Surah al-Fatiha
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
Tonight is the third night of Muharram. As the sacred nights pass, the grief of Karbala deepens. Our tears multiply, our matam becomes more intense, and our remembrance of the Martyrs of Karbala grows stronger.
Words like:
“Husayn! Karbala! ‘Ashura! Matam! Marsiya! Nawha! Alam! Mashk! Taboot!”
— resonate with sorrow in our gatherings.
When these words are uttered, Bibi Fatimah (s.a) joins our mourning. She weeps for her sons: ‘Aun, Muhammad, Qasim, Abbas, Ali Akbar, Ali Asghar, and Husayn (a.s).
But her tears also flow for the loyal martyrs of Karbala who were not related by blood, but were bound by faith—like Janabe John, the noble African companion.
🌍 Who Was Janabe John?
Janabe John, an African by origin, was once a freed slave sent as a gift from Abu Dharr al-Ghifari to the household of Imam Ali (a.s) and Bibi Fatimah (s.a). He lived among the Ahlul Bayt and was nurtured in the spiritual company of three Imams:
- Imam Ali (a.s)
- Imam Hasan (a.s)
- Imam Husayn (a.s)
John was a hafiz of the Qur’an, a scholar of tafsir, and deeply loyal to the Prophet’s family.
🛡️ Refusing Freedom, Choosing Martyrdom
On the night before ‘Ashura, Imam Husayn (a.s) released all servants and slaves, encouraging them to save their lives.
John refused to leave.
“I choose to die in Karbala with you, my master. I want to be with you in Jannah.”
That night, John sharpened his sword, recited the Holy Qur’an, and prepared to offer his life in defense of Islam.
🌅 The Day of Ashura: A Fiery Battlefield
On the morning of 10th Muharram, Ali Akbar (a.s) gave the final adhan of Karbala—his voice trembling with emotion.
“Allahu Akbar… Allahu Akbar…”
By 10 a.m., the heat of the desert was scorching. The camp of Husayn (a.s) had been without water for three days.
As Yazid’s army blew the trumpets of war, Husayn’s companions went one by one to the battlefield—and one by one they were martyred with honor.
💔 John Asks for Permission to Fight
At midday, Janabe John came to Imam Husayn, arms folded, heart broken:
“My Master… I cannot bear to see the children of Bibi Fatimah being slaughtered. Please allow me to fight.”
Imam Husayn hesitated:
“John, you are an old man. Jihad is not wajib on you. I cannot allow this.”
But John persisted, his voice trembling:
“Is it because I am a black man? A former slave? Do you not want my blood to mix with yours?”
Husayn (a.s) was pained and embraced John with love:
“No, John! My beloved friend! You are part of my family.”
He gave him permission. He helped John prepare for battle and mounted him on his horse.
“Fi Aman Allah, O John! May Allah be with you.”
⚔️ A Brave Fight, A Glorious End
Janabe John entered the battlefield with full courage. He addressed the enemies:
“I stood with the Holy Prophet. You call yourselves Muslims? Will he be pleased with you for murdering his grandson?”
The enemies had no mercy. Arrows and swords attacked him from every side.
Despite his age and hunger, John fought bravely. But eventually, he fell to the ground, wounded and bleeding.
“My Master… Come see me one last time…”
🕊️ John’s Soul Ascends
Imam Husayn, accompanied by Abbas and Ali Akbar, rushed to the battlefield.
He cradled John’s head in his lap, tears flowing.
“John… forgive me. You died in our home after three days of thirst and hunger.”
But John replied:
“Master… you gave me the honor of martyrdom. I see the Holy Prophet, Bibi Fatimah, Imam Ali, and Imam Hasan here to welcome me!”
With that, Janabe John’s soul left for Jannah, forever honored among the martyrs of Karbala.
🕯️ Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’oon
We belong to Allah, and to Him we return.
Tonight, we mourn Janabe John, a symbol of loyalty, love, and sacrifice beyond race or status.
Ya Husayn! Ya John! Ya Shohada-e-Karbala!
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