Archive for month: October, 2016

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaih Raja’oon!

Karbala’! Karbala’! Karbala’!

In one day 72 men dead! Companions of Husayn lay dead!

‘Aun – Muhammad are dead. Qasim is dead. ‘Abbas is dead.

‘Ali Akbar is dead. ‘Ali Asghar is dead. Husayn is dead.

Lying on the sands of Karbala’ are 72 dead men. Their heads severed from their bodies. No ghusl! No kafan! No burial!

Lying on the sands of Karbala’ are 72 dead men! Their bodies trampled by Yazid’s horses.

The sun was setting in the horizon. River Furaat flowed turbulently breaking its bank.

Another night fell on the land of Karbala’. The night of Shaam Al-Ghariba. What a lonely night? What a tragic and sad night? No fire! No light! Night of darkness!

The air was filled with sounds of ladies and children crying.

Widows crying for their husbands. Sisters crying for their brothers. Mothers crying for their children. Little orphans crying for their fathers.

Bibi Zainab is not crying. No tears were flowing from her eyes.

Husayn is not there to comfort the mothers and orphans but Bibi Zainab is there. She is comforting the mothers and the little orphans.

‘Abbas or ‘Ali Akbar are not there to guard the tents but Bibi Zainab is there. She is guarding the tents.

Enough! Surely Yazid’s beastly men would leave the ladies and children to mourn their dead ones in peace.

But no, they did not…….

They came to the tents. They looted all the belongings of the Holy ladies. They even snatched away the ladies’ hijab. Fatimah’s daughters were left bare-headed.

Shimr, the most evil of Yazid’s men, came too. Sakina was crying for her father. Instead of comforting words, Shimr slapped Sakina’s face and pulled off earrings from her ears. Blood poured from little Sakina’s ears.

Surely they would stop now. But they did not.

One-by-one they set fire to the tents. The helpless ladies and children ran from one tent to another

Little Sakina ran from one tent to another. Her dress was on fire, Her ears were bleeding. All Sakina wanted was her dear father.

She ran to the battlefield screaming:

“Father, where are you? Father, father……., speak to me father.”

The seventh tent, which was the last was set on fire. Our 4th Imam, Imam Zainul Abideen was lying unconscious in the bed. Zainab got worried. She had to save the Imam of the time, our 4th Imam. So she rushed to the tent and rescued Imam Zainul Abideen to safety.

All the tents were burned down. The Holy ladies and children were left homeless.

Tonight is the night of Shaam Al-Ghariba. The night of the homeless.

The children were frightened so they ran away to escape the fire, the restless horses and the beatings.

Bibi Zainab and Umm Kulthoom went in search of the children. They found some dead, trampled by the horses or burnt by the fire.

Zainab and Umm Kulthoom gathered the ladies and children together in a small space, where our 4th Imam was lying.

Sakina could not be found. Umm Kulthoom stood guard, while Zainab rushed to the battlefield screaming:

“Sakina! Darling Sakina! Where are you? Sakina! Sakina!”

Whilst searching, Bibi Zainab reached the area where Husayn’s body was lying.

There with her head buried in Husayn’s chest, lay Sakina deep in sleep! Bibi Zainab gently picked up Sakina and took her back to her mother.

Bibi Zainab settled all the ladies and children. She then stood on guard with a broken spear in her hand.

Bibi Rubab kept waking up. Zainab said to her:

“Rubab! Do not worry. Rest peacefully as the daughter of ‘Ali is on guard. You have nothing to fear, Rubab!”

“Zainab, I am not worried but I keep hearing my baby crying. I hear my dearest ‘Ali Asghar crying.”

Poor Rubab. Poor mother. She was spending the first night without ‘Ali Asghar, her baby. How can she sleep comfortably when ‘Ali Asghar, her baby was lying alone under the sands of Karbala’? Bibi Rubab did not stop crying for her baby.

Late that night, Zainab had a vision. She saw a man on a horse, riding towards her. She cried out:

“O man on the horse! Please do not come any nearer! I have just managed to get the children to sleep. We have nothing left. Please go away!”

The rider continued riding towards her. Zainab got very angry. She lifted the broken spear and warned the rider:

“Stop! Stop, just there! Do not come any nearer! I am the daughter of ‘Ali! I am warning you to stop just there!”

The man on the horse continued to ride towards her. He spoke to Zainab:

“Daughter Zainab! Do you not recognise your father, ‘Ali?”

Zainab rushed to her father. She threw herself to her father’s feet and said:

“Baba! I am glad you have come. But you are very late.”

She continued:

“Baba! Where were you when ‘Ali Akbar was being killed?

Baba! Where were you when ‘Abbas was being killed?

Baba! Where were you when Husayn was being killed?

Baba! Where were you when our tents were burned down?

Baba! Baba! Where were you when our hijab was taken?

Baba! Where were you? Where were you? Baba!”

