Mohammed Ali - The Saga The Battle of Karbala-The Mainstay Foundation (2020)

FOREWORD BY
Sayyid Hassan ALHAKEEM

Edited by
MOHAMED ALI ALBODAIRI
the Mainstay
FOUNDATION
Foreword by: Savyid I lassan al-l lakeem
lidited by: Moliamed All Albodain
© 2018'Hie Mainstay Foundation

A1.1. RKil ITS RliSliRVliO. No part of this work covered by the copyright may be reproduced or used
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Printed in the United States.

ISBN: 978-1943393305
Contents
Contents...................................... v
Foreword...................................... ini
The Companions of the Imam 1

The Battle of Karbala.............. 11
Post noon................................. 87
The Martyrdom of Ahlulbayt.. 155
The Martyrdom of al-Hussain. 239
Notes........................................... 307
Foreword
On die tenth day of the month of Muharram, fifty years after the
passing of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s), Imam Hussain (a) and a
small number of family members and companions were slaughtered at
the hands of the Umayyad government They made their stance on the
land of Karbala with determination and resolve. They did not waiver
in the face of an army of thousands. They made that stance in the hope
that their memory will bring life to a Muslim nation which was spiraling
fast down the road of deviance.
More than thirteen centuries have passed since. Yet every year,
Muslims around the world continue to commemorate the tragedy and
remember Imam Hussain’s (a) great sacrifice. Devotees from around
the globe flock to his grave in Karbala to visit and supplicate. They
remember the events of that bloody massacre and the valor of Imam
Hussain (a) and his companions. They recite verse and prose in
commemoration of that stance.
Because of the great importance of the tragedy and the passion that it
infused into the Muslim nation, Umayyad authorities did all they could
to erase its memory. They forbade the mentioning of Imam Hussain
(a), persecuted anyone who professed love to the Holy Prophet’s (s)
household, and spread false ideologies that absolved them of any
culpability. Despite all this, Imam Hussain’s (a) stance was engraved
into the conscience of the Muslim nation. As Lady Zaynab proclaimed
in the court of Yazid, “By God, you will never erase our remembrance
or kill our inspiration.”
vii
As a fulfilment of Lady Zaynab’s promise, Muslim historians were able
to compile and record the events of the tragedy with great detail. Some
scholars would even dedicate entire volumes to die tragedy. These
books — known as die Maqatil (sing. Maqtal) — are now the chief sources
for historical accounts in regards to Imam Hussain’s (a) stance on the
lands of Karbala.
Unfortunately, there has not been a comprehensive resource for this
critical historic event in die English language. That is why the Mainstay
Foundation has undertaken die task of compiling and publishing an
encyclopedia of die history of die event. This volume, The Saga: The
Battle of Karbala, is a compilation of die events that took place in the
land of Karbala from die beginning of die batde on the 10th of
Muharram to die martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a).
In compiling this encyclopedia, we were careful to ensure that all
entries are properly referenced. Most entries are taken from the books
of die Maqatil in which our scholars dedicated volumes to the memory
of the batde of Karbala. Specifically, many entries are taken from:
• Al-Sabeeb min Maqtal Sayyid al-Sbnbada (a) by Muhammad al-

Rayshahri,
• Maqtal al-Hnssain (a) by Abdulrazzaq al-Muqarram,
• Maqtal al-Hnssain (a) by al-Muwaffaq ibn Ahmad al-
Khowarizmi,
• Maqtal al-Hnssain (a) by Abu Miklinaf,
• Lawa’ijal-Asbjan by Sayyid Muhsin al-Ameen, and
• Mawsu 'at Karbala by Dr. Labeeb Beydoun.
We hope that diis work is accepted by our beloved Imam Hussain (a)
as a contribution to the preservation of his message and stance. We
pray to God Almighty to accept our efforts and make them a means
of growing closer to His sendee.
Finally, we want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support.
As students of Islam and as compilers of this text, our greatest purpose
viii
is to please God by passing along diis knowledge to others. By picking
up this book, you have lent your crucial support to this endeavor. We
hope that you will continue your support throughout the rest of this
book, and we ask diat you keep us in your prayers whenever you pick
it up.
Sciyyicl blassan a/-Hakeem,

The Mainstay Foundation, London, UK
ix
-
The Companions of the Imam
l
The Few Who Escaped the Slaughter
\jy <j^JOLu\ j3 jLai^\ • ^ ô' **
l/° O*
• ^ ^ < AA^xo O^lgJtJl <_JSjS> IjJjj£?. ^ ^djl â* hjAjuo
It is undisputed that all of al-FIussain's (a) supporters present in

Karbala were martyred, except for a handful of individuals who did
not attain die honor of martyrdom for some specific reason. They are
as follows;
^ o-X^ls Ss ^ c vj-yui*\ ^
4jc>) ^ (Ji *&\^>\ J o\j\j3 c4^\
•{j^“ V ojajJ Jiill oS- a5il aisle. îjl (j>^LJl
From the Household [of the Prophet (s)], three of the children of
Imam Hassan (a) survived and they are: Zayd, Amr, and al-Hassan II.
The latter was wounded and taken and nursed by Asmaa ibn Kharija
al-Fazari - a relative of his mother - until he recovered. This is in
addition to Imam Zayn al-Abideen Ali ibn al-Hussain (a), who was
fatally ill but was later cured by God, thus saving him from the
massacre for an evident reason.
[Jr U]
From the companions, three survived. They are:
£0 JjlSi < JO J JLp li *JlSt*a)l Ju

X£> J. iJUOall •
( AÂc^ ^jCfa***^*! AASl^S c -byUl A^slc*) ^jCfcAA^-l
3
JA <\! jil \jo^3 (^LJ\ <uL) £c^\ |Jl3 <aJg
■aU' Ji
• Al-Dahhak ibn Abdullah al-Mashriqi [...] who faught with al-

Hussain (a) on a condition [that he be allowed to leave if no
one remained but him and al-Hussain (a)]. When [al-Hussain]
(a) remained alone, he gave [al-Dahhak] permission to escape
die batdefield and return to his family.
J jui-l S-*V<)>y* : o'.

j&-\ c^Sâll J3 j aJc-)
(J*- ‘Vr^^S <J_y» ’-V' J <Ji
• Uqba ibn Sam'an, the servant of al-Rabab die wife of al-

Hussain (a). He used to serve al-Hussain (a) and came with him
to die batde. He was taken captive to Ubaydillah ibn Ziyad,
who let him go when he heard diat he is a servant of al-Rabab.
-fr0' (JV* 0° ejllajU ^ ^ ^ •

•( JlÔ (3 03^ (J^
• Ali ibn Othman ibn al-Khattab al-Maghribi, who was a servant

of the Commander of the Faithful (a), as narrated by al-Shaykh
al-Sadouq in al-Ikmaal.1
The Companions who Accompanied al-
Hussain (a) from Mecca
yo 4jc') jz>~ Jjjfll 3^~
0^ fji 4$C> yo ûlc-) Jâ3 y> :Jl^3
>» J <4j\y> J <4^-^ i'^Wj 82 jjjU jUS‘1 4*a J <4s>3-\ y>
.«Oj
Akhtab Khawarizm listed the number of those who accompanied al-

Hussain (a) from Mecca as follows, "He (a) left Mecca on Thursday,
on the Day of Tarweyah, the 8th of Dhul Hijja, along with eighty two
men, including his followers, servants, and family members."
v> ^ (^j) 3!; <^r' U* < ^ 33

oA^liLo lx**'® 3 ^ ^ o^jS* y ^
0*
.4ô .*
UT
jOj <J^-' o' JW-J ^

•J^'
Along the way, many people joined him. When he reached Zubala and
the news of the martyrdom of Muslim ibn Aqeel, Hani ibn Urwa, and
Abdullah ibn Yaqtur reached him. He spoke to the people and
informed them of die ends for which he revolted. The people scattered
away from him so that no one remained except those who had came
with him from Mecca. Therefore, only those who were true to the
revoludon remained with him when the posidon became clear and
their fate became evident.
5
(J/° ^^1*11 A.U oOjA 4jl^\ (^LJl -*S J
l5°“ <x« *\iJi \^T j Ayu23j j \^jls c<UP <w3\â»V^ ‘
.Aaj 1^3 aJ\ \jjU- ÂS\ JW^ J/® J^3 ^ cii J -^-V^
Imam Hussain (a) tested his companions again on the eve of the 10th
of Muharram. He asked diem to leave him, but diey refused and chose
to remain with him to the end. In addidon to these men [who
accompanied him from the start] very few had joined later on.2
Those Who Joined al-Hussain (a) from
Kufa
\IjX*JJ
< (3 aJ\ 2i\ pgJsw j < di * U aJ\ ^Jaj\ ^Ja.».*3 <aJ\

- <-
:(j*^LJ' \^[...] 21 A*j
*ili3 < AX>-

• JJ ( jLuld Lj\yv2J (^-A^ C (v-^>Lo-) Ajil
.[...] >^$ &

Kufa was the capital of the Shia. When the Kufans heard of al-
Hussain’s (a) journey, they marched toward him. Some of diem joined
him before his arrival to Karbala, while others joined when he was in
Karbala. We can list 21 such names [...]. In addition, Wahab ibn
Abdullah al-Kalbi, who was a Chrisdan and entered Islam along with
his wife, joined Imam Hussain (a) and were martyred in Karbala. [...]3
7
4
How Many were in the Camp of al-
Hussain (a)?
jl 3JP j\ < 4}LmL\ (3 kj,j£» J^S <
^ja ^JuU]\ ^J\ j^> -U> U aSCo au < J^' <3 k^.k
t LAilo 3Axi\ c ^3
We observe that, before we mention our own evaluation in this issue,

die number of die Imam’s (a) companions was not fixed diroughout
die stages of his journey. From die time he left Mecca to the afternoon
of die 10th of Muharram in Karbala, the numbers changed.
f (^W-J (£r*\) °5^ (3-4' Âxik aSCo Ja -UP l\j
Ujj < f J \j£ â*M 3bj\

A£>caL 4$^*U Ojdu^ UÂj ^ UP (ta/2^ -as j_jSC
jSw*xo < jLajV^
When he left Mecca die number started out with what Al-Khawarizmi
mentioned (eighty-two men) and then increased on die road to Iraq.
Then it decreased and dwindled down to the original number, and
perhaps decreased beyond that. Then the number once again
increased, but only nominally, right before or when die batde with
some supporters coming forth. This was in addition to some of die
Umayyad soldiers abandoning dieir posts and joining the camp of
Imam Hussain (a).
^4j\ aJ\ lx) ~\ 11 'i&JX, J* bU b j-î
!j\ J^-j &> j_yj\X. o* (3 ^ lytiL-l r/\ jAi
.Axl\ ^Lls Ujj lîLi
Our own particular assessment at the end of this study is that the
number of companions diat were martyred with Imam Hussain (a) in
Karbala, including Arabs and non-Arabs, come out to be
approximately a hundred men or perhaps a bit more.
L*icU A^ 0° ^ \Âc- ^
c*~ o'
â}\ A33 ÂC- 0°.? 4 ^jA
. IxlaS V— *■ * **xl A*i?yJii*\ A**-*««A <
We are unable to pinpoint an exact number because undoubtedly there

are possibilities of typographical errors in the names and the lack of
precision on the part of narrators who related the course of events and
die actual names of the companions. Nonetheless, the margin of error
here is not a significant one.
^ dlÂ^- Lo jâj ^ A>- gi\yj As>*AjJ\ ojjp
* ^ if <j d> Ja (JjV^
The conclusion here is in agreement with the vast majority of die

narrations that illustrate what took place in die first offensive of the
batde of Karbala. Al-Khawarizmi says in his narration relating from
Abu Mikhnif,
^LaS < A^lc- Aôî\ oAA ^jaj |^3 ...
^ U ^ A3j .ojjUU 03^^ 0*^ l?
9
... and when the first offensive took place, the companions of
Hussain (a) were lessened and those that remained are those
mentioned in the duels that took place thereafter. A little more
thanfifty men wen killed.
V_-oU“ ^ \ils .Û-•J Jr*

A3 jjSC- C VjJqj y*ij\ ojjUll (3 03$^ *^5* O'
.bj (_£3\ 4s>*AJ\ lj-° bj^5
Ibn Shahr Ashoub mentions that they were about forty men [that were
martyred in die first offensive]. So if we add to diis number the total
number of companions that were mentioned in the duels —
approximately forty men we would have gotten closer to the
conclusion diat we have come to from this study.
Here it is important to realize that die discrepancy in numbers between

die narrators is both acceptable and reasonable. This is simply, as
mentioned previously, because die narrators in all of their narrations
on the number of Imam Hussain’s (a) companions did not use
statistics. They utilized the widely used method of approximation by
mere eyesight.4
10
The Battle of Karbala
11
{
* V
i
j
The Martyrs of Karbala are Like the
Martyrs of Badr
jL-i jc- U (^*U) ej 0s" (lM' A"j
-
m
\Ia j Jsi. :J& Ait) Jfr J\ :J\s <p^ j.
a
-
I
■
In Mimtakbab Kan^ al-Ummal citing Al-Tabarani's Al-Mujam Al-Kabeer,

Shayban ibn Muharram is recorded to have narrated, "I was with
.
[Imam] Ali (a) when we arrived to Karbala. He said, 'There will be a
murder in this land of martyrs unlike any but die martyrs of Badr.'"5
13
Salman Al-Muhammadi’s opinion of the
Martyrs of Karbala
"0^^° aJc-) <-r^’ ■ A-s2Ql]
4^lj\ ^ < oJco l£“^ ••• dis-X^ AaJ
Vag-^lj c \j^JaP \^JaP 4jJj jjx> ^la3\ < i^jL»-*d\j 4jJj ^jX)
J*^ < l_X^-i (jxxr~« J?~\ ^r2**- l)"?^ 0^ • W/^ Â-^L 0^-
^ _5
•j^ j Oi^ j
Hubayra ibn Yaryam said, "My father once said, 'I met Salman Al-Farsi
and relayed to him [the narration of Ka'b Al-Ahbar about the
martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a)]. Salman said, "Ka'b has been honest
with you... By Him who holds Salman's soul in His hand! If I were to
live until that day, I would defend liim with my sword until I an torn
to pieces before him and fall while protecting him! Surely, those who
die with him will be given the rewards of seventy martyrs like the
martyrs of Badr, Uhud, Hunayn, and Khaybar! Ml Ilf,
14
=
The Martyrs alongside Imam Hussain (a)

are Favored Over the Companions of the
Holy Prophet (s) and Imam Ali (a)
-*L. f (i» ^J aJc.) ^
4JU 013
...
The following is a synopsis of Al-Fadil Al-Darbandi's words: Imam Ali

(a) has said in describing and praising die martyrs who died alongside
Imam Hussain (a), "They have not been outdone by a forerunner, nor
will they be overtaken by anyone after diem.” These blessed words are
like a lantern atop a hill, illuminating a vast space.
3 (jJ^) (Jo^ 0* lP23^ (*/' (J^- ^ ..Wfl3
Do these blessed words mean that no one is favored over them when
it comes to the status of martyrdom alone? Or does it mean that they
are greater than die disciples of the Holy Prophet (s), Imam Ali (a), and
Imam Hassan (a)?
jls JT <Jc. pjX*a3\> JJib Ail) V-^t9

0*
Jjaisl <(j.^LJ\ Uo) 3 (“A2^ ^ dii J*
<3\Aall _j ji A 3 J (lA ^ A~"J lL)^ if
15
Al-Fadil Al-Darbandi answers tliese questions with a declaration that
the martyrs alongside Imam Hussain (a) are better than all of tliese
disciples. Those who gave their lives and were martyred alongside the
oppressed Imam (a) - the disciples of Imam Hussain (a) - are better
dian Salman, Abu Thar, and Al-Miqdad, the disciples of the Holy
Prophet (s).
3 gp'A' O'- 3J* f 3 J* 3
Uc.) ^ j ‘j£ i/' CO ^ 3 ft* 3 0^-3^
c Aj! 3 d>\ O 0^° f 3
They are better than Amr ibn Al-Hamaq Al-Khuzaei, Uwais Al-Qarani,
Maytham Al-Tammar, and Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr, die disciples of
Imam Ali (a). They are better than Sufyan ibn Abi Layla and Hudiayfa
ibn Asad, die disciples of Imam Hassan (a).
oJbJ\ jh ^jA ^ ‘kjajal £ jlxJu^\ ^ AjU
■V'
There is no exception in tiiis so long as there is no evidence to the
contrary. For example, Salman is perhaps favored over the martyred
non-hashimite companions.7
16
The Disparity in Ranks Amongst the
Martyrs
c3 J* 0* 0*Âl j\ <JUxj j Lo JI3 ^

«•
isflj ^0 {^£,\ AjLL
Jp j 4 ^3 lo\ 4~ip)
j ^ j&j j ^ j âIIoo ^ 4-^>- j
•db<>
Al-Fadil Al-Darbandi said that after proving the martyrs of Karbala to
be of a status higher than the disciples of the Holy Prophet (s) and die
Imams (a), we should point out that die highest of the martyrs in status
are Al-Abbas, Ali Al-Akbar, and Al-Qasim the son of Imam Hassan
(a). As for the companions, they are of various ranks. The highest in
status amongst them are Habib ibn Mudhahir, Muslim ibn Awsaja,
Zuhair ibn Al-Qayn, and Hilal ibn Nad'.
4^) Cx° 3^ 3 ^ 3
Acrj J jLuSC-V^ jO* li j< j UxLl jic ^LJ\
v—jIj 32S* -ôja ^
The best amongst these is doubdessly Habib who was taught by Imam
Ali (a) the secrets of death and tribulations. When Habib was martyred,
pain could be seen on die face of Imam Hussain (a). Habib was in his
mid-seventies during the Batde of Karbala. One of the marks of his
elevated status is die fact that he was given by the Imam (a) a grave
separate from die remainder of the companions.
17
^Lo 11 Ail) 4j Q^lai U aI^2^ ij^. J^î. $
pA* £ ^Jjiiall (^LJl A^Jc-) $.\aâJ1 A—<ai ^j\^^\
jJl*A J& _J <oys>^ ,3^0 _J |>^J=-j
_? (*r;VU
f-Vy> j^_J OyU£>\
f-^ 0* jjrf**- °Ji""
•A?^' *3/^ ^ AA' _5 J°3J^
This disparity in rank between die companions can also be seen in one
historical accounts that describes dieir condition before the batde. It
says diat when die companions came to die conclusion diat they will
surely die alongside Imam Hussain (a), a select number were seen
delighted and joyful with their faces shining like bright stars, while
odiers were worried and dieir faces were pale. The companions were
astonished to see some amongst diem who did not display any sign of
fear or trepidation during a time like this.8
18
The Angels offer Aid to Imam Hussain (a)
aJp) -X*P y\ Jljj (JU) L-Jou ^ ^P
3 (3 o'-*y~ ^ *3p) ^p ij, {j^^-\ Jl^l\ jÂU
<(j>^LJ\ aJp) j3 j J .j\j^LoV^ (3 <J\d\
< AôLsa\\ j»3i < j^P C-oui OjO JJP ^3
Aban ibn Taghlib narrates that Imam Sadiq (a) said, "Four thousand
angels descended seeking to join the batde alongside Hussain ibn Ali
(a). They were not granted permission. They ascended again to seek
permission [from God], but once they descended they found that
Hussain (a) had been killed. They remain by his grave unkempt and
covered in dust, mourning him until the Day of Resurrection.
£Oy> Vj < j\j Ojjj, ^ dAL* j

*
\jjOXL+*j 1 0) < ^jp ^ c O^^lp ^ £-i
They are led by an angel called Mansour. No visitor comes to him

except that they greet him. No [visitor] bids [the Imam (a)] farewell
except that they follow [and guard] him on his journey. If he falls ill,
they visit [and nurse] him. If he dies, they pray over his body and they
seek forgiveness for him after his passing. They are all on earth
awaidng the emergence of the Awaited One (a)."9
19
The Manifestation of Victory Descends
Upon Imam Hussain (a)
0* ^ (v>^' <3 v>
43c-) ^31 11 :Jaii :JI3 4i\
c-3^3j iJpS’- < âdl Ûj 3i\ Jy\ c 0-«l3 j Ax^*i j& j (j»*^,L3\
Û] jy J 4j1jc-\ âJ\ JJJ ^ <(^^LJ\ 4^c') OJ**^
.3i\ *13 jls-ls c4&\
Muhammad ibn Al-Hussain Al-Nirsi relays in his book "Ma’alim Al-

Deen" a narradon of Imam Sadiq (a) in which he says, "I heard my
father say, When Imam Hussain (a) met Omar ibn Saad and the batde
had begun, God Almighty sent down victory so that it fluttered over
Al-Hussain's (a) head. He was given a choice between victory over his
enemies and meeting God, so he chose to meet God. ill 10
20
Some Prayed for Imam Hussain (a) but
did not Aid Him
*Jc-) (Ji OJLî ^ ^W-J ^
J '-fc j' ^ j^-î j <0j^ J
.Jlals?V\ j £y>.A^ b_A? J < \jlj\ji3 l^Sj;\
Dr. Ali Al-Shalaq says in his book Al-Hussain (a) [mam Al-Shabideen,
"Al-Husseyn ibn Numayr saw [during the battle of Karbala] some of
the men of Kufa standing on a nearby hill looking upon Imam Hussain
(a), weeping and praying to God to aid Imam Husssain (a). He cried
out to diem, 'Woe to you! Come down and fight. Leave die tears to
the widows and the children. niu
^ 57 jl^l) (j LJfe l^X)
\y^pir\ ^ <Lr- pir^ ‘ JW-j j 2
4jc-) jyi-l ^ £±_pOi J\y\ 3
.l^v9 .ii^KSj-a Aj\jj oJJb ^
Sheikh Muhammad Mahdi Chamseddine in his book AnsarAl-Hussain

(a), "[There were] petty men that Al-Husseyn ibn Abdel-Rahman
mentioned in his narration to be standing on the hilltop crying and
saying, God bring down your victory!"' The Sheikh later stated that,
"This narration is somewhat doubtful. *« 12
21
The Armed Stance of Truth against
Falsity
jj/ (3-^^ j
J£ <3 f ••• -***■*" ^ •••

oJ*> \j iKt
J \Jj* j O'0 <-i4 (3^ *<J^ j
^ 4jL^>\ Vl -Xs*-1 aJc-) ^y> ^jb li ajlJjj oJ;\
•(**" (nvj
Omar ibn Saad called out to his soldiers, "What are you waiting for!
Advance at once against Al-Hussain (a), for it will be like a single
meal..." Omar ibn Saad marched with his forces... and placed his arrow
in his bow. He launched the arrow and said, "Be my witnesses at [the
court of] die amir, that I was die first to launch an arrow." His soldiers
followed, launching their arrows all at once in a single volley. None
remained of the companions of Al-Hussain (a) except that he was hit
by an arrow....
3^Jj La 3 ^<***^-1 c oJJfc ^J*_) lc^
4^^) oXit> j •'VW’J
//hen diis volley of arrows was launched, the camp of Al-Hussain (a)
was diminished. Approximately fifty men were killed. This is usually
called "the first round."13
22
Imam Hussain (a) Grants His
Companions Permission to Fight
Imam Hussain (a) then put his hand on his beard and said,
< 4JLo
Goforth - may God have mercy onyou - andface inevitable death,

for these arrows are the people's messengers toyou.14
23
Imam Hussain (a) would not Begin the
Battle
0^£0 Li> 43V < JLiSl o' 0*^ 3 «fjSVl
.^'^LuV\ *o^£o *^*^Lu j »*_
Imam Hussain (a) used all possible means to guide these people and
lead them toward a righteous path. He exhausted his efforts in his
attempts to avoid batde, as he was the carrier of a message of good,
love, and peace - die message of Islam.
^ JLa L JLiSl j J^kS\ <uL-) 0^" 3

«■
°Jf' 3 ‘ o' 0^^ -\
0^
He hated to engage in batde and bloodshed so long as there was a way

to guide by better means. That is why he would not be die one to
initiate die batde. As he said to Zuhair and others of his companions
on multiple occasions,
•J& f\±l\ 0\ of\ j,\

I bate to initiate battle against them.
4^L) cJlL 0\ j (L^>) J\y*j oj£>~ o^ju)
Ji \^yo j
He was following the tradition of his grandfadier, die Messenger of
God (s), and his father, Ali ibn Abi Talib (a), in their call toward God.
24
< ^*^3 4*Jc-) 4J*^J ^
JoJj^xS .îall ^ ^l^wullj o^^xXjQ \yLulij LoAXP dAii ^ A)$\
:(%A <J^ 3 «Jlill AjU^V jil3 .4&1 Jl (J^ ^1^3 ^0 11 Jj£ ^
However, liis hopes in tliese people were subverted. Satan had seized
diem, making them forget die remembrance of God Almighty. They
launched their arrows, which rained down on the camp. At that point,
he found no alternative to batde; perhaps they may then recant and
come towards the path of God. He granted his companions leave to
fight, saying to them,
4JLo -X> *)} \?°jF
Goforth - may God have mercy onyou - toyour inevitable deaths.15
25
Imam Hussain (a) Calling upon the
People to Aid Him
Then [Imam Hussain (a)] said,
A»«/3P ^ a! *»_
c[ajÎj 3-Jb o^jis>- i\ (jJ^Lcodl ^Jp
God's anger with the Jem and the Christians was exacerbated
when they ascribed a son to Him. [And in another narration,
"God's anger with the Jews was exacerbated when they ascribed a
son to him, and His anger with the Christians exacerbated when
they made him the third in a trinity."]
3 f\ iaP JsAi\ j yo
* ^ *3“ ^ _? -pt^3 v-^ 3'
\^Ja£- \j\ j *Ui\ c\jo\
Go^/V anger with the Zoroastrians was exacerbated when

they worshiped the sun, moon, fire in His stead. And God's
anger has been exacerbated against apeople whose opinion [and in
another narration\ "whose word”] was united in slaying the son of
theirprophet's daughter. By God, I will never obey them in any of
their demands till / reach God [with my beard] stained by my own
blood.
26
He then cried out,
j»y>- ^ l* l dil Ao-î a* u
Is there not an aid who will aid usfor the sake of God Almighty?
Is there no guardian who willprotect the women of [thefamily of/
the Messenger of God (s)?
At that point the women began to cry and their wails grew louder.16
27
Imam Hussain’s (a) Calls Awaken Some
Good Souls
^ 4j(^^LJ\ <uic-) l^xSJols c^j\^ i—^
A group of enemy soldiers heard the cries of Al-Hussain (a) and his
plea for aid. Their feelings were shaken and their conscience was
awakened. They hurried toward Al-Hussain (a) in order to aid and
protect him.
A-lc-) <w3Â-1 I o^>-\ ^ ^ JjCuU

3
\j ^ bl^"j -*\ib*£* $)&>' ^ AXjIxX-«-u\ j
.*^1x3 >b>ls j A^lc-) 0^^^
The two Ansaris, Saad ibn Al-Harith and his brodier Abu Al-Hutoof,
who were in the ranks of Omar ibn Saad, heard the cries of Al-Hussain
(a), his plea for aid, and the wails of his children. They turned their
swords toward Al-Hussain's (a) enemies and fought until they were
Med.17
28
Muslim ibn Awsaja and Nafi' ibn Hilal
Enter the Battlefield
[...] (JJrl J, ^sb 4*jb' f [...] ^ jl-wi jT
jii :£sb Jlii .jlfp jo b\ :^sbJ Jlis t> o-* lKj ^

(3 Aîc- J c ^b?- .'aJ\
0.'
Then Muslim ibn Awsaja stepped forward [...] followed by Nafi' ibn
Hilal al-Jamli [...]. A man from Bani Qutay'a came toward Nafi' and
said, "I am on the religion of Othman." Nafi' replied, "Then you are
on the religion of Satan." [Nafi'] charged towards him and killed him.
Muslim and Nafi' continued to fight valiandy on the right flank of Ibn
Saad's [army].18
29
Amr ibn Al-Hajjaj Recognizes the Bravery
of the Companions of Imam Hussain (a)
‘(n^ 0^ j jj! Aju j
-uu ^• J.-|jf* .isjS3l >1 (J JiJl c Aaj jju
Uj3 J -/*LaJ\ >\ j j--aU 0_^^' ^ 0^ OJJ"^
{^**r (i j -pf^3 °J^ ^ (n^l jjy* ^
SjWU
When the ranks of Al-Hussain's (a) companions dwindled and the

decrease in dieir numbers became evident, they began to go out one
after die other [to duel]. They killed many of die Kufans. Amr ibn Al-
Hajjaj called out to his companions, "Do you know who you are
fighting? You are fighting ‘Fursan Al-Masr’ [die knights of the realms],
4A 111 Al-Basaer’ [the people of insight], and a [self-sacrificing] facdon.
None of you will go out to duel them except diat diey will kill you,
despite dieir few numbers. By God, if you were only to pelt them with
stones you would kill them."
c <0-3
IjjV bbs>-3 ^3 ckj fjjW. ^ o'
Omar ibn Saad replied, "You are right; the correct opinion is yours.
Send to the people someone to tell them not to go out for duels
because if you go out one by one diey will cut you down. M19
30
*
Amr ibn Al-Hajjaj Advances Against
Imam Hussain’s (a) Right Flank
ifc if? *Jc-) v—jU^\ ^r° ij, ^jaF' j
aJc-) <wjW^\ ^ja y*.is^s3\ Jjb\ ^ya 4jco
^*^Sj ^3 ^Lo^Hj \^j£»\ j c ^_r£T^5\
J (^^Lfc-uJl Aîc-)
*v>-A' (*f*
Amr ibn Al-Hajjaj advanced along with his battalion of Kufans against
die right flank of Al-FIussain's (a) camp. When he came near to Al-
Hussain's (a) companions, they dropped to their knees and lifted their
pikes. The horses did not charge the raised pikes and turned to retreat
instead. Al-Hussain's (a) companions then pelted them with arrows,
killing some and wounding others.
Ju^ 3 ‘0^ if *3-/° O'0 lJji ji j
aJc-) {jÂ-\ ^La9 .Ac-Url
Amr ibn Al-Hajjaj would call on to his companions, "Fight diose who
have deviated from the religion and diverted away from unity." Al-
Hussain (a) called in reply,
(f3 j v>-^' if j£\ 5 Û\ JoyZ- l dUj
!jU\ c^jU lil .!? aJc
/0JW, O' Hajjaj! Doyou rouse the people against me? Is it

we who have deviatedfrom the religion whileyou are its guardian?
Surely, when our souls leave our bodiesyou will know who is truly
deserving of dwelling in hellfireP0
31
Amr ibn AI-Hajjaj Accuses Imam Hussain
(a) of Deviating from the Religion
Ij Jp3 f <—j\^3\ jj£~ li.i jr
«vj3 UA 3->* if ^ ^ 3 ‘f&\ei- 3 fW' J*'
Amr ibn Al-Hajjaj drew near to the companions of Imam Hussain (a)
and called out to his men, "O' People of Kufa, hold fast to obedience
and unity. Do not hesitate to loll whoever deviates from the religion
and goes against die imam of the Muslims." Al-Hussain (a) said to him,
.jUl jb JA J C j^\ JA Jjiu ^3 * ^
O' ibn Al-Hajjaj, do you provoke people against me? Did we

deviate from the religion while you remained steadfast on it? By
Cod, you will come to know which of us has deviated away from
thefaith and who truly deserves to dwell in hellfire!21
32
The Martyrdom of Muslim ibn Awsaja
JjIS j <AC-L^ \^zs\3 Cj\jA]\ y Ûti-1 ^ jT
4^1 A*£* ^ A*£* aJL3 c 43^°y*
4j ^ ^ V\ 'oja*J\ ^ < oAjAAj oj^c- <3*^1^-\ oA-iJ dl^b ^
^ Aîc') *.<.<■J»~\ 4*J\ .^yj
:(^^LJ\ aJs) a! Jfe
Then Amr ibn Al-Hajjaj advanced from the direction of the Euphrates,
where the parties clashed for some time. Muslim ibn Awsaja was
amongst the warriors and he was faced by Muslim ibn Abdullah Al-
Dababi and Abdullah ibn Khashkara Al-Balji. The batde grew so fierce
that a thick cloud of dust was stirred. The dust did not setde until
Muslim [ibn Awsaja] was felled, laying with some life in him. Al-
Hussain (a) walked to him along with Habib ibn Mudhahir Al-Asadi.
Al-Hussain (a) said to [Muslim],
\j5j3 U 3
1 o* fr! 3i Aik âS, L tOi\
iiX3
May God have mercy on you. 'There are some among them who
have fulfilled their pledge, and some of them who still wait, and
they have not changed in the least. ’ [The Holy Quran, 33:23]
Vjp JU . AA^b jJ^\ c b !(3^ J V— b.} ^
<ulc-) jLi\ j] U* Jj aS Jbis .d-b<£\ U J$C
33
OU o'
M u* £>-\ li v:
Vj j
ijlis Oyi
. aJc-
Habib drew close to [Muslim] and said, "Your death has take a toll on
me, O' Muslim. I give you glad ridings of paradise." [Muslim] replied
faintly, "May God give you glad ridings of all that is good." Habib then
said, "If I did not know that I am following in your footsteps I would
have liked for you to instruct me in regards to everything that is of
consequence [as a last will and testament]." Muslim replied, "My will is
this man [and he pointed to Imam Hussain (a)] and that you die aiding
him." [Habib] said, "By the Lord of the Ka'ba, I will." [Muslim] quickly
perished, may God be content with him.22
34
Shimr Advances Against Imam Hussain’s
(a) Left Flank
l? lP j*** (Ji f
4-Ag) 3 .0j£^& j < *o^x»A*\ < d^^laLI
(^vA-*Al aAg) ^ (j^ 4>\^P\ ^
jJ-o^- cL-ujls J ^jbj\ U\ J O-i^ls *)l\s3
.AXaJiS^ ^l\ <woW-
Then Al-Hussain's (a) companions withdrew close to him. Shimr ibn

Thiljawshan advanced against the left flank. They stood firmly and
fought him. [The Umayyad army] advanced against Al-Hussain (a)
from every direcdon. The companions of Al-Hussain (a) fought
valiantly, advancing with their cavalry which consisted of thirty two
horses. They advanced against the cavalry of Kufa and repelled [the
Kufans] every time.23
35
Abdullah ibn Omair al-Kalbi Enters the
Battlefield
d! Ioi_?L^ (_jfcf' ij-. ^ -M'
c Laj jJJaI :>U^ J^S”"jkil <oj\ _j : Jlis .(j.'^LJl X) A-\
xs* Uji _r*o\ C^> j.\ Oji>i Jj-aS' oA ^ <Ji _J
3 ‘jf lAjo-ii (Ji -ilAA' d Ai *»'jj ^/> ^

■■\r- ^ W6'
Abdullah ibn Omair Al-Kalbi was in Nukhaila* when he saw die people
getting ready to march towards and fight Al-Hussain (a).
He said, "By God, I have been thorough in my jihad against the
polydieists. I hope diat the reward of jihad of those who raid the son
of their prophet's daughter is no less than the reward I have earned in
my jihad against die polytheists." He went to his wife, told her of what
he has heard, and informed her of his plan.
^ jA gÂ' 3 J**' ciJ J3»\ tiij iG-iLs
Axui li.3 1^3 .Axa ( ^*^LL\ Lv. *.*»>"
O'- xzP ^>3* ^ 3 J>} v> 3\jj (Jy» J&\
. ^Cubx; LJ\
She said, "You have hit die mark, may God hit His mark through you
[andj guide you in all matters. Do so and take me with you." He set out
with her until they reached Al-Hussain (a) and setded in his camp. [On
die day of Ashura] Omar ibn Saad shot die first arrow and the people
* Nukliaila: a town on the outskirts of modern-day Karbala.
36
followed suit. Then Yasar the servant of Ziyad ibn Abu Sufyan and
Salim the servant of Ubaydillah ibn Ziyad stepped forth and [called for
a duel].
U J, jgj, j Uoo J, v_—~y>-
<a! ^
a! j .. • * w^Xpl.fc.**l\ -Xj A-wu
jJbj <cAs^p\ •«.«**i .a! ^^9 . Ai *>-*.»**Xjls ^ ^_ô\ ^jA *
j' v> /' ui^'
Habib ibn Mudhahir and Burair ibn Khudair rose for battle, but Al-
Hussain (a) [told them to hold off]. Abdullah ibn Omair rose and asked
Al-Hussain (a) permission to enter batde, and he was granted
permission. He was a tall man of a tan complexion, with stout forearms
and broad shoulders. He set out and fought valiantly. When he stepped
forward Yasar asked him, "Who are you?" [Abdullah] described his
lineage, but [Yasar] replied, "I do not know you. Let Zuhair ibn Al-
Qayn, Habib ibn Mudhahir, or Burair ibn Khudair step forward."
V j <ûld\ ^jA -X=>- \ OjjLa ^P A^Pj oi) j ^ a! (Jl^3
AjâS A^lp A-i ^ J&- ^ j -X>-\ _jjfe

