Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Alhassanain (p) Network for Islamic Heritage and Thought

TearsFor Karbala

Author (s): Liakat Dewji

www.alhassanain.org/english

Table of Contents

Preface 3

Majlis 1: Majaalis al-Husayn 8

Why do we hold these Majaalis? 8

Majlis 2: Arrival In Karbala’ 10

Majlis 3: Janabe John 12

Majlis 4: Janabe Hurr 15

Majlis 5: Habib Ibn Mazaahir 18

Majlis 6: ‘Aun & Muhammad 21

Majlis 7: Hazrat Qasim 25

Majlis 8: Hazrat ‘Abbas 28

Majlis 9: Hazrat ‘Ali Akbar 32

Majlis 10: Hazrat ‘Ali Asghar 36

The Night of ‘Ashura’ on the Land of Karbala’ 36

Majlis 11: Imam Husayn 41

Majlis 12: Shaam al-Ghariba 46

Preface

This book is my attempt to present our children with traditional majaalis of twelve days of Muharram as recited for generations by Zakirs and Zakeeras.

The story of the Martyrs of Karbala’ is described in more detail than one would find normally in history books of Karbala’. The events of Karbala’ are described differently by different Zakirs and Zakeeras, who convey them in their individual styles. The important point to grasp is that the Martyrs of Karbala’ sacrificed their lives willingly with one aim only – to please Allah (s.w.t.) and to save Islam. They died in battle, but by doing so they achieved the biggest victory in the history of mankind. They were victorious in saving Islam and destroying the evil way of life promoted by Yazid.

The book is written in clear and simple English so that children can understand it with ease. I also hope that the youths will find it informative too. In the introduction, I have briefly summarised the events before, on and after ‘Ashura’ day. The first two majaalis describe the concept of majaalis and the arrival of Imam Husayn's caravan in Karbala’. The next ten majaalis describe in detail the way some of the martyrs were killed mercilessly on the day of ‘Ashura’.

I am grateful to Mulla Mohsin Ja’far, Mohamed and Layla Dawood, Hassanain Kara and my secretary Nicky Busby, for their help in producing this book. I am also indebted to my family for their help and patience while I was working on this project. My wife Gulzar helped me translate the Urdu recordings. My children, ‘Ali, Zishaan and Sofia, read the draft and encouraged me that by reading the book both children and youths would understand and mourn the tragedy of Karbala’.

I hope Allah (S.W.T.) accepts this small service for it is only He who gave me the energy and will to produce this book.

Liaket Dewji

Introduction

The evil seeds which lead to the tragedy of Karbala’ were planted years before by Muawiya's cunning, who ruled over Muslims for twenty years.

Muawiya was an evil ruler. He was the son of Abu Sufyan and Hinda who, both, were the arch enemies of the Holy Prophet. Muawiya and his father became Muslims when they were left no alternative but to accept Islam.

When Hazrat ‘Ali became Khalifa, he dismissed Muawiya and other Governors for corruption and anti-Islamic behaviour.

Soon after the death of Hazrat ‘Ali, Muawiya, using methods of bribery and treachery, succeeded in becoming the Khalifa.

Muawiya was not interested in Islam. He only used slam for his power and glory. He broke the laws of Islam. When any saying of the Holy Prophet did not suit him, he ordered it to be struck off all records. He made up ahadith to favour him and his policies.

Muawiya hated Hazrat ‘Ali and his family. Under his Rule, Sh'ias were put to death or thrown into prisons just because they were followers of Hazrat ‘Ali and his family. Muawiya died in 60 A.H.

Before his death, he appointed Yazid, his son, as the next Khalifa. Yazid was even worse than his father. He was an evil ruler and openly mocked Islam. He was often drunk and sang songs which made jokes of Salaat, the Holy Prophet and his family.

The difference between Yazid and his fatherMuawiya, was that Muawiya used Islam for his personal glory while Yazid was determined to destroy Islam.

As soon as Yazid became Khalifa, he wrote to his Governor in Medina to ask Imam Husayn to do the impossible. He was asking the Imam to accept him as the Khalifa of Islam.

Imam Husayn could not even consider accepting such an evil man, Yazid, who openly broke the laws of Islam and was determined to destroy Islam, as the Khalifa.

It was not a matter of pride or Husayn's right to Khilafat. Accepting Yazid as a Khalifa would mean Imam approved of his way of life and this would have meant a definite end to Islam.

How can a grandson of the Holy Prophet, son of ‘Ali and Fatimah, allow that to happen?

It was Imam's duty to defend and save Islam. He refused to accept Yazid as a Khalifa of Islam. Yazid was full of anger and planned to have the Imam killed in Medina.

