*In The Name of Allah, The Most High* * * *Lord of Martyrs Imam Hussain * *(Peace Be Upon Him)* *leaves Madina for Makkah:* (28 Rajab)
*Br. Shahid Baltistani will be in Dallas and recite * *at Momin Center in the evening sometime after Isha'a (Insha'Allah)* *Date: Saturday, July 10th, 2010* * * *For more information contact: Br. Ali Rizvi: 972-741-7764 * *Live and Recorded broadcast will be available on Panjatan.TV<http://www.panjatan.tv/> * *Historical Background - 28th Rajab.* --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the month of Rajab; exactly four months remained for Hajj. During the time of Hajj, people from every corner of the country would come for pilgrimage to Makkah. He could then easily convey his message to the people, Imam Hussain (pbuh) knew that if he were to start his Qiyam and struggle from Makkah, all the world of Islam would become aware of his objectives and then it would not be so easy for the regime to deceive the people about him and his aims. Imam Hussain (pbuh) determined to leave Madina for Makkah at the earliest opportunity before the Governor and related officials had any knowledge of his intentions of departure. This decision was announced before the members of his family and was a secret matter. However, the other people belonging to the tribe of Banu Hashim soon came to know about the matter and came to visit Imam Hussain (pbuh). After coming to know about the reasons of this sudden journey, they expressed their views in opposition to Imam Hussain's decision, either because they were afraid that he would get killed, or because they were not courageous enough to follow him. But his resolve to uphold the right was not shaken by such objections or threats. Ummul Momeneen (mother of believers), Umm-e-Salama, one of the Prophets wives, clung to him and adjured him not to go. Then told him, quoting from the Apostle of God (pbuh) that he would be martyred. Imam Hussain (pbuh) informed her soothingly, "Indeed, I know I am going to be martyred, mother." There were two persons among the visitors with whom Imam Hussain had a lengthy conversation and upon whose lives his decision had a direct impact. The first of them was Muhammad Ibn Hanafiyyah, the eldest of his brothers who, after conferring with Imam Hussain (pbuh) wanted to accompany him on this fateful journey. Imam Hussain (pbuh), however, told him to stay and send him the reports of everyday events that passed in Madina during his absence. He told him that the only person who was capable of fulfilling this sensitive and dangerous responsibility of reporting about the reaction of the regime in Madina and the opinion of the masses there, as an aware and well-informed observer, was Muhammad Ibn Hanafiyyah. Therefore he had to stay behind and carry out this duty assigned to him. The second person was Zainab-e-Kubra (pbuh) his younger sister, the wife of Abdullah son of Ja'far. When she saw that Imam Hussain's decision was final and that nobody could make him turn away from it. She was deeply moved, with, grief choking her, voice and tears in her eyes, she spoke to him in these words: "Dear brother! After Grandfather [Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)], Father [Imam Ali (pbuh)], Mother [Bibi Fatima (pbuh)] and Brother Hassan (pbuh), only you remain to console my heart and of all of them it is only you who are left. I cannot bear your separation. How can I stay here with unbearable worry and anxiety about what may happen? Is it not possible that I might be of some service to you if I come along?" Imam Hussain (pbuh) replied: "No sister. You are a woman with a house, husband and children to take care of. Your husband is an illustrious man. I am not the one to decide about your affairs. It is Abdullah son of Ja'far who can give you the permission. As to myself, I have no alternative but to leave." Abdullah son of Ja'far (who was himself suffering from sickness at that time) agreed to Zainab's accompanying her brother on the journey. Not only this, he sent two of his sons Aun and Muhammad to accompany her by saying; "Aun will represent his maternal Grandfather Imam Ali (pbuh) and the other will represent his paternal Grandfather Ja'far-e-Tayyar." Less than thirty hours after his meeting with the governor, Imam Hussain (pbuh) was prepared to leave. As he was making his preparations, he was brought the news that the governor had summoned all other persons who had opposed Yazid's allegiance and conferred with them. One of the opponents of the regime, Abdullah son of Al-Zubayr had secretly left for Makkah