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Imam Husain's (A.S.) Departure from Madinah to Makkah
Source:
Nafasul Mahmoom
By: Haj Shaikh Abbas Qummi
After the martyrdom of Im?m Hasan (a.s.), a movement came about among the Shi’?h of Ir?q. They wrote a letter to Im?m Husain (a.s.) stating their intention of deposing Mu’?wiyah and their readiness (to support him) and swearing the allegiance (bay’ah) at his hands. In reply to their letter Im?m Husain (a.s.) wrote that he disagreed to it because a pact had been made between them and Mu’?wiyah, which would not be violated by them until the period expired (till Mu’?wiyah died), and when Mu’?wiyah dies it would then be decided as to what would be done.
Mu’?wiyah died in the middle of the month of Rajab 60 A.H. Yazid wrote a letter to Waleed bin Utba bin Abu Sufy?n, who was appointed the governor of Madin? by Mu’awiyah, to demand the oath of allegiance from Husain ibne Ali (a.s.) immediately.
Relating to the death of Mu’?wiyah bin Abu Sufy?n
Mas’oodi and other historians narrate, that in the former days of his illÂness (because of which he died) one day Mu’?wiyah went to the bath-house. When he looked at his weak and feeble body, he started weeping, for he realised that his end was near and he recited the following couplet: “I see that time has hastened to break me, and has taken some of my part from me and left some, the deflection of my length and breadth has made him sit down, after having stood for a lenghty period of time.”
And when his death and the days of seperation of the world drew near and his illness increased, while the chances of his recovery seemed less, he recited some couplets in remorse: “I wish I had not been a sovereign for a instant, nor would I have been blinded while being absorbed in worldly pleasures, (I wish) I would have been similar to the poor, who suffices upon the necessaties until he joins the people of the grave.”
Ibne Aseer Jazari says that during his illness Mu’?wiyah said, “I am like that livestock whose time of harvesting has neared. My kingship and rulerÂship over you has been for a long time, because of which I am sick of you and you are sick of me. I desire to be separated from you and you wish the same, but I am better than the one who will rule over you after me, as those who were before me were better than me. It is said that whoever likes to meet the Almighty, the Almighty too likes to meet him. O All?h! I like to meet You and I request You to like my meeting too and make it a means of prosperity for me.” After some time the signs of death became apparent upon him and when he realised his certain death, he called his son Yazid and said:
Mu’?wiyah’s will to his son Yazid
“O my dear son! I have fastened the load of pain and have warded off rebellion from you, and have straightened up matters. I have tamed the enemies, have brought the reins of the Arabs in your hands, and have accumulated that for you which no one has ever done. Thus consider the people of Hijaz, who are your foundation and your roots. Give respect to those among the people of Hijaz who come to you, and keep inquiring about those who are not present among them. Besides, consider the people of Ir?q, and if they desire that you depose a Governor every day, do not refuse, for it is easy to change a Governor than to face ten thousand swords drawn forth facing you. Favour the people of Syri? for they are your near-ones and your reservoirs, and if you fear an enemy, ask for their help. And when you have accomplished your goal (of defeating the enemy) return them back to the cities (of Syri?), for if they remain elsewhere their manners will change. I do not fear anyone opposing or fighting with you on the question of Caliphate except four persons. Those being Husain bin Ali, Abdull?h bin Umar, Abdull?h bin Zubayr and Abdul Rahm?n bin Abu Bakr. As regards Abdull?h bin Umar, (excessive) worship has broken him, if no one remains to assist him, he shall succumb to you. As regards Husain bin Ali, he is light-minded person, and the people of Ir?q will betray him until they force him to rebel. If he revolts and you gain victory over him, excuse him, for he is linked to us through relation and he keeps greater right while having relation and nearness of the Holy Prophet. As regards the son of Abu Bakr, he follows that what his companions like, and his aspiration are only women and play. While the one who like a Lion lies in ambush, and the Fox who is playing a game with you and is in track of an opportunity to pounce upon you is the son of Zubayr. And if he revolts and you gain vicÂtory over him, separate every joint of his. Try and keep safe the blood of our own people.”
It is said that during the days of the illness and death of his father Mu’?wiyah, Yazid was not present in Syri?. Hence Mu’?wiyah called for Zahh?k bin Qays and Muslim bin Uqba Murri and instructed them to hand over his will to Yazid, while this seems quite acceptable.
Ibne Aseer further says that in his illness Mu’?wiyah had become delirous and would sometimes say, “What is the distance between ourselves and Gootah (the name of a fertile oasis on the south side of Syri?)” Hearing this his daughter started wailing aloud, “O Sorrow!” Mu’?wiyah regained consciousÂness and said, “If you are incongruous (you have the right to do so), for you have seen the incongruous one.”
