Karbala: Maqtal

It appears to me that a lot of people don’t know much about the tragic stories of how different members of Prophet’s family were martyred.
Let’s share some stories from maqtal:

http://www.ahl-ul-bayt.org/en.php/page,13840A35915.html?PHPSESSID=19fcad0780786bdef46eb52b937dbb54
Hazrat Ali asghar (a.s) martyrdom

When Imam Hussain (pbuh) stood all alone in the battlefield surrounded by the enemies, he was summoned by a call from his sister Zainab (pbuh) in his camp. When he went into the tent, he (pbuh) found his six (6) month old baby son Ali Asgher, dying of thirst in his cradle. And the poor mother Rubab, whose milk had dried up by the continuous thirst and hunger, could not help the baby with even a drop of milk. Telling the mother that he would show the baby to the enemy and get some water for it if they give it, Imam Hussain (pbuh) took the baby to the battlefield by covering with his robe and raising it up in his arms to enable everyone in the enemy’s forces to see it, and said:

“O People! If, in your opinion, Hussain is guilty of any sin or crime, this innocent baby has done nothing to hurt any one of you. It does not even speak, and has not even uttered anything against you or your Amir at Damascus. He is dying of thirst. He had neither milk nor water for the last three days. Would you quench his thirst by a few drops of water? If you suspect that I demand water for myself in the name of the baby, then I will leave it here, if you want, and go easy and you may return it with his thirst quenched.”

It is reported that the address of the Holy Imam (pbuh) and the scene, with the thirsty innocent baby in his hands, was so touching, so pathetic and so heart-rending that even the men in the enemy’s army could not help weeping and cursing the Yazid and his Deputy ‘Ubayd Allah son of Ziyad’, Governor of Kufa, who had gathered them there against such Holy ones. ‘Umar son of Saad’, fearing a revolt of his forces in sympathy for the Holy Imam, at once ordered a stonehearted brute named Hurmula to answer Hussain. The tyrant, shot a arrow from his bow which after piercing through the Imam’s arm got stuck into the tiny neck of the innocent baby. Blood gushed out of his neck and splashed on to Imam Hussain’s face. Ali Asgher died in his father’s arms with his smiling face.

Imam Hussain (pbuh) walked back to the camp weeping with Ali Asgher in his arms. At the door he waited for a moment and then turned back, this he did seven (7) times as if he was building his strength to face the mother of the baby who had been so brutally murdered.

Rubab looked at her husband’s face covered in blood and cried out “What have they done to my son, did they even give him a drop of water before they killed him?” Imam Hussain (pbuh) said “I pleaded with them to give him water, but instead they drenched him with blood.” Rubab said “Please bury Ali Asgher with your own hands.” Hence he sat down to bury his baby son in the burning sand of the desert, by digging a grave using sword. After that he looked up and said. “O Almighty God bear witness that I have done my duty to the last.”

Does not even this one single sacrifice suffice to touch every human heart? Can we not call this one sacrifice alone greater than the sacrifice offered by Abraham? God alone knows the degree of the patience and the fortitude which He had endowed in the Imam Hussain (pbuh) to bear the series of such unbearable calamities.

Re: Karbala: Maqtal

Abi Mukhnaf’s maqtal: http://www.sicm.org.uk/knowledge/Kitab%20Maqtal%20al-Husayn.pdf

Link to a 10 episode documentary, narrating the story of Hussain grandson of the Prophet (saw) in details, from the early events in Medina that led to his journey and then until his Martyrdom in Karbala in the year 680 AD.
This documentary is based on the book of “MAQTAL AL-HUSAIN” by Abd al-Razzaq al-Muqarram:

Re: Karbala: Maqtal

Abbas was the son of Imam Ali. He was step brother of Imam Hussein. He was a brave son of the brave father. In Karbala, he was the alamdar (standard-bearer) of Imam’s small caravan.
Abbas was not allowed to fight in the war by Imam. Instead he died trying to get water for children of Prophet’s family.

Here is the maqtal of Hazrat Abbas:

http://www.alhassanain.com/english/articles/articles/history_library/islamic_personalities/martyrdom_of_hadrat_abbas/001.html
**MARTYRDOM OF AL-ABBAS
**
When al-Abbas noticed the loneliness of his brother and the martyrdom of his companions and household, he advanced towards his brother and asked the permission to fight. The Imam did not permit him as he said with sad tone, “You are the holder of my standard…” Imam al-Hussein, in fact, felt of power and protection so long as al-Abbas was with him. But al-Abbas insisted on the permission and said, “I can no longer stand it. I want to take avenge upon those hypocrites.”

