Bibi Zaynab (‘a), Granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad (S)

Sub Title:

This text is an overview of the life of Sayyida Zaynab (‘a). It contains all the known information about her since her birth till her death, focusing in particular on the trip accompanying Imam Husayn (‘a) in Karbala and what came after, including the sermon she uttered in Damascus to Yazid in his palace. The book also mentions her husband, Abdullah ibn Ja’far at-Tayyar. All the incidents show her greatness and piousness. She was the epitome of resistance and patience.

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Bibi Zaynab (‘a), Granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad (S)
 
 Author: (Al-Hajj) Syed Ali Akbar Rizvi
 Printers: Al-Raza Printer. 
 Year of Publication: 2007
 Distributors: (a) Mahfooz Book Agency Martin Road, Karachi Ph# 4124286- 4917823
 (b) Iftikhar Book Depot, The Mall, Islampura Lahore. 
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Acknowledgment

Endeared Syed Ali Muhammad Naqvi (Aligarh) August son of an August father Syedal-ulema Syed Ali Naql Al Naqvi known as Qibla “Naqqan Saheb” had undertaken to publish English Version of this book from Aligarh. While the translation was in progress, I reached Aligarh after itinerating to Delhi, Azamgarh and Calcutta.

Syed Ali Muhammad Naqvi for some reasons gave the translated portion and the remaining papers of the book to me and suggested that it was better if the remaining portion was translated in Karachi, the book published from Karachi and the files of the composed manuscript then be sent to him for publishing from Aligarh also, thus on my return, I brought the entire matter with me.

In Karachi Mr. Syed Ansar Husayn Naqvi proved to be an associate of confidence who not only translated some of the remaining portion but also got the Qur’anic Ayats composed in Arabic Script and translated them into English.

He at the same time got the Persian and Urdu Verses composed in Urdu script, versified them to make the book complete in all aspects and to keep its originality and eloquence maintained. Mr. Ansar Husayn was in close contact with me for such advices which he deemed necessary to equipoise the two pans of the scale, that is, to match the English version with the original Book as much as possible.

I am grateful and thankful to both Syed Ali Muhammad Naqvi (Alig) and Mr. Syed Ansar Husayn Naqvi with core of my heart. May God remunerate them for this noble work!

In my office, Mr. Muhammad Yousuf and Mr. Ameer Abbas put their wholehearted and best efforts in completing the composing work for which I gave my appreciation and extend my all-good wishes to them.

I confidently hope that our small but sincere endeavor will meet assent of God Almighty who will acknowledge our prayer and supplications

Ameen Ya Ilahi Al-Aalameen.

I willl grant the Dua the “voice” inviting my attention, just call on Me.

Your Lord Says:

Call unto me, summon me and I will answer you. (40:60).

Most humbly,

Syed Ali Akbar Rizvi

Dedication

I with utmost humility and submissiveness am privileged to dedicate my this small but very sincere Endeavour to Bibi Zaynab (‘a) the granddaughter of the last Messenger of God Muhammad (S) and Janab Khadijat al-Kubra (‘a); dignified daughter of Hazrat Ali Murtaza (‘a) and Janab Fatimah (‘a), the Lady of Paradise; respected sister of leaders of youths of paradise Hazrat Hasan (‘a) and Hazrat Husayn (‘a); honored wife of Janab Abdullah; endeared mother of Martyrs of Karbala Aun and Muhammad, and wish to have my devoted obtained acknowledge.

I am sinner but devotee and crave for your attention

Not Possible to have forgiveness and salvation

Bibi! Kindly recommend to your Nana to look at me

Heaven is possible but only with his intercession.

(Syed Nosoeruddin Naseer)

I submit and Resign to your grace and enoromus compassion

I am confident of my obsolution may heaven be my destination

Introduction

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Of actions O Shaper! of needs O Fulfliller!

Started I have; Thou art Accomplisher!

وَلَا تَحْسَبَنَّ الَّذِينَ قُتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَمْوَاتًا بَلْ أَحْيَاءٌ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ يُرْزَقُونَ

Do not think of those who are killed in the way or Allah as dead. They are alive and receive sustenance from their Lord! (3:169).

وَلَا تَقُولُوا لِمَنْ يُقْتَلُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَمْوَاتٌ بَلْ أَحْيَاءٌ وَلَٰكِنْ لَا تَشْعُرُونَ

“Do not call those who are slain in the way of Allah as dead (they are not dead). They are alive but you have no conception of their life”. (2:154).

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنْفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ

“And surely and certainly we will test you with Fear and hunger and loss of wealth, life and loss of crop”. (2:155).

وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ- الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُمْ مُصِيبَةٌ قَالُوا إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ

“Give the glad tidings to those who steadfast that when faced with misfortune they say. Verily we are of Allah and verily we have to return to Him”. (2:156).

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنْ يَشْرِي نَفْسَهُ ابْتِغَاءَ مَرْضَاتِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ رَءُوفٌ بِالْعِبَادِ

“Among the mankind is he who sells his life for the pleasure of Allah and verily Allah is compassionate to His bondmen”. (2:207).

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَالَّذِينَ هَاجَرُوا وَجَاهَدُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أُولَٰئِكَ يَرْجُونَ رَحْمَتَ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ

“Those who believed and those who migrated and strove in the way of Allah are they who hope for mercy of Allah, and Allah is forgiving, merciful”. (2:218).

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

“Do not let those who disbelieve imagine that Our giving them respite is good for them. We only give respite to them so that they may add up their sins and there is shameful doom for them”. (3:178).

ثُمَّ كَانَ عَاقِبَةَ الَّذِينَ أَسَاءُوا السُّوأَىٰ أَنْ كَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَكَانُوا بِهَا يَسْتَهْزِئُونَ

“Then evil was the end of those who committed evil by rejecting God's manifest signs and mocking them”. (30:10).

وَالَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا سَنَسْتَدْرِجُهُمْ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ-

“We shall gradually draw those who reject our signs to ruin them unalarmed”. (7:182).

وَأُمْلِي لَهُمْ إِنَّ كَيْدِي مَتِينٌ

“And We grant them a respite. Verily Our scheme is unfailingly strong”. (7:183).

فَمَنْ حَاجَّكَ فِيهِ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ فَقُلْ تَعَالَوْا نَدْعُ أَبْنَاءَنَا وَأَبْنَاءَكُمْ وَنِسَاءَنَا وَنِسَاءَكُمْ وَأَنْفُسَنَا وَأَنْفُسَكُمْ ثُمَّ نَبْتَهِلْ فَنَجْعَلْ لَعْنَتَ اللَّهِ عَلَى الْكَاذِبِينَ

“And to him, who disputes with you therein after knowledge has come to you, say (Oh Prophet) come! Let us summon our sons and your sons and our women and your women, and then let us invoke and lay the curse of God upon liars!” (3:61).

وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا غَنِمْتُمْ مِنْ شَيْءٍ فَأَنَّ لِلَّهِ خُمُسَهُ وَلِلرَّسُولِ وَلِذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ آمَنْتُمْ بِاللَّهِ وَمَا أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَىٰ عَبْدِنَا يَوْمَ الْفُرْقَانِ يَوْمَ الْتَقَى الْجَمْعَانِ وَاللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

“And know (O believers) that whatever you acquire as a booty, fifth of it is for God, the Prophet, the (Prophet's) next of kin, the orphans, the needy and the wayfarers, if you believe in God and in what We revealed to Our Bondmen (Muhammad) on the Day of Distinction, when the two parties met; Allah Has power over all things” (8:41).

وَيُطْعِمُونَ الطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِ مِسْكِينًا وَيَتِيمًا وَأَسِيرًا-

“And they give away food out of love for Him to the needy, wretch man, the orphan” (76:8).

إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ اللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنْكُمْ جَزَاءً وَلَا شُكُورًا

“And the prisoner of war only for the sake of Allah, we seek no recompense nor thanks from you” (76:9).

قُلْ لَا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا إِلَّا الْمَوَدَّةَ فِي الْقُرْبَىٰ

“Say (Oh Prophet)! I do not ask you for any reward for it save the love of my kins” (42:23).

إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَيُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيرًا

“Allah wants to keep all sins away from you O Ahl al-Bayt! and Allah may keep you as pure as you merit to be pure” (33:33).

إِنَّا أَعْطَيْنَاكَ الْكَوْثَرَ

“God revealed Oh Prophet (S)! We blessed you with Kauthar” (108:1).

فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَرْ

“So, offer prayer and sacrifice” (108:2).

إِنَّ شَانِئَكَ هُوَ الْأَبْتَرُ

“Verily, your enemy will have no posterity” (108:3).

The reason for quoting the above Ayats to show that those who love Islam, for them material losses have no meaning, nor do physical hardships perturb them. They willingly suffer losses and gain the pleasure of Allah.

The family of the Prophet can sacrifice their houses, accept martyrdom but cannot accept oppression. They are forbearing and dependent on Allah in their piety. The best example is that of the prisoners of Karbala.

The concept of Eternal Life in Sham is not in vain

Precious lives of Aal al-lmran have been sacrificed & slain.

The aim here is not to write the history of Karbala. The entire event of incidents and Divine decisions have already been covered in detail in my coming book “Nawasa-e-Nabi Husayn Ibn Ali (‘a)”. Here we discuss the single and unique character of Bibi Zaynab granddaughter of the Prophet of Islam, the daughter of Hazrat Ali (‘a) and Hazrat Bibi Fatimah (‘a).

It necessitates, therefore, to write the events of the night of the 10th Muharram because from there starts the saga of her sacrifices.

The above quoted Ayats are about faith and sacrifices the, examples of which were set by the Ahl al-Bayt ar-Rasul in Karbala. People sacrifice their wealth to save their life while in· Karbala they sacrificed their lives and wealth to save Islam.

After the tragedy of Karbala Bibi Zaynab set such all example of leadership from Karbala to Kufa, Kufa to Damascus and Damascus to Madina that she was called apostle of the revolution of Imam Husayn (‘a).

The Ahl al-Bayt for three days and nights were without food and water and offered most sincere sacrifice. This in short is the History of Karbala.

Those who sacrifices their lives for Allah never die but always remain Alive in all ages receive sustenance from God in his whole domain.

Everything is finite in this world except the life of a martyr that has an extended life granted by Allah. The martyrs of Karbala are remembered every year and Allah willing will be remembered every year and Allah willing will be remembered till eternity.

This is the sign of a living nation. Those nations who do not remember their eiders and leaders, history always forgets them.

What is history? It is source of learning from past

People come and go but Allah's words always last.

وَلَقَدْ أَنْزَلْنَا إِلَيْكُمْ آيَاتٍ مُبَيِّنَاتٍ وَمَثَلًا مِنَ الَّذِينَ خَلَوْا مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ وَمَوْعِظَةً لِلْمُتَّقِينَ

“And no doubt We have sent to you very clear signs and examples of such people”. (24:34).

O Allah! I wish to write more and more kindly be my Guide

Give more equipment to me that my pens on papers slide

With this, I start my discourse on Bibi Zaynab. I have written the simplified version of thoughts of the historians and scholars of the past on this subject so that people may read them and understand them easily.

I hope my sisters and daughters in Islam make use of it. If some of them try to cast themselves in the mould of Bibi Zaynab I will feel that I have succeeded in my endeavor. This book in fact has been written on the desire of our female folk. May Almighty Lord give us the enlightenment to follow the right path. Aameen.

Syed Ali Akbar Rizvi

Karachi.

25 March 2007

Bibi Zaynab

Zaynab 1 is symbol of sanctity

A source of Pride for humanity

Hazrat Zaynab was born on the 5th of Jamadi al-Awwal in the 5th Hijrah a year after Imam Husayn's (‘a) birth2. In the 7th Hijrah the Peace Treaty of Hudaibiah was signed and this ended the days of hardships of the Muslims and strengthened root of Islam.

The Bani Hashim and the Sahaba congratulated the Prophet (S) and showered gifts. Blossoming of flower brought the hope of bearing fruits. Fruits came but what tyranny they faced I am wanting to write; May God help me to write; if my readers have tears in eyes, they should let them drop as shedding tears lightens the grief; weeping and smiling are human nature3.

A child at birth cries and the family smiles and laughs otherwise the family cries and is in grief. Here the newborn was the eldest of the endeared daughters. The younger was named Umm Kulthoom and both sisters were younger than Imam Hasan (‘a) and Imam Husayn (‘a).

Hazrat Fatimah (‘a) asked Hazrat Ali (‘a) to name her but he said he would rather wait for the Prophet (S) to return from his journey. Three days later the Prophet (S) returned and after hearing the news of the child's birth, came straight to his daughter's home. When he was asked to give her a name, he said he would rather wait for Allah to do so.

Jibra’il came and said4 Allah sends his greeting to you and says that the child should be named “Zaynab”, so he named her “Zaynab” and seventh day her “Aquiqa” was performed.

At this moment, I recall Ayats 3 and Ayat 4 of Surah an-Najm:

وَمَا يَنْطِقُ عَنِ الْهَوَىٰ

“The Prophet (S) does not utter any thing of his own” (53:3).

إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحْيٌ يُوحَىٰ

“but what he utters is revealed of God”. (53:4).

The Prophet (S) loved his daughter very much but he loved his grandchildren even more.

The Upbringing

Bibi Zaynab (s.a) was born and brought up in a learned family. Her grandfather, the Prophet was the “City of knowledge” while her father Amirul Mu’mineen was the “Gateway of knowledge”. Her mother was the leader of all women in Paradise and she played the initial role of tutoring Bibi Zaynab. Janab Raziqul Khairi writes in “Sayyida Kee Beyti”:

She was full of sacrifice, wisdom, steadfastness, determination, truth, boldness, piety, worship, kindness and simplicity. This was in her blood and was due to the family's5 environments in which she was born.

The Egyptian writer Dr. Ayesha Bint Shati writes in “Batalat al Karbala”:

“The grandmother of Bibi Zaynab was Bibi Fatimah Bint Asad Ibn Hashim Ibn Abd Munaf who was the wife of Hazrat Abu Talib the paternal uncle of the Prophet. And she was the first Hashim woman to be married to Hashmi man and this was the origin of Hashmi lineage. She was also one of the first women to believe In Islam and this is praise worthy”.

Before her death she made a “will” to the Prophet who accepted it and praised her for it. He loved her so much that after her death he gave his shirt for her shroud and laid himself in her grave before she was buried.

When people asked the reason for this, he said that after Hazrat Abu Talib's death no one loved him as much as she loved. “I gave my shirt as her shroud so that she is given the raiments of Paradise and I have lain myself in her grave so that the stages of the grave become easy for her.

On the one side was this aunt who loved and reared him and on the other was 'Umm Jamil Bint Harb' the wife of Abu Lahab who has been condemned in Surah Lahab. This woman used to bring and strew thorny scrub and shrub in the Prophet's (S) pathway and used to speak abusively to him.

The great grandfather of Bibi Zaynab, Janabe Abdul Muttalib was the host of Hajis in Ka’bah. This was a legacy from his ancestors. Allah saved him from the threat of Abraha who came to destroy the Ka’bah”6.

