THE MARTYRS OF KARBALA
Those who surrendered their souls in the way of the Lord at Karbala were the divinely selected ones of the human family. They were ideal personalities with unique qualities which humanity could justly be proud to own in their kind as the matchless gems which the world had ever seen. They were the noblest models of devoted Muslims. The faith in God, the sincere devotion, the dauntless courage, the unconquerable fidelity, the unfailing patience, the charitable disposition, the ideal consideration for life after death and the ever mindfulness of the Day of Judgment which the great martyrs manifested in the hour of their trial at Karbala were obviously the qualities they were divinely conditioned with for the fulfillment of the Divine attributes in a human personality may look into the wonderful sacrifice which Husayn, the King of Martyrs offered in Karbala, in the way of the Lord.
It is a historic fact that a large crowd followed Husayn from Mecca but before the great offering he had to make, Husayn started relating to these people through his repeated sermons the sufferings and the gruesome massacre in store for those who remain with him. The Holy Imam made those in doubt to leave his camp. Only the sincere ones who were wholly devoted to the Lord and who were really anxious of surrendering themselves in His way were left. Husayn wrote letters and sent messages to the chosen few worthy of inclusion into his fold informing them of the arrival of the awaited hour. Thus were collected the gems worthy of presenting to the Lord.
The Companions of Husayn and those of the Holy Prophet
The kind of faithful companions the Holy Imam Husayn had gathered around him was not given to any of the Apostles of God including Jesus and even the Holy Prophet Muhammad to claim such a band of men of spotless character and godly conduct in such a large number among their companions. While one of the disciples of Jesus betrayed hem and connived to get him in the hands of his enemies, none of the other disciples offered to get killed with their Master. In the case of the companions of the Holy Prophet, most of those who claim prominence in their devotion to him, deserted him leaving him in the jaws of death, not once or twice but on every occasion when they felt any danger to their lives. But in the case of Husayn, the faithfulness and the devotion of his comrades in the worst and the most torturous miseries which culminated in the gruesome massacre of one and all of them, is nothing but a matchless marvel which has thrown the human world into wonder and has moved every human heart to sorrow and grief for them, with tears irresistibly rushing into the eyes of men, women and even children in sympathy for the great sufferers in the way of the Lord.
Husayn's Martyrdom was prophesised in the Old Testament
"For this is the day of the Lord God of hosts a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his adversaries and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiated and make drunk with their blood for the Lord God of hosts hath a sacrifice in the North country by the river Euphrates."
Brief Notes on some of those Martyred in Kufa and Karbala
1. Abu-Bakr ibne Ali ibne Abi Taleb
He was called 'Muhammad-e-Azghar' or Abdullah from Laila daughter of Masu'ud, son of Hanzala, son of Manath, son of Tameem.
2. Abi Bakr son of the Second Imam Hassan, son of Ali.
3. Abdul Hatoof Ansari and his brother
4. Sa'ad (both sons of Hur).
Both from Kufa who joined the Holy Imam at Karbala.
5. Adhan son of Omayya-al Abdi. From Basra son of Abi Obaida, whose father had been the companion of the Holy Prophet.
6. Aslam-the slave who was purchased and liberated by the Holy Imam- was the scribe engaged to write communications from the Holy Imam.
7. Anas bin Hars-e-Kahili, son of Baniah, son of Kahli who was one of the companions of the Holy Prophet
8. Borair Zibe Khozair-e- Hamdani -
A very old, pious, and devoted companion of Amirul-Momineen, Ali ibne Abi Taleb, one of the prominent noblemen of Kufa. He was the one who came to the Holy Imam begging most humbly to permit him to get martyred for he wanted to die in the way of the Lord and show his face to the Holy Prophet on the Day of Judgment.
9. Omayyabib Sa'd at Tale:
He was one of the companions of Amirul-Momineen.
10. Bushr bin Amrual Hazrami from the famous ones among the faithful ones among the faithful devotees of the Holy Prophet.
11. Bakr bib Hai at Taimi:
Of the Bani Taimi tribe who came to the Holy Imam and volunteered to be martyred in the way of the Lord.
12. Jabib ibne Hajjaj al Taimi:
He was the follower of Muslim-bin-Aqeel in Kufa. Since Muslim was arrested, he hid himself until Husayn arrived in Karbala, and submitted himself until Husayn arrived in Karbala, and submitted himself to the Holy Imam.
13. Jibilath ibne Ali-e-Shaibani:
The one who was attending to Amirul-Momineen in the battle of Siffin.
14. Jafar ibne Aqeel ibne Abi Taleb:
The third brother of Abbas the Standard Bearer of the Holy Imam.
15. Jafar ibne Aqeel ibne Abi Taleb:
Brother of Muslim ibne Aqeel the Deputy of the Holy Imam to Kufa.
16. Jinadat ibne Ka'b Ansari Al-Khazraji:
Along with his son-martyred at Karbala- one of the greatest devotees of the Holy Imam.
17. Jundab bin Mujee al Khaulani:
One of the companions of Ameerul-Momineen who came to the Holy Imam, fell down on his feet and prayed to be permitted to be martyred.
18. Jaun-The liberated slave of Abi-Zar, joined the Second Holy Imam and thereafter he remained with Husayn and had come to Karbala with Husayn. He was trained under Abi-Zar and was a very pious devotee of the Holy Imam.
19. Jaun bin Malike Tameemi:
Of the tribe of Bani Tameem. One who was in Yazid's army. Seeing the Devil's forces decision to attack the Holy Imam, which he never thought would happen, left the ranks of the Devil's forces and joined the Holy Imam.
