THE STORY OF KARBALA - PART 4/04

THE MORNING OF ASHOORA, THE DEFECTION OF HURR

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The most dramatic event soon after this was the defection of Hurr, the commander who had actua-lly led Husayn into Karbala, to Husayn's side. Hurr was followed by his son, his brother, and his slave servant.

Hurr obviously, came with a guilty feeling. Husayn accepted Hurr and his companions with open arms. Hurr then asked Husayn if he could turn to his own troops and fight them until his last breath. Husayn gave him the permission.

Hurr now confronted the troops he had been commanding a few moments ago. When Umar bin S'ad saw this dramatic change in Hurr's attitude he was filled with fear as well as anger. He sent one of his close company commanders known as Safwan bin Hanzala to go and talk to Hurr and persuade him to return to his previous post.

Safwan bin Hanzala came riding with a lot of pomp and pride. He addressed Hurr, saying: " O Hurr, you are one of the best soldiers and one of the ablest commanders on our side. What are you doing with Husayn? Your place his here, with us."

Hurr replied: " Safwan, you know that Yazeed is a debauch man, a drunkard and a libertine. And on this side is Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet of Islam. His mother was Fatima Zahra, who was married to Ali bin Abi Talib in Paradise. Husayn is the one whom Qur'an had addressed in the verse of CLEANSING (TAT-HEER). You know all this, and knowing this, you are hiding the truth."

Safwan once again said; "Yes, granted all those things, but you are a soldier and a commander. What good is cleanliness and glory of Paradise for soldiers like us? Our place is with Yazeed, who holds power, who has wealth and has everything that you need in this world."

Hurr said: "O you despicable man! You know the Truth and even then denies it!"

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