[4] Ashura Maqtal - The Enemies and Friends of Imam Husayn
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)
The Enemies and Friends of Imam Husayn
On the 3rd Muharram 61 AH, Umar ibn Saad arrived in Karbala along with 4000 troops. The number soon swelled in number to in excess of 30,000. This compares to number who were on the side of Imam Hussain (AS), whose number did not reach even 100 who would be considered as fighting men.
In addition Imam Hussain (AS) caravan consisted not only of men, but there were women and children many who fought bravely to defend the Imam. In this Majlis we look at some of the important personalities in this conflict, a unique battle in history, a battle of truth and falsehood.
We will try and examine some of the characters and their motivations.
From the Enemies Side
Umar Ibn Saad ibn Abi Waqas
Umar was son of Saad ibn Waqas, who one of the famous companions of Prophet Mohammed (SAAW).
Saad had been present in the Battle of Badr and the Battle of Uhud, during the Prophet’s time. He became famous for leading the Muslim Army which conquered Persia.
He was also part of the six man Shura (or council) appointed by Umar ibn Khattab to choose his successor, which lead to the appointment of Uthman ibn Affan as the third Caliph. He became one of the elites of the Medinan society during the rulership of the first and second caliphs, amassing great wealth.
Umar his son was born in Medina and was a contemporary of Imam Hussain (AS) and they grew up together, so he knew him well. Like his father before him, he too became used to comfortable living and developed a taste for wealth and power.
During the period of the battle of Siffin, where there was a conflict between Imam Ali (AS) and Muawiya, Umar encouraged his father to make a claim for the caliphate, but his father refused to accept. Later on during the time of Mu’awiya’s caliphate he made a false accusation against Hujr-ibn-Adi, which ultimately led to Hujr’s martyrdom.
He also spied on Imam Hussain (AS) writing letters to Yazid, outlining the Imam’s activities. He also played the role of an informant in Kufa, passing information on to Yazid and later on to Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad.
Umar ibn Sa’ad is appointed to position as head of the army in Karbala, by Ubaydullah. He is also promised the rulership of Rey (modern day Tehran), however this is dependent on his successful completion of the mission in Karbala.
Umar actually did not want to kill Imam Hussain (AS), however he felt compelled to do so for fear of loosing his position. Also the presence of Shimr bin Dhil Jawshan in his army, who were much more ruthless than he was and would constantly pressure him.
Imam Hussain (AS) held meetings Umar ibn Saad, trying to convince him to leave the battle. However Umar feared loss of wealth and prestige. Imam Hussain (AS) offered to compensate any losses he may occur, however he told the Imam that he wanted the rulership.
Imam Hussain (AS) replied, “You will not even eat from the wheat of Rey”, Umar replied “If I cannot eat the wheat, then I will eat the barley”.
Umar ibn Saad, wished to start the battle on the 9th Muharram (the afternoon on Tasu’a), however Imam Hussain (AS) requested an extension one day to allow them to worship.
The battle commenced on day of Ashura 10th Muharram, with Umar ibn Saad firing the first arrow. After the martyrdom of his son Ali Akbar (AS), Imam Hussain (AS) curses Umar ibn Saad and tells him.
“May Allah cut your linage and put you under
the rule of one who beheads you in your bed”.
Umar plays a decisive role in the Battle of Ashura, ordering his leading archer Hurmala to fire his arrow at baby son of Imam Hussain (AS), Ali Al Asgher. He also ordered the horses to trample the body of Imam Hussain (AS) after his martyrdom. Umar was killed by Abu Qulus Shabami, one of the commanders of Mukhtar al Thaqafi.
Shimr bin Dhil-Jawshan
Shimr was a tribal chief of the Hawazin and one of the Tab’iun (those born one generation after the Prophet). Initially he had fought alongside Imam Ali (AS) in the Battle of Siffen, however we was amongst those joined the Khawarij and became an implacable enemy of Imam Ali (AS) and his family. He was one of those who gave false testimony against Hujr-ibn-Adi, leading to his martyrdom.
Shimr was the one who pressured Umar ibn Saad into fighting with Imam Hussain (AS) and removed any possibility of a peaceful resolution, by writing to Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad. Shimr tried to gain an amnesty for Hazrat Abbas (AS) and his brothers, as he was from the same tribe as Abbas’s mother Umm-ul-Baneen. Hazrat Abbas (AS) angrily rejected this proposal.
Shimr fired an arrow at Zuhayr ibn Qayn during his address to Ubaydullah’s army and also was the one who severed the head Imam Hussain (AS). He also trampled on the body of the Imam with his horse and ordered the burning of the tents.
