[2] Ashura Maqtal - Muslim ibn Aqeel
This is a series of maqatil (martyrdom narratives - devotional recitations recounting the suffering and sacrifice of the Ahl al-Bayt, the family of Prophet Muhammad). These are for Ashura 2025/1447
In His Name, the Most High
بِسْمِ ٱللّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَالَمِينَ وَصَلَّى ٱللّٰهُ عَلَىٰ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ أَهْلِ بَيْتِهِ ٱلطَّيِّبِينَ ٱلطَّاهِرِينَ ٱلْمَعْصُومِينَ، أَمَّا بَعْدُ
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُIn the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
All praise is due to God, the Lord of all worlds, and may blessings be upon our Master Muhammad and upon his pure, purified, and infallible household. As for what follows:
Peace be upon you, and the mercy of God, and His blessings.
Video of the Maqtal (Eulogy)
Audio of the Maqtal (Eulogy)
Imam Husayn in Makkah
Imam Hussain (AS) has departed from Medina and is travelling towards Makkah. On the journey he meets with Abdullah bin Muti Adawi, who enquires about his travel plans. The Imam informed him that he was currently travelling towards Makkah and after that Allah would direct him where to go. Abdullah told Imam Hussain (AS) to avoid going to Kufa as this was an inauspicious city for the Ahlul Bayt, where his father Imam Ali (AS) had been martyred and his brother Imam Hassan (AS) had been abandoned and had to flee.
Imam Hussain (AS) reached Makkah, which would become is base for the next four months. It was from here that he would send and receive letters, deliver sermons and meet delegations would were coming for Umrah and Hajj. Abdullah bin Zubair had also taken up residence in Makkah and felt threatened by the Imam’s presence as he too wished to build his own movement against Yazid, however his motivation was personal ambition and he wanted to take the caliphate for himself. However he knew as long as Imam Hussain (AS) nobody would support or pledge allegiance to him.
In a famous letter written to his brother Muhammad e Hanafiya, who had remained behind in Medina, he wrote:
"This movement of mine is not on account of stubbornness, rebellion, worldly passions or instigation by Satan. It is also not my object to create trouble or to oppress anyone.
The only thing which invites me to this great movement is that I should reform the affairs of the followers of my grandfather, eradicate corruption, undertake enjoining to do good and restraining from evil and follow the tradition of my grandfather, the Prophet of Allah and my father, Ali ibn Abu Talib".
In addition he wrote:
“If the Muslim Nation becomes inflicted with a ruler like, then it will be time to say farewell to Islam”.
The Sermon of Mina
In one of his most important sermons which became known as the ‘Sermon of Mina’, Imam Hussain (AS) criticises the scholars of Islam and blames them for not having taken a clear stance against Yazid.
“O scholars, who are celebrated and enjoy good repute on account of your learning! You have achieved a good name in society because of your good will.
It is on account of God that men venerate you and stand in awe of you, so that even powerful fear you and the weak honour you, and those who are not subject to you and over whom you hold no authority grant you favours they deny themselves.
When the people do not receive their due. they seek your intercession, and you walk in the street with the majesty of kings and princes.
Have you not earned all this respect and prestige because of the people's hopes that you will implement God's laws, even though in most instances you have failed to do so?
You have taken lightly your duties as leaders. You have neglected the rights of the oppressed and the lowly, but have assiduously pursued what you regard as your personal rights.
You have not spent your money or risked your life for the sake of the One Who gave you life, nor have you fought against any group or tribe for the sake of God.”
Muawiyyah’s Death and the Letters from Kufa
News of Muawiya’s death had spread to the people of Kufa, who become aware of refusal of Imam Hussain (AS) to pledge allegiance to Yazid and had instead gone to Makkah.
A meeting of the Shia was arranged at house of Sulayman bin Surad Khuza’i was one of the prominent Shia leaders of Kufa. It was decided that they should give their support to Imam Hussain (AS) and letter was addressed to the Imam, with Sulayman bin Surad, Mussayib bin Najabah, Rifa’aah bin Shaddad and Habib ibn Mudhahir amongst the signatories, which included several prominent personalities of Kufa. The letter read.
“Peace be with you.
We praise God, other than whom there is no deity.
Praise be to God who destroyed your enemy, the stubborn oppressor who took over your guardianship of the community, snatched away its authority, usurped the fay (war booty) and took control without people’s consent.
