Leaflet 6

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MASSACRE OF THE INNOCENTS

Long ago, the evil tyrant Yazid became King in 680. He immediately decided to kill Saint Husayn, who had refused to accept him as legitimate ruler. Husayn knew his end was near. He prepared his devotees for impending martyrdom.

On 10th of Moharram, known as Ashura, the King’s soldiers surrounded Husayn and his men in the desert of Karbala in Iraq. Husayn led his men in final prayer.

The pious disciples of Husayn were first to die for their Holy Saint. One by one they all laid down their lives. Husayn said God gave me disciples the likes of whom He gave no one else. Husayn's companions were not like companions of the Prophet, or like the companions of Jesus. Those men fled their masters in time of need. Disciples of Husayn stood by him in critical time of danger. They all sacrificed themselves for Husayn on the day of Karbala.

First person from Husayn's own family to die was his elder son. He came forward and sought permission from his father to go into the battlefield and die for God. His name was Ali Al Akbar. He was 18 years old. Husayn immediately granted him his consent. Akbar went and fought bravely. He stood no chance against the whole army of Ibn Saad. Slaughter of Husayn’s son was a brutal slaying. They not only killed him, they cut him to pieces. Husayn came and collected his son's corpse. Akbar’s body was cut and mutilated by the enemy soldiers.

After Akbar was slain, then came foward nephew of Husayn. He was Qasim the son of Hasan. He asked permission to go and fight the enemies of God. Husayn said to his nephew, how can I give you permission, you are my brother's son. Qasim insisted. He was only 14 years old. He wanted to defend his uncle and defend the religion of God. Religion which his great-grandfather had preached. Husayn wept. Finally he gave his permission. Qasim went and fought as best he could. He was killed the soldiers of Ibn Saad.

Thus, one by one, Husayn's closest family members were slaughtered on the plain of Karbala.

Abbas was brother of Husyan. He was Husayn’s standard-bearer. Abbas was the bravest warrior among the Arabs. He was 40 years old. He came to his master Husayn to ask permission to go and fight. Husayn refused Abbas. Husayn said you are backbone of my family. O Abbas you are hopes of our holy ladies. Ladies live and breathe when they see you alive. They will die if you die. I cannot let you go. Abbas obeyed Husayn. Husayn’s camp has no water. Husayn's daughter Sakina aged 6 was crying of thirst. Enemy soldiers had cut off the water supply from Husayn's family. She asked Abbas to bring him some water from the river. The river Euphrates flowed 300 yards away. Ibn Saad blocked it. Abbas asked Husayn’s persmission to let him go and bring some water. Husayn finally agreed. Husayn hugged Abbas and bid him farewell. Abbas sneaked passed enemy soldiers. He succeeded in reaching the river. Abbas filled his leather container with water. He was also very thirty. He put his hands in water to taste it. Suddenly he lifted his hands out of the river. He quickly spilled the water in his palms. He remembered little Sakina. She has no water. She was still very thirsty. How could Abbas taste water while his niece was crying for water? Abbas said I would not drink until Sakina has had her drink. Abbas spilled the water from his hands and remained thirsty himself. He wanted Sakina and Zainab to taste the water before he would. He began his return to the camp. On the way back Ibn Saad’s men ambushed Abbas. They cut his hands. Then the soldiers cut off his left and right arm. He bled to death. Husayn saw his brother's corpse. He said my back is now broken. He carried Abbas back to the camp.

It was time for Husayn to also lay down his life. Husayn's youngest son was aged 6 months. His name was Ali al Asgar. He was very thirsty. Husayn carried him and went to the army of Ibn Saad. He showed them the little baby and requested they give him some water. He said surely this infant has done no wrong. He said I would leave him on this rock if you think I will take his drink. As Husayn stepped back. Ibn Saad ordered his men to kill the child. Archer fired an arrow it went through the baby's neck. Husayn carried the child back to the camp. I do now know how to tell his mother that her baby's neck is pierced with an arrow. He simply said to God we belong and to Him we shall return.

Husayn then mounted his horse and bade farewell to the women of his family. They wept as he left them. His daughter Sakina cried the most. She wailed to her father. O father dont leave me...

Husayn was met with arrows. Soldiers fired dozens of arrows on the body on Husayn. He fell off his horse. There were so many arrows piercing his body, that it did not touch the ground when he fell. He was still alive. One evil man came and cut his throat. Husayn bled as he looked at his killer. He thanked God that he had been this opportunity to stay true to the truth. Another soldier came and cut off the head of Husayn. Then general ordered his troops to run the horses on his body. The army of darkness trampled their horses upon the holy body of Husayn. God bless Husayn and his lineage. He is defender of truth and saviour of humanity. Husayn is the real hero mankind.

For more information go to the website: http://www.ukshias.blogspot.com/
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