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The conventional meaning of Ashura in
the Shariah refers to the 10th of Muharram-ul-Haraam. In his
distinguished book, "Ghuniyatut Taalibeen", Hazrat
Ghaus-ul-Azam, Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani (radi Allahu anhu)
writes that the Ulema have a difference of opinion, as to why this
day is known as Ashura. Since the reason has been explained in
various ways, the consensus of the majority of the Ulema is that it
is known as Ashurah because it is the 10th day of Muharram, while
certain Ulema say that from the sacred days that Almighty Allah
blessed the Ummat-e-Muhammadi with, this day is the 10th most
important day, and it is for this reason that it is known as Ashurah.
(Ghuniyatut Taalibeen, Pg. 428)
With the exception of the Martyrdom of
Sayyiduna Imam-e-Hussain (radi Allahu anhu)
there are also various other incidents which occurred on
Yaum-e-Ashurah. It is also for those reasons that this day has
received such excellence. In his internationally renowned Kitaab,
"Nuzhatul Majaalis", Hazrat Sheikh Abdur Rahman Safoori (radi
Allahu anhu) explains the following important events which took
place on Yaum-e-Ashurah:
-
It was on this day that the Skies
earth and the Lauw-e-Qalam came into existence.
-
It was on this day that Hazrat Adam
(alaihis salaam) and Hazrat Hawa were created.
-
Hazrat Adam's
(alaihis salaam) Tauba was accepted.
-
Hazrat Nooh's
(alaihis salaam) Ark came on land.
-
Hazrat Ibrahim (alaihis salaam)
received the status of Khaleelullah.
-
Hazrat Yaqub (alaihis salaam)
met Hazrat Yusuf (alaihis salaam) after 40 years.
-
Hazrat Idrees (alaihis salaam)
was raised into the skies.
-
Hazrat Ayub (alaihis salaam)
regained his health.
-
Hazrat Yunus (alaihis salaam)
was released from the stomach of the fish.
-
Hazrat Dawud's
(alaihis salaam) Tauba was accepted.
-
Hazrat Sulaiman
(alaihis salaam) received his Kingdom.
-
Hazrat Esa (alaihis salaam)
was raised into the skies.
-
Hazrat Muhammad Mustapha (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) made Nikah to Hazrat Bibi Khadija
(radi Allahu anha).
-
It is on this day that Qiyamat will
occur.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustapha (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) has stated,
"That person who performs four rakaats of Namaaz on the day of
Ashurah in this way, that he reads the entire Sura Ikhlaas (Qulhuwal
laa) 11 times after Sura Fatiha in every rakaat, then Almighty Allah
will forgive fifty years of his sins, and he will blessed with a
Mimbar (pulpit) of Noor." (Nuzhatul Majalis, Vol.1, Pg. 181)
To keep fast on the day of Ashurah is
worthy of great reward. The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) used to even fast on this day and He used to also
command others to fast on this day. It is recorded in "Sahihain"
from Hazrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari (radi Allahu anhu) that the
Jews used to respect the day of Ashura and they also rejoiced on
this day. The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
commanded, "You too should fast in this day". In one Hadith
of "Muslim", it is recorded that the Holy Prophet (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam)
said, "On the day of Ashurah, the People of Khaibar keep fast,
rejoice and dress their wives in good clothes and jewellery. O
Muslims! You too should fast on this day."
Hazrat Qatadah (radi Allahu anhu)
reports that the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
has stated, "On the day of Ashurah I hope that through this (Ashurah)
Almighty Allah will make it a means of Kafaara for past sins."
(Mishkat Shareef, Pg. 179)
In the year 10 A.H., when the Holy
Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was keeping the fast
of Ashurah, the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (ridwaan nulahi ta'ala ajma'in)
requested, "This is that day which is honoured by the Jews and
Christians." The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
said, "If I am here next year, then I shall also fast on the 9th
(of Muharram)." (Mishkat Shareef, Pg. 179) If is for this
reason that we should not only fast on the tenth, but also on the
ninth of Muharram-ul-Haraam.
-
-
The Masha'ikh have stated that by
making Ghusl on this day, the sicknesses for the entire year are
washed away.