20. Hars-The liberated slave of hazrat Hamza, the uncle of the Holy Prophet-had come from Madina along with Husayn.
21. Habshi bin Qais-e-Nahmi:
Of a group from the tribe of Hamdan. His grandfather was one of the faithful companions of the Holy Prophet.
22. Hars bin Amarul Qais-e-Kandi:
A very brave nobleman of Arabia. He went into the armies of the Devil, and found his own uncle there. His uncle asked him: "Have you come to kill your uncle?" He replied Yes! you are my uncle, no doubt, but God is my Lord and you have come here against him." He killed his uncle. Along with him three others from the enemy's ranks joined the Holy Imam. All were martyred.
23. Habib bin Amir-e-Taimi:
One who had already paid allegiance to the Holy Imam at the hands of Muslim, was martyred in Kufa. Habib left Kufa and joined the Holy Imam on his way to Karbala.
24. Habib bin Muzahir al-Asadi:
He was known as Habib ibne Mazahir bin Re'aab bin Al-Ashtar from the lineage of Asad Abdul Qasim Al-Asadi - aged 70 years. He was one of the faithful companions of the Holy Prophet, who after the Holy Prophet always remained with Ameerul-Momineen Ali and migrated toe Kufa when the Capital was shifted from Madina to Kufa, and accompanied Ali in all battles he fought against the rebels and traitors. His ideal faithfulness and sincere devotion to he Holy Imam has many glorious details.
25. Hajjaji bin Masrooq al-Jaufi:
One of the faithful companions of Ameerul-Momineen Ali in Kufa.
26. Hajjaji bin Badr as S'di:
Of Basra from the tribe Bani Sa'd, famous nobleman in Kufa. He was the one who carried the communications of the Holy Imam to the pious ones of the devotees of the House of the Holy Prophet in Kufa.
27. Hur ibne Yazdi ar Riyah:
He was the son of Yazid ibne Najiyah bin Qa'nab bin Yitab bin Hur in the lineage of Al'Tarbo'ir Riyahi. A famous nobleman of Kufa, and experienced warrior specially selected by Ibne Ziad to command a contingent against Husayn. He was the one who obstructed Husayn's way near Kufa, but he never believed that the venture of Ibne Ziad was to end in the martyrdom of the Holy Imam. When at Karbala he found that the decision was to martyr the Holy Imam, Hur left the Devil's forces and joined the Holy Imam, seeking pardon for his previous conduct. The Holy Imam received him with special grace. Hur was among the foremost martyrs in the way of God.
28. Hallas bin Amro' ar Rasibi:
He was the son of Amru ar Rasibi who was one of the faithful companions of Ameerul-Momineen Ali.
29. Hanzala bin As'adus-Shabami:
He was the one who carried the message of exhortation from the Holy Imam to ibne Sa'd in Karbala.
30. Rafe' -the liberated slave of Muslim Azdi:
He came from Kufa and volunteered to be martyred in the way of the Lord.
31. Zavir bin Amro al Kandi:
A sincere devotee of the Ahlu Bait and a devoted companion of the Holy Imam. He was a noble personality very much revered and respected by the people.
32. Zohair al Qaine Bijilly:
He was a noble chieftain of his tribe, a man of great influence in Kufa. In the beginning he was attached to the Third Caliph Othman. Once returning from Haj he met the Holy Imam and became a staunch devotee of Husayn. He is the one who bade goodbye to his wife Dalham daughter of Amru, liberating her with a divorce to go to her relatives, and he joined the Holy Imam.
33. Ziad bin Areeb al Sa'idi:
Son of Areeb one of the faithful companions of the Holy Prophet. A very pious and brave noble personality enjoying the trust and the confidence of the people.
34. Salim the liberated slave of Amire Abdi:
A staunch devotee of Amirul-Momineen Ali, from Basra.
35. Salim the liberated slave of Bani Madinatul Kalbi:
Of the tribe Kalb one of the devotees of Amirul-Momineen Ali in Kufa.
36. Sa'd bin Hars and Abul hatoof bin Harse Ansari:
These twin brothers had come from Kufa employed in the forces of the Devil to fight Husayn. Later they left the ranks of the Devil's forces and joined the Holy Imam and got martyred.
37. Sa'd the liberated slave of Amirul-Momineen Ali:
After the martyrdom of Amirul-Momineen, he remained attached to Imam Hassan and later after the martyrdom of Imam Hassan, he remained devoted to Husayn.
38. Sa'd - the liberated slave of Amro bin Khalid:
He volunteered to be martyred for the Truth. A noble personality with a high degree of fidelity and valance.
39. Sayeed bin Abdullah Hanafi:
A noble and very influential personality in Kufa uniquely brave. He was the gentleman who carried Muslim's letter form Kufa to Husayn and remained with the Holy Imam until he was martyred. He was the man who, while the Holy Imam offered his prayers in the field of action (Karbala) stood in front of the Holy Imam and received the arrows from the Devil's forces, on his breast, and protecting the Imam in prayers.
40. Salman bin Mazarib bin Qais al Anmari al Bijilli:
A cousin of Zohair al Qain. He went to Mecca with Zohair and when on his return form Mecca Zohair decided to join the Holy Imam, he accompanied him and got martyred at Karbala. A man of very noble conduct and character endowed with strong will and prowess. A very pious personality fearing none but God.
41. Suleiman bin Razeen-A liberated slave of the Holy Imam:
A truthful and a very reliable gentlemen. A staunch devotee of the Holy Imam. He carried Husayn's letters to the devotees of the Ahlul-Bait in Basra. Ibne Ziad, the Devil's governor of Basra caught him and this faithful servant of the Holy Imam became a martyr.
42. Sawar bin Manyim-e-Nahmi:
A highly respected noble veteran of Iraq, travelled all the way to Karbala to join the Holy Imam to get martyred with him.
43. Suwaid bin Amro bin Abil Mataa al Anmari al Khash'mi:
