Kufa, was agog with numerous rumors afloat Treachery was...

Kufa, was agog with numerous rumors afloat Treachery was afoot, for sacrificial goats Such was the risk, with spies all round Yet he ventured; such was the magnetic bond.

He reached Karbala on 9th of Muharram night Husayn was distributing arms for the fight He had kept aside, for him, one set of arms "Habib, my dearest friend, is sure to come." Wahab, was the son of a noble and virtuous lady From Damascus, she was externed, when he was a baby For praising Ali, she had incurred Moawiyah's wrath Such was the fate, at that time, of all lovers of God.

Returning home, with his mother and wife, He saw an army poised like a murderer's knife A small group, mostly women, babes and old folks Were the victims of these cruel merciless foes. He soon learnt, Prophet's grandson, Husayn Ibn Ali Surrounded by Yazid's hordes, were he and his family He rushed to the side of Imam's small group And begged of him, to let him join his troop.

When Husayn learnt Wahab had married only day before He insisted on his leaving with his wife and mother With unflinching resolve, imploringly he pleaded, Till Husayn gave in and to his joining agreed. Muslim Ibn Ausaja, had witnessed rights being trampled Bent with age, his love for truth was undampened Venerable companion of the Prophet, a most saintly soul To fight for truth, was his life's sole object and goal.

Physically withered by age, being four score ten, His anxiety to help was a heroic gesture to men For he had witnessed on countless occasions The undying love, which the Prophet bore for Husayn. Buraire Hamadeni, was a warrior of repute His name caused shivers in adversaries boots He was itching to display his terrific might, To Yazid's mercenaries, in single battle and fights.

Husayn calmed him down and explained To fight them is not at all our aim But to defend and die like a martyr Was the supreme test of each fighter. On the eve, prior to the day of fateful battle, Buraire urged his friends to show their mettle And guard the Imam against the enemy's surprise raids For crafty was the enemy, unscrupulous, and debased.

Unbearable it was, the cry of thirsty children for water Even savages watered their victims, before slaughter Buraire, with his friends, fought their way to the river Filled a bag and returned with the precious life giver.