The event of Karbala was not merely a battle—it was an eternal message. Imam Hussain (RA) transformed apparent defeat into everlasting victory. When Yazid turned the caliphate into a corrupt, hereditary rule, Imam Hussain (RA) refused to pledge allegiance and stood to preserve the true spirit of Islam.
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His migration to Makkah, letters from the people of Kufa, and spiritual dreams of the Prophet ﷺ shaped a journey fueled by the desire for martyrdom and the triumph of truth. Karbala still lives on—it awakens the conscience and asks every soul: “Where do you stand in the face of truth?”
If you haven’t read Part One of this blog, click the link below to read the previous section.
Advice of Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA)
As mentioned in Tarikh al-Tabari, when Imam Hussain (RA) showed Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) the letters sent by the people of Kufa, Ibn Abbas advised: “It seems best that you stay here for now and first send a representative to assess their intentions, for the people of Kufa are known for their disloyalty. Do you not remember how they treated your father unjustly?”
Imam Hussain (RA) replied, “Twelve thousand of my Shia are ready to support and pledge allegiance to me.” Ibn Abbas responded, “My dear cousin, never place full trust in such a crowd—loyalty is proven through testing. If you must go, first send someone ahead. If he reports good conduct and obedience from them, then you may proceed.”
Imam Hussain (RA) agreed, saying, “Your advice is wise and sound.”
This particular consultation is only recorded in Tarikh al-Tabari and not found in other sources.
The Pledge of the People of Kufa and Their Letter via Muslim ibn Aqil (RA)
Eventually, Imam Hussain (RA) decided to send Muslim ibn Aqil (RA) to Kufa and instructed him: “Go and stay quietly in a safe place. If the people show loyalty and pledge allegiance, then send for me.”
When Muslim (RA) reached Kufa and settled discreetly, word quickly spread that Imam Hussain (RA) had sent his envoy ahead and would soon follow. As a result, large crowds began gathering around Muslim (RA), and over twelve thousand people pledged allegiance to him. They expressed loyalty and love, and when nearly thirty thousand had joined him, Muslim (RA) wrote a letter to Imam Hussain (RA), endorsed by key Kufan leaders like Sulayman ibn Surad, Musayyib ibn Najiyah, Rifa’ah ibn Shaddad, Habib ibn Muzahir, and Hani ibn Urwah. The letter conveyed: “The people of Kufa are overjoyed at your coming. Each one longs to see you.”
Upon receiving this letter, Imam Hussain (RA) felt deeply encouraged and firmly resolved to depart. He wrote back to Muslim (RA), assuring him that he would soon arrive. The next day, he dispatched messengers and sent his servant to gather his supporters in Basra. He also wrote urging letters to prominent Basran leaders like Ahnaf ibn Qais, Malik ibn Masrah, and Sa’id ibn ‘Umar, asking them to gather their followers in Kufa.
However, events took a tragic turn. Before Imam Hussain (RA) could arrive, Muslim ibn Aqil (RA) and his two young sons were brutally martyred by the treacherous people of Kufa.
Abdullah’s Letter to Yazid and Yazid’s Distress
According to Tahdhib al-Tahdhib and Tarikh al-Tabari, a man named Abdullah ibn Muslima, a friend of Yazid, went to Nu‘man ibn Bashir, the governor of Kufa, and warned him: “Muslim ibn Aqil (RA) has been in Kufa for ten days, and Imam Hussain (RA) is also on his way. You must arrest Muslim and send him to Yazid.”
Nu‘man ibn Bashir, deeply devoted to the Prophet ﷺ, was troubled by this and replied, “O Abdullah, if people hide him, I will not search. If they fight me, I will not fight back.” Upset by this response, Abdullah left and wrote directly to Yazid, informing him that Muslim (RA) had arrived in Kufa, large crowds supported him, and Imam Hussain (RA) was soon to follow. He also complained about Nu‘man’s inaction and urged Yazid to appoint a new governor.
Yazid was greatly alarmed upon receiving the letter.
The People’s Pledge of Allegiance
As recorded in Tarikh Ibn Abi Hatim and other sources, Imam Hussain (RA) sent Muslim ibn Aqil (RA) to Kufa and began preparing for his own journey. Upon arriving in Kufa, Muslim (RA) stayed at the house of Mukhtar ibn ‘Ubaydah and later at Hani ibn ‘Urwah’s residence. There, according to various reports, 18,000, 30,000, or even 40,000 people pledged allegiance to him.
When Yazid heard of this mass support, he was deeply shocked and disturbed.
Governor of Kufa Dismissed – Ibn Ziyad Appointed
According to Tarikh al-Tabari, when Yazid read the alarming letter, he summoned his caretaker—a man who had raised him—and said, “Imam Hussain (RA) is coming to oppose me. If he enters Kufa, consider Iraq lost. Suggest someone capable of crushing his supporters and ending this uprising.”
The man replied, “Only ‘Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad can handle this.” Yazid immediately dismissed Nu‘man ibn Bashir as governor and appointed Ibn Ziyad—then governor of Basra—as the new governor over both Kufa and Iraq.
