Tears and Tributes

Chapter1.BetrayalinKufa Pin‐dropsilenceprevailedi Pin‐dropsilenceprevailedinthemosqueatK nthemosqueatKufawherealarge ufawherealargecongregationhadgather congregationhadgatheredto edto offereveningprayers.Outs offereveningprayers.Outsidethemosquethe idethemosquethetown‐crierwasreadin town‐crierwasreadingoutofthe goutofthe proclamation.Everyoneofthecon proclamation.Everyoneofthecongregationwasstrai gregationwasstraininghisears ninghisearstolistentoe tolistentoeveryword veryword withraptattention.

Atthetopofhisvoicethe Atthetopofhisvoicethetown‐crierwasshoutin town‐crierwasshouting:“Beitk g:“Beitknowntothepeople nowntothepeopleofKufathat ofKufathat Obeidullah,sonofZiad,hasassumed Obeidullah,sonofZiad,hasassumedthegovernorshipof thegovernorshipofKufaunderthe KufaundertheordersoftheKhali ordersoftheKhalif. f. Hehasnotedwithperturbationt Hehasnotedwithperturbationthatthepeople hatthepeopleofKufahaveex ofKufahaveextendedtheirwelc tendedtheirwelcometo ometo Muslim,sonofAqil,whohascomefromMedi Muslim,sonofAqil,whohascomefromMedinaasanemissar naasanemissaryofHusain,son yofHusain,sonofAli,whohas ofAli,whohas declinedtooweallegiancetotheK declinedtooweallegiancetotheKhalif.Iti halif.Itisherebyproclaimed sherebyproclaimedfortheinformat fortheinformationofallthe ionofallthe citizensofKufathatany citizensofKufathatanypersonfoundassocia personfoundassociatingwithMuslim, tingwithMuslim,sonofAqil, sonofAqil,willbeconsidered willbeconsidered arebelagainsttheKhalif arebelagainsttheKhalifand,bywayofp and,bywayofpunishment,hewill unishment,hewillbehanged,drawna behanged,drawnandquartered, ndquartered, hisentirefamilywillbep hisentirefamilywillbeputtotheswordand uttotheswordandhispropertycon hispropertyconfiscated.Inc fiscated.Incaseofthosewho aseofthosewho havehithertoextendedtheirwelc havehithertoextendedtheirwelcometohim,ift ometohim,iftheynowrepenta heynowrepentanddesistfromdoing nddesistfromdoingso, so, amnestywillbegiven.”

Withbatedbreath,everyonelis Withbatedbreath,everyonelistenedtothepr tenedtotheproclamation.Itwas oclamation.ItwasthissameMuslim, thissameMuslim,sonof sonof Aqil,whowastoleadtheprayerst Aqil,whowastoleadtheprayersthatevening, hatevening,andastheproclamat andastheproclamationendedhearose ionendedhearoseto to fulfillhisduty.Afewexchan fulfillhisduty.Afewexchangedenquiringglan gedenquiringglanceswiththeir ceswiththeirfriends.Someot friends.Someotherswhispered herswhispered somewordstotheirneighbors.Atthi somewordstotheirn eighbors.Atthismoment,thecal smoment,thecallforprayers lforprayerswasgivenandMuslim wasgivenandMuslim silentlyrosetoleadthecongregat silentlyrosetoleadthecongregationalprayers. ionalprayers.

WhenMuslimcompletedtheprayersandt WhenMuslimcompletedt heprayersandturnedback,hef urnedback,hefoundthemosqueempty, oundthemosqueempty,exceptfor exceptfor onepersononly–HaneeIbneOrwaha onepersononly–HaneeIbneOrwahatwhosehouseMuslimwassta twhosehouseMuslimwasstayingasaguest. yingasaguest.Thetwo Thetwo lookedateachother.Nowordswereneededt lookedateachother.NowordswereneededtotellMuslimwhythe otellMuslimwhythepeopleofKufa peopleofKufahad had desertedhim.ThepeopleofKuf desertedhim.ThepeopleofKufa,whohadsopersist a,whohadsopersistentlyaskedHusain entlyaskedHusaintocomeovertothem tocomeovertothem totakeuptheresponsibili totakeuptheresponsibilitiesofthei tiesoftheirspiritual rspiritualameliorationhad, ameliorationhad,onhearingthe onhearingthe proclamation,gotscaredoutofthe proclamation,gotscaredoutoftheirwits.Ther irwits.Therewerethepeople ewerethepeoplewhohadinthepa whohadinthepast st betrayedMuslim’suncleAli,the betrayedMuslim’suncleAli,theCommanderoftheFai CommanderoftheFaithful,andshowncowardi thful,andshowncowardiceintimesof ceintimesof troubleandtribulations.The troubleandtribulations.Thesewerethepeopl sewerethepeoplewhohaddesertedMuslim’s ewhohaddesertedMuslim’scousin,Hasan, cousin,Hasan, sonofAli,inhishourofneed.

Muslimstoodforawhilemotionless.His Muslimstoodforawhi lemotionless.Hisfacewasfullof facewasfullofanguish.Hewasnot anguish.Hewasnotdismayedatthe dismayedatthe fatethatawaitedhim,because fatethatawaitedhim,becauseafightingdea afightingdeathwasnottheher thwasnottheheritageofhisf itageofhisfamily.Hewasonly amily.Hewasonly disconsolateatthethoughtthat disconsolateatthethoughtthathehadreposedconfiden hehadreposedconfidenceinthesep ceinthesepeople’ssinceri eople’ssincerityand tyand

writtentohiscousin,Husain, writtentohiscousin,Husain,tocomeovertoK tocomeovertoKufaastheir ufaastheirmoral,mentalands moral,mentalandspiritual piritual preceptor,tosavethemfromsi preceptor,tosavethemfromsinkingintot nkingintothedepthsofmoraldegr hedepthsofmoraldegradation.Howhewishedhe adation.Howhewishedhe hadnotbeenhastyaboutjudgingthesepeople!

Amoment’sreflectionwassuffici Amoment’sreflectionwassufficienttomakeup enttomakeuphismind.Atl hismind.Atleasttherewasone easttherewasonemanwith manwith himwhocouldbereliedupon.Ifhecould himwhocouldberelie dupon.Ifhecouldonlysendamessageto onlysendamessagetoHusainthroughHaneeIb HusainthroughHaneeIbne ne Orwahaboutthetreacheryofthe OrwahaboutthetreacheryofthepeopleofKufa! peopleofKufa!

WiththesethoughtsMuslimturnedtowardsHan WiththesethoughtsMuslimturnedtowardsHanee.Beforehec ee.Beforehecouldgivetheexpr ouldgivetheexpressiontohis essiontohis thoughts,HaneeIbneOrwahantici thoughts,HaneeIbneOrwahanticipatedhiswords.In patedhiswords.Inlowwhispershesaid, lowwhispershesaid,“Muslim,my “Muslim,my respectedguest,Iknowwhatisupp respectedguest,Iknowwhatisuppermostinyourmin ermostinyourmind.IfGodenableme d.IfGodenablemetoleavethis toleavethis cursedtownintime,Ishallrush cursedtownintime,Ishallrushpost‐hastetowarn post‐hastetowarnourmasterandImamt ourmasterandImamtoturnback.” oturnback.”He He hunghisheaddownandinatonewhichwas hunghisheaddownandi natonewhichwashardlyaudible,added, hardlyaudible,added,asifmutter asifmutteringtohimself, ingtohimself, “Muslim,mydutytowardsyouasyourhostdemandst “Muslim,mydutytowardsyouasyourhostdemandsthatIshouldremainhe hatIshouldremainheretoprotect retoprotectyou you andshedthelastdropofmybloodin andshedthelastdropofmybloodinyourdefense.But yourdefense.ButIknowthatyouwouldlike Iknowthatyouwouldlikemeto meto attendmyhigherdutywhichwebothowetoour attendmyhigherdutywhichwebothowetoourLord,HusainIbne Lord,HusainIbneAli.Therei Ali.Thereinhardlytime nhardlytime tobelostandsoIbidyoufarewell. tobelostandsoIbidyoufarewell.MayAlmightyGodprot MayAlmightyGodprotectyouandyourinn ectyouandyourinnocentsons ocentsons fromthefuryofthesetreacher fromthefuryofthesetreacherousfiends.” ousfiends.”

HaneeIbneOrwahrushedoutoftheMosque. HaneeIbneOrwahrushedoutoftheMosque.Heknewthathe Heknewthathehadtoactqui hadtoactquickly,ifat ckly,ifatallhe allhe wastosucceedinhismission.Bef wastosucceedinhismission.BeforeleavingKufa, oreleavingKufa,hehadtodosomethin hehadtodosomethingforthesafet gforthesafetyof yof the2youngsonsofMuslimwhohadnotyetr the2youngsonsofMuslimwhohadnotyetreachedtheirtee eachedtheirteens.Hewasquickly ns.Hewasquicklyrevolvingin revolvingin hismindhowhecouldhidetheseinnocent hismindhowhecouldhi detheseinnocentboysandwhere.He boysandwhere.Hecouldnotthinkof couldnotthinkofanybody anybody knowntohimwhowouldbetrustedtogiveshelt knowntohimwhowouldbetr ustedtogivesheltertothem.He ertothem.Hehardlyhadanytime hardlyhadanytimeathis athis disposaltomakearrangementsbecause disposaltomakearrangementsbecausehisparamountobli hisparamountobligationwastoconvey gationwastoconveyMuslim’s Muslim’s messagetoImamHusain.Hisquick‐workingmi messagetoImamHusain. Hisquick‐workingminddecidedthatthe nddecidedthatthechildrenofMusli childrenofMuslimmust mmust bewarnedtogetoutofthehousewhere bewarnedtogetoutofthehousewheretheywerenolonger theywerenolongersafeandleavet safeandleavetheresttoGod. heresttoGod. Onreachinghishouse,Haneeaske Onreachinghishouse,Haneeaskedhiswifetowhisk dhiswifetowhiskthechildrenout thechildrenoutofthehousebyt ofthehousebythe he backdoorfortheirsafety.He backdoorfortheirsafety.Heaskedhisservant askedhisservanttoharnesshis toharnesshishorseasquicklyas horseasquicklyashecould. hecould. HardlyMuhammadandIbrahim,theyoungsonsofMusli HardlyMuhammadandIbrahim, theyoungsonsofMuslim,hasbeenput m,hasbeenputontheroadtof ontheroadtoface ace theworldanditsturmoilsina theworldanditsturmoilsinastrangeandunfr strangeandunfriendlycity, iendlycity,thehouseofHaneewas thehouseofHaneewas surroundedbyarmedtrooperssentbyO surroundedbyarmedtr ooperssentbyObeidullah.Haneer beidullah.Haneerealizedthatt ealizedthatthehopehehad hehopehehad cherishedtoleavethetownandcarr cherishedtoleavethetownandcarrythemessageofMusli ythemessageofMuslimtoHusainwascomplet mtoHusainwascompletely ely frustrated.Heunsheathedhisswordan frustrated.Heunsheathedhisswordandhelluponthehi dhelluponthehirelingsofObe relingsofObeidullahwiththe idullahwiththe intentionofsellinghisl intentionofsellinghislifeasdearlya ifeasdearlyashecould.Theoddsagai shecould.Theoddsagainsthimweretoohea nsthimweretooheavy.Hewas vy.Hewas soonoverpoweredandchainedandmarchedoff soonoverpoweredandchai nedandmarchedofftothecourtoft tothecourtoftheGovernor. heGovernor.

AfterHanee’sdeparturefromtheMosque,Muslimreflectedforawhile.Atfirst,hismindwas putateasebyHanee’sassurancethathewouldcarrythewarningtoHusainaboutthe happeningsinKufa.Butonsecondthoughts,herealizedthattherewaseverypossibilityof Haneebeingcapturedbeforehecouldleavethetown.Whatifthathappened?Hehadfullest confidenceinHanee’ssincerity,buthowcouldhebesosurethatHaneewouldbeableto makegoodhisescapefromKufa?Although,Muslimwasfullyalivetothelotthatwouldbefall hisinnocentsonsontheircapture,herealizedthattherightcourseforhimwastofindsome otherpersonwhomhecouldtrusttocarrythemessagetotheImam.Kneelingdownin prayer,hemuttered,“MercifulAllah,sparemeforawhilesothatIcansendthewarningto myImam.”

Hecameoutofthemosqueslowly.Hedidnotknowwhichwaytoturn.Heonlyknewthatthe wholetownhadturnedhostiletohim.Assoonashesteppedoutofthemosque,hesaw groupsofpeoplecollectedhitherandthitherandengagedinanimatedconversation.On seeinghimcomingouttheyscatteredandwalkedawayasiftheyhadneverknownhim. Muslimrealizedthattheywere,oneandall,mortallyafraidofthereprisalsthatwouldbefall themiftheystoodbyhim.Nowhesawhowdifficultifwasforhimtofindasinglepersonwho couldfulfillhispurpose;wheretolookforhim;wheretofindhim?

Withaheavyheart,Muslimwasnottrudgingthenarrowby‐lanesofKufa.Thesunwasfast descendingandthedarknarrowlanesofKufabecomingdarkereverymoment.Makinga hoodofhisgown,soastocoverhisheadtoavoididentification,Muslimwaswalkingonand on,almostaimlesslyambling.Thedesertedcobbledpavementswereechoinghisfoot‐steps. Theonlyothersoundtobeheardwasofthehorses’hoofsasthesoldierswerepatrollingthe streetsandsearchingforhiminallnooksandcorners.Whilstwalkingaimlessly,hewas furiouslythinkinghowtofindsomeonewhowouldcarryhismessagetoHusain.

Soondarknessdescendedonthewholetown.Ascurfewhadbeenimposedbytheordersof theGovernor,notasoulwasventuringout.ItbecameevidenttoMuslimthat,ifhewalkedon, therewaseverypossibilityofhisbeingarrestedbythepatrolmenand,ifthathappened,his lasthopeoffindingamessengerwouldvanish.Theeventsofthedayhadmadehimtiredin bodyandsoul.

Hesatonthedoorstepofahouse,hesitatingwhethertoknockatthedoorandaskforwater. Whilsthewasstillwavering,heheardtheopeningofthedooragainstwhichhewasleaning. Anoldladystoodtherewithaflickeringcandleinherhands.Fromherenquiringeyeshe

couldunderstandthatshewaswonderingwhyhewasseatedthere.Muslimturnedtoherand requestedaglassofwater.Sheaskedhimtowaitforaminuteand,goingintothehouse, returnedwithatumblerofwater.Muslimdrankittothelastdropandthankedthelady profusely.Heagainsatdownonthedoorstep.Theoldladylookedathimforawhileandthen askedhim,“Myson,whydoyounotreturntoyourhouse?Doyourealizehowyourwifeand childrenmustbeworryingaboutyoubyyourremainingawayfromthehouseinsuch troubledatmosphere?Don’tyouhaveahousewithwifeandchildren?”Alumpcameinto Muslim’sthroatwiththerecollectionofhisfamilyandhome.Controllinghisemotionsand checkingthetearswhichweregushingfromhiseyes,hesaid,“Goodlady,Ihaveahouse,but inadistantland.MywifeandyoungdaughtersareathomeandmysonsareinKufabut perhapstheywillwaitformeforever.”Afterabriefpause,headded,“Inthisunfriendlytown IhavenohomeandnobodytowhomIcanturnforshelter.”

Thesewordsofdespondencymovedthelady.Sympatheticallyshesaid,“Fromwheredoyou comeandwhyareyouhereintheretroubledtimes?”

Muslimmurmuredinreply,“IamfromthecityoftheProphet.Icameontheinvitationofthe peopleofKufaastheirguest.Thoughthousandswelcomedmeonmyarrival,thereisnownot asoulwhowilladmitmeintohishouse.”

Thevenerableoldladywastakenabackbythisreply.Sheraisedthecandleshewascarrying tobringtonearerMuslim’sface.Withanexclamationofrecognitionshebentdownonher kneesandsaid,“MyGod,youareMuslim,theemissaryofmyImam,mybelovedHusain,who ishuntedbyObeidullah’ssoldiers.HowdidInotrecognizeyouatthefirstglancewhenyour words,youraccent,yourdemeanor,allhadthestampofpeopleoftheProphet’sHouse?” Sobbingbitterlyandovercomebycontritionsheadded,“HowwillIfacemyladyFatimaon thedayofreckoningwhenshewillaskme,‘Taha,myHusain’semissarycametoyou, friendlessandshelterless,butyoucallouslyandrelentlesslyturnedhimout!’WhatreplywillI givetoher?TheleastthatIcandoforyouistogiveyoushelterinmyhousetillthe opportunityarisesforyoutomakegoodyourescapefromthiscursedcitywhosepeopleare steepedinperfidy.”

Muslimfeltreluctanttoacceptherofferforfearthatthegodfearingoldladymightbe victimizedforgivinghimprotection.Butonsecondthoughts,hedecidedtostayinherhouse withthehopethat,ifhecouldavoidarrestforsometime,hemightbeabletofindsomeoneto carryhismessagetoHusain.

TahaaskedMuslimtoremainintheatticofthehouse.Shegavehimwhateverfoodtherewas inthehousebuthecouldhardlypartakeofanything.Howcanapersoninhispredicament relishfood?Hedecidedtopassthenightinprayersashehadapremonitionthatthiswould behislastnight.

Beforeretiringintotheattic,MuslimtoldTahaabouthisdesiretosendamessagetothe ImamnottocometoKufainviewofwhathadtranspired.Sheassuredhimthatwhenherson, whowasintheGovernmentarmedforced,returnedfromhisbeat,shewouldtakehiminher confidenceandenlisthissupportinfindingsomereliablepersonforthismission.

HardlyafewhourshadpassedwhenTaha’ssonreturnedhome.Helookedtiredandworn out.WhenTahainquiredfromhimthereasonforhiscominghomesolate,hetoldherthat, alongwithothersoldiershewaspatrollingthestreetsinsearchofMuslim.Shewasaghastat thethoughtthatherson,ofallpeople,shouldbeinthepartysearchingforMuslim,whenshe herselfwasdevotedtotheHouseoftheProphet.Shestronglyprotestedtohersonattherole hewasplaying.Thatcunningmanturnedroundandassuredhismotherthat,thoughhehad inthecourseofhisdutytopretendasifhewassearchingforMuslim,inrealityhewasas muchdevotedtoMuslim,andtheHouseoftheProphet,asshewas.Hisdisingenuous assurancecarriedconvictiontothesimpleoldladyand,aftermakinghimswearbyhisfaith, shetookhersonintoconfidenceandtoldhimeverythingaboutthehappeningsofthat evening.ThecraftysonofTahawasinwardlyelatedatthethoughtthathewouldbeableto collecttheprizeplacedonMuslim’shead.HisfirstthoughtwastobeheadMusliminhissleep but,cowardthathewas,hegotscaredatthefatethatwouldbefallhimifMuslimwouldwake upbeforeheaccomplishedhispurpose.Hethoughtfuriouslyforafewmomentsandthen decidedtogoandinformObeidullahibneZiadthathehadMusliminhishouseandhecould beeasilycaptured.Hiswarpedmindquicklyinventedanexcuseforgoingoutinthedeadof thenight,withoutarousingthesuspicionsofhisnoblemother.Hetoldherthat,asinhis presence,HaneeIbneOrwah,atwhosehouseMuslimandhistwosonshadbeenstaying,had beenbeheadedandasthetwoyoungboyswereroamingthestreetsofKufa,hethoughtithis boundendutytosearchforthemandbringthemhomesothatthefatherandsonscouldbe reunited.HetoldTahathathewouldalsoseeoneofhistrustedfriendsandthroughhim arrangetoconveyMuslim’smessagetotheImamforwhichhewassoanxious.Tahawas takeninbytheguilesofherperfidiousson.Shefeltelatedthathersonwassokeentodothe goodworkandthathecouldnotwaittilldaybreak.

TheavaricioussonofTahahastenedtotheGovernor’shouseandlostnotimeingetting himselfadmittedtohispresence.InfactObeidullahwasawakewaitingforthenewsof

Muslim’sarrestashewasmightlyafraidthat,ifMuslimremainedatlarge,hemightsucceed inrallyingroundhimafewpersonswhocouldofferverystiffoppositiontohisforcesand evenupsethisuglyplans.Hefeltrelievedandoverjoyedatthetidingsbroughttohimby Taha’streacherousson.Heimmediatelyorderedoneofthecommandersofhisforcestoget togetherawell‐equippedcontingentforMuslim’sarrest. Accompaniedbymountedsoldiers,thetraitorreturnedtohishouseforMuslim’sarrest. Muslimwasatthattimeengagedinprayers.Whenheheardthebeatingofseveralhorses’ hoofsonthepavedroads,heunderstoodthatthesoldiershadcomeforhisarrest.He snatchedhisswordwhichwaslyingbyhissideandrushedout.Tahastoodatthethresholdof herhouseflabbergastedtoseethathersonhadbroughtthesoldiersforthearrestofher reveredguest.ShefellonMuslim’sfeetandcried,“Muslim,myprince,howcanIexplainto youthatIhavenotbetrayedyoubutmycursedson,whomItrustedandneversuspectedof suchblatanttreachery,hasruinedme.Ishallnotletthemcrossmythresholdexceptovermy deadbody.”MuslimdidnotrequiretobetoldthatTaha’savermentsweresincere.Hegently toldher,“Mybenefactor,Iknowthatyouhavebeenverykindandconsideratetomeandthe thoughtofbetrayingmecannotevencrossyournobleandpiousmind.Idonotintheleast blameyouforthetreacheryofyourson.Asyourguest,whohaspartakenofyourhospitality,I cannotallowyoutobekilledbythesemercilessbrutesandletyourhousebereducedto shambles.LetmegooutofthehouseandsellmylifeasdearlyasIcan.”

MuslimgentlypushedasideTahafromthethresholdandwalkedoutswordinhand.Bythis time,thesoldiershadreachedthehouse.TheyweretakenbysurpriseatseeingMuslim emergingfromthedoorlikeanenragedlion.Thelanewassonarrowthat2horsescouldnot comeupabreast.ThisgaveMuslimthebestopportunityforsinglecombat.Thoughhewason footandthesoldieroppositeofhimwasmounted,hepossessedtheprowesswhichwasthe heritageofAli’sfamily.Oneaftertheotherthesoldiersweretastingtheswordofthiswarrior andfallingdownfromtheirhorses.Intheprocesstheyweregettingcrushedandtrampled underthehoofsofhorsesoftheirownmen.

Theleaderofthebandofsoldiers,whohaddiscreetlykepthimselfbehindhismen,sentword formoremen.Thoughmoreandmoresoldierswerepouringin,thetopographyofthescene ofthisstreetbattlewassuchthattheycouldnotattackenmasse.Headsofenemysoldiers werefallinglikenine‐pins.HourspassedbutstillMuslimwasfightinghisdefensivebattle mostcourageously.

WhenObeidullahibneZiad’scouriers,whowerebringingtohimthenewsofthefight,

informedhimthatMuslimwasgivingafightthelikeofwhichhadnotbeenseensincethe daysofAli,theKhalif,hegotinfuriated.Hetauntinglyaskedhisgeneralshowmany thousandsofwarriorstheyneededtocaptureonesolitaryperson.Oneofthemangrily retortedtohimthathewasforgettingthatthepersontobecapturedwasnotanordinary home‐keepingyouthorshoe‐keeperbutarenownedwarrioroftheHouseofAli.Heeven suggestedthatifObeidullahhadnoconfidenceinthegenerals,hecouldhimselfdemonstrate hisskillwiththeswordbyofferingcombattoMuslim.Thissuggestionscaredthewitsoutof Obeidullah.He,ofallpeople,knewwhatitmeanttocrossswordswithAli’snephew. Swallowingthetaunt,hereplied,“Mygoodgeneral,Ifullyknowwhatitmeanstofightwitha personsodesperatewhofindshimselfatbay.Insteadoflettingourmendiebyhisswordin suchlargenumbers,whycannotsomeoneadoptstratagemtomakehimleavehisvantage positionsothatitmaybeeasiertoattackhimfromallsides?”

ThissuggestionappealedverymuchtothecowardlysoldiersofKufa.Aftersome consultationsamongstthemselves,theydecidedtosendsoldierstothetopoftheroofofan adjoiningbuildingandfromtheretohurlstones,burningembersandmissilesatMuslim.It didnottakethemlongtocarryouttheirstrategy.Withshowersofarrows,stones,fireand missiles,Muslimwassomuchwoundedthathedecidedtogiveuphisvantageposition.He chargedonthesoldiersinfrontofhimandtheyfellback.Hewentforward,wieldinghis sword,andintheprocess,sendingthosewhowerewithinitsreachtotheperditionanddoom whichtheymerited.

Onceagainhastycounselswereheldamongthecaptainsofthearmy.Someonesuggested that,sinceMuslimwasnowdesperatelymovingforward,atrenchcouldbedugontheroad andcoveredupwithstrawsothatitwascompletelycamouflaged.Theideawastotrap Muslimashemarchedforward.Itwasrealizedthat,withoutsuchsubterfuge,Muslimcould notbekilledorcapturedwithoutsacrificingthecreamofthearmy.

ThetreacherousruseproposedbyObeidullah’smercenariesworkedasplanned.While rushingonandwieldinghissworddexterously,Muslimfellintothetrench.Nowthosewho wereavoidingtocomewithinthereachofhisswordswoopeddownonhim.Withgushing bloodMuslimcouldnotregainhisfeet.Hetoppledoverandlayunconsciousinthetrench.It wasnowamatterofminutestocapturehimandsoonhewaschainedandbound.

WhenMuslimregainedconsciousness,hefoundhimselfacaptive.Hiswoundshand accentuatedhisthirst.Thedawnwasnowbreakingandthecallforprayerswasraisedinthe mosquesofKufa.Muslimrequestedhiscaptorstogivehimsomewatertodrinkandfor

ablution.Insteadofaccedingtohisrequest,theymockedandjeeredathim.Muslimwas extremelysurprisedandpainedtoseethatthepeopleofKufa,whowereclaimingtobethe followersoftheProphet,werefloutingtheinjunctionsofIslamforkindnesstoallinahelpless predicament.LittledidMuslimknowthatthesesamepeoplewouldbehavewithutter callousnessandbeastlinesstowardsHusainandhischildreninthenottoodistantfuture!

BeforebeingmarchedofftotheCourtofObeidullah,Muslimwasparadedthroughthestreets ofKufawithheavychainsonhishandsandfeet.ThepeopleofKufa,whoonlyafewdays beforewerevyingwithoneanotherjusttohaveaglimpseofhim,werenowwatchinghim fromtheirwindowswithperfectequanimity,asifhewasanutterstrangertothem.Some devilsamongstthemwerehard‐heartedenoughtopeltstonesathim.

WhenMuslimwaspresentedbeforeObeidullah,hestooderectwithdignity.Thegovernor askedhimwhetherheknewthefatethatawaitedhimandhismasterHusainIbneAli.With utterdisdainMuslimreplied,“OmercenaryofYazid,Idonotcarewhatyoudotome,butIdo notliketohearyourcursedtonguementioningHusain’sname.”

ObeidullahIbneZiadfeltcrestfallenatthisboldrebukeofMuslim.Withintentionofcreating animpressionofhismagnanimityonthepeoplewhoweregatheredinhiscourt,hesaidto Muslim,“Accordingtotheage‐oldArabcustomIwantyoutomentionyourlastdesirebefore youarebeheadedsothatImayfulfillit.”

AglintofhopecameintoMuslim’seyes.Couldhetakethismanathiswordandaskhimto sendthemessagewhichhewantedtobeconveyedtohismaster?Likeadrowningmanwho catchesastraw,Muslimdecidedthat,ifatall,thiswayhisonlychance.Heimmediately replied,“Obeidullah,ifyouaretruetoyourword,fulfillmylastwishandsendamessageto mymasterImamHusain,askinghimtogobacktoMedinaandabandontheideaofhisvisitto Kufa.”

ObeidullahhadneverexpectedthisrequestfromMuslim.Hehadthoughtthatperhaps Muslimmightrequesthimtosparethelivesofhistwoyoungsonswhentheywerecaptures, astheyweresuretobe.Forawhilehewasnonplussed;hewasatalosswhattosay.Heknew thathecouldnotfulfillthiswishofMuslimwithoutincurringthedispleasureofYazid;butto declinethisrequestwouldbetrayhiminhistruecolor.Hiscrookedminddidnottakelongto findasolutiontothisproblem.HebeckonedtohisexecutionerstotakeMuslimtothetopof theGovernmentHouseandtobeheadhim.Heimmediatelydismissedhiscourtandhurried backtohisapartment.

WhentheswordoftheexecutionerwasswayingoverMuslim’sheadhislastthoughtswere withhismaster,Husain,whomhehadlovedandcherishedmorethananythinginlife.His onlyregretwasthattilltheendhecouldnotdowhathewantedmost,towarnHusainagainst thetreacheryofthepeopleofKufa.Astheswordfellonhisneckhesilentlymutteredaprayer toGodtosoordainthatHusainmightcometoknowofthehappeningsinKufa.Thiswasthe lastprayerofthebravewarriorwhostoodsteadfastindeathasinlife.

MercifulGoddidnotallowMuslim’slastprayertogoinvain.Hewholistenstotheprayers emanatingfromtheheartsofsinceredevoteeslikeMuslim,enabledonewitnesstothe ghastlyenactmentsofthatday,whohadsomesparksoffaithinhim,togoridingoutofKufa attheearliestopportunity.HereachedthecampofImamHusainasfewdaysafterMuslim’s martyrdom.HeconveyedthesadtidingstoHusainwhoweptbitterlyasifhisheartwould rend.HecalledtheyoungdaughterofMuslim,whowastravelingwithhim,andtoldherthat henceforthsheshouldregardhimasherguardian.Hegaveonepairofearringstoherand onetoSakina.Whenthemessengeraskedhimwhetherhewasturningbackandreturningto MedinainviewofwhathadhappenedtoMuslim,hereplied,“Iamgoingforwardtomeetmy destiny;tofulfillmypurposeofmylife.Mydeathisbeckoningtomeandsothereisno questionofmyretracingmysteps.”

Chapter2.Fifty-fourfriends Somepoet,writingaboutbattleshassaid:"Few,fewshallpart,wheremanymeet."Inaway thisistrueformostofthebattlesrecordedinhistory.ButthebattleofKarbalaisuniquein onerespect.NotasinglesoldierfromHussein’sarmysurvivedonthatfatefulday.Hussein andhisfaithfulfollowerswereoutnumberedtoanextentwhichisalmostunimaginablein caseofabattle.Stillwhatvalortheydisplayed,whatheroicfeatstheyperformed,what gloriousexamplestheysettothecominggenerations!

Inotherrespectstoo,thebattleofKarbalacanclaimuniquefeatures.Thiswastheonlybattle beforethestartofwhichtheCommanderdidnotthinkitnecessarytoexhorthissoldiersto fightbravelyortosticktotheirground.OntheotherhandHusseinassembledhisdevoted followersonthenightbeforethebattleand,inatouchingaddress,explainedtothemthat theywerefreetoleavehimandgoawaywiththeirdearones."Dearfriendsandkinsmen,"he said,"Iknowwhathardshipsandprivationsyouhavesufferedinrallyingtomyside.Yazid andhismenareaftermybloodand,ifyoudecidetoleave,theywillbetoohappytogiveyoua safepassageoutofKarbala.IfyouthinkthatIshallconsideritadesertionandbetrayalin caseyouleavemenow,letmeassureyouthatIconsiderwhatyouhavedoneformetobe enoughtoearnmygratitudeandthepleasureofGod."Headdedaftersomethought,Perhaps youmaybefeelingembarrassedtoleavemelikethis.Iam,therefore,puttingoutthelightsso that,inthedark,nobodywillknowwhohasleftme."Sayingthis,heorderedthelightstobe putout.Inthedarktent,notasoulstirred.ThefaithfulfriendsandrelativesofHusseinwere toomuchovercomebytheiremotionstosayanything.Afterawhile,whenHusseinsawthat theywouldnotbudgeaninch,helightedthecandlesagain.Hesawallhisbelovedfriendsand devotedkinsmenstandingsilentlywithheadsbentandtearsflowingfromtheireyes.Someof themwereoldandbentwithage;someofthemwereyoungandstillintheprimeofyouth.At lastthesilencewasbrokenbyHabibIbneMazahirwhospokeonbehalfofallthefaithful companions:"Hussein,tousyouareeverything.Howcanweexplaintoyouthatforeachone ofuslifewouldbeameaninglessburdenwithoutyou?Itisnotonlybecauseweknowthat youarethesonoftheHolyProphetbutalsobecauseweknowthatwecannotfindaperson likeyou,sokind,soconsiderate,solovingandsohelpful.Althoughwecannotdaretocall ourselvesyourfriends,becauseyouaresosuperiortousineveryway,stillweknowthatyou havealwaystreatedusasifwewerenotwhatweare,yourhumblefollowers,butasifwe wereyourdearestfriends."ThesentimentsexpressedbyHabibIbneMazahirwereechoedby allthefaithfulcompanions,MuslimIbneAusaja,BuraireHamadani,ZuhairIbneKainand others.Withonevoicetheysaid:"Wecanonlyconsiderourselvessuccessfulinlifeifwediein

defendingyou.Withoutyoulifeforuswouldnotbeworthaday'spurchase."Whatbrave soulswerethesefaithfulfollowersofHussein!Whatauniqueattachmenttheyhadforhim!

ThefriendsandfollowersofHusseinwhohadgatheredroundhiminKarbalawerefrom differentwalksoflife.Butallofthemhadsomethingincommonamongstthem—their unflinchingdevotionforHussein,theirundyingloveandaffectionforhim;theirsupremefaith inthejusticeofhiscause.Someofthemwerefreemen,soldiersboldandtrue.Otherswere bondsmenwhohadcometherewiththeirmasters,butwithoutanycompulsion.Evenwhen theirmastershadgrantedthemfreedomandaskedthemtogoawaywheretheyliked,not oneofthembudgedaninch;notoneofthemthoughtforamomentofleavingKarbalatosave hislife.Onthecontrarytheyearnestlyentreated,outoflovewhichwastoodeeprootedand sinceretobedescribed,thattheyonlywantedonethingandthatwasfreedomtolawdown theirlivesindefendingHussein.WithwhatsimplicityJawn,thefreeslave,hadasked“Ohmy Lord,IamaNegroslaveandpeoplesaythatblackpeoplehaveblackbloodalso.Giveisthe privilegeofhavingourbloodmingledwithbloodofthemartyrsontheplainsofKarbalato provethatwetoohavefeelingsofdevotion;thatwetoocanrespondtothecallofduty withoutanycompulsionwiththespontaneityoffreemenofthehighestorder.”Overpowered bytheexuberanceofhisemotions,hehadsupplicatedthatheshouldnotbedeniedtheright todemonstratehisundyingdevotionandloveforHussein.

Onthatday,inthefaceoftrialsandtribulations,Husseinhadonlytheconsolationofknowing thathehadwithhimabandoffaithfulsupportersthelikeofwhichtheworldhadnotseen. Theywerepersonswhohadrelegatedallpersonalconsiderationstothesecondaryplane, whodidnotforamomentthinkofwhatwouldhappentotheirwivesandchildrenwho survivedthem.TheonlythoughtuppermostintheirmindswastoprotectanddefendHussein andhisfamilyandindoingso,toconsidernosacrificetoogreat.

Topersonsacquaintedwiththesenoblesoulsitwouldnotbeamatterofsurprisethatthey weredisplayingsuchunflinchingdeterminationtodiefightingforHussein.WasnotHabib IbneMazahirattachedtoHusseinfromhischildhoodwithaffectionuniqueevenforafriend? InMedina,duringthelifetimeoftheProphet,whenHabibwasachildofabout8yearsand wasplayingwithotherladsofhisage,theProphethadpickedhimupwhilstwalkingby,and hadfondlycaressedthechild.ThecompanionsofMuhammad(SA)whowerewithhimatthat time,weresurprisedatthisbecause,althoughtheyknewhisloveandaffectionforchildren, hispickingupthischildinparticularhadseemedinexplicabletothem.Oneofthemhad venturedtoaskMuhammad(SA)thereasonforthisspecialhandlingofthisboyHabib. Muhammad(SA)withtearsinhiseyes,hadrepliedthathehadseenHabibdevotedly

followinghisHusseinwhereverhewent;hehadseendhimliterallykissingtheground troddenbyHussein.TheProphetaddedthathecouldforeseeadaywhenthisverychild wouldbefriendHusseininamannerwhichwouldmakehisnameimmortal.Surelythiswas theoccasionMuhammad(SA)wasreferringto.Husseinmusthavebeenawareofthis prophecyfor,whenhearrivedinKarbala,thefirstthinghedidwastowritetoHabib,who wasinKufa,informinghimthatheandhiskinsmenhadarrivedinKarbalaandwere surroundedbyYazid’shordes.WhenHabibreceivedhisletter,hewashavingdinnerwithhis wife.Onreadingtheletter,heweptbitterly.Whenhiswifehadaskedhimwhathad happened,hetoldheraboutitscontents.Healsotoldherthat,earlierthatday,whenhehad gonetothemarkettobuyhenna,hehadheardthenewsthattheforcessentbyObeidullah IbneZiad,GovernorofKufa,tomassacreHusseinandhisfamily,hadsurroundedhimfromall sides.Hetoldherthat,onhearingaboutthis,hehadthrownawaythehennawhichhehad purchasedfordyeinghishairanddecidedtherewouldbenoneedforitnowsincehisown blood,flowinginHussein’sdefense,woulddothedyeing.Headdedthat,sincethattime,he wasbroodingoverhowhewouldbreakthisnewstoher.Heofferedtogiveherfreedomand allhehad,ifshesodesired.ThatfaithfulladytoldHusseinthatshewasfeelingproudatthe nobledecisionthathehadtakentolaydownhislifeindefenseofHussein.Sheadded:“A friendinneedisafriendindeed.YouhavebeentakingprideinthefactthatHusaintreatsyou andregardsyouashischildhoodfriend.Hisfaithinyouisborneoutbythefactthat,ofall people,hehaswrittentoyouinhishourofneed.IwishyouGodspeed.”

Habibwaspossessedbyonethought—toreachKarbalaasquicklyaspossiblesothathis reachingthemwasnottoolate.Heaskedhisfaithfulslave,whomhehadtakeninhis confidenceandinformedabouthisplanstotakehishorseoutsidethetownthatverynight andwaitforhimtherethathecouldquietlyridetowardsKarbalawithoutanybodyknowing aboutit.WheninthedeadofthenightHabibreachedthespotwherehisslavewaswaitingfor himwiththehorse,heheardtheslaveimpatientlymuttering:“Iwonderwhathaddelayedmy mastersomuch.Ifhehasbeenarrestedonhiswaytothisplace,orpreventedforciblyfrom cominghere,IshallmyselfrideofftoKarbalaonthishorseandtellHusseinthatmymaster wasnotforgetfulofhisobligations,wasnotobliviousofthedemandsoffaithfulfriendship, butwasforciblypreventedfromcoming.ItwouldbetheacmeofsuccessinlifeformeifI couldfightforHusseinandlaydownmylifeindefendinghim.”Habibblesseshisfaithfulslave forhisnobilityandfreedhimonthespot.LeavingKufa,hereachedKarbalaonthenightof the9thofMuharram,whenHusseinwasdistributingarmsagainstthefewselflesssoulswho wereleftinhiscamp.Hehadkeptasideonesetofarmsandwhensomeofhiscompanions askedhimthereasonfordoingso,hereplied:“Habib,mydearestfriend,issuretocomewhen hehearsaboutmyplight.Thesearmsarekeptforhim.”

InHussein’scamptherewasayounglad,Wahab,whohadjustgotmarriedandwasreturning tohishometownwithhismotherandthenewly‐wedbride.PassingthroughKarbala,they foundacamppitchedononesideandalargearmypoisedagainstthefewinthosetents.On enquiriesWahabcametoknowthatHussein,sonofAliandgrandsonoftheProphet,had beensurroundedonallsidesbyYazid’shordeswhowereinsistingonHusseineitherto acceptYazid’sspiritualleadershiportodieattheirhands.Wahabcarriedthenewstohiswife andmother.ThemotherofWahab,whohadknownHusseinfromhischildhoodandwasan ardentadmirerofAliforhisfearlessbattlesagainstforcesoftyrannyandoppression,knew thatHusseinwouldneveryieldtothesethreatsandbowhisheadinsubmissiontothewillof aprofligatepersonlikeYazid,whohadopenlyfloutedalltheinjunctionsofIslamandwho wastakingprideindefyingandbreakingIslamicprinciples,preceptsandpractices.When Moawiya,thefatherofYazid,wasrulinginDamascusandpropagatinghatredofAliandthe Prophet’sfamily,thiscourageouslady,whowaslivingatthattimeinDamascus,hadbeen openlydenouncingthetyrannyandsacrilegiouspracticesofMoawiya.AswasMoawiya’s practice,hehadtriedtowinoverthisboldladyofinfluencebyofferingherlargesumsof moneyinreturnforheragreeingtostoppraisingAliandacknowledgeallegiancetohim.She hadwithunmitigatedcontempt,spurnedthisoffertoMoawiya’samazementandchagrin.In surpriseMoawiyahadaskedherhowshecouldbesoadamantwhensheknewAliwouldnot giveherevenasimpleDirhamwhereashewasofferingheralargesuminsolidgoldcoins. Withcharacteristicfrankness,sheretortedthatthereasonwhyshepraisedAliand condemnedhimwasthat,whereasAlwasnotusingstatefundsforbriningpeopletohisside, Moawiyawasplacingducksanddrakeswiththefundsofthetreasuryoverwhichhehadno rightandwhichwereheldbyhim,accordingtotheProphet’sruling,intrustforthepeopleof theMuslimstate.Enragedbythis,MoawiyahadexpelledherfromDamascusaftersubjecting hertoinhumanetortures.UndeterredbyallthisshehadcontinuedtopraiseAliandhis family.WhenhersonWahabwasbornlateinherlife,shehadthoughtitherdutytoinculcate inhimloveofAliandhissons.Shewasalwaystellinghimfromhischildhood,dayinandday outthatisanoccasionarose,heshouldnotintheleasthesitatetolaydownhislifeindefense ofAli’ssons.Asifmypremonition,sheknewthat,soonerorlater,therewouldariseaconflict betweentheforcesofevilandoppressionasrepresentedbyMoawiyaandhisprofligateson Yazid,andforcesofrighteousnessandIslamicvirtuesrepresentedbythesonsofAli.When WahabinformedherthatHussein,withafewfaithfulfollowers,wasfacingoverwhelming odds,sheaskedhersontohurrytohisaid.AllthereofthemcametoHusseinandthemother beseechedHusseintoletWahabjoinhisfightagainstYazid’sbattalions.WhenHusseinlearnt thatWahabhadonlygotmarriedonlyacoupleofdaysbefore,heinsistedthathemustleave himandseeksafetywithhiswifeandmother.Thatbravesonofabravemotherwouldnot

howeveragreetothis.“OhImam,”hesaidwithhisheadbowed,“howisitpossibleformeto leaveyouandyourdearonesinthiscondition?IfIleaveyouandgoaway,myconscience wouldeverstingmeforfailingtodomyduty.”HewasabletoconvinceHusseinthathemade uphismindandnothingcouldmakehimchangehisdecision. TherewasinHussein’scampMuslimIbneAusaja,avenerablecompanionoftheProphet.Age hadbenthisbackbutnotdampenedhiszealforthecauseoftruth.HehadseentheProphet fondlykissingHussein.HehadseentheProphetgettingdownfromthepulpitintheMosque atMedinainthemidstofasermonwhenHusseinfelldownbytrippingoverthedate‐leafmat. HehadbeheldtheProphet’sperturbationwhenHussein,duringhischildhood,criedon accountofanypainsufferedbyhim.Hehadbeenwitnesstothesightwhen,onanEidday,the ProphethadgonethroughthestreetsofMedinacarryingHassanandHusseinonhistwo shouldersandutteringthecriesofacamel,topleasethesebelovedchildrenwhowantedto haveacamelride.HehadheardoneoftheProphet’scompanionsexclaiminamazementat thissight:“Whatawonderfulmountthesechildrenhavegot!”andtheProphet’sprompt reply:“Nay,donotsaythat.YoumayrathersaywhatexcellentridersIhavegot.”Thisaged followerofHusseincouldnotevenbearthethoughtofleavingHusseininthishouroftrial, thoughHusseindidhisbesttoconvincehimthatathisageofmorethanfourscoreandten, engaginginbattlewasunthinkable.Thoughagehadphysicallywitheredhim,hisenlightened spiritsustainedhimandaddedtohisunswervingdeterminationtofightforHusseinandshed hisbloodtothelastdrop.

TherewasBurairHamadani,thatbravewarriorwhoseprowessinsinglecombathadbecome legendary.WhenhesawthatAmrSaadandhismenhadmadeuptheirmindtokillHussein andhiskinsmen,hewasitchingtogivethematasteofhissword,whichhadalwaysstruck terrorinhisenemies’hearts.WithdifficultyHusseinwasabletorestrainhimandconvince himthathispurposewasnottoattacktheenemybuttodefendanddielikemartyrs.This bravewarriorhadcalledameetingofthe53otherfollowersofHusseinontheeveofthe tenthofMuharramandurgedthemtoguardHusseinandhispeopleagainstanyambushor surpriseattack.Hehadcautionedthemthattheenemy,whowereknownfortheirstealthy andcraftytactics,mightmakeasurpriseattackduringthenightandkillHusseinand,ifthis happened,duringtheirlifetime,anindeliblestigmawouldattachtoallofthemwhichnothing theycoulddowouldwipeitout.ItwasBurairwho,whilestandingguardoutsideHussein’s tent,overheardthetalkbetweenHusseinandZainab,whenshehadanxiouslyenquiredfrom himwhetherhisfollowers,whowerewithhim,wouldfightforhimorleavehim.Hehad,on hearingthis,calledhisothercompanionsand,withbowedhead,assuredZainabthatthey wouldnotputbacktheswordsintheirscabbardstilldeathcametothem.Itwasthisbrave

Burairwho,duringhisroundsofthecamp,hadheardthecriesofthethirstychildrenfor waterandhadcalledafewofthefriendsofHusseintomakearrangementstobringatleast onebagfullofwatertowetthedrylipsofthechildren.Heandthegallantfewhadmarched towardstheriverbankwithdeterminationtogetwater,costwhatitmight.Whenchallenged bythesoldiersofAmrSaad,whowereguardingtheriverbanks,andbeingaskedastowhohe wasandforwhathehadcome,hehadboldlytoldthemthathewasBurairHamadani, followerofHussein,andhadcometotakewaterfromtherivertoHussein’scampforthe thirstychildrenoftheImam.“Wehavenottheleastobjectiontoyouandyourfriends drinkingasmuchwaterasyouwant,”theyhadreplied,“butwecannotallowyoutotakea dropofwaterforHussein’schildren.”Howinfuriatedhegotatthisreplyandshoutedbackat them:“Oheartlessbrutes,youhavenoconsiderationforthehelplesschildrenofHussein whomthirstiskillingbyinches?Solongastheseinnocentchildrendonotgetwater,itis unthinkableforanyofustotasteevenadropofit.”Whentheymockinglyrejectedhis request,hehadadded:fullofrageandfullofgrief,“Ifthatisyourfinalreply,bereadytofight us,forweshallnotgobackwithoutwater,whatevertheconsequences.”Withwhatbravery heandahandfuloffriendshadfoughtanddispersedtheregimentthatwasguardingthe river,andwithwhatsatisfactionhehadfilledthebagwithwaterandhurriedtowardsthe camp,fightingofftheonslaughtsofsoldierswhohadscurriedtheretopreventwaterbeing carriedtothechildren!Howwithprideandsatisfactionhehadplacedthebagofwateratthe feetofthethirstychildrenwhohadclusteredroundthewater‐bagwithshoutsofjoyand thrownthemselvesonit!Withwhatdismayanddejectionhehadseenthetiedendofthebag openingunderthecrushofthethirstychildrenandwaterflowingoutonthedrysoil,andthe childrencryingwithdisappointmentandrubbingtheirbodiesonthewetsand!Movedto tearsatthisheartrendingsight,howhehadexclaimedinutterdespondency:“Alas,Burair’s effortshavegoneinvainandthethirstoftheseinnocentshasremainedunquenched!”

