Movement of Mukhtar in Kufa

In this year, i.e. 66 A.H. 14th Rabi' ul Ula, Mukhtar revolted in Kufa and ousted Abdullah bin Muti', the governor of Abdullah bin Zubayr from there. It started when Sulayman bin Surad was martyred and his companions returned to Kufa, they saw that Mukhtar was imprisoned by Abdullah bin Yazeed Hatami and Ibraheem bin Mohammad bin Talha. Mukhtar sent them a letter from the prison in which he praised them and promised them success, and he announced to them that he was deputed by Mohammad bin Ali, renowned as Ibne Hanafiyah, to seek vengeance (for the blood of Imam Husain). His letter was read by Rufa'ah bin Shaddad, Musannah bin Makhrabah Abadi, Sa'ad bin Huzayfah bin Yaman, Yazeed bin Anas, Ahmed bin Shamit Ahmari, Abdullah bin Shaddad Bajali and Abdullah bin Kamil. After having read the letter they sent Ibne Kamil to Mukhtar with the message that, "We are your well-wishers, and if you desire we shall lay siege and rescue you from the prison". When Mukhtar heard this he was overjoyed and said, "I shall be released from the prison in a few days". Mukhtar had sent message to (Abdullah) Ibne Umar that, "I have been imprisoned innocently", and he had desired that Ibne Umar should plead on his behalf to Abdullah bin Yazeed and Ibraheem bin Mohammad bin Talha. He in turn wrote a recommendation letter to them and they relented and released him. But they took surety from him and an oath that until they held the reins of the government of Kufa, he should not pave way for their captivity or revolt against them. And that if he does so, he shall be compelled to sacrifice a thousand Camels near the Kab'ah and that all his slaves, males and females, shall be emancipated. And when Mukhtar was released, he remained at his house and with whomever he met, he said, "May Allah kill them! What foolish men they are that they believe that I shall honour the promise that I have given them. And as regards the promise, I always look at the task that is better than it, and then give compensation for it and thus I become free of the promise. While my stand against them is better than remaining aloof from them. As regards the sacrifice of Camels and emancipation of slaves, it is more easier for me than spitting, I befriend that if I reach my goal, I shall have no desire for slaves".

Thereafter the Shi'ah visited him often and started liking him in conformity to one another, while his companions started increasing day by day and gained strength until Ibn al-Zubayr suspended Abdullah bin Yazeed and Ibraheem bin Mohammad bin Talha and appointed Abdullah bin Muti' as the governor of Kufa. Then when Ibraheem decided to go to Kufa, Bahir bin Rustam Humayri met him and said, "Do not leave tonight, for the moon is in the Aries". He replied, "We too are proceeding", while he would proceed towards any danger that he desired (without fear). And it is as if his speech enamored him, while he was a valorous man. Ibraheem returned to Madinah while having a large

amount of taxes with him, but he said that the situation was very bad and no taxes could be collected, while Ibn al-Zubayr did not press him further.

Ibne Muti' entered Kufa, while five days of the month of Ramazan were left, and appointed Ayas bin Abi Mazarib Ajali as chief of the police force and commanded him to treat the people pleasantly and arrest the suspicious ones. When he reached Kufa, he ascended the pulpit and recited a sermon saying, "Now then! The Commander of the faithful (he meant Abdullah Ibn al-Zubayr, Allah's refuge) has deputed me upon your city and your boundaries. And he has ordered me to collect the taxes from you and not to take anything outside of the city from your taxes without your permission. And to treat you in conformity to the last will of Umar, as also the custom of Usman bin Affan. Therefore fear Allah, and remain steadfast upon the right, do not cultivate disobedience, while slash the hands of the foolish among you. And if you do not do so, then condemn yourself for it. By Allah! I shall punish severely every evil-hearted disobeyer and shall straighten the back of every perverse and ignoble suspect". Hearing this Sa'eb bin Malik Ash'ari arose and said, "As regards the booty, we declare that we disagree that a large part of it should be taken out, rather it should be distributed amongst ourselves. And we do not want you to treat us in conformity to the attitude of anyone else except Ali bin Abi Talib (a.s) that still remains amongst us in our city. While we do not have any need for the attitude of Usman, neither in the matter of booty nor regarding our ownselves, as also of Umar bin Khattab, whereas his attitude was little soft as compared to that of Usman for sometimes he treated people with virtue". Yazeed bin Anas replied, "Sa'eb speaks the truth". Then Ibne Muti' said, "I shall deal with you in conformity to the attitude of whomsoever you desire", saying this he alighted the pulpit. Ayas came to him and said, "This Sa'eb bin Malik is from among the commanders of Mukhtar, then despatch him to fetch Mukhtar, and when he comes, imprison him, until the people's affairs get straightened. His provisions have been gathered and as if he desires to revolt". Ibne Muti' despatched Za'edah bin Qudamah and Haseen bin Abdullah Barsami to fetch Mukhtar. They told him, "Hasten to the call of the commander". Mukhtar prepared to go, when Zaedah recited the verse of the Qur'an: "And when planned they against you, those who disbelieved, that they might imprison you, or slay you or drive you away." Hearing this, Mukhtar threw away his clothes and said, "Wrap me with a gown for fever has taken hold of me and I sense severe trembling within me". They returned and informed Ibne Muti' who then lifted his hands off him.

Thereafter Mukhtar sent someone to fetch his companions and made them reside in the adjoining houses, while he intended rising up in the city of Kufa in the month of Moharram. A man from the clan of Shibam, a branch of (the clan of) Hamadan, named Abdul Rahman bin Shurayh, who was modest,

came and met Sa'eed bin Munqiz Sawri, Sa'ar bin Abi Sa'ar Hanafi, Aswad bin Jarar Kindi and Qudamah bin Malik Jashmi, and said, "Mukhtar intends to drag us to revolt while we are not sure whether Mohammad bin Hanafiyah has sent him or no? Come, let us go to him and apprise him regarding Mukhtar, then if he directs us, we shall obey him and be his associates, and if he refuses, we shall get away from him. By Allah! It should not be that we should let go our Religion for this world". They agreed and went to Ibne Hanafiyah who inquired from them regarding the affairs of men. They gave him the details and related to him their stand as also that of Mukhtar, and asked his permission to obey him. Then when they concluded their speech, Ibne Hanafiyah, while answering them, after praising and glorifying Allah and relating the merit of Ahlulbayt (a.s) and remembering the sufferings of the martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s), said, "Regarding whom you have inquired that he invites you to avenge our blood, by Allah! I desire that Allah may take revenge from your enemies at the hands of anyone". And if he had been displeased with Mukhtar he would have commanded them not to obey him. They returned, while a group of the Shi'ah were awaiting them so as to know their intentions, while their recourse towards Mohammad bin Hanafiyah was displeasing to Mukhtar, who feared lest they would bring a message that would disperse the Shi'ah from him. Therefore when they entered Kufa, before going to their houses, they went to Mukhtar who asked them, "What happened that you fell in doubt and sedition?" They replied, "We have been ordered to assist you", and Mukhtar said, "Allah is Great! Then summon the Shi'ah to me". They called for those who were within their reach and Mukhtar said, "A group desired that they should verify the validity of my claim and therefore went to Imam Mahdi (Mohammad Hanafiyah) and asked him regarding me. He replied to them that I am his vizier, assistant and envoy, and he has ordered you to obey and assist me with regards to my invitation of revolting against the enemies, and seek revenge for the blood of the Progeny (a.s) of the Chosen Prophet (s.a.w.s)".

Abdul Rahman bin Shurayh arose and gave them details of his journey and announced that Ibne Hanafiyah had ordered them to assist and support him. Then he said, "Those who are present should inform those who are absent, then prepare yourselves and beware". Thereafter those who had accompanied him also arose and confirmed his words. The Shi'ah rallied around Mukhtar while alongwith them was Sha'bi and his father Sharahil. Then when they resolved to arise, one of his companions informed him that, "The chiefs of Kufa have united with Ibne Muti' to fight with you, then if Ibraheem bin Malik (bin al-Aashtar) sides with us, we shall gain victory upon the enemies. For he is well versed in politics, while his father was honourable and from a (great) tribe, while his tribe is honourable and well equipped with men".

