ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Nafasul Mahmum, Relating to the heart rending tragedy of Karbala' Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s halt at the ground of Karbala, Umar bin Sa’ad’s entry, and the circumstances therein When Imam Husayn (a.s.) stopped at the plain of Karbala, (Kamil) he in­quired as to what was the name of the place. People replied that the place was known as “Aqar.” Imam said, “Almighty Allah! We seek your refuge from Aqar” (Aqar means barren, sterile).

Sibt ibn Jawzi has written in his Tazkirah, that Imam Husayn (a.s.) asked as to what was the name of the place. They replied that it was Karbala and was also called Ninawa, which was a village therein. Then Imam started weeping and said: Umm Salama has informed me, that one day Jibra’eel came to the presence of (S), and you (Imam Husayn) were with me. Suddenly the Prophet said, “Leave my child”, hearing this I left you and the Prophet made you sit on his lap.

Jibra’eel asked him, “Do you cherish this child”? The Prophet replied in the affirmative. Then Jibra’eel said, “Your Ummah will kill him, and if you desire I shall show you the earth of the place where he shall be martyred.” The Prophet showed his willingness to do so. Then Jibra’eel spread his wings towards Karbala and showed the Prophet the place.

Thus when Imam Husayn (a.s.) was told that the name of the place was Karbala, he smelt the earth and said, “This is the same place regarding which Jibra’eel had informed the Prophet, and I shall be killed herein.” Then Sibt ibn Jawzi relates from Sha’bi, that when Imam Ali (a.s.) was proceeding towards Siffīn, he came face to face with Ninawa, which was a village near the river Euphrates.

Imam halted there and commanded his companion, who had the job of providing water for ablutions that, “Tell me the name of this place.” He replied that it was called Karbala. Hearing this he wept bitterly until the earth became wet with his tears.

Then he said, “One day I went to the presence of the Holy Prophet (S) when he was weeping and asked him as to what made him weep.” He replied, “At this moment Jibra’eel came to me and informed me that my son Husayn will be killed at a place called Karbala near the river Euphrates.