Hussein’sdepletedarmy,ifitispermissibletogivethatnomenclaturetothathandfulof warriors,hadaneleventhhouraddition.ItwasHur,thesonofYazideRiyahi,whohadcome overtoHussein’ssideontheeveofthebattleofKarbala.Thisbravewarriorwhocommanded abattalioninthearmyofAmrSaad,hadhisfirstencounterwithHusseinonhiswayto Karbala.Hur’sforceshadexhaustedtheirwatersupplywhistproceedingtomeetHusseinand hismenwiththeintentionofpreventinghimfromproceedingtowardsKufaandbrininghim totheplainofKarbala.Hismenandhorsesweresothirstythattheirtongueswerelolling fromtheirmouths.WhenHusseinsawtheconditionofHur’smen,heofferedtothemthe water,whichhewascarryingwithhim.HusseinandAbbaspersonallysupervisedthis operationandnotonlygavetoHur’smenallthewatertheyneededbutalsoallowedtheir horsestodrinktheirfill.Afterthis,HurhadaskedHusseintoproceedtowardstheplainof

Karbala.InspiteofHussein’sprotestations,hehadremainedadamant.Hussein,knowingthat thisbravesoldierwasactingaccordingtohissuperior’sinstructions,withoutrealizingthe consequencesofhisactions,agreedtodiverthisroute.

WhenHurcutoffHussein’srouteandforcedhimtoproceedtoKarbala,hewasunderthe beliefthatapeacefulsolutioncouldbefoundinthecourseofnegotiationswithAmrSaad. LittledidherealizethatthearmyofSyriawoulddaretospillthebloodoftheProphet’s grandsonandhisbelovedones.Onlyonthenightofthe9thofMuharram,whenan announcementwasmadebyAmrSaadandShimrthatonthenextdaynoquarterwouldbe giventoHusseinandhismen,herealizedwhatagreatmistakehehadmadeinforcing HusseintocometoKarbalaagainsthiswill.Hewasovercomebyrepentance.Contritionwas gnawingathisheart.HerealizedthatHusseinhadnothingbutpeacefulintentionsandhad thatnotbeenthecase,hecouldhaveeasilydefeatedhimwhenhehadinterceptedHussein’s menevenaftergivingwatertohismenandbeasts.HehadhimselfpleadedwithAmrSaadto makewateravailabletoHusseinandhiskinsmenandthirstychildren,narratingtheincident ofHusseinprovidingwatertohismenwhentheywereonthevergeofcollapseonaccountof thirst,aggravatedbytheheatofthedesert.Butallhispleadingsandpersuasionshadbeenin vain.Whateverhehadurged,hadfallenondeathears.

Hurwaspacingthefloorofhistentlikeacagedlion.Repentancewaseatinguptheheartof thisgallantsoldierattherealizationthathewasinstrumentalinplacingthisdangerousstate Hussein,whomhehadinhisheartofheartsalwaysadmiredandrespected.Hewasshaking withragelikeatwiginafieldfacingagustofwind.Hewasnowconsciousofthefactthatthe leasthecoulddowastogoovertoHusseinandoffertodieindefendinghimbeforeanyofhis otherfriendsandfollowers.Oneofhiscolleagues,whosawhiminthisagitatedstatewhile peepingintohistent,askedhimwithgreatsurprise:“WellHur,Iknowthatmostofthe soldiersandofficersinourcamparetremblingintheirshoesatthethoughtoffighting againstthebravesonsandgrandsonsofAlitomorrow.ButIthoughtyouwouldbean exceptionandwouldnotbefrightenedbythethoughtofmeetingyourdeathonthe battlefield.”Herepliedwithdisdaininhisvoice:“I’mnotafraidoffacingdeath,butIshudder tothinkwhatperditionIshallhavetofaceonthedayofResurrectionifIfightagainstthe grandsonoftheProphetwhowasmybenefactorwhenmymenandIwereathismercyand wereoverpoweredbythirst.WhatanswerwillIbeabletogivetomyMakerontheDayof JudgmentwhenHewillaskmewhyIhadbetrayedmyownbenefactor?”

ItdidnottakeHurverylongtoresolvethismentalconflict.Itwasnotadifficultchoicefor him—eithertochoosetheworldlygains,thefishesandloavesofoffice,powerandpelfwhich

hewouldgetinplentybyremaininginYazid’sarmy,ortoacceptcertaindeathwhichawaited himincasehewentovertoHussein’scamp.Itwasachoicebetweenhellandheavenandhe unhesingtatedlychosethelatterwithoutanymentalreservations.Herevealedhisintentions tohissonandfaithfulslave.Bothofthemwhole‐heartedlyagreedwithhischoiceanddecided tocrossovertoHussein’ssideregardlessoftheconsequences.Allthreeofthemmounted theirhorsesandrodeoff.BeforereachingtheoutskirtsofHussein’scamp,thedismounted fromtheirhorses.TheywerehearingahumofprayersfromthetentsofHussein’sfollowers andfrequentcriesofthirstychildren.HurfeltthathewasresponsibleforbringingHussein andhisfamilytothisstateandwhateverhedid,couldnotremovethestigmathatwould foreverattachtohimfortherolehehadplayedinbringingHusseintoKarbala.Hehadasked hissontotieuphishandssothathecouldsurrenderhimselftoHusseinandabjectlyaskfor hisforgiveness.

Seeingallthreeofthemapproachtheircamp,HusseinandAbscameforward.Hurfelldown onhiskneesandbeggedHusseintoforgivehimforwhathehaddone.“HadIknownthatmy actiononthatdaywouldcometosuchapass,”hesaid,“Iwouldneverhavesoobstinately insistedonyourchangingyourroute.”Withtearsinhiseyesheentreated:“OhHussein,my master,Iconsidermycrimeheinousandunpardonable.TheleastIcandonoislaydownmy lifefirst,beforeanyonefromamongstyouiskilled.Ihavebroughtmysonwithmetodiein defendingyoursons.Ithrowmyselfonyourmercyandimploreyoutoforgivemeas,without pourpardon,Icanneverredeemmysoul.”

HusseinwasdeeplymovedbyHur’swords.Advancingtowardshim,heembracedhimwith cordialitypeculiartohimandsaid:“Hur,mynoblefriend.Idonotintheleastblameyoufor whatyouhavedone.Thestrengthofcharacteryouhavedisplayedbyspurringallworldly gainsandallthetemptingallurementsofthisworldlylifewhichwouldhavecometoyouhad youremainedontheotherside,hasaddedinchestoyourmoralstature.Ifthereisatall anythingtobeforgiven,Ihavealreadyforgivenyou.Nay,Iconsideryoutobemyhonored guest.MyregretisthatIcannotdoanythingforyouatthistimewhen,contrarytohaving meansofentertainingyou,wedonotevenhaveamorseloffoodoradropofwatertooffer you.”

Hurwasrenderedspeechlessatthisdisplayofgenerosity.Hehadheardsomuchofthe forgivenessandothernobletraitsinthecharacterofthegrandsonsoftheProphetbuthewas surprisedthat,withoutawordofreproach,withouttheleastcastigation,withouttheleast bitternessorrancour,Husseinhadwelcomedhimwithopenarms.

Likemothshoveringroundacandle,Hussein’scompanionsandkinsmensurroundedhim throughoutthenight.Itwasasleeplessnightforthem,everyminutewhichwasspentinthe remembranceoftheCreatororinexhortingoneanothertoseethatnoharmcametoHussein solongasanyoneofthemwerealive.Withthebreakingofdawn,AliAkbargavethecallfor morningprayers.Astheyweremakingpreparationsfortheirprayers,avolleyofarrows greetedthemfromtheenemy’sside.AmrSaadwasthefirsttofireanarrowinHussein’s direction,aftercallinghismentobearwitnesstothisactbeforeYazid.Blindedbythelureof rewards,hebeganthedaywithadespicabledeedwhichwastocondemnhimandhisname tilleternity.

Seeingthehostileactionsoftheenemy,Hussein’sfriendsandcompanionsheldhasty consultationsanddecidedthatafewofthemshouldstandroundHusseinwhiletherestofthe congregationengagedinprayers,sothatnoharmwasdonetothembytheenemy’sarrows. StandingasshieldsinfrontoftheImam,thesebravesoldiersweremovingsidetosidenotto dodgethearrows,butreceivethemontheirbodiestoprotectthoseengagedinprayers. Whentheprayerswereoverabout23ofHussein’ssoldierswereseriouslywounded.

Withtherisingofthesun,theenemystartedbeatingbattle‐drums.Abovethedinofthe battle‐drumsrosethecriesofenemysoldierschallengingHusseintosendhismenfor combatswiththem.Hurwasadamantlyinsistingthatheandhissonandslave,whomhe lovedasmuchashisson,shouldbeallowedtogofirst.Perhapshehadatthebackofhismind theideathatthebattalionof1,000,whichhehadcommandedinAmrSaad’sarmy,couldbe movedbyhisappealonHussein’sbehalf,andifhesucceededinmakingthemwaver,the otherstomightfollowsuit.Hehadsomerayofhopethathemightbeabletosavethedayand undowhathehaddonebybringingHusseintoKarbala.

MountinghishorseandgettingpermissionfromHussein,Hurrodeoutwithhissonandslave. PausingbeforethearmyofYazid,hedeliveredaharanguefullofeloquenceandpersuasion. Hetoldtheenemysoldiersthatonlytillthepreviousnighthewaswiththembutwhenthe realizationofwhathewasdoinghaddawnedonhim,hehaddecidedtogoovertothesideof truthandjusticerepresentedbyHussein.Hetoldthemthatatthetimehefeltasifhewas poisedonthetopofahugeridgeoffate,ononesideofwhichlayheavenandontheother hell;thathehadmadethechoicerealizingthatthisworldwastransitoryandallthatit offeredwasephemeral.Heeloquentlyurgedthemtorealizethatallthebewitchingthingsand adornmentswhichlifeofferedthemwerelikeapplesofSodom,goodtolookatbutgallworm‐ woodtothetaste.HequotedtothemversesfromtheQurantotheeffectthatkillingofan innocentcamelofaProphetofyorehadbroughtdownthewrathofGod.Heaskedthemto

reflectonwhatthekillingofthegrandsonoftheProphetofIslam,whomhehadadoredand lovedsomuch,wouldbringdownonthem.Hiswordscastamagneticspellontheforcewhich wereerstwhileunderhiscommand.ShimrrealizedthatallwouldbelostifHurwasallowed tospeakfurthertothearmyunderhiscommand.HewhisperedtoAmrSaadtoorderhismen toattackHur,hissonandslavewithoutmeetingtheminasinglecombat,thoughsuchanact wascontrarytotheacceptedrulesofbattlesinthosedays.AmrSaadatonceorderedhis armytolaunchamassattackonthethreeofthemandpromisedfabulousrewardstothose whosucceededinkillingthem.ThecupidityofthosehirelingsofYazidwasarousedand, forgettingeverything,theyfelluponHur,hissonandslave,allthreeofthemwhomwielded theirswordsindefense.Suchwastheirskillwiththeswordthat,thoughhopelessly outnumbered,theykilledenemysoldiersbydozens.Hurrushedthroughtheenemyranks, dexterouslyusinghissword.Verysoontheoddsbegantotellagainstallthreeofthem.First tofallwasHur’ssonandthenhisslave.Hurhadadvancedaconsiderabledistancefightingthe foesonbothsidesofhim.Exhaustedwiththeflowofbloodfromadeepheadwound,he becamegiddyandfelloverfromhishorse.Evenatthatmomenthehadadesiretohearfrom Hussein’slipsonceagainthathehadforgivenhim.Musteringallhisstrengthheshoutedfor Husseinbeforehestruckthegroundandbecameunconscious.

OnhearingHur’scryHusseinandAbbasrushedoutfromthecamp,swordsinhand.Piercing theenemyranks,theyreachedtheplacewhereHurwaslying.Husseinliftedhisheadandput itinhislap.Hecleansedthebloodandtiedhiskerchief,whichhadbeenwovenbyhismother Fatimawithherownhands,asabandageforthewound.Huropenedhiseyesandlooked straightintoHussein’seyes.Thoughhewasspeechless,hiseyesconveyedtoHusseinhis message.HusseinunderstoodandaffectionatelyputhishandonHur’sheadexclaiming:“May Godblessyouforthenobleroleyouhaveplayedtodayinbefriendingme.”Hearingthese wordsHurbreathedhislastwithhisheadstillrestinginHussein’slap.HusseinandAbbas liftedthedeadbodyandcarriedittothecamp.

AfterHurcamethedevotedturnoftheotherdevotedfriendsofHussein.Eachofthemwas vyingwiththeotherstosacrificehislifefirst.Eachseemedtobeburningwiththedesireto dieindefendingHusseinandhisbelovedones.HabibIbneMazahir,MuslimIbneAusaja, BurairHamadani,ZohairIbneKain,Jawnandotherswentouttofightagainsttremendous odds,flooredmanywarriorsinsinglecombats,andfellfightingbravelyagainsttheattackofa hostofenemies.EachofthemcalledHusseinastheyfellfromhorseback:“Mymaster,I conveytoyoumylastsalutations.”OneachoccasionHussein,withAbbas,Akbar,andhis otherfollowersandfriends,rushedouttobeatthesideofhisdyingfriend.Hisfriendswould asktheirdyingbrethrenwhethertheyhadanylastwishtoconvey.Theinvariablereplywas:

“Yes,solongasfamily.”Thoseofthemwhowererenderedspeechlesswouldjustpoint towardsHusseinandbysignsconveytotheothersthattheirlastwishwasthatallthe companionsshouldfighttothebitterendindefenseofHusseinsothatatleast,solongasthey werealive,noenemycoulddaretoinflictanywoundsonhim.

TherewasaregularprocessionofdeadbodiescomingtothemorguesinHussein’scamp. FromearlyinthemorningHusseinwasliftingthebodiesofthemartyrs,hisfaithfuldefenders andcarryingthemtohiscampassistedbyAbbas,AliAkbarandtheothers.Hewasinsisting ondoingthishimselfbecauseheconsideredthistobetheleasthecoulddoforthosenoble soulswhohaddisplayedloveanddevotionforhiminthesemosttryingcircumstancesthe likeofwhichtheworldhadnotwitnessed.InthiswayhecarriedthebodiesofMuslimIbne Ausaja,ZoheirIbneKain,BurairHamadani,Jawn,HabibIbneMazahir,andtherest.Hewept copiouslyovertheirdeadbodies,rememberingtheirloveandaffectionforhim,theirdeep devotionandtheirspiritofsacrifice.Thedeathofeachfaithfulfriendwasprovingacrippling blowforHussein.ThesebravesoldiersdidnothavetheirfamilieswiththeminKarbala.Who couldmourntheirdeath;butHussein’ssistersanddaughtersandtheladiesofhishousewere mourningtheirdeathasiftheyweretheirownbrothersandsons.

WahabIbneAbdullahKalabi,theyoungnewlymarriedwarriorwhohadjoinedHussein’s camp,wasthelasttogo.EverytimehewascomingtoHusseinandbegginghimfor permissiontogotothebattleplaneanddiefighting,butHusseinwasholdinghimback.When allofHussein’sfaithfulfriendswereexhausted,thisyoungmanfellatHussein’sfeetand entreatedhimtolethimgo.Husseintoldhimthat,sincehehadhismotherandnewlywed wifewithhim,heshouldsecuretheirpermissionbecauseheowedadutytothem.The motherofWahab,whowasnearby,heardthisandtoldtheImamthatsincethemorningshe hadbeeninsistinguponhersontofightindefenseofHusseinbeforealltheothers.“Ihave nourishedhimwithmymilkinhischildhood,”shesaid,“andIshallconsiderhimmysononly ifhediesdefendingyouastheothershavedone.”AccordingtoHussein’sbiddingWahab wenttohisbridetoseekpermission.Withtearsinhereyesshesaidtohim:“Itisyourfirst andforemostobligationtodefendtheProphet’sgrandsonandhisfamilyevenatthecostof yourlife.Ihopetomeetyouinheaven.Iexpectyoutomeetmeatthethresholdofheavenand topraythatourmeetingtheremaynotbelongdelayed.”Afterashortsilencesheadded reflectively,“IknowthattheenemywillnotspareasinglemalememberofHussein’sfamily andtheywillmakeuswomencaptives.Itisverylikelythattheywillshowsomerespectto theladiesofHussein’sfamilyoutofregardfortheProphet;buttheymaynotshowthesame considerationtomeandyourmother.IonlywantyoutorequestfromtheImamthathemay leaveuswiththeladiesofhisfamilysothatwemaybetreatedwiththerespectthatwillbe

accordedtothem.”HusseinassuredWahabthathiswifeandmotherwouldbelookedafterby ZainabandKulsumandtheotherladiesofhishouse.LittledidWahab’swiferealizethatthe heartlesssoldiersofYazidwouldtreattheladiesoftheProphet’shouseworsethanordinary captivesandslaves.Wahabwentouttothebattlefieldanddiedfightinggallantlyliketherest ofhiscompanions.

Historyisrepletewithinstanceswherebravepersonshaverisentogreatheightsfightingfor noblecauses:whereoutofloveandaffection,orsenseofdutyanddevotion,peoplehave enduredhardshipandsufferingsanddiedindefenseofideasthey’vecherished.Butnever beforeorafterhavedeedsofsuchselflessdevotionandselfabnegationbeenwitnessedasin Karbalaonthatmemorableday.HowtrulyHurhadspokentothearmyofYazidthatinthis transitoryworldnothingenduresforeveranddeathistheinevitablegoalofeverylivingsoul. ThehirelingsofYazid,whoforthesakeofworldlygainsshedthebloodofinnocentmartyrs, arealldeadandforgotten,andnotastonetellswheretheylie.Thenamesofthosewho playedaleadingroleinconductingthecarnageonthatday,arerememberedwithfeelingsof contemptanddisgust.Theremembranceoftheirdastardlydeedsevokesfeelingsofdevotion. OntheotherhandwhatthefriendsandfollowersofHusseindidinthebattleofKarbalahas madeheirnamesimmortal.Theirheroicdeedsarerecalledandnarratedeveryyearduring themonthofMuharramthroughoutthelengthandbreathofIslamiccountriesand communities.EvenindeaththeylieburiedaroundHusseinandhissons.HabibIbne Mazahir’sgraveintheentrance‐hallofHussein’smausoleumconveystheimpressionthat, evenindeath,thisfaithfulfriendofHusseinisservingthedutiesofasentinelashedidonthe eveofthebattleofKarbala.Eachofthemhadlivedanoblelifeanddiedanobledeath.

Chapter3.Akbar–TheHashemiteprince ThewholetownofMedinawashummingwithactivity.Peoplefromallpartsofthetownwere lookingintothestreetoftheHashimiteswhereacaravanwasgettingreadyforajourney.The eldersofthetownweretalkingtoeachotherinhushedtones,recallingthewordsofthe Prophet,thatadaywilldawnwhenhisbelovedgrandsonHusainwouldleaveMedinawith hissons,brothers,nephewsandkinsmen‐nevertoreturn.Therewassadnessonthefacesof all,youngandold.TheelderlypeoplewereaghastatthethoughtofHusaingoingaway forever.Theywereaccustomedtoturningtohiminalltheirneeds.TheyouthsofMedina weresaddenedbythethoughtofAbbasandAliAkbarandQasimgoingawayforgood.Their anxiousenquiriescouldonlyelicitthismuchinformationthatHusainwithhiskinsmenand children,wasgoingforHajjandfromtheretoanunknowndestination.

ThoughtsofpartingweretormentingnotonlythemalepopulationofMedinabutalsothe womenfolkofthetown.Theytoowereaccustomedtothemunificenceoftheladiesofthe Prophet’shouse.Whowasthereamongstthemwhohadnotreceivedhelpandcounselfrom thedaughtersofFatima?Whowouldbeleftnowtowhomtheycouldturnintheirhourof need,whenZainabandKulsum,UmmeRubabandUmmeLailahaldleftMedina?Hadnot timesoutofnumbertheirchildrenreceivedgiftsandfavorsfromSakinaandRokayya?

Aswastheirwont,thepeopleofMedina,menandwomen,youngandold,hadgonetothe tomboftheProphettoprayandseeksolace‐topraytoGodwiththeinvocationsofHis ProphetthattheymightbesparedtheordealofseparationfromHusainandhisfamily.There atthetomboftheProphettheywitnessedaheart‐rendingscene.TheysawHusainandZainab prostratewithgriefandsorrow,biddingfarewelltotheProphet.Theysawbothofthem visitingthegraveofFatimaandlamentingovertheseparationasiftheywerepartingforever.

ItwasrumoredthatHusainwasleavingMedinatoarrangethemarriageofhissonAliAkber withsomeprincess,someladyofanoblestockinsomedistantland.Couldthisrumorbe correct?TheyallknewthattherewasnotayoungladofmarriageableageinArabiawho couldbesaidtobefittoholdacandlebeforehim.Hishandsomelookswerematchedbyhis handsomedeeds.Hisnobilityofcharacter,hissenseofduty,hisgenerosity,hischivalry,his geniality,hisloveofjusticeandfairplayhadendearedhimtoeverysoul.Itwasawell‐known factamongtheArabsthroughoutHedjazthatAliAkbarwasbearingaremarkable resemblancetotheHolyProphet.Inlooks,invoice,inmannerism,ingaitandineveryway,he resembledtheProphet.Theresemblancewassomarkedthatpeoplefromfarandwidewere comingtoseehim,toberemindedoftheProphetwhomtheyweremissingsomuch.Those

whohadnothadthegoodfortunetoseetheProphetweretoldbytheireldersthatAliAkbar wastheveryimageofMuhammad,mayPeaceofAllahbeonHim.Therecould,therefore,be noroomfordoubtthatthenoblestfamiliesofArabiacouldconsideritasignalofhonorifthis scionoftheProphet’sfamilyweretoasktheirdaughterinmarriage.Butthen,ifHusainand hisfamilywereleavingMedinaforAliAkbar’smarriage,theywouldnotbesecretiveaboutit. TheProphet’sgrandsonwouldinthatcasehavegivenoutthegoodtidingstothepublic. Therewasnotalivingbeinginthattownwhoseheartwouldnothavebeenfilledwithjoyto hearaboutthebetrothalofAliAkbar.AndifmarriageofAliAkbarwasthepurpose,surely HusainwouldnotchoosethisseasonwhenoutsidetheoasisofMedina,thescorchingheatof summerwasbakingthedesertsands!

Afterlongdiscussions,byaconsensusofopinion,itwasdecidedtoapproachHusainina delegationandtodissuadehimfromundertakingthejourney.Someofthevenerable companionsoftheProphetundertooktoappriseHusainoftheirforebodingsandtheir recollectionofhisgrandfather’sprophesythat,ifHusainmigratedfromMedinawithhis family,hewouldnotreturn.

Thecaravanwasalmostreadytodepart.Thehorseswereneighingwithimpatienceand champingtheirbitsintheoppressiveheatoftheday.Husainwasstandingnearhishorse intentlywatchingthearrangementsbeingmadebyAbbasandAliAkbar.Hewasreflectively followingtheirmovementsastheywerehelpingeachladyandeachchildtomountthe camels,astheywerelendingahelpinghandtotheladieswithtendercareandaffection;as theladiesweregraciouslyandprofuselythankingthemfortheexcellentarrangementsthey hadmadefortheircomfortandforprotectingthemfromtheunbearableheatbyholdingtheir owngownsovertheirheadsasacanopy.ThissighthadsomeinexplicableeffectonHusain, forhiseyeswereglitteringwithtears.Thesolicitudedisplayedbyhisbrotherandsonforthe ladiesandchildrenshouldhavefilledhimwithhappiness;but,insteadtheeffectonhimwas justtheopposite.Washebeholdingtheshadowsofsomecomingevents?

AtthismomentcametherepresentativesofthepeopleofMedina.Withonevoice,they entreatedHusaintoabandontheideaofundertakingthisjourney.Theirleader,with supplicationinhisfalteringvoice,besoughtHusaintotellthemwhyhehaddecidedtoleave themandtheProphet’stombforwhichhehadsomuchattachment.“OSonoftheProphet,if wehavedispleasedyouinanyway,pleaseforgiveus.”Atthisdisplayofloveandaffection, Husainwasmovedtotears.Suppressinghissobs,hereplied,“Mydearbrethren,believeme thatmyheartisbleedingatthisparting‐partingfromyouandfromthegravesofmybeloved grandfather,mydearestmotherandmybrother,whomIhelddearerthanmylife.Haditnot

beenforthecallofduty,IassureyouIwouldhaveabandonedtheideaofleavingMedina.It grievesmemostthatIcannotforoncegrantyouyourwisheswhenyoualllovemesodearly. ButAlmightyAllahhassowilleditandinHisdivinedispensationordainedthatIshould undertakethisjourney.Iknowwhathardshipsawaitme;buttheProphethasgroomedme frommychildhoodtofacethem.”

SeeingthatthehandofdestinywassnatchingawayHusainfromthem,theyconferred amongstthemselvesandsuggestedthat,ifhisdecisiontogofromMedinawasfinal,heshould takewithhimalltheable‐bodiedpersonsofthetownsothattheycouldprotecthimandhis people.Theyremindedhimofthetreacherythatwaspervadingtheatmosphereinthe adjoiningregions.Husain,obviouslymovedbytheirsincereconsiderationforhissafety, thankedthemprofusely.Buthetoldthemthat,inaccordancewiththewishesoftheProphet, hehadtofulfillthemissionofhislifeonlywiththosewhoweredestinedtobeassociated withhiminthetaskconfrontinghim.

WhentheyreceivedthisreplytotheirentreatiesfromHusain,therepresentativeofthe MedinitesrequestedHusaintograntthemonewish‐toleaveAliAkbarbehindhiminMedina. “OhHusain,”theyasked,“WecannotbearthethoughtofpartingwithyoursonAliAkbar.He istheveryimageoftheProphet.Wheneverwefeelovercomebytheremembranceof Muhammad,wegotoAliAkbartolookathimandtakecomfort.Weshalllookafterhim betterthanwelookafterourownsons.Wepromisethatweshalltreathiseverywishasa command.Infairweatherandfoul,weshallstandbyhim.Evenifwedie,weshallcommand ourchildrenasourdyingwishtoattendtoallhiscomfortsandneeds.Hisexemplarylifehas beenanobjectlessonforoursonswhoaredevotedtohimasifheweretheirbrother.”These pleading,whichhadaringofsincerityandearnestness,renderedHusainquitespeechlessfor atime.HowcouldhetellthemwhatwasinstoreforAliAkbarwhotheylovedandadoredso much?Whenhissadreflectionshadsubsided,herepliedtotheminatonetingedwithpathos, “Alas,IonlywishIcouldentrustAliAkbartoyourcare!Inmymission,hehastoplayarole, theimportanceofwhichIcannotrevealtoyou;butrestassuredthatIshallalwaysremember yourkindnesstome.Ishallcarrywithmevividmemoriesofhispartingandrememberyouin myprayers.”

Whentheheavenswereglowingwiththelastraysofday,thecaravanleftonitslong‐drawn journeytotheunknowndestination.SoondarknessdescendeduponMedinaasifsymbolicof thedarknessandgloom,whichthedepartureofHusainhadcast,onthetown,associatedwith amyriadmemoriesofthischildhood.

Meanderingthroughthedesert,thecaravanhadreacheditsdestination‐adestinationthat Allahhadwilledforit.ThemarchofHusainandhiskinsmeninthisworldhadended;butit wasjustthebeginningoftheirmarchtowardstheirgoal.Withthedawnofthe10thdayofthe monthofMuharramtheevents,forwhichtheProphetandAliandFatimahadprepared Husain,startedunfoldingthemselves.Whatadayitwasandwhatfatefuleventsit encompassed!

OnebyonethefaithfulfollowerswentouttofightforthecauseofIslam,whichforcedofevil wereattemptingtostifle,andintheprocessfaceddeath.Intheirgloriousdeathsthey demonstratedwhatsteadfastnessandunflinchingfaith,whatcourageofconvictioncan achieveandattainagainstallodds.Withhisdevotedsupportersnowsleepingthesweet slumberofdeathfromwhichnothingcouldawakenthem,theturnofHusain’ssonsand brothersandnephewscame.InspiteofHusain’sbesteffortstosendhissonAliAkbartothe battlefieldbeforeallhisdevotedfriendsandfaithfulfollowers,theywouldnotevenlethim mentionit.ThethoughtofAliAkbar,Husain’sbelovedson,layingdownhislifeinbattle,when theywerestillalive,wastoomuchforthem.Itwouldbeblasphemousforthemevento entertainsuchidea! AliAkbarwentovertohisfathertoaskhispermissiontogooutintothatgoryarenafrom whichnopersonfromhiscamphadreturned.Husainlookedathisface;itwouldbemore correcttosaythatforacoupleofminuteshisstarewasfixedonthatfacewhichhelovedso much;whichremindedhimeverytimeofhisgrandfatherwhomheresembledeveryinch.He triedtosaysomethingbuthisvoicefailedhim.Withconsiderableefforthewhisperedwith downcasteyes:"Akbar,Iwishyouhadbecomeafather;thenyouwouldhaveknownwhatI amexperiencingatthismoment.Myson,howcanafatheraskhissontogo,whenheknows thatthepartingwouldbeforever!ButAkbar,thecallofdutymakesmehelplessinthis matter.Gotoyourmother,andtoyourauntZainabwhohasbroughtyouupfromchildhood andlovedyouandcaredforyoumorethanforherownsons,andseektheirpermission."

AliAkbarenteredthetentofhisauntZainab.HefoundherandhismotherUmmeLailagazing vacantlytowardsthebattlefieldandlisteningintentlytothebattle‐criesoftheenemyhordes. Theirinstinctmadethemawarethat,nowthatallthedevotedfollowersofHusainhadlaid downtheirdearlivesdefendinghimandthem,theturnofhissons,andbrothersand nephewshadcome.Itwasnowonlyaquestionoftime.Itwasonlyaquestionwhowouldgo firstfromamongstthem.

ThelightfootstepsofAliAkbarrousedbothofthemfromtheirreverie.Bothofthemfixed

theirgazeonhimwithoututteringaword.Zainabbrokethesilencewithanexclamation:"Oh God,canitbetruethatAkbarhascometobidmeandhismotherthelastfarewellAkbardo notsaythatyouarereadyforthelastjourney.SolongasmysonsAunandMuhammadare there,itisimpossibleformetoletyougo."

AkbarknewwhatloveandaffectionhisauntZainabhadforhim.Hewasconsciousofthe pangsofsorrowshewasexperiencingatthatmoment.Heraffectionforhimtranscended everythingexceptherloveforHusain.Helookedatherface,andathismother'swhowas renderedspeechlessbyhersurgingfeelingsofanguish.Heknewnothowtotellthemthathe hadpreparedhimselfforthejourneytoHeaventhatlayahead.Hesummonedtohisaidhis mostcoaxingmannersthathadalwaysmadehismotherandZainabaccedetohisrequests andsaid:"Myaunt,forallmyfather'skinsmentheinevitablehourhascome.Iimploreyou,by theloveyoubearforyourbrother,toletmegosothatitmaynotbesaidthathesparedme tillallhisbrothersandnephewswerekilled.Abbas,myuncle,isCommanderofourarmy.The othersareallyoungerthanme.Whendeathisacertainty,letmediefirstsothatIcanquench mythirstattheheavenlyspringofKausaratthehandsofmygrandfather."Theearnestness ofAkbar'stoneconvincedZainabandhismotherthathewasdeterminedtogo.Itseemedto behislastwishtolaydownhislifebeforeallhiskinsmen.Sinceonnootheroccasionthey haddeniedhimhiswishes,itseemedsodifficulttosaynotohislastdesire.Withagasp Zainabcouldonlysay,"Akbar,mychild,ifthecallofdeathhascometoyou,go."Hismother couldonlysay:"MayGodbewithyou,myson.WithyouIamlosingallIhadandcaredforin thisworld.Yourfatherhastoldmewhatdestinyhasinstoreforme.Afteryou,forme pleasureandpainwillhavenodifference."WiththesewordsshefellunconsciousinAli Akbar'sarms.

Thebattle‐cryfromtheenemy'srankswasbecominglouderandlouder.AliAkbarknewthat hehadtogooutquicklylesttheenemy,seeingthattheirchallengesforcombatwere remainingunanswered,gotemboldenedtomakeaconcertedattackonhisfather'scamp. Evensuchathoughtwasunbearableforhim.Solongashewasalive,howcouldhepermitthe onslaughtofYazid'sforcesonhiscampwherehelplesswomenanddefenselesschildrenwere lyinghuddledtogether?HegentlyputhismotherinhisauntZainab'sarmssaying:"Zainab, myaunt,Iamleavingmymothertoyourcare.Iknow,fromyourchildhood,yourmotherBibi Fatimahaspreparedyouforthesoul‐stirringeventsoftodayandwhatistocomehereafter. Mymotherwillnotbeabletobeartheblowsandcalamitiesthataretobefallher,unlessyou lendheryourcourage.Iimploreyoubytheinfiniteloveyoubearformetoshowthefortitude thatyouarecapableof,sothatyourpatiencemaysustainmymotherwhensheseesmydead bodybroughtintothecamp'smorgue.Ientrusthertoyourcarebecausetherewillbenoneto

solaceherandlookafterherintheyearsofdismayanddespondencythatlieaheadofher." AliAkbarembracedhislovingauntZainabwithtenderloveandaffectionforthelasttime.she exclaimed:"Akbar,go.Mychild,IentrustyoutoGod,ToeaseyourlastmomentsIpromise youthat,solongasIlive,IshallafterUmmeLailawiththeaffectionofamother."

WithaheavyheartAliAkbarreturnedtohisfather.Therewasnoneedforhimtosaythathe hadbidfarewelltohismotherandauntZainab,forthesorrowdepictedonhisfacespoke volumestoHusain.SilentlyheroseandputtheProphet'sturbanonAkbar'shead,tiedthe scabbardonhiswaistandimprintedakissonhisforehead.Inafailing,falteringvoicehe muttered:"GoAkbar,Godistheretohelpyou."

TreadingheavilyAkbarcameoutofthetentwithHusainfollowingcloselybehindhim.He wasabouttomounthishorsewhenhefeltsomebodytuggingathisrobe.Hecouldhardlysee, becausehiseyeswerealmostblindedwithtears.HeheardthevoiceofhisyoungasterSakina supplicatinghimnottoleaveher."Omybrother,"shewassaying,"donogotothe battlegroundfromwhichnobodyhasreturnedalivesincethismornings."SoftlyAkbarlifted her,gentlyandaffectionatelykissedheronherfaceandputherdown.Hisgriefwastoodeep forwords.HusainunderstoodthedepthofAkbar'sfeelingsandpickedupSakinatoconsole her.

ThesceneofAliAkbar'smarchtowardsthebattlefieldwassuchaswoulddefydescription. ThecriesofladiesandchildrenofHusain'scampwererisingabovethedinofbattle‐criesand beatingofenemydrums.Itwasappearingasifadeadbodyofanonlyson,deadintheprime ofyouth,wasbeingtakenoutofahouseforthelastrites.

AliAkbarwasnowfacingtheenemyhordes.HewasaddressingtheforcesofAmrIbneSaad withaneloquencewhichhehadinheritedfromhisGrandfatherandtheProphet.Hewas tellingthemthatHusain,hisfather,haddonethemnoharmandhaddevotedhislifetothe causeofIslam.HewasexplainingtothemthatbysheddingthebloodofHusainandhis kinsmen.TheywouldbeincurringthewrathofGodanddispleasureoftheProphetwhohad lovedHusainmorethananyotherperson.Hewasexhortingthemnottosmeartheirhands withthebloodofapersonsoholy,soGod‐fearingandsorighteous.Hiswordscastaspellon thearmyoftheopponents.Theolderonesfromamongstthemwereblinkingtheireyesin amazementandwonderingwhethertheProphethaddescendedfromtheHeavenstowarn themagainstthesheddingofHusain'sblood.WhataresemblancetherewaswiththeProphet, inface,featuresandevenmannerism!EventhevoicewasofMuhammad!Butonsecond thoughts,theyrealizedthatthiswasAliAkbar,the18yearoldsonofHusain,aboutwhose

closeresemblancewiththeProphetpeopleweretalkingsomuch.

SeeingtheeffectwhichAliAkbar'saddresshadproducedonhissoldiers,AmrSaadexhorted themtochallengehimtosinglecombat.Afewofthem,covetingthehonourandrewardsthey wouldgetiftheyoverpoweredandkilledthisbravesonofHusain,emaciatedbythreedaysof hungerandthirst,cameforwardtochallengehim.Onebyonehemettheminbattle,gave thematasteofhisskillandprowessinfightingandflungthemfromtheirhorsebacktomeet thedoomtheysomuchdeserved.NowitwashisturntochallengethewarriorsofYazidto comeforward.Seeingthatinspiteofhishandicaps,hewascapableofdisplayingvalourand battlecraftforwhichhisgrandfatherAlihadacquirednameandfameandwhichhadstruck terrorintotheheartsofenemiesofIslamnonedaredtocomeforward.

AliAkbarhadreceivedseveralgapingwoundsinthecourseofhisvictorioussinglecombats. Hewasfastlosingbloodandtheeffectofhisthirstwasgettingaccentuatedwitheverysecond thatwaspassing.Herealizedthatthetreacherousenemieswouldattackhimenmasse.He hadlefthismotherinadazedcondition.Anirresistibleurgetoseehisdearonesforthelast timeseizedhimandheturnedhishorsetowardshiscamp.

Hefoundhisfatherstandingatthedoorstepofthetentandhismotherandauntstanding insidethetent.Husainhadbeenwatchingthebattlesofthisthirstyyouthandthetwoladies werewatchinghisface:theyknewthatifanycalamitybefellAliAkbar,Husain'sexpression wouldindicateit.WhilstwatchingHusain'sface,theywerebothprayingofferingsilent prayers:"OAllah,WhobroughtbackIsmailtoHajra;OAllah,Whograntedtheprayersofthe motherMusaandrestoredhersontoher;OAllah,WhoreunitedYakoobwithhissonYusufin responsetotheagedfather'ssupplications,grantusouronewishtoseeAliAkbarforonce." WasittheeffectoftheseprayersthatbroughtbackAliAkbartothecamp?

AliAkbarwasnowfacinghisagedfatherandhislovingmotherandZainab.Withan exclamationofjoyandrelieftheyclungtohim.Husainlovinglyembracedhissonsaying: "Bravo,myson.Thegallantryyouhowdisplayedtodayremindedmeofthebattlesofmy reveredfather,Ali.Theonlydifferencewasthat,duringhisfights,myfatherAlihadnotto battleagainsthungerandthirstasyouhadto."AliAkbarwithhisheadbentreplied:"Father, thirstiskillingmebecausemywoundshaveaddedtoitseffect.Itisusualtoaskforrewards fromparentsforcelebratingvictoriesinsinglecombatsandIwouldhaveaskedforacupof refreshingwaterfromyou.Butalas!Iknowthatyouhavenotevenadropofwaterwith whichyoucanquenchthethirstoftheyoungchildren.Father,knowingthis,Ishallnot embarrassyoubyaskingforwater.Ihavecomeonlytoseeyouandmydearonesforthelast

time."

AliAkbarmeteachandeveryoneofhisfamily.Thesecondpartingwassadasthefirstone, perhapssadder.Withoutbeingtold,everyonerealisedthatthiswasthelasttimetheywere beholdingAkbar.Fizza,thefaithfulmaidofFatimaandZainab,wasasdisconsolatewithgrief asZainabandUmmeLaila.HusainfollowedAliAkbaroutofthetent.Asherodeaway,Husain walkedbehindhimwithabriskpaceforsomedistance,asamanfollowshissacrificiallamb inMina.WhenAkbardisappearedfromhissight,heturnedheavenwardsand,withhishands raised,heprayed:"OAllah,ThouartmyWitnessthatonthisdayIhavesentawayforsacrifice onewhomIlovedandcherishedmost,todefendthecauseofrighteousnessandtruth."Hesat onthegroundasiftryingtolistenexpectantlytosomecallfromthebattlefield.

Itwasnotverylongbeforehereceivedawailingcall,acallfromAliAkbar,acallofanguish andpain:"Father,Akbarhasfallenwithamortalwoundinhischest.Father,cometomeforI havenotlongtolive.Ifyoucannotreachme,Iconveymylastsalutationstoyouandmydear ones."ThoughHusainwasanticipatingsuchacall,whataghastlyeffectithadonhim!Herose fromthegroundandfell;heroseagainandfellagain.Withonehandonhishearthestruggled tohisfeet.Torrentialtearswerefloodinghiseyes.Herushedinthedirectionfromwhichthe cryhadcome.ItseemedasHusain'sstrengthhadebbedawayonhearingthatfatefulcryof hisdearestson,forhewasfallingateveryfewsteps.Hewassobbing:"Akbar,givemeanother shoutsothatIcanfollowitsdirection.Akbar,mysightisgonewiththeshockIhavereceived andthereisnobodytoguidemetowhereyoulie."Abbascamerushingtotheaidofhis master.HoldinghishandheledhimontotheplacefromwhereAkbar'sdyingcryhadcome.

NowHusainwasstumblinghiswayonwardsrestinghishandsonAbbas'shoulders.The distanceseemedinterminablebutatlastHusainandAbbasreachedtheplacewhereAkbar waslyinginapoolofhisownblood.Ah,thattragicsight!Maynofatherhaveoccasiontosee hisyoungoninsuchaconditions.Withonehandonhischestcoveringadeepwoundfrom whichbloodwasgushingout,withhisfacewrithingwithpain,Akbarwaslyingontheground prostrateandunconscious.Withtheagonyhewasenduringonaccountofthewoundandthe thirstthathewasoffering,hewasdigginghisfeetintothesand.WithacryofanguishHusain fellonthebodyofAkbar."Myson,tellmewhereyouarehurt;tellmewhohaswoundedyou inthechest.Whydon'tyousaysomething?MyAkbar,Ihavecomeinresponsetoyourcall. Sayonewordtome,Akbar."SeeingthatAkbarwaslyingtherewithoutanyresponsetohis entreaties,HusainturnedtoAbbasandsaid:'Abbas,whydon'tyoutellAkbartosay somethingtome.Mydutifulson,whousedtogetuponseeingme,islyingontheground pressedbythehandofdeath."HusainonceagainflunghimselfonthebodyofAkbar.His

breathingwasnowheavier,agurglingsoundwascomingfromhisthroat.Itseemedthathis younglifewasengagedinanunevenstrugglewithdeath.HusainputhisheadonAkbar's chest.HelifteditandputhisowncheeksagainstAkbar'sandwailed,"Akbar,foronceopen youreyesandsmile,asyouwerealwayssmilingtogladdenmyheart."ThoughAkbardidnot openhiseyes,afaintsmileappearedonhislipsasifhehadlistenedtohisfather'srequest. Withthesweetsmilestillplayingonhislips,heheavedagaspandwiththathissoul departed.Thecheeksofthefatherwerestilltouchingthecheeksoftheson,indeathasso manytimeinlife.

Onseeinghisson,hisbelovedson,breathehislastinhisownhands,Husain'scondition becamesuchasnowordscandescribe.Forquitesometimeheremainedthereweepingas onlyanagedfatherwhohaslostason,inhisprimeofyouth,insuchtragiccircumstances,can weep.Abbassattherebyhissidesheddingtears.Whatwordsofconsolationcouldheoffer whenthetragedywasofsuchamagnitude?Allwordsofsolaceandcomfortwouldsound hollowandbeinvainwhenafather,anagedfather,givesventtohispentupemotions.After atime,AbbasreverentiallytouchedHusainonhisshouldersandremindedhimthat,sincehe hadrushedoutofthecamp,Zainabandtheotherladiesofhishousewerewaitingforhim, tormentedbyanxiety,dementedbythethoughtsofthetragedythathadbefallenthem.Only mentionofthiswasenoughforHusain.Heknewthat,astheheadofthefamily,itwashisduty torallybythesideofthegrief‐strickenmother,hisgrief‐strickensisterZainab,andthe childrenforwhomthisbereavementwasthegreatestcalamity.

HusainslowlyrosefromthegroundandtriedtopickupthedeadbodyofAkbarbuthe himselffellontheground.Abbas,seeingthis,bentoverhimandsaid:"Mymaster,Abbasis stillalivebyyourside.HowcanIleaveyoucarrythebodyofAkbarandremainasilent spectator.Letmecarryhisbodytothecamp.""NoAbbas",repliedHusain,'letmedothisasa lasttokenofmylove.Toholdhimbymyheart,eveninhisdeath,givesmesomecomfort,the onlycomfortthatisnowlefttome."Sayingthis,hemadealltheeffortsthathewascapableof and,assistedbyAbbas,heliftedthebodyofAkbar.Claspingitclosetohisbosom,hestarted thelongwalktohiscamp.Howhereachedisdifficulttosay.Itwouldnotbetoomuchto imaginethathisgrandfatherMuhammad,hisfatherAli,hisbrotherHasanandperhapshis motherFatimahaddescendedfromheaventohelphiminthistask.

HusainreachedthecampandlaiddownAkbar'sbodyontheground.HecalledUmmeLaila andZainabandKulsum,SakinaandRokayya,Fizzaandtheotherladiesofthehousetosee thefaceofAkbarforthelasttime.Thelovingmothercame,thelovingauntscame,the childrencame,andsurroundedthebodyofAliAkbar.TheylookedatAkbar'sfaceandthenat

Husain's.TheyknewthattheirweepingwouldaddtoHusain'sgriefwhichwasalready brimful.AliAkbar'smotherwentuptoherhusband,andwithstifledsobsandbenthead,she saidtohim:"Mymaster,IamproudofAkbarfordyingsuchanobledeath.Hehaslaiddown hislifeinthenoblestcauseandthisthoughtwillsustainmethroughtherestofmylife.I imploreyoutoprayforme,toprayforailofus,thatAlmightyAllahmaygrantuspatience andsolace."Sayingthissheturnedtothedeadbodyofhersonlyingonthegroundandput herfaceonhis.ZainabandKulsum,SakinaandRokayyahadallflungthemselvesonAkbar's body.Thetearsthatwereflowingfromtheireyesweresufficienttowashawaytheclotted bloodfromthewoundsofAkbar.

Husainsatforafewminutesnearthedeadbodyofhisson;thesonwhomhehadlostinsuch tragiccircumstances;thesonwhohaddiedcravingforadropofwatertoquenchhisthirst. Hefeltdazedwithgrief.Qasim,thesonofhisbrother,whohadcometoseekhispermission togotothebattlefield,awakenedhimfromhisstupor.Herosefromtheground,wipedthe tearsfromhisagedeyesandmuttered,"VerilyfromGodwecome,anduntoHimisour return."

Chapter4.TheYouthofKarbala 'Thedaysofouryoutharethedaysofourglory'.Whathopesandfeelingssurgeinyoung heartsduringthistimeoflife!Howeverynerveandsinewquiverswiththejoyofliving!But therearesomeyouthstowhomthecupoflifeisdealtinanothermeasure.Therearesome buddingflowersthataredestinedtobesweptawaybythehotdesertwindsbeforetheyhave theopportunitytobloom.SuchwasthedestinyofHusain'sthreenephewswhowere gatheredoutsidethetentsontheeveofthateventfuldayofMuharram.

