[3] Ashura Maqtal - Hurr ibn Yazid ar-Riyahi
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 Leaves Makkah
Imam Hussain (AS) had spent nearly four months in Makkah, it was now the season of Hajj and pilgrims began arriving in droves. During that period he had received many messages of support especially from the people of Kufa.
He had received the letter from Muslim ibn Aqeel (AS) about the favourable conditions in Kufa and the support for his movement and was fully prepared to move towards Iraq.
However the news of the change of conditions in Kufa following the crackdown by Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad and the subsequent martyrdom of Muslim along with Hani ibn Urwah had still not reached him.
Prior to his departure we delivered a sermon to the assembled masses, outlining his intention to move towards Iraq.
“Praise be to Allah! By Allah’s will only! There is no power but with Allah! And the Blessings of Allah be upon His Messenger! Verily death is bound with the sons of Adam as a necklace round the neck of a maiden.
How I desire and long to meet my ancestors similar to Prophet Yaqoob (AS), who was desirous of meeting Yusuf (AS).
Verily I proceed to place of my martyrdom, which has been selected for me. It is as if I see the wolves of the desert (Bani Umayyah) separating each part of my body between Nawawees and Karbala, and filling their empty bellies and utricles.
There is no escape from which has been written down by the pen of destinity, and the pleasure of our Household (Ahlul Bayt) lies in the pleasure of Allah. Verily we will endure His trials and secure the reward due for the forbearing ones.
The cord of the Prophet (SAAW) and his child cannot be separated from him, but will all be united together with him near the Right (Allah). Thereby his (the Prophet’s) eyes will be cooled due to us and thus Allah will fulfil what he promised through them.
Then whoever desires to lay down his life for us and strive in the way of Allah, should come out with us, for I shall be leaving tomorrow morning, Inshallah”.
Imam Hussain (AS) had received news that Yazid had sent his agents to Makkah, dressed in garb of pilgrims (Ehram), with the intention of killing him. In order to preserve the sanctity of Ka’aba (the Haram) he had to leave before the start of the Hajj.
On the 8th Dhul Hajj 60 AH, while the pilgrims were preparing to go to Arafat, Imam Hussain (AS) changed his intention from Hajj to Umra, and performs his final Tawaf and Sa’ae in Makkah before preparing to travel towards Kufa.
It has been narrated that the entourage of Imam Hussain (AS) consisted of 82 men, as well as women and children.
Imam Hussain (AS) crossed another a number of stations on his way from Makkah
Saffah
Imam Hussain (AS) meets with the famous poet Farazdaq, who warns him about the treachery of the Kufans. He quotes the famous line “ Their hearts are with you, but their swords are against you”. Imam Hussain (AS) tells him that he has left the affair in the hands of Allah and continues on his journey.
Zat al-Irq
It was here that Imam Hussain (AS) met with cousin and brother-in-law Abdullah-ibn-Jaffar, the husband of Sayeda Zainab (AS). He tries to dissuade the Imam Hussain (AS) from journeying to Kufa, reminding him of the Kufans betrayal of his father Imam Ali (AS) and brother Imam Hassan (AS), also fearing for Imam’s safety and security.
When he understands that Imam Hussain (AS) will continue his mission, in spite of the risks to himself and his companions, he sends his two sons Awn and Mohammed to accompany him and leaves them in the care of their mother.
Bat at-Rumma
It was from here that Imam Hussain (AS) send a letter to the people of Kufa in the hand of Qays bin Musahir, in response to the numerous letters he received from Kufa. He also meets Abdullah ibn Mutee who tries to prevent him from going to Kufa.
Zurud
It was here that Imam Hussain (AS) meets with Zuhayr ibn Qayn. Zuhayr who had not been a follower of Imam Ali (AS) but a supporter of Uthman, changed his view following their meeting. He divorces his wife, leaving her all of his possessions and joins the group of Imam Hussain (AS).
Zubala
It was here that Imam Hussain (AS) hears the news of the martyrdom of Muslim ibn Aqeel and Hani ibn Urwah.
He informs his companions about the political changes which have occurred in Kufa and tells those that wish to leave him to go and save themselves. Many left the Imam at point, either out of fear of death or the understanding that the Imam would be killed and there was no possibility of them getting any political positions.
Imam Hussain (AS) went to Muslim’s wife and offered his condolences on her husband’s martyrdom and vowing to support her as long as he remains alive. He also caressed the head of Muslim’s little orphan daughter, telling her that he was now her father.
It was here also that Wahab Kalbi and his family join Imam Hussain’s caravan.