A noble, highly respected, God-fearing and a brave personality. He fought and fell seriously wounded, and was lying unconscious, the enemy thinking him dead had left him but when he returned to consciousness and heard the rejoicing of the Devil's forces shouting that the Holy Imam had been killed, he got up, and fought, and was martyred.
44. Saif bin Hars al Jabiri and Malik:
These two cousins from Kufa joined the Holy Imam.
45. Saif bin Malid al Abdi a Basri:
A leading devotee of the Holy Ahlul-Bait.
46. Shabeeb a liberated slave of Hars-e-Jabiri-e-Hamadani:
A very brave man who got martyred in the very first attack from the enemy.
47. Shaneb-e-Shakiri:
Well-known in Kufa for his nobility of character, courage, and a revered noble veteran of the town.
48. Zarghaman abin Milik-e-Taghlabi:
A lion-hearted, brave who was faithful to Muslim bin Aqeel in Kufa. After Muslim's martyrdom, he joined the Holy Imam.
49. Aaiz bin Majama'al Aazi:
One of those six, who along with Hur ibne Yazid-e-Riyahi had joined the Holy Imam.
50. Aabis ibne Abi Shabeeb-e-Shakiri:
One of the most pious devotees of Amirul-Momineen, and one of the noblemaen of Kufa. He was one of those who helped Muslim ibne Aqeel in Kufa.
51. Amir bin Muslim at Badi Basri:
With his liberated slave Salim, both the devotees of Amirul-Momineen in Basra, joined the Holy Imam.
52. Abbas Ibne Ali ibne Abi Taleb, Qamare Bani Hashim:
This is the great son of the First Holy Imam Ali ibne Abi Taleb, from the noble lady Hazrat Ummul-Baeen, who was brought into this world to fulfill the desire of Amirul-Momineen to have his own representative, on his behalf to be martyred with Husayn in Karbala. Abbas is well-known to the Muslim World for the unique divine qualities he was endowed with.
This great lion-hearted son of the Lion of God in his qualities and position in Karbala, is next only to the Holy Imam Husayn.
The 'Alam' or the Banner which he held on behalf of the Holy Imam, was the Standard of Islam or the Truth, which is hoisted by the Shias, popularly during the mourning season of Muharram, and is revered as do the faithful subjects of good Kings as a token of their loyalty to him. The Banner being the Standard of Truth is only revered and respected and never worshipped as wrongly imagined and depicted by some ignorant ones. Worship in Islam is due to none but the One, the Only True God.
53. Abdullah ibne Husayn, known as Ali-e-Asghar:
The 6-month old baby son of the Holy Imam, martyred in the very lap of his father whose martyrdom no human heart can bear without shedding tears.
54. Abdullah bin Hassan ibne Ali:
The son of the Second Holy Imam Hassan, a young boy who ran out of the tent to save Husayn when he was being martyred, and was martyred before the Holy Imam.
55. Abdullah bin Bushr Khash'ami tribe. A well known noble personality in Kufa. He came out of Kufa with ibne Sa'd but joined the Holy Imam.
56. Abduallah bin Omair Kalbi:
He had come to Kufa from Madina, and joined the Holy Imam. His wife also accompanied him to serve the Holy ladies. When Abdullah was martyred, his wife sitting at the dead body of her husband said "O Abdullah Thou hath entered Paradise, take me along with thee." The good lady had not finished her lamentations when a slave of Shimar delivered a blow on her head with an axe and she was martyred.
57. Abdul Rahman and Abdullah sons of Orawah bin Harraq al Ghaffari:
These two brothers were noblemen of Kufa. Their grandfather Harraq, was one of the faithful companions of Ameerul-Momineen. They came to the Holy Imam and joined the noble cause.
58. Abdullah bin Muslim bin Aqeel:
Son of Muslim bin Aqeel ibne Abi Taleb. His mother was Roqiah, daughter of Ali through his wife Sahba, from Yamamah was martyred when he went to save the Holy Imam.
59. Abdullah bin Yaqtar-e-Himyart:
He was the son of the good lady who had served the Holy Imam as his nurse in his babyhood.
60. Abde Qais Basri-e-Abdi:
Along with Abdullah bin Zaid-e-Abdi. Obaidullah bin Zaide Abdi, Yazid bin sabeet al Abdi.
These great men well-known and highly respected ones of their tribe came and requested the Imam to permit them to drink the cup of martyrdom along with him.
61. Abdul A'la bin Yazeed al Kalbi al Aleemi:
The famous and respected nobleman from Kufa.
62. Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Rab-e-Ansar Khazrji:
One of the faithful companions of the Holy Prophet and a Traditionist and a faithful devotee of Ameerul-Momineen.
63. Abdul Rahman bin Aqeel ibne Abi Taleb.
Son of Aqeel from his wife Omme Walad.
64. Abdul Rahman-e-Arhabi:
One of those who carried the letters of the devotees to the Holy Imam.
65. Abdul Rahman bin Mas'ood at Taimi:
Came out of Kufa along with Ibne Sa'd but later joined the Holy Imam.
66. Othman bin Ali ibne Abi Taleb:
One of the brothers of Hazrate Abbas, the third son of Ommul Baneen.
Joined the Holy Imam on his way to Karbala.
67. Omar bin Janada-e-Ansari:
This is the son of the godly lady who came to the Holy Imam and implored for his permission for her son Omar to be martyred and somehow succeeded in getting it.
68. Ali -e-Akbar son of the Holy Imam:
The 18-year old son of the Holy Imam who resembled the Holy Prophet the most, was martyred by a lance pierced through his breast.
69. Omer bin Zabi'ah Az Zabiyee:
Son of Zabiya at Taimi. Came out of Kufa with Ibne Sa'd but later joined the Holy Imam and was martyred.
70. Amro bin Khalid-e- Saidavi and three others:
When these four person marched towards the camp of the Holy Imam, Hur asked the Holy Imam for permission to stop them from getting near the camp for they were coming from the enemy's ranks. The Holy Imam miraculously said "Oh struck them not, they are coming to me with a good hears. They are my devotees."
71. Amru bin Abdullah-e-Jundayi:
Of the tribe of Hamden.
72. Arm bin Quart al Ansari:
One of the faithful companions of the Holy Prophet and also of Amirul-Momineen.
73. Amru bin Ha'b Abu Thamama al Sa'idi:
One of the faithful devotees and companions of Amirul-Momineen.
74. Amru bin Hassan Talee:
One of the staunch devotees of the Ahlul-Bait.
75. Ammara ibne Salama al Daaalani:
One of the companions of Amirul-Momineen.
76. Aun and Muhammad sons of Jafar-e-Tayyar:
Two sons of Hazrat Zainab the sister of the Holy Imam. Aun was her own son and Muhammad was from the deceased wife (Khausa), of her husband Abdullah bin Jaffar Tayyar. These two were only young boys of about nine and ten years of age. The Holy Lady Zainab, the daughter of Amirul-Momineen and Lady Fatimah, brought these two young boys and implored her brother, the Holy Imam, to permit them to free the enemy. At the persistent implorings from his sister the Holy Imam permitted, and these two young souls were martyred before the very eyes of their mother. This godly daughter of Ali and Fatima, the grand daughter of the Holy Prophet, stood quietly at the dead bodies of her children and said "I will not lament for you have gone in the way of the Lord." The whole camp wept but Zainab stopped them from crying, saying: "Let no my brother feel that I am sorry for losing them in the way of the Lord. Today I am pleased with my children."
77. Qarib:
The son of a liberated slave girl of Husayn This lady, after having been liberated by the holy Imam, was married to a gentlemen and brought her son Qarib and presented him to the Holy Imam and Qarib was brought up by the Holy Imam. He was martyred along with the other devotees, offering himself in the way of the Lord.
78. Qasim bin Hassan bin Ali:
Son of the Second Holy Imam.
79. Qasim bin
A well-known noble of Kufa.
80. Qasith, Kardoos, Musqit-Sons of Zohair al Taghlabi:
These three brothers were the devoted companions of Amirul Momineen who were with him in all his expeditions against the infidels and traitors. They came form Kufa and offered themselves for noble cause and achieve martyrdom.
81. Qan'ab an Namri:
One of the devotees of Amirul-Momineen who came for Basra.
82. Qais bin Mushir as Saidavi:
A very pious personality from a group of the Asadi tribe, extra-ordinarily brave, faithful and one of the sincere and faithful companions of the Holy Prophet. He reported himself to the Holy Imam, from Kufa, and was martyred.
83. Kannah at Taghlabi:
A very noble personality known for his piety in Kufa. A good reciter of the Holy Qu'ran and a very brave, God fearing, influential and powerful noble of Kufa.
84. Majma'ul Jahni:
Son of Zian bin Omar Jahni, one of the aged companions of the Holy Imam. When people began deserting the Holy Imam on the night of Ashura, this old devotee of the Holy Imam remained and achieved martyrdom.
85. Muslim bin Aqeel:
The Deputy of the Holy Imam to Kufa, where he was martyred.
86. Muslim Ibne Ausaja al Asadi:
One of the faithful companions of the Holy Prophet. An aged veteran who had earned a glorious name and fame for his valor and prowess in the expeditions against the infidels. On the night of Ashoora when the Holy Imam told his companions to find their own ways and save themselves from the wholescale massacre of his supporters which was in store for them the following day, Muslim addressing the Holy Imam said: "O son of the Holy Prophet! Where am I to go before myself getting martyred here"?
Muslim was one of the most prominent supporters of the Holy Imam in Karbala, and was martyred there.
87. Muslim bin Katheer al A'waj al Azdi:
One of the devotees of Amirul-Momineen in Kufa.
88. Mas'ood bin Hajjaj Taimy and his son Abdur Rahman bin Mas'ood:
The devotees of Amirul-Momineen from Kufa. These two were known for their piety and righteousness.
89. Muhammad bin Abdullah ibne Jafar:
A young son of Abdullah son of Hazrat Jafar-e-Tayyar, his mother was Khausa, daughter of Hafsa bin Rabi'a.
90. Muhammad bin Muslim Aqeel:
One of the two young sons of Muslim bin Aqeel the Deputy of the Holy Imam who was martyred in Kufa.
91. Muhammad bin Muslim bin Aqeel:
The grandson of Muslim bin Aqeel the Deputy of the Holy Imam to Kufa.
92. Munjeh--the liberated slave of the Second Holy Imam Hassan:
He accompanied Qasim bin Hasan from Medina. 93. Mauq' bin Thamamah Asadi Saidavi Abu Musa:
One of the devotees of the Ahlul Bait in Kufa who escaped from the town at night and joined the Holy Imam at Karbala.
94. Nafe' bin Hilale Jamali:
A companion of Ameerul-Momineen. Reciter of the Holy Qu'ran and Traditionalist. A noble personality known in Kufa for his piety, who escaped from Kufa and joined the Holy Imam in Karbala. A great devotee of Holy Imam who always remained by the side of Abbas the Standard Bearer of Husayn. He could not bear the least disregard for the Holy Imam, from anyone in the Devil's forces.
95. Nasr bin Naizar:
A liberated slave of Amirul-Momineen (The Leader of the faithful). He was presented to the Holy Prophet by the King of Persia and the Holy Prophet presented him to Amirul-Momineen, who freed him. He came to Karbala.
96. Wazeh the Turk:
The Turkish liberated slave of Harse Madhaji. A pious gentlemen, a good reciter of the Holy Qu'ran, who came to Karbala, and presented himself to the Holy Imam.
97. Hani bin Orwah:
Martyred at Kufa with Muslim ibne Aqeel.
98. Yazid bin Ziad bin Mohasir-e-Kandi-Behdile Abush-Sha'sa:
One of the nobles in Kufa. A staunch devotee of Ahlul-Bait. A very pious personality who joined Husayn from Kufa.
99. Yazid bin Maghfal Ja'fi:
A very pious devotee of Ameerul Momineen. A learned poet. His father and grandfather were faithful companions of the Holy Prophet. (s.a.w.a.s.).
100. Husayn ibne Ali, the King of Martyrs:
The divinely promised and prophesised Martyr of the Zibhe Azeem (The Great Sacrifice) in the seed of Abraham through his son Ishmael, in the lineage of Ishmael through Muhammad the Last Apostle of God, Ali the Ameerul Momineen, the First of the Holy Imams and Lady Fatima, the Lady of light.