During the journey to Damascus, he would slap the orphan daughter of Imam Hussain (AS), snatch her earrings and deprive her of water. He was given the responsibility for removing the heads of all the martyrs and placing them on places. He also wanted to murder Imam Sajjad (AS) but was unable to do so.
After Karbala he returned to Kufa and kept a low profile, but was hunted down and killed by Mukhtar Thaqafi. Shimr fought against Mukhtar but was eventually captured and killed.
Harmala ibn Kahil al Asadi
Harmala ibn Kahil was a member of the Bani Assad. No information is recorded about him prior to the event of Ashura.
On the day of Ashura itself he was responsible for killing Imam Hussain’s six month old infant son by firing an arrow at his throat.
His arrows also struck Hazrat Abbas (AS) and punctured his water sack, causing him to lose the water he was carrying for the children.
Harmala was killed by Mukhtar Thaqafi by receiving a knife to his throat.
Khawli bin Yazid al- Ashabi
Khawli bin Yazid al- Ashabi was a member of Umar-ibn-Saad’s army. It is claimed that was from the tribe of Himyar, although there is no report about his life prior to Karbala.
According to records Khawli was responsible for martyrdoms of Jafar ibn Ali and Uthman ibn Ali, the brothers of Hazrat Abbas (AS). Khawli was one of those who attacked the body of Imam Hussain (AS) and was the custodian of his head.
When he took the head of the Imam to his house, he felt proud as he believed he would receive a handsome reward. His wife admonishes and tells him:
“Woe be unto you. Others have brought gold and silver and you have brought the head of the son of the Prophet”.
He was eventually killed by Mukhtar Thaqafi and it was his wife who disclosed his whereabouts to Mukhtar.
The Companions of Imam Husayn
Amongst the prominent companions who attained martyrdom fighting for Imam Hussain (AS) on the day of Ashura.
Sa’id ibn Abdullah al-Hanafi
Sa’id ibn Abdullah al-Hanafi was nobleman from Kufa and a companion and a martyr alongside Imam Hussain (AS). He was from the Banu Hanifa bin Lajim tribe, a clan of the Banu Bakr bin Wa’il from the Adnan tribe.
He was responsible for delivering important letters from Kufa to Imam Hussain (AS).
The second time he delivered a letter from Muslim ibn Aqeel, he accompanied Imam Hussain (AS) and travelled with him to Karbala.
On the night of Ashura, Imam Hussain (AS) addresses him companions and removes the Bayat from their hands. Imam tells them:
“These people are after me, so there is nothing for you to be concerned about, and I will forgive all of you”.
Said replies:
“O son of the Messenger of Allah. I swear to Allah that we will never stop helping you so that Allah knows that we have obeyed the Prophet’s will about his progeny. I swear to Allah that if I am killed and my body is burned and my ashes scattered, and this happens 70 times, I will never leave you O son of the Messenger of Allah. May I be your ransom.”
The battle is stopped for Dhor prayer and Said is one of those who stands as a guard to protect during his prayers. It is reported that he was struck by thirteen arrows and not a single arrow was allowed to strike the Imam. After the Imam completes his prayers Said asks him:
“O Son of the Messenger of Allah. Did I fulfil my duty”.
Imam Hussain (AS) looks at him smiles telling him:
“O Said you reached Paradise before us”.
Said attains martyrdom in the arms of Imam Hussain (AS).
Zuhayr ibn Qayn
Zuhayr ibn Qayn was a senior member of the the al-Bajila tribe based in Kufa. He was renowned in Kufa as a noble and brave man.
He was respected for his participation in several of the early battles and conquests of Islam and his father al-Qayn was said to be one of the Prophet’s companions.
Zuhayr was not amongst the supporters of Imam Ali (AS) and had been an advocate of Uthman.
Zuhayr was returning from Hajj on his was back to Kufa and it so happened that he crossed paths with Imam Hussain (AS) at a rest are called Zarud.
Imam Hussain (AS) wished to meet with Zuhayr, but he was initially reluctant to meet him. However his wife told him:
“The son of the Messenger Allah is calling you, why do you not respond”.
Eventually Zuhayr and goes meets the Imam.
What was discussed is not mentioned, however a transformation occurred within Zuhayr. Zuahyr tells his wife that he must divorce her as he is going to join the caravan of Hussain.
His wife insists should accompany him, however he refuses telling her:
“After all the men are martyred, the ladies will be taken captive. I cannot bear the thought of you being taken as a captive”.
His wife agrees but asks him to tell Sayeda Fatima Zahra (AS) to intercede on her behalf on Judgement Day.
