteofhis

sufferingfromhighfever.Theheadofthemartyrswerecarriedonspearsattheheadofthe

procession.

Accordingtoscheduledplan,thiscaravanmarchedonrapidlytowardsKufa.Theplightofthe

captiveswassuchthat,ifanychildfellfromthecamel‐backtheropethattieditandthehand

ofsomeladybecometaugh,resultinginhertopplingoverfromthecamelback.Thesoldiers

whowereaccompanyingthemwouldimmediatelyrushtowardsthechildandtheladyand

usethelashbeforeremountingthemonthebackofthecamels.

Withinafewhours,withrapidmarchesthecaravanreachedtheoutskirtsofKufa.Shimrand

Khooliwhoweretheleadersofthiscaravan,heldhurriedlyconsultationsamongst

themselves.Theydecidedthatthecaravanshouldbestoppedatthegatesofthecity,anda

couriershouldbesenttotheGovernor,toinformhimabouttheirarrival.

WhenZainabandKulsumsawthewallsofKufa,theywereremindedoftheperiodwhenthey

hadstayedinthisverycityforfullfouryears,duringthetimeoftheirfatherwhowasatthat

period,theruleroftheIslamiccountries,theLeaderoftheFaithful,andrecognizedasthe

successoroftheProphet.AtthattimealltheladiesofKufawerevyingwithoneanotherto

securethefavorofZainabandKulsum,toinvitethemtotheirhomes,tosecuretheirblessings

fortheirchildren.Oneveryauspiciousoccasion,theyusedtobeinvitedwiththeutmost

respectandreverence.NowZainabandKulsumwonderedwhattreatmenttheywouldgetin

thissamecity,wheretheyhadenjoyedthehighestrespectandhonour,whethertheladies

andchildrenofKufawouldrememberthem,whethertheywouldextendtothemany

sympathyintheirsorrowandbereavement.Onsecondthoughtstheyrealizedthatthiscity

hadbetrayedtheircousin,MuslimIbneAqil,whenhehadgoneoverthereasImamHussein’s

emissaryaditwouldbefutileforthemtoexpectanyconsideration,anysympathy,anyregard

orrespectfromthepeopleofthiscity,whohadacquiredanotorietyfortheficklenessoftheir

mindandwhohadbecomeastimeservers.

Verysoon,thecourierwhohadbeensenttothecourtofObeidullahIbneZiad,returnedwith

themessageoftheGovernor,sayingthatallpreparationshadbeenmadeandthecaptives

shouldbemarchedthroughthemainbazaarsofthecity.Onreceivingthisorder,thecaravan

marchedon.Thecaptivessawthrongsofpeoplestandingonbothsidesoftheroads.Ladies

andchildrenwerestandinginbalconiesandwindows,tohaveaglimpseofthecaptives.The

towncrierwasheadingthecaravantoannounce“OpeopleofKufa,wearebringingtoyou

ZainabandKulsum,granddaughtersoftheProphetandtheotherwomenandchildrenofthe

familyofHusainsonofAli.Tothoseofyouwhodonotknow,weadvisethatHusainwhohad

risenagainstYazidandrefusedtorecognizehisauthorityastherightfulKhalifofthe

Muslims,hasbeendefeatedandkilledwithhisfollowersonthebattlefieldofKarbala.The

membersofhisfamilyarenowbeingtakentothecourtofYazid,tofacewhatever

punishmenthewantstoinflictonthem.PeopleofKufa,thisisthefatethatawaitsallthose

whoquestiontheauthorityofYazid,andnopersonswhotriestoraisehisfingeragainstthe

Khalifwillbespared”

Mostofthelisteners,whohadgatheredthere,werethunderstruckbythisannouncement.

TherewerenotafewwhorecalledatthekindnessthattheyhadreceivedfromZainaband

Kulsum.Theyrecollectedthatintimesoftheirtroubles.Anddistresstheyhadsoughthelp

fromthemandhadwillinglyreceivedit.Theyweresurprisedtoseetheirplight,toseehow

miserabletheywere.Theycouldwellimaginetheirsufferingsfromtheirgauntfaceswhich

boremarksofprivationsandafflictions.Manyofthemwerecryingonbeholdingtheirgrief

andsufferingsbutfewhadthecouragetoraisetheirvoicesagainsttheforcesoftyrannyfor

fearthatasimilarfatemightbefallthem.

Whenthecaravanreachedthemainbazaar,therewassuchabigcrowsthatitbecameto

difficulttomakewaythroughittothecourtofObeidullahIbneZiyad.Thecaravanhaltedfor

sometime.Itwasalmostnoonandthesunwasblazingwithallitsfury.Thechildrenofthe

Prophet’shouse,whohadnothadwaterduringtheirmarchfromKarbalatoKufa,were

feelingextremelythirsty,nottotalkofthepangsofhungertheyweresuffering.Manyofthem

werecryingwiththeirthirstandhunger.Duringthishalt,thesoldiersofYazid,whowere

accompanyingthemwerepartakingoffoodandwaterwhichtheywerecarryingwiththem,

andrelaxingintheshade.SakinawasrepeatedlyaskingherauntZainabforalittlewater,but

Zainabknewthatitwasuselesstorequesttheguardsforanymercy,orevenforadropof

water.Shehadfullrecollectionoftheheartlessnessoftheseverysoldierswhohadtilltheend

deniedevenadropofwatertoeachofmemberofherfamily–evenAliAsgher,tillhislast

breath.Shehadrecollectedhowherbrotherhadbeenslaughteredaskingforjustonesipof

water.

SeeingtheplightofSakina,aladywhowasstandinginherbalcony,rusheddownfromher

housewithacupofwater.Breakingthecordonwhichhasbeenformedbythesoldiers,she

wenttoSakinaandofferedherthecoolwatershehadinherhand.Withgratitude,Sakina

tookitfromherandwantedtodrinkit,buttheladylookingupathersaid“Iknowthatyoure

extremelythirstyandyouappeartohavesufferedterribly.Beforeyoudrinkthiswater,I

requestyoutopraytoGodthathemayprotectmychildrenfromafatesuchashadbefallen

youandthemembersofyourfamily.PraytoGodthatmychildrenmaynotbesubjectedto

suchmiseriesandtorturesasyouaresufferingtoday”

Sakinacompliedwiththerequestofthelady,andsheprayedtoGod,asshewasaskedbythe

ladytodo.However,thewordsoftheladyrecalledtoherthestarkrealityofhermiserable

plight.Sherememberedhernotsolongagobefore,hereverywishwasbeingcompliedwith,

withtheutmostpromptitude,howhereverywordwastakenasacommand.Shecouldnot

helpsheddingtearsatwhatshehadlost,whatshehadsufferedandwhatshewasstill

suffering.Forsometimesheheldthecupofwaterwithoutdrinking,becauseshecouldnot

controlhersobs.

Zainabwasseeingthisandwonderingaboutwhotheladywas,whohadsokindlybrought

waterforSakina.Shehadheardtherequestofthelady,whichhadbroughtbackmemoriesof

herfathertoSakina.Shethoughtthatshecouldrecollectthefaceofthislady,thoughtwo

decadeshadelapsedsinceherleavingKufa.Withalittleeffort,sherecalledthatthisladywas

UmmeAyman,whohadbeenvisitinghersooftenwhenshewasstayinginKufa,whowasso

muchdevotedtoherandhadalwaysshownaffectionforher.ShewonderedwhetherUmme

Aymanwouldrecognizeher.Shehadheardthetowncrierannouncingtothepublictheir

identity.CoulditbepossiblethatUmmeAymanhadnotheardtheannouncement,andwas

notawareofit?Toremovethisdoubt,Zainabturnedtoherandsaid“UmmeAyman,Iam

thankfultoyouforyourkindgesturetoSakina.MayGodblessyouforthekindnessyouhave

extendedtothebereavedfamilyoftheProphet”

UmmeAymanlookedatherwithbewilderment.Apparentlyshehadnotheardthe

announcementaboutwhothecaptiveswere.ShelookedhardatZainab’sface,butitseemed

thatshecouldnotrecognizeher.Zainabhadcoveredherfacewithherhair,becauseherveil

hadbeensnatchedaway.Evenifshehadnotcoveredherface,suchwerehersufferingsthat

shewaslookingseveralyearsolderthanherrealage.Thedustoftheroadhadcoveredher

face.Starvationandmiseriessufferedbyherhadbroughtsuchachangeinherthataperson

seeingherafterafewdayscouldhardlyrecognizeher,muchlessapersonwhohadnever

seenher20yearsbefore.UmmeAymannotrecognizingher,exclaimedinsurprise“LadyIdo

notunderstandwhyyouarereferringtotheProphet’sfamily.ForaughtIknow,theProphet’s

familyconsistsofmyLordImamHusainandhissisters,ZainabandUmmeKulthum,whomay

GodblessthemareinMadina.Whathaveyoucaptivesgottodowithmyladies,whomIhad

thehonortoserveandmeet,whomIamalwaysrememberinginmyprayers,andwhomIam

longingtomeetagain?”

ZainabcouldseethatUmmeAymanhadnotbeenabletorecognizeher.Shebrushedaside

herhairfromherface,andlookingherfullinthefaceshesaid“UmmeAyman,IamZainab

whomyouarereferringtoandhereismysister,Ummekulthum.Wearethegranddaughters

oftheProphet.ThesameZainabandKulthumwhoyouwanttomeet.Inwhatcondtionyou

areseeingandmeetingusthatyoucannotevenmakeoutwhoweare!ThesoldiersofYazid

killedmybrotherHusainandourotherbrothers,nephewsandsonsinKarbala.Ityouwill

lookahead,youwillseetheheadofyourImamraisedonaspear”

WhenUmmeAymanheardZainabsaythis,sheturnedinthedirectionindicatedbyherand

sawonthespearsseveralheads.Oneofthemshenoticedwasturnedintheirdirection.From

thenobilitydepictedonthefacesofthemartyrsshecouldunderstandthatcouldbelongtono

otherfamilythanthefamilyoftheProphet.SheagainlookedhardatZainabandhersister

andrecognitiondawnedonher.Flingingherselfdownatherfeetshecried“Myladyaccepts

mysincereapologiesforwhatIhavesaid.Icouldnotrecognizeyou.MyGodwhathavethe

peopleprofessingthereligionofIslamdonetoyou!Icouldnotinmywildestdreamsimagine

thattheywouldsubjectyoutosuchtortures,toreduceyoutosuchastate!”UmmeAyman

wascryingbitterly.ShewasholdingthefeetofZainabandkissingthemoutofreverence.

Theguardswhowereaccompanyingthecaptivessawthisandfearedthatthisdisplayof

respectandreverencefortheProphet’sfamilymightinspireotherstocomeforwardand

befriendthecauseofthecaptives.TheyrushedtowardsUmmeAymanwiththewhip.She

wasmercilesslywhippedandthrownaside.Thecaravanwasorderedtoproceedfurther

immediately.

WendingitswaythroughthenarrowstreetsofKufa,thecaptivesreachedthecourtof

Obeidullah.TheGovernorwasseatedonathroneandholdinghiscourt.Thecaptiveswere

askedtomarchintohispresence.

WhenZainabandKulsumwerebroughtbeforeObeidullahIbneZiad,heorderedHusain’s

headtobeplacedonasalverandputathisfeet.HeaskedShimrtoidentifyeachmemberof

Husain’sfamily,becausehecouldhardlybelieve,seeingtheirfaces,thattheycouldbethe

sameZainabandKulsumaboutwhosedignityandbearinghehadheardsomuch.Heeven

mockinglyremarkedthathisfirstimpressionwasthatsomeslavegirlshadbeenbrought

beforehiminsteadofthegranddaughtersoftheProphet.

Zainabwhowastryingtocontrolherselfallalongandsilentlysuffertheinsultsthatwere

beinghurledather,accordingtothepromisegiventoherbrotheratthetimeofhisdeparture

inKarbala,foroncelosthertemper.AddressingObeidullahIbneZiad,shesaid“OsonofZaid,

wearethesistersofHusain,thegranddaughtersofMuhammed(SAW)whomyou

acknowledge,asyourProphet.YouandtheotherhenchmenofYazid,whohaveforthesakeof

worldlygains,floutedalltheprinciplesofIslam,havedesecratedthedeadbodiesofthe

martyrs,despitethefactthatitisstrictlyforbiddenbyreligion,andsubjectedustotheworst

kindofilltreatment,althoughtheProphethadenjoinedonallthebelieverstotreatthe

captives,andparticularlywomenandchildrenwithsympathyandconsideration.Today,you

aregloatingoveryoursuccessandrejoicing,todayyouarethinkingthatyoucaninsultand

humiliateustoyourheart’scontentbecausethereisnobodytosayawordtoyouonour

behalf,becauseyouseeusinthishelplessconditionwithnonetobefriendus,nonetoprotest

againstthetreatmentyouaremetingouttous.ButOtyrant,letmewarnyouthatyouwill

findyoursuccessephemeralandverysoonthewrathofGodwillfinddescendonyouand

thosewhosecauseyouareespousing.VerysoonNemesiswillovertakeyouandtheothers

whohaveruthlesslykilledmybrotherandallthemembersofourfamilywithouttheleast

justification,withouttheleastcompunction,simplebecausetheystoodsteadfastintheir

belief,becausetheyrefusedtoacceptYazid,whosestoogeyouare,asthespiritualleaderof

theMuslimsonaccountofhisbeingaknownprofligate,whohasfloutedallprinciplesof

Islam,trampledunderfootallethicalconceptsandreducedallhumanbeingstoanabject

state”

ObeidullahIbneZiadwasstunnedbythisboldaddressofZainab.Hehadneverthoughttht

shewoulddaretospeakoutsoboldlyinthehelplessconditionshewasin,Hehadthought

thatshewouldbeterrorizedbytheawe‐inspiritingatmosphereofhiscourt,particularlyata

timewhenshehadsufferedsuchcalamitiesandcruelblowsandundergonesomuch

hardship,Notonlyhebutallthecourtierswhowerepresentinhiscourtbecamespeechless

andlistenedwithraptattentiontoherperoration.Afterawhile,helookedroundhimtosee

theeffectwhichherspeechhadproducedonthosepresentinthecourt.Hecouldseethat

everyonelisteningtoherwashearingeverywordshewasutteringwithraptattention.From

thelookontheirfaces,hewoulddiscernthattheycouldhelpadmiringherwonderfulcourage

inspeakingoutthetruthinspiteofherhelplessposition.Hethoughtthatmanymustbe

comparingherplainandforthrightspeechwiththeaddressesofherillustriousfather

deliveredtovastcongregationsfromthepulpitinthemosqueofKufa.Foramomenthegot

scaredthat,ifshecontinuedtospeakinthisbeing,shemightbeabletoswayawaythe

masses.Hetriedtostopherbyshoutingatthetopofhisvoiceandorderinghertoholdher

tongueandthreatenedtovisittheworstkindofpunishmentimaginableonherandtheother

captivesifshefailedtoholdhersilence.

IfObeidullahIbneZiadhadcountedonsilencingZainabbyviolence,hefoundhimself

mistaken.Undauntedbysuchthreats,Zainabcontinuedtospeakwithvehemence,She

recapitulatedhowherbrotherandtheothermembersofherfamilyhaddissociated

themselvesfromallpowerpoliticsanddevotedtheirlivestotheserviceofmankind,to

helpingthepooranddowntroddenpeople,tobefriendingthewidowsandorphans.She

contrastedtheirwaysoflivingwiththoseofYazidandhishenchmen,howthelatterhad

abandonedallsenseofdecencyandindulgedinviceswhichwoulddisgraceeventhemeanest

ofmankind,howYazidhadbythisutterdisregardofallsenseofdecency,inspiteofclaiming

tobethe“Leaderofthefaithful”castaslurtoIslamitself,howhispreachingsandprecepts

haddemoralizedallthosewhowerelookingtohimastheirking,andspiritualleader.She

eloquentlynarratedtheinhumanatrocitiesperpetratedbyYazid’sforcesinKarbalaandhow

theyhadabandonedallhumanitarianprinciplesandsenseofdecency.Herwordswere

sinkingthtothemindofallwhowerepresentthereandthoughmostofthemhadsoldtheir

soulsforamessofpottage,theycouldnothelpadmittingtothemselvesthateverywordof

whatshehadsaidwasfullyjustified.Severalofthosepresentweremovedtotears.Oneofthe

agedcompanionsoftheProphet,ZiaasdbinArkanwhowasblind,,rosetoadmonish

ObeidullahIbneZiadforsubjectingtheProphet’sfamilytosuchindignities.

ItdidnottakeObeidullahIbneZaidverylongtoassessthesituation.Cunningandcrafty

ashewas,herealizedthatifhedidnotgetridoftheprisonersofKugatheremightbean

uprisingagainsthim.HeshouteddownthecompanionoftheProphetandorderedhimtobe

removedfromthecourt.Herosefromthethroneonwhichhewassittingandhurriedly

dismissedtheassembly.HeorderedShimrandKhoolitotaketheprisonersposthateto

DamascusbeforetheyhadanyopportunitytoaddressthepublicofKufa.Boththoseservile

minionswerequiterelievedtoreceivetheseorders,becausetheytoosensedthedangerthat

layaheadifZainabgotanopportunitytospeakoutpublicly.Afterhurriedconsultations,they

decidedtoimmediatelytaketheprisonersoutofKufaandtotaketheleastfrequentedroads

toDamascus,sothattheywouldnothavetofaceanysurpriseattackorambush,ifany

personsknowingaboutthetragedyofKerbalatookuponthemselvestoavengethemartyrs.