Mukhtar replied, "Then visit him and invite him". Therefore a group, along with Sha'bi, went to meet Ibraheem, and they apprised him of their affairs and invited his assistance. They reminded him that his father was from among the friends of Imam Ali (a.s) and his Progeny (a.s). He replied, "I shall assist you in revenging the blood of Imam Husain (a.s) with a condition that you shall make me your commander". They replied, "You are worthy to command, but presently this is not possible, for Mukhtar has been sent and deputed for this task by the Mahdi (referring to Mohammad bin Hanafiyah) to fight with the enemies, while we have been commanded to obey him". Hearing this Ibraheem became silent and did not answer them while they returned to Mukhtar and informed him. Mukhtar waited for three days and went to Ibraheem, accompanied with more than ten of his companions, and Sha'bi and his father. He received them fairly and made Mukhtar sit besides him. Then Mukhtar told him, "This letter is from the Mahdi, Mohammad bin Ali the Commander of the faithful (a.s), who is among the best of men today upon the earth, and is also the son of the best of men who have departed until he reaches the Prophets of Allah and His Messengers. And he desires that you should assist and support me". Sha'bi says, that the letter was in my hand. When Mukhtar ended his words, he said, "Hand him over the letter". Sha'bi handed him over the letter and he read it, the contents of which were as follows: "From Mohammad al Mahdi to Ibraheem bin Malik Ashtar. Peace be upon you! I send praise of Allah, besides Whom there is no other Deity, to you. And now then! I am despatching to you my vizier, a trustworthy man and the one whom I have chosen to fight against my enemies, and have commanded him to seek revenge for the blood of Ahlulbayt (a.s). Therefore you, alongwith your tribe and those under your obedience, should fight alongside him. Then if you obey us and accept our invitation, you shall certainly hold a position near us, then you shall have control upon each horsemen, the battalion, every city, pulpit and border, from Kufa till Aqsa, the town of Syria, on which you gain victory". When Ibraheem completed reading the letter, he said, "Ibne Hanafiyah has written to me earlier and had only written his name alongwith that of his father (and not addressed himself as the Mahdi)". Mukhtar replied, "That was another time, while this is another time". Ibraheem said, "Who knows this letter is from him or no". A group of the companions of Mukhtar, comprising of Zayd (or Yazeed) bin Anas, Ahmar bin Shamit, Abdullah bin Kamil and others, except Sha'bi, arose to bear witness that the letter was from him. When Ibraheem heard their witnesses, he arose from his elevated bed and sat Mukhtar in his place and pledged allegiance to him and they left. Ibraheem turned towards Sha'bi and said, "You, as also your father, did not bear witness alongwith this group, then do you consider them to be liars?" He replied, "Rather they are the Master

Scholars, Reciters of the Qur'an, Chieftains of the city and the valorous among Arabs, those similar to them do not speak except the truth". Then Ibraheem noted down their names and preserved it with himself and invited his tribesmen and elders. Ibraheem started visiting Mukhtar every night and revising the fulfillment of their plans. They resolved to arise on Thursday night, the fourteenth of the month of Rabi' ul Ula 66 A.H.

That night Ibraheem recited the Maghrib prayers with his companions and thereafter went towards Mukhtar equipped with arms. Ayas bin Mazarib came to Abdullah bin Muti' and said, "Mukhtar plans to fight you tonight until tomorrow night, while I have despatched my son to the ground of Kinasah. Then if you despatch a man from among your companions' alongwith well-equipped men to every ground of Kufa, Mukhtar and his companions would fear to revolt against you". Therefore Ibne Muti' sent the following with command upon the ground. He despatched Abdul Rahman bin Qays Hamadani to the ground of Sabi' and told him to gain control of his own clan but not to bring about any incident. He despatched Ka'ab bin Abi Ka'ab Khas'ami to the ground of Bashar, Zahr bin Qays Ju'fi to Kinda, Abdul Rahman bin Abi Makhnaf to Sa'ediyyin, Shimr bin Ziljawshan to Salim, and Yazeed bin Ruwaym to Murad. He commanded each one of them that the rebels should not cross them to enter the city.

He despatched Shabas bin Rab'ee to Sabkhah and told him, "Whenever you hear any of their voices, go towards them". It was on Monday when the (army of the) empire occupied the grounds and on the night of Tuesday Ibraheem desired to join Mukhtar. He was informed that the grounds were filled with the army, while Ayas bin Mazarib, alongwith the guards, had taken the streets and the Royal Palace under his protection. Ibraheem was accompanied by a hundred men who had worn armours below their shirts. His companions told him to take a by-way but he said, "No, by Allah! Rather I shall pass from the center of the road and from near the Royal Palace to instill fear into the hearts of the enemies and announce that they are degraded and less in our eyes". Ibraheem passed by Baab al Feel and circled the house of Amr bin Hurays. Ayas bin Mazarib, alongwith an army well-equipped with arms, faced him and asked, "Who are you?" Ibraheem replied, "I am Ibraheem bin al-Aashtar", to which Ayas asked, "What is this group that you have brought alongwith you, and what do you intend? I shall not lift my hands off you until I take you to my commander". Ibraheem replied, "Get away from my way", to which he replied, "I shall not do so". Abu Qatan Hamadani, who was one of the friends of Ibraheem, was alongwith Ayas. Ibraheem called out to him, and he, presuming that Ibraheem would request him to mediate on his behalf, went towards him. When he neared him, Ibraheem snatched off his spear and pierced into the neck of Ayas and threw him down, and commanded one of his

companions to get hold of his head. While the army of Ayas scattered and reached Ibne Muti'. He deputed Rashid bin Ayas as the head of police in place of his father and despatched Suwayd bin Abdul Rahman Manqari to Kinasah in his stead.

Meanwhile Ibraheem bin al-Aashtar reached Mukhtar and said, "We had decided to lay siege tomorrow night, but due to certain circumstances we should do so tonight", and he informed him about the killing of Ayas. Mukhtar was pleased by this news and said, "This is the first victory, Allah willing". Then he told Sa'eed bin Manqaz, "Arise and set on fire dry sticks and reeds and give signal", and he told Abdullah bin Shaddad, "Arise and announce: O defenders of the Nation"! Then he told Sufyan bin Layla and Qudamah bin Malik, "Both of you raise the slogan of: O revengers of the blood of Husain". Then he himself wore the dress of battle, and Ibraheem said, "This army, that has gained control upon the grounds, shall not let our companions reach us. It is better that I go to my tribe alongwith my companions, and prepare those who obey us, and alongwith them I should surround the districts of Kufa and raise the slogan. Then those who desire to revolt would join us, while those who come to you should be taken care of. And if they attack you, there should remain with you such number of men who would defend you until I join you". Mukhtar replied, "Go and hasten, but lest you attack the commander and fight them, then do not fight anyone except those who fight you".

Ibraheem and his companions left and reached their tribe, and those who accepted their call accompanied them. He entered them on the streets of Kufa that very night and passed by the ground where the chiefs of Ibne Muti' had been stationed. There they met a group of cavalry of Zahr bin Qays Ju'fi who had no commander. Ibraheem attacked them and pushed them back until the road of Kinda, then said, "O Lord! You know that we have come to rage for the sake of the Progeny of Your Prophet (s.a.w.s) and seek revenge for their blood. Bestow victory for us upon them". Then he came back after leaving those who had fled and reached the ground of Aseer. A group of men raised slogans and Ibraheem halted there. Suddenly Suwayd bin Abdul Rahman Manqari, with a greed to earn proximity to Ibne Muti', galloped towards them, and when Ibraheem received news that he had come; he called out, "O army of Allah! Come forth, for you are more worthy of victory than these lewd men who are submerged in the blood of the Progeny (a.s) of your Prophet (s.a.w.s)". They proceeded further and attacked them until they pushed them into the desert. They started climbing upon each other's shoulders vilifying one another; they chased them and entered them into the ground. The companions of Ibraheem told him, "Some of us should follow them and should gain benefit from the fear that has been instilled in their hearts".

Ibraheem replied, "No, rather we should reach Mukhtar and relieve his heart, he should know that we are alongwith him and he should be brave-hearted alongwith his companions. And because it is possible that he must have been attacked till now". Ibraheem reached the door of the house of Mukhtar when he heard voices and perceived that battle was on. Shabas bin Rab'ee had attacked them from the side of Sabkhah, while Mukhtar had despatched Yazeed bin Anas to face him. Hajjar bin Abjar Ajali too had laid siege, while he (Mukhtar) had despatched Ahmar bin Shamit to face him.

At that moment while fighting, Ibraheem came from the side of the Royal Palace and Hajjar and his companions realised that Ibraheem had reached them from their backs, therefore they immediately scattered unto the streets. While Qays bin Tahfah Nahdi, one of the companions of Mukhtar, alongwith a hundred men attacked Shabas bin Rabi' who was fighting with (Yazeed bin) Anas and opened the way and reached Anas bin Yazeed (or Yazeed bin Anas). When Shabas saw this, he returned to Ibne Muti' and said, "You should gather all the chiefs whom you have stationed on the grounds and collect the army at one place and attack them, for they have attained victory. While Mukhtar has prepared his task and has revolted". When Mukhtar was apprised of this, he came out of his house, and alongwith a group of his companions, positioned himself in Sabkhah behind Deere Hind. Abu Usman Nahdi came out and proclaimed: "O seekers of revenge for the blood of Husain! O defenders of the nation", to the tribe of Shakir who had gathered in their houses but had concealed themselves due to fear of Ka'ab Khas'ami who had positioned himself close to them and had blocked their way. He then said, "O the guided tribe! The trustworthy and vizier of the Progeny (a.s) of Mohammad (s.a.w.s) has arisen, and has positioned himself near Deere Hind. He has sent me so that I may invite you and give you glad tidings, then come out, may Allah have mercy upon you"! They all scattered out calling, "O seeker of revenge for Husain", and fought with Ka'ab until they opened their way and reached Mukhtar and stationed themselves alongside him. Abdullah bin Qatadah joined Mukhtar alongwith two hundred men, Ka'ab attacked them, but when he realised that they were from his own tribe, he opened their way. Shibam, a branch of the tribe of Hamadan, too came out in the last part of the night. When this news reached Abdul Rahman bin Sa'eed Hamadani, who was one of the chiefs, he sent them message saying that, "If you intend assisting Mukhtar, do not pass by the cemetery of Sabi'". They too joined Mukhtar, while three thousand and eight hundred men from among the twelve thousand, who had pledged allegiance at his hands, gathered around him until the dawn. He completed arranging them until dawn and recited the morning prayers alongwith his companions in darkness.