In The Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

The Martyrs of Karbala and Kufah


1 Abu-Bakr ibne Ali ibne Abi Taleb: He was called 'Muhammad-e-Azghar' or Abdullah from Laila daughter of Masu'ud, son of Hanzala, son of Manath, son of Tameem.

2 Abi Bakr: Son of the Second Imam Hassan, son of Ali.

3. Abdul Hatoof Ansari: Accompanied by his brother.

4. Sa'ad: Both sons of Hur. Both from Kufa who joined the Holy Imam at Kerbala.

5. Adhan: Son of Omayya-al Abdi. From Basra son of Abi Obaida, whose father had been the companion of the Holy Prophet.

6. Aslam: The slave who was purchased and liberated by the Holy Imam- was the scribe engaged to write communications from the Holy Imam.

7. Anas bin Hars-e-Kahili: Son of Baniah, son of Kahli who was one of the companions of the Holy Prophet.

8. Borair Zibe Khozair-e- Hamdani: A very old, pious, and devoted companion of Amirul-Momineen, Ali ibne Abi Taleb, one of the prominent noblemen of Kufa. He was the one who came to the Holy Imam begging most humbly to permit him to get martyred for he wanted to die in the way of the Lord and show his face to the Holy Prophet on the Day of Judgment.

9. Omayyabib Sa'd at Taie; He was one of the companions of Amirul-Momineen.

10. Bushr bin Amrual Hazrami: From the famous ones among the faithful ones among the faithful devotees of the Holy Prophet.

11. Bakr bib Hai at Taimi: Of the Bani Taimi tribe who came to the Holy Imam and volunteered to be martyred in the way of the Lord.

12. Jabib ibne Hajjaj al Taimi: He was the follower of Muslim-bin-Aqeel in Kufa. Since Muslim was arrested, he hid himself until Husayn arrived in Kerbala, and submitted himself until Husayn arrived in Kerbala, and submitted himself to the Holy Imam.

13. Jibilath ibne Ali-e-Shaibani: The one who was attending to Amirul-Momineen in the battle of Siffin.

14. Jafar ibne Aqeel ibne Abi Taleb: The third brother of Abbas the Standard Bearer of the Holy Imam.

15. Jafar ibne Aqeel ibne Abi Taleb: Brother of Muslim ibne Aqeel the Deputy of the Holy Imam to Kufa.

16. Jinadat ibne Ka'b Ansari Al-Khazraji: Along with his son-martyred at Kerbala- one of the greatest devotees of the Holy Imam.

17. Jundab bin Mujee al Khaulani: One of the companions of Ameerul-Momineen who came to the Holy Imam, fell down on his feet and prayed to be permitted to be martyred.

18. Jaun: The liberated slave of Abi-Zar, joined the Second Holy Imam and thereafter he remained with Husayn and had come to Kerbala with Husayn. He was trained under Abi-Zar and was a very pious devotee of the Holy Imam.

19. Jaun bin Malike Tameemi: Of the tribe of Bani Tameem. One who was in Yazid's army. Seeing the Devil's forces decision to attack the Holy Imam, which he never thought would happen, left the ranks of the Devil's forces and joined the Holy Imam.

20. Hars: The liberated slave of hazrat Hamza, the uncle of the Holy Prophet-had come from Madina along with Husayn.

21. Habshi bin Qais-e-Nahmi: Of a group from the tribe of Hamdan. His grandfather was one of the faithful companions of the Holy Prophet.

22. Hars bin Amarul Qais-e-Kandi: A very brave nobleman of Arabia. He went into the armies of the Devil, and found his own uncle there. His uncle asked him: "Have you come to kill your uncle?" He replied Yes! you are my uncle, no doubt, but God is my Lord and you have come here against him." He killed his uncle. Along with him three others from the enemy's ranks joined the Holy Imam. All were martyred.

23. Habib bin Amir-e-Taimi: One who had already paid allegiance to the Holy Imam at the hands of Muslim, was martyred in Kufa. Habib left Kufa and joined the Holy Imam on his way to Kerbala.

24. Habib bin Muzahir al-Asadi: He was known as Habib ibne Mazahir bin Re'aab bin Al-Ashtar from the lineage of Asad Abdul Qasim Al-Asadi - aged 70 years. He was one of the faithful companions of the Holy Prophet, who after the Holy Prophet always remained with Ameerul-Momineen Ali and migrated toe Kufa when the Capital was shifted from Madina to Kufa, and accompanied Ali in all battles he fought against the rebels and traitors. His ideal faithfulness and sincere devotion to he Holy Imam has many glorious details.

25. Hajjaji bin Masrooq al-Jaufi: One of the faithful companions of Ameerul-Momineen Ali in Kufa.

26. Hajjaji bin Badr as Sa'di: Of Basra from the tribe Bani Sa'd, famous nobleman in Kufa. He was the one who carried the communications of the Holy Imam to the pious ones of the devotees of the House of the Holy Prophet in Kufa.

27. Hur ibne Yazdi ar Riyah: He was the son of Yazid ibne Najiyah bin Qa'nab bin Yitab bin Hur in the lineage of Al'Tarbo'ir Riyahi. A famous nobleman of Kufa, and experienced warrior specially selected by Ibne Ziad to command a contingent against Husayn. He was the one who obstructed Husayn's way near Kufa, but he never believed that the venture of Ibne Ziad was to end in the martyrdom of the Holy Imam. When at Kerbala he found that the decision was to martyr the Holy Imam, Hur left the Devil's forces and joined the Holy Imam, seeking pardon for his previous conduct. The Holy Imam received him with special grace. Hur was among the foremost martyrs in the way of God.

28. Hallas bin Amro' ar Rasibi: He was the son of Amru ar Rasibi who was one of the faithful companions of Ameerul-Momineen Ali.