As the Imam had nothing to do other than permitting his brother to fight against the enemies, he asked him first to try to get water for the harem and children who were gravely thirsty. Hence, al-Abbas directed towards the Umayyad army by words of admonition and warning against God’s torture. He directed his speech to their commander: "Omar ibn Saad, this is al-Hussein son of the daughter of Allah’s Messenger. You have killed his companions and household. These now are his children and harem. They are thirsty and I ask you to give them water. Nevertheless, he is still calling you to let him go to Rome or India and leave Hijaz and Iraq for you…"

None from the Umayyad army could answer al-Abbas except Shemr who said to him, “Son of Abu-Turab,if the whole surface of this earth is water controlled by us, we will not give you a single drop of it before you submit to the leadership of Yazid.

Hence, al-Abbas had to report this situation to his brother. Meanwhile, he heard the cries of the children because of thirst and saw the changes of their faces and the dryness of their lips. Therefore, he decided to fetch them water. He rode his horse, took a skin with him, and pushed himself towards the River Euphrates. The Umayyad troops flew away and he alone could occupy the bank of the river. His heart was as hot as fire because of thirst, but when he extended his hand to the water and tried to drink, he remembered the thirst that his brother, as well as his children and harem, felt in these moments; hence, he threw the water from his hand and said:

My soul, you must be preceded by al-Hussein
And you must not continue to exist after him
Al-Hussein is about to drink from cups of death
While you want to drink from this cold water
No, by Allah! This is not my religion!

After this tremendous situation of altruism that exceeded all dimensions of time and space, al-Abbas filled the skin he had with him with water and took the way back to his brother’s camp. For the meantime, the enemies surrounded him from every side and tried to prevent him from taking that water to his brother’s camp. Al-Abbas spared no efforts in fighting against them and causing them big losses.

Chased by terror and fear, the enemies were fleeing away from al-Abbas who copied the courageous situations of his father. However, one of the filthy hypocrites of Kufa waylaid him behind a date palm tree, struck him from the back on his right hand, and cut it. Nevertheless, al-Abbas the hero did not care for so when he held the standard in his left hand and went on saying:

By Allah, if you cut my right hand
I will keep on defending my religion
And that true-tongued Imam
Who is the son of the pure Prophet

A few moments later, another man hid behind a tree, struck al-Abbas with a sword on his left hand, and cut it. Although he was bleeding and suffering these wounds besides thirst, al-Abbas held the skin of water with his teeth and ran trying to take the water to his brother’s children and harem. Meanwhile, a spear hit that skin and caused that water to drop on the ground. Seeing this scene, al-Abbas stood in sadness and perplexity. He did not know what to do. A few moments later, another man attacked him with an iron post and struck on the head. Al-Abbas fell to the ground and shouted: “Peace be upon you, Abu-Abdullah!”

As the Imam heard these words of farewell, he hurried toward the River al-Alqami where al-Abbas fell. He pushed himself among the troops of the enemies and threw himself on the body of his brother. Expressing the grave misfortune that he suffered by the martyrdom of his brother, Imam al-Hussein shouted: “My spine is now broken and I have lost everything and my enemies are rejoicing at my misfortune.

No one can describe the real feelings that Imam al-Hussein felt after the martyrdom of al-Abbas. However, historians have mentioned that he, as he was leaving the dead body of his brother, could hardly move his feet. He directed towards the camp while he was wiping off his tears. His daughter Sukaina received him with the question, “Where is my uncle al-Abbas?”

Here the Imam wept and told her about her uncle’s martyrdom. The daughter had nothing to do other than moaning aloud. The situation was more difficult for Zaynab who put her hand on her heart and shouted aloud: “O, brother al-Abbas. We have certainly lost everything as we lost you.”

It was surely grave misfortune for Imam al-Hussein and the Prophet’s harem who filled that place with cries and moaning for their guardian and protector. The Imam also participated them in weeping as he shouted: “We have surely lost everything as we lost you, Abu’l-Fadhl al-Abbas.