Ibne Muti' summoned the chiefs of all the grounds to the Mosque and

commanded Rashid to announce that, "Any one who does not come tonight to the Mosque, his blood and wealth is lawful upon us". Every one of them gathered and Ibne Muti' despatched Shabas bin Rab'ee with an army of three thousand men against Mukhtar, as also Rashid bin Ayas with four thousand guards. Shabas proceeded towards Mukhtar, while Mukhtar received the news of his arrival after the Morning Prayers and sent someone to investigate. Sa'ar bin Abi Sa'ar, who was one of the companions of Mukhtar, and could not reach him until then joined him. He informed him that Rashid bin Ayas had collided with him on the way. Mukhtar despatched Ibraheem bin al-Aashtar with five hundred or six hundred horsemen and five hundred foot-soldiers to face Rashid, and he also sent Na'eem bin Hubayrah, the brother of Masqalah bin Hubayrah, with three hundred horsemen and six hundred foot-soldiers to face Shabas bin Rab'ee. He ordered them to fight at night and not to fall prey to the enemy for they were large in number than them. Ibraheem went towards Rashid, while Mukhtar sent Yazeed bin Anas with nine hundred men towards the site of the Mosque. Shabas lined up facing him and Na'eem fought fiercely with Shabas. Na'eem deputed Sa'ar bin Abi Sa'ar as commander upon the cavalry and himself proceeded further alongwith the foot-soldiers and fought with them until the sun arose and the sun-light spread wide. The companions of Shabas attacked those of Na'eem who scattered, while Na'eem himself resisted strongly until he fell a martyr (May Allah's Mercy and Blessings be upon him). Sa'ar bin Abi Sa'ar too was arrested alongwith a group of his companions; they released the Arabs and killed the Non-Arabs. Shabas proceeded and surrounded Mukhtar who had turned feeble due to the death of Na'eem.

Ibne Muti' despatched Yazeed bin Al-Harth bin Ruwaym with two thousand men who blocked the entrance of the streets. Mukhtar handed over the command of the cavalry to Yazeed bin Anas and himself proceeded onto the ground alongwith the foot-soldiers, while the cavalry of Shabas attacked him and the companions of Mukhtar resisted them.

Yazeed bin Anas told them, "O group of Shi'ah! They kill you due to your affection for the Ahlulbayt (a.s) and severe your hands and legs and blind your eyes and hang you upon the branches of the palm-tree even while though you remain seated in your houses obeying the enemies. Then what do you presume, if they gain victory upon you today, by Allah, in the twinkling of an eye they shall kill you with hands bound together, and shall treat your children, womenfolk and wealth in a manner that death is better than beholding it. By Allah! You shall not pave the road of salvation from their side except through insistence and forbearance besides opportune lances and the impressive striking of the swords. Then prepare for the attack". Hearing this they gained momentum, knelt down and yielded to his orders. Ibraheem

Ashtar reached Rashid who had four thousand men alongwith him, he told his companions, "Do not fear their large numbers, by Allah, for even one man can be better than ten. And Allah is alongwith those who forbear". Then Ibraheem turned towards his standard-bearer and said, "Take the standard further and kill the army behind you". They fought fiercely while Khuzaymah bin Nasr Abasi reached Rashid and killed him while calling out, "By the Lord of the Ka'bah! I have killed Rashid". Hearing this, his (Rashid's) companions fled while Ibraheem, Khuzaymah and their companions, after having killed Rashid, proceeded towards Mukhtar. They sent him a message, and when they received the glad-tidings, they pronounced the Takbeer and their hearts became stronger.

Ibne Muti' despatched Hissan bin Qa'ed bin Bakr Abasi with two thousand men towards Ibraheem bin al-Aashtar to prevent him from reaching his army positioned at Sabkhah. Ibraheem attacked them and they fled without fighting them while Hissan stayed behind and defended his companions. Khuzaymah attacked him and recognizing him said, "O Hissan! If there would not have been relation between us, I would have killed you. Then save yourself". Suddenly his horse stumbled and he fell down upon the ground, while people surrounded him and he fought with them for awhile. Then Khuzaymah told him, "You are in protection. Do not hand over yourself to death". All of them lifted their hands off him and he (Khuzaymah) told Ibraheem, "He is my cousin while I have promised him protection". Ibraheem replied, "You have done fair", saying this he commanded that his horse be brought. He was seated upon his horse and Ibraheem told him, "Go to your house". Ibraheem then proceeded towards Mukhtar, who was surrounded by Shabas bin Rab'ee. Yazeed bin Al-Harth, who was positioned upon the entrance of the streets, faced him so as to desist him from reaching Shabas. Ibraheem despatched a group of his companions with Khuzaymah bin Nasr to face him, and himself, alongwith some others, went to Mukhtar's aid. Ibraheem attacked the army of Shabas from behind, while Yazeed bin Anas too called out for battle. Shabas and his army fled and entered the houses of Kufa, while Khuzaymah bin Nasr too defeated Yazeed bin Al-Harth and they too fled and gathered in the entrances of the streets and behind the roofs. Mukhtar proceeded further and when he reached the entrance of the street, they started shooting arrows at him and prevented him from entering Kufa from there. The defeated army of Sabkhah came to Ibne Muti' and he also received the news of the killing of Rashid and turned restless.

Amr bin Hajjaj Zubaydi told him, "O man! Do not clasp your hands. Go out to the men and invite them to face your enemy. There are numerous who will side you except these rebels whom Allah shall ultimately humiliate. I am the first one to accept it while a group of men are alongwith me and another is

with others". Ibne Muti' himself came out and reprimanded people for their flight and commanded them to face Mukhtar and his companions. When Mukhtar saw that Yazeed bin Al-Harth would not let him enter Kufa, he turned his way towards the houses of Mazinah, Ahmas and Bariq. They owned houses separated from the city, they gave water to his companions to drink while he (Mukhtar) himself did not partake, for he was in the state of fasting.

Ahmar bin Shamit told Ibne Kamil, "Do you not know that he is fasting?" he replied in the affirmative. He said, "I wish he would break his fast then he would be more stronger". Ibne Kamil said, "He is infallible and is intelligent with regards to his responsibility". Ahmar replied, "You speak the truth. Allah's pardon". Then Mukhtar said, "This place is better for battle". Ibraheem replied, "Allah has entangled the opponent enemy in flight and instilled fear into their hearts. Then take us to Kufa, by Allah! There is none to block our way to the Royal Palace". Mukhtar then kept those among his companions, who were old and ailing, as also his belongings there, and appointed Abu Usman Nahdi to take care of them and despatched Ibraheem before him. Ibne Muti' despatched Amr bin Hajjaj with two thousand men to face Mukhtar. Mukhtar sent a message to Ibraheem saying that he should kneel down facing them, they knelt down while Mukhtar despatched Yazeed bin Anas and commanded him to stand facing Amr bin Hajjaj. Then he himself proceeded behind Ibraheem and halted at the 'Musalla' (the place of prayer) of Khalid bin Abdullah. When Ibraheem desired entering Kufa from the road of Kinasah, Shimr bin Ziljawshan came out against him with a group of two thousand men. Mukhtar despatched Sa'eed bin Manqaz Hamadani to face him and sent message to Ibraheem that he should continue moving. Ibraheem proceeded further until he reached the street of Shabas, while Nawfal bin Masahiq had positioned thereat with two thousand or five thousand men, while the latter number is more reliable. Ibne Muti' ordered that it should be announced that people should join Ibne Masahiq, and he himself positioned at Kinasah while giving the charge of the Royal Palace to Shabas bin Rab'ee.

Ibraheem reached Ibne Muti' and ordered his companions to dismount and said, "Do not fear when they say that Shabas has come, or the family of Atbah bin Nahas has come, or the family of Ash'as or Yazeed bin Al-Harth or the family of so and so has come", naming all the families of Kufa. Then he retorted, "If they taste the fire of the swords, they shall flee away from Ibne Muti' as a sheep flees away from the wolf". All of them obeyed his orders while Ibne Ashtar tied the end of his shirt upon his waist while all of them scattered in one manly attack. They ran upon each others shoulders and gathered at the entrance of the streets. Ibne Ashtar reached Ibne Masahiq, and

catching hold of his reins, lifted his sword upon him. Ibne Masahiq said, "O son of Ashtar! I request you in the name of Allah, does there exist envy or revenge of blood between us?" Ibraheem spared him and said, "Then remember this (kindness)", while he always remembered this favour. Then they entered Kinasah, while pursuing those who had fled, and took control of each market and mosque, while Ibne Muti' and those of the noblemen of Kufa, who were alongwith him in the Palace, were surrounded, except Amr bin Hurays, who had remained in his house and had retired to the desert. Mukhtar himself entered and positioned himself at the corner of the market and deputed Ibraheem, Yazeed bin Anas and Ahmar bin Shamit to surround the palace. After three days of severe siege, Shabas told Ibne Muti', "Find a way out for yourself and your companions. By Allah! They do not possess the power to save you or their ownselves". Ibne Muti' replied, "Then give me your opinion". Shabas replied, "There is one way, and that is ask protection for yourself and us and submit to them and come out alongwith your companions, and do not kill yourself and your companions". Ibne Muti' replied, "I consider it a shame to seek their protection when the commander of the faithful (he meant Abdullah bin Zubayr) holds control upon Hijaz and Basrah". Shabas said, "Then you should come out of the palace in secret and enter the house of the one on whom you rely and remain there until you reach your master". Abdul Rahman bin Sa'eed, Asma bin Kharejah, Ibne Makhnaf and other noblemen too accepted his proposal. They remained there until night, then Ibne Muti' told them, "I know what the ignoble and lewd men did to you, while all the noblemen and meritorious among you listened and obeyed. I shall inform my master regarding this and shall relate to him your obedience and battle until whatever Allah wills". All praised him and he came out alone and took refuge in the house of Abu Moosa. Ibne Ashtar reached the door of the palace while the companions of Ibne Muti' threw open the doors after he had left and said, "O son of Ashtar! Are we in protection?" He replied, "All of you are granted protection", thus they came out. All of them then swore allegiance to Mukhtar, who entered therein and spent the night therein, while the noblemen saw the dawn in the mosque and at the door of the palace.