By staying in Medina, Imam would have the advantage of having all his own relatives as well as the people of Medina fighting on his side.

After consultations with his family and companions, he decided to leave Medina and move to the Holy City of Mecca.

Why did he leave Medina when he had 'home advantage'?

This is because he did not want to put his friends in Medina in the danger of being killed. Secondly, although Yazid may be defeated, history would look upon the battle in Medina between Yazid and Husayn as a battle for Khilafat. Even if Yazid were to be killed, the injustice, oppression and un-Islamic way of life which Muawiya and Yazid promoted would not die.

Imam Husayn's promise and mission was to destroy the way of life that these two evil men had started, to destroy Islam. By staying in Medina and fighting with Yazid he would have not achieved this. This is why he decided to leave Medina.

On 28th Rajab 60 A.H., Imam Husayn’s caravan left Medina with his family, his sisters, Bibi Zainab and Bibi Kulthoom, his brother ‘Abbas, a few other relatives and a number of faithful companions.

On 4th Shabaan, Husayn's caravan reached Mecca. Imam had not yet made up his mind on where to go from here. For the time being he decided to stay in Mecca at least until the month of Dhul-Hajj and to perform the duty of Hajj.

To keep the sanctity and grace of the Holy Ka’aba, the bloodshed of any human life had been prohibited by the Holy Prophet. But did Yazid care about the Holy Prophet's sayings?

While in Mecca, Imam Husayn received many letters and messages from the people of Kufa persuading him to go to Kufa.

Imam decided to send Hazrat Muslim Ibn Aqeel, his cousin, to Kufa to study the situation there and report to Imam.

As Hazrat Muslim was preparing for the journey, Imam Husayn went to him and said:

“Muslim, the whole world knows that you are one of the bravest warriors. It is just possible that seeing you in Kufa, some people may think that our intention is to fight Yazid. Take your two sons, Mohamed and Ibrahim with you. When they see you with your young children, they will know that our intentions are peaceful”.

Hazrat Muslim and his two young sons left Mecca. They arrived in Kufa towards the end of Dhul-Qaad. They were received well by the people of Kufa. Thousands of people appeared before Hazrat Muslim.

They pledged their allegiance to Imam Husayn as their Imam. They wanted him to teach them the contents of the Holy Qur’an and true sayings and traditions of the Holy Prophet.

People of Kufa had long suffered under Muawiya and they feared even greater suffering under Yazid. They knew that the greed for power and glory of these two men was slowly destroying the true Islam.

Hazrat Muslim reported back to Imam Husayn that most of the people in Kufa wanted him as their Imam to guide them and also advised him to come to Kufa.

Yazid had spies in Kufa. He heard from them, about invitation to Imam Husayn and the arrival of Hazrat Muslim in Kufa.

Being an evil man, Yazid was full of anger, and he replaced the Governor of Kufa with one of his own men - Ibn Ziyad. Ibn Ziyad was told to arrest Muslim and kill him and do all that was necessary to suppress the Shi'as in Kufa.

Ibn Ziyad was a cruel and unjust man. As soon as he arrived in Kufa, he threatened the people of Kufa with death punishment if they were found to engage in any activity against Yazid. He ordered them to surrender Hazrat Muslim to him.

On 8th Dhul-Hajj, soldiers of Ibn Ziyad arrested Hazrat Muslim.

He was chained and dragged to the Court of Ibn Ziyad. He then ordered Hazrat Muslim to be taken to the roof of the palace to be killed, and his body thrown to the ground.

Hazrat Muslim was dragged up the steps. He was killed and his body was thrown to the ground.

Hazrat Muslim's head was cut off and hung on the City gate to remind and scare the people of Kufa.

Hazrat Muslim's two sons, Muhammad and Ibrahim, were also arrested and killed mercilessly.

In the meantime, Imam Husayn and his companions in Mecca were preparing to perform the duty of Hajj when his friends in Mecca informed him that Yazid's men were planning to have him and his followers murdered during the Hajj.

Imam Husayn did not wish the House of Allah to be turned into a battlefield. Therefore, he decided to leave Mecca without performing Hajj.

On 8th Dhul-Hajj, the very day on which Hazrat Muslim was murdered inKufa, Imam Husayn's caravan left Mecca. Imam Husayn did not know of Hazrat Muslim's death.

The journey was made on camels and horses. The weather was extremely hot at that time of year. The Imam, his children, ladies and friends suffered great hardship during the journey.

During the journey, Imam learned of the death of Hazrat Muslim and the cruel way in which he had been killed.