“Zainab, my daughter Zainab, you are very tired! I have come to guard your tents. My daughter, Zainab, you have a lot to do tomorrow. Zainab, you will have many sleepless nights. Tonight, my daughter Zainab you rest. I will guard the tents. Go to sleep my daughter, Zainab.”

Ya Husayn! Ya Husayn! Ya Husayn!

Tonight is the 10th night of Muharram. Tonight is the eve of ‘Ashura’. A very tragic night. A very sad night. The last night for the 72 martyrs of Karbala’.

The last night for brothers to be with their sisters. The last night for sisters to be with their brothers. The last night for fathers to be with their children. The last night for mothers to be with their children. The last night for little Sakina to be with her beloved uncle ‘Abbas and dearest father Husayn.

Indeed, a night never to be forgotten.

A night to shed more tears. A night to do more matam.

The Night of ‘Ashura’ on the Land of Karbala’

Mothers are sitting with their children. Umm Laila is with ‘Ali Akbar, Umm Farwah is with Qasim, Bibi Zainab is with ‘Aun- Muhammad.

What are these mothers of Karbala’ telling their beloved children?

They are preparing them for Jihad. They are preparing them to sacrifice their lives. Preparing them to die!

Why? Because they know Husayn is on the right path. The right path to save Islam!

Let us send our salaams to those mothers of Karbala’ for sacrificing their most precious for Islam.

‘Abbas the Alamdar! Like every night, ‘Abbas was guarding the camp.

Where was Husayn?

Husayn had gathered all his friends and companions in his tent.

“My friends, my companions, tonight is the last night. Tomorrow is the day of ‘Ashura’. Tomorrow is the day of Shahadat – martyrdom! None of us will be spared by Yazid’s soldiers.”

Imam Husayn continued:

“My friends, my companions, you have suffered enough. There is still time to save your lives. Escape in the darkness of the night. I will have no objections. I will forgive you. Go, my friends! Go, my companions!”

Imam Husayn blew the candles off. There was total darkness.

Anyone could have escaped without being seen or embarrassed.

After a while, Husayn lit the candles.

How many ran away? One? Two? Five? Ten?

No one! Why did they not run away to save their lives?

Because, my fellow Husayni, they had recognised the truth.

Because they knew Husayn was right.

Because they knew Husayn was on the true path.

Because they knew their sacrifice would save Islam.

Husayn was lucky to be blessed with true friends and best companions, – faithful, truthful and pious!

Our greetings to those 72 martyrs of Karbala’ for their great sacrifice for Islam.

Imam Husayn made the biggest sacrifice.

In one day, he sacrificed his brothers, nephews and children on the land of Karbala’.

He remained patient after seeing so many dead in one day.

Did Husayn complain?

No, never!

On the contrary, after sacrificing his 18 year old son ‘Ali Akbar he looked up at the sky and said:

“Ya Allah, give me more patience. Ya Allah, is there anything else I can give for Your sake?”

Allah’s will was Husayn’s command. Husayn was prepared and willing to sacrifice his family. He never prayed to Allah to save his family.

Instead he prayed for Patience! Patience! And more Patience!

Allah! What a big Heart Husayn had in Karbala’!

‘Aun – Muhammad had been killed. Qasim was trodden to pieces. ‘Abbas was lying on the bank of River Furaat. ‘Ali Akbar’s chest was torn open with a spear.

Is there anymore to sacrifice?

Tonight is the night of ‘Ali Asghar. The little Mujaheed – the little soldier and the youngest Shaheed.

‘Ashura’ came to the land of Karbala’.

One-by-one, Husayn’s friends and companions were martyred.

‘Aun – Muhammad, Qasim, ‘Abbas and ‘Ali Akbar went to the battlefield and were martyred.

By Asr time Husayn was left alone.

The time had come for Husayn to go to the battlefield. Husayn said Fi aman Allah to everyone.

Husayn, with his sword Zulfikar on his waist, mounted Zuljiana, his horse.

Husayn rode his horse to a small mount, he then called out loudly:

“Is there anyone to help me? Is there anyone to help the grandson of the Holy Prophet?”

With this call, the grandson of the Holy Prophet, was giving one last chance to Yazid’s men, the men who called themselves Muslims – the followers of the Holy Prophet.

Hypocrites! That’s what Yazid’s men were.

No one answered Husayn’s last call. But Husayn heard the sound of crying coming from his camp.

Husayn turned around and returned to his tents.

“Zainab, your brother is still alive. Why are you crying?”

“My brother Husayn, when you called out, “Is there anyone to help me?”, ‘Ali Asghar fell from his cradle.”

Husayn knew what ‘Ali Asghar was trying to say.

Husayn went to Umm Rubab. ‘Ali Asghar was on her lap.

He was crying and Umm Rubab was trying to comfort him.

Husayn picked up baby ‘Ali Asghar and whispered in his ear. ‘Ali Asghar stopped crying. He looked up at his father and smiled.