the night before. He was pursued by the Government's men who could not trace him since he had not used the usual road to Makkah. Not more than a few hours were left for his departure when for the last time he visited the tombs of his Grandfather, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), his mother, Bibi Fatima (pbuh) & his brother Imam Hassan Mujtaba (pbuh). As he was returning, he met Marwan on the way who told him: "I want to give you some advice. I think it is best for your worldly life as well as your Hereafter that you accept to give allegiance to Yazid. Do not put yourself and your relatives into trouble." "Inna Lillahe wa Inna Ilaihe Raje'oon, And bid farewell to Islam?" replied Imam Hussain (pbuh). If Marwan did not understand Imam Hussain's words, others understood afterwards. Obviously Imam Hussain (pbuh) wanted to say, "If I agree to support Yazid's corrupt Government, then Islam will be wiped out without any trace. Opposition to Yazid may prove to be costly, but anyhow we would have saved our Hereafter. Indeed everything comes from God and returns unto Him." Just before Imam Hussain (pbuh) left Madina, Ummul Banin (Mother of Sons) or Fatima daughter of Hazam, the mother of Abbas (pbuh). Summoned all her four sons (Abbas, Abdulla, Ja'far and Uthman) and said to them, "My sons you must remember that, Imam Hussain (pbuh) is your Master. If Imam or his sisters or his children get injured or hurt while you are still alive, I will never forgive you." There were tears in Abbas's eyes as he promised his mother that he and his brothers would lay down their lives for Imam Hussain (pbuh) and his children. [image: Lord of Martyrs Imam Hussain (pbuh) leave Madina for Makkah]<http://www.ezsoftech.com/mazloom/default.asp>Two days remaining until the end of the month of Rajab, on the night of Sunday, Imam Hussain (pbuh) left Madina for Makkah with a most simple caravan together with his family and a few companions. As he left, this verse of Quran was on his lips, a verse which relates the story of Moses (pbuh) as he fled from Pharaoh's Egypt: He therefore got away there from, looking about, in a state of fear. He prayed "O my Lord! Save me from people given to wrong-doing." Holy Quran (28:21) The night passed, and, as the travelers drew away from Madina, the sun came up. One of the relatives came to Imam Hussain (pbuh) and suggested that the caravan leave the highway for the danger of being stopped by pursuers: "It is possible that they might pursue us like Abdullah son of Al-Zubayr and catch up with us and cause us trouble." Apparently the suggestion was a good one. But Imam Hussain (pbuh), in view of the open and sublime nature of his objectives replied, "I will never deviate from the right way. And you too, friend of Hussain, always choose the right road and move straight. God will be your protector. There is no danger of losing the way as long as you chose to travel on the straight highway!" The caravan completed its five day journey from Madina to Makkah and entered the city on the 3rd of Sha'ban of the year 60 Hijrah. As he entered the city, Imam Hussain (pbuh) hopefully murmured this verse of the Quran - the words uttered by Prophet Moses (pbuh) as he entered Madyan fleeing Pharaoh's men: Then, when he turned his face towards (the land of) Madyan, he said: "I do hope that my Lord will show me the smooth and straight Path." Holy Quran (28:22) and there he chose to stay at the house of Al-Abbas son of Abdul Mutalib. The news of his coming soon spread through the city and all men who held any significant social position hurried to see him. The governor of Makkah, other city officials and similarly many important personalities of the city came to pay a visit. Soon, the busy hours of visitors rushing to see Imam Hussain (pbuh) came to pass and the days took a normal and relaxed aspect. It was during this time that most of the visitors wanted to find out Imam Hussain's views about Caliphate and the general political conditions of the time. It did not take much time for the people to know that Imam Hussain's movement from Madina was a gesture of opposition to the regime and a protest against the orders sent from the Syrian court to the Governor of Madina. Very soon this news spread to all parts of the country; it reached the capital in Syria and other provinces. Yazid become aware that Imam Hussain (pbuh) had made the determination to oppose his Government, even as he had refused before to give allegiance to this nomination as crown prince. He discussed the matter with his courtiers and