When Yazid came to know that Imam Husayn was heading towards Kufa, he immediately sent Hurr, at the time one of his army commanders to stop the Imam from joining his followers in Kufa.

Hurr, with 1,000 horsemen, met Imam Husayn and his companions at a place a few miles outside Kufa.Hurr and his men forced the Imam to take the road to Karbala’ which was situated on the banks of the River Euphrates (River Furaat).

Imam Husayn could have fought Hurr and his soldiers and forced his way into Kufa, but it was not Imam Husayn's intention to start any battle.

On 2nd Muharram, 61 A.H., the Imam, his family and his faithful companions arrived in Karbala’. Yazid's armies had already arrived in the area long before the Imam's arrival. It was a huge army consisting of thousands of soldiers.

By the 7th of Muharram, Yazid's army had increased further in number. Now there were 20,000 of Yazid's soldiers surrounding Imam Husayn's 72 men from all comers. They were scattered over miles on the sands of the river bank.

On the 7th of Muharram, Yazid's soldiers were told to guard the bank of the River Euphrates so that Imam Husayn, his family and companions could not take any water.

Heat was intense in the desert and hot winds blew all day. Imam's family and friends suffered without water and food for three days.

On the 10th of Muharram, 61 A.H., the battle took place. One-by-one all the Imam's men were martyred except our 4th Imam ‘Ali Zainul Abideen who was very ill at that time and could not take part in the battle.

After the battle was over, Yazid's soldiers set fire to the Imam's tents and looted the camp. They even took the veils away from the Holy ladies. They beat the children and took away all their belongings. They snatched and pulled away Bibi Sakina's earrings and let her little ears bleed for a long, long time.

The Shi'ashold a majlis every day for the twelve days of Muharram. We remember, cry and do matam for the brave martyrs of Karbala’.

The story of a brave martyr of Karbala’ is recited on each day of the twelve days.

Thanks to Imam Husayn, his family and his faithful friends. Their great sacrifice in Karbala’, saved Islam, our great religion.

Majlis 1: Majaalis al-Husayn

Surah al-Fatiha

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

Today is the first night of Muharram - the start of a new Islamic year.

We do not greet it with merry-making, nor celebrate it by holding parties. Our hearts are filled with sadness and grief because we remember those martyrs who were killed in Karbala’.

For the next twelve days and nights, we hold Majaalis al-Husayn to mourn the death of Imam Husayn, his family and companions.

The word 'majaalis' means seatings where people gather and sit.

In Majaalis of Muharram, we recall the events of the martydom of Imam Husayn, his family and companions, and the hardship and suffering of those in his family who survived the tragedy of Karbala’.

The first Majlis al-Husayn was started by his sister, Bibi Zainab, as soon as they were set free by Yazid. Since then all the Imams and Shi'as have continued the Majaalis al-Husayn regularly.

Why do we hold these Majaalis?

To thank Imam Husayn, his family and companions for the great sacrifice in Karbala’ for saving us and Islam. We hold these Majaalis because we love our Imam and feel sad to hear about his hardship and suffering in Karbala’, and also to comfort and please Bibi Fatimah - Imam Husayn's mother.

Bibi Fatimah comes to Majaalis al-Husayn. Though we cannot see her, she prays for us and our families' safety. She collects our tears when we cry for Imam Husayn and his family. On the Day of Judgement she will return all those tears we have shed for her family. These tears will protect us from the Fire of Hell.

I would like you to think about what I have just said.

Examine your deeds and see if they are good enough for you to face Bibi Fatimah on the Day of Judgement. If you are not praying your wajib Salat (Prayer) regularly, how would you be able to face Bibi Fatimah on the Day of Judgement?

You have come to the Majaalis al-Husayn because you are thankful for what Husayn did to save your religion. You cry and do matam for Husayn because you love him. If you really love someone then you surely want to please him.

How can you please Husayn if you are not praying Salaat regularly?

Majaalis al-Husayn will continue till the Day of Judgement.

It is not because of us. We are the only means through which Allah (S.W.T.) keeps Husayn's great sacrifice alive. Husayn died saving Allah's religion and Allah (S.W.T.) has promised to keep alive Husayn's name and his great sacrifice, till the Day of Judgement.

Majaalis al-Husayn! Matam al-Husayn!

Enemies of Islam can never stop majaalis and matam, even if they try thousands of times to do so.

On the 1st of Muharram, Imam Husayn's caravan had reached just outside Karbala’. They pitched their tents for the night.

Husayn and his sister, Zainab, were standing talking outside Husayn's tent.

Together they both sighted the moon of 1st of Muharram.

Tears flowed from Husayn's eyes.

