|
Alas! The seventh of Moharram arrived. The Hakim ordered that Yahud, Nasara, even dogs and swine, could have water, but Husain Imam (SA) and his Ahl e Bayt and As-haab were to be denied even a drop of water. The atrocities of the enemies had begun.
Amr bin Saad, the governor of Kufa, sent a messenger to Imam Husain (SA), demanding, “Why have you come here?” The Imam (SA) replied, “I have come at the repeated pleas of your people, if you are not happy with my presence, then I shall leave.” Later, Husain Imam (SA) met with Amr bin Saad and even offered to speak with Yazid (LA) for the sake of argument.
Ibn Saad wrote to Ubaydallah, Yazid’s governor in Kufa, who had been entrusted the battle with Imam Husain (SA). When the message reached Ubaydullah, Shimr laeen who was sitting with him incited Ubaydullah laeen to go to war with Imam Husain (SA). “You are the waali,” he said, “your word is law, why should we ask Yazid?” Ibn Saad was convinced. Ubadulllah (LA) said to Shimr (LA), “Go to Ibn Saad and convey my decision to fight with Imam Husain (SA). If he chooses not to listen to you, then I appoint you the leader of the army. Slay Imam Husain (SA) and trample his body with your horses!” Such was the evil entrenched in the hearts of these brutal enemies!
Ibn Saad led the cavalry and Shimr (LA) the infantry. Laeen Shimr then went to the As-haab of Imam Husain (SA) and called out loudly, “Where are the children of our sister? Abbas, Jaafar, Banu Ali, where are they? I grant them amnesty.”
“Do not dare offer amnesty to us, Laeen! You do not give amnesty to the grandson of Rasulullah (SAW), and you expect us to accept amnesty! We have no use for your paltry offering!” the faithful stalwarts responded.
Alas! It was now the fateful evening of the ninth of Moharram. The enemy army advanced in full force. Imam Husain (SA) said to his As-haab, “Ask them why they have come.” The As-haab bravely demanded of the enemy, “What are your intentions?”
“We have orders to fight with you.” declared the enemy.
Abbas (AS) replied firmly, “Do not make haste; I will consult with Husain Imam (SA).” Imam (SA) said, “Ask them for a night’s reprieve.” The enemy began to debate amongst themselves; finally from amongst them Umr bin Hajjaj declared, “We would give reprieve even to Turks and Daylum were they to ask; why should we deny Imam Husain (SA), the grandson of our Nabi (SAW)? They said to Imam Husain (SA), “We will give you one night, but that is all! After that, beware for we will not have mercy on you!”
On the eve of Aashura, Husain Imam (SA) gathered together his As-haab and instructed them to pitch their tents closer together. He addressed his followers, “I have not seen nor heard of any As-haab more faithful than you, O my Ahl e Bayt, I have not seen any as worthy as you. May Allah grant you great rewards. These enemies are thirsty for my blood; I allow you to leave from here in the darkness of this night. Take my small children by their hands and take them with you!”
One after another, As-haab and Ahl e Bayt stood up and avowed, “We will never leave you O Husain! If we leave you, how will we face Rasulullah (SAW) on the day of Qayamat? May Allah grant us a thousand lives and may we sacrifice each one for you!”
Husain Imam (SA) spent his last night on this earth immersed in prayer with his Ahl e Bayt and As-haab, for the next day was Aashura…
|