ThecaptivescaravanmarchonandonthroughthedesertsofMesopotamia.Theguardswere

instructedtoletthoseloosetheirworstvengeanceonthehelplessladiesandchildrenandthe

ailingImam.AliZainulAbideen,wjhowasfollowingthecaravanonfoot.Duetosheer

exhaustion,heusedtofalldownateveryfewsteps,becauseaheavychainwasputroundhis

neckandfeet,whichmademarchingatabriskpacemosttodifficultforhim,particularlyin

theconditionhewas.Everytimehestumbledandfell,somebrutewouldjumpdownfromhis

horseandmercilesslywhiphim.

Duringthismarch,Sakinafelldownfromhercamel’sback.Zainab,whowasridingonthe

camelnexttohers,raisedanalarm,butthesoldiersdidnotpayanyheedtoher.Shedidnot

knowwhattodoinherdesperatestate,forsheknewthatifSakinawhohadfaintedonfalling

downfromthecamel,wasabandonedinthedesert,shewouldperishwithoutanyfoodor

water,withoutanysuccor.Inherdesperationsheturnedtowardsthespearinfrontofthe

caravanonwhichherbrother’sheadwaselevated,andcried“BrotherHusainyouhadasked

metolookafteryourbelovedSakinaforyou,butseeinwhatahelplessconditionIam.Your

SakinahasfallendownfromthecamelbackandthereisnothingthatIcandotohelpher.”

Aftersayingthis,shesilentlyofferedprayersforthesafetyofthedarlingchild.Suchwasher

boundlessfaithinGodthatsheknewthatherprayerswouldnotgoinvainandsomething

wouldhappentosaveSakina”

ThecaravanhadhardlygoneafewstepsaheadwhenthespearonwhichKhooliwascarrying

theheadofHusainfelldownfromhishandandgotplantedontheground.Khoolijumped

downfromhishorsetouprootthespearbuttryhashewould,hedidnotsucceedinplucking

itout.Itremainedstuckinthegroundasifithadbeenfirmlycementedthere.Khooliwasat

hiswit’sendastowhatheshoulddoaboutit.Heknewthat,iftheotherguardssawthis

strangephenomenon,theymightgetterrifiedandevendeserttheirposts.Quietlyhewent

overtoShimr,andwhisperedintoShimr’searswhathadhappened.Thewarpedmindof

ShimrhadasolutionforKhooli’sproblem.HewentovertoAliZainulAbideen,withthelash

inhishandsanddemandedtoknowwhatwasresponsibleforthespeargettingsofirmly

plantedthatitcouldnotbemovedfromitsplaceevenbyastrongandsturdymanlikeKhooli,

whosephysicalstrengthwastheonlyqualityhepossessed.AliZainulAbideenlookedupto

hisfather’shead,Hethoughthesawsometearstricklingdownthecheeksonthetopofthe

spear.HelookedintothedirectionofhisauntZainab.Shecaughthiseyeandshoutedtohim

thatSakinahadtoppledoverfromthebarebackofhercamel,andinspiteofherentreatiesto

theguardstopickherup,theyhadpaidnoheedtoher.Shimrimmediatelyranbackand

pickedupthechildlyingunconsciousduetotheheavyfallandtheinjuriesshehadsustained

onaccountofit.AssoonasSakinawasputinthearmsofZainab,Khooliwasabletoliftthe

spearfromtheground.Thecaravanresumedthemarch,asifnothinghadhappened.

ThemarchthroughtheSyriandesert,withthepricklythornsstrewnallover,wasacruel

ordealforAliZainulAbideen,whowasmadetorunwiththecamelsonhisbarefeet.Atnight

thecaravanusedtohaltforafewhours,whentheguardsusedtoindulgeinfeastingand

merrymakinggivingtheleastpossiblefoodandwatertotheprisoners–barelyenoughto

sustainthem.

Onenight,theyrestedinthemountaintophermitageofarecluse,whohaddevotedhislifeto

prayersandmeditation,Shmirgavetheheadsofthemartyrstohimforsafekeeping,Justone

lookatthefaceofImamHussainconvincedthehermitthatitwastheheadofasaint.Hetook

itwithhimandkeepingitneartohisbed,retiredtosleep.Atnighthedreamtthatallthe

Prophetsandtheangelshaddescendedfromheaventokeepawatchoverthehead.Hewoke

upfromhissleep,startledandbaffledattowhatheshoulddo.Rushingoutofthemonastery,

hewokeupShimranddemandedtoknowwhothemartyrswere.WhenShimrtoldhimthat

thegrandsonoftheProphetMuhammed(SAW)whohaddefiedtheauthorityoftheruleof

YazidIbneMauawiya,andrefusedtoacknowledgehisspiritualsoveirnity,hadbeenkilledby

thearmyofYazidandtheywerecarryingtheheadsofallthepersonskilledinKarbala,the

hermitwasshockedbeyondallwords.Recoveringhimself,hesaid“Youcursedpeople,doyou

realizethatyouhavecommittedaheinouscrimebybeheadingyourownProphet’sgrandson,

whoundoubtedlywasagreatsaint?Fieuponyou,cowardthatnotsatisfiedwithwhatyou

havedone,youaresobrutallytreatingtheinnocentladiesandchildrenandsubjectingthem–

tosuchatrocities!”

ThesewordsofthehermitenragedShimr,whohadevenotherwiselosthistemperwithhim

forwakinghimupfromsleeponthedeadofthenight.Withonesweepofhissword,he

choppedoffthehermit’shead.ThisbrutehadlittleregardfortheProphet’sinjunctionsand

orders,grantingfullestprotectiontothosewhohadretiredfromtheworldanddedicated

theirlivestoprayersandpenance.WhenthelifeoftheProphet’sowngrandsonwasnot

sparedbythisbrute,whatregardcouldhebeexpectedtohaveforthecommandsofthe

Prophet?

Withhurriedmarchesthecaptives’caravanreachedthecityofDamascus.Onreachingthe

gatesofthefortresssurroundingthecity,thecaravanwashaltedandacourierwassentto

informYazidabouttheirarrivalandtoseekhispermissiontoleadthecaptivestothecourt.

Foronefullhour,intheblazingheatofthesun,theladiesandchildrenweremadetowait

nearthedoorofthecitywiththrongsofpeoplecomingovertoseethemfromclosequarters.

Manyofthemdidnotknowwhotheywere.Theyhadafaintideathatsomeprincehadrisen

againsttheauthorityofYazid,andhadbeendefeatedinaskirmishwiththeforcesofYazid.

Theyweretoldallthedependentsoftheprincehadbeentakenprisonersandwerebeing

takenbeforetheKhaliftoreceivewhateverchastisementheconsiderednecessaryforthemin

keepingwiththegravityoftheirleader’scrimeagainsttherulerandhisundisputed

authority.ItappearedthatYazidwhohadreceivedadiscreethintfromObeidullahIbneZiad

aboutthesceneinhiscourtinKufa,wasafraidtomakeknowntheidentityoftheprisonersin

Damuscus,althoughheandhisfatherhadcompleteswayoverthepeopleforatleastquarter

ofthecentury.Inhurriedconsultationswithhisconfidants,Yazidhaddecidedthattillthe

prisonerswerebroughtintohiscourt,theiridentityshouldnotbedisclosed.Heorderedthat

anannouncementbemadethatarebelagainsthisauthorityhadbeendetainedbyhis

unconquerablearmiesandtosetanexampleforothershehadorderedtheheadsofthe

rebelstobebroughttohiscourtwiththeirfamilies.Hehadproclaimedthatdaytobe

observedasadayofrejoicing,tocelebratehisvictory.Hehaddecreedthathiscourt,the

bazaarsandthestreetsandeverynookandcornerofthecityshouldbegailydecoratedto

celebratethisdaywithfullpompandregaliabefittingtheoccasion.

Whilstthecitywasassumingafestivelook,whilstallthelaneandbylanesweredecorated

withfestoonsandbuntings,thepoorvictimsweresufferingunderthescorchingsunwithout

anyfoodorwater.Thesechildrenwerecryingwithhungerandthirst.Someoftheladiesfrom

theonlookerswere,outofcompunctionwithoutknowingtowhatfamilythesechildren

belonged,throwingsacrificialdrydatestowardsthemforthewellbeingoftheirownyoung

childrenandtowardofallevilfromtheirowndearones,satothecustomsofthosedays.The

hungrychildrenwerecatchingthesedatesthrowntowardsthemtosatisfytheirhungerbut

ZainabandUmmeKulsumwereaskingthemtothrowthemaway.Theyweretellingthe

childrenthattheProphethadforbiddenhisfamilytoeatanysuchsacrificialofferingsand

askingthemtosufferhungerratherthangoagainsttheProphet’sorder.Theywere

requestingtheladiesnottothrowsuchofferingstowardsthechildrenbecausetheywere

fromtheProphet’sfamily.Manyofthebystanderswerebaffledtohearthesewordsfrom

ZainabandUmmeKulthumbecausetheyhadnoinklingabouttheidentityoftheprisoners.

ManyoftheladieswerelookingonwithgapingmouthsatZainabandUmmeKulthumwho

hadcoveredtheirfaceswiththeirlongtressesinthebsenceofveils.TheladiesofDamascus

werewhisperingtooneaotherwhetheritcouldbetruethattheprisonerswerefromthe

Prophet’sfamily.Theycouldnothelpseeingtheremarkablenobilitystampedonthefacesof

theprisoners.Thoughtheirfacesandbodiesweresmearedwiththedustanddesertsand,

therecouldbelittledoubtthattheywerefromsomeprincelyfamily,fromsuchnoblestock.

Afterawaitofonefullhour,orderscamefromthecourtofYazidtobringintheprisoners.All

thepreparationsweremadeinthemeanwhiletosummonthecourtiersandambassadorsof

foreigncountriestothelavishdecoratedcourt.Whentheprisonerswereladintothecourt,

Yazidwasseatedonanelevatedthrone,richlydecoratedwithgold,andhadsevenhundred

glidedchairsroundhim,whereinwereseatedhisnobilityandforeignemissaries.Yazid

orderedtheheadofHusaintobeplacedinagoldsalverandputathisfeet.

WhentheprisonerswerebroughtbeforeYazid,heco9uldnotforaminutebelievethatthose

beforehimintatteredrags,coveredwithdustandbloodoozingoutfromthelastwoundsand

thecutsinthefleshfromtightlytiedropes,handcuffsandchainscouldbethegrandchildren

oftheProphet.Hewasquitedrunkatthattimeandwithoutcaringtolookattheirfaceshe

flewintoarageandbawledout“AmarSaad,thesearenotthesistersanddaughtersof

Husainandmembersofhisfamily.Areyoutryingtocheatmebylettingthemgetawayand

substitutingintheirplacessomeslaves?”Hewasquiveringwithrageashesaidthisandhis

eyeswerebloodshot.

AmarSaadwhowaspresentinthecourtandconjuringupdreamsoftherewardshismaster

wouldbestowonhimforaccomplishingthetaskentrustedtohimwasscaredoutofhiswits.

HeknewthatYazidhadthehabitofactingfirstandthinkingthereafter.Particularlythistrait

inhimwasaccentuatedwhenhewasdrinkandhecouldseethatonthisoccasion,Yazidwas

farfromsober.FlinginghimselfabjectlyatYazid’sfeet,AmarSaadmumbled“Mercy,O

commanderofthefaithful.Yourhumbleslavehasdoneexactlyaccordingtoyouraugust

commandandtheprisonersyoubeholdareZainabandUmmeKulthum,granddaughtersof

theProphetofIslam,andsistersofHusain.TheyounggirlsyoubeholdareUmmeLailaand

UmmeRubabthewidowsofHusainandtheothersareorphansandwidowsofHusain’s

friendsandrelations.AndtherebeforeisisHusain’sailingson,AlizainulAbideen”

Sayingthis,heraisedhisheadalittlefromthegroundtoseethereactiononhismaster’sface.

YazidhadnowfocusedhiseyesontheladieswhosenamesAmarSaadhadmentioned.Hesaw

thatallofthemhadcompletelycoveredtheirfaceswiththeirtresses.Inparticularhenoticed

thatoneladywasstandingbehindanagedwomanamongtheprisonersasifshewasbeing

shieldedfromYazid’sgaze”

“Ahthere.”Hebawledout,pointinginthedirectionoftheladywhohadbeenscreenedoffby

theagedmaid“whoisthatonewhoistryingtoseekshelterbehindtheoldladyandwhy”

AmarSaadrisingtohisfeetbowedabjectlyandsaid“YourMajesty,sheisZainab,daughterof

AliandFatimaandtheoldwomanstandinginfrontofherisFizza,theAbyssinianprincess,

whotakesprideincallingherselftheslaveofFatimaandZainab”

“Ishallnotletanyoneprotectmyprisonersbeforeme”shoutedYazidinarage.Heasked

ShimrwhowasstandingguardovertheprisonerstothrowasideFizzasothathecouldhavea

fullviewofZainab.

SeeingShimradvancetowardsher,FizzaturnedtotheAbyssinianslaves,whowerestanding

behindYazid’sthronewithbareswordsashisbodyguardsandsaid“Obrothersfrommy

nativeland,whathashappenedtoyourfraternalandcommunalfeelingsthatyousilently

watchanagedladyfromyourcountrybeingmolestedinthismanner?Withyourdrawn

swords,can’tyouofferprotectiontoyouragedprincessfromthelashesofthistyrantwhohas

beenourtormentorthroughoutthemarchfromKarbalatoDamascus?”

HearingthesewordsofFizza,someoftheslavessteppedforwardandaddressingYazidoneof

themsaid“YourMajesty,askShimrtoholdhishandsandnottousethelashonourprincess

Fizza.Ifhedoesanythingtoher,todaybloodwillflowlikewaterinyourcourt.”

Yazidwasflabbergastedatthisaffrontofhisslaves.Drunk,thoughhewas,hehadenough

sensetorealizethattheywereseriousandmeantwhattheysaid.Thecowardinhim

panickedatthesightofthebareswordsglisteninginthelightofthechandeliers.He

immediatelyshriekedacommandtoShimr,“staywhereyouareShimr,anddonotbudgean

inchotherwiseIshallhaveyourheadchoppedoff”Thenturningtotheslaveswithawry

smilehesaid“Mygoodfellows,Iknowyouareallsodevotedandfaithfultomeandalways

readytoprotectandguardme,Ishallnotallowanythingtobedonetotouchyourgoodsense

ofhonor.”

Yazidknewthatthescenecreatedbytheslaveshadhumiliatedhimintheeyesofhis

courtiersandeventheforeignemissaries.Toshowoffhistriumphandweakvengeancefor

hishumiliation,hetookupthecanewithagoldknoblyingbyhissideandstartedbeating

Husain’sseveredheadwithitr.Usingthecaneonthelipsandteeth,heshouted“Ahwerenot

theselipsreceivingthekissesofMuhammed?Howdelightfulwouldbemyforebearstosee

thatIhaveavengedthemforthedefeatstheysufferedinthebattlesofBadrandHunaynat

thehandsofMohammed!HowhappytheysoulsmustbetodaytoseethatI,Yazidhavetaken

vengeancefortheirdefeatsfromMuhammed’sgrandsonandhisfamily.”Hewaschuckling

withgleeanddrinkinggobletaftergobletofwine,whichwasmakinghimmoreandmore

inebriated.AlltheladiesofHusain’sfamilyadAliZainulAbideenwerestandingthere

weepingsilently.

Whilsthewasstillbusywithsatisfyinghisvengeance,theambassadorofoneoftheforeign

countries,whosenamewasAbdulWahhab,feltdisgustedatthecallousnessandbrutalityof

Yazid.Hecouldnotbearthesightanymoreandrisingfromhisseat,hesaidtoYazid“OKing,

Iwouldliketoknowwhowasthepersonwhoseheadyouarehavingatthefootofyour

throne,andwhoselipsyouarehittingwithyourcane.Whatheinouscrimeshadhe

committedthatyouaretreatinghimlikethis,evenafterdeathandsubjectingtheladiesofhis

familytosuchharshtreatment?”

WinehadnowgonesomuchtotheheadofYazidthathebecameboastfulofhis

achievements.Hetoldtheambassadoroftheforeigncountrythathehadputtoswordallthe

membersofthefamilyoftheProphetofIslamfornotacceptingandacknowledginghimas

theKhalifandspiritualleaderoftheMuslims.Headdedthathehadalltheladiesofthe

Prophet’shousebeforehimascaptivesandhewouldsubjectthemtosuchpunishmentasthe

worldhadnotwitnessedbefore,soastoserveasanexampletoallpeoplewhomightbe

havingeventhefaintestideatochallengeandquestionhisauthorityandsovereigntyand

deterallsuchpersonsfromraisingtheirvoicesagainsthim.