Zainab grew worried and asked her brother:

“My dearest brother Husayn, why are there tears in your eyes?”

“Zainab! My sister Zainab! Please pray for me that I keep my promise to Allah (S.W.T.). Pray, mysister, that I succeed in completing my mission to save Islam. Zainab! Pray for me that I do not hesitate in giving up my life for Islam.”

Husayn was not crying because he was worried about dying. Husayn did not ask his sister to pray to Allah (S.W.T.) to save his life. All he was concerned about was saving us and Islam.

Bibi Zainab's eyes were filled with tears when she heard what Husayn asked her to do.

“My beloved sister Zainab! Don't cry! You will have to perform a greater duty after my death. Be brave and patient!”

Bibi Zainab went to her tent. ‘Ali Akbar joined his father, Husayn.

“My son, ‘Ali Akbar! I saw a dream last night. I saw a group of people heading for a place where death was waiting for them. I saw them all killed, one-by-one.”

“Father! I know these people. Those people are us. But, tell me father, are we on the right path?”

“Yes, my son Akbar, yesWe are on the right path.”

“Then let us not worry? Father, if we are on the right path, then let usdie happily. We should continue our journey and greet our death with a smile.”

“I am proud of you, my son Akbar!”

Matam Al-Husayn!

Majlis 2: ArrivalIn Karbala’

Surah al-Fatiha

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

Today is the 2nd night of Muharram.

On the 2nd day of Muharram, Husayn's caravan reached Karbala’. Thousands of Yazid's soldiers were already there, having arrived long before the Imam.

The small tribe living in Karbala’ gathered around Husayn's caravan. Imam Husayn enquired about the price of the land in Karbala’. He then bought the entire land.

Then, he first spoke to the menfolk of the tribe.

“O, menfolk of Karbala’! We have not come here to fight. Yazid's soldiers will fight with us and we will be killed. They will not bury our bodies and our bodies will be left to the wild animals of the desert. I request a favour from you. Please, bury our bodies.

Imam Husayn then turned to the womenfolk of the tribe.

“Ladies of Karbala’! Your menfolk, out of fear of Yazid's soldiers might not bury our bodies. Ladies! When your men are working in the fields, please come out of your houses and bury our bodies.

Somehow Imam Husayn did not feel the men northe women would carry out his request.

Sadly, he turned to the children who had gathered and spoke gently to them.

Children! If your father or yourmother are unable to bury us, I beg you to throw a fistful of sand over our bodies while you are playing in the fields. That way, children, our bodies will slowly get buried.”

Then, he turned to everyone who had gathered around and spoke again.

“My second request to you all is to look after the people who will come to visit our graves after our death. They will be my guests so please look after them and feed them for three days.”

Imam then ordered the tents to be pitched by the river. It was very hot in Karbala’ and the supply of water was absolutely essential for survival.

‘Abbas, commander of Husayn's army, with his men, started to pitch the tents by the river. The commanders of Yazid's army ordered their men to pull out Husayn's tents. They stopped Husayn's tents from being pitched by the river.

‘Abbas became very angry. He pulled out his sword and wanted to kill the enemies.

‘Abbas, the lion son of‘Ali, was like his father. He was very brave and strong. The enemies feared him. If he wanted the tents to be pitched by the river, then Yazid's men even though in thousands, would not be able to stop him.

Husayn saw what was happening and quickly intervened. He knew his brother's temper and strength.

“‘Abbas! My brother ‘Abbas! Put your sword back. ‘Abbas, we have not come here to fight. Later on, people will say that we started the battle for water.‘Abbas! My brother ‘Abbas! Calm down and put your sword back! Let us move away from here. We will pitch our tents elsewhere.”

‘Abbas considered his brother to be his master and always obeyed his commands. He put his sword back and ordered his men to pitch their tents away from the river.

This was the 2nd of Muharram.As nights and days passed by, the scene in Karbala’ changed.

Day by day Yazid's army increased in number. Nearly 20,000 of Yazid’s soldiers surrounded Husayn's tents.

Why so many to fight no more than 72 men in Husayn's army?

Despite having so many men in Yazid's army, his commanders were still worried because the 72 men in Husayn's army were no ordinary men. They were brave, faithful and did not fear death.

Yazid's soldiers knew this and therefore thought of a way to weaken Husayn's army.

On 7th Muharram, Yazid's commanders ordered their men to stop water from reaching Husayn's tents.

There were many ladies and children with Husayn and they suffered a lot without water and food.

For three days, one could here children crying for water

“Al-Atash! Al-Atash! Al-Atash! Water! Water! Water! Thirst! Thirst!Thirst!”