At dawn, Mukhtar came out and ascended the pulpit, after praising and glorifying Allah, he said, "Praise be to the Lord, Who promised victory to His friend, and to His enemy a share in losses, and has made these glad tidings a means of performance until the end of the world, and has approved His command, while the one who accuses will ultimately be dejected. O people! A standard was erected for us and duration was fixed. It was said unto us: Raise the standard and perform the task in the scheduled time and do not violate it. We paid heed to the invitation of the caller and heard the words of the announcer, and how many men and women are there who give news of death

of those killed in the battle. Far be away the rebels, the treacherous, the disobedient ones, those who refute and flee away. Beware O people! Enter, and pledge allegiance at the hands of guidance. I swear by the One Who has made the sky a roof upon everyone, and has furbished valleys and roads upon the earth, after the allegiance of Ali bin Abi Talib (a.s) and his Progeny (a.s), you will not find any other allegiance more economical than this".

Then he alighted the pulpit and all the noblemen of Kufa came and swore allegiance at his hands upon the book of Allah, the customs of the Prophet (s.a.w.s), seeking avenge for the blood of Ahlulbayt (a.s), and struggle against the cunning, defense of the weak, battle against the aggressors, and peace with the Muslims.

Mundhir bin Hissan and his son Hissan too pledged their oath of allegiance to Mukhtar and when they came outside after visiting him, Sa'eed bin Manqaz Sawri met them and said, "By Allah! Both of them are from among the leaders of tyrants". Then he killed both of them and as much as Mundhir kept saying, "Lift your hands off us until we obtain orders from Mukhtar", he did not pay heed to him. When Mukhtar was informed about this episode, he disliked their attitude. While Mukhtar was giving fair promises to the people and was attracting the views of the notables to himself and was treating them with kindness. It was said to him, "Ibne Muti' is present in the house of Abu Moosa", but he did not reply and sent a hundred thousand Dirhams at night with a message that, "Keep this as expenses for your journey, and I know as to where you are and that you intend going away, but you do not have the money", while there was friendship between them.

Mukhtar had a thousand thousand Dirhams in his treasury from which he gave five hundred Dirhams each to those who remained with him until the siege of the palace, while they were three thousand men. And he gave twenty Dirhams each to those who had joined him after the siege of the palace while remaining for three days of siege alongwith him. He met people courteously and made the notables sit with him. Then he appointed Abdullah bin Kamil Shakiri as the head of his police and appointed Kaisan Abu Umrah as the chief of guards upon his the seat of his capital. One day when Abu Amr was standing at the head of Mukhtar, while he was speaking with the notables and was paying heed to their words, one of his Persian friends told him in the Persian language, "Do you not see that Abu Ishaq has turned towards the Arabs and does not look at us?" Mukhtar asked him, "What did he say?" Abu Umrah repeated his words for him and Mukhtar said, "This should not be objectionable for you, for you are from me and I from you", saying this he bowed his head for some time and remained silent, then he recited the following verse "Verily We, from the guilty ones, shall exact (the due)

retribution".[1] When they heard his words, they said, "Have glad tidings, as if you are the ones who will kill", while he had meant (to kill) the notables.

The first standard which Mukhtar fastened was for Abdullah bin Al-Harth (or Hurayth), the brother of Malik Ashtar, and made him the governor of Armenistan. Then he appointed Mohammad bin Umayr bin Atarud upon Azarbayjan, Abdullah (or Abdul Rahman) bin Sa'eed bin Qays upon Mosul, Ishaq bin Mas'ood upon Madaen and Jawkha. He also appointed Qudamah bin Abu Isa bin Zam'ah Nasari, who was an ally of the Saqif (tribe), upon the greater Bahqabaz, Mohammad bin Ka'ab bin Qarzah upon the Central Bahqabaz, Sa'ad bin Huzayfah bin Yaman upon Halawan, and commanded him to fight the Turks and make peace therein. Ibn al-Zubayr had appointed Mohammad bin al-Aash'as bin Qays as the governor of Mosul, and when Abdul Rahman bin Sa'eed reached Mosul from the side of Mukhtar, Mohammad fled to Takrit and paused there to see as to view the circumstances, then he came from there to Mukhtar and pledged allegiance at his hands.

Then when Mukhtar became relieved of the rebels and other tasks, be called for audience of people and sat to judge and said, "I have to attend to a task due to which I will not be able to accomplish this task of judging", saying this he appointed Shurayh to judge among people. Shurayh feared the people and therefore pretended to be ill. While people would say, "He befriends Usman and gave witness against Hujr bin Adi and did not even reach the message of Hani bin Urwah from the prison to the men, while Imam Ali (a.s) himself had deposed him from judgment", and when this criticism came to his ears, he pretended to be ill and abdicated. Therefore Mukhtar appointed Abdullah bin Utbah bin Mas'ood in his place but he too became ill, then he appointed Abdullah bin Malik Tai.

The elimination of the murderers of Imam Husain (a.s) by Mukhtar

In this year, i.e., sixty six hijrah, Mukhtar turned towards the murderers of Imam Husain (a.s) to kill them. The reason was because when the caliphate of Marwan bin Hakam was established in Syria, he despatched two armies, one to Hijaz under the command of Hubaysh bin Daljah Qayni, and the second towards Iraq under the command of Ubaydullah bin Ziyad, while we have discussed regarding him during the course of our discussion of the Tawwabeen. He had promised Ibne Ziyad that on whatever he would lay his hands upon, would be his own, and he had permitted him to plunder Kufa for three days. He blocked the island where Qays Aylan and Zafar bin Al-Harth,

the partisans of Ibn al-Zubayr remained, and he remained busy in skirmish with them for one year and remained unmindful of Iraq until Marwan died and his son Abdul Malik succeeded him. He too renewed the agreement entered with Ibne Ziyad by his father and commanded him to struggle for the fulfillment of his task. Therefore when he could not lay his hands upon Zafar and Qays, he turned around towards Mosul. Abdul Rahman bin Sa'eed, who was appointed the governor upon Mosul by Mukhtar, wrote to him that Ubaydullah had stepped upon the soil of Mosul and that he had evacuated Mosul and had taken refuge in Takrit. Mukhtar called for Yazeed bin Anas Asadi and commanded him to go to Mosul and station himself at the nearest place therein until an army would be despatched to assist him. Yazeed replied, "Then give me the authority to select three thousand horsemen so as to take alongwith me, and that I should be at liberty to take my own decisions, and if I am wanting of manpower, I shall ask help from you". Mukhtar agreed to his view and he selected three thousand horsemen and left. Mukhtar escorted him, and while parting with him, said, "Then when you reach your enemy, do not give them respite, and do not postpone any opportunity for tomorrow. Then inform daily regarding your reports, then if you ever require help, write to me, I shall despatch assistance to you even if you do not need help, so that your arms may become more stronger and your enemies fearful". Then people prayed for their well being and he too prayed for them and said, "Desire the felicity of martyrdom for me from Allah. By Allah! If victory parts away from me, I should not loose martyrdom".

Then Mukhtar wrote to Abdul Rahman bin Sa'eed that, "Hand over the cities of Mosul to Yazeed". Yazeed went to Madaen and traversed through the land of Jawkhi and passed by Razanat and reached Mosul. He positioned himself at Baquli and the news reached Ibne Ziyad. He said, "I shall despatch two thousand men against each thousand". Then he despatched Rabi'ah bin Makhariq Ghanawi with three thousand men and Abdullah bin Jumlah Khas'ami with three thousand also. Rabi'ah entered Baquli a day before Abdullah and stood facing Yazeed. Yazeed, who was severely ill, mounted his ass, while some people looked after him upon that, and arrayed his troops and incited them for combat and said, "If I die, your commander shall be Warqa' bin Azib Asadi, and after him Abdullah bin Zamarah Azari, who shall be succeeded by Sa'ar bin Abi Sa'ar Hanafi". Then he appointed Abdullah to lead the right wing and Sa'ar upon the left wing and appointed Warqa' upon the cavalry and himself was laid upon a bed in the midst of the army while he was saying, "If you wish defend your commander or else desert him and flee". He was guiding the army while sometimes he was falling unconscious and some time regaining consciousness. The army started the battle at dawn on the day of Arafah and fought fiercely until the evening, while the Syrians scattered

and their barracks came under the control of the companions of Yazeed. They reached Rabi'ah bin Makhariq, the commander of the Syrians, whose companions had deserted him. He came down on foot and called out, "O friends of the truth! I am the son of Makhariq! You are fighting against the slaves who have fled away and those who have left Islam". Hearing this, a group gathered around him and again battle ensued, while the Syrians scattered for another time and Rabi'ah bin Makhariq was killed. Abdullah bin Warqa' Asadi and Abdullah bin Zamarah Azari killed him. The losers settled for a moment and Abdullah bin Jumlah reached them alongwith three thousand men and gathered those who had scattered and stationed himself at Baquli. They spent the night patrolling, and at dawn, which was the day of I'd uz Zuha, they fought fiercely. Then they halted at the time of the prayers of Zuhr and thereafter resumed fighting, while the Syrians fled and left Ibne Jumlah alongwith a group of men. They fought until Abdullah bin Qirad Khas'ami attacked him and killed him while the Kufans gained control of their barracks. They uprooted them while killing them and arrested three hundred men whom Yazeed bin Anas commanded to be put to death while he himself was on the verge of death. They were killed and he himself died at the end of the day, his companions buried him while they wandered.