Re: Karbala: Maqtal

thanks for sucha informative post! :)

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Where can I get this Book from? Any info? The Story of Hussain? I don't have time to watch the episodes. Feels a bit akward.

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You can download many books (including Maqtal) from the following link:

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One more thing about Hazrat Abbas: He was called "Qamr e Bani Hashim", due to his tall figure and imposing personality. As far as I know, he was in late 30s at the time of Karbala.

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Imam Hussein was the grandson of prophet of Islam. It is therefore natural that one of his sons was prophet’s look-alike. His name was Ali, and remembered as Ali Akbar.
He was very young at the time of Karbala. Around 18.

[Islam Guidance - Islam Guidance Hashimite Prince Ali Akbar’s Martyrdom&catid=616&Itemid=698](Islam Guidance - Islam Guidance Hashimite Prince Ali Akbar’s Martyrdom&catid=616&Itemid=698)After Abbas (pbuh), came the turn of Ali Akbar (pbuh), to go to the battlefield. The battle drums of the enemies were now getting louder and louder.

It is reported that this eighteen (18) year old son was so very much loved by one and all in the camp that the account of his taking leave of his aunts, sisters, brothers and other relatives is so pathetic that none can resist shedding at least a few tears over the heart-rending event.

At last when the Holy Imam sent Ali Akbar, the ‘Ahmad-e-Thani’, i.e., (Muhammad the Second), to the battlefield, he raised his head towards Heaven and said:
Lord! Here I sent in your way, the one who resembled the most with the Holy Prophet Muhammad, whenever we did desire to have a view of the Holy face departed away from us, we used to look at the face of this youth.

“Lord! Hussain has one Ali Akbar and he is sent to be sacrificed for your cause, had I many more like him, I would have similarly offered them all in your way.”

When Ali Akbar went to the battlefield, and faced the enemy with all the bravery that he inherited from his Grandfather Imam Ali (pbuh), it is reported that the enemy forces were so much amazed at his resemblance with the Holy Prophet (pbuh) that such of those who had seen him before, wondered if the Holy Prophet (pbuh) had reappeared in the world to help his dear Grandson Hussain.

People were so anxious to have a look at the enchanting beauty of the youth that those in the rear of the enemy’s ranks, mounted on the horses and camels, even stood on the backs of the animals to have a look at the matchless and the wonder striking beauty of this son of the Holy Imam (pbuh).

Ali Akbar (pbuh) reminded the enemy that his father, Imam Hussain (pbuh) spent his life in the way of Islam, and did no harm to them. By spilling his blood they were making the Holy Prophet (pbuh) very sad. ‘Umar son of Saad’ told his troops not to listen to Ali Akbar, and ordered them to attack him. One by one he fought them with great skill, and killed many of them.

Ali Akbar received several wounds, and was losing a lot of blood. The thirst was getting more unbearable. At the moment he longed to see his loved ones for the last time.
Ali Akbar turned his horse back towards his camp. He found his aged (57 year old) father standing at the entrance of the tent; watching the battle between his beloved thirsty son and the enemy.

Holy Hussain (pbuh) congratulated his son and then said “I am sad that I do not have any water to give you.” Ali Akbar (pbuh) met each and every one of his family. They were all in tears because they knew that this time he wasn’t coming back alive.

It was not long before Imam Hussain (pbuh) heard the painful cry from the battlefield. Ali Akbar fell with a fatal wound in his chest. He called out to his father to come to him quickly. Imam Hussain (pbuh) went towards his son; and found him lying in a pool of his own blood. When he saw his son he cried out “Here I am my son, please talk to me.”

Ali Akbar was in great pain, the broken end of the lance was sticking out of his chest, and blood was gushing out. Ali Akbar died in his father’s arms. God alone knows what a patient heart the Holy Imam (pbuh) had been endowed with, which never gave way against any catastrophe even that of the loss of such a son.

The Holy Imam (pbuh) stood looking at his son dying before his eyes and lifting his head towards Heaven said:

“Lord! It will be quite sufficient for your Hussain if you accept this sacrifice and if you pleased with this humble offer.”
Imam Hussain lifted Ali Akbar carefully, as if protecting him from any more pain. He cried all the way back to his camp.

Re: Karbala: Maqtal

khoji....u have not put any comments for the martyrdom of Muslim ibn Aqeel.......who in my opinion faced on of the toughest situation related to Karbala..........