“Umm Rubab, I am taking ‘Ali Asghar to the battlefield with me so that I can get some water for him.”

What did Husayn whisper in ‘Ali Asghar’s ear? What made ‘Ali Asghar stop crying, and to smile? Husayn had whispered:

“My son, ‘Ali Asghar, do you want to come to the battlefield with me? Asghar, do you want to show your strength on the battlefield? Come, let us go, my little Mujaheed, my little soldier, Asghar.”

Umm Rubab changed ‘Ali Asghar’s clothes.

Imam Husayn carried ‘Ali Asghar to the battlefield. It was very hot. ‘Ali Asghar was thirsty. Husayn covered baby ‘Ali Asghar with his abaa, to protect him from the scorching sun.

Yazid’s men saw Husayn approaching with something in his hand.

“Look, Husayn is coming with the Quran. He has no one left to help him. With the help of the Quran he is hoping to win.”

Husayn walked to Yazid’s soldiers. By moving his abaa he uncovered ‘Ali Asghar.

He held ‘Ali Asghar high with both his hands and said:

“O soldiers of Yazid, you feel I have offended you, but what has this little child done to you? His mother’s milk has dried up. He has not had a drop of water for three days. He is dying of thirst. I beg you to give water to this innocent little child.”

Not one of Yazid’s soldiers brought any water for ‘Ali Asghar.

Once more Imam Husayn begged:

Maybe you think that when you bring water for this child, I will drink it too. I will put this little child on the ground. You can come and give him water yourself.”

Husayn placed ‘Ali Asghar on the burning sand of Karbala’.

‘Ali Asghar lay quietly on the hot sand of Karbala’. His turned his head and stared at Yazid’s men.

No water came for ‘Ali Asghar.

Husayn picked up ‘Ali Asghar and said:

“My son ‘Ali Asghar, my darling, you are too young to fight with a sword or a spear. My little Mujaheed, my little soldier, you are a grandson of ‘Ali. ‘Ali Asghar, fight your Jihad with your tongue.”

Little Asghar stuck his dry tongue out and moved it over his dry lips looking towards Yazid’s men. He fought Jihad with his tongue.

The little soldier shot a strange arrow – his dry tongue.

It hit the hearts of Yazid’s soldiers who had children of their own. They became restless. Some started crying.

They spoke amongst themselves:

“Husayn is saying the truth. What has this child done to us? Why is he punished like this? Let us give him some water.”

Umar Saad got worried that his soldiers will turn against him.

The little soldier’s fight was very effective. Little ‘Ali Asghar was fighting Jihad his way.

Umar Saad ordered his best archer:

“Hurmullah! What are you waiting for? Silence the little child! Don’t you know he is a grandson of ‘Ali? Hurry, shoot your arrow, before it is too late.”

Hurmullah aimed an arrow at ‘Ali Asghar. A small arrow for a little child? No! An arrow not with one head, not with two heads, but with three sharp heads.

Why? Why an arrow with three heads for such a small child?

My fellow Husayni! You will not be able to stop crying when you hear what happened next.

An arrow with three sharp heads flew across the desert of Karbala’. It was heading for ‘Ali Asghar. Husayn saw the arrow coming. He covered ‘Ali Asghar with his arms.

The arrow reached Husayn.

The arrow went through Husayn’s arm and lodged in the tiny neck of ‘Ali Asghar.

‘Ali Asghar died instantly.

Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!

Poor Husayn, the poor father, who came to get water for his little child.

Instead of water, ‘Ali Asghar got an arrow in his neck.

What shall Husayn do now? What shall Husayn do now?

Husayn gently pulled the arrow from ‘Ali Asghar’s tiny neck.

My fellow Husayni, put your hand on your heart and imagine the scene – a father removing an arrow from his child’s neck. What a tragic scene!

Blood gushed out from ‘Ali Asghar’s neck.

A voice came from the ground:

“No, Husayn, do not let ‘Ali Asghar’s blood fall to the ground, otherwise no crops will ever grow from this earth.” Husayn looked up at the sky.

A voice came from the sky:

“No Husayn, do not let the blood gush towards the sky, otherwise, no drop of rain will ever fall from this sky.”

What shall Husayn do now? What shall Husayn do now?

The sky is refusing, the earth is not happy to accept Asghar’s blood.

Poor Husayn wiped ‘Ali Asghar’s blood on his face.

Husayn started walking towards his tents.

He saw ‘Ali Asghar’s mother – Umm Rubab – standing by his tent. A mother anxiously waiting for her baby.

Husayn thought:

“How can I face Umm Rubab? What shall I tell her? How can I tell her that her baby has been martyred without water? How? How?”

Seven times, Husayn went forward and then turned back,

Saying:

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaih Raja’oon!
We are from Allah and to Him we will return!

He finally reached the tent where Umm Rubab was standing. “Rubab, come and take your ‘Ali Asghar. Rubab, your little soldier has died for the sake of Allah.”