3 iS^
Aîp A-ju Ajj^c2j AjIs . A*-* v>' J* J* d/'
^>- Aj Laj ^3 cJcoJl dAifiij J3 IAjWÎ A) ^l*aS < A^P1
A*P AÎp ^ i <KS& dl-JjlL^ls ^^wuxi\ oAo A0jA3
. AS j . ^jjiS A^piaS 4&1
Ibn Omair said, "O' son of the doer [of ill, and in one narration: O'
son of the adulteress], do you have a preference not to duel some men
37
when there is no one who would step fordi except that they are your
better?" [Abdullah ibn Omair] then charged towards [Yasar] and struck
him with his sword until he fell. He was the first man to fall from the
camp of Omar ibn Saad. But while [Abdullah ibn Omair] was busy
striking [Yasar], Salim the servant of Ubaydillah charged toward him.
[Abdullah's] companions shouted, "The slave is drawing near you." But
Abdullah did not seem to care about him until he got close. [Salim]
quickly struck [Abdullah], but he shielded the blow with his left hand,
severing his fingers. Abdullah turned toward [Salim] and struck him
until he killed him. He returned to the camp having slain them both.24
\ 1
38
The Martyrdom of Abdullah ibn Omair al-
Kalbi and his Wife Umm Wahab
O'- O'- ^ jl O'- ^ d^* W J
ix*J Jis tv^j _*' lS^' vW 0< (0^ O'- O- LP

O'- O*^-
^2A3 Â^C- «\-du ^ jLuP J ^-JwP
^ ^>3 1^—u\ (Asl*^ J$C ^La3 J <^cH 0J0

cT C*
.(^LJ\ aJ^) jyJA kJ\^>\ Ja jliM JâSl jKV\ Ai^jb J
Al-Shimr and a number of his companions charged against al-

Hussain's (a) left flank, but they remained perseverant until they
repelled the advance. Abdullah ibn Omair al-Kalbi fought in that
confrontadon, killing nineteen cavalrymen and twelve infantrymen.
Hani ibn Thubayt al-Hadrami charged at him and severed his right
hand. Bakr ibn Hai severed his leg. He was taken captive and killed.
Al-Tabari mentioned in his account that [Abdullah] was the second of
al-Hussain's (a) companions to fall.
l ^0 Adil Jc*P G-Oo) AX>-j,j aJ\

* 3 .. t-
. *
Alii < Ai^-1 ^ AXP i Aa»\j jjp
tôjJb AoÛ] JIa3 .iJJjlo A
A/Jp) ^jA »«_Âx3 olôl lÎ 3 c—ol^> j
His wife, Umm Wahab (bint Abdullah, from the family of al-Nimr ibn
Qasit), came to him. She sat by his head, wiped his blood, and said,
"May you enjoy paradise! I ask God who has granted you paradise to
allow me to be with you." Al-Shimr said to his servant Rustum, "Strike
39
her head with a pole." He bashed her head and killed her, making her
die first female killed from the companions of al-Hussain (a).
IftSjd < c AjP C-

J
:JU j (^LJ\ aJ^)
Abdullah's head was severed and thrown toward al-Hussain (a). His
modier took his head and wiped the blood off it. She took a pole from
a tent and charged toward die enemy. Al-Hussain (a) stopped her,
saying,
Return [back to the tent], may God have meny onyou, for fighting
is not obligatoryforyou.
aJc-) ‘L^Wj
3
She returned, saying, "O' God, do not crush my hopes!" Al-Hussain

(a) said to her,
4^1 jLaij *il
id will not crushyour hopes.25
40
Historical Confusion between Abdullah
ibn Omair and Wahab ibn Abdullah
o'-
o^ AiLiJlS j ^j, *ui\ .up (j* j
•(s-^j fO o'- ^ <j^ j ‘ o* (v’W) j («—^W)
There has been much confusion amongst historians in regards to two

individuals; Abdullah ibn Omair ibn Jonab al-Kalbi and Wahab ibn
Abdullah ibn Hobab al-Kalbi. That is because of the similarity in their
names (Jonab, Hobab) as well as the fact diat Abdullah ibn Omair's
wife's name was Umm Wahab.
*Sj*►
0 <- y-^0 o'- 3^ 3 <■ * ji (aujjo jh»jS3\ •

l/5
Lî ^ c ^*-y\ ^ ^ ulp) 0^****~^~' O^*(3^^
•‘-rU O'-
I posit that these are two different individuals, each martyred at a

different time. The first set out from Kufa to Nukhayla to Karbala, and
he is Abdullah ibn Omair. The second, Wahab ibn Hobab, was a
Christian who met al-Hussain (a) on the road, accepted Islam, and
came to Karbala.
(4^' up) ocZjfi. l$*aS' 3
CuW- j •('^-r^‘3 ^0 1 J (^)
o^J^ld o^Ju^X>“\ ^ .UP i <oJ\s -up C-Ji-

D
41
4j \y°j ^ iû\j \j}*la9
J C'J^
.l^J^3 <> C-Jj-b j 4^jj
What strengdiens diis position is that there are two narrations in

regards to die martyrdom of Abdullah or Wahab and his wife or
modier Umm Wahab. The first says diat he was martyred and that his
wife came to sit by him and wipe the blood off his head. The other
says diat die enemies captured him, severed his head, and threw it
toward die camp of al-Hussain (a). His wife took his head and struck
an enemy tent widi it, collapsing it.
J C^p J
‘ ^3J 3 <u' Cr- ^3
The first narradon supports die fact that his wife Umm Wahab was
martyred after him, when someone struck her with an iron pole on her
T The second said diat she tried to fight but was stopped by al-
:n (a), who returned her to die camp.
ry of Wahab ibn Hobab, who accepted Islam along with his
.d his mother, and how he was martyred will be recounted
r6
42
The World is the Prison of a Believer and
the Paradise of a Disbeliever
Cr- (Jl3) jc. yJ- j»UVl) j,B J,\ jz
Be)
It is narrated through Abu Jafar al-Thani (Imam Muhammad al-Ja\vad

(a)), relaying on behalf of his forefathers, that Ali ibn al-Hussain (a)
said,
t Ajco y* 4~il fau fafa) j*)l\ li

O-XaJjV j ^l_^l fafaj j*)l\ -vx-il y* lita
jJUaaA-I {j^j aL>-j j pQ*aj\j3
J**- 3
J* *** o*
.OjLl (JLi J : JaxJ jOM Jta
When my father al-Hussain's (a) situation looked dire, those

around him looked at him and saw that [his demeanor was quite
the opposite oftheirs]. As the situation became more and more dire,
theirfaces would become pale, their limbs would tremble, and their
hearts would sink. Conversely, al-Hussain (a) and a few of his
select companion's faces would brighten, their limbs would settle,
and their souls would be tranquil. Some would say to others,
'Look! He does notfear death!' Al-Hussain (a) said to them:
Vl Ojll li Jo \j^ :(rÛ! ijc) jUl ^
43
li'] J! [^-J' l/'] J*? if j'
![iJ4
Be patient, O' sons of noble [forefathers]. Indeed, death is but a
bridge that will allow you to cross from hardship and suffering
towards an immenseparadise and everlasting blessings. Who ofyou
hates to be transported from a prison and into a palace?
J>) j! • 3 di if if 3
< J&\ io- j Lull y\ yp
L° dl 3* J^ 3 di *^3* 3
.CoIS"^ j Coiff
./Ij* for your enemies, it is a journey from a palace towards

imprisonment and punishment. My father told me that the
Messenger of God (s) said, 'Indeed, the world is the prison of a
believer and the paradise of a disbeliever. Death is [the believers']
bridge toward theirparadise, and [the disbelievers'] bridge towards
their hel/fire. Indeed, I have not lied nor will I be proven wrong!'27
44
i
Shabath ibn Rib'i Confesses to his Men's
Wretchedness
IX5 A>\^\ j jAjW ijc. yb J (_rx9 J, OjjS- iJ\j 11 J
0* 3 < ytâU £Cp-J> yUc-_~u *<J^ ^ ^ •
^ L$j£
When Uzra ibn Qays who commanded [an Umayyad] cavalry

[regiment] saw the weakness of liis men and the failure of every charge,
he sent a missive to Omar ibn Saad asking for backup. Ibn Saad said
to Shabadi ibn Rib'i, "Would you go to aid them?" [Shabath] replied,
"Glory to God! You would command the master of these lands when
there are others who would suffice?"
(3 Jj*i j <<!^x^ Jji (l j
J\ [^r^\ oJju y* j ^
\jjb j y* tiAl l> !? j
• u3 V ^ yval\
Shabadi detested fighting al-Hussain (a) and was heard saying, "We
fought alongside Ali ibn Abi Talib (a) and his son [al-Hassan (a)] after
him against the family of Abu Sufyan for five years. Now we have
turned against his son [al-Hussain (a)] who is die best of the people of
the eardi, siding against him with die family of Muawiya and the son
of Sumayya the adultress? Perversion! Oh the perversion! By God,
45
God will not give die people of diis land any good nor support diem
with any foresight."
[Omar ibn Saad] sent al-Hossayn ibn Numair to support [Uzra ibn
Qays], along widi five hundred archers.28
46
A Man Describes the Valor of al-Hussain
(a) and His Companions
iLLxS Lo Lo 0-X^-*i ji vikj [...] *.<JIa3 !((J^?)
A man who was amongst the army of Omar ibn Saad during the Batde
of Karbala was told, "Woe to you! You have killed the progeny of the
Messenger of God (s)!" He replied, "[...] If you would have seen what
we saw, you would have done as we did!
^ 4*Ac>) G->j!j
Oi* 3 Vi/ J3^ ^ 3 c (3 f^3 id^ ^ ‘dlpU

CoÎ I^p Uii£^ ^3 <viUi\ y <ud\ jÛ- (J>c-
!viAS ^ V ^y\c\3 \£li j$w*xS\
A small group of men [meaning al-Hussain (a) and his companions]

charged at us with their hands on the hilts of their swords. They were
like raging lions, devouring our knights left and right. They rushed to
death, neither accepting sanctuary nor seeking wealth. No one could
stand between them and [their choice of either] death or seeing [the
throne]. If we were to let up our attack for a moment, they would have
taken die army from every direction. What else could we have done?"29
47
The Martyrdom of Abu al-Sha'tha' al-
Kindi
■d
. Ajlo C Ax«u
u J [•••] J
aJc-) ^ t ^..A A->aA£ l^-o lla>-\ l»a |AX£
:JLî
Abu al-Sha'dia' al-Kindi (his name being Yazid ibn Ziyad ibn Muhasir
al-Kindi) was in die ranks of Ibn Saad's army. When [the Umayyad
army] rejected al-Hussain’s (a) condidons, he joined his camp. He
fought in al-Hussain's (a) ranks and [charged with chants of pride in
his ancestry and dedication to al-Hussain (a)]. He was an archer, so he
sat on his knees in al-Hussain's (a) camp and shot one hundred arrows
- less than five of which missed their marks. All the while al-Hussain
(a) would say,
.AX^-\ A>\j} j < p$!S\
O' God, guide bis shots and reward him with paradise.
p cJ^3 (J,\ ^ jjcJ SkJ :JjL y& j ^\3 Aolû OjJl>
.(d&\ yj Ax*A>
When he ran out of arrows he stood up and said, "It seems that I have
killed five of them." He tiien charged against the enemy and killed nine
soldiers before being killed - may God have mercy on his soul.30
48
The Martyrdom of Burair ibn Khudair
d&\ .^Lp J-J. 23 [ 3s* 3 i> jy: jj-f
(23 -U—u <\S Jli 2 3 t AiLoj Jj>\ j t^jolc jK"j
.jJJ j <_3(3 ^ J <LjuIj
Burair ibn Khudair al-Hamadani then stepped forward unto the

batdefield [reciting verses in praise of his ancestry]. Burair was a
righteous servant of God; an austere worshipper who was foremost
amongst reciters [of die Holy Quran] during his time. He used to be
called ’the Master of Reciters.' He was an elder and a Tabi'i [i.e. he was
not himself a companion of the Holy Prophet (s), but was a student of
Imam Ali (a) and the righteous companions], with great status and
honor amongst the Hamadanis.
Jj3 J?~ ojz 4^3 l \yjs\ c 3^y\ lj \^)jo\
.[ JiiU Qi A>.>. (3 j] v> -H>. a! (Jli
He fought valiantly and would say during the batde, "Come at me, O'
slayers of the believers! Come at me, O' killers of the sons of the
warriors of Back! Come at me, O' murderers of the family of the best
of Messengers (s)!" An enemy soldier by die name of Yazid ibn Ma'qil
[or, as in some narradons, Yazid ibn al-Mughfil], advance toward
[Burair].
O'-
Jlis .\jJj cib y \ys>- ^ l ? dij JUJ*.
ô) £ < \)\ U ,J»*3 y IJjy,
49
^ J, ijz ji J : J (<j^
•L^b ^ o' <J^ *JC*
Al-Mugarram recounted die event in some detail. Me said, "Yazid ibn

Ma'qil called out, 'O' Burair! How have you found what God has done
to you?' [Burair] replied, 'God has done good by me and left you to
your evil.' Yazid said, 'You lie, and you have never been a liar before!
Do you remember when I was walking beside you in [the lands of]
Bani Lawthan and you said, "Muawiya is misguided and die Imam of
guidance is Ali ibn Abi Talib"?' Burair replied, 'Yes, I do attest that as
my view!'
1*3^3 oU-X3 .jJLiall yo iil}\ [>\ j
JV*' ^ J tj'
•> ^ c âLJu yo jh~ < ÛjJI ^ GjaB
^ Go b
Yazid said, 'I do attest diat you are misguided!' Burair dien called him
a ??mbahalal each raising his hand and praying that God Almighty
i curse the liar and lead him to his deadi. They charged at one
■r and fought until Burair struck [Yazid on die head] splitting his
: and skull. He fell as if he was thrown off a cliff while Burair's
J was stuck in his skull.
* A mubabala is a type of debate where two sides of an issue pray to God for the
i damnadon of the lying side. God says in the Holy Quran, “Should anyone argue with
j ! you concerning him, after the knowledge that has come to you, say, ‘Come! Let us
I
call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, our souls and your souls,
it then let us pray earnestly, and call down Allah’s curse upon the liars.”’ (The Holy
i• I Quran, 3:61)
k !
1 50
\&* 3^' J 3 L^j) ^ M L)\ j
cAjI^Îj Â-a1\ J dl^laX—uls < Oj.U^> ^C' ûb>- *£jsO$ c lSj\C-\ J

J
:(j^>V\ Qj jÂj 4j ^La3 t ^ ^ Jucd LPj^ _^V Q:
cis_j$3\ j«U- 3 jT^\ Uj^j 0^"^' CsJ^\ j^~ 3 \jjb
And while Burair was attempting to extract his sword, Radi ibn
Munqith al-Abdi attacked him, tackling him to the ground and
wrestling him. Burair beat him and sat on his chest, so Radi al-Abdi
called on his companions for help. Ka'b ibn Jabir al-Azdi charged at
Burair while Zuhair ibn Abi al-Akhnas called out, 'That is Burair ibn
Khudair, the reciter who used to recite die Quran to us in the Mosque
of Kufa!'
j [•••] 3*^' jw- 4jP 60A* l3 W {A* 3 ^

•UP 4^. olill
•ySH2^ a"/' 3**^ O'
But [Ka'b] did not heed his cry and stabbed Burair in the back. Burair
fell on Radi al-Abdi [...]. Ka'b then used his spear to move Burair off
and struck him with a sword, killing him. [...]"
Al-Khawarizmi recounts that his killer was actually Buhair ibn Aws al-
Dabbi.31
51
Biographical Entry | Burair ibn Khudair
bjljj lSw>k L*)b i juj. a* 0^ &
<ulc.) j* 0^3 - (j *\yk\ 'J* 3
IL \'j~s* *' Cr° 'J*\j£>\ q*
43jS3l ja ‘ <UpIU\ Jojd A*J\ ^j° (^^-***^ aJg) OV*1^
o'j^j) *** ô- (^*^Lw»Jl aÎc-) ^ 3^ ^j%>-

.(aAc- d&\
Burair ibn Kliudair al-Hamadani al-Mashriqi. The Banu Mashriq are a

branch of the tribe of Hamadan. The narrators have said, "Burair was
a Tabi'f elder, a worshiper, and a reciter of the Holy Quran - rather, he
was amongst the senior reciters of Kufa." He was a companion of the
Commander of the Faithful (s) and a notable Kufan from die tribe of
Hamadan. Biographers say that when Burair heard that al-FIussain (a)
refused to pledge allegiance to the tyrant Yazid, he set out from Kufa
neet al-Hussain (a) in Mecca. He remained with him until he was
ed - may God bless his soul.32
' A Tab/Vis an individual who lived during the time of the Holy Prophet (s) or directly
afterwords but did not have the chance to meet him and listen to his words. Instead,
they learned directly from the companions who lived with the Holy Prophet (s).
52
Al-Hurr enters the Battlefield
Jy G+dy< aJc) ,ju**5»tiS j^~\ Jls ^
\±J- ^Laj j£ j\ dl-Xj j*\ ^ jila
:(j»^LJ\ <uL) 4 J\a3 .ioLiiSl \jb (^)
Al-Hurr tlicn said to al-Hussain (a), "O' son of the Messenger of God,
I was the first to set out against you, so give me permission to be the
first one to die in your support. Perhaps that would [grant me the
honor to] shake the hands of your grandfather Muhammad (s) on the
Day of Resurrection." Al-Hussain (a) replied,
.^ t 4^1c> d-ol3 G-Jui
As you wish. You are of those whom God has [accepted their]
repentence, and He is the Ever Relenting the All Merciful.
Cr- ^ 5* J j[n Ji if Jj'

j*S) ^ y y^L) y
.AtLu dASi a3 ioXaxL*\ J
He was the first to duel the enemy [reciting in verse his resolve to
protect al-Hussain (a)]. Al-Hurr set out with Zuhair ibn al-Qayn
guarding his back. If either of diem found himself in trouble, the other
would charge to the rescue. They continued to fight for an hour or
so.33
53
Al-Hurr Battles Yazid ibn Sufyan
^ ^ -H>i> -A' O' l5^' -£*) 0^ J
<3' jS j U\ (j. <-AjbU y*. j oJiSi ^ jLCu ^ AjJ, Jls
. jL*J\ ^> AjJ, ^ Coi\j
Abu Zuhair al-Absi narrates tliat when al-Hurr joined the camp of al-
Hussain (a), Yazid ibn Sufyan (of the Bani Shaqra, the sons of al-FIarith
ibn Tameem) said, "By God, if I had seen al-Hurr ibn Yazid when he
left, I would have followed him with my spear [and killed him on die
spot]!"
<IoALo p£Jl ^ Ajj, J, jL\ J t J b~*3
ji J < ^ AAaI *0-0^3 ^ [•••] "^jCSs ^
: jLC« ^ Ajjj A^ ^(j?\ jvai-l Jla3 .
![*> J*3 <AtS] Jj?* Ca5^âS' Ai)j j, ji-\ \aa
*n were engaged in heated batde as al-Hurr ibn Yazid charged

idy toward the enemy reciting the verses of Antarah [ibn Shaddad,
Islamic Arab warrior-poet]. His horse was wounded at the ear
rows, with blood flowing [over its face]. Al-Hossayn ibn
jem, who was Ubaydillah's police captain, said to Yazid ibn
fyan, "This is al-Hurr ibn Yazid who you were hoping [to kill. Can
you take him on]!"
A3 ^ :Jl5 <j AjJj. j, j>- b CIS Ja :<\1 JIa3 <4j\ .^> :JlS
liSo a! jjJ 4^' j ^ {j: ColC“° bis ijls ,<\S jjO t CaC
1 54
4£»J ^ < O-Xj ^3 ^***^)
•[%-\J 3
He said yes, set out towards [al-Hurr], and sid to him, "Do you, O’
Hurr ibn Yazid, wish to duel?" He replied, "Yes, I do," and proceeded
toward him. [The narrator, Abu Zuhair al-Absi,] said, "Then I heard
Al-Hossayn ibn Tameem say, 'By God, [al-Hurr dueled] as if his soul
is in his grasp [i.e. he fought with great valor, undawnted by certain
death].' It was not long before [al-Hurr] finished off [his foe]. "34
55
The Martyrdom of al-Hurr ibn Yazid al-
Riyahi
^ J tj**3 v/l/ ^ V’ji' L^J f
yb ^ \jo Jui hlb»3 O-X^J ^ »*J«d ACS' f}
•*^Wj Oi*i>' J ^ d^ l5^ 4^r*^ d*^" J
Ayoub ibn Mashrah al-Khaywani then shot al-Hurr's horse [on the
knee], hamstringing it. The horse fell, but he jumped off it like a lion
with die sword in his hand. He fought valiandy on foot [while recidng
verses of poetry taunting and intimidating his foes]. He fought them
with his sword until he killed forty-some men.
c ^ 3 <. a^Sc* j (d^ ^
^Lo\ 0^J-O- Aîc-) ^jCÎs
^ c \jjt d^5 d^ d3^ ^ •••
:djî ^d^)
"he [Umayyad] infantry gathered against al-Hurr and overpowered

[A group of enemy soldiers, including] Ayoub ibn Mashrah,
[Derated in killing him. Al-Hussain's (a) companions carried him
placed him in front of die tent [at the forefront of the camp].
ienever any of the martyrs was brought to die tent al-Hussain (a)
would say,
•0^' J' j ^ Ji*

A death like the deaths of the prophets and the families of the
prophets.
:: 56
:<u^ f-iS'
Al-Hussain (a) turned to al-Hurr while he still held his last breath. He
wiped the blood off him and said,
.3/H\ j, LuJ\ j cS\ j <dU ^cS\

You are al-Hurr [i.e. thefree] likeyour mother namedyou! You
arefree in this world and the next!
jî-1 <j< ^ J-v3 j ^Jc.) yo ofe

JJ
One of the companions of al-Hussain (a) - with some historians saying

that it was Ali ibn al-Hussain (a) or al-Hussain (a) himself - mourned
him with the following verses,
* * *
^ ^ ■>**
■y~J &■ > JT^ H
* * *
<j^>- ^pb j£~\ (**> j
L-
Glory to al-Hurr; thefree-man of Barn Riyah
He was patient amidst the clashing of spears
Glory to al-Hurr, who heard the ay of Hussain (a)
And sacrificed himself that early morn!
• ^ v>' ^h^3) (3 J
In Tabaqat ibn Saad, [the poem is attributed to] al-Mutawakil al-Laithi.35
57
Biographical Entry | Al-Hurr ibn Yazid
al-Riyahi
Jou ^ <Jj^ 3 (^*^1**!! ^Jc-)
Jijl ^jlSo c3^Ju) ^%>- j a^SjÎ
î-\ A3.;;.aj\ 11 Aj\ jc~Jl i^Lj\ j .v_aU\ ^ (^^L*Jl ^Jc-)
.^1-1 ^ AX/O 4Âc-) (^\.o.t,l-l ^*^>-\
He is the [Umayyad commander] who blocked al-Hussain (a) [on his

path to Kufa and pushed him towards Karbala] and so was the first to
set out against him. He then [repented and was able to achieve eternal]
happiness by gaining die honor of martyrdom, as he was amongst the
first martyrs from the camp of al-Hussain (a) during the Batde of
Karbala. Biographers recount diat when al-Hurr was martyred, al-
Hussain (a) took his kerchief and wrapped it around al-Hurr’s head.
3 4^C') if if-
if ^bJl l^xlo J Ja jSS* Û-\ pj \^£c îSl ^ pi y\ Jj
jU- jlj, A^> pJl J\ Ajj, J, J>t11 J
Al-Shaykh al-Samawi and al-Allama al-Mudhaffar say, "Banu Tameem

buried al-Hurr ibn Yazid about a mile away from al-Hussain (a) out of
respect for him. Perhaps it was Banu Tameem who gathered on the
11 di of Muharram and stopped the severing and parading of al-Hurr's
head - as all die other heads were severed from the bodies and hoisted
' 58
;
atop spears. Today, diere is a shrine atop al-Hurr's tomb on the
outskirts of Karbala in the town that was previously called al-
Nawawis.36
59
A Rebuttal to those who Accused al-Hurr
of Apostacy
j oljJu dl* ll (_5yLail jl oliiSl ^0 _Xfll
^ tT o*^' ijAJi <y° ^ j di

Jc \j\j J <JxS 11 <vLf lib oj\j cOxx; y.1 j LCJ3 J1 J1 iJjji j.
. A-ju\^ l^-. A)L^2f' A—u\j
A number of trusted individuals have told me that when Shah Ismail

al-Safawi occupied Baghdad and came to the shrine of al-Hussain (a),
he heard some disparaging al-Hurr [saying diat he was an apostate and
that his repentance was not accepted]. He went to al-Hurr's tomb and
commanded diat his body be exhumed. They found his body as if he
had just been killed [i.e. it had not decomposed] and found a kerchief
wrapped around Iris head.
J* iLaxll dl)j jl jwJ\ J j£ H ciUaJl d\b* oLJ\ ^\jli
^3^ ^ olL* li. Aoulj A) A«u ( AaIc')
*
ALo l5°"
^ 4“"'j l/1 ^-\S^ l5/?“ cAJj \^> ^ .AX^Sl olb*
j c*lx> oj3 aLoaII dAk> aJc> IjA-i y>3
(3 A\ j Ai^l^-i ^j\ a! j .0j\3 ^
The Shah wanted to take that kerchief because biographers recount

that the kerchief was actually al-Hussain's (a) and diat he had wrapped
it around his head when he was wounded in that batde. When they
took die kerchief, blood flowed from his head until it filled the grave.
When they wrapped it back around Iris head, the blood stopped. [Shah
60
Ismail al-Safawi] commanded that a shrine be built over his tomb and
appointed a servant to maintain the shrine. Thus, it was clear that [al-
Hurr) was martyred on die path of righteousness and that he is like all
die other martyrs [of the Batde of Karbala].37
61
The Martyrdom of Wahab ibn Hobab al-
Kalbi
J ulj Lj|y^3) jlS"" (JW J ‘ ’if- jj*- f
«■
l> p !4*o\ iJUlfc . <x>\ 4jco CoS'"j -î
jto J jif? 1 ^J \> 3*^ :3^ «(,j^) <J^"J G-l> ^3 j^2j^3
■L&J
Wahab ibn Hobab al-Kalbi tlien stepped forth unto die batde field. It
is said diat he was a Chrisdan who had accepted Islam along with his
mother because of al-Hussain (a). He was with his wife and mother
when his modier said, "Go, my son, and support the son of the
daughter of the Messenger of God (s).M He said, "I will, and I will not
fall short!" He charged into the batde field recidng [verses touting his
strength and valor].
: JI3 J <u\ j *5\j*\ (J\ jT Jxs Jj,>- Jsli Jj, jl j vJfcj 3*" f
^3^0 L$-î 3“^ ^ *G-*ilii3 ^ G-<X^^\ oVo\ l>
oLslc- :<0‘\ja\
Wahab charged and fought until he killed a number of enemy soldiers.

He then went back to his mother and his wife and said, "O mother,
are you pleased?" She replied, "I will not be pleased until you die in
support of al-Hussain!" His wife pleaded, "By God, don't grieve me by
your death!"
*3^ GGj ^ 3^ j l5°* - ^ G-JlSi
J .o\jj 3sU Jj, ^3 £^9 .ioLd>S\ oJe> AC'liui Jxi
62
03^ d*^ cLf 3 0>} *LJjSj J 1a9\ j \3yf" *5\ja\
3 *>y Oj^>l3 <*L*A)\ taSj, d d3^ *((j^) ^ J^j p^p-
• db* £*>ja\ ^j\ ^p\ idJli
His mother said to him, "Don't listen to her, my son. Go back and
fight in support of the son of your Prophet's (s) daughter, and you will
gain his grandfather's intercession of the Day of Resurrection." He
returned to the batdefield and continued to fight until his arms were
severed. His wife took a pole and ran toward him saying, "May my
mother and father be sacrificed for you! Fight in protection of the
righteous family of the Messenger of God (s)!" He went to take her
back to the women, but she held on to his clothes and said, "I will not
return, but will die alongside you."
dl (J^j' ^ d**' 0* 4d£0

.4^1 *LAl\
Al-Hussain (a) said to her.; “May God reward you ivell as a

family! Return to the women, may God blessyou. ”
.(aJc- j&\ jJp“ d*î l 3 *0di
She returned to the camp while al-Kalbi continued to fight until he was
killed - may God bless his soul.38
63
Al-Shimr stabs the Tent and Tries to Bum
the Camp
(*i> jwas .JWl ^ fy" j
lî-9 ■ 0j^s>-\â ^ ^ t jL0\ l.h^0^j\ Ô- c4jb^\ j
y*' ^ •x*~m i>'
The two sides charged at one another and the batde raged on between
diem. Al-Hussain (a) and his companions persevered until mid-day,
while they were battling their foe from one direcdon. When Ibn Saad
saw diis, he gave orders to burn die tents [as they had stopped his
troops from flanking al-Hussain (a) and his companions].
•f*\ J aJc-) JIas
Al-Hussain (a) said to bis companions, “Let them be, for they
will not reachyou. ”
>11 j ‘Ct***^ As?lla-^3 ^jx\d ff=>-
o\Îa3 ^jP oyi
Al-Shimr charged until he stabbed al-Hussain's (a) tent, calling, "Give

me a fire so I can burn die tents of die oppressors." The women cried
and ran out of the tent, until the companions of al-Hussain (a) charged
at [al-Shimr] and repelled him from the camp. Al-Hussain then called
out [to al-Shimr],
! ■ &\ Jy*j o' -V ^
Woe toyou, Shimr. Doyou wish to burn the tent ofthe Messenger
of God?
64
J ^3^3 .pAJ t(Jl3
[Al-Shimr] replied, "Yes!" Al-Hussain (a) raised his eyes to the heavens
and said,
,iolsAS\ jUHj A3j^ j\ ^
0' God, Sbimr will not stopyoufrom burning him on the Day of
"Resurrection!59
65
Hamid ibn Muslim Denounces Shimr’s
Action
c d&\ oW* lP o', (J^) o -V" if J
< v^jju ^ j^ JtiAl ^tLâj ^ jj
•4ft4' *. U* JWjW J jl 4^1 j lULAil j jU^Sl Jds j
J _? *J^ <j* Aj^ ^ :G^3 (J^) ?Co\ j* :Jla3 (JU)
! jlLLJ\ .up j,jl l5^ ^ o'
It is narrated that Hamid ibn Muslim said, "I said to Sliimr ibn
Thiljawshan, 'Gloiy to God! That is unbecoming of you. Do you wish
to garner two traits; that you incur God's torment, and that you loll
women and children? By God, surely killing die men will be enough
please your master [Yazid].' He said to me, 'And who are you?' I
replied, 'I will not tell you who I am.' By God, I feared that if he knew
me, he would speak ill of me to diose with authority. !I4<)
66
Shabath ibn Rib'i Disparages Shimr
Colj U :aS ((j^j Ji 4 ^>\ J*>j of\i- :Jl3
I loj*P VS'ja\ \^XaSys ^jA £Cj3\ lQ3y* ^ ^ co\i^3 ^y> \j~u\
.c3w-^J&AS L>*S-~u\ Aj\
[Hamid ibn Muslim] said, "Then a man who he listened to more than
me - Shabath ibn Rib'i - came and said, 'I have not heard a statement
worse than yours, nor a stance worse dian yours! Have you become a
terrorizer of women!' I swear that he was ashamed and left at once."41
67
Zuhair ibn al-Qayn Rescues the Tents
J^ ^0 JUj (j 3 jjAj ûlc- J
\r£' < *11^3 ^
Zuhair ibn al-Qayn took ten of his companions and charged against
Sliimr ibn Thiljawshan and his men. They repelled them from die
camp and saved the tents.42
68
The Martyrdom of Amr ibn Khalid al-Azdi
and His Son
A f [ j£J y1 J liA' jlW Os jj* jjt J
4&\ ^
J is^~ J> (^[•••] yfji _y j o'- ^
Amr ibn Khalid al-Azdi charged into the battlefield [reciting verses of
poetry in supplication to God Almighty]. He fought until he was killed
- may God bless his soul. Then his son Khalid ibn Amr stepped
forward, [reciting verses in glorification of God Almighty]. He fought
until he was lolled - may God bless his soul.43
69
Historical Confusion between Amr ibn
Khalid al-Azdi and Amr ibn Khalid al-
Saydawi
aJU- j j* j cjjLJl ^
Lo (jj^) OÂ jAbal\ j .JJbl\ 3j}u)\ 3 3b’-“‘g (3*^
*mJ\ *c\j>- (j a$aa~u\ âJU .(^yi\ 3 J¥>^\ a~J\ \-vc-
. (^1^1 A*vjll aJ^* Jr j£" Jb AaAjA*^ ^ oV^to
There has been some confusion amongst historians between Amr ibn
Khalid al-Azdi, mentioned earlier, and Amr ibn Khalid al-Saydawi,
who will be mentioned next. Most sources recount die name of die
latter as "Amr," widi the exception of al-Sayyid al-Ameen, who
recounts his name as "Omar." The one who was martyred in a group
of four, along with his servant and two friends, is Omar ibn Khalid al-
Saydawi.
y> j bib 132 j, (g^lH) 3 jJi\ a~J\ Si 3
v3 3J^ 3 •GJ*' A3 j (3jbâl\ a!U- j jjf')
A3 < A^^P ^ ^jlfl3 c^LwJl Ai^’
\S Jti .^3 ^ iilji j cÛ^l 3^1
<ub) juaaA-1
Al-Sayyid al-Ameen mentions in al-Lawa'ij (p. 132) a third individual

by the name of Amr ibn Khalid al-Saydawi who was martyred after
John.
[Al-Sayyid al-Ameen] said, "Amr ibn Khalid al-Saydawi stepped

forward and said to al-Hussain (a), 'O' Abu Abdullah, I wish to join my
70
companions and I would hate to survive long enough to see you
murdered alone after the murder of your family.' Al-Hussain (a) said
to him,
.AC'L.u viL bis
Goforth, for m shalljoinyou soon.
• J& Js- J&9

He stepped forward and fought until he was killed. M44
71
The Martyrdom of a Group of
Companions
O'. _/W j
Jliil Jy J l^bls <3jÛl\ <&\ xs>

u\j ,jCojiLo \jJui-3 i
<>C?
*(n:^ (*7*^ 3 lT U\ j^Jc- i_ala£ ^ t4ijS3\ JJb\ jjc-
As for Amr ibn Khalid al-Saydawi and his servant Saad, Jabir ibn al-
Haridi al-Salmani, and Majma' ibn Abdullah al-'A'ethi, they had fought
at the beginning of die batde, charging with their swords against the
people of Kufa. When they charged deep inside enemy lines, die
soldiers circled around diem and cut them off from their companions.
jlSCo 3 jJi\ Jy 1^3 ^ j <0^\M Cr° pv: ^ ^ p^s-^
Al-Hussain (a) sent al-Abbas to aid them, but they had already been
wounded. While on the way back, they saw the enemy approaching
and so they charged despite their wounds. They fought until they were
tiled together in the same spot.
3^ V-*o«XxJ\j 4*Ac-) 3^^“^ <A3^^\ 3

O'
•*$*$(JI
Al-Abbas returned to his brother and told him what had happened.
These four were of die devout Shia of Kufa, having joined the caravan
of al-Hussain (a) at the 'Adieeb al-Hijanat [on the outskirts of modern
day Najaf] before he reached Karbala.45
72
Biographical Entry | Amr ibn Khalid al-
Saydawi
j*\3 ^Sc) CjJ\ JjbV <ASj$3l cil/iA ^
U* . 43^^ 1 A^jI>- 131 < 0* ^
aJ\ £^p- A° (^*3b**Jl 4*ic<) 0’Um^ jl j^>1 3 4

v> Lri9
J <(jA$USl ail J^P j (jl^l W* j ( dVÔ JkJCoU ^0
.uSW 4jo\
Ami was amongst the notables of Kufa; a devout follower of die

