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Prophet's Household Taken To Kufa

When the caravan of the holy prisoners of Ahl al-Bayt was about to leave Karbala on 11th Muharram 61 Hijr, Bibi Zaynab threw a last glance on the unburied bodies of the martyrs. Among them was his beloved brother and young sons. She saw that her brother's body was without shroud.

She turned towards the direction of the grave of Prophet Muhammad (S) and said:

“Oh Grandfather! These are your so-called followers who have martyred your beloved grandson. One who was so loved by you is tying on the hot sand of Karbala. His sacred head has been brutally severed and elevated on spear point”.

Oh Grandfather! These cruel people of shameless lineage have trodden the flower-like delicate bodies by the hoofs of horses.

Oh Grandfather! We are helpless in the land of strangers. We are taken captive by transgressors and sinners and are leaving behind our dear ones alone.

Oh Grandfather! Please be witness to our humility, helplessness and incarceration”.

Arms of sisters and daughters of Imam and other Ahl al-Bayt were enchained and ailing Abid (‘a) was handcuffed, shackled and slavery thorny iron collar was put around his neck. They were put to ride on bare back of camels.

It was height of tyranny that their veils were stripped off and they were bare headed. Above all the Caravan was routed through the “Maqtal” to put them to extreme shock. Did the oppressors forget that they are household of the Holy prophet (S)? They were full of patience, looked only towards Allah and always thanked Him. This scene has been very pathetically described by Allama Rashid al-Khairi on page 261 of his book “Syyada ka Lal”.

“When the caravan of prisoers marched towards Kufa, the daughters and daughter in-laws of Ali and ailing Abid were on the first camel leading the Caravan. This was a Heart-breaking scene. Ailing Abid was in a state of swoon. His mother and aunt were taking care of him but he was uttering only Husayn! Husayn!”

The desert of Karbala was shedding tears on despondency of is guests, the moon was gloomy and the stars were wailing and crying on the scene. ‘Umar Ibn Sa’d Shimr and Khuli enjoying the moonlight camped at a place and tightened the security to ensure that the prisoners would not flee.

Night was the same, earth and sky were the same but greed of ‘Umar Ibn Sa’d, Shimr and Khuli was full of hopes and expectations. Gradually the night disappeared day about to dawn and the reverberation of Azan, by ailing Abid (‘a) broke through howling wilderness. Those three were reveling and laughing and on this side, the Ahl al-Bayt offered their Fajr Prayer.

Darkness of night was gradually fading and the sun peeping through the jungle, breeze was cool, birds were wobbling and chirping and suddenly there was again an echo in the forest, it was Bibi Zaynab (‘a) addressing God after her prayer:

“The first night without Husayn (‘a) passed and how it shattered us, You know Oh God! Only You know. The earth was stinging us like snake, the sky breaking over us like mountain, we would have preferred death on our such condition but the death was also beyond our reach”.

It was for the first time in life that we are submitting ourselves to you for prayer in such a way that we are cursing ourselves. We have no water for “Wudhu’”, no earth for the “Tayammum”, heads and hands are enchained, we can neither bowdown for “Rukoo” nor for “Sajda”.

Oh God! our prayers are no good but as “Qaza” but we offered 'fajr' Prayer and if you acknowledge! You are kind and forgiving to Your servants”.

Hearing Bibi Zaynab's prayers to God ‘‘Umar Ibn Sa’d came near and said that he could have loosened the chain if she had so desired to offer prayers as for prayer this is a lame excuse.

Bibi Zaynab Said to him “the excuse was given to Allah who was fully aware of our intentions and He is aware of your intentions also. Our bodies have turned blue by lightness of the coir fastened around us. Listen Oh ‘‘Umar Ibn Sa’d! It is time of shame for you”.

I have seen by putting my head on Abid's neck that he was burning with high fever. I know that there is complete void of faith and justice in Yazid's empire, that shameless person like Ibn Ziyad & cruel like you are his executives.

