A heart-breaking majlis on the eve of ‘Ashura, honouring the ultimate sacrifice of the youngest martyr of Karbala, Hazrat ‘Ali Asghar ibn Husayn (A.S), the six-month-old infant whose life was taken by Yazid’s army.
Surah al-Fatiha
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
Tonight is the 10th night of Muharram — the eve of ‘Ashura, a night of unbearable sorrow, pain, and remembrance.
It is the last night for the 72 martyrs of Karbala. The last night for fathers with their children. The last night for little Bibi Sakina to sleep near her beloved uncle Hazrat Abbas (A.S) and dearest father Imam Husayn (A.S).
Mothers of Karbala: Preparing for the Ultimate Sacrifice
The mothers of Karbala’—Umm Laila, Umm Farwah, and Bibi Zainab—sat with their sons: Ali Akbar, Qasim, Aun–Muhammad.
They were not comforting them for sleep. They were preparing them for Jihad, for martyrdom, for the preservation of Islam.
We salute the courage of these righteous mothers, whose faith stood strong in the darkest night of history.
Imam Husayn’s Last Address to His Companions
Imam Husayn (A.S) gathered his loyal followers in his tent:
“Tonight is our last night. Tomorrow is ‘Ashura. You are free to leave. I will forgive you. Escape in the night. Save your lives.”
He blew out the candles. Total darkness.
When the lights were lit again, not one companion had left. Not even one.
They had seen the truth. They stood by Husayn, because Husayn stood by Islam.
The Night of Ali Asghar (A.S) – The Youngest Martyr
One by one, Husayn’s companions were martyred on the day of ‘Ashura:
- Aun–Muhammad
- Hazrat Qasim
- Hazrat Abbas
- Ali Akbar
By Asr, only Husayn remained.
He mounted Zuljana, his horse, and called out:
“Is there anyone to help me?”
A cry echoed from the tent. Little Ali Asghar (A.S) had fallen from his cradle. He had heard the call. He was answering his father’s cry.
Imam Husayn Takes Ali Asghar to the Battlefield
Husayn whispered to his infant son. Ali Asghar stopped crying. He smiled. He was ready.
Covered in Husayn’s abaa, shielded from the scorching sun, Ali Asghar was taken to the enemy lines.
“O soldiers of Yazid! He is only six months old. His mother’s milk has dried. He hasn’t had a drop of water in three days. Give him some water!”
There was no answer. No mercy.
“Put him on the ground,” Husayn said. “Bring water yourselves.”
Still, no one moved.
The Jihad of the Infant – A Soldier Without a Sword
Husayn said:
“My son, you are too small to fight with a sword. Fight with your tongue.”
Ali Asghar (A.S) ran his dry tongue over his parched lips. His gaze pierced the hearts of Yazid’s soldiers. Many wept.
Umar ibn Sa’ad feared his soldiers would rebel.
He ordered Hurmullah:
“Shoot! Silence the child!”
Hurmullah released a three-pronged arrow — the arrow flew through the air…
It struck Husayn’s arm and pierced Ali Asghar’s tiny neck.
The Martyrdom of Ali Asghar (A.S)
The infant died instantly.
Husayn pulled out the arrow.
“O Earth, do not absorb his blood or no crops will grow.”
“O Sky, do not take his blood or no rain will fall.”
So, Husayn wiped the blood of Ali Asghar on his face.
Burial of a Baby by His Parents
He approached the tents.
Seven times, he went forward and turned back. How could he face Umm Rubab?
He finally whispered:
“Rubab, come and take your little soldier. Ali Asghar has died for the sake of Allah.”
Together, they dug a tiny grave behind the tents.
Ali Asghar’s grave was watered with Husayn’s tears.
Grave Desecration on the Night of Sham-e-Ghareeban
On the night after ‘Ashura, when the camp of Imam Husayn (A.S) was looted and set ablaze, the enemies committed a heartbreaking act:
They dug up the small grave of Ali Asghar (A.S), buried just hours before by Imam Husayn and Bibi Rubab.
They removed the tiny body, and according to some reports, they severed the head of the six-month-old martyr.
A dark act of cruelty that intensified the sorrow of Sham-e-Ghareeban.
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaih Raja’oon!
We are from Allah and to Him we will return!
Matam al-Husayn!
