ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Maqtal al-Husayn The Night Preceeding ‘Ashura The night that preceded ‘Ashura was the hardest on the hearts of the family that descended from the Messenger of Allah (S). It was filled with unpleasant things and with calamities. It followed evil and was filled with presentiments of imminent dangers. The Banu Umayyah had cut them off from all necessities of life.

Women were wailing; children were crying on account of the acute thirst, and dark agony was looming in the air. But what was the condition of the men who sought glory, the companions of Husayn (‘a), the honourable men who descended from Hashim, with regard to such calamities? Were they left with any strength at all whereby they could stand on their feet?

Did they have any morale to lift them and to empower them to struggle for survival, knowing that the war would most surely take place the next day? Yes! The valiant ones from Abu Talib's family, as well as the elite from among the Imam's followers, were most ecstatic! They were firmer in their determination to fight to the last drop of their blood than any time before! They were elated on account of the divine bliss and happiness awaiting them!

Whenever the bad situation worsened, they even smiled more, teased one another, became happier and more rejuvenated. Since at Ninawa they opted for death Seeing some marks for treachery This one smiled, that laughed In happiness and in ecstasy Though death never wears a smile.

Burayr joked with ‘Abdul-Rahman al-Ansari, whereupon the latter said, “Is this the time for indolence?!” Burayr said, “My people know very well that I never liked indolence in any phase of my life, but I am in high spirits on account of what we will be receiving [of Allah's rewards]. By Allah! The only barrier between us and the huris with large lovely eyes is that these folks assault us with their swords!

I sincerely wish they do so this very moment!”[^1] Habib Ibn Muzahir came out of his tent wearing a big smile. Yazid Ibn al-Hasin al-Hamdani said to him, “This is not the time to smile about anything.” Habib said to him, “On the contrary: what other time is more worthy of smiling?! As soon as these folks attack us with their swords, we will find ourselves embracing the Huris !”[^2] Glory leaves on their faces its marks In contentment, though the faces of the valiant Are in fright constrained.