Then he killed the best ones and preserved the wicked. He made God’s wealth circulate amongst the tyrants and the wealthy. He was destroyed just as Thamud faced destruction.
We have no Imam.
Therefore, come – perhaps God shall unite us on the truth. We do not gather with Nu’man bin Bashir (Umayyad Governor of Kufa) for the Friday Prayer or the Eid Prayers. Once we learn that you have accepted to come to us, we will chase him away to Syria, God willing.
Peace and mercy be upon you.”
The above letter was dispatched to Imam Hussain (AS) in Makkah with Abdullah bin Sabu’ Hamadani and Abdullah bin Wali Tamimi. They reached the letters to the Imam of the 10th Ramadhan 60 AH.
Two days after the first group, another delegation consisting of Qays ibn Musahir Saydawi, Abd-al-Rahman bin Abdullah bin Kadan and Umarah bin Ubayd Saluli left for Makkah carrying another 150 letters, pledging allegiance to Imam Hussain (AS). A further two days passed and another letter was dispatched through Hani bin Hani Sab’i and Sa’id b Abdullah Hanafi with the following contents.
“In the name of God the Merciful the Compassionate.
To Hussain bin Ali from his Shia among the believers and the Muslims.
Please make haste, for people are waiting for you. They are prepared to accept no one else but you.
Come to us with speed.
Peace be with you”.
Shabath bin Rib’i and others wrote in a letter.
“The dates have grown green and the fruit has ripened and the waters have overflown. Thus come to an army that is ready and well prepared. Peace be with you.”
Imam Husayn’s Reply
Imam Hussain (AS) received all the letters from Kufa and studied them carefully to fully understand the situation in Kufa. He wrote the following reply which he sent back through messengers Hani bin Hani Sabi’i and Sa’id bin Abdullah Hanafi, who the last in a series of messengers.
“In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful”
From Hussain ibn Ali to the leaders of the believers and the Muslims.
Hani and Sa’id brought me your letters and they were the last two messengers who came to see me on your behalf.
I have understood everything that you have described and mentioned.
The majority of the letters state.
“We have no Imam over us, so come that God may unite us, through you, on truth and guidance”.
I am sending my brother and cousin (Muslim ibn Aqeel), who is my family’s trusted representative. I have instructed him to write to me about your situation, circumstances and options.
If he writes back to me saying that your leaders, men of distinction and merit, are united in the manner which your messengers have described, I will come to you quickly, inshallah.
By my life, what is the function of the Imam, except to act in accordance with the Book of Allah and uphold justice, profess the truth and dedicate himself to Allah.
Peace be with you.”
Muslim ibn Aqeel Dispatched to Kufa
Following the apparent groundswell of support from the people and leaders of Kufa, Imam Hussain (AS) sent Muslim ibn Aqeel as his representative to lead the people, assess the situation and if necessary to call him there to take over the rulership.
Imam Hussain (AS) was wary of the sincerity of the Kufans due to their betrayal of his father Imam Ali (AS) and brother Imam Hassan (AS), so he did not immediately go himself, in case he too would suffer a similar fate. Muslim was loyal and a trusted companion of Imam Hussain, the son of his uncle Aqeel ibn Abu Talib, the elder brother of Imam Ali (AS). He was also his brother-in-law married to his sister Ruqayya who was the daughter of Imam Ali (AS) from a different wife.
Muslim was dispatched to Kufa, along with Qays bin Musahir Saydawi, Umarah bin Ubayd and Abd-al-Rahman ibn Abdullah.
He was given instructions to act with piety, God-consciousness, to be cautious and discreet and to treat the people with kindness and affection. He instructed Muslim to inform him immediately if the people are united in their commitment and support for him.
Muslim went forth until he reached Medina, praying a the Prophet’s mosque and saying his farewell to loved ones from his family.
He hired two guides who belonged to same tribe as his companion Qays, however during the journey they took a wrong route and ended up dying of thirst on the journey.
Muslim himself managed to reach Kufa with great difficulty and had to be rescued from the scorching desert.
Muslim ibn Aqeel in Kufa
Initially upon arrival in Kufa, Muslim stayed at the house of Mukhtar bin Abi Ubayd Thaqafi.
The Shia from Kufa began to come to house of Mukhtar to read the letter sent by Imam Hussain (AS) which Muslim had brought with him and to take the oath of allegiance.
