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The Arrival At Yazid's Palace

Yazid's levee was fully decorated elites of Government. Emissaries of countries were seated on the adorned chairs. Rich and affluent lords of the City and Army officials focused in splendour hither and thither, Yazid fully drunk, full of joy and inebriated on his victory occupied his ornate throne while the progeny of the Prophet (S) waited in shackles for the permission to enter the court.

Marwan Ibn Hakam1 was siting beside Yazid and when the prisoners entered the asked Shimr, “What did you do with Husayn (‘a) and his family”.

Shimr replied: “Husayn (‘a) came with eighteen of the Banu Hashim and some fifty or more companions to fight us. We killed all of them and their heads are on spear and their captive families are on these camels”.

Marwan shrugged and looked at Imam Husayn's (‘a) head and said “The calmness of your face and the redness of your cheeks look good. My heart has been calmed by Husayn's (‘a) blood. I have extracted my debt by shedding the blood of the Prophet's family2“.

After Shimr had taken the head down from the spear he placed it in a Golden tray and presented to Yazid who looked at it for sometime and striking it boastingly with a Khezran (a kind of wd) stick which he had in his hand and then he started snuffling the following verse:3

“I wish my elders who were killed at Badr could see the wailing of the people of Khazraj on the hill of the spear they would have jumped in joy and would say: Oh Yazid! may your hands never tire'. If my elders who were killed at Badr were alive, they would have greeted me for killing the leaders of the Banu Hashim; Iwill not be a descendent of Atabah if I do not take revenge; Banu Hashim had played a charade for there was no divine message nor news”.

He then turned to his army men, “What did you do to Husayn (‘a)?” Zajar Ibn Qais came forward to give the summary of action and the victory in the following words.

“Amirul Mu’mineen! Congratulation! Allah has given you success. Husayn Ibn Ali (‘a) came against us with his eighteen relatives and sixty companions. We stressed on them to swear allegiance to you but he refused so we fought and killed them all. These are their heads while their bodies lie on the sands of Karbala. The sun is scorching them, the winds dirtying them with dust and the vultures are flying over them. His family is imprisoned”.

Yazid Insults The Head Of Imam Husayn (‘A)

Yazid taking sip of wine took the head of Imam in his hand and said:

“I have severed the heads from bodies of such people who were important for us. They although were very pious, polite and enduing and By God! as compared to us they were very respectable in status”.

Yazid started touching the teeth with his stick saying:

“What beauty that shines from the teeth and glittering up the tray. Both the cheeks are looking like roses. Oh Husayn! how did you like the strike?” He said while he touched the teeth with his stick.

According to Tabqat Al-Ibn Saad and Marwaj uz-Zahab the Sahabi Abu Barza Aslami was present in the Court and he snubbed Yazid. In Khawasul Aimma, Ibn abi-Ad-Dunya quoting Hasan Basri has written that when Yazid brushed the stick Abu Barza Aslami called very loudly:

“Yazid! withdraw your stick, I have been seeing these lips being kissed by Rasul Allah (S).

Oh Yazid! when you will face God your recommender will be Ibn Ziyad and intercessor of Husayn (‘a) will be Muhammad Rasul Allah (S).”

Hearing such roar of Abu Barza Asfami Yazid was furious and asked him to leave the court. Abu Barza Aslami went out saying “May Allah cripple your hands”. There was pin-drop silence, Emissaries and the Elites present in the court were stunned. In some books, this event is related with Samra Ibn Jandab (Sahabi of the Prophet) to whom Yazid said:

“Oh Samra! If I had not respected you as a Sahabi I would have had you slain”.

Samra replied: “Praise be to Allah, You have so much respect for a sahabi and behave in this manner with the head of the grandson of Prophe (S)!”

Ibn Khalkan writes that in the court of Yazid one sahabi Khalid Ibn Ghufran on seeing Imam Husayn's head composed a verse translation of which is:

“Oh Son of the daughter of the Prophet's (S) your head is soaked in blood. It is as if they had decided to kill the Prophet (S). They killed you when you were thirsty and they did not delay to do so. By killing you they have “killed” Takbeer and Tahleel (Greatness and oneness of God), that is, they have killed Islam.”

Impression Of Roman Emissary In The Court Of Yazid

The kingdom of Rome had posted a permanent emissary in Damascus and he was present at that time in the court.

He asked Yazid: “Whose head is this?”

Yazid: “Husayn's (‘a)”.

Emissary: “Which Husayn (‘a)?”

Yazid: “Ali's son”.

