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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.

💧 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.

🛑 Oppression Without Sword

No battle took place on this day, but what was inflicted was no less violent. Denying water to women, children, and the elderly—especially when the river flowed just steps away—was not just inhuman, it was a violation of the most basic Islamic principles of war.

The same Imam who, just five days earlier, had offered water to the enemy and even to their horses at al-Ruhayn, was now being denied that very mercy by those who had received it.

The contrast was stark. The mercy of Hussain (a.s.) had no limits. The cruelty of Yazid’s army knew no shame.

🕯 Steadfastness in Silence

Despite the worsening thirst and growing tension, Imam al-Hussain (a.s.) remained composed. He continued to lead prayers, offer guidance, and prepare the hearts of his companions for what was to come.

In Nafasul Mahmoom, it is reported that the Imam’s focus remained on Allah, never allowing desperation to cloud the purpose of his stand.

📚 Authenticated Sources

The following early texts confirm the events of 7th Muharram:

  • Lohoof – Sayyid Ibn Tawus

  • Maqtal al-Husayn – Abu Mikhnaf (via Tarikh al-Tabari)

  • Nafasul Mahmoom – Shaykh Abbas Qummi

  • Al-Irshad – Shaykh al-Mufid

These sources confirm:

  • The full water blockade began on the 7th.

  • No retaliatory violence occurred from Imam al-Hussain’s (a.s.) side.

📌 Reflection – A Day That History Cannot Excuse

The 7th of Muharram revealed the moral collapse of Yazid’s army. When the sword was yet unsheathed, they chose to strike first through thirst. They had no courage to face Hussain’s (a.s.) message—so they aimed for his camp’s weakest.

But what they did not understand is that Karbala was not a place where thirst would weaken the spirit. It was where faith would endure even when the body could not.

And from this day onward, every drop denied became a tear remembered by generations who still say:

“Peace be upon the thirsty ones of Karbala.”

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