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Abbas alamdar(AS) was martyred on the banks of the Furat….. The time of Asr was drawing ever closer.
Imam Husain (SA) handed the 'alam of the army to Ali Akbar, his young son of eighteen years. Soon afterwards, Ali Akbar came to Husain (SA), "Maula you have entrusted me with the 'alam, yet no one remains save for myself! Give me raza so that I too may obtain shahadat," he pleaded.
"You are the image of Nana Nabi, I look upon you and see Rasulallah (SAW), your name is Ali; I call your name and remember my father. I will not give you raza." exclaimed Husain (SA).
"Then by their very wasila (intercession) I implore you to grant me raza." Ali
Akbar (AS) implored. With eyes full of tears, Imam Husain (SA) was obliged to let him go. Alas! His tears ran freely even though he had not had a drop of water for three days!
Seeing Ali Akbar (AS) the enemy shouted, "Ali you have amnesty, for you are our relative." "I have no use for your pitiful amnesty" Ali Akbar (AS) replied angrily as he charged forth with his sword, mightily cutting down the enemy. As he was fighting, he felt an overwhelming thirst. He veered his horse around and returned to Maula Husain (SA), saying "Oh Maula, Al 'Atash Al 'atash! (I have a tremendous thirst).
Although Imam Husain (SA) had not a drop of water, he quenched his son's thirst with his sookhi zuban, and gave him Rasulullah's (SAW) ring to keep in his mouth. Satisfied, Ali Akbar charged back into the battlefield fighting valiantly. Alas! He was struck down by a spear to his chest. As he fell, Husain (SA) rushed to his side and took his son's head in his lap. "Tell me what you see, son" he asked through his tears. Ali Akbar (AS) replied, "Mohammad, Ali, Fatema and Hasan have come to receive me, while you are by my side!"
"Son, convey my salaam to them, and tell them Husain is coming very soon!" Wept the father bereft of his stalwart young son.
Imam Husain (SA) returned to the khaimah with the intention of bidding a final farewell to his harem. Zainab (AS) came forth with a small baby in her arms. "Maula do you not see how this six month old Ali Asghar (AS) writhes with thirst? Surely the enemy will not deny him water!" With a heavy heart, Husain (SA) took Ali Asghar into his arms, even though he knew what would come to pass. Riding out into the battlefield, he held up the small shehzada and said "Isn't there any one of you who has children of his own? Is there any amongst you who will give water to my son? I will guarantee jannat for him!" Not a drop of water was given, instead Laeen Hurmala shot an arrow that pierced the tender throat of the infant, sending up a shower of blood. Husain (SA) gathered up the blood and threw it up towards the sky. Not a drop fell to the ground.
Not wanting to leave his laash on the burning sand, Imam Husain (SA) dug a small grave with the sheath of his sword, and buried the precious child with his own hands. Husain ni godh khaali thai gai!
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