Warqa' bin Azib Asadi, who he (Yazeed) had appointed to succeed him, lead his funeral prayers and then addressed his companions saying, "What is your view? It has reached me that Ibne Ziyad himself is coming with an army of eighty thousand men, while I am one of you, therefore give me your opinions. According to my view, in the circumstances that Yazeed (bin Anas) has died while some have scattered away, we do not have the power to confront the Syrians. Then today if retreat on our own, they will say that we have withdrawn due to the death of our commander in suspension, while our fear will still remain in their hearts. Then if we face them, we shall fall in danger. And today if they rout us, their defeat of yesterday will not benefit us". They replied, "You have opined fairly", saying this they dispersed. Their news reached Mukhtar and the Kufans created commotion and said, "Yazeed has been killed and not died a natural death". Then Mukhtar called for Ibraheem and despatched him with seven thousand men, saying, "If you come across the army of Yazeed bin Anas, you shall be their commander, then take them back alongwith you until you reach Ibne Ziyad and his battalion, and fight with them".

Ibraheem made Hammamul A'ayun his headquarters and proceeded further. When he had left, the chiefs of Kufa, in opposition to Mukhtar, gathered at the house of Shabas bin Rab'ee and said, "By Allah! Mukhtar has become our commander without our consent and has emboldened our slaves, he has made them mount our horses and given a share of our wealth to them". Shabas, who

was their chief from the days of ignorance until the declaration of Islam, said, "Leave me, I will go and meet him". He came to Mukhtar and related to him all the complaints of the chiefs. Mukhtar answered each of their objections saying, "I am here to comply to their consent and do whatever their desire". As regards the slaves and their entitlement to wealth, he answered, "I shall lift my hands off them and shall hand over all the wealth to you so that you may fight the Bani Umayyah and Ibn al-Zubayr, but with a stipulation that you shall pledge and promise with a proper assurance". Shabas replied, "I shall discuss your stated opinions with my companions", saying this he went to them but did not return back and all of them consented to fight him. Thereafter Shabas bin Rab'ee, Mohammad bin al-Aash'as, Abdul Rahman bin Sa'eed bin Qays and Shimr together came to Ka'ab bin Abi Ka'ab Khas'ami and spoke to him regarding this and he too consented with them. Then they, in conformity to one another, came to Abdul Rahman bin Makhnaf Azdi and invited him too. He replied, "If you listen to my words, do not fight them". They said, "And why not?" He replied, "I fear lest dispute might erupt amongst yourselves, while the valourous and champions among you (he named some of them) are alongwith him, as also your slaves and retainers, and they have a single slogan. While the slaves detest you more than your enemies of the Arabian race, then they shall fight you with the valor of the Arabs and enmity of the non-Arabs. Then if you give him some respite, others will suffice you. The Syrian and Basran army shall soon arrive and they shall remove him from amongst your midst, while you do not fight amongst your ownselves". They replied, "We request you by Allah not to oppose us, and do not ruin our consented opinions". He said, "Indeed I am one of you, then whenever you may desire arising, do so".

As soon as Ibraheem left, they leapt upon Mukhtar and occupied the grounds of Kufa and each chief took position in each lane. Then when the news of their revolt reached Mukhtar, he despatched a swift messenger to Ibraheem, who reached him at Sabat, with orders to return back immediately. Then he despatched someone to the chiefs of the revolters saying, "Tell me as to what you desire? Then I shall do whatever you wish for". They replied, "We desire that you remain away from us, because as you assert that you have been sent by Mohammad bin Hanafiyah, while it has been known that he has not sent you". Mukhtar replied, "Then you may despatch your messenger to him and I too shall send mine, then wait until his message arrives", while Mukhtar desired to engage them in conversation until Ibraheem reached him. Then he commanded his companions to lift their hands off them, while the Kufans had sealed the entrances of the lanes upon the revolters and except some little provisions, none could reach them.

Abdullah bin Sabi' stationed himself upon the ground, while the (clan of) Bani

Shakir fought fiercely with him, then Aqbah bin Tariq Jashami came and sided with him while defending him from them. Aqbah came and positioned himself in Jabanah Salul alongwith Shimr and Qays Aylan, while Abdullah bin Sabi', accompanied by the Yemenites, positioned himself upon the ground of Sabi'. The messenger of Mukhtar reached Ibne Ashtar on the night of that day, Ibraheem himself returned and descended the next day. Then he gave rest to his horses and left at night until he reached Kufa the next day at the time of Asr. Then he spent the night alongwith his companions in the Mosque. When the Yemenites gathered at the field of Sabi' and the time of prayers arrived, each chief among them disliked that anyone among them should lead the prayers. Seeing this Abdul Rahman bin Makhnaf said, "This is the first discord, then you may make the praiseworthy man, the master of the Recitors, Rufa'ah bin Shaddad as the leader of Prayers". He lead their prayers until the battle started.

Mukhtar aligned his companions in the street that did not have buildings. Then he commanded Ibne Ashtar to face the people of Bani Muzar, whose commanders were Shabas bin Rab'ee and Mohammad bin Umayr bin Atarud, and they had positioned themselves at Kinasah. He (Mukhtar) feared to despatch him (Ibraheem) towards the people of Yemen, who were his tribesmen, lest he might falter to fight them. While Mukhtar himself went to face the people of Yemen who had stationed themselves at the road of Sabi'. He stationed himself near the house of Amr bin Sa'eed and despatched Ahmar bin Shamit Bajali and Abdullah bin Kamil Shakiri forward and ordered each of them that they should proceed from a fixed route which would reach the field of Sabi'. Then he told them in confidence that (the tribe of) Shibam had informed him that they would attack them from behind, and they proceeded further in accordance to the orders. When the people of Yemen were informed about their arrival, they split into two armies and faced them and they fought such fiercely that men had not seen a more fierce battle than this. The companions of Ahmar bin Shamit and Ibne Kamil retreated back and joined Mukhtar. Mukhtar asked them as to what was the news, and they replied, "We were routed, and Ahmar bin Shamit had come on foot alongwith a group of his followers". While the companions of Ibne Kamil said, "We do not know as to what happened to him". Mukhtar, accompanied by them, turned towards the ground until he reached facing the house of Abu Abdullah Jadali. He positioned himself there and despatched Abdullah bin Fu'ad Khas'ami with four hundred men to search for Ibne Kamil, and told him, "If he (Ibne Kamil) has been killed, you shall take over the reins of command in his stead and fight the enemies. And if he is alive, leave three hundred men from this group with him and take the rest one hundred alongwith you and go towards the road of Sabi' and attack them from the side of Hammamul Qatn".

He went and saw that Ibne Kamil was in the heat of the battle alongwith a group of his companions. He left three hundred men with him and took one hundred alongwith himself to the Mosque of Abdul Qays and then told his companions, "I befriend that Mukhtar should be victorious, but I also detest that today the noblemen of my clan should be killed at our hands. By Allah! I endear death rather than that they should be killed at my hands. Then position yourselves here, for I have heard that the tribe of Shibam shall attack them from behind. Perhaps they should do so and we might be excused from it". They yielded to his words and spent the night near the Mosque of Abdul Qays. Then Mukhtar despatched Malik bin Amr Nahdi, who was a valorous man, alongwith Abdullah bin Sharik Nahdi and hour hundred men, to aid Ahmar bin Shamit. They reached him when the enemies had reached upon his head and had surrounded him, while when this group reached there, the battle became more intense. Ibne Ashtar, alongwith his army, reached facing the people of Muzar and met Shabas bin Rab'ee and his companions and said, "Woe be to you! Refrain from battle and retreat back". They did not pay heed to his words and fought him until they had to flee. Hissan bin Qa'ed Abasi was wounded and was taken to his home where he died, while he was the associate of Shabas bin Rab'ee. News was sent to Mukhtar that the Muzar had fled, while he sent this glad tidings to Ahmar bin Shamit and Ibne Kamil and their frontline became stronger. While the people of (the tribe of) Shibam gathered and appointed Abul Qaloos as their commander so as to attack the people of Yemen from behind. But they told one another, "We wish we could attack the (tribes of) Muzar and Rabi'ah for it was more appropriate". Abul Qaloos did not reply, and they asked him, "What do you say?" He replied, "Allah, the Almighty, has said: Fight ye those of the infidels near you".[1] They accompanied him towards the people of Yemen and when they reached the entrance of the ground of Sabi', A'asar Shakiri collided with them and they killed him while calling out, "O seekers of revenge for Husain"! When Yazeed bin Umayr bin Zi Maran Hamadani heard them, he called out, "O seekers of revenge for Usman". Hearing this Rufa'ah bin Shaddad said, "What do we have to do with Usman? I shall not fight alongwith those who seek revenge for the blood of Usman". A group of his tribesmen objected to him saying, "You have brought us to the battlefield, and now when we see them entering the swords into them, you tell us to retreat and abandon them?" He turned towards them and recited the following couplet, "I am the son of Shaddad and upon the religion of Ali, I do not befriend Usman or a deceptor, today I shall enter into the heat of the battle, and shall attack fiercely". He fought until he was killed. Rufa'ah previously sided with Mukhtar, but when he realised his

(alleged) fraud, he desired to kill him unawares. That day he sided with the Kufans and when Yazeed bin Umayr called out, "O seekers of revenge for the blood of Usman", he separated from them and fought siding with Mukhtar until he was killed.