Qasim,AunandMuhammadweregatheredtodiscusstheparttheywouldplayonthe followingdayindefenseoftheiruncle.Therewasgrimdeterminationwritlargeontheir youngfaces.Theywerewatchingtheprogressofthemoonasitwasmarchingslowlythrough thatcloudlesssky,anxiouslywaitingforthemorrowtounfolditsevent.Eachoneofthemhad thedesiretogofirstintothebattlefieldtoshedhisblood.Eventhefewwordstheyexchanged amongstthemselvespertainedtotheiranxietylesttheiruncleHussainmightholdthemback. TheywerediscussingamongthemselveshowtosecurethepermissionoftheImamtomarch offintothebattlefield.

TheirtalkswereinterruptedbysomeonecomingandinformingQasimthathismotherUmme Farwawantedhimtoseeher.Hehurriedtothetent.Assoonasheenteredit,hismotherput herarmsroundhimandsaid:"Qasimmyson,doyouknowwhyIcalledyou?Iwantto remindyouaboutyourdutytowardsyouruncle,Hussain.Iwanttotellyousomethingabout theunparalleledloveandaffectionHasanyourfatherhadforHussain.Thetwoofthemwere somuchdevotedtoeachotherthattheywerealwaysthinkingandactinginunison.The slightestpainsufferedbyonewasinstantaneouslyfeltbytheotherasiftheyweretwinsfrom thesameembryo.WiththeuniqueloveyourfatherhadforHussain,Icanwellimaginehow he,ifalive,wouldhavefelttoday!Hewouldhavebeenthefirsttosacrificehislifeforhis belovedyoungerbrother."

Shestoppedforafewsecondsandthen,inasofttone,asifreminiscing,added:"Iamsurehe wantedyoutodeputiseforhimonthisday.Mychild,whenhepassedaway,youweretoo youngtounderstandlife.Onhisdeath‐bedhislastwordstomewere:"UmmeFarwa,Ientrust youandmychildrentoGodandHussain.WhenQasimgrowsup,youtellhimthatmydying desirewasthatheshouldstandbyHussainthroughthickandthin.Icanseethecloudsof treacherygatheringagainstHussain.Adaymaycomewhenhemayneedtheunflinching devotionandsacrificeofhisnearanddearones.ThoughIwillnotlivetoseethatday,asmy

lastwishIwantyoutoprepareQasimforitfromhischildhood."Hervoicechokedwith emotion,asshecontinued:"MyQasim,sincethatdayyourfatherbreathedhislast,Hussain haslookedafteryouashisownson.Nay,hehastreatedyouonalloccasionsbetterthanhis ownsons.Youknowhowhehasfulfilledyoureverywishsothatyoumaynotmissthelove andaffectionofyourfather.Nowitisyourturntoshowthatyoucanrepay,tosomeextent, yourdebtofgratitudebylayingdownyourlifeforhimbeforeanyofhissons,brothersand kinsmen.Nowisyourchancetoreciprocatehisloveandaffection,bydemonstratingtothe enemiesthatyouareascionoftheHouseofAliandcanwieldtheswordindefenseoftruth."

Qasimlistenedtohismotherwithhisheadbowedinrespect.Hefeltverymuchrelievedby whathismotherhadsaidtohimbecausehehadfeltveryapprehensiveastohowshewould reactwhenheapproachedherforherpermissiontogoforthefight.Heknewhowhismother wasattachedtohimafterhisfather'sdeath.Hewaswellawarehowrestlesssheusedto become,ifshewouldnotseehimevenforafewhours.Hehadthoughtthattheveryideaof hersonmarchingoutintothebattlefieldwouldmakeherdemented.Hefeltasifhismother hadtakenaloadoffhishead.Heaffectionatelyhuggedherandsaid"Mydearestmother,I knownothowIcanthankyouforwhatyouhavesaidtomejustnow.Youknowmyfilial affectionformyuncleHussain.FrommychildhoodIhavenotknownwhatafather'slove meansbutºknowthisforcertainthatevenmyfather,ifalive,wouldnothavebeensokind, soconsiderate,soaffectionatetomeasmyuncleHussainhasbeentome.Hehasnotallowed metofeelevenforamomentthatIamanorphan.Thankstohim,inourhousemyeverywish hasbeenacommand.Howisitpossibleforme,thesonofHasan,tobeobliviousofmy obligationstohim?Formedeathwouldbefarbetterthanlifewithouthimandmydearuncle Abbas,andmycousinsAliAkbar.Muhammadandothers."

UmmeFarwafeltelatedatthebravereplyofherbraveson.Apainfulthoughtpassedher mindùthethoughtthatthisdearchildwhowassodevotedtoherandinwhomshehad reposedallherhopes,wouldperishonthefieldsofKarbala.Withgreateffortsshecontrolled herself.

OnthedepartureofQasim,AunandMuhammadwaitedforsometimeforhimtoreturn.Then bothofthemreturnedtotheirtenttoconsoletheirmother,Zainab,whosegriefandsorrow defieddescription.Astheyenteredthetenttheysawhersittingonthegroundwithacandle inherhandlookingintentlyatAliAkbar,theircousin,whomshehadbroughtupasherown sonandforwhomherloveandaffectionwaswithoutaparallel.Whenshesawbothofthem enteringthetent,shebeckonedtothemtocomeandsitnearAliAkbar.Bothofthemdidso accordingtoherbidding.Sheturnedtowardsthemandsaidinalowtone:"Mychildren,do

youknowwhattomorrowhasinstoreforus?Itwillbeadayoftrial;itwillbeadaywhenthe bloodofourfamilywillflowlikewater;itwillbeadayonwhichallthevendettanurturedby theenemiesoftheProphet'shouseforalltheseyearswillbespilledout.Iwantbothofyou, mybelovedsons,todefendyouruncleHussainandhischildrenatthecostofyourlives." Afterapausesheadded:"WhenIwasleavingMecca,yourfatherAbdullahaskedmetotake bothofyouwithmesothat,ifanoccasionaroseyou,Aun,couldbethedeputyofyourfather inseekingmartyrdom,andyou,Muhammad,couldbemyofferinginthecauseofIslam."

Hearingtheirmothertalkinthisveintouchedbothofthemtothequick.Howcouldtheytell theirmotherZainabthattheywerefullypreparedforthedoomthatawaitedthem;thatthey werebothcovetingmartyrdomindefenseofthecauseofIslamanditsinviolableprinciples forwhichHussainstoodupsoboldlyandfirmlyinthefaceofodds!Aunwasthefirstto speak.Hisvoicewasquiveringwithemotionwhenhesaid:"Mother,webothfeelsoelatedto knowthatwehaveyourpermissiontofightindefenseofouruncleandhisfamily.God willing,webothwillshowthearmyofAmrSaadthatwearethegrandsonsofJaafar‐e‐Tayyar whoseprowessinbattlehadbecomelegendary.Weshalloffersuchfighttomorrowthat, wheneveryouwillrememberusandmournforus,yourgriefwillbemingledwithpridethat weliveduptothereputationofourfamily."

HardlyhadAunconcludedwhenMuhammad,theyoungerone,burstoutsaying,"Myloving mother,donotthinkthatweneedanyexhortationtofightvaliantlytomorrow.Iamitchingto gooutindefenseofmyuncle.FrommychildhoodIhavebeen.hearingaboutthevalorofmy maternalgrandfatherAli,andpaternalgrandfatherJaafar‐e‐Tayyar.Itisnotfornothingthat webothofushavelearnttheartofsinglecombatfromouruncleAbbas.Youmayrestassured that,solongaswebreathe,weshallnotlettheleastharmcometoouruncleHussainorto anyofhischildren."

WiththisreplyofthebraveyoungstersZainabfeltreassured.Itwasnotthatshe,fora moment,doubtedtheirdevotionorsenseofduty.Itwasnotthatsheconsidereditnecessary toinstillanycourageinthem,forsheknewthatbothofthemwerebraveandnoblesonsofa braveandnoblefather.Herloveforherbravesonswassurgingwithinher.Shewasfeelingas ifherheartwasgettingsqueezedwhenshewasconjuringupthevisionoftheseyouthsdying asmartyrs.

AliAkbarwhowaslisteningquietlytothetalkbetweenthemotherandthetwosons,looked atthefaceofthemotherandthenattheson's.Withafaintsmileplayingonhislipshesaid: "WeoftheProphet'sfamilywillgoouttomeetdeathasisourwont.Inwhatorderitwillbe,it

isforGodtodetermine."Whenhesaidthis,perhapshehadtheconvictionthatHussainwould neverallowhisnephewstodiesolongashe,AliAkbar,wasthere.Howrightlyhehad surmised,theeventsofAshurawouldshow!

Likeallpassingthings,thatnightalsopassedawaytobecomeachapterofhistory.Theday dawnedandwithitbeganthegoryeventswhichmakemankind,whohavethevestigesof humanity,tremblewithrageandgrief.AsAliAkbarhadsurmisedthatnight,whentheturnof membersofthefamilycame,Hussaincameovertohimand,withhishandonhisheart,said tohim:"Myson,goforwardtofulfillyourappointedtask."MuchasZainabandUmmeFarwa protestedthat,solongastheirsonslived,theycouldnotthinkofAliAkbarlayingdownhis life,muchasAbbaspleadedtolethimbethefirstamongtheHashimitestodiefighting, HussaininsistedthathewouldsendAliAkbarashisownrepresentativetobethefirstamong hiskinsmen.AliAkbarwenttothebattlefieldnevertoreturnfromit.

ZainabwasdisconsolateonAliAkbar'sdeath.NowAunandMuhammadwerehoveringround Hussainwithentreatiestoletthemgo.

QasimwasnolessvehementinhissupplicationfortheImam'spermissiontodieonthe battlefield.ToQasim'srepeatedrequestshisuncle'sreplywas:"Mydearchild,howcanI permityoutogowhenIknowforcertainthatdeathawaitsthosewhoventureout.Your father,mybelovedHasan,hadentrustedyoutomycareonhisdeath‐bed.Myhearttrembles attheverythoughtofsendingyouintothejawsofdeath."

ThisreplyofHussainbrokeQasim'sheart.Hethoughtthathisunclewouldnotunderany circumstancesallowhimtosharethefateoftheothermartyrs.Withtearsinhiseyeshestood there,notknowingwhattodotosecureHusain'spermission.

AtthatmomentZainabcameovertoherbrother.WithfoldedhandsshesaidtoHussain,"My dearestbrother,inmywholelifeIhaveneveraskedyouforafavor.Now,forthefirsttime,I amrequestingyoutograntmeonewish;letmysonsfollowinthefootstepsofAliAkbar." HussainlookedatZainabandthenathersons.Withhisheadbent,hereplied;"Zainab;my dearestsister,Ifinditimpossibletodenyyourfirstandlastrequest,thoughmygrantingit makesmyheartsinkwithinme."TurningtoAunandMuhammadhesaid:"Mydearchildren, goforwardandfulfillyourheart'sdesiretodielikeheroes.Ishallsoonbejoiningyouonyour journeytoeternity."

Atthisreplythetwoyoungheroesfeltdelightedinthemidstofunboundedsorrows.Theyfell attheirmother'sfeetandaskedherforherblessings.Zainab'sgriefatthepartingwiththese belovedchildrenfounditswaythroughhertearswhichwerenowpouringfromhereyesin torrents.Shefeltanurgetoclaspheryoungsonstoherbosombeforetheymarchedouton theirlastjourney;butforfearthatsuchdisplayofemotionmightunnervethem,sheheld back.Shecouldnotsayanythingtotheminfarewell.Withsuppressedsobsshewhisperedto them:"Mybelovedones,mayGodbewithyouandmayHegrantyouquickrelieffromthe agoniesthatyouaretoendure.ItisZainab'slottoendureignominieswithnobrothers,no nephews,nosonstoconsoleher.Mylastrequesttoyouistofightbravelyandtodiebravely sothat,inthemidstofmyunbearablesufferingsincaptivity,Imayatleasthaveone remembrancetoconsoleme:yourbraveryinthefaceofoverwhelmingodds."

ShemutelywatchedhersonsmountingtheirhorsesassistedbyHusain.Herlipsweremoving insilentprayers;hereyeswerefollowingthehorsesastheygallopedoutintothearena. Whentheybothgotoutofsight,withasighshesatonthesandnearhertentasiflostina reverie.

WhenQasimsawthatAunandMuhammadhadbeengrantedpermis‐siontomarchouton theentreatiesoftheirmother,herushedtohismother'stent.Almostsobbingwith disappointment,hetoldUmmeFarwathatAunandMuhammadhadsecuredtheImam's permissionontheintercessionoftheirmotherbuthehadnobodytopleadonhisbehalfwith hisuncle.Inutterdespondencyhesaid;"IfIamnotdestinedtobeamartyronthisday,life hasnocharmleftforme.AmIdestinedtobeacaptiveandledthroughthestreetstoaprison cell?"

SeeingQasimsobitteranddejectedUmmeFarwaburstintotearsofgrief.Controllingherself shebegantothinkwhattodotogetHusain'spermissionforhim.Herfirstreactionwastogo overtotheImamandtoimplorehimashisbrother'swidowandseekpermissionforQasim. However,inaflashsherememberedherhusband'swordstohershortlybeforehisdeath.He hadtoldherthatforQasimatimemaycomewhenhewouldfindhimselfinthetroughof despairanddespondencyandfeeldejectedanddepressedbeyonddescription.Hehadtold herthat,whenthishappened,sheshoulddelivertohimanenvelopewhereinhehadkepta letterspeciallyforthisoccasion.Thisshehadcarefullypreservedandkeptwithherasher mostcherishedthinginabox.Fortunatelyforher,shehadbroughttheboxwithher.She hastenedtofetchtheletterandhandingovertheenvelopetoQasimshesaid:"Qasim,your presentplightbroughtbacktomeyourfather'swordsthatadaylikethiswouldcomeforyou andwhenthishappened,Ishoulddeliverthelettertoyou."Withrekindledhopsand

expectationQasimtooktheenvelopefromhismother'shandandopenedit.Inithefoundtwo lettersùoneaddressedtohimselfandtheotheraddressedtoHussain.

Heanxiouslyopenedthelettermeantforhimandreaditaloudforhismother'sbenefit. Hasanhadwritteninit:"Mychild,whenthisletterreachesyou,Iwillbenomore.Whenyou readit,youwillfindyourselftornwithaconflictbetweenyourdesiretodoyourdutyand fulfillyourobligationsanddemonstrateyourloveandesteemforyouruncle,andhisloveand affectionforyoucompellinghimtoholdyouback.MyQasim,Ihaveprovidedforthiseventby armingyouwithaletterformydearestbrotherHussain.Youmaydelivertheletterto Hussainsothathemaygrantyouyourheart'sdesire.ThereismuchthatIcouldsayforthis occasionbutwhenyoureadthis,youwillfindthattimeseparatingusisnotlong.Sohurry along,mychild,asIamwaitingforyouwithopenarmstowelcomeyou."

Whenhehadcompletedreadingtheletter,Qasimfeltchokedwithemotion.Hismotheralso stoodspeechlesswithfeelingssurginginherheart.Bothwerethinkinginunisonhowloving andthoughtfulitwasofHasantoprovideasolutionfortheirdilemma.Qasimreverentially bowedoverheletterandkissedit.Thetearsrollingfromhiseyesfellonthewritingbut, insteadofsmearingthelettering,theylentglittertoit.

UmmeFarwawasthefirsttogetoutofthereverie.Shebrokethesilenceandsaid:"My dearestQasim,nowthatyourfatherhascometoyourrescueevenindeath,takehisletterto youruncleHussain.Ihavenodoubtthatnowhewillnotbeabletorefuseyouhispermission forlayingdownyoulife."

Qasimcouldnowhardlycontainhimself.HerushedtowardsthetentofImamHussainwith theletterinhishands.HefoundHussainstandingoutsideZainab'stentlookingintently towardsthebattlefield.AbbaswasbyhissideandZainabwasstandingnearthedoorholding upthecurtainandlookingatthefacesofHusainandAbbasQasimknewthattheywereall watchingthecombatsofAunandMuhammad.Howcouldhedisturbhisuncleatsuchatime? HestoodquietlybythesideofHusainandAbbasandgazedinthedirectionofthearmypitted againsthistwoyoungcousins.Hecouldseefromcloudsofdustrisinginthefardistancethat oneofthemhadgoneaheadoftheother.Notsofarawayhecouldseetheyoungerone, Muhammad,battlingagainstanumberofenemysoldiersclusteredroundhim.

Hardlyafewminuteshadpassedinwatchingthebattle,whentheysawAunfallingfromhis horseandgivingacrytohisuncletocometohimandcarryhisbody.Husain,whohad alreadybornetheafflictionsofhiscompanions'deathandthelossofhisdearestson,Ali

Akbar,seemedtowinceasifhehadreceivedastabinhischest.HeturnedtoZainabtosee herreactiononhearingherson'slastcry.AbbasandQasimrushedtohersidetoholdher.As ifthisblowwasnotenough,Muhammadalsofellfromhishorsemortallywoundedand similarlyshoutedtoHusaintocometohim.AbbasandQasimknewthatforHusaintoreach hisdyingnephews,oneaftertheother,wastootryingevenforapersonofhismettlewhohad rightthroughthemorningperformedthistaskhimself.AbbaswantedtoaccompanyHusain andassisthiminbringingthedeadbrotherstothecamp,leavingQasimtoattendtoZainab whohadcollapsedwithgriefandsorrowonhearingthepartingcryofMuhammad.But HusainbeckonedtohimtoremainwithZainab.QasimtriedtofollowhimbutHusainasked himalsotoremainnearZainabandconsoleher.

HusainfirstreachedtheplacewhereMuhammadwaslyingmortallywounded.Hebentover hisbodytofindthat,onaccountoflossofblood,hisyounglifewasebbingfast.Thechildwas gaspingheavily.Histhroatwassoparchedthatevenwithgreateffortshewasnotableto speakclearly.HusainputhisearnearMuhammad'smouth.Inafaint,falteringvoicethe youngladsaid:''Mylastsalutationstoyou,uncle.TellmymotherthatIhaveliveduptoher expectationsandamdyingbravelyassheandmyfatherwantedme.Givemylastsalaamsto herandconsoleherasmuchasyoucan."Theeffortsmadebythechildinsayingthesewords appearedtoexhausthim.Headdedafterafewseconds:"IheardthecryofAunbeforeIfell. NowthatIambeyondanyhelp,unclepleasegoovertohimandseeifyoucandosomething forhimbeforeitistoolate."Hardlyhehadsaidthesewords,whenhislifebecameextinct. Husainwasbesidehimselfwithgrief.Buthecouldnotremaintherelongashehadtogoover toAun.HerushedinthedirectionwhereAunhadfallen.Onreachinghisbodyhefoundthat hehadbreathedhislast.Hepickeduphislifelessbodyandpressedittohisheart.

Withaheavytread,withtearsflowingintorrents,theagedunclebeganhismarchtowards thecampwiththebodyofhisnephewinhisarms.Abbascamerushingfromthecamp towardshimandsaid,"LetmecarryAun'sbodytothemorgueandyoutakeMuhammad's body.Mymaster,Abbasisstillalivetoshareyourburdenandgrief."QuietlyHusainhanded overAun'scorpsetoAbbasandwentovertopickupMuhammad'sbody.Thetwobrothers, oneoldandoneyoung,wereeachcarryingthebodyofayoungnephew.Thesightwassuch astoevokesorrowandgriefintheheartsofthemosthard‐heartedpersons.

OnreachingtheircampHusainandAbbaslaidthebodiesofAunandMuhammadonthe ground.Zainabwhowaswaitingforthemcameoverandfellonthetwobodiesofhersons. "Mysons,mysons,"shecried,"Whatmotheristheretosendherbelovedonestomeetdeath asIhavesentmine?"Herfacewasbathedintears.Withsobsshewassaying:"Mydarlings,

youhavegonefromthisworldwithyourthirstunquenched.YourgrandfatherAliwillbe theretoquenchyourthirstinheaven.Mybelovedsons,forZainabthereisstillalong,weary, unendingfuturetofacewithoutyoutwotolightentheburdenwithyourbravetalk." Overpoweredbyhergriefandemotionsshefellunconsciousonthedeadbodies.

Husain,Abbas,Qasimandtheladieswhowereallstandingandcryingbyherside,gently pickedupZainabandtookhertohertent.Theyallknewthatinsuchagreattragedyashad befallenher,allwordsofconsolationwouldonlybeinvain.

AswasthepracticeofYazid'sarmy,theystartedbeatingthedrumsontheslaughterofthe twonephewsofHusain,toheraldtheirvictory.Whenthebeatingofdrumsstopped,they raisedtheusualcrychallengingtheyoungdefendersofHusaintocomeoutintothefieldto facedeath.NowQasimcameovertoHusain,whowasstandingnearZainab'sprostrateform withhisheadbent.Qasimcouldnotmustersufficientstrengthtosaywhathehadcometo conveytotheImam.HequietlyhandedovertheletterofhisfatherforHusainwhichhehad foundintheenvelopegiventohimbyhismother.Husainglancedatthehand‐writingonthe letterandatoncerecognizeditashislatelamentedbrother's.Withsurpriseheopenedthe letterandasheeagerlyreadit,hecouldnotcontrolhimselfandburstintoacryofgrief.Inthe letteritwaswritten:"MybelovedHusain,whenthisletterwillbereadbyyou,youwillbe surroundedbysorrowsonallsides,withdeadbodiesofyournearanddearonesstrewn roundyou.Iwillnotbetheretolaydownmylifeforyou,Husain,butIamleavingbehindmy Qasimtobemydeputyonthisday.Husain,Ibeseechyounottorejectmyoffering.Inthe nameoflovethatyoubearforme,IimploreyoutoletQasimgoforthanddieinyourdefense. Dearestbrother,inspiritIamwithyou,watchingyourheroicsacrificesandsharingyour woesandaffliction."

Hasan'sletterbroughtbacktoHusainthememoriesofhisdearbrothertowhomhewas devotedandheweptcopiouslyrecollectinghisloveandaffection.WhatuniqueloveHasan hadforhimthat,thoughdead,hehadlefthisdeputyinQasimforthisday!

WitheffortHusaincontrolledhimselfturnedtoQasimsaying:"Dearchild,yourfather's wishes,whichIregardascommandsforme,leavemenootheralternative.Marchon,Qasim, asyourfatherwishedyoutodo.IfitissoordainedthatImaybearthewoundofyour martyrdom,IshallbowtotheWillofGod."

QasimbowedreverentiallyandhurriedtohismotherUmmeFarwawhowassittingdazed withgriefonreceivingthesadnewofAun'sandMuhammad'smartyrdom.AsQasimentered

hertent,sheraisedherheadandlookedathimexpectantly.Shecouldseefromthelookof satisfactionhehadonhisfacethathehadreceivedHusain'spermissionforwhichhehad beenbeggingsolong.AnexchangeoflooksbetweenthemotherandsonconfirmedtoUmme Farwathatshewasright.SlowlysheroseandsaidtoQasim:"Mybelovedson,alltheseyearsI havebeenwaitingforthedaywhenyouwouldbecomeabridegroom,anddressedasa groom,cometoreceivemyblessings.Itseemsthatfatehasdecreedotherwise.Qasim,Ihave preservedthedressyourfatherworeonthedayofhismarriagewithme.Ihadhopedthat,on yourweddingday,Iwouldaskyoutowearit.Nowthatyouaregoingtothelandofnoreturn, mywishisthatyouputonthatdresssothatmydesiretoseeyoudressedasagroommaybe fulfilled."Afterapauseshecontinuedinareflectivetone:"Itisthecustomforgroomsto applyhennaontheirhands‐ThoughIhavenonewithme,Iknowthatyouwillnotneedit. Yourhandswillbedyedwithyourownblood."Withthesewordsshekissedherson'scheeks andembracedhim.Itwasalongembrace,theembraceofamotherwhoknewthatshewas seeingheryoungdarlingforthelasttimeinthisworld.Holdinghimtightlyinherarmsshe waslookinglonginglyathisface,asifshewantedtolethisimagesinkintohermind'seyefor ever.Allpartingsaresadbutwherethepartingisforever,andinsuchcircumstances,what wordscandescribeit?

Themotherandsontorethemselvesfromeachotherlesttheirsurgingloveandattachment mightmaketheirpartingimpossible.UmmeFarwabroughtouttheweddinggarmentsof HasanforQasimtowear.DressedintheseclothesQasimwaslookingtheveryimageof Hasan.Theson,followedbythemother,wentovertoZainab'stenttobidhergood‐bye. Zainabhadnotcompletelyrecoveredfromherswoon:Inherdazedmindshethoughtfora momentthatHasanhaddescendedfromheaventodefendhisbrother.Itwasjustaflitting thoughtwhichpassedawaylikelightning.SherealizedthatitwasQasimwhohadcometo payhislastrespectsShelookedathimandthenatthismotherwhowasfollowinghim.She understoodwithwhateffortsUmmeFarwawascontrollingherfeelings.Muchasherown heartwasburstingwithgriefatthispartingwithherbelovedbrother'sson,sheknewthatit wasessentialforhertocontrolherselfforthesakeofUmmeFarwa.Withonehandonher headandtheotheronherheart,shecameforwardtobidadieutoQasim.Withhottears rollingdownhercheeksshekissedQasimonhisforeheadsaying:"Qasim,mydearchild,your agedaunthadhopedthatyou,mydearones,wouldcarrymyfuneralbier.Butitiswrittenin Zainab'sfatethatsheshouldseetheyounglivesofherdearestonesextinguishedbeforeher. Ithasfallentomylottoseeyoualldeadbeforemeandtocarryyourmemoriesfortherestof mydreary,unendingdays.MarchonmychildwiththenameofGod."

QasimcametoHusainandreverentiallykissedhishands.SeeingQasimsovividlyresembling

Hasan,hisdear,departedbrother,Husainweptbitterly.HekissedQasimonhischeeksand heldthehorseforhimtomount.AbbascameforwardtodothisservicebutHusainwouldnot lethimdoso."Thisisthelastoccasionformetogiveasend‐offtomyQasimandletmedo thisforhim."HeturnedtoQasimandsaid:"Qasim,Ishallnotbelonginjoiningyou."

Reachingthebattlearena,Qasimaddressedtheenemywithaneloquencewhichreminded manyofthesermonsofhisgrandfatherAli.Withgapingmouthstheyweretransfixedtothe groundathiswordsofadmonitiononthebetrayaloftheImam.AmrIbneSaadorderedhis mentochallengehimtosinglecombat,fearingthatthisyouth'seloquencemightrousethe vestigesofgoodnessinsomeofhismen.Qasimfoughtbattleswithseveralofthemandthrew themfromtheirhorsesasifhewereaseasonedwarriorandnotayouthof14,withthree day'sthirstandhunger.SuchwashisskillwiththeswordandhorsemanshipthatHusain,who waswatchinghisnephew'sfightfromahillocknearhiscamp,burstintospontaneous acclamation.Nownowarriorfromtheenemyrankswascomingforwardtomeetthe challengeofthisbravesonofHasan.HewasnowrepeatedlychallengingthesoldiersofAmr Saadtocomeforwardandmatchtheirskillandswordsmanshipagainsthiminsinglecombat. AmrSaad,seeingthatnoneofhiswarriorswaspreparedforthis,orderedhissoldiersto attackQasimtogether.Itwasnowafightbetweenoneandthousands,ifsuchathingcanatall becalledafight.HowlongcouldQasimwardofftheattacksofswords,spears,daggersand arrowscomingathimfromalldirections?Hewaswoundedfromheadtofoot.Whenhesaw thathecouldnolongerremaininthesaddle,hegaveacryofferinghisastsalutationtohis uncleHusain.

Husain,whowaswatchingfromadistancethedastardlyattackofthemultitudeofsoldierson hishelplessQasim,heardthiscryfullofagonyandpain.Hefeltasifhehadhimselfreceived allthewoundsinflictedonQasim.Heunsheathedhisswordand,likeanenragedlion,he rushedtowardsthebattle‐field.Withswordinonehandhegallopedhishorsecutting throughtheenemyhordes.Suchwasthefuryofhischargethattheenemywereremindedof thechargesofAli,hisfather,inthebattleofSiffin,whenthedexterousLionofGodhadsingly scatteredtheenemy,runningthroughthemlikeaknifethroughbutter,andkillinghundreds withhepowerfulsweepsofhissword,whiletheremainderofthearranttowardsranhelter‐ skeltertosavetheircontemptiblelives.ThestampedeofYazid'ssoldierswassuchthatthe bodyofQasimwastrampledunderthefeetofhundredsofminionswhowereadisgraceof theircalling.WhenthebattlefieldwasclearedofthecowardsandHusainreachedthebodyof Qasim,hefoundthatitwastorntopieces.Whatfeelingsthisgruesomesightevokedin Husain'sheartcanbetterbeimaginedthandescribed.Husainstumbleddownfromhishorse andfelltothegroundexclaiming:"MyGod,whathavethesecowardsdonetomyQasim?"For

sometimeheweptwithsuchagonythathisbodyconvulsed.Afterawhilehetookoffhisrobe andstartedpickinguppiecesofQasim'sbody.Onebyoneheputthemallinhisrobeand, liftingthebundle,putitonhisagedshouldersandmountedthehorse.Ashedidso,he muttered:"MyQasim,yourmotherhadsentyououtdressedasagroom.Nowyouare returningtoyourmotherwithyourbodycuttopieces."Ashewasridingbacktowardshis camp,Husainwasdisconsolatelyexclaiming:"MyGod,hastherebeenaninstancewherean unclehadtocarryhisownnephew'sbodyinsuchastate?"

OnreachingthecampHusainputdownthebodyontheground.HecalledAbbasandasked himtobringUmmeFarwaandhissistersZainabandKulsumtothemorgue.Hebesought Fizza,hismother'sdevotedmaid,toconsoleUmmeFarwaandZainab,forheknewthatthe conditionofQasim'sbodymightgivethemsuchashockaswouldkillthem.

Qasim'smothercamewithZainabononesideandUmmeKulsumontheother.Fizzawent overtotheladiesandsaid:"Ibeseechyou,inthenameofmyladyFatima,tomusterallthe strengthandcourageyoucantoseeQasim'smortalremains.Theymaybetornandcutto plecesbutrememberhissoulisnowwithmyladyandHasan,whomusthavewelcomedhim withopenarms."Sayingthis,sheopenedtherobeandunfoldedthebody.Zainabheldher achingheart,KulsumheldherreelingheadandUmmeFarwafellwithashriekandfainted.

Whatpencannarratethegriefofamotherwhohaslostheronlyson?Whatwordscan describetheagonyofamother'slovingheartonseeinghersoninsuchastate?Thelandof KarbalawasechoingthecriesoftheladiesandthewailinWqofthechildrenonQasim'sdeath. CananyoneattempttodepictHusain'splivqht‐atthattime?RestinghisheadonAbbas's shoulders,Husainwassayinwq:"MyGod,myGod,ifmyenemieswantedtokillme,theycould doso;butwhathavemydearonesdonethattheyslaythemsomercilessly?"

Husainstoodthereforsometimeasifinatrance.Hewasbroughtbacktotherealityofthe situationbyAbbaswhosoflysaidtohim"Mymaster,nowletmego,asothershavedone.Iam nowthecommanderofsoldierswhoarenomore."Husainforamomentdidnotreply.Then heequallysoftlysaid:"VerilywecomefromGodanduntoHimweshallreturn."

Chapter5.Abbas–TheStandard-bearerofHussain TheshiftingsanddunesofKarbalaweresmearedwithblood.Nearoneofwashdunes,onthe bankofAlkoma,laytheprostratefigureofayouthwithbloodgushingoutfrominnumerable wounds.Thecrimsonlife‐tidewasebbingfast.Evenso,itseemedasifhewasanxiously expectingsomebodytocometohim,tobenearhimbeforehebreathedhislast.Throughhis starchedthroathewasfeeblycallingsomebody.Yes,Abbaswasanxiouslyexpectinghis mastertocometohimbeforehepartedwithhislife,ashehadcometothesideofallhis devotedfriendswhohadlaiddowntheirdearlivesforhimandinespousinghiscause.

Itissaidthatbeforeaman'sdeathalthepasteventofhislifepassbeforehismind'seyeina flash‐back.InhislastmomentsAbbaswasexperiencingthis.Hewasseeinghimselfasachild inMedinafollowingHusainwithadevotionwhichwasconsidereduniqueevenforabrother. HewasseeingtheeventsofthathotandsultrydayinKufawhenhisillustriousfatherAliwas addressingacongregationinthemosqueandhe,asachild,withhischaracteristicdevotion, waslookingatthefaceofhisbelovedbrotherwatchinghimintentlysothathecouldattendto hiswishesonaninstantcommand.SeeingfromtheparchedlipsofHusainthathewasfeeling extremelythirsty,howhehaddartedoutfromthemosqueandreturnedwithatumblerfullof cool,refreshingwaterandinthehurrytocarrythewaterasquicklyaspossibletoquenchthe consumingthirstofhisdearestbrother,howhehadspilledwateronhisownclothes.Hewas recallinghowthisincidenthadmadehisillustriousfatherstopinthemidstofhisspeech,with tearsrollingdownhischeeksatthesightofhisyoungsonallwetwithwater.Hewas rememberinghisfather'sreplytothequeriesfromhisfaithfulfollowersastowhathad broughttearsinhiseyes,thatAbbaswhohadwettedhisbodywithwaterintheprocessof quenchingHusain'sthirstwouldinthenottoodistantfuturewethisbodywithhisownblood inattemptingtoquenchthethirstofhisyoungchildren.Hewasvividlyseeingthesceneon the21stRamazan,waybackin40Hijra,whenhisfathermortallywounded,waslyingonhis death‐bedandentrustinghischildrenanddependentstothecareofthehiseldestbrother, Hasan‐allexcepthim.SeeingthathisfatherhadcommendedallbuthimtothecareofHasan ‐howhe,achildof12,hadburstoutintouncontrollabletears.Hisfather,onhearinghim sobbing,hadcalledhimtohissideandgivenhishandinHusain'shandwiththewords:

"Husain,thischildIamentrustingtoyou.Hewillrepresentmeonthedayofyoursupreme sacrificeandlaydownhislifeindefendingyouandyourdearones,muchasIwouldhave doneifaliveonthatday."

Howhisfatherhadturnedtohimandaffectionatelytoldhim:

"Abbas,mychild,IknowyourunboundedloveforHusain.Thoughyouaretooyoungtobe toldaboutit,whenthatdaydawns,considernosacrificetoogreatforHusainandhis children."

Hesawbeforehismind'seyethatpartingwithhisagedmotherFatimainMedina.Howshe hadaffectionatelyembracedhimandremindedhimofthedyingdesireofhisfathertolay downhislifeinthedefenseofHusainandhisdearones.

Afaintsmileofsatisfactionflickeredforabriefmomentonhisparchedlipsasmileof satisfactionthathehadfulfilledhisfather'swish;thathehadperformedhisdutyforwhichhe wasbroughtup.Itjustflittedforamomentandvanishedasotherscenescamebeforehis mind'seye.Hewasre‐livingtheeventsofthenightbefore.HewasseeingShimrstealthily comingtohim;andtalkingtohimabouthistiesofrelationship;abouttheprotectionhehad beenpromisedforAbbasbytheCommanderofYazid'sforces,onlyifhewouldleaveHusain andgoovertoYazid'scamp;aboutthepromisesofrichesandrewardsthathewouldget; howhehadspurnedthesuggestionofShimrwiththeutmostdisdaintothechagrinofthat servileminionwhohadsoldhissoulforamessofpottage.Howhehadscaredawaythat cowardbyhisscathingragesaying:

"YouworshipperofMammon,donotthinkthatAbbaswillbeluredbyyourtemptingofferof powerandpelf.IfIdieinfendingmymaster,Husain,Ishallconsidermyselftheluckiest person.Ocoward,rememberthatvaliantsdiebutonce.Nobodyisborntoliveeternally.By betrayingmymaster,youhavebetrayedtheProphet,whosereligionyouprofesstofollow.On theDayofJudgementyouwillbedoomedtoeternalperdition.Iamashamedtoownany relationshipwithyou.Haditnotbeenforthefactthatyouhavecomehereunarmed,Iwould havegivenyouthechastisementyoudeserveforyourimpudenceinaskingmetobecomea turncoat."

Howthatwretchhadscamperedfromthereseeinghimroaringlikeanenragedlion.The thoughtofthatunpleasantinterludecontractedhisbrows.Orwasittheexcruciatingpainhe wassufferingonaccountofthedeepgasheshehadalloverhisbody?

YetanotherscenepassedbeforeAbbas'seyes‐Sakinaleading42children,eachwithadry water‐bag.Thechildrenwereshoutingasifinchorus

Thirst,consumingthirst,iskillingus.

Sakinacomingtohimandputtingherdrywater‐bagathisfeetandsayingtohim:

"Ouncle,Iknowyouwilldosomethingtogetwaterforus.Evenifyoucanbringonebagfull ofwater,wecanwetourparchedthroats."

Hecouldseethatthirst,aggravatedbythescorchingheatofthedesert,wassqueezingtheir younglivesoutofthem.Thesightoftheseyoungstershadmovedhimmorethananyother soul‐stirringeventsofthatfaithfulday.Howhehadpickedupthewater‐bagwithassurance toSakinathathewouldgoandbringwater‐GodWilling.

HowhehadtakenHusain'spermissionandmarchedoutofthecampwithaswordinone hand,theflagintheother,andthebagonhisshoulder,withthechildrenfollowinghimina groupuptotheouterperimeterofthecamp.HowHusainhadrepeatedlyrequestedhimto avoidfightingasmuchaspossibleandconfinehimselftothetaskofbringingwater!

Histhoughtsswitchedovertotheeventsthathadprecededhisfallfromthehorse.Withthe objectofprocuringwaterforhisdearlittleSakina,hehadchargedontheenemywhoheldthe riverbanks.Hehadrunthroughtheenemyrankslikeaknifethroughbutter.Againthis surgingonslaughtthecowardscouldnotstandandhadrunhelter‐skeltershoutingfor protection.ForamomentitseemedasifAli,theLionofGod,haddescendedfromheaven.In notimeAbbaswasneartherivulet.Hehadjumpeddownfromthehorseandbenttofillthe water‐bag.Whenitwasfilledtothebrim,hehadtakensomewaterinhiscuppedhandto drinkandsatisfyhiskillingthirst.But,onsecondthoughts,hehadthrownthewateraway. HowcouldhedrinkwaterwhenSakinaandthechildrenwerestillwitheringwithoutit?How couldhebesocallousastoforgetthathismasterHusainhadnothadadropofwatersince thelastthreedays.Hehadturnedtohishorsewhichhadbeenletloosesothatitcouldsatisfy itsthirst.Theanimalhadbeenintentlylookingatitsmasterasiftosay:

"Itooamawarethat,solongasourmasterandhischildrenremainwithoutwater,ourthirst cannotbequenched." Withthewater‐bagfilledhehadjumpedintothesaddlewithonethoughtuppermostinhis mind,togetthewatertotheanxiouslywaitingchildrenasquicklyaspossible.Seeinghim gallopingtowardsthecampofHusain,theenemyhadturned.Somebodyhadshoutedfrom theenemyranksthatifHusainandhispeoplegotwater,itwouldbedifficulttofightthemon

thebattlefield.Thoughitwasanunevenfight,hefoughtthemwithvalourwhichwasso characteristicofhisfathersThoughhewasthirstyandhungry,hechargedonthemand scatteredthem.ThemercenariesofYazidwererunninglikelambsinafoldwhenchargedby alion.Seeingthatafrontalassaultonamansobravewasnotpossible,theyhadresortedtoa barrageofarrows.Whenarrowswerecomingformallsides,Abbashadonlyonethoughtin hismind,howtoprotectthewater‐bagthanhislife.SeeingthatAbbaswaspreoccupiedwith thisthought,onetreacherousfoe,hidingbehindasand‐dune,hadrushedoutanddealtablow onhisrighthandandcutitoff.InaflashAbbashadtransferredhisswordtohislefthandand thestandardhewasbearinghehadhuggedtohischest.NowthattheLionofAliwascrippled, thefoeshadfoundcouragetosurroundhim.Ablowfromanenemy'sswordseveredhisleft arm.Theoddswerenowmountingagainsthim.Heheldthebagwithhisteethandprotected theflagwithhischestpressedonthehorse'sback.Nowtheparamountthoughtinhismind wastoreachthecampsomehowortheother.Asilentprayerhadescapedhislips:

"MercifulAllah,sparemelongenoughtofulfillmymission."

Butthatwasnottobe.Anarrowhadpiercedthewater‐bagandwaterhadstartedgushing outofit.WasitwaterthatwasflowingoutofthatbagorthehopesofAbbas?Allhisefforts hadbeeninvain.AfterallSakina'sthirstwouldremainunsatisfiedandallherhopeswouldbe frustrated.Theenemieswhohadmadeboldtosurroundhim,nowseeinghishelpless condition,werenowgatheringthickroundhim.Oneofthemcamenearhimandstruck mortalblowwithanironmace.Hereeledoverandfellfromthehorse.

Hetossedontheburningsandwithexcruciatingpain.Hefeltthatlifewasfastebbingoutbut hiswishtoseehismasterhadremainedunfulfilled.Withonelasteffort,withallthestrength thatwasleftinhim,heshouted:

"Omymaster,docometomebeforeIdie."

Asitinanswertohisprayershefeltsomefootstepsnearhim,Yes,hisinstincttoldhimthatit washislord.Hisoneeyehadbeenblindedbyanarrowandtheotherfilledwithbloodandso hecouldnotsee.Buthefelthismasterkneelingdownbesidehim,liftinghisheadandtaking itintohislap.Notawordwassaidforafewsecondsbecausebothwerechokedwithemotion. AtlastheheardHusain'svoice,ahalf‐sob,half‐muffledcry:

"Abbas,mybrother,whathavetheydonetoyou?"

IfAbbascouldsee,wouldhehaverecognizedhismaster?Withbackbentandbeardturned whiteandhoary,onhearingthepartingcryofhisbelovedbrother,Husain'splightwassuch thatnobodycouldhaverecognizedhim‐suchwashistransformation.Abbaswasnowfeeling thelovingtouchofhismaster'shand.Withefforthemuttered:

"Youhavecomeatlast,myMaster.IthoughtIwasnotdestinedtohavealastfarewellwith youbut,thankGod,youarehere."

Withthesewordsheputhisheadonthesand.TenderlyHusainliftedhisheadandagainputit onhislap,inquiringwhyhehadremoveditfromthere.

"MyMaster",repliedAbbas,"thethoughtthatwhenyouwillbebreathingyourlast,nobody willbetheretoputyourheadinalapandtocomfortyou,makesmefeelthatitwouldbe betterifmyheadliesonthesandwhenIdie,justasyourswouldbe.Besides,Iamyourslave andyouaremymaster.Itistoomuchformetoputmyheadonyourlap."

Husainburstintouncontrollabletears.Thesightofhisbrother,whosenamewastobecomea bywordfordevotionandunflinchingfaithfulness,layingdownhisdearlifeinhisarms,was heart‐rending.

Abbaswasheardtowhispersoftly:

"Mymaster,Ihavesomelastwishestoexpress.WhenIwasborn,Ihadmyfirstlookatyour faceanditismylastdesirethatwhenIdie,mygazemaybeonit,too.Myoneeyeispierced byanarrowandtheotherisfilledwithblood.Ifyouwillclearthebloodfrommyoneeye,I'll beabletoseeyouandfulfillmylastdyingdesire.MysecondwishisthatwhenIdieyoumay notcarrymybodytothecamp.IhadpromisedtobringwatertoSakinaand,sinceIhave failedinmyattempttobringherwater,Icannotfaceherevenindeath.Besides,Iknowthat theblowsthatyouhavereceivedsincemorninghaveallbutcrushedyouandcarryingmy bodytothecampwillbeheartbreakingworkforyou.AndmythirdwishisthatSakinamay notbebroughtheretoseemyplight.Iknowwithwhatloveandaffectionshewasdevotedto me.Thesightofmydeadbodylyingherewillkillher."

Husainsobbinglypromisedhimthathewouldcarryouthislastwishesadded:

"Abbas,Itoohaveawishtobefulfilled.Sincechildhoodyouhavealwayscalledmemaster. Foronceatleastcallmebrotherwithyourdyingbreath".

Thebloodwasclearedfromtheeye,onebrotherlookedattheotherwithalonginglingering look.Abbaswasheardtowhisper:

"Mybrother,mybrother"

andwiththesewordshesurrenderedhissoultohisMaker:Husainfellunconsciousonthe deadbodyofAbbaswithacry:

"OAbbas,whoislefttoprotectmeandSakinaafteryou?"

TheflowofFuratbecamedarkaswinterandamurmurarosefromtheflowingwaterasifto protestagainstthekillingofathirstywater‐beareronitsbanks.

Chapter6.FromtheCradletotheGrave Themotherwaslookingintentlyintothefaceofherchildlyinginthecradle.Itwasaface whichhadbecomeashen‐paleonaccountofstarvation.Thechild,althoughabouttenmonths old,wassoemaciatedthatanypersonbeholdingwouldthinkthatitwashardlysixmonths old.Thechild’seyesappearedtobesearchingforsomething.Asiftoindicatewhatitwanted, thechildwasopeningitsmouthandtakingoutitsparchedtongueandturneditontoitslips. Themotherwassittingandwatching,helplesslywaitingfordeathtocometothechildand relieveitoftheagony.Butwhatmothercanbeartoseeherchilddieofstarvationand,whatis worse,thirstunquenched?Couldshenotdosomethingtogetafewdropsofwaterwhich couldwellbecomethelifesavingelixirforthechild?Butwherecouldshegetthesefewdrops ofpreciouswaterwhichherlord,ImamHussein,andhisnearanddearonesweredeniedby thearmyofYazidforthreedays?Herheartwasrevoltingagainsttheideaoflettingheryoung sondieofthirst.Foronedayshehadnursedthechildatherbreastbutassheherselfhad gonewithouttheessentialnourishmentsforsolong,hermilkhaddriedupcompletelyand therewasnotadropthatshecouldgivetoherchild.Notfaraway,therivuletwasgushingby andmurmurofitsripplingwaterscouldbeheardinthestillnessthatpervadedthose afternoonhours.

Apassingthoughtcameintothemother’smindtotakeupthechildinherarmsandgoout‐to runtotheriverandsnatchsomewatertoquenchthechild’sthirst.Butitwasjustafleeting thoughtwhichsherejectedonconsideringwhatherhusband,ImamHussein,wouldsayand feel.Wouldnotsuchanactiononherpartingoingoutwiththechild,causegreatagonytoher lord?Hadhenotsufferedenoughduringthedaylosinghisfriendsandmembersofhisfamily, oneaftertheother,bringingtheirdeadbodiestothemorgue?Sherecalledhowthischild’s sister,FatimaSughra,hadpleadedwithherinMedinatoleavehimbehindwithhersothat shecouldpassherdaysinthecompanyofthechild.Sherememberedhowthischild,Ali Asghar,hadclungtohissisterandwouldnotgotoanybodytillherlordhadcomeoverand whisperedsomethingintoitsears.WhatthewordswerewhichHusseinhadwhisperedtoAli AsgharinMedinawhenhewasinhissister’sarms,shedidnotknowbutshedistinctly recollectedthechild’scomingoverwithasmilefromhissister’sarmsintohisfather’s outstretchedarms.WhatacontrastthesmilingfaceofAliAsghar,barelysixmonthsoldat thattime,presentedtotheattenuatedandemaciatedfaceofthechildlyinginthecradle beforeher!

Everyminutethatwaspassingwasincreasingtheagonyofthechildandgriefofthemother.