When Mu’?wiyah died, Zahh?k bin Qays came outside his house and ascended the pulpit when the shroud of Mu’?wiyah was in his hands. He praised and glorified the Almighty and said, “Verily Mu’?wiyah was a support, brave and a fortunate Arab by whose hands All?h turned away conspiracies and misÂchief. And All?h bestowed him the sovereignty upon His slaves, and the cities and towns were under his control. But now he has died and this is his shroud. And we will cover him with this shroud and enter him in his grave, and we shall leave him in the intermediate period (barzakh) until the day of Judgment. Then whoever desires to pray the Prayer over him should gather at the time of Zuhr to do so.” Zahh?k himself lead the Pray over his dead body.
It is said that when Mu’?wiyah became severely ill, his son Yazid was at Hawareen (a town in Halab, Syri?). A letter was sent to him to hasten to meet his father. When the letter reached Yazid, he recited the following couplet: “The messenger arrived with a closed letter by which the heart became tense, we said, woe be to you, what do you have in the document, he replied that the caliph is motionless, in pain.”
When Yazid reached Syri?, Mu’?wiyah had already buried, hence he recited the Prayer over his grave.
The governor of Madin? and Im?m Husain (a.s.)
(K?mil) When Yazid had taken the oath of allegiance for the Caliphate from the people, he wrote a letter to Waleed bin Utba informing him of the death of Mu’?wiyah. In a short letter he wrote, “Now then! Ask for the oath of allegiance from Husain, Abdull?h bin Umar and Abdull?h bin Zubayr, and do not give them respite until they do so.” When Waleed read about the death of Mu’?wiyah, he was alarmed and the news disturbed him, thus reluctantly he summoned marw?n bin Hakam. marw?n was the governor of Madin? before Waleed, and hence when Waleed became the governor, he hated and abused him while seperating himself from him for a long time until the news of the death of Mu’?wiyah and the demand of alleÂgiance from the people reached him. This being difficult for him, he called for marw?n. When marw?n came, Waleed read the contents of the letter to him. When marw?n heard it he recited “Verily we are All?h’s and verily unto Him shall we return”, and he prayed for blessings to be bestowed upon Mu’?wiyah. When Waleed asked his advice regarding the issue, marw?n reÂplied, “In my opinion, before announcing the death of Mu’?wiyah, summon these persons this very moment (and ask them to swear the oath of alleÂgiance for Yazid). If they refuse, cut off their necks before they learn about Mu’?wiyah’s death. For if they become slightly aware of this, each one of them will go away to different places and start revolting, and shall claim themselves eligible for the Caliphate.”
Waleed called for Abdull?h bin Umro bin Usm?n, who was just a lad, to summon Im?m Husain (a.s.) and Abdull?h bin Zubayr to meet him. It was a time when Waleed usually did not meet anyone. Abdull?h bin Umro saw them seated in the Mosque and conveyed Waleed’s message to meet them. They told him to go back and that they would soon follow him. Abdull?h bin Zubayr turned towards Im?m Husain (a.s.) and said, “In your opinion what is the reason for Waleed to call us to meet him at this unusual hour”? Im?m reÂplied, “I presume that their leader of rebels has died and he has called us to swear the oath of allegiance to Yazid before the news spreads among other people.” Abdull?h too consented to it and asked as to what he would do. Im?m replied that he would go to meet Waleed accompanied by some youths. (Irsh?d)
Then he called for a group from among his relatives and said,
“Lift up your arms, for Waleed has called me at this hour and might force me to do that which I detest. I do not trust him, thus remain with me. When I go inside to meet him, you all sit at the door, and when you hear my voice raised, barge inside to defend me.”
When Im?m came to Waleed, he saw marw?n sitting with him. Waleed gave the news of the death of Mu’?wiyah to Im?m Husain (a.s.), and he recited: “Verily we are All?h’s and verily unto Him shall we return.” Then Waleed read the letter of Yazid and his order to get the pledge of allegiance for him. Im?m replied,
“I understand that you shall not agree if I swear the oath of allegiance in secrecy and privately until and unless I do so pubÂlicly so that people may be informed about it.”
Waleed replied in the affirmative. Im?m Husain said,
“In that case wait until dawn.”