29. Hanzala bin As'adus-Shabami: He was the one who carried the message of exhortation from the Holy Imam to ibne Sa'd in Kerbala.

30. Rafe' -the liberated slave of Muslim Azdi: He came from Kufa and volunteered to be martyred in the way of the Lord.

31. Zavir bin Amro al Kandi: A sincere devotee of the Ahlu Bait and a devoted companion of the Holy Imam. He was a noble personality very much revered and respected by the people.

32. Zohair al Qaine Bijilly: He was a noble chieftain of his tribe, a man of great influence in Kufa. In the beginning he was attached to the Third Caliph Othman. Once returning from Haj he met the Holy Imam and became a staunch devotee of Husayn. He is the one who bade goodbye to his wife Dalham daughter of Amru, liberating her with a divorce to go to her relatives, and he joined the Holy Imam.

33. Ziad bin Areeb al Sa'idi: Son of Areeb one of the faithful companions of the Holy Prophet. A very pious and brave noble personality enjoying the trust and the confidence of the people.

34. Salim the liberated slave of Amire Abdi: A staunch devotee of Amirul-Momineen Ali, from Basra.

35. Salim the liberated slave of Bani Madinatul Kalbi: Of the tribe Kalb one of the devotees of Amirul-Momineen Ali in Kufa.

36. Sa'd bin Hars and Abul hatoof bin Harse Ansari: These twin brothers had come from Kufa employed in the forces of the Devil to fight Husayn. Later they left the ranks of the Devil's forces and joined the Holy Imam and got martyred.

37. Sa'd the liberated slave of Amirul-Momineen Ali: After the martyrdom of Amirul-Momineen, he remained attached to Imam Hassan and later after the martyrdom of Imam Hassan, he remained devoted to Husayn.

38. Sa'd - the liberated slave of Amro bin Khalid: He volunteered to be martyred for the Truth. A noble personality with a high degree of fidelity and valance.

39. Sayeed bin Abdullah Hanafi: A noble and very influential personality in Kufa uniquely brave. He was the gentleman who carried Muslim's letter form Kufa to Husayn and remained with the Holy Imam until he was martyred. He was the man who, while the Holy Imam offered his prayers in the field of action (Kerbala) stood in front of the Holy Imam and received the arrows from the Devil's forces, on his breast, and protecting the Imam in prayers.

40. Salman bin Mazarib bin Qais al Anmari al Bijilli: A cousin of Zohair al Qain. He went to Mecca with Zohair and when on his return form Mecca Zohair decided to join the Holy Imam, he accompanied him and got martyred at Kerbala. A man of very noble conduct and character endowed with strong will and prowess. A very pious personality fearing none but God.

41. Suleiman bin Razeen-A liberated slave of the Holy Imam: A truthful and a very reliable gentlemen. A staunch devotee of the Holy Imam. He carried Husayn's letters to the devotees of the Ahlul-Bait in Basra. Ibne Ziad, the Devil's governor of Basra caught him and this faithful servant of the Holy Imam became a martyr.

42. Sawar bin Manyim-e-Nahmi: A highly respected noble veteran of Iraq, travelled all the way to Kerbala to join the Holy Imam to get martyred with him.

43. Suwaid bin Amro bin Abil Mataa al Anmari al Khash'mi: A noble, highly respected, God-fearing and a brave personality. He fought and fell seriously wounded, and was lying unconscious, the enemy thinking him dead had left him but when he returned to consciousness and heard the rejoicing of the Devil's forces shouting that the Holy Imam had been killed, he got up, and fought, and was martyred.

44. Saif bin Hars al Jabiri and Malik: These two cousins from Kufa joined the Holy Imam.

45. Saif bin Malid al Abdi a Basri: A leading devotee of the Holy Ahlul-Bait.

46. Shabeeb a liberated slave of Hars-e-Jabiri-e-Hamadani: A very brave man who got martyred in the very first attack from the enemy.

47. Shaneb-e-Shakiri: Well-known in Kufa for his nobility of character, courage, and a revered noble veteran of the town.

48. Zarghaman abin Milik-e-Taghlabi: A lion-hearted, brave who was faithful to Muslim bin Aqeel in Kufa. After Muslim's martyrdom, he joined the Holy Imam.

49. Aaiz bin Majama'al Aazi: One of those six, who along with Hur ibne Yazid-e-Riyahi had joined the Holy Imam.

50. Aabis ibne Abi Shabeeb-e-Shakiri: One of the most pious devotees of Amirul-Momineen, and one of the noblemaen of Kufa. He was one of those who helped Muslim ibne Aqeel in Kufa.

51. Amir bin Muslim at Badi Basri: With his liberated slave Salim, both the devotees of Amirul-Momineen in Basra, joined the Holy Imam.

52. Abbas Ibne Ali ibne Abi Taleb, Qamare Bani Hashim: This is the great son of the First Holy Imam Ali ibne Abi Taleb, from the noble lady Hazrat Ummul-Baeen, who was brought into this world to fulfill the desire of Amirul-Momineen to have his own representative, on his behalf to be martyred with Husayn in Kerbala. Abbas is well-known to the Muslim World for the unique divine qualities he was endowed with.

This great lion-hearted son of the Lion of God in his qualities and position in Kerbala, is next only to the Holy Imam Husayn.

The 'Alam' or the Banner which he held on behalf of the Holy Imam, was the Standard of Islam or the Truth, which is hoisted by the Shias, popularly during the mourning season of Muharram, and is revered as do the faithful subjects of good Kings as a token of their loyalty to him. The Banner being the Standard of Truth is only revered and respected and never worshipped as wrongly imagined and depicted by some ignorant ones. Worship in Islam is due to none but the One, the Only True God.

53. Abdullah ibne Husayn, known as Ali-e-Asghar: The 6-month old baby son of the Holy Imam, martyred in the very lap of his father whose martyrdom no human heart can bear without shedding tears.