-
Shaami in "Kitaabus Saum"
states that using surma on this day will not cause they eye to
pain for the entire year.
It is in Shaami,
"That person who cooks good food on the day of Ashurah, will Insha-
Allah, gain Barkat from Almighty Allah in his home for the entire
year."
Commenting on this in "Tafseer Na'eemi", Hazrat Allama Mufti
Ahmad Yaar Khan (rahmatullah alaih) writes: "In our
country Haleem (kichra) is cooked because it contain all types of
grains and meat, through which we have hope that their will be
barkat in the grain for the entire year. In certain narrations, it
has been stated that the day on which the Ark of Hazrat Nooh (alaihis
salaam) came onto land, the inhabitants of the Ark disembarked and
gathered all types of grain and cooked it into Haleem (Kichra)."
Muharram also brings with it the
brilliant lesson from the History of Islam, in the Hijrat of
Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) from Mecca to
Madinatul Munawwarah. According to history, when Rasool-e-Paak (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) arrived in Madina, Abdullah bin Salaam,
the famous Jewish scholar was busy breaking dates in his garden.
When news of Rasoolullah's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
arrival reached him, he immediately set out to observe Rasoolullah's
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) activities. Before long he found
himself in the midst of the Muslims of Madina where Nabi-e-Paak (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) was addressing the Muslims thus, "O
people! Get into the habit of greeting one another at all times, and
feed one another, and treat your relatives and friends with love and
kindness. And when everyone is asleep at night, remember to pray to
Almighty Allah at that time. If you keep up in practice with these
things then you shall enter Jannah in peace."
This Prophetic advice bears glad
tidings for Muslims throughout the ages. Alas! Had the Muslims of
today only given heed to, and practised upon this advice, it would
have produced the solutions to nearly all their problems. Hidden
embodied in this advice is the secrets of the success of this world
and the Hereafter.
This advice had produced a deeply
profound effect on Abdullah bin Salaam, so much so that he went to
the house of Hazrat Abu Ayoob Ansari (radi Allahu anhu) and
addressed the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
in the following manner, "I accept your claim of Prophethood
and I sincerely believe that your religion (Islam) is a true
religion."
Having made this announcement, he accepted Islam.
It was also during the month of
Muharram that history had recorded the events of Karbala regarding
Sayyiduna Hazrat Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu). The
martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) had
breathed new life into the spirit of Islam regarding the values of
Imaan.
Sunni Muslims the world over, in their
remembrance of the Ahle-Bait and Hazrat Imam Husain (radi Allahu
anhum ajma'in), engage themselves in feeding the poor in their
memory as a mark of respect. On this ocassion, it is imperative to
reflect as to what aspect of the great Imam's life we Muslims are
emulating to improve ourselves spiritually. Should we lack the
enthusiasm to put into practice the teachings of the Sunnah which
Sayyiduna Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) followed so
truthfully that he paid the ultimate price for it, we should sit
back and question our sincerity in the love for Almighty Allah, His
Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), the Ahle-Bait, and the
beloved Sahaba like Sayyiduna Abu Bakr, Sayyiduna Umar, Sayyiduna
Uthman and Sayyiduna Ali
(ridwanullahi ta'ala ajma'in).
It is the love of the Ahle-Bait and the
Sahaba-e-Kiraam (ridwanullahi ta'ala ajma'in)
that should produce the driving force in emulating closely in our
lives the Sunnah of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
This alone in these times would not only provide the guiding light
spiritually, but also be a source of great Barakah and reward in
this world and the Hereafter.
Introduction:
Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) was born on the 4 A.H. in
Madinatul Munawwarah. His mother, Hazrat Bibi Fathima
(radi Allahu anha)
was the favourite daughter of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam) and his father, Hazrat Ali Murtuza (radi
Allahu anhu)
was one of the most talented and outstanding personalities of early
Islam. Brought up by this ideal couple under the fostering care of
the Prophet of Islam (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), Imam
Husain (radi Allahu anhu) soon distinguished himself as a
promising scholar, warrior and Saint. The ideal training which he
received from his parents and maternal grandfather made him one of
the noblest sons of Islam. Even in his early teens, he was noted for
his piety, nobility, chivalry and scholarship.
