Skip to main content

๐Ÿ“… 1st Muharram 61 A.H. — The Journey Nears Its Destination

๐Ÿ“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.

๐Ÿงญ 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 (ุงู„ุฑُุญَูŠْู…َุฉ) or al-Ruhayn.

๐Ÿ’ง 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:

"ุงุณู‚ูˆุง ุงู„ู‚ูˆู… ูˆุฃุฑูˆูˆู‡ู… ู…ู† ุงู„ู…ุงุก"
"Give the people water and let them drink from it."

They then gave water to the horses, letting them sip (tarshฤซfan - ุชุฑุดูŠูุงً), 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.).

๐Ÿ›‘ 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.

๐Ÿ•‹ 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.

๐Ÿง  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.

๐Ÿ“– 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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

10th Muharram 61 AH – The Day the Sky Wept Blood

Fajr – The Final Congregational Prayer Imam Hussain (A.S.) gathered his 72 companions before dawn. Lifting his hands, he prayed: O Allah, You are my refuge in every distress, my hope in every hardship, my reliance in every trial... — Nafasul Mahmoom, p. 252 The brutal massacre has begun, companions of Imam Hussain (A.S.) went first, then the children and men of Bani Hashim. 1️⃣ Hurr ibn Yazid – From Foe to Martyr The same commander who once blocked Hussain’s path now trembled with remorse: I see myself between Heaven and Hell. By Allah, I choose Heaven—even if my body be cut to pieces. — Tarikh al-Tabari, vol. 5 Crossing the field, Hurr sought forgiveness. Imam embraced him and said: Hurr, your mother named you well. You are free in this world and the next. Hurr fought valiantly and became the martyr from the enemy ranks to fall for the truth. 2️⃣ The Companions – Loyalty in Blood Burayr ibn Khudayr recited Quran while dueling and fell with a smile. Muslim ib...
Post a Comment
Read more

7th Muharram – The Day Thirst Was Weaponized

The 7th of Muharram stands as one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the lead-up to the tragedy of Karbala. On this day, the cruelty of Yazid’s army moved from threat to action. The enemy no longer relied on numbers or intimidation—they chose thirst as their weapon. ๐Ÿ’ง The Water Blockade Begins On the order of Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad, Umar ibn Sa’ad commanded his soldiers to prevent Imam al-Hussain (a.s.), his family, and his companions from accessing the Euphrates River . Troops were stationed along the riverbank, and a complete blockade was enforced. “They prevented al-Hussain (a.s.) and his companions from the Euphrates. Not a drop of water would reach them.” — Lohoof , Sayyid Ibn Tawus Until this point, the Imam’s camp had limited but sporadic access to water. From this day onward, they were left entirely without it , under the scorching heat of the desert. ๐Ÿ›‘ Oppression Without Sword No battle took place on this day, but what was inflicted was no less violent . Denyin...
Post a Comment
Read more

9th Muharram – The Night That Lit Eternity

The 9th of Muharram closes like no other night in history. It is the border between siege and slaughter, between the patience of sabr and the red dawn of Ashura . Every hour after sunset is charged with dhikr , decision—and a love that tyrants could not fathom. ⚔️ Shimr Arrives with the Ultimatum Before noon, Shimr ibn Dhil-Jawshan arrived in Karbala carrying Ibn Ziyad’s sealed order: If Hussain will not surrender at once, fight him; and if Umar ibn Saสฟad refuses, remove him and give the army to Shimr. The letter turned hesitation into certainty: the next attack must begin immediately. Umar ibn Saสฟad hesitated, but Shimr pressed forward to enforce the order. The face of open cruelty had entered the field. ๐Ÿ›‘ A Sudden Advance—The Imam Asks for One Night As the enemy began moving toward the tents near sunset, Imam al-Hussain (a.s.) sent his brother Abbas (a.s.) to ask for one night’s delay. His words were as sincere as they were sublime: Go to them and, if they agree, ask them to del...
Post a Comment
Read more