Bibi Zaynab became the endeared icon of every woman's eyes in Madina because she was pious noble and she spent her life in righteousness. In the early years of her life, she was guided by great women like Umm al-Baneen and Asma Bint ‘Umays (second wife of Hazrat Ali (‘a). Who liked after her and gave her the respect she merited.

This is the family that practisced what the Prophet preached. We can team from the speeches of Bibi Zaynab that she was well versed in Qur’an, tafsir, literature and oratory and this was all due to the teachings of Hazrat Ali (‘a) at home7.

“Bibi Zaynab even in her childhood was regarded as reliable so far as knowledge was concerned and the girls of Madina often gathered in her house and she spent the time she could after household chores in teaching them. She was so elevated in her wisdom that no woman could be matched to her in Madina including, those of the family of the Prophet (S)8“.

She was an expert in household work which she had learnt from her mother. She looked after her brothers like a mother so long as she was not married and when she went to her husband's house, she took charge of the new household without any inconvenience.

Mawlana Raziqul Khairi writes:

“She never kept any trash and useless thing in the house. She cooked per her requirement and when all her family had eaten, she would give the remnant to the poor rather than keep it for the next meal”.

She was competent regarding, money matter and would never overspend but helped the poor to her heart's content. Like her reverend mother she was not partial to rich food but would eat frugally and was grateful. When Abdullah Ibn Ja’far at-Tayyar said that she was the best mistress of the house he was praising her for house management9.

Yahya Mazani was the immediate neighbour of Hazrat Ali and he said that he never saw her stature nor ever heard her voice10.

The Prophet's (S) demise was in the 11th Hijrah and three months later Hazrat Fatimah (‘a) left this world for heavenly abode. Bibi Zaynab (‘a) was surrounded by tragedies at the tender age of six. Her later life included the blood bath at Karbala but she was like a colossus riding the infirmities of life with a strong will. She was fifty-six years old at Karbala.

Dr. Ayesha Bint Shati writes in “Batlat al-Karbala” (the lion-hearted lady of Karbala).

“Historians say that the events of Karbala about which the Prophet (S) had foretold at her birth had become public”.

The household of the Prophet knew about it fifty years before it actually occurred. Ahmed Ibn Hambal writes in his Sunan volume one.

Jibra’il had informed the Prophet (S) about Karbala and gave him fistful of earth, which he in turn gave to Janabe Umm Salama saying, “When this earth turns into blood you would know that Husayn has been martyred” Hazrat Umm Salama kept it in a glass bottle. On the Day of Ashura (10th day of Muharram 61 A. H) the earth turned into blood after the Imam's martyrdom. Only then did the people of Madina get the news11.

A Strange Dream Of Her Childhood

Bibi Zaynab had a strange dream in her childhood in the last year of the Prophet's (S) life when she was only a child of six. She narrated the dream to the Prophet (S).

“I was standing all alone on a ridge in the desert. There came a storm with a strong wind raising dust and making it pitch dark. There was a tree near me, I caught hold of its trunk for shelter but the tree was uprooted. I then caught hold of a branch of the tree but that also broke. I caught hold of another but that broke too then I went to a jointed branch but that too broke, I was in great despair standing alone when my eyes opened”.

The Prophet (S) was very perturbed by this dream and he interpreted this dream as under.

“I am that uprooted tree and it means my death is very near. The first branch you caught was your mother the second your father and the jointed branch, your brothers Hasan (‘a) and Husayn (‘a). This dream is about the tribulations that you will face after we all are gone but you will come out with flying colours as your steadfastness will always be remembered”.

One day Bibi Zaynab (‘a) was reciting some Ayats of the Qur'an and she asked her father Hazrat Ali (‘a) for explanation. Hazrat Ali referred to the event of Karbala and was very surprised when Bibi Zaynab said, Oh Baba! I knew about it from my mother (Fatimah (‘a)) so that she could prepare me to face that day. “Hazrat Ali became silent on hearing it and his heart throbbed in love for his daughter”12.

- 1. Zaynab Comprises of two words "ZAIN" and "AB"' which means ernbellishment of Father.

- 2. According to some versions Bibi Zaynab was born in 6th Hijra.

- 3. And He is the one who makes a person laugh and cry. (53:43)

- 4. Naming of the reverend personalities from God is not new as it is evident from Ayat of Qur’an:
(i) I give you glad tiding that I bless you with a son with the name Yahya.
(ii) As about Hazrat Essa who himself said my name is Messiah son Of Maryam.
(iii) About our prophet Jesus said " after me a messenger named Ahmed will come.
(iv) Prophet (S) also changed the name of some of his Sahaba.

- 5. As the birds of the same feather lock together. God reveals, "always be with truthful people".

- 6. Text from'Batlat al-Karbala by Dr. Aeysha Bint Shali Misri p-19.

- 7. Syyeda Ki Beti by Mawlana Raziq-al-Kheri.

- 8. Syyeda Ki Beti by Mawlana Raziq-al-Kheri.

- 9. Syyeda Ki Beti by Mawlana Raziq-al-Kheri.

- 10. For detail "Daira al- Maarif Islamia Punjab University Lahore, Volume-10, Page 568 may be referred.

- 11. Dr. Ayosha Bint Shati Misri "Batlat al-Karbala" (Page 26).

- 12. Dr. Ayosha Bint Shati Misri "Batlat al-Karbala" (Page 20,21).

Beginning Of Tragedies

She was only six years old when hardships surrounded her.

Her Grandfather’s Demise

When Bibi Zaynab was six years old the ever-loving Prophet (S) her grandfather deserted this world forever. This was the first tragedy.

Her Mother's Demise

Bibi Zaynab was still under the shock of losing her grandfather and her tears had not yet dried when her mother left this world pining for her father1. The eyes that used to follow Bibi Zaynab lovingly became lifeless.

Only Allah knows how her death affected Bibi Zaynab. The worst thing to befall a child is the death of the mother especially for a girl of tender age because the love she has for her mother cannot be narrated in words. She bore these tragedies stoically that she was called “Mother of Tragedies”.

Now, she prepared herself for Karbala and became steadfast to face the horrors of Ashura (10th Muharram 61 AH), the hardships and the severity after Ashura. She endured all the tragedies in such manner that no example is found in the history. Had those tragedies fallen on a mountain they would have crumbled.

Bibi Zaynab's Greatness

She cannot be compared with any woman in the Muslim world living then or later. This is true for all other Masumeen of the Prophet's (S) family. The Panjatan (five pious bodies) had tutored her, and the experiences of life's tragedies frorm childhood to maturity perfected her. For instance, while the Prophet (S) was alive people use to respect her but after his death her father went into seclusion to avoid being embroiled in controversies.

When Hazrat Ali (‘a) became Khalifa time changed but after his death she was again surrounded by tragedies. Hazrat Ali (‘a) recorded in Nahj al-Balagha: “No person in this Ummah can be compared to the progeny of the Prophet (S)”.

Such was the personality of Bibi Zaynab that She should not be compared with any woman except those of similar majestic status.

Dr. Ayesha Bint shati Misri writes in her book “Batlat al-Karbala”. Zaynab (‘a) was as kind and compassionate as her mother, and was like her father in wisdom and piety.

According to certain traditions, she had a society of learning in which ladies used to come to her for religious Instructions. These specialties elevated her among all women of her time. She was also called “Aqila Bani Hashim” and people used to learn Hadith from her. Ibn Abbas used to quote her as Aqila Zaynab daughter of Hazrat Ali (‘a). She became so famous as Aqila that her children were called “Bani Aqila”.

Consultation With Her By Her Brothers

Her brothers used to give great importance to her views. She managed the household perfectly with the help of Janabe Fidhdha An-Nubiyya2.

She had stepped into her mother's shoes. Her brothers though elder to her used to respect her. As she grew up, she grew in prominence in her family. Her brothers used to seek her advice in all family matters and never took a step without consulting her.

Imam Husayn (‘a) consulted her even when he decided to migrate from Madina to Makkah and then from Makkah to Iraq.

She was his mainstay even in Karbala. Her father Hazrat Ali a. s also took great interest in her upbringing and treated her with love and kindness.

He had seen how the Prophet (S) had trained his daughter (the lady of the Paradise) and the same splendour of the Prophet's training was beaming through in the upbringing of Bibi Zaynab the daughter of Hazrat Ali (‘a). Impressions of training of childhood are just like the line etched on stone which is always distinct and reflect till the last days of life it is rightly said:

“Grooming of childhood is like a line etched on stone”

Bibi Zaynab's character reflected this training throughout her life whether she was in her parents’ house or with her husband; whether it was Madina. Makkah, Kufa, Karbala or the Market place of Damascus. She never wavered anywhere. She was always willing to serve Allah and Islam. She remained a dignified personality in the court or Yazeed Ibn Mu’awiyah.

Poverty will! Contentment is a glory if no greed of gold

One is fully contented because his life to God he sold

After the death of Hazrat Fatimah (‘a), Hazrat Ali (‘a) married Asma Bint ‘Umais al-Khashemia3, a woman of great character who played a vital role in Bibi Zaynab's upbringing because she had seen the love the Prophet (S) and Hazrat Ali (‘a) showered on this daughter. The progeny of Hazrat Ali (‘a) and Fatimah (‘a) is called the progeny of the Prophet (S). None of his three sons survived so Hazrat Fatimah (‘a) was his only daughter and heir.

- 1. Hazrat Fatimah (‘a) spent the days mourning after the demise of her father. All historians have recorded that she was never seen smiling after that tragedy nor she left her sick bed except when she visited her father's grave. When she visited the grave of the Prophet (S) she would take a fistful of earth from it, smell it and rub it on her eyes and face and She loudly said. 'For any one who smells the fragrance of the Prophet's (S) grave, it would not make any difference if the person- smells no other perfume & ever in his lifetime. She also said that she was burdened with such hardships that if they were put on day it would turn into night. She became famous as one of five great weepers with Hazrat Adam, Hazrat Nooh, Hazrat Yaqoob and Hazrat Yahya. After her, her grandson Imam Zain al-Abidin wept a lot (quoted from Dr. Ayesha Shati Misri, book "Batlat al-Karbala" page 120,121).

- 2. Although Fidhdha An-Nubiyya was a maid of the lady of paradise but she enjoyed the status of a family member. Nob is located in the skirt of vast red mountain range in East Africa. This was the homeland of Janabe Fidhdha An-Nubiyya and with this reference she was known as "Fidhdha An-Nubiyya. There is a controversy about the time as when she arrived In Madina but it Is generally said that her arrival in Madina was in 2nd or 3rd year after hijrat.

- 3. For the details about this respected woman, the book "Nawasa Al-Nabi Husayn Ibn Ali" of Syed Ali Akbar Rizvi may be referred,

Marriage Of Bibi Zaynab With Hazrat Abdullah

The girls in their parent's house are brought up with the objective that they have to go to the house of someone else. Their actual house is the house or their husbands or which they are heiress. They are born and brought up in their parents’ house and the parents are just as their guardians.

When Bibi Zaynab came to her age of marriage, suits for marriage started coming. Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Ja’far at-Tayyar was one or the suitors of “Sani-e-Zahra”. Abdullah Ibn Ja’far at-Tayyar had ingress and egress into Hazrat Ali's house because Hazrat Ali (‘a) was his guardian after the Prophet (S).

Abdullah and his brother were under the rearing of Hazrat Ali (‘a) who very well knew their conduct. A number of Bani Hashm & Quraish people urged for marriage with Bibi Zaynab but Abdullah was considered the best.

Hazrat Abdullah submitted his offer for her hand through a messenger. Hazrat Ali (‘a)1 was pleased, he rejected all other suitors and married his daughter Zaynab to Abdullah son, of his elder brother Hazrat Ja’far at-Tayyar2 and the cousin of the Prophet (S).

The preparation for the marriage was similar to the marriage of Hazrat Fatimah (‘a). She got the same dowry and the meher of 500 Dirhams was also the same. This marriage, which took place in 16th Hijrah, reflected the Sunnah of the Prophet (S) on his daughter's wedding.

The Children Of Hazrat Abdullah

He had five children from Bibi Zaynab, four sons Ali, Aun, Muhammad, Abbas and a daughter Umm Kulthoom. Aun and Muhammad came with Bibi Zaynab to Karbala at the age of nine and ten respectively and she set an example to the world by sacrificing both of them on Islam and her brother.

The family lineage continued from the other sons. According to Shaikh Muhammad Abbas Qummi, Abdullah Ibn Ja’far at-Tayyar had twenty sons from different wives. Where as mother of five children Ali, Aun, Akbar, Muhammad, Abbas and Umm Kulthoom's mother was Bibi Zaynab the daughter of Hazrat Ali (‘a). The Progeny of Abdullah's son Ali's continued and was later known as Zaynabi3.

Abdullah Ibn Ja’far At-Tayyar

As has been written earlier Janabe Abdullah the husband of Bibi Zaynab was son of Hazrat Ja’far who migrated to Ethopia in the fifth year of the Besat (Hazrat Muhammad (S) declared his prophethood). He had apprised the Ruler of Ethiopia of the tenets of Islam by reciting the Qur'an modulate1y4.

The Emperor gave permission to the emigrants to stay and trade there and said to them. “Live in peace and whosoever says evil of you shall be punished” he repeated it three times. In Ethiopia three sons were blessed to him, Abdullah, Aun and Muhammad, Abdullah was the eldest. 5

Hazrat Ja’far At-Tayyar

He was appointed by the Prophet (S) the Deputy Commander for the battle of Mota and he took the command after martyrdom of Zaid Ibn Harisah. He holding the hoisting flag with his hands kept fighting bravely when the enemies sheared his right hand, he took the flag in his left hand which also was sheared off and then he held the flag with his arms pressing with chest and in the same position he was martyred.

Allah gave him both the hands in Paradise and titled him as “Tayyar” (The Flier). The purpose here is not to write his biography but just a few lines. For details about Hazrat Ja’far at-Tayyar “Tareekh-e-Islam ka Safar” by Syed Ali Akbar Rizvi, may be seen.

His wife's name was Asma Bint ‘Umais al-Khashemia and the eldest son from her was Hazrat Abdullah husband of Bibi Zaynab. Janabe Asma after the death of Hazrat Ja’far was married to Hazrat Abu Bakr the first caliph. When Hazrat Abu Bakr died, she married Hazrat Ali, and with her were her son Muhammad Ibn Abi Bakr and a daughter Umm Kulthoom6.

Both these children were raised in Hazrat Ali's household. Hazrat Ali (‘a) made Muhammad Ibn Abi Bakr the Governor of Egypt, who was killed by Umrou Ibn Aas and Mu’awiyah Ibn Hadeej Kandi. His killing was treacherous as on the orders of Mu’awiyah Ibn Abu Sufiyan he was burnt after being packed and sewn within hide of a dead ass. Before this, he had taken part in the battle of “Jamal” from Hazrat Ali's side (Against his sister Ayesha Bint Abu Bakr).