Waleed replied, “As you desire. You may go in All?h’s refuge, until you come to me with the people.” marw?n said, “If Husain goes away from your midst without swearing the oath of allegiance, you will never have the power to ask the allegiance again until much bloodshed between him and you. Hence imprison him till he swears the oath of allegiance, or else cut off his head.” Im?m Husain (a.s.) arose and said,
“O son of Zarqa! Will you dare to kill me? Verily you have lied and have sinned.”
Saying this Im?m Husain came outside and returned back with his men to his house. Then marw?n turned towards Waleed and said, “You disobeyed me? By All?h! You will never be able to lay your hands upon him.” Waleed replied, “Woe be to your soul which is your own enemy O marw?n! You have advised me regarding that which would ruin my religion. By All?h! I do not like to acquire the wealth and dominÂion over which the sun rises and sets if it involved the killing of Husain. Glory be to All?h! I should kill Husain simply because he refused to swear the oath of allegiance? By All?h! I am convinced that whoever is assoÂciated with the killing of Husain, on the day of Qiy?mah he (his deeds) will weigh less in scales near All?h.” marw?n said, “If this is what you think, then whatever you did is quite right.” Then he returned back disÂpleased with him.
Ibne Shahr Aashob writes in Man?qib that when Im?m Husain (a.s.) went to meet Waleed and read the contents of the letter, he said that he would not swear the oath of allegiance (bay’ah). marw?n, who was present there said, “Swear the oath of allegiance to the Commander of the faithful (meaning Yazid).” Im?m Husain (a.s.) replied,
“Woe to you! Verily you have attribÂuted falsehood to the believers. Who has made him the Commander of the faithful”?
Hearing this marw?n arose and unsheathed his sword and said, “Call the executioner and tell to behead him before he leaves from here, and the responsibility of his blood will be on my neck.” When voices were raised, nineteen men from among the family of Im?m barged in with daggers and Im?m Husain (a.s.) went away with them.
When this news reached Yazid, he deposed Waleed and appointed marw?n as the governor of Madin?. After this Im?m Husain (a.s.) and Abdull?h bin Zubayr left for Makk?h, and Abdul Rahm?n bin Abu Bakr and Abdull?h bin Umar were left untouched.
As regards Abdull?h ibne Zubayr, when he received Waleed’s message he replied that he would soon come, then he went to his house and hid himself. Waleed followed him thereafter and saw that he had gathered his friends and had segregated himself. Waleed pressed him but Abdull?h said that he wanted respite to think over. Then Waleed sent his slaves to Abdull?h who went and abused him saying, “You will have to come to us or else he will slay you.” Abdull?h said, “I am wary because of your compulsion. Give me respite, so that I may despatch one of my men to the governor to ask what he wants from me.” Then he sent his brother Ja’far bin Zubayr. Ja’far went to Waleed and said, “May All?h’s mercy be upon you! Lift your hands off Abdull?h for you have frightened him. Tomorrow he will come to you All?h willing, hence command your envoys to return back.” Waleed sent someone to call back his messengers who returned back. On the same night Abdull?h, accompanied by his brother Ja’far, left for Makk?h taking the road of Fara’, and no one else accompanied them.
(Irsh?d) In the morning when Waleed was informed about his flight, he sent a slave of Bani Umayy?h with eighty horsemen, who galloped behind him, but could not trace him hence returned back. And that day they remained busy in the affair of Im?m Husain (a.s.) and dispensed with him until the night approached.
In the morning Im?m Husain (a.s.) came out of his house to hear the reports from the people, when he came across marw?n. marw?n said, “O Ab? Abdillah! I desire your goodwill, thus accept what I say until you reach the road of righteousness.” Im?m told him to say what he wanted to. marw?n replied, “I say that you swear the oath of allegiance to Yazid, for it will be better for your life of this world and the hereafter.” Im?m Husain replied,
“Verily we are All?h’s and verily unto Him shall we return. Peace upon Isl?m if the nation gets trapped in the leadership of Yazid, for I have heard my Grandfather say that Caliphate is forbidden upon the children of Abu Sufy?n.”
Thus they started talking to each other and their corresponÂdence increased, in the end marw?n was offended and left.
On the same day Waleed sent some people to the presence of Im?m Husain (a.s.) so that he may come to swear the oath of allegiance. Im?m replied,
“Let morning dawn and we shall see and you too shall see.”
