1. Ibn Ziyad’s Letter to Imam Hussain (a.s.)
Hur ibn Yazid Riyahi informed Ibn Ziyad through a letter that Imam Hussain (a.s.) had reached Karbala. Upon receiving this news, Ibn Ziyad sent a letter to Imam Hussain (a.s.) which read:
“After greetings, I have received news of your arrival in Karbala. Leader of the Believers, Yazid ibn Muawiyah has commanded me not to sleep peacefully or eat to my fill until I either kill you or make you submit to Yazid’s authority.”
Imam (a.s.) read this letter, threw it to the ground, and said:
“A nation can never succeed which seeks the pleasure of creation at the cost of the Creator’s wrath.”
When the messenger asked for a reply, Imam (a.s.) said:
“We have no reply for him (Ibn Ziyad), for Allah’s punishment is already destined for him.”
When the messenger returned and informed Ibn Ziyad of Imam’s response, he became enraged and furious.
2. 3rd Muharram: Arrival of Umar ibn Sa’ad with 4000 Troops
Ibn Ziyad had originally sent Umar ibn Sa’ad to suppress a rebellion in the region of Qazvin, and in return granted him governance over Ray and Dastabai. As soon as he heard of Imam Hussain’s arrival in Karbala, he called Umar ibn Sa’ad back midway.
Umar ibn Sa’ad tried to excuse himself and requested the responsibility be given to someone else. Ibn Ziyad commanded, “Either go to Karbala or return the decree of Ray’s governorship.”
Umar ibn Sa’ad asked for one night’s time, went home and consulted his relatives. They all advised him not to stain his hands with the blood of the Prophet’s grandson (s). However, greed for the governorship consumed him, and he decided to proceed. He entered Karbala with 4000 troops on the 3rd of Muharram.
Umar ibn Sa’ad joined Hur’s army and sent a messenger to Imam Hussain (a.s.) to ask the reason for his coming to Kufa. Imam (a.s.) replied:
“Your townspeople invited me through letters. Now, if my coming displeases you, I shall return.”
Upon hearing this, Umar ibn Sa’ad became hopeful and wrote to Ibn Ziyad describing the situation.
Ibn Ziyad replied:
“I received your letter and now understand the circumstances. Tell Hussain (a.s.) to first pledge allegiance to Yazid along with his companions. Then we will decide what to do with him.”
Umar ibn Sa’ad, knowing the Imam (a.s.) would never accept this, did not dare present this message to him. Despite being reluctant, greed forced him to comply.
3. Arrival of Armies in Karbala on 4th Muharram
In Kufa, Ibn Ziyad was coercing people with wealth and threats to join the army against Imam Hussain (a.s.). He dispatched 4000 troops each with Shimr ibn Dhiljawshan and Haseen ibn Numayr, and 2000 with Yazid ibn Rikaab, who all arrived in Karbala on the 4th of Muharram.
By the 9th of Muharram, the enemy forces had swelled to 30,000.
4. Conversation Between Imam Hussain (a.s.) and Umar ibn Sa’ad
Umar ibn Sa’ad, though driven by greed, still wished to avoid fighting Imam (a.s.). Hoping to open the door for peace talks, he sent a messenger to Imam (a.s.), who accepted.
They met with 20 companions each. Imam (a.s.) asked both groups to leave them alone, and he and Umar ibn Sa’ad spoke privately.
Imam (a.s.) said:
“Alas, O Ibn Sa’ad! Do you want to fight me? Have you no fear of Allah? I am the son of the one you know well. Leave them (Banu Umayyah) and join me.”
Ibn Sa’ad made excuses about his home, orchard, and family in Kufa. Imam (a.s.) offered to compensate him, but seeing his insistence on excuses, Imam (a.s.) rose and said:
“What is wrong with you? God will soon have you slaughtered in your bed, and He will not forgive your sins on Judgment Day. By Allah, I hope you eat very little of the wheat of Iraq.”
Umar ibn Sa’ad mockingly replied, “Barley will be enough for me.”
This conversation was a form of completing the argument against the enemy.
5. Umar ibn Sa’ad’s Letter to Ibn Ziyad and the Response
Umar ibn Sa’ad wrote a misleading letter to Ibn Ziyad claiming that Imam (a.s.) was ready to return or negotiate. However, this did not reflect Imam Hussain’s (a.s.) actual position.
Ibn Ziyad replied with a harsh letter ordering Umar to either force allegiance or fight, denying water to the Imam’s camp, and trampling their bodies after killing them.
Umar obeyed, retained command, and appointed Shimr as infantry commander.
6. 7th Muharram: Water Blockade on the Prophet’s Family
On the 7th of Muharram, Umar ibn Sa’ad stationed 500 cavalry at the Euphrates to enforce the blockade ordered by Ibn Ziyad.
The thirst became unbearable for the family of the Owner of the Pool of Kawthar. The cries of “Al-Atash! Al-Atash!” echoed from the tents.
7. Attempts to Obtain Water
Several attempts were made to bring water:
- Burayr ibn Khudayr tried to reason with Umar ibn Sa’ad but returned unsuccessful.
- Imam Hussain (a.s.) himself addressed the enemy, reminding them of his lineage, but they refused water.
- Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) led a successful effort with 30 horsemen and 20 foot soldiers, returning with 20 filled water skins. However, it was far from enough for the entire camp.
The blockade remained, and the cries of thirst continued until the day of Ashura.
This completes the detailed account of the key events leading up to the tragedy of Karbala. The sacrifice of Imam Hussain (a.s.) and his 72 companions remains a timeless symbol of resistance against oppression.
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