The two brothers, Imam Hassan and Imam
Husain (radi Allahu anhuma) commanded great respect of all
classes of Muslims for their sterling traits. They were shown great
consideration even by the successive Khulafaa of Islam. It was
during the Caliphate of their father, Hazrat Ali (radi Allahu
anhu), that trouble arose which led to the division of the
Muslim Caliphate into two - one led by Hazrat Ali and the other by
Hazrat Ameer Mu'awiyah (radi Allahu anhuma). After the
martyrdom of Hazrat Ali, Hazrat Imam Hasan, who succeeded his
father, abdicated in favour of Hazrat Ameer Mu'awiyah (radi
Allahu anhuma) in the larger interest of Islam. He was soon
poisoned to death.
Government under Yazid: Hazrat
Ameer Mu'awiyah (radi Allahu anhu) nominated his son, Yazid,
as his successor. Yazid ascended the throne of Damascus in April 683
A.C. He was a tyrant who revelled in vicious pleasures of life.
Yazid did not follow the examples of the four rightly guided
Khulafaa. Yazid was an alcoholic, indulged in fornication, used to
ignore the Fard Salaah and made interest common. He also married
women with whom Nikah (Marriage) was not permitted according to the
Holy Quran. He also carried dogs on his lap and did not care about
Tahaarah (Cleanliness). Yazid spent of his time hunting and did not
care much about the administrative responsibilities of the Islamic
State. He hated and took delight in persecuting Muslim divines.
Yazid tried to obtain the allegiance of
four notable Muslims, including Hazrat Imam Husain (radi Allahu
anhu), through force and intrigue. But Hazrat Imam Husain (radi
Allahu anhu), who had inherited the virtuous and chivalrous
disposition of his father, was not a man to be won over by force or
favour. He remained adamant and refused to acknowledge such a
vicious and dissolute person as the Caliph, who was supposed to be
the spiritual as well as the political head of the Islamic world.
Support from Kufa:
Immediately after the accession, Yazid ordered Waleed ibn Utaba,
the Governor of Madinatul Munawwarah, to force Hazrat Imam Husain
(radi Allahu anhu) for the oath of fealty to him. Meanwhile,
Hazrat Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) received messages from
the citizens of Kufa imploring him to free them from the tyrannical
Ummayad Rule. He received hundreds of such letters from the
residents of Kufa offering him their allegiance. The kind-hearted
and virtuous Hazrat Imam Husain
(radi Allahu anhu) considered it his duty to respond to the call
of the oppressed. He sent his cousin, Hazrat Muslim bin Aqeel (radi
Allahu anhu) as his emissary to Kufa. Thousands of Kufis rushed
to swear fealty to Hazrat Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) on
the hands of Hazrat Muslim bin Aqeel (radi Allahu anhu). The
report sent by the Muslims of Kufa were highly heartening. He
invited Hazrat Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) to come to Kufa.
March to Kufa:
But the Kufis were soon won over through force and favour and
turned their backs on Hazrat Muslim bin Aqeel (radi Allahu anhu),
the emissary of Hazrat Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu). He was
made Shaheed by the Kufis. In the meantime, Hazrat Imam Husain (radi
Allahu anhu), along with his family members, relations and
companions left for Kufa. When he approached the borders of Iraq, he
was surprised at the absence of the promised Kufi soldiers. A few
stages from his destination, he learned of the tragic end of his
emissary.
March to Karbala:
He was then confronted by a strong detachment of the Umayyad
army under the command of Hur, who, under the orders of Ubaidullah
ibn Ziyad, forced Hazrat Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) and
his party to march towards Karbala, a place about 25 miles
north-east of Kufa.
The small band of 72 souls, which
included respectable ladies, men and children, encamped on the
western bank of the Euphrates at Karbala surrounded by a powerful
Umayyah army of 4 000 soldiers commanded by Amr bin Saad. A showdown
seemed imminent as Hazrat Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) was
determined to shed the last drop of his blood for the sake of truth
and righteousness.
Now started a period of trials and
tribulations for the descendants of the Holy Prophet (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam). For days the vicious army of Ibn Saad
surrounded their tents cutting off their water supply with a view to
reducing them to hunger and thirst, thus forcing them to surrender.