Emissary: Who was his mother?

Yazid: “Fatimah (‘a) “

Emissary: “Fatimah (‘a) Who?”

Yazid: “Daughter of Muhammad (S) the Prophet.”

Emissary: “Muhammad (S) your Prophet?”

Yazid: “Yes.”

Emissary: “Who was his father Ali (‘a)?”

Yazid: “Abu Talib's son and the cousin of our Prophet (S).”

Emissary: “What sort of Muslim are you? It is death for you and your religion. By the Messiah you people are ingrates. In the monastery of one isle of 'Ja’far' lie the hooves of the mule that the Messiah rode. Every year we go to see it like you go to the Kaabah. I give witness that you people are evil.”

He left the court and never came back!

It is strange that Allah asks the Muslims to praise and glorify his Prophet (S) and the Ahl al-Bayt4 but the drunken public Intoxicated with power and ignorant of Islamic obligations was insulting Islam and the courtiers were enjoying and making merry; Bibi Zaynab (‘a) who was watching the proceeding could not control any longer and she spoke and delivered an eloquent speech exposing the evil of the Banu Omayya and the barbarity of Yazid.

Yazid's head hung in shame and the audience fell revulsion for Yazid Ibn Mu’awiyah Ibn Abu Suiyan.

Bibi Zaynab's Speech In Court Of Yazid

Bibi Zaynab (‘a) was in anger, stood up in a dignified manner and she after praising God, sending Darood to the Prophet (S) and his Ahl al-Bayt directed her speech at Yazid:

“How much or truth is there in the words of God that those who did wrong have met a bad fate because they had denied the signs of Allah and mocked them”.

“O, Yazid! By closing all doors on us and proclaiming us through out the land, you feel that we have been lowered from our status in lhe sight of Allah and that you have become respectable? It is your illusion that the-tragedy, which we have met at your hands, has increased your Stature. Is this the reason why you have become haughtier and prouder?

Yes, you are bursting with joy that your evil kingdom has extended so wide, that bureaucracy of your government is very firm. You may also be thinking that the Creator of Universe gave you the opportunity that without any threat you expand your rule, exercise your control over the people in whatever manner you want.

Wait, Yazid wait, breathe a little more and then you will see what happens. You have forgotten this decree of Allah. 'The disbelievers should not fancy that the reprieve We give them is for their betterment but We are giving them a chance to sin as much as they like and after that will come their shameful punishment and a degrading torment. 5

“Oh son of those whom we forgave and let go free, is this justice? Your women and slave girls are in graceful seclusion but the family of the. Prophet (S) is without head coverings.

Yazid! You have brought us to this condition. The people gather to mock us wherever we helpless people are taken. There is no friend nor any protector of this caravan but how can we expect leniency from the descendent of the carnivore (Hinda, wife of Abu Sufyan had chewed liver of Hazrat Hamza). She whose famiy has risen on our flesh and blood, can we expect soft treatment from them? How can we expect such evil persons to think properly about the Ahl al-Bayt of the Prophet (S)”.

Oh Yazid! how blatantly and without feeling of guilt you say. 'If my ancestors were alive today, they would have been very happy and would have felicitated me and said: May your arms be always strong! What a great revenge you have taken on Muhammad's family'.

Yazid! Whatever you are doing or saying is the reflection of your thoughts. Look! You uncouth, the persons whose lips you are insulting with your sticks is the leader of the youth in Paradise.

You have reopened the wounds by killing the family of the Prophet (S) and Abdul Muttalib. You are calling out to your dead ancestors and are unaware that you will soon meet them6 where they are and when you meet them you will regret that your hands should have no movements and your tongue should have stayed silent, so that you could not do what you did and could not say what you said.

Oh God! Give us our dues from these oppressors and give us our' due retribution. Oh God! Send your censure on those wretched beings who have spilled our blood and killed our supporters. By Allah! Oh Yazid! You have scratched your own skin and have chopped your own flesh.

You will soon meet Allah and His Prophet (S) in a sorry state. You have soaked the bodies of the Prophet's family in blood and you have been dishonoring them.

Yazid! when you will be taken in the court of Allah on the day of Qiyamat with the load of your sins you will see how Allah will bring together all the flowers of Muhammad's (S) garden scattered hither and thither at one place and make them evergreen (all members of the family of the Prophet will be blessed with bliss): and how almighty Lord Creator will get us our rights from the tyrants as He has revealed:

“Do not think them dead as those who have been martyred in the way of Allah are alive and are receiving sustenance from their Lord. 7

Listen Oh Yazid! It is enough for you to know that Allah will soon give His Judgment. The Prophet (S) will file his complaint and Jibreel will assist him. Those people who have laid the base for you to reach such a power and imposed you over the Muslims reciting the Kalima of Muhammad (S) will also meet their fate.

