THE FIRST MASSIVE ATTACK, HABEEB BIN MUZAHIR AND ZUHR PRAYER previous episode
Some of the remaining companions came and asked Husayn if they could approach the banks of the river and try to fetch water. They were allowed, but, every time they approached the banks, stiff resistance was put up by Yazeed's troops. All of them fought bravely and were killed in battle.
There are no reports of any water reaching Husayn's camp.
It was now mid-day and the time of Zuhr prayer was at hand. Abu Thamama, one of Husayn's loyal companions, approached him and asked him if prayer could be arranged. Husayn praised Abu Thamama and asked for Salatal-Khawf (Prayers under siege) to be done. Husayn was determined to leave a legacy at every step. He showed the importance of Salat for Muslims by this act.
While prayer rows were being fomed in Husayn's camp in full view of the enemy, the enemy soldiers and commanders watched it with awe and surprise. One of the commanders in Yazeed';s army named Haseen bin Numayr called out and said:"Husayn your prayers will not be accepted by Allah."
Husayn himself had not responded to that. One of his own companions named Habeeb bin Muzahir became outraged at that and said:"O you cursed man, you think the prayer of the grandson of the Prophet will not beaccepted and yours will?"
Habeeb then turned to Husayn and said:"My master and my Imam, the best thing in this world would have been to offer my prayers in your leadership, but now, I will offer my prayers in paradise in the leadership of your grandfather, the Prophet of Islam." Saying that, Habeeb took his sword out and fell on the enemy.
At age 72, he was fighting like a thirty year old. After killing many of the enemy soldiers, Habeeb was fatally wounded. Husayn came to his side, sat down in dust and praised Habeeb for his efforts in the cause of Islam. Habeeb died with his head in Husayn's lap.
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