For four days commencing from the 7th to the 10th of Muharram, not a
drop of water entered the mouth of Hazrat Imam Husain (radi
Allahu anhu)
and his companions. Faced with the dire catastrophe which would have
made the stoutest heart shudder and the strongest feet to shudder,
Hazrat Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) and his companions did
not wince at all.
Eve of 10th Muharram: That
night, Sayyiduna Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu)
gathered his small band of 72 followers and requested them to
leave his camp and seek refuge in a safe place. But, his dedicated
followers refused to desert him. He then ordered that the tents be
tied together and a trench be dug and filled with wood and set on
fire when the battle begins. The Muslims spent the night in prayer.
Battle of Karbala:
It was the morning of the 10th of Muharram 61 A.H. Sayyiduna
Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu's) followers put on sweet
scent, their best clothes and took leave and blessings from the
womenfolk. The women were told that they were in the sole care of
Almighty Allah and that they should patiently bear all the hardships
and trials in store for them. They were not to mourn. The Muslims
had gone without water or food for 3 days. They did not have a drop
to drink. Nor did they partake in a morsel of food.
Sayyiduna Imam Husain
(radi Allahu anhu), sitting on his horse, addressed the army
of Shimr appealing for their sense of justice and recognize the
pious family that he was from. He said: "O People! Listen to me.
Do not be rash. Let me admonish you. Let me say a few words in my
justification and let me explain the reason of my arrival here. If
my excuse is reasonable and if you can accept it, do justice in my
case. You would be lucky if you desist from taking arms against me.
After hearing me, and you refuse to agree with me, I will be ready
for you. Whatever the outcome I repose confidence in Allah who
supports righteous men."
Ibn Saad's army was ready for war. Hur
realised this. He was undecided about which side to be. Finally he
said: "By Allah, I have selected Jannah irrespective of the
consequences. I do not care whether I am killed and my body is shred
into pieces or I am burnt alive." Saying this, he joined the
side of Sayyiduna Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu). Imam Husain
(radi Allahu anhu) forgave Hur. He was eventually made Shaheed.
The battle began. The 17 year old,
Hazrat Ali Akbar (radi Allahu anhu), whose looks resembled
that of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam),
rushed towards the enemy. He fought bravely, beheading hundreds
until he was made Shaheed by Marra bin Manqaz who plunged a spear
through his back. Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) buried his
son.
Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu)
then heard the 6 months old Hazrat Ali Asghar (radi Allahu anhu)
crying for water. He took the child in his hands and appealed to the
enemy to allow the child to drink some water. Instead, Hurmila bin
Kaahil, took aim and shot an arrow that pierced the infants throat.
Hazrat Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) held up his son towards
the sky and said: "O Allah, this is the only one Ali Asghar. If
there were a hundred like him, I would sacrifice them all, one by
one, in Your Path. If this is Your Will, then Husain is satisfied."
He then buried Sayyiduna Ali Asghar (radi Allahu anhu) next
to his elder brother, Sayyiduna Ali Akbar (radi Allahu anhu).
The small band of Muslims fought
bravely and one by one were made Shaheed. Sayyiduna Jafer bin Aqeel,
Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman bin Aqeel, Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Hasan,
Sayyiduna Imam Hasanul Mussana, Sayyiduna Qasim bin Hasan, Sayyiduna
Amr bin Hasan, Sayyiduna Abu Baqr bin Hasan, and others (radi
Allahu anhumul ajma'in) were made Shaheed.
Sayyiduna Imam Husain
(radi Allahu anhu) fought bravely and killed 410 enemy
soldiers. As he was about to drink water, an arrow struck his mouth.
Then, arrows rained down upon him. An arrow was shot in his
forehead, the place where Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) was
kissed by Sayyiduna Rasulullah
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Another arrow pierced his
neck. He was wounded from head to foot and lay on the ground. It was
time for Asar Salaah, so he said to his attackers: "Just give me
a few minutes to finish my Asar Salaah as I have not yet missed a
single Salaah in my life, and I do not want to appear before
Almighty Allah without finishing my Salaah. After that you may do as
you please."