UmmeRababdidnotknowwhatshecoulddoexceptwatchthechilddyingbyinches.Shewas justgettingreconciledtothisthoughtwhenthechild,withonedesperateattempt,lifteditself andcametoUmmeRabab’sarms.Thoughunabletocrythroughsheerweakness,AliAsghar utteredaheartrendingmoanwhichtoreasunderthehelplessmother’sheart.Sheclaspedthe childtoherbosomandstoodmotionless.Sheheardarustlingnoisebehindherand,turning around,shesawImamHusseinenteringthetent.Seeinghimshecouldnolongercontain herselfandrushedtowardshimsaying,“Sire,myinnocentsonisdyingofthirst.ForGod’s sakedosomethingtosavehim.”ImamHusseinlookedatherandthenatthechild.Hecould seehowtrueherapprehensionswere.Afteramomentsthinkinghesaidtoher:“Umme Rabab,giveAliAsghartome.Asalastattempt,Ishalltakehiminmyarmsandappealtothe armyofYazidtogivehimafewdropsofwatertosavehisinnocentlife.”Overjoyedatthe thoughtofhersongettingsomewater,UmmeRababimmediatelyputAliAsgharinImam Hussein’sarmssaying:“Sire,goquickly,fortimeismostpreciousforsavingmyson’slife.May Godhelpyouingettingsomewaterforhim.Whenyoutakehimoutintothescorchingsun,do coverhimupwithyourrobe,because,inhispresentcondition,hemightwitherawaylikea flowerintheblazeoutside.”Husseintookthechildinhisarms,coveredhiminhisrobeand wentoutofthetent.Themotherfollowedhimtotheexitandstoodtherewatchinghimgo towardsthearmy.

ThesoldiersofYazidsawHusseincomingtowardsthem,hisbackbent,hisbodywounded,his beardturnedcompletelywhitewithsorrowandgriefinthespanofafewhours.Theysaw himbringingsomethingheldunderhisrobe.ManythoughtthatHusseinwasbringingthe holyQurantopleadwiththemthattheconflictbetweenhimandYazidberesolvedbythe arbitramentofthisholybook.Hewalkedtowardsthemandstoodatashoutingdistanceand, whenhefeltthattheycouldseehimclearly,heremovedhisrobewhichwascoveringAli Asghar.Heheldthechildhighinhishandsand,inaloudandringingvoice,hesaid:“Oh soldiersofKufaandDamascus,Icametothisplaceattheinvitationofyourpeopletopreach tothemtheprinciplesofIslam.Insteadoftreatingmeandmypeopleasyourguests,you betrayedusanddeniedusevenwaterforthepastthreedays.Youhavekilledmyloyal friends,mynephews,brothersandsons.Ifinyourwarpedjudgmentwehadcommitteda crime,bynotbowingtothewillofthetyrantYazid,whomyouhaveacceptedasyourspiritual lord,myyoungson,whomIamholdingbeforeyou,hasnotcommittedanysin,becauseheis justaninfant.Forthelastthreedayshehasnothadanynourishment—notevenwater.Heis nowdyingofthirst.Islamisthereligionwhichyouprofesstofollowand,inthenameofIslam, Iappealtoyoutogivealittlewatertomyinnocentsontosavehislife.Iamsuremanyofyou mustbehavingyoungchildrenofhisage,Iimploreyou,fortheloveofyourchildren,notto letthischilddieofthirst.”Sayingthis,heturnedtothechildinhishandsandsaid:“AliAsghar,

myson,Iwishyoucouldtellthemtowhatstateyourthirsthasreducedyou.”Asifin responsetothis,AliAsgharturnedhismouthandstartedturninghistongue,whichhad becomebonedryonhisparchedlips.

Hussein’swordsandAliAsghar’smuteappealforwaterhadamagicaffectevenonthe heartlessmercenarieswhowerearrayedagainstthem.Manysoldiersrecalledthefacesof theirownchildrenbackhomelyingcontentlyintheircradleswell‐fedandwell‐protected. Theirpaternalinstinctsforamomentarousedpityintheirheartsforthisinnocentbaby. Someoftheminspiteofthemselves,couldnothelpsheddingtearstohidewhichtheyhadto turntheirfaces.Someboldonesamongstthemwerewhisperingtooneanotheraboutgoing tothecommanderoftheirarmy,AmrSaad,andaskinghimtosavethechild’slifeby providingsomewatertohim.

Husseinwaswaitingforthereplytohisappeal,withthechildinhisarms.Hefeltthatanother appealthenmightbehelpful,soheonceagainaddressedthesoldiersofYazid:“Armyof Yazid,someamongstyoumaybethinkingthatIamaskingforwaterforthechildwiththe intentionofsatisfyingmyownthirstandthethirstofotherchildrenandladiesinmycamp.If youthinkso,letmetellyouthatIamincapableofanysuchruse.Ifyoudonotfeelconvinced, Iampreparedtohandovermysontoyousothatyoucanyourselftakehimandgivehim water.IamlayingdownAliAshgaronthesandsothatanyoneofyoucancomeandpickhim upandreturnhimtomeafterquenchinghisthirst.”Sayingthishespreadhisrobeonthe groundandputAliAsgharonitinfullviewoftheoppositearmy.

Hussein’sactionshadanelectrifyingaffectonmanyofthesoldiers.Someofthemfeltlike goingovertoAmrSaad,theircommander,andtellinghimthathecouldnotdenyafewdrops ofwatertothechildwhenHusseinhadclearlydemonstratedthattherewasnostratagemto getwaterforhimself. AmrSaadsensedthat,ifmuchtimeelapsed,someofhissoldiersmightrevoltagainsthim— soldierswhohadnothesitatedtoslaughteryoungHashemitesboysoftwelveandfourteen, butwhoarenowtouchedtothequickbythemuteappealofthisbabe,afewmonthsold,for somedropsofwater.HeturnedtohisacearcherHurmula,whowasstandingbesidehim,and said:“Hurmula,hereisthechanceforyoutoearnthebestfavorofYazid.Cutshortthis agonizingsituationbyyourarrow.Demonstrateyourskillbypiercingthethroatofthechild.”

Theheartlessarcher’sgreedandcupiditywerearoused.Hepicturedtohimselfthefavorshe wouldgainatthecourtofYazidwhenitwouldbenarratedthathecametotherescueofAmr

Saad,whenhefacedaverydelicatesituationwithmanyoftheyoungsoldiersstaginganear revoltonbeholdingthepiteousconditionofthehaplessandhelplesschild.Withoutwaiting forasecond,hepickeduphisbowandarrowandtookaimatthechild.Atthesameinstant Husseinpickedupthechildfromtheground.Thearrowwhizzedpastthegroundwherethe childwaslyingaminutebefore.NowAliAsgharwasinhisfather’sarms.Seeingthathisfirst arrowhadgonetowaste,Hurmulatookoutanotheroneandaimeditatthechild.Anexpert marksmenthoughhewas,hecouldnottakecorrectaimashesawinthedistantbackground bearthedoorofthetentawoman’sveiledform.Hefeltthatitmustbethemotherofthechild anxiouslyandexpectantlywaitingforthechild’sreturn.Thereasonforhissecondarrow missingitsmarkwasthat,heartlessashewas,hecouldwellrealizethat,withthepiercingof thechild’sthroat,hewouldbeshatteringamother’shopesandheart.AmrSaadwhowas watchingthetwoabortiveattemptsofhisbestarcher,knownthroughoutthekingdomforhis expertandunfailingmarksmanship,gotscaredofhisfailures.Heknewfullwellthatevery secondthatelapsedasdangerousforhim.Hefeltthat,whattheotherboldandbravesoldiers onHussein’ssidecouldnotachieve,mightbeachievedbythislittleinfantinsavingtheday fortheImam.He,therefore,exhortedHurmulawithallthepersuasionhecouldcommand, givinghimmostextravagantpromisesofaward,tohastenwithhisthirdarrow.Littledidthe wretchneedofthesebecause,feelinghumiliatedandchagrinedathisownweakness,heput thethirdarrowinthebowandtakingaim,letitgo.Itwasreleasedwithsuchuncanny accuracythatitfounditsexacttarget.Itwastoobigforitstargetfor,howbigisthethroatofa childafewmonthsold!ThearrownotonlypiercedthethroatofAliAsgharbuttoreit asunderanddugitselfintoImamHussein’sarms.Suchwasitsimpactthatthechild’sblood gushedforthasiffromafountainandsplashedthefaceofthefather.

Husseinclaspedthedeadbodyofhisinfanttohischestand,withtearsrollingdownhis cheeks,muttered:“Myinnocentson,towhatdepthofdegradationthesepeoplesunkthat theycouldnotspareevenyou.”

Husseinwashesitatingforsometimewhattodoafterthis.Heknewthatthechild’smother waswaitingforhimtobeingitbacktoher.Whatifsheaskedhimwhetherhehadgotten waterforhim?Ifhetoldherthattheenemieshadkilledhimwithanarrow,wouldshenotask whether,beforekillinghim,theyhadquenchedthechild’sthirst?Hewentforwardafew pacesandthenretracedthem.Hissecondthoughtwastoburythechildonthespotandthen goandtellthewaitingmotheraboutwhathadhappened.Butherejectedtheidea,becausehe realizedthatthemotherwouldliketohavealastlookatherdeadchild’sface.Butthenhe thoughtoftheagonythemotherwouldfeelwhenshesawtheterriblewoundinthethroat.

Stealinghisnerves,ImamHusseincoveredthecorpseofthechildwithhisrobeinthesame wayashehadcovereditwhencomingtothebattlefieldandwalkedtowardshiscamp.As soonasheenteredit,hesawtheanxiousmotherwaitingimpatiently.

Shelookedashisdroopingfacesmearedwithbloodandsawtearsrollingdownhischeeks. Sheunderstoodwhathehadcometotellher.Assonashesawher,hesaid:“UmmeRabab,as yourhusbandandlord,Iaskyoutomakeonepromisetome.ThisIamaskingfromyouasmy lastwish.”Shequietlysaid:“Sire,Ishalldoexactlyasyouwantmeto.Tellmewhattheydid tomyinnocentson,tellmeall.Otheryoungwarriorsdiedfightingbravely.Butmyhelpless childwastooyoungforthat.Tellmewhethertheygavehimwaterbeforekillinghim.Even animalsaregivenfoodandwaterbeforetheyareslaughtered.”

Husseinwhispered:“Rabab,Ibeseechyounottocursethepersonswhokilledyourinnocent childsomercilessly.Alas,theydidnotgivehimadropofwater.Myappealtothemforwater forhimwasansweredwithanarrow.”Sayingthis,heremovedtherobefromAliAsghar’s corpseandhandedittoRabab.

Hussein’ssisterZainab,whohadcomeoverthereonhearingherbrother’svoice,sawthe mothertakingthedeadchildintoherhands,claspingitoherbosom,andthencollapsewitha piercingshriek.SherushedintoholdUmmeRabab.Whatmothercouldseeherchildinthat stateandstillremaincalmandpatient!

ZainabcalledalltheladiesofthefamilytocomeoverandconsoleUmmeRabab.Hussein stoodthereforquitesometimelostinthought.Hewasperhapsrememberingallthathehad lostinthespaceofafewhours.Notevenhisinnocentchildhadbeensparedbytheenemy who,itseemed,werebentuponexterminatingthefamilyoftheProphetofIslam,though professedlyowingallegiancetohim.

HewasstilldeepinthoughtwhenUmmeRababcameovertohimandsaid:“Sire,Iwantmy childtobeburiedbyyouwithyourownhands.Iknowthatwhenyouarenomore,the enemieswillnothesitatetodesecratethedeadbodiesofthemartyrs.Iwantthischildtobe sparedsuchdefilementafterdeath.”

Husseintookthechild’sdeadbodyfromthemother’shands,andwalkedoutofthecamp.He dugalittlegravewithhisswordwithnonetoassisthim.Atsuchtimesitisusualforothersto attendtheburialceremonybutHusseinhadnonewithhimwhocouldlendhimahelping hand,muchlessburythechild.Heplacedthechildinthegraveandcovereditwithearth.Itis

customarytosprinklesomewateroverthegravebutthatwasnotpossiblewheneveninits lasthour,thechildcouldnotgetadropforanypurpose.

Husseinsatatthegravewithhistearsrollingdown.AfterofferingFatehaatthegrave, Husseinraisedhisheadheavenwardandprayed:“OhGod.ThouartmywitnessthatIhave notfalteredinmydutytotheleastandhavegivensacrificesofallmydearestones,including mylastone,thismybabe—in—arms.”

Chapter7.TheSupremeSacrifice Husainwasalone,allalone,withnonetobefriendhim,nonetohelphim,nonetodefendhim. Ontheothersidewasanarmyofseveralthousandstrong,thirstingforhisblood.Hewas sittingonthesandoutsidehistentlisteningtothebeatingofdrumsoftheenemypunctuated bytheirbattlecry,“Isthereanypersonlefttocomeoutandfightwithus?”Husainwondered whethertheywereexpectinganypersontobeleftorwhethertheirbattlecrywasjustto mockhim.Didtheynotknowthatallhisloyalfriendshaddiedfightingvaliantlytodefend him?Didtheynotrealizethattherewasonlyonesurvivorleftfromhisbrothers,cousins, nephews,sonsandhiskindred,eachonehavinglaiddownhislifeinthefewhoursbetween sunriseandpost‐noonperiod?NowtherewasleftonlyhissonAliZainalAbedeen,whowas confinedtobedwithfeverwhichhadbeenragingfordaysandwhichhadsoweakenedhim thathecouldhardlylifehishead,letalonewalk.

ThedecliningsunwasnowcastinglengtheningshadowsontheplainofKerbala.Itseemed thatHusainwaswaitingfortheinevitablehourtocome.Perhapshewaswaitingtillevening sothathecouldgooutintothebattle‐fieldafterofferinghisprayers.

Theshoutsfromtheenemy’shordesbecamemoreandmorevociferous.Itseemedthatnow theywereclamouringtoshedhisbloodsothat,havingaccomplishedtheirtask,theycould partakeofthefeastwhichtheircommanderhadpreparedforthemtocelebratetheirsuccess. SomeimpatientsoldierscamemarchingtowardsHusain’scampandshouted,“OHusain, whereareyoursoldierswhoweresoanxioustoprotectyouandwhohadsworntoseethat noharmcametoyouaslongasanyofthemlived??Whereareyourbrothers,sonsand nephewswhohadsworntoprotectyouandtoseethatnobodyraisedhisvoiceagainstyours whileanyofthembreathed?”

Husainwascuttothequickbythesetauntingwordsoftheenemy.Heturnedtowardsthe morguewherethedeadbodiesofhisbelovedfriendsanddearoneswerelyingand, addressingthem,hesaid,“Whereareyou,MuslimIbneAusaja,ZohairIbneQain,HabibIbne Muzahir,HurIbneRiyahiandmyotherfaithfulfriends?Doyouhearthetauntsofthe enemies?Whydon’tyourespondtomylastcallforhelp?”Then,turningtowardsthedead bodiesofhisnephewsandsons,hecried,“Areyouhearingme,OAliAkbar,Qasim,Aun, Muhammadandmybrothers?AllofyouwereeverreadytodefendmebutnowIamallalone andwithoutafriendtohelpme,todefendme,oreventoconsolemeinthishouroftrial.” Turningtheninthedirectionoftheriver,hecried,“Abbas,mybrother,areyouhearingmy cryforhelp?Whyarenotansweringmetoday?Fromyourchildhood,youwereeverreadyto

chastiseanybodywhosomuchasraisedthisvoiceagainstmine,buttoday,insultsand ignominiesarebeinghurledatme.Whydon’tyoucometomyhelpnow?”Withthesewords heweptbitterlyandadded,“Alas,Iknowthatallofyouaresleepingthesweetslumberof death‐Iknowthatdeathhascreatedthatbarrierwhichyoucannotcrosstohelpme.”

WithfalteringstepsHusainenteredhiscamptobidfarewelltohissisters,daughtersand otherladiesofhishouse.Standingoutsidehistenthecalled,“OmysistersZainabandUmme Kulsum,UmmeLailaandUmmeRubab,mydaughtersKubra,RokayyaandSakinaandmy respectednurseFizza,comeovertometohearmylastsalutationsandfarewellmessageto youall.”

Hiswordsdrewalltheladiesofhisfamilywhocamerushinginandclusteredaroundhim.His dearestsisterZainabputherarmsaroundhisneckand,lookingstraightintohiseyes,said, “Mydearestbrother,isittruethatyouaregoingawayforthelasttime,nevertobeseenalive again?Obrother,hasthattimecome,whichIwasdreadingalldaylong,foryoutodepart leavingusatthemercyoftheseheartlesshordes?”

Withhisheadbowed,Husainmuttered,“Yes,Zainab,thetimehascomeforwhichyour motherhaspreparedyoufromyourchildhood,aboutwhichyourfatherhadspokentoyouon hisdeath‐bed.FormethispartingissaddestbecauseIknowthatyourrealtrialsandordeals willnotendbutonlybegintoday.”

“Myownbrother,”repliedZainab,“Iwasallalonghopingagainsthopethatbysacrificingthe livesofmysons,AunandMuhammad,ofAbbas,QasimandAliAkbar,yourlifemightbe spared.Withoutyou,whenwillbeleftinthisworldformetolivefor?Brother,whenyougo toheaven,pleadwithourgrandfathertocallmethere,tosparemetheinsultsandignominies thatnowawaitme.”

ForamomentHusaincouldnotreplytoZainab’spleadings,forheknewhowtruewhatshe saidwas.Controllinghisownemotions,afterafewseconds,hesaid,“Zainab,ifyouwillleave thisworldsosoon,whowillfulfillthemission,whowillaccomplishthetaskwhichIam leavingunfinished?Iamentrustingtoyourcaremyorphansandwidowsandtheorphans andwidowsofallmybravesoldiersandmybloodrelations.Itisnowforyoutoleadthem,to lookafterthem,tocareforthemandtoconsolethem.Ishalldieinpeaceifyoupromiseme thatyouwillbetothemwhatwerealltheirdeadones,whomtheyhadlosttoday.”Hepaused forawhileandadded,“AndZainab,IamparticularlycommendingtoyourcaremysonAli ZainabAbedeen,whomillnesshasbroughttothevergeofdeath,andmybeloveddaughter

Sakinawhohasneverbeenseparatedfrommeevenforaday.Whenshewillnotseeme,she willaskyouwhereIhavegone.Consoleherasbestasyoucan.Irememberhowshewas pleadingforwatertoheruncleAbbasbut,eversincehisdeath,shehasnotutteredaword. Whenyougetwateraftermydeath,giveitfirsttoher.”

Withthesewords,Husainseemedtobechokedwithemotions,butcontrollinghimselfhe wenton,“TheenemiesknowwellhowdearlySakinalovesmeandIloveher.Tosatisfytheir vengeanceagainstme,theymightbeatheruptotormentmysoul,and,perhaps,leadherasa captivefromtheplacewheremydeadbodywilllie.Zainab,dowhatyoucantospareher thesetorturesandafflictions.”

AsHusainwassayingthis,eachwordwassinkingintoZainab’swoundedheart.Shewas chokingwithsobsandtheonlyreplyshecouldgivetothelastcommendationsofherbrother wasbynoddingofherhead.

Afterafewseconds,Husaincontinued,“Zainab,Ihavesomuchtosaytoyoubeforemylast partingbutIhavesolittletimeforit.Dearestsister,theenemywilltakeyouallprisonersand theywillperhapsmarchyouthroughthestreetsofKufaandDamascus.Theymaysnatch awayyourveilsandparadeyouthroughthebazaarsofthesecitiestoaddtoyouragony.They mayeventieorchainyourhandsandfeetandmercilesslyusethelashandspearstotorture allofyouhelplessladiesandchildrenoftheProphet’sHouse.Thatwillbetherealhourof trialforyou,butZainab,Iimploreyoubytheloveyouhaveforme,nottoloseyourpatience. Whenthesetorturesareinflictedonyouall,youmustgivecouragetoalltheladiesand childrenwithyou,andaskthemtopraytoGodAlmightyforfortitudeandpatiencetobear theignominiesinsults,torturesandtorments.Zainab,rememberatalltimesthatwe,people oftheHouseoftheProphet,muststandfirminthehouroftrialwithoutsomuchasutteringa curseonourtorturersandtormentors.”

WhenHusainstoppedaftersayingthis,Zainablookedathimthroughtearsandrepliedina lowvoice,“Husain,IpromiseyouthatIshallexactlyaccordingtoyourlastwishes.Dear brother,prayformethatGodmaygivemethefortitudetosufferboldlyandpatiently,pray thatinmyhouroftrialImaynotbefoundwanting.MydearestHusain,IpromisethatIshall doexactlyasyouwantmetoandshallshouldertheresponsibilitieswhichyourdeathwill throwonmeandshowtotheworldthatIamyoursister,anddaughterofAliandFatima,and grand‐daughteroftheProphetofIslam.”

ThisboldandbravereplyofZainabservedasabalmtoHusain’swoundedheart.Heblessed

herandadded,“Yoursufferingswilllastalongtimeandyouallwillhavetoendure imprisonmentandindignities.WhenyoureturntoMedinaafteryourreleasefromprison, conveymysalaamstoallmyfriendswhomaycometomournmydeath.Tellthemthatmy lastmessagetothemwasthatIandmynearanddearonesdieswithoutadropofwaterwith consumingthirst.Tellthemthat,whentheydrinkcoolwater,theymayremembermeandmy faithfulfollowersandmembersofmyfamily,andthethirstweenduredtoday.”

AlltheladiesofthefamilywhowerelisteningtothelastwishesofHusainwerebeside themselveswithgrief.Theywere,oneandall,cryingbitterly.Somewhosestrengthhadebbed awayonaccountofthirstandstarvationandthesufferingstheyhadundergoneatthelossof theirbrothersandsonsduringtheday,swoonedandfellunconsciousonthefloor.

“IhavenotyetconcludedwhatIhavetotellyou,Zainab,”saidHusain,afterawhile.“When yougobacktoMedina,youtellmybeloveddaughter,FatimaSughra,thatthoughIhadleft herbehindonaccountofherill‐health,Ineverforamomentforgotherandrememberedher tillmylasthour.Conveymylovetoherandtellherthatfatewilleditthatourpartingin Medinashouldbeforever.Whenshewilllearnfromyouthatsomanyofheruncles,brothers andcousinsleftMedinabutnonereturned,shewillfeeldisconsolate.Dowhateveryoucanto consoleher.”

WhenthesewordsHusainstopped.Thebrotherandsisterembracedeachother.Itwasthe lastembraceofthelovingbrotherandsisterwhohadthroughouttheirlivesremainedclosest andmostdevotedtoeachother.Itwasthepartingembraceofabrotherandsisterwhoknew thattheywerenevertomeetagain.ZainabwasclingingtoHusainasifshedidnotwanttolet himgo,knowingthathewouldnevercomebackagain.Bothwerecryingtheirheartsout,the sisteratthethoughtofimminentmartyrdomofherbrotherandthebrotheratthethoughtof thepredicamentinwhichhewasleavingherandtheothersofhisfamily,womenand children‐andhisinvalidson.

TimewasnowrunningoutandthisthoughtmadeHusaintearhimselftohissister.Hewent overtoeachladyandeachchildandmostaffectionatelyandlovinglyhebadehislastfarewell. Heturnedtohisagednurse,Fizza,whohadlookedafterhimfromhischildhood,andkissing herhandheaskedhertoblesshimasshehadbeenblessinghimsincehischildhood.ToFizza, Husainwaslikeason.AtthetimeofFatima’sdeathshehadpromisedhertoremainwithhim andnevertoleavehim.Tofulfillthatpromiseshehadaccompaniedhimonthisarduous journey,inspiteofheradvancedage,disregardingtheadviceofalltheelderlyladiesof Medinawhohadtriedtodissuadeher.Thispartingwastearingherhearttopieces.Heraged

eyeswerewellingwithtearssoshehuggedhimandkissedhisthroatasshehadseenhis motherdoingwhenhewasalittleboy.“Farewell,myson,farewellfromyouragednurse.May Godbewithyouinthehourofyoursupremetrial,”shecriedfromthedepthofherheartand withashriekshefelldown.Hergrief‐stickenagedheartcouldnotbearthissaddestparting.

TurningroundHusainsawhisdearlittledaughterstandingnearhimandlookingupathis face.Sheappearedtobespeechlessanddazedwithgrief.Thesorrowdepictedonher innocentfacetoreHusain’sheart.Hefeltasifallthecouragehecouldsummonupwouldnot besufficienttosteelhisheartforthisoccasionandtellSakinathathewasleavingherfor ever,leavinghertothemerciesoftheworldthathadnokindnessforher,leavinghertoface thewoeswhichhadnoparallel,leavinghertoafatewhichhadsuchsufferingsinstorefor her.Hepickedupperupinhisarmsandimprintedkissesonhercheekswhichwerewetwith tears.Ah!Hedidnotknowthatthesesamecheekswouldreceivecruelslapsoftheenemyjust forcryingforherdeadfather!

PuttingSakinaonthegroundhehurriedtowardsthetentwherehisson,AliZainalAbedeen, waslyingonacouchwithsucharagingfeverthathewasalmostunconscious.Hebentover himandshookAliZainabAbedeenbyhisshoulderandsaid,“Myson,Ihavecometobid farewelltoyou.Ali,myappointedhourisdrawingclose,sowakeupandmeetmeforthelast time.”

AliZainabAbedeenwasarousedfromhisstuporbythesewordsofhisfatherandheopened hiseyes.HesawHusainforthefirsttimethatdayand,suchwasthechangebroughtaboutin himbythecruelblowinflictedonhimduringthattime,thatforonemomenthelookedathim speechlessandbewilderedasifhecouldnotrecognizehim.Hesawhisfather’sbodywith gapingwounds,hishairsnow‐white,hisbackbent.Withsupremeeffortshesatuponthebed andcried,“OnGod,whathavetheenemiesdonetomyfather!”LookingupatHusainhe asked,“Father,whathashappenedtoyourfaithfulfriends?Whathashappenedtomyuncle Abbas,mybrotherAliAkbar,mycousinsQasim,AunandMuhammad?Howisitpossiblefor youtobeinthisstate,ifanyofthemisalivetoprotectyou?”

“Myson,”repliedHusainwithasigh,“Allofthemhavetastedmartyrdomindefendingmeand thecauseofIslam.ThereisnomalememberleftinthiscampexceptyouandI.Nowmyturn hascometogooutanddiefighting.MydestinyisnowbeckoningmefastandIhavecometo bidadieutoyou.”

HearingthisAliZainalAbedeenmusteredallthestrengththatwasleftinhimandrosefrom

hisbedandsaid,“Father,solongasIamalive,youcannotgomeetyourdeath.Letmedie fightingasmybrother,cousinsanduncleshavedone.”

Husaingentlyputhimonthebedandsaid,“Myson,Icommandyou,asyourfatherand spiritualleader,toremaininbed.Yourtaskistoaccompanyyouraunts,motherandsisters andotherladiesincaptivity,tomarchthroughthestreetsofKufaandDamascus,withhands andfeetinchain,tosufferinsultsinthecourtofthetyrantandundergoimprisonmentandto bearallthesethingswithfortitudeandpatience.Yourtaskistoshowtotheworldthatwe canbearafflictionsandsorrowswithunfalteringfaithinGodandourcause.Yourdestinyhas singledyououttodemonstrateforalltimethatrealcrusademeansshowingfaithinthehour oftrial,whenconfrontedwiththemostdifficultandtryingsituations.Whatyouwillsuffer, myson,willbefarworsethandeath,fordeathwouldbringreliefbutyoumayhavetolivefor yearswithmemoriesofyourcruelestsuffering.” Withthesewords,Husainclaspedhissontohisbosom.Thefatherandsonpartedforever. ThegriefwastoomuchforAliZainalAbedeentobearandhefelldownonhiscouch unconscious.Mercifulheavensparedhimtheagonyofseeinghisfather’sdeparture.

Husainfeltthatifhedelayedanylonger,theenemymightrushintothecampenmasse.This hecouldneversufferashewantedtosavehisfamilyfromtheignominyoftheenemy’s lootingandpillageaslongashewasalive.Whenhereachedthecourtyardofhiscamp,he foundhisfaithfulsteedwaitingimpatientlyforhim.Seeinghim,thehorseneighedwithjoy. ThismountwasZuljenah,presentedtohimbyhisgrandfatherwhenhewasayoungboyand justlearningtoride.Theagedstallionseemedfullyconsciousofitsmaster’splight.Thesight ofHusain,woundedandcoveredwithblood,broughttearsintotheanimal’seyes.

Husainstoodbeforethehorseforamomentlookinghitherandthither.Uptothistime,there wasnotasingleoccasionwhenhisbrotherAbbasorhissonAliAkbar,orhisnephewQasim, hadnothelpedhimtomountthehorseholdingthestirrups.Instinctivelyhelookedallround himandexclaimed,“BrotherAbbaswhereareyou?Whydon’tyourushforthtohelpme mountthehorse?MyAkbar,myQasim,whydon’tyoucomeforwardtoholdthestirrupsfor metoday?”

Zainab,whohadcometothecourtyardofthecamptoseeherbrotherdepart,noticedthe conditionofherbrotherandrealizedwhathisfeelingswere.Sherusheduptohimandsaid, “Husainifthereisnobodytohelpyoutoday,mybrother,Zainabwilldothisserviceforyou. Letmeholdthestirrupsforyou.”BeforeHusaincouldsayanything,Zainabwasholdingthe

stirrups.Husainblessedherandvaultedonthehorse’sback.HeurgedZainabtogobackinto thetentandtrytoconsolealltheladiesandchildrenwhoseafflictionsonthatdayknewno bounds.Indeferencetoherbrother’swishes,Zainabwentbackintothetenttoperformthe dutieswhich,fromthathour,hadfallenonherlot.

AssoonasZainabhadgonebackintothetent,HusainspurredZuljenahtomoveon.Thehorse didnotrespondandstoodstillasifitwasgluedtothespot.Husainwassurprisedatthe horse’simmobility.Heknewthat,withhim,thehorsehadsufferedwoundswhilstgoingto thebattlefieldoneveryoccasionafriendormemberofthefamilyfellfighting.Heknewthat, withhimandmembersofhisfamily,thehorsehadalsogonewithoutfoodandwaterfor threedays.StillZuljenah’sbehaviorseemedinexplicable.

AddressingZuljenah,Husainsoftlymurmuredintoitsears,“Mycompanionfromchildhood andmyfaithfulcharger,Iknowthatyouareoldandwearyseeingandexperiencingthe eventsoftoday.ButZuljenah,thisisthelasttimeIammountingyou.Takemetotheplace wheremydestinybeckonsme.Takemetomyjourney’send.”

ThehorseappearedtounderstandwhattheImamwassaying.Thoughspeechless,it indicatedbybendingitsheadtowardstheground,thereasonwhyithadstoodmotionless. LookingdownHusainsawhisyoungdaughterSakinaclingingtothehorse’sforelegsand softlymoaning,“Zuljenah,Iimploreyounottotakeawaymyfathertothefieldofbattlefrom whichnoneofmydearoneshadreturned.Zuljenah,IsawmyuncleAbbasrideawayandI waitedforhimtocomebackwithwater,butmywaitingprovedtobeinvain.Zuljenah,I knowfromthetalkofmyfatherthatheisnowgoingaway,goingforeverandever,neverto comebackagain.Ibegyounottotakehimout,ifyoudonotwanttoseemeasanorphan, withnobodylefttolovemeandcareforme.”

Throughthelackoffoodandwaterandsheerexhaustion,Sakinahadbecomesoweakthat Husaincouldhearhermoaningwithgreatdifficulty.Shehadcomeuptothehorsesoquietly thathehadnotnoticedhertillhelookeddowninresponsetothehorse’sindicationbe bendingofitshead.NowheknewwhyZuljenahhadstoodstill.Heimmediatelyjumpeddown fromthehorse’sback,pickedupSakinainhisarmsandsatontheground.Thefatherand daughterclungtoeachotherasifnothingcouldpartthem.Bothwerechokedwithsobs;both werecryingtheirheartsout.WhenHusaincouldsomewhatcontrolhisemotions,hesoftly saidtoSakina,“Mydarlingdaughter,whydidyourushoutofthetent?Mychild,youmust nowremainwithyourmothertoconsoleher.Youknow,afterthekillingofAliAsghar,how disconsolateyourmotherhasbecome.”

Sakinalookedintotheeyesofherfatherandinnocentlyexclaimed,“Father,tellme,areyou notgoingoutforthelasttime,nevertoreturn?AreyounotleavingyourSakinaforever?O Father!HowwillSakinalivewithoutyou?WhenyoubroughtthedeadbodyofmybrotherAli Akbar,Ithoughtthathislosswouldkillme;butthenthethoughtthatyouwerethereto consoleusandbewithussustainedme.WhenyouinformedmethatmyuncleAbbashad gonetoheavenandthatIwouldneverseenhim,myheartsankwithinme;butyouconsoled me.Tellmefatherwhenyouaregone,whowillbetheretoshareourgriefandsorrow,to speaktousafewwordsofconsolation?WithwhomshallIbeabletosharemygrief?No father,Iwillnotletyougo.Youwillnevergo‐forSakina’ssake,youwillnotgo.”Sayingthis, Sakinawept.Itwastheweepingofachild,aninnocentchildthatknew,inspiteofhertender age,whatdeathwas;whatthepangsofparting—eternalparting,broughtaboutbydeath— were.Shehadexperiencedthem,oneaftertheother,onthatfatefulday.

HusainwasstunnedbytheingenuouspleadingsofhisSakinawhomhelovedmorethan anythinginthisworld.HeknewverywellwhatwasinstoreforhisbelovedSakina,whomhe hadbroughtupwithloveandaffectionwhichwasunique.Herememberedtheday,during thejourneytoKerbala,when,onhearingthenewsofthedeathinKufaofhisemissaryand cousinMuslimIbneAqil,hehadcalledMuslim’syoungdaughter,whowasaccompanyinghim, and,pattingherwithtenderaffection,hadpresentedherwithapairofearringssimilartothe pairhehadgiventoSakina.AtthattimeSakinahadwhisperedinhisearsaskingwhetherit wastruethathercousinhadlostherfather,andsayingthat,ifsheherselflostherfather,she wouldnotbeabletolivewithouthimevenforaday.Littledidsheknowatthattimethatthe dayonwhichshewouldbeorphanedwoulddawnsosoon!

WithsupremeeffortsHusaincontrolledhisfeelingsandkissinghisbelovedSakinaagainand again,hesaidtoher,“MyownSakina,mydearestchild,howshallIexplaintoyouthatImust goouttomeetmydeath,asothersfromourhousehavedone.Child,youaretooyoungto understandwhatisatstake.HowcanIexplaintoyouthatthisdayIamfightingthebattlefor thecauseoftruthofrighteousnessandIcannotsacrificethemevenforthesakeofallthatI holddearesttomyheart.Sakina,Icanonlytellyouthatlifeistransitoryandallthatisin existenceinthisworldistoperishsoonerorlater.Child,bydyingtoday,Iamonlygoing beforeyouandyouwillfollowmetoheavenwhichistobeoureternalabode.MySakina,God Almightyhassoordainedthatwemustsuffertheordealsforthecauseoftruth.Mychild,do notholdmebackbutwithasmileonyourinnocentlips,saygoodbyetome.”

Asifherfather’swordshadkindledsomehopeinheryoungheart,shesaid,“Father,yousay

thatIwillalsojoinyouinheavenaftersometime.Promiseme,fatherthatitwillbesoon— verysoon.Father,promisemethatyouwillremembertopleadtoGodtoendmyseparation fromyouandtounitemewithyouinheaven,nevertobepartedagain.Ifyouwillpromise, fatherIshallletyougo.”BeforeHusaincouldreplytoher,sheadded,“Andfather,Iwantyou tomakemeonemorepromise.WhenIwillnotseeyou,Iwillfindtheworldandlifenothing butmisery.Thoughindeathyouwillnotbeabletoseemeinperson,promisethatyouwill cometomeinmydreamssothatIwillbeabletounburdenmyhearttoyouandtellyouhow Isufferedwithoutyou.Ifyoupromiseme,father,atleastIhavesomethingtolookforwardto everyday.Ishallwaitforthenighttocomesothatinmydream,Icantalktoyou,asIhave alwaysdone;tokissyouandclingtoyouasIhavedoneeveryday.”Withthesewords,she clungtoherfatherwithachokingheart.

Husain’sheartwasbleedingandtheinnocentwordsofSakinamadehimweepashehad seldomdoneinthecourseofthetragedieshehadsufferedthatday,oneafteranother.Father anddaughtersatthereembracingeachother—bothcryingtheirheartswithgriefunconfined.

Realizingthattimewasnowrunningoutandhearingthecriesfromtheenemy’sarmy,calling himtothebattlefield,Husain,withtheutmosteffort,controlledhimself.KissingSakinaagain andagain,hesaid,“MySakina,mybelovedchild,Ipromiseyouwhatyouwereaskingfor.My darling,youalsopromisemethatyouwillbearallthesufferings,allthetorturesthatthe enemieswillsubjectyoutowithcourageandfortitude.AndSakina,rememberthatifyouwill cryformetoomuch,yourauntZainab,whohadalreadysufferedsomuchandwhowillnow beshoulderingalltheresponsibilitiesafterme,willbecrushedbyyoursorrowsand weeping.”

Sakinamurmuredsoftly,“Father,Sakinapromisesyoutofaceallthesufferingsandafflictions silently.Mybelovedfather,Ishalldoexactlyasyouwantmeto.Asifshehadremembered something,shesoftlyadded,“FathereverynightIusedtocometoyouandsleeponyour chest.Now,thatwillnomorebepossible.HowIwishIcouldsleeponyourchestforthelast timesothatIcouldcarryitsmemoriesfortherestofmylife.”

Husaincouldnotfindanywordstoreplytothisinnocentrequest.Helaydownontheburning sandsofthecourtyardandclaspedhisdaughter.Sakinarestedherheadonherfather’schest andlaytherecryingsilentlyforquitesometime.ThesobsofSakinaandHusainwere punctuatingthesilencethatpervadedthecamp.Silently,SakinarosefromtheImam’schest, kissedhimgoodbyeandstoodnearthehorse.Shesawhimmountingthehorseanddriving away,withalastaffectionateglanceatherthatexpressedhisdeepestloveforher.Sheraised

hersmallhandandreverentiallybowedinsalutationtohim—forthelasttime.

Sakinareturnedtohermother,UmmeRubab,andrushedintoherextendedarms.Withher headrestingonhermother’sbosom,shewasweepingandhermotherwascaressingherand strokingherheadtenderly.UmmeRubabwassomuchstunnedbythemagnitudeofhergrief thatshehadbecomespeechless.

Zainabheardherbrotherridingoutofthecamp.Shecouldnotcontainherselfandraisingthe curtainfromthedoorofthetent,shefollowedhimwithhereyes.

ImamHusainrodeonstraighttothearmiesarrayedagainsthimontheoppositeside.The soldiersofAmrSaadsawHusaincomingtowardsthemcladintheProphet’sturbanandrobe. Facingthearmy,headdressedinastentorian,clearandringingvoicewhichwasaudibleto theenemyhordes,“OsoldiersofYazid,IhavecometoaskyouwhetheryouknowwhoIam.If anyofyoudon’tknow,ImakeitclearthatIamthegrandsonofProphetMuhammad,whom youacknowledgeastheProphetofIslam.IamthesonoftheProphet’sdaughterFatimaand theProphet’scousinAli.Iamthelastofthe5personsaboutwhomtheProphetofIslamspoke timeandagaintohispeople.ManyofyouhaveseenandheardtheProphet.Iasksuchofyou whetheryouhavenotseentheProphetcarryingme,andmybrotherHasan,onhisshoulders, whenwewereyoungchildren?HaveyounotseentheProphetcryingwithgriefwhenIcried onaccountofanysorroworaffliction?TheProphetisnomore,butIamherebeforeyou.You havewoundedmyheartbymercilesslykillingmysons,mybrothers,mynephews,andmy faithfulfriendseachoneofwhomwasasdeartomeasmykithandkin.Youhavenospared myinnocentAliAsgharwhowastoolongtocauseyouanyharm.Eachoneofyouhasbeen killedbyyou,hungryandthirsty.Youhavedeniedmeandmyfamilyevenfoodandwater, knowingwellthatthescorchingheatofthisplainismultiplyingmanifoldouragoniesand sufferings.Iaskyou,inthenameofGodandHisProphet,whathaveIdonetodeservethis treatment?”

Withthesewords,Husainpausedforawhiletogetareplytohisquestion.AmrSaad, CommanderofYazid’sarmy,repliedsaying,“Husain,therewasnoneedforyoutosaywhat youhavesaidbecausewearenotgoingtorelentabit.Wehavegiventhechoicetoyouto acceptYazidasyourspirituallordandmaster,andsubjectyourselftohisrulingsanddecrees inallmatters,spiritualandtemporal,recognizinghimastheLeaderoftheFaithfuland successoroftheProphet.Ifyouwanttosaveyourlifeandsaveyourfamilythesufferings, whichawaitthem,youmustsurrendertoourdemand.Thereisnootherchoicebeforeyou.”

Husainheardthisreplysilentlyandsaid,“AmrSaad,yourfatherwasacompanionofthe Prophet,andofallthepeople,youwereawitnesstoallthatIhavementionedbecauseyou haveveryoftenaccompaniedyourfatherwhenheusedtovisittheProphet.Doyouexpect me,foramoment,toacceptYazidwhois,yourknowledge,adebaucheeandaprofligate,as thespiritualleaderofthefaithfulandrightfulsuccessoroftheProphet?Doyouexpectmeto acceptallthedistortionsandchangesthathewantstointroduceinthetenetsofIslamandbe asilentspectatorjusttosavemylifeandtostopthebrutaltreatmentyouplantometeoutof mychildrenandladies?Letmedispelanydoubtthatyoumaybeentertainingandmakeit cleartoyouthat,ifyouwantmetocompromisemyprinciplesforthesakeofworldlygains,I shallneverdoit.Ifyouwanttooffermethechoicebetweenhonoranddeath,Ishallprefer death.IfsacrificeofIslamicprinciplesandQuranicteachingsisthepriceyouaredemanding formylifeandthehonorofmyfamily,Iamhereandnowrejectingyouroffer.Iamasking you,inthenameofIslam,totellmewhetherIhave,eveninasingleinstance,actedcontrary totheprinciplesofreligion?HaveIdoneanythingtojustifythetormentsyouareinflictingon me?OyewhoclaimtobethefollowersoftheProphet,donotsmearyourhandswithmy bloodfor,onthedayofreckoning,youwillhavetofacemygrandfatherandmymotherwho willaskeachofyouwhyyoushedmyblood,knowingthatIwasinnocent;knowingthatIhad notdoneanyharmtoanyofyou.OsoldiersofKufaandDamascus,whatIhavesufferedat yourhandsduringthedayisenoughtokillme,evenifyoudesistfromslaughteringme.I appealtoyouthink,forGod’ssake,whatyouhavedoneandwhatyouwerebentupondoing. Evennowitisnottoolateforyoutorepent.Despiteallthatyouhavedone,Ishallnotcurse you,foritisthetraditionoftheProphet’shousetoprayfortheenlightenmentofthosewho tortureandtormentus;toprayfortheforgivenessofthosewhosincerelyrepentandwho, throughcontrition,changetheirfuturelife.”

Husain’sspeechwasmosteloquent,remindingthosewhowerehearinghimoftheeloquence ofhisfatherwhenheusedtomountthepulpitandaddressthecongregationinthemosquein Kufa.However,thegreedofthemercenarieshadcompleteswayovertheirheartsandminds. Theywerethinkingthattheirtaskwasalmostaccomplishedandtheywouldbecomeeligible fortheextravagantrewardswhichtheyhadbeenpromised,iftheybroughttheheadsof HusainandhisfollowerstoYazid’scourt. AmrSaadnotedwithsatisfactionthathissoldierswerestillthinkingintermsofworldly gains,ratherthanrewardsandretributionsoftheotherworld.Hesawthattheywerenot preparedtoheedtherumblingofadistantdrum.Thisemboldenedhimandherepliedbackto theImam,“Husain,wehaveheardenoughfromyou.Youhavenotacceptedtheoneandonly conditionwewantyoutofulfill,thatis,explicitallegiancetoYazidasthespiritualmentor

withfinalauthoritytohimtodowhathewantsinallreligiousmatters.Sinceyouarenot acceptingthis,youwillbebeheaded,saywhatyouwill.Weknowthat,againstthe overwhelmingodds,youhavenottheleastchancebutstillyouaretryingtogaintime.Inyour presentplight,eventheweakestofmysoldierswouldbemorethanamatchforyou,letalone thewholearmyIhavegotundermycommand.”

ThesetauntingwordsarousedHusain’swrath.HisHashimitebloodwasnowboilingatthe insultingwordsutteredbyAmrSaad.AfterallhewasthesonofAli,theLionofGod,whose victorieshadbecomeknownthroughoutthelengthandbreadthofArabia.HadnotAli scatteredvastarmiesofinfidelssingle‐handedandsavedthedayofIslamagainst overwhelmingodds?Hisirewasarousedandhewantedtoshowthesehirelingsandstooges ofYazidthatifhewanted,hecouldgivethematasteofhissword,eveninthatcondition.

Tremblingwithrage,Husainputhishandonhisscabbardandunsheathedhissword,which hehadinheritedfromhisfather.Likealionheroared,“AmrSaad,Iacceptyourchallengeand offersinglecombattothebravestofthebraveinyourarmy.Nay,notonebuyasmanyasyou wanttosendtofightme,oneaftertheother.”

ThecowardlyCommanderofYazid’sforcesandhisequallypusillanimoussoldierswere shakenbyHusain’swords.TheyrecalledhowAli,fatherofHusain,haddealtwiththebest warriorsofhisopponents’armiesinthedifferentbattlesfoughtbyhim.Nonehadthecourage toacceptthegauntletthrownbyHusainandgooutforsinglecombatwithhim.

Afterhurriedconsultationswithhisofficers,AmrSaadgaveorderstofireavolleyofarrows atHusain.HealsogaveorderstohisinfantryandcavalrytoconvergeonHusainwithswords, scimitarsanddaggers.Husain,withswordinhand,chargedontheattackingsoldiersmowing downallwhocamewithintherangeofhissword.Aconfusionaroseintheenemyranks, becauseallthesoldiersofYazid’sarmywereclashingwithoneanotherwhilstHusainwas chargingandcuttingthroughtheirranks.Hefirstattackedtherightwingofthearmyandthe enemysoldiersinutterconfusionfellback.Heveeredroundandlaunchedafuriousattackon theleftwingofthearmyand,beforethesoldierscouldrealizewherehewas,hehadcut throughthecoreofthatwing.Hethenturnedlikelighteningtothecenterofthearmyandthe cowardlysoldiers,whowereanxioustosavetheirlivestogetthebenefitoftheawardsfor whichtheyhadsoldtheirsouls,retreatedinpanicandconfusion.Husain’sswordwasflashing intheblazingsunlikelightening.Soswiftwerehismovementsandsowell‐trainedforbattle washischargerthatwithincrediblespeedhewasabletoscatterandmowdownthe opposingsoldiers.TheconfusionwasbecomingworseconfoundedinYazid’sarmy,because

soldiers,whowerechargingforward,werefindingthemselvesclashingwitheachother.Fora momentinutterpanicthesoldiersfeltasifAli,thefatherofHusain,haddescendedfrom heaventofightanddefeatthewholearmyofYazid.Someofthesoldierswereawestruckby thebattleprowessshownbyHusain,thisagedHusain,whohadnofoodandwaterforthree days,whoseheartwastornbythelossofallhisdearestonesandeveryinchofwhosebody wascoveredwithwounds.Theycouldnothelpexclaimingspontaneouslytheiradmirationfor thebravestfighthewasputtingupinthefaceoftheheaviestoddsanywarriorhadfacedin thehistoryoftheworld.Themorecowardlyamongstthemwerepiteouslyappealingtohim tosparethem—tosparetheircontemptiblelives.