It is desirable to write about life of Janabe Abdullah in short for the readers to readily connect wherever Janabe Abdullah’s reference is made.

Abdullah Ibn Ja’far Ibn Abu Talib was the nephew of Hazrat Ali (‘a). His father Hazrat Ja’far at-Tayyar immediately after declaration of “Nabuwat” had embarrassed Islam. When the emigrants returned from Ethiopia Hazrat Ja’far also came back with his family and the Prophet (S) was very pleased to see him.

Muhammad Ibn Abu Bakr7 was the stepbrother of Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Jaf’ar al-Tayyar. Hazrat Ali (‘a) trusted Muhammad very much and he reciprocated this trust with complete loyatly. Hazrat Abdullah was very famous as a philanthropist and was called “Bahrul Joud” an ocean of charity.

He was regarded as one of the richest people in Madina. On the death of Ja’far the Prophet (S) had put his hand on the orphan's head and said “Abdullah resembles me8 in character”. He held Abdullah's right hand and then prayed, “May God bless the Progeny of Ja’far with noble children and may Abdullah flourish in trade”. “The Prophet also said that he was their guardian in this world and the world hereafter9“.

This Prayer was granted and Abdullah not only became very wealthy but his popularity as philanthropist was also proverbial.

Though Janabe Abdullah did not take much interest in the affairs of the Banu Ummaya he was not ignorant about all what was happening which is testified by his stay and acquisition of property and residence in Syria. He was an official of the Khilafat in the days of Khalifa Hazrat ‘Umar and Hazrat Usman. It is learnt that he was the Deputy Commander to Janabe Abu Obaida Jarrah in the Egyptian campaign. He was present in the Army's Defence against the Romans.

During khilafat of Hazrat Ali (‘a), he was commander in the battle of “Siffeen”. He was a brave person never fearing death and for this reason, Hazrat Ali (‘a) on many occasions entrusted him as commander of the Army. There is no doubt in this that after the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (‘a), Hazrat Abdullah remained amenable to Hazrat Imam Hasan (‘a) and to Hazrat Imam Husayn (‘a) in all respect.

The extent of his dedication and amenableness to Imam Husayn (‘a) may be seen from the following:

“When Janabe Abdullah heard of the martyrdom of his sons Aun and Muhammad in Karbala he did not mourn them and mourned only for Imam Husayn (‘a)”. He said, “I can bear, the loss of the two sons because in their loyalty they sacrificed their lives on Islam. I am grateful for it and I thank God that in my absence and my inability to do so my sons received the honour of martyrdom”.

The Reason For His Absence In Karbala

Despite so much love and devotion Hazrat Abdullah had with Imam Husayn (‘a) his absence in Karbala is said to be due to various reasons yet none or the reasons was inadvertent. It is said that it was because he had lost his sight and could not bear the rigors of the journey and war.

When Imam Husayn (‘a) decided to leave Madina Bibi Zaynab came to Janabe Abdullah and asked his permission to join her brother.

He replied “Oh my virtuous companion of life! had I not been so afflicted I would have gone myself and served him”. After this he uttered such words which show his majesty and greatness rather it was accomplishment of hopes of Bibi Zaynab. He added “Will you accept that our dearest sons Aun and Muhammad may go on this journey?”

This was the voice of heart of Bibi Zaynab coming through Janabe Abdullah. She very happily and readily agreed to this10. She took leave from her majestic and dignified husband and reached Imam Husayn (‘a) with her two sons Aun and Muhammad.

Hazrat Abdullah fully knew that Imam Husayn (‘a) will start his journey from Makkah. When people of Madina got to know about it, they came to Hazrat Abdullah to request him to try to stop Imam from this journey. Hazrat Abdullah then wrote a letter to Imam.

Letter Of Hazrat Abdullah To Hazrat Imam Husayn

“I put you on the oath of Allah not to leave Makkah. I fear your decision and fear that you and your family may be put to sword. The earth will be devoid of the guiding light in you are slain. You are Ameerul Mu’mineen and the beacon of guidance for the Ummah. Do not make haste in going to Iraq. I will ensure your lives from Yazid and the elders of Banu Omayya. Wassalam.”

The other story is that he met Imam Husayn (‘a) at Taneem near Makkah and requested him to desist from going to Iraq and when he saw Imam determined, he wanted to accompany Imam but despite his desire to join Imam he could not do so because he was partially blind and he sent his wife and two sons Aun and Muhammad with the Imam.

The Death Of Hazrat Abdullah

Waqdi says that he died in 80 or 90 Hijrah when he was 90 years old. It was when Abdul Malik Ibn Marwan was the Khalifa. He lived till eighteen years after Bibi Zaynab's death and was buried in Jannatul Baqi.

Imam Husayn (‘a) left for Karbala11, reached there on 2nd of Muhurram in 61 Hijrah and camped there. 12

- 1. After the martyrdom of Hazrat Ja’far at-Tayyar. the prophet (S) had taken his children under his support and responsibility.

- 2. Hazrat Ali had heard tho Prophet (S) which he had said about the kins of Ali and Ja’far that "our daughters are for our sons and our sons for our daughters and that is- how Bibi Zaynab, daughter of Hazrat Ali was wedded to Abdullah son of Ja’far at-Tayyar and Zaynab Sugra (Umm Kulthoom) was wedded to Aun son of Ja’far at-Tayyar.

- 3. Hazrat Ali had heard the Prophet (S) which he had said about the kins of Ali and Ja’far that "our daughters are for our sons and our sons for our daughters and that is- how Bibi Zaynab, daughter of Hazrat Ali was wedded to Abdullah son of Ja’far at-Tayyar and Zaynab Sugra (Umm Kulthoom) was wedded to Aun son of Ja’far at-Tayyar.

- 4. Muslims refugees in Ethopia nominated Ja’far Ibn Abu Talib their leader and sent him to the court of the Ruler as their' representative. Ja’far Ibn Abu Tahib apprised there the situation of Makkah, and said that God was kind enough on them and seeing their conditions sent a prophet. That Prophet taught them as to how to pray to God, called him towards piety and truth. asked them to hate idol worship. On being asked by the ruler whether his prophet ever told them any massage of God revealed on him, Hazrat, Ja’far recited one to forty Aayat of Surah Maryam, the king listened to the Ayats attentively and he was highly impressed and was convinced that Islam also was a religion like Christianity. The King rejected the request of idolaters and granted permission to Ja’far and his companions to settle in Ethiopia. For further detail "Tareekhe Islam ka Safar" Written by Syed Ali Akbar Rizvi, may be seen.

- 5. During the Stay in Ethiopia the king was so much influenced by Hazrat Ja’far that he ltso named his new born son as Abdullah on the name of Hazrat Ja’far's son and gave the child to Asma Bint Amees for bringing up.

- 6. She was the same Umm Kulsum who was daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr and was adopted by Hazrat Ali. According to some quotations she was married to Hazrat Umar which was interpreted in a wrong manner.

- 7. Details may be seen in “Tareekhe Islam ka Safar”, By Syed Ali Akbar Rizvi.

- 8. Ibn Hajar says that he resembled the prophet and quotes the following saying "Abdullah is like me in virtues and "qualities". (Al-Asaba. Vol. 3 page 49).

- 9. Al Asaba Ibn Hajar Vol III. page 49 Quoted From 'Batlat al-Karbala" by Dr. Ayesha Bint Shati Misr Page 40

- 10. Zaynab Zaynab Hai Compiled By M. Sadiq.

- 11. Left Madina on 26th Rajab 60 Hijra arrived in Makkah on 30th Shabaan 60 Hijra, for some reason converted Hajj into Umra and left for Iraq on 7th or 8th Zilhijja 60 Hljra. For detail "Nawasae Nabi Husayn Ibn Ali" maybe referred.

- 12. For detail "Nawasae Nabi Husayn Ibn Ali" by Syed Ali Akbar Rizvi.

Arrival Of Caravan Al-Husayni In Karbala And Martyrdom

Now I would like to present before you the evening of the 10th Muhurram and I start with the Fajr Azan but I do not want to write the details about the events of the Ashura. 1

The 18 years old son of Imam Husayn (‘a), Ali Akbar called Azan for Fajr Prayer of 10th Muharram 61 Hijra and the battle started. By the time of Asr the whole family of Imam Husayn (‘a) had been subjected to oppression with the martyrdom of all male Members except the oppressed Imam, his two sons one suckling Ali Asghar and one sick Zayn al-Abidin, hungry and thirsty for three days and nights were there on burning sand2 of Karbala.

The Imam could not send his elder son (Ali Zayn al-Abidin) because he was very sick and was in a state of swoon. This was the will of Allah that one individual of prophet's family be alive for the continuity of lineage of the Prophet (S). And to prove the authenticity of Ayats of Surah Al-Kauthar.

إِنَّا أَعْطَيْنَاكَ الْكَوْثَرَ-

“God revealed O Prophet (S)! I have blessed you Kauthar” (108:1).

فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَرْ

“so you keep praying for your Lord and offer sacrifices” (108:2).

إِنَّ شَانِئَكَ هُوَ الْأَبْتَرُ

“Surely, your enemy (and not you) will have no posterity” (108:3).

Abdul Aziz Sayyidal Ahal writes: “It was only Ali Ibn Husayn (‘a) who reached Madina alive. He had no protection but Allah, and he lived though they wanted to kill him too. Ibn Ziyad and his cohorts were upset how he escaped death. The enemy had been blinded towards him. He survived and the world came to realize that it was the sign of Allah3 and his benefaction4.

With the martyrdom of Husayn (‘a) the first part of God's “will” was completed and whatever was destined for Imam Husayn (‘a) came to an end5.

The sunset on the 10th of Muhurram 61th Hijra saw a battlefield soaked with blood and the scattered remains of the bodies of the progeny of the Prophet (S).

The day passed moon appeared and threw weak rays or light on the earth in which Bibi Zaynab (‘a) gathered the surviving children and ladies whose guardians were martyred and consoled them. Oh God! You are great but how “valiant” was Bibi Zaynab (‘a).

A little distance away ‘‘Umar Ibn Sa’d was counting the heads of the martyrs. The tents of the Imam were looted and set on fire. The battle field of Karbala was full of smoke adding to the darkness of Sham-e-Ghariban.

Bibi Zaynab looked at the scene and thanked Allah. She saw the prediction of the Prophet (S) came true. She will always be remembered as the “lion hearted lady of Karbala”, Oh Bibi Zaynab! Your name will remain alive and refulgent till eternity.

Beginning Of Jihad Of Bibi Zaynab

The caravan of oppressed ladies, children and sick Abid for Kufa departed and the test of endurance, courage and strength of Bibi Zaynab started.

The first night after the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (‘a) was horrible and severe. Enemies were all around. There was no friend nor sympathizer. In this dreadful night, the valiant daughter of Ali (‘a) had taken a broken spear in her hand and was patrolling around the burnt tents of the ladies and children of the Prophet's household. After the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (‘a) Bibi Zaynab (‘a) had to shoulder great responsibility. 6

The night passed and in the morning Bibi Zaynab and the whole family of the Prophet was chained like prisoners and taken to Kufa to present them before the tyrant Ibn Ziyad.

When Bibi Zaynab had come to Karbala, the whole family was together, now all were slain. This was a great trial as the Qur'an had declared:

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنْفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ

“And I will and will without fail test you with fear, hunger, wealth, your lives and loss of fruits (children) or any of these, (2:155).

وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ -الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُمْ مُصِيبَةٌ قَالُوا إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ

let those have the glad tiding, who have patience and endurance in the event of any of the above calamities befalling on them they unhesitantly would say that they are of Allah and have to return to Him”. (2:156).

The patience of Bibi Zaynab (‘a) in these trying circumstances was exemplary. Allama Rashidul Khairi has depicted the dreadful scene as follows:

“At the time when ‘Asr Prayer was going on in the mosque the trumpets of victory were sounded in the army of Yazid. Imam Husayn (‘a) and his companions were slain and the tents of the ladies of Prophet's household were set on fire”.

- 1. For detail "Nawasae Nabi Husayn Ibn Ali" by Syed Ali Akbar Rizvi.

- 2. That night of Karbala that dreadful darkness, death’s harshness, That thirsty God’s soldiers urging to die, That a sister gazing Husayn with tears in eye. Their enemies countless like sand in desert their friends were. Only 72 which is consultant of YAZDAN as per Numerology.

- 3. Recalling martyrdom of Husayn with grief I am in a state of swoon, My waist breaks in agony and body bends like Arabic letter "Noon" (Naseer Chilasi)

- 4. Abdul Aziz Sayyidal Ahal, “Imam Zayn al-Abidin”, translated by Abdul Samad Sarim Al Azhari, page 32.

- 5. O Fulfy contented self revert to me your Creator so much happy with you as you are with Him. Associate yourself in my pious servants and enter in to my paradise. Surah Al fajr (89) Ayat 27 to 30.

- 6. Amongst those who have faith in God are some such people who accomplished what covenant they had made to God and on them are some who paid their vows by death (in battle field) and some are waiting but none altered his commitment· (Surah Al-Ahzaab, 33:23).

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.

Coming Of Caravan Ahl Al-Bayt To Kufa

The Caravan led by Imam Zayn al-Abidin (‘a) and Bibi Zaynab (‘a) departed from Karbala alter the noon of 11th Muharram 61 Hijra, passing through various deserted, populated and desolated places reached Kufa. ‘Ubaidullah Ibn Ziad had propagated all over that one person rebelled against the Ruler was slain and his captured companions were being brought there.

And what an irony of fate! that a festive celebration was also arranged. On all points security was posted to avert any untoward situation. Unaware public stood by on the pathways to witness the festivity as they were totally ignorant that the captives were Ahl al-Bayt of the Prophet whose Kalima they recited.

Bibi Zaynab (‘a) was the leader of this caravan and was in the front most. She was full of patience and dignity. On one hand she was looking after her ailing nephew Imam Zayn al-Abidin (‘a) and on the other keeping watch on the ladies and frightened children; she was fearlessly forbearing the grieves and hardships befalling on her.

A symbol of Virtue and ethics of Muhammad (S), Bibi Zaynab (‘a) despite the martyrdom of her two innocent sons, grief of her unveiled head and captivity she was symbol of modesty, sense of honour and self-respect.

She a souvenir of grace and dignity of her father remained indomitable and firm on the straight path of God though she was put to extreme harassment by being taken hither and thither; She the daughter of Ali (‘a) by her speech smashed and quashed the objective of Yazid the ruler rather a pharaoh of that time.

The Caravan Entering The City

The distressed caravan of Ahl al-Bayt, as prisoners, entered the city of Kufa. Leading were the soldiers with spears having martyrs head elevated. Behind them were the children and ladies on bare back of camel with face full of dust and heads and hair without veil.

In them first was the youth with iron chain fastened around legs, hands cuffed and thorny iron collar held around his neck. Could one know who he was?

He was innocent Imam (Zayn al-Abidin (‘a)) son of great martyr Imam Husayn (‘a), grandson of Ali Murtaza (‘a) and Khatoon-e-Jannat Hazrat Fatimah Zahra (‘a) and great grandson of our Prophet (S), his face was covered with dust, attire torn, signs of hunger and thirst appearing from the face yet in his such miserable condition a mysterious Halo surrounded his face, who could be this young personality?