Umm Rubab took her little child, ‘Ali Asghar. She hugged him and cried her heart out.

“Come with me Rubab. Enough, Rubab, enough. Let us bury our baby Asghar”

Husayn and Umm Rubab walked to the back of the tents.

Husayn dug a small grave with his sword, the Zulfikar.

Umm Rubab placed ‘Ali Asghar in the small grave.

My fellow Husayni why should we not cry tonight? Why should we not do matam tonight?

Have we ever heard of any other father and mother digging a grave and burying their own child?

Where can Husayn get water to sprinkle on ‘Ali Asghar’s grave? There is no water to sprinkle on ‘Ali Asghar’s grave.

Husayn sat by the grave crying.

Tears poured on the grave. ‘Ali Asghar’s grave was sprinkled with Husayn’s tears.

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaih Raja’oon!
We are from Allah and to Him we will return!

Tonight is the night of 8th of Muharram.

Surely tonight, we will shed more tears. We will do more matam.

Tonight is a very tragic night, it is the night of Hazrat ‘Abbas.

‘Abbas! Who was ‘Abbas?

‘Abbas, the Captain; ‘Abbas, the Commander; ‘Abbas, the brave and strong warrior; ‘Abbas, the Alamder – flag bearer; ‘Abbas, the faithful brother; ‘Abbas, the guardian of Umm Kulthoom and Bibi Zainab; ‘Abbas, Sakina’s dearest uncle; ‘Abbas, son of Ummul Baneen; ‘Abbas, the lion son of ‘Ali.

‘Abbas was like his father, ‘Ali. He had all the qualities of his great father. ‘Abbas was brave, strong, wise, loving, obedient and faithful.

His father, ‘Ali, on his dying bed, gave ‘Abbas’ hand to Husayn said:

My son ‘Abbas, Husayn is the son of Bibi Fatimah. ‘Abbas, you are my son. ‘Abbas, Husayn is your master. You are Husayn’s slave. ‘Abbas, take care of Husayn.”

Since that day, ‘Abbas had fulfilled Husayn’s every wish like a faithful slave.

‘Abbas treated Husayn like his master.

He always treated Bibi Kulthoom and Bibi Zainab with great respect.

He followed Husayn like a shadow.

‘Abbas was with Husayn in Karbala’.

Husayn knew ‘Abbas was like their father, ‘Ali, a brave and strong warrior.

He would tell ‘Abbas:

“My brother ‘Abbas keep your sword in its place. Don’t take your sword out to fight. We have come to save Islam. ‘Abbas, we have come to teach true Islam. We will teach Islam – not with our swords but with our character. Patience ‘Abbas, patience”

When Yazid’s men pulled out Husayn’s tents from the river bank, ‘Abbas became very angry. He pulled out his sword and wanted to fight there and then. Husayn said:

“No ‘Abbas, no! Be patient. We have not come here to fight, ‘Abbas.

Imagine a warrior like ‘Abbas, asked not to pull his sword out, after being treated so badly. That needs great patience.

‘Ashura’ came. ‘Ali Akbar gave his last Adhan. Everyone in Husayn’s camp prayed Fajr Salat (Prayer).

The battle of Karbala’ began. One-by-one, Husayn’s companions went to the battlefield and were martyred.

Everytime a body was brought to the tent, ‘Abbas went to Husayn and said:

Master, now allow me to go to the battlefield. Enough, Master, enough. Let me go and fight those beastly men, Master.”

Every time, Husayn calmed ‘Abbas down by saying:

“No ‘Abbas, no! How can I let you go? You are the captain of my army. You are my right hand man, ‘Abbas. You are mu support, ‘Abbas. Where would I be without you, ‘Abbas? No ‘Abbas, no.”

‘Abbas’ three brothers went to the battlefield and were martyred.

‘Aun – Muhammad went to the battlefield and were martyred.

Qasim went. His body was trampled and torn to pieces,

‘Abbas became very restless and could not take it anymore. Somehow, he must get permission.

‘Abbas walked to Umm Kulthoom and Zainab’s tent and then turned back.

He knew they won’t let him go.

‘Abbas walked to Husayn’s tent several times and back again. How could he persuade Husayn to let him go?

‘Abbas is restless. ‘Abbas wants permission to fight.

Just then, little Sakina, with her mashk, came to ‘Abbas. “Uncle ‘Abbas, look at my mashk. It is very dry. Al-Atash, uncle. Sakina is very thirsty, uncle ‘Abbas.”

‘Abbas thought of a way to get permission from Husayn.

He picked up little Sakina and went to Husayn’s tent.

‘Abbas sat in front of Husayn, with Sakina on his lap.

‘Abbas didn’t have to say anything.

Husayn looked at ‘Abbas and then at Sakina and her mashk.

Husayn understood ‘Abbas’ expression.

“‘Abbas, how can I say no, now? You have brought Sakina with you. Go ‘Abbas, go. Go and fill Sakina’s mashk with water.