Zuhayr joins with Imam Hussain’s forces and when they are confronted by Hurr’s army.
Zuhayr suggests to Imam Hussain (AS) that they should engage with Hurr and his men, as they would be easier to tackle compared to the large army which would arrives later.
Imam Hussain (AS) refuses as he would never be the one to start the war.
On the day of Ta’sua (the day before Ashura), Umar ibn Saad’s army attacked the camp of Imam Hussain (AS) in order to provoke the start of the battle. Zuhayr-ibn-Qayn took the opportunity to address the enemy army. Uzra-bin-Qays who was from Umar-ibn-Saad’s army addresses Zuhayr and tells him:
“O Zuhayr. You were not a Shia of this Household, but an advocate of Uthman”.
Zuhayr replies:
“Does not my being here mean that I am with them now ?
I swear to Allah, I never wrote a letter to Imam Hussain (AS) and never sent a messenger to him and never promised to help him, but our paths met and when I met him and remembered the Prophet (SAAW) and Imam Hussain’s place for him and learned that he was going to his enemy and your party, then I decided to help him and be in his group and sacrifice my life for the right of Allah and his Messenger, that you have ignored”.
On the night of Ashura, when Imam Hussain (AS), lifts the Bayat (oath of allegiance) from his companions and tells them to save their lives, Zuhayr declares:
“I swear to Allah that I want to be killed, then come back to life and be killed again and for this to happen one thousand times, so that Allah protects you and your household from being killed.”
On the day of Ashura, Zuhayr was commander of the right flank of Imam Hussain’s army and Habib ibn Mudahir was the commander of the left flank. Zuhayr wished to make final appeal to the enemy army, however he was ordered back Imam Hussain (AS) to come back as his preaching did not have any effect on them.
Zuhayr also successfully repelled an attack on the camp of Imam Hussain (AS), killing Abu Izza al Dababi, a friend of Shimr in the process. Zuhayr supported both Habib-ibn-Mudahir and Hurr in their battles, until both of them were martyred and then he returned back to the camp.
Zuhayr was one of those who protected Imam Hussain (AS) during the prayer. He later returned to the battlefield, killing a further 120 of the enemy before he was eventually martyred.
Imam Hussain (AS) made a special Dua for Zuhayr:
“O Zuhayr! May Allah bless you with His mercy and curse your killers with an eternal curse, like that of the Israelites who were trans shaped by Allah”.
Wahab ibn Abdullah Qalbi
Wahab was a Christian who had recently got married. He was travelling with his pregnant wife and mother and crossed paths with Imam Hussain (AS), who was on his way to Karbala.
They enquired about Imam Hussain (AS) and his mission. They were told that this was the son of Imam Ali (AS) and the ruler Yazid had sent an army to kill him and his companions.
The mother of Wahab knew Imam Ali (AS) as she was living in Kuda, and going through a difficult pregnancy.
She approached Imam Ali (AS) who was the caliph and asked for his help. He prayed for her and she gave birth to a son who she named Wahab. She had always been grateful for Imam Ali’s prayers and told her family that they must go and defend Imam Hussain (AS).
On the day Ashura, Wahab approaches Imam Hussain (AS) requesting permission to fight, however his wife is unhappy and only agrees if they are able to be in Paradise together. Imam Hussain (AS) assures her that they will be reunited in Paradise.
Wahab goes to battle, fights bravely but is eventually martyred. The enemy callously threw the severed head of Wahab towards his mother. She hugs and kisses the head a throws it back towards the enemy retorting:
“If Allah had given me 20 sons, I would sacrifice all of them for Imam Hussain”.
The wife of Wahab rushes out of the tent and towards the corpse of her husband and begins weeping. Shimr orders his slave to attack the lady with a spear and she too is martyred.
John ibn Huwai
John ibn Huwai had been the slave of Abu Dharr Ghaffari. When Abu Dharr was exiled, he gave John over to Imam Ali (AS), who taught him the sciences of hadith and tafseer of Qur’an.
Later he came under the guardianship of Imam Hassan (AS) and finally Imam Hussain (AS). John was skilled in preparing and repairing weapons and had been given the task of preparing the weapons of war, during the battle of Ashura.
On the day of Ashura, John expressed his wish to go and fight in defence of Imam Hussain (AS), however Imam initially refused. John wept and was broken hearted and told the Imam:
“I served you during the good times but now you are facing difficulties you ask me to abandon you,
By Allah I will never leave you until my blood is shed for you.”
John entered the battlefield and recited the following poem.
“I am a soul willing to die for Allah, and have a sword thirsty of the blood of his enemies. Before I die I shall fight the enemies of Allah, with my sword and my tongue serve the grandson of his Prophet.”