Ahlulbayt. He was in the ranks of Muslim ibn Aqeel, but when they
were betrayed in Kufa, he could do nothing other than hide. When he
heard about the death of Qays ibn Moshir and was told that al-Hussain
(a) was in al-Haajir, he set out to meet him along with his servant Saad,
Jabir ibn al-Harith al-Salmani, and Majma ibn Abdullah al-'A'edii and
his son Khalid.
pi j (J-olS3l) ^paII <*»jb ^j^tJl 3
pr aUV jbu ^sjS3l (J1 *U j cju lS^p jj Û>S\
03**^ <J! Jp- <Oji-l liu^P ljuu jLu J <4^$UX* (Jp
:(^LJl aJp) J13 j cObWe^Sl u-ji*) j aJp)
They were followed by a servant of Naff [ibn Hilal] al-Bajali with a

horse of his called al-Kamil, so they took it along with them. They took
as a guide al-Tirimmah ibn Adi al-Taei, who had come to Kufa to
purchase food for his family. He took diem through rugged terrain and
marched them resdessly due to fear [of being caught]. They met up
73
with al-Hussain (a) when he was in 'Atheeb al-Hijanat, who welcomed
them and said,
. $\j\ U cAI j L®\
By God, I pray that what God intendsfor ns is nothing but good,

whether we are slain or are victorious.46
74
I
The Battle Continues Until Mid-day
^Jr\ 3 3^' J^ j Jt 3 jjliiil AU_Ju\ ^ ix-u ^j, jf*
*Ui\ Jl-P (J^ ^
Each casualty seemed to show on al-Hussain's (a) camp; his

companions were so few in the first place. On the other hand, the
casualties of the day did not seem to show on the amry of Omar ibn
Saad due to its massive numbers. The batde raged on and the number
of martyrs and wounded continued to increase until the sun reached
its zenith.47
75
Abu Thumama Remembers the Prayer
li\ b <uU y>\ 3
J3\ ^ ^ J ^ J clyjSl J3 ^\ djjJl d\S ^
^3^3 .1^3^ b.3 jJ-Jl o*^L*al\ oJJb G-V*^ 33 ^ 3 <dJjj3
•4 (J^3 j *V>J\ 4^) 0^*“*^”^
Abu Thumama saw that the sun was approaching its zenith. He said to
al-Hussain (a), "May my life be sacrificed for yuo, O' Abu Abdullah (a)!
I see [the enemy] coming closer, and by God you will not be killed
before I die protecting you. But I would love to meet my Lord after
performing this prayer whose time is approaching." Al-Hussain (a)
raised his eyes to the sky and said,
yo o^Lail 0^3
You have remembered prayer, may God make you amongst the
worshipers [on the Day ofJudgment]! Yes, this is the beginning of
its time. Ask them to bait their advance so that we may pray.
Jâj )l : Jb{la* j, ^ Jbi3 ^ Vi O'- ^
!? \j viU jM J\ j* C^j SÛll
The companions did so, but] al-Hossayn ibn Numair replied, "It will
not be accepted from you!" Habib ibn Mudhahir retorted, "You claim
that it will not be accepted from the family of the Messenger of God
(s) and that it will be accepted from a miscreant like you?!"
<ulc) jwU (jnb j\i^\ JA [ix>U y\] ^3 ^3 [...]
76
1
[...] When [Abu Thumama] finished the Athan, al-Hussain (a) called
out,
£S>- Up JjLÛ U
KJ-i
O' Omar ibn Saad\ have you forgoten the teachings of Islam!
Wouldyou stopyour advance so that we may pray?
^ ^jls ^ O'- o\Îa3 • ^
Û J 0*^1^ ^ ^ a!
^ 4j i_^,0- ■.,**! U ^jjj3 4a*^ (wô- <w-^pia3 aJc- J-oJ- IÔjUM
.0^-XiU-ûls 4jW^\ c^jCysa^-1 l^P
Omar did not reply, but al-Hossayn ibn Numair said, “O'Hussain (a),
pray for your prayer will not be accepted!”
“Woe to you! Al-Hussain's (a) prayer is not accepted, while yours is, O'
son of a drunkard?!” replied Habib ibn Mudhahir. Al-Hossayn charged
at him, but Habib struck his horse on its face with his sword. The horse
threw al-Hossayn and he fell to the ground, but he was rescued by his
men.48
77
The Martyrdom of Habib ibn Mudhahir
3^3 3 4 3 j ^ f"
aJc- [j^jd 3* 3 ‘^Wj 0?-*" ^ c> 3^ ‘W*^
. ,J^J^\ (31 ^'>*a3 {£ {j* j < 4jLw^ 4jyvb3 jC^
Habib ibn Mudhahir then set out to the battlefield. He was an elder
man, seventy five years of age. Yet he fought valiantly and killed 62
men despite his age, [reciting verses lauding the virtues of his
companions as he swept the battlefield]. Badeel ibn Suraym charged at
him and struck him with his sword. Another man from Tameem
stabbed him with his spear, forcing him to the ground.
J* v—y, (jwai-l \i\ j ^fi]
*•3^ ^c>) y>\ j 3>* j
He attempted to get up, but al-Hossayn ibn Numair struck him on his
head with a sword. He fell to the ground again, [with al-Hossayn
having dealt him his final blow]. The man from Tameem rushed to
him and severed his head. Habib’s martyrdom overwhelmed al-Husain
(a), who would say,
o\^- j C--—4-iil xs*
11 is in God that 1 place my hopes [of retribution for my murder

and the murder of] my valiant companions.
78
He continued to repeat [the Holy Verse, "Indeed we belong to God
and to Him do we indeed return."] And in Abu Mikhnafs Maqtal (p.
66), "Al-Hussain (a) then said,
May God acceptyour work, O' Habib! You were a man ofvirtue,
reciting the entire Quran in a single night ”
■fiS* 0K J
It is also said that he was killed by Badeel ibn Suraym.49
79
Al-Qasim ibn Habib seeks Retribution for
his Father’s Murder
^ :J\3 J\] a1^3 J SSb! Jb> j
l3 dlsS^Li j,\ (JjJ ^ j3 £S- ,j <0ilc.\ .aii' j
Aj t^\jS\ ollaPls blj itblaju 1^3 ^ A^-U- *^3 oJc>- <4^
,4ûj3 ££, ^ Adit’ A3j^\ . A/J\ 03j
Al-Hossayn al-Tameemi said to Badeel, "I am your partner in killing

[Habib]!" Badeel replied, "By God, you were not!" Al-Hossayn said,
"Give me die head and I will tie it to the neck of my horse so that the
people could see that I helped you in killing him. You can then take it
back, as I have no need for any prize you may get from Ibn Ziyad."
Badeel gave al-Hossayn the head, which he paraded amongst the
people then gave back. When they returned to Kufa, he tied it to the
neck of his horse [and continued to parade it around the city].
O-D
\1Xxa .A)
o' yr} j ‘jSî o' y? J- ^ jA' o! ‘i/'
.Ûl JC _5 .vJjill V' ^ d\ :Jto . J

lie-
ibib had a son named al-Qasim who was then an adolescent. He [saw
s fathers head on the neck of the horse] and began to follow the
lorseman. The man noticed him and asked, "Why are you following
me?" The boy replied, "This head you are carrying is my father's. Give
it to me so I can bury it." The man said, "The governor does not wish
it to be buried, and I wish to be given a prize for it." The boy wept and
said, "Then God will not give you but the worst reprisal!"
HO
4i\ dAIi j j cô-â). 3-^ 3j& ^ ^
,4ô\j J^-\ ^ >._P*S3) ^ (3 _5 ^-T5^ i, ^^*S' (3 ijfc'
[Al-Qasim] continued to follow his father's killer until he was able to

kill him. He had followed the man to a barracks and attacked him in
his tent in die middle of the day, killing him and taking his head.50
81
Biographical Entry | Habib ibn Mudhahir
^3 *4*) 3 Cr**^ 3 03^' J?\ 3 W <J~^

(u^) ^ Coji-\ _j .opf J1 aSj' ^ jT/ii
Habib ibn Mudhahir ibn Riab ibn al-Ashtar al-Asadi al-Kindi. A

trusted Immami who was a companion of the Holy Prophet (s), the
Commander of the Faithful, Imam Hassan (a), and Imam Hussain (a).
He memorized the entirety of die Quran and relayed die narradons of
the Holy Prophet (s).
(3 4^c0 ^ j Jy L~p- jl
•[•••] 4***“ J *£~£>\s>- ijA
•4 Jj j 4^c’)
Historians say diat Habib had come to Kufa and served in all of die
batdes alongside Imam Ali (a). He was one of die Commander of the
Faidiful's (a) trusted companions and dedicated pupils [...]. He had
writted letters to Imam Hussain (a) and fulfilled his promises to him.
JJJ ** -?
jj o' l)1 < oy^' isjS3\ Ja\
When Muslim ibn Aqeel arrived to Kufa, Habib and Muslim ibn
Awsaja began to gather the people and take their pledges to support
82
al-Hussain (a). But when Ubaydillah ibn Ziyad came to Kufa and its
people became reluctant to support al-Hussain’s (a) messenger, they
hid [from the persecution of the authorities]. When al-Hussain (a)
came to Karbala, Habib and Muslim ibn Awsaja left Kufa in secrecy
and joined his camp.
<*?
During the batde of Karbala, Habib commanded the left flank of al-
Hussain's (a) army. He was a man of seventy five, one of the eldest of
the seventy-some companions that fought alongside al-Hussain (a).51
83
Zuhair ibn al-Qayn Enters the Battlefield
^3 (3 ^ [•••] d*9
\jjb U <&\ j Co*\ :J^3 J jSll Q; j^j ^ j*^3 [...]
:J\S 5î-l lf\ ^!ou CwJl j o\J\ ^\ jL-ScV^
When [...] Habib had been martyred, al-Hussain (a) was overwhelmed
with grief [...]. Zuhair ibn al-Qayn stood close to al-Hussain (a) and
said, "May my mother and father be sacrificed for you, O’ son of the
Messenger of God! What is die disheartenment I see in your face? Do
you not know diat we are in the right?" Al-Hussain (a) replied,
•lS-^ J v3^' f\t\ j <j\ ^ (ji 3 (J°-
Yes, I swear by the Lord of Creation! I know with absolute

certainty thatyou and I an on a path of truth andguidance!
(ju-i-l fU\ j»jii f kS-\ J\ jwi, ji- JU ^ Jta
:JU ? jljJl, J ys\

Zuhair said, "Then we will not worry, as we will soon enter paradise
and enjoy its splendors!" He dien stood in front of al-Hussain (a) and
said, "My lord, do you grant me leave to join the batde?" Al-Hussain
(a) said,
•A/
[Yes,] go out into the battlefield.
j*\ j Jjli Jj. jl j ^ J^
y> \> -<S& j (jQ>U\ <*Jg) ^ oNLoS\ <£yj
.Ui J--a3 o'iLal\ o'

tT
84
He charged against the enemy and fought until he killed twenty
knights. But he feared that he would miss the prayer alongside al-
Hussain (a), so he returned and said, "My lord, I feared that I might
miss prayer, so lead us [in this last prayer before our death]."52
85
Noon Prayer
a*p y, (^*^**J^ 4*Ac>)
Al-Hussain (a) said to Zuhair ibn al-Qayn and Saeed ibn Abdullah al-
Hanafi,
. \\ J\ Jc*- J\J\ \aJj6
Stand infront ofme so that I can pray the noon prayers.
3 ^ (Jo- <A»l^\ iJtuaj Ja 4*olo\ Loîi3
cP'> 3 ^
They stood in front of him along with about half of his companions
so that he can pray Salat al-KJ)auf' It is also said that al-Hussain (a) and
his companions prayed individually through gestures, [a form of Salat
ai-Khaufperformed in times of extreme fear].33
* Salat al-KJjanfis a special method of performing the obligatory daily prayers while
in times of fear, especially during war.
86
Post noon
87
The Martyrdom of Saeed ibn Abdullah al-
Hanafi
aJc-)
‘-J&J J ^ y. r
jwi-\ JyJ\ i^>\ l? ^ j J-r^ Lij<> J|) ^ 3 <JLd\ ^•J* <uL
3 (J^* '^3^3^^ p^*i\ ^\\ :Jji. y& 5
2 .oLu iji ~oj*i oLly o\Sa> doji ^ y° G-y! 4jJo\
? ^j:\> (^^L-uSl <ulc>) di dl-JlJl
[While al-Hussain (a) was leading prayer], an arrow struck him. Saeed
ibn Abdullah al-Hanafi stepped forward and began to shield al-Hussain
(a) with his own body from a barrage of arrows. Whenever an arrow
came toward al-Hussain (a) from left or right, Saeed lept to shield him.
He continued to take arrows until he fell to the ground saying, "O’
God, curse them like you cursed die people of'Ad and Thamud. Send
peace and blessings upon Your Prophet (s), and inform him of the
wounds that I have taken. Surely, I only wanted Your reward by
supporting the progeny of Your Prophet (s)." He turned to al-Hussain
(a) and said, "Have I fulfilled my duty, O' son of the Messenger of God
(s)?" Al-Hussain (a) replied,
.^X\ ^laS C-j\ yj :J\b
Al-Hussain (a) replied, iCYes, andyou shall walk in front of me

into paradise. ”
89
J (J^ :J^ ^ (*i'jL) (3 _?)
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^ 4j \*o CW^ j***^ <W*m> £ -Xc>-^3
.f\»)\ JÔ J <-9*-J' '-rlr^
Anodier narration stated that Saeed said, "O' God, You are never
deterred against anything that You want! Inform Muhammad (s) of my
support and protection of al-Hussain (a) and grant me his company in
the Eternal Abode." After he passed away - may God bless his soul -
thirteen arrows were found on his body in addition to the cuts of die
swords and die stabs of the spears [that he suffered during batdej.54
.
*
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f
I
t
i
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I
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90
i
Biographical Entry | Saeed ibn Abdullah
al-Hanafi
oyrj a* pi 4jc.) JO j£ Xjuu ^
t^S3\ J-*?" 0^ 0^ J < J AC-Wt-lJ\ j <^3j^S\j 4ju-j*i\
.1^3 (^^LJl pi^) o^d-' j til ^3^' 0^ ^Jc-) oy-^'
Saeed was amongst those martyred alongside al-Hussain (a) during the
Batde of Karbala. He was one of the notables of Kufa, a man of valor
and peity. He was one of the messengers who carried die letters of the
Kufans to al-Hussain (a) while he was in Mecca.
4)Xj\ <pi\ ijA pj o' ^b' ^ J
j y îJo cJip3 < O^lyoil p lôj 4„oLo\ v_JSiJ
Wfl <.x*.9 < OiUAil^^.o.«.**>- c 4JLL*^ ^ 4j.Lo 3 Oj.Xy^>
<Jj&\ V-jL-»£» *^c

Jc—u« 0yvi pic- lo J3 j \J°S^
When al-Hussain (a) wanted to pray the noon prayer on the tenth of
Muharram, he called Saeed to stand in front of him while he prayed.
Saeed stood guarding him against the barrage of arrows with his own
body until he became [covered in arrows] like a porcupine. He fell to
the ground a martyr, having fulfilled his duty to die Master of the
Youth of Paradise.53
91
Al-Hussain (a) Gives Glad Tidings to His
Companions F
lal\ Ja
After the prayer al-Hussain (a) said to his companions,
j j C-oîls _X3 aJ-1 oJJb l)
j d>\ j C 4a>5
O' /z/0j7 noble [companions]! This is paradise; its gates are open,
its tivers are flowing, its fruits are ripe, its palaces are decorated,
and its servants and maidens are delighted forjour arrival]! This
is the Messenger of God (s) and the martyrs killed beside him,
along with myfather and mother, awaiting foryour arrival! They
joyously pass word ofyour coming and long foryour arrival.
3 Cf 3 (l/5) ^
j jy>~ (3 ‘ bj ^Cs>SXa\ Sa3 < ^CjJ
.1‘S' â3 .iijb \^x9\-V3 < Uj.2ô <3^ 3
So defendyourfaith andprotect thefamily ofthe Messenger ofGod

(s) andyourlmam and the son ofyour Prophet's (s) daughter! God
Almighty has tested you with us! You are in proximity of our
grandfather [the Prophet (s)], honored by us, and the people of
affection toward us! So de[end us, may God bless you!
92
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j sLi-1 j ojjSvC -ted Jâj V d&\ j .fljiJl ^S lo-\jj\ j
^ {i^‘$y3./n\\ \_ ^C«j!j IaIaLs cXj\ j|\laii ^ Jk3
Uj4' J* fi Jfj c\jf- ^^J\ 0* J

\l3 jii <cJyU ^Gy
.\jj£
When they heard this, tliey began to wail and cry. They said, "Let our
lives be taken rather than yours! Let our blood be spilled rather than
yours! May our souls be sacrificed for you! By God, no one will reach
you with any harm while we still live! We have pledged ourselves to the
sword and our bodies to [scavenging] birds, so that perhaps we may
protect you from the march of this army and taste death instead of
you! Victorious is he who acts righteously today and protects you
against impending death!"56
93
Omar ibn Saad Hamstrings al-Hussain’s
(a) Horses
oUjJ\ y. AfcW (j J-»-» Aij Ax*- O’. o\ f
^ Oi^-' ^ i3^ f j 'a/*- oy*^'

^yyj yju C-olj li '(Jyi .3Alii Ay- 3
.UjW^V li»lk**J lÛol _j

Omar ibn Saad directed Amr ibn Saeed along with a group of archers
to pelt al-Hussain (a) and Inis companions until their horses were killed
or hamstrung. No knight remained on his steed except for al-Dahhak
ibn Abdullah al-Mashriqi who said, "When I saw my companions
horses being hamstrung, I took my horse and stowed it in a tent."
‘ ^$ . Jlil\ jc*i\ \^bsd\ j
[Al-Hussain's (a) companions] continued to fight valiantly. Whenever

one of them wanted to set out into battle, he would bid farewell to al-
Hussain (a) by saying, "Peace be upon you O' son of the Messenger of
God (s)." Al-Hussain (a) would reply,
if pr? 3 ^ if j 3
.[23 "k^ $5 t* j
Peace be uponyou, and we will followyou. 'There are some among
them who have fulfilled their pledge, and some of them who still
wait, and they have not changed in the least' (The Holy Quran,
33:25f7
94
The Martyrdom of Abu Thumama
£* o^3 ’Z}^ ^ ^ y ■Q>- _}
4)1 \ j\y0J ‘4^5 _j aJc- XSj3 (Ojljfc 4^1 XS’ ^ ^X3 <\J J\i <\S ^
.aJc
Abu Thumama al-Sa'edi stepped forth onto the battle field and faught
until he was weakened by his wounds. He had a cousin named Qays
ibn Abdullah in the army of Omar ibn Saad and there was some enmity
between them. [Qays] charged at [Abu Thumama] and killed him - may
God bless his soul.58
95
The Martyrdom of Zuhair ibn al-Qayn
^ o' j y> j o* f
:J\3 J J.fr I_JJ 4jc) 0^*"^"' '—
Zuhaix ibn al-Qayn tlien set out into the battlefield, reciting [verses
announcing his dedication to al-Hussain (a) and the family of the
Prophet (s)]. It is narrated diat when Zuhair wanted to join die batde,
he stood before al-Hussain (a), put Inis hand on his shoulder, and
recited,
UJ\ iil> Jib pJ\ * * *

lpl& qu*>
* * *
ji!\ oÛ-l \i 3
U~\ JufriJl 4jil jJ\ J
Goforth, Hussain (a), O' guidedguide

Todayyou mil meetyourgrandfather the Prophet (s)
And Hassan (a) and the Chosen Ali (a)
And the winged man, ffafar al-Tayyar]
And the Lion of God, the living martyr [Ham%a]
[...] Al-Hussain (a) said,
,Aj\ ^ k\ j
[Goforth] and / shall meet them soon afteryou.
96
:
^juJ\ y>. _fr^ j ^ Jjla jt
'J^j <
(J^> Ol5*" 4^C') CA*44^ <J^ .0^lu3
He fought valiantly until Katheer ibn Abdullah al-Shi'bi and Muhajir

ibn Aous al-Tameemi charged at him and killed him. When Zuhair was
martyred al-Hussain (a) said,
03j3 cvÛjIs A&\ ijX1 J < J&J \i oIjJjlj
-M j
May God never distanceyou [from His meny], O' Zuhair. May
God curse those who have killedyou like he cursed those who he
defor/ned into apes andpigs.59
97
Biographical Entry | Zuhair ibn al-Qayn
Vjli J 'iW-j 0s J^j
J ■ J 1—aS^yo ^ aJ <Ap^l)
J <(f^-J' (V^) C-J\ J*i iV? J\ u^' f ^ AjM li

cOjLû\ AiP (^L> ^ cA-lc-)
.(aJc
He is Zuhair ibn al-Qayn ibn Qays al-Anmari al-Balaji. He was a chief

amongst his people and a resident of Kufa. His valor had been seen in
battle through well-known stances on numerous occasions. At first, he
had a leaning to Odiman [the third caliph] but was then guided to the
path of die Holy Household (a). He joined al-Hussain (a) on the road
and defended him like his closest companions until he was martyred -
may God bless his soul.
Jc (f^Jl aJc) <KxS>3 U\\ y^.jalai\ 4j»3h 4 V6' u* & j

^ j (oL^>- $ ‘ 4-iasr AxC*0
■W a*
^ is
Zuhair played a cridcal role during the Battle of Karbala, such that al-
Hussain (a) had assigned him the right flank of his army while Habib
was assigned the left flank. Al-Hussain (a) remained at the heart. Thus,
Zuhair and Habib were to al-Hussain (a) like the wings of a bird,
without which he would not soar.
98
tyjA\ J* J ‘A' ^ HJ
jv^L-ju\ j li \i\
J (i J <>' > C JJil C
î-1 JÛu (3 l^S J <lt« \c^ lUil ^ dlii 1» J -J^j (Jss
ol^j) <Uô Lî <b-° 4jji-\ JaI i-jL-i £* \a$..uU,o\ j c1jco
.(lc^
When Zuhair determined to achieve martyrdom, he set out with al-

Hurr into batde. They were both rep enters [who only recendy joined
al-Hussain's (a) camp]. Whenever one of them charged and was
surrounded, the other would rush to die rescue. Al-Hurr was killed,
and before long Zuhair was killed as well. They did this so they can
show the world that they repented togedier, fought for trudi togedier,
and were martyred in defense of the Master of the Youth of Paradise
together. They marched into paradise together, may God bless their
souls.60
99
The Martyrdom of Amr ibn Qaradha al-
Ansari
jllaLu i,oaA- (j jH) j c*\jA-l <Ji joluJd\ JtS JjlSif...] j4jz 3* 3 jj?
olaj• v>' Q* bi5^^ <*U^'
Amr ibn Qaradha al-Ansari stepped forward and asked al-Hussain (a)
for permission to fight. Al-Hussain (a) granted him permission, so he
joined batde reciting [verses the declared his intent to defend al-
Hussain (a)]. He fought like those longing for their reward and excelled
in the sendee of the Lord of the Heavens. He killed many of die army
of Ibn Ziyad, combining both righteous deeds and excellent combat.
jAaII j>L\ c-i3_2 J a1s>*V 3
j -*y*
Âc«) J-âj jii c4ô>- 3 0j-âJ 3
CJ$j\ j (^LJ\ 4J&) <&\ a*£ J^\ <J\ c*ki\ V ^
: ? <Ui\
Amr ibn Qaradha then stood in front of al-Hussain (a) in order to

protect him from the enemy and dieir barrage of arrows. He took the
arrows with his chest and head so that no harm could reach al-Hussain
(a). When his wounds grew too many, he turned to al-Hussain (a) and
said, "Have I fulfilled my duty, O' son of the Messenger of God (s)?"
Al-Hussain (a) replied,
j>\ 3 ^ Jûj 3 cS\

r
Aj
1 (M)
Yes, andyou are entering paradise before me. Give my peace and
greetings to the Messenger of God (s) and tell him that I will soon
followyou.
0-. £ y3 o’- y °
aJc-) Jbii !*? 4^bs b b- IJjujj
Amr fell to the ground and passed away, may God bless his soul. His
brother, Ali ibn Qaradha, who was in the army of Omar ibn Saad called
out, "Hussain (a) you liar! You deceived my brother until you killed
him!" Al-Hussain (a) replied,
.sU’\ 3 .oil j«iiu >i i ji
I did not deceiveyour brother; but Godguided him and leftyou in

your misguidance.
jwJA jT .S&3\ jl j\ <&\ jlS :Jbl3
ff=>- 23 y, jib
"May God kill me if I dont kill you," Ali ibn Qaradha said as he charged
at al-Hussain (a). Nafi' ibn Hilal al-Jamali intercepted him and killed
him [before he could reach al-Hussain (a)].61
101
The Martyrdom of Nafi' ibn Hilal
LiU- J ^ J«- j J^r\ J, ^sli f
lM ^T° ( •‘^’W1 ^-rf3 <3**- (n^> J> v/j* O^J “)-Ai
: JlÂJ ^ < a!**-*^ 4iu_-o

r?te
Nafi' ibn Hilal al-Jumali then stepped forward and began to pelt the
enemies with [poisoned] arrows and would not miss. He would
continue to shoot and recite [verses taunting his enemies] until his
arrows were depleted. He then drew his sword and charged at the
enemy, reciting,
* * *
d6, _J 0^ J* c?3 JJr\
j S}j j * * * tY ji
I am a Yemeni, Juma/i man
My creed is that of Hussain (a) and AH (a)
If] were killed today, that would be my wish
This is my belief and I will soon see the results of my deeds
c\j^-u\ j 4jAdaP j OjUii-L 4jyn^ 4j l^Wld[...]
\a b ‘.Ax+* <\1 ^JIaS - ^ ^ 4^L**-ol3
<JJ -X3 j Jorj 4 Jto .COj\ U jjou 4ji\ jj. : Jl3 CoO*2
!?b \a\ j
[...] The enemies surrounded him, pelting him with rocks and arrows
until they broke his arms and took him prisoner. Al-Shimr and his
companions took him and dragged him [to Omar ibn Saad who] asked,
"What drove you to do diis to yourself?" He replied, "God knows what
102
I wanted." A man that saw his blood pouring over his face and beard
said to him, "Do you not see what has happened to you?"
f/' ^ 3 y j^ -xii j :Jli3
Jla3 3j>- J ^ ^J
cUjUjj ail jl dUs jJa*S (juLAl ^ \i ail j 4
j ja-^1 j3 ^ .AaL>- jljS> (^Jj ^c- bl)b«o l5-a!1 aJi
.4<UP
He said, "By God, I have killed twelve of you and wounded others. I
do not regret my efforts, and if I had an arm left [unbroken] you would
not have captured me." Al-Shimr drew his sword, so Nafr' said to him,
"By God, O' Shimr, if you were a Muslim you would have feared to
meet God with our blood on your hands. Praise God who made our
deaths at the hands of the most evil of his creation." Al-Shimr pushed
him forward and struck him on his neck, [killing him].62
103
4
Biographical Entry | Nafi' ibn Hilal al-
Jumali
UiS'bys .u^ b J JÛ ifljjSi \jowwAJ
(jvius> j )jj^\ -X£«i (j.'iLJl
aJ\ aaJ\ aJc-) ui-\ Ûx*\ 4jJo Loaxp j j
^)ld 4ûjA) 33 -3^1 (^
•(^3^ (3^ j ^ja 4c\^- ^
Nafi’ was a chief [amongst his tribe], a nobleman, of noble qualities,

and a valiant warrior. He was a learned scribe and a narrator of
[Prophetic] traditions. He was a companion of the Commander of the
Faithful (a), fighting in all three of his wars; al-Jamal, Siffin, and al-
Nahrawan. When he heard that al-Hussain (a) had refuse to pledge
allegiance [to Yazid], he set out [towards Mecca] and met him on the
way. He had instructed [his servant] to follow him with his horse called
al-Kamil, so [the servant] did so along with a number of Nafi's
companions. He was killed a captive, may God bless his soul.63
KM
The Martyrdom of John the Servant of
Abu Thar al-Ghafari
_j < Cr-1' fp1 y 3 y S) J3* 03=r y>- f
ji S) 03?- '-^33 [y> 3*31 (ns^ <:b~0' '-y
aJc-) JbA (^*\L-uS\ ^c>) ^/UmA-1 ^bol (jjjlii*l\
Then John, the servant of Abu Thar al-Ghafari and an elderly black
man, charged at the enemy [taunting his enemies and praising al-
Hussain (a) in verse]. John stood in front of al-Hussain (a) and asked
permission to fight. Al-Hussain (a) said,
G-jls cÂIaIS Lib? Uxa--> \i\

iT **
O' John, youfollowed us in hopes of a good outcome, so you have

my permission [to leave the camp ifyou wish].
‘JLl <j*L> oi j .!^3.bLi

*—3yA*l ^ c t 4jjL b
Jp- La^ 25 J^3 ^ 0^ .^clo JO -baLiS-; ^c>-
on al-Hussain's (a) feet and said, "In times of ease I eat from
John fell
your food, but in times of hardship I would desert you! By God, my
odor is rancid, my Hneage is base, and my complexion is black. Breathe
in paradise so that my odor would become pleasant, my
over me
uld become noble, and my face would become bright. No
lineage wo leave you until this blood mixes with your blood "
by God I 'vi11 not
105
Al-Hussain (a) gave him permission to join battle. He killed twenty five
enemy soldiers before being killed - may God bless his soul.
l9^ (71 S) ^33 3 _?)

£3^3 c o\j»- 4j \jTj < ij^> 4^P j>\£ (3 dU*3^3 <
4^^-) v—fl3^3 ,«0jfia3 ‘ (j^° 3 Cj-oW ^ <4^\j ^£-
:Jli 3 (fÛ\
Abu Miklmaf narrates in his Maqtal (p. 71) :He continued to fight until
he killed seventy men. Then a strike hit him on the eye and he fell off
his horse to the ground, falling on his head. Enemy soldiers
surrounded him and killed him. [Al-Hussain (a)] stood over his body
and said, =
Oj cJjP j (L/?) A/- OjSc>~\ j j
•(j°) ^ § jx 3
O' God, brighten his face, refine his odor, andgrant him an abode
with Muhammad (s) in the hereafter and alongside the family of
Muhammad (s).
03j^^ 01 4^c') l933 3
.JuJd U\j 4JLxj TfjP ljS£> 3m ^3=r ^3^3* 03^'xf
It is narrated that Imam al-Baqir (a) said, "Peolple used to come to the
batdefield and bury their dead. They found John's body ten days after
i*64
die batde with his body emitting an aroma of musk.
106
Biographical Entry | John the Servant of
Abu Thar al-Ghafari
<^y v>^ O O o o o'- ir- oy y

sbiaU o' O'’ o° ^c’) (J^ o\jJ^\ .
J J^y AXjJ ya Jj&U .4ôA>tJ ji <Ufcj J < IjIaj j ^ Ajlc
jllab IaÂ j j -XAjSl JÛ- lîc- Ss JJ-\ oU-\
$ <4*-*a>Lo jb j AjL>- J jiU j^>- Ji\j .cJuiiJl j Scli!\ j
£y-^ ^ <(^ o'yj) ^ jo- (sjojSl) j
He is John ibn Hawi ibn Qutada ibn al-A'war ibn Sa'eda ibn 'Aouf ibn
Ka b ibn Hawi al-Nubi. Imam Ali (a) bought him from al-Fadl ibn al-
Abbas ibn Abdulmuttalib for 150 dinars, and gifted him to Abu Thar
to serve him. He thus moved from an environment of wealth and
luxury to one veiled by noble ascedcism and piety, and deeply rooted
in self-sacrifice, contentment, and austerity. John accompanied Abu
Thar throughout his life and lived alongside him in his struggles. He
was Abu Thar's loyal friend in al-Rabatha [where he was exiled] until
he passed away - may God bless his soul. John wept for him gready.
JuJcf j (^Lb\ 4jc-) Jb 4ftL Of" J
aJc) jyi-1 '»J-3^ ‘
a*, «(jc & o'y’j) ,(£? ^ ^

^Jl J of ^ o' ^ i J ‘ JO° *
oW>'
107
When he heard diat al-Hussain (a) had set out to oppose tyranny and
renew die faith, his old wounds and dreadful memories were renewed.
He rushed to support al-Hussain (a) and serve die family of the
Prophet (s). He was martyred - may God bless his soul - after a bitter
trial, having shown the enemy army die meaning of bravery and
perseverance [in his honorable stance by his principles]/’5
108
The Remaining Companions Race for
Martyrdom
j5 f.ljkC-'ill q\ j ^<3c-) v—A^l ^\j \^3
^ 3 (j*^LJ\ ^Jc-) lô- \^s j\ <Jc« jjV jv^\ _j
•^.-^ Oi*. (3
Wlien al-Hussains (a) companions saw that they had been beaten, that
the enemies remain numerous, and that they will not be able to defend
al-Hussain (a) or even themselves, they began to race toward
martyrdom before him.66
109
The Martyrdom of Handhala ibn As'ad al-
Shabami
(^-Xj 0^ Vwil3^3 y, 4*J\ *ls>- ^
^ (0j£ ^ &J5~'^ ^ 4aAJ m)\
Then Handhala ibn As'ad al-Shabami stepped forward and stood in

front of al-Hussain (a), shielding him against arrows, swords, and
spears with his own body. He cried out [the verses of the Holy Quran],
^ ijj ft y& 3y -yly^' ft ft- fft til ft ^

31 ft 'i 3 •■?W1 U& ft. <&' ^;3^3 yJ 3 V5 3
ftV u*-&ft. ft ft) V -•
Jcodft ft- p. îc ejU-1
4 aSi\ jUaS ^ 3
'0' wy people! Indeed I fearforyou [a day] like the day of the
[heathen]factions; like the case of the people of Noah, of'Ad and
Tbamud, and those who came after them, and God does not desire
any wrongfor [His] servants. O' my people! I fearforyou a day
of mutual distress calls, a day whenyou will turn back [to flee],
not having anyone to protectyou from God, and whomever God
leads astray has no guide' (The Holy Quran, 40:30-33).
AS J^3 Ja CjU- j cJjju dh\ )l j»y \j j
“O' my people, do not kill Hussain (a) and elicit the punishment of
God, 'Whoever fabricates lies certainly fails' (The Holy Quran, 20:61)-"
Al-Hussain (a) said to him,
no
lyj 0^* < 4)i\ d-ta^j ajl*ai\ ^l>
Ga& <dLU^\ j dky^ dJJl \y^ j <<3^ Cf° (*irl®
!Û1\ dlilyl Ijfca J3 j j5l\ ^
0' J£// As’ad, may God have mercy on you! They bad become
deservant ofpunishment when they answeredyour call toward truth
[earlier] by cursingyou andyour companions. What doyou expect
of them now after they have killedyour righteous brethren!
<\! JIas !Ulyl 3L>j 31 J[pj d^l <.iSl-X3 C-1a>- cs$\*o ijts
aJg) j^J~l
Handhala replied, "True, may I be sacrificed for you! Then shall we

not head towards our Lord and join our brethren?" Al-Hussain (a) said,
^ dlU 31 j j LjjJ\ ja dAS jf- y L# 31 pj

Goforth to what is betterforyou then the entirety of the world and
what is in it. [Goforth] to a kingdom that will neverperish.
j ULj ail j <dAxb 3^ j < ail JdLi^ iJIas
:(^LJl ajp) jy^l Jlis .ii-1 y <JJcjo
Handhala said, "Peace be upon you, O' son of the Messenger of God
(s), and upon your family. May God unite us again in paradise." Al-
Hussain (a) replied,
•Oi*' ct*'
Amen, amen.
aJc. IjUS- tljjjT
111
Handhala stepped forward and fought valiantly, but the enemies
charged at him and killed him/’7
112
The Martyrdom of Shawthab the Servant
of Bani Shakir
0^ 3 *^3* ^3^ 4** j Jt J/' 3
0U\ Jja3 Lî wJlSU Djb J < JW-jSI ^0
Jslil :Jl5 .? (3 b <~o^ l :JlSi ^^Jp) CjJ\
•lM9' <j^ (j*) ^ Jj-^j ^ jj^
Abis ibn Shabeeb al-Shakiri approached alongside Shawthab, die

servant of Bani Shakir. Shawthab was a loyal man and his house was a
hub for die Shia in which they recited the virtues of the Holy
Household (a). Abis said, "O' Shawthab, what would you like to do?"
Shawthab replied, "I will fight by your side in defense of the son of the
Messenger of God’s (a) daughter until I am killed."
v_JlLsj \aa ^jU < \j\ j C±!j\P K jW

t*
AaI3 Â ^ (‘^3^' ^ < <uip
f
Sj ail S^-J J 4&\ A^P U l dJJp :Jl^3
■ J» ^ J3'5 f ■<&'
Abis said, "Just as expected from you! Go forth before Abu Abdullah
(a) so that he may grieve for you just as he grieved for the others, and
so that I may grieve for you as well. This is a day in which we do all we
can to attain the rewards [of God Almighty], for there are no deeds
after today - only judgment awaits." Shawthab stepped forward and
mercy, and blessings of God be upon you, O'
said, "May the peace,
113
Abu Abdullah (a). I leave you in God's care!" He fought until he was
killed/'8
114
The Martyrdom of Abis ibn Shabeeb al-
Shakiri
'y ^ _J ^ <4^ J-P ^ \j «a1 ij^3 j
^ ^rwii\ dAiP ^93\ ^Jp dl^ .dA>-o C->l *y J ^ jp\ Xju
j^-*i\ <4)i\ j^p L\ L di^lp aLJ\ Ivw-Jjuii j lH6 o* tk 3*'

^ cJu-Jl ^L« |T .dl/\ (J-XA J iJ\jj& Jp j"\
Abis ibn Shabeeb al-Shakixi stepped forward and greeted al-Hussain

(a). He said, "O' Abu Abdullah (a), by God night has not fell on anyone
atop this earth - near of kin or not - more dear and beloved to me than
you! If I were able to repel evil and death from you with anything more
valuable than my life and blood, I surely would! Peace be upon you, O'
Abu Abdullah. I witness that I am a follower of your guidance and the
guidance of your father." He approached the enemy with his sword.
ci GjS"S3 J -4^p o.\j O'- £L> $
V c, \jjb < Jcou\ \lst> cÛl [^\ :pil! cA^3 -Ûl ^\
Ûl oUU-j3 J <Jsrj V\ ? J£>j A>li .ô j&-\ <*Jl
0^ oÂj3 Ooj£^jl u j£” .A^pWiJlJ
• 4j-Xj ^Jp j <oyix>3 j d*\Si ^ .c->oW-
Rabi' ibn Tameem said, "When I saw him coming, I recognized him;
having seen him in batde fighting as the bravest of men. I said to the
people, 'This is the valiant lion! This is Ibn Shabeeb! Let none of you
fight him [alone].Abis cried out, "Are there no men amongst you
who would fight man to man?" The enemies evaded him because of
115
what they knew of his bravery. Omar ibn Saad said to them,
"Overpower him with stones!" They pelted him with stones from every
direction. Abis threw his shield and helmet and charged at them,
repelling them away.
Aj jT < j£\ sjat 4£±\j jiJ <&\ Jfe)
. \j\ ^c <JW_^ (3 c 0j^Z03 W-
The narrator said, "By God, I saw him repelling more than two
hundred men until they surrounded him from every direction and
killed him. I saw his head passed about by soldiers, each crying, 'I killed
him!"'69
116
Biographical Entry | Abis ibn Shabeeb al-
Shakiri
3*
y* \y&j cJWj y° cfc 3 ^sl«b