While in Sajdah, Sinan bin Anas struck
off Sayyiduna Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu's)
blessed head. He was only 56 years old. His body had sustained 33
spear wounds, 24 sword wounds and countless arrows. His blessed head
was then carried to Yazid in Damascus accompanied by the women and
children.
After Karbala:
The news of the Shahaadah of Hazrat Imam Husain (radi Allahu
anhu)
shocked the Muslim world. Madinatul Munawwarah revolted against
Yazid, but the inhabitants and remaining Sahaba were massacred. For
3 days, the Umayyad soldiers brought destruction to Madinatul
Munawwarah and even attacked the Holy Kaaba.
Lessons of Karbala:
The Shahaadah of Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) at
Karbala provided a moral victory of virtue over vice. It was a
triumph of good over evil. It continues to serve as a beacon light
for all strugglers of truth and righteousness. Sayyiduna Imam Husain
(radi Allahu anhu)
fought to establish the laws of Almighty Allah on earth and not to
submit to the corrupt government of Yazid which brought about
un-Islamic practises. Karbala teaches us to endure hardships and
remain calm in the face of the most difficult trials. A poet once
said:
"The martyrdom of (Imam) Husain actually means the death of Yazid,
as every such karbala leads to the revival of Islam."
-
According to Tirmizi Shareef,
Hazrat Jabir (radi Allahu anhu) reported: I saw
Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) in his
Farewell Pilgrimage on the Day of Arafat while he was riding on
the camel, Qaswa, to deliver the sermon. I heard him say, "O
People! I have left among you something which if you adhere to,
you will never be misguided - the Book of Allah and my progeny
(the People of my House)".
-
It is also reported in Tirmizi
Shareef: Hazrat Zain bin Arqam (radi Allahu anhu)
reported that Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
said to Hazrat Ali, Bibi Fathima, Hazrat Hasan and Hazrat Husain
(radi Allahu anhuma), "I am at war with those who fight
with them, at peace with those who remain in peace with them".
-
In another Hadith from Tirmizi
Shareef: Hazrat Ya'la bin Murrah (radi Allahu anhu)
reported that Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
said: "Husain is from me and I am from Husain. Allah loves
him who loves Husain. Husain is a descendant out of my
descendants".
-
It is stated in Sunan Imam Ahmad:
Hazrat Abu Zarr (radi Allahu anhu) reported while holding
the door of the Kaaba, "I heard Rasoolullah (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam) say, 'The parable of the People of my House
among you is the parable of the Ark of Noah. Those who got on it
were safe, and whoso remained behind were destroyed".
-
It is stated in Sunan Baihaqi:
Hazrat Ummul Fazl (radi Allahu anha), daughter of Harith,
reported: I went to Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
and said, "O Rasoolullah! I have seen a horrible dream
tonight". He asked, "And what is it?" She said,
"I saw a piece of your flesh had been cut off and placed in my
lap".
Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said, "You
had seen good. If Allah Wills, Fathima will give birth to a son
who you will nurse". Then, Hazrat Fathima (radi Allahu
anha) gave birth to Hazrat Husain and he was under my nurse
just as Rasoolullah
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had said. One day, I went to
the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and placed the
child on his lap. Thereafter, his look was fixed towards me and
both his eyes were shedding tears. I said, "O Prophet of
Allah! By my father and mother! What is the matter with you?"
He said,
"Jibrael came and informed me that my followers will soon
kill this grandson of mine". I asked, "Him?" He said,
"Yes, He brought some earth to me out of his red earth".
(i.e. from the sands of Karbala)
According to the Kitaab,
"Thareek-ul-Khulafa", ten miraculous events were recorded about
the time of the Shahaadah of Hazrat Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu).
These events were also included on pages 46 and 47 of the Kitaab,
"Karamaat-e-Sahaba", by Molvi Ashraf Ali of Thana Bhavan.
It is stated in "Thareek-ul-Khulafa"
by Imam Jalaluddin Suyuti (radi Allahu anhu) that, "When
Sayyiduna Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) was martyred, for
seven days the following conditions prevailed on earth:-
-
When the sun rose each day, there
was a constant shroud of redness covering the earth as if the
sun's rays came out in the form of a lifeless blanket.
-
There was a continuous scene of
stars colliding with each other in the skies.
