The Shining Sacrifice of Karbala’s Young Lions

The Martyrdom of Hazrat Aun and Muhammad (AS), the Sons of Lady Zainab (AS)

Among the countless tragedies of Karbala, few strike the heart more deeply than the sacrifice of Hazrat Aun and Hazrat Muhammad (AS) — the brave young sons of Lady Zainab (AS) and Abdullah ibn Ja'far. Though mere boys of 13 and 11 years old, their courage, loyalty, and unwavering faith became eternal symbols of devotion to truth and Islam.

A Mother's Grief, A Mother's Pride

As the Battle of Karbala intensified, the two brothers persistently pleaded with their uncle, Imam Hussain (AS), for permission to fight. But each time, they were gently refused.

“Jihad is not wajib on you,” he would say. “You are too young.”

Disheartened, they ran to their mother’s tent, tears glistening in their eyes. Lady Zainab (AS), who had watched the bodies of the martyrs return one by one, saw her sons and questioned them with urgency:

“My sons, what are you waiting for? Why are you still here?”

“Mother,” they replied, “we have asked Uncle Hussain again and again, but he keeps turning us away. Please, you speak to him for us.”

Zainab (AS), the daughter of Imam Ali (AS) and Lady Fatima (AS), stood tall and called her brother to her tent. With tears brimming in her eyes, she addressed him not as a sister, but as a mother:

“Brother Hussain, I have always stood by you. Today, I ask you to let my sons defend Islam. Do you not remember how proud our father Ali was when Abbas, at just eight years old, rushed into the Battle of Siffin? Let me be proud of my sons too.”

Imam Hussain (AS) was overcome with emotion. Wrapping his arms around the boys, he kissed them and helped them onto their horses. He then whispered:

“Go now, and show the enemy the blood of Ja’far and Ali that runs through your veins.”

Before riding out, the boys turned to their mother:

“Fi Amanillah, our dearest mother.”

Lady Zainab smiled through her tears, knowing it was the final farewell.

Valiant Hearts on the Battlefield

Aun and Muhammad rode together with the strength of seasoned warriors. Though thirsty for three days and burdened by their youth, they fought fiercely — pushing back enemy forces and killing many of Yazid’s soldiers. Abbas (AS), who had trained them in the art of combat, watched with pride. So too did Imam Hussain (AS), seeing the fire of righteousness burning in their small frames.

Fear spread among the ranks of Umar ibn Sa'ad. The enemy commander ordered the brothers be separated and attacked from all directions. Surrounded and outnumbered, the boys were struck with arrows, swords, and spears.

Still, their spirits did not break.

As they collapsed to the ground, they called out:

“Uncle Hussain! Uncle Abbas! Come help us!”

The two noble uncles rushed to the battlefield and found the boys on the edge of life. Bloodied and broken, they whispered:

“Uncle… give our salaams to our mother. Tell her… we did not go near the river.”

Moments later, young Muhammad was struck so violently in the heart that he passed immediately, without the chance to bid farewell.

A Mother’s Worship, Not Her Wailing

As the bodies of Aun and Muhammad were carried back to the tent, Ali Akbar cried out in sorrow:

“My brothers, Aun and Muhammad, have been martyred!”

Lady Zainab (AS) heard the news. But instead of weeping, she laid out her prayer mat. In complete submission, she fell into prostration:

“Ya Allah! I thank You for accepting my sacrifice. I am proud that my sons gave their lives for Your religion.”

She did not cry when she saw their torn bodies. Nor did she weep when the heads of the martyrs were returned. The women believed perhaps these children had been forgotten. But when she returned to Madinah and stood at the grave of her grandfather, the Prophet Muhammad (S), she broke.

“O Grandfather, I lost everything in Karbala. I have no one left to call me mother.”

Her strength, her sacrifice, and her patience remain unmatched — a testament to the depth of her faith and the glory of her lineage.

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Legacy of Aun and Muhammad (AS)

Sons of a noble mother and father, grandsons of Imam Ali (AS) and Jafar al-Tayyar, Aun and Muhammad (AS) were raised with unshakable principles. They were not warriors in age, but they were giants in spirit.

Their sacrifice echoes through time — a lesson in bravery, obedience, and love for the truth.