sacrifice would achieve nothing as long as Mu’awiya was alive...

sacrifice would achieve nothing as long as Mu’awiya was alive, for he would clothe it in a garment that would bring it out of the frame of the reform, as we have already explained. Yes, without doubt the peacemaking left in al-Husayn’s soul bitter sorrow and exhausting sadness. In the meantime it left in al-Hasan’s soul agony and sadness. But what would they both, peace be on them, do as long as the circumstances were not appropriate for them to fight against Mu’awiya?

These stories were fabricated and incorrect that it has been mentioned in the second narration that Imam al-Hasan said to his brother al-Husayn: “When I want (to do) an affair, you oppose me in respect of it!” Surely this severe speech is a proof of the fabrication, for the ideals prevented Imam al-Husayn (a.s) from opposing and disobeying his brother.

They both were brought up under the care of the great legislator (the Prophet), and he supplied them with his ideals, education, and guidance, to the extent that they were a true copy of him. Therefore, how was it possible for him to oppose his brother’s orders and not to obey him in respect of the affair that brought about a general interest to the Muslims in general? Surely Imam al-Husayn magnified and respected his brother. He did not oppose him in anything.

His grandson Imam al-Baqir (a.s) narrated about al-Husayn’s great reverence and respect toward his brother, saying: “Al-Husayn did not speak in the presence of al-Hasan as a sign of respect toward him.”[^1] After this respect and magnification, was it right for al-Hasan to say to his brother: “When I want (to do) an affair, you oppose me in respect of the affair?” Dr.

Taha Husayn has depended on this fabricated narration, saying: “He (al-Husayn) disliked the peace his brother made and intended to oppose (him).

So his brother warned him through shackling him with the iron until the peacemaking was concluded.” And he said: “And al-Husayn criticized the peacemaking, for it was a denial to his father’s line of conduct.” And he also said: “He (al-Husayn) saw the loyalty to his brother as a right, so he was loyal to him and obeyed him as he had obeyed his father before.

I have no doubt that, during these years he spent in Medina after the peace his brother made, he felt burning desire for the opportunity that would enable him [^1] Ibn Shahrashub, al-Manaqib, vol. 2, p. 143. to resume the jihad (in the place) where his father had left.”[^1] As for Dr.