Surah al-Fatiha
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
Today marks the second night of Muharram, a night when the journey of grief deepens. On this day, Imam Husayn (a.s) and his small caravan arrived in Karbala—a land destined to witness the ultimate sacrifice for truth and justice.
Arrival in Karbala – A Land of Martyrdom
On the 2nd of Muharram, Husayn’s caravan finally reached the plains of Karbala. The land was already occupied by thousands of Yazid’s soldiers, who had arrived in anticipation to confront the Imam.
A small local tribe lived in Karbala. As they gathered around Imam Husayn’s caravan, the Imam asked about the price of the land and purchased it entirely—knowing it would become the burial ground of the martyrs of Karbala.
Husayn’s Heartfelt Appeal
Imam Husayn (a.s) addressed the menfolk of Karbala:
“O people! We have not come here to wage war. Yazid’s army will kill us and leave our bodies unburied. I ask just one favor—please bury our bodies.”
He then turned to the womenfolk:
“Your men may fear Yazid’s army and may not bury us. When they are working in the fields, you—O noble women—please come out and bury our bodies.”
Still, the Imam felt uncertainty.
So, he finally spoke gently to the children of the tribe:
“If your parents cannot bury us, I beg you… while playing in the fields, throw just a handful of sand on our bodies. That way, slowly, we will be covered.”
🕌 A Second Request from the Imam
Then Imam Husayn (a.s) made a second, profound request to all:
“Please take care of the pilgrims who come to visit our graves. They are my guests—feed them and host them for at least three days.”
⛺ Tents by the River – Abbas Steps Forward
The heat of Karbala was unbearable. Water was essential for survival. Husayn instructed Abbas ibn Ali (a.s), the commander of his army, to pitch tents near the River Euphrates.
But Yazid’s commanders ordered their soldiers to stop Abbas and tear down the tents.
Abbas, the fearless son of Imam Ali (a.s), drew his sword in anger. He was ready to fight for access to water. The enemy feared him—they knew they couldn’t overpower Abbas.
But Imam Husayn stopped him:
“Abbas, my brother! Put your sword back. We are not here to fight. Let no one say we started a battle over water. We will move away. Pitch the tents elsewhere.”
Abbas, ever obedient, followed his brother’s command and moved the tents away from the river.
⚔️ Yazid’s Army Grows
As the days passed, the atmosphere in Karbala changed. Yazid’s forces grew from hundreds to over 20,000 soldiers, surrounding the Imam’s camp.
Why such a vast army to fight only 72 brave souls?
Because the soldiers of Yazid feared something greater than numbers—they feared the faith, courage, and loyalty of Imam Husayn’s companions.
🚫 The Water Blockade – The Cry of “Al-Atash!”
On the 7th of Muharram, Yazid’s commanders blocked all access to water. Children, women, and even infants suffered in the scorching heat of Karbala.
For three long days, the desert echoed with a haunting cry:
“Al-Atash! Al-Atash! Water! Water! Thirst! Thirst!”
Abbas (a.s) heard the cries of the children—especially the voice of his beloved niece, Bibi Sakina (s.a). Her sobs shattered his heart.
“Abbas could not bear the cry of Sakina… yet he waited for his Imam’s permission.”
The cry for water in Karbala echoed through the hearts of every mourner:
“Al-Atash! Al-Atash!”
So many innocent children perished…
So much pain…
So much thirst…
📿 Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’oon
We belong to Allah, and to Him is our return.
May we always remember the sacrifice of Karbala, the pain of the children, and the patience of Imam Husayn (a.s).
Matam Al-Husayn (a.s)
Ya Husayn! Ya Abbas! Ya Sakina!
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