-
His martyrdom took place on the
10th of Muharram 60 A.H. and on this day there was a total
eclipse of the sun.
-
From about six months prior to his
martyrdom, a strange redness enveloped the horizon of the skies,
which gradually disappeared, and such a phenomenon was never
witnessed again.
-
On the day of his martyrdom,
beneath every stone in Baitul Muqaddas, there appeared fresh
blood.
-
Grass and straw that was used in
the oppressor's army (i.e. Yazid's army) had all suddenly turned
to burnt out ashes.
-
The oppressor's army had
slaughtered a female camel to feed the soldiers. From the meat
of this slaughtered animal, sparks of fire began to fly all the
time.
-
When the meat of the slaughtered
camel was cooked, it turned out to be bitter and poisonous.
-
One person who spoke ill about
Sayyiduna Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) was punished by
Almighty Allah in such a way that he was hit by two falling
stars from the sky which diminished his power of sight
progressively.
-
Regarding the conditions of these
days (of martyrdom), Hazrat Abu Na'eem (radi Allahu anhu)
states in his Kitaab, "Dala'il", that Hazrat Umme Salma
(radi Allahu anha) narrated that when Hazrat Imam Husain
(radi Allahu anhu) was martyred, the Jinns were heard to
wail and weep openly in expression of their grief."
Hazrat Abbas Description
Name: Abbas
Title: Qamar-e-Bani Hashim
Kunyat: Abul Fazl
Designation: Alamdar/Flag Bearer
Father: Hazrat Ali Ibne Abi Talib
Mother: Fatima Bint-e-Hazam
Born: 7 Rajab/4 Shabaan (645 AD)
Died: 10 Moharram 61 AH (680 AD)
Lived: 34 years
Martyred by: Sword on Ashura
Buried: Karbala, Iraq
Hazrat Abbas Introduction
Hazrat Abbas was the son of Hazrat Ali ibne
Abi Talib. His mother's name was Fatima Binte Hazam bin Khalid
Ibn-e-Rabi'e Ibn-e-Amer Kalbi. She was also known as 'Ummul Baneen'. She
belonged to the clan of Banu Kilah, which was one the noblest families
amongst the Hashimites and famous for the bravery and valour of its
warriors.
Some years after the martyrdom of Fatema
Zehra (S.A.), Imam Ali (A.S.) asked his brother Aqil to offer the
marriage proposal to a woman from a brave progeny. Being so
knowledgeable in this regard, Aqil wooed Fatima Binte Hazam (Ummul
Baneen) for Imam and they got married.
Fatima Binte Hazam was an accomplished and
cultured lady, and bore Hazrat Ali's four sons, Abbas, Abdulla, Ja'far
and Usman. The meaning of 'Ummul Baneen' is 'Mother of Sons'. All of her
sons were martyred along with Imam Hussain. After their martyrdom, she
requested people not to call her 'Ummul Baneen' ever again.
The day she entered the household of Hazrat
Ali, she made it very plain to Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain that she
considered herself their slave, and she hoped and prayed that they would
accept her as one. Her respect and affection for there was soon
reciprocated by the two brothers, and even after her children were born,
Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain occupied a foremost place in her heart.
Fatima Binte Hazam had such sincerity
toward the Holy Prophet's progeny that she loved Imam Hussain (A.S.)
more than her own children. A feeling which was from the bottom of her
heart. It was to the extent that when she received the news stating the
martyrdom of her four children, she said: "Tell me about Hussain (A.S.)"
and when she received the news of Imam Hussain (A.S.)'s martyrdom she
said: "All of the arteries of my heart are torn. May all of my children
and what ever that exists under this azure heaven be sacrificed for the
sake of Imam Hussain (A.S.).
One of the bravest of the Holy Prophet's followers Ja'far
Tayyar, the brother of Hazrat Ali. In the battle of Muta, Ja'far Tayyar
carried the Banner of Islam and in that battle he was out-numbered by
the enemies and killed. When the news reached the Holy Prophet he cried
and prayed for Ja'far's soul and the angel Gabriel came down and
consoled (the Prophet), saying "Ja'far was a brave and loyal soldier.
God has given him everlasting
life, and in place of two arms which were
cut off in the battle, the Lord has given him a pair of wings".