Only then will they know what a severe punishment will be given to those who crossed the limits raid by Allah and then it will be known to them that who got the worst place and whose friends were foolish.

Yazid! It is the vagary of time that I am compelled to talk to a person like you. I consider you insignificant and worthless but I regard your punishment a great work and your insult a noble cause.

The reason for talking to you is that my heart is on fire and tears gushing out from my eyes.

It surprising that the people whose lives we spared on victory of Makkah8 have killed the chosen ones of Allah.

Alas! Alas! The blood of our martyrs still drips from the cuffs of the enemy's sleeves and even today their teeth are blood tainted by chewing our flesh. Alas! The bodies of the valiant martyrs lie on the sand of Karbala unburied and without clothes or shroud.

Oh Yazid! If you think you have attained something by making us prisoners of war, you should be aware of the losses you will suffer and do not forget that the deeds that you send forward will be used to judge you.

Allah always does justice to His creatures. We do not complain to anyone but to Allah nor do we go to beseech anyone else, Him only we trust and He only is the centre of our faith.

Oh Yazid! Use as much deception as you can and do not hesitate to use any method. Accelerate your political activity and fulfill all your desires.

Despite all what you do you cannot lower our dignity nor you can tarnish our popularity. This is also beyond your means to stop our views to be public and our program to be known to people because you are not able to fathom the depth of our mission.

Yazid! Your thoughts are wrong, your views are faulty. Only a few days9 remain of your life, table to be turned and soon you and your cohorts shall be scattered and your alliance disintegrated.

The day is near when the Crier the Invisible Speaker from the heaven will curse10 those who are unjust and all praise is for Allah the Creator of the worlds. The Lord has already foretold our elders about our well-being in the hereafter and has honored us with the gift of martyrdom.

He will reward our martyrs and will give prominence to their heirs and successors. Verily He is very benevolent and very kind, God is enough for us and He only is the best Benefactor11.

Bibi Zaynab (‘a) kept speaking and the audience listened with rapt attention. There was a pin drop silence. The veil of secrecy over the events of Karbala was removed. Her language and oratory kept the audience spell bound.

This great injustice and insult who could think that the Ahl al-Bayt12 would face such a situation? But that all occurred which is beyond imagination and occurred with God-fearing people.

These were the survivors whose men were killed, tents looted and burnt but they still remained steadfast in the way of Allah. Though they kept quiet but when they chose to speak the whole charade of Yazid and his cohorts was exposed.

Every creature is born free with enormous capability particularly the human being. He can avert any obstruction, convert desert to orchard for thriving and good living.

After the speech of Bibi Zaynab (‘a), Yazid became furious, his intoxication of power started receding. He asked the audience what to do with the prisoners. Numan Ibn Basheer (ex-Govemer of Kufa) stood up and said:

“Oh Yazid! do with them what the Prophet (S) (seeing them in this conditions) would have done with them. “

He rejected this idea, dispersed the court and sent them all to the prison.

The historians have divided opinion about the location of the prison, some say that it was behind the Jama Masjid in an old and wretched building, some say that it was a dilapidated portion of his mosque itself.

The Hardships In Damascus

The details of the period of incarceration is not exactly known. Some say it was nine months and other say it was two months. While they were in prison Yazid used to call Imam Ali Ibn Husayn (as) to his court and insult him. One day he asked the Imam of a mosque to go on the Mimber, praise the family of Abu Sufiyan and criticize the family of Hazrat Ali (‘a). The man did what he was ordered! the Imam listened for some time and then said:13

“Oh speaker! Curse be on you, you have pleased a man to earn the displeasure of Allah, be prepared to burning in the fire of Hell”.

One day in crowded mosque there was a contest about the “Truth and false”. The Imam addressed Yazid and said:

“Oh Yazid! allow me to go on the Mimbar and say a few words on the Prophet (S)”

Yazid at first refused but relented on the insistence of the audience.

The Speech Of Imam Zayn Al-Abidin (‘A) In The Court Of Yazid

The Imam went on the Mimber. He praised Allah and His Prophet (S) and then said in very heart-touching, eloquent and impressive tone:

“O People of Syria! Those amongst you who know me they know but those who don't I would introduce myself to them”.