AbdulWahab,whowasamanoflearningandcultureandwhohadheardalotaboutthe

Prophetandhisdescendentsandthenobilityandpietyoftheirlives,wassurprisedand

shockedtohearthisfromYazid.HecouldnothelpfeelingthedeepestadmirationforHusain

whohaddefiedthetyrantandrefusedtosellhisconscienceeventhoughhehadtosuffersuch

acruelfate.ForonceheforgotalldiplomacyandprotocolandsaidtoYazid“OKing,youhave

committedthegreatestcrime,notonlyagainstyourownreligionbutalsoagainsthumanity,

bybrutallymassacringthegodfearinggrandsonoftheProhpetofIslamandthemale

membersofhisfamilyandtakingasprisonerstheladiesandchildrenofhishouse”

TheboldrebuketookYazidaback,ashehadleastexpectedit.Beforehecouldsayanything

theambassadorcontinued“Mypeoplearegivingtomethehighestrespectandhonorbecause

Ihappentobeadescendentofoneoftheirprophets.Youlackallsenseofdecencytohaveso

brutallybutcheredyourownProphet’sgrandsonwhoforaughtIknow,wassodearlyloved

byhim.”

AbdulWahabthenturnedinthedirectionofAliZainulAbideenandsaid“Ali,fromwhatI

haveseenandheardtodayIamconvincedthatyourfatherwastheboldestsoulonearthto

putupafightagainsttheforcesoftyranny,oppressionandinjustice,asembodiedinthis

usurper.HereandnowIdeclaremyfaithinthereligion,todefendwhoseprinciplesyour

noblefathersacrificedhisall,andIwantyouastheonlytruebelieverinthisassemblyofmen,

tobearwitnesstothisfact.Idonotcarefortheconsequencesofproclaimingmyfaith,and

denouncingtheerrantusurper,whoisseatedhereonthethroneandwhoisthevery

embodimentandincarnationoftheworstqualitiesinmankindandanepitomeofallthatis

evil.”

Hardlyhadhefinishedsayingthis,whenYazidnowmadwithrageandsmartingunderthe

insultsandexposure,suchashehadneverexpected,shoutedacommandtohisguardsto

dragawaytheambassadorandtochopoffhishead.Hisorderswerecarriedoutbyhis

bodyguardsimmediately.

Apindropsilencedescendedonthecourt.Allthecourtierswerestunnedbytheboldnessof

theforeignerwhohadspokenoutsoboldly,inspiteofknowingthedireconsequencesthat

wouldfollow.Manyofthemadmittedintheirheartofheartsthetruthofallthathehadsaid

andcontrastedtheirownpusillanimitywithhiscourage.

Duringthistime,Yazidwasgulpingdowncupaftercupofwinetosoothhisfrayednerves.

Everybodywaswaitinganxiouslytoseeonwhomhewouldwreakhisvengeanceforthe

insultshehadsufferedinopencourt.Theyhadnotlongtowait,forthetyrantturninginthe

directionofAliZainulAbideenshouted“Youthere,Youwereresponsiblefortheinsults

whichthatwretchhurledatme,andIshallmakeyoupaydearlyforaidingandabettinghim,

forencouraginghim,todenouncemeandpraiseyourfather.”Hepausedforawhile,asifhis

intoxicatedheadwasmuddledandconfusedinconjuringupwhatworstpunishmenthecould

inflictonAliZainulAbideen.Afterafewsecondsheconfirmed“Ishallgetyourheadcutoff

hereandnow,infullviewofeverybody–beforeyourmother,sistersandauntsandbeforeall

whoareassembledhere.”Thenasifonsecondthoughtheadded“No,nokillingyouwillnot

beenough.Ishalltortureyoutodeathsothatyouwilldiebyinches.Ishallsubjectyousuch

torturesthelikeofwhichtheworldhasneverseen,sothatyourlifewillbecomingaliving

death,sothateveryday,everyhour,everyminuteyouwillyearnandpinefordeathtorelieve

youofallyoursufferings.”

Asifthisdiabolicalthoughtofdevisingcruelesttortureshadsoothedhissadisticmind,he

burstintoaloudhoarseguffaw.Itwasthehystericallaughterofadrunkendemonwhohad

nocontroloverhisnervoussystem.

Atthisstage,AliZainulAbideeninafeeblebutclearfirmvoicesaid“Yazid.Thetorturesand

ignominieswhichyouhavesofarinflictedonmecanneverbesurpassedbyanythingthat

yourcrookedmindcanthinkup.Formetheworstpossibletorturehasbeenmystanding

herewithmymothersandsisters,withmyauntsandcousins,withoutanyveilstocovertheir

headsandfaces.DonotforamomentthinkthatIamintimidatedorfrightenedbyyour

threats.We,descendentsoftheHolyProphetofIslampeacebeonhim,havebeentrained

fromchildhoodtofaceafflictionsandsufferings.WeknowthatthosewhoarelovedbyGod

aretriedbyHim,andiftheyremainsteadfastandtruetotheirfaithinHim,thenonlyHe

bestowsHisDivinefavorsontheminthelifehereafter,whichispermanentandnot

transitorylikethisworldlylife.”

TheretortofAliZainulAbideenevokedspontaneousmurmursofadmirationfromthe

courtierswhoinspiteofeverythingcouldnothelpadmittingtothemselvesthathewasatrue

scionofthehouseofMuhammed(SAW)whosefaithinGod,whosebeliefinthecauseof

Islam,nothingcouldshakeordiminish.

Onhearingthemurmursofadmiration,YaziddespitehisdrunkenstategotscaredHisreeling

headconjureduppossibilitiesofhiscourtiersstaginganuprisingagainsthiminfavourofAli

ZainulAbideen.Thecunningnaturewhichheheadinheritedfromhiscraftyfathercameto

hisrescue.Hefeignedaloudlaughter,andsaid“Whyareyoublamingme,Aliforwhathas

befallenyouall?ItwasGodwhoinflictedthispunishmentonyouandyourfamilyforyour

father’sobduracyanddefianceofmylawfulauthority.Yougotwhatyoudeservedaccording

tothewillofGod.”

“NoOtyrant.”SaidAliZainulAbideen“donotdaretodistortandmisinterpretthewordsof

God.Heinhisinfinitewisdomgivestimeandopportunitiestomentoseewhethertheyact

withjusticeortyrannicallyriderough‐shodoverhelplessdefenselesspeople.Hispunishment

alwaysovertakesthetyrants,soonerorlater.DoesnottheHolyQurannarratetheinstances

oftheprophetsofGodsufferinguntoldhardshipsatthehandsofthepeopletowhomthey

hadcometopreach?”

TheforthrightreplyrenderedYazidspeechless.Hisbefuddledmindcouldnotthinkof

anythinginreplytoAli’sretort.Oneofhissubservientcourtiers,whowaseveranxiousto

curryfavorwithhim,thoughtupaplantorelievethetensionthatwasmounting.

Gettingupfromhisseat,hebowedbeforethethroneandsaid“YourMajesty,Ibegofyouto

bestowHusain’sfavoritedaughterSakinaonmeasaslaveinrewardfortheservicesIhave

renderedtoyou.”HardlyhadthewretchconcludedthesewordswhenZainab,whohadtill

thenstandingsilently,withherheadbowedwithSakinabyhersidegotinfuriatedasshehad

neverbeenbeforeandinaloudandringingvoiceshesaid“Youwretchedservileminionof

Yazid,haveyoulostallsenseofshamethatyouwanttoenslavetheProphet’sgrandchildren?

Istherenoneamongstyoutoobjecttotheshamelessrequestofthiscur?”

BehindYazid’sthrone,avelvetgoldembroideredcurtainhadbeendrawnwheretheladiesof

hisharemwereseated.AsZainabwasprotestingagainstthepreposterousrequestofthe

courtierforenslavingSakina,Yazid’sfavoritewifeHindaenteredtheenclosurereservedfor

hisharem.Shewasadevoutandpiousladywhohad,beforehermarriagewithYazidserved

asaladyinwaitinginZainab’shouseholdduringthetimeofMawlaAli’skhalifate.Shehad

evenaftermarriageretainedherloveforanddevotiontoZainab.Yazidknowingthis,had

carefullyconcealedfromherhisplansforkillingHusainandhadtakengoodcaretoseethat

shewasnotinformedabouttheaftermathofKarbala.Whensheheardfrombehindthe

curtainthevoiceofZainabandthementionofenslavementofthegrandchildrenofthe

Prophet,shegotextremelyperturbed.Asifbypremonitionshehadbecomerestlessfor

severaldaysandwasseeinginherdreamsZaiabandUmmeKulthumbothweepingbitterly

andtellingherthattheyhadlosttheirallinthisworld.Shehadasifbyintuitiongathered

thatherevilmindedhusbandwasbentuponsomeheinouscrimewhichshecouldnotfigure

out.

WhenHindaheardthewordsofZainab,shecouldnotcontainherself.Inamomentoffrenzy

sherushedoutoftheenclosurewithoutaveil,demandingtoknowwhohaddaredtotalk

aboutenslavingthechildrenoftheProphet’shouse.Yazidwassoperturbedbyhiswife,

knownforhermatchlessbeautythroughouthiskingdom,comingintotheopencourtwithout

herveil,contrarytothecustomofthosedays,thathehurriedlyshoutedordersdismissingthe

court,gaveinstructionsforAmrSaadtoleadthecaptivestothedarkestdungeonsinthefort

andtoawaithisfurtherorders.Hethenrushedfromthethroneandthrowinghisrobeon

Hinda’sheadheledherawayintothepalace.Thegoodladykeptonrequestinghimtotellher

whathadtranspiredthatday,whotheprisonerswereandwhysomebodyhadmentioned

abouttheenslavementofthegrandchildrenoftheProphet.Hegaveherevasiverepliesand

triedtoallayherfearsbysayingthattheprisonershadnothingtodowiththeProphet.

Thecaptive’scaravanconcludeditsjourneyinthedark,desolatedungeonsofthefortof

Damascus,whichwasinfestedwithsnakesandscorpions.Assoonasthedoorswerelocked,

ZainabandAliZainulAbideenengagedthemselvesinprayers.Theybothprostratedtheir

headsandprayedtoAlmightyGodtograntthemstrengthandcouragetobearwhatwasin

storeforthem.Theyboththankedhimforsustainingthemthroughtheirgreatesthourof

trial,forenablingthemtoputupwiththeunparalleledhumiliationswithoutawordof

complaintagainsthisDispensation.

Chapter10.TheDeathinPrison

Itwasdarkinsidethatroomofthatfortthoughthesunwasblazinginallitsgloryoutside.It

wouldnotbecorrecttocallthatplaceafortbecauseitwasinfactaprison;aprisonthathad

beenusedforyearsfortheconfinementofcriminalsoftheworsttype.Foryearsithas

remainedoutofuseanditsstonewallsweredampandcrumblingwithdecay.Itwasdifficult

foranypersonenteringtheroomtoseethepersonswhowerekeptinsidefortherewasno

light.Onlywhentheeyescouldgetusedtothedarknesssomefigureswerediscernibleinthat

drearycell.Thereweresomeladiesandchildrenhuddledtogetherandtherewasoneman

withthemlyingonapieceofclothspreadonthedampbarefloor.Ifapersonweretolook

closelyattheinmatesofthecell,hewouldfindthattheprisonersworehaggardlooks—looks

ofsorrow,looksofdespairanddespondency.Thosecarewornfacesweredepicting

indescribablesufferings.Thoseemaciatedfaceswerereflectingthecalamitiessufferedtothe

limitofhumanendurance.

Whoweretheoccupantsofthecellandwhatwasthecrimetheyhadcommittedwhichhad

broughtthemtosuchastateofsuffering?Iffacescouldbetheindexoftheircharacter,evena

cursorylookatthemwasenoughtoconvinceanybodythattheywerenotcapableofany

offense,muchlessaheinouscrimewhichalonecouldmeritthetreatmentmetedouttothem.

Andwhatpossiblecrimecouldtheladiesandchildrenhavecommitted?Wasittheman,

younginyearsbutillandemaciatedwithprivationsandsufferings,whoseactionshad

broughtsomuchsufferingstohisnearanddearones?Eventhatdidnotseempossible

because,eveninthedarkcornerofthecell,hisheadwasprostratedinprayers.Couldaman

who,inthefaceofsuchtrialsandtribulations,didnotforgethisMaker,whoinspiteofhis

illnessandsufferingssangthehymnsinpraiseofhisLord,becapableofanyatrocious

crimes?

Suddenlythedoorofthedungeonopenedandadmittedsomelightintothecell.Inthatlightit

waspossibletoseethatnotonlythemanbuteventheladieswereengagedinprayers.With

thelightcominginthroughthatdooritwaspossibletoseethatalltheladieshadgreyor

whitehair.Fromtheirfacesitwasobviousthatitwasnotagethathadturnedtheirhairgrey

butuntoldandexcruciatingpainsandpangsofsufferings.Amongsttheladiestherewasone

whowasofferingherprayersseated.Evenaglanceatherfacewassufficienttorevealthe

reasonwhyshedidso.Shelookedsoemaciatedandstarvedthatshedidnothavethe

strengthtostandupevenforafewminutes.

Thepersonwhohadopenedthedoorbroughtinatrayonwhichwereplacedafewstale

morselsofbread.Healsohadacoupleofpitchersofwaterwithhim.Ifyoucountedthe

inmatesofthecellandthebreadthathehadbrought,itwasobviousthatthefoodcouldnot

sufficeforall.Couldthatbethereasonforthestarvationofthelady?Coulditbethat’shegave

herownrationtothechildrenandstarvedherself?Yes,surelythatmustbethereason,for

howcouldZainab,thesisterofHusseineatherfillwhenherbelovedbrother’schildren,and

thechildrenofthosewholaiddowntheirlivesforhim,hadnotenoughtoeat?Hadnot

Hussein,atthetimeofhislastparting,commendedthechildrentohercare?Evenifhehad

notdoneso,ZainabwasthedaughterofAliandFatima,whousedtogowithoutfoodfordays

togetherbutcouldnotbeartoseeaprisoner,awayfarer,oranorphangohungry.

Somebodyhassaid:“Stonewallsdonotaprisonmake;norironbarsacage.”Perhapshe

meantthataprisoncouldconfinethebodiesofthecaptivesbutnottheirthoughtswhichsoar

beyond,breakingallshackles,allbarriers.Ifso,couldoneimaginewherethethoughtsof

thoseprisonersweresoaring?Yes,itwasnotdifficulttosurmisethat.Thethoughtsofeach

oneofthemweregoingbacktothatplainofKarbala,tothemorningwhentheyhadwith

themallthosewholovedthemandwhomtheylovedbeyondtheirlivestothatafternoon

whentherewasanincessantprocessionofdeadbodiesofthosewhosestrengthandvalor

hadonlyafewhoursbeforestruckterrorintheheartsoftheenemy.Andundoubtedlytheir

thoughtsweregoingbacktothatnightwhenthetentswereablaze,whenthethirstychildren

wererunninghelter‐skelterfromoneburningtenttoanother,whentheirbelongingswere

beingplunderedandlooted.

Theprisonerspartookoftheirmeagerrepastandwereengagedinprayersagain.Thiswas

theirroutine.Inonecorneraladywhohadfinishedherprayerswastryingtosuppressthe

tearsthatcontinuedtowellupinhereyesduetoconstantremembranceofthelovedones

shehadlostonthatfatefulday.Inspiteofherbesteffortsshecouldnotanylongersuppress

hersobsandweepingtogiveventtoherpent‐upemotionswhichwouldotherwisehave

chokedher.

Nowthenighthaddescended.Butthathardlymadeanydifferencebecauseevenduringthe

dayitwasequallydarkinside.Fortheprisonerstherewasnomorefoodforthenight.The

youngchildrendrankalittlewaterandwenttosleep.Aseachchilddrankwater,asobwas

heard.Wasitinremembranceofthebrothers,theunclesandfatherwhohaddiedseeking

watertilltheend?

InthedeadnightSakinagotupwithashriek.Sheburstintotorrentsoftears.Herweeping

andwailingarousedeverybody.Zainabrushedtohersideandtriedtoconsoleher.“My

belovedchild,”shesaid,“howoftenIhavetoldyouthatthelastwishofyourfatherwasthat

youshouldendureallthesufferingsthatareinflictedonyouwithcompleteresignationtothe

WillofGod?”Thechildtriedtocontrolherselfandreplied:“DearAunt,Iknowthatbut,inmy

dreamIsawmyfather.Hecametomeandsaid:‘OhSakinayouhavesufferedenough.My

darling,thedaysofyoursufferingareover.NowIhavecometofetchyou.Comewithme!’Oh

sisterofmybelovedfather,InarratedtohiminmydreamallthesufferingsIhadendured

sincehedidnotcomebackfromthebattlefield.ItoldhimhowIhadgoneinthedarknightin

searchofhim.Whatadreamitwasandwhatadisappointmentitisformetoknowthatin

realityIshallbeawayfrommybelovedfather!”Sosayingsheburstintouncontrollable

lamentation.Suchwasthegriefofthechildthatalltheladieslostcontrolovertheiremotions

andtheirwailingechoedthroughtheprisonwalls.

