But never before...

But never before, the world had ever witnessed, Such deeds of selfless devotion and self abnegation In this transitory world, though nothing endures, The deeds of Husayn shine, with ever-increasing luster! And now were left, those tied by blood Who cared a nought, for this mould of mud Eager were they to offer their worldly lives In cause of God, so truth may, forever, thrive.

Abbas Ibn Ali, was the TRUTH'S standard bearer Husayn to him, was a jewel, nay, even more dearer He called him "Lord", though his foster brother Such was the regard, they had, one for the other. Ali Akbar, was his most beloved second son More brave, more handsome, there was none. Eighteen summers old, flower of youth, An image of Prophet, from head to foot.

Qasim, was his brother Hassan's child He was, like his father, by nature mild His father had willed before he had died A tawiz he prepared and, to his hand, he tied. It only be read, was his wish dear By Husayn, when his end was near He remembered this will of his brother Now that he would soon be murdered. It was willed that Qasim should wed Fatema Qubra, ere his blood was shed Husayn's darling daughter was she To wed her to Qasim, too glad was he. A wedding with dowry as widowhood!

A feast without water and food! A bridegroom with few hour to live! A bride with only tears to give! Such was the wedding in Karbala's field Which Husayn, with his blood, would till So that the plant of Islam may live anew For sake of lovers of God, though very few. Husayn wished that Ali Akbar, his dearest son, Should be the first to go to the battleground His devoted friends and followers were aghast They refused to entertain such idea - first or last.

Now were left with Husayn, only the next of kin Ali Akbar, bowed reverentially and stood before him Husayn, looked at his face; was he daydreaming? He has come to seek permission; the words were ringing! He tried to say something, amidst the enemies' war-like cries With considerable effort, he whispered, with downcast eyes "Akbar, my beloved child, you wish me to see you slain What I am experiencing, at this moment, I can hardly explain!" "How can I grant you permission, Akbar, my son?