I am the son of the martyr of Karbala. I am the grandson of Hazrat Khadija. I am the son of Sidrat ul-Muntaha, I am the son of the tree of Tuba and I am the son of the man who was mourned even by the Jinns. I am the son of the man on whose death the birds mourned.

I am the son of the leader of Yathrib (Madina), I am the son of the rider of “Hal Ata”, I am the nephew of the grandson of the Prophet (S), Hasan al-Mujtaba (‘a), I am the son of the man whose young children were slaughtered without cause and crime, I am the son of the man whose severed head was raised on the point of spear, I am the son of the man who has not been given his burial bath, nor a shroud.

I am the son of the man whose ladies have been disgraced at Karbala, I am the son of the man whose head is here but the body some where else, I am the son of the man who was surrounded on all sides by the enemy. I am the son of the man who had no helpers left”.

After this he said:

“O people! Allah has given us five great features:

(1) By Allah, our house was the house of the Prophet (S) where the angels came.

(2) The Qur'an has spoken about us.

(3) We have guided the people of this world to the right path.

(4) Valour and bravery are inherent in us and we are the most exalted among humans though some may think they are.

(5) We possess the quality of learning and eloquence but other people undesirably boast that they possess it. Our trend is to guide the people to the right path and give knowledge to those who seek it.

The hearts of the Mu’min are filled with love for us and we are the most culminated ones on the earth arid sky. Had it not been for us Allah would not have created this universe. No one should feel as honoured as we are. On the day of Qiyamat our friends will slake their thirst and our enemies will bear the consequences of their wretchedness. 14

People started lamenting, weeping and waiting on hearing these words from the Imam and Yazid asked the Muazzin to call the Azan just to interrupt Imam's speech.

The Muazzin said: “Allah Ho Akbar” and the Imam said: “You spoke about the mighty Allah the great Lord and his respect and you said the truth”.

The Muazzin said; “Ash-hadu ‘an La ilaha illa Allah”, The Imam said; “I give witness with him who gives witness despite the disbelievers don't I am firm on my witness” The Muazzin said: “Ash-hahadu ‘anna Muhammad ur-Rasul Allah (S)”.

The Imam started weeping threw his turban (Amama) off his head and said: “Oh Muazin! please pause for the sake of this Muhammad ur-Rasul Allah (S)” and then addressed Yazid:

“Oh Yazid! tell by Allah! Whether Muhammad (S) was my grandfather or yours”?

Yazid said: “Yours”.

Imam said: “Then for what crime did you slaughter15, his Ahl al-Bayt? Why did you exhibit his family from town to town, as you do with the common criminals? Why did you make me fatherless? Why did you create hindrance in my ancestor's religion?”

He tore the collar of his attire and then spoke to the audience. “Tell me truly by Allah, Is there anyone here who claims that his grandfather has been the Prophet (S) of Allah and the favor of Allah?”

Hearing the address of the Imam the hummings of the audience all around grew loud and people started weeping, walling and crying. Yazid apprehended unrest so he spoke to the man who had persisted on the Imam speaking from the Mimbar. “Curse be upon you. You sent him on the Mimbar to destroy my rule?”

He replied: “By Allah I did not know that the young man was such an orator!”

Yazid said, “Don't You know that he is a member of the Prophet's (S) household!”

The man asked: “If this be the case then why did you kill his father”?

Yazid16 got very angry on hearing this and ordered for the man to be killed and left the mosque without offering prayer saying, “I have nothing to do with prayers”.

This behavior of Yazid was hidden from Syrian and it was an eye-opener for them. The markets were closed to mourn Imam Husayn (‘a) and they started giving condolence to the Ahl al-Bayt.

“By Allah we did not know that the head on the spear was that of Husayn (‘a) because we were told that a rebel had been slain in Iraq and this is his head.”

Yazid on hearing this sent the paras of Qur'an to the mosque so that people may become busy reading it and forget mourning of Imam Husayn (‘a) but none of his tactics could change the mind of the public.

The echo of truth quaked the castle of infidelity and falsehood. Yazid came to his senses and went into deep thought as to what had happened. In his opinion, he has buried Muhammad's (S) religion in Karbala but the setting sun of Islam appeared to rise once again from the horizon of life which may sink the boat of his kingdom. 17

The Effect Of Imam Sajjad's Sermon

The Imam's speech was soul covenant of anger throughout Damascus against Yazid. Those who bowed to him yesterday swore against him.