Yazeed bin Umayr bin Zi Maran, and No'man bin Sahban Jarmi, who was a virtuous man, were also killed. Furat bin Zahr bin Qays too was killed and Abu Zahr was wounded. Abdullah bin Sa'eed bin Qays, as also Umar bin Makhnaf, were killed. Abdul Rahman bin Makhnaf fought until he was wounded and was taken in the state of unconsciousness to his home, while the people of Azd fought surrounding him, and the people of Yemen were routed in the worst manner. They arrested five hundred men from the houses of Wadi'ayn and were brought with hands bound together to Mukhtar. Mukhtar said, "Investigate regarding them, then inform me as to which of them were included in the murder of Husain (a.s)". Then he put to death two hundred and forty eight men from among them (who were included in the murder of Imam Husain). His companions started putting to sword their enemies (among the captives), and when Mukhtar saw this, he commanded that those of the captives who were left should be released. Mukhtar took an oath from them that they should neither side with his enemies nor should they revolt against him or his companions or plot against them. The caller of Mukhtar announced, "The one who remains locked in his house shall remain in peace, except those who are included in the blood of the Progeny of Mohammad (s.a.w.s)".

Amr bin Hajjaj Zubaydi, who had sided in the blood of Imam Husain (a.s), mounted his Camel and fled from the road of Waqisah while none had any news uptil now regarding him. It is said that the companions of Mukhtar found him while he had fallen down due to thirst, and they killed him (May Allah's eternal curse be upon him) and brought his head to Mukhtar.

When Furat bin Zahr bin Qays was killed, Ayesha, daughter of Khalifah bin Abdullah, who was one of the wives of Imam Husain (a.s), sent a message to Mukhtar requesting for his burial. He permitted her and he was buried.

Mukhtar despatched one of his retainers named Zarbi behind Shimr bin Ziljawshan, who was alongwith his companions. When they neared him, Shimr told his companions, "You draw back, and perhaps this slave bears avarice with me". They went away from him and Zarbi ran towards Shimr who attacked him and killed him. Shimr, accompanied by his companions, ran out of Kufa and reached Sadna until night and went towards a village called Kaltaniyah, which was on the bank of a stream and at the foot of a hillock. They caught hold of a non-Arab man from the village and brought him to Shimr. He thrashed him up and said, "You should take my letter to Mus'ab

bin Zubayr".

The man went to his village in which Abu Umroh, one of the companions of Mukhtar, was positioned on guard there between Mukhtar and the Basrans. The non-Arab man met another non-Arab man from his village and complained to him regarding his state and how Shimr had treated, he also told him regarding the responsibility assigned to him. At that moment, one of the companions of Abu Umroh, called Abdul Rahman bin Abi Kanood, met them and saw the letter of Shimr addressed to Mus'ab bin Zubayr in their hands. He asked the man as to where was Shimr. He showed him the way and there was a distance of less than three farsakh in between them. The companions of Shimr had warned him that it was dangerous to remain there and that they should leave from there. He replied, "You fear this liar such? By Allah! I shall rest at this place for three days". But their hearts were full of fear, and when they slept they heard the sound of the horses' hooves. They said, "This is the sound of the horses' hooves". They neared them, and before his companions could arise, the cavalry came down from the hill and called out the Takbeer and surrounded the tents. His companions scattered in bewilderment and left their horses behind them. Shimr wound a clock around himself while the marks of leprosy were visible from beneath it. He took a lance in his hand and hit it towards them, they had not even given him time to wear his clothes or ammunitions. His companions, who had positioned themselves at the distance away from him, heard the voice of Takbeer and someone calling out, "The vicious one has been killed". Ibne Abi Kanood, who had seen his letter in the hands of the non-Arab man, killed him and scattered his remains in front of the dogs. (May Allah's eternal curse be upon him, and may he remain in the deepest dent of hell).

Thereafter Mukhtar returned to the royal palace from the ground of Sabi' and Suraqah bin Mirdas Baraqi was arrested and brought to him. Suraqah called out, "Forgive me today O disposer of goodness! O best among every master of diligence and eminence, in the pilgrimage, continuance of mercy and effort in prostration". Mukhtar sent him to a prison, and on the preceding day summoned him. He faced Mukhtar and said, "May Allah amend the tasks of the commander! I swear by Allah, besides Whom there is no other Deity, I have seen the Angels, mounted upon pie-bald swift horses between the heavens and the earth, assisting you". Mukhtar said, "Then mount the pulpit and announce to the men what you saw". Then he mounted the pulpit and reported and alighted. Mukhtar took him in secret and said, "I know that you have not seen anything, and you desired that I should save you from killing. Then go to any place that you desire, then go, for you are at liberty, but then do not incite your men against me". He left Kufa and reached Basra. Then he joined Mus'ab.

On that day Abdul Rahman bin Sa'eed (bin) Qays Hamadani was killed, while Sa'ar bin Abi Sa'ar, Abu Zubayr Shibami and another man claimed to have killed him, while Shibam is a branch of the tribe of Hamadan. The son of Abdul Rahman told Abu Zubayr Shibami, "Have you killed my father Abdul Rahman, the chief of your own clan?" He replied, "The one who believes in Allah and the day of Resurrection, does not befriend the enemies of Allah even if they be his father or brother". And in this battle eight hundred and eighty men were killed, while mostly those killed were from among the Yemenites. The date of this struggle was the sixth of Zilhaj 66 A.H.

Thereafter the notables scattered away and reached Basra, while Mukhtar then turned towards killing the murderers of Imam Husain (a.s). He said, "Our religion is not that we may live and leave the murderers of Imam Husain (a.s) alive. In that case what bad companions should we be in this world for the progeny of Mohammad (s.a.w.s). While I would become the 'Liar' as is attributed to me. I solicit Allah's assistance upon them. Then inform me regarding each of them, and pursue them until you kill them. And eating and drinking is detestable for me until I do not purify this earth of them".

They informed him regarding Abdullah bin Usayd Jahni, Malik bin Bashir Badi and Haml bin Malik Muharibi. Mukhtar despatched someone and summoned them from Qadisiyyah. When his sight fell upon them, he said, "O enemies of Allah and the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.s)! Where is Husain bin Ali? Settle the debt of Husain, you have killed those on whom you were ordered to send salutations?" They replied, "May Allah's mercy be upon you! We were compelled to go there, therefore oblige us and leave us alive". He replied, "Why did you not oblige Husain, the grandson of the Prophet, and leave him alive, nor give him water to drink?" While Badi (Malik bin Bashir) had seized the burnooze of Imam Husain (a.s), Mukhtar ordered that both his hands and legs should be severed. He was laid down and he coiled until he died, while the two others were killed similarly.

Then Mukhtar summoned Ziyad bin Malik Zaba'i, Imran bin Khalid Qushayri, Abdul Rahman bin Abi Khashkar Bajali and Abdullah bin Qays Khawlani. They were brought to him, and when his sight fell upon them, he said, "O murderers of the virtuous ones! O murderers of the Master of the dwellers of paradise! Today Allah seeks retribution from you. It was an ill-omened day on which you raided the dyeweeds", while they had looted the dyeweeds of Imam (a.s). Mukhtar ordered them to be killed.

Abdullah and Abdul Rahman, the sons of Salkhab were then brought to him alongwith Abdullah bin Wahb bin Amr Hamadani, the cousin of A'amash Hamadani. Mukhtar ordered them to be killed too. Then they brought Usman bin Khalid bin Usayd Dahmani Jahni and Abu Asma bin Bishr bin Shumayt

Qanesi, who had assisted one another in killing Abdul Rahman bin Aqeel and stripping him. He ordered them to be beheaded and they were thrown into the blazing fire.

Then he summoned Khawli bin Yazeed Asbahi, who had brought the head of Imam Husain (a.s) to Kufa. When they went in his pursuit, he hid himself in the lavatory, while the companions of Mukhtar entered his house to search him. His wife, Ayoof, the daughter of Malik, who had become his enemy from the night he had brought the head of Imam Husain (a.s), came outside and said, "What do you desire?" They asked, "Where is your husband?" She replied, "I do not know", saying this she pointed towards the lavatory. They went there and caught him while he had worn a leather upon his head. They brought him outside and killed him in front of his family and burnt him. (May Allah's eternal curse be upon all of them).

Elimination of Umar bin Sa'ad and other murderors of Imam Husain (a.s)

One day Mukhtar told his associates, "Tomorrow I shall kill a man who is big-footed, with sunken eyes and stout eyebrows, the murder of whom will please the believers and the 'Neared Angels'".

Haysam bin al-Aaswad Nakha'i, who was near him, understood that he meant Umar bin Sa'ad. He returned home and sent his son Irban to Umar and informed him. Umar replied, "May Allah reward your father fairly! How can Mukhtar kill me after bestowing promises and oath to me". Abdullah bin Ja'daj bin Hubayrah, was a relative of Imam Ali (a.s), and was more endeared to Mukhtar than anyone else. Umar bin Sa'ad had asked his intervention and had secured a letter of protection from him. In the letter Mukhtar had (deliberately) stated that any incident (Hadas) should not come forth from his side, while what he meant was to answer the call of nature (for Hadas also means that). When Irban returned, Umar came out of his house and went to Hammamah and asked for explanation of the deed of security from one of his retainers. The person replied, "It has been related on oath that no impurity (Hadas) should be done on your part, and what impurity (Hadas) is bigger than that you have left your house and have come here? Thus hasten to your house and do not create any excuse for you". Hearing this Umar hastened to his house, while it was informed to Mukhtar that Umar bin Sa'ad had left his house. He replied, "No never, he has a chain bound in his neck which will bring him back".