When they heard this they did not force him and returned back. On the same night he left from Madin?, and it was the night of twenty-eighth of the month of Rajab. He left accompanied by his sons, brothers, nephews and his family members except Mohammad ibne Hanafiyah. Mohammad was not aware as to where he would go and hence said, “O brother! You are most dear and beloved near me and hence you are most worthy for the gift of advice. Keep away from Yazid bin Mu’?wiyah and from the renowned cities as far as you can. Scatter your messengers around and invite people towards yourself. If people obey your command and swear fealthy to you, offer Praise to the Almighty, and if they leave you and gather around someone else, your intellect and religion will not be lessened. And your valour and mercy will not diminish. I fear lest you go to a renowned town wherein a group of people supports you while the others may rebel and thus you may fall prey to their lances. At that time, the one who is the best person among all the people with regard to himself and his parents, his blood may spill and his family be humiliated.”
Im?m Husain (a.s.) replied,
“O dear brother! Where should I go to”?
MohamÂmad replied, “Go to Makk?h, and hault there. If you find relief, settle there for that is what you seek. And if the climate does not suit you, go towards Yemen. If you find safety therein, stay or else take refuge in the deserts and mountains. Then go from one place to another until you find out the position of the affairs of the people. At that moment your decision will be the best opinion.” Im?m Husain (a.s.) replied,
“O brother! You have adviced rightly and I wish that your advise may be firm and triumÂphant.”
Then he went to the Mosque and recited the following couplets of Yazid bin Mufarri’: “Neither will I offend the grazing cattle in the mornÂing, nor shall I be called Yazid. There will never come the day when I will yield submissively, and death watches me to back off.”
Discourse of All?mah Majlisi in Bih?rul Anw?r
All?mah Majlisi relates in Bih?r al Anw?r that Mohammad bin Abu T?lib Musawi says, that when Waleed received the letter to slay Im?m Husain (a.s.) it was very hard upon him and he said,
“By All?h! May All?h not let me witness the murder of the son of His Prophet, even if Yazid gives me the entire the world and whatever is contained therein in lieu of it.”
It is said that one night Im?m Husain (a.s.) stepped out of his house and went to the head of the grave of his Grandfather and said,
“Salutations be upon you O Prophet of All?h! I am Husain the son of F?temah (a.s.). I am your beloved and the child of your beloved. I am your son whom you have left as your heir among your umm?h. Thus O Prophet of All?h! Be a witness that these people have deserted me and neglected me while refusing to protect me. This is my complaint to you until I come to your presence.”
Then he arose and started reciting the Prayers, constanty bowing and prosÂtrating. Waleed went to his house to inquire whether the Im?m had left Madin? of no. When he saw that the Im?m was not there he said, “Thanks to All?h that he has left and I have been saved from being indicted and inÂvolved in spilling his blood.” Then Im?m returned back to his home and on the second night he again went to the grave of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and recited some units of Prayers. After finishing the Prayers he said,
“O All?h! This is the grave of Your Prophet, and I am the grandson of Your Prophet. You are aware as to what has befallen me. Verily I cherish virtue and righteousness and abhor evil. O Lord of Glory and Honour! I adjure You by the right of this grave and the one who is buried therein, to bring forth for me that which is approved by You and Your Prophet.”
Im?m conÂtinued weeping until the morning, then he placed his head on the grave and slept for a short time. He dreamt that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.), surrounded by the Angels from the left, right and front, coming towards him. The Prophet came near and pressed Im?m Husain (a.s.)’s head to his chest. Then he kissed him between his eyes and said,
“O my beloved Husain! It is as if I see you smeared in blood at the place of grief and trials, and a group from among my people have beheaded you, and you are thirsty while they do not quench your thirst. Inspite of this they desire my intercession (on the day of Qiy?mah). May All?h keep them away from my intercession. O my beloved Husain! Your Father, Mother and Brother have come to me and they are desirous of meeting you. And you have acquired such a lofty position in Paradise, that unless you attain Martyrdom you shall not get there.”
Im?m looked at his Grandfather and said,
“O Grandfather! I do not desire to return back to this world. Please take me alongwith you and enter me into your grave.”
The Prophet replied,
“You should return back (towards the world) and attain Martyrdom, and thus gain whatever great rewards All?h has reserved for you. For on the day of Qiy?mah, you, your Father, your Uncle and Yours Father’s Uncle shall arise as a distinguished group until you all enter Paradise.”
Im?m Husain (a.s.) arose from his sleep alarmed and narÂrated his dream to his family and the progeny of Abdul Muttalib. On that day no one in the world was more grievous and sorrowful than the family of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.).
