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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Journey of Imam Husain Part 1 Imam Hussain (as) sets out on his Journey Al Husyan, the blessings of God be on him, set out from Mecca to Iraq on the day of Muslim's (attempted) rising in Kufa, that is the day of Tarwiya, after staying in Mecca for the rest of Shaban, the month of Rmadhan, Shawwal and Dhu al Qada and eight days of Dhu- al-Hijja in the year 60 A.H. (680).

During his stay in Mecca, peace be on him, a number of Hijazis and Basrans had gathered around him, joining themselves to his household and his retainers (mawali). When he determined on journeying to Iraq, he made the circumbulation of the (sacred) House and the ritual running between al-Safa and al-Marwa. Then he left the state of consecration (for the pilgrimage) (after) he had performed the lesser pilgrimage (umra) because he was not able to perform the greater pilgrimage (hajj).

Through fear of being apprehended in Mecca, and being taken to Yazid b. Muiawiya, he, peace be on him, had set out early with his House, his sons and those of his Shia who had joined him. [As it has been reported to us:] News of Muslim's (capture and death) had not yet reached him because (it had only happened) on the day he set out. [It is reported that al-Farazdaq, the poet, said:] I made the pilgrimage with my mother in the year 60 A.H. (680).

I was driving her camel when I entered the sanctuary. (There) I met al- Husayn b. Ali, peace be on them, leaving Mecca accompanied by (some men carrying) swords and shields. "Whose caravan is this?" I asked. "Al-Husayn b. Ali's, peace be on them," was the reply. So I went up and greeted him. "May God grant you your request and (fulfil) your hope in what you want, by my father and mother, son of the Apostle of God," I said to him.

"But what is making you hurry away from the pilgrimage?" "If I did not hurry away, I would be apprehended," he replied. Then he asked me: "Who are you?" "An Arab," I answered and he did not question me (about myself) any further. "Tell me about the people you have left behind you," he asked. "You have asked a good (question)," I answered. "The hearts of the people are with you but their swords are against you.

The decision comes from Heaven and God does what he wishes." "You have spoken truly of the affair belonging to God," he replied. "Every day He (is involved) in (every) matter" (LV, 29) If fate sends down what we like and are pleased with, we praise God for His blessings.