One request, ‘Abbas, leave your sword with me!

Remember, ‘Abbas, you are not going to the fight. You are just going to get water for Sakina.”

‘Abbas gave his sword to Husayn. He kissed Sakina and put her down. He said:

“Sakina, pray for me, pray that I get water for you.”

‘Abbas then went to Zainab.

“Sister Zainab, give me permission to go to the battlefield.”

“Brother ‘Abbas, I used to hear that my hijab would be looted. ‘Abbas, I used to say, how dare could anyone snatch my hijab when I have eighteen brothers. Now ‘Abbas, that you are going, I believe that my hijab will really be looted.”

‘Abbas went to the battlefield.

In one hand ‘Abbas carried the Alam of Husayn’s army and in the other he held a spear and Sakina’s mashk. He had no sword to fight but had a spear for protection. He headed for River Furaat.

Yazid’s soldiers saw ‘Abbas coming. They had seen ‘Abbas fight and knew he was like his father, ‘Ali. They were scared,

The few who dared to attack ‘Abbas were killed by his spear.

‘Abbas reached the river and filled Sakina’s mashk.

He then asked his faithful horse to drink water. The horse looked towards Husayn’s camp and seemed to say:

“Master, are you sure that the water will reach Sakina? Master, how can I drink when Sakina and ‘Ali Asghar are thirsty? Let us first give them water, and then I will drink some.”

‘Abbas, with his Alam in one hand and his spear and Sakina’s water-filled mashk in the other, rode back.

Umar Saad, Yazid’s commander, ordered his men to stop ‘Abbas taking water to Husayn’s tents.

The enemies surrounded ‘Abbas. They fired arrows from all directions.

‘Abbas was hit with many arrows. He was bleeding.

Just then, a soldier came from behind and struck his sword on ‘Abbas’ shoulder. ‘Abbas gripped the mashk with his teeth, as his arm and spear fell to the ground.

Another soldier came and struck his sword into ‘Abbas’ other shoulder. The Alam and the other arm fell to the ground.

Imagine, ‘Abbas on his horse – No arms – holding Sakina’s mashk between his teeth.

Water must reach Sakina. ‘Abbas, still had the strength to go on.

Sakina’s mashk is still filled with water.

An arrow was shot. It hit Sakina’s mashk. The water began to pour out.

Poor ‘Abbas lost all his strength as the water poured out from Sakina’s mashk. He fell from his horse and cried out:

“Master, come to me. Master let me see you for the last time.”

Husayn heard ‘Abbas. He was heartbroken. With his hands on his back he cried out:

“Son, ‘Ali Akbar, my back is gone. My support is gone. My Alamdar is gone.”

Husayn and ‘Ali Akbar rushed to the battlefield.

Husayn saw his brother lying on the ground.

Imagine how Husayn felt when he saw his brother lying on the ground – covered with blood, both arms severed.

He placed ‘Abbas’ head on his lap.

My brother, ‘Abbas? You are leaving me too. ‘Abbas, what will I do without you? My support, ‘Abbas, I am finished without you. My brother ‘Abbas, can I do anything for you?”

“Yes, Master. When I came to this world, I saw your face first. Now, as I am going from this world, Master, I would like to see your face for the last time.”

‘‘Abbas, why can’t you see me?”

“Master, my eyes are covered with blood.”

Imam Husayn cleaned ‘Abbas’ eyes. ‘Abbas gazed at Husayn.

“‘Abbas, I have a wish too. All your life you have called me Master. Once, brother ‘Abbas, just once, call me brother.”

‘Abbas said:

“Husayn, my brother, do not take my body to the tents. I am ashamed of myself. I don’t want Sakina to see me. I don’t want my sisters Kulthoom and Zainab to see me like this. I don’t want Kulthoom and Zainab to cry.”

‘Abbas took his last breath and died on Husayn’s lap.

Poor Husayn? What should he do now?

Husayn picked up the Alam and tied Sakina’s mashk to it.

Sakina saw the Alam coming. She shouted:

“Children, come children. My uncle ‘Abbas is coming with water. I will give all of you water. Come children, come.”

Husayn reached the tent. He cried out:

“Z-A-I-N-A-B…….Help me, Zainab…….The Alam has come……But the Alamdar has not…”

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaih Raja’oon!
We are from Allah and to Him we will return!

Matam al-Husayn!

Today is the 6th night of Muharram.

Our majaalis continue. Insha’Allah, our eyes will shed more tears for the martyrs of Karbala’.

We will do more Matam al-Husayn.

“Husayn! Karbala’! Matam! Majaalis!”

When these words echo from the walls of our mosque, a lady in black hijab joins us. She is Bibi Fatimah. She watches us. She cries with us. She collects our tears.

Cry! Cry for Husayn! Inshallah, our tears will not be wasted. Our tears for Husayn will become our weapons against the hardships in our grave and on the Day of Judgement.