Thus, Im?m Husain (a.s.) started making preparations for the journey. During midnight he went to the graves of his Mother Hazrat F?temah (a.s.) and his Brother Im?m Hasan (a.s.) to bid them farewell. In the morning when he returned back to his home, his brother Mohammad ibne Hanafiyah came to him and said, “O dear brother! You are most dear and beloved to me than anyone else. And I will not refuse to advise anyone except you, being most worthy of it, for you are from me, and are my life, my spirit and my eyes and the elder of my family. Your obedience is obligatory upon me for All?h has exalted you over me and has chosen you as the Master of the Youth of Paradise.” Then he recited the entire Tradition narrated by the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) viz.
“Hasan and Husain are the chiefs of the youth of Paradise.”
Then he said, “I desire that you go to Makk?h, if you find peace, stay there, and if the matter turns out to be different, then go to Yemen, for the people therein are among the helpers and followers of your Grandfather and Father. And they are the most kind-hearted and merciful among men, while their towns and cities are vast. Then if you can hault there, do so, if not, then seek shelter in the deserts and mountain-caves and go from one town to the other until you witness the state of affairs of people, and may All?h judge between us and the group these of evil-doers.”
Im?m Husain (a.s.) replied,
“O brother! Although there is no place left in this world for sheltering me, I shall never ever swear the oath of alleÂgiance to Yazid.”
Hearing this Mohammad ibne Hanafiyah concluded his speech and started weeping and the Im?m too wept. Then he said,
“O Brother! May All?h reward you favourably, for you have advised me and have opined righteously. As regards yourself O dear brother! You may stay behind in Madin? and be alert and keep informing me about the affairs of the enemies.”
Then Im?m Husain (a.s.) asked for paper and pen and wrote the following recommendation for his brother Mohammad bin Hanafiyah:
“In the Name of All?h, the Beneficent, the Merciful. This contains that which has been willed by Husain bin Ali bin Abi T?lib to his brother Mohammad reÂnowned as Ibne Hanafiyah. Verily Husain bears witness that there is no Lord except All?h Alone. And bears witness that Mohammad (s.a.w.s.) is the Slave and the Messenger of All?h, who has been righteously chosen by Him. And that Paradise and hell are truth, and without doubt the day of Qiy?mah will come. And All?h will arise all those who are buried inside their graves. I have not risen to spread evil or to show off, nor for spreading immorality or oppression. But I have left for the betterment of the umm?h of my GrandÂfather and I desire to propagate the Religion and forbid against evil, thus following the foot-steps of my Grandfather and Father Ali bin Abi T?lib (a.s.). Thus the one who accepts truth through me, will have received truth from All?h, while the one who betrays me, I shall forebear until All?h judges between myself and the oppressive creed and verily All?h is the Best Judge. This is the testimony to you from me O brother. And my favour is with All?h alone on Whom (alone) I rely, and unto Him (alone) do I return.”
Then he folded the letter and affixed his seal on it and gave it to his brother Mohammad ibne Hanafiyah and bade him farewell and left in the darkness of the night.
Mohammad bin Abu T?lib says that Mohammad bin Y?’qoob has related in Wasael from Mohammad bin Yahy?, from Mohammad bin Husain, from Ayyub bin Nuh, from Safwaan, from marw?n bin Ism?’il, from Hamz? bin Humr?n who says that we questioned Im?m Ja’far as S?diq (a.s.) regarding the uprising of Im?m Husain (a.s.) and the lagging behind of Mohammad ibne Hanafiyah in Madin?. Im?m replied,
“O Hamz?! I shall relate to you a report after which you will never put forward such questions to me in any gathering. When Im?m Husain (a.s.) intended to leave Madin?, he called for the paper and wrote therein: In the Name of All?h the Beneficent, the Merciful. This is from Husain bin Ali bin Abi T?lib to the Bani H?shim. Now then! The one who accompanies me shall be martyred, while the one who separates from me will not attain success and peace. Salutations.”
Conversation of Angels with Im?m Husain (a.s.)
Shaikh Mufeed has narrated through his chain of transmitters, that Im?m Ja’far as Sadiq (a.s.) said, that when Im?m Husain (a.s.) left Madin?, a group of Angels, having distinct marks, met him on the way. They carried swords in their hands and had mounted the horses of Paradise. They came to Im?m, saluted him and said, “O Allah’s Proof (Hujjah) upon the creatures after your Grandfather, Father and Brother! All?h the Glorious had rendered help to your Grandfather through our medium in many of his battles, and has now sent us to assist you.” Imam replied,
“The promised land is called Karbala, thus you may come to me there.”
They said, “O Proof of All?h! You may command whatever you desire and we will comply to it and obey you. If you fear the enemies we shall defend you against them.” Imam replied,
“They have no way upon me and they will not be able to hurt me until I reach my (destined) mausoleum.”