Yazidinhispalaceadjoiningtheprisonwaspacingthefloor.Heheardthebemoaningand

lamentationsandsentforhisslavestoenquireaboutthecause.Soontheyhurriedbackto

reportwhathadhappened.WhenYazidwastoldthatSakinahadseenherfatherinherdream

andwasdisconsolate,heaskedhismantoputtheheadofHusseinonasilversalver,coverit

withsilkenclothandtakeittotheprison.

Thiswasdone:theprisondoorwasopenedandYazid’smenenteredwiththecoveredtray.

TheyplaceditbeforeSakina.Thechildcriedout:“IamnothungryandIdonotwantfood.I

onlylongtoseemyfather.Whyhasheleftmeafterpromisingmethathewouldnotleaveme

forlong?”OneofYazid’sattendantsremovedtheclothfromthetray.Sakinabeheldthefaceof

herfather,thefacethatshehadkissedamilliontimes.Itwasthesamedear,dearfacethough

thebeardwassmearedwithblood.Withacrysheflungherselfonthetrayandsnatchedthe

headfromit,huggingittoherheart.Inindescribablegriefshebentdownoverthehead

puttinghersmallcheeksagainstthecheeksofherfatherassheusedtodowhenhewasalive.

Withinafewmomentshersobsstoppedbutwithitstoppedherheart‐beatsalso.

WhenZainabsawthechildlyingmotionlessontheheadofherfather,shewentovertoher

andwhisperedwithtearsinhereyes:“OhSakina,howlongwillyoulieonyourfather’s

head?”Shetouchedherhandonlytofindthatlifewasextinct,tofindtheSakinahadgone

withherfathernevertoreturntothisworldwhereshehadknownnothingbuttorturesand

tormentssinceherbecominganorphan.SherealizedthatherbelovedfatherHusseinhad

kepthispromisegiventothechildinherdreamnottoleaveherinthecell.

Chapter11.OrdealsinDamascus

“Eternalspiritofthechainlessmind,

Brightestindungeonslibertythouart”

Darkthoughthedungeonalwayswas,itwasmadegloomierafterSakinawaslaidtorestina

gravepreparedforherinonecornerforhereternalrest,forrestandreposewhichshehad

notknownsincethedawnofthedayherfatherlefther,nevertoreturn.Solongasshewas

alive,sheusedtostandnearthegratingswhichwereopeningonthestreettogetsomefresh

airandrelieffromthesuffocatingandstiflingclosenessoftheprisonatmosphere.Oftenthe

passers‐byusedtoseeherpouringouthergriefattheseparationfromherfather.Some

kindlyladiesevenusedtohaltnearthebarredopeningtoaskherwhoshewasandhow,in

spiteofhertenderage,shewasconfinedtosuchacell.Sakina,onsuchoccasions,usedtotell

themofherrecollectionsofthebygonedaysinMedinawhere,asthedarlingofherfatherand

herfamily,hereverywishanddesireusedtobefulfilled,whereallthemembersofherfamily

werevyingwithoneanothertokeepherhappy.Sheusedtorecounttheeventsofthatfateful

daywhenallherhopesvanishedwiththelastmarchofherfather.

Manyofthepassers‐byusedtolistentohertaleofwoesandjoinherinhertearsofagony.

Now,whilstpassingbytheprison,theyusedtolookwithanticipationfortheinnocentfaceof

thechildandwonderwhyshewasnomoretobeseen.Thosewithmorecuriositywereeven

askingtheprisonguardsastowhathadhappenedtothegirlwhosefaceusedtobeframedin

thegrating,steepedinsadnessandsorrow.Theguardswereattimestellingthemtomind

theirownbusinessandnottolettheircuriositylandthemintrouble.Thoseguardswhohad

morekindnessandfeelingsinthemusedtotellsuchenquirersinhushedtonesthatthegirl

theywereaskingaboutwassleepinghereternalsleep,freedfromthewoesandworriedofan

unkindlyworldthathaddeniedhereverycomfort,nay,evenconsolation,aftershehadlost

herfatherandherfreedom.

Evennowattimes,passers‐byusedtohearprayersofferedtoGodAlmightybythecaptivesat

allhoursofthedayandnight.Sometimesthehumofprayersusedtobechokedbythesobsof

someheart‐brokenmotherwhosethoughtswouldgobacktothedeathofherbelovedchild.

Adaydawnedwhentherewasastirintheprison.TheguardsweretoldthattheQueenof

Damascuswastovisittheprisonersandsoeverythingshouldbedonetomakethe

atmosphereofthecellleastobnoxioustoQueenHinda.Theywereaskingoneanotherwhat

possiblereasoncouldtherebefortheQueentovisittheprisonersasshehadneverdoneso

before.

OneoftheguardstookituponhimselftoinformtheprisonersaboutthevisitoftheQueen

andtotellthemthat,incasesheinquiredaboutthetreatmentreceivedatthehandsofthe

gaolers,totellnothingbutgoodthingsaboutthemandnottoutterawordofcomplaint.

Whentheguardenteredthecell,hefoundthatImamAliZainalAbedeenwaslyingprostrate

inprayers.HeturnedtoFizza,whowastheoldestamongstthecaptives,toannouncetoall

theprisonersaboutthevisitofHindaandtoensurethatnocriticismwasutteredagainstthe

treatmentmetedouttothem.

Withushersannouncingherarrival,Hindaenteredthecellaccompaniedbyafewofher

ladies‐in‐waiting.Whenhereyesgotaccustomedtothedarknessofthedungeon,shesaw

someladiessittingwiththeirheadsbowedandfacescoveredwiththeirtresses.Shealsosaw

inonecornertheemaciatedfigureofAliZainalAbedeen,withheavychainsandmanacles,

engagedinprayers.Forafewminutes,Hindawasperplexedtoseeagraveinonecornerof

thecellandoneladyrestingherheadonit.Sheinstinctivelywentovertotheladyandputher

handgentlyonherheadandwhisperedtoher,“Mygoodlady,tellmewhoyouare,towhat

familyyoubelongandwhosegraveitisonwhichyouareleaning.Icanseefromyourface

thatyouhavesuffereduntoldagonies.ForGod’ssakeletmeknowwhatisthecauseofall

yoursufferings.”

Hindawaitedforawhilebutnoreplycametoherquestions.Instead,theladyburstintosobs

whichmadeanyspeechimpossibleforher.Hindathenturnedtowardsanotherlady,whosat

inacorner,surroundedbyseveralothers.Shecouldguessthatthisladymustbetheone

whomtheotherswereregardingastheelderandleaderamongstthem.Sherecalledfromher

statureandbearingthatthiswastheladywho,whentheprisonershadenteredthecourtof

herhusbandnotsolongago,hadaddressedthecourt.Thoughatthattimeshecouldnothear

whatshehadsaid,shecouldsurmisethataperson,who,eveninthehelplessstateofa

prisoner,couldmustersufficientcouragetohurldefianceatthecourt,mustbepossessing

uniquecourageandstrengthofcharacter.Goingovertohershesatdownbesideheronthe

barefloor,muchtothesurpriseandconsternationofhermaidsandladies‐in‐waiting.

Addressingheralmostreverentially,Hindasaid,“Ihavecometovisityoutodaytolearn

somethingfromyouaboutthereasonsofyoursufferingsandplight.Foralongtime,Ihave

beentryingtofindoutwhoyouallare,fromwhatplaceyoucomeandwhatheinouscrimes

youpeoplecommittedthatyouarebeingsubjectedtothisincarcerationandmadetoendure

suchhardships.”

Pausingforawhile,shecontinued,“Myhusbandhasbeenevadingmyenquiriesandtelling

methatIshouldnotconcernmyselfwiththeaffairsofhisgovernment.Oflate,Ihavebeen

gettingdreamsinwhichIseemyladyFatima,daughterofourbelovedProphet.Shecomesto

mewailingandwringingherhandsandtellingme,“Hinda,youarenotawareofwhathas

beendonetomysonHusainandwhathasbefallenmydaughtersZainabandKulsumandthe

otherladiesandchildrenofourfamily.Youarelivinginthelapofluxurywhilstmychildren

andgrand‐childrenwereundergoingtorturesandtormentsbeyondhumanendurance.”

Speakingsoftlyinabarelyaudiblevoice,sheadded,“SooftenIhaveseenherinmydreamsin

adisconsolatestatethatIfinditimpossibletorestinpeace.Onlylastnightshecametomein

mydreamandtoldmethatherbelovedHusain’sdaughterSakinahasbeenrelievedbydeath

fromhersufferingsandpains.Ithasdawnedonmenowthat,perhaps,MyLady’scomingand

bewailinginmydreamshadsomeconnectionwithyourincarceration,thoughIwonderhow

itcouldbepossibleforthefamilyoftheProphettohaveanythingincommonwithyouall.”

ThelastwordsofHindaarousedZainabfromherstupor.Sheraisedherheadandlooked

Hindafullintheface.Theeyesofthetwoladiesmetforaninstant—theonedepicting

bewildermentandenquiry,andtheotherreflectingasoulfullofagonyandanguish.Zainab’s

eyesshowedtoHindainthatoneinstantvolumeofsufferingswhichnowords,however

eloquent,couldhaveconveyed.ZainabcouldseethatQueenHinda,whonotsolongagohad

beenoneofherconstantcompanionsinthedaysofherfather,couldnotrecognizeher.Such

wasthetolltakenbythehardshipsshehadsufferedthatshecouldnotberecognizedevenby

onewhohadbeensoclosetoher.ShereflectedthatifHindadidnotknowwhoshewas,so

muchthebetterforher.Itwouldsaveherthehumiliationofnarratingallthetorturesshehad

beenputto,enumeratingthecountlessindignitiesshehadsuffered.

MuchthoughZainabtriedtocontrolherfeelings,shecouldnothelpburstingintosobs.She

hadpartiallycoveredherfacewithherhairandshehadhopedthatHinda,notrecognizing

her,wouldleaveherwithoutpressingfurthertoknowwhoshewas.ButHinda,inthatone

moment,feltasifshehadseenthisvenerableladyinbettertimesandbettercircumstances.

Theladyretainingsuchdignifiedmienandbearingandholdingherowneveninsuchsqualid

surroundingscouldonlybefromsomefamilyofthehighestlineage.Hindataxedhermemory

totheutmostextenttorecollectwhenandwhereshehadmetherbefore.Shebentover

ZainabandpartedthehaircoveringZainab’sfacesothatshecouldhaveacloserlookather.

Immediately,shefeltthatsherecognizedwhothisladywas.Withagaspshecried,“Ifmyeyes

arenotdeceivingme,IamseeingmyLadyZainabbeforeme!But,MyGod,howcanthisbe

true?AmIimaginingthewildestthingpossibleorseeinganightmare?Ohowcanitbe

possiblethatthatdaughterofAli,leaderofthefaithful,andbelovedandrespecteddaughter

ofmyLadyFatima,thefavoriteandbelovedsisterofImamHusain,ishereinsuchdismal

surroundings,insuchabjectcircumstances!Ismymemoryplayingsomecrueltrickonme

thatIseemyrespectedZainabinthepersonofthisladyonwhosefacesorrowsandsufferings

arewritlarge?”

Hinda,utteringthesewords,bentfurtherandbeseechinglysaidtoZainab,“Olady,Iamatthe

momentbecomingdementedbythethoughtthatIseebeforemethefamilyoftheProphetof

Islam,thoughthisveryideaissoabsurd,soridiculousandsorevoltingtomethatIconsiderit

almostablasphemytoentertainitevenforamoment.IthinkIamlosingmysensesand,

unlessyoutellmewhoyouare,Iwillgetderangedwithdoubtsthataregnawingatmymind.

Iimploreyoutomeknow,forthesakeofmyLadyFatima,whohasbeencominginmy

dreams,inwhatwayyouarerelatedtomyLadyZainabwhomIhavebeenlongingtoseeall

theseyears.”

“Olady”,withasobshecontinued,“Ifyouhaveanybloodrelationshipwithher,tellmewhen

yousawherlastandhowshewasandhowwereUmmeKulsum,UmmeFarwa,UmmeLaila

andUmmeRabab.Iamdyingtogetnewsaboutthemandtheirchildrenwho,byGod’sGrace,

mustnowhavegrownup,andmayevenhavereachedmarriageableage.”

WhenZainabheardthesewordsofHinda,asifinaflash,shesawbeforehermind’seyes

thoseyoungstalwarts,thosehopesofthefamilyofBaniHashim,whoweremercilessly

slaughteredinKerbalabeforehereyes.ShecouldvisualizethefacesofAliAkbar,Qasim,Aun,

MuhammadandinnocentAliAsghar.Shecouldnolongercontainherselfandshecries,

“Hinda,forgetZainababoutwhomyouaretalking—ZainabdiedontheplainsofKerbalawith

herbrotherandtheyouthsofthefamilywhoweremartyredwithherbrotherHusain.Hinda,

youseebeforeyoutheshadowofthatZainabwhomneitheryou,notanyotherpersoncan

recognizeorcaretorecognize.”Withthesewordsshehidherfaceinherhandsandwept

bitterly.

WhenHindaheardthisZainab’sanguishedoutcry,shefellprostrateatherfeet.Overcomeby

contrition,shecried,“Zainab,myLady,forgivememyunpardonableneglect.OGod,how

couldIbesocallousasnottounderstandandrecognizethatnoneexceptmyLadyZainab

couldhavehadtheboldnesstodefymytyranthusbandinhiscourtonthatday!Iimploreyou,

myLady,bythememoryofyourbelovedmotherLadyFatima,toforgivememysininnot

doinganythingforyourfreedom.Oh,howcouldIlivecomfortablyinmypalace,surrounded

byallthepompandluxurieswhichmoneyandworldlymeanscanbuy,whenmembersofthe

familyofmylordHusainwereconfinedtothisdungeon,whenhisownchildrenwerein

shacklesandhandcuffs!”SayingthissheturnedtothecornerwhereImamAliZainalAbedeen

wassittingafterjustcompletinghisprayers.Shewentovertohimandthrowingherselfathis

feetshecried,“NowIcanverywellrecognizeyouasmyImamHusain’seldestsonAli,who

hasacquirednameandfamethroughouttheIslamicrealmforpietyandprayers.”

“OZainalAbedeen,”shesobbed,“Iseekyourforgivenessformythoughtlessnessinnot

probingdeeper,whenmysuspicionswerearousedonthedayofyourpresentationinmy

husband’scourt,whenIhaddistinctlyheardsomeonesaythataheartlessbeasthadtalked

aboutenslavementandbondageoftheProphet’sgrand‐child.”Sayingthisshelookedaround

her,asifsearchingforsomebody.Asshecouldnotfindthepersonwhomshewaslookingfor,

shecontinued,“Idonotseeamongstyoutheyounggirlwhowaswithyouincourt,whowas

clingingtomyLadyZainabandcryingdisconsolately.NowIknowthatshemustbethe

beloveddaughterofmyLordImamHusain.Whereisshe?Whathashappenedtoher?Was

sheatlastenslavedbysomebrute?”

AllthiswhileZainabwassittingherheadbowed.Shenowstoodupand,goingtowardsHinda,

shesaid,“InvainyouarelookingforSakina,mybelovedniece,whommybrotherhad,atthe

timeofhisdeparture,entrustedtomycare.Sheissleepingpeacefullyinyondergrave.Sheis

atlastrelievedfromherpainsandsufferingsbyakindlydeathwhichhasgivenhercomforts

which,inourstateofimprisonment,wecouldnotprovidetoher.”

“MayIask,Zainab,whatwasthecauseofherdeath?”,enquiredHinda.“Didshediebecauseof

anydiseaseorbecauseofdenialoffoodandothernecessitiesoflife?”

“Hinda”,repliedZainab,“HowamItotellyouwhatledtoherdeath?Thisfragrantflowerof

ourfamilywitheredawayduetonotonebutseveralcauses.HowcanItellyou,Hinda,what

sufferingssheenduredeversincethemartyrdomofherfather?Shewasmercilesslyslapped,

herearringsweresnatchedawaymostcallouslyandcruelly,tearingherear‐lobesthe

woundsofwhichkeptonbleedingtillthelast,becausewehadbeendeniedallmeansof

treatment.Heryoungbodyhadbecomeallpurpleandbluebecauseofinjuriessustainedby

herwhenrepeatedlysheusedtofallfromthebare‐backcamelshewasmadetorideduring

ourmarchfromKerbalatoyourcity.”

