Salutations.

Salutations.” Tabari says that Abdullah bin Ja’far went to ‘Amr bin Sa’eed bin As and said, “Write a letter addressing to Imam Husayn (a.s.) offering him securi­ty, promising fairness and favor.

Then impress upon him and request him (sincerely) to return back, so that he may be satisfied and thus return.” ‘Amr bin Sa’eed replied, “Do write as you desire and bring it back to me so that I may affix my seal on it.” Abdullah wrote the letter and brought it back to ‘Amr and said, “Send your brother Yahya with this letter, so that the Imam may be assured that the letter is your effort.” He did as direct­ed. ‘Amr bin Sa’eed was designated as the Governor of Makkah by Yazid.

Yahya and Abdullah bin Ja’far went with the letter to Imam Husayn (a.s.) and gave it to him. Yahya read the letter.

When they returned back they said that when we presented the letter to Imam Husayn (a.s.) and requested him to return back, he excused himself saying, “I saw the Holy Prophet (S) in a dream and he entrusted a task to me, which I shall perform whether it benefits me or not.” I told him to relate to us his dream to which he said, “I have not related the dream to anyone nor shall I do so, until I reach the presence of my Lord.” It is related in Irshad that when Abdullah failed to dissuade Imam from returning back, he told his sons Aun and Muhammad to remain with him and go with him and safeguard him on his behalf (if the need arises).

Then he returned back with Yahya bin Sa’eed to Makkah.[^2] Tabari says that the contents of the letter of ‘Amr bin Sa’eed were as follows: “In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful. From ‘Amr bin Sa’eed to Husayn bin Ali. Now then! I request the Almighty to keep you away from that which may cause your destruction, and to guide you to the path of reward.

I have been informed that you are proceeding towards Iraq, I offer you in Allah’s protection with both hands, and I fear that it may result in your ruination. I am dispatching Abdullah bin Ja’far and Yahya bin Sa’eed to you, hence return back to me. I pledge security, kindness, virtue and favor for you, and Allah is a Witness, Guarantor, Surety and an Attorney over it. And peace be upon you.” Imam Husayn (a.s.) replied to him: “Now then!

The one, who invites towards Allah and performs virtuous deeds and says that he is a Muslim, has not disassociated with Allah and His Prophet (S). And you have invited me towards security, virtue and kindness, while the best security is that of Allah.