ThearmythathadtriedtoconvergeonHusainwasnowscatteredandinfullretreat.He haltedinhischargetoseethatthewaytotherivulet,thetributaryoftheFurat,wasnow clear.HesawthedeadbodyofAbbaslyingthere.Instinctivelyheexclaimed,“Abbas,didyou seeyourbrother’slastfight?Mybrother,inlifeyouwerealwaysreadywithpraiseforany bravedeed.Whydon’tyousay‘bravo’tome?”

Husainlookedattheskyandsawthatthesunwasnowdeclining.Herealizedthatitwastime fortheeveningprayerswhichhethoughtthat,asthesoldiershadfallenback,hecoulduse therespitetooffer.Withthisthoughtheputbackhisswordinthescabbard.

AmrSaadandhissoldiers,whowerenowwatchingHusainfromadistanceandconferring amongstthemselvesabouttheirnextmove,weresurprisedtoseeHusainsheathehissword. SomeonesaidthatitwasagoldenopportunitytoattackHusainbutnonehadthecourageto marchtowardshimaftertestinghisskillwiththesword.AmrSaadorderedhisarcherstofire volleyaftervolleyofarrows,hisinfantrytohurlstonesandmissilesathimfromadistance. Heaskedsomeofthemtocatapultstonesandburningcoalsathim.Theorderswereexecuted withoutamoment’sloss.

Husain,whowasalreadywoundedfromheadtofoot,wasnowreceivingonemortalwound afteranotherinquicksuccession.Hisbloodwasflowingsofastthathewasfindingitdifficult toremainonhorseback.Dizzinesswasnowoverpoweringhim.Heknewthathisfightwas nowover.HefeltthathissisterZainabmightbenearthetentwatchinghim.Hewantedto spareherthesightofhisdeath.Puttinghisarmsroundhishorse’sback,hesaid,“Zuljenah, takemetoalowlyingareafromwhereImaynotbevisibletomyfamilyinthecamp.”

SuchwasZuljenah’sunderstandingofhismaster’swishesthatheimmediatelybolted, carryingHusaintoaplacewhichwasinatrough.KnowingthatHusainwasnowsemi‐

consciousandnotinapositiontodismount,itspreadoutitsfrontlegssothatHusainmight notfallheavilyonthegroundbutslipeasilyontoit.Zuljenahwasaccustomedtothiswhenit usedtocarryHusainasachild,whenhewastooyoungtodismount.Husainmanagedtoslide downfromthesaddletotheburninggroundbeneath;butforafewmomentshisbody remainedsuspendedonthespikesofthearrowsthathadpiercedhisbodyfromtoptotoe.He immediatelylostconsciousness.

Fromthecamp’sexitZainabwaswatchingherbrother’slastbattle,lostinadmirationatthe bravefightputupbyhim.Shehadseenhimscatteringtheenemy’shordes,thenhaltinginhis attackandfinally,thehorsetrottingawayveryfasttoaplacefromwhereshecouldnotsee him.Inaveilcoveringherfromheadtofoot,sherushedouttowardsahillocknearthecamp sothatshecouldhaveafullviewofthebattlefield.Fromthishillock,knowneversinceas “Zainab’shillock”,shesawherbrotherlyingunconsciousontheburningsandsandZuljenah standingguardoverhimwithhisheadbowed.Shewasatalosstounderstandwhatwas happeningthere.

Husainwasnowinasemi‐consciousstate.Inthisconditionhefeltthatalltheprophetsofthe bygoneageshadcomeovertowitnesshisordeals—Adam,Noah,Abraham,MosesandJesus, andalltheotherprophetsofyore.Hesawthemretreatingonebyone,sayingtooneanother thattheycannotseehishelplessandsaddestplight.Hesawhisowngrandfather,Prophet Muhammad,hisfatherAli,andhisbrotherHasan,weepingathishelplesscondition.Heheard themalsosaytoeachother,thattheytoocouldnotbeartoseehissufferingandagonies,and leavewithlimitlessgriefandsorrow.Theninhissub‐consciousstate,hesawhismother Fatimacomesoverweepingandwailingandsaying,“MyHusain,whattheyhavedonetoyou? Mychild,noneofthemhadanypityforyou!Didnooneamongthemrecognizethatyouwere theProphet’sdearestchild?MyHusain,thereisnobodytobenearyouinyourlasthour,but, I,mychild,amheretobewithyou.IwillnotletyourheadlieontheburningsandsofKerbala. Iwillholditinmylap,tillthelast.”

Hefeltasifshehadcomenearhimandputhertenderhandonhisforehead,muchasshe usedtododuringhischildhood.Onhisburningforehead,hefeltsomethingcooland comforting—hethoughtitwashismother’shandwipingawaythebloodandsweat.

Hissensesrevivedatthissensationandheopenedhiseyes.Hesawthesundespitehishorse tryinginvaintoprotecthimfromitsblazingrays.Therealizationdawnedonhimthathehad stoppedthefightsothathecouldfinishhiseveningprayers.Hefeltthatunlesshehurried withit,theenemymightnotgivehimtimetocompleteit.Therewasnowateravailable

anywhereforablutionsohecleansedhishandsandfacewiththeburningsandsofthedesert andbeganhisprayers.Hefinishedthemandwithhisheadprostratedinprayers,he addressedhisMaker,“MyAllah,ThouartmyWitnessthatIhavefulfilledmymissioninlife withoutanyhesitation,withoutsquirming,withoutfaltering,withoutcomplaining.MyLord andLordoftheUniverse,IsubmitunreservedlytoThyDecreesandresignmyselftoMy Dispensation.”

WhileHusainwasstillofferinghisprayers,AmrSaadcalleduponhiswarriorstocutoffhis head.Theyweresocowardlyandscaredafterhavingtastedhisswordthatnonecouldmuster enoughcouragetogonearhimandcarryouttheCommander’sorders.Theywerewillingto woundbutafraidtostrike.EvenAmrSaad’scoaxingandcajolingcouldnotinstillsufficient courageinthemtoventurenearhim.AmrSaadthenaskedShimrtogoforthandbehead Husainwhilehewasstillengagedinprayers.Heofferedhimhighestrewardsand,togivehim heart,heevenofferedtoaccompanyhimandstandbyhim,swordinhand.Thetwoofthem marchedtowardstheplacewhereHusainwaslying,hisheadstillprostratedindevotion,his lipsutteringprayerstotheAlmightyGodoftheuniverse.

Whenthetwoofthemreachedthespot,theyheardmurmursfromHusain’slips.Shimr thoughtthathemightbecursingthosewhohaddoneeverythingtoexterminatehisfamily andfriends,whohadsobrutallyandmercilesslytreatedhim.HebentovertheImam’s prostratedbodytohearwhathewassaying,whenhecaughtthesewords,“OAllah,Ibeseech TheewithallhumilitytoforgivethetrespassesoftheerringonesforThouarttheMost Beneficent,themostForgiving.”

SeeingthatHusainhadconcludedhisprayersandfearingthathemightgetuptodefend himselfwithwhateverstrengthwasleftinhim,Shimrdecidedtohurryupwithhismost dastardlyact.HemountedonHusain’sback,and,withtheswordhewascarrying,he preparedhimselftocutoffHusain’shead.Husain,whowasnowtooweakwiththelossof bloodtoraisehishead,turnedalittleandsawwhatShimrwasabouttodo.Inafaltering voice,whichwasaudibletoShimr,hesaid,“OShimr,Iamthirsty.Iamthirsty.OShimr,give meafewdropsofwaterbeforeyouaccomplishyourtask.”

Zainab,whowaswatchingtheeventsastheywerehappeningbeforeher,sawAmrSaadand Shimrreachingtheplacewhereherbrotherlay.ShesawShimrmountherbrother’sback withswordinhand.Insheerdesperationasalastattempttosaveherbrother’slife,she rushedforth,herhoodtrailingbehindher.ShereachedtheplacewhereHusainlayandgoing beforeAmrSaad,shesaid,“OAmrSaad,Iappealtoyouasthegrand‐daughteroftheProphet

ofIslam,tosavemybrother’slife.”Heturnedhisfaceawayfromhersoshewentovertothe othersideandsaid,“OsonofSaadBinAbiWakkas,willyoustandhereandwatchmybrother beingslaughteredsomercilesslywithoutadropofwater?InthenameofGod,Iappealtoyou tosaveHusain’slife.”Hestillremainedsilentasifhewascompletelyoblivioustoher pleadingsandappeals.

Husainsawallthisand,greatashisagoniesandpainswere,hecouldnotbeartoseehissister beinghumiliatedbytheutterdisdainofAmrSaad.Healsoknewthathissisterwouldfeelif hisheadweretobeseveredinfullview.Musteringallthestrengththatwasleftinhim,he raisedhisvoiceandsaidtoZainab,“Mysister,Iappealtoyoutoreturntothecamp immediately.Forthesakeoftheloveyoubearforme,hastentothetent.Itwillgiveme greatestgriefifyouremainhereanylonger.”

Zainabrushedbacktothecampweepingcopiouslyandlamenting.Onreachingthecamp,she rushedtothetentwherehernephewwaslyingonhissickbed.Sheshookhimupandtold himwhatshehadbeheldamomentearlier.Supportinghim,shebroughthimtotheexitofthe camp.Bothofthemstoodtheresilentandspeechless.Theyfeltthatnatureitselfwassharing theirgrief,becauseastronggustofwindaroseandcarriedwithitsredparticlesofburning desertsand.ItruffledupthewateroftheFuratandanangrymurmurarosefromthetorrents thatwereflowingby.Inthedistant,dustypanoramatheysawaspearwithHusain’sheadon it.TheyheardthedrumsofYazid’sarmyproclaimingtheendofthebattle.Zainabwitha shriekwailed,“OmybrotherHusain,mybrotherHusain!Atlasttheyhavekilledyou;they havebeheadedyouwithoutadropofwater.”Withthesewordsshefellunconsciousintothe armsofhernephew.Hegentlyputherdownonthefloorand,prostratinghisheadonthe ground,exclaimed,“OGod,wemortalsresignourselvestoThywill.FromTheewehavecome anduntoTheeShallbeourreturn.”

Chapter8.TheNightofTragedy AthickpallofdustwashangingoverthebattlefieldofKarbalaasthesunwassetting.The eventsofthatday,thecarnageandmassacreofsaintlysoulshadcastagloomonthatdesert tract.Aneeriesilencewasprevailingwhichwasfromtimetotimebrokenbythesoundof drum‐beatingtocelebratethevictory—thehollowvictoryachievedbyahostofwellfed,well‐ equippedsoldiersagainstahandfulofbravewarriors,tormentedbythreedaysofthirstand hunger,eachofwhomhadfoughteveryinchofhisgroundanddisplayedvaliancywhichhas remainedunparalleledintheannalsofmankind.

Whenthebeatingofdrumshadstopped,thedesertwindcarriedthesoundofwailingfrom tentspitchedonahillock,tentswhichhadbeenplunderedandburnt,tentswhichhadbeen ransacked,lootedandpillaged.Theseramshackletentswerethelastoftheremainsof Hussein’scamp.Themoaningsoundthatwascomingfromthemwasoftheladiesand childrenoftheProphet’shousewhohadsuffereduntoldhardshipsandindignitiesatthe handsofYazid’smercenaryminions.NotlongaftertheruthlesskillingofHussein,Yazid’s soldiershadmarchedonthecampwherethedefenselessladiesandhelplesschildrenof Husseinandhisdevotedfollowersstayedand,withruthlesssavagerywhichonlythese barbarianswerecapableof,hadrobbedthemevenofwearingapparel.Therewasnotmuch thattheycouldlaytheirhandson.ThesonofAliandFatimawasnotaccustomedtoworldly luxuriesandwhattheyfoundinhiscampsorelydisappointedthem.Thecoarseclothesthey couldgethadonlyimmensesentimentalvaluefortheladiesandchildrenwhoweredeprived ofthem,becausemanyofthemhadbeenwovenbyFatimawithherownhands.Thesmall woodencradlewhichtheytookawayhadinestimablevalueforAliAsghar’smother,because ithadassociationswiththechildwhohaddiedalittlewhileagoinhisfather’sarms,withhis throatpiercedbythearrowofHurmula.

Thewidowsandorphanswhohad,duringtheshortspanofafewhours,lostalltheirdear oneswerebrutallybeatenandlashedbytheruthlessmarauders.Notsatisfiedwiththeir heartlessbrutality,theenemysetfiretothetents.Whataholocaustitwas!Ayoungchildwas seenrushingoutofoneoftheburningtentswithhisclothesaflame.Oneoftheenemy soldiers,seeinghispitiablecondition,cametohishelpandputouttheflames.Thechild lookedathimwithsurprisebecausehehadnotexpectedevenasparkofhumanfeelingsin thebruteswhohadcometoinflicttorturesonthem.Seeingthathewassomewhatdifferent fromtheothers,shesobbed:“OhShaikh,whenyouhavebeensokindtome,domeonemore favorandshowmethewaytoNajaf.”Themanwasverymuchsurprisedatthisrequest.He replied,“Najafisfarawayfromhere;infact,itisseveralleaguesfromhere.Buttellme,why

doyouwanttoknowthewaytoNajaf?”Thechildinnocentlyreplied:“Iwanttogotothe tombofmygrandfatherAliinNajafandtellhimwhatyourpeoplehavedonetous—howour menhavebeenbutchered;howareladieshavebeenwhipped.Iwanttotellhimhowthe earringsweresnatchedawayfromtheearsofSakina,mycousin,andhowshewasleft bleedingandinpain.”

Zainab,whowasnowinchargeofthecamp,accordingtothelastwishesofherbeloved brother,didnotknowwhattodo.Shouldsheaskalloftheladiesandchildrentoperishinthe fireratherthansuffertheindignitiestheyweresubjectedto?Whosecounselandadvicecould shetakeinthishouroftrial,forAli,theailingsonofHussein,waslyingunconsciousonthe barefloorofoneoftheburningtents?EventhematonwhichthisyoungImamwaslyinghad beensnatchedaway.ZainabhadnoalternativebuttoturntoAliZainalAbedeenwho,though seriouslyill,wastheonlypersonwhosedecisioninsuchacrucialmattercouldbefollowed. Sherushedtohimandshookhimhardsaying:“Ohmybrother’sson,asourImamIappealto youtotelluswhatweshoulddointhepresenttryingcircumstances.Shallweremaininthe tentsandallowourselvestobedevouredbythefiresthatareragingorgooutofthetentsinto theopen?”Heopenedhiseyesburningwithfever.WitheffortheroseandrepliedtoZainab, “Myauntitisourreligiousdutytodoallwecantosaveourlives.Wemustallleavethetents andgooutintotheopen,howeverunpalatableitmaybetous.”OnhearingthisZainaband Kulsumledalltheladiesandchildrenoutoftheburningtents.ShehelpedAliZainalAbedeen togooutintotheopen.

Soonthefiresraginginthetentssubsided.Onlyonetentremainedthoughpartlydamagedby thefire.Theladiesandchildrensalvagedwhatevertheycouldoftheirmeagerbelongingsand huddledtogetherintheremnantsofthatonetentwhichaffordedthemsomeshelter.

Withtheadventofthenightthemoonappearedonthehorizon.Itappearedtintedwithred. Whetheritwasduetotheeffectofdustthatwashangingheavilyintheatmosphere,or whetherthesilverorbwasredwithangerattheatrocitiesthatwereperpetratedonthe innocentpeopleoftheProphet’shouse,itisdifficulttosay.Thethirstychildren,whowere stillwithoutwater,weregoingoutofthetentstoopentheirmouthsinvainattemptstocatch thedewthatwasfallingintinydrops.Butsuchwastheheatradiatedbythesandthateven thedewdropswereevaporatingintheatmosphere.

ThebaseanddespicableinstinctsofAmrSaadandhissubordinateofficerswerenotgratified evenwiththeinhumantorturestheyhadinflictedonthewidowsandorphansinHussein’s camp.Theywereassembledtoconsiderhowtheycouldfurthersatisfytheirthirstfor

revenge.SomeonefromthemsuggestedthatthebodiesofthemartyrsfromHussein’scamp shouldbetrampledunderthehoofsofhorsesaftertheyhadgivenaburialtotheirowndead soldiers.ThissuggestionledsomepersonsfromthetribeofBaniAsadtogetupandprotest thattheywouldnotpermitthebodyofanyofHussein’sfollowersfromtheirtribetobe defiledinthismanner.Othersgotupandsimilarlyobjectedtosuchtreatmentbeingmeted outtothecorpsesofHussein’scompanionsbelongingtotheirclanortribeorinanyway relatedtothem.AmrSaadseeingtheopposition,decidedthatonlythebodyofHusseinwould betrampledunderthefeetofhorses.Forthispurposehorseswereshodafreshandthe brutescarriedouttheirpurpose.Therewasnotasoulamongstthemtosaythat,though Husseinwasnotrelatedtohim,hewastheProphet’sgrandsonandhisbloodrelationship withtheProphetdeservedbetterconsideration,ifnotinlife,atleastindeath.Notone amongstthemhadthedecencytosaythattheProphetofIslamhasexpresslyenjoinedon themnottodesecrateordefileeventhecorpsesofthefallenfoeswhohaddiedinbattle againsttheProphet.WhenZainabandKulsum,thelovingsistersofHusseincametoknow thatonlyHussein’sbodywassingledoutforthisbarbarousdefilement,theirgriefandsorrow knewnobounds.Butwhatcouldtheydointheirutterlyhelplesspredicament?

Thenightwasprogressingslowly,asiftimehadcometoastandstill.Thoughexhausted, hungryandthirsty,Zainabrealizedthatshehadtoperformthedutieswhichnowhad devolvedonherbecausetheillnessofAliZainalAbedeen,theonlysurvivingsonofHussein, hadbecomeaggravatedbywhathehadendured.ShecalledhersisterUmmeKulsumtoher andtoldherthattheyhadnowtolookaftertheorphanedchildren,accordingtoHussein’s lastwishes,inthebestmannertheycould.Theybothdecidedthattheywouldcountallthe childrentoseethatnoneofthemwaslostinthewildernessduringthepandemoniumthat hadprevailedasaresultofthearson,andafterthat,theybothwould,byturn,keepvigil outsidethetent.

Zainabcalledallthechildrentoherandstartedcountingandidentifyingeachofthem.They foundthatonechildwasmissing.Toherhorroranddismay,ZainabfoundthatSakina,the beloveddaughterofHussein,whomhehadparticularlyrequestedhertolookafter,before marchingoutforthelasttime,wasnotthere.Inthedarknight,dimlylitbythepalemoon, ZainabandKulsumstartedthesearch.Invainheywerelookinghitherandthitherbutno traceofSakinawasfound.WitheveryminuteofhervainsearchforSakina,Zainab’sanxiety wasincreasing.Sheknewnotwheretolookforher.Shewasshouting:“OhSakina,mydarling, tellmewhereareyou?WhereshallIlookforyouinthislimitlessdesert?”Theechoofher voicewastheonlyreplyshewasgetting.Inutterfrustrationsheturnedtotheplacewhere thebodyofHusseinlay.Runningtowardsthebodyshecried:“Hussein,mybrother,Icannot

findSakina,yourowndarlingchild,whomyouhadlefttomycare.Tellmebrother,where shallIlookforherinthiswilderness?”Asshecamenearthebody,themoon,whichhadbeen hidingbehinddarkclouds,cameoutandlitthesurroundingareawithitspalebeams.Shesaw Sakinaclingingtothedeadbodyofherfatherandsleepingwithherheadrestedonhischest. ForamomentZainabthoughtthatthechildhadpassedaway,beingunabletobearthe tormentsshewassubjectedtosinceherfather’smartyrdom.Slowlyshecamenearthechild andgentlycried:“Sakina,mychild,Ihavecomeherelookingforyouaftersearchingforyou alloverthisdesert.”Thegirlopenedhereyes.EveninthatdimlylitdesertZainabcouldsee thatSakina’seyeswereswollenasfshehadcriedherheartoutembracingthebodyofher belovedfather.Shegentlypickedherupinherarmsandsaid:“Sakina,tellmewhatmadeyou comehere?”Innocentlythechildreplied,“Ohaunt,Iwasseizedbyanirresistibledesiretotell myfatherwhatthesepeoplehaddonetome.IwantedtotellhimthathisdearSakinahad beenrobbedoftheearringswhichhehadsolovinglypresented.Iwantedtotellhimthatthe manhadnotevencaredtotakethemoutbutsnatchedthemaway,tearingmyearlobes.I wantedtotellhimthatwhenIcriedwithpain,Ihadbeenmercilesslyslappedbythatbeast.” Thechildcontinuedsobbing:“WhenIleftthetentIwasrunningaimlesslyinthedesert shouting,‘Fathertellmewhereyouarelying.Father,Sakinawantstocometoyouandtell youallaboutthesufferingsshehasenduredsinceyouhavelefther!’Ifeltthatthewind broughtamoaningcryfromthisdirection,asifmyfatherwasreplyingtome:‘Sakina,my ownSakina,comehere,comehere.’IcamerunninginthisdirectionandIfoundmyfather lyinghere.Zainab,myaunt,InarratedtohimallthatIhadendured;allthatyouand everybodyelsehadsufferedsinceourpartingwithhim.Mynarratingeverythingtohim lightenedmyheartandIfeltanurgetosleeponhischest,forthelasttime,asIhadbeen sleepingsooftenwhenhewasalive.SoIkeptmyheadonhischestandslepttillyoucameto awakenme.” HandinhandwithSakina,Zainabreturnedtothecamp.Muchasshehadfeltlikeremaining therenearHussein’sbodyandpouringherfullheartbeforehim,asSakinahaddone,she couldnotdosobecauseshewasconsciousthathersisterUmmeKulsumandSakina’smother werewaitingforherandSakina,withfearandhope.Shehurriedbacktothecampasfastas hertiredlegscouldcarryher.Onreachingthetent,sheputthechildinhermother’sarms witharequesttoputhertosleep.ForZainabtherewereotherdutiestoperformandavigilto keepoutside.Itwasnotsomuchathoughtofprotectingpreciousbelongings,for,ofthese therewerenone;itwastheintentionofrequestinganypossibleintrudersnottodisturbthe children,thehungryandthirstychildrenwhowereonebyonefallingintosleepfromsheer exhaustion.

Shehadhardlycomeoutofthetentwhenshenoticedthatagroupofpeoplewereadvancing towardstheburntoutcamp.Theirfiguresweresilhouettedbytheflame‐torchestheycarried. Zainabwasbesideherselfwithrageatthecallousnessoftheseintruderswho,shethought, wouldnotevenpermitthechildrenthelittlerestwhichsleepaffordedthem.Shehurried towardsthesepersonsand,whenshewaswithinhearingdistancefromthem,entreatedthem togoback.“Ifyouhavecomewiththeobjectoflootingus,”shesaid,“Icantellyouthatyour peoplehavenotleftwithusanythingofvalue.Ourchildrenhavegonetosleepandyour vandalismwillawakenthem.Ifatallyouwantanything,comeinthemorning.Wehelpless womenandchildrencannotescapefromyourclutchesduringthenight.”

Alady,whowasaccompanyingthegroup,repliedtoherinaverypoliteway.Zainabwas surprisedattherespectfultoneinwhichthatladywasaddressingher:“Mylady,wehavenot cometotakeawayanythingfromyou,forweknowthatwhatyouhavesaidistrueandthere isnothingleftwithyou.Wehavebroughtsomefoodandwaterforyourchildrenandthe bereavedladiesofyourcamp.

NothingcouldhavesurprisedZainabmorethanthisreply.ThepeoplefromYazid’sarmyand theladyaccompanyingthem,hadnowreachedZainab’stent.Shecouldseeintheflickering lightofthetorchestheywerecarrying,thatwhatthetheladyhadsaidwascorrect.Someof themenwerecarryingontheirheadslargetrayscontainingbread;othershadintheirhands pitchersfullofwater.WhatemotionsthissiteofwaterevokedinZainab’sheartcanbebetter imaginedthandescribed.Forthiswatereachandeveryoneofherkithandkin,hersons,her nephews,herbrothersandHusseinhadcravedtilldeath,butnotadropwasgiventoanyof them.Shecontrolledherselfandtooktheladyintothetent.Tryasshewould,Zainabcould notrecognizethislady,whowastheonlyonefromtheenemy’ssidetohavespokensokindly andrespectfullytohersincethatevening.Sosheaskedherwhoshewasandwhathad inducedherpeopletorelentbysendingfoodandwater.Theladyreplied:“Mylady,Iamthe widowofHur,wholastnightcameovertoyourbrotherHusseinfromYazid’sarmyanddied thismorningfightingbravelyindefenseofyourbrother.MyhusbandwasageneralinYazid’s army,commandingathousandsoldiers.WhensomeofthesoldiersofAmrSaadrealizedthat allofyouwouldperishduetohungerandthirst,andtheywouldnotbeabletotakeyou beforeYazidaccordingtohiscommand,theydecidedtodeputemetocarrythefoodand waterforyou.

AssoonasZainabheardthathervisitorwasthewidowofthatbravewarriorwhohadturned hisbackontheworldwithdisdaintodefendherbrotherHussein,andlaiddownhislife fightingmostgallantly,sheofferedhercondolencestothewidow.“Ohsister,”shesaid,“we

areallindebtedtoyourhusbandforlayingdownhispreciouslifeindefendingHussein.He wasourguestbutalas!Hecametovisitusatatimewhenwehadnothinglefttoofferhim. MayGodgrantyoupatiencetoendureyourbereavement.”Hearingthis,Hur’swidowreplied: “Mylady,IknownothowIcanoffermycondolencestoyou,foryouhavelostnotone,but18 membersofyourfamily.”Shebroughtthetraysofbreadandwater‐jugsandplacedthem beforeZainab.

Zainabwasremindedofthepartingwishofherbrother.Justbeforeleaving,hetoldherthat, ifshegotwaterafterhisdeath,sheshouldfirstofferittoSakina.Withabeakerfullofwater shewentovertowhereSakinawassleepingandwokeherupsaying:“Sakina,mychildatlast thereiswaterforyou.Getup,mychild,andwetyourparchedlipsandthroatwiththis refreshingdrink.”

Sakinagotupfromhersleepandlookedatheraunt.Withchild‐likeinnocencesheasked: “DearAunt,youtoohaveremainedthirstyfordays.Whydidyounotdrinkitfirstbefore wakingmeup?”Zainabrepliedwithalumpinherthroat:“Mychild,itisusualtogivefood anddrinktotheyoungestfirst.Sinceyouaretheyoungesthere,Ihavebroughtittoyou.” Hearingthis,SakinatookthebeakerfilledwithwaterfromZainab’shandsandranoutofthe tent.Zainabrushedoutafterhershouting:“Sakina,tellmewhereyouwanttogointhisdark outside.”Thechildreplied:“IamtakingthewatertomybrotherAliAsghar,whoissleeping amongstthedead.Didyounottellmeitisusualtooffersuchthingstotheyoungest?Ali Asgharistheyoungestamongstus.Iknowhedidnotgetadropofwater,forwhenfather broughthisstillbody,soakedinbloodfromthebattlefield,mymotherhadanxiouslyasked himwhetheranyofthesoldiersofAmrSaadhadtakenpityonhisconditionandgivenhim water.Fathercouldnotsayyesinreplytothisquestion;hecouldonlyhanghisheaddown withtearsrollingdownhicheeks.MymotherandIunderstoodthatAliAsgharhaddied thirsty.Icannotforgethowmyyoungbrotherwasrunninghisdriedtongueonhisparched lipssincethismorning.OhAuntZainab,nowthatwaterisavailable,letmegiveittohim.”

ThisinnocentreplyofSakinabroughtbeforetheeyesofeverybodythesceneofthatmorning, withthechildAliAsghar’stragicrequestforwater.Allofthemweptbitterlyrecallingthe memoryoftheinfantwhohadperishedwithparchedlips.Controllingherself,Zainabcaught holdofSakinaandsaid:“Sakina,AliAsgharhadbeengivenwaterinheavenbyyour grandfatherandheisnolongerthirsty.Lethimsleeptheeternalsleepofdeathfromwhich nothingcanwakehimup.See,yourfather,youruncleAbbasandyourbrotherAliAkbar,have nottastedthewaterfromthecoolspringofheavenbecausetheywouldnottouchitsolongas you,mychild,remainthirsty.Drinkit,mychild,drinkitsothatthosewhoarewaitingin

Heaventoquenchtheirthirst, Heaventoquenchtheirthirst,mayalsotaste mayalsotastethewaterofKa thewaterofKauther.”Sakin uther.”Sakinasilentlyt asilentlytookthe ookthe beakerfromZainab’shandsanddra beakerfromZainab’shandsanddrankthewaterwit nkthewaterwithhottearsrolli hhottearsrollingdownhercheeks.Was ngdownhercheeks.Was sherecallinghowheruncleAbbashadgone sherecallinghowheruncleAbbashadgoneouttofetchwat outtofetchwaterforher,t erforher,thissamewaterwhich hissamewaterwhich wasnowavailabletohertodrinka wasnowavailabletohertodrinkasmuchasshewanted, smuchasshewanted,nevertoreturn nevertoreturn? ?

Allthechildrenwereservedfoodandwat Allthechildrenwereservedfoodandwaterafterwaki erafterwakingthemupfromthe ngthemupfromtheirtiredslee irtiredsleep.Can p.Can itbeimaginedhowtheladiesof itbeimaginedhowtheladiesofthehouseoftheP thehouseoftheProphetpartookof rophetpartookofthefoodandwater thefoodandwaterwith with thememoriesoftheirdearonesdyi thememoriesoftheirdearonesdyingwithoutanyfoodan ngwithoutanyfoodandwater,still dwater,stilllingeringin lingeringintheir their mindsandeatinguptheirhear mindsandeatinguptheirheartslikecanke tslikecankers?Thechildren rs?Thechildrenwereputtosle wereputtosleepagain.Zai epagain.Zainab nab askedalltheladiestosleepan askedalltheladiestosleepandundertooktokeep dundertooktokeepawatchoutsidesot awatchoutsidesothat,ifany hat,ifanyintruders intruders came,shecouldwarnthem.Inspite came,shecouldwarn them.Inspiteoftheprotest oftheprotestationsofthe ationsoftheotherladies,Za otherladies,Zainabwouldnot inabwouldnot agreetosleepandletthemkeep agreetosleepandletthemkeepthewatch.“It thewatch.“Itwasmybrother’swi wasmybrother’swishthat,aft shthat,afterhim,Ishould erhim,Ishould assumealltheresponsibiliti assumealltheresponsibilitiesofthiscar esofthiscaravanofcaptive avanofcaptives.Imustfulfi s.Imustfulfilltheresponsi lltheresponsibilities bilities thatnowhavedevelopedonmeaccordingtohi thatnowhavedevelope donmeaccordingtohiswishes,”shesa swishes,”shesaidwithatone idwithatoneoffinality. offinality.

Zainabwasnowmakingroundsofthete Zainabwasnowmakin groundsofthetentwithahalf ntwithahalfburntten‐pole burntten‐poleinherhands. inherhands.Shewas Shewas sometimeslookingtowardsthemorguewherelaythe sometimeslookingtowards themorguewherelaythecorpsesofall corpsesofallherdearones,Ali herdearones,AliAkbar, Akbar, Qasim,AunandMuhammad,andothers.S Qasim,AunandMuhammad,andothers.Sometimesshewaslookingi ometimesshewaslookinginthedirect nthedirectionofthe ionofthe riverwherelaythebodyofherbr riverwherelaythebodyofherbrotherAbbas.Of otherAbbas.Oftenshewaslookingi tenshewaslookinginthedirecti nthedirectionwhere onwhere laythebodyofherdearestHussein. laythebodyofherdearestHussein.Shewasrecalli Shewasrecallinghowherbrothers, nghowherbrothers,nephewsandsons nephewsandsons hadtenderlylookedafterherfromt hadtenderlylookedaf terherfromthedayshehadstart hedayshehadstartedfromMedinaont edfromMedinaontheominous heominous journeyandwhatahelplessandhapl journeyandwhatahelplessandhaplessstateshewasf essstateshewasfindingherself indingherselfin,whenthey in,whentheywereall wereall goneforever.Withthesethoughtsshe goneforever.Withthesethoughtssheturnedinthe turnedinthedirectionofN directionofNajafwhereherf ajafwhereherfatherAlilay atherAlilay buried.Tohermindcamethememorie buried.Tohermindcamethememoriesofthedaysspen softhedaysspentbyherinK tbyherinKufawhenherfat ufawhenherfather,as her,as theKhalif,washavinghisseat theKhalif,washavinghisseatinthatt inthattown.Withwhatrespe own.Withwhatrespectshewastreat ctshewastreatedinthosedays edinthosedays bytheseverypeoplewhohadnotin bytheseverypeoplewhohadnotintheleasthesit theleasthesitatedtohurlin atedtohurlinsultsandignominy sultsandignominyatheron atheron thisday!Howtheyhadviedwitheachother thisday!Howtheyhad viedwitheachotherinattempt inattemptstohumiliatehe stohumiliateher!Herheadwas r!Herheadwas reelingwiththesethoughts.She reelingwiththesethoughts.Sheswoonedwiththegrief swoonedwiththegriefwhichhadbecomeunbear whichhadbecomeunbearablefor ablefor her.Inherunconsciousstateshe her.Inherunconsciousstateshesawonepersongallop sawonepersongallopingtowardsthecamp ingtowardsthecampasifhewas asifhewas comingfromalongdistanceandwanted comingfromalongdistanceandwantedtoreachtherep toreachtherepost‐haste.Hisf ost‐haste.Hisfacewascoveredbya acewascoveredbya veil.Inhertranceshefel veil.Inhertranceshefeltthathewascomi tthathewascomingtotormentthe ngtotormentthewidowsandchildrenan widowsandchildrenandsoshe dsoshe shoutedathimtohalt.Inherf shoutedathimtohalt.Inherfeverishdelirium everishdeliriumsheentreatedhi sheentreatedhimnottodisturb mnottodisturbtheladies theladies andchildrenwhoweresleeping.She andchildrenwhowere sleeping.Shefeltthather feltthatherrequestsweren requestswerenotheededbytheri otheededbytherider. der. Burningwithwrathsherushedtowardsthe Burningwithwrathsherushedtowardstherider,caughthold rider,caughtholdofhisreins ofhisreinsandshoutedathim andshoutedathim “OShaikh,Iamsupplicati “OShaikh,Iamsupplicatingyoutoturnba ngyoutoturnbackandnottodist ckandnottodisturbusinour urbusinourpresent present predicament,butyouarenotl predicament,butyouarenotlisteningtome. isteningtome.Iamthegranddaughte IamthegranddaughteroftheProphet roftheProphetofIslam ofIslam anddaughterofAliandFatima. anddaughterofAliandFatima.Haveyounoregardfor HaveyounoregardfortheProphetand theProphetandhisfamilythat hisfamilythatyou you

aretreatingmyearnestreq aretreatingmyearnestrequestswithsuchscan uestswithsuchscantrespect?” trespect?”Inherunconscious Inherunconsciousstateshesaw stateshesaw thepersononhorsebackliftt thepersononhorsebacklifttheveilfromhis heveilfromhisface.Shesaw face.Shesawthefaceofher thefaceofherfatherAli, fatherAli,withdeep withdeep sorrowdepictedonit.Sheheard sorrowdepictedonit.Sheheardhimburstoutin himburstoutintotearsandsay: totearsandsay:“Zainab, “Zainab,Ihavecometo Ihavecometo takeoverfromyouthedutyofguarding takeoverfromyouthedutyofguardingthewidowsandchildren thewidowsandchildrenofmyHussein,hi ofmyHussein,hiskinsmen skinsmen andcompanions.OZainab!Whathave andcompanions.OZainab!Whathavetheseforcesof theseforcesofevilandoppressi evilandoppressiondonetoyouall?” ondonetoyouall?” Zainabfeltasifshemust Zainabfeltasifshemustunburdenherheart unburdenherhearttoherfathe toherfather.“Ofat r.“Ofather,howlateyouhave her,howlateyouhavecome! come! WherewereyouwhenmyAliAkbarandQasim, WherewereyouwhenmyAli AkbarandQasim,andAbbasandothe andAbbasandothersfellint rsfellinthebattlefi hebattlefield? eld? WherewereyouwhenyourHussein’sheadwasmercile WherewereyouwhenyourHussei n’sheadwasmercilesslyseveredfromhis sslyseveredfromhisbodywithout bodywithout givinghimadropofwater?Wherewer givinghimadropofwater?WherewereyouwhenAliAsghar’s eyouwhenAliAsghar’sthroatwaspierc throatwaspiercedwithan edwithan arrow?WherewereyouwhenSakina’searr arrow?Wherewereyouwhen Sakina’searringsweresnatched ingsweresnatchedawaymercilesslyandwhen awaymercilesslyandwhen shewasbrutallyslappedbyShimr? shewasbrutallyslappedbyShimr?WherewereyouwhenYazi WherewereyouwhenYazid’ssoldierssnatched d’ssoldierssnatchedawayour awayour veilsandsetfiretoourt veilsandsetfiretoourtents?”These ents?”Theseoutpouringsofher outpouringsofherheartwereshaking heartwereshakingherbodyin herbodyin convulsions.Shefoundthatshewast convulsions.Shefoundthatshewastherealonelying herealonelyingonthedesertsan onthedesertsandwithherclothes dwithherclotheswet wet withthetearsflowingfromhere withthetearsflowingfromhereyes.Thedawnwasbre yes.Thedawnwasbreakingatthat akingatthattime.Shere time.Sherecalledwith calledwith paintheeventsofthepr paintheeventsofthepreviousday—howatthist eviousday—howatthistimeAliAkbarhad imeAliAkbarhadgiventhecall giventhecallforprayers forprayers andhowthemorningprayerswereoffer andhowthemorningp rayerswereofferedbyHusseinandhi edbyHusseinandhisdevotedfollowers!She sdevotedfollowers!Shetook took offhertears,didsubstitut offhertears,didsubstitutedablutionont edablutiononthesandandbegan hesandandbeganhermorningprayer hermorningprayers.Her s.Her morningprayersfinished,she morningprayersfinished,shelaiddownherheadin laiddownherheadinprostrationan prostrationandprayed:“O dprayed:“OAllah,give Allah,give mestrengthtobearthewoesthat mestrengthtobearthewoesthatIhavetoface. Ihavetoface.Givemecourageto Givemecouragetocarryonthemissi carryonthemission on whichIhavetofulfill.Giveme whichIhavetofulfill.Givemefortitudeandp fortitudeandpatiencetobe atiencetobeartheinsults artheinsults,ignominiesan ,ignominiesand d indignitieswhicharetobe indignitieswhicharetobeinflictedonme—O inflictedonme—OThouWhoarttheSour ThouWhoarttheSourceofallPoweran ceofallPowerand d Strength.”

Chapter9.TheCaptives’Caravan Whenthesunroseonthemorningoft Whenthesunroseonthemorningofthe11thMuharram,i he11thMuharram,itwasdark‐redin twasdark‐redincolorwiththe colorwiththe dustparticles,whichwereheavily dustparticles,whichwereheavilyladeninthe ladenintheair.Thisdar air.Thisdarkcolorindicated kcolorindicatedasifit asifithad had becomeredwithshameatthesighti becomeredwithshame atthesightithadbeheldthe thadbeheldthepreviousdayandthe previousdayandthesightitex sightitexpectedto pectedto beholdthatmorning.Itwascomingout beholdthatmorning.Itwascomingoutslowly,asifrel slowly,asifreluctanttocast uctanttocastitsraysont itsraysontheghastly heghastly scene.Itsawastrangeandvery scene.Itsawastrangeandveryunusualsight,wit unusualsight,withladiesandchil hladiesandchildrenhuddledtogether drenhuddledtogether outsidetheshambledremainsofburnt outsidetheshambled remainsofburnttents.Wit tents.Withnoshelterovert hnoshelterovertheirheads,the heirheads,thechildren children weresleepingorratherlyingse weresleepingorratherlyingsemi‐consciouswithexha mi‐consciouswithexhaustion,andthe ustion,andtheladieswere ladieswere surroundingthemasiftheywereex surroundingthemasiftheywereexpectantlyawai pectantlyawaitingsomeuntowardevent tingsomeuntowardeventstooccur.A stooccur.A stateofuncertaintywaswrit stateofuncertaintywaswritlargeontheir largeontheirfaces. faces.

Ontheothersideofthisca Ontheothersideofthiscamp,thearmywasmaki mp,thearmywasmakingpreparati ngpreparationshurriedlyfor onshurriedlyfortheir their departure.AmarSaadhadcalledhis departure.AmarSaadhadcalledhisofficersfor officersforconferencewith conferencewiththemastowhatnex themastowhatnextstep tstep theyshouldtake.Asaresultof theyshouldtake.Asaresultoftheseconsultation theseconsultations,itwasdecided s,itwasdecidedthatthefami thatthefamilyofHusain lyofHusain shouldbeledascaptives,throughKuf shouldbeledascaptives,throughKufaandDamascus,tot aandDamascus,tothecourtofYazi hecourtofYazid.AmarSaadin d.AmarSaadin consultationwithsomeofthegenera consultationwithsomeofthegeneralsofhisarmy, lsofhisarmy,decidedtomarchaheadt decidedtomarchaheadtoconveyto oconveyto Yazidthenewsofwhathadtranspi YazidthenewsofwhathadtranspiredatKarbala redatKarbalaandobtainthe andobtaintherewardswhichwere rewardswhichwere promised.TheyfeltthatYazi promised.TheyfeltthatYazidwouldbeverypleased dwouldbeverypleasedwiththemift withthemiftheydidtheirut heydidtheirutmostto mostto humiliateandsubjectthefami humiliateandsubjectthefamilyofHusaintot lyofHusaintotheworstindignit heworstindignitiesandinsult iesandinsults.Theywere s.Theywere vyingwithoneanothertosuggestin vyingwithoneanothertosuggestinwhatformtheycouldb whatformtheycouldbetorturedandt etorturedandtormented. ormented. Somebodysuggestedthatitwouldaddtotheir Somebodysuggestedthati twouldaddtotheirgriefandagonyi griefandagonyiftheyweremadet ftheyweremadetomarchby omarchby thebodiesoftheirdearones. thebodiesoftheirdearones.AmarSaadfelt AmarSaadfeltinwiththis inwiththissuggestion.Shimr suggestion.ShimrandKhooliwere andKhooliwere askedtoaccompanythecaravanofca askedtoaccompanythecaravanofcaptivesandtoe ptivesandtoensurethatthey nsurethattheywereconductedto wereconductedto Damuscuswiththeatmostdispatch.

Whenthearrangementswerecompleted, Whenthearrangemen tswerecompleted,theofficerswhowere theofficerswhowereappointedto appointedtobindtheladies bindtheladies andchildrenhandandfootwentover andchildrenhandandfootwentovertothem.Theysubj tothem.Theysubjectedthemtothe ectedthemtotheutmostbrutal utmostbrutal treatmentandtiedropesand treatmentandtiedropesandchainsroundtheir chainsroundtheirnecks,handsan necks,handsandfeet.The dfeet.Theladieswereputon ladieswereputon camelbackwithoutanysaddles.Theb camelbackwithoutanysaddles.Thebondsweretiedin ondsweretiedinsuchawaythatthe suchawaythattheylinkedthehan ylinkedthehands ds oftheladieswiththenecksof oftheladieswiththenecksoftheyoungchildren. theyoungchildren.Thesearrangemen Thesearrangementsbeingcomplete tsbeingcompleted,the d,the caravanwenttothemortuary,where caravanwenttothemortuary,wherethedeadbodieswere thedeadbodieswerelying,Suchwasthe lying,Suchwasthediscomfiture discomfiture andgriefofthebereavedladie andgriefofthebereavedladiesandchildrentha sandchildrenthat,onbeholdinghe t,onbeholdinghecorpsesofthe corpsesofthemartyrs, martyrs, theycouldnotcontrolthemselves.Seve theycouldnotcontrolthemselves.Severalofthemflun ralofthemflungthemselvesfromthe gthemselvesfromthecamelbacksin camelbacksin spiteoftheropesandchain spiteoftheropesandchainsthatboundthem, sthatboundthem,andthrewthemselves andthrewthemselvesonthedeadbodiesof onthedeadbodiesof theirbrothers,sons,uncles theirbrothers,sons,unclesandotherrelati andotherrelations.Theguards,whowere ons.Theguards,whoweredeputedtoaccompany deputedtoaccompany

themwerereadywiththelashesandtheymercilesslyusedthem,notsparingevenyoung childrenwhoseonlycrimewasthattheycouldnotbearthesightofthedeadbodiesoftheir dearestonesstrewnallovertheplacewithoutasheet,withoutashroud,andcouldnot controltheirgriefandsorrowonbeholdingthem.

Onebyone,alltheladiesandchildrenwereputbackonthecamels.Theywerenotpermitted togiveventtotheirgriefandsorrow,ortoweepovertheirdearones.AliZainulAbideenwho washeavilychainedandmanacled,wasmadetofollowthecaravanonfoot,inspiteofhis sufferingfromhighfever.Theheadofthemartyrswerecarriedonspearsattheheadofthe procession.

Accordingtoscheduledplan,thiscaravanmarchedonrapidlytowardsKufa.Theplightofthe captiveswassuchthat,ifanychildfellfromthecamel‐backtheropethattieditandthehand ofsomeladybecometaugh,resultinginhertopplingoverfromthecamelback.Thesoldiers whowereaccompanyingthemwouldimmediatelyrushtowardsthechildandtheladyand usethelashbeforeremountingthemonthebackofthecamels.

Withinafewhours,withrapidmarchesthecaravanreachedtheoutskirtsofKufa.Shimrand Khooliwhoweretheleadersofthiscaravan,heldhurriedlyconsultationsamongst themselves.Theydecidedthatthecaravanshouldbestoppedatthegatesofthecity,anda couriershouldbesenttotheGovernor,toinformhimabouttheirarrival.

WhenZainabandKulsumsawthewallsofKufa,theywereremindedoftheperiodwhenthey hadstayedinthisverycityforfullfouryears,duringthetimeoftheirfatherwhowasatthat period,theruleroftheIslamiccountries,theLeaderoftheFaithful,andrecognizedasthe successoroftheProphet.AtthattimealltheladiesofKufawerevyingwithoneanotherto securethefavorofZainabandKulsum,toinvitethemtotheirhomes,tosecuretheirblessings fortheirchildren.Oneveryauspiciousoccasion,theyusedtobeinvitedwiththeutmost respectandreverence.NowZainabandKulsumwonderedwhattreatmenttheywouldgetin thissamecity,wheretheyhadenjoyedthehighestrespectandhonour,whethertheladies andchildrenofKufawouldrememberthem,whethertheywouldextendtothemany sympathyintheirsorrowandbereavement.Onsecondthoughtstheyrealizedthatthiscity hadbetrayedtheircousin,MuslimIbneAqil,whenhehadgoneoverthereasImamHussein’s emissaryaditwouldbefutileforthemtoexpectanyconsideration,anysympathy,anyregard orrespectfromthepeopleofthiscity,whohadacquiredanotorietyfortheficklenessoftheir mindandwhohadbecomeastimeservers.