Batn-e-Aqeeq
Imam Hussain (AS) meets with a man tribe of Akramah who was returning from Kufa. He informs the Imam that Kufa is no longer safe and has been completely subdued by forces loyal to Yazid and nobody could enter or leave safely.
Surat
Imam Hussain (AS) and his party spend the night at this place and depart early in the morning to continue their journey. Imam Hussain (AS) tells his companions to gather as much water as they can from here, as they will need it for the onward journey.
Sharaf
While passing through this station, one of the companions of Imam Hussain (AS) alerts the caravan to a presence of a cavalry brigade approaching them. Imam Hussain (AS) orders his party to take cover themselves from the rear by taking shelter in a nearby mountain, to avoid a surprise attack by the enemy.
Zu Hasm
It was here that first meeting occurs between Imam Hussain (AS) and Hurr ibn Yazid al Riya. He was the commander of one of the Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad’s cavalry brigades. He and his men were on the verge of dying of thirst, have spent a long time marching through the desert.
Imam Hussain (AS) provides water for his entire brigade, even the horses. The time of Dhur prayers arrive, and Hurr and his men pray behind the Imam. Hurr then tells Imam Hussain (AS) that he cannot allow him to move towards Kufa and he must follow his instructions.
The Imam initially refuses however after an exchange of words, he agrees in order to avoid any bloodshed.
Baydha
It was here that the following day Imam Hussain (AS) delivers one of his most important sermons.
“O People, the Prophet of Islam (SAAW) has said that if a man see a tyrannical ruler transgressing against Allah and his Messenger and oppressing the people but does nothing by word or action to alter the situation, then it would be just for Allah to place him where he deservedly belongs.
Do you not see to what low levels the affairs have come down ? Do you not notice that truth is not being adhered to and that falsehood has no limits. And as for me, I look upon death as but as means to attain martyrdom and I consider life amongst transgressors as nothing but an agony and affliction”.
Uzayb al-Hajanat
Imam Hussain (AS) meets with a Tirimmah ibn Ad, who tells him he has 20,000 armed men at his disposal and offers him sanctuary if he follows him to the mountains, where he resides. Imam Hussain (AS) refuses and tells him that he had already giving an undertaking to accompany Hurr.
Qasr-e-Bani Maqatil
From this point onwards it became clear that the caravan of Imam Hussain (AS) was not moving in the direction of Kufa, but towards another destination.
Hurr and his men were following them from behind. It was also here that the dialogue took place between Imam Hussain (AS) and his son Ali Akbar (AS), where the Imam informed him that this caravan was moving towards death.
Naynawah
It was here that Hurr receives the order from Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad, that he is not leave Imam Hussain (AS) alone, but to follow him every step on the journey.
Karbala
This was final destination of Imam Hussain (AS). He was ordered to setup camp at a location close to the river bank.
It was the 2nd Muharram 61 AH. Sayeda Zainab (AS) addressing her brother asks him:
‘O brother which is this place where we have come to’.
Imam Hussain (AS) spoke to some of the people from the land and asked them which place this was.
Finally he spoke to a elderly man who told him that was land was known as ‘Karb-o-bala’. Imam Hussain (AS) then exclaims
“Surely the Prophet (SAAW) has spoken the truth. This is indeed the land of Karb (“Agonies”) and Bala (“Tribulations”).
All prophets and friends of Allah who passed through this land, underwent difficulties and suffered loss.
This is the destination of our caravan and where we will stay.
This is where our men will be killed. Here is where our blood will be spilled.”
Imam Hussain Purchases the Land of Karbala
Imam Hussain (AS) met with Bani Assad who local tribesmen who inhabited the land of Karbala and were it’s owners. He purchased the land from them and then returned it back to them, on condition that they would bury the him and his companions after their martyrdom, and host any visitors who came to visit their graves.
Imam Hussain Meets Hurr ibn Yazid ar-Riyahi
One of the most significant events in the epic of Karbala was the meeting of Imam Hussain (AS) with Hurr-ibn-Yazid-al Riyahi. Hurr belonged to the Bani Tamim tribe and was one of the elites of Kufa and a famous warrior.
He was appointed as one of the senior commanders in the army by Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad and put in charge of the 1000 men and dispatched to divert the route of Imam Hussain (AS) and prevent him from reaching Kufa.
Unlike most of the leaders of the Umayyad army, Hurr had no political leanings and was not ambitious for wealth or power.
Hurr was following the caravan Imam Hussain (AS) and they eventually met in Zu Hasm.
Hurr and his men were on the verge of dying from thirst, having spent many hours in the desert. Imam Hussain (AS) saw the condition of Hurr and his companions and immediately ordered that should be provided with water and allowed to quench their thirst, even though water was scarce and the caravan had limited water for themselves.
