Page 40 - The Revolution of Imam Hussein

The Revolution of Imam Hussein

(as) a threat to his rule and ordered his governor in

Madina, al-Walid b.‘Utba b. Abi Sufyan (d.64A.H/684)
either to take (bay‘a) an oath of allegiance from Imam
Hussein (as) or to bring him his head; the same order
applied to the other sons of the companions (ashab) of
the prophet (p), and the Muslims of Madina (2). Imam
Hussein (as) refused to pledge an allegiance (bay‘a)
to Yazid partly due to Yazid’s irreligious behaviour.
He used to drink wine, spend much of his time in the
pleasure of music and singing and amusing himself with

apes and hunting hounds. He had no regard for the
religious sentiments of the Muslim community (3). In
these alarming conditions no one was able to challenge
him or save the people except Imam Hussein (as). Imam
Hussein (as) the symbol of justice told his governor.“
We are the household of the prophethood, the source
of messengership, the descending place of the angels,

through us God had began showering His favors and with
us he has perfected His favors, whereas Yazid is a sinful
person, a drunkard, the killer of the innocent people and
one who openly indulges in sinful acts. A person like me
can never pledge allegiance to a person like him” (4).
After Imam Hussein (as) refused to pay allegiance
toYazid, the people of Kufa wrote many letters to him
requesting him to come to their city. On the 10th of
the Month of Ramadan 60A.H/15th of June 680, Imam

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