A powerful and emotional Majlis for the 7th night of Muharram, commemorating the bravery and martyrdom of Hazrat Qasim ibn Hasan (A.S), the young son of Imam Hasan.
Surah al-Fatiha
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
Tonight is the 7th night of Muharram.
Our Muharram majaalis continue. We shall shed more tears for Karbala. We will continue our matam, donate in the name of Hazrat Qasim, and serve the mourners of Imam Husayn.
Tears! Matam! Donations! Volunteers!
Bibi Fatimah is watching all of us. Every action we perform in memory of Husayn will be rewarded on the Day of Judgement.
Our tears, matam, donations, and volunteer work for Husayn will not go unrewarded. Imam Husayn will intercede for us. Bibi Fatimah will protect us. Allah will be pleased with us.
Thirst and Suffering in Karbala
The 7th of Muharram marks a tragic turning point. On this day, water was cut off from reaching Imam Husayn’s camp. The scorching heat of Karbala intensified the thirst of children and adults alike.
The cry of: “Al-Atash! Al-Atash! Al-Atash!” became constant.
The Night of Hazrat Qasim (A.S)
Tonight we remember Hazrat Qasim ibn Hasan, the 13-year-old son of Imam Hasan and Umm Farwah.
On the day of ‘Ashura, Ali Akbar gave the Adhan. All offered Fajr prayers behind Imam Husayn. One by one, the companions went to the battlefield and became martyrs.
By Zuhr, only a few remained: Ali Akbar, Qasim, ‘Aun-Muhammad, and Abbas.
Qasim’s Request for Permission
Hazrat Qasim, eager to join the battle, first sought permission from his mother, then approached his uncle Husayn.
Imam Husayn was deeply emotional:
“Qasim, you are young, the only son of your mother, and the image of my brother Hasan. I cannot let you die.”
Heartbroken, Qasim returned to his mother. She reminded him of the taveez his father had tied on his arm. Inside it was a letter from Imam Hasan addressed to Husayn:
*”Brother Husayn, when Islam is in danger and I am not there, let my son Qasim represent me.”
Overwhelmed, Imam Husayn took Qasim to Bibi Zainab and asked her to bring Hasan’s abaa and turban. He dressed Qasim himself:
“Zainab, look at Qasim. Doesn’t he resemble our brother Hasan?”
The Martyrdom of Hazrat Qasim
Qasim was so young that his sword touched the ground. He couldn’t mount the horse without help — Abbas lifted him.
A child with a warrior’s spirit, he rode into the battlefield, fearless and faithful. He was the grandson of Ali, the son of Hasan, and trained by Abbas.
Qasim fought valiantly. But a cowardly enemy attacked him from behind, striking his head with a sword. Covered in blood, Qasim cried out:
“O Uncle! Come quickly! Help me, Uncle!”
Husayn and Abbas rushed forward, but chaos broke out. Fearing an attack, the enemy panicked. Their horses ran wild, trampling Qasim under their hooves.
Imam Husayn searched desperately:
“Qasim! Speak to your uncle! My darling Qasim, where are you?”
Silence. Qasim had taken his last breath.
When the dust settled, Imam Husayn found Qasim’s body in pieces — trampled and torn.
Allahu Akbar! What has happened to the son of Hasan?
Imam Husayn took off his abaya, gathered Qasim’s pieces into it, and tied it into a bundle. Abbas helped him carry the body back.
Husayn cried:
“Zainab! My heart is shattered. Help me. Ask Amma Fizza to help carry Qasim.”
The women gathered, crying and doing matam:
“Ya Qasima! Ya Qasima! Ya Qasima!”
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaih Raja’oon!
We are from Allah and to Him we shall return!
Matam al-Husayn!