‘Abbas could hear this. He could hear his beloved Sakina crying for water. ‘Abbas loved Sakina dearly and always got her anything she wanted.

Every time ‘Abbas heard Sakina crying for water, he shook with grief.

‘Abbas! Poor ‘Abbas, could not bear to hear Sakina crying.

“Al-Atash! Al-Atash!Al-Atash!” echoed through the land of Karbala’ for three days and nights. Many little children died from thirst and hunger.

Inna LillahiWa Inna Ilaih Raja’oon!

We are from Allah and to Him we will return!

Matam Al-Husayn!

Majlis 3: Janabe John

Surah al-Fatiha

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

Today is the 3rd night of Muharram.

Majaalis al-Husayn continues. As the nights of Muharram go by, our hearts are weighed down with more and more grief. We continue to hear the majaalis about the tragedy of Karbala’.

‘Ashura’ day is not far awayWe will recite more marshias and nawhas. Our matam will increase. Our eyes will continue to shed tears for the Martyrs of Karbala’.

“Husayn! Muharram! Karbala’! ‘Ashura’! Marshias! Nawhas! Taboot! Alam! Mashk!Matam!”

When Bibi Fatimah hears these words, she joins us. She cries with us. She cries for ‘Aun and Muhammad, Qasim, ‘Abbas, ‘Ali Akbar, ‘Ali Asgar and Husayn, who are her family. She also cries for, and is thankful to those martyrs of Karbala’who were not related to Husayn. She especially cries for them because they died in Karbala’ helping her son Husayn save Islam.

Among those not related to Husayn were sixteen slaves. Most of them were from Ethiopia. Some belonged to Imam Husayn's family and others to the companions of the Imam.

On the night before ‘Ashura’, Imam and his companions had freed these slaves and urged them to go away to seek their safety. But none of the sixteen slaves left Imam Husayn. They understood Imam's mission and preferred to die in Karbala’ with Husayn. They knew they would be rewarded with a place in Heaven.

Amongst them was a slave called John.

Today let us remember Janabe John and cry with Bibi Fatimah for his sacrifice in Karbala’.

Janabe John was sent as a gift from Abu Dharr Ghiffari, to the household of Hazrat ‘Ali and Bib Fatimah. In the company of Hazrat ‘Ali he learnt the tafseer of the Quran and traditions of the Holy Prophet. He also knew the Holy Qur’an by heart. When Hazrat ‘Ali was martyred, John stayed with Imam Hassan and after Imam Hassan's death he stayed on with Imam Husayn.

Janabe John was blessed to be with the three Imams. What a lucky man!

When Imam Husayn left Medina John insisted on joining him.

On the night before ‘Ashura’, John spent the whole night sharpening his sword whilst reciting the Holy Qur’an.

The next day was the tragic day of ‘Ashura’. At dawn ‘Ali Akbar gave the Adhan.

“Allahu Akber! Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akberl”

This was the last Adhan by ‘Ali Akbar. It was recited with great emotion. Tears flowed from ‘Ali Akbar's eyes.

The sun rose from the east. By 10 am, the desert was like a furnace. The friends and family of Husayn were suffering great hardship. They have been without water for three days now.

Yazid's soldiers blew the trumpets to start the battle.

The battle of Karbala’ started.

One-by-one, Imam's friends took permission to go for Jihad.

One-by-one Husayn's companions were martyred. All of them fought bravely and died a hero's death.

Husayn, with his brother ‘Abbas and son ‘Ali Akbar, went to the battlefield and carried their bodies to the tent.

At midday, after Dhuhr prayers, Janabe John came to Imam Husayn. He stood silently with arms folded.

Imam Husayn looked at John and said:

“John! My friend John! What is the matter?”

“My master! Enough is enough I cannot bear to see any more suffering. I cannot bear to see the children of Bibi Fatimah killed in front of me. Please Master! Allow me to go to the battlefield.”

“John, you are an old man! Jihad is not wajib for an old man like you. No, John, no! I cannot allow you to die.”

John was determined to get permission.

“Master, I know why you are not letting me go to the battlefield. Is it because I am a black slave and you do not want the blood of a black slave to mix with the blood of the Holy family?”

Husayn was deeply shocked to hear this.

“John! My friend John! Do not say that! You know we do not keep such differences.”

“Go, John, go! Allahbe with you!”

Husayn himself then helped dress John for the baffle. He mounted John on the horse and said:

“Fi aman Allah, John!”

John was very pleased with himself as he headed for the battlefield.

On his way to the battlefield he remembered his time with the Holy Prophet. He remembered how dearly the Prophet loved his grandson, Husayn.