He was none else but the Imam of the time.

Some may call it a revolution/vicissitude of time and apparently it is so but I think God Almighty was putting a test of 'Justice and Truth' versus “False and Lie”. In the beginning of this book, I had quoted some “Ayats” and repeat them here for you to judge whether the truth was victorious or the lie.

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنْفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ

“And I will and will without fail test you with fear, hunger, wealth, your lives and total loss of fruits (children) or any of these” (2:155).

وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ -الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُمْ مُصِيبَةٌ قَالُوا إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ

“let those have the glad tiding, who have patience & endurance in the event of any of the above calamities befalling on them they unhesitantly would say that they are of Allah and have to return to Him”. (2:156).

وَقُلْ جَاءَ الْحَقُّ وَزَهَقَ الْبَاطِلُ إِنَّ الْبَاطِلَ كَانَ زَهُوقًا

“Asking the prohet, God say to announce that right has come and verily falsehood is bound to vanish” (17:81).

Apparently, from the world viewpoint, the Husayni caravan was defeated and Yazid's army got victory but as par Qur’an victory of Husayni caravan was immortal and paradise was destined to them.

Heads be severed, family be slain, belongings may enemies plunder

Yet must not give up the teaching Prophet Muhammad

Now let us revert to Sulahe Hudabia or if possible, give a glance to “Tareekhe Islam ka Safar” by Syed Ali Akbar Rizvi. Apparently, the Prophet (S) signed the Treaty under pressure, as was the opinion of some Muslims also but the reconciliation was such that God revealed Surah “Fateh” to the Prophet (S).

إِنَّا فَتَحْنَا لَكَ فَتْحًا مُبِينًا

“Certainly, we have blessed you with distinguished Victory” (48:1).

After this Treaty there was a number of Ghazwas and sarayas but “Ayate Fatah” was never revealed on any other occasion. From these events apparent and intrinsic success are understandable.

Assuming that Husayni Caravan was defeat stricken, faced tedious lime, was shocked and grieved, the world can very well see and tell as to whether Husayn's Martydom is commemorated or that of Yazid:

“It is so much so that now the Name Yazid is used as symbol of reproach indignity and abuse”.

Shah Abdul Latif Bhtai has said about martyrs of Karbala:

They were neither bothered by huge army nor by dread of death

Martyrdom their destiny and that was more precious than any wealth 1

- 1. Translation from Shah Abdul Latif Bhita's poem.

Beginning Of Speeches In Kufa

The Ahl al-Bayt from Karbala to Kufa were just very quiet. Syed-e-Sajjad did not speak to anyone during the journey. But when they arrived at Kufa he assessed that the time of explaining the aim and objective of Husayn (‘a) has come.

And so, through his addresses he narrated the philosophy of martyrdom of Imam Husayn (‘a) and proved to the people that the member of the family of the prophet young or old, men or women, captive or free, for the perpetuity of Muhammad's (S) religion and for exaltation of righteousness would not be bothered by majority's rule nor be influenced by power of Kingdom.

At this stage Fatimah, daughter of Imam Husayn (‘a) addressed the Kufis in such a manner that the entire truth of the happenings in Karbala was exposed. Prior to her address the people were unaware of the realities because army of Yazid was hiding all what had taken place in Karbala.

Address of Fatimah Bint Husayn (‘a), Bibi Zaynab (‘a) and Syed-as-Sajjad (‘a) to people, exposed the facts in such a way that all strategies of Yazid's army totally failed.

Speech Of Fatimah Bint Husayn (‘A) In Market Place Of Kufa

“All Praise is for God so much in number as sand and pebbles in desert and so much in weight as the total weight of all things lying from Sky to earth. I praise Him and have firm belief in Him and witness that there is no creator other than Him, none is His Co-sharer. Muhammd Mustafa (S) is His servant and His Messenger.

Listen! Oh people of Kufa Progeny of Muhammad (S) was slaughtered on the bank of river Euphrates and their bodies were left without shroud and without being buried.

Oh God! I seek Your protection for any allegation on You. Oh People of Kufa! Oh Impostors! Oh deceivers! God Almighty has tested we Ahl al-Bayt through you and your swindlers through us. God will give us the recompense after testing us through hardships.

God has appointed us as His Knowledge and His Wisdom, we are treasures of His inspired Knowledge, containers of His Wisdom and on His Universe, we are the Spiritual Guides and the Leaders for His Creation. He has bestowed to us His Blessings and has given us reverence through His Prophet (S) and this is a gill to from God that we are the most excellent and superior to all His Creation.

Oh People of Kufa! you belied us, you adopted infidelity, you considered that murdering our male members was your right: you looted our belongings as If we were not the kins of your Prophet (S) but of Turks and of Afghans that you disgraced and insulted us.

You martyred my reverend father Husayn (‘a) as you had killed my grandfather Hazarat Ali (‘a), your swords are soaked with blood of Ahl al-Bayt: how deep rooted1 was the an mostly and rancour you have expressed and comforted your eyes and pleased your hearts. You were deceitful to God but you should note that God is the best Expedient. 2

Do not be happy on shedding our blood and looting our assets because the hardships that we are facing were already written in the Lauhe Mahfuz (Divine Knowledge) and it is easy for Allah. This was all because Allah could take revenge on you easily. Do not be proud on what you have done. Allah is never pleased with proud and the vain.

Oh Kufis! may curse be on you and may you wait for your punishment? It will come upon you from the skies and it will ground you to dust and you will be damned eternally in the world hereafter because you have oppressed us. May Allah's curse be on the oppressors?

Don't you know the wicked persons among you who fought against us? By which cursed hands you showered arrows on us and with which cursed feet you approached us? Your hearts are made of stones and your eyes and hearts are sealed. Satan has fully gripped you and has drawn the curtain of sins over your eyes. You will never be guided.

Oh Kufi's! may you be damned. What excuse will you give to the Prophet (S) of Allah when you have mistreated his cousin Ali Ibn Abi Talib and his descendants?”

The moment they, the common Kufis realized the truth although her speech continued, they started wailing, crying and weeping in the gathering and they said:

“Oh pious granddaughter of the Prophet (S)! please stop your speech because you have lit the fire of despair in our hearts. Our heads are bowed and our souls are on fire”.

The people of Kufa who had till a few moments earlier been rejoicing in their ignorance, started weeping bitterly when they knew the fact through the speech.

While Fatimah Bint Husayn (‘a) was speaking Bibi Zaynab (‘a) may have been recalling the time when Hazrat Ali (‘a) as Caliph had lived in Kufa and she as his daughter was respected and was most distinguished.

The women of Kufa used to be eager to have a glimpse of her. In twenty years, the time had changed adversely and they were standing in the market place as prisoners. She must have thought, she must have pondered over it because as soon as Fatimah Bint Husayn (‘a) stopped speaking she took over and started her speech.

Bibi Zaynab's Speech In Kufa

“All praise for Allah and our Salaam to our grand father, the Prophet of Allah and his Ahl al-Bayt. Allah and His angels surely be praising the Prophet (S)”.

إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا

“God and His Angels definitely send dorood on the Prophet (S) Oh Believers of God! you also send “Darood” and “Salam” on him as is his right for the same”. (33:56).

Oh believers! you also greet him the way he should be greeted. Oh worshippers of excuses and lies! your tears will never dry. Keep crying forever, Oh crafty ones!

You are like the woman who wove the threads and then shredded them in pieces*. 3

Oh breakers of Oaths! the symbols of lies and vanity! You fawn like the slave girls and backbite like the enemies.

Oh oppressors! you are like the greenery on filth and worthless like the artificial sheen. How boldly you have damaged your hereafter!

Be prepared for the wrath of Allah in which you will always dwell.

Oh tyrants! you wash your face with tears, cry for you to deserve to cry more than you can laugh. You have tainted your clothes in a manner that cannot be washed away.

Oh Kufis! What a shame that you have killed the son of the last Apostle of Allah, the leader of the young men of Paradise. Shameless people! You have killed him who was your Kaabah of peace, your refuge and your beacon of guidance.

Think on the greed and sin that you have committed. Look how far you have gone from the mercy of Allah. All your efforts now will be in vain. Oh buyers of shamel curse be upon you. Sellers of the truth, you have shattered the heart of the last Prophet (S) and unveiled his daughters, shedded the blood of the truthful ones and wasted the honour of the Holy Prophet (S).

Oh Kufis! you have done deed that may send the sky asunder, split the earth and crumble the mountains. Your evils are universal, your wrong doings have engulfed the world. Hear me! You are surprised that sky rained blood on this tragedy! Await the punishment of the hereafter, it will debase you more at a time when you will have no friends.

Yes, believe me. These moments of reprieve will not lighten your burden. Time is not beyond Allah's control. Hark! The moment of retribution is near. The Lord of the Qiyamah awaits you.

Oh Kufis! what will you answer when the Prophet (S) says: “you are the last Ummah so how have you treated my Ahl al-Bayt? Some of them you have made prisoners and killed the others. Is this the recompense for my guidance and favour?4 Was this the reward that you have treated my progeny in this way?”

Oh Kufis! I fear your end is like the end of Shaddad5.

The caravan of Imam Husayn's family was kept in the worst condition yet the daughter of Hazrat Ali (‘a) the grand daughter of the ultimate Messanger of God gave such an impressive and eloquent speech that the whole world is stunned till now.

The Speech Of Imam Sajjad (‘A) In Market Place Of Kufa

The young, ailing and shackled Imam praised Allah and the last Prophet (S) then said, “O people! those who recognize me recognize me but I Introduce myself to those who don't. Hear me! I am Ali Ibn Husayn (‘a) Ibn Ali (‘a) Ibn Abu Talib.

I am the son of the man who was insulted and whose caravan was looted, whose family is imprisoned, who has been slaughtered on the shore of the Euphrates and whoso body lies unburied on the sands or Karbala”.

O people! hear me and in the name of Allah just think that you wrote letters and called my rather and then you betrayed him. You made a covenant with him, swore allegiance and then you killed him.

May you be in trouble! You have gathered the causes and reasons for your own destruction. Your souls are degenerate, your hearts evil and how will you look at the Prophet (S) when he will question you “O Kufis! You killed my progeny and insulted my family, You do not deserve to be called my Ummah”.

Hearing this the hearts or the Kufis trembled. Regret became their fate and they started weeping with their heads bowed down.

Obaidallah Ibn Ziyad6 had beguiled the people of Kufa and no one knew what was happening in Karbala.

They had been told that some people had revolted against the Khalifa, and were killed in a battle. Their families were now being brought as prisoners but when the Kufis heard these three luminaries, speeches they regretted about what had taken place.

Yazid and Ibn Ziyad had so terrorized these people that they could only weep but take no immediate steps.

- 1. In all authentic talks it is written that in the crowded court of Damascus
Yazid quoted some Verse and said "Had my ancestors been alive, they
would have rejoiced to see that I have taken revenge from the family of
Bani Hashim. Verse with translation may be seen on foreging pages.

- 2. “They schemed and Allah also schemed (against them) and Aallh is the best expedient”. (Surah Aale Imran, 3:54)

- 3. “And don't be like that woman who spun thread with her full energy and shredded it to pieces, you make your vows and oath as source of mischief”. (16:92)

- 4. Oh Prophet you tell "'you do not desire any recompose from your Ummah except their love and attachment with your Ahl al-Bayt (42:23).

- 5. Shaddad the Tyrant King of Egypt hoarded huge wealth built Pompous castle, claimed to be God but in the end was buried with his wealth under the earth.

- 6. Obaidullah Ibn Ziyad earlier was only Governor of Basra, later Yazid appointed him as Governor of Kufa also and asked him to take allegiance of Ahle Bayt of the prophet (S). Ahle Bayt refused because Yazid was of bad character, tyrant & materialist. He was not bothered about values and norms of Islam which led him to tyrannize Ahle Bayt. Obaidullah was son of Ziyad and Summiya was his mother. Yazid included him in his family When the Blood is impure nobility cannot be expected,
Wheat from wheat & barley from barley is bred Or you can say:
"spoon can take out only what is there in the cauldron".

The Captives Of Karbala In The Court Of Ibn Ziyad

Speeches went on, Caravan moved on and eventually this caravan of helpless people reached Kufa's court. The court was decorated, the affluents and prominent people were seated, all waiting for the prisoners and then Syed-e-Sajjad along with holy, chaste and pious ladies was brought into the court.

‘Ubaidullah Ibn Ziyad liked haughtily at them and in the rear portion of the court he saw a harassed but dignified lady who despite misery and hardships was sitting calmly behind the other prisoners. He asked harshly “who is that woman?”

The crowd was silent. He repeated the question but still there was no reply. He lost his composure and said, “Why are you silent? Why don't you tell me?”

Janabe Fidhdha An-Nubiyya got up and said:

“This is the daughter of Hazrat Ali (‘a), Bibi Zaynab salamu Allah alayha”.

His face contorted and he harshly said to the Ahl al-Bayt.

“Thank God that he has disgraced you, killed you and exposed your unpleasant desires”.

Hearing this daughter of Ali (‘a) the victor of Khyber, the possessor of Zulfiqar, the grand daughter of the last Messenger of God said In her power breaking and kingdom shattering tone.

“All thanks to that Allah who gave us the prominence through the last Prophet (S) and kept us clean from worldly unclean. Verily the Fasiq is shamed and the Fajir is belied. Thanks to Allah that we are not among such people”.

إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَيُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيرًا

“Allah wants to keep all sins away from you, O Ahl al-Bayt and Allah may keep you clean as you merit to be clean”. (33:33).

Bibi Zaynab said, “Insulted is he Who is a sinner and a debauch. He who breaks the law becomes a liar and we are not such but others”.

This reply infuriated Ibn Ziyad and wriggling like a wounded snake he hissed.

“Look how Allah has disgraced your family and how He punished your brother?”

She could not tolerate this insinuation and accusation that he was heaping on her brother Imam Husayn (‘a).

Though a hypocrite, disguised as a Muslim he was insulting the Prophet's (S) lineage. She erupted like a volcano.

O Son of Marjana! What I have seen I have seen all well. God destined Martyrdom for my brother and his devotees. They have all left for their heavenly abode and you are left to be interrogated. God will call us and you people and He will give His judgment”.

Ibn Ziyad said, “How did you like Allah's treatment to your family?”

She answered:

“It was Allah's 'will' that they be martyred and they went valiantly to their hereafter. Soon Allah will drag you to the Court of Enquiry and will ask for justice. You will know only when face them and know what bring to you the prayers of the oppressed and how the blood of the innocent brings the change of effect.

Oh son of Marjana! may your mother's womb be barren and she mourns you. Listen! yes listen! You will know who has won and who has lost the day, Allah will pronounce His Judgment.”