Husayn is in Karbala’. He hardly has 72 men with him. They are not all grown up adults. Some of Husayn’s men are children. ‘Aun and Muhammad, Bibi Zainab’s young sons are there. ‘Aun is only 13 years old. Muhammad is only 11 years old.

Tonight is the night of these two children, ‘Aun – Muhammad.

First, let us send our greetings to those mothers of Karbala’ who sacrificed their children for Islam. Lucky are those mothers of Karbala’ whose children willingly and happily sacrificed their young lives for Islam.

Tonight, let us first comfort those mothers of Karbala’ who were proud to sacrifice their children for Islam.

Mothers of Karbala’! Mother of ‘Aun – Muhammad, Bibi Zainab; mother of Qasim, Umm Farwah; mother of ‘Ali Akbar, Umm Laila; mother of Al Asghar, Umm Rubab.

Mothers of Karbala’ were proud of their children. They loved their children. Of course, like any mother they had the heart of a mother. A mother loves her children the most.

“Why then, did the Mothers of Karbala’ let their children die in Karbala’?’

They knew Husayn was on the Right Path. They knew their sacrifices would help save Islam and us from the Fire of Hell.

Mothers of Karbala’ squashed their motherly love and sacrificed their children for Husayn – for Islam!

How can we, the Husayni, ever forget those Mothers of Karbala’?

Why shouldn’t we cry and do matam for the Mothers of Karbala’ and their children ‘Aun – Muhammad, Qasim, ‘Ali Akbar and ‘Ali Asghar.

Majaalis al-Karbala’ will never die. Matam al-Karbala’ will never die. Yazids of yesterday have failed to stop it.

Yazids of today will not be able to stop it. Yazids of tommorrow may try thousands of times to crush it, but Majaalis al-Husayn, Matam al-Karbala’, will not die. Allah Himself has promised to keep the name of Husayn alive till the Day of Judgement.

Let us now focus our minds on Karbala’.

Days and nights of Muharram unfolded on the land of Karbala’.

The night of the 9th of Muharram came. ‘Ashura’ night, a very tragic night and the last night of the martyrs of Karbala’.

No-one in Husayn’s camp slept on ‘Ashura’ night.

Men spent the whole night praying, reciting duas and the Holy Quran.

Mothers of Karbala’ were preparing their children.

The next day was ‘Ashura’ day. The day of the battle of Karbala’.

What were the mothers telling their children? To be careful? To hide and save their lives?

No! They were telling their children to sacrifice their lives.

They were telling them to die! Didn’t they love their children? Or course they did! They had the heart of a mother. They were proud of their children. They loved their children very much. Then why were they telling their children to sacrifice their lives? To die?

Because, THEY KNEW HUSAYN WAS ON THE RIGHT PATH!

Because, THEIR SACRIFICE WOULD SAVE ISLAM!

Because, Allah would be pleased with them!

Now, let us listen to what the mothers of Karbala’ were telling their children on the right of ‘Ashura’.

Umm Laila is with her son, ‘Ali Akbar.

“My darling son, ‘Ali Akbar, tomorrow is the day of the battle. My son, ‘Ali Akbar, remember your life is not more important than the life of your father. Your father’s life will be in danger tomorrow. My darling, don’t hesitate to give your life to protect your father’s life.”

Umm Rubab is with her baby, ‘Ali Asghar.

“My baby Asghar, I wish you were a young man. I would have sacrificed your life to save your father’s life.”

Umm Farwah is with her son, Qasim.

“Qasim! My son, my darling. If your father was alive today, he would have sacrificed his life first. My daring, don’t embarrass me in front of your father on the Day of Judgement. Qasim, my son, do not hesitate to sacrifice your life to protect your uncle’s life.

Umm Kulthoom, Imam Husayn’s sister, was sitting alone, weeping.

‘Abbas, her brother, heard her crying. He came to her tent.

“My sister, Kulthoom, why are you crying? What’s the matter?”

“‘Abbas! Tomorrow is the day of sacrifice. I have no children to sacrifice.”

“My sister, Kulthoom! Don’t cry. ‘Abbas is still alive. Tomorrow I will sacrifice my life as a gift on your behalf. I will be your sacrifice,”

Bibi Zainab is with her two sons, ‘Aun – Muhammad.

“My sons, ‘Aun – Muhammad, tomorrow is the day of battle. Your uncle, Husayn’s life will be in danger. My darlings, if anything happens to Uncle Husayn, while you are still alive, I will be filled with shame. My ‘Aun – Muhammad, I will not be able to face your grandmother, Bibi Fatimah, on the Day of Judgement. Please, my dearest sons, don’t let me down. Be the first ones to sacrifice your lives.”

‘Ashura’ came.

‘Ali Akbar gave the Adhan. Imam Husayn led the Fajr prayers.

The day was already very hot. The battle began.

Imam Husayn’s army of 72 thirsty and hungry men, against 20,000 of Yazid’s men.

