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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Uprising of Ashura and Responses to Doubts Why did Imam al-Husayn (as) give his Permission to Leave? One of the objections and questions put forward by some people regarding the event of Karbala is why Imam al-Husayn (as) gave his companions permission to go and leave him alone at Karbala on the night of ‘Ashura. Imam al-Husayn (as) knew that he was facing a large number of enemy soldiers whose hearts did not possess any mercy at all.

He knew that fighting with them was certain. He also knew that in any war, there is need for help from friends and supporters. Why then did he give his companions permission to leave the desert of Karbala? Why did he advise them to take advantage of the darkness of the night and leave him alone? Two types of permission from Imam al-Husayn (as) With recourse to history, we come to know that Imam al-Husayn (as) gave two types of permission to his companions. A.

General permission Imam al-Husayn (as) addressed his companions in a general way, «أمّا بعد؛ فانّي لا اعلم اصحاباً اوفی ولا خيراً من اصحابي، ولا اهل بيت ابرّ واوصل من اهل بيتي، فجزاکم الله عنّي خيراً. ألا وانّي لأظنّ يومنا من هولاء غداً. ألا وانّي قد اذنت لکم، فانطلقوا جميعاً في حلّ، ليس عليکم حرج منّي ولا ذمام، هذا الليل قد غشيکم فاتخذوه جملاً.» “And after this; verily, I have never known companions more loyal and better than my companions.

I have never found household members more excellent in observation of bonds of relationship than my Household (the ). Allah will reward you graciously on my behalf. Beware! I strongly predict that the day of our confrontation with them will be tomorrow. Beware! I have given you permission to leave. You are all free to go. I do not and will not reproach anyone of you for doing so. This is a night whose darkness has covered you like a mounted camel.

Therefore, take advantage of it and make your escapes.”[^1] B. Special or personal permission History narrates that Imam al-Husayn (as) did not content himself with the general permission he had given to his companions. He went further and gave personal and special permission to some people for certain reasons.

Imam al-Husayn (as) addressed Muhammad ibn Bushr Hadrami on the night of ‘Ashura in this way, “Your child is being held captive in Marzari.” Muhammad ibn Bushr replied, “I entrust his captivity and mine to Allah and His account. I would rather die than live to see my child in captivity.