(^LmSI ArÔ yc? 3 aJc-) <j^5^ j,¥*\ ^3
Banu Shakir are a branch of Hamadan. Biographers say that Abis was
a valiant leader, eloquent speaker, and dedicated worshipper. He was a
notable Shia, and all the Banu Shakir were loyal to the Commander of
the Faithful (a). Ali (a) said of them on the day of Siffin,
.Aj^Lp £>■ _lC- f
If they numbered a thousand men, God would have been

worshipped like He truly deserves.
3 o^*) 03^- 3 ‘prW 3 jW" y* j
j3 ^ iy^“<^3ujj
,4aa u\ ^ c dlja (J3 ^ c 4»J\
They were amongst the bravest and most valiant of the Arabs, earning
the nickname Fityan al-Sabah [i.e. the Men of Batde]. Abis was die
messenger of Muslim ibn Aqeel [from KufaJ to al-Hussain (a) [in
Mecca]. He was accompanied by his servant Shawthab who was
martyred by his side.70
117
The Martyrdom of Saad ibn Handhala al-
Tameemi
J*- f [yfj] y> j oJju
.(<tic <&\ o'y°j) J*9 «biJ-i
After [the martyrdom of Abis], Saad ibn Handhala al-Tameemi joined

die batde, reciting [verses of encouragement to inspire himself and his I
companions]. He charged and fought valiantly until he was killed - may
God bless his soul.71
118
The Martyrdom of Omair ibn Abdullah al-
Mithhiji______________________________
JjlL J> l 3 3* 3 ^ O’- oJm- Cr° f
.4^ j ISjLil«dil xp j jL— 4^ (jo- <ljujui Via
Then Omair ibn Abdullah al-Mithhiji stepped forward into the

batdefield, [chanting verses that declare his bravery and taunt his
enemies]. He condnued to fight valiandy until he was killed by Muslim
al-Dababi and Abdullah al-Bajali.72
119
The Martyrdom of Abdulrahman al-
Yazani
c?” d**" f y> 3 ‘d_d ^ u: d (r
.(Uc j'y^) d*
Then Abdulrahman ibn Abdullah al-Yazani stepped forward, [reciting
verses of his commitment to his cause]. He charged at the enemy and
fought until he was killed - may God bless his soul.73
120
The Martyrdom of Yahya ibn Saleem al-
Mazini
Ja J*- f [yf-jA 3* 3 ‘dj^' jd— Cr- #Asu- 0* f
.(■Us ail j!y?j)
Then Yahya ibn Saleem al-Mazini stepped forward, recidng [verses of

poetry to taunt his enemies]. He charged at the enemy and fought until
he was killed - may God bless his soul.74
121
The Martyrdom of Qurra ibn Abu Qurra
al-Ghafari
<>>■ f [yfjil 0-° £/=- f
Then Qurra ibn Abu Qurra al-Ghafari joined die batde, [announcing
in verse his unwavering commitment to protect the family of the
Prophet (s)]. He charged at the enemy and fought until he was killed -
may God bless his soul.75
122
The Martyrdom of a Man from Banu Asad
[c\j>td\ j J Jjv. l<J>} <iy. j\jJ^
)l USi aJs) jyJ-l aS^'j*A A^S ^y> loj3 JjLS
!0&' Ua UjÛ A\j\: J a! JU .jJU aJ Jo ^
Ijjfc di ^ ‘W^ J-& aJg) ^*jLw>*>‘ J J*l) 'Jls
L> \yWa\ :^\ Jlij <(^LJ\ J23 \^3 .<u* Jails 4i^L?\ (JjJ
< bi^j j a5^*U bjj'li 5 aJc-) ^ J^s Ja îaX)
.Jylo ^JlAII \ils
Al-'Aryan ibn al-Haytham said, "My father would [spend some nights
in the desert] and set his camp close to die area where al-Hussain's (a)
batde took place. Whenever we did so, we would always find a man
from Banu Asad diere. My father said to him, 'I see diat you are always
in this place.' He said, 'I have been told that Hussain (a) would be killed
here, so I come to this place so that perhaps I may meet him and be
killed with him.' When al-Hussain (a) was killed my father said, 'Let us
go and see if al-Asadi is amongst those killed with al-Hussain (a)?' We
came to the batde field and walked through. We found al-Asadi
amongst the dead."
.<JsJ\ J\ ijlU j, y> X^\ Lx* J*J

^ .A^jjjlLl A^p-U\ <jl>j (J A-wwJlj ^
Perhaps tliis martyr is the same as Anas ibn al-Harith al-Kahili or al-
Asadi, as the Banu Kahil are a branch of the Banu Asad. He is the same
Anas ibn Kahil al-Asadi mentioned in Ziyarat al-Nahiyya al-Muqadasa.
123
In some sources, Malik ibn Anas al-Kahili is mentioned, which is a
typographical error.76
<
124
i
i
The Martyrdom of Anas ibn al-Harith al-
Kahili
jj; J ^C') j IjJj <U/> j < Aij

ef
aJc-) 4^J\ j\a> li j .4jI*2aHj Ui\j aIo^j talju
Anas ibn al-Harith ibn Nabeeh al-Kahili was an elder companion who
had seen the Prophet (s) and carried his traditions, witnessing the
battles of Badr and Hunayn alongside the Prophet (s). He took
permission from al-Hussain (a) and joined the battle with his turban
wrapped around his abdomen [to support his back] and his eyebrows
tied back with a band. When al-Hussain (a) saw him like this, he wept
and said,
May God rewardyour efforts, O' shaykh.
Ji? j \}^ d^ d^W d> l 3 d*" f

<4dc’)
He charged at the enemy and fought until he killed eighteen men

despite his old age, before being slain before al-Hussain's (a) eyes.77
125
Biographical Entry | Anas ibn al-Harith
al-Kahili
t_S^ (_5b C/ \j£O^^ O'- O’- i_T^' 3aA
^ fr <a> j AU jf u o'G £f 3 (j®)

l3 Olr*^ _? dj*i (u*0 ^ -Jta j AoUS\
Anas ibn al-Harith ibn Nabeeh ibn Kahil al-Asady. He was a

companion who saw the Prophet (s) and heard his traditions. Among
the traditions that he narrated is one tradition that many Sliia and other
scholars narrate through him. He said, "I heard die Messenger of God
(s) say while al-Hussain (a) is in his lap,
f\ .jljdl Joj\ Ja \1* Jo\ j\

!;
This son of mine will be killed in a land in the region of Iraq.
1
Surelyy whoever witnesses him [on that day] should support him.
I
.Axa ^ 6j*Qi £ 0
When Anas witnessed al-Hussain on that day in Iraq, he supported him

and was martyred alongside him. (This is mentioned by al-Jazari in Osod
al-Ghaba, Ibn Hajar in al-lsaba, and numerous other authors.)/K
126
The Martyrdom of Amr ibn Muta' al-Ju'fl
is*- 4> l j [ j ‘lH~' °-x~. o*f
.(aJc. <01 \ f
Then Ami ibn Muta’ al-Ju'fl joined the battle, chanting [verses
declairing his intent to protect al-Hussain (a)]. He continued to fight
until he killed thirty soldiers, then he was killed - may God bless his
soul.79
127
The Martyrdom of Anees ibn Ma’qil al-
Asbahi
d>. J j > f Jiu y lT*' oJju- 0* f
d^ f J v>' “djJ (Jd d^ d5^-

.(aAc-
Then Anees ibn Ma'qil al-Asbahi entered the batdefield. He cried out
[verses in praise of al-Hussain (a) that announced his dedication to the
protection of the Holy Household (a)]. He charged at the enemy and
fought until he killed twenty some men [according to Ibn
Shahrashoob] before he was killed - may God bless his soul.80
128
The Martyrdom of al-Hajjaj ibn Masrouq
al-Ju'fi
*4°) 6yy y* 3 y £_W-' o* is- f
*ult) (y>d\3 4$Co dl ^ 0^3
Jb ^ f [j^,] J*f ‘3^ di V* _J

•(^ di' o'^j) f ‘^Wj pr® d^
Then al-Hajjaj ibn Masrouq al-Ju'fi, who was al-Hussain's (a) Miia^n,
set out into battle. He had left Kufa for Mecca, where he joined al-
Hussain (a) and came with him to Iraq. He [rushed into batde, chandng
verses in praise of the Holy Household (a)]. He charged and fought
like a man longing [for death]. He killed eighteen enemy men before
he was killed - may God bless his soul.81
• A Mi<a^}n is an individual w^° recites the call to daily prayer at dawn, noon, and
dusk.
129
Al-Hussain's (a) companions Enter the
Battle in Groups
«(*f* Ji (f*^c) 0* tj1- if* ^j
^ (j>^LJ\ aJc-) ^jUmA-1 AxJjVl J J j^l
.Oj^p J9?i\ {J^:. J <Aaj?- J* £m5' J 4J&>
When the remainder of al-Hussain's (a) companions saw the many

casualties of dieir camp, they began to approach in groups of two,
three, and four, and seek permission to fight in his defense and die
defense of his family. [They would enter die battlefield in groups] and
each would protect die other from the charges of their enemies.82
130
The Martyrdom of the Ghafari Brothers
£9 Jo j) dij-Xj £jJj ij\ lx-^>-l3 lijU- j3 ti-Uc- d&\
:Jl3 .(v^JP
Then Abdullah and Abdulrahman, the sons of Urwa [or Uzra, as per
some accounts] al-Ghafari, came to al-Hussain (a) and said, "Peace be
upon you, O' Abu Abdullah. The people have grouped us with you, so
we wish to be killed before you and in your defense." He said to them,
Welcome! Come closer.
yZj, y~)\ .uc- Jx=- _J .J
The drew closer to him and began to to fight, while Abdulrahman

recited [verses taunting his enemies]. They fought until they were
killed.83
131
The Martyrdom of the Jabiri Brothers
Cr- ^ Cr- 3 O'- Cr l* 3 ‘o^ 3
W 1-* 3 ‘t 3* l/5 0^ *Vjj'^' l5] jl>_^bU
:(j>'iLJ\ <ult) J^3 • <j^î If* J j ^
Then two young men came to al-Hussain (a) crying. They were Saif ibn
al-Harith ibn Saree' al-Jabiri and Malik ibn Abdullah ibn Saree' al-Jabiri
[al-Khawarizmi says, MBanu Jabir are a branch of the Hamadan tribe"].
They were paternal cousins but brothers to the same modier [i.e. the
father of one of them had married his brothers widow]. Al-Hussain
(a) said to them,
(l/0 j\ y>-Ji (jl ail cp ? \gSCSCo U ^0u l

•Oi3^ ^L.
O' sons ofmy brethren, why doyou cry? By God, I only wish that
you soon be well.
•&\y toLlc’ ^jS3 j b—Aflj\ Jc- Lo ail j ail LLc>~ :VIa3
:(^LJl J{& .dUix> j\ ^ jj2> V j <viL ixo-1 j3 j
They said, "May we be sacrificed for you! By God, we do not cry for
ourselves, but rather for you. We see you surrounded but we cannot
defend you." Al-Hussain (a) said,
15cL\T3 3 ‘ [&- L^] \£j*’3i L5^ - ^ l
. j^ll *lj>- L^bl
May God rewardyou, O’ sons oj my brethren, foryour sadness at

this situation and your [sacrifice ofyour lives] with the best oj
rewards given to the pious.
132
:Jlis .4&\ j Ujû\ jt
They stepped forward and said, "Peace be upon you, O' son of the
Messenger of God (s)." He replied,
^J\>- *^LIa3 . 4j^ ^ ^
May God'speace, mercy, and blessings be withyou as well
uXO \jjb 23
•L*J lo*i\
They fought until they were killed. Al-Khawarizmi gave this same
account (v. 2 p. 23) in his Maqtal,, but attributed it to die Ghafari
brothers. 84
133
The Martyrdom of Junada ibn al-Harth al-
Ansari
s^L>- oJou
Jis jr cÛ-j 5: ^1 J^3 Jp- Jjli
.(aJ^ ail j'^j)
Then Junada ibn al-Harth al-Ansari stepped forward, reciting [verses

in praise of his lineage]. He charged at the enemy and fought until he
killed sixteen men [according to Ibn Shahrashoob] before he was killed
- may God bless his soul.85
134
The Martyrdom of Amr ibn Junada al-
Ansari
.Ja f _} o.Xx>
■ o" r
Then Amr ibn Junada joined the batde reciting verses [decrying the
wretchedness of his foes]. He charged at the enemy and fought until
he was killed.86
135
The Martyrdom of a Young Man
yb UJt j pil' o'jJ' J*S
^ _5_/^ j^Lall v»r-vic'l ^j\ ^ *oÎa>- ^j,
•j>-\ <*<ol*>-
Perhaps Sayyid Abdulrazzaq al-Muqarram was mistaken when he

considered this young man to be Amr ibn Junada al-Ansari, as most
historical texts mention him in a seperate account indicating that this
is an entirely different person.
^ (-jS3i xs- _u_Ji ys si j

^ [•••] 0: y> ^*1.' Jjl J oil jl :l82
Sayyid Abdulkarim al-Qazwini mentioned in liis book cil-Wathci’eq cil-

^kasmiyya (p. 182) that this young man's father was Junada ibn Ka'b al-
Khazraji. [...] Al-Khawarizmi mentions die following account in his
Maqtal.
\> iCJlis .4jco 4»o\ J £ oy\ »^>Li

'•o*zr(
oJkjo
i • J*3' . J&i Jo- JsU

zr >\
ijljj <^1$
Then a young man whose father was killed in the battle set out to fight.
His mother was with him [in al-Hussains (a) camp]. She had said to
him, "My son, go out and fight before the son of the Messenger of
God (s) until you are killed." He said "I will" and walked out to ask
permission. Al-Hussain (a) refused to grant him leave to fight and said,
136
**' 3 (J ojA JsS c-jU \jjb
TAtf is ayoung man whosefather was killed in thefirst wave and

perhaps his mother may not want him to go out into battle.
<J\S (£Ul) (3 j .<&\

:(r«
The young man said, "My mother is the one who instructed me so, O'
son of the Messenger of God (s)!" In an account mentioned in al-
Nasikh, al-Hussain (a) says,
? \jjb 3 ^Xa\ y° G-ixs \il j jji l)
Young man, yourfather has been killed, so who willyour mother

find to protect her in this land ifyou were killed?
0JSC.2i io^L-u ifi* \t ’GJIjS j c^"Ji [if
JjliS j jy3 !U\ G-i>
;j$3\ yey>- y° i^jojo l) J

-J
: Jji. y J jj?
The young man wanted to return, but his mother came to him and
said, "My son, would you choose your personal well-being rather than
support teh son of the daughter of the Messenger of God (s)? Then I
would never be please with you!" The young man set out for die
battlefield while his mother was calling behind him, "Glad tidings, my
son! You will soon be given a drink by the hand of the one standing at
the Pond of Kawthar [in paradise]!" The young man joined die batde,
calling,
jj\ jyJi * * * jJi\ j**; <jjJ\
137
* * * oU'j 4*o^ls j
^^ J43
My master is Hussain (a), glory to such a master!

Thejoy of the heart of the Warning Messenger (s)
A.li (a) and Fatima (a) are bis parents
So doyou know ofanyone who would equal him?
jo l) j <4^P j 4ûlj
jjs* j ®j* - ‘ 1/2
(j? J W ^ J 4xf“ $yf* C*>S>\3 ^sM 03lc J [...]
The young man was soon killed and his head was thrown back to al-
Hussain's (a) camp. His mother took his head and wiped the blood off
it, saying, "Well done, my son! [Well done], O' apple of my eye and joy
of my heart!" [...] She returned to the tent, took a pole, and charged at
the enemy, chanting,
4ju^- 5j\j * * * 4jLsaJp
4jlJ4ôA^\3 ^jjo
* * * OsSS" Ai^phi
1 am an elder woman, weak amongst women

Barren, ailing, and sickly
But I will strikeyou a heaiy stike
In protection of the sons of the Noble Fatima (a)
.^S ^ icjM Ji ‘ W^3 U^W-J a
138
She struck and killed two men before al-Hussain (a) returned her to
the tent and prayed for her.87
139
Sayyid Muhsin al-Ameen's Comment on
the Martyrd Young Man
O' ‘W _J o" 5 3^ i_yf^ 'j* _j
^ 3j-s^X) e-jLiJl ^ 3
< uAlS <3 l^X/\ l^suiaj j < AjuIL? Ojlx^- A3cjJ^Xax> Ail ^ju
The apex of nobility in spirit and true allegiance can be seen in this
woman and her son. Her husband was killed as she looked on, but she
still instructed her son to support al-Hussain (a). She knew he would
be killed, but she lead him to his martyrdom with her own choice and
volition. Her son obeyed her in this. He marched to his death without
any fear or sorrow.
Oj^ A^>\ j! Aili^- Jlill _tJy; AÎt) aS ^
|>IaI Aj\ lS>- .diU) ij\ * Jyj _5 <aS^*U ^3 0y\ J^3 IoA*j < aS^3
.V—4*3 ^ A^j y C V—03yO Ji ^rvlo^-
Al-Hussain (a) grants him leave to sit the battle out for fear that his
mother would not want him to tight after his father had been killed in
battle. But die young man refused and said, My mother instructed me
so!" Truely, it is a great status and a glorious stance, [in a circumstance
where] others had slipped and their minds had lapsed.
144>
The Martyrdom of Wadih al-Turki Servant
of al-Harth al-Mithhiji
J (J,y> yti J tbjU Ic-U**' Mfj (^lj)
‘[^j j \ai*» (_$l] ^^3 ^^ <3
AihxS'l j (j>Û\ A*ic>) ^ $(^^LmS1 A-ic-) OliCL-J
dIU» (^) ail J^j ^,1 j Ji* :Jlis <a~Ju> ^ y> j
.Sy&Hall A^*Jb C*^l3
Wadih was a young turkish man, a brave warrior, and a reciter [of the
Holy Quran]. He was a servant of al-Hardi al-Mithhiji al-Salmani. He
made a valiant stand in the land of Karbala. When Wadih al-Turki was
felled, he called al-Hussain (a) for help. Abu Abdullah (a) came to him
and hugged him as he was taking his last breaths. Wadih said, "Who is
like me when the son of the Messenger of God (a) has put his cheek
on my cheek!" His holy soul then departed this world.89
141
The Martyrdom of Abu Omar al-Nahshali
•• *
(^Lui\ ^ ttyf ^y* o\^
J\ £ cjâ-5^ *il\ p3 Jz 0U^ ^ ^ J3^ ^Wj ^1/
^ *\^^3 ^ :CAks [...] J (j>'^LJ\ 4j^) jwJ-l
O^ 3 •*-*!> J <4^13 Cx- 'J3

. *
.o^LiJ\ \Js>-^Lq \jjb -jA'C*
Mahran tlie Servant of Banu Kaliil said, "I witnessed Karbala alongside
al-Hussain (a) and saw a man fighdng valiantly. Whenever he charged
at the enemy, he repelled them. Then he would return to al-Hussain
(a), reciting [verses of encouragement and praise]. I asked, ’Who is diis
man?1 They said, 'Abu Omar al-Nahhshali' or 'al-Khath'ami.' Then
Amir ibn Nahshal fought him, killed him, and severed his head. Abu
nyn
Omar used to spend die nights in worship and continuous prayers.
142
The Martyrdom of Aslam al-Turki the
Servant of al-Hussain (a)
(3 \Ji Aj\ c3
‘3J^* O'- (3^ 4^c') ^
Ck**^ <y. j «ul^) 4*A-1 oUj Jju> d\JLuu\
JJS* UTU» ((J-i) jtT, .IS> (j^) *Jl' 0^ -(f^J' *w
oaH • 4Jc>) ov-^^ ^>“ H ,4^-|^>- ^yaA) 3 ^Jc-)
3 îUSl 3' 3>- ca! Uj'iU a$^« <Ji
.jy\ 3 jik^\ c jyi c~s,
[Al-Allama al-Ameen mentions in A'jan al-Shia that he read in some of

the biographical books to a contemporary scholar that al-Hussain (a)
had a servant names Aslam ibn Amr. He had bought him after the
martyrdom of his brother al-Hassan (a) and gifted him to his son Ali
ibn al-Hussain (a). His fadier, Amr, was turkish. Aslam was also a
scribe for al-Hussain (a) in some instances. When al-Hussain (a) left
Medina towards Mecca, Aslam accompanied him and was with him
until they reached Karbala. On the tenth of Muharram when die batde
commenced, Aslam sought permission to fight.]
jT/i! Ijjte aJc-) ^\y> JA J

J o
jr» Cr^ 3 J3^ J4- J lijlc,
Jp) ^ ‘kf* °^J^3 c%j [v
i\
Jp) 0^' ^ oJ^>- Cfj j <&? (f-^LH
Ji > r ‘(v^p (ruj\
143
A turkish servant of al-Hussain (a) set out for battle, and he was a
reciter of the Quran, had knowledge of the Arabic language, and was
also a scribe. He fought as he recited [verses taunting his enemies]. He
killed seventy men [according to Ibn Shahrashoob] before he was
surrounded and felled. Al-Hussain (a) came to him, wept, and placed
his cheek over Aslam's cheek. Aslam opened his eyes and saw al-
Hussain (a). He smiled and his soul departed this world to the next.91
144
The Martyrdom of Malik ibn Thawdan
,(<dc Jo- Ji'Us [jfj, y>j] jbji j, dUU jj- jr
Then Malik ibn Thawdan joined die batde, reciting [verses that
declared his might and his intent to protect die family of the Prophet
(s)]. He fought until he was killed, may God bless his soul.92
145
The Martyrdom of Ibrahim ibn al-
Hossayn al-Asadi
h\jj ] j£j-- 3s* 3 0; j0*|
ir-i JJ'- 3
\ ■
0[3^j) Jp" _;[•••] ^W-J 3
Ibrahim ibn al-Hossayn set out for the battlefield, [taunting his
enemies with a poetic batde cry]. He lolled eighty four men [according
to Ibn Shahrashoob] and began to recite [verses of poetry in praise of
al-Hussain (a) and his noble lineage]. He fought until he was killed -
may God bless his soul.93
146
The Martyrdom of Sawwar al-Fahmi al-
Hamadani
^ «<3LuA\ jb? ij) ji j\y» Jste j
j <4*oj3 <U3 J < î3 Jlsuju ^,1 ^\jl3 < Ij'Cwul j 3t
lA) J* Jj3 O' lM ^J=r f XS'

Sawwar ibn Abu Omair, a descendent of Fahm ibn Jabir al-Hamadani,
joined the batde and fought until he was overburdened by his wounds
and taken as a captive. Omar ibn Saad wanted to kill him, but his kin
interceded for him. He remained with them a wounded prisoner until
he died after six mondis - may God bless his soul.94
147
The Martyrdom of Saad ibn al-Harith and
his Brother Abu al-Hutuf
Cf aJ
c wXjlû o'- j^ (3 j < 4^jUû1 j aJc-)
.^3 jo- ^blS j <
Saad ibn al-Harith al-Ansari and his brother Abu al-Hutuf heard the
calls of al-Hussain (a) for aid and support while they were in the army
of Omar ibn Saad. They took dieir swords and charged at the enemies
of al-Hussain (a), and fought until they were killed.
£ (j! oiSyi' o- j :(ioysUU) j xiA ^ J\5

j < JL/* A)Uu 0
U* aJc.) jwJ-\ c-jjo (J\

V> y £ 0*
^ <3^ J <J[^\ Jis J p^ 0° j£\sS\ pj jlT
Jxo 3J* j, j ÛaU u^' JL/^ O ■***- J?
Hameed ibn Ahmad writes in al-Hada’eq al-Wardiyya.: And amongst

those killed with al-Hussain (a) in the Batde of Karbala were Abu al-
Hutuf al-Ansari and his brother Saad ibn al-Harth. They were
Kharijites who had joined Omar ibn Saad to fight against al-Hussain
(a). On the tenth day of Muharram when all die companions of al-
Hussain (a) had been killed and none remained with linn but Sowaid
ibn Amt ibn Abu Muta’ al-Khath'ami and Basheer ibn Amt al-
Hadrami, al-Hussain (a) began to call,
148
p>- ^ ^ < tV\
*W
Is there no supporter who would support us? Is there no protector
who would protect the sanctity [of the family and women] of the
Messenger of God (s)?
^ y>-f^Q'*3 (Û\ 4*Jc-) la^_\ *l«xj j
JUIÎ J £j\y£>\ y\ Oy>-\ j Oî-1 ££* ^3 .*l^lll
•^3 <»4*j>- ^3 lc^ J ‘ -X*» j \3 <j*
C-Ja y,\ ^ju*xi-l \jj& j .0U2P 4c-IL? V j <ai ^>- V j ai kl
1 ^Sb j 4jj‘ljjj t,_h.IS3 < 4*oLdill ^jj oJk£>- 4c-lfLJo J 4(
? jow *y j aS V o\y <JU-1
The women and children heard al-Hussain's (a) cries and their voices
rose in mourning and weeping. When Saad ibn al-Harth and his
brother Abu al-Hutuf heard the voices of the women and children
from the family of the Messenger (s) - it was after the noon prayers as
they were in the heat of batde - they said, "We are of God [and to Him
we shall return]! There is no judgment except by God! We shall not
obey anyone who disobeys Him! This is al-Hussain (a), die son of the
daughter of our Prophet Muhammad (s), and we hope to gain the
intercession of his grandfather on the Day of Resurrecdon. How can
we fight him while he is in this state, having no supporter or aid?"
j ail *Uc-\ <Jc- (jÛl <ulc) (jjo ^ ^
TU■jr J ~
aj~‘ ^W- ,j* )ks
Wjs
■Ocv^ ^
149
They charged before al-Hussain (a) against the enemies of God and his
enemies. The fought close to him, killing many enemy soldiers and
wounding others. They were killed together in one spot - may God
bless their souls.93
150
The Martyrdom of Sowaid ibn Amr ibn
Abu Muta’ al-Khath'ami
J3 jlSo ÎhU J\ j. U j
'o^yt (*4*^ J “dt) jwi-1 .(Jsi d jia j)
*®r““ O^j) ***" ’ wo 4jJx~u J J»oWt^3 <Ai>- As>-^3 <(j»^LJ\ aJc-)
.0^1^43 a3c- l^jibju ^[...] C^'^ .AC- 1*aj AJ^^^*A -i3
0* a* j*'"' A?*" 0^”_} o'- yj J ed*^' 0^ lx- SJ-/’

aAc)
As for Sowaid ibn Abi al-Muta', he had been felled and left wounded
amongst die dead. When al-Hussain (a) was killed and he heard the
enemy cry out the news, he reached into his satchel and grabbed a knife
Piis sword had been taken]. He stood and fought die enemy for some
time, reciting [verses in praise of al-Hussain (a) and his noble lineage].
The enemy charged at him and finished him off. He was killed by Urwa
ibn Bitan al-Tha'labi and Zaid ibn Raqqad al-Jubni. Sowaid was the last
martyr of the companions of al-Hussain (a).
01—^' £ <y >■"' :255 o° 6 (T (3 J
■(S~r'1' Cx -Hj _} 0! ^
Al-Tabari says in his Tanekb al-Rusulmi alMuluk (v. 6 p. 255), "He was
the last companion to remain with al-Hussain (a). He was killed by
Urwa ibn Battar al-Taghlibi and Zayd ibn Ruqad al-Jubni."96
151
Every Individual Killed in the Way of God
is a Martyr
dUc- :J_^3 c jaj j
One by one, the companions would come to al-Hussain (a) and say,
"Peace be upon you, O' son of the Messenger of God (s).M He would
reply,
If 3 y*3 if faff cdiÛ- y- j j

[23 j&k
Peace be uponyou. We will soon followyou. 'There are some among
them who have fulfilled their pledge, and some of them who still
wait' (The Holy Quran 33:23).
^ J ^ ol^j) y - f
<0*3^ Oj^ J Jj*i) )
o! j ‘ j ‘ *y J c 0 Lo 4JjJ>
Each would charge at the enemy and fight until he is killed. Every
single one of the companions was killed - may God bless their souls -
and no one remained with al-Hussain (a) but his family members. Al-
Khawarizmi says: This is how a believer should be; preferring his faith
over his material gains and his death over his life, all for the sake of
God. He should support the truth, even if he is to be killed. God
Almighty says,
152
Jj z* ^ 3; a 'i? oJ' 6^ ^ i
.[169 ^ JT]
Do not suppose those who were slain in the way of God to be dead;
no, they are living andprovidedfor near their Lord.
The Prophet (s) said,
Every individual killed in the way of God is a martyr.
:Jb cvJlaU X& J: Oj^
When the Messenger of God (s) stood over die martyrs of Uhud, and
amongst them was Hamza ibn Abdulmuttaiib, he said,
jU-Slt pi fÛj <pa)' ^

tj ^ ‘p^ 0-^ J 1
“•'JJ
.viLJH
7 aw the witness over these people. Wrap them in their [bloodied
garments]. They will be revived on the Day of Resurrection with
their wounds pouring and their [severed] veins streaming with
blood. It's color will be the color of blood, but its odor will be the
aroma ofmusk.97
15.1
The Martyrdom of Ahlulbayt
155
MB
The Martyrs of the Holy Household
A? j cAXX) Jj&l (1 J 4jc.) jwU <J[^\ J^3 H j
o-\Sj j j ‘<3^ -aSj j ij^r -Jj j <(^LJ\ aJg) (J^
j Uax; j cLai^ 17 j
•vA' (J6,
When the companions of Al-Hussain (a) were slain, none but his
household remained. They were die sons of Ali [ibn abi Talib] (a), the
sons ofJafar [ibn Abi Talib|, the sons of'Aqil [ibn Abi Talib], the sons
of Al-Hassan [ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib] (a), and his own [Imam Hussain's
(a)] sons. They numbered 17 individuals, as is most widely believed.
They gathered and said their farewells, preparing themselves for
battle.98
157
Ali Al-Akbar (a) Sets Out for the
Battlefield
j/' J .Uaxj £OjJ j <^j' ,j^yj J _/> ]&\jl>- J JjJJi

a*
Ails j J^-ou fl\yf" j (j>Û\ aJg) J^}\ ^j'C'
ij, 0JJ& ^J, OjA ^1 C^Xi ^JJ <U\ J .Jb 33 4^-*-° 11 (3
When none remained alongside Al-Hussain (a) but his household, they
were determined to meet their deaths with great resolve, faithfulness
despite adversity, and unwavering character. They came together to say
their final farewells. The first of them to step forward was Ali Al-Akbar
who was 27 years old (born on 11 Sha'ban, 33 AH). His mother was
Layla bint Abi Murra ibn Orwa ibn Masood Al-Thaqafi."
158
Layla Prays for Her Son Ali Al-Akbar
J! jj'. -Ar^'
aJc<) j^3-\ ^>3 jj*j lc^ ^ 3i < Jlill

4*Jc>) (Jl3 ' ^ 03 l) Ajo\ C-Jlil3 «(^LJl
:(j>^LJ\
When Ali Al-Akbar stepped forward unto die battlefield, Bakr ibn
Ghanim rushed towards him. When diat cursed stepped forward, Al-
Hussain's (a) face changed [in fear for his son]. [Ali Al-Akbar's] mother
Layla asked, "O master, has anything happened to him?" [Imam
Hussain (a)] replied,
>■ $ 3 < ^
O* aJ\
•• t
:Jyj. y j AS'f J <3C> 02
^3 *lco ^jl»
A70, O' Lay/a, but a man has charged towards him and Ifear [for
my son] from him. Go pray for [Ali], for I have beard the
Messenger of God (s) say, 'The prayer of the motherfor her son is
answered.'
j 3) -<JLfr ^ <£*- o' 31 cl£ 3 V-b 1

j <jb^' ^ i'j JJ c*to (jvi-
^ 1^' O uOOi ^b b j ‘bjir“* ./a!' J AicW
3* ^ «4jj\ j~p td3j\
She uncovered her head, prayed for him, and cursed Bakr until [Ali Al-
victorious and returned to the camp]. In one
Akbar was narration it is
159
mentioned that she prayed with die following supplication, "O' You
who returned Joseph to Jacob after their separation, and made [Jacob]
ever joyous thereafter! O' You who returned Ishmael to Hagar! My
Lord, by the thirst of Abu Abdillah (a)! My Lord, by the forsakenness
of Abu Abdillah (a)! Grant me the return of my son!"100
160
The Martyrdom of Ali Al-Akbar
c 4Ao j\ai jT .^1 jils oU\
**? J~S 3
Îc**4*^ 4^-4 k->" ^ .^_^3
[Ali Al-Akbar] took permission from his father to set out for battle and
he was granted permission. [Imam Hussain (a)] looked at him with
desperation and began to cry. He raised his index finger to the sky and
said,
bl \£j (jLu ^ 4ft j aJc ail J^>) dllj^

y«
^ (*$**•* b^laj (jAS Ji ldfc-a\

(*W' J <kj2 j <b^b‘ ^>3 jl j «J*)V\
\j-\C- p^ls .l-b\ |*^P o'y^ll ij^_/ ^ J t^-V3
. b^Juflj j b
Ai)1 God, be witness to [their deeds], for a young man has come
forward to them who is most like Your Messenger Muhammad (s)
in his countenance, morals, and demeanor. Whenever we missed
the countenance of Your Messenger (s), we would look towards
[Ali Al-Akbar]. My God, deprive them of the blessings of the
earth, and afteryou have deprived them so divide them into [actions,
tear them apart, make them into various sects, and do not ever let
their governors be pleased with them! They invited us with the
promise that they would aid us, but they have turned against us,
fighting and killing us!
\ Aa-oU .*
US J*** (fÛl <Uc) ^ -
161
Al-Hussain (a) then cried out to Omar ibn Saad,
viUs- ^5 dll —\j\* ^ j «siAilo

O*
3^*0 ^>\j3 Aaii^ jl j '—^*Aa3 c i^\s>\j3 vil^ju
. ^-4-0 ^ 4»Ac-
What is wrong with you? May God severyour lineage and never
bless you in any matter! [May God] empower overyou one who
would slay you on you bed! This is just as you have severed my
lineage and did not respect my kinship to the Messenger of God
(s).
:S/ 3 f
He then raised his voice in recitation,
c fjt, fyF: 3\ j J\ 3 L-jj 3 ^3T d&\

[34 -33 :o'y* J] ^ Al 5 ^ ^ %S
Indeed God chose Adam and Noah, and the progeny ofAbraham
and the progeny of Imran above all the nations; some of them are
descendants of the others, and God is all-bearing, all-knowing.
(The Holy Quran, 3:33-34)
:Jyj y* j Âc.) juJ-l y, fjc, £
Ali Al-Akbar then charged while reciting in verse,

4^1 COJ J 0^ Cs- Cs uk ^
★ * * ^ Li ^ ^ j
* * *
l?> uTu ^
162
I am Ali ibn Al-Httssain ibn Ali (a)
We are, by the House of God\ more worthy of the Prophet [and
bis example]
By God\ the son ofthe imposter will not rule over us
/ will stab you with the spear until it breaks
I will strike you with the sword until it bends
The strikes of ayoung Hashemite, Alid man.
J| Ai>>jj U :(AjSt*J\ ixajl) Jj [...] Adlalo ^jA U-iy\
^ ^ ^j\ :aS J i
L3 jjy J ^ (j ^ k) Ails < Jill JI
•oW*' j <p^' 3 f <A^' y o^'

Ali Al-Akbar was a reflection of prophetic beauty, an example of [t
Prophet's (s) teachings in] high morals, and a likeness of the [Prophet
(s)] eloquent speech. [...] In Al-Dam'a Al-Sakiba [by Al-Waheed Al-
Bchbahani] it says: When Ali Al-Akbar head towards batde, the women
gathered around him in a circle and said, “Have mercy on our
forsakenness and do not rush to batde, for we do not have the power
to overcome your loss.” He continued to ask for permission from his
father until he was granted permission. He bade farewell to his father
and the women and headed towards die batdefield.
> i&U *1 d^- ‘rr- 0- <3jS3l Jjm g, J Jj'W 4>. jij

Si j f -^Wj 120 a ‘.Uc
• Si J2 J jAoA Co
U'jr
163
4js) {J* ‘ if* \A Ji J^3
•J^ j
He continued to fight until the Kufans became distraught by the

amount of them he had killed. It is even narrated that he had killed,
despite his thirst, 120 men. He then returned to his father, having been
severely injured, and said, “O' father, thirst is killing me and the weight
of iron has tired me. Is there means by which I can get a sip of water
to strengthen me against my enemies?” Al-Hussain (a) wept and said,
3 J
Mj son, it saddens Muhammad (s), Ali (a), andyourfather that

you call them but they do not answeryou and thatyou pleadfor
their aid but they do not aidyou. [...]
a! ^ aJI ^3^ ^
[Imam Hussain (a)] then gave him his ring and said,
)l j\ y>-j\ (jijJz JI3 l)! J ‘v^43 l5 S>-