Verysoon,thecourierwhohadbeensenttothecourtofObeidullahIbneZiad,returnedwith themessageoftheGovernor,sayingthatallpreparationshadbeenmadeandthecaptives shouldbemarchedthroughthemainbazaarsofthecity.Onreceivingthisorder,thecaravan marchedon.Thecaptivessawthrongsofpeoplestandingonbothsidesoftheroads.Ladies andchildrenwerestandinginbalconiesandwindows,tohaveaglimpseofthecaptives.The towncrierwasheadingthecaravantoannounce“OpeopleofKufa,wearebringingtoyou ZainabandKulsum,granddaughtersoftheProphetandtheotherwomenandchildrenofthe familyofHusainsonofAli.Tothoseofyouwhodonotknow,weadvisethatHusainwhohad risenagainstYazidandrefusedtorecognizehisauthorityastherightfulKhalifofthe Muslims,hasbeendefeatedandkilledwithhisfollowersonthebattlefieldofKarbala.The membersofhisfamilyarenowbeingtakentothecourtofYazid,tofacewhatever punishmenthewantstoinflictonthem.PeopleofKufa,thisisthefatethatawaitsallthose whoquestiontheauthorityofYazid,andnopersonswhotriestoraisehisfingeragainstthe Khalifwillbespared”

Mostofthelisteners,whohadgatheredthere,werethunderstruckbythisannouncement. TherewerenotafewwhorecalledatthekindnessthattheyhadreceivedfromZainaband Kulsum.Theyrecollectedthatintimesoftheirtroubles.Anddistresstheyhadsoughthelp fromthemandhadwillinglyreceivedit.Theyweresurprisedtoseetheirplight,toseehow miserabletheywere.Theycouldwellimaginetheirsufferingsfromtheirgauntfaceswhich boremarksofprivationsandafflictions.Manyofthemwerecryingonbeholdingtheirgrief andsufferingsbutfewhadthecouragetoraisetheirvoicesagainsttheforcesoftyrannyfor fearthatasimilarfatemightbefallthem.

Whenthecaravanreachedthemainbazaar,therewassuchabigcrowsthatitbecameto difficulttomakewaythroughittothecourtofObeidullahIbneZiyad.Thecaravanhaltedfor sometime.Itwasalmostnoonandthesunwasblazingwithallitsfury.Thechildrenofthe Prophet’shouse,whohadnothadwaterduringtheirmarchfromKarbalatoKufa,were feelingextremelythirsty,nottotalkofthepangsofhungertheyweresuffering.Manyofthem werecryingwiththeirthirstandhunger.Duringthishalt,thesoldiersofYazid,whowere accompanyingthemwerepartakingoffoodandwaterwhichtheywerecarryingwiththem, andrelaxingintheshade.SakinawasrepeatedlyaskingherauntZainabforalittlewater,but Zainabknewthatitwasuselesstorequesttheguardsforanymercy,orevenforadropof water.Shehadfullrecollectionoftheheartlessnessoftheseverysoldierswhohadtilltheend deniedevenadropofwatertoeachofmemberofherfamily–evenAliAsgher,tillhislast

breath.Shehadrecollectedhowherbrotherhadbeenslaughteredaskingforjustonesipof water.

SeeingtheplightofSakina,aladywhowasstandinginherbalcony,rusheddownfromher housewithacupofwater.Breakingthecordonwhichhasbeenformedbythesoldiers,she wenttoSakinaandofferedherthecoolwatershehadinherhand.Withgratitude,Sakina tookitfromherandwantedtodrinkit,buttheladylookingupathersaid“Iknowthatyoure extremelythirstyandyouappeartohavesufferedterribly.Beforeyoudrinkthiswater,I requestyoutopraytoGodthathemayprotectmychildrenfromafatesuchashadbefallen youandthemembersofyourfamily.PraytoGodthatmychildrenmaynotbesubjectedto suchmiseriesandtorturesasyouaresufferingtoday”

Sakinacompliedwiththerequestofthelady,andsheprayedtoGod,asshewasaskedbythe ladytodo.However,thewordsoftheladyrecalledtoherthestarkrealityofhermiserable plight.Sherememberedhernotsolongagobefore,hereverywishwasbeingcompliedwith, withtheutmostpromptitude,howhereverywordwastakenasacommand.Shecouldnot helpsheddingtearsatwhatshehadlost,whatshehadsufferedandwhatshewasstill suffering.Forsometimesheheldthecupofwaterwithoutdrinking,becauseshecouldnot controlhersobs.

Zainabwasseeingthisandwonderingaboutwhotheladywas,whohadsokindlybrought waterforSakina.Shehadheardtherequestofthelady,whichhadbroughtbackmemoriesof herfathertoSakina.Shethoughtthatshecouldrecollectthefaceofthislady,thoughtwo decadeshadelapsedsinceherleavingKufa.Withalittleeffort,sherecalledthatthisladywas UmmeAyman,whohadbeenvisitinghersooftenwhenshewasstayinginKufa,whowasso muchdevotedtoherandhadalwaysshownaffectionforher.ShewonderedwhetherUmme Aymanwouldrecognizeher.Shehadheardthetowncrierannouncingtothepublictheir identity.CoulditbepossiblethatUmmeAymanhadnotheardtheannouncement,andwas notawareofit?Toremovethisdoubt,Zainabturnedtoherandsaid“UmmeAyman,Iam thankfultoyouforyourkindgesturetoSakina.MayGodblessyouforthekindnessyouhave extendedtothebereavedfamilyoftheProphet”

UmmeAymanlookedatherwithbewilderment.Apparentlyshehadnotheardthe announcementaboutwhothecaptiveswere.ShelookedhardatZainab’sface,butitseemed thatshecouldnotrecognizeher.Zainabhadcoveredherfacewithherhair,becauseherveil

hadbeensnatchedaway.Evenifshehadnotcoveredherface,suchwerehersufferingsthat shewaslookingseveralyearsolderthanherrealage.Thedustoftheroadhadcoveredher face.Starvationandmiseriessufferedbyherhadbroughtsuchachangeinherthataperson seeingherafterafewdayscouldhardlyrecognizeher,muchlessapersonwhohadnever seenher20yearsbefore.UmmeAymannotrecognizingher,exclaimedinsurprise“LadyIdo notunderstandwhyyouarereferringtotheProphet’sfamily.ForaughtIknow,theProphet’s familyconsistsofmyLordImamHusainandhissisters,ZainabandUmmeKulthum,whomay GodblessthemareinMadina.Whathaveyoucaptivesgottodowithmyladies,whomIhad thehonortoserveandmeet,whomIamalwaysrememberinginmyprayers,andwhomIam longingtomeetagain?” ZainabcouldseethatUmmeAymanhadnotbeenabletorecognizeher.Shebrushedaside herhairfromherface,andlookingherfullinthefaceshesaid“UmmeAyman,IamZainab whomyouarereferringtoandhereismysister,Ummekulthum.Wearethegranddaughters oftheProphet.ThesameZainabandKulthumwhoyouwanttomeet.Inwhatcondtionyou areseeingandmeetingusthatyoucannotevenmakeoutwhoweare!ThesoldiersofYazid killedmybrotherHusainandourotherbrothers,nephewsandsonsinKarbala.Ityouwill lookahead,youwillseetheheadofyourImamraisedonaspear”

WhenUmmeAymanheardZainabsaythis,sheturnedinthedirectionindicatedbyherand sawonthespearsseveralheads.Oneofthemshenoticedwasturnedintheirdirection.From thenobilitydepictedonthefacesofthemartyrsshecouldunderstandthatcouldbelongtono otherfamilythanthefamilyoftheProphet.SheagainlookedhardatZainabandhersister andrecognitiondawnedonher.Flingingherselfdownatherfeetshecried“Myladyaccepts mysincereapologiesforwhatIhavesaid.Icouldnotrecognizeyou.MyGodwhathavethe peopleprofessingthereligionofIslamdonetoyou!Icouldnotinmywildestdreamsimagine thattheywouldsubjectyoutosuchtortures,toreduceyoutosuchastate!”UmmeAyman wascryingbitterly.ShewasholdingthefeetofZainabandkissingthemoutofreverence.

Theguardswhowereaccompanyingthecaptivessawthisandfearedthatthisdisplayof respectandreverencefortheProphet’sfamilymightinspireotherstocomeforwardand befriendthecauseofthecaptives.TheyrushedtowardsUmmeAymanwiththewhip.She wasmercilesslywhippedandthrownaside.Thecaravanwasorderedtoproceedfurther immediately.

WendingitswaythroughthenarrowstreetsofKufa,thecaptivesreachedthecourtof Obeidullah.TheGovernorwasseatedonathroneandholdinghiscourt.Thecaptiveswere askedtomarchintohispresence.

WhenZainabandKulsumwerebroughtbeforeObeidullahIbneZiad,heorderedHusain’s headtobeplacedonasalverandputathisfeet.HeaskedShimrtoidentifyeachmemberof Husain’sfamily,becausehecouldhardlybelieve,seeingtheirfaces,thattheycouldbethe sameZainabandKulsumaboutwhosedignityandbearinghehadheardsomuch.Heeven mockinglyremarkedthathisfirstimpressionwasthatsomeslavegirlshadbeenbrought beforehiminsteadofthegranddaughtersoftheProphet.

Zainabwhowastryingtocontrolherselfallalongandsilentlysuffertheinsultsthatwere beinghurledather,accordingtothepromisegiventoherbrotheratthetimeofhisdeparture inKarbala,foroncelosthertemper.AddressingObeidullahIbneZiad,shesaid“OsonofZaid, wearethesistersofHusain,thegranddaughtersofMuhammed(SAW)whomyou acknowledge,asyourProphet.YouandtheotherhenchmenofYazid,whohaveforthesakeof worldlygains,floutedalltheprinciplesofIslam,havedesecratedthedeadbodiesofthe martyrs,despitethefactthatitisstrictlyforbiddenbyreligion,andsubjectedustotheworst kindofilltreatment,althoughtheProphethadenjoinedonallthebelieverstotreatthe captives,andparticularlywomenandchildrenwithsympathyandconsideration.Today,you aregloatingoveryoursuccessandrejoicing,todayyouarethinkingthatyoucaninsultand humiliateustoyourheart’scontentbecausethereisnobodytosayawordtoyouonour behalf,becauseyouseeusinthishelplessconditionwithnonetobefriendus,nonetoprotest againstthetreatmentyouaremetingouttous.ButOtyrant,letmewarnyouthatyouwill findyoursuccessephemeralandverysoonthewrathofGodwillfinddescendonyouand thosewhosecauseyouareespousing.VerysoonNemesiswillovertakeyouandtheothers whohaveruthlesslykilledmybrotherandallthemembersofourfamilywithouttheleast justification,withouttheleastcompunction,simplebecausetheystoodsteadfastintheir belief,becausetheyrefusedtoacceptYazid,whosestoogeyouare,asthespiritualleaderof theMuslimsonaccountofhisbeingaknownprofligate,whohasfloutedallprinciplesof Islam,trampledunderfootallethicalconceptsandreducedallhumanbeingstoanabject state”

ObeidullahIbneZiadwasstunnedbythisboldaddressofZainab.Hehadneverthoughttht shewoulddaretospeakoutsoboldlyinthehelplessconditionshewasin,Hehadthought thatshewouldbeterrorizedbytheawe‐inspiritingatmosphereofhiscourt,particularlyata

timewhenshehadsufferedsuchcalamitiesandcruelblowsandundergonesomuch hardship,Notonlyhebutallthecourtierswhowerepresentinhiscourtbecamespeechless andlistenedwithraptattentiontoherperoration.Afterawhile,helookedroundhimtosee theeffectwhichherspeechhadproducedonthosepresentinthecourt.Hecouldseethat everyonelisteningtoherwashearingeverywordshewasutteringwithraptattention.From thelookontheirfaces,hewoulddiscernthattheycouldhelpadmiringherwonderfulcourage inspeakingoutthetruthinspiteofherhelplessposition.Hethoughtthatmanymustbe comparingherplainandforthrightspeechwiththeaddressesofherillustriousfather deliveredtovastcongregationsfromthepulpitinthemosqueofKufa.Foramomenthegot scaredthat,ifshecontinuedtospeakinthisbeing,shemightbeabletoswayawaythe masses.Hetriedtostopherbyshoutingatthetopofhisvoiceandorderinghertoholdher tongueandthreatenedtovisittheworstkindofpunishmentimaginableonherandtheother captivesifshefailedtoholdhersilence.

IfObeidullahIbneZiadhadcountedonsilencingZainabbyviolence,hefoundhimself mistaken.Undauntedbysuchthreats,Zainabcontinuedtospeakwithvehemence,She recapitulatedhowherbrotherandtheothermembersofherfamilyhaddissociated themselvesfromallpowerpoliticsanddevotedtheirlivestotheserviceofmankind,to helpingthepooranddowntroddenpeople,tobefriendingthewidowsandorphans.She contrastedtheirwaysoflivingwiththoseofYazidandhishenchmen,howthelatterhad abandonedallsenseofdecencyandindulgedinviceswhichwoulddisgraceeventhemeanest ofmankind,howYazidhadbythisutterdisregardofallsenseofdecency,inspiteofclaiming tobethe“Leaderofthefaithful”castaslurtoIslamitself,howhispreachingsandprecepts haddemoralizedallthosewhowerelookingtohimastheirking,andspiritualleader.She eloquentlynarratedtheinhumanatrocitiesperpetratedbyYazid’sforcesinKarbalaandhow theyhadabandonedallhumanitarianprinciplesandsenseofdecency.Herwordswere sinkingthtothemindofallwhowerepresentthereandthoughmostofthemhadsoldtheir soulsforamessofpottage,theycouldnothelpadmittingtothemselvesthateverywordof whatshehadsaidwasfullyjustified.Severalofthosepresentweremovedtotears.Oneofthe agedcompanionsoftheProphet,ZiaasdbinArkanwhowasblind,,rosetoadmonish ObeidullahIbneZiadforsubjectingtheProphet’sfamilytosuchindignities.

ItdidnottakeObeidullahIbneZaidverylongtoassessthesituation.Cunningandcrafty ashewas,herealizedthatifhedidnotgetridoftheprisonersofKugatheremightbean uprisingagainsthim.HeshouteddownthecompanionoftheProphetandorderedhimtobe removedfromthecourt.Herosefromthethroneonwhichhewassittingandhurriedly

dismissedtheassembly.HeorderedShimrandKhoolitotaketheprisonersposthateto DamascusbeforetheyhadanyopportunitytoaddressthepublicofKufa.Boththoseservile minionswerequiterelievedtoreceivetheseorders,becausetheytoosensedthedangerthat layaheadifZainabgotanopportunitytospeakoutpublicly.Afterhurriedconsultations,they decidedtoimmediatelytaketheprisonersoutofKufaandtotaketheleastfrequentedroads toDamascus,sothattheywouldnothavetofaceanysurpriseattackorambush,ifany personsknowingaboutthetragedyofKerbalatookuponthemselvestoavengethemartyrs.

ThecaptivescaravanmarchonandonthroughthedesertsofMesopotamia.Theguardswere instructedtoletthoseloosetheirworstvengeanceonthehelplessladiesandchildrenandthe ailingImam.AliZainulAbideen,wjhowasfollowingthecaravanonfoot.Duetosheer exhaustion,heusedtofalldownateveryfewsteps,becauseaheavychainwasputroundhis neckandfeet,whichmademarchingatabriskpacemosttodifficultforhim,particularlyin theconditionhewas.Everytimehestumbledandfell,somebrutewouldjumpdownfromhis horseandmercilesslywhiphim.

Duringthismarch,Sakinafelldownfromhercamel’sback.Zainab,whowasridingonthe camelnexttohers,raisedanalarm,butthesoldiersdidnotpayanyheedtoher.Shedidnot knowwhattodoinherdesperatestate,forsheknewthatifSakinawhohadfaintedonfalling downfromthecamel,wasabandonedinthedesert,shewouldperishwithoutanyfoodor water,withoutanysuccor.Inherdesperationsheturnedtowardsthespearinfrontofthe caravanonwhichherbrother’sheadwaselevated,andcried“BrotherHusainyouhadasked metolookafteryourbelovedSakinaforyou,butseeinwhatahelplessconditionIam.Your SakinahasfallendownfromthecamelbackandthereisnothingthatIcandotohelpher.” Aftersayingthis,shesilentlyofferedprayersforthesafetyofthedarlingchild.Suchwasher boundlessfaithinGodthatsheknewthatherprayerswouldnotgoinvainandsomething wouldhappentosaveSakina” ThecaravanhadhardlygoneafewstepsaheadwhenthespearonwhichKhooliwascarrying theheadofHusainfelldownfromhishandandgotplantedontheground.Khoolijumped downfromhishorsetouprootthespearbuttryhashewould,hedidnotsucceedinplucking itout.Itremainedstuckinthegroundasifithadbeenfirmlycementedthere.Khooliwasat hiswit’sendastowhatheshoulddoaboutit.Heknewthat,iftheotherguardssawthis strangephenomenon,theymightgetterrifiedandevendeserttheirposts.Quietlyhewent overtoShimr,andwhisperedintoShimr’searswhathadhappened.Thewarpedmindof ShimrhadasolutionforKhooli’sproblem.HewentovertoAliZainulAbideen,withthelash inhishandsanddemandedtoknowwhatwasresponsibleforthespeargettingsofirmly

plantedthatitcouldnotbemovedfromitsplaceevenbyastrongandsturdymanlikeKhooli, whosephysicalstrengthwastheonlyqualityhepossessed.AliZainulAbideenlookedupto hisfather’shead,Hethoughthesawsometearstricklingdownthecheeksonthetopofthe spear.HelookedintothedirectionofhisauntZainab.Shecaughthiseyeandshoutedtohim thatSakinahadtoppledoverfromthebarebackofhercamel,andinspiteofherentreatiesto theguardstopickherup,theyhadpaidnoheedtoher.Shimrimmediatelyranbackand pickedupthechildlyingunconsciousduetotheheavyfallandtheinjuriesshehadsustained onaccountofit.AssoonasSakinawasputinthearmsofZainab,Khooliwasabletoliftthe spearfromtheground.Thecaravanresumedthemarch,asifnothinghadhappened.

ThemarchthroughtheSyriandesert,withthepricklythornsstrewnallover,wasacruel ordealforAliZainulAbideen,whowasmadetorunwiththecamelsonhisbarefeet.Atnight thecaravanusedtohaltforafewhours,whentheguardsusedtoindulgeinfeastingand merrymakinggivingtheleastpossiblefoodandwatertotheprisoners–barelyenoughto sustainthem. Onenight,theyrestedinthemountaintophermitageofarecluse,whohaddevotedhislifeto prayersandmeditation,Shmirgavetheheadsofthemartyrstohimforsafekeeping,Justone lookatthefaceofImamHussainconvincedthehermitthatitwastheheadofasaint.Hetook itwithhimandkeepingitneartohisbed,retiredtosleep.Atnighthedreamtthatallthe Prophetsandtheangelshaddescendedfromheaventokeepawatchoverthehead.Hewoke upfromhissleep,startledandbaffledattowhatheshoulddo.Rushingoutofthemonastery, hewokeupShimranddemandedtoknowwhothemartyrswere.WhenShimrtoldhimthat thegrandsonoftheProphetMuhammed(SAW)whohaddefiedtheauthorityoftheruleof YazidIbneMauawiya,andrefusedtoacknowledgehisspiritualsoveirnity,hadbeenkilledby thearmyofYazidandtheywerecarryingtheheadsofallthepersonskilledinKarbala,the hermitwasshockedbeyondallwords.Recoveringhimself,hesaid“Youcursedpeople,doyou realizethatyouhavecommittedaheinouscrimebybeheadingyourownProphet’sgrandson, whoundoubtedlywasagreatsaint?Fieuponyou,cowardthatnotsatisfiedwithwhatyou havedone,youaresobrutallytreatingtheinnocentladiesandchildrenandsubjectingthem– tosuchatrocities!”

ThesewordsofthehermitenragedShimr,whohadevenotherwiselosthistemperwithhim forwakinghimupfromsleeponthedeadofthenight.Withonesweepofhissword,he choppedoffthehermit’shead.ThisbrutehadlittleregardfortheProphet’sinjunctionsand orders,grantingfullestprotectiontothosewhohadretiredfromtheworldanddedicated theirlivestoprayersandpenance.WhenthelifeoftheProphet’sowngrandsonwasnot

sparedbythisbrute,whatregardcouldhebeexpectedtohaveforthecommandsofthe Prophet? Withhurriedmarchesthecaptives’caravanreachedthecityofDamascus.Onreachingthe gatesofthefortresssurroundingthecity,thecaravanwashaltedandacourierwassentto informYazidabouttheirarrivalandtoseekhispermissiontoleadthecaptivestothecourt. Foronefullhour,intheblazingheatofthesun,theladiesandchildrenweremadetowait nearthedoorofthecitywiththrongsofpeoplecomingovertoseethemfromclosequarters. Manyofthemdidnotknowwhotheywere.Theyhadafaintideathatsomeprincehadrisen againsttheauthorityofYazid,andhadbeendefeatedinaskirmishwiththeforcesofYazid. Theyweretoldallthedependentsoftheprincehadbeentakenprisonersandwerebeing takenbeforetheKhaliftoreceivewhateverchastisementheconsiderednecessaryforthemin keepingwiththegravityoftheirleader’scrimeagainsttherulerandhisundisputed authority.ItappearedthatYazidwhohadreceivedadiscreethintfromObeidullahIbneZiad aboutthesceneinhiscourtinKufa,wasafraidtomakeknowntheidentityoftheprisonersin Damuscus,althoughheandhisfatherhadcompleteswayoverthepeopleforatleastquarter ofthecentury.Inhurriedconsultationswithhisconfidants,Yazidhaddecidedthattillthe prisonerswerebroughtintohiscourt,theiridentityshouldnotbedisclosed.Heorderedthat anannouncementbemadethatarebelagainsthisauthorityhadbeendetainedbyhis unconquerablearmiesandtosetanexampleforothershehadorderedtheheadsofthe rebelstobebroughttohiscourtwiththeirfamilies.Hehadproclaimedthatdaytobe observedasadayofrejoicing,tocelebratehisvictory.Hehaddecreedthathiscourt,the bazaarsandthestreetsandeverynookandcornerofthecityshouldbegailydecoratedto celebratethisdaywithfullpompandregaliabefittingtheoccasion.

Whilstthecitywasassumingafestivelook,whilstallthelaneandbylanesweredecorated withfestoonsandbuntings,thepoorvictimsweresufferingunderthescorchingsunwithout anyfoodorwater.Thesechildrenwerecryingwithhungerandthirst.Someoftheladiesfrom theonlookerswere,outofcompunctionwithoutknowingtowhatfamilythesechildren belonged,throwingsacrificialdrydatestowardsthemforthewellbeingoftheirownyoung childrenandtowardofallevilfromtheirowndearones,satothecustomsofthosedays.The hungrychildrenwerecatchingthesedatesthrowntowardsthemtosatisfytheirhungerbut ZainabandUmmeKulsumwereaskingthemtothrowthemaway.Theyweretellingthe childrenthattheProphethadforbiddenhisfamilytoeatanysuchsacrificialofferingsand askingthemtosufferhungerratherthangoagainsttheProphet’sorder.Theywere requestingtheladiesnottothrowsuchofferingstowardsthechildrenbecausetheywere fromtheProphet’sfamily.Manyofthebystanderswerebaffledtohearthesewordsfrom

ZainabandUmmeKulthumbecausetheyhadnoinklingabouttheidentityoftheprisoners. ManyoftheladieswerelookingonwithgapingmouthsatZainabandUmmeKulthumwho hadcoveredtheirfaceswiththeirlongtressesinthebsenceofveils.TheladiesofDamascus werewhisperingtooneaotherwhetheritcouldbetruethattheprisonerswerefromthe Prophet’sfamily.Theycouldnothelpseeingtheremarkablenobilitystampedonthefacesof theprisoners.Thoughtheirfacesandbodiesweresmearedwiththedustanddesertsand, therecouldbelittledoubtthattheywerefromsomeprincelyfamily,fromsuchnoblestock.

Afterawaitofonefullhour,orderscamefromthecourtofYazidtobringintheprisoners.All thepreparationsweremadeinthemeanwhiletosummonthecourtiersandambassadorsof foreigncountriestothelavishdecoratedcourt.Whentheprisonerswereladintothecourt, Yazidwasseatedonanelevatedthrone,richlydecoratedwithgold,andhadsevenhundred glidedchairsroundhim,whereinwereseatedhisnobilityandforeignemissaries.Yazid orderedtheheadofHusaintobeplacedinagoldsalverandputathisfeet.

WhentheprisonerswerebroughtbeforeYazid,heco9uldnotforaminutebelievethatthose beforehimintatteredrags,coveredwithdustandbloodoozingoutfromthelastwoundsand thecutsinthefleshfromtightlytiedropes,handcuffsandchainscouldbethegrandchildren oftheProphet.Hewasquitedrunkatthattimeandwithoutcaringtolookattheirfaceshe flewintoarageandbawledout“AmarSaad,thesearenotthesistersanddaughtersof Husainandmembersofhisfamily.Areyoutryingtocheatmebylettingthemgetawayand substitutingintheirplacessomeslaves?”Hewasquiveringwithrageashesaidthisandhis eyeswerebloodshot.

AmarSaadwhowaspresentinthecourtandconjuringupdreamsoftherewardshismaster wouldbestowonhimforaccomplishingthetaskentrustedtohimwasscaredoutofhiswits. HeknewthatYazidhadthehabitofactingfirstandthinkingthereafter.Particularlythistrait inhimwasaccentuatedwhenhewasdrinkandhecouldseethatonthisoccasion,Yazidwas farfromsober.FlinginghimselfabjectlyatYazid’sfeet,AmarSaadmumbled“Mercy,O commanderofthefaithful.Yourhumbleslavehasdoneexactlyaccordingtoyouraugust commandandtheprisonersyoubeholdareZainabandUmmeKulthum,granddaughtersof theProphetofIslam,andsistersofHusain.TheyounggirlsyoubeholdareUmmeLailaand UmmeRubabthewidowsofHusainandtheothersareorphansandwidowsofHusain’s friendsandrelations.AndtherebeforeisisHusain’sailingson,AlizainulAbideen”

Sayingthis,heraisedhisheadalittlefromthegroundtoseethereactiononhismaster’sface. YazidhadnowfocusedhiseyesontheladieswhosenamesAmarSaadhadmentioned.Hesaw thatallofthemhadcompletelycoveredtheirfaceswiththeirtresses.Inparticularhenoticed thatoneladywasstandingbehindanagedwomanamongtheprisonersasifshewasbeing shieldedfromYazid’sgaze”

“Ahthere.”Hebawledout,pointinginthedirectionoftheladywhohadbeenscreenedoffby theagedmaid“whoisthatonewhoistryingtoseekshelterbehindtheoldladyandwhy” AmarSaadrisingtohisfeetbowedabjectlyandsaid“YourMajesty,sheisZainab,daughterof AliandFatimaandtheoldwomanstandinginfrontofherisFizza,theAbyssinianprincess, whotakesprideincallingherselftheslaveofFatimaandZainab”

“Ishallnotletanyoneprotectmyprisonersbeforeme”shoutedYazidinarage.Heasked ShimrwhowasstandingguardovertheprisonerstothrowasideFizzasothathecouldhavea fullviewofZainab.

SeeingShimradvancetowardsher,FizzaturnedtotheAbyssinianslaves,whowerestanding behindYazid’sthronewithbareswordsashisbodyguardsandsaid“Obrothersfrommy nativeland,whathashappenedtoyourfraternalandcommunalfeelingsthatyousilently watchanagedladyfromyourcountrybeingmolestedinthismanner?Withyourdrawn swords,can’tyouofferprotectiontoyouragedprincessfromthelashesofthistyrantwhohas beenourtormentorthroughoutthemarchfromKarbalatoDamascus?”

HearingthesewordsofFizza,someoftheslavessteppedforwardandaddressingYazidoneof themsaid“YourMajesty,askShimrtoholdhishandsandnottousethelashonourprincess Fizza.Ifhedoesanythingtoher,todaybloodwillflowlikewaterinyourcourt.”

Yazidwasflabbergastedatthisaffrontofhisslaves.Drunk,thoughhewas,hehadenough sensetorealizethattheywereseriousandmeantwhattheysaid.Thecowardinhim panickedatthesightofthebareswordsglisteninginthelightofthechandeliers.He immediatelyshriekedacommandtoShimr,“staywhereyouareShimr,anddonotbudgean inchotherwiseIshallhaveyourheadchoppedoff”Thenturningtotheslaveswithawry smilehesaid“Mygoodfellows,Iknowyouareallsodevotedandfaithfultomeandalways

readytoprotectandguardme,Ishallnotallowanythingtobedonetotouchyourgoodsense ofhonor.”

Yazidknewthatthescenecreatedbytheslaveshadhumiliatedhimintheeyesofhis courtiersandeventheforeignemissaries.Toshowoffhistriumphandweakvengeancefor hishumiliation,hetookupthecanewithagoldknoblyingbyhissideandstartedbeating Husain’sseveredheadwithitr.Usingthecaneonthelipsandteeth,heshouted“Ahwerenot theselipsreceivingthekissesofMuhammed?Howdelightfulwouldbemyforebearstosee thatIhaveavengedthemforthedefeatstheysufferedinthebattlesofBadrandHunaynat thehandsofMohammed!HowhappytheysoulsmustbetodaytoseethatI,Yazidhavetaken vengeancefortheirdefeatsfromMuhammed’sgrandsonandhisfamily.”Hewaschuckling withgleeanddrinkinggobletaftergobletofwine,whichwasmakinghimmoreandmore inebriated.AlltheladiesofHusain’sfamilyadAliZainulAbideenwerestandingthere weepingsilently.

Whilsthewasstillbusywithsatisfyinghisvengeance,theambassadorofoneoftheforeign countries,whosenamewasAbdulWahhab,feltdisgustedatthecallousnessandbrutalityof Yazid.Hecouldnotbearthesightanymoreandrisingfromhisseat,hesaidtoYazid“OKing, Iwouldliketoknowwhowasthepersonwhoseheadyouarehavingatthefootofyour throne,andwhoselipsyouarehittingwithyourcane.Whatheinouscrimeshadhe committedthatyouaretreatinghimlikethis,evenafterdeathandsubjectingtheladiesofhis familytosuchharshtreatment?”

WinehadnowgonesomuchtotheheadofYazidthathebecameboastfulofhis achievements.Hetoldtheambassadoroftheforeigncountrythathehadputtoswordallthe membersofthefamilyoftheProphetofIslamfornotacceptingandacknowledginghimas theKhalifandspiritualleaderoftheMuslims.Headdedthathehadalltheladiesofthe Prophet’shousebeforehimascaptivesandhewouldsubjectthemtosuchpunishmentasthe worldhadnotwitnessedbefore,soastoserveasanexampletoallpeoplewhomightbe havingeventhefaintestideatochallengeandquestionhisauthorityandsovereigntyand deterallsuchpersonsfromraisingtheirvoicesagainsthim.

AbdulWahab,whowasamanoflearningandcultureandwhohadheardalotaboutthe Prophetandhisdescendentsandthenobilityandpietyoftheirlives,wassurprisedand shockedtohearthisfromYazid.HecouldnothelpfeelingthedeepestadmirationforHusain

whohaddefiedthetyrantandrefusedtosellhisconscienceeventhoughhehadtosuffersuch acruelfate.ForonceheforgotalldiplomacyandprotocolandsaidtoYazid“OKing,youhave committedthegreatestcrime,notonlyagainstyourownreligionbutalsoagainsthumanity, bybrutallymassacringthegodfearinggrandsonoftheProhpetofIslamandthemale membersofhisfamilyandtakingasprisonerstheladiesandchildrenofhishouse”

TheboldrebuketookYazidaback,ashehadleastexpectedit.Beforehecouldsayanything theambassadorcontinued“Mypeoplearegivingtomethehighestrespectandhonorbecause Ihappentobeadescendentofoneoftheirprophets.Youlackallsenseofdecencytohaveso brutallybutcheredyourownProphet’sgrandsonwhoforaughtIknow,wassodearlyloved byhim.”

AbdulWahabthenturnedinthedirectionofAliZainulAbideenandsaid“Ali,fromwhatI haveseenandheardtodayIamconvincedthatyourfatherwastheboldestsoulonearthto putupafightagainsttheforcesoftyranny,oppressionandinjustice,asembodiedinthis usurper.HereandnowIdeclaremyfaithinthereligion,todefendwhoseprinciplesyour noblefathersacrificedhisall,andIwantyouastheonlytruebelieverinthisassemblyofmen, tobearwitnesstothisfact.Idonotcarefortheconsequencesofproclaimingmyfaith,and denouncingtheerrantusurper,whoisseatedhereonthethroneandwhoisthevery embodimentandincarnationoftheworstqualitiesinmankindandanepitomeofallthatis evil.”

Hardlyhadhefinishedsayingthis,whenYazidnowmadwithrageandsmartingunderthe insultsandexposure,suchashehadneverexpected,shoutedacommandtohisguardsto dragawaytheambassadorandtochopoffhishead.Hisorderswerecarriedoutbyhis bodyguardsimmediately.

Apindropsilencedescendedonthecourt.Allthecourtierswerestunnedbytheboldnessof theforeignerwhohadspokenoutsoboldly,inspiteofknowingthedireconsequencesthat wouldfollow.Manyofthemadmittedintheirheartofheartsthetruthofallthathehadsaid andcontrastedtheirownpusillanimitywithhiscourage.

Duringthistime,Yazidwasgulpingdowncupaftercupofwinetosoothhisfrayednerves. Everybodywaswaitinganxiouslytoseeonwhomhewouldwreakhisvengeanceforthe

insultshehadsufferedinopencourt.Theyhadnotlongtowait,forthetyrantturninginthe directionofAliZainulAbideenshouted“Youthere,Youwereresponsiblefortheinsults whichthatwretchhurledatme,andIshallmakeyoupaydearlyforaidingandabettinghim, forencouraginghim,todenouncemeandpraiseyourfather.”Hepausedforawhile,asifhis intoxicatedheadwasmuddledandconfusedinconjuringupwhatworstpunishmenthecould inflictonAliZainulAbideen.Afterafewsecondsheconfirmed“Ishallgetyourheadcutoff hereandnow,infullviewofeverybody–beforeyourmother,sistersandauntsandbeforeall whoareassembledhere.”Thenasifonsecondthoughtheadded“No,nokillingyouwillnot beenough.Ishalltortureyoutodeathsothatyouwilldiebyinches.Ishallsubjectyousuch torturesthelikeofwhichtheworldhasneverseen,sothatyourlifewillbecomingaliving death,sothateveryday,everyhour,everyminuteyouwillyearnandpinefordeathtorelieve youofallyoursufferings.” Asifthisdiabolicalthoughtofdevisingcruelesttortureshadsoothedhissadisticmind,he burstintoaloudhoarseguffaw.Itwasthehystericallaughterofadrunkendemonwhohad nocontroloverhisnervoussystem.

Atthisstage,AliZainulAbideeninafeeblebutclearfirmvoicesaid“Yazid.Thetorturesand ignominieswhichyouhavesofarinflictedonmecanneverbesurpassedbyanythingthat yourcrookedmindcanthinkup.Formetheworstpossibletorturehasbeenmystanding herewithmymothersandsisters,withmyauntsandcousins,withoutanyveilstocovertheir headsandfaces.DonotforamomentthinkthatIamintimidatedorfrightenedbyyour threats.We,descendentsoftheHolyProphetofIslampeacebeonhim,havebeentrained fromchildhoodtofaceafflictionsandsufferings.WeknowthatthosewhoarelovedbyGod aretriedbyHim,andiftheyremainsteadfastandtruetotheirfaithinHim,thenonlyHe bestowsHisDivinefavorsontheminthelifehereafter,whichispermanentandnot transitorylikethisworldlylife.”

TheretortofAliZainulAbideenevokedspontaneousmurmursofadmirationfromthe courtierswhoinspiteofeverythingcouldnothelpadmittingtothemselvesthathewasatrue scionofthehouseofMuhammed(SAW)whosefaithinGod,whosebeliefinthecauseof Islam,nothingcouldshakeordiminish.

Onhearingthemurmursofadmiration,YaziddespitehisdrunkenstategotscaredHisreeling headconjureduppossibilitiesofhiscourtiersstaginganuprisingagainsthiminfavourofAli ZainulAbideen.Thecunningnaturewhichheheadinheritedfromhiscraftyfathercameto

hisrescue.Hefeignedaloudlaughter,andsaid“Whyareyoublamingme,Aliforwhathas befallenyouall?ItwasGodwhoinflictedthispunishmentonyouandyourfamilyforyour father’sobduracyanddefianceofmylawfulauthority.Yougotwhatyoudeservedaccording tothewillofGod.”

“NoOtyrant.”SaidAliZainulAbideen“donotdaretodistortandmisinterpretthewordsof God.Heinhisinfinitewisdomgivestimeandopportunitiestomentoseewhethertheyact withjusticeortyrannicallyriderough‐shodoverhelplessdefenselesspeople.Hispunishment alwaysovertakesthetyrants,soonerorlater.DoesnottheHolyQurannarratetheinstances oftheprophetsofGodsufferinguntoldhardshipsatthehandsofthepeopletowhomthey hadcometopreach?”

TheforthrightreplyrenderedYazidspeechless.Hisbefuddledmindcouldnotthinkof anythinginreplytoAli’sretort.Oneofhissubservientcourtiers,whowaseveranxiousto curryfavorwithhim,thoughtupaplantorelievethetensionthatwasmounting.

Gettingupfromhisseat,hebowedbeforethethroneandsaid“YourMajesty,Ibegofyouto bestowHusain’sfavoritedaughterSakinaonmeasaslaveinrewardfortheservicesIhave renderedtoyou.”HardlyhadthewretchconcludedthesewordswhenZainab,whohadtill thenstandingsilently,withherheadbowedwithSakinabyhersidegotinfuriatedasshehad neverbeenbeforeandinaloudandringingvoiceshesaid“Youwretchedservileminionof Yazid,haveyoulostallsenseofshamethatyouwanttoenslavetheProphet’sgrandchildren? Istherenoneamongstyoutoobjecttotheshamelessrequestofthiscur?”

BehindYazid’sthrone,avelvetgoldembroideredcurtainhadbeendrawnwheretheladiesof hisharemwereseated.AsZainabwasprotestingagainstthepreposterousrequestofthe courtierforenslavingSakina,Yazid’sfavoritewifeHindaenteredtheenclosurereservedfor hisharem.Shewasadevoutandpiousladywhohad,beforehermarriagewithYazidserved asaladyinwaitinginZainab’shouseholdduringthetimeofMawlaAli’skhalifate.Shehad evenaftermarriageretainedherloveforanddevotiontoZainab.Yazidknowingthis,had carefullyconcealedfromherhisplansforkillingHusainandhadtakengoodcaretoseethat shewasnotinformedabouttheaftermathofKarbala.Whensheheardfrombehindthe curtainthevoiceofZainabandthementionofenslavementofthegrandchildrenofthe Prophet,shegotextremelyperturbed.Asifbypremonitionshehadbecomerestlessfor severaldaysandwasseeinginherdreamsZaiabandUmmeKulthumbothweepingbitterly

andtellingherthattheyhadlosttheirallinthisworld.Shehadasifbyintuitiongathered thatherevilmindedhusbandwasbentuponsomeheinouscrimewhichshecouldnotfigure out.

WhenHindaheardthewordsofZainab,shecouldnotcontainherself.Inamomentoffrenzy sherushedoutoftheenclosurewithoutaveil,demandingtoknowwhohaddaredtotalk aboutenslavingthechildrenoftheProphet’shouse.Yazidwassoperturbedbyhiswife, knownforhermatchlessbeautythroughouthiskingdom,comingintotheopencourtwithout herveil,contrarytothecustomofthosedays,thathehurriedlyshoutedordersdismissingthe court,gaveinstructionsforAmrSaadtoleadthecaptivestothedarkestdungeonsinthefort andtoawaithisfurtherorders.Hethenrushedfromthethroneandthrowinghisrobeon Hinda’sheadheledherawayintothepalace.Thegoodladykeptonrequestinghimtotellher whathadtranspiredthatday,whotheprisonerswereandwhysomebodyhadmentioned abouttheenslavementofthegrandchildrenoftheProphet.Hegaveherevasiverepliesand triedtoallayherfearsbysayingthattheprisonershadnothingtodowiththeProphet.

Thecaptive’scaravanconcludeditsjourneyinthedark,desolatedungeonsofthefortof Damascus,whichwasinfestedwithsnakesandscorpions.Assoonasthedoorswerelocked, ZainabandAliZainulAbideenengagedthemselvesinprayers.Theybothprostratedtheir headsandprayedtoAlmightyGodtograntthemstrengthandcouragetobearwhatwasin storeforthem.Theyboththankedhimforsustainingthemthroughtheirgreatesthourof trial,forenablingthemtoputupwiththeunparalleledhumiliationswithoutawordof complaintagainsthisDispensation.

Chapter10.TheDeathinPrison Itwasdarkinsidethatroomofthatfortthoughthesunwasblazinginallitsgloryoutside.It wouldnotbecorrecttocallthatplaceafortbecauseitwasinfactaprison;aprisonthathad beenusedforyearsfortheconfinementofcriminalsoftheworsttype.Foryearsithas remainedoutofuseanditsstonewallsweredampandcrumblingwithdecay.Itwasdifficult foranypersonenteringtheroomtoseethepersonswhowerekeptinsidefortherewasno light.Onlywhentheeyescouldgetusedtothedarknesssomefigureswerediscernibleinthat drearycell.Thereweresomeladiesandchildrenhuddledtogetherandtherewasoneman withthemlyingonapieceofclothspreadonthedampbarefloor.Ifapersonweretolook closelyattheinmatesofthecell,hewouldfindthattheprisonersworehaggardlooks—looks ofsorrow,looksofdespairanddespondency.Thosecarewornfacesweredepicting indescribablesufferings.Thoseemaciatedfaceswerereflectingthecalamitiessufferedtothe limitofhumanendurance.

Whoweretheoccupantsofthecellandwhatwasthecrimetheyhadcommittedwhichhad broughtthemtosuchastateofsuffering?Iffacescouldbetheindexoftheircharacter,evena cursorylookatthemwasenoughtoconvinceanybodythattheywerenotcapableofany offense,muchlessaheinouscrimewhichalonecouldmeritthetreatmentmetedouttothem. Andwhatpossiblecrimecouldtheladiesandchildrenhavecommitted?Wasittheman, younginyearsbutillandemaciatedwithprivationsandsufferings,whoseactionshad broughtsomuchsufferingstohisnearanddearones?Eventhatdidnotseempossible because,eveninthedarkcornerofthecell,hisheadwasprostratedinprayers.Couldaman who,inthefaceofsuchtrialsandtribulations,didnotforgethisMaker,whoinspiteofhis illnessandsufferingssangthehymnsinpraiseofhisLord,becapableofanyatrocious crimes?

Suddenlythedoorofthedungeonopenedandadmittedsomelightintothecell.Inthatlightit waspossibletoseethatnotonlythemanbuteventheladieswereengagedinprayers.With thelightcominginthroughthatdooritwaspossibletoseethatalltheladieshadgreyor whitehair.Fromtheirfacesitwasobviousthatitwasnotagethathadturnedtheirhairgrey butuntoldandexcruciatingpainsandpangsofsufferings.Amongsttheladiestherewasone whowasofferingherprayersseated.Evenaglanceatherfacewassufficienttorevealthe reasonwhyshedidso.Shelookedsoemaciatedandstarvedthatshedidnothavethe strengthtostandupevenforafewminutes.

Thepersonwhohadopenedthedoorbroughtinatrayonwhichwereplacedafewstale

morselsofbread.Healsohadacoupleofpitchersofwaterwithhim.Ifyoucountedthe inmatesofthecellandthebreadthathehadbrought,itwasobviousthatthefoodcouldnot sufficeforall.Couldthatbethereasonforthestarvationofthelady?Coulditbethat’shegave herownrationtothechildrenandstarvedherself?Yes,surelythatmustbethereason,for howcouldZainab,thesisterofHusseineatherfillwhenherbelovedbrother’schildren,and thechildrenofthosewholaiddowntheirlivesforhim,hadnotenoughtoeat?Hadnot Hussein,atthetimeofhislastparting,commendedthechildrentohercare?Evenifhehad notdoneso,ZainabwasthedaughterofAliandFatima,whousedtogowithoutfoodfordays togetherbutcouldnotbeartoseeaprisoner,awayfarer,oranorphangohungry.

Somebodyhassaid:“Stonewallsdonotaprisonmake;norironbarsacage.”Perhapshe meantthataprisoncouldconfinethebodiesofthecaptivesbutnottheirthoughtswhichsoar beyond,breakingallshackles,allbarriers.Ifso,couldoneimaginewherethethoughtsof thoseprisonersweresoaring?Yes,itwasnotdifficulttosurmisethat.Thethoughtsofeach oneofthemweregoingbacktothatplainofKarbala,tothemorningwhentheyhadwith themallthosewholovedthemandwhomtheylovedbeyondtheirlivestothatafternoon whentherewasanincessantprocessionofdeadbodiesofthosewhosestrengthandvalor hadonlyafewhoursbeforestruckterrorintheheartsoftheenemy.Andundoubtedlytheir thoughtsweregoingbacktothatnightwhenthetentswereablaze,whenthethirstychildren wererunninghelter‐skelterfromoneburningtenttoanother,whentheirbelongingswere beingplunderedandlooted.

Theprisonerspartookoftheirmeagerrepastandwereengagedinprayersagain.Thiswas theirroutine.Inonecorneraladywhohadfinishedherprayerswastryingtosuppressthe tearsthatcontinuedtowellupinhereyesduetoconstantremembranceofthelovedones shehadlostonthatfatefulday.Inspiteofherbesteffortsshecouldnotanylongersuppress hersobsandweepingtogiveventtoherpent‐upemotionswhichwouldotherwisehave chokedher.

Nowthenighthaddescended.Butthathardlymadeanydifferencebecauseevenduringthe dayitwasequallydarkinside.Fortheprisonerstherewasnomorefoodforthenight.The youngchildrendrankalittlewaterandwenttosleep.Aseachchilddrankwater,asobwas heard.Wasitinremembranceofthebrothers,theunclesandfatherwhohaddiedseeking watertilltheend?

InthedeadnightSakinagotupwithashriek.Sheburstintotorrentsoftears.Herweeping andwailingarousedeverybody.Zainabrushedtohersideandtriedtoconsoleher.“My

belovedchild,”shesaid,“howoftenIhavetoldyouthatthelastwishofyourfatherwasthat youshouldendureallthesufferingsthatareinflictedonyouwithcompleteresignationtothe WillofGod?”Thechildtriedtocontrolherselfandreplied:“DearAunt,Iknowthatbut,inmy dreamIsawmyfather.Hecametomeandsaid:‘OhSakinayouhavesufferedenough.My darling,thedaysofyoursufferingareover.NowIhavecometofetchyou.Comewithme!’Oh sisterofmybelovedfather,InarratedtohiminmydreamallthesufferingsIhadendured sincehedidnotcomebackfromthebattlefield.ItoldhimhowIhadgoneinthedarknightin searchofhim.Whatadreamitwasandwhatadisappointmentitisformetoknowthatin realityIshallbeawayfrommybelovedfather!”Sosayingsheburstintouncontrollable lamentation.Suchwasthegriefofthechildthatalltheladieslostcontrolovertheiremotions andtheirwailingechoedthroughtheprisonwalls.

Yazidinhispalaceadjoiningtheprisonwaspacingthefloor.Heheardthebemoaningand lamentationsandsentforhisslavestoenquireaboutthecause.Soontheyhurriedbackto reportwhathadhappened.WhenYazidwastoldthatSakinahadseenherfatherinherdream andwasdisconsolate,heaskedhismantoputtheheadofHusseinonasilversalver,coverit withsilkenclothandtakeittotheprison.

Thiswasdone:theprisondoorwasopenedandYazid’smenenteredwiththecoveredtray. TheyplaceditbeforeSakina.Thechildcriedout:“IamnothungryandIdonotwantfood.I onlylongtoseemyfather.Whyhasheleftmeafterpromisingmethathewouldnotleaveme forlong?”OneofYazid’sattendantsremovedtheclothfromthetray.Sakinabeheldthefaceof herfather,thefacethatshehadkissedamilliontimes.Itwasthesamedear,dearfacethough thebeardwassmearedwithblood.Withacrysheflungherselfonthetrayandsnatchedthe headfromit,huggingittoherheart.Inindescribablegriefshebentdownoverthehead puttinghersmallcheeksagainstthecheeksofherfatherassheusedtodowhenhewasalive. Withinafewmomentshersobsstoppedbutwithitstoppedherheart‐beatsalso.