Recountingthesesufferingsofthechild,Zainabwascrying,andsowaseveryone,including

Hinda.Onlyonelady,whowassittingnearthegrave,wasquiet.Herheadwasrestingonthe

graveandshewaslyingmotionless.Zainabinstinctivelylookedinherdirectionandseeing

thatUmmeRababhadswoonedandlostherconsciousness,sherantowardsherandputher

headonherlap.Hindaalsocameovertoherandorderedhermaidstobringsomecoldwater

fromthenearbypalace.Itwasbroughtpost‐hasteaccordingtoQueenHinda’sordersand

sprinkledonthefaceofUmmeRabab.Itrevivedher.Openinghereyes,shelookedaroundher

withadazedlook.Shefaintlyuttered,asifinatrance,“MySakinaissleepinghere.Pleasedo

nottalkloudlyasitmaydisturbherpeacefulsleep.Shealwaysusedtogetupfromhersleep

crying,assheusedtodreamsometimesoftheburningofourtentsinKerbala,sometimesof

thecruelwhippingorslappingofherfacebyShimr.Now,atlonglast,sheishavingan

unbrokensleep.Donot,forAllah’ssake,wakeherup.”

ZainabrealizedthatUmmeRabab’sgrief‐strickenmindhadbuiltupbarrierstoresistthe

cruelimpactofreality;tocreateashelterforhersothatshecouldescapethemacbre

atmospherearoundthegraveofherchild.Butshefeltthatshemustbeawakenedfromthis

stupornoworelseshecouldforeverlosehermind.SheslowlytoldherthatSakinahadbeen

calledawaybyherfatherbutsheshouldnotworryabouther.Shewasnowhappyand

relieved.Herfatherhadrespondedtoherrepeatedentreatiestocomeandtakeheraway,to

putanendtothepainsandpangs,bothphysicalandthoseofseparation.Thesewords

broughtUmmeRababbacktotheworldofstarkreality.Sheweptbitterlywhichlightenedthe

burdenonheremotion‐packedheart.Hindaandalltheladieswhowereintheprison,joined

herinthemourning.

Itiscommonforpeopleinwhosehousedeathoccurstoreceivevisitorsofferingsympathies

andcondolencestoconsolthegrief‐strickenandbereavedmembersofthefamily.When

Sakinadiedtherewasnocallers,nomourners,nosympathizerstocomeandoffercomfortto

theladiesoftheProphet’shouse.Theywereconsolingoneanother.Therewerenooutsiders

totakecareofthefuneralritesofthisinnocentchild.Forthefirsttimeaftersomanydays

Zainab,UmmeKulsum,UmmeRababandotherladiesoftheirfamilywerehavingwiththem

sympatheticladiesofferingcondolencesandcomfort,sharingtheirgrief,cryingwiththem

andutteringwordsofconsolation.Whatabalmthesekindwordsprovidedtothegrief‐torn

heartofZainabandUmmeRababcanbeunderstoodonlybythosewhohavebeenplacedin

suchapredicament.WouldtoGodthatnobodyagainmaybeplacedinsuchasituationina

strangelandinafriendlessworld!

AllthiswhileHindawasthinkingfuriouslyaboutwaysandmeansofsecuringthefreedomof

theProphet’sfamily.Shehaddecidedthatshewouldnotunderanycircumstancesallowa

daytopasswithouthavingtheprisonerssetfreeandrestoredtoapositionofrespectand

honorwhichwastheirrightanddue.ShebeggedofImamAliZainalAbedeenandZainabto

excuseherforawhileandreturnedtothepalace.ShecalledheryoungsonMoawiah,who

wastheonlymaleissueofYazid,andtoldhimeverythingthathadtranspiredthatday.Her

soninheritedmanyofhergoodqualitiesandheatoncetoldherthathewouldjoinherin

tellingYazidthat,nowthattheybothknewwhotheprisonerswereandwhathadbeendone

byYazidtothebelovedgrandsonoftheProphet,theywouldnotliveinthepalaceunlessthe

Prophet’sfamilywererestoredfulllibertyandhonor.

HindaandMoawiahbothrushedtotheprivatequartersofYazidwhereonlytheyhadaccess

withoutanypriorannouncement.TheyweresurprisedtoseeYazidpacingupanddownand

mutteringtohimself.Theycouldhearhimmumble,“Alas,whatmademedecidetodyemy

handswiththebloodofHusainandtheyouthsofhisfamily!Whatmademesubjectthe

membersofhisfamilytotheindignitiesandimprisonmentIthoughtIwasremovingathorn

frommyside,but,bydoingthat,Ihavelostallpeaceandmentalequilibrium.”

WhenYazidsawHindacomingtowardshimwithherhairdisheveledandhereyesfullof

tears,followingbyhisyoungsonMoawiah,whoseeyeswerealsoswollenwithcrying,hewas

bewilderedandsurprised.Hisreveriewasbrokenbytheirarrivalandhewonderedwhathad

broughtthemtohiminsuchacondition.However,beforehecouldaskthemthereasonsand

thepurposeoftheirvisit,Hindanarratedtohimherdreamsleadinguptohervisittothe

prisonandwhatshehadseenandheardthatday.Shewasbesideherselfwithgriefandrage

andignoringtheconsequencesofhertyranthusband’swrath,sheplainlytoldhimthatshe

andhersonhaddecidedthat,ifmembersoftheProphet’sfamilywerenotsetfreethatvery

day,bothofthemwoulddenouncehimforthetyrantthathewas,nomatterwhetherhe

beheadedthemorthrewthemintothedungeonsorsubjectedthemtotheworstkindof

tortures.

YazidwasnotaccustomedtothiskindoftalkfromhisQueenwho,muchasshedetestedand

despisedhisdespoticways,wasalwayshithertogentleandsoft‐spoken.Hewasstupefiedand

forsometimerenderedspeechlessbytheboldanddauntlessattitudeofhiswifeandson.

ThinkingthatYazidwasconsideringsomediabolicalplanstopunishthemforthedefiance

theyhadhurledhim.Moawiahsaid,“Father,youngthoughIam,Irealizethatwhatmy

mothersaysistheonlyhonorablecoursewecannowadopt.Allthesedaysweremained

unmovedbywhathadhappenedbecauseofourignorance.MayGodforgiveusforourneglect

andourfailuretoalleviatethesufferingsofmylordImamHusain’sfamily.Thesituationdoes

notadmitofamoment’sdelayandwewantyoutodecidehereandnowwhatyouintendto

dointhismatter.”

CunningandcraftyasYazidwas,heknewthathiscupofcrueltywasgettingfilledtothebrim.

Hissecretagentshadreportedtohimthat,afterSakina’sdeath,manyladiesofDemascus

weretauntingtheirhusbands,brothersandsonsandaccusingthemofcowardiceinnotdoing

anythingfortheliberationofthefamilyoftheProphet.Manymenweretalkingsecretlyabout

waysandmeansofsecuringfreedomfortheladiesofthehouseofImamHusain,andImam

AliZainalAbedeen.Theywereaskingoneanotherwhattheprisonershaddonetodeserve

suchprolongedimprisonmentinadungeon.Hecouldnowseethewritingonthewall.

Realizationnowdawnedonhimthattimewasrunningoutforhim,thatNemesismight

overtakehimunlesshedidsomethingtosavethesituation.Nowthathisownson,hisown

fleshandblood,andhisQueenHinda,werealsoaskingfor,nay,evendemandingthe

liberationoftheprisoners,hecouldseewhichwaythewindwasblowing.Inhiscrooked

mindathoughtcamethatifheagreedtosetfreetheprisonersnow,hemightbeabletosave

hisfaceandsaytooutsidersthathediditindeferencetothewishesofhisownwifeandson

andnotbywayofsuccumbingtopopulardemand.Hiswarpedjudgmentwasalways

apprehendingthat,ifhebowedtothewishesofhissubjects,thenhemightlosehisauthority

overthem.InhisheartofheartshehadafearthatthepubliccouldacceptImamAliZainal

Abedeenastheirleaderanddethronehim.Atthesametime,coupledwithconcernforthe

safetyofthisthrone,hehadwithinhimadeep‐rootedfeelingofremorsewhichwas

exacerbatedbythenightmareshewasgetting.Fordaystogetherhehadnotbeengettingany

sleep.Wheneverheclosedhiseyes,hewouldseetheProphet,standingbeforehim,fullof

grief,upbraidinghimandaskinghim,“OYazid,whathadmyHusaindonetodeserveyour

cruelty?Whatmadeyoudestroymyfamilywithsuchvengefulnessandbrutality?Isyour

hatredformeandmyfamilystillnotsatiatedthatyouaresubjectingthewidowsandorphans

ofmyfamilytosuchinhumantortures?”Hewasconstantlyhauntedbysuchdreamsandhe

hadbeenbroodingaboutthewaysandmeansofresolvingthedilemmathatwasconfronting

himandwhichwasentirelyofhisowncreation.Thatinstanthedecidedthatthetimewas

moreopportuneforhimtosetfreetheprisonersandtosendthemawayfromDemascusas

earlyaspossiblesothathispositionandpowerwouldnotbeendangered,norhisauthority

denied.

“Whatastrangewayofpleadingformercyandclemencyyouhaveadopted”,saidYazid,

turningtowardshimwife.“Ifbothofyouaresuchfilledwithpityandsympathyforthe

prisoners,couldyounotpleadfortheminabetterwaythanremonstratingbeforemeinthis

fashion?”Hepausedforawhiletoseethereactionofhiswordsonthemandthencontinued,

“Iamgladtoaccedetotherequestofbothofyouandtosetfreetheprisonershonorably.Iam

summoningmycourtandannouncingmydecisionimmediately.Nowbothofyoumayrestin

peaceandletmealsohassomerespiteaftertheshockyouhaveadministeredtomebyyour

remonstrations.”

“Peace,didyousay?”saidHindainsurprise.“CanyouthinkthatIoryoursoncaneverhave

peaceinthislifeafterknowingwhatyoudidtothegrandsonofProphetMuhammadandhis

family,infurtheranceofyourdiabolicaldesigns?Arethethingsyoudid,evenafterthe

massacreofKerbalanotenoughtomakeushangourheadsinshameandfillourheartswith

remorseandcontrition?WouldtoGodthatIhadnotlivedtoseethisday,toknowthatmy

lordImamHusain’sbeloveddaughterSakinawasdyingbyinchesinthedungeonwhilstIwas

livingincomfort,obliviousofhersufferingandignorantoftheordealsandhardshipsofmy

ladiesZainab,RababandothersoftheProphet’sfamilyandImamAliZainalAbedeen!”Saying

thissheweptbitterly.

Afterawhileshecontinued,“Yazid,Iwantyou,forthesakeofAllahandHisProphet,ifyouat

allhaveanybeliefinthem,tomakebestamendsfortheunforgivableatrocitiesyouhave

perpetrated,fortheunpardonablesinsyouhavecommitted.Sparenoeffortsinrepairingthe

damageandlossyouhavecausedtothepeopleoftheProphet’shouse,forwhomGodhas

carvedoutanicheofhonorandrespectintheheartsofalltruebelievers.Itmayperhapsbe

toolatetoredeemyoursinningsoulfromtheeternalperditionwhichyouhaveearnedfor

yourselfbyyouratrociousactions,stilltheleastthatyoucandonowistorestoreImamAli

ZainalAbedeen,andthevenerableladieswhoarewithhim,totheplaceofhonorwhichis

theirright.”

Moawiah,whowasstandingsilentlybyhismother’ssideallthiswhile,sheddingtears

silently,joinedhismotherinaskingforfullrestitutionforthefamilyoftheImam.Withfull

assurancefromYazidthathewouldleavenostoneunturnedindoingso,theylefthim.

Yazidlostnotimeinsummoninghiscourtthatverysameday.HeissuedorderstohisCourt

Ministertoplaceapulpitnexttohisthroneandtomakespecialarrangementswithcurtains

anddraperiesdrawnfortheladiesofthefamilyofImamHusain.Instructionswere

dispatchedpost‐hastetocallablacksmithforcuttingandremovingtheshackles,manacles

andchainsinwhichImamAliZainalAbedeenandotherwithhimwerefettered.

Itwaslateintheeveningwhenthecourtwasassembled.Therewasfulldisplayofallthe

regaliaassociatedwiththeUmmayadcourt.Yazidwasseatedonthethrone,deckedina

jeweleddressofsilkandbrocade.Allthedignitariesoftherealmwerepresent,dressedin

theirbestraiments.Alltheaccreditedrepresentativesoffriendlyforeigncountrieswere

seatedintheirchairstowitnessaneventofwhichtheyhadnopriorintimation.Manywere

puzzledatthemannerinwhichthecourthadbeensummonedatsuchashortnotice,contrary

tothecustomandpracticeofYazid’sgovernment.Theywereaskingeachotherwhatcouldbe

theoccasionfortheholdingofthecourt.Somewereevenhazardingguesseswhichwere

nothingbutflightsoffancy.

Thosepresentinthecourthadnotlongtowaitastheushersannouncedwithallsolemnity

thatthegreat‐grandsonofProphetMuhammad,ImamAliZainalAbedeen,wasenteringthe

courtandthevenerableladiesofhishouseholdweregracingtheoccasionbytheirpresence

behindthecurtainswhichhadbeendrawnforthem.TheysawImamAliZainalAbedeenenter

thecourtandwalkovertothepulpitwithaslow,haltinggait,becausedespiteremovingthe

chains,hisaching,laceratedlegswerefindingthewalkanordeal.Mostofthemwho,who

werepresentinthissamecourtwhenImamAliZainalAbedeenandtheladiesofhisfamily

weresomemonthsbeforebroughtinchainsinthecourt,wereshockedtoseethattimeand

tortureshadtakenaveryheavytollandtheImamwasemaciatedandenfeebledtosuchan

extentthat,butfortheusher’sannouncement,itwouldhavebeendifficultforthemto

recognizehim.Hisgarmentswerealsotornandtattered.But,inspiteofallthis,therewas

dignityinhisbearing,therewasaradianceonhiscountenance,ahaloaroundhisface,which

inspiredaweintheirhearts.Asifdrawnbythemagnetismofhispersonality,theyallstood

upfromtheirseatstodohomagetothepersonalityofthisnoblescionoftheProphet’shouse

whohadbornetorturesandtorments,whohadsufferedinsultsandindignitiesbutneverfor

amomentwavered,neverforaninstantfalteredinhisresolve,neverforasecondthoughtof

askingforanyfavorsoranyfacilityforhimself,orevenfortheladiesandchildrenwhowere

sufferingwithhim.Seeingthisspontaneousgestureofthecourtiers,Yazidalsogotupfrom

histhrone,asifimpelledbyanuncontrollableforce.TheImamslowlymountedthepulpit

saying,“InthenameofAllah,theBeneficent,theMostMerciful.”Therewaspin‐dropsilence

inthecourtwhichwasonlybrokenbytherustlingofthecurtainsindicatingthat,

simultaneouslywithImamAliZainalAbedeen,Zainabandtheotherladieswithher,had

enteredthecourtthroughtheseparateentrancereservedforthemandhadtakentheirseats

inthecurtainedenclosurebehindthepulpit.

AfterImamAliZainalAbedeenhadtakenhisseatonthepulpit,Yazidbrokethesilenceby

offeringhimcondolencesonthepassingawayofyoungSakina.Hiswordsofsympathywere

soundingsohollowinthelightofhiscallousconductthroughoutthathehurriedlychanged

thesubjectandstartedofferinghisapologiesforallthathadhappened.Asiftosavehisface,

hestartedcursingObeidullahIbneZiad,AmrIbneSaadandShimrZiljaashanforgivinghim

wronginformationabouttheaimsofImamHusain.Pretendingutmostcontrition,he

expressedprofoundregretsatallthathadtranspiredinKarbalaandthesubsequentevents

uptothatday.InanabjecttonehetoldtheImamthatheandhisfamilywerenowfreetostay

wheretheyliked,togowheretheyliked.HealsoofferedtotheImamwhateveramounthe

namedas“bloodmoney”forthemartyrsofhisfamily,athearingwhich,theImam’sface

turnedredwithrage.Seeingthis,Yazidhurriedlyadded,“OZainalAbedeen,whatIam

offeringispermittedbyourreligiouscodeandIbeseechyoutoacceptit.”

BeforeImamAliZainalAbedeencouldreplytohim,Zainab,whowaslisteningtothetalkfrom

behindthecurtain,criedout,“OYazid,areyounotsatisfiedwithwoundingourfeelingsand

torturiningusallthesedaysthatyouwanttore‐openourhearts’woundsbythisoffer?Ifyou

thinkthatyourwealthcanundowhatyouhavedonetothefamilyoftheProphet,youoffer

whatyoupossessonthedayofreckoningtotheProphethimselfwhenhequestionsyou

abouthisgrandson.”

Shewentcopiouslyandthencontinued,“OYazid,itisnotforustoacceptanyrequital,

recompenseorbloodmoneyforthosewhoweremartyredbyyourorders.Ifyouhavecalled

ustodaywiththeexpectationthatwewillacceptwhatyouwanttooffertous,youarevery

muchmistaken.YouractionswillbejudgedbyAllahandHisProphetandyouwillhaveto

answertothemforyourtyranniesontheDayofJudgment.”

YazidwasabashedbytheboldretortofZainab.Hehadexperienceofhercourageand

defiancewhenshehadthefirsttimeappearedinhiscourtinthemosttryingcircumstances.