The army of genie in defense of Imam Husain (a.s.)
Numerous groups of Muslim genie came to Im?m Husain (a.s.) and said, “O our Master! We are your adherents and helpers thus we shall fulfil your command, whatever it be. If you desire we will hault here and slay all your enemies.” Im?m replied,
“May Allah reward you with goodness! Haven’t you read the Qur’an which was revealed to my Grandfather, wherein is stated:
“Wherever you be, death will overtake you, even if you be in towers (strong and) lofty.”
and it is stated,
“Those for whom slaughÂter was ordained would certainly have gone forth to the places where they (now) lie (slain).”
Then if I remain in this place, how would this unfortunate nation be tested and tried? And who will lay in my grave in Karbala. (On the day) When All?h the Glorious spread the earth, He chose that land for me. And has made it a place of refuge for my followers (Shi’ah) so that they might find peace thereunder in this world as well as the hereafter. Come to me on Saturday, for I shall be martyred in the end of the week on the tenth. No one from among my family, friends, brothers and relatives will remain alive after my death, my head will then be taken to Yazid.”
The genie said, “O friend of All?h! And O the son of the friend of All?h! If the obedience of your orders would not have been obligatory on us and killing would not have been unlawful, we would surely have killed all your enemies before they reach you.” Imam replied,
“By Allah! We are competent enough to kill them than you. But the intention is that one should be killed with (presenting valid) proofs and reasons, and should be guided with proofs and reasons.”
In other words, the Im?m did not wish that they be destroyed before submitting his proofs unto them. (Here ends that which has been quoted in the book of Mohammad bin Abi T?lib)
Dialogue of Umme Salm? (a.s.) with Im?m Husain (a.s.) during his journey
All?mah Majlisi says that I have read in some books, that when Imam Husain (a.s.) decided to leave Madina, Umme Salm? (a.s.) came to him and said, “O my dear son! Do not aggrieve me by going towards Iraq. For I have heard your Grandfather say that my son Husain will be killed in Iraq at a place called Karbal?.” Im?m replied,
“O dear Grandmother! I too am aware of it and I shall be forcefully killed while there is no escape from it. By All?h! I know the day when I shall be killed and recognize my murderor besides being aware of the Mausoleum where I shall be buried. And I know all those people among my family, relatives and followers who shall die alongwith me. And I wish to show you the place where I shall be buried.”
Then he pointed towards Karbal? and the land thereat arose and he showed her the places where he would be buried, where he would lay martyred, the site of his encampment, and the place where he would hault. When Umme Salm? saw this she wept bitterly and offered all decree to the Almighty. Then Im?m said,
“O Grandmother! Allah Almighty desires to see me killed and that my head be severed with cruelty and injustice. Besides (Allah) desires that my family and womenfolk be expelled, and my children oppressed, bare headed, arrested and bound in chains. And they would plead and call out for help, but none would come to their aid.”
In another tradition it is stated that Umme Salm? told Im?m Husain (a.s.) that, “I have with me some sand which your Grandfather had given and which lies in a bottle.” Im?m replied,
“By All?h! I shall be killed even if I do not go to Ir?q.”
Then he lifted a handful of earth (from the land of Karbal? which had risen) and giving it to Umme Salm? said, “Mix this with the sand in the bottle given to you by my Grandfather, when it turns into blood, know that I have been martyred.” (Here ends the quotation of Biharul Anwar).
Conversation of J?bir bin Abdull?h Ans?ri with Imam Husain (a.s.)
Sayyed Bahr?ni in Madinatul Ma’ajiz quotes from Saqibul Man?qib, and others quote from Manaqibus Sua’da that J?bir bin Abdull?h Ans?ri says, that when Im?m Husain (a.s.) intended going towards Iraq, I came to his presence and said, “You are the son of the Prophet of All?h and one of his two endeared grand children. I do not hold any other opinion except that you too enter into a peace-treaty (with Yazid) as your brother had done with Mu’?wiyah, and verily he was trustworthy and rightly guided.” Imam Husain replied,
“O Jabir! Whatever my brother did was ordained by Allah and the Prophet, and whatever I shall do too shall be according to the command of Allah and His Prophet. Do you wish that at this very moment I invite the Holy Prophet, Im?m Ali, and my brother Hasan to testify regarding my action”?
