4th Night of Muharram | The Story of a Commander Who Chose Paradise
Surah al-Fatiha
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
Tonight is the 4th night of Muharram, and the grief in our hearts continues to deepen. With every passing night, our tears grow heavier, and our matam intensifies as we remember the sacrifice of Imam Husayn (a.s) and his companions in Karbala.
Let us focus our minds and hearts on the plains of Karbala, where only 72 faithful men stood with Imam Husayn, while thousands of Yazid’s soldiers surrounded them with weapons, cruelty, and no mercy.
⚔️ A Battle Delayed for a Soul to Be Saved
On the 9th of Muharram, Yazid’s army was ready to begin the battle. They blew the trumpets to signal war. Imam Husayn (a.s), still patient and merciful, called upon his brother Abbas (a.s):
“Abbas, go to the enemy commanders. Ask them for one more night. We will be ready tomorrow.”
Permission was granted.
But why did Husayn ask for an extra night?
Was it to pray?
To be with his beloved daughter Bibi Sakina (s.a) one last time?
To prepare for war?
Yes, all of these may be true—but there was one more reason…
Husayn was waiting for a guest. A very special one: Janabe Hurr.
🌙 Who Was Janabe Hurr?
Janabe Hurr ibn Yazid al-Riyahi was a high-ranking commander in Yazid’s army, the very man who had blocked Imam Husayn’s path to Kufa and forced him to settle in Karbala.
Yet, the name Hurr means “free.” And before it was too late, Hurr freed himself—from the chains of Hell and into the embrace of eternal salvation.
His journey is a reminder:
🌟 It is never too late to turn back. Never too late to ask for forgiveness.
💧 The Cry of “Al-Atash!” Changed His Heart
On the night of 9th Muharram, Hurr heard the heartbreaking cry from Husayn’s tents:
“Al-Atash! Al-Atash! Thirst! Thirst!”
The innocent children of Bibi Fatimah (s.a) were begging for water—while Yazid’s camp poured buckets of water on horses to cool them in the scorching heat.
Hurr, disturbed and restless, whispered to himself:
“So much water for animals… yet not a single drop for the grandson of the Prophet?”
His conscience screamed:
“What have I done? I brought the son of Fatimah to this dry battlefield to be killed. Will Husayn forgive me? Will Allah and Bibi Fatimah forgive me?”
🏇 Seeking Forgiveness: A Humble Return
Hurr spent the whole night weeping, unable to sleep. At dawn on 10th Muharram, he called his son and said:
“My son, I have committed a terrible sin. Tie my hands. Cover my face. Take me to Imam Husayn. I cannot face him without shame.”
Together they rode toward Husayn’s camp.
When Abbas (a.s) saw them approaching, he raised his sword.
But Husayn stopped him:
“Abbas, no. That is Hurr, my awaited guest.”
Husayn rushed forward, embraced Hurr, and welcomed him with love.
Hurr collapsed at Husayn’s feet:
“Master, forgive me! I was wrong… I’m ashamed.”
Imam Husayn lifted him:
“Hurr, I forgive you. My grandfather, my father, my mother—they forgive you too. Come, join us.”
🛡️ Hurr’s Martyrdom – From Enemy to Hero
After praying Fajr with Imam Husayn, Janabe Hurr requested permission to go to the battlefield.
Husayn resisted:
“Hurr, you are my guest. I have not offered you water, nor food. Stay longer…”
But Hurr was determined. He begged to be the first martyr in Husayn’s army.
Imam Husayn, seeing his sincerity, said:
“Go, Hurr, go. Fi aman Allah. My grandfather awaits you.”
Husayn himself helped Hurr mount his horse.
⚔️ A Battle for Redemption
Hurr fought bravely—sending many of Yazid’s men to their deaths. He fought like a lion, fueled by repentance, loyalty, and love for truth.
Eventually, exhausted and wounded, he fell.
“My Master! Come… let me see you one last time.”
Imam Husayn, along with Abbas and Ali Akbar, rushed to him.
Husayn cradled Hurr’s head in his lap:
“Go, Hurr. Fi aman Allah. My grandfather is waiting. My parents await you in Heaven.”
With tears in his eyes, Husayn prayed:
“Ya Allah… forgive Hurr. Grant him the highest place in Jannah.”
Hurr’s soul ascended. His journey—from enemy to martyr—became a legacy for all time.
🕊️ Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’oon
We belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.
Janabe Hurr reminds us: even if we are lost—redemption is always possible.