Heknewthatifhedaredtosayanythingmore,hewouldgetfromheranevenstrongerrebuff.

HeimmediatelychangedthesubjectandaddressingImamAliZainalAbedeensaid,“O

GrandsonoftheProphet,youarefreenowtodemandanythingthatIhave.Iamissuingyou

ordersthatahousetobeplacedatyourdisposalandyoumaybeaccordedthetreatment

befittingyourdignityandstatusinlife.Itisnowforyoutodecidewhetheryoudesiretostay

inDemascusorleaveforMedina.YourrespectedauntZainabandyourfamilyhavemy

solemnassurancesthathenceforthhighesthonorandrespectwillbeextendedtoyouallas

befitsthosebelongingtothefamilyoftheProphetofIslam.”

ImamAliZainalAbedeeninformedYazidthathedidnotwantanythingfromhisworldly

possessions.HeaddedthathewantedwastheseveredheadsofthemartyrsofKerbalawhich

hadbeenkeptinhisvaultsandtheirlootedpropertyandclothesofwhichtheyhadbeen

robbedanddeprivedontheeveningofthetragedyofKerbala.

ThisreplyevokedconsiderableastonishmentinYazid.Hecouldnotunderstandhowaperson

couldturnhisfaceawayfromtheofferofallthegoodthingsoflifewhichhehadmade.

SuppressinghissurpriseYazidremarked,“OAliZainalAbedeen,Ihaveseenallthe

belongingsofyouandyourfamilywhichwerelootedbymyarmyinKerbala.Icouldnotsee

inthemanythingofvalue.Exceptforthehouseholdarticlesandclothes,whichwereallwell‐

worn,therewerenoornaments,jewelsorarticlesofgoldandpreciousstones.”

WhenZainabheardthesewordsofYazid,shecouldnotcontainherself.BeforeImamAli

ZainalAbedeencouldsayanythinginreply,shespokeup,“Howcanweexplaintoyou,Yazid,

howwevalueourbelongingswhichhaveincalculablesentimentalvalueforus?Amongstthe

articles,whichweresnatchedawayatthetimeofourcaptureinKerbala,aretheveilwhich

mymotherFatimausedtowearandwhichIinheritedfromheronherdeath.Thereisalsothe

blood‐stainedgarmentwornbymybrotherHusainwhenhewasbeheadedbyShimr.Itwas

wovenbymymotherwithherownhands.Therearegarmentssoakedinthebloodofour

sons,nephewsandotherkithandkin.Thereareearringswhichweresnatchedawayfromthe

earsofmydearestSakina,tearingherearlobes.Cananythingyoupossessorallthatyour

wealthcanpurchasematchtheseraimentsandarticles?No,Yazid,weshallcherishthese

thingsasourmostpreciouspossessionstilltheendofourdays.”

RealizingthatutmostsentimentalvaluewasplacedonthelootedarticlesbyZainabandother

membersofImamHusain’sfamily,Yazidorderedhismentorestorealltheseobjectstothem

immediately.Healsoissuedordersthatahousebeplacedattheirdisposalandallkindsof

facilitiesandamenitiesbeprovidedtothem.Onhisenquiries,ImamAliZainalAbedeen

informedhimthatheandthemembersofhisfamilydidnotwanttostaylonginDemascus

butwishedtoreturntoMedina;butbeforetheydidso,theywantedtovisitKerbalatobury

themartyrs’headswhichwerenowgivenovertothem.

Afterthisbriefsession,thecourtwasadjournedandtheImamandhisfamilyweretakento

thehousenearthepalacewhichwasplacedattheirdisposal.QueenHindainsistedon

accompanyingZainabandUmmeKulsumasalady‐in‐waitingresumingthedutieswhichshe

wasperforminginthedaysofyoreatKufa.

Onreachingthehouse,Zainabfoundthatalargenumberofladiesandmenhadcollected

there.Onherenquiringaboutthepurposeoftheircall,shewastoldthatthepopulationof

Demascushadcomeonacondolencevisit.ThemensurroundedImamAliZainalAbedeenand

offeredsympathytohim.TheladiesofDemascuswentovertotheseparatequarterswhere

theladiesofProphet’sfamilyweresittingandapproachingeachoneofthem,offeredtheir

sympathyalso.Manyamongthemwereaskingfordetailsofthetragedy.Somewereasking

themaboutSakina,whosedaysinDemascusasaprisonerweresofreshintheirmindsand

whoseordealsfromthedayshehadenteredthecity’sportals,werevividlyrememberedby

them.Zainab,onbehalfofalltheladies,recountedtothemalltheeventsfromthedaythey

leftMedinatothefatefuldaywhentheylostallwhomtheylovedintheworld,whowere

dearertothemthantheirlives.Shenarratedeachincidentwithtearsflowingtorrentially

fromhereyes.AlltheotherladiesofthefamilyandtheladiesofDemascuswereshedding

tearswithher.SheevenrecalledindetailtheperiodpassedinDemascus,fromthetimeof

theirenteringthecitytothedaywhenSakinawasunabletobearthemiseriesandtorments

inflictedonher,hadsurrenderedheryoungandinnocentlifetoherMaker.Shealsodescribed

theeventsleadinguptotheirreleaseandmentionedherdesiretogobacktoKerbalatobida

finalfarewelltoallthedeardepartedoneswhosebodiestheyhadleftontheburningsands

withoutanycover,withoutevenshrouds.

WithonevoicealltheladiespleadedwithZainabandothermembersofherfamilytostayon

inDemascus.TheirmenfolkalsousedtheirbestpersuasionstomakeImamZainalAbedeen

stayoninSyria.ButnothingtheysaidcouldchangethedecisionoftheImamandhisfamilyto

leaveDemascus.

UnderordersofYazidcanopiedcamelsandbesthorseswereprocuredforthejourneyto

Kerbala.AllthecitizensofDemascushadturnedouttobidfarewelltotheProphet’sfamily.

Men,womenandchildrenwerecryingasonebyonetheladies,assistedbytheImam,

ascendedtheirmounts.Hinda,whohadallalongremainedwithZainabtooffersolaceand

comforttoherinthebestmannerpossible,wentfromoneladytoanotherofferingher

sympathiesandaskingforforgivenessforthepreviousneglectonherpart.Shewasaboutto

leavewhensheheardUmmeRababexpressherwishtoZainabthat,beforeleavingDemascus,

theymightvisittheprisonandoffertheirlastFatehaatthegraceofyoungSakina.Zainab

immediatelyassentedtothissuggestionand,withHindaaccompanyingthem,thecaravan

wendeditswaytowardstheprisonhouse.TheImamandalltheladiesdismountedandwent

overtothegraveofSakina.Thedisconsolatemotherfellonthegracewithaheart‐renting

shriek.“Sakina,mydarling”,shecried,“Weallarefreeatlast,butitisyourlottoremain

foreverandforeverwithinthefourswallsofthisdungeon.Mydearestchild,Iamleavingyou

aloneinthisstrangecountrywhereyouhadexperiencednothingbuthardships,torments

andtortures.Mychild,Iamleavingyoubutmyheartandsoulwillremainwithyouinthis

prison.”Sayingthis,sheturnedtoHindaandtheotherladiesofthetownwhohadjoined

themandwhispered,“Iamleavingmydearestdaughterinyourmidst.Thereisnonefromour

familyinthiscitytovisithergrave,toofferFatehaandflowers.Ibeseechyou,onceinaway

tovisitmylonely,lucklesschild’sgraveforofferingFatehaandflowers.”Withthesewords,

shefellunconsciousinthearmsofZainab.

Chapter12.Journey’sEnd

“Princess,ifouragedeyes,

Weepuponthymatchlesswrongs;

It’sbecauseresentmentties

Theterrorsofourtongues.”

Itwaseveningof30thMuharram61inMedina,thecityoftheProphet,onwhichakindof

gloomhaddescendedsincethatdayintheholymonthofRajjabwhenImamHusainandhis

familyleftinontheirfatefuljourney.Theloweringcloudsweredarkerthanusualasifthey

weregatheringontheeveningblasttoheraldsomehappeningofverygreatandgrave

import.Manyelderlypeopleinthebazaarswereexchangingmeaningfulglanceswitheach

otherasiftheywerehavingpremonitionofsomemomentouseventsorsomeupheavaloffar‐

reachingeffect.Someofthem,feelingintuitivelyaheavinessofheart,wererushingtowards

thetomboftheProphettoseeksolaceandcomfortthere,aswastheirwontonsuch

occasions.Afewmoresuperstitiousamongstthemwerefeelingapprehensiveasifsome

doomweretodescendonthem.Theatmospherehadbecomesocloseandsuffocatingthat

men,womenandchildrenrushedoutoftheirhousestobreathetheairoutside.Accustomed

astheinhabitantsMedinaweretotheoppressiveheatattimesexperiencedinthatoasis,they

couldnothelpremarkingthatonthisparticularevening,itwasnotonlytheheatthatwas

stiflingthembutsomethingbesides,inscrutable,inexplicable,unescapableandominous,

presagingandforebodingsomethingcalamitous.

ThoseoftheinhabitantsofMedinawhohadgoneoutofthetowntorestinthepalm‐grovesin

thesuburbssawacloudofdustrisinginthedistanthorizon.Whenthedusthadsettleddown,

theysawafewridersgallopingpost‐hastetowardsthecity.Theyoungmen,anxioustoknow

whotheriderswereandwhytheywereridingatsuchabreak‐neckspeed,mountedtheir

coltsandwentouttomeetthem.Whentheycameneartheriders,theyenquiredwhothey

wereandwhytheywereridingtheirsteedssofast.Theridersdidnotstoptheirchargersto

replytotheenquiriesbutrodeon,gesturingtothemtofollowthemtothecity,iftheyfelt

interestedtoknowwhattheyhadcometoheraldinMedina.Followingthishint,thoseyoung

mencalleduponalltheirfriendsandcompanionstoreturntothetowntohearthe

proclamationwhichthedispatch‐riderswereobviouslycarryingfromtherulersinDamascus.

AstheKing'scouriersenteredthelimitsofMedina,moreandmorepeoplejoinedthem.They

allfollowedthedispatchriderstothetomboftheProphet.Thetown‐crierwassentforbythe

GovernorofMedina,whohadalsorepairedtotheProphet'smosqueonlearningaboutthe

arrivaloftheKing'sheralds.Heorderedadrumtobebeaten,summoningallablebodied

citizenstogatheratthetomboftheProphetforhearingtheimportantannouncementandthe

proclamation.VerysoonahugethrongwascollectedandtheMosqueadjoiningthetombwas

packedtocapacity.Intheiranxietytohearthemomentousnews,peopleforgotthe

oppressiveheatandchokingclosenessoftheatmosphere.Deepdownwithinthemevery

man,womanandchildhadafeeling,ratheraforebodingthatsomethingcalamitouswasin

storeforthem;sometidingsofdisasterwerecomingtothem.

Whenthemosquewaspackedwithmen,womenandchildren,inaloudandstentorianvoice

theheraldfromDamascusproclaimed:"OpeopleofMedina,beitknowntoyouallthat

Husain,sonofAliandgrandsonoftheProphet,whohadleftMedinawithhiskithandkinand

followersandwhohadrefusedtooweallegiancetotheLeaderofFaithful,Yazid,sonof

Muawia,wasengagedinabattleontheplainsofKarbalaandheandhisfollowersand

supporterswereputtothesword.Hiswomenfolkweretakenprisonersalongwiththe

children.TheyweretakentoDamascus,withtheseveredheadsofHusainandhisfollowers,

andparadedthroughthestreetsofKufaandDamascussothattheirplightwouldserveasan

objectlessontothosewhomaydaretodefytheauthorityoftheRuler."Thecourtmessenger

pausedforawhiletoseetheeffectproducedbythisannounce¬ment.Thepin‐dropsilence

wasbrokenbytheheavingofsighswhichescapedthelipsofallthoseassembledthereasifin

unison.Manyburstintosobs.Severalladiesandchildrenshriekedandswooned.Anangry

outburstofremonstrationescapedthelipsofquiteafewvaliantones.Sensingthatitwas

necessarytonipalltroubleinthebud,themessengershoutedatthetopofhisvoicehis

commandtosilencethegathering.Onceagainpin‐dropsilencedescendedontheassembly

andtheheraldcontinued:"IamorderedbyYazidbinMuawiatoproclaimtoyouthathehas

separatelyconveyedtotheGovernorofMedinainstructionstoexterminatethoseofyouwho

inanyway,bywordsordeeds,showanyfeelingsorsympathyforHusainbinAli,grandsonof

theProphet,orthemembersofhisfamilyorhisfollowers,whateveryourrelationshipor

familytieswiththemmaybe.Anydisregardofthiswarningwouldnotonlyinvitedirest

consequencesandcalamityonthepersonshowingsuchrecalcitrancebutalsoonhisentire

family.Thepunishmentforanyexpressionofsupport,orevensympathy,forthepeopleofthe

Prophet'shousewillnotstopatthedeathofthepersonconcernedbutwouldleadtothe

extirpationofhisentirefamily."

Theominouswordsoftheking'semissaryrenderedtheaudiencedumbfounded.Theywere

allhushedintoaneeriesilenceasifsomemagicspellhadbeencastroundthem.Thesilence

wasonlyintermittentlybrokenbysomeuncontrollablesobsorstifledcriesofagony,

involuntarilyescapingthelipsofsomegrief‐strickenladies.TheGovernorofMedinaandthe

messengersfromDamascus,includingthepersonwhohadreadouttheproclamation,sat

silentlysurveyingthesituation.Theyappearedtobepleasedwiththeeffecttheirthreathad

producedontheassemblageandtheywerewaitingasiftolettheeffectfurthersinkintothe

heartsoftheterror‐strickenpeople.

Suddenlytheysawanagedlady,drapedinaveil,thrustingthroughthegatheringand

advancingtowardsthedaiswheretheGovernorandthemessengersfromDamascuswere

seated.Shewasholdingthehandofaladwhoappearedtobehardlyfiveorsixyearsold.She

waswalkingwithsuchdignifiedgaitthatallthefaceswereturnedtowardsherinawe.

Thelad,whosehandwasheldtightlybythevenerablelady,wasmakingeffortstofree

himselffromhergrip.Youngthoughhewas,heseemedtobepossessingextraordinary

strengthas,withalittleeffort,hewasabletoextricatehimselffromthefirmholdofthelady

andrunlikeagazellethroughthehushedmultitudetowardsthepodiumwheretheGovernor

andtheemissariesfromDamascuswereseated,studyingthereactionwhichtheir

pronouncementhadproducedonthegatheringwithafeelingofreliefandtriumph.Their

gazenowturnedinthedirectionoftheboywhowasheadingtowardsthem.Hejumpedon

theplatformandwithalookofexpectancyandinnocenceheaskedthepersonwhohadjust

readtheproclamation:"Hasmyfatherarrived?Whereishenow?"Theseabruptquestions,

whichwereshotattheannouncerinrapidsuccession,madehimpuckerhisbrowsinwonder

attheboldnessofthechild.Inparticularhewasamazedatthetonsinwhichthequestions

wereput,atoneofself‐assuranceandauthorityseldomtobeheardfromachildofsuch

tenderage.Asifhehadheardacommandwhichcalledforanimmediateresponse,hereplied;

"Mylad,beforeIreplytoyourquestions,justletmeknowwhoyouareandwhoisyour

father,aboutwhomyouareenquiring."

Asiftheboyconsideredthisquestionadisplayofignoranceorimpertinence,heraisedhis

chinfurtherandretorted:"Don'tyouknowmyfather?AreyounotanArabthatyoushow

ignoranceaboutmeandmyfamily?"Sayingthishe,withcharacteristicinnocence,turnedhis

facetothevastmultitudeofMedinitesthrongedthereandgesturingwithhissmallhandsand

pointingintheirdirection,hecontinued:"Askanyoneofthem,0strangertothecity,andthey

willtellyouIamFuzail,sonofAbbasStandard‐bearerofmyLordImamHusain'sarmyand

hismostbelovedbrother."WiththesewordsheturnedtowardstheGovernorofMedinawho

wasobservingwithdumbfoundedamazementtheboldnessofthechildsocharacteristicof

thefamilyofAliandhischildren.NonchalantlyaddressingtheGovernorhesaid,"Whydon't

youtellthismanwhoIamandwhomyfatheris?ByGod,whyishedelayinginreplyingtomy

question?"

Bythistimetheoldladyaccompanyingthischildhadreachedthedais.Whenhehadloosened

herholdonhishandandruntowardstheplatform,shehadquickenedherpace

apprehendingthatifthepeoplewhohadassembledinthemosquerosetodisperse,there

mightbeastampedewithconsiderabledangerofherchargebeingtrampledunderfoot.