Sentinel ol Karbala and caretaker of Husayni carvan Bibi Zaynab (‘a) set an example in ridiculing the arrogant ruler of Kufa. This was the strength of the lion-hearted lady, the daughter of Ali (‘a) and the granddaughter of the Prophet (S) that in such untoward circumstances she was peaceful and was courageously replying to oppressor from the platform of faith. Ibn Ziyad was stunned as if the earth was out of his feet. He lost his strength; his arrogance was shattered and his politics belittled and his state underwent the tremors of an earthquake.

His inferiority complex overawed him. He had no answers and so under frustration he said:

“Allah gave peace to my heart by the killing your rebellious brother and others of your family. “

The granddaughter of the last Prophet (S) looked at the audience with red and ferocious eyes, turned to Ibn Ziyad and said in dignified manner:

“Ibn Ziyad! you have put our elders to sword and did not spare our near ones. You not only cut the branches of our shady tree1 but uprooted it also. If this is how peace is obtained then you may think you have obtained peace. The reality will be seen on the day of resurrection when it will be you and the blaze of Hell.”

He retorted “Your verbosity and poetic speech reflects that your father also resorted to verbosity to cheat people”.

Hearing his nonsensical talk, she replied furiously “Don't you feel ashamed of accusing the daughter of the Prophet (S) in this manner and you resort to abuse to hide the truth. Whatever I have said is not poetry but the bitter truth and is the voice of my pained heart. We do not use worthless poetry like the people of this world, our words reflect the truth.”

She exposed the animosity that Ibn Ziyad had with Islam and shamed him in his own court in front of the people who prostrated themselves to him.

It was then that Ibn Ziyad spotted Imam Ali Ibn Husayn (‘a) who was grief stricken, fatigued by journey and continued sickness, he said to the Imam: “Who are you?”

Imam: “I am Ali Ibn Husayn (‘a)”

Ibn Ziyad: “Did Allah not kill Ali Ibn Husayn (‘a)?”

Imam: “My one brother Ali (Ali Akbar) was killed by your cruel forces and you will be questioned on the day of Judgment for killing that innocent youth”.

Ibn Ziyad was furious on Imam's reply and loudly said:

“It was not forces but Allah who killed your brother.”

On this audacity of Ibn Ziyad, the Imam could not stop and said:

“You are wrong your oppressors have killed him. Though when at the time death is destined the soul is seized by the order of God and none else because only Allah has the power to do so.”

Then the Imam recited the ayats:

اللَّهُ يَتَوَفَّى الْأَنْفُسَ حِينَ مَوْتِهَا وَالَّتِي لَمْ تَمُتْ فِي مَنَامِهَ

“Allah takes lives of the people at the time of their death” (39:42).

وَمَا كَانَ لِنَفْسٍ أَنْ تَمُوتَ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ

“And any living being on earth can not die but, with order of Allah” (3:145).

Ibn Ziyad on hearing Imam's crushing reply said: “How dare you talk in this tone to me? How dare you insult me; you will have to suffer punishment of your such loud voice.”

After that he called one hangman and asked him to take the Imam out and chop off his neck.

Bibi Zaynab who was observing the barbarity of Ibn Ziyad could not control herself, she caught hold of Imam and said:

“Does killing the progeny of the Prophet (S) not satisfy you that you want to kill the only male left amongst us who signifies our family and is so sick. Do not try to harm him because you will have to go over my dead body”.

Ibn Ziyad retracted and said: “leave him or else we will have to kill this woman too as it is difficult for us to tackle the repercussion”.

Had the daughter of Ali (‘a) not shown the steadfastness and courage Imam Ali Ibn Husayn (‘a) may have been killed and that would have been disastrous. It is her valour that Islam is enlivened to save the soul of millions of Muslims. It is she who has regenerated Islam and Kalima at-Tauheed is reverberating2 throughout the world. In their opinon, however. Yazid's army eliminated the household of Muhammad (S).

The Arrival Of The Prisoners In Jail

Ibn Ziyad then gave the order for the family of the Prophet (S) to be incarcerated in dark and air- tight cell and when they were being brought towards the cell the roads and streets were full of people.

They were kept in places where there was no facility for sunlight and fresh air. When the women of Kufa wanted to meet her, Bibi Zaynab (‘a) said, “We are prisoners now and our rights are usurped”.

The injustice Bani Omayya meted out to the Ahl al-Bayt is singular in history. Their rejoicing after putting the women and children in jail is the darkest spot in the history of Khilafat. They trampled Islam yet they called themselves Muslims.

History records that Ibn Ziyad never had a moment of peace after this. The speeches of Bibi Zaynab had stirred the souls of the Kufis and then began the initial upsurge against the Khilafat3. When his son Mu’awiyah who was a good-hearted person was given the Khilafat after Yazid's death, he said that “Banu Omayya badly tyrannized Ahl al-Bayt of the Prophet (S)”.

Khilafat and Imamat was their right he kicked off4 the power and went into seclusion as a result the Khilalfat went to Aale Marwan.

The Effects Of The Speeches Of Bibi Zaynab (‘A)

It was the effect of the speech and dialogues of Aqeela-e-Bani Hashim Bibi Zaynab (‘a) that the sahabi of the Prophet (S) Abdullah Ibn Afeef Azdi, in that fully crowded court very strongly protested. Similarly, some courageous people of Ghamid and Banu Walla family also became active against the Government. The movement kept spreading till every household had a member willing to fight against the Khalifa.

“Oh people! My grandfather Mu’awiyah had fought against the person (Hazrat Ali (‘a)) who deserved the Khilfat more as he was closely related to the Prophet (S). You know well what he did what he did on your strength and went to his grave with his loads of sins. My father Yazid succeeded my grandfather though he did not deserve. He obeyed his lust but death did not give him a reprieve and he went with his sin”.

He then started weeping copiously and i said, “what I am hurt most about it is that their fate is doomed for they have killed the people of the Prophet's (S) family resorted to murder in the precincts of Kaaba, desecrated the Kaaba. I cannot take this Khilafat. Please appoint someone else”. He went back to his palace. His dear ones became his enemies and poisoned him.

The army commanders started resigning and the respectable gentry started leaving the city. The door of the jails started breaking. Compiler of “Al-lmamat Was-Siyasal” Ibn Oatiba analyzing the situation, writes:

“‘Ubaidullah Ibn Ziyad had also to face such bad days that when he stood up to speak in Basra where he was Governor, the people started potting stones at him and this is called retribution of deeds”.

Having gone through the events from Karbala to Kufa the readers better know about their feelings. It cannot be said with certainty as to how many days it took in the journey from the Karbala to Kufa, for how many days caravan-e-Husayni was kept in Kufa and when did it depart for Damascus.

It is, however, only known from historians of old time that this caravan while going to Damascus reached Karbala on 20th Safar 61 Hijra. That very day the ladies held the mourning of the martyrs of Karbala, that means that it was first Chehlum (Arbayn) of Shuhada Karbala on 20 th Safar 61 Hijra.

According to the historians, Hazrat Jabir Ibn Abdullah Ansari was present in Karbala and he is the first 'Zayer' of Imam Husayn (‘a). His friend “Ata” was with him. They condoled and kept weeping with Hazrat Ali lbnal Husayn (lmam Zayn al-’Abidin) (‘a) on the martyrs of Karbala.

According to some historians, Qafila-e-Husayni was taken first from Karbala to Kufa, Kufa to Damascus. While going to Madina from Damascus it passed through Karbala and on 20th Safar 61 Hijra first Chehlum (Arbayn) of Shuhda-e-Karbala was held.

But this whole episode of going to Karbala, keeping the mode of transport at that time and the distance in view it seems a bit far-fetched because the distance between Karbala and Kufa is 75 Kilometers, Kufa to Damascus 968 kilometers. Since they were taken by a circuitous route this visit to Karbala seems impossible.

Of course, this could be said that the Husayni Caravan travelled from Karbala to Kula, Kula to Karbala and Damascus and after Damascus! they may have gone to Madina. While going from Damascus to Madina they again passed through Karbala on 20th Safar 62 Hijra, the detail of journey is something like:

Husayni Caravan left Karbala for Kufa and then from Kufa to Damascus via Karbala. The Caravan passing through different halts reached Damascus. Here, only important halts of Caravan have been mentioned. The readers interested to know the details of Caravan may refer to the bibliography in the end of this book.

- 1. At that time, Bibi Zaynab must have remembered the dream of her childhood and the interpretation of the dream by her grand father Muhammad (phuh). The dream has been mentioned in early part of this book.

- 2. Islam was through livened by sacrifices and matrydom of Husayn (‘a).
But completeness was achieved by Zaynab's sufferings and pain.

- 3. Yazid died (went to hell) on 14th Rabiul Awwal 64th Hijra. He ruled for three years and six months and committed countless cruelties.

- 4. After the death of Yazid, rule of Mu’awiyah Ibn Yazid was accepted in Syria, Abdullah Ibn Zubair became caliph in Hijaz and Yernen and Ubaidullah Ibn Ziyad in Iraq.
Mu’awiyah Ibn Yazid was a submissive and noble young man who hated the evils committed by his ancestors. He believed that Ali (‘a) and his descendants deserved the Khliafat" (Tareekh al-lslam Vol. I, P-37;'Karbala Aur Karbala key baad", Irteza Nawaz Puri, P. 255, 256). Mu’awiyah Ibn Yazid hated the rulership and never agreed to accept it but Bani Ummayya and their cohorts throned him. He addressed the people and in detail described the Incidents of oppression and tyrannies committed by his grandfather Mu’awiyah and father enumerated the excellence and eulogy of Ahle Bayt and the afflictions faced by Imam Husayn (‘a). His speech is preserved in the books of history. I am quoting the text of his speech from the book of Dr. Hasan Ibrahim Hasan Misri.

The Journey Of Caravan Al-Husayni From Kufa To Damascus

Routes And Halts

Karbala

From Kufa the caravan reached Karbala as the first halt on 20th Safar 61 Hijra and on that day the family or Imam Husayn (‘a) held first Majlis and that was the first Chelum of the oppressed Imam. Prophet's Sahabi Hazrat Jabir Ibn Abdullah Ansari was already there on this occasion. He was the first Zayer (Pilgrim) of Syedus Shuhada With him was his companion Janabe Ata. They gave condolence to Abid-e-bimar (the ailing Imam Zainul Abedeen (‘a)) and kept weeping and mourning for a long time.

Tikrit

According to Mulla Husayn Kashfi, Tikrit1 is some ninety miles from Karbala. When the caravan reached there Shimr asked the Governor to decorate the city and give the army a grand welcome. The Governor not only obeyed but also came out of the city to welcome them.

The elders of the city were perturbed at the sight or those severed heads and were told that the heads were told rebellious group which was defeated by ‘Ubaidullah Ibn Ziyad. At that moment, a man coming from Kula arrived there. He narrated the truth about what happened in Karbala:

“Oh people! I have just come from Kufa and I have seen these heads there. These do not belong to rebels but to Imam Husayn (‘a) Ibn Ali (‘a) and his devotees”. Hearing this the people of Tikrit became against the Khalifa's army and cursed them.

There was a large population of Christians who joined the Muslims saying that they cannot support such heartless people. Seeing this the army decided not to enter the city but camped at “Dare-Urwa” which is situated some distance from Tikrit.

Wadi al-Nakhla

Mulla Husayn Waiz Kashifi writes that From “Dare-Urwa”. The caravan reached Mosul via Kahee12 According to Maqtal Abu Makhnaf and Nasikhut Tawareekh this Caravan reached Wadi al-Nakhla passing through Dare Urwa. They halted for a night and departed the next day.

Lia’

The city of Lia was very beautiful. When Shimr reached there the citizens seeing the heads of the martyr’s curse Yazid's army. They addressed them: “Oh Killers of the family of the Prophet (S)! leave our city. We will not let you come here”. The army retaliated and killed many of them, looted and destroyed the city and left for Mosul via Kaheel.

Mosul

Mosul is a historical city and is situated in the northern part of Iraq. According to Mulla Husayn Kashifi it is around three hundred twenty-five miles from Kufa3. Shimr Ziljoshan sent an advance notice to the Governor telling him that the victorious army was coming more with the heads of the rebels so the market place and all Government buildings should be decorated.

The Governor called the citizens and asked them whether they would resist if he acted according to Shimr's orders. They said they would not welcome them so he wrote back to Shimr saying that in the city there was a sizeable presence of those who loved and respected the Ahl al-Bayt and they might become hostile so the army should camp at a distance from the city, provisions of course would be supplied to them.

According to some source the people of “Aus” and “Khazraj” tribes, numbering above Forty Thousand wanted to attack Yazid's army to recover the head of Imam Husayn (‘a) to bury. The army did not enter Mosul.

A notable event related with Mosul is that when Shimr took down the head from the spear a drop of blood fell on the boulder and till late fresh blood was seen there on every Ashura. For its Ziarat thousands of pilgrims from the vicinity visited and enriched their faith in God by seeing this miracle or the oppressed Imam.

People named the place as “Shaheed Nuqta” After several years Marwan Ibn Hakam destroyed that boulder and since then there is no trace of it.

Sanjar

They reached Sanjar from Mosul via Balad and Tif al-Afar. Allama Hashim Saadi writes in Geographia Al Iraq that supporters of Yazid lived there. Adjacent to this town was Qaza al-Mashikhan valley which was sacred place of Yazid's supporters, they halted there, quaffed wine and made merry.

Nasibayn

In Nasibayn they camped and the heads orther martyrs and the prisoners were exhibited to the public for publicity as rebels.

Hearing this Bibi Zaynab (‘a) started weeping and said, “you insult and exhibit us to ridicule us with the help of your might though our grandfather was the one on whom Allah had sent His revelations, you are now denying Allah and His Prophet (S) as if no apostle had come to you. May the Lord of the skies curse you. You are the worst Ummah and you will wail in the fires of Hell”.

Dawat

The Governor of the city of Dawat had obeyed Shimr's orders, welcomed the army and brought them to the town's square called “Rahba”. On one long spear was the head of Imam Husayn (‘a) and as ordered, a man stood below it crying out:

“This is the head of the person who rebelled against Yazid Ibn Mu’awiyah”.

This depraved man kept doing so since morning till evening. The heads of other martyrs of Karbala were also kept there. Some who saw the heads rejoiced while others were sad but the army spent the day in revelry and left the place next day.

Raqqa

After Dawat the Caravan reached Raqqa4 at a distance of 65 miles from Dawat. There were two brothers governing the city name of one brother was Sulaiman Ibn Yousuf. As they came out of the city gates to welcome Shimr's contingent they had a quarrel which led to a serious fight and Suleiman killed his brother. Hearing this news, the Yazidi forces marched quickly and left the area.

Josaq

It was settlement of the Jews some thirty miles from Raqqa. The ruler here was Aziz. After Raqqa Shimr with Caravan stayed in this place.

Bashar

From Josaq Yazid's army reached Bashar with the Caravan. This place was twenly two miles from Josaq.

After Josaq Yazid's army came to this thinly populated place, stayed for some time and left.

Halab

It is siuated on the northern borders of Syria. Halab was large town and this town still exists. Yazid's army with Caravan after Bashar reached here and was welcomed by Syrians. Passing through kohe Joushan and Sarmeen they reached Qansareen.