Hazrat Ali, who was sitting near the Holy
Prophet at that time, said, "Please pray to God that I should die
fighting for the cause of Islam and become a martyr." But the Holy
Prophet said, "0 Ali, your death has already been decreed. You shall die
in the mosque during your prayers, but the Almighty will give you a son
who will die in the battle on Ashoora day". From that time Ali eagerly
awaited the birth of that son.
(This prophecy was made in the year 8 A.H. when Imam Hasan was 5 years
old and Imam Hussain was 4.)
Abbas Qamar-e-Banu Hashim (the Moon of the
Hashimites), who was next only to the Holy Imam in charge of the Holy
Imam's camp, after a very strenuous fight with the enemy at the river,
got a sack of water but when the sack filled with water was placed
before the thirsty children, the poor innocents not waiting till it was
properly opened, and not knowing how to open the sack, rushed to it and
fell upon it, one over the other, in the haste to at least cool their
burning bodies.
But alas! The knot at the mouth of the sack
gave way to the pressure and the whole water flowed away on the sand. It
can be imagined what the feelings of despair and disappointment of the
poor children and the helpless mothers would have been, and how
disappointed the brave son of Imam Ali (pbuh), who got the water, would
have felt at the loss of the water which he could get for the poor
children and the inmates of the camp after so much of fight with the
enemy guarding the banks of the river. Attempts to dig a well were also
made but in vain, for instead of water, stones came out. The Holy Imam
preached patience and fortitude to every one at each disappointment and
torture, saying:
"Be you all cheerful and always surrender
to the will of the All-Merciful Lord, for the end of all these trials is
at hand and the water of Paradise awaited there to quench your thirst."
After the Zuhur prayers on the day of
Ashura, one by one the brave companions of Imam Hussain fell in the
battlefield. At last only Imam Hussain, Ali Akbar and Abbas were left.
Imam Zainul Abideen (Sajjad) lay sick in his tent.
Several times Abbas asked Imam Hussain (pbuh)
for permission to go and fight. Each time Imam Hussain (pbuh) would
reply "Abbas, you are the captain of my army; you are my Alamdar - the
Standard Bearer." Abbas would never argue with Imam Hussain (pbuh). His
three brothers were killed in the battle fought after Zuhur. Imam
Hussain (pbuh) could see the anger in Abbas's eyes. Imam Hussain (pbuh)
knew that if he let Abbas go and fight; there would be a massacre in the
enemy rank. Imam Hussain's object was to re-awaken Islam and not to
score a victory on the battlefield.
Just then Sakina (According to other
reports Roqaia is the name) four (4) year old daughter of Imam Hussain (pbuh)
came out holding dried up leather bag (Mashk). She walked up to Abbas
and said "Al Atash, Ya Ammahu! I am thirsty O my uncle Abbas!" Abbas
went to Imam Hussain (pbuh) and requested for permission to go and get
water for Sakina. Imam Hussain (pbuh) gave his permission. Abbas put
Sakina's Mashk on the Standard (Alam), mounted his horse and rode up to
Imam Hussain (pbuh). He said "I have come to say goodbye." Imam Hussain
(pbuh) said "My brother, come and embrace me." Abbas dismounted his
horse. There were tears in Imam's eyes. As Abbas (pbuh) prepared to
mount his horse, Imam Hussain (pbuh) said, "My brother, I want a gift
from you. I want your sword." Abbas (pbuh), without uttering a word,
gave Imam Hussain (pbuh) his sword and rode into the battlefield, armed
only with a spear and holding the Alam (Flag).
Now note this majestic scene! What
greatness! What valor! What a spirit of understanding and
self-sacrifice! A lone warrior, alone by himself, advances against a
host. The number of men who guarded the river bank was four thousand
(4,000). They had all heard of the valor of Abbas (pbuh). A cry arose, "Abbas
is coming!" Yazid's soldiers started hiding behind one another. A few
brave ones dared go near Abbas but were soon put to death by the spear
or by a kick.
He descends along the river bank Euphrates
(Furaat) and leads his horse into the water. First, he fills the water
skin (Mashk) that he has brought and lays it on his shoulder. He himself
was very thirsty. The air is hot and has been fighting. But as he sits
on the back of his horse and the horse stands in water reaching up to
its belly, he lowers his hands into water, takes water into them and
raises them somewhat towards his sacred lips.
