Skip to main content

🏴 2nd Muharram 61 A.H. — The Arrival at Karbala

✨ A Divine Destination

Imam al-Hussain (a.s.) knew that this journey would end in martyrdom. It was never about worldly victory. Yet at its start, there was hope — not in the sense of expecting safety or power, but in reforming the Muslim ummah as he had declared:

“I am not rising out of arrogance or rebellion… I only wish to reform the nation of my grandfather.”
(Al-Irshad, Shaykh al-Mufid, vol. 2)

The early days held hope that people might still respond to truth. But Karbala was the destination decreed by Allah — a place where history would be written in blood and loyalty.

πŸ“ Arrival at the Land of Karbala

As the caravan approached the region, the horses came to a sudden stop. Imam al-Hussain (a.s.) asked about the name of the land.

The reply came: "This land is called Karbala."

Imam al-Hussain (a.s.) reportedly wept and said:

"This is a place of karb (grief) and bala’ (trial). This is where our blood will be spilled."

This narration is recorded by Shaykh al-Mufid in Al-Irshad (vol. 2) and supported by later Maqtal works such as Lohoof by Sayyid Ibn Tawus.

Thus began the final chapter of the journey.

πŸ•️ Setting Up the Camp

Upon arriving, Imam al-Hussain (a.s.) ordered the tents to be set up. The Euphrates River flowed nearby, but its access was already being restricted by the forces of al-Hurr ibn Yazid, who had earlier intercepted the Imam’s caravan under orders from Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad.

Soon, reinforcements under Umar ibn Sa’d began to arrive, and the circle began to tighten around the family and companions of Imam al-Hussain (a.s.).

This marked the beginning of the siege — political and physical.

πŸ›‘ Siege and Water Blockade Begin

Historical sources, such as Tarikh al-Tabari (vol. 3), show that Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad had already instructed his commanders:

“Place him [Hussain] in a location without water or protection.”

While access to the Euphrates was not yet fully cut on the 2nd, the intentions were clear. The goal was to isolate Imam al-Hussain (a.s.), weaken his position, and force his surrender — or death.

⚔️ The Tent Incident and Abbas’s Defiance

Some narrations — such as those found in Lohoof by Sayyid Ibn Tawus and Nafasul Mahmoom by Shaykh Abbas Qummi — mention that after the tents were set, a group of enemy soldiers attempted to push back or dismantle some of the tents, arguing that Imam al-Hussain (a.s.) had camped too close to the riverbank.

At this moment, al-Abbas ibn Ali (a.s.), the flagbearer of Imam al-Hussain (a.s.), stood firm.

He is reported to have drawn a line in the sand and declared:

“If you cross this line or touch a single tent peg, you’ll face our swords.”

This moment is symbolic of the protective force that al-Abbas (a.s.) represented — a lion who stood between the enemy and the sanctity of the Prophet’s family.

πŸ’¬ Imam’s Address to His Followers

After setting up camp, Imam al-Hussain (a.s.) gathered his family and companions. In many reliable narrations, including Bihar al-Anwar (vol. 44), he is reported to have said:

“People are slaves to this world. Religion is only on their tongues. They uphold it as long as their lives are comfortable. But when they are tested, the true faithful are few.”

These words foreshadowed the lonely and heavy test that lay ahead — and they ring just as true today.

🧠 Summary of 2nd Muharram

On the 2nd of Muharram, 61 A.H.:

  • Imam al-Hussain (a.s.) arrived in the land of Karbala.

  • He identified it as the land of grief and trial, knowing it was divinely chosen.

  • The tents were set up, and early signs of siege began.

  • A symbolic stand was made by al-Abbas (a.s.) when enemy troops tried to interfere.

  • The access to water was gradually being blocked.

  • Imam al-Hussain (a.s.) reminded his followers of the true nature of faith and sacrifice.

πŸ•Š Final Reflection

The arrival in Karbala was not a military move — it was a divine pause. Imam al-Hussain (a.s.) could have turned away, but he stopped here — knowing it would be his last stand.

This day marks the moment when Karbala was transformed from a barren land into sacred ground. Every step the Imam took after this would echo through time — not as a soldier chasing victory, but as a reformer seeking truth, dignity, and divine justice.


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. πŸ’§ 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. πŸ›‘ 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 SaΚΏad refuses, remove him and give the army to Shimr. The letter turned hesitation into certainty: the next attack must begin immediately. Umar ibn SaΚΏad hesitated, but Shimr pressed forward to enforce the order. The face of open cruelty had entered the field. πŸ›‘ 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