.U\ IfcJju Uiaj ^ AjjJi ii-Vsj-
Put this ring in your mouth and return to battle against your
enemy. Surely, I hope that night does not fall before your
grandfathergivesyou out of his overflowing tup a drink after which
you will never thirst.
l;U/ J" J* f' O' ^ if

■■ 3 (i p^l' 3jJ\
[j->] ^ A Wj ^ ji <> l- ^ ^ ^ ^
164
JQp ji .UtLoT C-j-i ^ls 'j-j j*\\ Jo_^
•l/'J7 o' Jr"1' 4^'
Al-Muqarram also wrote in his Maqtak Because Layla, Ali Al-Akbar’s

mother, was the daughter of Maymouna bint Abi Sufyan, a man called
out, “O’ Ali, you have a blood relation to the Prince of the Believers
[Yazid), and we wish to respect that blood relation. If you wish, we will
grant you sanctuary!” He replied, “Surely, the blood relation to the
Messenger of God (s) is more worthy of being respected.”
j) d^ d*^ d^' di 0”“' £^3

cA* oil ji ji ^f ^ 3^ d^ d
j Jl/* 3* (®/0 f 3
1 cT u\
33
He then returned to batde. [...] He continued to fight until he killed
an even 200. [One narration states that Murra ibn Munqith Al-Abdi
said, ’May I bear all the sins of the Arabs if I do not bereave his father
by killing him.1 He then struck [Ali Al-Akbar] with a spear in his back.]
Then Murra struck him on the top of his head, felling him. Men
continued to strike him with their swords, so he held on to [the neck
of] the horse which carried him into the enemy camp. They tore him
to pieces with their swords.
S3 4ji\ \> Jd> ^pb jljdl CjA) ^3
*v^ dj*- y* j c\jj\ IaAsu Uk\ ^ 4A>^M 3j^ a^j&C jlL.
Uc) vûJ-l Ûs .3UVdAi
165
When his soul was about to leave his body he called at the top of his
voice, “O' father, here is my grandfather, the Messenger of God (s),
giving me a drink out of his overflowing cup, after which I shall never
thirst. He says to you, ‘Make haste, for there is a cup waiting for you/”
Al-Hussain (a) called out,
4-oy- .lSl^;l j ail ^ ^\j=r\ U b Ly ail Jis
.laxil Lj»\il ^-c- < aîl (Jy^
May God kill a people which have killed you, my son. What
audacity do they have against God in desecrating the sanctity ofthe
Messenger of God (s)! The world mayjust as well end afteryou!
(^jlyil £*b) 3 j .\jjjJj *lSC aJc- ^ (j*^LJl aJt) jyJA jl l?jj j
ajc-) ^3 j i{yij j °lj ioj^j ^1 *U- li. (j*^LJl aJc-) jyd-1 jl
^ c G-otXfljl S3 * If‘■**b '*^,l_^jl jjl ®b^l b .^ls ^ a£>-j ^3 ^Ss^s* (
•^4“' Ji j* J “W' jp j!\y S3 *111 U-Lo j\*ll J^ll
It is narrated that Al-Hussain (a) wept heavily for his loss. In Nasikh
Al-Tawcmekh it is relayed that Al-Hussain (a) reached his son while he
still had a breath in him. Ali [Al-Akbar] opened his eyes and said,
"Father, I see the doors of the heavens open and the servants of
heaven are descending with cups of water, calling me to paradise. I ask
you to instruct the women not to scratch their faces in mourning me."
He then became still and his voice became quiet.
Jfc) j yS ‘137 o° (u^1 j j
^ Sr J if f^' Sr J l0j^ / S °-^-5 <S\j

: Jji j
166
In Al-Vaji'aAl-'Othma Abu Mikhnaf writes: Al-Hussain (a) put his son's
head on his lap and wiped the blood off his mouth. He would kiss him
and say,
ail j 4Ji\ Jo lo UjB ail l
j All j <ub
My jt?//, /fftfy God curse a people who would kill you. What
audacity do they have against God and His Messenger (s)!
:JlB j obo j
His eyes drowned in tears as he said,
J1 ojso j cL^ j bjil »ju>-ju>jl jis <
.dL aSjJ- U j <iiy ^ j c jU, _j
My son,you have gained comfortfrom the troubles and tribulations

ofthe world, and have reached aplace ofease and abundance. Your
father remains, but will surelyfollowyou soon.
. *b*bl Jci (^*^b*Jl ^b) jjc~*3-l
:(^LJl <ub)
Al-Hussain (a) would take deep, heavy breaths. In Al-Muntakhab\ Al-

Hussain (a) cried at the top of his voice and the women began to weep.
He said to them,
*fc3\ jls (jSL\

Settle down, there will be much weeping ahead.101
lf>7
Lady Zaynab Mourns Ali Al-Akbar
3 ‘ jy^ 3 jl i^3j j
\Ac^âaô o\ô\ j^ls ,dL^w<>“ L
33* \j !o\^\^s o^c \j !ol~*>- \j m

.^c~*3J ’3J?^ 3 i_k^^ < AaIH^
*wA^W“ ^ yic-) dl»Uj Sîj L^ 4 1^>P lollop
j ^>- a**1c-) l^J\ *1^- »a^c-
:JIa3 <AJj\ di AjLxS jo .. jglia^l'
It is narrated that Zaynab came out in a rush, warning of ill-fate and

destruction and calling "O' my beloved [nephew]." Hameed ibn
Muslim said, "I saw a woman rushing out. She appeared like die rising
sun and was warning of ill-fate and destruction while calling, 'O' my
beloved [nephew]! O' apple of my heart! O' light of my eye!' I asked
about her and was told, 'She is Zaynab bint Ali (a).' She continued until
she collapsed beside him. Al-Hussain (a) then came to her, took her by
the hand, and returned her to die tent. He came back to his son along
with the young men from his camp and said,
Canyyour brother.
y>> j ,<uL\ C?^ A?\\sl^\ xs*
03*^3 0° °y^-
aJc-) AjjjU Sjljll (j j -153 <3
They carried him back and placed him before the tent [...]." Al-Mayaniji
wrote in al-Oyoon alMbra, And in the visitation narrated from Al-Sadi,
(»).
168
J\ J cJ\ g,l J 0* Jj** o* l/' j ^ ^
J ^J ^ J^3) </'] s-c^ Ji 4> Ja^\ dio
(jCo J dLî^: dLl j^> <^\ J cS\ ^li J < [(^
y < *1*-*^ o^' (Ji dLo ^ < 4J3 diJc- fe< dU^
•*/j vibl d* 0^^ ^ J <0îa3 4Jl*
May myfather and mother be sacrificed foryou, O'you who were

slaughtered without a crime. May my father and mother be
sacrificedfor you, O'you whose blood was raised to God's beloved
[Prophet (s)]. May myfather and mother be sacrificedforyou, O'
you who laid at hisfather's hands, grieving and weeping overyou
while his heart burns foryou. He would raise your blood in his
hands to the highest of the heavens and not a drop of it would
return, while his heaiy breaths never calm.102
169
Biographical Entry | Ali al-Akbar
(Ûl Up) o^' ^ ^ (A) j <j~±\ l\ j£
_$ <( j[r^) l$ 0^ lSjl> J *(^j^ °'jj ^
<^c') &As>- dIsj Axj Aj\ ^ JcJlll
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[{Jj^ (f^ 'Sr°\ fy5' <j ^y- J'j ^ J ~^yf_Ji _^*liaS\

.(aJ^
-^L«\
170
Ali ibn al-Hussain ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib, given the kunya of Abu al-
Hassan, was nicknamed al-Akbar because he was die eldest of Imam
Hussain's (a) sons. There is much discrepancy in regards to his age, but
die most accurate accounts say that he was 27 years old during the
Batde of Karbala. His mother is Layla bint Abi Murra ibn Orwa ibn
Masood al-Thaqafi, and her mother was Maymouni bint Abi Sufvan.
Ali al-Akbar was the first of the Hashemite martyrs in the Batde of
Karbala. His traits were said to be very similar to the Holy Prophet
Muhammad (s). Rather, it is said that he bore die traits of die five
Immaculate Abi al-Kisa'. He resembled the great-grandfather the Holy
Prophet (s) in his speech and demeanor. He resembled his grandfather
Imam Ali (a) in his kunya, as well as in his courage and pride. He was
like his grandmother Lady Fatima (a) in his death at a young age - Lady
Fatima (a) had passed away at die age of 18. He resembled his uncle
Imam Hassan (a) in his splendor and stature. He bore the honor and
determination of his father Imam Hussain (a), and the height of diat
honor and determination came on the day of Ashura when he was die
first of the Hashemites to be martyred in die batde.103
171
How old was Ali Al-Akbar?
a*11 3 *4^) :154 ((Jl^ 0^40 3

«/ ^ 3^ ^*\ *o^ 3^3 3 03 <o^x^1
Al—U 3 *(j»_Û ^jÂi) »w-0-l^? Jli Oj^P ^
^JIL> ^J,\ ^ -L^ j j$A* yj'. a^~ 3^ (l3^1s>-\
\jA 3^ •<^*-*'" 19 4 <j| ‘.AJlU ^Cp-J*l\ Jls j .4^~u l8 ^j\ Aj\ °3*^
•(f^LJ' ^) Jr.-^' jsj <*»■' j**®' y* OJ^"
Al-Mayaniji writes in Al-Ojoon Al-Abra (p. 154), "He was born on the
11th of Sha’ban, and it is said in Arnes Al-Shia that it was in the
beginnings of the caliphate of Othman. His mother is Layla bint Abi
Murra ibn Orwa ibn Masood Al-Thaqafi." The author of Nqfs Al-
Mabmoom wrote, "There is great discrepancy with respect to his
honorable age. Muhammad ibn Shahrashoob and Muhammad ibn Abi
Talib Al-Musawi said that he was 18 years of age. Al-Shaykh Al-
Mufeed said that he was 19 years of age. This would mean that he was
younger than his brother Zayn Al-Abidin (a).
JlS j j 3^ 3 < 3^ c 25 4i\ 3^ j
(J,}> 3 3^ ^3 <>) ^-^3 <333^ A*

^_31j j .4j_u 27 ^jIaj U cjAal\ p> aU <-* 33 3
23 cjAa\\ pi aS (ji' <3*0 ÛwJ\ rU)l\ AiV c
25 years of age, which would make him the

It is also said that he was
is the more accurate and wide-spread." Sayyirf
eldest. That opinion
172
Abdulrazzaq Al-Muqarram wrote in his book Ali Al-Akbar, "Ali Al-
Akbar, known as Abu Al-Hassan, was born around the year 33 AH.
He was about 27 years of age on the day of [Ashura]. He is given the
tide 'Al-Akbar' because he was older than Imam Sajjad (a) who was 23
years of age on the day of [Ashura]."
j&jb) (3 ^33 3 ^ l$0 j
0*-^' (>j 3* 3 ‘ ir- o*
And this opinion (that he was the eldest) is perhaps the most accurate,
and is supported by what is relayed in Tamkh Al-Yaqottbi, Ma'ariJ ibn
Qutayba, and Tamkh ibn Khalkan - diat Al-Hussain (a) did not have any
living descendants except through the younger Ali ibn Al-Hussain,
who is known as Zayn Al-Abidin (a). 104
173
The Martyrdom of Abdullah ibn Muslim
ibn Aqeel
<u\ J 4jp) ^ J,
V
O’ jj J
^crr^ o'- JWj d^9 [...] 1^3^) (d' K^).
o*. ^ c [(j'-Ual! •‘djj (3 _j]
•'^J^ o' ^*‘*' ^3 Ia^*a*3 4£ô- 3^ *^J 0 c 4*u£j 4S^>-
.4^3 03 J ^coJL vilSlo J, Jûl <U*b jT
Abdullah ibn Muslim ibn Aqeel, whose mother was Ruqaya bint Ali
(a), set out for the batdefield [...]. He killed three men but then was
struck by the arrow of Amr ibn Subayh al-Saydawi. Abdullah lifted his
hand to his forehead to guard against the arrow, but it pierced through
his palm and reached his forehead. His hand was pinned to his
forehead and he could not move it. Osaid ibn Malik then struck him
with a spear in his chest, killing him.
v> 0* ^ ol (d9 j)
^lla***' li 3 O-rS’ls <Jd' 3^* td' J
j bjliL-il d' oi^ j J* ^ Ji> o'
C^-jis <C4<> y> j <ci>- :JjSj J6"_j f -bjlss jîaU
. J*aJl gL j J^>- jc- Jj' j 1 ^ (_?^
It is also said that the killer of Abdullah ibn Muslim was Yazid ibn al-
Raqqad al-Juhani. [Yazid] would say, "I shot him with an arrow while
his hand was in front of his forehead guarding against the arrows. I
pinned his hand to his forehead so that he could not move it. He said
when I shot him so, 'O' God, drey have isolated and subdued us, so
174
kill them just as they killed us!'" [Yazid] then struck hrni with another
arrow and would say afterwards, "I came to him after he had died and
removed my arrow from his body. I continued to mg at die other arrow
to remove it from his forehead until it separated and the arrowhead
remained. ii 1<»5
175
Biographical Entry | Ruqaya bint Ali ibn
Abi Talib (a)
aAp) lfc\jLou\ .j£^\ Aol^J\

yr* V>* ‘e?^ *> v>
^ji oJJb <U3j 0^J}j' lc^ J <4-*^ cJjf- Ujjid (j>Û\

J
ji A3 j .Up j 4&\ xp :<\S oUy aJp) J^p
a*j (3 0)^*^ *U*) ^ C--j^j ^y. (^*ÛUl aAp) .
.43j$3\ J^3 j\
One of the wives of Imam Ali (a) was Al-Sahba' Al-Taghlibiyya, also
known as Umm Habib. She gave birth to twins - Omar and Ruqaya.
Ruqaya was wed to Muslim ibn Aqeel and bore him two sons by the
names Abdullah and Ali. Her son Abdullah was martyred in the Batde
of Karbala and she was amongst the women taken captive by the
Umayyad army.106
176
The Martyrdom of Muhammad ibn
Muslim ibn Aqeel
<ulc) j, Jjip j, jhw. j, x£
Then Muhammad ibn Muslim ibn Aqeel set out for the battlefield and
fought until he was felled. His killers were Abu Jarham al-Azdi and
Laqeet ibn Yasir al-Juhani.107
177
The Martyrdom of the Remainder of the
Hashemites
j^J"*** c j »32S ^ âLI (J\yb
i(^^Lm!\ <ulc-) p-^7 ^lâ3 .’oJ^-lj C-Jlb
Sayyid Abdukazzaq al-Muqarram says in his Maqtal: And when

Abdullah ibn Muslim ibn Aqeel was killed, the family of Abu Talib set
out onto the batde field in a single push. Al-Hussain (a) called out to
them,
\jjb Aaj bjÂ ^?\J ^ 4^1 j ( yf" b O^Ll \j^
.\4
Be patient in theface of death, O' cousins. By God, you will never
experience meekness after this day. 108
178
The Martyrdom of Some of the Sons of
Aqeel
S-*J~ J[...] JJ- <ulc) cJUa tj\ L
o o j^
Jr* *^3J <_H Oi^"b 3 <Jl' o ~^33 o*^
o*^- 3 ("Q3^ o
Then Jafar ibn Aqeel ibn Abi Talib stepped forward unto the batdeficld
[...| killing 15 cavalrymen [according to the historical account of
Muhammad ibn Abi Talib] and 2 infantrymen [according to ibn
Shahrashoob]. He was killed by Abdullah ibn Orwa al-Khath’ami, or
[as in other historical accounts] Bishr ibn Sawt al-Hamadani.
^33 lH [-] cM- < ^ «y-' <a". O* £J~ f

.Loojld
.O^luS \s3yM ^ j *a!U- ^
He was followed by his brother Abdulrahman ibn Aqeel [...] who killed
seventeen cavalrymen [according to bodi Muhammad ibn Abi Talib
and Ibn Shahrashoob]. He was attacked and killed by Othman ibn
Khalid al-Juhani and Bishr ibn Sawt al-Hamadani.
^^ ^y. O'- ^
■ ^J~ 3
o**- 3 O'- ^T ' Ji j J£\ ^ ^

•O'AUS 1>JÛ J,
Then Abdullah the Elder ibn Aqeel ibn Abi Talib set out for the
battlefield. He continued to fight until he was severly wounded and fell
to the ground. Othman ibn Khalid al-Tamimi and Bishr ibn Sawt
to him and finished him off. ‘WtCame
179
ojSS* j,\ CoU?l j
L*-
^) ^y oJm. o* Js- f •-x*‘î l j ‘J^' °-*i ^*iaS j
f* <Lojls Jp" jji (^ J f ["•]

•(^' <^j)
[Amongst the sons of Aqeel was] al-Hassan II, the son of Imam
Hassan (a), who was wounded and his right hand was severed, but he
was not martyred.
Musa ibn Aqeel then set out to the battle field [...] and was charged by
the enemies. He continued to fight until he killed 70 cavalrymen, but
was eventually killed. 109
180
The Martyrdom of Ibrahim ibn Al-
Hussain (a)
Jia pill Jfc J*- f J o- (0*1*1 oA*^ a* jo- 3
.(aS\ Ai-j) j cL->
Then Ibrahim ibn Al-Hussain (a) stepped forward unto the battlefield
[reciting verses of poetry written in honor of his father.] He charged
the enemies, killing fifty cavalrymen before being killed - may God
have mercy on his soul. no
1HI
The Martyrdom of Ahmad ibn
Muhammad al-Hashemi
t■
3 ‘p^' iA J"5" f [—] Ao- 3* 3 ^ O'- jj, j
.(<ulc. *uil Jis jT iLjjIs Jij Jp- Jj, jl
Then Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Hashemi stepped forward, [declaring

in verse his intent to defend Imam Hussain (a).] He charged the enemy
and fought valiandy until he killed eighty cavalrymen before being
killed - may God be pleased with him.111
182
Martyrdom of Muhammad and Aoun, the
Sons of Abdullah ibn Jafar
3 (j**^*^ (j-°^ 3
j ^Jc-) iJlL? ^ j&a>- ^ iOi\ xs* x£-
3* 3 < ^ro ^*3 3 C-Uj
.4^3 C/‘ _/°^ OjSS' ,Js3 Jo- Jjls {? [
The enemies attacked al-Hussain (a) and his household from every
direction. Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Jafar ibn Abi Talib stepped
forward. His mother was [Lady] Zaynab, the daughter of the
Commander of the Faithful (a), or according to some sources al-
Khawsa', a woman from the tribe of Taim al-Laat. [He declared in
verse his contempt for an enemy that had abandoned the teachings of
the Holy Quran.] He fought and killed ten enemies, but was attacked
and killed by 'Amir ibn Nahshal al-Tamimi.
(Jj&\ v-Ajj *J\ j xb) jLx>- j, X£> j, oy\ jy>- j
[^y>\ j^] J^3 (Jo- jT [ 3* 3
(jiy\ ^ XS* xb J-oJ- jJl*P iolc j
His brother Aoun ibn Abdullah ibn Jafar then set out, and his mother
was [Lady] Zaynab. He [stepped onto the battlefielding declaring his
lineage and praising his father in verse.] He fought and killed
[according to the account of Ibn Shahrashoob] three cavalrymen and
eighteen infmtrymen. He was a ttacked by Abdullah ibn Qutba al-Taei
and killed.
m
jU)\ _/*>■ ^ £&\ .uxS Aj\ :155 »j^) Jl5
»
^ j) «(^L*J\ l^L) a!*2*^ Aôl ^ •:o^
.J^l\ yb (Jjil\ ^ ^ji «*^ d-Uj A*!
The author of Nafas al-Mcibmom said, "Know that Abdullah ibn Jafar
had two sons named Aoun, die elder's modier was [Lady] Zaynab and
the younger's mother was Juma'a bint al-Musayyab ibn Najaba. It
seems that the one killed in [Karbala] was the former of the two. Ml 12
184
The Martyrdom of Abdullah al-Akbar ibn
al-Hassan (a)
«-
jJj j i xs* 3* 3 4^Cr) ir^~\ Lr- y.' j
Jp- aJ^) ^liS\ ^ (j? j c\Uj l$J Jli

AX*^w*j A/* AJj\ .*
aJ^) {j^-\ y Ail xs* 3
.[...] aSÛ aJc-) cAj
[Abdullah al-AkbarJ ibn al-Hassan (a), [whose mother was Ramla] the
mother of al-Qasim, set out unto the batdefield [reciting batde verses
adapted from die poetry of his grandfather the Commander of die
Faithful (a).] He fought until he was slain. He had been recendy
married to his cousin Sukayna bint al-FIussain (a) [at the time of the
Batde of Karbala].
Ail :158 ^ <3
j aJ\ lAjA X. (^) Cr^-
A*lc') A^ A>"A3 ^ t Aj^j V 3 3^ 3
• AXaSwj AXb\ (Û\
Sayyid Ibrahim al-Mayaniji said in al-Oyoon al-Abra (p. 158), "It seems
that Imam Hassan (a) had two sons by the name of Abdullah, one of
whom was called al-Asghar ["the Younger"] while the other was called
al-Akbar ["die Elder"] and "Abu Bakr." [Abdullah al-Akbar] was the
fUll brodier of al-Qasim and was married by his uncle al-Hussain (a) to
[his cousin] Sukayna. ii 113
185
i The Martyrdom of al-Qasim ibn al-
Hassan (a)
j 0\ j 4»o^l 0j>*\ oJju ^ ^p- -5
*jjs *Jc>) 0^^' j*2* .^~\ jl j*^c- yb j
j\ 3jjUl\ ^ ^ jT J 4aX^1
j Â cA jp- <acAj j ^ J> ^ <aS

• Jji y> _5 dr^
[After the martyrdom of Abdullah al-Akbar ibn al-Hassan (a)], his full
brother al-Qasim ibn al-Hassan (a) came forward... and he had not yet
reached the age of adolescence. When al-Hussain saw him come
forward he embraced him and they wept until they fainted. [Al-Qasim]
asked his uncle for permission to enter the batdefield but his request
was denied. He continued to [beg his uncle for permission] kissing his
hands and feet, until he was granted permission. [Al-Qasim] stepped
forward unto the batdefield with tears running down his cheeks as he
said [in verse],
j ^layal' * * * 0*~^' kla JjjSci jl
* * *
jjU \jjL» ^ OS
Ifyou do not know me, I am the son ofa/-l Jassan (a)

The grandson of the Chosen and Trusted Prophet (s)
And this is Hussain (a) like a ransomed captive
Amongst a [cursed] people; may the sky never rain its meny upon
them!
186
j uu- [oUjjll <Jp] 4X*JJ t'jojui 'ills Jiis
f-* j! (^ :2 374 ^jo < J^jlail (e-ocull) j j .'iU-j
I; ail iw^j? U\ <*ui\ *3li£ U\ jf* Ij :a! Jfe j ( Jjuu v> ^ lM

Lo\ u jj a!^ ^ 4*Ap 4^ d&\ ^j+^j ^\j: \*a\ <
<\j±&\ 3yr^ :(Û\ Up) f-\S)\ JU ^Ûu l«o\ <^y£>dJ\ ^1s£
^ÛaP ( ^-ju ^ ^ j Up 4jiil J>-j <J^
.jvûpIj LjjJ\ C-OÛ Sb
He fought valiantly until he killed [according to some accounts] thirty

five men. Al-Turaihi wrote in al-Minitakbab (p. 374), "Al-Qasim
approached Omar ibn Saad and said, 'O' Omar, do you not fear God?
Has your heart been so blinded that you do not heed [God's wrath]?
Do you not take account of [the rights of] the Messenger of God (s)?'
Omar replied, "Enough with your pride! Why do you not obey Yazid?"
Al-Qasim said, "May God not reward you for any deed! You claim
Islam while die household of die Messenger of God (s) are thirsty and
the world grows dark in dieir eyes!"
< Jouu 0^ jSUp 3 \ ^Lax* J\3 (3 j

£/>■
j5 t jÛj j j\j\ j Up j <j ‘ y Ui ^j»^lp
dS^ 3U t—1
^ j] U/'Ul Lo
.[...] [aU «Uo < jbJd 3 U
In al-Lawa'ij, Hamid ibn Muslim says: I was in die camp of [Omar] ibn
Saad when a young man came forward whose face was like the shinin
8
moon. He carried a sword... and the strap of one shoe was torn - I will
never forget that it was the left. [Al-Qasim refused to walk bearfoot in
187
battle, as that was seen to be disgraceful. He stopped in the middle of
the batdefield and knelt down to fix his shoe.] [...]
O'-
A^Ji^ Ac-3 < A/J\ <w-la--u3 lo ^ Aii\ Jo-ii-jo \jo ^ <oil
Jj li <aJc xSS .^L^l ail j :Jlis .0'ybjsA X3 £\j jjjl
•°lc^ li *l£-^ j cA^î o?j^\ ^ j cAdlis
Amr ibn Saad ibn Nufayl al-Azdi said to me, 'By God, I shall assault
him! I said, 'Glory be to God! What do you hope to achieve by this!
By God, if he were to strike me I would not extend my hand [to strike
him back]. Leave him, for those who have gathered around him will
be enough. He replied, 'By God, I will do [as I have said].' He charged
toward [al-Qasim] and did not stop until he struck him on his head
with the sword, cutting it in half. The young man fell on his face and
called, 'O' uncle.'
oJ-i XS j j c aJc-) A*Jc- {jOA)\3
\%x\aA3 l&lijls c V_Q~ \i ^jy Jjuu
d*3* ‘&P o-J o*

\ V^> < Oj JjlVX*.»»v1 Jjb\ («—. ,.l\
.cSj < Ivlyi
Al-Hussain (a) charged toward him like a falcon, tearing through

[enemy] lines like a angered lion. He struck Amr ibn Saad ibn Nufayl
with the sword. [Amr] guarded against the blow with his forearm,
leaving his arm severed at tire elbow. He cried out so that the entire
camp could hear him. Al-Hussain (a) moved back away from him while
the Kufan cavalry approached, trying to save [Amr]. But as the cavalry
188
charged, the horses hit him with their chests and trampled him under
their feet, killing him.
When the dust settled, al-Hussain (a) was standing over the boy's head
while he was digging with his feet [out of pain]. Al-Hussain (a) would
say,
^ j d-Ls ÛUl' ^ j jJjlxs j»âi
jl dl^ *^3 j\ dl^ jy aJc-) <J\3
J .[dlxC' di^*J j\] oUii^J *iis dJ~y
loys^lj (Ji J
Away ivitb the people who have killedyou! Who is their adversary
on the Day ofJudgement other than your grandfather andyour
father? By God, it saddens your uncle thatyou should call him
while he cannot answer you, or that he answers hut cannot help
you, [or that he helps but cannot sufficeyou]. By God, our voice is
one opposed by many and supported byfew!
^ 3^3 ^ ojJ^> j 4.3* jT
(Ji Qf d*' 3° J ^^ *3
:(Û\ <Oc.) _j
[Al-Hussain (a)] carried [Al-Qasim], putting the boy's chest to his. It is

as if I could see the boy's feet dragging on die floor. He carried him
until he placed him with his son Ali [al-Akbar] and the rest of the fallen
from his household. He raised his eyes to the heavens and said
189
4^0 ir- f y j “4' j (£■) Jc jSC
j jJiU ^ ^) l/M' (îLJ\
.(^j>0
Then Muhammad al-Asghar ibn Ali (a) [...] set out unto the battlefield.
A man from the tribe of Tameem, from the descendants of Aban ibn
Darim, struck him with an arrow and returned with his head.
Abdullah ibn Ali (a) stepped forward and fought until he was killed.
His mother was Layla bint Masood al-Nahshaliyya and he was Abu
Bakr ibn Ali's (a) full brother. He is not Abdullah al-Asghar ibn Ali (a),
the full brother of al-Abbas, as was expressly stated by al-Shaykh al-
Mufeed in al-Irshaad.ul
195
The Martyrdom of al-Abbasfs Full
Brothers
* »
c-ul _j <Ul ' d^ if ^ iy. L$[) d J
Cl-iJ ^ j ^dc") _fx^~ *X*P ^ J
(^ 4AJ -X3 Aflj l) «aJ^*" iji
tjf- j (j>^Ld *Jp) Jp ir. ja^}\ ail -up j_^3 .[•••] ^3 dj V <ols
l/G*U> ^ c3^* _? ^ u-ilxs*-ls [ j^-ji] j oj^r^ J
.j,U 4^3 <0^^
When al-Abbas saw the great number of family members who had
been martyred, he turned to his full brothers - Abdullah, Jafar, and
Othman. Their mother was Fatima bint Hizam ibn Khalid al-Kilabiyya,
known as Umm al-Baneen. He said to them, "O' sons of my mother,
step forward so diat I can see you be faithful to God and His
Messenger (s); for you have no children [to worry about in case of your
martyrdom]." [...]
Abdullah al-Asghar, a man of 25 years, stepped forward [while taunting

die enemy with verses in praise of his fadier]. He fought Hani ibn
Thubayt al-FIadrami, who slayed him.
^ “j* $3 (fÛl U) °-x~ JJ. (
*V j ‘4^s til îi-1 c~x3> [jyfjil 3
3 ((*'4-4' U) 0jX\ oJjo jJ. f
-H>- Cr- #k>* [ j^jd y> j 3
,a*"Lk *W- J ‘ 4^ fjt> 01 0^ C/1 lWj 4^ 3 (X

w<3-x+9
196
Then his brother Jafar ibn Ali (a), who was 19 years of age, stepped
forward [reciting verses in praise of his family and declaring his intent
to die protecting Imam Hussain (a)]. Hani ibn Thubayt al-Hadrami
charged at him and lolled him, returning with his head.
Their brother Othman ibn Ali (a), a man of 21, then stepped forward
like his brothers [reciting verses in praise of his father, the Prophet (s),
and Imam Hussain (a)]. Khawli ibn Yazid al-Asbahi shot him with an
arrow to the forehead, knocking him off his horse. A man from the
clan of Aban ibn Darim charged at him and lulled him, returning with
his head. 118
197
Al-Abbas Martyred While Seeking Water
for the Camp
j' 3 {y> lv3^ 43c')
Vw^J&AS *IL\ 4a1p) \ o^ls •p^° j^-1
,Li“\ j pîaPj j 3i (^*^kuS\ aJc>)
ÎaS -\3 < GA> jui-1 \-1a -X*—*J y% yf" l) IjJlc- (^ÎaS
_\a3 < $.IL1 ^ <\|L*P ^ < AXb ^
:J\yi £* ^ j ‘(n:^ âl\
Al-Abbas said, “I grow impatient with diese hypocrites and I wish to

seek redress against them.” Al-Hussain (a) instructed him to fetch
water for the children first. Al-Abbas went towards die enemy and
advised them, warning them of the Almighty’s wrath; but this was to
no avail. He then called out, “O’ Omar ibn Saad, this is al-Hussain (a),
die son of the daughter of Messenger of God (s). You have killed his
companions and family. His wards and children are thirsty, so give
diem some water to quench dieir burning hearts. All the while, [al-
Hussain (a)] has been saying,
•oL^ 3 jW^' j ^ j(Ji tij*0
Let me go to Lome or India and leave Hija% and Iraq toyon. ”
0^ 3 ’^r^. {S^ Jp“ o^j*3 (3 (f 43c’) j^3
3& j (.Vo yPJ^\ ^3 ^ ^~d\/ Cr - '-^y0 3^^*
4j\ ^ .Jjy Aaa) ^5 CO^23 4JL* ^kaLiU ll LjJuI C^-
°y°J 3 c3VI 4juj1 4j 9 < j
198
Al-Abbas’s words effected the hearts of the enemy such that some of
them began to cry. Shimr, however, called out, “O’ son of Abu Turab
[Imam Ali (a)], if the face of die earth was all water and under our
control, we would not give you a single drop unless you pledge
allegiance to Yazid.” [Al-Abbas] rode his horse and took the waterskin.
He was surrounded by four thousand enemies who pelted him with
arrows.
< oX>-
j JU* jf £j\jaS\ J\y j ^3 c<L«l

3
4^>-\ ^Si < JyJu\i f.lL\ IL

O* 3
: Jl3 j *IU (jji < Ajlo
Their numbers did not discourage him and he began to repel them by
himself while the banner of glorification [to God Almighty] waved
above his head. Men could not stand in his way and he was able to
reach the Euphrates despite the great number amassed against him.
But when he took a handful of water to drink, he remembered die
thirst of his brother al-Hussain (a) and those with him. He threw die
water back [into the river] and said,
* * *
oJlsu j ■>*>■ j* a*** -
01*^ jjl j * * *
jjjjiJl JUs )l j * * * <3* JUi \Jift L *usb
O' self, [be second] to al-Hussain (a)
As after him, it matters not whetheryou be or not
This is Hussain (a) approaching death
Andyou [dare] drink sweet, cold water?
199
By God’ this is not an act ofmy faith
Nor an act ofa man of true certainty
^ _5 ^ 4îa]\ ^Lo ^
:JLî 3* 3 t3^' if 3 J^ (S^
He filled die waterskin and rode his horse back towards the camp.
Enemies blocked the way and he fended diem off again, killing much
of diem. He would recite,
C-JLaU <3 L{j^ * * * (3j Ojl\ lil Ojl\ ^
* * * 3j j$LJl (jAa*ajd
LliJL bl
pi ^ J
/ A 1/0/fear death ifit approached
Leaving brave menfelled beside me
I milgive my soul in protection of the Prophet’s (s) pure grandson
I am al-Abbas, and 1 will return with the water
I do notfear barm on the day of battle
c y> Ajjlc- j jj yA ^S\

v> -*0
Zaid ibn al-Raqqad al-Juhani and Hakeem ibn al-Tufail al-Sunbusi

ambushed liim from behind a palm tree. The struck him on his right
arm, severing it. [But al-Abbas pushed on], saying,
* * *
^ 0* U' cA' J! oi 3
U. ... * * *
fW SS 3
200
By God, ifyou have severed my tight arm
I will continue to defend myfaith
And [protecting] an Imam of true certainty
The grandson of the pure and trusted Prophet (s)
J *AU ^ y\ Jju L*j ^3
*>. j* ‘4^- l/5 ^ Cr 0^ -5 <4^
:(^^LmS\ aJc>) 41^
He did not give any attention to his severed right arm, as his sole
concern was delivering the water to al-Hussain’s (s) wards and children.
But Hakeem ibn al-Tufail ambushed him once again from behind a
palm tree, striking him on his left arm and severing it. [Yet al-Abbas
continued to push on], saying,
jbl-l * * * yo V ^jmsi) l)
3 j
* * *
j
j 4-^ ^ j bii ju-it £
U\ y>- Gjj I * * * 'j?**23

j
0' self do notfear this band of disbelievers
And rejoicefor the mercy of the Almighty
Alongside our master, the Chosen Prophet (s)
Along with the other noble andpure souls
They have severed my left arm by their wretchedness
O ’ Lord, deliver them to a blaming Hell!
201
^ i îai.1^ a^j\ ^ A**lc< ^
^C- Wa -*j ^ < AXolft (J^Ll3 A_-*j\j ^£> «3ôaJIj ^ OjJu^ v—\*&\ pAj~M
^ (>^L**J\ aJ^) £ju*aA*\ «ajM '^' ^ oU^ *l£^W.
:JU3 < j^.Jmx«*1 j3
The enemies surrounded liim as arrows rained down; one struck the
waterskin and spilling its water, while anodier struck him in his chest.
A man hit him on his head with a pole, cracking his skull. He fell to
die ground calling, “Farewell, O’ Abu Abdullah (a).” Al-Hussain (a)
rushed to him and found that he had been martyred. He said,
cJh j
Now my back has been broken and I have been left powerless,119
202
Imam Hussain (a) Bids Farewell to al-
Abbas
if f-W J"- J <-»jf ij AjcJp
3 3
Al-Hussain (a) took al-Abbas's head and placed it in his lap. He began
to wipe the blood off his eyes and saw that he was crying. Al-Hussain
(a) asked,
JjaaSl U l) oLSCu. lo
What has madeyou cry, O' Abu al-Fadl?

