A heart-wrenching Majlis remembering the courage, beauty, and tragic martyrdom of Hazrat ‘Ali Akbar ibn Husayn (A.S), the teenage son of Imam Husayn and the image of the Holy Prophet.
Surah al-Fatiha
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
Tonight is the 9th night of Muharram, the second night without water in Karbala. The heat is unbearable. The children are restless, crying:
“Al-Atash! Al-Atash! Al-Atash!”
These cries shatter the heart of Imam Husayn (A.S). Yet he remains patient, bearing every sorrow for the sake of Allah.
Endless Patience of Imam Husayn (A.S)
One by one, Husayn’s beloved companions and family members were martyred:
- ‘Aun–Muhammad gave their lives.
- Hazrat Qasim was torn to pieces.
- Hazrat ‘Abbas returned without arms.
Through it all, Husayn remained firm in his mission, showing unmatched sabr (patience).
But the greatest test of all was yet to come.
The Sacrifice of a Son
Tonight, we mourn Hazrat ‘Ali Akbar (A.S) — Imam Husayn’s 18-year-old son, the image of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W), and the beloved of Zainab and Umm Laila.
On the day of ‘Ashura, as dawn broke over Karbala, Imam Husayn said:
“‘Ali Akbar, go and give the Adhan. Let me hear the voice of my grandfather once more.”
“Allahu Akbar… Allahu Akbar…”
The Adhan echoed with the soul of the Prophet. The camp wept. Husayn cried. Zainab and the ladies wept uncontrollably.
After Fajr, the battle resumed. Ali Akbar and Abbas helped carry back the bodies of the martyrs.
When Abbas left to fetch water and never returned, Husayn was left with only one: his son.
Ali Akbar Seeks Permission
‘Ali Akbar approached his father and said:
“Father, grant me permission to fight for Islam.”
Imagine a father granting permission for his young son to die.
Imam Husayn was torn. But he honoured his promise to Allah:
“Go, my son. Seek permission from your mother and your aunt Zainab.”
‘Ali Akbar asked his mother, Umm Laila, and then Bibi Zainab, who replied:
“My son, I would sacrifice a thousand lives to save Husayn. Go.”
The Last Goodbye
‘Ali Akbar mounted his horse and said farewell:
“Fi aman Allah, mother. Fi aman Allah, father. Fi aman Allah, aunties.”
He began to ride to the battlefield — but behind him was Imam Husayn, hands on his back, following his son.
“Father, please return.”
“My son, let me see you for as long as I can. Keep looking back.”
A Brave Warrior
‘Ali Akbar fought courageously, killing many of Yazid’s warriors. He returned once to say:
“Father, did you see me fight? I wish uncle ‘Abbas had seen me. I’m so thirsty…”
“Come, my son. Touch my tongue. Maybe you’ll feel some comfort.”
‘Ali Akbar touched his father’s tongue:
“Your mouth is drier than mine, father. You are more thirsty than me.”
He returned to the battlefield.
The Martyrdom of ‘Ali Akbar
Yazid’s men surrounded him. One coward crept up and thrust a spear into Ali Akbar’s chest. The handle broke. A sharp blade lodged in his heart.
‘Ali Akbar fell:
“O Father, accept my final salaam.”
He did not call for help — not wanting to burden his grieving father.
Imam Husayn rushed:
“My son, my darling, where are you? Akbar! Speak to me!”
He found him on the sand, hands covering his chest.
“My son, let me see. Is your chest hurting?”
“Father, please don’t move my hands… you won’t bear it.”
Husayn moved them — he saw the blade. He looked to Najaf and cried:
“Baba Ali, help me. You tore down the gates of Khyber. I cannot pull this blade from my son’s chest!”
With a cry of Ya Ali!, Husayn pulled out the blade. Blood gushed out. Ali Akbar breathed his last.
A Father’s Agony
Imam Husayn tried to lift his son’s body:
“‘Aun–Muhammad, help me! Qasim! ‘Abbas!”
He was alone.
He lifted his son, draping Ali Akbar’s arms around his neck. His feet dragged along the sand.
As he approached the tent, he cried:
“Z-A-I-N-A-B, help me take our Ali Akbar!”
“Umm Laila, take your darling son…”
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaih Raja’oon!
We are from Allah and to Him we shall return!
Matam al-Husayn!