At the time of his martyrdom, Imam Hussain (AS) takes the head of John into lap and recites a dua to Allah to brighten his face and give his body a beautiful fragrance.
Muslim ibn Awsaja al-Asadi
Muslim ibn Awsaja al-Asadi had been a companion of Prophet Mohammed (SAAW), Imam Ali (AS) and Imam Hussain (AS).
Muslim ibn Awsaja was one of the main supporters of Muslim ibn Aqeel’s movement in Kufa, prior to the battle of Ashura. His close circle of companions was infiltrated by Ma’qil who was a spy of Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad, ultimately leading to martyrdom of Muslim ibn Aqeel. Following the martyrdom of Muslim ibn Aqeel and Hani ibn Urwa, Muslim ibn Awsaja went into hiding in Kufa, before leaving Kufa secretly to join Imam Hussain’s army in Karbala.
According to some narrations, the son of Muslim ibn Awsaja and was martyred alongside his father.
On the night of Ashura, when Imam Hussain (AS) lifted the oath of allegiance on his companions, Muslim ibn Awsaja was the first one to speak up.
“O Abu Abdullah! We will never leave you alone. How is it possible to bring excuses to Allah ? O, by Allah, never! We will never leave you alone; I will never give up; I will slay the enemies with my spear and sword until it drops to the ground; then I will stone them.
By Allah, I would never leave you alone until my duties to Allah and defend the descendants of Prophet Mohammed (SAAW). O, by Allah, if I perish, I am reborn and then if I am burnt and turned into ashes, I am again reborn; and if this happens seventy times I would fight for you until I am martyred for you with every life.”
Imam Hussain (AS) prayed for all his companions and showed them their station in heaven.
On the day of Ashura, Muslim ibn Aswaja was one of the first to be martyred.
Muslim fought bravely, received numerous injuries and he fell to ground bleeding heavily.
His friend and comrade Habib ibn Muzahir approaches him and congratulates on his martyrdom and then tells him:
‘O Muslim, I was not certain that I too would certainly be following you, I would surely have taken some words of advice from you’.
Muslim replies:
‘No I have some advice for you’.
Pointing towards Imam Hussain (AS).
‘O Habib do not leave this man alone and defend him until your last breath’.
Habib ibn Muzahir al Asadi
According to some narrations Habib was a childhood friend of Imam Hussain (AS), who he knew from the time of the Prophet (SAAW).
It was mentioned that the used follow Imam Hussain (AS) and take dust from under Imam Hussain’s feet and wipe it on his face. This action endeared him to Prophet (SAAW) who would pray for him.
He lived in Kufa during the Caliphate of Imam Ali (AS) and both Maitham e Tammar and himself were told about their martyrdoms. In a famous exchange Habib tells Maitham
“Verily I see an old bald man with a large belly who sells watermelon near Darur Rizq. He shall be hanged because of his love for the Prophet’s household (Ahlul Bayt) and his stomach will be punctured on the gallows ”.
Maitham in reply tells Habib
“I too recognise a red faced man who has two long tresses, he shall go to defend the grandson of the Prophet and shall be killed, while his severed head will be paraded in Kufa”.
Habib ibn Muzahir was one the signatories of the letter to Imam Hussain (AS) from the people of Kufa and one of the main supporters of Muslim ibn Aqeel, but following his martyrdom he went into hiding. He left Kufa along with his friend Muslim ibn Awsaja and joined Imam Hussain’s companions in Karbala.
On the night of Ashura Habib overhears a conversation between Imam Hussain (AS) and Sayeda Zainab (AS), where she expresses her anxiety about the loyalty of the companions, fearing they would abandon him.
Habib gathers together all the companions and they make pledge to defend him till the last drop of blood.
Following the martyrdom of his friend Muslim ibn Awsaja, Habib makes a pledge to defend Imam Hussain (AS) until his death.
Habib enters the battle and recites the following lines of poetry.
“I am Habib and my father is Mazahir, the fighter of fiery battles and wars”.
Habib fights like a hero, killing 62 people from the enemy ranks. He was attacked by Budayl ibn Maryam Aqfani who hits him on the head with his sword. Another enemy then hits him with a spear causing him to fall from his horse and he is then beheaded by Budayl.
Imam Hussain (AS) comes and takes the body of Habib from the battlefield.
Peace be upon you, O friends of Allah and His dear ones.
Peace be upon you, O choice of Allah and 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, doyenne of the women of the world.
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 be you and pure be the soil in which you were buried.
You attained great success.
I wish that I were with you, so that I could also share the accomplishment with you.
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