«■ , »
-X**3 < '\ \ 3 & dAli* j )l <J&j jy \>
!di^'J 0* if 3 if* dl~dj £3^ y* ac-Lu
. 4^-3J ^ i ^ «LowiW- aJc-)
[Al-AbbasJ replied, "O' light of my eys! How can I not cry when you
have come to me and taken my head [in your lap]? But in an hour who
will lift you head from the ground and wipe die sand off your face?" Al-
Hussain (a) was sitting dierc when al-Abbas took his last breath and
his blessed soul departed his body. He cried out,
!coL»>jL*p <oU\
O' my brother! O' Abbas! O' what a loss!120
203
Historians Neglect the Account of al-
Abbas’s Martyrdom
< * lLd\ j cjuJl j*\ <^1 j (p^LJ\ LJ\ oJuu .*

0* <J* •
Jlil3 . jT pill J25 Jp- JÎa) Jj, jii [ j£jg] y* J
.^Lp- w-i-ls j 4*Jc-)
Al-Khawarizmi excerpted the account of al-Abbas’s martyrdom in his

Maqtal(v. 2 p. 29). He wrote “Then al-Abbas stepped forward, and his
mother was Umm al-Baneen. He was in charge of maintaining the
water supply. He charged, [declaring his intent to die protecting his
brother in verse]. He continued to fight and killed a group of enemies
but was killed. Al-Hussain (a) then said, TMow my back has been
broken and I have been left powerless/”
L*i\ {j£> \jj\ ixux yî ji Aj\ ^ ^ ^ j

3 *0^
j>-\ <^c') ^4*11 («—(3 0*33^
•J Lax>-lj dUi J pÂt) CuJ\
It is astonishing that al-Tabari did not mention anything at all about

the martyrdom of al-Abbas. As for al-Sayyid ibn Tawoos, he wrote in
al-ljthoof that the martyrdom of al-Abbas was the last amongst the
Household [of the Prophet (s)], recounting the story with brevity.121
204
Biographical Entry | Al-Abbas ibn AH (a)
4ô\ ^ J±*\ ^ (rÛ\ <ulp) ÛaSI y\
-\3 j tLujU U^lc- 4 4.U 4 < o*^S3\ oil
jjl-uu^S j l&Jjlj\ ^ 4c-L>wJL l^y-»i*P vOj^LJul
j»0 uAlAS 0~<wa3 oVj\ 4ajj1 OjJj -X3 J .4jj&li-\
(3 JJ J <4S$\ -UP' J <jlcP 3 JJ *(^ J (vJl^
p^4c”) v—uJ\ 3^ 3^ < *L*aaJ\ ^Jq$\ ^jA ^ ^
(3 «aS_5 <u!p) _4 jf\ cfi'• pir^3 <3 j (^*iLJ\
.jb 26 au*-« ^jLaUj 4
Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas is the son of the Commander of the Faithful Ali
ibn Abi Talib (a). His mother is Fatima bint Hizam al-Kilabiyya, who
was chosen for [Imam Ali (a)] by his brother Aqeel so that she can bear
a courageous son. Her family was famed for their braver)7 and resolve.
Her forefathers were foremost amongst the knights of Arabia during
the Age of Ignorance. She gave birth to four sons - earning the
honorific tide "Umm al-Baneen" [i.e. the modicr of male children] - by
die names of al-Abbas, Jafar, Othman, and Abdullah, all of whom were
martyred in Karbala. Umm al-Baneen was the best of women. She
knew well the rights of the Holy Household and was loyal and devoted
to them. Her eldest child was al-Abbas, who was born on the 4di of
Shaaban, 26 AH.
oJjf- j j j ^jA < 4u>laxi\ CA^J3 j
<U3 11 ^ ‘^*r {j* ^ O{\*0 JW j < o^>

Ufc) JiW j3 j ,(^\a Jo J) aJ JJ < j
205
j < 4j j^p- $ < o4^b>) jô\ 4*o\ ^
*^l)j$C <Jc-) <jU^l-l <U>-1 £0 J^3 J .lî JljvHj 0^)1 4 jjilj ^l <U$3
iL) ^ 1^? ^jlS^ j < 4J—« 34 0^^ j

.o\
Al-Abbas manifested all die qualities of greatness; from resolve,

braver}7, pride, and courage as well as charm, cheerfulness, good
nature, and eloquence. And because he combined the best of moral
and physical qualities, he was given die nickname "Moon of die
Hashemites." He lived for fourteen years widi his father the
Commander of the Faithful [before the Imam's (a) martyrdom]. He
participated in the batdes fought by his father but was not granted
permission to duel [in one-on-one combat]. He was martyred alongside
his brodier al-Hussain (a) at the age of 34 and was die standard bearer
[during the Batde of Karbala].
cl-uJl *IU u\ entail ^y>
j .J-shJl (J-wbiill y\) j ^y jv^’)
j%) lô j .oJju j ^y olo\^S3l lo oj&
j 0*1$ J J JW o- u. ^
Al-Abbas's nicknames include al-Saqqa (die water-bearer) because he

fetched the water for the Holy Household during the Batde of Karbala,
and Abu al-Kadlbecause he has a son named al-Fadl.
He is called Bub al-Harva'ej (the Gate of Answered Needs) because of
his many Karamat on the day of Karbala and thereafter. He is also
* A Karama (plural: Karamat) is a gift given by God to an individual honored by Him.

This often includes the individual’s intercession to answer prayers and cure the ill.
206
called Qcwiar Bani Hashem (the Moon of the Hashemites) because of
his charm and good looks. He used to ride the most magnificent of
steeds while his feet would still touch the ground.
^ a3c>) 4*o^!\ jiiJ ^
(jp" {j* 3 3 aJc-)
^jA j&*\ ajlLj ji y-i \jja j <—A> olSlj 4l_-o\ ^-Jui :^b\3 ‘cLjW ^Jc-)
The world witnessed the bravery of al-Abbas and his stance alongside
his brodier al-Hussain (a) during the Batde of Karbala; sacrificing
himself in defense of his brother. Al-Hussain (a) would even say to al-
Abbas, "May I be sacrificed for you," placing al-Abbas at the level of
his pure soul - an honor not reached by any other individual.
33US\ j>U)!\ Jl3 [...] :147 ^ ({J^\
In regards to al-Abbas's stature, Sayyid Abdulhussain al-Mousawi said

in al-Faji'a al-Othma (p. 147): [...] Imam Sadiq (a) said,
< jUV\ ojwaJ\ jib ^ if ^LaS^

t L^>- 3 (^'3-***^ 43^) -x-p ^
J
.Lu^»
0//r uncle al-Abbas ibn AH (a) mas of astute insight andfirm

faith. He strived alongside [Imam Hussain (a)]} distinguished
himself andpassed as a martyr.
4^0 0*-^' if) if J$' *j** d>\ if <°î? (if 3
:JU (^LJ\
207
In al-Amali, it is relayed by the way of Abu Hamza al-Thamali that
Imam Zayn al-Abidecn (a) said,
l5°“
<3 ^ÎL\ (J^ 3 > aS-Îs coljo (JU*la3
L*ii ,j\ j <wJU^ (^1 ^ J,a>-

.ioUflil Alaîj* Aijjbi Îju -JJjLj ail
May God bless my uncle al-Abbas. He was forebearant,

distinguished himself, and saciificed himselffor his brother so that
his hands were severed [and he was martyred]. God has given him
wings by which he willfly with the angels in paradise,just as God
gave to Jafar ibn Abi Ta/ib. Al-Abbas has a stature in the eyes
of Godfor which he is envied by all other martyrs on the Day of
Judgment.
***) A3L-W-0 4-*AiAd]»! 3 ^

a*
ShjA 5yC*A o33jA ^ Aîc-) y3
A*ic-) S3jA y& Ja*J j c(j>Û\ J
aJc-) Ajb V--J&4II yA 4*3 43^3 G*s?\ -X3 j c Ijbo 350 y6-
.(rÛ'
The tomb of al-Abbas is in Karbala, short distance from the tomb of
al-Hussain (a). It is separate from die shrine of al-Hussain (a) and the
martyrs, about 350 meters away. Above his tomb is a golden dome
similar to the dome of die shrine al-Hussain (a).122
208
The Rewards of Providing Water for the
Thirsty
JjLu fj?a\\ \i\ lc
:(j*^LJl 4jc.) j>U)h Jte :
Because Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas was the water bearer of Karbala, let us
mention the following two Hadiths. Imam Zayn al-Abideen (a) said,
Whoever provides drink to a thirsty believer; God will serve him

from the Sealed Pure Wine [of Paradise].
: Jls (^^LJ\ <*Jc.) Jj-iLall j.U)l\ j
It is also narrated that Imam Sadiq (a) said,

.K3j [ySA ^
a* j
c LuwJi) Ia>-\ ^5^ 0^"4 4^3 ^
l/° J
.lx~«*r jj-uUl Ls»-\ USo LmJLj Lo-\
Whoeverprovides water in a place where water is readily available,

he is like one who has emancipated a slave. Whoeverprovides water
in a place where water is not readily available, he is like one who
has saved a life, and whoever saved a life is as though he saved all
mankind.123
209
The Martyrdom of the sons of al-Abbas
ibn Ali (a)
:195 j* Jo J ^ J fjSl\ ^
^ j -Xa^ A—(^LJl A-Jc’) ûLaII
v_Jilai\ A^jjIxo J <^yû\ -Ac-^ .o«A^-J Cl-Jj ^
Jowa£- Cî> iU A*©\ aJc-) aJc-)
^jA J.<,aO A**^) ^JAjIa*U J .^-Aial»\ ^yS' ^jy ^-oLaII ^jy dAil
. dA^\ A/W*-^ O.J^
Sayyid Abdulrazzaq al-Muqarram mentioned in his book al-Abbas

Qamar Ba//i Hasbe/// (p. 195), "Al-Abbas had five children; al-Fadl,
Obaydillah, al-Hassan, al-Qasim, and a daughter."
Ibn Shahrashoob counted Muhammad ibn al-Abbas amongst die
martyrs of Karbala in his book al-Mauaqib. [Muhammad's mother was
said to be] Lubaba bint Obaydillah ibn al-Abbas ibn Abdulmuttalib.
Al-Abbas did not have any surviving lineage except through his son
Obaydillah.124
210
Al-Hussainfs (a) Cry for Help
\js>-\ j, Ji (^LJ\ cJol\ <3p) Jis li
Jj^P .ii\S îy1 j ‘ Jj. jJ^- 4*3^ j (Jl j .o^va^j
\*3yuZ> ^C-lj -9
After the martyrdom of al-Abbas, al-Hussain (a) looked around and

did not see anyone who would aid him. He saw his companions and
family members slaughtered like sacrificial lambs, while the wails of the
widows and the cries of the orphans rung in his ears. He cried in the
loudest of voices,
J $ J djc, 4jM (J-^) J\y*j p>- 4^ •*o* J*

<3 *h\ yrji. ^
? 3 -up l« 0AJL0 v!y ^ 4vj\c.\
Is there a defender who will defend the sanctity of the family of the
Messenger of God (s)? Is there a monotheist who fears God [and
will stand with us]? Is there a helper who will seek God by helping
us? Is there an aid who will seek the rewards of God by aiding
us?25
211
Al-Hussain (a) Bids the Hashemite
Women Farewell
^ ^ 43c* 3"*^) Aiil (^3—3^ *3^) 3
^C- ^ lAjlyUJ 4Cj3 5 ^ °
Jli j (^LJl 13*0 3 J*9^ .jojjM 3 y*> j o^\y>- {yô
:W
Al-Hussain (a) called for die mande of die Messenger of God (s) and
cloaked himself with it. He wore his blessed armor, carried his sword,
and rode his horse, fully dressed in iron armor. He approached Umm
Kuldium and said,
31 j(31 j l>
Take care ofyourself, sister. I am stepping forward to battle this
group.
^ OjA>^ 31 c \Aj AAu Ia>- $ Ar>-jL^ 3^ j (^.âSIs
[His daughter] Sukayna ran to him wailing, and he used to love her
immensly. He hugged her, wiped her tears with his sleave, and said [in
verse],
* * * l) (Âsu 3j^-Z
* * *
j ^ c'^ ^
'^yf>m Ij Âuij * * * (jAllj Jf Cols cJcis lils
Know, 0' Sukayna, that after meyou will
212
Cry much, when death will over come me
Do not burn my heart withyour agonising tears
So long as my soul remains in my body
If I were stain, you will morejustly
Continueyour cries, O' best of women126
213
Al-Hussain (a) Elegizes Himself
^pk jt y\ Jl5
Al-Hussain (a) tlien cried out,

< k ^ aScW k ^ A^3j k ^ 4^^*^ k ^ ^
,^k>C3*Y^ J3 j c^ko-^V^ _f*~^
O' Umm Kulthum. O' Zaynab. O' Sukayna. O' Ruqaya. O'
'Atika. O' Safiyya. I bidyoufarewell, for ibis is our last meeting.
You will soon be gneving.
aJc-) 1^1 JIaS loôil C-*-o1 &&^j~\ k fy^C. 1^23
Umm Kulthum cried out, "Brother! It is as if you have submitted to

deadi!" Al-Hussain (a) said to her,
How can one who does not bare a helper nor an aid not submit to
death?
:{$ JIas .kdi> <_M A- ^

She said, "Then return us to the [city] of our grandfather." He replied,
.^kJ ^L1 IWak ^y f cOlÂ oks-l k
O' Sister! Woe! Woe! [If then was any possible way for me to
fulfillyour wish, I sunly would have].
214
^ £^Jlj \j£y& vJL-a3j
,4«^C l^C-ô3 ^c*.**^ ^ lî>3 ^ i*_^Jj_y*i>i\ o
Sukayna began to cry and wail. Al-Hussain (a) hugged her, kissed her,
and wiped her tears with his sleeve.12'
215
Another Farewell
[In another narration] Al-Hussain (a) then called,
O' Zaynab. O’ Umm Kulthnm. O' Sukayna. O' Kuqaya. O'

Fatima. I bidyoufarewell.
aJ^) Jl^3 ? Câd c^d \> •dullis dULsli
[Lady] Zaynab came to him and said, "O' brother, have you become
certain of your death [here]?'1 He replied,
^ jy* ^ j CP* J j 0*' ^
How can I not be cetiain when I have no aid or supporter?
aJg) J\a3 (LP“ (JI l> :cJIas
She said, "Brodier, return us to the [city] of our grandfather." He

replied,
Juju y& c
yOyjj^ ^ \ ^Lo\ C
Woe! If I were left to be I would not be [mourning myself]. You

will be soon like slaves, driven before the caravan and made to taste
the worst of torture.
216
Ij :C-olj j 1 4 '*—*'tar*î) A^xC'u lc^
.oW-L^ j>3-i lj coLliLo tyjj <.o\j%0\j <\^3 \j cot)j£>-j
:(^L*J\ aJc*) Jljis .l^7^ (JlÛ j la^xJu O
When [Lady] Zaynab heard him, she cried. Tears flowed in his eyes.
She cried out, “O' solitude! O' lack of support! O' dreadful end! O'
cursed morn!” She tore her dress, disheveled her hair, and struck her
face.* Al-Hussain (a) said to her,
*l)*>5** CA, l> clî
Havepatience, 0' daughter of al-Murtacla. There is much timefor

weeping.
l> 'ftS icJte dLiLÛ Cs° o' ^

...oJju> ^ j l/° -M)' l5°”
J ^.Oj. Jij j Jc-jJ cA^JA 0^1 J^3 ^0 l ^
... j?Lu A* j •4^Wj
He wanted to walk out of the tent, but she rushed to him and said,
tcWait, brother! Stay so my sight can take its fill of you and so I can bid
you the proper farewell after which we will never meet again... Wait
here brother before rushing to death so that I can cool my anguish and
thirst.” She began to kiss his hands and feet as he was surrounded by
the rest of the women.128
* Lady Zaynab was still in her tent when this took place.
217
Al-Hussain (a) Wears a Worn Cloth under
his Clothes
:<co- ^ <ul£•) J\jj
Al-Hussain (a) then said to his sister,
c^jSS\ ^
. Jj3 Aju AAo Aj>-\
Bring me an oldpiece of doth that no one would want and that I

can wear under my clothes so that l would not be robbed ofit after
my death.
c ^ f-LfcAxiil
J*
^l] Ub- Ly A>\ j .ÎaSI ^Li [J* 4*9 ^3 c^jlib 341
*^bJ ^ \jbjjA3 o^>- IgA ^ <^jLo

j **y*~ j [LSI
The voices of the women rose in cries and wails. Al-Sayyid al-
Muqarram says in his Maqtal (p. 341): They brought him a short
trouser, but he refused it as it was a mark of humiliation. He took a
piece of worn out clothing, ripped it, and wore it under his clothes. He
called for knitted trousers and tore them before wearing them so that
he would not be robbed of them.
:223 (ûc^Sl ^t>f>\) f-Jji j
218
-X*J v—-obwi 4j\ (^LJ\ aJc-) c J^> \ Aa3 aj ^JjO- c 0 j^3
~ l)^_2./*** _5 -kb ^.^.a! f I<\1
Sayyid Abdulkarim al-Hussaini al-Qazwini says in at- Watha eq al-

Kasmijya (p. 223): He called for a Yemeni trouser of strurdy knitting
[...]. He ripped and tore it so that no one would desire it, as he knew
that he would be plundered after his martyrdom. He was asked, "Why
do you not wear a short trouser under it?" He said,
jj\ ^ < î-Xo dAli
That is a mark of humiliation, it is not becoming of me to mar

it.129
219
The Martyrdom of Another of al-
Hussainfs (a) Sons
(^j. 3 < y>- A^lc- < ^
'll *(l5j^0 •[** L^'] ‘OJA'*'" *aSj (3 C~+a3j}
.(^^L*J\ aJc«) jk^p^\ yb \A& ,jj$C <j' '**&
As al-Hussain (a) was sitting wearing a dark woolen cloak and arrows
were raining around him, an arrow hit a son of his who was three years
of age. He wore his armor [and set out to battle]. [This may be a
reference to Ali al-Asghar].13u
220
Zayn al-Abideen (a) Attempts to Enter
Battle Despite Illness
^ ^3 ^ Ai^C JP (jÛ\ A»Jp) ^
J* jxJ\ y> j -ja>UM Jj y> j (^LJl ^Jp) j--^' 0^'
6^j> aÎp) $ • *—^dib bia^s cfe"3 ^^p

lAil^- j c A.U- ^Jp ^1 Aj*y c u ^ l*/aP ^P
: Jfe .£p\ Jo b
Al-Hussain (a) looked left and right, but could not see a single man by
his side. Ali ibn al-Hussain (a) - known as Zayn al-Abideen (a) and the
younger brother of Ali al-Akbar - who was stricken by a stomach
illness came out of his tent. He was leaning on a walking sdck and
dragging his sword, as he could not carry it due to his illness. Umm
Kulthm was running behind him calling, "Come back, my son!" He
replied,
aJp JCAj j\ JJo Jo <Jo^ Jip b
O' aunt. L/eave me fight before the son of the daughter oj the
Messenger of God (s).
:pi£^>L aJp) jwU ^bâ3
Al-Hussain (a) called to Umm Kulthum,
J $ J aJp <&\ ) 3j£~ Jt J-**> J° JeA.s-..^^>-\

■((U
221
Restrain him so that the earth is not deprived of the lineage of the
family ofMuhammad (s).
Umm Kulthum took him back to his bed.131
222
Why did God Strike Zayn al-Abideen with
illness?
jrJ aJc-) Jj-AjUSI JjU-
j' ^ A*ic-)
yC* îl*ii A^P .loflÂxx] *^L1p Aj^ jUj (Jlla3 c ^j£>Lw*J\
:^Sy (^Lul\ aJp) Jî-\ J& J\ -\3 J •-î J f-H"S
Imam Zayn al-Abideen (a) attempted to go out for batde despite his
illness, but [Imam Hussain] (a) prevented him from doing so. In reality,
God Almighty has struck the Master of Worshippers (a) with an illness
so that he would be relieved of the obligation of batde. This was so
diat the world does not crumble and dissipate [due to the eradication
of die entire lineage of the Holy Prophet (s)]. It is narrated that al-
Hussain (a) said,
A^“ ^lo y\ < jJ\jcd,\ AiLi j yp LiW- j
•J-**1 J*
Far be itfrom God - the Almighty, Most High, and Supremely
F,xalted - to leave the earth without a prooffrom my progeny.132
223
-
Al-Hussain (a) Asserts Multiple Times

that Zayn al-Abideen (a) is Successor to
I
r
Role of Imam
4oJoJ£- Cj\ja dU*3j Ss l^:\ < AI0L0L AjlââJj ^
Jug: ■>*! Lo J .f(3 d!*oi3j -*3 1-X^3 c<CjaU (j*^LJ\ aJc>)
4^ 3 Oj-o \cJ\ja {S}\i^3 s^x3^ U^\ • -

i)vj < *
j^J-1 j.UV\ JJ» Sy> j WM ^Jc.)

J "bj?£ Jou 0^0 ^ <3 WM 3 (j*,^LJ\ aJc.)
.(^^LJl aJc-) alo 3° AL^r- 3
Know tliat die Master of Martyrs (a) bequested piis status as Imam] to
his son, die Master of Worshippers (a), and asserted mutliple times that
his son [Zayn al-Abideen (s)] is the successor to the role of Imam. This
occured mutliple times in Medina and also muldple times in Karbala.
What can be deduced from the narrations is that this occured four
times in Karbala: Once on die eve of Ashura, once when Zayn al-
Abideen (a) requested permission to enter batde, once before Imam
Hussain (a) entered batde, and once after a number of skirmishes when
[Imam Hussain (a)] had killed thousands of men in one of his assults.133
224
Imam Hussain’s (a) Bequest to Zayn al-
Abideen
o^ J <^c') 0^' o'- <> jT : Jli oUl)
^93 -\3 Ai\ 4irjp ^ .*Lx>^l\ C-Jj\ô j ^“V\j < ^lic-
^j\ Ifcy»\ j (l^P *0^ ^j) ^ 3i 1j cJu*“l*aU j j
.^J\ gAI^ ^3Jd
In Itbbat al-Wasiyya it is said, "Then [Imam Hussain (a)] broguht forth

Ali ibn al-Hussain (a), who was ill at the time, and bequested to him
the Great Name of God along with the remainder of the inheritance
of the prophets. He told him that he gave the books, scrolls, scriptures,
and arms to Umm Salama and asked her to give them all to him [upon
his return to Medina]."
3 y, ^c, y* o& c^llaS \ 3
O'- ‘ dl ^ O*
jjjLSl y£ y& j • ‘3c- ^ 41oj ^ ^Jc-)
^ *^3*113s-)
He also narrates, "Al-Hussain (a) outwardly bequested to his sister

[Lady] Zaynab bint Ali (a), so that everything that came from Ali ibn
al-Hussain (a) in that time was attributed to his aunt [Lady] Zaynab as
a way of sheltering Ali ibn al-Hussain (a) and protecting him from
harm." Allama al-Kulayni also narrates that Abu Jafar al-Baqir (a) said,
225
IcO < li» A.îc’) ^j\,<aa^-\
IdâLo \>\£l^j\ ^333 (^L*Jl CJo Auai^ls

V5j j
jjji ^ ‘p4** (j*^LJ\ ^Jc.) 0^-**^' ^ ^ O^3 -OjPi\]a
j, ^ <Jl t-A$3\ (^^LJl l^lt) <uL>l3 CotSJi .<) II Aj\
JiJLo < »\J^ 4*J\ ^rl^: Lo j 4*^3 ,(^*^L*aJ\ ^jLww^*\
lTj' V o^ J^“ V ji j -^Ml' e5^’ o' <-M (°^
•crSo-U
1^7;^/; a/-Hussain (a) met what he bad met, he called to his eldest
daughter Fatima bint a/-Hussain (a) and gave her an apparent
bequest along with a sealed scroll Ali ibn al-Hussain (a) was
amongst thosepresent and thosepresent did not see in him anything
but his illness. Fatima then gave the stroll to Ali ibn al-Hussain
(a) [away from the sights of those present]. By God\ it contains
everything that the sons of Adam may needy from the time of
Adam's creation until the end of the world. By God, it contains
allpunishments, even the monetary damagesfor a scratch.134
226
The Martyrdom of Ali al-Asghar
^3^0 jjl IajLuu UflAs>- JJ j ^ \ykp-\
xs* -jk*&$\ Jc- -(^LJ\ <Jc>) j,j y> j 1^jjj)I\ ^ -(j»^LJl
jl j c yb (^LJl ^Jc.) jj) jCPl U sl^l ji .^J\
jC&\ j < jk^)l\ Lie- X£> yo j .jX^)l\ ^Jc-
Historians disagree about the number of al-Hussain's (a) cliildrcn at

the Batde of Karbala, as well as what dieir names were. We previously
showed that they were in fact four; Ali al-Akbar, Ali al-Awsat who was
known as Zayn al-Abidcen (a), Ali al-Asghar, and the infant Abdullah.
Some historians considered Zayn al-Abideen as Ali al-Asghar and did
not mendon any other Ali al-Asghar. Others gave the name Ali al-
Asghar to the infant Abdullah. Either way, diese historians considered
[die number of Imam Hussain's (a) children] at Karbala to be three.
(Jj*^ jbi j j^p"0 <3 (J^ j
*U aJ^) j :Jls j a3c>)
j o^Jbji i juJ^\ ^ all ou!_^S

3 if
•••(*$** 0 bis <4JL*J j oj3- ol (j3
ijj oJJb j :404 j* (©.alfiJl j\jJ\) <j Jyj
<LcUJ\ Aa^-UI yo ijjU SjbjH (j, U JUj ^ j < jy
227
Al-Qimiani recounted the martyrdom of Ali al-Asghar before Ali al-
Akbar in his Akbbar al-Duwal wa Author al-Uwal. He wrote, "Al-
Hussain (a) asked for water for his young son Ali al-Asghar. Ali al-
Akbar took a pouch, filled it with water from die river, and returned.
Al-Hussain (a) sat his son [Ali al-Asghar] on his lap and proceeded to
give him die water. However, an arrow struck [Ali al-Asghar and killed
him]."
Al-Fadil al-Darabandi says in Asrar al-Shabada (p. 404), "And this
narration, as you can see, is not accurate. It contradicts what was
mentioned in Ziyarat al-Nabiya"
4J^ <j> y* 3 (^LJ\
Al-Qirmani continues in Akbbar al-Dmval (p. 108): And an arrow struck

one of die sons of al-Hussain (a) while he was in his lap. [Al-Hussain
(a)] wiped the blood off him and said,
.lijlsSi kjSO p3 J ULj ô-\ ^\
O' God, be the judge between us and a people who called us in

order to support us but are instead killing us.
X+jj\ 3°. (J^>-j oU^ c ^3 j
:Jb j
Another of al-Hussain's (a) children, Abdullah [die infant], was

brought to him. He carried die boy and kissed him. A man from the
tribe of Asad shot an arrow and killed die boy. Al-Hussain (a) took the
blood in his hands and threw it towards die sky, saying,
228
3 < \j^~ ^ ya ^-waxi\ \sS* . & oi vj
. ja
O' Lon/, ifyou have kept victory envoy from us, moke [death] o
blessingfor us and exact vengeancefrom the oppressors.
(J^3 :Jy. 209 ^ 5 <3 ^
^**1 JXo^j ^ 43c>) ^c. 4Jj\ < \-Xa>-j \.Aj^3
C <C—uU O^JuP ^-«-u jjC—<J

v>j y j
lM j*-^3 (3 (3^ aS Jli. a! j

:Jfc c4j^"\
As for Ibn al-A'tham, he writes in al-Fntnh (v. 5 p. 209): Al-Hussain (a)

remained alone with no supporters. No one remained with him but his
son Ali (a) who was then [seventeen] years old. He had another son
named Ali who was an still an infant. Al-Hussain (a) came o the tent
and said,
.4cOj\ (JjAaS^ dAii
Hand me the child so that l can bid himfarewell.1
.4^3 AxS 3 jjfp ^ 3

Suddenly, an arrow struck boy at the base of the neck, killing him.133
229
The Martyrdom of the Infant Abdullah
Al-Hussain (a) tlien went to the tent and said,
Hand me my infant son so that I can bid himfarewell
^C- !i_J^Jul ^1 -X3 jj] *Uil 4JJ )L y*) \ 45&
[Lady] Zaynab came to him with his son Abdullah [who was called by
Ibn Shahrashoob ’Ali al-Asghar*], whose mother was al-Rabab bint
Imra' al-Qays. He took liim in his arms and kissed him, saying,
.^jaâU jJ-X>- +422*- lil <^^1 Ijju
May God distance these people [from His mercy], as their

adversaiy [on the Day of Judgment will be]yourgreat-grandfather
al-Mustafa (s).
Jljj j <*lil a! â)1 y£- If
He took the infant and approach die enemy, asking them to give him
some water. He said to them,
‘ffp - [•••] ^ <3° lM lJ^3 -XaI

<UP
15*111
230
His mother's milk has dried up, so is there a wayfor him to have
a sip of water? [...] O' people, if Ifightyou andyou fight me,
what is the crime of this child thatyou deny him water?
: <3 3)
Another narrations states that he said,
\jjb \y*-j\3 3y jl \i\
Ifyou will not have mercy on me, then have meny on this child.
< * ^ Cr° \r* 3 ‘ ^ pr*
\ Jjl*-u 3* ^ oyLtjjS
.ryl\ ^3' (jx~u)l\ 3 AU/i-
Some amongst them felt sympathetic and said, "Give him a sip of
water." Other said, "Do not give him water or show him ant mercy!"
Omar ibn Saad feared that there would be discord in the ranks of his
army. He turned to Harmala ibn Kahil al-Asadi, a well-known archer,
and said, "End these people's dispute!"
o\*j3 yd~ Âj>-
^jpju l3 J* -v.' jr^ ^ 3* 3
3 J^5'
jjjlJl j>UV\ Jls .f\cd\ yf 4j jT <.*£Jp- 0j£ 30 4^3
:(Ûl
Harmala aimed his arrow at the boy's neck. The arrow stuck the infant
and severed his jugular as he was in his father's arms. The infant began
to squirm with pain, fluttering like a wounded bird. Blood flowed from
231
his veins and al-Hussain (a) took it in his hands. He threw a handful of
blood to the sky. Imam al-Baqir (a) said,
Jjd J! ^ ^ j clA)^' J! li
AW ^ divp of[that blood] fell to earth. If asingle drop had touched

the earthy [God’s] punishment would have befell [the enemy army].
4J0) J\3 jr
[Al-Hussain (a)] then said,
0*
<[ J\ bx' C-wAo- (J^35
^ bJ ^j£j\ ^ < AJXo b*
jjbLiJl C^j\ bJ oj^>o J^>-US\ ^5 bj Jr>- U
^ A^lc- -Xa^* cAi^—^jbJ\ l^bl3 ^3 ^&
•(j^°
U^W// has befallen me is only eased because it is all in the eyes of

God. O' God, [let this infant] not be of less significance to you
than the calfofSaleh’s she-camel O' God, ifyou have kept victory
away from us, then let it be for something greater. 'Exact our
vengeance from the oppressors. Let what has befallen us in the
prnent be ourprovisionfor the Hereafter. O' God, be witness to a
people who have killed the one most similar to Your Messenger
Muhammad (s).
:p-|c*aJ\ ya Iplxa (fÛl aJg-)
He heard a caller from the heavens say,
232
.Ail\ 3 A ^>- l> ACO
Leave him, O' Hussain (a), for he has a wet-nurse [awaiting him]
in paradise!
( A»oAi AA3.3 ^ c AjLwk-u _5 * A-wu^ Aîc») 3jK
. AXX) 3^ (3^ ^ Ajui?^ *3î 3'*^ -5
[A 1-Hussain (a)] came down from his horse, dug a grave with the
sheath of his sword, buried the child covered in dust and blood, and
prayed over him. It is also said that he put him with die rest of the
martyrs of his family.136
233
What Happened After the Martyrdom of
the Infant?
<3 bL*ulM j •)
jJj>- ^1j£j j îuiaxil ^
. J *LaAS\ _^>-l^>- ^0 Câujj J (^*^LaJ\
Thus, tlie deluge of blood soaked die sands of Karbala as die clouds
of tragedy amassed over its mournful horizon. The cries of thirst and
terror coming from the women and children grew louder around al-
Hussain (a).137
234
Al-Hussain (a) Mourns his Martyred
Companions
4~lt) £
[Al-Hussain (a)] then turned to the enemy and said,
<> r' <lfjp

!? Jj Aju
ITW to you! Why do you fight me? For a truth that 1 have
abondened? Orfor a tradition that! have replaced? Or for a divine
ruling that l have changed?
^ •yô- j jjj Jj»3 Lo j ^ Ldaju dAk>li Jj
O* 0° Ji. ^ ^1*-^ J j l5^ ^
I^plj ^\J-\ ^La3 ^

0* 3
They replied, "We fight you out of hatred for your father and for what
he did to our elders on the days of Badr and Hunayn." When he heard
their words, he began to cry and looked left and right. He did not find
any of his companions that had not embraced die dust and had deadi
end his sighs. He cried out,
l j jsf&A y \> j tjjp y \> j <ir- ^
JU jL-ji l j «UJ\ JUaj* \»[—]
f' ‘Orc^’ !O^-*3 ^ 3 ‘dy^~ ^
J^-yuî\ ^.Lui ojjb lojjâxi cJW-
235
O' Muslim ibn Aqeel! O' Haul ibn Urwa! O' Habib ibn
Mudhahir! O' Zubair ibn al-Qayn! [...] O' heroes in times of
peace! O' knights in times of war! Why is it that I callyou and
you do not answer? Why do I ay out toyou andyou do not listen?
Ifyou an asleep, please awaken! Has your love foryour Imam
been shaken so thatyou are not aiding him? These are the women
of the [family of the] Messenger of God (s), weakened by your
absence.
3 ‘0^' ^ j fcs* cfi ->T ui\

^ -dyr?^ CP ^ 3 cJ>s*> CP j
j <0^^
Wake up from your slumber, O' most honorable of men! Repel

these evil tyrants awayfrom thefamily ofthe Messenger of God (s)!
Alas! By God, the calamities of the time have beaten you! This
treacherous age has behayed you! Otherwise, you would not fall
short in aiding me! You would not ignore my calls! We are bereaved
[atyour loss] and will soonfollowyou. Indeed, we are of God and
to Him we shall return.138
236
AI-Dahhak ibn Abdullah al-Mashriqi
Leaves the Battle
4*Ac>) ^***A-\ v—G»o\j U» IjJU cjjdjki\ XS'
*>
•b.y* Jf' jtf- _? 1 ^ j l/2^ j ‘ (^LJl
^ 3J^ J, j i/' d* iL/^ 0<
C*olj b> dAiP* JjlSt :dAl ols .viL) J ^0j U Jk3 C
<ulc«) jjlis !j*j6 «juLi3 yo ^ bis ^tabLo j\ ji \ils < ^bbla
Al-Dahhak ibn Abdullah al-Mashriqi said: When I saw that the

companions of al-Hussain (a) were felled and none remained except
him and his household along with only Suwaid ibn Amr ibn Abi al-
Muta' al-Khath'ami and Basheer ibn Amd al-Hadrami, I said to him
'O' son of the Messenger of God (s), you remember what occure<
between you and I. I told you, "I will fight protecting you so long as 1
see other fighting so. When I see diat no fighter remaining, I will be
free to have my leave." You said to me, "Yes [I accept your
condidonj."' [Al-Hussain] (a) said,
(3 C-0I3 dASi Ojj3 ôb>tdb dAS j
Yes, it is true. But bow willyou escape? Ifyou are able to do so,
thenyou arefree [of any obligation to me].
- jQjo G-Aj G-^>- - X3 j j3 *>—A^3l3
C^Sdab ^4** Jj’ljA GA*3\ j y* \Ûo\ Jjo-
\^3 .[...] y>-\ -*j C«»la9 j 4^£<) LS-*i C#
237
^ J [...] Wk-JiSl Ja C^pc^l J ji*l
.Ol^flll {JaLi ^ Oj3 Ajj3 (<Uiui) ^1 O^X;l jJo>- < ^l>-j
So I went to my horse - which I had hid in a tent when I saw our horses
being slain and began to fight on foot, killing two in protection of al-
Hussain (a) and severing the arm of another. [...] When he gave me
permission I pulled the horse out of the tent [and rode off with it].
Fifteen enemy soldiers followed me until I reached Shafya, a town
close to die banks of die Euphrates.
O'- ^ o'- ‘(n^ v—U*
ail -UP j, .iJUâll :1^S [ii3 ail XS* j, j J'^^l
px ^ jib Jllis ^sis& 11* ajil clx^ ^*1 Iaa ^*^*1
ii$3l {j* 1^-1 U ^1 ^J^l j Uj1j>-1 <jx~>cxS aJil j \y^
.ail ^1^3 :Jl5 1 <j&l^l j_£r^l lc^ :0^
When they caught up to me, I turned and faced them. I was recognized
by Katheer ibn Abdullah al-Sha'bi, Ayyoub ibn Mashrah al-Khaywani,
and Qays ibn Abdullah al-Sa'edi, who said, 'This is al-Dahhak ibn
Abdullah al-Mashriqi. He is our cousin. By God, we beseach you to let
him be.' Three individuals of Bani Tameem said, 'Yes. By God, we will
answer the call of our brothers and supporters to what they like by
leaving their companion be.' When the men of Tameem followed my
companions, the rest stopped. Thus, God saved me [from death]. 139
238
The Martyrdom of al-Hussain
239
Verses of Poetry from al-Hussain (a)
o\)\^ tlxls f
yb j tbj^\ ^ aJg) Jj*- jT .[*\y&jS\ iobla a-o\j (^)
'• Jyi
Al-Hussain (a) then stood and [recited verses of poetry in praise of his
grandfather die Prophet (s), his father the Commander of the Faihtful
(a), and his mother Lady Fatima (a)]. He then charged at the enemy's
right flank, saying,
jU\ Jyo ja <Jj*\ jl*J\ j * * * jU!\ o*
{^f&T \jjb ^ \jj& yo j
Death is belter than lining in humiliation
And humiliation is better than entering hellfire
But God is my refugefrom both these ills!
•<Jyi y* j _?
He charged at the enemy's left flank, saying,
y\ a
* * *
LS^' i>3 (J6
7 al-Hussain ibn Ali (a)!
I have sworn not to bend [to my enemies]!
1 will protect thefamily ofmyfather!
I will continue on the religion ofthe Prophet (s)!,4°
241
An Arrow Strikes al-Hussainfs (a) Jaw (1)
j ^.\c—-J\ oJj ^3j jr .lo *IU jLa3 i*£o- (3 ^ <jwi>-
: Jî
Thirst overpowered al-Hussain (a), but die enemies blocked him [from
reaching the river]. He was finally able to acquire a bit of water, but
when he attempted to drink it Hossayn ibn Numair struck him with an
arrow in his jaw. Blood flowed into die water [and he was no longer
able to drink it]. Al-Hussain (a) dien raised his hands to die heavens
and said,
0' God, tally their number, kill them in smallgroups, and do not
leave a single one of them on this earth!141
242
An Arrow Strikes al-Hussainfs (a) Jaw (2)
AXGld (j»^LJ\ aJc.) JwU pta jjo ^jA Js-j f i JlJL~u *>'
oIa>-\^ ^J\>- AjJkJ 1*3«m3 ^ . aJ\ ^jul.3
:Jte j a* jt <p\S' y*
Thirst overpowered al-Hussain (a) so he rode towards the river bank.