John remembered how the Prophet himself used to nurse Husayn's injuries, sustained whilst playing.

John remembered the day when Husayn climbed on the Prophet’s back while he was praying Salat (Prayer). The Holy Prophet stayed in sajda till Husayn came off his back. The Holy Prophet did not want to hurt his beloved grandson.

John's eyes were full of tears as he reached the battlefield.

He spoke to the soldiers on the other side:

“Look at me! You have seen me with the Holy Prophet. Remember the Holy Prophet by looking at me. You say the Holy Prophet is the messenger of Allah. You call yourselves Muslims. Do you think the Holy Prophet will be pleased with you for killing his beloved grandson?”

He continued:

“What has Husayn done to you? He is innocent. Leave him alone. Save yourselves from the Fire of Hell.”

Yazid's soldiers were evil. They were not Muslims. They were not prepared to listen to the truth.

Janabe John was attacked. Arrows were fired from all directions. John fought the Jihad bravely. He sent many to the Fire of Hell.

Alas, how much can an eighty year old man take, thirsty and hungry for three days?

As he fell from his horse, he cried out:

“My Master! Come to see me! Let me see you for the last time.”

Imam Husayn heard John calling him and he rushed to the battlefield. ‘Abbas and ‘Ali Akbar accompanied him.

Husayn, ‘Abbas and ‘Ali Akbar reached the battlefield where John was lying wounded and taking his last breaths.

Imam Husayn placed John's head on his lap. Tears poured from Husayn's eyes.

“John! I am very sorry! You are leaving my home without food or water for three days. John! Please forgive me!”

“Master! Why are you sorry? You have done me a big favour by letting me fight and sacrifice my life for Islam.”

Janabe John continued:

“Look, Master, look! Who has come to receive me? The Holy Prophet himself is here. Bibi Fatimah is here.Master ‘Ali and Master Hassan are here!”

Janabe John's soul was taken away to Heaven.

Inna LillahiWa Inna Ilaih Raja’oon!

We are from Allah and to Him we will return!

Matam al-Husayn!

Majlis 4: Janabe Hurr

Surah al-Fatiha

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

Today is the 4th night of Muharram.

Our majlis continues. We will recite nawhas to mourn the great loss in Karbala’. Our eyes will shed more tears and our matam will increase.

Let us focus our minds on Husayn in Karbala’.

He has hardly 72 men with him. While, day-by-day, Yazid's vulture-like men are gathering in large numbers to kill Husayn.

On 9th Muharram, Yazid's commanders decide to fight Husayn and his men. They blow the trumpets to start the battle.

Husayn was not ready to fight. He called his brother, ‘Abbas, the commander of his small army.

“‘Abbas! Go to the commanders of Yazid's army and ask them to give us one more night. We will be ready tomorrow.”

‘Abbas went with Husayn's request. It was granted. Why did Husayn ask for one more night?

To pray? To spend one more day with his children? To spend one more day with his darling daughter, Sakina?

No Husayn was waiting for a special guest – Hurr!

Who was Hurr?

Hurr was a captain of Yazid's army. He was the captain who stopped Husayn from going to Kufa. He, with his 1,000 men, forced Husayn to come to Karbala’.

Hurr, the name means to be free. Hurr lived up to his name. He freed himself from the Fire of Hell before it was too late.

The events in Karbala’ teach us many lessons.

Hurr taught us a lesson. He set an example for us.

We should think of Hurr all the time during our life. Hurr had a choice between Hell and Heaven. He had a choice between glory in this worldor happiness in the world hereafter.

It is never too late to ask for forgiveness. Hurr chose Heaven. He chose happiness in the world hereafter.

In our lifetime, there are many times when we have to make a choice between good and bad, between Halal and Haram, between right and wrong, between Hell and Heaven.

Be like Hurr, choose good deeds! Choose Halal things, go for truth and choose to be in Heaven. Happiness and glory in this world are short lived, while the happiness in the world hereafter is everlasting.

On 9th Muharram, Hurr could hear the cry:

“Al-Atash! Al-Atash!Al-Atash!” “Thirst Thirst! Thirst!”

The children in Husayn's camp were crying for water.

Hurr was very restless. He kept on thinking what a grave mistake he had made by bringing Husayn to Karbala’.

“What have I done? Why? Why did I put the son of Fatimah in this position? Will Husayn forgive me? Will Allah forgive me? Will Bibi Fatimah forgive me? How can I ask for forgiveness?”

Hurr could not sleep the whole night. He spent the night weeping and begging Allah to forgive him.

The 10th of Muharram came! It was very early in the morning. Horses in Yazid's camp were hot and uncomfortable.