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http://www.al-islam.org/nafasul-mahmum/

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Assalamo-Alaikum-Warahmatullah-Wabarakatahu,

I thank you for your help. I’d like to have the “old school” Book in my hands. I have downloaded so much material, but I don’t read it, because it doesn’t give me the feeling a Book - you hold in your hand - gives you.

It’s just akward.

Re: Karbala: Maqtal

Everyone related to that incident was a hero in his own right, deserving mentioning and praise. I am just including personalities randomly.
I will include Hazrat Muslim as well.

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Peace Bigboi

In case you are not comfortable with the online books, you can have those boos ordered from the Publisher / stockists mentioned in most of the books. Moreover, by reading contents / selected parts, you can also judge whether the book meets your requirements and addresses the particular issues you are looking for.

Re: Karbala: Maqtal

^

Assalamo-Alaikum-Warahmatullah-Wabarakatahu,

Thank you for your information. I'd like to have the complete Book with all what happened. Is it possible to get such a book? From the beginning till the end!

Re: Karbala: Maqtal

There are many books on event of Karbala, which ranges from chronological history including (Tibri , Muqaddama Ibne Khaldoon), novels (Ismat Chughtai's Ek Qatra Khoon) and Maqtal Abi Mukhnaf (also available for download in the link above). I think Maqtal Abi Mukhnaf will cater your requirement.

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Muslim was the son of Ali’s brother, Aqeel. This makes him Imam Hussein’s first cousin (?).
He was a great warrior, similar to Abbas. And this is why Hussein sent him to Kufa to understand the situation after Yazid’s threats on Imam Hussein’s life increased in Medina.
Muslim was accompanied by his two young sons. Those two sons were also martyred in Kufa alongside Muslim.

I found this online. It is not very detailed but still gives the jist of what happened with Muslim, Safir e Hussein.

http://university.etrat.net/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=2213
[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The people of Kufa called upon Imam Husayn (A) to overthrow the Umayyad dynasty. He was on his way to Mecca for his Hajjpilgrimage and wanted to confirm the loyalty of the people of Kufa, so he sent Muslim, son of Aqeel, who was a famous warrior, to Kufa to observe the situation. His first finding was that they are all loyal to Imam Husayn (A) and so he sent report to Imam Husayn, who then began his journey to Kufa.
[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Muslim ibn Aqeel used to lead the prayers in the Great Mosque of Kufa. When he led Salaat-ul-Maghrib, 30,000 people were following him. The support for Muslim ibn Aqeel in Kufa had become a major threat for Yazid and his governor, Ubaydallah ibn Ziyad. During evening prayers, people were sent from the court of the governor publicly announcing that anyone found supporting Muslim ibn Aqeel will be tortured and put to death.
[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]When Muslim ibn Aqeel finished Salaat-ul-Maghrib, 30,000 reduced to 18 only. When Hazrat Muslim completed the Isha prayers and turned back, he found the mosque empty except for one person, only Hani Ibn Urwah, at whose house Muslim was staying as a guest.
[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Muslim ibn Aqeel had only one thing on his mind now, which was to inform his master Imam Husayn (AS) about the treachery and betrayal of the people of Kufa.
[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]With Muslim completely isolated in Kufa, a ferocious battle took place - Muslim on one side, all alone, and over 500 soldiers on the other side, who were fully armed. Kufa had never seen such a battle before - Muslim defeated the army of 500. More troops were called and it was decided that it would be impossible to capture H. Muslim (AS) unless he is tricked. A pit was dug and covered with leaves. While fighting, Muslim fell into the pit and was captured.
[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Muslim was ordered to be taken to the roof of the palace to be executed and his body thrown to the ground. He was mercilessly killed on 9t[SUP]h[/SUP]of Dhul Hijjah, 60 AH , the day when Muslims were getting ready to celebrate the festivities of Eid al Hajj. Thus he became the first martyr of the epic battle of Karbala. He is buried in Kufa and thousands of people go annually to visit his grave and pay theirrespect.

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:jazak:

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One this i gotta point out is that the history of Karbala was written aproxamatly 100 years after. So you can imagine who was there and who wasnt ..Alot of the historians that did compile the event were decendants / followers of the yazeed clan so they wrote what pleased them

but one thing i do say is the message.. its about how they lived their life and not how they died. Imam hussains mission was acomplised thats all that matters the most.