However the number of visitors began to increase and word reached Nu’man Bin Bashir the governor of Kufa, who came to know where Muslim was staying.
Over 12,000 people had made the oath of allegiance to Muslim and he now believed that time was right to call for Imam Hussain (AS) to come to Kufa and lead the people.
Muslim sent a letter to Imam Hussain (AS) explaining that conditions were favourable and that he should now proceed to Kufa.
Nu’man went on the pulpit in the Mosque of Kufa, calling on the people to avoid division and emphasising that he didn’t wish to cause bloodshed and loot people’s properties.
However this address was heard by supporters of the Umayyads in Kufa, who were angered by the apparent weakness shown by Numan. Abdullah bin Muslim bin Sa’id Hadrami an Umayyad supporter got up and confronted Numan, telling him that the only way to supress the rebels was through violence. He then left the mosque and wrote a letter to Yazid, explaining the situation in Kufa and Muslim’s presence.
Yazid Sends Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad to Kufa
On receiving the letter from Abdullah, Yazid became alarmed about the situation in Kufa and consulted with Sarjun who had been one of the Roman advisors to his father Muawiya. Sarjun told him that he should appoint Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad who was known for his ruthlessness and brutality. Ubaydullah’s father Zayd bin Abi (also known as ibn Marjana) had been governor of Kufa during the time of Muawiya and had ruled Kufa with an iron fist, casting fear into the hearts of it’s inhabitants.
Yazid writes a letter to Ubaydullah, appointing him as the governor of Kufa and also instructing to him to search for and kill Muslim ibn Aqeel wherever they found him.
Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad who was ruling over Basra at that the time, received the letter from Yazid. As soon as he had read the letter he left for Kufa, with a few members of his family.
Upon entering Kufa, Ubaydullah dressed himself in a black turban and covered his face with a veil, giving the appearance of being somebody from the Prophet’s family.
Upon his entry Kufa, the people saw him and immediately saw him and assumed that he must be Imam Hussain (AS).
They shouted greetings
“Welcome, O son of the Messenger of Allah”.
Muslim ibn Aqeel saw this and he became suspicious, warning the people be cautious, as he did not believe this was Imam Hussain (AS), however the people did not pay heed.
Ubaydullah headed towards the Mosque of Kufa to address the people gathered and it was here that he revealed his true identity. Upon seeing him they became alarmed and began to panic as they had exposed their true feelings for Imam Hussain (AS) in front of him.
Ubaydullah addresses the people in a stern tone, telling them that he had been sent to crush the rebellion in Kufa. He told the people to inform him about those who are leading the rebellion against Yazid and warning anybody found collaborating would be killed and their properties confiscated.
Muslim ibn Aqeel Moves to Hani ibn Urwa’s House
Upon hearing about the arrival of Ubaydullah in Kufa, Muslim decides to leave the house of Mukhtar and transfers to the house of Hani ibn Urwa Muradi, who was one the tribal chiefs of Kufa and leader of the Bani Murad clan.
Despite the obvious dangers to himself, Hani who was a loyal Shia accepts giving protection to Muslim and agrees to host him. People now begin gathering at house of Hani and the number of pledges of support increases to nearly 18,000. Ubaydullah wishes to find the whereabouts of Muslim and he pays a man called Ma’qil three thousand dirhams to infiltrate Muslim ibn Aqeel’s circle and feedback information to him.
Ma’qil enters the mosque of Kufa and introduces himself to Muslim ibn Awsajah al Asadi, who discovered was one of the main supporters of Imam Hussain (AS). Maqil introduces himself as supporter of the Ahlul Bayt from Syria belonging the Dhu al-Kala tribe and makes a pledge of support by offering the three thousand dirhams.
Muslim ibn Awasjah is initially suspicious but eventually Ma’qil is able to gain his confidence. Therefore Ma’qil was able to gain access to Muslim ibn Aqeel and became aware of his whereabouts and actions.
The Plot to Assassinate Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad
A meeting was held at the house of Hani ibn Urwah with a view to assassinating Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad.
Hani who was ill, informed the gathering that Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad was coming to his house that evening and everyone agreed that this would be a good opportunity to get rid of him.
Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad entered the room where Hani was resting and Muslim ibn Aqeel was hidden away in a secret compartment from where he was supposed to come out and kill him once Hani had given him the signal to do so.