WhenZainabsawthechildlyingmotionlessontheheadofherfather,shewentovertoher andwhisperedwithtearsinhereyes:“OhSakina,howlongwillyoulieonyourfather’s head?”Shetouchedherhandonlytofindthatlifewasextinct,tofindtheSakinahadgone withherfathernevertoreturntothisworldwhereshehadknownnothingbuttorturesand tormentssinceherbecominganorphan.SherealizedthatherbelovedfatherHusseinhad kepthispromisegiventothechildinherdreamnottoleaveherinthecell.

Chapter11.OrdealsinDamascus “Eternalspiritofthechainlessmind, Brightestindungeonslibertythouart”

Darkthoughthedungeonalwayswas,itwasmadegloomierafterSakinawaslaidtorestina gravepreparedforherinonecornerforhereternalrest,forrestandreposewhichshehad notknownsincethedawnofthedayherfatherlefther,nevertoreturn.Solongasshewas alive,sheusedtostandnearthegratingswhichwereopeningonthestreettogetsomefresh airandrelieffromthesuffocatingandstiflingclosenessoftheprisonatmosphere.Oftenthe passers‐byusedtoseeherpouringouthergriefattheseparationfromherfather.Some kindlyladiesevenusedtohaltnearthebarredopeningtoaskherwhoshewasandhow,in spiteofhertenderage,shewasconfinedtosuchacell.Sakina,onsuchoccasions,usedtotell themofherrecollectionsofthebygonedaysinMedinawhere,asthedarlingofherfatherand herfamily,hereverywishanddesireusedtobefulfilled,whereallthemembersofherfamily werevyingwithoneanothertokeepherhappy.Sheusedtorecounttheeventsofthatfateful daywhenallherhopesvanishedwiththelastmarchofherfather.

Manyofthepassers‐byusedtolistentohertaleofwoesandjoinherinhertearsofagony. Now,whilstpassingbytheprison,theyusedtolookwithanticipationfortheinnocentfaceof thechildandwonderwhyshewasnomoretobeseen.Thosewithmorecuriositywereeven askingtheprisonguardsastowhathadhappenedtothegirlwhosefaceusedtobeframedin thegrating,steepedinsadnessandsorrow.Theguardswereattimestellingthemtomind theirownbusinessandnottolettheircuriositylandthemintrouble.Thoseguardswhohad morekindnessandfeelingsinthemusedtotellsuchenquirersinhushedtonesthatthegirl theywereaskingaboutwassleepinghereternalsleep,freedfromthewoesandworriedofan unkindlyworldthathaddeniedhereverycomfort,nay,evenconsolation,aftershehadlost herfatherandherfreedom.

Evennowattimes,passers‐byusedtohearprayersofferedtoGodAlmightybythecaptivesat allhoursofthedayandnight.Sometimesthehumofprayersusedtobechokedbythesobsof someheart‐brokenmotherwhosethoughtswouldgobacktothedeathofherbelovedchild.

Adaydawnedwhentherewasastirintheprison.TheguardsweretoldthattheQueenof Damascuswastovisittheprisonersandsoeverythingshouldbedonetomakethe atmosphereofthecellleastobnoxioustoQueenHinda.Theywereaskingoneanotherwhat possiblereasoncouldtherebefortheQueentovisittheprisonersasshehadneverdoneso

before.

OneoftheguardstookituponhimselftoinformtheprisonersaboutthevisitoftheQueen andtotellthemthat,incasesheinquiredaboutthetreatmentreceivedatthehandsofthe gaolers,totellnothingbutgoodthingsaboutthemandnottoutterawordofcomplaint. Whentheguardenteredthecell,hefoundthatImamAliZainalAbedeenwaslyingprostrate inprayers.HeturnedtoFizza,whowastheoldestamongstthecaptives,toannouncetoall theprisonersaboutthevisitofHindaandtoensurethatnocriticismwasutteredagainstthe treatmentmetedouttothem.

Withushersannouncingherarrival,Hindaenteredthecellaccompaniedbyafewofher ladies‐in‐waiting.Whenhereyesgotaccustomedtothedarknessofthedungeon,shesaw someladiessittingwiththeirheadsbowedandfacescoveredwiththeirtresses.Shealsosaw inonecornertheemaciatedfigureofAliZainalAbedeen,withheavychainsandmanacles, engagedinprayers.Forafewminutes,Hindawasperplexedtoseeagraveinonecornerof thecellandoneladyrestingherheadonit.Sheinstinctivelywentovertotheladyandputher handgentlyonherheadandwhisperedtoher,“Mygoodlady,tellmewhoyouare,towhat familyyoubelongandwhosegraveitisonwhichyouareleaning.Icanseefromyourface thatyouhavesuffereduntoldagonies.ForGod’ssakeletmeknowwhatisthecauseofall yoursufferings.”

Hindawaitedforawhilebutnoreplycametoherquestions.Instead,theladyburstintosobs whichmadeanyspeechimpossibleforher.Hindathenturnedtowardsanotherlady,whosat inacorner,surroundedbyseveralothers.Shecouldguessthatthisladymustbetheone whomtheotherswereregardingastheelderandleaderamongstthem.Sherecalledfromher statureandbearingthatthiswastheladywho,whentheprisonershadenteredthecourtof herhusbandnotsolongago,hadaddressedthecourt.Thoughatthattimeshecouldnothear whatshehadsaid,shecouldsurmisethataperson,who,eveninthehelplessstateofa prisoner,couldmustersufficientcouragetohurldefianceatthecourt,mustbepossessing uniquecourageandstrengthofcharacter.Goingovertohershesatdownbesideheronthe barefloor,muchtothesurpriseandconsternationofhermaidsandladies‐in‐waiting. Addressingheralmostreverentially,Hindasaid,“Ihavecometovisityoutodaytolearn somethingfromyouaboutthereasonsofyoursufferingsandplight.Foralongtime,Ihave beentryingtofindoutwhoyouallare,fromwhatplaceyoucomeandwhatheinouscrimes youpeoplecommittedthatyouarebeingsubjectedtothisincarcerationandmadetoendure suchhardships.”

Pausingforawhile,shecontinued,“Myhusbandhasbeenevadingmyenquiriesandtelling methatIshouldnotconcernmyselfwiththeaffairsofhisgovernment.Oflate,Ihavebeen gettingdreamsinwhichIseemyladyFatima,daughterofourbelovedProphet.Shecomesto mewailingandwringingherhandsandtellingme,“Hinda,youarenotawareofwhathas beendonetomysonHusainandwhathasbefallenmydaughtersZainabandKulsumandthe otherladiesandchildrenofourfamily.Youarelivinginthelapofluxurywhilstmychildren andgrand‐childrenwereundergoingtorturesandtormentsbeyondhumanendurance.” Speakingsoftlyinabarelyaudiblevoice,sheadded,“SooftenIhaveseenherinmydreamsin adisconsolatestatethatIfinditimpossibletorestinpeace.Onlylastnightshecametomein mydreamandtoldmethatherbelovedHusain’sdaughterSakinahasbeenrelievedbydeath fromhersufferingsandpains.Ithasdawnedonmenowthat,perhaps,MyLady’scomingand bewailinginmydreamshadsomeconnectionwithyourincarceration,thoughIwonderhow itcouldbepossibleforthefamilyoftheProphettohaveanythingincommonwithyouall.”

ThelastwordsofHindaarousedZainabfromherstupor.Sheraisedherheadandlooked Hindafullintheface.Theeyesofthetwoladiesmetforaninstant—theonedepicting bewildermentandenquiry,andtheotherreflectingasoulfullofagonyandanguish.Zainab’s eyesshowedtoHindainthatoneinstantvolumeofsufferingswhichnowords,however eloquent,couldhaveconveyed.ZainabcouldseethatQueenHinda,whonotsolongagohad beenoneofherconstantcompanionsinthedaysofherfather,couldnotrecognizeher.Such wasthetolltakenbythehardshipsshehadsufferedthatshecouldnotberecognizedevenby onewhohadbeensoclosetoher.ShereflectedthatifHindadidnotknowwhoshewas,so muchthebetterforher.Itwouldsaveherthehumiliationofnarratingallthetorturesshehad beenputto,enumeratingthecountlessindignitiesshehadsuffered.

MuchthoughZainabtriedtocontrolherfeelings,shecouldnothelpburstingintosobs.She hadpartiallycoveredherfacewithherhairandshehadhopedthatHinda,notrecognizing her,wouldleaveherwithoutpressingfurthertoknowwhoshewas.ButHinda,inthatone moment,feltasifshehadseenthisvenerableladyinbettertimesandbettercircumstances. Theladyretainingsuchdignifiedmienandbearingandholdingherowneveninsuchsqualid surroundingscouldonlybefromsomefamilyofthehighestlineage.Hindataxedhermemory totheutmostextenttorecollectwhenandwhereshehadmetherbefore.Shebentover ZainabandpartedthehaircoveringZainab’sfacesothatshecouldhaveacloserlookather. Immediately,shefeltthatsherecognizedwhothisladywas.Withagaspshecried,“Ifmyeyes arenotdeceivingme,IamseeingmyLadyZainabbeforeme!But,MyGod,howcanthisbe true?AmIimaginingthewildestthingpossibleorseeinganightmare?Ohowcanitbe possiblethatthatdaughterofAli,leaderofthefaithful,andbelovedandrespecteddaughter

ofmyLadyFatima,thefavoriteandbelovedsisterofImamHusain,ishereinsuchdismal surroundings,insuchabjectcircumstances!Ismymemoryplayingsomecrueltrickonme thatIseemyrespectedZainabinthepersonofthisladyonwhosefacesorrowsandsufferings arewritlarge?”

Hinda,utteringthesewords,bentfurtherandbeseechinglysaidtoZainab,“Olady,Iamatthe momentbecomingdementedbythethoughtthatIseebeforemethefamilyoftheProphetof Islam,thoughthisveryideaissoabsurd,soridiculousandsorevoltingtomethatIconsiderit almostablasphemytoentertainitevenforamoment.IthinkIamlosingmysensesand, unlessyoutellmewhoyouare,Iwillgetderangedwithdoubtsthataregnawingatmymind. Iimploreyoutomeknow,forthesakeofmyLadyFatima,whohasbeencominginmy dreams,inwhatwayyouarerelatedtomyLadyZainabwhomIhavebeenlongingtoseeall theseyears.”

“Olady”,withasobshecontinued,“Ifyouhaveanybloodrelationshipwithher,tellmewhen yousawherlastandhowshewasandhowwereUmmeKulsum,UmmeFarwa,UmmeLaila andUmmeRabab.Iamdyingtogetnewsaboutthemandtheirchildrenwho,byGod’sGrace, mustnowhavegrownup,andmayevenhavereachedmarriageableage.”

WhenZainabheardthesewordsofHinda,asifinaflash,shesawbeforehermind’seyes thoseyoungstalwarts,thosehopesofthefamilyofBaniHashim,whoweremercilessly slaughteredinKerbalabeforehereyes.ShecouldvisualizethefacesofAliAkbar,Qasim,Aun, MuhammadandinnocentAliAsghar.Shecouldnolongercontainherselfandshecries, “Hinda,forgetZainababoutwhomyouaretalking—ZainabdiedontheplainsofKerbalawith herbrotherandtheyouthsofthefamilywhoweremartyredwithherbrotherHusain.Hinda, youseebeforeyoutheshadowofthatZainabwhomneitheryou,notanyotherpersoncan recognizeorcaretorecognize.”Withthesewordsshehidherfaceinherhandsandwept bitterly.

WhenHindaheardthisZainab’sanguishedoutcry,shefellprostrateatherfeet.Overcomeby contrition,shecried,“Zainab,myLady,forgivememyunpardonableneglect.OGod,how couldIbesocallousasnottounderstandandrecognizethatnoneexceptmyLadyZainab couldhavehadtheboldnesstodefymytyranthusbandinhiscourtonthatday!Iimploreyou, myLady,bythememoryofyourbelovedmotherLadyFatima,toforgivememysininnot doinganythingforyourfreedom.Oh,howcouldIlivecomfortablyinmypalace,surrounded byallthepompandluxurieswhichmoneyandworldlymeanscanbuy,whenmembersofthe familyofmylordHusainwereconfinedtothisdungeon,whenhisownchildrenwerein

shacklesandhandcuffs!”SayingthissheturnedtothecornerwhereImamAliZainalAbedeen wassittingafterjustcompletinghisprayers.Shewentovertohimandthrowingherselfathis feetshecried,“NowIcanverywellrecognizeyouasmyImamHusain’seldestsonAli,who hasacquirednameandfamethroughouttheIslamicrealmforpietyandprayers.”

“OZainalAbedeen,”shesobbed,“Iseekyourforgivenessformythoughtlessnessinnot probingdeeper,whenmysuspicionswerearousedonthedayofyourpresentationinmy husband’scourt,whenIhaddistinctlyheardsomeonesaythataheartlessbeasthadtalked aboutenslavementandbondageoftheProphet’sgrand‐child.”Sayingthisshelookedaround her,asifsearchingforsomebody.Asshecouldnotfindthepersonwhomshewaslookingfor, shecontinued,“Idonotseeamongstyoutheyounggirlwhowaswithyouincourt,whowas clingingtomyLadyZainabandcryingdisconsolately.NowIknowthatshemustbethe beloveddaughterofmyLordImamHusain.Whereisshe?Whathashappenedtoher?Was sheatlastenslavedbysomebrute?”

AllthiswhileZainabwassittingherheadbowed.Shenowstoodupand,goingtowardsHinda, shesaid,“InvainyouarelookingforSakina,mybelovedniece,whommybrotherhad,atthe timeofhisdeparture,entrustedtomycare.Sheissleepingpeacefullyinyondergrave.Sheis atlastrelievedfromherpainsandsufferingsbyakindlydeathwhichhasgivenhercomforts which,inourstateofimprisonment,wecouldnotprovidetoher.”

“MayIask,Zainab,whatwasthecauseofherdeath?”,enquiredHinda.“Didshediebecauseof anydiseaseorbecauseofdenialoffoodandothernecessitiesoflife?”

“Hinda”,repliedZainab,“HowamItotellyouwhatledtoherdeath?Thisfragrantflowerof ourfamilywitheredawayduetonotonebutseveralcauses.HowcanItellyou,Hinda,what sufferingssheenduredeversincethemartyrdomofherfather?Shewasmercilesslyslapped, herearringsweresnatchedawaymostcallouslyandcruelly,tearingherear‐lobesthe woundsofwhichkeptonbleedingtillthelast,becausewehadbeendeniedallmeansof treatment.Heryoungbodyhadbecomeallpurpleandbluebecauseofinjuriessustainedby herwhenrepeatedlysheusedtofallfromthebare‐backcamelshewasmadetorideduring ourmarchfromKerbalatoyourcity.”

Recountingthesesufferingsofthechild,Zainabwascrying,andsowaseveryone,including Hinda.Onlyonelady,whowassittingnearthegrave,wasquiet.Herheadwasrestingonthe graveandshewaslyingmotionless.Zainabinstinctivelylookedinherdirectionandseeing thatUmmeRababhadswoonedandlostherconsciousness,sherantowardsherandputher

headonherlap.Hindaalsocameovertoherandorderedhermaidstobringsomecoldwater fromthenearbypalace.Itwasbroughtpost‐hasteaccordingtoQueenHinda’sordersand sprinkledonthefaceofUmmeRabab.Itrevivedher.Openinghereyes,shelookedaroundher withadazedlook.Shefaintlyuttered,asifinatrance,“MySakinaissleepinghere.Pleasedo nottalkloudlyasitmaydisturbherpeacefulsleep.Shealwaysusedtogetupfromhersleep crying,assheusedtodreamsometimesoftheburningofourtentsinKerbala,sometimesof thecruelwhippingorslappingofherfacebyShimr.Now,atlonglast,sheishavingan unbrokensleep.Donot,forAllah’ssake,wakeherup.” ZainabrealizedthatUmmeRabab’sgrief‐strickenmindhadbuiltupbarrierstoresistthe cruelimpactofreality;tocreateashelterforhersothatshecouldescapethemacbre atmospherearoundthegraveofherchild.Butshefeltthatshemustbeawakenedfromthis stupornoworelseshecouldforeverlosehermind.SheslowlytoldherthatSakinahadbeen calledawaybyherfatherbutsheshouldnotworryabouther.Shewasnowhappyand relieved.Herfatherhadrespondedtoherrepeatedentreatiestocomeandtakeheraway,to putanendtothepainsandpangs,bothphysicalandthoseofseparation.Thesewords broughtUmmeRababbacktotheworldofstarkreality.Sheweptbitterlywhichlightenedthe burdenonheremotion‐packedheart.Hindaandalltheladieswhowereintheprison,joined herinthemourning.

Itiscommonforpeopleinwhosehousedeathoccurstoreceivevisitorsofferingsympathies andcondolencestoconsolthegrief‐strickenandbereavedmembersofthefamily.When Sakinadiedtherewasnocallers,nomourners,nosympathizerstocomeandoffercomfortto theladiesoftheProphet’shouse.Theywereconsolingoneanother.Therewerenooutsiders totakecareofthefuneralritesofthisinnocentchild.Forthefirsttimeaftersomanydays Zainab,UmmeKulsum,UmmeRababandotherladiesoftheirfamilywerehavingwiththem sympatheticladiesofferingcondolencesandcomfort,sharingtheirgrief,cryingwiththem andutteringwordsofconsolation.Whatabalmthesekindwordsprovidedtothegrief‐torn heartofZainabandUmmeRababcanbeunderstoodonlybythosewhohavebeenplacedin suchapredicament.WouldtoGodthatnobodyagainmaybeplacedinsuchasituationina strangelandinafriendlessworld!

AllthiswhileHindawasthinkingfuriouslyaboutwaysandmeansofsecuringthefreedomof theProphet’sfamily.Shehaddecidedthatshewouldnotunderanycircumstancesallowa daytopasswithouthavingtheprisonerssetfreeandrestoredtoapositionofrespectand honorwhichwastheirrightanddue.ShebeggedofImamAliZainalAbedeenandZainabto excuseherforawhileandreturnedtothepalace.ShecalledheryoungsonMoawiah,who

wastheonlymaleissueofYazid,a wastheonlymaleissueofYazid,andtoldhimeverythi ndtoldhimeverythingthathadtran ngthathadtranspiredthatday. spiredthatday.Her Her soninheritedmanyofhergoodqualit soninheritedmanyofhergoodqualitiesandheat iesandheatoncetoldherthat oncetoldherthathewouldjoinheri hewouldjoinherin n tellingYazidthat,nowthat tellingYazidthat,nowthattheybothknewwhothe theybothknewwhotheprisonerswerea prisonerswereandwhathadbeendone ndwhathadbeendone byYazidtothebelovedgrandsonoft byYazidtothebelovedgrandsonoftheProphet,t heProphet,theywouldnotlivein heywouldnotliveinthepalaceunl thepalaceunlessthe essthe Prophet’sfamilywererestoredf Prophet’sfamilywererestoredfulllibertyan ulllibertyandhonor. dhonor.

HindaandMoawiahbothrushedtothepr HindaandMoawiahboth rushedtotheprivatequarters ivatequartersofYazidwhereonly ofYazidwhereonlytheyhadaccess theyhadaccess withoutanypriorannouncement. withoutanypriorannouncement.Theyweresurprise TheyweresurprisedtoseeYazidpa dtoseeYazidpacingupanddownand cingupanddownand mutteringtohimself.Theycouldhea mutteringtohimself.Theycouldhearhimmumble,“Alas rhimmumble,“Alas,whatmademedecidet ,whatmademedecidetodyemy odyemy handswiththebloodofHusainandthe handswiththebloodofHusainandtheyouthsofhisfami youthsofhisfamily!Whatmademesubject ly!Whatmademesubjectthe the membersofhisfamilytothein membersofhisfamilytotheindignitiesandi dignitiesandimprisonmentIthought mprisonmentIthoughtIwasremovingathor Iwasremovingathorn n frommyside,but,bydoingthat, frommyside,but,bydoingthat,Ihavelostall Ihavelostallpeaceandmental peaceandmentalequilibrium.” equilibrium.”

WhenYazidsawHindacomingtowardshimwithher WhenYazidsawHindac omingtowardshimwithherhairdisheveleda hairdisheveledandhereyesfullof ndhereyesfullof tears,followingbyhisyoungsonMoawiah, tears,followingbyhisyoungsonMoawiah,whoseeyeswerealsoswollen whoseeyeswerealsoswollenwithcrying,he withcrying,hewas was bewilderedandsurprised.Hisrever bewilderedandsurprised.Hisreveriewasbrokenbyt iewasbrokenbytheirarrival heirarrivalandhewonderedwhathad andhewonderedwhathad broughtthemtohiminsuchacondit broughtthemtohiminsuchacondition.However,befor ion.However,beforehecouldaskthemt ehecouldaskthemthereasonsand hereasonsand thepurposeoftheirvisit thepurposeoftheirvisit,Hindanarrat ,Hindanarratedtohimherdreams edtohimherdreamsleadinguptoher leadinguptohervisittothe visittothe prisonandwhatshehadseenandhear prisonandwhatshehadseenandheardthatday.She dthatday.Shewasbesideherself wasbesideherselfwithgriefan withgriefandrage drage andignoringtheconsequencesofher andignoringtheconsequencesofhertyranthusband’ tyranthusband’swrath,sheplai swrath,sheplainlytoldhimthat nlytoldhimthatshe she andhersonhaddecidedthat,if andhersonhaddecidedthat,ifmembersofthePr membersoftheProphet’sfamilywere ophet’sfamilywerenotsetfre notsetfreethatvery ethatvery day,bothofthemwoulddenouncehimforthe day,bothofthemwoulddenouncehimforthetyrantthat tyrantthathewas,nomatte hewas,nomatterwhetherhe rwhetherhe beheadedthemorthrewthemintothe beheadedthemorthrewthemintothedungeonsorsubjectedt dungeonsorsubjectedthemtotheworstki hemtotheworstkindof ndof tortures.

Yazidwasnotaccustomedtothiskin Yazidwasnotaccustomedtothiskindoftalkfromhi doftalkfromhisQueenwho,muchasshe sQueenwho,muchasshedetestedand detestedand despisedhisdespoticways,wasalwayshi despisedhisdespoticways,wasalwayshithertogentlean thertogentleandsoft‐spoken.He dsoft‐spoken.Hewasstupefiedan wasstupefiedand d forsometimerenderedspeechlessby forsometimerenderedspeechlessbytheboldanddauntle theboldanddauntlessattitudeof ssattitudeofhiswifeandson. hiswifeandson.

ThinkingthatYazidwasconsideri ThinkingthatYazidwasconsideringsomediabolicalp ngsomediabolicalplanstopunish lanstopunishthemforthedef themforthedefiance iance theyhadhurledhim.Moawiahsaid,“Fat theyhadhurledhim.Moawiahsaid,“Father,youngthoughIam, her,youngthoughIam,Irealizethat Irealizethatwhatmy whatmy mothersaysistheonlyhonorablecourse mothersaysistheonlyhonorablecoursewecannowadopt.All wecannowadopt.Allthesedaysweremain thesedaysweremained ed unmovedbywhathadhappenedbecauseofouri unmovedbywhathadhappe nedbecauseofourignorance.MayGodforgi gnorance.MayGodforgiveusforournegle veusforourneglect ct andourfailuretoalleviate andourfailuretoalleviatethesufferings thesufferingsofmylordImamHusain’sf ofmylordImamHusain’sfamily.Thesit amily.Thesituationdoes uationdoes notadmitofamoment’sdelayandwewant notadmitofamoment’sdelayandwewantyoutodecidehere youtodecidehereandnowwhatyouinten andnowwhatyouintendto dto dointhismatter.”

CunningandcraftyasYazidwas, CunningandcraftyasYazidwas,heknewthathi heknewthathiscupofcruelt scupofcrueltywasgettingfi ywasgettingfilledtothebri lledtothebrim. m. Hissecretagentshadreportedt Hissecretagentshadreportedtohimthat,af ohimthat,afterSakina’ terSakina’sdeath,manyladie sdeath,manyladiesofDemascus sofDemascus weretauntingtheirhusbands, weretauntingtheirhusbands,brothersandsonsan brothersandsonsandaccusingthemof daccusingthemofcowardiceinnotdoi cowardiceinnotdoing ng anythingfortheliberation anythingfortheliberationofthefamily ofthefamilyoftheProphet. oftheProphet.Manymenweret Manymenweretalkingsecretly alkingsecretlyabout about waysandmeansofsecuringfreedomfort waysandmeansofsec uringfreedomfortheladiesofthe heladiesofthehouseofImamHusain, houseofImamHusain,andImam andImam AliZainalAbedeen.Theywereas AliZainalAbedeen.Theywereaskingoneanother kingoneanotherwhattheprisoner whattheprisonershaddonetodeserve shaddonetodeserve suchprolongedimprisonmentinadunge suchprolongedimprisonmentinadungeon.Hecouldnowseethe on.Hecouldnowseethewritingonthe writingonthewall. wall. Realizationnowdawnedonhimthatti Realizationnowdawnedonhimthattimewasrunningout mewasrunningoutforhim,that forhim,thatNemesismight Nemesismight overtakehimunlesshedidsomethingt overtakehimunlesshedidsomethingtosavethesituat osavethesituation.Nowthathi ion.Nowthathisownson,hisown sownson,hisown fleshandblood,andhisQueenHin fleshandblood,andhisQueenHinda,werealsoaskin da,werealsoaskingfor,nay,eve gfor,nay,evendemandingthe ndemandingthe liberationoftheprisoner liberationoftheprisoners,hecouldseewhich s,hecouldseewhichwaythewindwasblowing. waythewindwasblowing.Inhiscrooked Inhiscrooked mindathoughtcamethatifhea mindathoughtcamethatifheagreedtosetfre greedtosetfreetheprisoner etheprisonersnow,hemightbe snow,hemightbeabletosave abletosave hisfaceandsaytooutsiderstha hisfaceandsaytooutsidersthathediditi thediditindeferencet ndeferencetothewishesofhis othewishesofhisownwifeandson ownwifeandson andnotbywayofsuccumbingtopopular andnotbywayofsuccumbingtopopulardemand.Hiswarpedj demand.Hiswarpedjudgmentwasalways udgmentwasalways apprehendingthat,ifhe apprehendingthat,ifhebowedtothewishesof bowedtothewishesofhissubjects, hissubjects,thenhemightlose thenhemightlosehisauthority hisauthority overthem.Inhisheartofhear overthem.Inhisheartofheartshehadafear tshehadafearthatthepubl thatthepubliccouldacceptImam iccouldacceptImamAliZainal AliZainal Abedeenastheirleaderanddethr Abedeenastheirleaderanddethronehim.Atthe onehim.Atthesametime,coupled sametime,coupledwithconcernfor withconcernforthe the safetyofthisthrone,heha safetyofthisthrone,hehadwithinhimadeep dwithinhimadeep‐rootedfeelingof ‐rootedfeelingofremorsewhichwas remorsewhichwas exacerbatedbythenightmareshe exacerbatedbythenightmareshewasgetting.For wasgetting.Fordaystogetherhehadn daystogetherhehadnotbeengetti otbeengettingany ngany sleep.Wheneverheclosedhiseyes, sleep.Wheneverheclosedhiseyes,hewouldseetheProphet hewouldseetheProphet,standingbe ,standingbeforehim,full forehim,fullof of grief,upbraidinghimandask grief,upbraidinghimandaskinghim,“OY inghim,“OYazid,whathadmyHusai azid,whathadmyHusaindonetodeserveyour ndonetodeserveyour cruelty?Whatmadeyoudestroymyfamilywit cruelty?Whatmadeyoudestroymyfamilywithsuchvengefulnessan hsuchvengefulnessandbrutality? dbrutality?Isyour Isyour hatredformeandmyfamilystill hatredformeandmyfamilystillnotsatiated notsatiatedthatyouaresubj thatyouaresubjectingthewidowsand ectingthewidowsandorphans orphans ofmyfamilytosuchinhumantorture ofmyfamilytosuchinhumantortures?”Hewasconstant s?”Hewasconstantlyhauntedbysuch lyhauntedbysuchdreamsandhe dreamsandhe hadbeenbroodingaboutthewaysandmeans hadbeenbroodingaboutthewaysandmeansofresolvingthe ofresolvingthedilemmathatwasconfr dilemmathatwasconfronting onting himandwhichwasentirelyofhisown himandwhichwasent irelyofhisowncreation.That creation.Thatinstanthe instanthedecidedthatthe decidedthatthetimewas timewas moreopportuneforhimtosetfr moreopportuneforhimtosetfreetheprisone eetheprisonersandtosendthe rsandtosendthemawayfromDemascusas mawayfromDemascusas earlyaspossiblesothathisp earlyaspossiblesothathispositionandpower ositionandpowerwouldnotbeendangered, wouldnotbeendangered,norhisauthorit norhisauthority y denied.

“Whatastrangewayofpleadingf “Whatastrangewayofpleadingformercyandclemencyyou ormercyandclemencyyouhaveadopted”,sai haveadopted”,saidYazid, dYazid, turningtowardshimwife.“Ifb turningtowardshimwife.“Ifbothofyouaresuchf othofyouaresuchfilledwithpi illedwithpityandsympathyfor tyandsympathyforthe the prisoners,couldyounotpleadfor prisoners,couldyounotpleadfortheminabet theminabetterwaythanremonst terwaythanremonstratingbefore ratingbeforemeinthis meinthis fashion?”Hepausedforawhile fashion?”Hepausedforawhiletoseethereact toseethereactionofhiswordson ionofhiswordsonthemandthencont themandthencontinued, inued, “Iamgladtoaccedetotherequest “Iamgladtoaccedetotherequestofbothofyouand ofbothofyouandtosetfreet tosetfreetheprisonershonora heprisonershonorably.Iam bly.Iam summoningmycourtandannouncingmydecision summoningmycourtanda nnouncingmydecisionimmediately.Nowboth immediately.Nowbothofyoumayrestin ofyoumayrestin peaceandletmealsohassomerespi peaceandletmealsohassomerespiteaftert teaftertheshockyouhaveadminis heshockyouhaveadministeredtomebyyour teredtomebyyour

remonstrations.”

“Peace,didyousay?”saidHinda “Peace,didyousay?”saidHindainsurprise. insurprise.“Canyouthink “CanyouthinkthatIoryourson thatIoryoursoncaneverhave caneverhave peaceinthislifeaft peaceinthislifeafterknowingwhatyoudid erknowingwhatyoudidtothegrandsonof tothegrandsonofProphetMuhammadandhis ProphetMuhammadandhis family,infurtheranceof family,infurtheranceofyourdiabolicaldesi yourdiabolicaldesigns?Arethet gns?Arethethingsyoudid,even hingsyoudid,evenafterthe afterthe massacreofKerbalanotenoughtomake massacreofKerbalanotenoughtomakeushangourheadsin ushangourheadsinshameandfill shameandfillourheartswith ourheartswith remorseandcontrition?WouldtoGodthat remorseandcontrition?WouldtoGodthatIhadnotlived Ihadnotlivedtoseethisday, toseethisday,toknowthatmy toknowthatmy lordImamHusain’sbeloveddaughterSakina lordImamHusain’sbel oveddaughterSakinawasdyingbyinches wasdyingbyinchesinthedungeonwhilst inthedungeonwhilstIwas Iwas livingincomfort,obliviousof livingincomfort,obliviousofhersuffering hersufferingandignorantof andignorantoftheordealsandhardshi theordealsandhardshipsofmy psofmy ladiesZainab,Rababandother ladiesZainab,RababandothersoftheProphet softheProphet’sfamilyandImamAl ’sfamilyandImamAliZainalAbedeen iZainalAbedeen!”Saying !”Saying thissheweptbitterly.

Afterawhileshecontinued,“ Afterawhileshecontinued,“Yazid,Iwantyou, Yazid,Iwantyou,forthesake forthesakeofAllahandHisP ofAllahandHisProphet,if rophet,ifyouat youat allhaveanybeliefinthem, allhaveanybeliefinthem,tomakebesta tomakebestamendsfortheunfor mendsfortheunforgivableatrociti givableatrocitiesyouhave esyouhave perpetrated,fortheunpa perpetrated,fortheunpardonablesinsyouhave rdonablesinsyouhavecommitted.Spar committed.Sparenoeffortsi enoeffortsinrepairin nrepairingthe gthe damageandlossyouhavecausedtothepeople damageandlossyouhaveca usedtothepeopleoftheProphet’ oftheProphet’shouse,forwhomGodhas shouse,forwhomGodhas carvedoutanicheofhonorandresp carvedoutanicheofhonorandrespectinthe ectintheheartsofallt heartsofalltruebelievers. ruebelievers.Itmayperhapsb Itmayperhapsbe e toolatetoredeemyoursinningsoul toolatetoredeemyoursinningsoulfromtheeterna fromtheeternalperditionwhic lperditionwhichyouhaveearnedfor hyouhaveearnedfor yourselfbyyouratrociousactions, yourselfbyyouratrociousactions,stilltheleas stilltheleastthatyoucan tthatyoucandonowistorestore donowistorestoreImamAli ImamAli ZainalAbedeen,andthevenera ZainalAbedeen,andthevenerableladieswhoarewit bleladieswhoarewithhim,tothe hhim,totheplaceofhonorwhich placeofhonorwhichis is theirright.”

Moawiah,whowasstandingsilentlybyhi Moawiah,whowasstandin gsilentlybyhismother’ssideall smother’ssideallthiswhile,sheddi thiswhile,sheddingtears ngtears silently,joinedhismotheri silently,joinedhismotherinaskingforf naskingforfullrestituti ullrestitutionforthefa onforthefamilyoftheImam.Wit milyoftheImam.Withfull hfull assurancefromYazidthathewouldleave assurancefromYazidthathewouldleavenostoneunturne nostoneunturnedindoingso,t dindoingso,theylefthim. heylefthim.

Yazidlostnotimeinsummoninghis Yazidlostnotimeinsummoninghiscourtthatvery courtthatverysameday.Heissuedor sameday.HeissuedorderstohisCourt derstohisCourt Ministertoplaceapulpi Ministertoplaceapulpitnextto tnexttohisthroneandt histhroneandtomakespecialar omakespecialarrangementswithcur rangementswithcurtains tains anddraperiesdrawnfortheladie anddraperiesdrawnfortheladiesofthefamily softhefamilyofImamHusain.Inst ofImamHusain.Instructionswere ructionswere dispatchedpost‐hastetocalla dispatchedpost‐hastetocallablacksmithforcut blacksmithforcuttingandremoving tingandremovingtheshackles,mana theshackles,manacles cles andchainsinwhichImamAliZaina andchainsinwhichImamAliZainalAbedeenandother lAbedeenandotherwithhimwerefet withhimwerefettered. tered.

Itwaslateintheeveningwhen Itwaslateintheeveningwhenthecourtwasassembl thecourtwasassembled.Therewasfull ed.Therewasfulldisplayofall displayofallthe the regaliaassociatedwiththeUmmayadcourt regaliaassociatedwiththeUmmayadcourt.Yazidwasseate .Yazidwasseatedonthethrone, donthethrone,deckedina deckedina jeweleddressofsilkandbrocade.Al jeweleddressofsilkandbrocade.Allthedignitar lthedignitariesoftherea iesoftherealmwerepresent, lmwerepresent,dressedin dressedin theirbestraiments.All theirbestraiments.Alltheaccreditedr theaccreditedrepresentatives epresentativesoffriendlyf offriendlyforeigncountries oreigncountrieswere were seatedintheirchairsto seatedintheirchairstowitnessanevent witnessaneventofwhichtheyhadn ofwhichtheyhadnopriorinti opriorintimation.Manywere mation.Manywere

puzzledatthemannerinwhichthecourthadbeensummonedatsuchashortnotice,contrary tothecustomandpracticeofYazid’sgovernment.Theywereaskingeachotherwhatcouldbe theoccasionfortheholdingofthecourt.Somewereevenhazardingguesseswhichwere nothingbutflightsoffancy. Thosepresentinthecourthadnotlongtowaitastheushersannouncedwithallsolemnity thatthegreat‐grandsonofProphetMuhammad,ImamAliZainalAbedeen,wasenteringthe courtandthevenerableladiesofhishouseholdweregracingtheoccasionbytheirpresence behindthecurtainswhichhadbeendrawnforthem.TheysawImamAliZainalAbedeenenter thecourtandwalkovertothepulpitwithaslow,haltinggait,becausedespiteremovingthe chains,hisaching,laceratedlegswerefindingthewalkanordeal.Mostofthemwho,who werepresentinthissamecourtwhenImamAliZainalAbedeenandtheladiesofhisfamily weresomemonthsbeforebroughtinchainsinthecourt,wereshockedtoseethattimeand tortureshadtakenaveryheavytollandtheImamwasemaciatedandenfeebledtosuchan extentthat,butfortheusher’sannouncement,itwouldhavebeendifficultforthemto recognizehim.Hisgarmentswerealsotornandtattered.But,inspiteofallthis,therewas dignityinhisbearing,therewasaradianceonhiscountenance,ahaloaroundhisface,which inspiredaweintheirhearts.Asifdrawnbythemagnetismofhispersonality,theyallstood upfromtheirseatstodohomagetothepersonalityofthisnoblescionoftheProphet’shouse whohadbornetorturesandtorments,whohadsufferedinsultsandindignitiesbutneverfor amomentwavered,neverforaninstantfalteredinhisresolve,neverforasecondthoughtof askingforanyfavorsoranyfacilityforhimself,orevenfortheladiesandchildrenwhowere sufferingwithhim.Seeingthisspontaneousgestureofthecourtiers,Yazidalsogotupfrom histhrone,asifimpelledbyanuncontrollableforce.TheImamslowlymountedthepulpit saying,“InthenameofAllah,theBeneficent,theMostMerciful.”Therewaspin‐dropsilence inthecourtwhichwasonlybrokenbytherustlingofthecurtainsindicatingthat, simultaneouslywithImamAliZainalAbedeen,Zainabandtheotherladieswithher,had enteredthecourtthroughtheseparateentrancereservedforthemandhadtakentheirseats inthecurtainedenclosurebehindthepulpit.

AfterImamAliZainalAbedeenhadtakenhisseatonthepulpit,Yazidbrokethesilenceby offeringhimcondolencesonthepassingawayofyoungSakina.Hiswordsofsympathywere soundingsohollowinthelightofhiscallousconductthroughoutthathehurriedlychanged thesubjectandstartedofferinghisapologiesforallthathadhappened.Asiftosavehisface, hestartedcursingObeidullahIbneZiad,AmrIbneSaadandShimrZiljaashanforgivinghim wronginformationabouttheaimsofImamHusain.Pretendingutmostcontrition,he expressedprofoundregretsatallthathadtranspiredinKarbalaandthesubsequentevents

uptothatday.InanabjecttonehetoldtheImamthatheandhisfamilywerenowfreetostay wheretheyliked,togowheretheyliked.HealsoofferedtotheImamwhateveramounthe namedas“bloodmoney”forthemartyrsofhisfamily,athearingwhich,theImam’sface turnedredwithrage.Seeingthis,Yazidhurriedlyadded,“OZainalAbedeen,whatIam offeringispermittedbyourreligiouscodeandIbeseechyoutoacceptit.”

BeforeImamAliZainalAbedeencouldreplytohim,Zainab,whowaslisteningtothetalkfrom behindthecurtain,criedout,“OYazid,areyounotsatisfiedwithwoundingourfeelingsand torturiningusallthesedaysthatyouwanttore‐openourhearts’woundsbythisoffer?Ifyou thinkthatyourwealthcanundowhatyouhavedonetothefamilyoftheProphet,youoffer whatyoupossessonthedayofreckoningtotheProphethimselfwhenhequestionsyou abouthisgrandson.”

Shewentcopiouslyandthencontinued,“OYazid,itisnotforustoacceptanyrequital, recompenseorbloodmoneyforthosewhoweremartyredbyyourorders.Ifyouhavecalled ustodaywiththeexpectationthatwewillacceptwhatyouwanttooffertous,youarevery muchmistaken.YouractionswillbejudgedbyAllahandHisProphetandyouwillhaveto answertothemforyourtyranniesontheDayofJudgment.”

YazidwasabashedbytheboldretortofZainab.Hehadexperienceofhercourageand defiancewhenshehadthefirsttimeappearedinhiscourtinthemosttryingcircumstances. Heknewthatifhedaredtosayanythingmore,hewouldgetfromheranevenstrongerrebuff. HeimmediatelychangedthesubjectandaddressingImamAliZainalAbedeensaid,“O GrandsonoftheProphet,youarefreenowtodemandanythingthatIhave.Iamissuingyou ordersthatahousetobeplacedatyourdisposalandyoumaybeaccordedthetreatment befittingyourdignityandstatusinlife.Itisnowforyoutodecidewhetheryoudesiretostay inDemascusorleaveforMedina.YourrespectedauntZainabandyourfamilyhavemy solemnassurancesthathenceforthhighesthonorandrespectwillbeextendedtoyouallas befitsthosebelongingtothefamilyoftheProphetofIslam.”

ImamAliZainalAbedeeninformedYazidthathedidnotwantanythingfromhisworldly possessions.HeaddedthathewantedwastheseveredheadsofthemartyrsofKerbalawhich hadbeenkeptinhisvaultsandtheirlootedpropertyandclothesofwhichtheyhadbeen robbedanddeprivedontheeveningofthetragedyofKerbala.

ThisreplyevokedconsiderableastonishmentinYazid.Hecouldnotunderstandhowaperson couldturnhisfaceawayfromtheofferofallthegoodthingsoflifewhichhehadmade.

SuppressinghissurpriseYazidremarked,“OAliZainalAbedeen,Ihaveseenallthe belongingsofyouandyourfamilywhichwerelootedbymyarmyinKerbala.Icouldnotsee inthemanythingofvalue.Exceptforthehouseholdarticlesandclothes,whichwereallwell‐ worn,therewerenoornaments,jewelsorarticlesofgoldandpreciousstones.”

WhenZainabheardthesewordsofYazid,shecouldnotcontainherself.BeforeImamAli ZainalAbedeencouldsayanythinginreply,shespokeup,“Howcanweexplaintoyou,Yazid, howwevalueourbelongingswhichhaveincalculablesentimentalvalueforus?Amongstthe articles,whichweresnatchedawayatthetimeofourcaptureinKerbala,aretheveilwhich mymotherFatimausedtowearandwhichIinheritedfromheronherdeath.Thereisalsothe blood‐stainedgarmentwornbymybrotherHusainwhenhewasbeheadedbyShimr.Itwas wovenbymymotherwithherownhands.Therearegarmentssoakedinthebloodofour sons,nephewsandotherkithandkin.Thereareearringswhichweresnatchedawayfromthe earsofmydearestSakina,tearingherearlobes.Cananythingyoupossessorallthatyour wealthcanpurchasematchtheseraimentsandarticles?No,Yazid,weshallcherishthese thingsasourmostpreciouspossessionstilltheendofourdays.”

RealizingthatutmostsentimentalvaluewasplacedonthelootedarticlesbyZainabandother membersofImamHusain’sfamily,Yazidorderedhismentorestorealltheseobjectstothem immediately.Healsoissuedordersthatahousebeplacedattheirdisposalandallkindsof facilitiesandamenitiesbeprovidedtothem.Onhisenquiries,ImamAliZainalAbedeen informedhimthatheandthemembersofhisfamilydidnotwanttostaylonginDemascus butwishedtoreturntoMedina;butbeforetheydidso,theywantedtovisitKerbalatobury themartyrs’headswhichwerenowgivenovertothem.

Afterthisbriefsession,thecourtwasadjournedandtheImamandhisfamilyweretakento thehousenearthepalacewhichwasplacedattheirdisposal.QueenHindainsistedon accompanyingZainabandUmmeKulsumasalady‐in‐waitingresumingthedutieswhichshe wasperforminginthedaysofyoreatKufa.

Onreachingthehouse,Zainabfoundthatalargenumberofladiesandmenhadcollected there.Onherenquiringaboutthepurposeoftheircall,shewastoldthatthepopulationof Demascushadcomeonacondolencevisit.ThemensurroundedImamAliZainalAbedeenand offeredsympathytohim.TheladiesofDemascuswentovertotheseparatequarterswhere theladiesofProphet’sfamilyweresittingandapproachingeachoneofthem,offeredtheir sympathyalso.Manyamongthemwereaskingfordetailsofthetragedy.Somewereasking themaboutSakina,whosedaysinDemascusasaprisonerweresofreshintheirmindsand

whoseordealsfromthedayshehadenteredthecity’sportals,werevividlyrememberedby them.Zainab,onbehalfofalltheladies,recountedtothemalltheeventsfromthedaythey leftMedinatothefatefuldaywhentheylostallwhomtheylovedintheworld,whowere dearertothemthantheirlives.Shenarratedeachincidentwithtearsflowingtorrentially fromhereyes.AlltheotherladiesofthefamilyandtheladiesofDemascuswereshedding tearswithher.SheevenrecalledindetailtheperiodpassedinDemascus,fromthetimeof theirenteringthecitytothedaywhenSakinawasunabletobearthemiseriesandtorments inflictedonher,hadsurrenderedheryoungandinnocentlifetoherMaker.Shealsodescribed theeventsleadinguptotheirreleaseandmentionedherdesiretogobacktoKerbalatobida finalfarewelltoallthedeardepartedoneswhosebodiestheyhadleftontheburningsands withoutanycover,withoutevenshrouds.

WithonevoicealltheladiespleadedwithZainabandothermembersofherfamilytostayon inDemascus.TheirmenfolkalsousedtheirbestpersuasionstomakeImamZainalAbedeen stayoninSyria.ButnothingtheysaidcouldchangethedecisionoftheImamandhisfamilyto leaveDemascus.

UnderordersofYazidcanopiedcamelsandbesthorseswereprocuredforthejourneyto Kerbala.AllthecitizensofDemascushadturnedouttobidfarewelltotheProphet’sfamily. Men,womenandchildrenwerecryingasonebyonetheladies,assistedbytheImam, ascendedtheirmounts.Hinda,whohadallalongremainedwithZainabtooffersolaceand comforttoherinthebestmannerpossible,wentfromoneladytoanotherofferingher sympathiesandaskingforforgivenessforthepreviousneglectonherpart.Shewasaboutto leavewhensheheardUmmeRababexpressherwishtoZainabthat,beforeleavingDemascus, theymightvisittheprisonandoffertheirlastFatehaatthegraceofyoungSakina.Zainab immediatelyassentedtothissuggestionand,withHindaaccompanyingthem,thecaravan wendeditswaytowardstheprisonhouse.TheImamandalltheladiesdismountedandwent overtothegraveofSakina.Thedisconsolatemotherfellonthegracewithaheart‐renting shriek.“Sakina,mydarling”,shecried,“Weallarefreeatlast,butitisyourlottoremain foreverandforeverwithinthefourswallsofthisdungeon.Mydearestchild,Iamleavingyou aloneinthisstrangecountrywhereyouhadexperiencednothingbuthardships,torments andtortures.Mychild,Iamleavingyoubutmyheartandsoulwillremainwithyouinthis prison.”Sayingthis,sheturnedtoHindaandtheotherladiesofthetownwhohadjoined themandwhispered,“Iamleavingmydearestdaughterinyourmidst.Thereisnonefromour familyinthiscitytovisithergrave,toofferFatehaandflowers.Ibeseechyou,onceinaway tovisitmylonely,lucklesschild’sgraveforofferingFatehaandflowers.”Withthesewords, shefellunconsciousinthearmsofZainab.

Chapter12.Journey’sEnd “Princess,ifouragedeyes, Weepuponthymatchlesswrongs; It’sbecauseresentmentties Theterrorsofourtongues.”

