The friends and family of Husayn were suffering great hardship.
The friends and family of Husayn were suffering great hardship. They have been without water for three days now. Yazid's soldiers blew the trumpets to start the battle. The battle of Karbala’ started. One-by-one, Imam's friends took permission to go for Jihad. One-by-one Husayn's companions were martyred. All of them fought bravely and died a hero's death. Husayn, with his brother ‘Abbas and son ‘Ali Akbar, went to the battlefield and carried their bodies to the tent.
At midday, after Dhuhr prayers, Janabe John came to Imam Husayn. He stood silently with arms folded. Imam Husayn looked at John and said: “John! My friend John! What is the matter?” “My master! Enough is enough I cannot bear to see any more suffering. I cannot bear to see the children of Bibi Fatimah killed in front of me. Please Master! Allow me to go to the battlefield.” “John, you are an old man! Jihad is not wajib for an old man like you. No, John, no!
I cannot allow you to die.” John was determined to get permission. “Master, I know why you are not letting me go to the battlefield. Is it because I am a black slave and you do not want the blood of a black slave to mix with the blood of the Holy family?” Husayn was deeply shocked to hear this. “John! My friend John! Do not say that! You know we do not keep such differences.” “Go, John, go! Allah be with you!” Husayn himself then helped dress John for the baffle.
He mounted John on the horse and said: “Fi aman Allah, John!” John was very pleased with himself as he headed for the battlefield. On his way to the battlefield he remembered his time with the Holy Prophet. He remembered how dearly the Prophet loved his grandson, Husayn. John remembered how the Prophet himself used to nurse Husayn's injuries, sustained whilst playing. John remembered the day when Husayn climbed on the Prophet’s back while he was praying Salat (Prayer).
Do you think the Holy Prophet will be pleased with you for killing his beloved grandson?” He continued: “What has Husayn done to you? He is innocent. Leave him alone.