Wahab al-Kalbi belonged to a tribe in which many of them
remained a Christian since the time of the event of Mubahela. He was newly married and was travelling with his middle
aged mother and a twelve year old bride. They happened to cross the small band
of Imam Husayn (a.s.). He was deeply impressed by the noble personality of Imam
Husayn (a.s.), his honesty, piety, and knowledge. Wahab continued discussing
this with his mother and proceeded along with his caravan till they reached
Karbala. Following conversation took place between Wahab and his mother.
Wahab: Mother,
what should I do in this situation?
Mother: How do you
feel yourself, my son!
Wahab: In my
opinion Husayn (a.s.) is on the just path and it would be cowardly and against
all traditions of Arab chivalry and gallantry to leave the side of a man so
isolated and surrounded by blood-thirsty enemies.
Mother: If that is
what you think then we will remain with Husayn (a.s.)
On the Day of Ashura, when the companions went to the
battle-field one after the other, Wahab sought permission from Imam Husayn
(a.s.) to sacrifice his life. Imam Husayn (a.s.) must have been overwhelmed by
this young man’s passion for justice and fervor for the right cause. Imam
Husayn (a.s.) tried to explain to Wahab that it was a fight between the man who
was claiming to be the rightful Khalifa of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and
himself, the grandson of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.). It was clearly a
Muslim problem. Wahab must have replied
that although he was a Christian but
he knew that justice and truth was on Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s side. And that
the teachings of Christianity are not different from Islam in the matters of
truth and justice.
It is reported that
Wahab’s mother also pleaded on her son’s behalf and said: “O Grandson of the
Prophet of Islam! It will be an honor for me if my son fights for you and gives
his life protecting you.” Imam Husayn (a.s.) was still reluctant to give
permission to Wahab. When Wahab saw this
he said: “O Grandson of the Prophet of Islam! If that is the case then, from
this moment on, I am a Muslim.” Saying this, Wahab recited the Kalama and
became a Muslim. Now Imam Husayn (a.s.) had let him go to the battle-field.
While all this was going on, the bride of a few days, his wife started crying
when she saw that Wahab was going to the battle-field. She said: “What will
happen to me O my husband? Are you going to leave me alone in this world?”
Wahab’s mother said: “My son, don’t listen to her. She is young and immature.
You do what you think is the right thing.” The
bride approached Imam Husayn (a.s.) and said: “Are you the rightful Imam?” The
Imam replied: “Yes, I am” She said: “Then if Wahab dies protecting you, he
would go to the Paradise?” Imam
said: “Yes, he would.” The she said: “Can you promise me that you would not let
Wahab enter the Paradise without me.” The Imam said: “Yes, I promise you, you
and Wahab will enter the Paradise together.”
Wahab went and fought bravely and killed several enemy
soldiers then returned to his mother and asked her if she was please with him. The mother replied: “May Allah be pleased
with you. But I would really be pleased when I see you dying in action
protecting the grandson of the Prophet.” Wahab returned to the battle-field and
the mother stood by her tent and kept encouraging him. Wahab soon attained
martyrdom, seeing this; the bride ran to Wahab’s side, sat down and wept with
her face on her husband’s face. Seeing this, Shimr (l.a.) ordered her to be
killed. Thus she became the first woman martyr in Karbala. As promised by Imam
Husayn (a.s.), they both entered the Paradise together!
Umar ibn Sa’d (l.a.)
ordered that Wahab’s head be severed, the severed head of Wahab was thrown
towards his mother. She picked up the head, wiped off dust of his forehead,
kissed it and threw it back saying: “This was sadaqa given in Allah’s way. It
will not be taken back!”
Sources
used:
WIKIPEDIA,
SHIASTUDIES.NET
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