Itwaseveningof30thMuharram61inMedina,thecityoftheProphet,onwhichakindof gloomhaddescendedsincethatdayintheholymonthofRajjabwhenImamHusainandhis familyleftinontheirfatefuljourney.Theloweringcloudsweredarkerthanusualasifthey weregatheringontheeveningblasttoheraldsomehappeningofverygreatandgrave import.Manyelderlypeopleinthebazaarswereexchangingmeaningfulglanceswitheach otherasiftheywerehavingpremonitionofsomemomentouseventsorsomeupheavaloffar‐ reachingeffect.Someofthem,feelingintuitivelyaheavinessofheart,wererushingtowards thetomboftheProphettoseeksolaceandcomfortthere,aswastheirwontonsuch occasions.Afewmoresuperstitiousamongstthemwerefeelingapprehensiveasifsome doomweretodescendonthem.Theatmospherehadbecomesocloseandsuffocatingthat men,womenandchildrenrushedoutoftheirhousestobreathetheairoutside.Accustomed astheinhabitantsMedinaweretotheoppressiveheatattimesexperiencedinthatoasis,they couldnothelpremarkingthatonthisparticularevening,itwasnotonlytheheatthatwas stiflingthembutsomethingbesides,inscrutable,inexplicable,unescapableandominous, presagingandforebodingsomethingcalamitous.

ThoseoftheinhabitantsofMedinawhohadgoneoutofthetowntorestinthepalm‐grovesin thesuburbssawacloudofdustrisinginthedistanthorizon.Whenthedusthadsettleddown, theysawafewridersgallopingpost‐hastetowardsthecity.Theyoungmen,anxioustoknow whotheriderswereandwhytheywereridingatsuchabreak‐neckspeed,mountedtheir coltsandwentouttomeetthem.Whentheycameneartheriders,theyenquiredwhothey wereandwhytheywereridingtheirsteedssofast.Theridersdidnotstoptheirchargersto replytotheenquiriesbutrodeon,gesturingtothemtofollowthemtothecity,iftheyfelt interestedtoknowwhattheyhadcometoheraldinMedina.Followingthishint,thoseyoung mencalleduponalltheirfriendsandcompanionstoreturntothetowntohearthe proclamationwhichthedispatch‐riderswereobviouslycarryingfromtherulersinDamascus.

AstheKing'scouriersenteredthelimitsofMedina,moreandmorepeoplejoinedthem.They allfollowedthedispatchriderstothetomboftheProphet.Thetown‐crierwassentforbythe GovernorofMedina,whohadalsorepairedtotheProphet'smosqueonlearningaboutthe

arrivaloftheKing'sheralds.Heorderedadrumtobebeaten,summoningallablebodied citizenstogatheratthetomboftheProphetforhearingtheimportantannouncementandthe proclamation.VerysoonahugethrongwascollectedandtheMosqueadjoiningthetombwas packedtocapacity.Intheiranxietytohearthemomentousnews,peopleforgotthe oppressiveheatandchokingclosenessoftheatmosphere.Deepdownwithinthemevery man,womanandchildhadafeeling,ratheraforebodingthatsomethingcalamitouswasin storeforthem;sometidingsofdisasterwerecomingtothem.

Whenthemosquewaspackedwithmen,womenandchildren,inaloudandstentorianvoice theheraldfromDamascusproclaimed:"OpeopleofMedina,beitknowntoyouallthat Husain,sonofAliandgrandsonoftheProphet,whohadleftMedinawithhiskithandkinand followersandwhohadrefusedtooweallegiancetotheLeaderofFaithful,Yazid,sonof Muawia,wasengagedinabattleontheplainsofKarbalaandheandhisfollowersand supporterswereputtothesword.Hiswomenfolkweretakenprisonersalongwiththe children.TheyweretakentoDamascus,withtheseveredheadsofHusainandhisfollowers, andparadedthroughthestreetsofKufaandDamascussothattheirplightwouldserveasan objectlessontothosewhomaydaretodefytheauthorityoftheRuler."Thecourtmessenger pausedforawhiletoseetheeffectproducedbythisannounce¬ment.Thepin‐dropsilence wasbrokenbytheheavingofsighswhichescapedthelipsofallthoseassembledthereasifin unison.Manyburstintosobs.Severalladiesandchildrenshriekedandswooned.Anangry outburstofremonstrationescapedthelipsofquiteafewvaliantones.Sensingthatitwas necessarytonipalltroubleinthebud,themessengershoutedatthetopofhisvoicehis commandtosilencethegathering.Onceagainpin‐dropsilencedescendedontheassembly andtheheraldcontinued:"IamorderedbyYazidbinMuawiatoproclaimtoyouthathehas separatelyconveyedtotheGovernorofMedinainstructionstoexterminatethoseofyouwho inanyway,bywordsordeeds,showanyfeelingsorsympathyforHusainbinAli,grandsonof theProphet,orthemembersofhisfamilyorhisfollowers,whateveryourrelationshipor familytieswiththemmaybe.Anydisregardofthiswarningwouldnotonlyinvitedirest consequencesandcalamityonthepersonshowingsuchrecalcitrancebutalsoonhisentire family.Thepunishmentforanyexpressionofsupport,orevensympathy,forthepeopleofthe Prophet'shousewillnotstopatthedeathofthepersonconcernedbutwouldleadtothe extirpationofhisentirefamily."

Theominouswordsoftheking'semissaryrenderedtheaudiencedumbfounded.Theywere allhushedintoaneeriesilenceasifsomemagicspellhadbeencastroundthem.Thesilence wasonlyintermittentlybrokenbysomeuncontrollablesobsorstifledcriesofagony, involuntarilyescapingthelipsofsomegrief‐strickenladies.TheGovernorofMedinaandthe

messengersfromDamascus,includingthe messengersfromDamascus, includingthepersonwhohadreadoutt personwhohadreadouttheproclamation, heproclamation,sat sat silentlysurveyingthesituat silentlysurveyingthesituation.Theyappe ion.Theyappearedtobeplease aredtobepleasedwiththeeffe dwiththeeffecttheirthr cttheirthreathad eathad producedontheassemblageandtheywerewai producedontheassembl ageandtheywerewaitingasif tingasiftolettheef tolettheeffectfurther fectfurthersinkintot sinkintothe he heartsoftheterror‐stricke heartsoftheterror‐strickenpeople. npeople. Suddenlytheysawanagedlady,drapedi Suddenlytheysawan agedlady,drapedinaveil,t naveil,thrustingthroughthe hrustingthroughthegatheringand gatheringand advancingtowardsthedaiswheretheGovern advancingtowardsthe daiswheretheGovernorandthemessenger orandthemessengersfromDamascuswere sfromDamascuswere seated.Shewasholdingthehandofa seated.Shewasholdingthehandofaladwhoappearedto ladwhoappearedtobehardlyfiveor behardlyfiveorsixyearsold. sixyearsold.She She waswalkingwithsuchdignifiedgait waswalkingwithsuch dignifiedgaitthatallthe thatallthefaceswereturn faceswereturnedtowardsherinawe. edtowardsherinawe.

Thelad,whosehandwasheldtightlybyt Thelad,whosehandwas heldtightlybythevenerablelady, hevenerablelady,wasmakingeffort wasmakingeffortstofree stofree himselffromhergrip.Youngthoughhe himselffromhergrip.Youngthoughhewas,heseemedtobe was,heseemedtobepossessingextr possessingextraordinary aordinary strengthas,withalittle strengthas,withalittleeffort,he effort,hewasabletoextr wasabletoextricatehimself icatehimselffromthefirmhold fromthefirmholdofthelady ofthelady andrunlikeagazellethroughthe andrunlikeagazellethroughthehushedmultitudetowardst hushedmultitudetowardsthepodiumwheretheGover hepodiumwheretheGovernor nor andtheemissariesfromDamascuswerese andtheemissariesfromDamascuswereseated,studyingthe ated,studyingthereactionwhicht reactionwhichtheir heir pronouncementhadproducedonthegatheri pronouncementhadp roducedonthegatheringwithafeeli ngwithafeelingofrelief ngofreliefandtriumph.The andtriumph.Their ir gazenowturnedinthedirection gazenowturnedinthedirectionoftheboywhowasheadin oftheboywhowasheadingtowardsthem.Hej gtowardsthem.Hejumpedon umpedon theplatformandwithalookofe theplatformandwithalookofexpectancyandi xpectancyandinnocenceheaskedt nnocenceheaskedthepersonwhohadjust hepersonwhohadjust readtheproclamation:"Hasmyfat readtheproclamation:"Hasmyfatherarrived?Where herarrived?Whereishenow?"These ishenow?"Theseabruptquesti abruptquestions, ons, whichwereshotattheannounceri whichwereshotattheannouncerinrapidsuccessi nrapidsuccession,madehimpucker on,madehimpuckerhisbrowsinwonder hisbrowsinwonder attheboldnessofthechild.In attheboldnessofthechild.Inparticular particularhewasamazedatthe hewasamazedatthetonsinwhichthe tonsinwhichthequestions questions wereput,atoneofself‐assur wereput,atoneofself‐assuranceandauthorit anceandauthorityseldomtobeheardf yseldomtobeheardfromachildofsuch romachildofsuch tenderage.Asifhehadhearda tenderage.Asifhehadheardacommandwhichcalledfor commandwhichcalledforanimmediateresp animmediateresponse,herepli onse,hereplied; ed; "Mylad,beforeIreplytoyourque "Mylad,beforeIreplytoyourquestions,just stions,justletmeknowwhoyouarean letmeknowwhoyouareandwhoisyour dwhoisyour father,aboutwhomyouareenquiring."

Asiftheboyconsideredthisque Asiftheboyconsideredthisquestionadisplay stionadisplayofignoranceor ofignoranceorimpertinence, impertinence,heraisedhis heraisedhis chinfurtherandretorted: chinfurtherandretorted:"Don'tyouknowmyfather "Don'tyouknowmyfather?Areyounotan ?AreyounotanArabthatyoushow Arabthatyoushow ignoranceaboutmeandmyfamily?"S ignoranceaboutmeandmyfamily?"Sayingthishe, ayingthishe,withcharacteri withcharacteristicinnocence, sticinnocence,turnedhis turnedhis facetothevastmultitudeof facetothevastmultitudeofMedinitesthronged Medinitesthrongedthereandgesturi thereandgesturingwithhissmall ngwithhissmallhandsand handsand pointingintheirdirect pointingintheirdirection,heconti ion,hecontinued:"Askanyone nued:"Askanyoneofthem,0stra ofthem,0strangertothecit ngertothecity,andthey y,andthey willtellyouIamFuzail,sonofAb willtellyouIamFuzail,sonofAbbasStandard‐bear basStandard‐bearerofmyLordImamHusain' erofmyLordImamHusain'sarmyand sarmyand hismostbelovedbrother."Withthese hismostbelovedbrother."Withthesewordsheturnedtowardst wordsheturnedtowardstheGovernorofMedina heGovernorofMedinawho who wasobservingwithdumbfoundedamazementtheboldn wasobservingwithdumbf oundedamazementtheboldnessofthechild essofthechildsocharacteristi socharacteristicof cof thefamilyofAliandhischil thefamilyofAliandhischildren.Nonchalantl dren.NonchalantlyaddressingtheGover yaddressingtheGovernorhesaid,"Whydon't norhesaid,"Whydon't youtellthismanwhoIamandwhomyfather youtellthismanwhoIamandwhomyfatheris?ByGod,whyis is?ByGod,whyishedelayingin hedelayinginreplyingtomy replyingtomy question?"

Bythistimetheoldladyaccompanyin Bythistimetheoldladyaccompanyingthischildhadr gthischildhadreachedthedais. eachedthedais.Whenhehadloosened Whenhehadloosened herholdonhishandandruntowardsthe herholdonhishandandruntowardstheplatform,sheha platform,shehadquickenedherp dquickenedherpace ace apprehendingthatifthe apprehendingthatifthepeoplewhohadassembledi peoplewhohadassembledinthemosqueroset nthemosquerosetodisperse,ther odisperse,there e mightbeastampedewithconsiderabl mightbeastampedewithconsiderabledangerofherc edangerofherchargebeingtramp hargebeingtrampledunderfoot. ledunderfoot. Whenshesawthechildreachthedais Whenshesawthechil dreachthedaiswithoutanymishap, withoutanymishap,shewasgreatlyre shewasgreatlyrelieved.Still lieved.Stillshe she confinedheradvanceatabri confinedheradvanceatabriskpace,fear skpace,fearingthatthec ingthatthechildmightbesubj hildmightbesubjectedtosomekindof ectedtosomekindof torturesbythesadisticGovernor torturesbythesadisticGovernor.Onherwayt .OnherwaytotheMosque,shehad otheMosque,shehadheardthe heardthe announcementaboutthemartyrdomofImamHusai announcementabout themartyrdomofImamHusain.Onreachi n.Onreachingthedaisshe ngthedaisshemountedit mountedit andtookholdofthechild'shand.Turn andtookholdofthechild'shand.Turningtotheemis ingtotheemissaryfromDamascusshesai saryfromDamascusshesaid,"O d,"O harbingerofbadtidings,te harbingerofbadtidings,tellmewhenHusainan llmewhenHusainandhissonsandfollowers dhissonsandfollowerswerebutcheredby werebutcheredby thetyrantofDamascusandhishen thetyrantofDamascusandhishenchmen,wherewasmysonAbb chmen,wherewasmysonAbbas?Didhenots as?Didhenotshedthelast hedthelast dropofhisbloodindefendingthe dropofhisbloodindefendingtheImamandhisfamily? Imamandhisfamily?Whereweremyothersons Whereweremyothersons MuhammadandUsmanandJaafar?HowcouldHusainand MuhammadandUsmanandJaaf ar?HowcouldHusainandhissonsbebutcher hissonsbebutcheredmercilessly edmercilessly withmyfoursonstheretodefendt withmyfoursonstheretodefendthem?"Thesewordswerespoke hem?"Thesewordswerespokenbytheladyi nbytheladyinaloud, naloud, clear,ringingvoicewhichcouldbe clear,ringingvoicewhichcouldbeheardfarandwide heardfarandwideinthesti inthestillnessthathaddesc llnessthathaddescendedon endedon thatgathering.Herwordshadanel thatgathering.Herwordshadanelectri¬fyingef ectri¬fyingeffectonthecongr fectonthecongregationandani egationandaninvoluntary nvoluntary andspontaneoussighofadmiratione andspontaneoussighofadmirationescapedthelips scapedthelipsofthousands. ofthousands.

TheheraldfromDamascusregainedhiscomposur TheheraldfromDamasc usregainedhiscomposureinthefr einthefractionofamin actionofaminuteandturni uteandturningto ngto theladyreplied:"Didyounothear theladyreplied:"Didyounothearmeproclaimthat meproclaimthatallthekit allthekithandkinofHusai handkinofHusain,his n,his brothers,hissons,hisnephews brothers,hissons,hisnephewsandhisfollowers,wer andhisfollowers,wereallputtot eallputtothesword?Whatmakesyou hesword?Whatmakesyou thinkthatyoursonswerenotamongst thinkthatyoursonswerenotamongstthem?Foryouredif them?Foryouredificationlet icationletmeaddthatyoursons, meaddthatyoursons, inparticularAbbas,put inparticularAbbas,putupafightt upafightthelikeofwhich helikeofwhichhasnotbeenseen hasnotbeenseeninthispa inthispartoftheworld rtoftheworld andwhichwillbetalkedaboutfora andwhichwillbetalkedaboutforalongtimetocome, longtimetocome,whereverandwhenever whereverandwheneverdeedsof deedsof braveryareadmiredanddiscussedbymen."

FatemaQalabiyaorUmmulBaneen,as FatemaQalabiyaorUmmulBaneen,asshewaspopularlykn shewaspopularlyknown,heardthesewordsin own,heardthesewordsin silence.Foramomentshestared silence.Foramomentshestaredwithglassyeyesasi withglassyeyesasifsheweredumbstruck fsheweredumbstruck.Herfacebec .Herfacebecame ame ashenpale.Herlips,whichwer ashenpale.Herlips,whichwereparcheddry,were eparcheddry,weremovingasift movingasiftosaysomethingbutn osaysomethingbutno o wordsescapedfromthem.Shewasstarin wordsescapedfromthem. Shewasstaringhardasifshe ghardasifshewasseeingsomescene wasseeingsomesceneinhermind's inhermind's eye,akaleidoscope,themeanin eye,akaleidoscope,themeaningofwhichshecouldnot gofwhichshecouldnotpiecetogether. piecetogether.Sheneither Sheneitherswooned swooned notutteredacry.Hergrandson notutteredacry.HergrandsonFuzail,whowasbeside Fuzail,whowasbesideher,waslookingup her,waslookingupintentlyat intentlyatheras heras ifhetoowerestruckbytheevi ifhetoowerestruckbytheeviltidings.He ltidings.Heinstincti instinctivelyfeltthat velyfeltthathisgrandmother,i hisgrandmother,inspiteof nspiteof herdesperateattempttocont herdesperateattempttocontrolhersurgingf rolhersurgingfeelings,wasovercomeb eelings,wasovercomebygrief.Clutchi ygrief.Clutchingher ngher hands,hecried;"Grandmother,what hands,hecried;"Grandmother,whathascomeoveryou?Whydon't hascomeoveryou?Whydon'tyousaysomething?Why yousaysomething?Why doyounottellthismanthatwhat doyounottellthismanthatwhathesayscannotbe hesayscannotbetrue—thatnoman true—thatnomanisbornwhocanki isbornwhocankill ll

myfatheranduncles,themostbr myfatheranduncles,themostbrave,themostgall ave,themostgallant,themostva ant,themostvaliantofmanki liantofmankind?" nd?"

UmmulBaneen'sreveriewasbrokenbyt UmmulBaneen'sreveri ewasbrokenbythechild'surgent hechild'surgentthoughinnocentpl thoughinnocentpleadings.She eadings.She lookedroundtoseethatalleyeswere lookedroundtoseethatalleyeswererivetedonhera rivetedonherandhergrandsonbesi ndhergrandsonbesideher.Ina deher.Ina momentshedecidedthatsheshouldnotdoanyt momentshedecidedthat sheshouldnotdoanythingwhichmightin hingwhichmightinvokethepity vokethepityofthe ofthe assemblage.Shefeltthatshe assemblage.Shefeltthatsheowedittothememoryof owedittothememoryofherbravesonsn herbravesonsnottosayordoat ottosayordoathing hing whichmightbeconstruedasweaknessof whichmightbeconstruedasweaknessofthemotherofoneso themotherofonesofearless,boldan fearless,boldandgallantas dgallantas Abbas.Shewouldratherfighta Abbas.Shewouldratherfightabattlewitht battlewiththegreatfeelin hegreatfeelingsofanguishwhichwere gsofanguishwhichwereraging raging withinher,feelingsofsorr withinher,feelingsofsorrowandindescribable owandindescribablegriefwhichonlya griefwhichonlyamothercanfeel mothercanfeelonhearing onhearing thenewsofthedeathofhersons thenewsofthedeathofhersonsintheprime intheprimeoftheiryouth—not oftheiryouth—notonesonbutfour onesonbutfoursons sons whomshehadbroughtupwithlovingandtender whomshehadbroughtupwit hlovingandtendercareastheon careastheonlyhopeandsolaceof lyhopeandsolaceofher her bleaklife,thelifeofawidow. Tighteninghergripontheha TighteninghergriponthehandofFuzailshet ndofFuzailsheturnedawayandslowlydescen urnedawayandslowlydescendedthedais.Her dedthedais.Her steps,whichwerefirmandfast steps,whichwerefirmandfastwhenshehadascendedt whenshehadascendedtheplatformal heplatformalittlewhilebe ittlewhilebefore, fore, werenowslowandheavy.Shewaswalkingasi werenowslowandheavy. Shewaswalkingasifeverystep feverysteprequiredeffort requiredeffortonherpart. onherpart.Her Her headwasbowedandhergaitwasslow.Insteadof headwasbowedandhergai twasslow.Insteadofholdingthehandof holdingthehandofthechildin thechildinherfirm herfirm grip,shehadnowkeptiton grip,shehadnowkeptitonhisshoulderasif hisshoulderasifsheneededtodosofor sheneededtodosoforsupport.All support.Alltheeyesin theeyesin thecongregationwerefollowingtheven thecongregationwerefollowingthevenerableladyasshe erableladyassheandhergrandsonwere andhergrandsonweretrudging trudging outoftheProphet'smosque.Manyof outoftheProphet'smosque.Manyofthemwerewonderingwhit themwerewonderingwhithershewasbound.S hershewasbound.Someof omeof them,solicitousaboutherconditi them,solicitousabouthercondition,evenfollowedher, on,evenfollowedher,walkingaresp walkingarespectfuldistance ectfuldistancebehind behind her.Theassemblywasnowdispersing. her.Theassemblywasnowdispersing.Quiteafewwere Quiteafewwererushinghometoconvey rushinghometoconveytheevil theevil tidingstheyhadreceivedtoother tidingstheyhadreceivedtoothermembersoftheir membersoftheirfamilyandthose familyandthoseoftheirfri oftheirfriendsand endsand acquaintanceswhocouldnotcometotheP acquaintanceswhocouldnotcometotheProphet'smosque. rophet'smosque.

UmmulBaneen,withFuzailtosupport UmmulBaneen,withFuzailtosupporther,slowlymadeher her,slowlymadeherwaytoJannat‐ul‐Baqui waytoJannat‐ul‐Baqui,the ,the graveyardwhereFatima,theProphet graveyardwhereFatima,theProphet'sdaughter,layb 'sdaughter,layburied.Assoonasshe uried.Assoonasshereachedthegrave reachedthegrave ofHusain'smother,UmmulBaneenflung ofHusain'smother,UmmulBaneenflungherselfonit herselfonitand,nolongerabl and,nolongerabletocontrolthe etocontrolthe feelingswhichweresurginginher feelingswhichweresurginginherheartsheburst heartsheburstout;"MyLady,I out;"MyLady,Ihavecometoofferyou havecometoofferyou condolencesonthemartyrdomofyourbelovedsonHusa condolencesonthemar tyrdomofyourbelovedsonHusain.Idonotmourn in.IdonotmournmysonsAbbas, mysonsAbbas, Muhammad,UsmanandJaafar,becauseIha Muhammad,UsmanandJaaf ar,becauseIhadrearedthemfromt drearedthemfromtheirchildhoodtoregar heirchildhoodtoregard d Husainastheirlordandmastera Husainastheirlordandmasterandtolivefor ndtoliveforhimandtodiefor himandtodieforhim."Withthese him."Withthesewordsshe wordsshe criedherheartouttounburdenhe criedherheartouttounburdenhersoulwhichwaschokedwith rsoulwhichwaschokedwithgrief.Whenshe grief.Whensheslightly slightly regainedhercomposureshecontinued; regainedhercomposur eshecontinued;"0myLady,myonlyconsolat "0myLady,myonlyconsolationisthat ionisthatmybeloved mybeloved Abbas,andmyothersonsfoughtbravely Abbas,andmyothersonsfoughtbravelytothelasti tothelastindefenseofHusai ndefenseofHusain.YoufromHeaven n.YoufromHeaven musthaveseenthemeachdyingvalian musthaveseenthemeachdyingvaliantlyasgreatsons tlyasgreatsonsofagreatfa ofagreatfather."Fuzail, ther."Fuzail,whostood whostood cryingbesideher,tuggedather cryingbesideher,tuggedathersleevestosaytha sleevestosaythatquitean tquiteanumberofpeoplewere umberofpeoplewerenow now

gatheredroundthem.Shelookeduptoseethroughhertear‐filledeyesthatmostofthe peoplewereweepingforher,sharingthesorrowsofamotherwhoseallhopesforthefuture wereshatteredthatdaybythesadtidingsofnotonebutfourmartyrdomsofhersons.

WithajerkUmmulBaneenstraightenedupasifsomebodyhadremindedherofsomeduty whichshehadtoperform.SherememberedthatFatemaSughra,thebeloveddaughterof ImamHusainwhomhehadleftbehindinMedina,waslyingonhersick‐bed.Shefeltremorse atnotgoingovertoherandconsolingher.Athoughtcrossedhermindthatifsomeothers reachedherbeforeshedidandconveyedthesadnewsofthecarnageofKarbalaandtoldher thatherfather,herbrothers,unclesandcousinshadallbeenputtothesword,shewould succumbtotheshockofit.Sherealizedthatherfirstandforemostdutywastorushtoher bed‐sideandtogentlybreakthenewstoherinthebestmannershecould,afterexplaining theeventstothevenerableUmmeSalma,wifeoftheProphet,whowaslookingafterFatema Sughraandtendingherinherillness.Thehighsenseofduty,whichhersonAbbashad acquiredfromherinsuchlargemeasure,putanewspiritinhergrief‐strickenframe,from whichthesadtidingsofthatdayhadonlyalittlewhileagosappedallthestrength.Sheonce againtookholdofthechild'shandand,aftercastingalookaroundher,asiftoconveytothe peoplewhowereassembledtherethat,deepashersorrowwas,shewasnotobliviousofthe callofherduty,shewalkedawaybriskly.Fuzailwasgreatlysurprisedtoseethathis grand¬mother,whoonlyafewminutesbeforehadbecomesobenumbedwithsorrowthat shecouldhardlywalkwithheavystepsandneededtosupportherselfbyleaningonhisyoung shoulders,wasnowrushingalong,almostrunning,anddragginghimintheprocess,asif someonehadbeckonedtoher.Heknewthatanythoughtofadutytobeperformedalways electrifiedthestepofthatvenerableoldlady.Inhischildishimaginationhewondered whetherhisfatherorhisuncle,whohenowknewwereinheaven,hadbeckonedhertowards sometaskwhichneededherattention.Helookedupatherwithenquiringeyes,tofindout whyshewaswalkingsobriskly,sofast,buthisquestionfrozeonhislips.Hesawhis grandmotherstaringsteadfastlywithglassyeyesfromwhichtearswererollingdownher wrinkledcheeks.Forthefirsttimehesawwrinklesonthatface;forthefirsttimehesawher hairgonegrey.

WhenUmmulBaneentooktheturningatthecross‐roads,Fuzailknewwhereshewas hastening.Youngthoughhewas,heknewthatshewasrushingtowardsthehouseofImam Husain,wheretheProphet'swidowUmmeSalmawasstayingwiththeailingdaughterofthe Imam.Whenbothofthemreachedthehouse,UmmulBaneenlookedroundtoseethatsome ladieswerestandingatalittledistancefromit,discussingsomething.Itdidnotrequiremuch imaginationforhertosurmisethattheywerewonderinghowbesttobreakthenewsto

FatemaSughraandUmmeSalma.Shewasverymuchrelievedtoseethatshewasnottoolate inperformingthisdelicatebutpainfuldutyofgentlyinformingthemaboutthenewsofthe disasterthathadbefallenthefamilyoftheProphet.

WhentheladiesofMedinasawUmmulBaneen,theyhastenedtowardsherandoneofthem conveyedtoherwhatshehadalreadyimaginedabouttheproblemwhichwasbafflingthem. Sheverygentlythankedalltheladiesfortheirsolicitudeandrequestedthemnottovisit FatemaSughra'shouseasshefearedthatthesightofailofthemvisitingthehousetogether mightadministerashocktoher,whichshe,inherfailinghealth,mightnotbeabletobear. Manyoftheladieswithsympathyandtearsofferedhercondolencesonthedeathofherfour sons,allintheprimeofyouth,whomshehadlostinoneday.Thisreminderofhercolossal lossopeneduptheghastlywoundsinherheartwhichshehadtriedtorepairwithalmost super‐humancontrol.Thementionofhersons'namesrecalledtoherthescenebeforethis veryhouse,inthisverystreet,whenoneaftertheothertheyhadcometobidhergoodbye. Sherememberedhowaffectionatelyeachofthemhadhuggedherinthepartingembraceand askedhertolook,afterherselfandtoremembertheminherdailyprayers.Sherecalledhow everyday,onwakingupfromhersleep;shewouldwonderwheretheywereandwhenthey wouldreturntobringbacklightandlifeintoherdrabanddrearyworld.Butnow,alas,those fondhopeswerealldashedtotheground.Forhertherewasnothingleftbuttopassher dismaldayswiththememoriesofhersons,fromthedayseachoneofthemsatonherlapand askedhertorecountthedeedsofbraveryoftheirvaliantfather,theprowessandfeatsof armsoftheirsirewhichhadbecomealmostlegendary,howshehadrecountedtothem,times outofnumber,aboutthedevotionandattachmentoftheirfathertotheholyProphetandhow shehadbeenexhortingthemtoimbidethesamespiritandemulatehisexample,notonlyin thefeatsofarmsbutinhissenseofdutyanddevotionbysparingnothinginthecourseof theirdutytowardstheirelderbrothersHasanandHusainwhomsheregardedwithutmost reverenceandlovedwithdeepestaffection.

Allthispassedbeforethemind'seyeofUmmulBaneeninamatterofseconds.Assoonasthe thoughtcrossedhermindthatallthatshehadinculcatedinhersonshadnotgoneinvainand theyhadlivedanddied,truetoherteachings,shefeltareliefasifsomesoothingbalmhad beenappliedtoherbleedingheart.Sheregainedhercomposureandbrushedasidehertears. Sheprofoundlythankedalltheladieswhohadofferedhersympathiesandrequestedthemto visitthehouseofImamHusainaftersometimetooffercondolencestoUmmeSalmaand FatemaSughraaftershehadgentlyconveyedthesadtidingstothem. WhenUmmulBaneenenteredtheroomofFatemaSughra,shesawherrestlesslytossingon hercouchwithUmmeSalma,thevenerableoldwidowoftheProphet,sittingwithherhand

onSughra'sforehead.Seeingherenteringtheroom,FatemaSughrasatupinherbed,partly outofrespectforhergrandmother,partlyinanticipationofreceivingsomenewsfromher.A lookatthefaceofUmmulBaneenconveyedvolumestoher.Theraysofthesettingsunwere lightingupthetear‐stainedwrinkledfaceofUmmulBaneenandthegreyhairthatshehadgot thatday.FatemaSughrahadbeenseeinghergrandmotherdaily,theverypictureofrobust healthandvitality.Thesightofher,standingbeforeher,agedandbentwiththecrushing blowthatthenewshaddealttoher,madeSughrafeelthatherworstfearshadcometrue.Not longago,shehadonenightdreamtinthemonthofMuharram,preciselyonthetenthnightof thatmonth,thattheProphethadcometoherhouseandputhishandonherheadsoothingly, muchaswascustomarytodofororphans.ShehadseentheProphetinherdreamwithhis clothessoiledwithdustandhisbeardsmearedwithblood.Shehadgotupfromher nightmarewithashriek.Atthatverymomentshehadseenhergrandmother,UmmeSalma, gettingupfromherdreamwithshrieks.ShetoohaddreamtseeingtheProphetinasimilar condition,tellingherthathehadjustreturnedfromtheplainofKarbalaafterseeinghis belovedgrandsonHusainbeingmassacredwithhissons,brothers,nephewsandfaithful friends.Bothofthemhadbecomepainfullyconsciousofsometerriblenewsreachingthem. FatemaSughra'shealthhad,sincethatnight,takenaturnfortheworseandshehadalmost becomebed‐riddennow.Asecondlookathergrandmother'sfaceconvincedherthather worstforebodingshadcometrue,thatshewasseeinginrealitywhatthedreamhadprepared herfor.UmmeSalma,withthewisdomofheryears,couldverywellimaginewhatnews UmmulBaneenhadcometobreaktothem.Thereisnowaythatcanbetermedgentlein breakingnewsofsuchastupendousdisaster.Sheonlyexchangedonemeaningfulglancewith UmmulBaneenandunderstoodwhathadhappened.ButFatemaSughrawithgreatefforts criedoutinagonyofhersoul;"Grandmother,forthesakeofGodtellmethetruth.Ismy fatherkilled?AremydearbrothersAliAkbarandAliAsghar,mylovinguncles,allkilled?Isit truethatIshallneverbeabletoseetheminthisworld?"Sayingthisshe,foramoment, beseechinglylookedintotheeyesofUmmulBaneen.Shetriedtosaysomethingbutnowords escapedherparchedlips;theyonlyquiveredspeechlessly.Butthebigwarmtearsrolling downhercheeks,whichwereglisteringintheraysofthesettingsun,andthenodofherhead, conveyedthereplytoFatimaSughra.Thegriefwastoogreatforherfrailbodyandafflicted mindtobear.Withonegaspshefellunconsciousonthebed.UmmeSalmaandUmmul BaneenforthemomentforgottheirowngriefandturnedtowardsFatemaSughralestshe mayalsoleavethenjoinherfatherandbrothersandunclesinheavenNowboththese venerableladieswereconcernedaboutthischargeleftwiththemandtheirthoughtsturned towardstheladiesofImamHusain'shousewhohadaccompaniedhimtoKarbala.Theyboth wonderedwheretheywere,whathadbefallenthem,andwhentheywouldreturntotellthem

abouttheeventsofthatbleakdaythathadseensuchgoryevents.

Themoonwasalmostsetting,castingitsdyingraysonthewatersoftherivuletAlQumaand thefewtentsthatwerepitchedonitsbanks.Besidesthesetents,therewereafewgraves whichwerescatteredoversomedistance,providingtheonlylandscapewhichthelunar beamscouldlightupdimly.Thestillnessofthenightwasalmostsuffocating.Theonlynoise thatcouldbeheardformilesaroundwasthechirpingofthenightinsectsandthe monotonousripplingofthewatersofthestream.Intheeerieatmospherethatwaspervading theplainonecouldalmostimaginethatthewatersoftherivuletweresingingadirge, recountingthemournfuleventsofthedaythathadseenthedeathofthosewholayburiedin thenearbygraves.

Suddenlytherewasastirinoneofthetents,asifsomebodyhadbeenawakenedfromhis sleep.Theflapofthetentwasliftedandanoldman,walkingwithabentbackandsupporting himselfonastaff,cameoutofitfollowedbyayoungpersonwhoapparentlywashisvaletor orderly.Slowlyheadvancedtowardstheothertentsand,standingafewpacesaway,shouted fortheinmatesoftheothertentstocomeout.Apparentlytheoldmanwasspeakingwitha toneofauthorityas,hearinghisvoice,theotherpersonssleepinginthetentsrushedout showingobviousconcernforhissafetyandwelfare.Heseemedtobetheirleaderorchieftain astheyreverentiallyaddressedhimwithbentheads.Oneofthesepersons,whoperhapswas closertohim,afriendifnotabloodrelation,andquiteadvancedinage,camehurriedlyto wheretheoldmanwasstandingandsaid,"OJaber,whatisthematterwithyouthatyou wokeupsoearlybeforethebreakofdawn?MayAllahblessyouandyournoblerevered father,weallfeltfrightenedbythethoughtthatsomeillnesshadcometoyouorsomepain hadawakenedyoufromyoursleep.Praytellusthecauseofyourperturbation,ifitisnot connectedinanywaywithyourhealth."

TheoldmanwasnootherthanJaberIbnAbdullaAnsari.Hehad,onhearingaboutthe martyrdomofImamHusainandhiscompanionsandtheimprisonmentandhumiliationofthe survivingmembersofhisfamily,hastenedtowardsKarbalawithhisdevotedfriendsand followers.HehadheardthatthebodiesofthemartyrsofKarbalawereleftwithoutanyburial. HerecalledonhearingthisthatlongagotheProphetofIslamhadtoldhimthat,afterthe martyrdomofhisbelovedgrandsonHusain,hewouldparticipateinthedutyofburyingthe headsofthemartyrsonthebanksofAlQuma,atributaryoftheEuphrates.Onreaching KarbalahesawthattheBaniAsad,whowerehavingtheirnomadiccampssomedistance awayfromKarbala,hadcoveredthebodieswithsandtoprotectthemfromravagesbutno properburialhadbeengiventothemartyrs.JaberIbnAbdullaAnsari,withthehelpofhis

friends,preparedthegravesofthemartyrs.HeburiedImamHusainandnexttohisgravehe putthebodiesofhistwobelovedsons,AliAkbarandAliAsghar.HeputthebodyofHabib IbneMazahirinagravealittledistanceawayfromImamHusain's.Perhapsindoingsohe recalledthatinlifeHabibIbneMazahirusedtostandbehindImamHusain,withhisarms foldedandheadreverentiallybent.HeimaginedthatevenindeathHabibmightliketostand asasentrynearthegraveofhisImamandbelovedmaster.Hehadtriedtoshiftthebodyof Abbastotheareawheretheothergraveswerepreparedbuthedidnotdosofeeling somewhatbaffledastowhyImamHusainhadleftthebodybythesideoftheriverinsteadof bringingitovertowheretheotherbodieslay.Hewassurethattheremustbesomegood reasonforit,somerealpurposebehindit.HewonderedwhetherImamHusainhadleftthe bodyofAbbasneartherivertobringhomesomespecialassociationofhismartyrdomwith theflowingwatersoftheriver.Heevenimaginedthatwhenhewasthinkingofdisinterring thebodyofAbbasforshiftingitnearerthegravesoftheothermartyrs,thewatersofthe streamwereraisingamurmurofprotest,asifwantinghimtobeburiedthereasareminder ofsomesignificantrolehismartyrdomhadonthebankoftheriver.HethenpreparedAbbas's gravewherehelayinterred.

JaberIbnAbdullaAnsarihadtoscourawideareatotracethegravesofsomeofthemartyrs. HefoundthebodiesofAunandHurburiedquiteadistanceawayfromthemainfieldof battle.WhenheaskedthemenofBaniAsadtribethereasonforHurbeingburiedsofaraway fromthebattlefield,oneoftheireldersrepliedthat,asincaseofalltheothermartyrs,Imam HusainhadhimselfbroughtthebodyofHurtothemortuaryfromtheplacewherehehad fallenandplacedittherewithhisownhands.However,theoldmantoldhim,hehadheard fromsomeofthesoldiersofYazid'sarmythat,whenthebattlewasoveranditwasdecided byAmrIbneSaad,CommanderoftheforcesofYazid,thatallthemartyrs'bodiesshould,be trampledunderthehoofsofhorses,thesoldierswhowereunderthecommandofHurhad protestedvehementlyand,almostinastateofrevolt,warnedhimthat,ifanyactionwas takentodespoilordesecratethebodyofHur,theywould,oneandall,fighttothelast. Accordingtotheoldman,thishaddeterredAmrIbneSaad,whofearingamutinyinhisarmy, hadaskedtheserebellioussoldiersofHur'sbattaliontoburyhiscorpsewithfullmilitary honours.ThesoldierswhowereunderHur'scommandhadtakenawayhisbodyforburiala gooddistanceawaysothatevenhisgravecouldnotberavagedbythepredators.Seeingthis boldnessonthepartofHur'ssoldiersinrescuinghisdeadbodyfromdepredation,many othersoldiers,whohadanyrelationship,evenremote,withanyofthefollowersoftheImam, cameforwardtoclaimthedeadbodiesoftheirrelationssoastosavethemfrombeing ravagedandtrampledunderthehoofsofthechargers.Eventhehard‐heartedShimrhadthe brazen‐facednesstosaythat,accordingtoArabcustom,hewouldclaimprotectionforthe

deadbodiesofAbbasandhisthreebrotherswhoweredistantlyrelatedtohimthroughtheir mother,lesthemightincurthecontemptofhiscontemporariesandcolleaguesfor disregardingthetiesofbloodandnotprotectingthecorpsesofhisrelations.

WhenJaberIbnAbdullaheardthisstory,heweptbitterlyaskingwhethertherewasnotasoul amongstthehordesofYazidonthatdaytosaythatHusainwasthegrandson,themost belovedchild,oftheProphet,andhedeservedtheirrespect,ifnotinlife,atleastindeath,on accountofhistiesofbloodwiththeProphetwhomtheyclaimedtorevereasthelast messengerofGod?CouldnotanyofthemshowrespectfortherelationshipofHussainwith theProphetwhentheywerevyingwithoneanotherinsavingthecorpsesofeventheir distantkindredfromdespoiling!

JaberIbnAbdullaAnsariexplainedtohisfriendsandcompanionsthatthereasonwhyhehad awakenedthemsoearlythatmorningwasthatinhisdreamhehadseentheHolyProphet whohadtoldhimthatthecaptives'caravan,comprisingAliZainalAbedeen,hisinfantson Muhammad,AlBakir,Husain'ssistersZainabandUmmeKulsumandotherladiesofthe Prophet'sfamilyweretoreachKarbalathatmorning.TheProphethadaskedhimtogo forwardtogreetthemandtoconveytothemhisSalaamsandcondolences.Hetoldhisfriends thathehadawakenedafterthisandhewantedthemtoaccompanyhimsothattheycouldgo forwardtoreceivethecaravanandplayhoststothefamilyoftheProphet.

Bythistimethefirststreakofdawnwasvisibleontheeasternhorizon.Oneoftheentourage ofJabirrecitedthecalltoprayersandallofthemofferedtheirmorningprayersandthanked AlmightyAllahforgivingthemtheopportunityofbeingnotonlythefirstpilgrimsatthe gravesofthemartyrsofKarbala,butalsothefirstonestogreetthefamilyofthePropheton theirreturnvisittotheland,renderedsacredbytheholybloodofthemartyrs.

Nosoonerhadtheyfinishedtheprayersthantheysawacloudofdustrisinginthedistant horizon,indicatingtheapproachofacaravan.Jaberandhisfriendsrodetheirmountsto receiveandwelcometheProphet'sfamily.Assoonastheywereatahailingdistance,theygot downfromtheirsteedsand,withprofoundrespect,offeredtheirsalutationtoImamAli ZainalAbedeen.JaberIbnAbdullahAnsariwentovertotheImamand,holdingthebridleof hishorse,respectfullyledhimtowardshiscamponthebanksoftheriverwiththerestofthe caravanfollowingthem.HetoldtheImamaboutthepurposeofhisvisittoKarbala,whathe hadseenandheardduringhishaltthere,andwhathehaddone.Healsorespectfullyenquired fromImamAliZainalAbedeenaboutthetreatmentmetedouttohimandtheladiesofthe Prophet'sfamily.Whenthisquestionwasputtohim,theImamweptsilentlyforquitesome

timeandthensoftlyreplied;"0Jaber,itisastoryofsufferingswhichwillbewritteninblood andtearsforfuturegenerationstoread!WhatsufferingsshallIrecounttoyouwhichwe enduredafterthegreattragedyhere?Theydefydescription."

WhentheladiesofImamHusain'sfamilysawthegravesoftheirdearones,theyfelloneby onefromtheircamels,overcomebygriefandsorrow.Eachonerushedtowardsthegraveof herson,brother,fatherorhusband.ZainabdartedstraighttowardsthegraveofImam Husain,UmmeLailafellonthegraveofAliAkbar,UmmeFarwaswoonedonthetombof QasimandUmmeRababelapsedthetinygraveofherinfantAliAsghar.UmmeQulsumlooked lostforawhileasifshewassearchingforsomethingandshehastened,afteralittlethought, towardsthedistantgravebytherivulet,wheretheflowingwatersweresingingadirgeonthe martyrdomofherbelovedbrotherAbbas.Eachladypouredherheartoverthegraveofher dearestdepartedrelation,narratingallthesufferingsshehadendured.Zainabwasheardto sayonImamHusain'sgrave:"Mybelovedbrother,IhavereturnedtoyoubutwithoutSakina, whomyouhad,atthetimeofdeparting,entrustedtomycare.Mydearestbrother,your belovedSakinaboreallthesufferingsmutelyandwithfortitudetillshecouldnolonger endurethemandsurrenderedhersoultoherMaker.Forgiveme,mydearbrother,ifI falteredinanywayinfulfillingthemissionyouentrustedtome."

ImamAliZainalAbedeenwatchedsilentlyforsometimetheheart¬rendingscene,withtears streamingdownhischeeks.Whenhesawthatalltheladieshadlightenedtheirhearts,ifthat couldeverbedone,byrecountingtheirwoesandsufferings,hewentovertoeachofthem andpersuadedthemtoleavethegravessothathe,assistedbyJabirIbnAbdullahAnsariand hisfriends,couldburytheseveredheadsofthemartyrswhichhehadbroughtwithhimall thewayfromDamascus.Withagreatdealofpersuasionhesucceededinmakingtheladiesdo ashehadrequested.AfterwashingtheheadsofthemartyrsinthetributaryofEuphrateshe buriedeachheadwiththebodyto'whichtbelonged.Thistaskaccomplished,heaskedhis auntZainabastowhatsheintendedtodo.Sherepliedthat,muchasshewouldhaveliketo remainnearthegraveofherdearestbrothersHusainandAbbas,herAliAkbar,AliAsghar, Qasimandherownsons,AunandMuhammad,sherememberedthepartingwishofImam HusainthatsheshouldreturnwiththefamilytoMedina.Forherthiswishwasacommand whichshehadtoobey.Summoningupallhercourageandcontrollingheroverpowering feelingsshemadepreparationstoleaveKarbalaontheverynextdaytoresumethe homewardjourney.

Asonthe11thofMuharraminthefatefulyear61A.H.,onthisdayalsoZainabwas performingthedutyofassistingeachladyofthehousetomounthercamel.Muchastheother

ladiesprotestedthatitwasalmostsacrilegiousforthemtoletherperformthistask,when theyweretheretohelpothersandZainab,shewouldnotlistentothemandinsistedon performingthisduty,sayingthatitwaspartofhermissiontodowhatshehaddoneonce before,atthisveryplace,afterthecarnage.

Whenalltheladieshadmountedtheircamels,Zainabwentovertoseewhethertheywere comfortable.ShecouldnotfindUmmeRababonhercamelandsoshestartedlookingforher. ShefoundherlyingprostratenearthegraveofherchildAliAsghar.Zainabwentovertoher andgentlysplashedwateronherfacetoreviveher.Whenshecameto,shelookedatZainab andimploringlysaid;"MyLady,leavemetomyfateheresothatImaydiehereandbeburied bythegravesofmychildandmylord.WhatisthereinMedinaformetoreturnto?Myone belovedchildIlosthereandtheotherinDamascus.Whatdoeslifeholdformeaftermylosing allthatIhelddearinlifeandlivedfor?"

ItrequiredgreateffortsonZainab'sparttoconvinceUmmeRababthatImamHusainwould havelikedhertoaccompanytheotherstoMedina.Sheatlastsucceededandmadehermount hercamel.ThecaravanproceededwithBashirIbnJazlamleadingtheprocession,withablack bannerinhishandandablackshawlroundhisnecktoindicatethatthemournerswere boundontheirhomewardjourney.Eachladywascastingalonging,lingeringlookbehindto seethegravesofherbelovedson,brother,nepheworhusbandunderthebakingsunof Nainevah.

ThepainfullyslowjourneyofthecaptivesofKarbala,likeailmundanethings,cametoanend, withtheirarrivalinMedinaonthe8thofRabiulAwwal.WithBashirIbnJazlamsingingthe dirgeofthemartyrs'sufferingstotheaccompanimentofthemoansandsobsofthebereaved family,thecaravanenteredtheoutskirtsofMedina.LargethrongsofpeopleofMedinahad comeouttomeetthefamilyoftheProphetandofferthemcondolences.Whatacontrastit presentedtothesceneinMedinaonthe28thofRajjabintheyear60A.H.whenthisvery samefamilyhadleftMedinaontheirill‐fatedjourney!Fewoftheladiesonthisdayhadany childrenintheirarmsorbytheirside.Therewerenoyouthsridingbesidethemwithairsof hopeandconfidence,beamingwithvivacity,radianceandthejoyoflife.Insteadtheveiled facesofladiesboredeepmarksofsorrow,wrinklesandfurrowswhichdepictedsufferings toodeepforwords,whichnoofferingofcondolencescouldalleviate,noexpressionof sympathycouldmitigate.

ImamAliZainalAbedeenreverentiallyaskedhisauntZainabwhethershewantedtogotoher housewithalltheladiestomeetthelargethrongofsympathizerswhowereassembledthere