Even the horses were allowed to drink freely. It was the time of Dhor and the Imam asked Hurr if they wished to pray in congregation or separately. Hurr replied:
“No, we will pray behind you”.
This action of Hurr showed his respect and reverence for Imam Hussain (AS) and was an indication that his heart was not filled with malice for Ahlul Bayt.
Imam Hussain (AS) delivered a short sermon explaining the position of Ahlul Bayt and clarifying their mission in going to Kufa, upon the request of the people.
Books of messages were brought out and shown to Hurr. Hurr told the Imam that he had explicit instructions from Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad not to allow them to enter Kufa and they would need to follow a different route.
Imam Hussain (AS) was angered a replied in a stern tone ‘May your mother weep over you’ which is generally considered an insult by the Arabs, although Imam Hussain (AS) did not mean it in this way and was in fact as dua for his martyrdom.
Hurr remained calm and replied:
‘O son of the messenger of Allah, had any of the Arabs said this to me, I would have given a suitable reply. But by Allah, your mother is Sayeda Fatima Zehra (AS), how could I say anything about her, except with the best of attributes.’
Hurr followed the caravan of Imam Hussain (AS) until they reached Karbala and showed them where to pitch their tents. Hurr had no real intention to kill Imam Hussain (AS) and believed that the matter of the Bayat to Yazid could be resolved without bloodshed.
The Turning of the Free Man: Hurr’s Journey Back to Truth
On the night of Ashura, it became clear that tomorrow would be a bloodbath and everyone from Imam Hussain’s army would be martyred. In the camp of Ubaydullah’s army the mood was celebratory and everyone was indulging in laughter and merry making.
The camp of Imam Hussain (AS) the night was spent in prayer and reading of the Qur’an. Hurr could hear the cries of the children, dying of thirst, coming from the camp of Hussain.
Hurr became restless and began pacing up and down, constantly looking towards the camp of Imam Hussain (AS). Muhajjir ibn Owss, who was one of the men, saw his condition and remarked “O ibn Riyahi. What is the matter with you. I have never seen you in such a condition. If somebody would ask me who is the bravest warrior in Kufa, I would surely have given your name”. Hurr turns to him and replies “I see myself between Paradise and Hell. By Allah, I will never prefer anything over paradise, even if I am cut to pieces and burnt”.
Hurr takes his son and servant and begins moving towards the camp of Imam Hussain (AS). Before he enters the camp of Imam Hussain (AS) he asks his son to tie his hands and blindfold him. When Abbas (AS) saw Hurr approaching he believed he was preparing to attack. However Imam Hussain (AS) told his brother “Abbas my brother, put away your sword. These men are not coming to fight us. This is my special guest Hurr, I have been waiting for him”.
Imam Hussain (AS) and Hazrat Abbas (AS) go and greet Hurr and he throws himself by feet of Imam Hussain (AS). He begins to cry and asks for forgiveness. Imam Hussain (AS) took Hurr into his arms and told him. “Hurr my friend, I have forgiven you and Allah has forgiven you. You are our guest, but we do not have anything to offer you, even a drink of water”.
As soon as the battle commences, Hurr insists on being the first one to enter the battlefield. Imam gives Hurr permission to fight. Hurr fights bravely, killing many soldiers from the enemy army in single combat. Eventually the enemy attack him on masse and he falls off his and is severely wounded.
Hurr is about die and he calls out to Imam Hussain (AS), “Master, please come quickly I wish to see you one last time”. Imam Hussain (AS) rushes to the battlefield and takes the head of Hurr in his lap.
He takes out a handkerchief from his pocket which his mother Fatima Zehra (AS) had made for him and wraps it around the head wound which Hurr had sustained. He then addresses Hurr and tells him
“O Hurr, your mother was correct when she named you Hurr. You are indeed Hurr (Free) in this world and in the hereafter”.
Hurr attains martyrdom in the arms of Imam Hussain (AS).
Peace be upon you, O friends of Allah and His dear ones.
Peace be upon you, O chosen of Allah and those sincerely attached to Him.
Peace be upon you, O supporters of Allah’s religion.
Peace be upon you, O supporters of the Messenger of Allah.
Peace be upon you, O supporters of the Commander of the Faithful.
Peace be upon you, O supporters of Fatima, the leader of the women of the worlds.
Peace be upon you, O supporters of Abu Muhammad al-Hasan, son of Ali — the saintly and sincere.
Peace be upon you, O supporters of Abu Abdillah.
May my mother and father be sacrificed for you.
Verily, pure are you, and pure is the soil in which you were buried.
You attained great success.
I wish that I were with you — so that I could have shared in your triumph.
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