Yazid had thought that the hardships and torture would break the determination of Ahl al-Bayt and they will surrender. He could not realize that Aqeela Al-Bani Hashim the granddaughter of the Prophet (S). Bibi Zaynab was also among the prisoners who was giving support to the ailing Imam and preparing him to fight evil with his speeches sharper than sword, she herself was showing the valour of Ali (‘a).

Yazid could not also imagine that the daughter of “Gateway of City of Knowledge” will succeed in her mission of defeating the programme of Yazid with the blow of her speeches in the accent and tone of her father. This resulted in boosting up the morale of all the prisoners so much so that with the increasing hardships their determination was strong and strong.

Life is superior not to be weighed in terms of profit and loss

Life is to devote and submit to people or else it is just like moss

The exhibition of the prisoners and the heads of the martyrs had a boomerang effect because they not only deluded Muslims but the Christians and the Jews also abhorred Yazid.

While the Imam was speaking a Rabbi (Religious scholar of Jews) who also was guest asked Yazid, “Who is this young man?”

Yazid replied: “He is Ali Ibn Husayn (‘a)”

Rabbi asked: “Which Husayn (‘a)”?

Yazid said: “Son of Ali (‘a) Ibn Abi Talib”

He again asked: “Who is his mother”?

Yazid Said: “Daughter of Muhammad (S)”

“Oh God the Great!” The Jew said satirically addressing Yazid: “You have killed the son of the daughter of your Prophet? What a bad successor and Khalifa you are. If we had a progeny of Hazrat Musa (‘a) amongst us we would adulate him. Your Prophet (S) has died just fifty years ago and you have killed his progeny?18 I feel very sorry for your condition”.

Yazid felt agitated on those words or the Jew and he asked his cohorts to take care of:

The Rabbi who rose and said: “I do not care if you want to slay me. I have read in the 'Torah' that he who kills the progeny of a Prophet (S) is always cursed and his permanent abode is the Hell.”

The speeches of Bibi Zaynab (‘a) and Imam Ali (‘a) added fuel to the fire and now Yazid remained badly disturbed. His own family members also started admitting openly for shedding the blood of Imam Husayn (‘a) and the distress of the prisoners of Karbala and Yazid also believed that he has failed.

Yazid now was convinced of the futility of his exercise. He found that the prisoners had attained the height of “Faith in God” as they were tolerating the tyrannies smilingly.

Yazid on the other hand was planning some political ploy to wash away the signs of the indelible sins he had committed, and therefore he changed tracks and threw the blame on the shoulders of ‘Ubaidullah Ibn Ziyad the Governor of Kula: father of ‘Ubaidullah Ziyad Ibn Sumaiyya was a person of undeclared heritage. Mu’awiyah declared him to be his brother for some reason about which “Tarikhe e Kamil” says:

“Only sometime after the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (‘a) Yazid heard that people were abusing him for having done this. They were clamouring for revenge. Yazid was quite worried and he started blaming and abusing ‘Ubaidullah Ibn Ziyad in public declaring him to be solely responsible for the entire event”. 19

Narration Of Allama Jalaluddin Sayuti

Allama Jalaluddeen Sayuti also writes in his book 'Tareekhul Khulala'.

“After the Martyrdom of Imam Husayn (‘a) and his companions Ibn Ziyad sent their heads to Yazid in the Damascus. He was very happy to see them but when he heard the public abusing him for his deeds, he also regretted for having done it, public anger was correct”.

Abul Ali writes in his “Masnad” of Abi Obaida that the Prophet (S) had said, “My Ummah only will remain truly just until a person called Yazid will obstruct the justice in Islam. “

Al Ruyani in his “Masnad” quotes that Abu Darwa said:

“The Prophet (S) said that a man named Yazid of Banu Ommaya will change my Sunnah”.

Yazid's Political Ploys

Yazid was so disturbed that even heavy drinking could not help him sleep. He called his people and said:

“Oh People of Syria! Do you think that I have killed Husayn (‘a) or ordered his death. No it is not so. Husayn (‘a) has been killed by Ibn Marjana (‘Ubaidullah Ibn Ziyad). “

Allama Husayn waiz Kashfi writes:

Yazid called Imam Zayn al-Abidin (‘a) and said: “Ask whatever you want and say what ever you have to”. The Imam said. “My first request is that you hand over the killers of my father so that I can kill them. The second is that let me go back to the tomb of my grandfather”.

For the first request Yazid called Khuli and asked him, “Did you kill Husayn (‘a)?”

He said “No not me but Sanan Ibn Anas”.