Qansareen

From Halab the caravan reached Qansareen5. This was a very populated and prosperous area. When people heard the army approaching, they shut their doors and from the rooftops cursed the killers of Imam Husayn (‘a), pelted stone on them and said: “O killers of the Prophet's family! If you put all our necks under the sword, we will still not allow even one of you to enter our city”. The army halted outside.

Marat Al-Nu’man

Leaving Qansareen the army and the caravan reached Marat Al-Nu’man where they were warmly welcomed by the citizens who made the provision of their festivity.

Shairez

When they reached Shairez one elderly resident called the people and said, “This army is bringing the head of the grandson of the Prophet (S), son of Hazrat Ali (‘a) and Bibi Fatimah (‘a). Do not let these wretched people enter the city. If they enter, we will be excluded from the Ummah of the Prophet (S)”.

They then decided not to let Shimr and his army enter the city and when Shimr came to know about it he decided to by-pass it.

Qila Kafre Taab

After fleeing from Shiarez they reached, the fortress of Kafre Taab situated at a small distance from there. When the people came to know the truth, they closed the gates of the fortress. Khuli asked them:

“Are you not in our kingdom? Give us water to drink”.

They replied: “By Allah you will not get a drop of water because you never gave water to Imam Husayn (‘a) and his companions”.

Saibur

The caravan reached Saibur where Imam Ali Ibn Husayn (‘a) said a few verses which mean: “The disbelievers have become leaders and the wretched have become the heroes of the Ummah. Nothing is stranger than the vagaries of time. The progeny of the Prophet (phuh) is on the bare backs of camel and the descendants of Marwan are on well harnessed camels”.

In this city there was an old man who had seen Imam Husayn (‘a). He gathered the youth and the elders and said:

“These people have killed Husayn Ibn Ali (‘a) and this is his head”. So the people told the Yazid forces: “By Allah we will not let you enter the city” but the old man said: “Allah does not like bloodshed. This head passing through many cities has reached here so we should let them pass”.

The young men refused and gathered near a bridge. Khuli told them to give way but they attacked. The clash was fierce with heavy casualties on both sides. Bibi Umm - Kulthoom asked the name of the place and then prayed for it.

“May Allah make their water sweet, resolve their problems and protect them from tyranny.”

Hamat

People of Hamat also did not allow Yazid's troops to enter the city and its gates were closed. Yazid's army camped outside the city and moved ahead.

Hamas

They reached Hamas, which was a big city. The Governor Khalid Ibn Sheath welcomed the army outside the gate but the people rained stones at them when they entered the city. They were shouting:

“Oh People! do not become Kafirs after believing and do not go astray after receiving guidance”. Seeing this, Yazid's troops took shelter in Khalid's palace. People of the place vowed that they would kill Khuli and take Imam Husayn's head from him so that they could feel privileged on the Day of Judgement. When Yazid's people knew it they fled away.

Deir al-Rahib

Deir al-Rahib has an ancient monastery of the Christians and one very renowned priest headed that monastery. According to “Rauzalul Ahbab-Fil-Maqtal-Al-Husayn”, the army camped near a stream and encased the head of Imam Husayn in a box. They became busy in imbibing wine when they saw a finger before them writing on the wall.

“Does the Ummah that has killed Husayn (‘a) think that they can hope for the Prophet's (S) recommendation on the day of Qiyamat?”

The army became frightened, some tried to catch the hand but it vanished and then reappeared to write next verse:

“By God! they will have no intercessors and they will be given eternal punishment on the day of Qayamat.”

In the mid night the monk looked out of the window and was surprised to see a box lying close to the monastery's walls. It was glittering and he saw the angels coming down saying:

“Salam on you O son of the Prophet (S)! Salam on you O the servant of Allah!”

Hearing this the Rahib was moved and wept copiously. He was disturbed for the whole night. In the morning Rahib went to Yazid's troops and asked the leader Khuli:

Rahib: What is in this box?

Khuli: It has the head of a rebel of Iraq, ‘Ubaidullah Ibn Ziyad killed him.

Rahib: What was his name?

Khuli: Husayn Ibn Ali Ibn Abi Talib.

Rahib: What was his mother's name?

Khuli: Fatimah Bint Muhammad (S).

Rahib: which Muhammad your Prophet (S)?

Khuli: Yes, the same.

Rahib: May God curse you and ruin you. Our elders were true when they said that when a person will be killed the sky will rain blood. This happens only when a Prophet or his successor is killed. He tried to take the head out of the box but Khuli prevented him so he as demanded by Khuli gave him many thousand Dirhams to have it for some time.

He kissed the head and said, “Oh Aba Abdullah I am sorry that I could not help you. I give witness that you are Allah's wali and your religion is Truth. I begin to believe In Islam, please give witness to the Prophet (S) that I believe in Islam. He recited the Kalama”.

He gave the head back to Khuli and left the monastery never to be seen again.

Baalbek

The Governor of this city warmly welcomed Yazid's forces. The people were happy and the family of the Prophet (S) was proclaimed to public. Baalbek is now a city in Lebanon where Hizbollah have their control.

Hiran

This city is 3 miles from Baalbek just one halt short of Damascus. In this very city Yazid was reveling, praying and recreating himself at the time when his father Mu’awiyah Ibn Abu Sufiyan died and Yazid came three days after his father's death. According to “Rauzatul Abbab”, when the army camped a man named Yahya and another man inquired about the heads of the martyrs.

When Yahya came to know that one of the heads was of grandson of the prophet (S) and other of his companions, he started invoking God's blessings on the holy Prophet Muhammad (S) and his Ahl al-Bayt and cursed Yazid and his army. Yazid's army cut his head off. He is buried outside the gate of the city. The place is famous as the “Mazar of Yahya Shaheed”.

Damascus, The Final Halt

Damascus was the capital of Syria like it is today this is where the Ameer of Sham Muaviya iIbn Abu Sufiyan ruled for thirty-nine years. He was buried here but there is no trace of his grave and no one knows his name. This is miracle of Nature. Detail may be seen in my Book “Hadith Al-Ishq”.

The Arrival in Damascus

The aggrieved Caravan entered the city on 1st of Safar 61Hijra. Yazid ordered for the caravan to be waiting at the gate of the city in Baab-us-Saat but for some reason it entered the city through Baab al-Suba. They were allowed to enter it after the city was fully decorated.

It was like a festival with people attired in gaudy dresses and the shops well decorated. They heard the tumult and saw Shimr Ziljoshan marching ahead with the head of Imam Husayn (‘a) on his spear and the other 71/72 heads elevated on spears following him. These are the heads of Martyrs of Karbala, some are of Kins of Prophet Muhammad (S) and some are of the companions. Leading all the heads is the head of the grandson of Muhammad (S) which did not surrender6 at any cost, though severed from the body.

It stands elevated on spear and commands a very high status in the world even today. This is the same Imam Husayn (‘a) about whom the Prophet (S) had said:

“Husayn (‘a) is from me and I am from Husayn (‘a); “Hasan (‘a) and Husayn (‘a) are the leaders of the young men in Paradise”.

Allama Iqbal had said:

Shabbir is negatio of materialism, holiness of life and height of piety Muslim should acquire this legacy and this to them is my entreaty.

Shimr was saying proudly:

I am the owner of the long spear. I am the killer of the successors of the true religion. I have killed the son of Ali (‘a) and have brought his head for Ameerul Muslimeen Yazid Ibn Mu’awiyah Ibn Abu Sufyan. A tyrant like Shimr himself accepted that Husayn (‘a) was the successor of true religion7.

This is a fact whether one accepts the Truth or not it is unfailingly accepted at last:

Their sacrifices were greatest and God blessed them Status grandeur,

People can crave more but can match them now nor ever before.

The heads behind Shimr were in the order Qasham Jafai had the head of Abul Fazlil Abbas on his spear, Sanan Ibn Anas had the head of Aun Ibn Abdullah Ibn Ja’far Tayyar and then followed the heads of the other martyrs of Karbala on the spear of their murderers.

Witness of The severed Head of Imam Husayn (‘a)

The oratory by Imam Husayn’s (‘a) head on spear was a great miracle in itself and is an uncontradicted proof that the martyrs do not die. Minhal Ibn ‘Umar says, “that as the head of Husayn (‘a) on spear passed the streets I was in Damascus and saw myself that a man near the head recited Surah Kahaf (18) and when he reached Ayat (9)”.

أَمْ حَسِبْتَ أَنَّ أَصْحَابَ الْكَهْفِ وَالرَّقِيمِ كَانُوا مِنْ آيَاتِنَا عَجَبً

“Could you not know that Ashabe Kahaf and Raqeem were a miracle among the signs of God”. (18:9).

Allah gave Imam Husayn's (‘a) head the power to speak in clear words and they all heard the head reciting:

“My killing and the exhibition of my head is stranger than the event or “Ashab Al-Kahaf” 8

Undoubtedly slaying of Imam Husayn (‘a) and carrying his head on spear for exhibiting it was mere strange than the event of “Ashab al-Kahaf”, because for the fear of those the “Ashab” escaped leaving their houses and belongings and hid themselves in “Cave”, were Kafirs but those who disgraced and oppressed Hazrat Imam Husayn (‘a), his Ahl al-Bayt and other companions were pretenders of “Faith and Islam”.

Ashab Al-Kahaf were “Walee Ullah”, they woke up and spoke after sleeping for centuries and yet they were alive. Imam Husayn's (‘a) head was severed from the body and was held on the spear point and its speaking only after a few days was undoubtedly more miraculous than the event of Ashabe Kahaf.

Following the severed heads came the line of sick camels on bare back of them rode the family of the Prophet (S) and other ladies who are all weak and fatigued but contented and peaceful. Why should they not be so, among them some are the mothers, some sisters and some wives of martyrs.

They are those dignified ladies who sacrificed their everything in the way of God, Conditions are odd and very painful but every face is full of contentment because they are the bearer of contented Self and contented Soul.

The caravan passing through Damascus market stopped at the gate of Jama Masjid. Shimr made them stand in a place reserved for Turk and Velum Prisoners. One person came up to a girl amongst the prisoners and asked:

“What sort of prisoners are you people?”

One of the Ahl al-Bayt answered: “We are the progeny of the Prophet (S)”.

“Thanks to Allah that he has killed your people and eradicated mischief by destroying you”.

Imam Ali Ibn Husayn (‘a) hearing the words of the old man asked:

“Oh Shaikh!: Have you read the Holy Qur’an”?

Shaikh: “Qur’an!! Yes I have read Holy Qur’an”.

Imam said: “Have you read the ayat?”

قُلْ لَا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا إِلَّا الْمَوَدَّةَ فِي الْقُرْبَىٰ

“Tell them O Prophet (S) that I desire no recompense from you but that you love my progeny” (42:23).

The man said: “No doubt this is about the progeny of Muhammad (S)”.

The Imam said: “Believe me that we are that Zilqurba (progeny) and the above ayats are about us”.

The Imam again said: “Oh Shaikh! you must have read this ayat too”.

فَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَىٰ حَقَّهُ

“O Muhammad! give the Zilqurba their rights.” (30:38).

He said, “Yes I have read this Ayat also”

Imam continued: “Have you read this ayat in which the Muslims have been addressed”.

وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا غَنِمْتُمْ مِنْ شَيْءٍ فَأَنَّ لِلَّهِ خُمُسَهُ وَلِلرَّسُولِ وَلِذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ

“And know (O belivers) that whatever you acquire as a booty, fifth of it is for God, for the Prophet (S) and for his kins (Ziqurba).” (8:41).

He said again: “Indeed I have read it”.

The Imam said: “We are that Zilqurba whom the Prophet (S) had declared the rightful sharers of Khums”.

“And have you read Ayate Tathir”? The Imam asked:

He said: “Yes I have read it”.

إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَيُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيرًا

“Allah wants to keep all sins away from you O Ahl al-Bayt and Allah may keep you pure as you merit to be pure”. (33:33).

“We are those Ahl al-Bayt about whom God revealed this Ayat”.

The Shaikh exclaimed! “By Allah tell me if it is so. Are you really from the family of the Prophet (S)?”

“By our Grandfather the Prophet (S) we are Indeed the same”.

Hearing the words of the Imam the old man felt ashamed, started apologising, threw turban (amama) off his head and started weeping. He raised both his hands towards sky and said three lines:

Oh God! I awfully repent: Oh God! I declare my abhorrence for the enemies and killers of household of the Prophet Muhammad (S). I beg Your forgiveness and beg Your acceptance of my penitence.

This news was to reach Yazid and it reached him and he had killed the old man.

Some accounts of history (Tareekhe Qafti) say that Yazid was watching the entry of the caravan of the prisoners from his palace top. He was deadly drunk at that time and was humming the verse:

“When these camels and the sun came out of the hills of Jairon the crow started cawing and I said whether you can or not I have settled my debt from the Prophet (S) to my debtor”.

The distressed Caravan of the Ahl al-Bayt was taken around the city and its markets then made to wall at the Palace of Khizra. On construction of this Palace Mu’awiya Ibn Abu Sufian had spent millons of Dirham and sahabi of Prophet Hazrat Abuzar Ghaffri had raised serious objections and had said:

“If it was built out of your own money, it is “lsraf” (lavishness) and Qur’an declares Israf to be Haraam (forbidden) If you have built it from the Islamic exchequer, you have committed embezziment because it belongs to the Muslims”.

This is why he was banished to the barren wilderness of 'Rabza' where he passed his days in extreme poverty and died as a destitute. May God bless his soul! What an undaunted individual he was? This detail may be seen in “Tareekh al-Islam ka Safar” written by Syed Ali Akbar Rizvi.

This was that historical palace which was very lavishly decorated and where Yazid held a general audience of the wealthy people of Damascus to facilitate them to witness the grandeur or the palace in awe.

- 1. This is the ancestral city of Saddam, who after defending against the attack of U. S and British Army for about three weeks was defeated on 18th April 2003. He himself absconded but caused ruination of Iraq after which U. S. captured the country but Guerilla war is going on. Tikrit is a city between Baghdad and Mousal. It is 30 farsakh from Baghdad.

- 2. Kaheel was a big city on the bank of Dajla but there are no remains of the city now. (Muajjam Al-Baldan,Vol. IV,page 439).

- 3. Mousal important and ancient city situated on the bank of Dajla. In the heart of the city is the grave of messenger Hazrat Jirjees.

- 4. Raqqa is a city on the bank of Euphrates.

- 5. Qansareen is a city of Damascus, where the grave of Prophet Hazrat Saleh is present.

- 6. The Syrians did their best to see Husayn's head showing down.
Now they proudly elevate the head and themselves bowing down,

- 7. How to believe that we are the heirs or that Muslim nation?
Which put Ahle Bayt to agony enjoyed the incarceration
(Shorish Kashmiri)

- 8. Sirr-us-Shahdatien-:35, Nur-al-Absar page 149, Sharh-us-Sadoor: page 88) Extract from "Falsafa al-Shahadat Al-Imam Husayn' by Prof Dr. Tahir-Al-Qadiri, (page 60,61)

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)

The Release Of The Ahl Al-Bayt

No one is certain about the period of their imprisonment in Damascus. Majority of People were not literate in those days and there were only a select few who recorded the incidents on paper. With the efforts of such people, we have been able to know the historical events, although it is very difficult to believe that it all happened exactly as they wrote because the records differ from writer to writer.