54. Abdullah bin Hassan ibne Ali: The son of the Second Holy Imam Hassan, a young boy who ran out of the tent to save Husayn when he was being martyred, and was martyred before the Holy Imam.

55. Abdullah bin Bushr Khash'ami tribe: A well known noble personality in Kufa. He came out of Kufa with ibne Sa'd but joined the Holy Imam.

56. Abduallah bin Omair Kalbi: He had come to Kufa from Madina, and joined the Holy Imam. His wife also accompanied him to serve the Holy ladies. When Abdullah was martyred, his wife sitting at the dead body of her husband said "O Abdullah Thou hath entered Paradise, take me along with thee." The good lady had not finished her lamentations when a slave of Shimar delivered a blow on her head with an axe and she was martyred.

57. Abdul Rahman and Abdullah sons of Orawah bin Harraq al Ghaffari: These two brothers were noblemen of Kufa. Their grandfather Harraq, was one of the faithful companions of Ameerul-Momineen. They came to the Holy Imam and joined the noble cause.

58. Abdullah bin Muslim bin Aqeel: Son of Muslim bin Aqeel ibne Abi Taleb. His mother was Roqiah, daughter of Ali through his wife Sahba, from Yamamah was martyred when he went to save the Holy Imam.

59. Abdullah bin Yaqtar-e-Himyart: He was the son of the good lady who had served the Holy Imam as his nurse in his babyhood.

60. Abde Qais Basri-e-Abdi: Along with Abdullah bin Zaid-e-Abdi. Obaidullah bin Zaide Abdi, Yazid bin sabeet al Abdi.

These great men well-known and highly respected ones of their tribe came and requested the Imam to permit them to drink the cup of martyrdom along with him.

61. Abdul A'la bin Yazeed al Kalbi al Aleemi: The famous and respected nobleman from Kufa.

62. Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Rab-e-Ansar Khazrji: One of the faithful companions of the Holy Prophet and a Traditionist and a faithful devotee of Ameerul-Momineen.

63. Abdul Rahman bin Aqeel ibne Abi Taleb: Son of Aqeel from his wife Omme Walad.

64. Abdul Rahman-e-Arhabi: One of those who carried the letters of the devotees to the Holy Imam.

65. Abdul Rahman bin Mas'ood at Taimi: Came out of Kufa along with Ibne Sa'd but later joined the Holy Imam.

66. Othman bin Ali ibne Abi Taleb: One of the brothers of Hazrate Abbas, the third son of Ommul Baneen. Joined the Holy Imam on his way to Kerbala.

67. Omar bin Janada-e-Ansari: This is the son of the godly lady who came to the Holy Imam and implored for his permission for her son Omar to be martyred and somehow succeeded in getting it.

68. Ali -e-Akbar son of the Holy Imam: The 18-year old son of the Holy Imam who resembled the Holy Prophet the most, was martyred by a lance pierced through his breast.

69. Omer bin Zabi'ah Az Zabiyee: Son of Zabiya at Taimi. Came out of Kufa with Ibne Sa'd but later joined the Holy Imam and was martyred.

70. Amro bin Khalid-e- Saidavi and three others: When these four person marched towards the camp of the Holy Imam, Hur asked the Holy Imam for permission to stop them from getting near the camp for they were coming from the enemy's ranks. The Holy Imam miraculously said "Oh struck them not, they are coming to me with a good hears. They are my devotees."

71. Amru bin Abdullah-e-Jundayi: Of the tribe of Hamden.

72. Arm bin Quart al Ansari: One of the faithful companions of the Holy Prophet and also of Amirul-Momineen.

73. Amru bin Ha'b Abu Thamama al Sa'idi: One of the faithful devotees and companions of Amirul-Momineen.

74. Amru bin Hassan Talee: One of the staunch devotees of the Ahlul-Bait.

75. Ammara ibne Salama al Daaalani: One of the companions of Amirul-Momineen.

76. Aun and Muhammad sons of Jafar-e-Tayyar: Two sons of Hazrat Zainab the sister of the Holy Imam. Aun was her own son and Muhammad was from the deceased wife (Khausa), of her husband Abdullah bin Jaffar Tayyar. These two were only young boys of about nine and ten years of age. The Holy Lady Zainab, the daughter of Amirul-Momineen and Lady Fatimah, brought these two young boys and implored her brother, the Holy Imam, to permit them to free the enemy. At the persistent implorings from his sister the Holy Imam permitted, and these two young souls were martyred before the very eyes of their mother. This godly daughter of Ali and Fatima, the grand daughter of the Holy Prophet, stood quietly at the dead bodies of her children and said "I will not lament for you have gone in the way of the Lord." The whole camp wept but Zainab stopped them from crying, saying: "Let no my brother feel that I am sorry for losing them in the way of the Lord. Today I am pleased with my children."



77. Qarib: The son of a liberated slave girl of Husayn This lady, after having been liberated by the holy Imam, was married to a gentlemen and brought her son Qarib and presented him to the Holy Imam and Qarib was brought up by the Holy Imam. He was martyred along with the other devotees, offering himself in the way of the Lord.

78. Qasim bin Hassan bin Ali: Son of the Second Holy Imam.

79. Qasim bin: A well-known noble of Kufa.

80. Qasith, Kardoos, Musqit-Sons of Zohair al Taghlabi: These three brothers were the devoted companions of Amirul Momineen who were with him in all his expeditions against the infidels and traitors. They came form Kufa and offered themselves for noble cause and achieve martyrdom.

81. Qan'ab an Namri: One of the devotees of Amirul-Momineen who came for Basra.

82. Qais bin Mushir as Saidavi: A very pious personality from a group of the Asadi tribe, extra-ordinarily brave, faithful and one of the sincere and faithful companions of the Holy Prophet. He reported himself to the Holy Imam, from Kufa, and was martyred.

83. Kannah at Taghlabi: A very noble personality known for his piety in Kufa. A good reciter of the Holy Qu'ran and a very brave, God fearing, influential and powerful noble of Kufa.

