Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.

Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.’[^16] Then we sent the letter with ‘Abdullah bin Sab’ al-Hamdani[^17] and ‘Abdullah bin Wal [al-Tamimi].[^18] The two men sped in their journey and met al-Husayn (as) in Makkah on the tenth of the month of Ramadhan.[^19] We waited for two days and then sent Qais bin Musahhar al-Saidawi[^20], ‘Abd al-Rahman bin ‘Abdullah bin al-Kadan al-Arhabi[^21] and ‘Umarah bin ‘Ubaid al-Saluli,[^22] taking with them around [a hundred and] fifty letters,[^23] [some written] by a single person, and others by [a group of] two or four.” Muhammad bin Bishr continues: “Then we waited for two more days before sending another letter with Hani’ bin Hani’ al-Sabi’i and Sa’id bin ‘Abdullah al-Hanafi[^24] saying: ‘In the name of Allah, the Beneficient, the Merciful.

To Husayn bin ‘Ali, from his followers ( shi‘ah ) among the believers and the Muslims: ‘Make haste! The people are waiting for you. They have no opinion [of any man] except you. So speed, speed!

Peace be upon you.”[^25] [There was another letter written to the Imam (as) by] Shabath bin Rib’i[^26], Hajjar bin Abjar[^27], Yazid bin al-Harith bin Yazid bin Ruwaim[^28], ‘Azarah bin Qais[^29], ‘Amru bin al-Hajjaj al-Zubaidiyy[^30] and Muhammad bin ‘Umar al-Tamimi[^31] saying: “The gardens have grown green, the fruits have ripened and the waters have overflowed[^32]. So if you want to, then come to an army which has been gathered for you.

Peace be upon you.”[^33] The Reply of al-Husayn (as) All the messengers gathered before [al-Husayn (as)]. He read the letters and inquired from them about the situation of the people. He then wrote his reply and sent it with Hani’ bin Hani’ al-Sabi’i and Sa’id bin ‘Abdullah al-Hanafi -who were the last of the messengers. [The reply read as follows:] “In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. From Husayn bin ‘Ali to the congregation of the believers and Muslims.

Hani’ and Sa’id have brought me your letters; they are the last two of your messengers who have come to me. I have understood everything which you have described and mentioned. The main statement of most of you is: ‘There is no Imam over us, so come. Perhaps Allah will unite us through you under guidance and truth.’ I am sending you my brother, my cousin and the man from my family whom I trust, Muslim bin ‘Aqil. I have ordered him to write to me about your status, condition and opinion.