Whatever numerous grief comes to heart...

Whatever numerous grief comes to heart, remedies blocked, and friends (having) deserted, and enemies rejoicing, I have brought forth to You and complain to You regarding them, and I do not turn to anyone except You. And You warded them off and sufficed. You are the Master of all blessings and the Possessor of all virtues, and the last Resort of all desires.” Then the army advanced towards Imam Husayn (a.s.) surrounding his tents.

(Tabari) Azdi says that Abdullah bin Asim has related from Abdullah bin Zahhak Mashriqi that he said, that when the army advanced towards us and saw the moat, which we had dug filled with fire, they could not attack us from behind. Suddenly a man, riding a horse and well-equipped with ammuni­tion, advanced towards us and without uttering a word inspected the tents. Then he retreated back and called out, “O Husayn!

You have hastened to­wards the fire before the day of Qiyamah (Allah’s refuge).” Imam said, “Is he Shimr bin Ziljawshan”? The companions replied in the affirmative. (Irshad) Imam said, “O son of a goat-herdess woman! You are more worthy of it.” Muslim bin Awsaja attempted to shoot an arrow at him but Imam stopped him from doing so.

Muslim said, “Please let me shoot at him, for this wretched man is one of the great oppressors and Allah has made it possible for me to kill him.” Imam replied, “Do not shoot your arrow, I do not befriend that the battle may begin from my side.” (Tabari) Imam Husayn (a.s.) possessed a horse named Lahiq, which he had given to his son Ali (Akbar) to ride.

When the infantry advanced closer, Imam called for his Camel and mounted it while calling out in a loud voice, which was heard by most men: “O people! Listen to what I say and do not make haste, so that I may fulfill the responsibility (to counsel you) which rests upon me and that I may submit my plea regarding my arrival towards you. Then if you accept my plea and believe my words while giving me jus­tice, then you shall be fortunate and there will be no excuse for you to fight with me.

And if you do not accept my word and deal unjustly with me, then: (Tabari, Kamil) ‘Muster therefore your designs and (gather) your accomplices, then let not your designs be dubious, then execute on me and give no respite (to me)’ (Surah al-Yunus, 10:71).