The cavalry of I bn Saad cut off his route and a man from Banu Darim
shot him with an arrow that struck his noble jaw. He pulled out the
arrow and placed his hands under his jaw until his palms were filled
with blood. He then threw it toward the heavens and said,
C-*1> <^j\
O' God, I complain toyou ofwhat is being done to the son of You
Prophet's (s) daughter!142
243
Al-Hussain (a) was Killed Thirsty
OJ ‘ ^ J 4*Jc-) \âcU J
[The enemy army] cut off water from al-Hussain (a) on a day of severe
heat. They began to parade crystalline cups filled with cold water as he
would say,
.(jJaS"V sy\ j,(V*-5*'
I swear toyou by my grandfather thatyou should give me a sip to

cool my body!
They would not answer his call.143
244
Thirst Takes its Toll on al-Hussain (a)
4jLh£-\ f*(y ^>\y 4*jjI ,j 3 j' ^ i
X&\ J J* \Ui iLiJ\ >0^\ _, 0UJI J iiijl _, j33i
O'0 J (3 —y> ^_3J^ lA*"^ 5 .UJi ^

' l/
- S’
l^siLA
.4u>ila» oJui
Thirst affected al-Hussain (a) in four areas of his noble body; his livers,
lips, tongue, and eyes. His lips were widiered and his liver was sevcrly
damaged due to thirst. His tongue was gashed [due to die failure of his
salvitory glands]. His eyesight was blurred [due to dehydration].144
245
Al-Hussain (a) is Cut Off from his Camp
*31 ^ Cr’ 3> ^ ‘ >31 <uic)

'•pr. ‘(A lAK> Ji> j <ua> \_jiU- <*3=^ ^ < JW_3' oy?
Al-Hussain (a) then called the enemy to duel. He continued to fell any
warrior who would approach him until he killed a great many of them.
The enemy then cut him off from his camp. Al-Hussain (a) called out,
^ O^V. I o! ‘ 3
•or5^ ^ ^
IPfa to you, followers of Abu Sujyan's family! Ifyou have no

religion andyou do notfear the Resurrection, then [at least] befree
in this world ofyours! Return to your roots ifyou are Arabs as
you claim!
^dc.) l> (Jjii U o\Ûs
Al-Shimr asked, "What are you saying, O’ Hussain (a)?" He replied,

IjjcuU c Âo- *L>d\ j £ y,j 3*^ d dj^
.to- C-vO lo ij]\fr ^ ^
I say that I am the onefightingyou andyou arefighting me. The

women have committed no crime. Forbidyour defiant, savage, and
ignorant [soldiers]from attacking myfamily so long as I live!
j*j>- y& fr* 'yfr0 f *^*^^19 yh d-lli dAS
3^ £<UaAii OjJW22>\ J
246
Al-Shimr said, "You shall have that, O' son of Fatima (a)." Then he
looked at his soldiers and cried out, "Leave the man's family and attack
him! By my life, he is a noble opponent! ••145
247
The Enemies Deceive al-Hussain (a)
J .*IL\ yA y* J 0Aâii3
(3 o**J^ ^ j (J^<J^-j (3 ^ j ^W-\

4jc-) <J^ cv^^JujJ ^jîi)\ jJj \^ .0\^fl5\
The enemies charged at him while he continued to seek a drink of

water. Whenever he approached the Euphrates on his horse, the
enemy would charge at him and repel him [from the river].
Al-Hussain (a) then charged at al-A'war al-Salami and Amr ibn al-
Hajjaj, who were commanding four thousand men. He scrambled dieir
troops and rode his horse into the Euphrates. When the horse lowered
its head to drink, al-Hussain (a) said,
V j _*>AaP lj\
J o
You are thirsty and I am thirsty. By God, I will not drink until
you do!
^3 44-uai\j
The horse raised its head as if it had understood his words. Al-Hussain
(a) dien said,
Drink!
248
obi) 4S^ *IL\ ^ c_3îs oJj (j»^LJ\ A^b) Xo ll ^
*IU obft J3 j *IU Jjdj\ <4^1 X£* 1)1 l> 0^
.Û>- l^:\ ^ cSiLu Aj^“\ bis tÂ-i5^9 j>yl\ J
And when al-Hussain (a) took a handful of water to drink, an enemy

soldier called out, "O' Abu Abdullah (a)! Do you saver a drink of water
while your family is being attacked?" He threw the water in his hand
and charged at the enemy, repelling them [from his way]. [When he got
to the camp] he saw that the tents were safe and knew that the enemy
had deceived him. 146
249
A Second Farewell
•<J^ J ‘J jwaib 3 £Oj <ulp) 4j\
Al-Hussain (a) then bade farewell to his family again, instructing them
to remain patient and perseverant. He said,
^w ^ ^ Îxj lôip\ j c IjJjCLaaiI
£\jl ‘f, ► <3! £/•' 3*^ _j

"$3 <U$\ j pjJl £\yi UJl )Jb ^P ^byo% j c c_r->\-3oJ\
. ^j33 ^gaflAJ l-o \fyii V ^ < 1
Be readyfor tribulation. Know that God Almighty willguard and

protectyou, savingyou from the evils of the enemy. He will deliver
you to a great end. He willpunish your enemy with all kinds of
punishments. He will rewardyou for this trial with all kinds of
blessings and honors. So do not complain and do not say withyour
own tongues what would reduce ofyour status.
jjl c ^ A^wwiLiJ VjxJmA j>blo aAp ^
JS
vUJli£ aJp \^X JP jlx2 V ^3 ^3
• £-*+^1 Âp) ^y—Â-l 0^""^ -5 ( Lr^ 3 CPJ 3
Omar ibn Saad then said [to his soldiers], "Woe to you! Attack him
while he is preoccupied with himself and his family. By God, if he were
to turn to you, [he would scatter you so that] your right flank will be
indistinguishable from your left!"
They attacked him, pelting him with arrows that ripped through the
tents. Some tents ripped through the veils of the women. They began
250
to cry, startled and terrified. They rushed to al-Hussain's (a) tent to see
what he will do.147
251
An Arrow Strikes al-Hussainfs (a)
Forehead
J 3 y° oJâia3
\ff?~ 0\jflS\ Jp 4*uijfb \clS\3 ci»j3t 4JLo *IU dASi j
*—^ AS lWj (** ,<^:' °_^W^ <^c'

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<J^ *((J>/*^'
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The enemies attacked al-Hussain (a) from every direction. He charged

at diem as diey charged at him. He would try to charge toward die river
to get a drink, but whenever his horse approached the Euphrates, the
enemies would charge at him and repel him from die river.
Then a man name Abu al-Hutuf al-Ju'fi shot him with an arrow diat
hit him in the forehead [Abu Makhnaf says the archer was Khawli,
while others say it was Qudama al-Amiri]. Al-Hussain (a) pulled the
arrow out and threw it to the ground, while blood gushed on his face
and beard. He said,
<olx*l\ oUaxH iJ^Lp y* 4a3 li\ lo y\j.", J3
^ ^~3 0“^ 3 < Jj j i \^-Xc<
. \jol Jqjo
O' God, You see what I suffer at the hands ofyour disobedient
and defiant servants! O' God, tally their number, kill them in
smallgroups, do not leave a single one of them on this earth, and
do not everforgive their misdeeds!
252
3 Ai~~> As**, \j*\ {y>Si V J4- ^ f
J Ojj^p J Oj^j Ubta y> J <ip-b J^Ty, oj^\j ^l^J\ J i{Jac^\i
: Jyi
He charged at die enemy like an angered lion. He would strike each

man once with his sword and fell him. All the while, arrows rained
down on him from every direction, striking him in his chest and neck.
He would say,
Ji . AjJ\C< ^ âU- \c«juJj c^,yfS\ A*o\ b
^3^3 JS£> Ajil .}Lp yo \a*P
U* jviib. |f j' ffjl til ^ 3 -liU
O' nation of misfortune! How wrongly you have treated

Muhammad’s (s) family after his passing! Surely, you will never
kill any of God's righteous servants after me and fear the
consequence. Rather, it willpale in comparison afteryou kill me.
By God, / hope that my Lord will honor me throughyour demise,
and that He should avenge me while you are unaware [of His
reprisalJ!
JIa3 ?Lo yii \iU <Au>bl3 ^b dbbo y 4> Ûa3
:(j»^LJ\ aJ^)
Al-Hossayn ibn Malik al-Sakuni asked him, "O' son of Fatima (a)! How
will He avenge you?" He said,
b jr t^p-Lo dliu~3 j ^-u\j
.f$i\ c
253
He will turnyour enmity toward one another; [so thatyou] shed
[each other's] blood. He will then heap upon you a most painful
punishment.
: jSi j :Jl3 (350 «p2l\ JiU j j)
Al-Muqarram says in his Maqtal (p. 350): Then he returned to his base,
continuously saying,
T/w? A ;/0 power or authority savef?vm God\ the Most High and
Glotions.
Oy: aô ? obAA ojt^ (_$y' \>
<*Jp) jwll JIa3 IbiAaP
In tliis state, he asked [the enemy] for water, but al-Shimr said, <cYou
will not taste it until you reach hellfire!” Another man called out, “O'
Hussain, do you not see the Euphrates [flowing] like the belly of a
snake? You will not drink of it until you die of thirst!” Al-Hussain (a)
said,
.LiAaP kJ\
O' God} kill him of thirst.
Jb b J
.LflAaP Ob
[Afterwards], that man would continue to ask for water and drink until
it would spew out of his mouth. He was like this until he died thirsty.148
254
The Enemies Split into Three Divisions
0* ^ j <j>} <JJ oi
JLJL A3^3 IJjd 0*^b A*Jc> JjJJoX) !<J1$ .5 Aj Ûcaj '—^:J^3 .ojjlvO k^>-\
• A^lc- c OjWti-1 j A3^3 ^ <^loj!\ ^ 43y j < ^
Oyj£-\ ^J%>- <. c3^~u)lj Ajyâj j Aj^Xxlaj j AjÂ-i^ ^LeS-
•d^-
Al-Shimr approached Ibn Saad and said, "Commander, this man will
kill us all [if we continue to] duel him [one by one]." Ibn Saad asked,
"So what should we do?" Al-Shimr replied, "We should split against
him into three divisions; one [to pelt him] with arrows and bolts, one
[to strike him] with swords and spears, and one [to attack him] with
fire and stones. Thus, we will soon fell him." They began to pelt him
with their arrows, stab him with their spears, and strike him with their
swords until he was overcome with wounds.1'49
255
A Man Almost Killed al-Hussain (a)
<Jt) Jxs oJÔ jl^ Jj ai\ Jl*P Ail < JjjLSl
U J :4 1x15 .[U^ ^\] IjJ jÛ Jo ^ J ol:^

OsJui <«0^ ^3 c 4*J\ v_»**^X/‘l3 < ^co^SL ^ ^J^£* iljo
c4» ^jol b lOls J cJû 03yâil ^r .AXXaU
!L&p
Al-Tabari relays from Abu Makhnaf from al-Hajjaj ibn Abdullah ibn
Ammar al-Bariqi that Abdullah ibn Ammar was once chasdsed for
witnessing the killing of al-Hussain (a) [and being in the army of Omar
ibn SaadJ. Abdullah ibn Ammar replied, "Surely, I have gained favor
with die Banu Hashem!" He was asked, "And what favor have you
gained?" He said, "I charged at al-Hussain (a) with a spear. I reached
him and - by God - I could have stabbed him had I wanted to. But I
turned and walked away, saying, 'Why would I bear the responsibility
of killing him? Let anodier man kill him! ml 50
256
Al-Hussain's (a) Bravery and Resolve
'JC- Jjjj- (41^ j jc- ^ aJW-J ‘S^t -*-~"3
•f** 3* 3 ‘j*~ <y ^ ^3 Jp=- if if d* 3
Infantrymen charged at him from left and right. He charged at his

enemies at the right and fought diem until he repelled them. He
charged at his enemies at the left and fought them until he repelled
diem. He was wearing a woolen robe and a turban.151
257
Al-Hussain (a) on the Battlefield
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^ .L«AiLo \^>-\ V ^ ^ < AJLo L*ilc>- < A*^^ ^ AXU 3^ ^
.j£>\ a! jl j <1^3 A-i lij AjA jJJj ^_jL-i*SGj (JWyll C-jlS^Sk1
Abdullah ibn Ammar ibn Yaghuth said, "By God, I have not seen a
man outnumbered so, with his sons, kin, and companions all
murdered, with stronger resolve, nor a more firm heart, nor more valor
in his actions! Men would scatter before him if he charge at them so
that no man stood before him!"
A-i*J3 Aîc- JWJ' ^ < V—3^1i\ Ajljjj 3
3^^ Al) J 1^3 AJo Ax£X c Ail
^■ju f <ydbi\ ui> Ss

J (ns9
:Jy y j <31
[Ibn Tawwus] says in a/-L/djuf(p. 67): Men would charge at him and he
would charge at them, scattering them like sheep attacked by a wolf.
He would charge at an army of thirty thousand men and scatter them
like a swarm of locust. He would then return to his base, saying,
.&> VUy V j V
There is no power or authority save in Cod, the Most High and

Glorious!
3^ j :(85 jy 3 j)
• Ao^J ^ j j
258
I
i>' '-i* ‘OlM »>' '-if ? j_jlo'li: jl
• Alj <-jVI Aiilj ,(_^jU- J&”"^ (js>-\j J&-j a.1^")
Al-Jawahiri says in Mutheer al-Ahân (p. 85): He continued to fight until

he killed one thousand, nine hundred, and fifty men and wounded
others.
Omar ibn Saad then said, "Woe to you, do you know who you are
fighting? This is the son of [Ali ibn Abu Talib (a)]! Tins is the son of
the killer of Arabs! Charge at him at once from every direction." [Omar
Ibn Saad’s army shot at al-Hussain (a)] with four thousand arrows.132
259
A Poisoned Arrow Strikes al-Hussain (a)
v—^ AXjLÎ (^^kwi\ A/lc-) f
< 4JL^>- ôb*\ v_Jl3^ lx~*3 .jjlxilll y£* i^jl

J
(^ 6 tl3 < Aô- [j>4!'] «~^l j^-13 .AXô- *Loi\ cJLi

•*
,JIa3 .[ojJc^? ^ J^3 j] aAs ^3^3 O^b* ^S
:(j»^LJ\ aJ^)
Al-Hussain (a) continued to fight until he had been wounded seventy

two times. He became too weak to fight and stopped to rest. As he
was resting, a stone struck him on die forehead and blood began to
rush out of the wound. As he took a piece of his clodies to wipe his
forehead, a sharp, poisoned, diree pronged arrow struck him in the
chest. Al-Hussain (a) said,
/;/ the name of God! jj rely] on God andfollow the religion of the
Messenger of God (s)l
:JU j <*1^1 <J\ \j Q j
He dien raised his head to the heavens and said,
*°A cf A>^' (J^ oA* (*t' ^ (J5î

0' God, You surely know that they are killing a man while
knowing that there is no son of a prophet on theface of the earth
but him!
G+Sjt' U j .0^23 <iAli yo \j cf.|c-cJl Aj lo
260
ijli J ici- J A-mu\j l^. ^cioi 0*û\ ^3 <Ljte
He took the arrow and drew it out from his back while his blood
flowed like a fountain. He put his hand on the wound until it was filled
with blood, then threw the blood toward the heavens. Not a drop of
it fell back to the earth. Redness was not seen in the sky before al-
Hussain (a) threw his blood toward it. He then placed his hand on the
wound again. When his hand was filled with blood, he took it and
stained his head and beard with it, saying,
By God, this is bow / will meet my grandfather Muhammad (s),

stained in my own blood! I will say, 'O' Messenger of God (s), I
was killed by so and so.,,5)
261
Al-Hussain (a) is Struck on the Head
J yo obi IJSo <4jlSCo ^Ji3j3 ^jP (f^LJl 4*Jp) **-£**& ^
oX^ y* Js>-j o*U ail JiL y\ j <UP L-9y*2jl € 4*Jl Zl
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l(^^L«wil 4Ap) j^y^-A-l î ^laS < Lo ^li*l ^ ^*0j\)l ^b?‘fl3 [ o^wkAld
Al-Hussain (a) became too weak to fight, so he stopped to rest. Enemy

soldiers would come to him [to kill him], but they would soon retreat
hating to meet God with his blood [on their hands]. Soon a man from
Kinda named Malik ibn Nisi* came to al-Hussain (a) and struck him on
his head, tearing his headpiece in two and filling it with blood. Al-
Hussain (a) said to him,
.^jAliall ail Aj < ^7 G«oyji j V
Mayyou never eat or drink withyour right hand! May God group
you along with the oppressors [on Judgment Day]!
y2** J j) j c5^1 j j o^-uiis j i'
oy \ <wAL? j 4X^1 ^1 $»W ^1 *(Û>*Vl
<UP ^ ^^l _? *0^—Als l^3^3 ûjJ j <42>-l\y>~
IjjÎp ^ ^1p ^ <w—< â\y di *** J lP Cr-

.4j \jL>Ul J aJ\
He threw his headpiece and wore a skullcap, wearing a turban over it.
At this point, he had become weary and overburdened [by his wounds].
In some accounts: He threw down his headpiece, returned to the camp,
and asked for a piece of cloth. When they brought one to him, he
262
wrapped his wound with it, then wore a skullcap and wrapped a turban
over it. Shimr ibn Thiljawshan and his men halted their advance
and return to their positions. He rested for a while, then he returned
to the batdeficld and die enemy continued their advance, surrounding
him.154
263
Shimr Incites the Army to Fight
j Aj AXX^-1 Sa3 lo : jsb jr
oUJ J
<o^xa ((ju\ ji jj) ^ JW ukj -<-3^—Jl
aj^>U- (l£5^ 0s J <0-^ <-? Cr- j^")
oAA- ^jC- ^). Aw*>jj3 aJc-) irafl..*x9 <Oj^JLa A-Xxi^
.d^- ^ j cLJU ^
Shimr then called, "What are you waiting for? He's been overcome by
the arrows!" The swords and spears [of die enemy] surrounded him. A
man named Zur'a ibn Shurayk al-Tameemi struck him a deadly blow.
Sinan ibn Anas shot him with an arrow in his neck. Salih ibn Wahab
al-Murri gave him a fatal stab in his waist. Al-Hussain (a) fell off his
horse to the ground, falling on his right cheek. He sat up and drew the
arrow out of his neck.155
264
Al-Hussain (a) Falls off his Horse
0*^' if ['**&** of.1hsA \_jU>- 3*1] \_jLi :(jf>) j
<ulc ^ (_£=- Jl jjil 3 j ,v_Jjâ.Si _j
j <(j -Jj^T Atj-i (j :(jWJ\) 3 j-[ — ]
.4^jJlo 3
In Mi/theer al-Abâan it is said, "They tore him to pieces with the strikes
[of their swords] and stabs [of their spears]." And in al-Qimqaam,
"Arrows struck him until he was like a bird with the arrows as his
feathers. [...]" [Al-Majlisi records] in al-Bibar,, "The arrows in his armor
were like the spines on the skin of a hedgehog, except they were
[lodged in and around his chest, rather than his back]."
j :(424 c3 l^) 3 d^ U\
<4Xll 3
iol-G oUj j) j>Jj 31

4^3- 4» l^2^; ^ 4»Ji^ (3^’ 3 4 ^«d\ ^jb 4^^-) 3*^"
I Jyj j < i—b4*a>\j j
Abu Mikhnaf wrote in his Maq/al\ as did al-Darbandi in Asrar al-

Shabaclci (p. 424): Khawli ibn Yazid al-Asbahi shot him with an arrow
in his breastbone, felling him off his horse [...]. [Al-Hussain (a)] drew
the arrow out and began to take die flowing blood in his hands and
using it to stain his noble head and beard. He would say,
4ST j 4dc- 3*^ 3 <4^ 3*^
-d> d>‘ ^ 3 3
265
This is how I will meet my Lord, Cod! This is how I will meet my
grandfather, the Messenger of God (s), and complain to him of
what befell me!
9^ t 1/Jlc-
He tlien fell unconscious. When he woke, he attempted to stand and

fight, but could not. He cried out loudly and said,
< < oLAc> Ijl C o\-X^
colj^P < oLlwlaP t oL-uLp (o\jix>-
IjLiAaP j < ^y\a^\.\ x£- $ Lo^liao Jjisl ,o\j^\j <\Jjj \j
‘wii’ls {j$\ j '^cpj£ ^y\ ^ c \ ^
!(rÛ\
O' grandfather'! O' Muhammad (s)! O' Abu al-Qasim (s)! O'
father! O' AH (a)! O' Hassan (a)! O' ]afar! O' HamZa! O'
Aqeel! O' Abbas! O' [how strong is] my thirst! O' [nrho will come
to my] aid! O' howfew are my supporters! Will I be oppressed and
killed while my grandfather is Muhammad al-Mustafa (s)? Will
I be slaughtered thirsty while my father is Ali al-Murtada (a)?
Will I be left massacred while my mother is Fatima al-Zahraa
(a)?*™
266
Al-Hussain (a) Fights on his Feet
L^ J^j 0^ :i—^
{j} Lyh£- j t\£XA j c^)>- y°
Abu Mikhnaf said, "Ai-Sa'qab ibn Zuhair relayed to me that Hameed

ibn Muslim said, 'He [al-Hussain (a)] was wearing a woolen coat and a
turban, and [was marked by the blood of the wounds that covered his
body]. I heard him say before he was killed, as he was fighting on his
feet like a valiant warrior.'" [Al-Hussain (a) then said,]
<<di\ ja (JJm V j U\ !? Jis J/\

^ <j>\ ^ ^ j ^
ji ^ j - j^ Cr4 f^3 ij (*^ f ‘ W
Y0// encourage each other to kill me?! By God,you will never kill
another of God's servantfor which His anger will be greater than
foryour killing me! By God, I hope that God will honor me by
your demise and then take reributionfor [my murder j from whence
you are not aware! Indeed, by God, ifyou kill me, God will turn
your enmity toward one another, [so thatyou] shed [each other's]
blood He will not be content until He multiplies the most painful
punishment [thatyou have now earned].15'
267
The Martyrdom of Muhammad ibn Abu
Saeed ibn Aqeel
v—3I ‘.{j£j*ab\ ^j, (3^
j j\j\ «(^L«Sl ^Jp) o^' lP o* cil V-Jj^
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. A-Joybj»o
Hani ibn Thubait al-Hadrami said, "I was standing [among the
Umayyad soldiers] on the tenth [of Muharram] when al-Hussain (a)
was felled. Suddenly, I saw a boy from the family of al-Hussain (a)
wearing [...] two pearls in his ears and carrying a pillar from one of die
tents. He was terrified, turning left and right. A man rushed towards
him. When he got near the boy, he leaned off his horse and struck him
with his sword, killing him. When he was chided for his actions, he
refused to give his name [so diat he would not be known]."
That boy was Muhammad ibn Abu Saeed ibn Aqeel ibn Abu Talib. His
mother was watching him in shock [as he was killed].158
268
The Martyrdom of Abdullah al-Asghar ibn
al-Hassan (a)
jA j <4j aJc.) j
(*ri f
<usl Ûll ^y3- M Jc- ^JW
-X3 ^ A^*- ^li) ^ < Ajwwo 3lyhi*^ a! ^ (^*^L«jul\ A*ic>) lo ■ «**^
AJuLcls ui\ A^lc*) A^ JiLJio ^Lw**xi\ Jd*P ^0 Aj
.( j* *^>LwcJ \ AJ^) \ 1^1 (JIa3 C AfcAxVêlli (
After a while, they returned to al-Hussain (a) and surrounded him as

he was sitdng on the ground unable to stand. A young boy, Abdullah
ibn al-Hassan al-Sibt (a), ran out and he was eleven years of age. He
saw his uncle surrounded by soldiers. He ran from amongst the
women, rushing toward his uncle al-Hussain (a). [Lady] Zainab (a) ran
after him to hold him. Al-Hussain (a) said to her,
L A^—iA2>\
Hold him back, sister!
j£\ j ^ ^ 3 3 3
dAlij a! aJc-) ^jumA-1 lM
1^1 l^L>l3 <0JoJ UlSls j£\ Aj_^23 ? ^ J^jl tAixi-l
(^LJ\ aJc) ojs»\3 .oCf- L .ajLw tala
^ < A*i\ Ao.a/23
The boy refused and tried as best he can to escape her.
269
[When the boy saw that] Abjar ibn Ka'b came close to al-Hussain (a)
witli his sword, he called out, "Woe to you, son of a vile woman! Would
you kill my uncle?" Abjar struck [Abdullah] with his sword. When the
boy tried to block the blow with his hand, it severed his arm so that it
hung only by the skin. The boy cried out, "Uncle!" Al-Hussain (a) took
him close and said,
dG\ c (3 v <dl>. J_y lo ,Jc. jr&\ jC\
0' nephew, be patient with what has befallen you and await the
best of rewards for it! Surely, God will allow you to join your
righteousforefathers.
AjJo A*Jp) ^3
J3
Al-Hussain (a) then raised his hand and said,
J\\ boS J c\.\j& |y&jfi ‘Cdf Ji o! (^'

i j ^ 3 <[
UJp jt
O' God, if You will provide for them for a while, then seperate
them into factions, make them into various sects, and do not let the
governors be pleased with them. Surely, they called us to support
us, but they turned against us andfought us!
j y^ (3 y* j J3
^ <jp“ 3^ ^^ 3^
.Ajuj\ f fib Aj^b Vl Ax*
270
Harmala ibn Kahil launched an arrow at the boy, killing him in his
uncle's arms. The [enemy] infantry charged left and right and killed
anyone who remained with al-Hussain (a). None remained at that point
but three or four men [alongside al-Hussain (a)].,5v
271
Lady Zaynab Speaks to Omar ibn Saad
Ajuai <w-Olx3 t WAX>-\ ^
^r£ ^ J^3 ^ J aii\ J^jjJ < J& l> d\lij <jf' J:
•% \ ^ ^ W-0 bl -2 ’
*<s^ J*
[Lady] Zaynab walked to the tent's entrance and called out to Omar
ibn Saad, "Woe to you, Omar! Will Abu Abdullah (a) be killed while
you look on?!" He did not answer her, so she called out to the army,
"Woe to you! Is there no Muslim amongst you?!" Again, no one
answered. 160
272
Al-Hussain (a) Sees his Grandfather in a
Vision
Al-Hussain (a) then lowered liis head for a bit [as if he had slept for a
short while]. He then awoke and said,
^ j ^
.LJl Jb Sc-L>J\ < 1j : Jyj
/just saw my grandfather, the Messneger of God (s), and he said,

'My son, have patience. Soon, you will be with us. '161
273
The Men Who Killed al-Hussain (a) When
he was Weakened
3 < aSVjsh j
.<ôU- aJc \jLoi- ^cJS$ (o^Lal) J^b
v> ^jj 4ir^3
^ .Ac^%â3 Ac-^j A^lc-) J Aj&S^ ^J'C'
^ c »^3 ^ 4 Ad?î iS^dj'jsip i_fl« «**ib Ajjjlc- ^& ^>-\ AjjyO
•S^v. J
Shimr ibn Thiljawshan called out to his cavalry and infantry, "Woe to
you, what are you waiting for? [Kill] die man! May your mothers grieve
for you!" They attacked al-Hussain (a) from every direction. Zar'a ibn
Shuraik struck al-Hussain (a) on his left shoulder. Al-Hussain (a) struck
back and killed Zar'a. Another man struck him on his noble shoulder
[again], so he fell [off his horse] to the ground. He had been
overpowered, burdened [by his wounds] and felled.
J «£i>" %P f •*£? <j j-. o‘\Ix-4jj Aj>*.la3
aJc-) 1'IQ. **9 (0^^- ^ ^3^3 1^2jI *-« ®boj ^ ,0^3+0
J 4 4^~ j A~u\j AjLo
Sinan ibn Anas ibn Amr al-Nakha'i stabbed him in his shoulder blade.
He took the spear and stabbed him again in Iris ribs. He took an arrow
and shot him with an arrow, striking him in his neck. Al-Hussain (a)
fell and sat on the ground. He drew die arrow from his neck and
clasped his hands together [gadiering die blood that flowed from his
274
wounds]. Whenever his hands would fill with blood, he would take it
to stain Inis head and beard, saying,
. ^
This is how I will meet God, stained with my own blood and
usurped of my rights!162
275
Shimrfs Second Cry Inticing his Men to
Kill al-Hussain (a)
c ^j\ IjjLi ^ ^ aJc-) j
Lo ^ ^5^3^ Lo ^L*23 ^
JJ $ .Aîc- c ^Loîl ^ A£X^-\ Jjj ^ |j|îaXVj
^ c A^jW ^ AaI^- ^ obj ^ Aa^S^
J ^ ^ â) oloj |T C OjA-5 ^3^) ^ jT <Ajj3yT ^ ^

o*\lx-fcA> AXxL?
l? v> ^1*3 <Ua1^
Al-Hussain (a) remained lying on the ground for a while. If the enemy
had wished to kill him, they could have. But each tribe would rely on
the other and refuse to step forward. Al-Shimr called out, "Why do
you [just] stand diere? What are you waiting for? [Why don't you kill]
die man, when he has been overburdened by wounds and arrows?
Charge at him!"
Zar'a ibn Shuraik struck him on his left shoulder, al-Hossayn shot him
with an arrow in his jaw, and another man struck him on his shoulder
[again]. Sinan ibn Anas stabbed him in his shoulder blade and his ribs,
then shot him with an arrow in his neck. Salih ibn Wahab stabbed him
in his side.163
276
Hilal ibn Nafi’ Describes al-Hussain (a)
as he Takes his Final Breaths
^':CJ Ls 4 C J1JL4-U Cr- ,y. Jâ> Jl3

GJljy Jâl\ jy C^ji- ijli .JwJ-\ Jis j3 (yo \j^3 < Jf■vi g
^ \ 4*o„X) Wrq-*s3a ^L*kS Lo 3^>tJ Aj\ ^ t
Hilal ibn Nafi' said, "I was standing in the camp of Omar ibn Saad
when someone called out, 'Glad udings, commander! Shimr has killed
al-Hussain (a)! I rushed from between the lines and stood over him as
he was taking his last breaths. By God, I have not seen a felled man
covered in blood that was more handsome than him or of a brighter
face. The brightness of his face and his handsome appearance
distracted me from thinking about killing him. ft 164
277
Al-Hussain (a) Asks for Water in his Last
Breaths
^ J .OjLaJ j\ \y\3 < * U JU-l <iAk> J <ulc-) lJLuU
In tliat condition, al-Hussain (a) asked for water. The enemies refused
to give him. A man called out, "You will not taste water until you reach
the scortching fire [of Hell] and drink its boiling waters!" Al-Hussain
(a) replied,
< JJCULO
XS' ^^**0 AjuIo ^ £ 4jco J$L*\ j
^\1*3 ^ JJ ^yC- £-Lo ^j/0 ^
If // who will reach the scortchingfire [of Hell] and drink its
boiling waters? No! I will reach my grandfather the Messenger of
God (s) and live with him in his home [in Paradise], in the abode
of truthfulness with an omnipotent King, and drink it's unstaling
water! I will complain to him of howyou transgressed against me
and done to me!
\jys>~\3 .ta-A y> f‘X>\ jl J&\ \yfa'*5
V ^ lG»l3 ^ c <\)j9 yo .^XJ 4il ^ 4—u\j
\x\ J\
They were all angered [by what he said], as if God had not put a shred
of mercy in any of their hearts. They severed his head as he was
278
speaking to them. I was surprised by their lack of mercy and said, "By
God, I will not go along with you in any matter again!"
:JU :244 ^ 2 &\ a* J 3
J* l3 cS* Cr- j** 3 Cx ^ 3-^
*ulc-) ^\j ^ Jp-
3 ^•*>' J v> 0^ -lW'
lj\ 3 3 :Jyj 3 ^ .*aJ\ J*».
.ll j U\ Û\ jp- (^Lu j j <&\ ^ J^ dijl
Sayyid ai-Jaza'eri says in al-Amvar al-Nu'maniya (v. 2 p. 244), "Then the

enemy of God Sinan ibn Anas and Shimr ibn Thiljawshan approached
with soldiers from the levant. They stood at al-Hussain's (a) head and
said to each other, 'Finish the man off!' Sinan ibn Anas went down,
grabbed al-Hussain's (a) beard, and began to strike him on his neck,
saying, 'By God, I am severing your head and I know that you are the
son of the Messenger of God (s) and diat your modier and father are
the best of parents!'"
^ Cx 3 :^84 ^ 2 ^ i\jA <3 j
c A^j\j ^JsC- sIju 3l»ju *)l\ 3&-\ jj-Vj
Ji ****** “dd Oi-d-' o“\> ^ L9s"
Al-Askari writes in Mnqciddbnat Miraat al-Oqool (v. 2 p. 284), "Sinan ibn

Anas would charge against any man who would approach al-Hussain
(a), fearing diat someone would beat him to al-Hussain's (a) head. He
Ml 65
severd al-Hussain's (a) head and gave it to Khawli.
279
Al-Hussain's (a) Prayer Before his
Martyrdom
:Jl5 di Q (^LJl <dc.) JU-1 <»j
When [al-Hussain's (a) condition became dire and he was taking his
last breaths], he looked towads the heavens and said,
^r\laP
c APî\ U ^P ^jiaj^P
JjU .dldiLd Ic <dUÔ li\ <4*xd\
i^^Ju . U c Lo ^Jp • dAJ\ C-jb