Yazid called Sanan and asked him and he named Shimr. When Shimr was asked he said:

“I will tell you the stark truth that who killed Husayn (‘a). The man who has killed Husayn (‘a) is the one who gathered all the Arab tribes and opened the coffers of the Government for this purpose, engaged fully armed men, horses, ammunition, robe of honour and attractive allowances and ordered them to go and fight Husayn (‘a)20“.

Yazid asked: “And who is the person who did this?”

Shimr replied: “By Allah! Yazid It is you who did it”.

Yazid posed embarrassed and showed regret but did not relent from his evil ways. He did not question the killers of Imam Husayn (‘a) nor did correct his acts and as usual continued killing, ravaging, callousness, bloodshed, fraud and lies which can be seen from the events which occurred later. The event, in the year 62/63 Hijra when he ordered the massacre of the people of Madina, that is, Event of Herra.

The event of showering fire on Kaabah21 (64th Hijra). These continuous acts or Yazid authenticate his bad character.

This is the miracle of the great martyrdom that Yazid Ibn Mu’awiyah, ‘Ubaidullah Ibn Ziyad, ‘Umar Ibn Sa’d, Shimr Ibn Ziljoshan22, and Khuli had the desire that their names be listed as the killers of Imam Husayn (‘a) but when the tide turned, they started accusing each other and absolving themselves of the crime. Yazid accused Ibn Marjana, that is, Ibn Ziyad as killer of Husayn (‘a), Ibn Ziyad accused ‘‘Umar Ibn Sa’d. Shimr, Khuli and the army men accused Yazid and Ibn Ziyad of this heinous crime.

Hazrat Minhal Ibn Umru Meets Imam Zayn Al-Abidin (‘A)

The period of imprisonment in Damuscuss was the vexatious time for the Ahl al-Bayt. It was during that time Minhal Ibn Umru came and met the Imam. He enquired their welfare and the Imam said:

“We are in the same state as the Bani Israel in the days of the Pharaoh. He used to kill their men and children but kept the women alive23. The Quraysh used to boast to other Arabs that the Prophet (S) was from Bani Quraysh. We the Ahl al-Bayt of the Prophet (S) have been slain and proclaimed all over the land. We are being pulled as if we are someone's slaves.

This is to try to degrade us and our lineage as if we are not dignified and prominent, our profound behavior towards mankind not pure in any sense, it is all for the kingdom and army of Yazid and the sons of Mustafa (S) are the lowest of the low in the land”.

Minhal Ibn Umru says that while the Imam was talking to him a lady came out gracefully from the devastated portion of the prison and addressed the Imam:

“Oh last survivor of Aali Muhammad (S) and king of the throne of Imamat where did you go?”

Hearing this, the Imam went to her immediately. When Minhal asked about the lady, he was told that she was Imam's aunt Syeda Bibi Zaynab (‘a).

Hind Wife Of Yazid Speaks To Bibi Zaynab (‘A)

While the Ahl al-Bayt were in prison, a woman came to Hind24 the wife of Yazid and said:

“Some prisoners have come recently but I do not know who they are. Why don't you come with me to see them and find out about them”.

Hind put on the finest dress and got ready. She asked her maid to place chair in such a position that she could comfortably and in a relaxed manner observe the prisoners.

When Hind was seated Bibi Zaynab (‘a) saw her, recalled and recognized her and said to her sister Hazrat Umm Kulthoom:

“Oh Sister! Could you recognize this woman?”

She replied: “No I don't”.

Bibi Zaynab said:

“This is our slave girl Hind Bint Abdullah who used to do our household work”.

Hearing this from Sanie Zahra Bibi Zaynab, her sisterr Hazrat Umm Kulthoom quietly hung her head down and so did Sani e Zahra to avert attention of Hind. But Hind, who was watching both of them attentively asked: “Sisters! Is there any thing such that you talked to each other and lowered your heads?”

Bibi Zaynab gave no reply and remained silent.

Hind asked again: “Where are you from?”

Bibi Zaynab could no more remain silent and said: “We are from Madina. “

When Hind heard of Madina stood up respectfully and started asking: “Oh sisters! Do you know people from Madina?”

Bibi Zaynab asked: “Whom are you asking about in Madina?”

Hind: “I am asking about my Lord Ali's family”.

Bibi Zaynab: “How do you know Ali's (‘a) family?”

Thinking about Ali's (‘a) family eyes of Hind were full of tears and she said: “I was a house-maid of that house and I love the family”.

Bibi Zaynab: “Whom do you know and about whom do you inquire?”