They were jumping up and down. They could not keep their hooves on the ground because it was so hot.

Yazid's soldiers poured buckets of water on the horses' hooves to cool them and calm them.

Hurr watched as gallons of water was poured on the horses. He thought:

“So much water for the animals, while the children of Bibi Fatimah are crying for a few drops of water. There is so much water for the animals but none for the grandson of the Holy Prophet.”

“Al-Atash! Al-Atash! Al-Atash!”, echoed through Hurr's ears.

Hurr could not take it anymore. He called his son and said:

“My son, I have made a terrible mistake. I have brought such a pious and truthful man here to be killed. Please, my son, quickly take me to Imam Husayn. I want to beg him to forgive me before it is too late. I am ashamed of myself. Will Husayn forgive me? How can I face him?”

Hurr continued:

“Myson, before you take me to Husayn, tie my hands and cover my face, so that I do not have to face him while I ask for his forgiveness.”

Hurr's son did what his father had asked him to do. He tied Hurr's hands and covered his face.

Hurr and his son mounted their horses and headed towards Husayn’s camp.

‘Abbas, who was guarding the tents, saw the two men coming towards him. He thought they were coming to attack them. He pulled out his sword and warned them to stop where they were.

Imam Husayn also saw the two men.

“‘Abbas, my brother ‘Abbas! Put your sword back! Those two men are not coming to fight us. That is Hurr, my special guest. I have been waiting for him. Let us go and receive them, ‘Abbas.”

Imam Husayn and ‘Abbas went to meet Hurr.

“Welcome, Hurr, welcome. I have been waiting for you.”

Hurr threw himself at Husayn's feet.

“My master, please forgive me. Please forgive me. I am extremely sorry for what I have done. I am ashamed of myself.”

Imam Husayn took Hurr in his arms and said:

“Hurr, my friend, I forgive you. I assure you that my grandfather, my father and my mother have also forgiven you. Come with me, Hurr.”

Imam Husayn, ‘Abbas, Hurr and his son rode back to the tents.

It was Fajr time. ‘Ali Akbar gave Adhan. They all prayed the Fajr Salat (Prayer).

Soon after that, Yazid's soldiers blew the trumpets to start the battle.

Hurr asked Imam Husayn for permission to go and fight the enemies of Islam.

“Hurr, you are my guest. You have only been with me for a short time. I have not been able to look after you properly. I have neither fed you nor have I been able to give you water. At least spend some time with me.No, Hurr, no. I cannot let you die! You are my guest.”

Hurr did not give up. He kept insisting on being the first to go to battle.

Imam Husayn then thought that, the longer Hurr stayed with him, the more he would suffer from thirst and hunger.

Imam Husayn gave permission to Hurr.

“Go, Hurr, go! Fi aman Allah, Hurr.”

Imam Husayn himself mounted Hurr on his horse.

Hurr went to the battlefield.

He was a strong and brave man. He fought the battle gallantly and sent many of Yazid's men to Hell.

Eventually, Hurr came off his horse. Severely wounded, he called for Husayn.

“Master, Master! Come quickly. Let me see you for the last time.”

Hurr was taking his last breaths. Imam Husayn placed Hurr's head on his lap.

“Fi aman Allah, Hurr. Go, Hurr, go! My grandfather is waiting for you. My father and mother are waiting for you. We will be joining you soon in Heaven. Fi aman Allah, Hurr”

Imam Husayn, with tears in his eyes, prayed to Allah:

“Ya, Allah! Please forgive Hurr and grant him a place in Heaven.”

Hurr died on Imam Husayn's lap and ‘Abbas and All Akbar helped Imamcarry Hurr's body to the tent.

Inna LillahiWa Inna Ilaih Raja’oon!

We are from Allah and to Him we will return!

Matam al-Husayn!

Majlis 5: Habib Ibn Mazaahir

Surah al-Fatiha

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

Today is the 5th night of Muharram.

Our majaalis continue. We will recite more nawhas to mourn the great loss in Karbala’. Our eyes will shed more tears and our matam will increase.

Day-by-day, the scene in Karbala’ is changing. More and more soldiers join the enemy's camp. Thousands have gathered to kill Husayn - the grandson of the Holy Prophet.

Bibi Zainab said to her brother:

“Brother Husayn! Thousands of soldiers are gathering to fight you. We have hardly 72 men with us. Do you not have anyone to come to your help?”

“My sister Zainab, many wanted to join me during the journey from Medina to Karbala’. I politely discouraged them because their intention was not truthful. Many joined and have run away during the journey because they were scared of dying.”