Ubaydullah spent some time talking with Hani and enquiring about his health. Hani made signals to try and attract Muslim’s attention, however he didn’t respond.
Eventually Ubaydullah is able to leave the house of Hani unharmed. Hani then calls Muslim and asks him why he did not kill Ubaydullah when he had the chance.
He replied that it was not permissible for a believer to kill somebody who had not attacked him and Imam Hussain (AS) had cautioned him against such an action. Also it was reprehensible that you allow a visitor to be killed in your own house.
Espionage and the Arrest of Hani ibn Urwah
Ma’qil had become close to Muslim ibn Awsajah with the view of being able to meet Muslim ibn Aqeel. He was eventually introduced to Muslim ibn Aqeel who took the pledge of allegiance from him and handed him the three thousand dirhams, which in turn were handed to another close companion Abu Thumamah Sa’idi for safekeeping.
Ma’qil now had full access to Muslim ibn Aqeel and was also to gather information and discover his secret plan, all of which he would feed back to Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad.
Hani had been ill for some time and Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad began make enquiries about him and eventually he was summoned to the palace as he wished to keep him under surveillance.
Ubaydullah doubted that Hani was ill and suspected that this was just an excuse to avoid meeting him. Ubdaydullah sent a delegation to go to the house of Hani and bring him to the palace. Hani is brought in front of Ubaydullah, who confronts, accusing him of hiding Muslim ibn Aqeel inside his house and plotting to assassinate him.
Hani denied the accusations, however Ubaydullah then calls for Ma’qil to come out.
Hani recognises him and Ma’qil begins disclosing all the secret information which had been discussed at the meetings held in Hani’s house. Ubaydullah then gives Hani an ultimatum to either hand over Muslim ibn Aqeel or he would be killed.
Hani told him that he would never hand over Muslim ibn Aqeel and that if he were to try and kill him his tribe the Bani Murad would surely come to his rescue as they were a strong and powerful group.
Ubaydullah wanted to avoid getting into a war with the tribes, so he did not kill Hani immediately but detained him in his dungeon where he was subject to ill treatment and torture.
Muslim ibn Aqeel’s Desire to Free Hani ibn Urwah
Muslim ibn Aqeel became aware of the situation with Hani and he began gathering his supporters especially from Hani’s tribe the Bani Murad outside the palace demanding the release of Hani. The numbers quickly rose and soon reached close to four thousand people.
Ubaydullah started to become anxious and wanted to appease the gathered crowd. He summoned Kazi Shurayh and they went to see the condition of Hani. He saw that Hani was not in a good condition, however when he appeared in front of the assembled crowd he assured them that Hani was fine and being well looked after.
Even though Kazi Shurayh had been the chief justice in Kufa was trusted by the people, the assembled gathering were still insisting on seeing Hani.
Ubaydullah now started using a different tactic. He used his spies to spread rumours about an army being sent from Syria to come and crush the uprising in Kufa. Muslim told his supporters not to pay attention to these rumours and to continue their protests outside the palace.
Sulayman ibn Surad and the Failure to Adhere to Wilayah
However Sulayman bin Surad who was one the important Shia figures in Kufa, cautioned the people about getting into a armed conflict with the authorities without a direct command from Imam Hussain (AS).
Ubaydullah now employed another tactic, instilling fear into the women and children by telling them about reprisal attacks against them and their children, if their husbands did not desist from supporting Muslim. The 4000 strong contingent of support dwindled to around 300 by time they approached the palace, with Kufan women coming out of their houses and dragging their menfolk away from the frontlines.
Eventually following the Isha prayer the number had reduced to just 12. Soon these too would leave and Muslim was all alone to wander the streets of Kufa trying to find a safe place to spend the night.
Muslim ibn Aqeel Abandoned in Kufa
Muslim found refuge in the house of a believing lady by the name of Taw’a.
She had a spare room in the attic of her house where she hid Muslim, however she warned him to remain silent as she feared her son would inform to authorities about his whereabouts. Muslim spent the night in prayer and slept only a little.
He saw the Prophet (SAAW) in his dream informing him that he would soon be joining him. At that point Tawa’s son returned home and immediately suspected that somebody was in the house.
His mother tried to dissuade him, however he searched the house until he discovers Muslim hiding in the attic.