You may see and touch my nephew as to how he was burning with high fever. Oh sinful person! Even jews do not consider it proper to offer sacrifice of sick sheep but you have imprisoned grandson of Prophet Muhammad (S).

Banu Fatimah are no more, their only one representative Abid is left to whom you are taking with you to Yazid's Altar. ‘‘Umar Ibn Sa’d, Shimr and Khuli You vet your doings from eyes of faith and wait for the day about which our grandfather Muhammad (S) has already told through book of God and that day is the “Day of Judgment”.

Imam Zayn al-Abidin (‘a) said to Bibi Zaynab (‘a) that what was to happen has happened and it was not useful to talk over more on it. Of course, we desire one favour from ‘Umar Ibn Sa’d to handover my father's head which was in our sight for whole night. If he acceded to our request, we would happily go to the court of Ibn Ziyad.

There could be no other person more unfortunate than us that we are fastened so tightly that we cannot move even an inch. If we say to loosen the coil fastening us, we are sinners, if we desire to take us to my father’s head, we are guilty. But we would request to give to us my father's head and I would happily go to Yazid's court with the head hugging with my chest close to my heart.

Khuli replied that Imam Zayn al-Abidin (‘a) was sick and would die before reaching Damascus. Khuli further said that he was more restless for reward in lieu of the head than they are for it. Khuli said to the Imam that the head could be delivered to him on the condition that he knocks the head with his feet.

The ailing Imam has no answer to Khuli's meanness but to keep silent which prevailed on the face of Bibi Zaynab (‘a). Bibi Umm Kulthoom and all Ahl al-Bayt. But Janabe Muslim's family could not tolerate this and his daughter said to Khuli to stop nonsense lest the earth would crack and swallow him; The head on the spear was even now the ruler of this world and the world hereafter.

The Prophet (S) faced unbearable tortures for Islam; if he had desired, God would have brought the world to end, Ali Murtaza (‘a) gave sweet and soothing drinks to his murderer and said that after his death only one strike of sword be given to Ibn Muljim in return to his one blow to him (Hazrat Ali(‘a)).

Imam Husayn (‘a) sacrificed his whole family in the way of righteousness, dug grave with his sword for his six months infant Ali Asghar and buried him, this is called the “contented self and soul”; can the world show any such example?

In the forthcoming days, what hardships will be raced by the Ahl al-Bayt was all in the knowledge of Imam Husayn (‘a) through his grandfather, the Prophet (S). He was an icon of steadfastness and never cursed1 his enemies.

Urge and ultimate goat of Mu’min is Martyrdom which he always aspires Mu’min has no greed for booty and conquest of country he never desires.

Imam Zayn al-Abidin (‘a) also followed the right path. Bibi Zaynab (‘a) was his father's sister and was most respected. Imam Zayn al-Abidin (‘a) was the Imam of the time after the martyrdom of his father. Both nephew and the Aunt cared for each other's status and the Caravan proceeded.

What a vicissitude that in the recent past Angels took permission for entry in the house of the Prophet (S) and now the Ahl al-Bayt of the same Prophet were taken captive. Curse be on such Muslims who on one side recite “Kalima” of Muhammad (S) and on the other take Ahl al-Bayt to Kufa for disgracing and insulting them. It was the same Kufa which was capital of whole muslim world.

Imam Zayn al-Abidin (‘a) was sick and he was so sick that he remained in the state of swoon most of the time. He was still sick but sometimes for a short while only he recovered from that condition. Now God was to test the perseverance of Imam Zainul Abeidin (‘a) and Bibi Zaynab (‘a).

In foregoing pages will be mentioned the details of these tests and it will be seen that how the Ahl al-Bayt defended the Truth and fearlessly stood against the tyrants and raised slogan of Truth.

Wrest of sources of writing (Pen and Paper) does not matter

Fingers dipped in my bleeding heart are my pen, Ink and paper.

Tussle in good and evil from origin of the universe is still going on. Prophets (S) underwent severe tests. Starting from Hazrat Adam one can see, Hazrat Nooh, Hazrat Ibrahim, Hazrat Yahya, Hazrat Musa, Hazrat Ayub, Hazrat Younus and all others who fought against evils and were put to tough tests.

