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Husain Imam (SA) prepared to leave Mecca Mukarramah for Kufa in the beginning of Zilhijja 60 H. Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) and other well wishers tried their best to dissuade the Imam from going to Kufa. They reminded him of the treachery of the Kufans towards his father, Ali Amir ul Mumineen (SA) and brother Imam Hasan (SA). Imam Husain (SA) remained adamant. "Abdullah," said Imam Husain (SA), "the people of Kufa have written to me, pleading me to come to their aid. I must respond to their call. I know well what will befall us!"
Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) wept sorrowfully upon hearing these words. He entreated Imam Husain (SA), "If you do not wish to remain in Mecca, go to Yemen, there are many who will be at your service there. If you must go, leave behind your women and children!" Imam Husain (SA) replied, "I fear what may befall them before my own eyes. All is known to me, my actions are in accordance with the command of Allah."
Husain Imam (SA), set out with his harem, Ahl e Bayt and As'haab for the fateful journey in the blistering summer heat of the desert Farazdaq came upon the Imam (SA) along the way. Imam Husain (SA) asked, "What news of Kufa?" The latter responded, "Their hearts are with you, but their swords are against you!"
Abdullah bin Jafar (RA), husband of Maulatuna Zainab (AS), respectfully urged the Imam (SA) to turn back.. Imam Husain (SA) replied, "Nana Rasulullah (SA) has, himself, directed me to proceed without delay." Abdullah was dejected, and he offered his sons Aun (RA) and Mohammed (RA) in the khidmet of the Imam (SA), instructing them to be loyal to him and to sacrifice their lives for him.
The caravan reached a place called Tha'laba. At the time of Zohr, as the Imam (SA) laid his forehead in sajda, he heard a voice call out in his dream, "You are all heading forth, and death is calling you all to jannat." When he related this incident to his son, Ali Zain ul Abedeen (SA), the latter asked, "Are we not on the true path?" Husain (SA) replied, "Indeed, we are the ones who are on the true path!" At once Imam Zain ul Abedeen (SA) said," then we have no need to fear death!"
By this time laeen Ubaydulla had blocked all routes to Shaam. Zohair bin Qain was also traveling to Kufa. Zohair bin Qain was camped alongside the Imam. Husain (SA) sent an emissary to him, calling him to his presence. Zohair was eating at the time and hastily left the thaal to attend to the Imam (SA). He readily embraced the opportunity to attain shahadat with the Imam (SA). He offered his wife a divorce so as to spare her the perils she would face at the hands of the enemy. Gathering his tribesmen, he gave them the choice to fight at his side or return to their homes.
Muslim bin Aqeel, the Imam's emissary to Kufa had earlier sent messages of the support of the Kufans. Imam Husain (SA) had received no further word from Muslim, and he sent a messenger, Qais bin Mushhir to Muslim. As the caravan neared Kufa, the Imam (SA) received the distressing news of the brutal beheading of Muslim and Hani. He sorrowfully called the sons and kin of Muslim and said to them, "Oh my sons, you have lost your father, I wish you to turn back." They refused, vowing that they would avenge their father.
Soon after, Imam Husain (SA) received news of the death of Qais at the enemy's hands. He gathered together his army and informed them of the martyrdom of Muslim, Hani and Qais, saying to them, "You may all disperse; and there will be no sin upon you." By now several thousand mercenaries had joined the march, in the expectation of material gains. Hearing Imam Husain's (SA) address, the faithless deserted him.
Only seventy two devoted followers remained with Imam Husain (SA).
Imam Husain (SA) moved on. He reached Batn al Aqaba where he instructed the army to fill their vessels with water, for alas! Imam Husain (SA) knew what was to come..
They moved further. It was at noon that they were confronted with a huge regiment of an enemy fighters led by Hur. They stood silent, respectfully facing Imam Husain (SA). The Imam (SA) knew Hur's army was parched with thirst and ordered his men to give them as much water as they needed. Imam Husain (SA) spoke eloquently to the enemy, "I have come only because you have repeatedly written to me, if my coming does not please you I shall turn back." The enemy remained silent. Imam Husain (SA) then told Hur, "I will lead my troops in prayers and you lead yours." Hur declined and insisted that they would all pray behind the Imam. Imam Husain (SA) led his troops in Zohr prayers and Hur and his army prayed with the Imam (SA). Yet they remained unshakable, and insisted they would take the Imam (SA) to Ubaydulla. Imam Husain (SA) replied that he preferred death over that.
Imam Husain (SA) started forth once more, his army on one side, Hur's army marching on the other. On the second of Moharram 61H, Husain's (SA) horse came to a halt. It refused to go further, even after repetitious nudging by the Imam (SA). Imam Husain (SA) knew that they had arrived at the very place where he would attain shahadat. He called upon the townspeople and asked them, "what is the name of this place? Some answered Nainawa, one said Mariya… "Call an elderly person from amongst you." said Imam Husain (SA). He asked the Sheikh, "What is the name of this place upon which my horse is standing?" The Sheikh replied with humility: "This is Kerbala!"
"Karbun wa bala" exclaimed Husain. Alas! The Qafela had reached Kerbala! He declared to his followers, "our earthly journey ends here." With a heavy heart, Husain Imam (SA) ordered the tents to be set up. He knew that within a few days those same tents would be mercilessly burnt to the ground.
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