- On the 7th of Muharram in 680 CE, Yazid’s army cut off access to the Euphrates River for Imam Husayn, his family, and companions at Karbala, leaving them without water and intensifying their suffering as the battle approached. This denial of water underscored the oppressive nature of Yazid’s regime and the immense hardship faced by the besieged group, contributing to the escalating conflict and the eventual martyrdom of Imam Husayn and most of his companions on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura).
- The 7th of Muharram
- Arrival at Karbala:Imam Husayn and his caravan were intercepted by Yazid’s forces and forced to camp in the desert of Karbala.
- Denial of Water:On the 7th of Muharram, the Umayyad army cut off all access to the nearby Euphrates River, which was the only water source for the small group.
- Growing Hardship:This act led to severe thirst and hunger for the families, children, and companions of Imam Husayn, who endured the conditions for the next few days under the scorching desert heat.
- Significance of the Event
- Symbol of Oppression:The denial of water was a significant act of cruelty by Yazid’s army, highlighting their intent to force Imam Husayn to submit by any means necessary.
- Strengthening Resolve:Despite the immense suffering, Imam Husayn and his followers maintained their resolve to stand against oppression.
- Precursor to the Battle:The hardships faced on and after the 7th of Muharram added to the tragic circumstances that culminated in the Battle of Karbala on the 10th of Muharram.
- Water blockade ordered by Yazid The governor of Kufa, Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad, acting on behalf of Yazid, sent a letter to his commander, Umar ibn Sa’d, ordering him to prevent Imam Hussain and his companions from reaching the water.
- Siege conditions worsen Under the command of Amr ibn Hajjaj, 500 horsemen were stationed along the riverbank to enforce the blockade and ensure no one in Hussain’s camp could get a single drop of water.
- Suffering in the camp
- The camp’s stored water was quickly exhausted in the scorching desert heat, leading to severe thirst for everyone, particularly the women and children, including the infant Ali Asghar.
- This act was a psychological tactic by Yazid’s army to force Imam Hussain to surrender by inflicting maximum pain and suffering on his vulnerable family.
- Unshaken resolve Despite the intense thirst and the threat of the vastly larger Umayyad army, Imam Hussain and his companions remained steadfast in their refusal to pledge allegiance to Yazid, choosing to stand against oppression and tyranny.