When Yazid foresaw horrible consequences of his sins, he was convinced that keeping the Ahl al-Bayt in prison any longer will be vulnerable to his power, he called Syed Al-Sajjad (‘a) in his court, had him seated by the side of himself, looked at him very affectionately and said:

“May Allah curse Ibn Ziyad who treated your father in this way. Had Imam Husayn (‘a) and me met face to face I would have replied positively to all his desires”. After this, he said:

'I am releasing you all, you are free to live in Damascus, go to Madina or wherever you please. “

The Imam preferred to act upon the advice of Bibi Zaynab (‘a). It was then decided that the caravan of Ahl al-Bayt would go to Madina from Damcsus. Yazid agreed to this and ordered for the preparations of the journey.

The Majlis In Damascus

The Imam spoke to Yazid “Due to restriction by your security people our women have not been able to mourn their martyrs. We would like to assemble and hold a condolence gathering (Majlise Aza) if you grant permission”.

Yazid gave permission and a house for this purpose in “Daral-Hajarah” was vacated. The Ahl al-Bayt went to that house and the women of the Qurayshi and Hashmi family living in Damascus joined the mourning.

Yazid was not quite willing for this condolence and mourning commemoration held by the Ahl al-Bayt but instead he wanted them to leave for Madina without any delay yet for three days the mourning in Damascus continued against yazid's desire to send the Ahl al-Bayt back to Madina immediately. It is said that Yazid himself participated in the mourning in his misgiving that the load of his sins may reduce.

Before leaving, the Imam demanded that the assets looted from them should be returned. Yazid said he would give manifold more. The Imam hearing this said:

“I do not want anything in excess. I want you to return only what was looted because in that was Veil, Necklace, dress, weaving mill and other relics of my grandmother Fatimah Zahra (‘a) “.

Yazid ordered that the looted items be returned and from his side he added some Dinars but the Imam did not accept any Dinar and returned to Yazid.

Departure Of Ahl Al-Bayt From Syria

Yazid asked Nu’man Ibn Bashir Ansari1 to make the arrangement for the journey and to send a sincere person as an escort. Before leaving, Imam was again called by Yazid who said:

“May Allah curse the son of Marjana, if I and your respected father had met, I would have accepted all his conditons and with all possible efforts even at the cost of my son's life had saved him from being slain but I feel that his martyrdom was destined2“. Yazid also said to the Imam to write to him if they needed any thing after they resettle in Madina3.

This was just a sort of exhibitionism as he soon attacked Madina and Makkah, details may be seen in “Arze Jalal-wa-Jamal” By Syed Ali Akbar Rizvi, (Events of Hirra and showering fire on Khana al-Ka’bah are given in the books of history which can never be forgotten).

Nu’man Ibn Basheer was called again and was told “Guard the honour, respect and dignity of Ahl al-Bayt. Travel in the night, lead the caravan and if they need anything on the way they should be provided.”

The Ahl al-Bayt were treated well on their return journey and Yazid's men flung a ring of security around them. They used to stand at a distance away when the caravan halted for wazu or other reasons. 4

Chehlum (Arbayn) At Karbala

While returning through Iraq the Imam asked Nu’man to take them to Karbala. When they reached there, they met Jabir Ibn Abdullah Ansari5 who had come there for Ziarat of Imam Husayn (‘a) with some people of Bani Hashim and some people of Prophet's family. The women held condolence and mourning of grandson of the Prophet (S). This was second time that the caravan of Ahl al-Bayt had reached Karbala on 20th Safar 62 Hijra.

If different version of Ahl al-Bayt's arrival at Karbala are put together that would read like:

(1) The prisoners of the family of the Prophet after the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (‘a) left Karbala for Kufa on 11th of Muhurram 61 Hijra then from Kufa to Damascus. While going from Kufa to Damascus this caravan passed through Karbala for the first time on 20th Safar 61 Hijra and held Chehlum (Arbayn) mourning there.

(2) On 14th Rabi-al-Awwal 61 Hijra the caravan reached Damascus.

(3) According to Jabir Ibn Abdullah Ansari when he reached Karbala on the 20th of Safar 62 Hijra for Ziarat of Imam Husayn (‘a). Imam Zayn al-Abidin (‘a) also with the caravan Al-Haram after being released from imprisonment reached Karbala on the same date. Caravane Ahl al-Bayt, if I could still call it Caravan Al-Husayni! But how can I?

Now, the great Imam (‘a) is not there nor his full family, remaining are Syed-us-Sajjad only in males, prophet's granddaughter Bibi Zaynab (‘a), some aggrieved ladies and Innocent male and female children. This was, however, the second time the caravan of prisoners reached Karbala on 20th of Safar 62 Hijra, spent a few days in mourning and then left for Madina.

- 1. When Muslim Bin Aqeel reached Kufa, Nu’man Ibn Bashir at that time was Yazid's Governor there. Yazid deposed him & appointed Obaidullah Ibn Ziyad in his place. Nu’man Ibn Bashir then returned to Syria (Al Astiyab Vol-IV, page 1496).

- 2. At this stage I recall the event of "Mubahila" 10 Hijrah. When the Prophet (S) set out for "Mobahila" with Christian of Yemen, Hasan and Husayn (‘a) were ahead, behind them was Hazrat Fatima-tuz-Zehra (‘a) and following her was Ali Murtadha (‘a). This was just to indicate to them that there was a challenge to Islam and they should sacrifies everything but save Islam. And these reverend personalities sacrificed themselves and saved Islam and got eternal Life.

- 3. Tareekhe Tabree Vol V, Page 233

- 4. Saheefa al-Karbala Page 472, Hujatul islam Ali Nazari Munfarid.

- 5. Hazrat Jabir Bin Abdullah Bin Umro Bin Haram Anasari was with the Prophet (S) in 18 Ghazwat, then was with Hazrat Ali (‘a) in Siffeen. He has quoted many Hadith. He became blind in his last days and died at the age of 94(Al Istiyab Page-319)

The Arrival Of Ahl Al-Bayt At Madina

When the caravan reached the outskirts of Madina the Imam (‘a) ordered for a halt. The tents of the ladies were pitched. The whole journey passed in extreme agony and grief; a fully thriving family had been ruined.

It is a moment to think and recall, when the caravan had set out from Madina the full family was there, the respected Imam (‘a) was there, Abbas (‘a) was there, Ali Akber was there; Qasim was there, Aun and Muhammad were there, it is becoming very difficult for me to take more names as I am moved to tears, my voice afflicted.

You may just imagine as to how to narrate that when they had left Madina there was also a baby of six months cheering in his mother's lap who was now in eternal sleep underneath the hot sand of Karbala.

Mother's lap is deserted she is in the caravan helplessly looking hither and thither, her pathetic condition only be known to the parents. Cruel people always remain cruel. 1

After they reached very near to Madina the Imam asked Nu’man Ibn Basheer. “Your father was a poet do you have any interest in poetry?”

He replied: “Yes! I am a poet too:”

The Imam said: “Narrate the story of Husayn Ibn Ali (‘a).”

Nu’man obeyed, bareheaded and in aggrieved condition he entered Madina of the Prophet (S) and in painful but loud voice recited the following elegy in the by lanes of Madina and announced the arrival of the caravan.

“O people of Madina! Madina is no place to live any more. Husayn (‘a) has been slain. I weep tears to mourn him. His body lies soaked in blood in Karbala. His head was exhibited on the point of the spear”.

Hearing these words, the people of Madina left their houses and ran towards the caravan. Umm al-Mu’mineen Umm Salama, Umm al-Baneen widow of Hazrat Ali (‘a), mother of Hazrat Abbas with other women of Abdul Mutlalib's family proceeded towards the caravan waillng “Wa Husayna Wa Husayna!”. Their sobbing was more and more and on seeing Imam Zayn al-Abidin (‘a) there was heart breaking wail and cry.

What may have befallen on that daughter of Imam Husayn (as) (Fatimah Sughra) who could not accompany the Imam and stayed back in Madina, there is a tremor in her hands, eyes full or tears, heart sinking; I have no words to describe her condition but, however, I write below what the Imam (‘a) said:

“Oh people! We were put to great hardships. The wall of Islam has cracked. Imam Husayn (‘a) and his companions have been slain. His family was made captive. The heads were put on the spear points and exhibited throughout the land. No catastrophe could be as severe as this. Oh people! who among you can be happy after the martyrdom of Husayn (‘a) and which heart will not weep and bleed for him”?

“Listen! O'people! the seven skies wept on the martyrdom of Husayn (‘a), the seas and their waves mourned him, the earth wept for him, the trees and their branches mourned him, the fishes and other sea animals mourned him, the angels and all the creatures of the skies mourned him there is no heart that is not mourning and weeping him2?”

The caravan entered the city and when the houses of the Prophet (S) came into sight Hazrat Umm Kulthoom started reciting this elegy:

“Oh My ancestors' city or Madina! do not welcome us for we have come here with grief and hardships. When we had left you, we had our men and children with us and now we have come back in a state of mourning and despair and befriended only by Allah”.

We wail and weep. We are the ones who were taken from one city to another to be exhibited bareheaded on bare backs of camel. We are the daughters of the Aale Yasin and Taha. We are those who bear hardships with endurance. “We weep for those who were our leaders. Be it known to you, Oh grandfather! that your Husayn (‘a) has been slain”.

The events are full of pathos. I have no strength to describe and feel that my readers too have no strength to go through the details. Women and children stayed there recounting their miseries while Syed Al-Sajjad (‘a) went straight to the grave of the Prophet (phuh).

Syed Al-Sajjad (‘A) On The Grave Of The Prophet (S)

Tarikhe Al Khamees says:

“Imam Zayn al-Abidin (‘a) went straight to the grave of the Prophet (S) after the caravan of Ahl al-Bayt entered Madina. He put his head on the grave and said:

“Oh grandfather! Oh leader of the apostles of Allah! your favourite son Husayn (‘a) has been martyred. Oh grandfather! your Husayn (‘a) was killed hungry and thirsty on the bank of Euphrates. Your progeny has been ruined. Oh grandfather! I was imprisoned and your Ahl al-Bayt were taken around bareheaded. We cannot count on fingers the hardships we have passed through3“.

Bibi Zaynab (‘A) In The City Of The Prophet (S)

Bibi Zaynab could not find peace even after her return in Madina. She was haunted by the memories of the loved ones including her sons who were martyred hungry and thirsty in Karbala.

She was always sad, sometimes recalling the severed arms of Abbas, sometimes the spear lanced into Akbar's chest, sometimes Qasim's body trampled by horses, sometimes smiling face of the baby Air Asghar; sometimes imagining Aun's coming of age and sometimes the prime of youth of Muhammad.

She remembered Hazrat Muslim rolled down from the roof of “Darul Ammara”, sometimes the small dead bodies of tender aged sons of Muslim fighting and flowing against the stormy waves of the river; sometimes Muslim Ibn Ausaja, sometimes she remembered Habib Ibn Mazahir; sometimes Zuhair Ibn Qain and sometimes Abdullah Ibn Umair.

Sometimes she remembered Husayn (‘a) coming from the horse back to the earth, sometimes coming of his horse to the tents without Husayn (‘a); sometimes Sham Al-Ghariban, cry and sighs of the innocent children; sometimes their presence in the court of Ibn Ziyad and sometimes waiting for hours in the court of Yazid; sometimes dark and suffocating cells of the prison; sometimes falling walls of dilapidated prison; sometimes happy and populated house of Madina, sometimes tomb of the Prophet; sometimes unburied and unshrouded bodies of martyrs on the burning sand of Karbala and sometimes thirsty Sakina running towards battlefield with “Kuza” (earthen pot) in her hand.

The shock the grief ends the hardship were the reasons which made the granddaughter of the Prophet and daughter of Ali (‘a) the most aggrieved person. The condition was such that Bibi Zaynab looked like a lifeless skeleton as if there was no existence of soul in her body.

Bibi Zaynab made her house, that is, the house of Abdullah Ibn Ja’far at-Tayyar a “house of mourning” and spent her days and nights in walling, crying and weeping and so did the other women dressed in black robe. In short, the house of the Prophet (S) turned into a “mourning house”.

There was a little peace in the house of the prophet (S) when Ameer Mukhtar in 66/67 Hijra sent the heads of ‘Ubaidullah Ibn Ziyad. ‘‘Umar Ibn Sa’d and some other murderers to Imam Zayn al-Abidin (‘a) but it was only when Bibi Zaynab had already left this world She died as a grief-stricken woman on 15th Rajab 62 Hijra.

- 1. فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ مَرَضٌ فَزَادَهُمُ اللَّهُ مَرَضًا ۖ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْذِبُونَ
In their heart there is one specific sickness and God has aggravated it further and they will be put to a grievous punishment because they were liars. (2:10).

- 2. Maqtal Abi Mahknaf, Page188, Nasikh-Al-Tawareekh, Vol-4, page-286.

- 3. Maqtal Abi Mahknaf, Page143.

Death Of Bibi Zaynab (‘A)

There is dissent among the historians about her death. Some say that she was buried in Jannatul Baqih after she died in Madina.

Dr. Ayesha Bint Shati Misri says:

“The records say that she died on Sunday 14th Rajab 62 Hijra in Cairo. The eyes which had seen the Altar of the Karbala were closed forever and her holy body that had to undergone severe and unbearable hardships was laid in eternal peace. She was buried in the house of Muslima Ibn Makhlid Ansari where she was staying. Her grave is a famous place of pilgrimage where People flock even today from all parts of the world1.”

The story of her life taking misery, grief and agony will be remembered not only in the coming days but for times and ages to come.

Maulana Syed Ibn Hasan Najafi has also written in his book “Hazrat Zaynab al-Kubra Kay Tareekh saz Aur Ahad Afreen Khutbay:”

According to the Egyptians, the holy mausoleum situated in the locality of “Qanatrus Saba” at Shahrah-eZaynab is the Shrine of “Sani Al-Zahra” Bibi Zaynab (‘a).

Some historians say that she went to Syria with her husband Abdullah Ibn Ja’far at-Tayyar, she fell ill and breathed her last. She was buried in the settlement of Rawiya. Her holy Tomb is very famous pilgrimage of “people of faith” where millions of Pilgrims from every part of the world come for Ziarat and are bestowed with solace.

People also say that she is buried in Damascus. When the caravan led by her had returned from Karbala Hazrat Abdullah was in Madina. After sometime he left for Damascus (Detail contained in previous pages) where he had his business and owned some land in the suburbs of Rawiya.

He wrote a letter to Bibi Zaynab asking her to come to Damascus. Though she was faced with such humiliation in Damascus only months ago she in amenability of her husband left for Damascus but died before she could reach Abdullah's land in Rawiya:

How could she settle or stay in that Damascus where she had passed through such treacherous and tragic time?