On the preceding morning, Mukhtar despatched Abu Umroh in his pursuit. He came to Umar and said, "Answer the call of the commander". Umar arose while his legs got entangled in his shirt and he fell down upon the floor. Abu Amr dealt a blow at him with his sword and killed him (May Allah's eternal

curse be upon him) and brought his head to Mukhtar. Mukhtar told his son Hafas, who was seated near him, "Do you recognise this head?" He answered, "Verily yes! While life after him does not seem fair". Mukhtar ordered him to be killed too and said, "That was in lieu of Husain (a.s) and this is in lieu of Ali bin Husain (a.s). By Allah! If I kill one third of a quarter of Quraysh, debt of even one of their fingers will not have been given".

The reason for his agitation in killing Umar was that Yazeed bin Sharahil Ansari went to the presence of Mohammad bin Hanafiyah. He saluted him and when their conversation reached Mukhtar, Ibne Hanafiyah said, "He perceives that he is our Shi'ah, when the murderers of Husain (a.s) are seated on the chairs facing him and he speaks to them?" When Yazeed returned to Kufa, he informed Mukhtar regarding it. Thus he killed Umar bin Sa'ad and sent his head to Mohammad bin Hanafiyah and wrote to him that, "Wherever I will find them, I will kill them. While I am in pursuit of the remaining ones who had participated in the murder of Imam Husain (a.s)".

Abdullah bin Sharik says, that I have seen men wearing fringed robes and black caps and mounted, that when Umar passed by them, before he was killed, they would say, "He is one of the murderers of Husain".

Ibne Sireen says, that Imam Ali (a.s) had once told Umar bin Sa'ad, "When you shall reach a place and shall have an option to choose between paradise and hell, while you shall select hell".

Thereafter Mukhtar despatched someone in pursuit of Hakim bin Tufayl Ta'i, who had plundered the clothes of Abbas bin Ali (a.s) and had shot an arrow at Imam Husain (a.s), and would say, "My arrow pierced his shirt but caused him no harm". The companions of Mukhtar arrested him, while he despatched someone to Adi bin Hatim, so as to intervene on his behalf. Adi spoke to those who had arrested him and they replied that, "Option lies with Mukhtar", thus he went to meet him. While Mukhtar had accepted his intervention for some people of his tribe who were arrested in the ground of Sabi'. The Shi'ah said, "Perhaps he may accept intervention for him", saying this they shot arrows at him in penalty of the arrows that he had shot at Imam Husain (a.s) and had made his body similar to the porcupine. Adi went to Mukhtar, who made him sit with him, and he intervened on his (Hakim's) behalf. Mukhtar replied, "Is it that I should release the murderers of Husain (a.s)?" Adi replied, "He has been falsely accused". Mukhtar said, "Then if it is true, we shall leave him to you". Ibne Kamil entered therein and informed Mukhtar of his murder. Mukhtar said, "Why did you make haste in killing him and not bring him to me?" while in his heart he was pleased by his murder. Ibne Kamil replied, "The Shi'ah arrested him forcefully and killed him". Adi told Ibne Kamil, "Rather you speak a lie. You perceived lest the one who is better than you

might accept my intervention for him. Therefore you killed him". Ibne Kamil started abusing Adi, while Mukhtar restrained him.

Thereafter Mukhtar despatched someone in pursue of the murderer of Ali Akbar, Munqiz bin Murrah, from the clan of Abdul Qays, while he was a valorous man. They surrounded his house, when he mounted his horse and with a lance in his hand, attacked them. A sword was struck at his hand, but he scattered from their midst and saved himself and reached Mus'ab bin Zubayr. But his hand turned ill and worthless.

Then Mukhtar sent someone behind Zayd bin Riqqad Habbani, he would say : I shot an arrow at one of the martyrs and fixed his hand upon his forehead, while he was none other than Abdullah bin Muslim bin Aqeel. He could not separate his hand and said, "O Lord! They consider our worth to be less, and consider us to be wretched. Thus kill those who kill us". Then another arrow pierced his heart, and when I came to his head, he had already died. Then I pulled out the arrow from his heart that had killed him, I tried pulling out the arrow that had pierced his forehead and shook it, and its handle came out but the point remained stuck. When the companions of Mukhtar surrounded him, he attacked them sword in hand. Ibne Kamil said, "Do not attack him with lances or swords, rather shoot arrows and stones at him". They brought him down to his feet by shooting arrows and stones at him, and then burnt him alive (May Allah's curse be upon him).

Then Mukhtar despatched someone to fetch Sinan bin Anas, who had claimed to have killed Imam Husain (a.s). But he was informed that Sinan had fled to Basra, therefore he ordered his house to be demolished.[1]

Then he summoned Abdullah bin Uqbah Ghanawi, he too had fled to (northwest) Mesopotamia, while his house too was destroyed. He had killed a child at Karbala.

Thereafter a man from the clan of Bani Asad, viz. Hurmalah bin Kahil Asadi was summoned, who had killed one of the Ahlulbayt (a.s) (Ali Asghar), but he could not be caught.[2]

Then he despatched someone in pursuit of a man from Bani Khas'am named Abdullah bin Urwah Khas'ami, who would say, "I shot twelve arrows at the companions of Husain", but he too could not be arrested and had joined Mus'ab bin Zubayr, while his house too was destroyed.

Then they chased Amr in Sabah Sada'i, who would say, "I wounded the martyrs but killed none". They arrested him and at night brought him toMukhtar, who ordered him to be killed with lances, until he died.

Mohammad bin al-Aash'as was pursued, who had taken refuge in his village in thesouth of Qadisiyyah, but they could not lay their hands upon him, for he had fled to Mus'ab. Mukhtar ruined his house, and with the clay and bricks he repaired the house of Hujr bin Adi, which was destroyed by Ziyad.

Ibraheem bin Malik Ashtar leaves for battle with Ubaydullah bin Ziyad

In this way, eight days remained of the month of Zilhaj, when Ibraheem bin Al Ashtar left for a combat with Ibne Ziyad. He left two days after the incident of Sabi'. Mukhtar despatched all the valorous, handsome and wise, experienced, and trained men among his companions alongwith him. He himself escorted him until the monastery of Abdul Rahman bin Ummul Hakam. There they met the companions of Mukhtar, the occupants of the 'chair', which they had established upon a red mule and would pray for his victory. When Mukhtar's sight fell upon them, he said, "By the Lord Who sends forth with goodness one after the other! They shall be killed horde after horde and the oppressors shall be eliminated in thousands". Then he bade

farewell to Ibraheem and said, "Remember these three things from me: Fear Allah openly and in secret, hasten in proceeding further, when you reach the enemy, do not give respite and leap upon them". Ibraheem left until he reached the occupants of the chair, who had gathered around it and were praying with their hands raised towards the heavens. Ibraheem said, "O Lord! Do not entangle us in the tasks of our foolish men. By Him in Whose hands is my life! This is of the custom of Bani Isra'eel, who had gathered around the calf". The occupants of the chair returned while Ibraheem proceeded towards his goal.

Elimination of Ubaydullah bin Ziyad

Ibraheem bin al-Aashtar hastily left Kufa so as to reach Ibne Ziyad before he enterd the territory of Iraq. Ibne Ziyad, accompanied by a huge army, had come from Syria and occupied Mosul. Ibraheem came and passed by Iraq and entered Mosul. He appointed Tufayl bin Laqit Nakha'i, who was a valorous man, to command the front-line of his army. Then when they neared Ibne Ziyad, he arrayed his army and arranged them in ranks. He proceeded further, and for the sake of investigation he despatched Tufayl further and himself reached the river of Khazir of Mosul. He positioned himself in a village therein named Barmisa. Ibne Ziyad too came facing him and positioned himself near him on the banks of the river Khazir.

Umayr bin Habbab Salami, one of the companions of Ibne Ziyad, secretly sent a message to Ibne Ashtar that, "Meet me specially". The entire tribe of Qays had borne enmity with Abdul Malik ibne Marwan after the episode of Marje Rahit, while the army of Abdul Malik was the same tribe of Kalb. Umayr and Ibne Ashtar met one another, and Umayr said, "I am the commander of the left wing of the army of Ibne Ziyad. And I promise to abandon the left wing and flee away". Ibne Ashtar asked him, "What is your opinion? Should I dig trenches and await for two three days?" Umayr replied, "Beware! The enemy does not desire anything except this. Every delay will be a boon for them, who are similar to you in numbers. The scant army in postponement does not have power to ward off numerous enemies. Attack them without respite while their hearts are still in awe. And if they blend with your army and fight day by day and in turn become familiar with them, they will turn audacious". Ibraheem replied, "Now I have realised that you are my well-wisher, while Mukhtar too had advised me similarly". Umayr replied, "Then obey him, for he is an expert in warfare, while none is more experienced than him in this, and fight them this very morning".

Umayr returned to his army and Ibne Ashtar gnashed his teeth while sleep did not enter his eyes. When it dawned, he prepared his army and arrayed the groups while appointing commanders. He appointed Sulayman bin Yazeed

Azdi upon the right wing of his army and Ali bin Malik Jashami upon the left wing, while he was the brother of Ahwas. He gave the charge of the cavalry to Abdul Rahman bin Abdullah, his foster brother, while his cavalry were quite less in numbers. He appointed Tufayl bin Laqit to command the foot soldiers and handed over his standard to Mazahim bin Malik. Nearing dawn, he recited the prayers in darkness and arranged his companions. He stationed the appointed ones in their place and himself came on foot while encouraging his army. He gave them tidings of victory and took them in joy upon the huge hillock that stooped down upon the enemy. He was informed that none of them had moved from their place. He despatched Abdullah bin Zuhayr Salwani to investigate regarding it. He returned and said, "Everyone of them were in the state of fear and indolence. One of them met me and they say: O Shi'ah of the Progeny of Abu Turab! O Shi'ah of the liar Mukhtar! While I replied that what we possess is far more important than abusing". Thus Ibraheem mounted and neared the standards, while he remembered that Ibne Ziyad had killed Husain and his companions and family and he also remembered the captivity (of his women) and blockage of water, thus he incited them to kill him.