J
t \j\a3 obJ\ »w--Pjl ^ < W-lx^- dJÔl . c lil
{J$f\ j c 1JuxJp vib jjJjCLûl j < bjjSCo (J^C\ j .UjU- dJJl ^)3\ j
.likfdUp
O’ God,you are the Most High Place, Greatest Power, and Most
Tenible Punishment. You are independent ofall creation, sublime
in Yourglory, able to act as You wish, close [to Your creations] in
Your meny, truthful in Your promise, bounteous in Your
blessings, and generous in Your goodness. Your are close if You
are called upon and wil accept the repentance of whoever repents to
You. You are able in what You will and will have what You
demand. You are appreciative of those who thank You and will
remember those who remember You. I call on You ivbile Pm in
need, longfor You in my dependence [on You], seek refuge in You
from my fears, cy [to You] in my distress, rely on You in my
weakness, and trust in You to suffice me.
280
J> ^ j 3 pr?
OS 3 lxu> ^\
a!^ j (j^) iL^>- jj 3 3 dLxi sj^. yj. j < b^3
^ (J^ AXXC'l ^ c^SU^L Âa^\ ^ji\ j
‘ v*j « \jw?. j^\^S\ ^j\ l> < W-y£ j U^s ky>\ y*
^3^*“** ^ 3 4 ■^^*-u *0V^*"* it iU l cillr 41 ^

jlflj V Uta l) <a! oU V oL^ l> .ol5C>- \ju^? .±!^c-
prS j c5^- J$^^Jc- Ul3 1 <c3jl\ I .a!
. j^> c-o\ j
O' God, judge between us and our people, for they have called
decieved, deserted, betrayed, and murdered us. W? are the progeny
ofyour Prophet and the children ofyour Beloved Muhammad (s),
whom You had chosenfor the message and trusted with revelation.
So grant us in our matter reliefand rescue, 0' most merciful of the
merciful. [Grant us] patience with Your judgment. There is no
God but You, O' aid of those who call [upon You]for aid. I have
no Lord but You and I do not worship anyone beside Yon, [so
grant me] patience with Yourjudgment. O' aid of whomever has
no aid [but You]! 0' Everlasting who will neverperish! 0' reviver
of the dead! O'judge of evey soul and what it has done! Judge
between me and them, for You are the best of thejudges. 166
281
Enemy Generals are Bewildered and
Unable to Behead al-Hussain (a)
^ 3 cjV*^ l/1 v“**—*ij^J. 3 f
UJoLi b_^$vo (^^LJ\ 4^1^) J^\ fp. J ^
: 3* 3 i djlc-Lû d-,S^)o 4^ Jj
[Al-Hussain (a)] then fell unconscious with the soldiers surrounding

him for three hours, not knowing whether he was dead of alive. Al-
Hussain (a) remained on laying on the ground for diree hours, stained
with his own blood. He would say,
i\ olh b < j\jas \j\*&
[O' God\ grant us]patience with Yourjudgment! There is no God

but You, O' aid ofwhoever asks [You]for aid!
: -iA~u <ji 3 ojd- y>- ±1^
oXj j (^j vi/8 Jj' *4^c'
<3_f < 43^Ll> 4*Ac-) 4JLo l;A3
J£ o^Hs. oj^ o' -V ( 4XuO J 4 bjU j oJj
b ctbojj iUil ilxo !4j bl <4*0 <3W 3
Forty men approached him, attempting to sever his noble head. All die
while, Omar ibn Saad would call out, "Woe to you! Finish him quickly!"
The first to approach [al-Hussain (a)] was Shabath ibn Rib'i carrying a
sword. He came close to sever his head, but when al-Hussain (a)
opened his eyes, [Shabath] threw down the sword and ran away saying,
282
"Woe to you, ibn Saad! You wish to claim innocence from the blood
and murder of al-Hussain (a), while I would be the one responsible for
it! God forbid that I should meet Him with your blood [on my hands],
O' Hussain (a)!"
db\ dlxKc* :J\3 J ^ 3^
J(3 ^3^ 4j\ viAiij ^ :G-vui JIa3 .4^
:aS 3*^' o' ^ 4JI ^ a3c-
.4^. dUo 3=^' bl3 \>
Sinan ibn Anas stepped forward and said [to Shabath], "May your
mother mourn you and your tribe grieve for you if you refuse to kill
him!" Sabath replied, "Woe to you! He opened his eyes when I drew
near and they looked like the eyes of the Messenger of God (s). Shame
did not allow me to kill a man who looked like the Messenger of God
(s)." [Sinan] said, "Woe to you! Give me the sword, for I am more
deserving [of the honor] to kill him then you!"
Joujls 4*J\ c 4*wu\j Cl' .5 v—
\n‘a.xi
J <0*A^
J&\ j! iUo: Jyj y> j <1jl* 3_? j
i O'*
O* dU>j\ lo dlo\ .'JI3 J (jS^1) -O^4^0- £&\
CJjfcji (U 4^1^ Oj3s <4^ 3 ^3 4i\ .^4!^
.4^JP
He took the sword, hoping to sever [al-Hussain's (a)] head. But when
al-Hussain (a) looked at him, Sinan began to shake. The sword fell
from his hand and he ran off, saying, "God forbid diat I should meet
him with your blood [on my hands], O' Hussain (a)!
283
Shimr approached [Sinan] and said, "May your mother mourn you,
why have you returned without killing him?" He replied, "Woe to you!
He opened liis eyes when I drew near, so I remembered the valor of
his fadier and was too overcome to kill him!"167
284
Who Will Finish Off al-Hussain (a)?
.o\jj OJjuÎ j 'j >' -H>-1> j
(Cr^' cP i> î) J>» ~if*i c>U j Jj-bp ail JLi ijb—- 4 J &
4 JUs .‘CUasL ji-l ji- olia o\aJ\ J 4=rj{ i

U^' uG
Sinan [ibn Anas] said to Khawli ibn Yazid al-Asbahi, "Sever his head!"
But he hesitated and his hands shook [in fear]. Sinan said to him, "May
God ruin your arms and sever your hands!"
Then Shimr ibn Thiljawshan, who was a leper, came to al-Hussain (a),
kicked him, threw him on his back, and grabbed his beard. Al-Hussain
(a) said to him,
<3 *%[) lPS' vlo\
You are the piebald dog l saw in my vision!
O'- 3 ir*3r!~\ lP Jt j*W (3jj j
y^ A^jj3y AjLJj jJ^L j
e5^' J°3r* ^ o' f Jv CwJl
*111 JO-Ij ^5*- jwslj 4*o-\

•°A» 0*
Shimr says, "Do you liken me to a dog, O' son of Fatima (a)?" and
began to strike al-Hussain's (a) neck with his sword.
It is also narrated that al-Hussain (a) was approached by Shimr ibn
Thiljawshan and Sinan ibn Anas while he was taking his last breaths
and chewing his tongue out of thirst. Sliirm kicked him and said, "O'
2H5
son of Abu Turab, do you not claim diat your father stands at the
Prophet's (s) Pond [in Paradise], giving water to whomever loves him?
So wait until you take a drink from Inis hand."
j :JIas .ali3 j* 4ô\j j&~\ j<J^\ Jls ^
:a!
Sliimr dien said to Sinan, "Sever Inis head from die back!" Sinan replied,
"By God I will not do so, for his grandfather Muhammad (s) would be
my adversary!" Sliimr grew angry, sat on al-Hussain's (a) chest, held on
to his bear, and proceeded to finish him. Al-Hussain (a) smiled and
said,
Willyou kill me? Doyou not know who l am?
j cîajÛ iJ^)\ j cfAjJ&ySl <jXo\ f43^xU ^y>-
\j& $ )l j dAb^\ j ^jjdl j c x£~
.y>- ^ c 4jL.-j.q.S* J\
Shimr replied, "I know you well. Your mother is Fatima al-Zahraa (a),
your father is Ali al-Murtada (a), and your grandfather is Muhammad
al-Mustafa (s), but your enemy is God the Most Might and Sublime! I
will kill you without hesitation!" Shimr struck al-Hussain (a) twelve
times and then severed his noble head.168
286
Shimr Beheads al-Hussain (a)
ail jp d,1 jkfc <(3 1^1 lAbj \> yo-iJl
■
‘LîA^ j' ‘U^'l s\y* 4s3*il (jl .^jU~Il ^Jo (^>-\ -X^-\ U
S+&JL ^ ^Jp) J±*& 2 0^^“ Jo I^-l3
a! Jfe !ju> l> ^p 3j\ Is <Jb\ j‘\ ^ ^ :Jl3 j t 4JLo
:(j»^L*J\ aJp)
Shimr said to Sinan, "Woe to you! What a coward in the midst of batde.
Give me the sword, for by God no one is more deservant of al-
Hussain's (a) blood then I am. I will kill him whether he is the like of
al-Mustafa (a) or Ali al-Murtada (a)!" He took the sword from Sinan's
hand and sat on al-Hussain's (a) chest. But al-Hussain (a) did not show
fear, so Shimr said, "Do not think that I am like the ones who came to
you before, for I will not hesitate to kill you O' Hussain (a)!" Al-
Hussain (a) said,
ail (jA 1 4^ III? L*-a> ypj* jJiis cviUjj Go! \Jr

\ ‘
Woe to you, who are you? You have surely sat on a gnat place
which the Prophet (s) would always kiss!
:(j*Ûl <Up) <Jl*3 .^Lill jaJA\ Ul :aS Jl*3
Shimr [who had masked himself] replied, "I am al-Shimr al-Dababi.

Al-Hussain (a) asked,
Doyou not know who I am?
287
j t k^Xa\ j j ‘OV*"**^ *aJ^ (JIa9
:aS Jtas 'L$j^\ ’-> ‘u*
The bastard replied, "Yes, you are al-Hussain (a), your father is al-
Murtada (a), your mother is al-Zahraa (a), your grandfather is al-
Mustafa (s), and your grandmother is Khadija al-Kubra." Al-Hussain
(a) said,
Woe toyou, ifyou know me then why wouldyou kill me?
<ulc-) 0V-wJ^ ^ y° :a!
Shimr replied, "By killing you, I wish to earn the prize of Yazid." Al-
Hussain (a) asked,
^ îc- ^3*^3 L^“^" 4£'\a-+-u
iji. S/W ^
?Jo;
Which is more preferable toyou, the intercession ofmy grandfather

the Messenger of God (s) or thepriê of Yafid?
oIl* (lii îjs. oj?l> y°

l/° 3
Shimr replied, "A single coin from the prize of Yazid is more
preferable to me than the intercession of your father and grandfather!"
Al-Hussain (a) said,
y* 4>j3j J^3 y* li ^ JG'ty

Ifyou must kill me, then give me a drink of waterfirst!
288
3 UaP Jaj OjU JjjAj 3^ UU U <di\ j < Ol^J& oL~^
< C-dj l/' 0^ f •***- -***
.(^LaJ\ aJp) a! <J^ oLiLao jw?l iC^>- ' 0* i/-4
Shimr said, "Alas! Alas! You will not taste water until you taste death
[slowly by my hand]! O’ son of Abu Turab (a), do you not claim diat
your father is at the Pond [of Paradise], quenching the thirst of
whomever he likes? So wait a little until your father gives you a drink!"
Al-Hussain (a) said,
.dUl Juft dUJ J> J U aiil disJL

I askyou by God to liftyour mask so that I can seeyourface!
yKa*) ^ 3^jy Al < j3^ < A-olii ^—. Q >l!\3
:(rÛ\ Up) fL>l A
When Shimr lifted his mask, al-Hussain (a) saw that he was a leper and
was blind in one eye, having a long nose like the snout of a dog and
hair like die hair of a pig. Al-Hussain (a) said,
.(j $ j <Up 4^ {^3^3
Surely, my grandfather the Messenger of God (s) has told the truth!
iJlS ^ j aI^ j Up U-X>- Lo j .ô-U\ 4I
Sliimr asked, "And what has your grandfadier the Messenger of God
(s) said?" Al-Hussain (a) replied,
j') ^ Up) yfi

.j*-5, j jy ^ <33^
289
I heard him say to my father, 'O' Ali (a), this son ofyours [i.e.
a/-Hussain (a)] wi/l be killed by a leper who is blind in one eye,
having a long nose like the snout of a dog and hair like the hair of
apig.
cliuM <&\ j :^
i ll
AXa
Shimr said, "Does your grandfather the Messenger of God (s) liken me
to a dog! By God, I will slaughter you from the back as punishment
for the words of your grandfather!" Shimr then turned al-Hussain (a)
on his face and began to slit his veins with the sword [...]. Whenever
Shimr severed a part of him, al-Hussain (a) cried out,
oLjoL*P O^bvAp o\yiA2*- olÔ- obslp o\\£-
.ob^P \j o\jsck ‘^3 o'ff* \j
O' Muhammad (s)! 0' AH (a)! 0' Hasson (a)! 0' Jafar! O'
Hamâ! O' Aqeel! O' Abbas! O' the murder! O' how few my
supporters are! O ’ how distant l amfrom home!
Oû j\$0 .. oli3 ^Jp o^lp j
Shimr severed al-Hussain's (a) head and hoisted it on a long spear. The
army cried out thrice, "Allah Akbat\"XG9
290
The Number of al-Hussainfs (a) Wounds
j Is^b oj.X£>-^3 <3^) J^-^r (3 l*
(3 _5 «m« <3\j 4ijô ^ l*>j\
,u.».«»W (3 j .^jt* 3 b. 3-^° 3
<v—-T>j 3*^ (^*^Lu3\ 43^) l*^"^ 3 169
. 4)jô ^ 4±ji\z> j 4ôj ,j\3 lo i 0j 4jb
When they counted die number of wounds in al-Hussain's (a) body,

they found 33 spear stabs and 34 sword cuts. They found on his clothes
120 arrow holes. This is in accordance to what al-Tabari mentioned in
his historical account.
Al-Sayyid al-Ameen writes in Lawa'ij al-Asbjan (p. 169), "They found in
al-Hussain's (a) shirt over a hundred and ten of tears due to arrows,
stabs, and strikes."
j a3c-) J£>-j Aj\ 43c«) 3^*^ j
j&-j 4i\ <uL) JiU\ j jy^ 3 £L>' 3 c4Jj^ jy^
ib^rîl] jwiA Xs*** '^3^ <3 3 j3j^ 3 3 **.

^3^3 y>- <c?“ 43^ 3^3 y^ [3^°“^ 4îa 3
3 \r* oy^1 3 0^' ^ 3i tAir* 03^ 3 ^ W
It is narrated that al-Sadiq (a) said there were 33 stabs and 34 cuts seen
on al-Hussain's (a) body. It is also narrated that al-Baqir (a) said there
were three hundred and twenty some wounds found on al-Hussain s
(a) body.
291
In the manuscript of Masra' a!-Hussain (a) [found in the Asad Library
in Damascus], Abu Mikhnaf says, "He was wearing a dark woolen
cloak which received 180 hits. Some 62 stabs and strikes actually
reached his noble body. 11170
292
Al-Hussain's (a) Horse at the Moment of
his Martyrdom
<<up 3
t >Wj 0i*3 j [AagV\ ^ c£l]
^) (° (3 ^ f -lP>M (yr^\ î-^) 3

:
CAx> C^Xo->*3 .J^2J J 4^" *j$- \J^J'- 3t^ 3
j\ (1^J*^ 4 S*^) *3} (J*c J 4^ J a3}\ (3^)
I . J^3 J3 (^LJ\ <Jg) Lu*o-
When al-Hussain (a) was felled, his horse began to defend him. It
would jump at every enemy rider, push him off his saddle, and trample
him, until it killed forty men (as narrated by al-Jaloudi in Madinat al-
Ma'aji3).
The horse then stained its mane with al-Hussain's (a) blood and
galloped toward the camp, neighing loudly. The daughter's of the
Prophet (s) heard his neighs and stepped out [to greet al-Hussain (a)].
When they saw that the horse returned without a rider, diey knew that
al-Hussain (a) was killed.171
293
Lady Zaynab Rushes Toward al-Hussain
(a)
c (â Jo \îp ^*mj3 \sia .±i
C-o-^p- <4,L^-5 l^Jp) Sî) C-^xC^ J c^Li-\ lM ^ J
dIa^j iwJî-\ ^ <u!p) Jjjl c
t \.î^ *ull>* ^ ^*JLi J C Oj-U^ 3
. lîc- llLJ**x<a Ubjj>- 4s>-^ ^Jp l£^] ^-^*P
When al-Hussain (a) fell to the ground bloodied and looked upon the
heavens, his horse galloped toward the tents. [Lady] Zaynab heard the
horse's neighs and rushed out of the tent. Whenever her brother al-
Hussain (a) would approach, she used to rush to him, embrace him,
and kiss him, and he would kiss her head. But when she saw the horse
without a knight and its reigns dragging on the ground, she fainted [out
of distress].
J ^ ^ lu£ 1 ^jA i-l*3l9\
A-Jp) |>laP ^jA ‘ cl^llolj
Cx° l)c^ J 4 J *^3 (f^***^
^ Lo < 0) *U3 c
Ij <oU“\ Ij J CJa>- j 0-U^>- ^Jp l^. Mfl) C-o-^23
vL^-v5*»L> c!1-J ^ ^Jp uil .olxvj c ol-U-*.u
. ? 4JJ J 4&\ -UP Jil £ _Uwj

iX' J
ft .
•*i_^
294
When she woke, she rushed into the battlefield looking right and left,
constandy tripping on her robe and falling to her face in her horror.
She saw her brother al-Hussain (a) lying on the ground, clinching the
sands with his hands. Blood flowed from his wounds; three hundred
and eighty of them, between cuts and stabs. She threw herself on his
noble body and called out, "O' bother! O' master! O' [martyred] family!
Let the sky fall upon the earth! Let the mountains crumble into vallies!
Woe to you, Omar ibn Saad! Was Abu Abdullah killed while you
looked on?" But no one gave her any answer.
J! - >-j3 c ^ 1* ji- !*
And as she was speaking, Shimr whipped her on her shoulders and
said, "Get away from him or I'll send you right after him!" He
forcefully pushed her away from [her brother] and began to hit her
relendcssly until she returned to the camp.1/2
295
What did Imam Hussain's (a) Horse say
in its Neighs?
[j^l o' O'. _} (v^-0 s- U) ^
(*Ji Ajlt) Jts .oU <3^

JclP 4-Jj;
:o^°
The autlior of al-Manaqib and Muhammad ibn Abu Talib say that the
horse would neigh and strike its head on the ground near the tent until
it died. The Commander of the Faithful (a) said on the day of Siffin,
^ c ^ A—o^3 j c IjLjlAaP
^ J cl^ CJo <Ul {jA <AC^\ AjAÎ :AXo
T/;A son ofmine will be killed thirsty in Karbala. His horse will
gallop and neigh. It would say in its neighs, 'The injustice! The
injustice! This nation has killed the son of their Prophet's (s)
daughter while they read the Quran that [the Prophet (s)] had
brought them!'173
296
Why is the Tragedy of Ashura the Greatest
Tragedy?
*• ^
Jôj <U3 $ ^fpT J jf’ J p*
4a9 v—0L0 j ( ^jj ^ ^ A-Jc- *&) tfOi\
0~**^ ^ pS^ J (j»^LJ\ <C&) vÛ*jLl Jf \ 4*9 J^3 ^\ j
:JU <?rJl(j>'iU\ Jc)
Someone asked Imam Sadiq (a), "O' son of the Messenger of God (s),
why is it that the day of Ashura has become a day of tragedy, sadness,
mourning, and tears, but die same has not occurred for the day in
which the Messenger of God (s) passed away, or the day in which
[Lady] Fatima (a) died, or the day in which the Commander of the
Faithful (a) was murdered, or the day in which al-FIassan (a) was killed
by poison?" Imam Sadiq (a) replied,
<j*W\ jCu ^Jc-) 0^' pi j!
< JU <&\ ^!i-\ ^y\ <J^\ jl dlli j

J 4^1 ^ i
jlSo p^Jc-) j vlr^^ _? j
yiy .o^Lai j
.ojLai j py^) j j 01^5^
The day of al-Hussain (a) [and his martyrdom] is the Greatest

tragedy throughout time. That is because the A.shab al-Kisa1 - the
People of the Cloak - who were the most honored creation of God
297
Almighty, were Jive. When the Prophet (s) passed away, the
Commander of the Faithful (a), [Lady] Fatima (a), al- Flassan
(a), and aI-Hussain (a) remained as solace and consolation. When
[Lady] Fatima (a) passed away, the Commander of the Faithful
(a), al-Hassan (a), and ah Hussain (a) remained as solace and
consolation.
j t'Vp' aAc-) l?
U1 jo-\ *Lu$3\ ja ^jb j$C. jl aJ^) J^3

ur
OjlL ^3^ AjIa3 c o^ o»Va) A**3
When the Commander ofthe Faithful (a) passed away, al-Hassan

(a) and al-Hussain (a) remained as solace and consolation. When
al-Hassan (a)passed away, al-Llussain (a) remained as solace and
consolation. When al-Hussain (a) was killed, none of Ahl al-
Kisa' remained to be of solace and consolation. Thus, his passing
was like the passing of all of them combined, just as his presence
was like the presence ofall of them combined. That is why his day
[i.e. his martyrdom] is the greatest tragedy.174
298
A Caller from the Heavens Warns a
Misguided Nation
xs- y\ Jts
Imam Sadiq (a) said,
[j*1] f U^) ^ v> ^

o^*J\ c-Jj d&\ (aSC^\ su) c A*>j\j ^LajiJ
aLUsSI Oj\s>dd AoVl ijliis ^*1\ jjlxlaj <^\ju j .JjLj
^la3 V ^ ^ "ofc* Asu ^Liai\
Jp" ^ 3 ^3**3 ^ ^ ^ ^ _?
.(j»NLJ\ aJ^) jwU
IF/â/ al-Hussain ibn Ali (a) was struck with the sword and
Shimr approached to sever bis bead\ a caller [an angel] called by
the command of God, the Blessed and Almighty Lord ofMajesty,
from the vicinity of the Throne, 'O' nation that has become
confused, oppressive, and deviant after it's Prophet (s), may God
never blessyou with afast, a Fitr, or an Ad ha.' By God, surely
they wen not blessed nor will they ever be blessed until the rising of
the one will seek vengencefor al-Hussain (a) [meaning the Awaited
Twelfth Imam (a)].175
299
A Caller from the Heavens Mourns al-
Hussain (a)
^ c*.«■»!\ ^ ^^*>**M
j j>-\ j>L^\ ^j,\ ^LoV\ j J^3 2>\xa (^^lj j .Lo
t3 tJUajjjÛ .(^LJl <u1p) jjj ^P ^ (j.
^ j cxp ^ <Sju y ‘ t\^ ^ 4 4îixo S-ta <j^j,A-ju oj^p d-*3dAii

'jr
.pÂP 4pL»<j dAilîAs »A3 ^j\ ^dl\ 0^ <-/’^
Abu Mikhnaf says diat when al-Shimr hoisted the blessed head on a
long spear and the enemy called out Takbir three times, the earth
quaked, die heavens darkened, and die sky rained blood. A caller from
the heavens called, "By God, an Imam - die son of an Imam and
brother to an Imam - has been killed. By God, a valiant knight - son to
a valiant knight - has been killed. He is al-Hussain ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib
(a)." Then, a dark dust cloud rose carrying red sand. No thing or
movement could be seen in it. People thought that [God's] punishment
had befallen them. They were in that state for an hour until [the dust
cloud] dissipated.176
300
Savage Crimes Never Seen Before in
History
Jfl^wuU
U-^*i 4$\ j A^lc- *0i\ ^-u^)
^ t ô f-VSl ^liilsd j 4*o^p- \^3lx-wu\ ^ < ^Lxi\ 3^1J\ *Wj\ Aj
\f\> ^ \jjb ,2>\j> V j -j jOU ^\^\ ^£> ^y$j\
Muhammad ibn Talha al-Shafl'i wrote in Matalib al-Sdonk Then they

severed the head of the beloved grandson of the Messenger of God
(s), al-Hussain (a), with the edges of their swords. They raised his head
[...] on the top of a spear, and paraded it across the land and throught
die nation. They dragged his weakened family and children
oppressively, transporting them on bony camels without any saddle.
This is all despite dieir knowledge that they are the progeny of the
Prophet (s), whom they were commanded to love in the express verses
of the Holy Quran, [which says, “Say [O' Prophet (s)], ‘I do not ask
you any reward for [delivery of the Message] except the love of [my]
relatives.’”]177
301
Who Killed al-Hussain (a)?
Ja :JjV\ 0i> -US’
o' ^
< Ac^-^ 0>^* Aîc-^
^ C O^X^«J>~ J& 4-wA>jj d*^ ^ A^lc-) j^jCcaaA-1 (jAl\ ^

O'*
f* £il' oj aU3 J l£' (^>—^?. to

& ,
A^lc-) ^\.^>.ij>ci] C^-Xo- \£ «J^5 ^L>C*J jj$C J3 J c Jill
•i>j ^ J £■> -^3
When studying diis issue we must distinguish between two separate

questions. First, who struck al-Hussain (a) with die critical blow that
defeated him, felling him to die ground? Second, who is the one who
slaughtered him and severed his head? In other words, who finished
him off and hastened his deadi? Note that beheading may be die cause
of death, or that it may simply be a hastening of death. The latter was
what happened with al-Hussain (a), who was beheaded as he was in his
last breaths.
^ ~SftL o^ dobljd' o'*^-^/-° o!^' <j'o* 3
a^g) d^ 0i j^ o' if ^ -do^ j "o•*L-
Oj^3 6 Ai^ ^x£ c jld' d^ if
do^ o' L-d'jd' if 3 V l^So- d^' 3* Oj^3
0^1 d'*^ c^ Aîc) 0^*^' O'0' OO^^3 < d“^' 3^
:Aj^b jjq i) j& <d*^' o' L^d' j *o^" o
The answer to the question revolves, according to historical accounts,

between three individuals - Sliimr ibn Thiljawshan al-Dababi, Sinan
302
ibn Anas al-Nakha'i, and Kliawli ibn Yazid al-Asbahi. As for what is
mentioned diat Omar ibn Saad is the one who killed al-Hussain (a),
that is a matter of metaphor. In other words, he was the one who gave
the command to kill al-Hussain (a) and was the commander of the
army that murdered him. Thus, Omar ibn Saad was the killer but
indirectly.
1 he historical accounts seem to suggest that Kliawli is not the actual
killer either. Thus, the question of who delivered the critical blow and
who beheaded al-Hussain (a) revolves between Shimr and Sinan.
I believe it is more probable that the killer is Shimr for the following
reasons:
J ilcr V' IftjSjlj! jJ' j jJi Jc IjA
Sj^WI cUb yt> (jV^Ld\ 4jc.) J^3 <Jj\\ Ja cAJ&iSl
ji t4»Lo J ^J ^ l£L> ^
(Jc- 'Ajb J .cJS3\ a! 4s5
First, the prominence of the account relayed by lecturers, and which *

they have passed along for generations, that die killer of al-Hussain (a)
is Shimr ibn Thiljawshan. Second, the express words of Ziyarat cil-
Nahiya al-Muqaddasa, stating that al-Hussain’s (a) killer is Shimr.
Third, diese three individuals were hardhearted brutes, but Shimr was
the most audacious and blooddiirsty. Shimr's hatred for al-Hussain (a)
was m ultiplied when al-Hussain (a) told him that he saw die Prophet
303
(s) in a vision and was told that the individual who would kill him was
a piebald leper who had a long snout like a dog. This description
applies to Sliimr. [...]
4 Jts j »» jp’j aJc-) ct\S-Ai
aSjIIJI £}\ Û\ j !? j* «iWj\ U <dU\ dUS$ :
That is why when Kliawli wanted to finish off al-Hussain (a) but
hesitated and returned unsuccessful, Sliimr said to him, "May your
mother mourn you, why have you hesitated in killing him?"
As I write this, I have twenty historical accounts in front of me on the
table from which I can deduce the following:
ly^& A*3^ls
aJc-) ^ÛmA-1 Jjj, y ^y>~ 3* (Ji
y c AC^-âS ( AjjI^ y ^C/OÎL A-4-u\j ^£> fl« . *»1L
y3 £^23 ^ A^jj (j/^LuJl a4c-) ^J«C- j&~'\ ^jjl

1
(Ji l/°L^ ^ J 0s
• ^r-i cÂi\ ^ coJj <3 ^*^3 <A^S (3*4 0^
I
.(^LJ\ aJ^) 4x3 ^3 £jw>\ S3 jZ* J jbû
.
5
The one who shot al-Hussain (a) with an arrow, knocking him off his
horse and to the ground, was Khawli ibn Yazid al-Asbahi. The one S
;
who struck al-Hussain (a) the final critical blow with a sword on his
head - or in other accounts with a spear in his jaw - was Sinan ibn Anas ■
al-Nakha'i. The one who beheaded al-Hussain (a) while he was taking :
=
his final breaths, hastening his death, was Shimr ibn Thiljawshan al-
■
i
304
|
.
Dababi. After he beheaded al-Hussain (a), he gave the head to Khawli
to carry.
As for the accounts that asserted that Khawli was the one who
beheaded al-Hussain (a), that was a confusion caused by the fact that
he hoisted the head on the spear. Thus, we conclude that Sinan and
Shimr were actually the two who joined in the killing of al-Hussain
(a).,7»
305
The Martyrdom of Al-Hussain (a) was on
a Friday
oj^y> d^) (3
o^* pi J ^ q\ 4i~* jU-i ^y> jjU
pi d^3 :d3 J • 33^ J 3 ^ J ‘0!r^ 3 kS^\

!
pj d^3 ^ aISj Lo Ui j c_$d^ j <ci-x J\ ;
(^LJ\ 4j&) J» l5^ p^ Jjl *^dj ^ tiS* 3* ‘J^^3
jt\j3 <^\] oU-jil yLu ^0 ^j^S\ i^L*3-b dlli U>^p-l .*Ujj^\ pi
_îUSl pJl jj$C j\ cdlUTdUi J obLcU

•V^\ pi p^' d*
Abu al-Faraj al-Asfahani says in Maqatil al-Talibiyyitv. He was bom on

the 5th of Shabaan, 4 AH. He was killed on Friday, the 10th of
Muharram, 61 AH, while he was fifty six years and some montiis old.
It is also said that he was killed on a Saturday, but what we mentioned
earlier is more accurate. As for what is mentioned by the public that
he was killed on a Monday, it is incorrect and relayed without any
attribution. The 1st of Muharram in the year of his martyrdom was on
a Wednesday, as can be deduced by [astronomical] calculations
through several calendars. If that is die case, dien die loth day cannot
be a Monday. This is a clear and obvious truth that can be added to
the available narrations.1'9
306
Notes
1 Beydoun, Mamsit 'at Karbala, 2:19.
2 Al-Khowarizmi, Maqtal al-Hussain (a), 1:220.
3 Al-A’lami, Da’erat al-Ma’arif, 23:194.
4 Chamsedcline, Ansar al-Hussain, 49.
5 Al-Ameen, A’yan al-Sbia, 4:143.
7 Al-Darabandi, Asrar al-Sbabada, 315.
8 Al-Darabandi, Slsrar al-Sbabada, 315.
9 Al-Qummi, Kamilal-Ziyarat, 192.
10 Ibn Tawus, A!-Lnhnf> 43.
11 Al-Shalaq, Al-Hussain (a) Imam al-Shabideen, 107.
12 Chamseddine, Ansar al-Hussain, 57, 2nd ed.
13 Al-Muqarram, Maqtal al-Hussain (a), 292.
14 Ibn Tawus, Al-Lubnf, 42.
15 Al-Qazwini, Al-Watba'eq al-Kasmiyya, 162.
17 Al-Qazwini, Al-Watba'eq al-Kasmiyya, 168.
18 .Al-Khowarizmi, Maqtal al-Hussain (a), 2:14.
20 Al-Mufid, Al-Jrsbad, 236.
23 Al-Mufid, Al-Irsbad, 22>7.
24 Al-Tabari, Al-Tareekb, 6:245.
25 Al-Muqarram, Maqtal al-Hussa/n (a), 297.
307
r
■
26 Beydoun, Mawsu'at Karbala, 2:66.

27 A1-J awahiri, Matbeer al-Ahân, 73.
29 Al-FIashimi, Al-Hussain (a) ji Tareeq al-Sbabada, 147. Al-Mutazili, Shark Nabj al-
Ba/agha, 3:307.
31 Al-Khowa rizmi, Maqtal al-Hussain (a), 2:11.
34 Al-Majlisi, MuqaddimatMir’aat al-Vqool\ 2:253.
37 Al-Jaza’eri, Al-Anwar al-Nu’maniya, 3:265.
38 Al-Ameen, bawa'ij al-Asbjan, 146.
39 Abu Mikhnaf, Maqtal al-Hussain (a), 64.
40 Al-Majlisi, Muqaddimat Mir’aaf al- ‘Uqool, 2:254.
41 Al-Majlisi, Muqaddimat Mir'aat al- Uqool, 2:255.
!
42 Al-Majlisi, Muqaddimat Mir'aat al- ‘Uqool, 2:255.
43 Al-Ameen, Laiva ’] al-Asbjan, 142.
44 Beydoun, Mawsu’at Karbala, 2:76.
43 Al-Tabari, al-Tareekl), 6:255.
46 Shubbar, Adab a!-Taf, 81.
47 Al-Mufid, Al-Irsbad, 238.
48 Al-Khowarizmi, Maqtal al-Hussain (a), 2:17; Abu Mikhnaf, Maqtal al-Hussain (a), 65;
Al-Muqarram, Maqtal al-Hussain (a), 301.
30 Al-Ameen, Lawa'ij al-Ashjan, 141.
53 Shubbar, Adab al-Taf, 81.
308
58 Al-Muqarram, Maqtal a/-Hussain (a), 305.
60 Shubbar, Adab al-Taf, 117.
63 Al-Bayan Magazine, Najaf, 2:35-39.
7(1 Beydoun, Mawsu ’at Karbala, 2:95.
76 I bn Asakir, al-TareekJ), 212.
78 Al-Zinjani, Wasilat al-Darain, 101.
83 Al-Ameen, Lawa’ij al-Asbjan, 146.
84 Al-Ameen, Lawa’ij al-Asbjan, 146.
309
88 Al-Ameen, Ajan al-Shia, 4:234.
90 Al-Ameen, Lawaij al-Ashjan, 148.
91 Al-Ameen, Lawaijal-Ashjan, 147.
92 Al-Ameen, Laiva ij al-Ashjan, 148.
93 Al-Ameen, Lawaijal-Ashjan, 148.
96 Ibn al-Atheer, al-Kamil, 3:394.
100 Al-Ha’eri, Al-Faji'a al- ‘Uthn/a, 138.
102 Al-Ha’eri, Al-Faji'a al-LJtlw/a, 137.
103 Bcydoun, Mawsu'at Karbala, 2:120.
108 /\1-Ameen, Lawaij al-Ashjan, 174.
1(19 Al-Ameen, Lawaij al-Ashjan, 152.
no Beydoun, Mawsu'at Karbala, 2:124.
1.1 Beydoun, Mawsu'at Karbala, 2:124.

1.2 Al-Ameen, Lawa 'ij al-Ashjan, 175.
1.3 Al-Muqarram, Maqtal al-Hussain (a), 330.
1.4 Al-Ameen, Lawaij al-Ashjan, 173-4.
1,3 Al-Darabandi, Asrar al-Shahada, 310.
1.6 Al-Mayaniji, Al-Vyoon al-Abra, 158.
1.7 Al-Ameen, Lawa 'ij al-Ashjan, 178.
1.8 Al-Ameen, Lawa'ij al-Ashjan, 179.
1.9 Al-Muqarram, Maqtal al-Hussain (a), 334.
310
1
2(1 Al-I Ia’eri, Al-FajVa al-'Utbma, 146.

21 Al-Muqarram, Maqtalal-Hussain (a), 335.
22 Beydoun, Mawsuat Karbala, 2:138.
23 Al-Ha’eri, Al-Faji’a al-XJthma, 104.
25 Al-Muqarram, Maqtalal-Hussain (a), 340.
26 Al-Turaihi, Al-Muntakbab, 450.
28 Al-Darabandi, Asrar al-Sbabacla, 423.
29 Al-Turaihi, Al-Muntakbab, 451.
30 Al-Dhahabi, Siyar A'lam al-Nnbala, 302.
34 Al-Mayaniji, Al-‘Uyoon al-Abra, 176.
35 Al-Qirmani, Akbbar al-Dtnval, 108.
37 Beydoun, Mawsuyat Karbala, 2:148.
39 Al-Tabari, Al-Tareekb, 7:354.
41 Al-Qirmani, Akbbar al-Dtnval, 107.
42 Ibn Tawus, Al-Lubuf, 66.
43 Al-Shabrawi, Al-Jtbaf, 73.
44 Al-Ha’eri, Al-Vaji'a al-‘Utbrna, 105.
45 Al-Kho\varizmi, Maqtal al-Hussain (a), 2:33.
46 Al-Jawahiri, Mutbeer al-Abân, 86.
48 A1-Khowaiizmi, Maqtal al-Hussain (a), 2:34.
30 Al-Majlisi, Muqaddirnat Mir’aat al- XJqool, 2:282.
51 Al-Majlisi, Muqaddirnat Mir 'aat al-Vqool, 2:282.
311
153 Al-Khowarizmi, Maqtal a/-Hussain (a), 2:34. !
154 Al-Khowarizmi, Maqtal aI- Hussain (a), 2:35. i
155 Al-Khowarizmi, Maqtala/-Hussain (a), 2:35.

156 Al-Ha’eri, AI-FajTa al-XJtbma, 167. i
157 Al-Majlisi, Muqaddimat Mir'aat al- 'Uqool, 2:283.
160 Al-Mufid, Al-Irshad, 242.
161 Sibt ibn Al-Jawzi, Tatbkirat al-KJ)awas, 263.
162 Ibn Tawus, Al-Luhuj,\ 52.
163 Al-Muqarram, Maqtal al-Hussain (a), 354. i
164 Al-Hilli, Mutheer al-Abân, 57.

166 AJ-Muqarram, Maqtal al-Hussain (a), 356.
170 Sibt ibn Al-Jawzi, Tatbkirat al-KJjawas, 253.
171 Al-Mayaniji, Al-TJyoon al-Abra, 193.
172 Al-Ha’eri, Al-Fajiya al-Vtbma, 171.
174 Al-Sadouq, Jlal al-Sbarae\ 1:225.
173 Al-Nisabouri, Rawdat al-Wa’edbin, 193.
177 Al-Mayaniji, Al-TJyoon al-Abra, 186.
179 Al-Bahrani, Maqtal al-Awalitn, 17:327.
312

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Mohammed Ali - The Saga The Battle of Karbala-The Mainstay Foundation (2020)

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FOREWORD BY

Sayyid Hassan ALHAKEEM

lidited by: Moliamed All Albodain

© 2018'Hie Mainstay Foundation

Printed in the United States.

The Companions of the Imam 1

• Al-Sabeeb min Maqtal Sayyid al-Sbnbada (a) by Muhammad al-

Sciyyicl blassan a/-Hakeem,

The Companions of the Imam

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It is undisputed that all of al-FIussain's (a) supporters present in

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• Al-Dahhak ibn Abdullah al-Mashriqi [...] who faught with al-

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• Uqba ibn Sam'an, the servant of al-Rabab die wife of al-

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• Ali ibn Othman ibn al-Khattab al-Maghribi, who was a servant

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We observe that, before we mention our own evaluation in this issue,

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The Martyrs alongside Imam Hussain (a)

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The following is a synopsis of Al-Fadil Al-Darbandi's words: Imam Ali

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