She must have recollected all the events from Karbala to Damascus and all grievous memories must have started flashing upon her eyes.

Gushing of Euphrates before thirsty men, women and children and their hunger and thirst for three days, looting and burning of tents, bare headedness of ladies before public; six months infant Asghar's fluttering in his father's arms after being hit by Hurmula's three-pronged arrow, fountain of blood from delicate throat: Imam's condition when he buried Asghar, respected Imam going to the battlefield and his head being severed from the body by the meanest enemy.

It was all before her eyes like photos and with all this, the steadfastness in the way of Allah and achieving the objectives of Prophet (S) was possible only by Ahl al-Bayt.

All these events and circumstances tell the world to conclude that the great lady Bibi Zaynab was totally heart broken. The granddaughter of Prophet (S) after the event of Karbala did not live more and in seventeen months time left this mortal world. She died on 15th Rajab 62 Hijra.

The grandfather and the granddaughter in Purgatory must have given condolence to each other and she must have been very fondly and respectfully embraced by the Prophet (S).

Though I have been to Damascus many times, the most memorable visit was my pilgrimage in 1994. After this journey, I have written a travelogue named as Hadith Al-Ishq, some photographs of which are being given here.

After going through the whole episode, it is clear like broad day light that Allah tests even his best bondsmen with hardships, gives respite to the tyrant to add up their sins to maximum and then gives His great rewards to those tested bondsmen and gives severest punishment to their oppressors. 2

During writing this book and going through various references, I cannot describe as to what befell on me and what state of anguish I passed through. But during reading the tragedies and writing the events of “Sham Al-Ghariban” I felt over and over again that the time subtly flew and having been freed from the shackle of time and space3.

I reached Maidaan Al-Karbala on 30th June 2003 that is, 29th Rabi-usSani 1424 Hijra, I fell that I could see everything and all around without moving my eyes and turning my head. The whole pathos of “Yaum Ashura” in Karbala was vivid before my sight. All what I saw I want you also to see with me:

“This is the Day of Ashura, time of Asr prayer is passed. Battlefield is silent. The surrounding is annihilating, there is a deep feeling of nothingness save God, there is a howling wilderness. On one side, however, Yazid's army is making merry, on the other, the family of the Prophet (S) sitting beside their burnt but smoldering tents.

They are bareheaded and the refulgent sun hid itself amdist the gloomy darkness of Sharn al-Ghariban. The evening sets in. 'The evening when the prayers of Shab Ashur not there, the evening when Imam Husayn (‘a) had fulfilled the covenant that he had made in his childhood.

The evening when 72/73 devotees of Imam sacrificed their lives and their bodies scattered on the burning sand of the desert. The evening when the lump of earth given by the Prophet (S) to Bibi Umm Salama turned blood-red. The evening Yazid's army celebrating festivity, drunk and intoxicated. The evening when Ahl al-Bayt were without their guardian.

The evening when Ahl al-Bayt were bare headed without veil. The evening when Qasim was not there, Ali Akbar, Abbas, six months Ali Ashgar, Aun and Muhammad were not there. By Allah! I feel that I am physically present in Maidan al-Karbala and witnessing everything; in the state of unconsciousness. I often think that could I really be there on the Day of Ashura and I could sacrifice my life on Husayn (‘a) in the way of Allah”?

I sometimes wonder and am aggrieved at some of the Zakirs who when come to this part of the tragedy are listless in their declamation and despite all the slogans and charade of faith no one of them appears really impressed in himself but tries to impress the listeners. It seems that all the outpourings are not coming from their hearts but only from the tongue.

The aim of the Zakirs seems more to be prominent in society than to touch the hearts of the Ummah.

One can instill his message into heart if honest and sincere

Has Power to fly without feather can attract people and endear

Remembering the martyrs of Karbala is a noble cause and should always continue4 with utmost sincerity so that the Muslim Ummah should never forget this tragedy, should remember determination and steadfastness of Imam Husayn (‘a) and the Ahl al-Bayt and should always bear in mind not to surrender to the oppressors at any cost.

Our oppressed and ailing Imam Ali Zayn al-Abidin (‘a), Bibi Zaynab (‘a) and the other prisoners or Karbala during and after the tragedy of Karbala offered sacrifices with holy holy intentions, undefiable faith and passion for Islam and they endured the agonies and hardships with undiminishing passions.

This gives us message to think that our Majalis should instill into our heart head and inculcate in us sense of honesty, collectiveness, respect for humanity, support to the oppressed, hating the tyranny, fighting injustice and willingness to sacrifice our wealth and life for Islam.

We should all bear in mind that in real sense the admission and acknowledgement of sacrifices of the martyrs and the prisoners of Karbala should be that the majalis should fulfill the need of character building, right thinking and refrain from show5 and affectation.

I have great respect for Ulema, scholars and the intellectuals, every word of their speech is instilled in the heart and not that their knowledge is reflected but adds to the knowledge and affability of their listeners (Samaeen al-Majlis) also.

I write this as a prelude to the appeal I would like to make to the Zakirs who relate the incidents of Karbala so beautifully but the listeners are not able to receive the message. I regret but wholeheartedly feel that such Zakirs would agree that their speeches should compliment their words in such a way that their words should commensurate with practicality in their lives for the congregation to follow them and to ultimately by their best to follow the footsteps of our great people and the Imams.

Our weeping, wailing and mourning would serve no purpose if we have no good deeds to our credit. If all the orators from the mosques and the imambargahs start doing as they say in their speeches the listeners may surely be impressed and attributed towards the lessons given to us in and after Karbala.

Inundating eyes with tears like “Nooh Deluge” bears no fruit

Effective speeches instilling in head and heart are real root

Address or speech in majalis comprise of three main points:

1. Affiliation and love wilh Husayn Ibn Ali (‘a) and Ahl al-Bayt Al-Rasul should be profound and binding of feelings and passion be strengthened.

2. Events of Karbala be coherently narrated with eloquence so that the listeners have rapt attention, their knowledge enriched and requital they will receive.

3. Knowledge of religion be increased and matured so that the listeners feel inclined to be good and do good. The speech, however be fluent with rank and dignity but not irrelevant.

Cruel becomes submissive and obedient if one is polite

Stony teeth arrayed before the soft tongue but never bite

Sometimes this comes to the mind of some common people end some people express also that a cruel and tyrant ruler of a grand empire whose boundaries were up to Sindh and Multan stood against 72/73 devotees of the respected Imam.

This also holds good that the ruler clamped restriction over water and had closed all routes of transport so much so that the respected Imam could not be able to provide either food or water to his devotees.

People of such thinking altogether forget that on one side was the tyrant empire under the influence of Satan and under full greed of worldly gains6 and on the other were devotees of Islam who were following the path of God and who always urged to sacrifice their everything on the religion. They kept sacrificing, showing patience and kept following the right path.

People of faith always believed that God the great on some occasions tests His beloved bondsmen by putting them soaked in earth and blood and He gives respite to the enemies.

And this was the spirit under which the martyrs of Karbala sacrificed their everything so much so that they sacrificed their lives also, the prisoners of Karbala endured the calamities, earned the pleasure of God, enlivened and radiantly glorified Islam. This was the aim, this was the objective and this was the goal of Imam Husayn (‘a) and not at all a desire for power.

His journey with women, children, all unequipped, without provision.

To slop evil, prevail justice at all at cost and perpetuate Nana's religion

Husayn's objective was never to conquer and have empire Evident it is, Yazid had lust for power, Husayn never had any such desire.

Before I conclude I wish to lucubrate a few more lines and seek close attention and thought of my readers:

Life After Death

Every individual on this earth is writing his own book of life. Whether he writes about others or not, he is conscious of it or not, pages of his own book of life keep adding up every day. In this book, all what we think, we see, we hear and we do or desire to do; our thinking and our deeds are being fully recorded.

No one can tamper anything in this book. Although author of the book is the individual himself but the writer is someone else who is not visible. In this book there is a complete record of good and bad deeds of the individual. With the reference of this very book, one will stay in the world herea after, that is “Aalam Al-Barzakh”.

And on the day of Judgment, that is, “Youm Al-Qiyamat” this very book, as per the deeds of the individual will be held in his right or left hand.

God reveals in Qur’an Al-Majeed:

وَكُلَّ إِنْسَانٍ أَلْزَمْنَاهُ طَائِرَهُ فِي عُنُقِهِ

“We have put overyone's scroll of Conduct Sheet banded round his neck and on Doomsday will provide to him the book i opened for him” (17:13).

وَنُخْرِجُ لَهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ كِتَابًا يَلْقَاهُ مَنْشُورًا اقْرَأْ كِتَابَكَ كَفَىٰ بِنَفْسِكَ الْيَوْمَ عَلَيْكَ حَسِيبًا

“and will ask him to read the book of his life as he himself is competent enough to analyse the record of his doings”. (17:14).

فَأَمَّا مَنْ أُوتِيَ كِتَابَهُ بِيَمِينِهِ فَيَقُولُ هَاؤُمُ اقْرَءُوا كِتَابِيَهْ

“The one who will be given his/her conduct sheet (record of doings) in right hand will say to others to see his/her sheet” (69:19).

وَأَمَّا مَنْ أُوتِيَ كِتَابَهُ بِشِمَالِهِ فَيَقُولُ يَا لَيْتَنِي لَمْ أُوتَ كِتَابِيَهْ

“The one who will receive his/her conduct sheet (record of doings) in left hand will say alas! I should not have received it”. (69:25).

فَأَمَّا مَنْ أُوتِيَ كِتَابَهُ بِيَمِينِهِ

“And the one who will receive his/her conduct sheet (record of doings)” (84:7).

- فَسَوْفَ يُحَاسَبُ حِسَابًا يَسِيرًا

“from right will be dealt lightly and quickly” (84:8).

وَأَمَّا مَنْ أُوتِيَ كِتَابَهُ وَرَاءَ ظَهْرِهِ

“And the one who will receive his/ her conduct sheet (record of doings) from rear” (84:10).

–فَسَوْفَ يَدْعُو ثُبُورًا

“he/she will call death” (84:11).

وَيَصْلَىٰ سَعِيرًا

“and will burn in Hell” (84:12).

Now I end up the book and pray to God to have our all work accomplished in better way and to bless us with his protection from disgrace in this world and from punishment in the life hereafter.

“Oh God! I beg your forgiveness and pray for our health and well being”.

“To err is human and to forgive is Divine”!

I will wish my readers to please overlook the oversights and include me in their prayers. I shall, however, whole-heartedly welcome them if they differ at any content of this book and convey to me the suggestions if they have any.

May God bless all well to them who care and have love for humanity

May God bless those having piety virtue devotion love and sincerity.

Syed Ali Akbar Rizvi

Karachi

- 1. Karbala ki sher al-Dil Khatoon, Dr. Ayesha Shati Misri, Page-173.

- 2. وَلَا يَحْسَبَنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا أَنَّمَا نُمْلِي لَهُمْ خَيْرٌ لِأَنْفُسِهِمْ ۚ إِنَّمَا نُمْلِي لَهُمْ لِيَزْدَادُوا إِثْمًا ۚ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ مُهِينٌ
Do not let those who disbeliever imagine that our giving then respite is good for them. We only give respite to them so that they may increase their sins and there is shameful doom for them. (3:178).

- 3. Sometimes it is so that i feel that screen of my eyes be as leaf of grass, And I see the world and life hereafter with a particular look and glass.

- 4. Qur’an also has given much importance to history.
وَلَقَدْ أَنْزَلْنَا إِلَيْكُمْ آيَاتٍ مُبَيِّنَاتٍ وَمَثَلًا مِنَ الَّذِينَ خَلَوْا مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ وَمَوْعِظَةً لِلْمُتَّقِينَ
"And no doubt we have sent to you very clear signs and exapmles of such people. " (24:34).
Qur’an describes the stories of prophets to give human being a lesson. it is just like the narration of fishes diving in God's sacred Ocean.

- 5. My submissions may be unpalatable to some people for which I sincerely regret to them
My advice may be bitter and rude but let me quote
"Opium a poison acts for venom, and alike as Antidote"

- 6. The First model which this great event present to us in a call towards God and to sacrifice oneself on the path of truth and freedom.
Bani Umayya's rule was illegal. Any rule based on tyranny and individual power not be Islamic. They destroyed Islamic sense of freedom and democracy, instead of counseling and Nationalism they laid foundation of their kingdom based on compulsion and conceit Their system was not Muslim law but law political and of self interest. In such a situation it was imperative to set an example of challenge to tyranny and compulsion and to wage a religious war in support of truth and freedom.
By setting an example by his scarifies Hazrat Sayyid ash-Shohada. Imam Husayn (‘a) laid foundation of jihad Haq against the depotism of Bani Umayya and declined his obedience to such a kingdom.
And therefore, this example give us a lesson that one should openly challenge every despotic rule and tyranny and should not obey and should not show allegiance to such a government which devastates the human rights & freedom blessed by God to Challenge and oppose evil.
It is not necessary that one has to be equipped with power and material magnificence which is available to the tyrants as one can see that Husayn Ibn Ali (‘a) had nothing with him except a small number of companions comprising of some aged and some young persons. Those who adopt the path of justice and truth are not bothered about the consequences.
Consequences are in the authority of God who is Supreme Power and supreme justice. who despite that the Truth has apparent weakness and lacking of manpower finally bestows victory to "Truth" and to "Evil" which has all abundance of people and worldly power gives ultimate defeat". ("Shahadat Husayn", Mawlana Abul Kalam Aazad. P. 71,72)

Bibliography

(1) The Holy Qur'an.

(2) Traditions of the Prophet (S).

(3) Aisha Bint Shati: “Batalat ul-Karbala”.

(4) Raziq-al-Khair: “Sayyida Ki Beti”.

(5) Daira-e-Ma'arife Islamia, Punjab University, Lahore.

(6) Dr. Qami: “Ali Ki Beti”.

(7) M. Sadiq: “Zaynab Zaynab Hai”.

(8) Hujjatul Islam Ali Nazari: “Saheefae Karbala”.

(9) Irtaza Nawazpuri: “Karbala aur Karbala ke Baad”.

(10) “Maqatale Abu Makhnaf”

(11) Dr. Muhammad tahir Al Qadri: “Falsafa al-Shahadate Hazrat Imam Husaain (‘a)”.

(12) Jalaluddin Syuti: “tareekhul Khulafa”.

(13) Razia Batool Najafi: “Inqilabe Karbala mein Khawateen ka kirdar. “

(14) “Tareekh al-Tabari” (Allama Jajl-lud-Din Sayuti).

(15) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: “shahadate Imam Husayn (‘a).

(16) Mawlana Mohammad Sadiq: “Sani al-Zehra”.

(17) Syed Ali Akbar Rizvi: “Hadithe Ishq”

Author(s):

- Syed Ali Akbar Rizvi [2]

Person Tags:

- Sayyida Zaynab bt. 'Ali [6]

Source URL: https://al-islam.org/bibi-zaynab-granddaughter-prophet-muhammad-s-syed-ali-akbar-rizvi

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