Whenshesawthechildreachthedaiswithoutanymishap,shewasgreatlyrelieved.Stillshe

confinedheradvanceatabriskpace,fearingthatthechildmightbesubjectedtosomekindof

torturesbythesadisticGovernor.OnherwaytotheMosque,shehadheardthe

announcementaboutthemartyrdomofImamHusain.Onreachingthedaisshemountedit

andtookholdofthechild'shand.TurningtotheemissaryfromDamascusshesaid,"O

harbingerofbadtidings,tellmewhenHusainandhissonsandfollowerswerebutcheredby

thetyrantofDamascusandhishenchmen,wherewasmysonAbbas?Didhenotshedthelast

dropofhisbloodindefendingtheImamandhisfamily?Whereweremyothersons

MuhammadandUsmanandJaafar?HowcouldHusainandhissonsbebutcheredmercilessly

withmyfoursonstheretodefendthem?"Thesewordswerespokenbytheladyinaloud,

clear,ringingvoicewhichcouldbeheardfarandwideinthestillnessthathaddescendedon

thatgathering.Herwordshadanelectri¬fyingeffectonthecongregationandaninvoluntary

andspontaneoussighofadmirationescapedthelipsofthousands.

TheheraldfromDamascusregainedhiscomposureinthefractionofaminuteandturningto

theladyreplied:"DidyounothearmeproclaimthatallthekithandkinofHusain,his

brothers,hissons,hisnephewsandhisfollowers,wereallputtothesword?Whatmakesyou

thinkthatyoursonswerenotamongstthem?Foryouredificationletmeaddthatyoursons,

inparticularAbbas,putupafightthelikeofwhichhasnotbeenseeninthispartoftheworld

andwhichwillbetalkedaboutforalongtimetocome,whereverandwheneverdeedsof

braveryareadmiredanddiscussedbymen."

FatemaQalabiyaorUmmulBaneen,asshewaspopularlyknown,heardthesewordsin

silence.Foramomentshestaredwithglassyeyesasifsheweredumbstruck.Herfacebecame

ashenpale.Herlips,whichwereparcheddry,weremovingasiftosaysomethingbutno

wordsescapedfromthem.Shewasstaringhardasifshewasseeingsomesceneinhermind's

eye,akaleidoscope,themeaningofwhichshecouldnotpiecetogether.Sheneitherswooned

notutteredacry.HergrandsonFuzail,whowasbesideher,waslookingupintentlyatheras

ifhetoowerestruckbytheeviltidings.Heinstinctivelyfeltthathisgrandmother,inspiteof

herdesperateattempttocontrolhersurgingfeelings,wasovercomebygrief.Clutchingher

hands,hecried;"Grandmother,whathascomeoveryou?Whydon'tyousaysomething?Why

doyounottellthismanthatwhathesayscannotbetrue—thatnomanisbornwhocankill

myfatheranduncles,themostbrave,themostgallant,themostvaliantofmankind?"

UmmulBaneen'sreveriewasbrokenbythechild'surgentthoughinnocentpleadings.She

lookedroundtoseethatalleyeswererivetedonherandhergrandsonbesideher.Ina

momentshedecidedthatsheshouldnotdoanythingwhichmightinvokethepityofthe

assemblage.Shefeltthatsheowedittothememoryofherbravesonsnottosayordoathing

whichmightbeconstruedasweaknessofthemotherofonesofearless,boldandgallantas

Abbas.Shewouldratherfightabattlewiththegreatfeelingsofanguishwhichwereraging

withinher,feelingsofsorrowandindescribablegriefwhichonlyamothercanfeelonhearing

thenewsofthedeathofhersonsintheprimeoftheiryouth—notonesonbutfoursons

whomshehadbroughtupwithlovingandtendercareastheonlyhopeandsolaceofher

bleaklife,thelifeofawidow.

TighteninghergriponthehandofFuzailsheturnedawayandslowlydescendedthedais.Her

steps,whichwerefirmandfastwhenshehadascendedtheplatformalittlewhilebefore,

werenowslowandheavy.Shewaswalkingasifeverysteprequiredeffortonherpart.Her

headwasbowedandhergaitwasslow.Insteadofholdingthehandofthechildinherfirm

grip,shehadnowkeptitonhisshoulderasifsheneededtodosoforsupport.Alltheeyesin

thecongregationwerefollowingthevenerableladyassheandhergrandsonweretrudging

outoftheProphet'smosque.Manyofthemwerewonderingwhithershewasbound.Someof

them,solicitousabouthercondition,evenfollowedher,walkingarespectfuldistancebehind

her.Theassemblywasnowdispersing.Quiteafewwererushinghometoconveytheevil

tidingstheyhadreceivedtoothermembersoftheirfamilyandthoseoftheirfriendsand

acquaintanceswhocouldnotcometotheProphet'smosque.

UmmulBaneen,withFuzailtosupporther,slowlymadeherwaytoJannat‐ul‐Baqui,the

graveyardwhereFatima,theProphet'sdaughter,layburied.Assoonasshereachedthegrave

ofHusain'smother,UmmulBaneenflungherselfonitand,nolongerabletocontrolthe

feelingswhichweresurginginherheartsheburstout;"MyLady,Ihavecometoofferyou

condolencesonthemartyrdomofyourbelovedsonHusain.IdonotmournmysonsAbbas,

Muhammad,UsmanandJaafar,becauseIhadrearedthemfromtheirchildhoodtoregard

Husainastheirlordandmasterandtoliveforhimandtodieforhim."Withthesewordsshe

criedherheartouttounburdenhersoulwhichwaschokedwithgrief.Whensheslightly

regainedhercomposureshecontinued;"0myLady,myonlyconsolationisthatmybeloved

Abbas,andmyothersonsfoughtbravelytothelastindefenseofHusain.YoufromHeaven

musthaveseenthemeachdyingvaliantlyasgreatsonsofagreatfather."Fuzail,whostood

cryingbesideher,tuggedathersleevestosaythatquiteanumberofpeoplewerenow

gatheredroundthem.Shelookeduptoseethroughhertear‐filledeyesthatmostofthe

peoplewereweepingforher,sharingthesorrowsofamotherwhoseallhopesforthefuture

wereshatteredthatdaybythesadtidingsofnotonebutfourmartyrdomsofhersons.

WithajerkUmmulBaneenstraightenedupasifsomebodyhadremindedherofsomeduty

whichshehadtoperform.SherememberedthatFatemaSughra,thebeloveddaughterof

ImamHusainwhomhehadleftbehindinMedina,waslyingonhersick‐bed.Shefeltremorse

atnotgoingovertoherandconsolingher.Athoughtcrossedhermindthatifsomeothers

reachedherbeforeshedidandconveyedthesadnewsofthecarnageofKarbalaandtoldher

thatherfather,herbrothers,unclesandcousinshadallbeenputtothesword,shewould

succumbtotheshockofit.Sherealizedthatherfirstandforemostdutywastorushtoher

bed‐sideandtogentlybreakthenewstoherinthebestmannershecould,afterexplaining

theeventstothevenerableUmmeSalma,wifeoftheProphet,whowaslookingafterFatema

Sughraandtendingherinherillness.Thehighsenseofduty,whichhersonAbbashad

acquiredfromherinsuchlargemeasure,putanewspiritinhergrief‐strickenframe,from

whichthesadtidingsofthatdayhadonlyalittlewhileagosappedallthestrength.Sheonce

againtookholdofthechild'shandand,aftercastingalookaroundher,asiftoconveytothe

peoplewhowereassembledtherethat,deepashersorrowwas,shewasnotobliviousofthe

callofherduty,shewalkedawaybriskly.Fuzailwasgreatlysurprisedtoseethathis

grand¬mother,whoonlyafewminutesbeforehadbecomesobenumbedwithsorrowthat

shecouldhardlywalkwithheavystepsandneededtosupportherselfbyleaningonhisyoung

shoulders,wasnowrushingalong,almostrunning,anddragginghimintheprocess,asif

someonehadbeckonedtoher.Heknewthatanythoughtofadutytobeperformedalways

electrifiedthestepofthatvenerableoldlady.Inhischildishimaginationhewondered

whetherhisfatherorhisuncle,whohenowknewwereinheaven,hadbeckonedhertowards

sometaskwhichneededherattention.Helookedupatherwithenquiringeyes,tofindout

whyshewaswalkingsobriskly,sofast,buthisquestionfrozeonhislips.Hesawhis

grandmotherstaringsteadfastlywithglassyeyesfromwhichtearswererollingdownher

wrinkledcheeks.Forthefirsttimehesawwrinklesonthatface;forthefirsttimehesawher

hairgonegrey.

WhenUmmulBaneentooktheturningatthecross‐roads,Fuzailknewwhereshewas

hastening.Youngthoughhewas,heknewthatshewasrushingtowardsthehouseofImam

Husain,wheretheProphet'swidowUmmeSalmawasstayingwiththeailingdaughterofthe

Imam.Whenbothofthemreachedthehouse,UmmulBaneenlookedroundtoseethatsome

ladieswerestandingatalittledistancefromit,discussingsomething.Itdidnotrequiremuch

imaginationforhertosurmisethattheywerewonderinghowbesttobreakthenewsto

FatemaSughraandUmmeSalma.Shewasverymuchrelievedtoseethatshewasnottoolate

inperformingthisdelicatebutpainfuldutyofgentlyinformingthemaboutthenewsofthe

disasterthathadbefallenthefamilyoftheProphet.

WhentheladiesofMedinasawUmmulBaneen,theyhastenedtowardsherandoneofthem

conveyedtoherwhatshehadalreadyimaginedabouttheproblemwhichwasbafflingthem.

Sheverygentlythankedalltheladiesfortheirsolicitudeandrequestedthemnottovisit

FatemaSughra'shouseasshefearedthatthesightofailofthemvisitingthehousetogether

mightadministerashocktoher,whichshe,inherfailinghealth,mightnotbeabletobear.

Manyoftheladieswithsympathyandtearsofferedhercondolencesonthedeathofherfour

sons,allintheprimeofyouth,whomshehadlostinoneday.Thisreminderofhercolossal

lossopeneduptheghastlywoundsinherheartwhichshehadtriedtorepairwithalmost

super‐humancontrol.Thementionofhersons'namesrecalledtoherthescenebeforethis

veryhouse,inthisverystreet,whenoneaftertheothertheyhadcometobidhergoodbye.

Sherememberedhowaffectionatelyeachofthemhadhuggedherinthepartingembraceand

askedhertolook,afterherselfandtoremembertheminherdailyprayers.Sherecalledhow

everyday,onwakingupfromhersleep;shewouldwonderwheretheywereandwhenthey

wouldreturntobringbacklightandlifeintoherdrabanddrearyworld.Butnow,alas,those

fondhopeswerealldashedtotheground.Forhertherewasnothingleftbuttopassher

dismaldayswiththememoriesofhersons,fromthedayseachoneofthemsatonherlapand

askedhertorecountthedeedsofbraveryoftheirvaliantfather,theprowessandfeatsof

armsoftheirsirewhichhadbecomealmostlegendary,howshehadrecountedtothem,times

outofnumber,aboutthedevotionandattachmentoftheirfathertotheholyProphetandhow

shehadbeenexhortingthemtoimbidethesamespiritandemulatehisexample,notonlyin

thefeatsofarmsbutinhissenseofdutyanddevotionbysparingnothinginthecourseof

theirdutytowardstheirelderbrothersHasanandHusainwhomsheregardedwithutmost

reverenceandlovedwithdeepestaffection.

Allthispassedbeforethemind'seyeofUmmulBaneeninamatterofseconds.Assoonasthe

thoughtcrossedhermindthatallthatshehadinculcatedinhersonshadnotgoneinvainand

theyhadlivedanddied,truetoherteachings,shefeltareliefasifsomesoothingbalmhad

beenappliedtoherbleedingheart.Sheregainedhercomposureandbrushedasidehertears.

Sheprofoundlythankedalltheladieswhohadofferedhersympathiesandrequestedthemto

visitthehouseofImamHusainaftersometimetooffercondolencestoUmmeSalmaand

FatemaSughraaftershehadgentlyconveyedthesadtidingstothem.

WhenUmmulBaneenenteredtheroomofFatemaSughra,shesawherrestlesslytossingon

hercouchwithUmmeSalma,thevenerableoldwidowoftheProphet,sittingwithherhand

onSughra'sforehead.Seeingherenteringtheroom,FatemaSughrasatupinherbed,partly

outofrespectforhergrandmother,partlyinanticipationofreceivingsomenewsfromher.A

lookatthefaceofUmmulBaneenconveyedvolumestoher.Theraysofthesettingsunwere

lightingupthetear‐stainedwrinkledfaceofUmmulBaneenandthegreyhairthatshehadgot

thatday.FatemaSughrahadbeenseeinghergrandmotherdaily,theverypictureofrobust

healthandvitality.Thesightofher,standingbeforeher,agedandbentwiththecrushing

blowthatthenewshaddealttoher,madeSughrafeelthatherworstfearshadcometrue.Not

longago,shehadonenightdreamtinthemonthofMuharram,preciselyonthetenthnightof

thatmonth,thattheProphethadcometoherhouseandputhishandonherheadsoothingly,

muchaswascustomarytodofororphans.ShehadseentheProphetinherdreamwithhis

clothessoiledwithdustandhisbeardsmearedwithblood.Shehadgotupfromher

nightmarewithashriek.Atthatverymomentshehadseenhergrandmother,UmmeSalma,

gettingupfromherdreamwithshrieks.ShetoohaddreamtseeingtheProphetinasimilar

condition,tellingherthathehadjustreturnedfromtheplainofKarbalaafterseeinghis

belovedgrandsonHusainbeingmassacredwithhissons,brothers,nephewsandfaithful

friends.Bothofthemhadbecomepainfullyconsciousofsometerriblenewsreachingthem.

FatemaSughra'shealthhad,sincethatnight,takenaturnfortheworseandshehadalmost

becomebed‐riddennow.Asecondlookathergrandmother'sfaceconvincedherthather

worstforebodingshadcometrue,thatshewasseeinginrealitywhatthedreamhadprepared

herfor.UmmeSalma,withthewisdomofheryears,couldverywellimaginewhatnews

UmmulBaneenhadcometobreaktothem.Thereisnowaythatcanbetermedgentlein

breakingnewsofsuchastupendousdisaster.Sheonlyexchangedonemeaningfulglancewith

UmmulBaneenandunderstoodwhathadhappened.ButFatemaSughrawithgreatefforts

criedoutinagonyofhersoul;"Grandmother,forthesakeofGodtellmethetruth.Ismy

fatherkilled?AremydearbrothersAliAkbarandAliAsghar,mylovinguncles,allkilled?Isit

truethatIshallneverbeabletoseetheminthisworld?"Sayingthisshe,foramoment,

beseechinglylookedintotheeyesofUmmulBaneen.Shetriedtosaysomethingbutnowords

escapedherparchedlips;theyonlyquiveredspeechlessly.Butthebigwarmtearsrolling

downhercheeks,whichwereglisteringintheraysofthesettingsun,andthenodofherhead,

conveyedthereplytoFatimaSughra.Thegriefwastoogreatforherfrailbodyandafflicted

mindtobear.Withonegaspshefellunconsciousonthebed.UmmeSalmaandUmmul

BaneenforthemomentforgottheirowngriefandturnedtowardsFatemaSughralestshe

mayalsoleavethenjoinherfatherandbrothersandunclesinheavenNowboththese

venerableladieswereconcernedaboutthischargeleftwiththemandtheirthoughtsturned

towardstheladiesofImamHusain'shousewhohadaccompaniedhimtoKarbala.Theyboth

wonderedwheretheywere,whathadbefallenthem,andwhentheywouldreturntotellthem

abouttheeventsofthatbleakdaythathadseensuchgoryevents.

Themoonwasalmostsetting,castingitsdyingraysonthewatersoftherivuletAlQumaand

thefewtentsthatwerepitchedonitsbanks.Besidesthesetents,therewereafewgraves

whichwerescatteredoversomedistance,providingtheonlylandscapewhichthelunar

beamscouldlightupdimly.Thestillnessofthenightwasalmostsuffocating.Theonlynoise

thatcouldbeheardformilesaroundwasthechirpingofthenightinsectsandthe

monotonousripplingofthewatersofthestream.Intheeerieatmospherethatwaspervading

theplainonecouldalmostimaginethatthewatersoftherivuletweresingingadirge,

recountingthemournfuleventsofthedaythathadseenthedeathofthosewholayburiedin

thenearbygraves.

Suddenlytherewasastirinoneofthetents,asifsomebodyhadbeenawakenedfromhis

sleep.Theflapofthetentwasliftedandanoldman,walkingwithabentbackandsupporting

himselfonastaff,cameoutofitfollowedbyayoungpersonwhoapparentlywashisvaletor

orderly.Slowlyheadvancedtowardstheothertentsand,standingafewpacesaway,shouted

fortheinmatesoftheothertentstocomeout.Apparentlytheoldmanwasspeakingwitha

toneofauthorityas,hearinghisvoice,theotherpersonssleepinginthetentsrushedout

showingobviousconcernforhissafetyandwelfare.Heseemedtobetheirleaderorchieftain

astheyreverentiallyaddressedhimwithbentheads.Oneofthesepersons,whoperhapswas

closertohim,afriendifnotabloodrelation,andquiteadvancedinage,camehurriedlyto

wheretheoldmanwasstandingandsaid,"OJaber,whatisthematterwithyouthatyou

wokeupsoearlybeforethebreakofdawn?MayAllahblessyouandyournoblerevered

father,weallfeltfrightenedbythethoughtthatsomeillnesshadcometoyouorsomepain

hadawakenedyoufromyoursleep.Praytellusthecauseofyourperturbation,ifitisnot

connectedinanywaywithyourhealth."