We can see our Prophet Muhammad (S) who was put to extreme suffering and he himself says that “no messenger of God was put to so much torture as I suffered”. 2

Besides these Messengers and Prophets there have been a number of good and God-fearing people who have successfully passed through tough tests but what happened to our oppressed Imam is not to be found in history.

Lamps impart light, illuminate the world in dark,

Evil like Bulahab make incendiary from its spark

Who knew the light lamps of Muhammad (S) shower,

Till date Bulahab misuse them to make evil's tower.

But there have always been such noble, high character and good-hearted people who were ready to sacrifice their lives for truth.

After our last Prophet (S) the kins of his family considered3. “Martyrdom more relshing than milk and sweeter than honey” and have made their names Indelible on the pages of history for all time to come.

The example of events of Karbala has never been seen earlier nor be seen in the ages to come. Why it is so? It is only because those who sacrificed their lives in Karbala belonged to the household of the last Prophet Muhammad (S).

Love has to last forever and it can never die

Love is immortal, living or in grave lovers lie

Passion for love from all sides gleams through

No doubt eternity of lover's life for all time is true

‘Umar Ibn Sa’d 4 had dead bodies of his army buried but left the bodies of the martyrs lying as they were. As per Ibn Aseer, ‘Umar Ibn Saad halted In Karbala for two days which shows that his army had suffered heavy casualties.

They left Karbala on 11th of Muharrarn 61 Hijra. Apparently, the Prophet's family was belittled but in fact God dignified them and elevated their status. The apparent insult in the world carries no meaning; God fearing and his endeared servants passed their lives comfortably against odds, just like flowers flourish and blossom amidst thorns and why it should not be so as in the Husayni caravan were the kins of Prophet of Islam the most eminent messenger of God who himself had said that:

“Ali (‘a) is distributor of heaven & hell, Fatimah (‘a) Lady of the Paradise and Hasan (‘a) and Husayn (‘a) Leaders of the youths of Paradise”

Syrians had the ultimate desire to extinguish the symbols of “Divine Light” forever.

Those trying to extinguish divine lamp are marred

Will go to hell with their aces and beard charred

But they did not know that those who try to extinguish divine light have their faces charred or one can say:

Light Candled by God illuminates the world

One trying to put it out is ruined and hurled.

Those who boasted on the so-called victory were subjected to admonition as when Bani Abbas came to power. Banu Umayya symbolized the following verse:

Tomorrow heads of cruel and conceited people will roll like football

History is witness of their past and it is true. Pride must have a fall.

Details about Banu Umayya may be referred to in the book “Nawasa-e-Nabi Husayn Ibn Ali (‘a) by S. Ali Akbar Rizvi”.

Distance from Karbala to Kufa now a days directly is 75 Kilometers. But Yazid's army took the Caravan through circuitous and unfamiliar routes to lengthen the journey and to put Ahl al-Bayt to Increased fatigue and torture.

وَلَا يَحْسَبَنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا أَنَّمَا نُمْلِي لَهُمْ خَيْرٌ لِأَنْفُسِهِمْ إِنَّمَا نُمْلِي لَهُمْ لِيَزْدَادُوا إِثْمًا وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ مُهِينٌ

“The infidels should not misconceive that the respite We give them is better for them. We do so far, the reason that they keep adding up their sins and ultimately, they will face contemptible divine punishment.” (3:178).

From the details available, it is known that the group who had severed the heads of the martyrs retained the respective heads with them to bargain rewards from ‘Umar Ibn Sa’d. Ibn Aseer has given the details as under:

(1) With Bani Hawazin (Led by Shimr Ibn Zil Joushan), 20

(2) With Bani Kanda (Led by Ashab), 13

(3) With Bani Tameem, 17

(4) With Yazid's soldiers of Bani Asad, 6

(5) With Bani Mazjah, 7

(6) With others,7/8

Total: 70/71

Some historians have given the figures as 72/73

Husayni caravan was taken captive, heads of the Martyrs were put together, after the noon ‘‘Umar Ibn Sa’d ordered departure of the Caravan under the charge of Hameed Ibn Bakeer. Yazid's Soldiers set out with bands and bugles full of joy and revel.