Hind: “I want to know about the children of Imam Ali (‘a), Husayn (‘a) and his children and Ali's pious daughters particularly about Bibi Zaynab (‘a) and Bibi Umm Kulthoom”.

Bibi Zaynab told her in a hoarse voice:

“Oh Hind! If you ask about the progeny of Ali (‘a) then Listen: We have left Madina and are waiting to take the news of his progeny's martyrdom.

If you want to know about Husayn (‘a) then listen! the head before Yazid is the head of Husayn (‘a) and if you want to know about Abbas and other sons or Ali (‘a) then listen that we have left the pieces of their broken bodies without heads on the hot sand of Karbala.

If you ask about Zayn al-Abidin (‘a), he lies here sick, weak and unable to walk.

If you ask about Zaynab, I am Zaynab Bint Ali (‘a) and this is Umm Kulthoom,”

Hearing this, Hind cried loudly and wailed.

“Wa' Amman! Wa' Sayyida! Wa' Husayna! I wish I was blind and had not seen the daughters of Fatimah (‘a) in this condition”. She hit her head with a stone and fainted. She saw Bibi Zaynab beside her when she came to senses.

“Please get up Oh Hind! go home lest your husband Yazid be furious on you!”

Hind said: “By God! Until I have mourned Husayn (‘a) and until I take you and the other Hashimi ladies’ home I will not return”.

She stood up, tore her dress and went bare feet to where Yazid was sitting with the elites and affluent people of Damascus, she wailed, cried and said:

“Oh Yazid! have you ordered the sacred head of Husayn (‘a) the grandson of the Prophet (S) to be hung on the spear by the side of the gate?”

Yazid who was sitting in throne resting against a bolster with colorful crown on his head was baffled seeing his wife in this condition, he covered her with his robe and said:

“May Allah curse the hasty Ibn Ziyad who killed Husayn (‘a)”.

When Yazid was covering her with his robe she said: “Oh Yazid! curse be upon you, you are so bashful about me but where was your such feeling about the daughters or Fatimah (‘a). You took away their coverings, unveiled their faces, put them in prison and yourself wanting to enjoy a sound sleep. Until you send them with me, I will not enter your house at all”.

Yazid's attitude towards the prisoners changed after this and he became polite to them.