Hurr went to the battlefield and was martyred by Yazid’s beasts.

One-by-one, Husayn’s companions went to the battlefield and were killed.

Since dawn, Bibi Zainab was watching the bodies being brought to the tent – one-by-one.

She called her sons, ‘Aun – Muhammad.

“My sons, what are you waiting for? Why have you not been to the battlefield yet? Go and fight the enemies of Islam.”

“Mother, since dawn, we have been to Uncle Husayn many times for permission to fight. He keeps refusing us. Mother, you help us. Ask Uncle Husayn to give us permission to fight Jihad.”

Bibi Zainab called her brother, Husayn, to her tent.

“Brother Husayn! I have been like a mother to you, haven’t I? Husayn, your mother is begging you to let ‘Aun – Muhammad go to the battlefield.”

“Zainab, my sister, Jihad is not wajib on children. How can I let my sister’s sons be killed while I am still alive? No, Zainab, no!”

“Husayn, my brother! If ‘Ali Akbar dies before ‘Aun- Muhammad, how will I be able to face our mother on the Day of Judgement. My brother, I will be filled with shame. Please, brother! Let them go.”

Husayn saw the disappointment on Zainab’s face. Her eyes were filled with tears.

Husayn put his arms around ‘Aun – Muhammad and led them to their horses. He kissed them and helped them mount their horses.

“Go, go and show those beastly men that you have the blood of Ja’far and ‘Ali in your veins.”

‘Aun – Muhammad looked at their mother and said:

“ Fi aman Allah, mother! Fi aman Allah, mother!”

“Fi aman Allah, my sons.”

‘Aun – Muhammad rode out on to the battlefield. They fought bravely together. They were the grandsons of Ja’far and ‘Ali. They pushed the enemies back. Hundreds of Yazid’s men were killed.

‘Abbas and Husayn watched the two brothers fight so fiercely despite being thirsty for three days. ‘Abbas, who had trained ‘Aun – Muhammad in the art of sword fighting, was filled with pride.

Umar Saad, Yazid’s commander, got worried. He ordered his soldiers to separate the two brothers and then attack them from all sides.

‘Aun – Muhammad were separated. Each one was then surrounded by Yazid’s soldiers.

The two brothers were attacked by horsemen running from one side to another. ‘Aun – Muhammad were attacked with arrows, swords, spears and daggers from all sides.

How much can two young children, thirsty and hungry for three days take? As they fell, they called out for their uncle.

‘Uncle! Came quickly! Uncle, come and help us.”

Husayn and ‘Abbas rushed to the battlefield.

The children were severely wounded. They were taking their last breaths.

“Uncle, give our salaam to our mother. Uncle, please tell our mother that just as she had told us, we did not go towards the river”.

Imam Husayn and ‘Abbas carried the two young bodies to the tent.

‘Ali Akbar cried out:

My brothers, ‘Aun – Muhammad, have been killed.”

Zainab heard the cry from her tent. She did not cry. She laid her muslah and performed a sajdah.

Ya, Allah I thank you for accepting my sacrifice. Ya, Allah! I am proud of my two sons who have given their lives for Islam!”

‘Aun – Muhammad’s bodies were laid on the floor. The ladies gathered around. They cried and did matam.

“ Ya ‘Aunna, ya Muhammada! Ya ‘Aunna, ya Muhammada!”

Zainab did not cry. She did not do matam for ‘Aun- Muhammad.

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaih Raja’oon!
We are from Allah and to Him we will return!

Matam al-Husayn!

Today is the 4th night of Muharram.

Our majlis continues. We will recite nawhas to mourn the great loss in Karbala’. Our eyes will shed more tears and our matam will increase.

Let us focus our minds on Husayn in Karbala’.

He has hardly 72 men with him. While, day-by-day, Yazid’s vulture-like men are gathering in large numbers to kill Husayn.

On 9th Muharram, Yazid’s commanders decide to fight Husayn and his men. They blow the trumpets to start the battle.

Husayn was not ready to fight. He called his brother, ‘Abbas, the commander of his small army.

“‘Abbas! Go to the commanders of Yazid’s army and ask them to give us one more night. We will be ready tomorrow.”

‘Abbas went with Husayn’s request. It was granted. Why did Husayn ask for one more night?

To pray? To spend one more day with his children? To spend one more day with his darling daughter, Sakina?

No Husayn was waiting for a special guest – Hurr!

Who was Hurr?

Hurr was a captain of Yazid’s army. He was the captain who stopped Husayn from going to Kufa. He, with his 1,000 men, forced Husayn to come to Karbala’.

Hurr, the name means to be free. Hurr lived up to his name. He freed himself from the Fire of Hell before it was too late.

The events in Karbala’ teach us many lessons.

Hurr taught us a lesson. He set an example for us.

We should think of Hurr all the time during our life. Hurr had a choice between Hell and Heaven. He had a choice between glory in this world or happiness in the world hereafter.