TheoldmanwasnootherthanJaberIbnAbdullaAnsari.Hehad,onhearingaboutthe

martyrdomofImamHusainandhiscompanionsandtheimprisonmentandhumiliationofthe

survivingmembersofhisfamily,hastenedtowardsKarbalawithhisdevotedfriendsand

followers.HehadheardthatthebodiesofthemartyrsofKarbalawereleftwithoutanyburial.

HerecalledonhearingthisthatlongagotheProphetofIslamhadtoldhimthat,afterthe

martyrdomofhisbelovedgrandsonHusain,hewouldparticipateinthedutyofburyingthe

headsofthemartyrsonthebanksofAlQuma,atributaryoftheEuphrates.Onreaching

KarbalahesawthattheBaniAsad,whowerehavingtheirnomadiccampssomedistance

awayfromKarbala,hadcoveredthebodieswithsandtoprotectthemfromravagesbutno

properburialhadbeengiventothemartyrs.JaberIbnAbdullaAnsari,withthehelpofhis

friends,preparedthegravesofthemartyrs.HeburiedImamHusainandnexttohisgravehe

putthebodiesofhistwobelovedsons,AliAkbarandAliAsghar.HeputthebodyofHabib

IbneMazahirinagravealittledistanceawayfromImamHusain's.Perhapsindoingsohe

recalledthatinlifeHabibIbneMazahirusedtostandbehindImamHusain,withhisarms

foldedandheadreverentiallybent.HeimaginedthatevenindeathHabibmightliketostand

asasentrynearthegraveofhisImamandbelovedmaster.Hehadtriedtoshiftthebodyof

Abbastotheareawheretheothergraveswerepreparedbuthedidnotdosofeeling

somewhatbaffledastowhyImamHusainhadleftthebodybythesideoftheriverinsteadof

bringingitovertowheretheotherbodieslay.Hewassurethattheremustbesomegood

reasonforit,somerealpurposebehindit.HewonderedwhetherImamHusainhadleftthe

bodyofAbbasneartherivertobringhomesomespecialassociationofhismartyrdomwith

theflowingwatersoftheriver.Heevenimaginedthatwhenhewasthinkingofdisinterring

thebodyofAbbasforshiftingitnearerthegravesoftheothermartyrs,thewatersofthe

streamwereraisingamurmurofprotest,asifwantinghimtobeburiedthereasareminder

ofsomesignificantrolehismartyrdomhadonthebankoftheriver.HethenpreparedAbbas's

gravewherehelayinterred.

JaberIbnAbdullaAnsarihadtoscourawideareatotracethegravesofsomeofthemartyrs.

HefoundthebodiesofAunandHurburiedquiteadistanceawayfromthemainfieldof

battle.WhenheaskedthemenofBaniAsadtribethereasonforHurbeingburiedsofaraway

fromthebattlefield,oneoftheireldersrepliedthat,asincaseofalltheothermartyrs,Imam

HusainhadhimselfbroughtthebodyofHurtothemortuaryfromtheplacewherehehad

fallenandplacedittherewithhisownhands.However,theoldmantoldhim,hehadheard

fromsomeofthesoldiersofYazid'sarmythat,whenthebattlewasoveranditwasdecided

byAmrIbneSaad,CommanderoftheforcesofYazid,thatallthemartyrs'bodiesshould,be

trampledunderthehoofsofhorses,thesoldierswhowereunderthecommandofHurhad

protestedvehementlyand,almostinastateofrevolt,warnedhimthat,ifanyactionwas

takentodespoilordesecratethebodyofHur,theywould,oneandall,fighttothelast.

Accordingtotheoldman,thishaddeterredAmrIbneSaad,whofearingamutinyinhisarmy,

hadaskedtheserebellioussoldiersofHur'sbattaliontoburyhiscorpsewithfullmilitary

honours.ThesoldierswhowereunderHur'scommandhadtakenawayhisbodyforburiala

gooddistanceawaysothatevenhisgravecouldnotberavagedbythepredators.Seeingthis

boldnessonthepartofHur'ssoldiersinrescuinghisdeadbodyfromdepredation,many

othersoldiers,whohadanyrelationship,evenremote,withanyofthefollowersoftheImam,

cameforwardtoclaimthedeadbodiesoftheirrelationssoastosavethemfrombeing

ravagedandtrampledunderthehoofsofthechargers.Eventhehard‐heartedShimrhadthe

brazen‐facednesstosaythat,accordingtoArabcustom,hewouldclaimprotectionforthe

deadbodiesofAbbasandhisthreebrotherswhoweredistantlyrelatedtohimthroughtheir

mother,lesthemightincurthecontemptofhiscontemporariesandcolleaguesfor

disregardingthetiesofbloodandnotprotectingthecorpsesofhisrelations.

WhenJaberIbnAbdullaheardthisstory,heweptbitterlyaskingwhethertherewasnotasoul

amongstthehordesofYazidonthatdaytosaythatHusainwasthegrandson,themost

belovedchild,oftheProphet,andhedeservedtheirrespect,ifnotinlife,atleastindeath,on

accountofhistiesofbloodwiththeProphetwhomtheyclaimedtorevereasthelast

messengerofGod?CouldnotanyofthemshowrespectfortherelationshipofHussainwith

theProphetwhentheywerevyingwithoneanotherinsavingthecorpsesofeventheir

distantkindredfromdespoiling!

JaberIbnAbdullaAnsariexplainedtohisfriendsandcompanionsthatthereasonwhyhehad

awakenedthemsoearlythatmorningwasthatinhisdreamhehadseentheHolyProphet

whohadtoldhimthatthecaptives'caravan,comprisingAliZainalAbedeen,hisinfantson

Muhammad,AlBakir,Husain'ssistersZainabandUmmeKulsumandotherladiesofthe

Prophet'sfamilyweretoreachKarbalathatmorning.TheProphethadaskedhimtogo

forwardtogreetthemandtoconveytothemhisSalaamsandcondolences.Hetoldhisfriends

thathehadawakenedafterthisandhewantedthemtoaccompanyhimsothattheycouldgo

forwardtoreceivethecaravanandplayhoststothefamilyoftheProphet.

Bythistimethefirststreakofdawnwasvisibleontheeasternhorizon.Oneoftheentourage

ofJabirrecitedthecalltoprayersandallofthemofferedtheirmorningprayersandthanked

AlmightyAllahforgivingthemtheopportunityofbeingnotonlythefirstpilgrimsatthe

gravesofthemartyrsofKarbala,butalsothefirstonestogreetthefamilyofthePropheton

theirreturnvisittotheland,renderedsacredbytheholybloodofthemartyrs.

Nosoonerhadtheyfinishedtheprayersthantheysawacloudofdustrisinginthedistant

horizon,indicatingtheapproachofacaravan.Jaberandhisfriendsrodetheirmountsto

receiveandwelcometheProphet'sfamily.Assoonastheywereatahailingdistance,theygot

downfromtheirsteedsand,withprofoundrespect,offeredtheirsalutationtoImamAli

ZainalAbedeen.JaberIbnAbdullahAnsariwentovertotheImamand,holdingthebridleof

hishorse,respectfullyledhimtowardshiscamponthebanksoftheriverwiththerestofthe

caravanfollowingthem.HetoldtheImamaboutthepurposeofhisvisittoKarbala,whathe

hadseenandheardduringhishaltthere,andwhathehaddone.Healsorespectfullyenquired

fromImamAliZainalAbedeenaboutthetreatmentmetedouttohimandtheladiesofthe

Prophet'sfamily.Whenthisquestionwasputtohim,theImamweptsilentlyforquitesome

timeandthensoftlyreplied;"0Jaber,itisastoryofsufferingswhichwillbewritteninblood

andtearsforfuturegenerationstoread!WhatsufferingsshallIrecounttoyouwhichwe

enduredafterthegreattragedyhere?Theydefydescription."

WhentheladiesofImamHusain'sfamilysawthegravesoftheirdearones,theyfelloneby

onefromtheircamels,overcomebygriefandsorrow.Eachonerushedtowardsthegraveof

herson,brother,fatherorhusband.ZainabdartedstraighttowardsthegraveofImam

Husain,UmmeLailafellonthegraveofAliAkbar,UmmeFarwaswoonedonthetombof

QasimandUmmeRababelapsedthetinygraveofherinfantAliAsghar.UmmeQulsumlooked

lostforawhileasifshewassearchingforsomethingandshehastened,afteralittlethought,

towardsthedistantgravebytherivulet,wheretheflowingwatersweresingingadirgeonthe

martyrdomofherbelovedbrotherAbbas.Eachladypouredherheartoverthegraveofher

dearestdepartedrelation,narratingallthesufferingsshehadendured.Zainabwasheardto

sayonImamHusain'sgrave:"Mybelovedbrother,IhavereturnedtoyoubutwithoutSakina,

whomyouhad,atthetimeofdeparting,entrustedtomycare.Mydearestbrother,your

belovedSakinaboreallthesufferingsmutelyandwithfortitudetillshecouldnolonger

endurethemandsurrenderedhersoultoherMaker.Forgiveme,mydearbrother,ifI

falteredinanywayinfulfillingthemissionyouentrustedtome."

ImamAliZainalAbedeenwatchedsilentlyforsometimetheheart¬rendingscene,withtears

streamingdownhischeeks.Whenhesawthatalltheladieshadlightenedtheirhearts,ifthat

couldeverbedone,byrecountingtheirwoesandsufferings,hewentovertoeachofthem

andpersuadedthemtoleavethegravessothathe,assistedbyJabirIbnAbdullahAnsariand

hisfriends,couldburytheseveredheadsofthemartyrswhichhehadbroughtwithhimall

thewayfromDamascus.Withagreatdealofpersuasionhesucceededinmakingtheladiesdo

ashehadrequested.AfterwashingtheheadsofthemartyrsinthetributaryofEuphrateshe

buriedeachheadwiththebodyto'whichtbelonged.Thistaskaccomplished,heaskedhis

auntZainabastowhatsheintendedtodo.Sherepliedthat,muchasshewouldhaveliketo

remainnearthegraveofherdearestbrothersHusainandAbbas,herAliAkbar,AliAsghar,

Qasimandherownsons,AunandMuhammad,sherememberedthepartingwishofImam

HusainthatsheshouldreturnwiththefamilytoMedina.Forherthiswishwasacommand

whichshehadtoobey.Summoningupallhercourageandcontrollingheroverpowering

feelingsshemadepreparationstoleaveKarbalaontheverynextdaytoresumethe

homewardjourney.

Asonthe11thofMuharraminthefatefulyear61A.H.,onthisdayalsoZainabwas

performingthedutyofassistingeachladyofthehousetomounthercamel.Muchastheother

ladiesprotestedthatitwasalmostsacrilegiousforthemtoletherperformthistask,when

theyweretheretohelpothersandZainab,shewouldnotlistentothemandinsistedon

performingthisduty,sayingthatitwaspartofhermissiontodowhatshehaddoneonce

before,atthisveryplace,afterthecarnage.

Whenalltheladieshadmountedtheircamels,Zainabwentovertoseewhethertheywere

comfortable.ShecouldnotfindUmmeRababonhercamelandsoshestartedlookingforher.

ShefoundherlyingprostratenearthegraveofherchildAliAsghar.Zainabwentovertoher

andgentlysplashedwateronherfacetoreviveher.Whenshecameto,shelookedatZainab

andimploringlysaid;"MyLady,leavemetomyfateheresothatImaydiehereandbeburied

bythegravesofmychildandmylord.WhatisthereinMedinaformetoreturnto?Myone

belovedchildIlosthereandtheotherinDamascus.Whatdoeslifeholdformeaftermylosing

allthatIhelddearinlifeandlivedfor?"

ItrequiredgreateffortsonZainab'sparttoconvinceUmmeRababthatImamHusainwould

havelikedhertoaccompanytheotherstoMedina.Sheatlastsucceededandmadehermount

hercamel.ThecaravanproceededwithBashirIbnJazlamleadingtheprocession,withablack

bannerinhishandandablackshawlroundhisnecktoindicatethatthemournerswere

boundontheirhomewardjourney.Eachladywascastingalonging,lingeringlookbehindto

seethegravesofherbelovedson,brother,nepheworhusbandunderthebakingsunof

Nainevah.

ThepainfullyslowjourneyofthecaptivesofKarbala,likeailmundanethings,cametoanend,

withtheirarrivalinMedinaonthe8thofRabiulAwwal.WithBashirIbnJazlamsingingthe

dirgeofthemartyrs'sufferingstotheaccompanimentofthemoansandsobsofthebereaved

family,thecaravanenteredtheoutskirtsofMedina.LargethrongsofpeopleofMedinahad

comeouttomeetthefamilyoftheProphetandofferthemcondolences.Whatacontrastit

presentedtothesceneinMedinaonthe28thofRajjabintheyear60A.H.whenthisvery

samefamilyhadleftMedinaontheirill‐fatedjourney!Fewoftheladiesonthisdayhadany

childrenintheirarmsorbytheirside.Therewerenoyouthsridingbesidethemwithairsof

hopeandconfidence,beamingwithvivacity,radianceandthejoyoflife.Insteadtheveiled

facesofladiesboredeepmarksofsorrow,wrinklesandfurrowswhichdepictedsufferings

toodeepforwords,whichnoofferingofcondolencescouldalleviate,noexpressionof

sympathycouldmitigate.

ImamAliZainalAbedeenreverentiallyaskedhisauntZainabwhethershewantedtogotoher

housewithalltheladiestomeetthelargethrongofsympathizerswhowereassembledthere

tocondolethedeathofthemartyrs.She,however,desiredthatsheshouldfirstbetakento

thetomboftheProphet.ReachingthegraveoftheProphet,sheflungherselfonitand,froma

bundlewhichshewascarrying,shetookouttheblood‐stainedgarmentofherbrotherwhich

hewaswearingatthetimehewasbeheaded.Shereverentiallyputitonthegraveofher

grandfatherand,withonesuppressedcryofanguish,shecollapsedunconscious.Themuffled

crysheutteredexpressedallthepentupemotionsthatweresurginginherwoundedand

bleedingheart,muchmorethananywordscouldhaveexpressed.

TheladiesofBaniHashim,ledbyUmmulBaneenandFatemaSugrahadbynowgathered

roundherandtheotherladiesoftheImam'sfamily.Theyalldidtheirbesttoreviveher.

Whenshecameto,shethankedallthosewhowereprofuselyofferingher,andtheother

ladies,theirsympathiesandcondolencesandmourningovertheirsufferings.Supportedby

UmmulBaneen,motherofAbbas,andFatemaSugra,shegotup.Sheinherturnofferedto

UmmulBaneenhercondolencesonthedeathofherfourbravesonsinthedefenseofthe

Imamandthecausehestoodfor.ShethenpickedupthebloodstainedshirtofHusainfrom

thegraveoftheProphetand,withfalteringsteps,walkedovertothegrave‐yardnearby

wherelayburiedhermotherFatimaZahraandherbelovedImamHasanAlMujtaba.When

shereachedhermother'sgrave,sheputtheblood‐soakedgarmentofImamHusainonitand,

fallingonthegraveandclaspingitwithbothhands,shecried:"Mother,yourZainabhascome,

comealonetogiveyouthetidingofyourson'smartyrdom,oftheruinationofyourhouse."

Shecontinuedafterawhile:"Omother,howcanIconveytoyouwhatindignitiesIhave

suffered,whatinsultsIhaveendured,whatbrutalitiesIhavebeensubjectedto!ShallIshow

youthemarksoftheropesthatweretiedsohardastocutintomyflesh?"Sayingthisshe

uncoveredherhandswhererawfleshwasvisibleasaresultofthecutsinflictedbythefetters

tiedonthemduringthedaysofherincarceration.Shecontinuedtomoan:"Omother,doI

havetoshowyouwhatthetyrants'whipshavedonetoourbacks?DoIhavetonarratetoyou

whatyourbelovedHusainandhissonsandnephewsandbrothers,intheprimeoftheir

youth,sufferedbeforetheirmartyrdom?No,Iknowthatyouwerewithusinspiritduringall

ourordeals,evenwhenmybelovedSakinausedtocrywiththirstorunderthelashingof

Shimr.YouweretherewhenwemournedandburiedSakinainhertinygraveintheprisonof

Damascus.Mybelovedmother,Zainabhasfulfilledherappointedtaskbybringingbackthe

captives'caravantoMedina.Nowcallmebacktoyourself,sothatmywearybodyandsoul

mayrest,mayrestinpeacewhichIhavenotknownforalong,longtime."

Zainab'srecountingofsufferingsandoutpouringofherheart,werebringingforthtorrentsof

tearsfromtheeyesofallwhowerenearheronthatday—muchastheirnarrationdoeseven

today,aftermorethan1300years.