Then Imam looked towards the heavens, suddenly I saw that the doors of heavens opened ajar and Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.s.), Imam Ali (a.s.), Im?m Hasan (a.s.), Hazrat Hamz? (a.s.), Hazrat Ja’far at Tayyar (a.s.) and (my uncle) Zaid descended from the heavens upon the earth. Seeing this I became frightful, when the Prophet said,
“O Jabir! Did not I inform you prior to Husain during the time of Hasan, that you would not become a believer unless you surrendered to the Imams and not object to their actions? Do you desire to see the place where Mu’awiyah will dwell and the place of my son Husain and of his murderer Yazid”?
I replied in the affirmative. Then the Prophet struck his foot onto the ground and it tore apart and another ground apÂpeared beneath. Then I saw a river flowing, which also tore apart, underÂneath which was another ground. Thus seven layers of the ground and rivers ripped apart (one below the other) until there appeared hell. I saw that Waleed bin Mughirah, Abu Jahl, Mu’awiyah and Yazid were bound together in a chain alongwith the other rebellious Satans. And their torment was more severe than that of the other people of hell. Then the Holy Prophet comÂmanded me to lift my head. I saw that the heavens had opened their doors and Paradise was apparent. Then all those blessed people who had descended from there returned back. When they were in the air the Prophet called out to Imam Husain,
“Come and mingle with me my dear Husain.”
I saw that Husain ascended too and joined them onto the high status in Paradise. The Holy Prophet then caught hold of the hand of Husain and told me,
“O Jabir! This son of mine is here alongwith me, submit to him and do not fall in doubt so as to become a believer.”
J?bir says that, “May both my eyes turn blind if whatever I have seen and related from the Prophet is false.”
Imam Husain (a.s.)’s intention on proceeding towards Makk?h (from Madina) and the letters addressed to him by the people of Kufa
When Imam Husain (a.s.) intended going towards Makkah, Abdull?h bin Muti’ came to meet him and said, “May I be your ransom! Where do you intend going”? Imam replied,
“Presently I have decided to go to Makk?h, after that I shall seek consultation from the Almighty.”
Abdull?h said, “May Allah destine goodness for you! You may go to Makk?h, but lest you go to Kufa for it is an ill-omened city. Your father was assasinated therein and your brother was rendered helpless, was forsaken and wounded by a spear and it was near that he would succumb to that wound. You may remain attached to the Ka’b?h for you are the Master of the Arabs and the people of Hijaz (region of West Arabia, the barrier land, running parallel to the Red Sea and wherein lies the dual holy cities of Makkah and Madina do not regard anyone else as your equal. The people therein will exert themselves to hasten to your aid, may I be your ransom, for if you are killed we shall be enslaved and conquered after you.”
Shaikh Mufeed says that Im?m Husain (a.s.) proceeded towards Makk?h taking the main roads reciting the following verse of the Qur’an:
“So he went forth in fear, apprehending.”
Someone told him, “It would be better if we take a crooked road as Abdull?h bin Zubayr and avoid the main road, so that those in our pursuit might not reach you.” Imam reÂplied,
“No by All?h! I shall not forsake this road, until Allah commands me further.”
Imam Husain (a.s.) entered Makk?h on Friday the third of the month of Sha’b?n reciting the following verse:
“And when he (Prophet Moosa) turned his face towards (the land of) Madyan, said: Maybe my Lord will guide me in the right path.”
When Imam Husain (a.s.) settled in Makkah, the people therein and those who had come for the Haj (Annual Pilgrimage to Makkah), and people from other towns came to meet him. Abdull?h bin Zubayr too was in Makkah and had taken asylum near the Ka’bah and prayed and circumambulated it. He too accompaÂnied by other people came to offer his salutations to Im?m Husain (a.s.) once in every two days consequently or often more. Im?m’s presence in Makkah made him uneasy, for he knew that till the time Im?m remained in Makkah, the people therein would not pledge their oath of allegiance to him (for he too eyed the Caliphate). Because they held the Imam dear and conÂsidered him more worthy to rule over them.”
As regards the people of Kufa, when they received the news of the death of Mu’awiyah they started vilifying Yazid. Besides they were informed that Im?m Husain (a.s.) had refused to swear the oath of allegiance to Yazid and had gone to Makkah. While Abdullah bin Zubayr too had fled to Makkah with him and competed with him.
The followers (Shi’ah) of Imam gathered at the house of Sulayman bin Surad Khuz?’i and discussed about the death of Mu’awiyah and praised and gloriÂfied All?h. Sulaym?n arose and said, “Mu’?wiyah is dead, and Im?m Husain (a.s.) has refused to swear the oath of allegiance to Yazid and has proÂceeded towards Makkah. You are his and his father’s followers (Shi’ah), then if you desire assisting him and fighting his enemies, write to him and inform him about it. But if you fear lest you would turn sluggish and retreat, then do not betray him (by inviting him here).” Everyone unaÂnimously swore that they would support him and fight his enemies under his command and offer their lives for sacrifice. When Sulayman heard this he invited them to write letters addressing to the Im?m and they wrote as follows:
Letters of the people of Kufa to Imam Husain (a.s.)