  • 1. The Prophet (S) had banished Hakam end his children from Madina. During the lifetime of the prophet and during the regimes of Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Umer he could not enter Medina. But caliph third during his regime not only allowed his entry to Madina but entrusted the caliphate affairs to Marwan and the same Marwan Ibn Hakam became the cause of the assassination of Hazrat Usman. (Detail may be seen in Tarerkhe Islam ka Safar, part II, Khulfa Al-Rashdeen by Syed AliAkbar Rizvi).
  • 2. Maqtal Abi Makhnaf, page 136.
  • 3. Those couplets are there in above referred book. : (Alwaqae wa-Al-Hwadis Vol V. page 47,AI badaiya wa Al Nahaiya page 92. 197). Tazkeratul Khawas page 271. 300, Maqatilul Talebin, page 120, Al that page 18, Al Syyadatuz Zaynab page 17,18, Hifdatur Rasool page 58.
  • 4. تَسْلِيمًا إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ ۚ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا
    "God and His Angels definetly send Darood on the Prophet (S) O!Believers of God you also send "Darood" and "Salam" on him as is his right for the same". (33:56).
  • 5. وَإِنَّ مِنْهُمْ لَفَرِيقًا يَلْوُونَ أَلْسِنَتَهُمْ بِالْكِتَابِ لِتَحْسَبُوهُ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَمَا هُوَ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَيَقُولُونَ هُوَ مِنْ عِنْدِ اللَّهِ وَمَا هُوَ مِنْ عِنْدِ اللَّهِ وَيَقُولُونَ عَلَى اللَّهِ الْكَذِبَ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ
    "And these infidels whom we give respect should not take in their favour. We do so to give them enough time to commit more sins and they have contemptuous divine punishment"(3:78).
  • 6. Refer to the Book "Sayyada ka Lal" of Allama Rashid Ul Khairi for the details in what condition Yazid died on 14th Rabiul Awal 64 Hijra.
    ثُمَّ كَانَ عَاقِبَةَ الَّذِينَ أَسَاءُوا السُّوأَىٰ أَنْ كَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَكَانُوا بِهَا يَسْتَهْزِئُونَ
    "And they who had committed evils met evil end because they negated the Sacred verses of God and mocked it” (30:10).
    الَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا بِالْكِتَابِ وَبِمَا أَرْسَلْنَا بِهِ رُسُلَنَا ۖ فَسَوْفَ يَعْلَمُونَ -إِذِ الْأَغْلَالُ فِي أَعْنَاقِهِمْ وَالسَّلَاسِلُ يُسْحَبُونَ
    "They who have denied this (Holy) book and all with what We sent through the messengers will shortly know when shackle and Iron chain will be around their neck and they will be dragged around. " (40:70-71)
  • 7. وَلَا تَحْسَبَنَّ الَّذِينَ قُتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَمْوَاتًا ۚ بَلْ أَحْيَاءٌ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ يُرْزَقُونَ
    "And never think those who have been slain in the. way of Allah as dead, they are alive and receiving their livelihood from their Sustainer". (3:169)
  • 8. How large-hearted Muhammad (S) forgave people of Banu Ummaya and other enemies of Islam. For detail my book “Tareekhe Islam ka safar”, Part I may be referred to.
  • 9. It so happened as Bibi Zaynab had predicted, Yazid died on 14th Rabiul Awal 64 Hijra, his son Mu’awiyah refused to be throned, consequently the Kingdom went out to the hands of Banu Ummaya to Aale Marwan.
  • 10. أَلَا لَعْنَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَى الظَّالِمِينَ
    "Curse of God be on the tyrants" (11:18)
  • 11. حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ
    “God is enough for us and He is our Benefactor” (3:173).
  • 12. God created and embellished this world for Muhammad & his household, But the people of the same world to destroy them made attempts manifold.
  • 13. Wealth is such a thing with which biggest people can be bought.
  • 14. Causing shock and grief of the Prophet (S) is a great crime about this God reveals;
    إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يُؤْذُونَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ لَعَنَهُمُ اللَّهُ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمْ عَذَابًا مُهِينًا
    Undoubtedly those who cause sufferings to God and His prophets, God Almighty curses them and sets for them heinous punishment (33:57).
    God has ordained painful punishment and contempt in the next world to those who disagree the Prophet (S).
  • 15. Derived from "Maqtal Abi Makhnaf" Page-149,150.
  • 16. In the court of Yazid conscience is soiled,
    As if evil in the world around Yazid is foiled.
  • 17. Only One speech if Zayn al-Abidin smashed,
    the Kingdom of Porah of his time that is Yazid.
  • 18. After revelation of Ayate Mobahila the Prophet (S) went with Fatima uz Zahra (‘a). Hazrat Ali Murtaza (‘a), Hazrat Imam Hasan (‘a) and Hazrat Imam Husayn (‘a) to the priest of Yaman for disputation and at that time said O' God! "They are my Ahle bayt" (Sahih Muslim, Kitabul Fazayel) extract from Falsafa al-Shahadate Imam Husayn (‘a). " (Prot. Dr Muhammad Tahir Al Qadri page 90).
  • 19. Tarkhul Khulafa. Allama Jalaluddln Al Sayutipage. 428,429. Progressive Books. Lahore 1997.
  • 20. Karbal aur Karbala kay baad, Irtiza Nawaz Puri, page-237.
  • 21. Details may be seen in 'Tareekhe Islam ka Safar," part II, by Syed Ali Akber Rizvi.
  • 22. Shimr's name was Sharji, Patronymic was Abu Sabighra related to BAni Kalab. Shimr's Father Ziljoshan was a brave man and a good warrior. The King of Persia had awarded him a shield for this quality and, therefore, he was known as Ziljoshan (Shield holder). Ref: "Qiyame Imam Husayn "ka Geoghraphiyee Jayeza" page 326.
  • 23. إِنَّ فِرْعَوْنَ عَلَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَجَعَلَ أَهْلَهَا شِيَعًا يَسْتَضْعِفُ طَائِفَةً مِنْهُمْ يُذَبِّحُ أَبْنَاءَهُمْ وَيَسْتَحْيِي نِسَاءَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ مِنَ الْمُفْسِدِينَ
    No doubt Pharaoh conceited in the world and made division in its population in different groups and weakened one of those, slaughter their male children kept the female alive, unfailingly he was amongst the evilmongers. (28:4).
  • 24. Hind Bint Abdullah, prior to her marriage with Yazid was a house-maid in the house of Amirul Momenen Ali Murtuza (‘a) and performed household work. She was full of love for Ahle Bayt ('Ali ki Beti', p-442, by Dr. Ali Qaiemi)