Yazid sent strict orders: “Leave someone in charge of Basra and go to Kufa at once. Capture Muslim ibn Aqil (RA) and all who pledged allegiance to him, and eliminate them. If you encounter Hussain (RA), take his pledge. If he refuses, behead him and send me his head.”
Fusul al-Muhimmah notes that Yazid was, in fact, displeased with Ibn Ziyad and had considered removing him from Basra. However, for this mission, he kept him in place and granted him full authority over Kufa as well.
Ibn Ziyad’s Threat to the People of Basra
As recorded in Tarikh al-Tabari and similar sources, ‘Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad was pleased with Yazid’s command. He appointed his brother as deputy governor in Basra and set out for Kufa.
That very night, a man named Muslim ibn Jarud informed Ibn Ziyad that a messenger of Imam Hussain (RA) had arrived in Basra but was being secretly sheltered by supporters of Ali (RA) and respected locals. Ibn Ziyad, suspecting danger, summoned Imam Hussain’s (RA) servant Sulayman and tortured him until he confessed that he was indeed a messenger carrying Imam Hussain’s letter to the people of Basra.
The next day, Ibn Ziyad gathered the people and announced, “I have learned that the envoy of Hussain (RA) came to you with his letter. I’ve arrested him, and he has confessed. You know well my ruthlessness. Now I go to Kufa to deal with Muslim ibn Aqil (RA) and his followers with the sword. Beware!”
He then had Sulayman publicly executed by having him cut in two, declaring, “Anyone found with Hussain’s letter will be killed the same way.”
Thus, Ibn Ziyad left for Kufa, terrifying the people of Basra and later instilling fear in Kufa. His brutal tactics scattered and demoralized the supporters of Muslim ibn Aqil (RA).
Ibn Ziyad’s Deceptive Entry into Kufa
According to some narrations, ‘Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad set out for Kufa with a large force. When he reached Qadisiyyah, he separated from his army, disguised himself as a pilgrim, wore a large turban, mounted a camel, and entered Kufa between Maghrib and ‘Isha via the same route typically used by Hajj caravans.
As mentioned in Tarikh al-Tabari and other sources, he entered the city with just ten horsemen. The people of Kufa, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Imam Hussain (RA), saw him coming from the direction of Hijaz and assumed it was the Imam himself. Filled with joy, they welcomed him with greetings, drumbeats, and chants of “Welcome, O son of the Messenger of Allah!” Each person tried to host him at their home.
Ibn Ziyad remained silent, realizing they had mistaken him for Imam Hussain (RA) and noting the deep love they held for the Imam in their hearts. Quietly, he proceeded straight to the governor’s palace with his companions—having deceived the people of Kufa with his disguise.
Ibn Ziyad’s Entry into the Governor’s Palace and His Intimidation of the People of Kufa
According to Tarikh al-Tabari, when Ibn Ziyad arrived at the governor’s palace in Kufa, Nu‘man ibn Bashir locked the gates and climbed to the roof, calling out in panic, thinking it was Imam Hussain (RA): “O grandson of the Messenger of Allah! Please go elsewhere—this place is not safe for you!”
Ibn Ziyad’s men began to curse Nu‘man harshly and threatened to break down the door. Nu‘man refused, saying, “I will never open the door nor allow Hussain ibn Ali (RA) to be harmed under my watch.” Unable to contain his anger, Ibn Ziyad removed his turban, revealing his identity. Furious, he shouted, “May Allah curse you, Nu‘man! Open the door immediately!”
Those who had mistaken him for Imam Hussain (RA) were shocked and retreated in fear. Nu‘man eventually gave in and opened the gates. Ibn Ziyad entered the palace, and by morning, he summoned the people to the mosque. There, he read Yazid’s decree, declared his new position, and threatened anyone who supported Muslim ibn Aqil (RA). Though he had only a small force, his threats and tactics spread fear and disorder in Kufa within a single day.
Reflection
As I turn the pages of history and hear the ominous winds of Kufa’s betrayal, my heart salutes the foresight, sincerity, and sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA). On one side were passionate letters from the people of Kufa, full of devotion; on the other, wise counsel from Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA): “Test them first, then decide.”
Imam Hussain (RA) sent his envoy Muslim ibn Aqil (RA), who was initially met with overwhelming support and thousands of pledges. But soon, the familiar Kufan pattern returned—plots, fear, and betrayal. Yazid, upon learning of the situation, dispatched the ruthless Ibn Ziyad, who, through deception and brutality, completely changed the atmosphere of Kufa.
It felt as if history held its breath, time paused, and the darkness of tyranny began to move toward Karbala—marking the beginning of the final clash between truth and falsehood.
To Be Continued Soon
This informational and spiritual blog is the result of the dedicated writing and arrangement of Hazrat Pir Abu Nauman Rizvi Saifi Sahib, who continues to guide the Muslim Ummah with sincerity and devotion in matters of faith and spirituality.
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