Those who were watching from a distance
report that he hesitated for a while. Then they saw that he threw the
water back and came out of the river without drinking any. He placed the
Mashk on his Alam and started to ride back. No one knew why Abu Al-Fadl
did not drink water there. But when he came out he recited Rajaz verses
which were addressed to himself. Now from these verses they understood
why he had not drunk water:
"O soul of Abu al-Fadl! My wish is that you
live not after Hussain! Will you have a drink of cold water, while there
stands Hussain, thirsty, near the tents, And about to drink the cup of
death!? Such is not the way of my faith, Nor that of one who abides in
conviction and truth!"
'Umar son of Saad' cried out, "Do not let
that water reach Hussain's camp; otherwise we shall all be doomed!"
A soldier climbed a tree and as Abbas was
riding past the tree he struck his sword on the right shoulder and the
arm fell on to the ground. Just then someone crept behind Abbas and
struck him on the left shoulder. The Alam fell down. Abbas gripped the
Mashk with his teeth. His only object was to get the water to Sakina.
Fighting with his feet he urged the horse to get him to Imam's camp as
quickly as possible.
Alas! An arrow was shot. It went flying
across the desert and hit the Mashk. The water began to pour out and
with the water all the hopes of Abbas poured on to the sands of Karbala
to be buried forever in the thirsty desert. Abbas now did not want to go
back and face Sakina. With his feet, he signaled the horse to turn back.
The enemy surrounded him from all sides. Abbas fell from the horse!! As
he fell, he cried out "My Salutations (Salaam) to you my Master (Maula)!"
Imam Hussain (pbuh) seemed to lose all his strength when he heard the
voice of his dear brother Abbas.
When Abbas left to go to fetch water, Imam
stood at the gate of the camp watching the Alam. Sakina was standing
next to Imam Hussain (pbuh), also with her eyes fixed on the Alam. When
Abbas reached the river bank and bent down to fill the Mashk, the Alam
disappeared from sight. Sakina was frightened and looked at her father.
Imam said, Sakina, your uncle Abbas is at the river bank. Sakina smiled
and said, 'Al-Hamdulillah!' and called out all the children to welcome
Abbas. When Abbas lost both arms, the Alam fell onto the ground. Sakina
could not see it any longer! She looked at Imam Hussain (pbuh), but he
turned his face away. Sakina began to tremble with fear and her eyes
filled with tears. She raised her hands and prayed, 'Oh my God! Do not
let them kill my uncle Abbas! I will never ask for water again!' and ran
inside to her mother.
Imam Hussain (pbuh) reached where Abbas was
lying. It was a tragic sight. Abbas was lying on the ground. Both arms
had been severed! There was an arrow in the right eye and blood blocked
the left eye. As soon as Abbas sensed the presence of Imam Hussain (pbuh)
he said "Maula, why did you take the trouble to come over? Please go
back and look after Sakina." Imam Hussain said, "My dear brother, all
your life you have served me and my children. Is there anything I can do
for you at this last moment of your life?" Abbas replied, "Maula,
please, clean the blood from my eye so that I can see your beloved face
before I die!" Imam cleaned the blood. Abbas fixed his gaze on Imam.
Then he said, "Maula please do not carry my body to the camp. I do not
wish Sakina to see me in this state!" Imam Hussain (pbuh) took Abbas in
his arms, and kissed his forehead. Imam Hussain (pbuh) said "O Abbas I
also have one request for you, I have never heard you call me brother,
for once I would like to hear you call me brother." Abbas, with his
dying breath called out "My brother", Imam Hussain (pbuh) cried "O Abbas
my beloved brother what have they done to you? Who is now left to fight
by my side now?" Just then the Thirty four (34) year old Abbas son of
Imam Ali (pbuh) breathed his last. Imam Hussain (pbuh) placed Sakina's
Mashk on the Alam and carried the Alam to the camp. He went to Zainab's
tent. Imam Hussain (pbuh) could not say a word. He gave the Alam to
Zainab and sat down on the floor!
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