On the 8th of Muharram, the key events surrounding the tragedy of Karbala include the siege being tightened around Imam Husayn’s camp, a final attempt at negotiation, and the severe suffering from thirst that plagued the Imam’s family and companions. A pivotal moment commemorated on this day is also the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali al-Akbar, Imam Husayn’s son.
The mounting siege and suffering
- Reinforcements arrive: Between the 4th and 8th of Muharram, the Umayyad governor Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad sent continuous reinforcements to the army already surrounding Imam Husayn’s camp. By the 8th, the Umayyad forces at Karbala swelled to tens of thousands.
- Hope turns to despair: Each time more soldiers arrived, the sounds of jubilation, drums, and trumpets would reach Imam Husayn’s camp. His sister, Lady Zainab, would hope that these new arrivals were in response to Imam Husayn’s letter, coming to offer aid. She was repeatedly disheartened upon learning that they were more enemy forces.
- Extreme thirst: The enemy army, acting on Ibn Ziyad’s orders, had cut off access to the Euphrates river since the 7th of Muharram. By the 8th, the thirst in Imam Husayn’s camp became unbearable, especially for the women and children. The scarcity of water intensified the suffering and desperation of the encircled group.
- Imam Husayn’s meeting with Ibn Sa’d
- A final attempt at peace: On the night of the 8th of Muharram, Imam Husayn sent a messenger to Umar ibn Sa’d, the commander of the Umayyad forces, requesting a meeting.
- A fruitless discussion: The two leaders met with a small number of guards between the two camps. Imam Husayn pleaded with Ibn Sa’d, asking him to fear God and abandon his plan to fight the Prophet’s grandson. He even offered to compensate Ibn Sa’d for any personal losses he might incur by leaving the Umayyad side.
- The path of greed: Despite being visibly moved by Imam Husayn’s words, Ibn Sa’d ultimately chose personal gain and worldly power over justice. He admitted his fear of losing his properties and position if he did not follow Ibn Ziyad’s orders. Imam Husayn prophesied that Ibn Sa’d would not benefit from his betrayal and would not be forgiven by God.
- The martyrdom of Ali al-Akbar
- Ali al-Akbar’s sacrifice: While some sources differ on the exact day, accounts widely state that Ali al-Akbar, the eldest son of Imam Husayn, was martyred on the 8th of Muharram.
- His courage and devotion: After suffering intensely from thirst, Ali al-Akbar returned to his father and asked for water. In a heart-wrenching moment, Imam Husayn gave him his ring and promised that he would soon be with his grandfather, the Prophet Muhammad, who would quench his thirst in paradise.
- A final, valiant stand: Despite his weakening state, Ali al-Akbar returned to the battlefield, fighting bravely and slaying many enemy soldiers before being struck down. When he was martyred, he called out to his father, telling him that the Prophet was there to welcome him.