[^2] The Bridge of Manbaj was an old town.

[^2] The Bridge of Manbaj was an old town. There was a two days’ distance between it and Halabin. Khousrow (the Persian king) was the first to build it. Some poets lived there like al-Buhtary. This has been mentioned (in the book) Mu‘jam al-Buldan, vol. 8, p. 169. The Iraqis are terrified When the news of that Mu’awiya and his troops headed for Iraq to fight against the Iraqis spread, terror and fear prevailed them.

As for Imam al-Hasan, he ordered a companion of his to call in the capital: “The prayer is to be congregational.” The call was made. Shortly after that the people crowded in the mosque. So Imam al-Hasan (a.s) went out and went up on the pulpit. He praised and lauded Allah, and then he said: “Allah has determined jihad on His creation and named it hatred. Then He said to the men of jihad: ‘Be patient!

Most surely Allah is with the patient.’ O people, you will not obtain what you like except through patience with what you dislike. I have been informed that Mu’awiya has been informed that we have decided to advance towards him. So he has reacted owing to that.

Set out to your camp at al-Nukhaylah,[^1] may Allah have mercy on you, that we may think, and you think; and we see, and you see.”[^2] When he ended his speech, those present kept silent, their tongues became dumb, and their faces turned yellow as if they were driven to death. None of them answered Imam al-Hasan. They were afraid of the people of Sham. They liked peace, and preferred comfort.

This weakness at the beginning of the summons to jihad warned of the danger, indicated pessimism and despair of setting them right. When ‘Adiy bin Hatam[^3] , a great, determined, and watchful companion of the Prophet, came to [^1] Al-Nukhaylah was a place near Kufa in the direction of al-Sham (Syria). At it Mu‘awiya killed the Kharijites when he came to Kufa. This has been mentioned (in the book) Mu‘jam al-Buldan, vol. 8, p. 276. [^2] Ibn Abi al-Hadeed, Sharh Nahj al-Balagha, vol. 4, p. 13.

[^3] His full name is ‘Adi bin Hatam al-Taa’i. His father Hatam was cited as an example of generosity and munificence. ‘Adi was given the Kunya of Abu Tareef. He came to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, in the year 9 A. H. He was a Christian, and then he became a Muslim. There is a long, original speech on his becoming Muslim. It has been mentioned by Ibn al-Athir in his (book) Asad al-Ghaba. He (‘Adi) narrated many traditions from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family.