Click here to download this article as a pdf
On 10 Muharram 61 AH, before the Battle of Karbala commenced, Sayyiduna Imām Husain (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) delivered an eloquent speech on the battlefield to remind the Yazīdīs of his exalted lineage and who he was, but they did not take any heed. While the discussion was continuing, Mālik bin Urwah, a man from the enemy ranks came forward at speed on horseback. When he saw that a trench around Hazrat Imam Husain’s (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) camp had been set alight, with flames burning high, and that this measure was being used to protect the people in the tents, the insolent and ill-hearted man said to the Imam, “O Husain! Before the fire of the Hereafter you have kindled a fire here!” The exalted Imam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) replied, “You have lied, O enemy of Allah! Do you imagine that I shall enter Hell?”
Muslim bin Awsajah was deeply offended by Mālik bin Urwah’s words and sought Hazrat Imam Husain’s permission to shoot an arrow into the mouth of that foul-mouthed man. Even at such a moment, Hazrat Imam Husain (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) remained in complete control of his emotions and did not become enraged. He said, “Beware! Let no one from my side initiate the fighting, so that the burden of this bloodshed may remain solely upon the enemies, and our hands may not be stained by beginning the battle. But I also have a remedy for the wound in your heart and a means of soothing your anguish.” Having said this, he raised his hands in supplication and submitted, “O my Lord! Before the punishment of the fire in the Hereafter, afflict this insolent man with the punishment of the fire in this world.”
As soon as he made Dua, the man’s horse stepped into a hole and he fell from the horse. His foot became caught in the stirrup, and the horse dragged him away and threw him into the trench of fire.
Hazrat Imam Husain (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) then performed a prostration of gratitude, glorified his Lord, and said, “O my Lord! All praises are due to You for having punished the one who bore ill-feelings towards the Ahle Bayt.”
Upon hearing these words from the Imam, another insolent man from the enemy ranks said, “What connection do you have with the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)?” This statement caused the Imam great pain. He supplicated against that man also and submitted, “O my Lord! Seize this foul-mouthed man immediately with punishment.” After Hazrat Imam Husain (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) made this Dua, the man felt the need to relieve himself and dismounted from his horse. He ran to one side and, at some place, sat naked to answer the call of nature. A black scorpion then stung him, and he began writhing about in agony, soiled with filth. In this disgraceful state, he died before the entire army. Yet the hard-hearted people felt no shame.
Another man then came before the Imam and said, “O Imam! Look how the River Euphrates is surging with waves. By Allah, you shall not receive even a single drop from it, and you will die of thirst.” Hazrat Imam Husain (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) supplicated against him, اَللّٰھُمَّ اَمِتْہٗ عَطْشَانًا — “O Allah, cause him to die in thirst.” As soon as he uttered these words the man’s horse bolted, he fell, and the horse ran away. The man ran after it to catch it, but thirst overcame him with such intensity that he kept crying, اَلْعَطَشْ اَلْعَطَشْ — “Thirst! Thirst!” When water was brought to his mouth, he was unable to drink even a single drop, until he died in that severe state of thirst.
SubhānAllah! Such was the exalted status of Sayyiduna Imām Husain (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) that as soon as he lifted his hands in the Court of Allah Ta’ala, his Duas would be readily accepted. This also demonstrates his patience, forbearance and acceptance of the Will of Allah Ta’ala, in that he could have made Dua to Allah Ta’ala to destroy the entire army of Yazīd, but he chose to bear that hardship and give his life for the sake of upholding the truth and strengthening the religion of his grandfather, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).
This practical manifestation of Divine favour was also a part in the completion of him reminding the Yazīdīs of who he was. He not only reminded them with words, but also with practical manifestation that to stand in opposition to one whose Duas are so readily accepted, is to wage war against Allah Ta’ala Himself. It was for them to consider its consequences and refrain from the bloodshed of the Ahle Bayt. But they were blinded by their greed for worldly wealth and position and could neither see nor comprehend reality.
{Compiled from Sawāneh-e-Karbala by Sadr-ul-Afāzil Sayyid Naeemuddīn Murādabādi (Alaihir Rahmah)}
May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq to have true love and respect for Sayyiduna Imām Husain and all of the exalted Ahle Bayt, (Ridwanullahi Ta’ala ‘Alaihim Ajma’een), Allahumma Ameen.