“In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful. To Husain bin Ali (a.s.) from Sulaym?n bin Surad, Musayyab bin Najabah, Ruf?’ah bin Shadd?d, Habib bin Maz?hir and other followers from the citizens of Kuf?, the beÂlievers and muslims. Peace be upon you! We praise and glorify Allah before you, besides Whom there is no other Deity. Now then! Praise be to Allah that He has destroyed your obstinate enemy. The one (referred to Mu’awiyah) who had leapt upon the Isl?mic nation and snatched their affairs into his own hands and grabbed their booty and seized control of it without their consent. He killed the virtuous and spared the wicked ones. And he scatÂtered the wealth of Allah among the tyrants and the wealthy people, thus he was annihilated as (the people of) Samood were destroyed, and we have no Imam left with us (except you). We request you to come to us so that Allah may unite us upon the truth. No’m?n bin Basheer is alone present in the palace, but we do not gather with him on the Friday (Prayers), nor do we go to him on the day of Eid. If we learn that you have proceeded to come to us, we shall drive him out from here until we pursue him to Syria, All?h willing. All?h’s Peace and Blessings be upon you.”
They gave this letter to Ubaydull?h bin Musme’ Hamadani and Abdullah bin Wal Taymi and told them to hasten. They rushed until they reached Makkah on the tenth of the month of Ramazan. Then the people of Kufa waited for two days and again sent Qays bin Mus-hir Saydawi, Abdul Rahm?n bin Abdull?h bin Shadd?d Arhabi, and Ammarah bin Abdullah Saluli with hundred and fifty letters written by one, two, three or four people.
Then again after a lapse of two days they sent Hani bin Hani Sabee’i and Sa’eed bin Abdull?h Hanafi with a letter whose contents were as follows: “In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful. To Husain bin Ali (a.s.) from his followers, believers and muslims. Now then! Make haste, for people are awaiting you and hold no other opinion, hence hasten, hasÂten. Peace be upon you.”
Another letter was written by Shabas bin Rab’ee, Hajjar bin Abjar Ajali, Yazid bin Haris bin Ruwaym Shaybani, Urwa bin Qays Ahmasi, Umro bin Hajjaj Zubaydi, and Mohammad bin Umro Tamimi which read as follows: “Now then! The gardens have turned green and the fruits have ripened. If you desire, you may arrive here, the army is ready to defend you.” When all the mesÂsengers gathered together, Imam read the letters and inquired from them about the people.
Sayyed ibne Tawoos says that Imam Husain (a.s.) arose and recited Prayers between Rukn and Makan (in the Ka’bah) and desired goodness from the Almighty. Then he called for Muslim bin Aqeel bin Abi Talib (a.s.) and apprised him about the situation and wrote a letter in reply to the people of Kufa.
Shaikh Mufeed says that Imam Husain (a.s.) sent the following reply with H?ni bin H?ni Sabee’i and Sa’eed bin Abdullah Hanafi, who were the last messengers (from Kufa):
“In the name of All?h the Beneficent, the MerciÂful. From Husain bin Ali to the noblemen among the Muslims and believers. Now then! H?ni and Sa’eed have brought me your letters, they being your last messengers. I have realized your opinions through them and your judgeÂment is that: There is no Im?m over us. You come towards us, perhaps Allah will unite us through you upon the truth and righteousness. I send to you my cousin, my brother and a trustworthy person from among my family Muslim bin Aqeel. And I have instructed him to inquire about your affairs and write to me regarding it. And if he writes to me that your elders, the wise and the learned men hold the same opinion as your messengers have conveyed to me and as written in your letters, then I shall come to you quickly, Allah willing. I swear by my life, that he is not an Im?m and guide except he who judges in accordance to the Book of Allah, and establishes justice, and professes the True Religion and dedicates himself to the will of Almighty Allah. Greetings.”
Then Imam Husain (a.s.) called Muslim bin Aqeel bin Abi Talib (a.s.) and despatched him to Kufa with Qays bin Mushir Saydawi, Amm?rah bin Abdullah Arjee and Abdul Rahm?n and Abdullah, the sons of Shaddad Arhabi. He enÂjoined them with fear of Allah to conceal their mission, besides advising them to be merciful, and that if they find people to be firm and resolute then they should immediately inform him.
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