84. Majma'ul Jahni: Son of Zian bin Omar Jahni, one of the aged companions of the Holy Imam. When people began deserting the Holy Imam on the night of Ashura, this old devotee of the Holy Imam remained and achieved martyrdom.

85. Muslim bin Aqeel: The Deputy of the Holy Imam to Kufa, where he was martyred.

86. Muslim Ibne Ausaja al Asadi: One of the faithful companions of the Holy Prophet. An aged veteran who had earned a glorious name and fame for his valor and prowess in the expeditions against the infidels. On the night of Ashoora when the Holy Imam told his companions to find their own ways and save themselves from the wholescale massacre of his supporters which was in store for them the following day, Muslim addressing the Holy Imam said: "O son of the Holy Prophet! Where am I to go before myself getting martyred here"?

Muslim was one of the most prominent supporters of the Holy Imam in Kerbala, and was martyred there.

87. Muslim bin Katheer al A'waj al Azdi: One of the devotees of Amirul-Momineen in Kufa.

88. Mas'ood bin Hajjaj Taimy and his son Abdur Rahman bin Mas'ood: The devotees of Amirul-Momineen from Kufa. These two were known for their piety and righteousness.

89. Muhammad bin Abdullah ibne Jafar: A young son of Abdullah son of Hazrat Jafar-e-Tayyar, his mother was Khausa, daughter of Hafsa bin Rabi'a.

90. Muhammad bin Muslim Aqeel: One of the two young sons of Muslim bin Aqeel the Deputy of the Holy Imam who was martyred in Kufa.

91. Muhammad bin Muslim bin Aqeel: The grandson of Muslim bin Aqeel the Deputy of the Holy Imam to Kufa.

92. Munjeh--the liberated slave of the Second Holy Imam Hassan: He accompanied Qasim bin Hasan from Medina.

93. Mauq' bin Thamamah Asadi Saidavi Abu Musa: One of the devotees of the Ahlul Bait in Kufa who escaped from the town at night and joined the Holy Imam at Kerbala.

94. Nafe' bin Hilale Jamali: A companion of Ameerul-Momineen. Reciter of the Holy Qu'ran and Traditionalist. A noble personality known in Kufa for his piety, who escaped from Kufa and joined the Holy Imam in Kerbala. A great devotee of Holy Imam who always remained by the side of Abbas the Standard Bearer of Husayn. He could not bear the least disregard for the Holy Imam, from anyone in the Devil's forces.

95. Nasr bin Naizar: A liberated slave of Amirul-Momineen (The Leader of the faithful). He was presented to the Holy Prophet by the King of Persia and the Holy Prophet presented him to Amirul-Momineen, who freed him. He came to Kerbala.

96. Wazeh the Turk: The Turkish liberated slave of Harse Madhaji. A pious gentlemen, a good reciter of the Holy Qu'ran, who came to Kerbala, and presented himself to the Holy Imam.

97. Hani bin Orwah: Martyred at Kufa with Muslim ibne Aqeel.

98. Yazid bin Ziad bin Mohasir-e-Kandi-Behdile Abush-Sha'sa: One of the nobles in Kufa. A staunch devotee of Ahlul-Bait. A very pious personality who joined Husayn from Kufa.

99. Yazid bin Maghfal Ja'fi: A very pious devotee of Ameerul Momineen. A learned poet. His father and grandfather were faithful companions of the Holy Prophet. (s.a.w).

100. Husayn ibne Ali, the King of Martyrs: The divinely promised and prophesised Martyr of the Zibhe Azeem (The Great Sacrifice) in the seed of Abraham through his son Ishmael, in the lineage of Ishmael through Muhammad the Last Apostle of God, Ali the Ameerul Momineen, the First of the Holy Imams and Lady Fatima, the Lady of light.

(Qur'an 19:154)
And say not of those who are slain in the way of Allah: "They are dead." Nay they are living though ye perceive (it) not.

(Jeremiah 46:10)
For this is the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his adversaries: and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and made drunk with their blood: for the Lord GOD of hosts hath a great sacrifice in the north country by the river {Euphrates}.


The Martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a.s) and his companions, foretold in the Old Testament, for. no other sacrifice has ever been made on the banks of the Euphrates until the sacrifice in Kerbala.

Imam Hussein (a.s.) message to the Ummah is: "Indeed, I do not see death (for freedom) as but happiness, and living with unjust people as nothing but grief." Imam Hussein (a.s.) last advice to his son, Ali (a.s.): "My son stand for truth even if it bitter." And the Glorious Qur'an says: "Assuredly you will be tried in your property and in your Persons." (Qur'an3:186).

Abbas - The Standard Bearer of Husain
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.

Ali Akbar, the Hashmite 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 I other in hushed tones, recalling the words of the Prophet, that a day will dawn when his beloved grandson Husain (a.s) 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 for ever. 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 inquiries 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 had left Medina? Had not times out of number their children received gifts and favours from Sakina and Rukayya?

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 Zain 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 for ever.

It was rumoured that Husain was leaving Medina to arrange the marriage of his son Ali Akbar with some Princess, some lady of a noble stocks I it in some distant land. Could this rumour be correct? They all knew that there was not a young lad of marriage able 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 amongst the Arabs throughout Hejaz 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 would consider it a signal honour if this scion of the Prophet's family were to ask for 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 prophecy 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 fife 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.

O Husain," they said, "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 have a 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 my Ali Akbar to your
care! In my mission he has to play a role, the importance
of which time alone will tell. I cannot accede to your
request for reasons 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 this 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 his childhood.

Meandering through the desert, the caravan had reached its destination, a destination which 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 toward their real 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 forces of evil were attempting to stifle, and in the process faced death. In their glorious deaths they demonstrated what steadfastness and unflin- ching 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 iffy in battle, when they were still alive, was too much for them. It would be blasphemous for them even to entertain such an 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. He was awakened from his stupor by Qasim, the son of his brother, who had come to seek his permission to go to the battlefield. 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.