asked them for advice. They held the opinion that it seemed inadvisable to take any hasty step. They advised that it was better to wait and discover the dimensions that Imam Hussain's opposition might take. It seemed possible that he would settle down in Makkah and maintain his silence as before. They suggested that any attempts at his persecution would only help to aggravate the prevailing situation. They reminded him about Muawiya's advice that if Imam Hussain (pbuh) continued his silence, it was sufficient for Yazid and that his persecution was inadvisable under any condition. In the mean time the news about the political uprising in Kufa reached Makkah, and the leaders of the city wrote a letter in which they declared their opposition to the Umayyads rule, and they would not accept anybody else but Imam Hussain (pbuh) to rule them. This letter was followed twelve thousand (12,000) similar letters, Fruits have ripened and fields have become green. If you come you will have one thousand swords supporting you. If you do not come to us, we will dispute with you in front of God at doomsday. Imam Hussain (pbuh) could neither blindly accept the call from Kufa, because he had seen how the people of Kufa had not come to his father's help when he needed them, and how they had mistreated his brother Imam Hassan (pbuh). The Kufees (people of Kufa) who were known for their unstable character and unsettled conduct, if later turn treacherous, the world would question Imam Hussain's ready response to their call without the necessary caution. Therefore Imam Hussain (pbuh) decided to send a deputy of his to Kufa to write to him after studying the sincerity in the invitation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Route of Imam Hussain from Makkah to KarbalaResearch and preparation by Syed M.R. Shabbar ------------------------------ [image: Imam Hussein's Route] ------------------------------ *The map shows the Route that Imam Hussain (A.S) took when he left Makkah for Iraq. The date was 8th Zilhijja 60 Hijri (10.9.680 AD). With him there were about 50 people including women and children of his family and friends. His uncle Ibne Abbas and his brother Mohammad-e-Hanafiya did not go with him. They came to bid farewell and tried to warn the Imam of the dangers ahead. Mohammad-e-Hanafiya told him that the Makkans and other pilgrims were wondering why he was leaving just one day before the Hajj. Imam left a letter with his brother which explained his position clearly. The letter read as follows:* "I have not come out to stir emotions, to play with oppression. I want to bring the Ummah back to the path of Amr-bil-Marouf & Nahyi Anil Munker. I want to lead them to the path of my Grandfather and my father Ali Ibne Abi Talib." After leaving Makkah there were 14 places mentioned in history books where Imam either stayed or met people or gave sermons. 1. Saffah: Here Imam met Farazzdaq the poet whom Imam asked about conditions in Kufa. He said, ' He said, 'People's hearts were with you but their swords were against you.' Imam replied, 'Allah does what he wishes. Ileave it to him who proposes the just cause. 2. Dhat-el-Irq: Here Imam's cousin Abdullah Ibne Jafar brought his two sons Auwn and Mohammed to their mother Hazrat Zainab and to help the imam. He tried to persuade the Imam to return to Madina but Imam replied, 'my destiny is in the hands of Allah.' 3. Batn-er-Rumma: Imam sent a letter to Kufa with Qais bin Mashir, met Abdullah bin Mutee who came from Iraq. When he heard of Imam's intention, he tried to stop him. He said Kufans were not faithful and could not be trusted. But Imam continued his journey. 4. Zurud: Imam met Zohair Ibne Qain. Zohair was not among the followers of Ahlulbait. But when Imam told him of the purpose of his journey Zohair gave all his possesions to his wife, told her to go home and said that he wished to be martyred with the Imam. 5. Zabala: Imam learnt from two tribesmen coming from Kufa of the death of Hazrat Muslim. Imam said, 'Innan Lillahe wa Inna Elaihe Rajeoon. Indallah-Nahtasib Anfusana.' 'We are for Allah and we shall return to Him who surely accouts for our sacrifices. Asadi Tribesmen tried to dissuade the Imam from his journey but he persisted. Here Imam told his companions the news of the death of Muslim and Hani and that people in Kufa were not prepared to be their helpers. Imam said, 'Those who want to depart leave now.' Hoards of various tribesmen who had followed the Imam in the hope of collecting the booty realised their false hopes and scattered to their own homes. Only 50 odd people remained. 