Heads of the martyrs elevated on spear were leading, Ahl al-Bayt on bare back of camels, their faces without veil followed. They reached Kufa second or third day. Two heads were not visible. ‘Umar Ibn Sa’d had already sent the head of Imam Husayn (‘a) on Ashura day through Khuli and the head of Habib Ibn Mazahir was hung around the neck of the horse of his Tamaemi murderer.

It is said that Khuli with the head or Imam Husayn (as) reached Kufa late night when gate of Ibn Ziyad's palace was closed. Khuli took the head to his house and said to his wife “I have brought a wealth equal to value of the whole world for you. And this is Husayn's (‘a) head which is in our house”.

His wife wavered, shuddered and shrieked “Curse be upon you people earn gold and silver but you have brought the head of the son or Prophet's daughter. By God! I would never stay with you in this house” And after this she left the house at once.

Burial Of Martyrs

As has been said in preceding pages ‘‘Umar Ibn Sa’d after the event of Karbala stayed back there for a few days and got the large number of his soldiers dead- bodies buried but left the bodies of martyrs of Karbala as they were. Later some people of Bani Asad came and buried them.

On arrival at Karbala, Imam Husayn (‘a) had purchased the land of Karbala from Bani Asad and had gifted it to them. The Imam had said to them to bury the bodies of his martyrs. On the graves5 of these martyrs are built majestic mausoleums6 where people from all parts of the world come for Ziarat but there is no remains of oppressors anywhere in the world now.

  • 1. Imam Husayn (‘a) said that if he cursed everything would turn to ash they are so-called Nana's followers so I am patient and not rash
    I am afflicted with grief, shattered and shocked on loss of my dear ones But I can not cause ravage to grandfather's followers nor curse them even once (Meer Anees)
  • 2. Detail of the hardship befell on our Prophet (S) in Makkah and Taif can be read in “Tareekh e-Islam ka Safar” by Syed Ali Akbar Rizvi.
  • 3. Shimr remained and will always remain a symbol of brutality Husayn's Martyrdom stands for piety, fitness and perpetuity.
  • 4. ‘Umar Ibn Sa’dis son of Hazrat Saad Ibn Abi Waqas: Saad Ibn Waqas was a very devoted Sahabi of his time, Irony of the fate that the Umar the son of the same Saad tyrannized the family of the Prophot (S). It is said that he did all this due to fear of Obaidullah Ibn Ziyad the Governor of Kufa and Basra for protection of his wife and Children, as he said ‘Umar Ibn Sa’dmartyred Prophet's (S) grandson Imam Husayn (‘a) and his devoted companions. took reernnd ladies of Ahle Bayt captive and forget the honour and dignity of Prophet's family. When a man becomes materialist, he forgets the dooms day and become the fuel of hell. The oppressed goes straight to heaven and the oppressor is hurled into hell It is just a very lame excuse of Ibn Saad that he did all this to protect his family. There was no justification of disrespecting the dead bodies of Prophet's kins & tyrannizing the captives of Karbala. order or Ibn Ziyad for slaying Husayn (‘a) and his companions was already obeyed. The cruelty after the martyrdom was for material gain, personal hatred and to please the ruler of Syria.
  • 5. Photographs of these mausoleums may be seen in the beginning of the book.
  • 6. According to BBC and other world, during the year 2003 (22 April. 2003, 20th Safar, 1424 Hijra), on the occasion of chehlum of Martyrs of Karbala about five Lac Muslims from Baghdad, Mousal, Najaf and from other far and remote areas came to Karbala on foot. Saddam for the last 20, 22 years had clamped restriction on procession for martyrs of Karbala. On these days Karbala and Precinct of Karbala was overflowing with pilgrims.