It is never too late to ask for forgiveness. Hurr chose Heaven. He chose happiness in the world hereafter.

In our lifetime, there are many times when we have to make a choice between good and bad, between Halal and Haram, between right and wrong, between Hell and Heaven.

Be like Hurr, choose good deeds! Choose Halal things, go for truth and choose to be in Heaven. Happiness and glory in this world are short lived, while the happiness in the world hereafter is everlasting.

On 9th Muharram, Hurr could hear the cry:

“Al-Atash! Al-Atash! Al-Atash!” “Thirst Thirst! Thirst!”

The children in Husayn’s camp were crying for water.

Hurr was very restless. He kept on thinking what a grave mistake he had made by bringing Husayn to Karbala’.

“What have I done? Why? Why did I put the son of Fatimah in this position? Will Husayn forgive me? Will Allah forgive me? Will Bibi Fatimah forgive me? How can I ask for forgiveness?”

Hurr could not sleep the whole night. He spent the night weeping and begging Allah to forgive him.

The 10th of Muharram came! It was very early in the morning. Horses in Yazid’s camp were hot and uncomfortable.

They were jumping up and down. They could not keep their hooves on the ground because it was so hot.

Yazid’s soldiers poured buckets of water on the horses’ hooves to cool them and calm them.

Hurr watched as gallons of water was poured on the horses. He thought:

“So much water for the animals, while the children of Bibi Fatimah are crying for a few drops of water. There is so much water for the animals but none for the grandson of the Holy Prophet.”

“Al-Atash! Al-Atash! Al-Atash!”, echoed through Hurr’s ears.

Hurr could not take it anymore. He called his son and said:

“My son, I have made a terrible mistake. I have brought such a pious and truthful man here to be killed. Please, my son, quickly take me to Imam Husayn. I want to beg him to forgive me before it is too late. I am ashamed of myself. Will Husayn forgive me? How can I face him?”

Hurr continued:

“My son, before you take me to Husayn, tie my hands and cover my face, so that I do not have to face him while I ask for his forgiveness.”

Hurr’s son did what his father had asked him to do. He tied Hurr’s hands and covered his face.

Hurr and his son mounted their horses and headed towards Husayn’s camp.

‘Abbas, who was guarding the tents, saw the two men coming towards him. He thought they were coming to attack them. He pulled out his sword and warned them to stop where they were.

Imam Husayn also saw the two men.

“‘Abbas, my brother ‘Abbas! Put your sword back! Those two men are not coming to fight us. That is Hurr, my special guest. I have been waiting for him. Let us go and receive them, ‘Abbas.”

Imam Husayn and ‘Abbas went to meet Hurr.

“Welcome, Hurr, welcome. I have been waiting for you.”

Hurr threw himself at Husayn’s feet.

“My master, please forgive me. Please forgive me. I am extremely sorry for what I have done. I am ashamed of myself.”

Imam Husayn took Hurr in his arms and said:

“Hurr, my friend, I forgive you. I assure you that my grandfather, my father and my mother have also forgiven you. Come with me, Hurr.”

Imam Husayn, ‘Abbas, Hurr and his son rode back to the tents.

It was Fajr time. ‘Ali Akbar gave Adhan. They all prayed the Fajr Salat (Prayer).

Soon after that, Yazid’s soldiers blew the trumpets to start the battle.

Hurr asked Imam Husayn for permission to go and fight the enemies of Islam.

“Hurr, you are my guest. You have only been with me for a short time. I have not been able to look after you properly. I have neither fed you nor have I been able to give you water. At least spend some time with me. No, Hurr, no. I cannot let you die! You are my guest.”

Hurr did not give up. He kept insisting on being the first to go to battle.

Imam Husayn then thought that, the longer Hurr stayed with him, the more he would suffer from thirst and hunger.

Imam Husayn gave permission to Hurr.

“Go, Hurr, go! Fi aman Allah, Hurr.”

Imam Husayn himself mounted Hurr on his horse.

Hurr went to the battlefield.

He was a strong and brave man. He fought the battle gallantly and sent many of Yazid’s men to Hell.

Eventually, Hurr came off his horse. Severely wounded, he called for Husayn.

“Master, Master! Come quickly. Let me see you for the last time.”

Hurr was taking his last breaths. Imam Husayn placed Hurr’s head on his lap.

“Fi aman Allah, Hurr. Go, Hurr, go! My grandfather is waiting for you. My father and mother are waiting for you. We will be joining you soon in Heaven. Fi aman Allah, Hurr”

Imam Husayn, with tears in his eyes, prayed to Allah:

“Ya, Allah! Please forgive Hurr and grant him a place in Heaven.”

Hurr died on Imam Husayn’s lap and ‘Abbas and All Akbar helped Imam carry Hurr’s body to the tent.

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaih Raja’oon!
We are from Allah and to Him we will return!

Matam al-Husayn!