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πŸ“… 1st Muharram 61 A.H. — The Journey Nears Its Destination

πŸ“Œ Context: The Final Leg Before Karbala

The events of Karbala did not begin on the battlefield, but along the roads of Hijaz and Iraq — with political betrayal, spiritual firmness, and a caravan led by truth. On the 1st of Muharram, the noble caravan of Imam al-Hussain (a.s.) was not yet in Karbala, but very close. This marked the final days of freedom before they were encircled by Yazid’s forces.

🧭 Where Was the Caravan?

According to Al-Irshad by Shaykh al-Mufid (vol. 2, page 78), Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad sent al-Hurr ibn Yazid al-Riyahi with 1,000 soldiers to intercept Imam al-Hussain (a.s.). Their first major encounter occurred at a place called al-Ruhaymah (Ψ§Ω„Ψ±ُΨ­َيْΩ…َΨ©) or al-Ruhayn.

πŸ’§ The Water Incident – Proof of Hussain’s Character

From Al-Irshad, Shaykh al-Mufid writes:

When al-Hurr's forces met al-Hussain (a.s.) at al-Ruhayn, the Imam saw that the troops and horses were fatigued and thirsty. Observing the exhaustion of al-Hurr's troops and horses, Imam al-Hussain (a.s.) said:

"Ψ§Ψ³Ω‚ΩˆΨ§ Ψ§Ω„Ω‚ΩˆΩ… ΩˆΨ£Ψ±ΩˆΩˆΩ‡Ω… Ω…Ω† Ψ§Ω„Ω…Ψ§Ψ‘"
"Give the people water and let them drink from it."

They then gave water to the horses, letting them sip (tarshΔ«fan - Ψͺرشيفاً), and filled bowls and containers, bringing them to the mouths of the horses one by one.
— Al-Irshad, vol. 2, pp. 78–79

This moment is often described as "the watering of the enemy." It is deeply significant because, soon after, these same soldiers would be ordered to cut off water from the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.).

πŸ›‘ The Trap is Set

According to historical accounts, Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad instructed Hurr:

“Place him [Hussain] in a location without water or fortification.”
— Tarikh al-Tabari, vol. 3

This shows that denying water was not an accident — it was part of the plan.

πŸ•‹ Why Did Imam al-Hussain (a.s.) Leave Mecca?

Imam al-Hussain (a.s.) had received urgent letters from the people of Kufa inviting him to lead them. But more importantly, he refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid, a man known for open corruption.

When Yazid’s governor tried to force him in Medina, Imam Hussain (a.s.) left. He then traveled to Mecca for sanctuary, but there were plots to assassinate him even at the Ka'bah.

According to Shaykh al-Mufid:

“He left Mecca in secret to protect the sanctity of the House of Allah and preserve the lives of his companions.”
— Al-Irshad, vol. 2

He departed on 8th Dhul-Hijjah 60 A.H. — the day of Hajj — and began his journey toward Kufa.

🧠 Summary of 1st Muharram

  • Imam al-Hussain (a.s.) was near Karbala, not yet encamped.

  • He was intercepted by al-Hurr ibn Yazid at al-Ruhayn.

  • Despite tension, he gave water to the thirsty enemy troops and their horses.

  • The plan to isolate and deny him water was already in motion.

πŸ“– Final Thought

The mercy of Imam al-Hussain (a.s.) — even to enemies — reflects the prophetic values he stood for. As the days of Muharram unfold, these early moments serve as a mirror to the tragedy that was to follow.

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