He continued:

“Zainab! My sister! Falsehood can buy many supporters, but truth has only a few friends. The soldiers on the other side have been bought. They prefer happiness in this world than in the world hereafter. My 72 truthful men prefer happiness in the world hereafter and that is why they are with me.”

That night, Imam Husayn wrote a letter to his childhood friend, Habib Ibn Mazaahir, who was in Kufa.

Kufa was blocked off and nobody was allowed to leave.

Habib Ibn Mazaahir did not know the whereabouts of Imam Husayn until the letter from Husayn arrived at his house. At the time he was having breakfast with his wife and a young son.

Habib read the letter from Husayn. He kissed it and tears began to flow from his eyes.

His wife asked him what was wrong. Habib said:

“I have received a letter from my master, Husayn. He has asked me to join him in Karbala’. Yazid's soldiers have surrounded him and are after his life.”

Habib's wife said:

“Habib! Your childhood friend has called you. Your master needs your help. What are you waiting for? Go Habib, before it is too late!”

Habib's worry was how to escape from Kufa without being seen.

He instructed his slave to take his horse to a farm outside the city and to wait for him there. The slave did as he was told.

The slave took Habib's horse to a farm outside the city. He waited for his master. His master was delayed.

The slave started talking to the horse:

“O horse! Master Husayn is in trouble. He needs help. He has asked my master Habib to join him. Master Habib is late.Horse If he does not manage to escape from Kufa, I will ride on you and go to Husayn's help.”

AtAsr time, most of the men were in mosque. Habib managed to reach the farm where his horse was waiting.

He quickly mounted his horse and said to his slave:

“Go, my friend, Go! I am freeing you from my services”

“Master! You are not being fair. I have served you faithfully for years. Now, I have a chance to serve the son of Bibi Fatimah, and you are asking me to go.Why are you denying me a place in Heaven'?”

Habib was taken aback by the words of his slave. He was pleased to hear that he had recognised the difference between the truth and the wrongful. He wanted to sacrifice his life for truth.

Habib asked his slave to mount his horse. Together they galloped towards Karbala’.

Habib reached Karbala’ late in the evening. Imam Husayn greeted him with great affection.

Bibi Zainab heard that Habib had come. She asked her maid, Fizza, to convey her greetings to Habib.

When Habib heard that Bibi Zainab had sent greetings to him, he screamed out in grief and anger. He threw his turban down on to the ground. He slapped his face. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he spoke:

“What a sad day! What has happened to the household of Bibi Fatimah? The princess! Grand-daughter of the Holy prophet, the daughter of ‘Ali and Fatimahis sending her greetings to an ordinary person like me! Yazid! You beast, you tyrant! What have you done to the household of Bibi Fatimah?”

Days and nights of Muharram passed by, and ‘Ashura’ came.

At dawn, ‘Ali Akbar gave Adhan for the last time.

Yazid's soldiers blew the trumpets to start the battle.

One-by-one, Husayn's companions went to the battlefield and gave their lives for Islam.

Husayn, ‘Abbas and ‘Ali Akbarwere busy from dawn to mid-day, collecting bodies from the battlefield,

Between Dhuhr andAsr time, Habib Ibn Mazaahir came to Husayn. He said:

“My Master, Husayn, allow me to go to the battlefield. Let me sacrifice my life for Islam.”

“Habib, my childhood friend. Stay with me. You give comfort to me, my friend.”

Habib persisted with his request. Eventually Husayn gave his permission.

Husayn mounted his friend, Habib, on the horse. Habib Ibn Mazaahir rode into the battlefield.

He fought bravely but was finally over-powered. He fell to the ground.

As Habib Ibn Mazaahir fell to the ground, an enemy soldier came over and cut off his head.

All the marytrs of Karbala’ had their heads cut off, but Habib's was the first to be cut off by the enemy.

Habib's head was not hung on the spearhead like that of the other martyr's. Habib's head was tied to a horse and pulled along the land of Karbala’.

Later on, in Shaam, Habib's head was tied to a horse's neck. A young boy, called Qasim, followed the horse wherever it went.

One day, the man riding the horse asked the young boy Qasim:

“Why are you following me around? What do you want?”

Qasim just looked at the head hanging from the horse's neck. The man asked again:

“Why are you staring at the head”.

“This head is the head of my father, Habib Ibn Mazaahir.please give it to me so that I can bury my father's head.

Habib's head seemed to look at his son and say:

“My son Qasim, you are thinking of burying my head. What about the head of Husayn on that spearhead?”

Inna LillahiWa Inna Ilaih Raja’oon!

We are from Allah and to Him we will return!

Matam al-Husayn!