ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Hussein Bin Ali IMAM HUSSEIN (A.S.) IN KARBALA Imam Hussein's (a.s.) caravan set off on the eighth day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, (the day the pilgrims get ready to perform hajj), in the year of 60 A.H. Many had questioned as to why he would leave without performing the hajj ceremonies. He replied: "By Allah, should I be killed a span's distance away from Mecca, that would be more desirable for me than being killed in it.

And should I be killed two spans' distance away from it, that would be more desirable for me than being killed a span's distance from it."(55) On his way, at a place called al-Sifah, Imam Hussein (a.s.) came across al-Farazdaq, a poet known for his love for Ahlul-Bait (a.s.). Imam Hussein (a-s.) asked him about the public opinion and the political conditions in Iraq. "The hearts of the people are with you, but their swords are against you.

The decision comes from Heaven and Allah does what He wishes." "You have spoken truly of the affair belonging to Allah," replied Imam Hussein (a.s.). "Every moment He is in a state of glory. If fate sends down what we like, we praise Allah for His blessings. He is the One from Whom help should be sought.

However although fate may frustrate our hopes, yet, It does not destroy the souls of those whose intention is the truth, and whose hearts are pious."(56) The Ummayyad authorities in Kufa were confused. Measures were taken to prevent Imam Hussein (a.s.) from going on with his uprising.

The governor of Kufa and chief administrator, Ubaidullah bin Ziyad, ordered the way to Kufa blocked and the traffic into and out of the city closed so that no one could contact Imam Hussein (a.s.) or find the chance to join him. He sent the head of his police, al-Husayn bin Numair al-Tamimi, to carry out his orders. Al-Husayn encamped at al-Qadisiyyah and deployed his troops on the main road to Kufa.

The troops were widely positioned in an area extending from al-Qadisyyah to Khaffan, and from al-Qadisiyyah to Qatanah and the mountain of La'la'. The plan to prevent people from entering and leaving Kufa was a successful for the most part. Only a handful of pave ones managed to reach Imam Hussein (a.s.) during his journey. The messengers whom Imam Hussein (a.s.) had sent to Kufa had all been captured and martyred.

Even the deaths of Muslim and Hani were not known to him until these few men had managed to escape from Kufa and inform him.