It is the day everyone has heard of, it is the day that the biggest tragedy will take place.
It is Ashura.
Our Imam can be found today at the border of the tents with tears running down his face.
Today our beloved third Imam knows great tragedies will occur. Our Imam knows what sins the army of Yazid will commit. Our Imam knows that his loved ones will take their last breath.
Imam Hussain’s focus is lost for a moment, as he hears Lady Zainab (as) bursting into tears. Can you hear, Ali Akbar reading the fajr adhan in the voice of the Prophet (PBUH)?
The adhan is soon drowned out by war drums and trumpets.
The Battle of Karbala begins.
A few hours have passed and so many have been killed, Hazrat Abbas (as), Hazrat Qasim (as) and many others.
“Who will be next?” Ali Akbar said to himself. At that moment he knew what to do. Ali Akbar entered his father’s tent to find the Imam (as) weeping.
“Asalamualaikum baba” He said. When the Imam (as) realised his son had entered, he wiped away his tears. “Alaykum salaam my son, why have you come?” “Baba, I wish to sacrifice my life for you, the enemies have killed enough,” he replied.
“My son, I cannot let you go, Lady Zainab has raised you, she will not be able to take it, but I shall let you go,” Imam said crying.
Hazrat Ali Akbar takes his sword and bow, but whilst departing the women begged for him not to go.
The Imam (as) helps Ali Akbar to mount his horse, but when Ali Akbar leaves he hears footsteps behind him. It is his father.
“Baba, we have said goodbye, why do you follow me?” he said.
“Oh my son, you would understand if you were a father like me, with a son like you,” Imam (as) replied.
Hazrat Ali Akbar killed hundreds, his face shining like the Prophet’s (PBUH) face, so beautiful. The enemy cannot tolerate this. Ali Akbar fights like Imam Ali (as). He is another Ali (as)!
Umar ibn Saad says “Finish him, if Ali Akbar dies, Hussain will not want to live, Ali Akbar is the life of Hussain!”
But now Imam Hussain (as) cannot see- “Where are you my son, call me and I’ll come. I cannot see now, let me follow your voice.” Imam Hussain (as) looks towards the river – “Where are you Abbas, my back is broken I need your help.”
Imam Hussain (as) finds his son. A spear has struck deep in Ali Akbar’s chest and the enemy has broken it to test the Imam (as) patience.
Imam Hussain (as) grasps the broken spear- and looks towards the sky – “Ya Ali Madad.”
Labayk Ya Hussain (as)
I make dua that I can be a son like Hazrat Ali Akbar.
