This proof is the position and stance of a person who was...

This proof is the position and stance of a person who was actually from the commanders of the army of Ibn Sa’d. But soon he realized the obvious oppression and realized that the massacre was about to happen due to lack of compatibility in the size and resources of both side. He saw falsehood to be with the army of Ibn Sa’d whom he is one of his commanders. And he saw righteousness to be with Al-Husayn (as) – the lonely, persecuted, and oppressed man.

When he witnessed all that, he refused to follow Ibn Sa’d. Instead, he revolted and withdrew from his army, then he went over to Al-Husayn (as) in a regretful, repentant, and apologetic state. This person is none other than Al-Hurr ibn Yazid Al-Riyahi. Ladies and gentlemen, you may remember what we have mentioned earlier that he was the commander of that group of 1000 fighters who were the first to confront Al-Husayn (as) and stalk him and force him to stop in Karbala.

When Al-Hurr heard the call of Al-Husayn (as) for help, he wept. Then he went to the Third defendant Umar ibn Sa’d and said: “Are you really going to fight this man (referring to Al-Husayn AS)?!” Ibn Sa’d answered him: “Yes, by Allah! A tough fight which at the least results in heads being cut off and hands being chopped!” Here, Al-Hurr decided to rebel on the orders given to him and instead go over to support Al-Husayn (as).

Sure enough, he apologetically went to Al-Husayn (as) and asked him for forgiveness since he was the first to confront and stop him. So Al-Husayn (as) accepted his apology. Now, weren’t the second, third, fourth, and fifth defendants all capable of doing the same thing and saving themselves from facing these charges which they are facing today? Sure, they were capable of excusing themselves, but by their own will they committed their crimes without any excuse or need.

Therefore, it was necessary to place them on trial, to convict, and to punish them! The stance which Al Al-Hurr has taken stands as a great proof to their guilt. Due to the lack of supporters of Al-Husayn (as), it was impossible for his companions to fight simultaneously, so the fight took the form of individual duel (one-to-one). So, Al-Husayn’s companions asked him for permission to go out and fight the enemy one after the other.

Al-Husayn (as) would then give them the permission and they would each go out to fight alone and kill many from the enemy.