6. Batn-e-Aqeeq: Imam met a man from the Tribe of Akrama who told him that Kufa was no more a friendly town and was now surrounded by Yazid's army. No one could get in or out of the town. But the Imam carried on. 7. Sorat: Imam stayed the night here and in the morning ordered his companions to take as much water as they can. 8. Sharaf: While the Imam was passing from this place, one of his companions shouted that he could see the approach of an army. Imam asked for a safe place, preferably a mountain behind them. A guide took them to the nearest mountain. 9. Zuhasm: It was here that Imam met Hurr's army of 1000 men. They wre thirsty so Imam ordered his men to give them water. Imam himself helped several thirsty soldiers to drink. Even animals were given water to drink. Zohr prayers were led by the Imam and all followed him including Hurr's soldiers. Here Imam told hurr about many letters from Kufa. He said, 'O People of Kufa, you sent me your delegations and wrote me letters that you had no Imam and that I should come to unite you and lead you in the way of Allah. You wrote that we Ahlulbait are more qualified to govern your affairs than those who claim things to which they have no right and act unjustly and wrongly. But if you have changed your mind, have become ignorant of our Rights and have forgotten your promises, I shall turn back. But he was denied to turn back by Hurr's army and was lead to by-pass Kufa. 10. Baiza: Imam reached Baiza the next day and delivered one of his most famous sermons. 'O People, the Prophet has said that if a man sees a tyrannical ruler transgressing against Allah and the Prophet and oppressing people but does nothing by word or action to change the situation then it will be just for Allah to place him where he deservingly belongs. Do you not see to what low level the affairs have come down... Do you not observe that truth has not adhered to and falsehood has no limit. And as for me, I look upon death as but a means of attaining martyrdom and I consider life among transgressors as nothing but an agony and an affliction.' 11. Uzaibul Hajanat: Here Imam stayed away from the army of Hurr and met Trimmah bin Adi. After having learnt about the Kufan abandonment of his envoy it was clear that he had no hope of support or even survival in Kufa. Nevertheless he refused an offer of safety, if not success extended to him. Trimmah pleaded to him to accept the offer of 20,000 trained men of his tribe to help him if he wanted to go to Kufa or he could retire to the mountains and safety. Imam replied to Ibne Adi, 'Allah bless you and your people. I cannot go from my word. Things are destined. It is clear from this reply that he was fully aware of the dangers he would face and that he had a certain strategy and plan in mind to bring about a revolution in the conscience of the Muslim Ummah. He did not try to mobilise military support which he could easily have done in Hejaz nor did he try to exploit whatever physical strength was available to him. 12. Qasr-e-Bani Makatil: It was evident here that Kufa was no more his destination. As Hurr did not want to leave him, he by-passed Kufa and took a new route. Resting in the afternoon he uttered 'Inna Lillah.' His 18 years old son Ali Akber approached him and enquired. Imam said that in his sleep he had heard someone saying that these people were going to their deaths. Ali Akber asked, 'Are we not on the Right path. Death meant nothing to them. Death of this kind transforms into the glory of martyrdom. 13. Nainawa: At this place a messenger of Ibne Zaid brought a message for Hurr not to leave the Imam. The battered caravan passed through Ghaziriya to a place called Karbala. Imam sighed, asked for the name of the place. Someone said Kerbala. Imam said, yes, this is the place of Kerbin-wa-bala. (a place of pain and torture.) Let us stop here for we have arrived at our destination. This is the place of our Martyrdom. This is Karbala. 14. Karbala: On the orders of the Imam, the tents were erected near the river which was a tributary of the River Eupheretes some miles away. The date was 2nd Muharram 61 Hijri (3rd October 680 AD). *Allah Humma Swalle Allah Muhammedin Wa Alle Mohammed "O Allah, please shower your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad.* * * -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "shiagroup" group. To post to this group, send email to shiagr...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to shiagroup+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/shiagroup?hl=en.