News reached Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad who immediately dispatched Muhammad ibn Ashath with a battalion of 70 men. Muslim left the house of Taw’a as he did not want Ubaydullah’s soldiers to enter her house.
The Arrest of Muslim ibn Aqeel
A battle ensued with Ubaydullah’s forces and Muslim fought bravely. However a trap was set and Muslim was finally captured and taken to Ubaydullah’s palace. Muslim was brought in front of Ubaydullah who order him send salaams upon his Amir (referring to Yazid).
Muslim refused, replying that his Amir was only Imam Hussain (AS). He was then informed that he was to be executed, but prior to his death he was asked if he had any final requests. Muslim left behind three requests
To send a message to Imam Hussain (AS), warning him not to come to Kufa. This request was refused by Ubaydullah.
To repay his debts by selling his sword and belongings.
To provide him some water, so he could quench his thirst.
The Martyrdom of Muslim ibn Aqeel and Hani ibn Urwah
Water was brought in front of Muslim but he was unable to drink as he was bleeding from his mouth.
Two more containers were brought for him, however he was still unable to drink due to the bleeding.
Eventually he told Ubaydullah that maybe it was Allah’s will that he be martyred while thirsty. Muslim was dragged to the top of the governor’s palace and beheaded.
His body was then thrown to the ground and his decapitated corpse was dragged through the streets of Kufa.
After Muslim, Hani ibn Urwa was also martyred by Ubaydullah.
The heads of Muslim and Hani were then sent to Yazid in Damascus.
The Martyrdom of the Children of Muslim ibn Aqeel
In addition to Muslim, his two young sons Muhammad bin Muslim (8 years old) and Ibrahim bin Muslim (10 years old) were both captured and held prisoner in Kufa, shortly after the martyrdom of their father.
A prison guard who saw the radiance coming from the boys faces and their worship of Allah helped them escape from prison.
The boys were attempting to reach Karbala, so they could reach Imam Hussain (AS) and warn him about the treachery of the Kufans and the martyrdom of his father.
The boys found refuge near a river and climbed a tree to hide. A woman drawing water spotted their reflection in the water and asked who they were. Ibrahim told her
“We are orphans, please do not tell anyone you saw us”.
But the woman took pity on them and brought them to her mistress – a kind hearted lady who soon discovered their true identity. She gave them food and shelter, warning them to remain silent because her husband Harith was an agent of Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad.
The boys slept that little that night and both awoke in the middle of the night, crying after seeing their father Muslim ibn Aqeel in a dream.
Harith heard the cries of the boys and went to see who was inside his house. He soon discovered that these were the sons of Muslim ibn Aqeel and he believed he would be rewarded handsomely for capturing them.
The boys were dragged to the banks of the Euphrates River and despite of their pleas for mercy, both the boys were brutally beheaded by Harith. They were allowed to pray a final two rakat prayer before being killed. The bodies of the small boys were thrown into the river and floated upstream.
When Harith brought the heads of the young boys in front Ubaydullah, he expected to claim a reward. Even a tyrant like Ubaydullah was shocked by brutality of Harith, having seen the beauty and radiance of these young boys and instead of rewarding him he ordered him to be taken away and executed.
All praise be to Allah: the Lord and the evident Truth.
All the tyrannical oppressors are subservient to His almightiness.
All the inhabitants of the Heavens and the layers of earth admit His Godhead.
All the created beings confess of His Oneness.
May Allah send blessings upon the Master of all created beings.
And Upon the members of his Household, the noble ones, such blessings that will delight them.
And Humiliate all those who antagonise them. From the Jinn and Mankind.
Peace of Allah the All-high and All-great, and peace of his favourite angels.
His missioned Prophets, His choice Imams, His righteous servants and all the martyrs and veracious ones.
And all blessings that are pure and delightful, that are coming and going, be upon you, Muslim the son of Aqeel the son of Abu Talib.
وَسَيَعْلَمُ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ أَىَّ مُنقَلَبٍۢ يَنقَلِبُونَ
And those who have wronged, will come to know to what [evil] return, they will be returning.
- Quran, Surah ash-Shu’ara (the Chapter of the Poets) #26, Verse 227
إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
Indeed, we belong to God, and indeed to Him we shall return.
- Quran, Surah al-Baqarah (the Chapter of the Cow) #2, Verse 156