The army of the enemy came face to face. Ibne Ziyad appointed Haseen bin Nameer as the commander of the right wing of Syrians and Umayr bin Habbab Salami upon the left wing. He gave the charge of the cavalry to Sharhabeel bin Zil Kila'. Then when they neared, Haseen attacked the left wing of Ibraheem with the right wing of the Syrians. Ali bin Malik Jashami confronted him until he was killed. Then Qurrah bin Ali lifted the standard and he too pressed in alongwith a group of valorous men until he was killed, while the left wing started to flee. Then Abdullah bin Warqa' bin Janadah Saluli, the nephew of Habashi bin Janadah, who was from one the companions of the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.s), lifted up the standard and took charge of the fleeing ones and called out, "O Army of Allah! Rally around me". He then gathered most of them around him and said, "Your commander himself is fighting Ibne Ziyad, come let us go to him". They came back to Ibraheem and saw that he had bared his head and was calling out, "O army of Allah! Come to me. I am the son of Ashtar. The best fugitive is the one who attacks once more, while the one who excuses from reattacking has committed evil". Thus his companions returned to him.

The right wing of Ibraheem attacked Umayr bin Ziyad (or Habbab) perceiving that Umayr would flee the battle as promised. But Umayr confronted them severely and considered fleeing away to be a disgrace. When Ibraheem saw this, he said, "We shall attack the vast central part of their army with a group, and if we rout them from their place and make them flee, those whom you see on our right and left, shall fly away like frightened birds". His army attacked

one side together and fought with one another with lances, swords and clubs and fought for some time. The sound of iron sounded similar to the pounding of clothes by washermen. Ibraheem told his standard-bearer, "Take the standard into the ranks of the enemy". He said, "There is no way to proceed further". Ibraheem replied, "Yes, there is", and when he took a step further, Ibraheem attacked severely with his sword. And he threw anyone who came in his way and crushed the foot soldiers as if they were a flock of cattle. His companions too followed suit, while a fierce battle ensued. The army of Ibne Ziyad started fleeing and numerous people from both the armies fell upon the ground.

It is said that the first one to flee was Umayr bin Habbab, while his earlier combat was just an excuse. When the enemy had fled, Ibraheem said, "I have killed a man under the standard lonely upon the bank of the Khazir river. Go and find him, for I smelt the fragrance of Musk emanating from him. Both of his hands had fallen towards the east and his legs towards the west". They found him and he was none other than (Ubaydullah) Ibne Ziyad, who had been divided into two by the sword of Ibraheem, and as described by him. They took hold of his head and burnt his body. (May Allah's eternal curse be upon him and his associates, and may he remain eternally in the lowest dent of hell).

Sharik bin Judayr Taghlubi attacked Haseen bin Nameer Sakuni and assumed him to be Ibne Ziyad. They scuffled with one another and Taghlubi called out, "Kill me alongwith this illegitimate one", thus they killed Haseen.

It is also said that Sharik killed Ibne Ziyad. Sharik had accompanied Imam Ali (a.s) in the battle of Siffeen and his eyes had become weak. And when Imam Ali (a.s) passed away, he went to Baitul Muqaddas and settled there in seclusion. And when Imam Husain (a.s) was martyred, he took an oath to Allah that if revenge for his blood would be sought, he would kill Ibne Ziyad or himself be killed. And when Mukhtar arose to revenge the blood of Imam Husain (a.s), he turned towards him and accompanied Ibraheem to Jabhah. And when the Syrian army was attacked, he split the ranks alongwith his companions, who were from Rabi'ah, until he reached Ibne Ziyad. Then dust arose, and none could see each other, and accept striking of iron nothing could be heard. And when the dust settled, both, Sharik and Ibne Ziyad had fallen down killed. But the first narrative is more reliable (of Ibne Ziyad being killed at the hands of Ibraheem bin Malik Ashtar). Sharik was the same one who had composed, "I consider every life to be futile, accept the lances under the shadow of the horses".

Sharhabeel bin Zil Kila' Humayri too was killed, while Sufia bin Hasid Azdi, Warqa' bin Azib Asadi and Abdullah bin Zuhayr Salami each claimed to have

killed him.

Uyaynah bin al-Aasma was alongwith Ibne Ziyad, and when the army of Ibne Ziyad was routed and fled, he took alongwith him his sister Hind, the daughter of Asma and wife of Ibne Ziyad, while reciting the following Rajaz, "Then if you have severed our ropes, you have also flung valorous upon the ground".

When the army of Ibne Ziyad fled from the battle, the companions of Ibraheem pursued them and threw them into the river, while those who were drowned were mostly the murderers (of Imam Husain). Then they took hold of their barracks with all their provisions as booty.

Ibraheem sent the glad-tidings of victory to Mukhtar and he received it in Madaen. Ibraheem despatched his officials to the cities of Mosul that were under their control. He appointed his (foster) brother Abdul Rahman bin Abdullah upon Nasibayn and gave him dominance upon Sanjar and Darad and its surroundings from the island of Arazi. He appointed Zafar bin Hurayth as the governor of Qarqisiyah and Hatim bin No'man Bahili upon Haran, Riha, Samisat and it's districts. He also appointed Umayr bin Habbab Salami the governor of Kafare Tawsa and Tawre Asabdayn, while Ibraheem himself positioned at Mosul. He then sent the head of Ubaydullah, alongwith that of his other commanders, to Mukhtar and they were scattered in the palace. A small snake was seen crawling among the heads and it entered the mouth of Ubaydullah and came out of the opening of his nose. Then it entered through the other opening of his nose and came out of his mouth, and repeated this act several times. Tirmizi has quoted similarly in his Jame'.

Mughirah says, that the first one in Islam to mint false coins was Ubaydullah (bin Ziyad).

One of the porters of Ubaydullah bin Ziyad entered the royal palace alongwith him at the time of the martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s). Suddenly the face of Ibne Ziyad became ablaze, and he wiped it by the sleeve of his shirt and told the porter, "Beware! Do not relate this to anyone".

Mughirah says, that after the martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s), Marjanah, the mother of Ubaydullah, told him, "O unchaste! You killed the grandson of the Prophet of Allah? You shall never see paradise".

Here concludes that what is quoted from Kamil of Ibne Aseer.

It is quoted in Bihar al-Anwar from Sawabul A'amal, through chain of narrators from Ammar bin Umayr Tamimi, that when the head of Ubaydullah bin Ziyad and his companions were brought, I went to them, and people said, "It's come, it's come". Suddenly a snake came and started crawling in the midst of the heads. It entered the opening of the nose of Ubaydullah and came

out, and then entered through the other opening of his nose.

It is related in Kamiluz Ziarat, through chain of transmitters from Abdul Rahman Ghanawi in context of the narration, that soon Yazeed was inflicted, and after the martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s) he did not benefit, while he died suddenly. He slept at night in an inebriate state and in the morning his corpse had turned black similar to tar and had fallen prey to remorse. And there was none who had obeyed him in the martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s) and fought with him, except that he had turned insane or developed leprosy or paralysis, and this continued in his progeny as inheritance.

It is related in Akbarud Dawl of Yusuf Qirmani, that Yazeed was born in the year 25 or 26 A.H. while he was stout, obese and with abundant hair. His mother was Maysoon, the daughter of Bajdul Kalbi ....... until he says that, Nawfal bin Abil Furat says, that I was in the presence of Umar bin Abdul Aziz when a man pronounced the name of Yazeed alongwith the epithet of 'the Commander of the faithful'. Hearing this, Umar said, "You address him as 'the Commander of the faithful'?" saying this he ordered him to be flogged twenty times.

Ru'yani in his Musnad relates from Abu Darda', that I heard the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.s) as saying that, "The first one to change my customs will be from among the Bani Umayyah by the name of Yazeed".

Yazeed died in the month of Rabi'ul Ula 64 A.H. due to pleurisy in Hawran. His corpse was brought to Damascus where his brother Khalid, while some say his son Mu'awiyah, recited prayers upon his dead body. He was buried in the graveyard of Baab al Sagheer, while his grave has now been turned into a trashcan, while he lived for thirty-seven years and his caliphate lasted for three years and nine months.

Thus ends the book 'Nafasul Mahmoom fee Maqtal al Husain al Mazloom' on the Asr of Friday, the twentieth of Jamadi'ul Akhar 1335 A.H., corresponding to the birthday of our Lady Sayyedah Fatemah Zahra (a.s), benedictions upon her, and upon her father (s.a.w.s), and upon her spouse (a.s), and her sons (a.s), (composed) at the hands of the guilty author, Abbas, the son of Mohammad Reza al Qummi, may Allah nullify his faults, facing the dome (of the Mausoleum) of Imam Ali Reza (a.s), a thousand greetings and salutations upon His Eminence, and Praise be to Allah at the beginning and the conclusion, and Allah's benedictions upon Mohammad (s.a.w.s) and his Chaste, Virtuous, and Infallible Progeny (a.s).

AejazAli al Husainee.