The Letter That Shook Kufa: The Last Stand of Habib ibn Mazahir
From childhood friendship to battlefield loyalty — the moving story of how Habib answered Imam Hussain’s final call in Karbala
In the final days leading up to the Day of ‘Ashura, the land of Karbala bore witness to scenes of loyalty, heartbreak, and sacrifice that would echo through history. Among the few who stood by Imam Hussain (AS) in his final stand was a childhood friend — a devout companion whose journey from Kufa to Karbala became a testament to the eternal bond between truth and those who uphold it.
A Sister's Cry and the Imam’s Response
As the encirclement around Imam Hussain (AS) grew tighter, Lady Zaynab (AS), deeply distressed by the looming threat of thousands of enemy soldiers, asked her brother,
“Don’t you have anyone to come for help?”
Imam Hussain (AS) replied, “Sister, many wished to join me from Madina to Karbala, but I turned them away. Their intentions were not sincere. Many who joined fled the path, afraid of death. Falsehood attracts crowds — but Truth walks with only a few. These 72 souls with me are not just followers — they seek the joy of the Hereafter, not the comfort of this world.”
The Letter to a Loyal Friend
That night, Imam Hussain (AS) penned a letter to Habib ibn Mazahir, his loyal childhood companion, who lived in Kufa. Though the city was under lockdown and no one could leave, the letter still reached Habib’s home while he sat having breakfast with his wife and son.
As soon as Habib read the letter, tears flowed down his face. He kissed the letter of his Imam with reverence. His wife, understanding the weight of the moment, said,
“Your master has called for you. What are you waiting for? Go, Habib — go before it’s too late.”
A Slave’s Loyalty and a Secret Escape
To escape the guarded city, Habib instructed his servant to take his horse to a nearby farm and wait. While waiting, the servant, overwhelmed by emotion, spoke to the horse:
“O horse, if my master fails to escape, I will ride you myself to go to the aid of Imam Hussain!”
Eventually, Habib managed to flee Kufa and reached his horse. Seeing his loyal servant waiting, he said,
“Go, my friend. I free you from my service.”
The servant protested, his voice shaking:
“Master, I’ve always served you faithfully, but now I want to serve the son of Lady Fatima (AS). Why would you deny me this honour? Why would you prevent me from attaining Heaven?”
Habib’s heart was moved. Together, they rode swiftly toward Karbala.
Arrival in Karbala
Late in the evening, Habib arrived at the camp of Imam Hussain (AS). The Imam welcomed him with open arms, embracing his childhood friend with tears of love and relief.
When Lady Zaynab (AS) heard of Habib’s arrival, she sent her greetings through her maid, Fizza. Upon receiving her salam, Habib wept uncontrollably. He tore off his turban and slapped his face in anguish:
“What has become of the household of Fatima? That the granddaughter of the Prophet must now send her greetings to someone like me? Yazid! You tyrant! Look at what you have done to the noble family of the Prophet!”
The Final Battle
As the day of ‘Ashura arrived, the battlefield raged with the sound of war. One by one, the companions of Hussain gave their lives in defence of Islam.
Habib approached Imam Hussain and requested permission to fight. The Imam hesitated.
“Habib, my friend, your presence gives me comfort.” But Habib insisted.
With a heavy heart, Hussain gave permission. He helped his friend onto his horse, embracing him one final time.
Habib charged into the battlefield and fought with bravery. Eventually, he was overpowered, brought to the ground, and martyred. Unlike the other martyrs, his head was not placed on a spear, but tied to a horse and dragged through the sands of Karbala.
A Son's Plea in Shaam
Later, in the city of Shaam, Habib’s severed head was tied around a horse’s neck. A young boy named Qasim followed the horse wherever it went.
The man riding the horse asked, “Why do you follow me?”
Qasim simply looked at the head and said,
“That is my father’s head. Please give it to me so I can bury it.”
The head of Habib seemed to whisper back to his son:
“My dear Qasim, you wish to bury your father’s head… but what of the head of Hussain, which remains on a spear?”
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raja’oon — Surely, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.
This is the legacy of true loyalty. A man who rose not just for friendship, but for truth. A servant who yearned for martyrdom. A family that stood with the household of the Prophet until the final breath.