HAZRAT QASIM BIN IMAM HASAN (A.S.)

Hazrat Qasim was the son of Imam Hasan (a.s.) and lady Umme Farwah (s.a.). No authentic record of his date of birth is available but it is said that he was about 3 years old at the sad martyrdom of Imam Hasan (a.s.). Sayyid-ush-Shuhadah, Imam Husayn (a.s.) raised him and Hazart Abbas (a.s.), the Commander of the army of Imam Husayn (a.s.) trained him with the skills of sword fighting.

When Imam Husayn (a.s.) left Madinah Munawwarah, Hazrat Qasim and his mother accompanied him.

Imam Husayn (a.s.) and his entire family, including Sayyida Zaynab binte Ali (s.a.) and her two sons; Aoun and Muhammad, first proceeded to Makkah and later travelled towards Karbala/Kufa. They reached Karbala on the 2^nd Muharram ul-Haraam 61 A.H. Like Muawiya, Yazid (l.a.)’s army used the same inhuman tactic of depriving water to the camp of Imam Husayn (a.s.) from the 7^th Muharram ul-Haraam. On the night of the 9^th Muharram, Imam Husayn gave a sermon and foretold the people about the impending martyrdom and offered to lift his allegiance (Bai’at) from the people and advised them that they will be guaranteed their place in Paradise and they could leave and save their lives. But the companions reused to leave him and vowed to fight with him till they achieve martyrdom. Them the Imam (a.s.) showed everyone’s abode in the Paradise. Hazrat Qasim (a.s.) who had not attained puberty till then inquired from his uncle if his name was also written in the manifest of martyrs? The Imam (a.s.) asked, “How do you feel about death?” He replied, “Sweeter than honey!”

On the Day of Ashura, Hazrat Qasim sought permission from his uncle Imam Husayn who would not give him permission. He went back to his mother and asked for help. Hazrat Umme Farwa (s.a.) produced a letter written by Imam Hasan (a.s.) addressing Hazrat Qasim saying that a time will come when your uncle will be surrounded by tens of thousands of enemies, then you should sacrifice your life to safe Islam. Hazrat Qasim was happy and took the letter to Imam Husayn (a.s.) who wept seeing his brother’s writing reluctantly gave permission to Hazrat Qasim to go for jehad. The Imam himself prepared Hazrat Qasim, but he was so young that no armor could fit him, his feet did not reach the saddle. Somehow, he was readied and sent to the battlefield. Humaid bin Muslim says, “A young lad came out against us, his face was like the first splinter of the new moon.” He fought bravely and killed many soldiers. Ibne Fudayl attacked his head from behind and Hazrat Qasim fell on the ground and called out Imam Husayn (a.s.). The Imam responded fast by attacking the enemy like a lion and hit Ibne Fudayl who was hurt and fell, but Hazrat Qasim was trampled by the horses and his body severely damaged.  Imam Husayn (a.s.) said, “May God curse the people who killed you. Your father and your grandfather will avenge you on the Day of Resurrection.”

Sources: The Event of Taff, the Earliest Historical Account of the Tragedy of Karbala by Abu Mikhnaf, WIKIPEDIA, WIKISHIA, Shia chat, Journey of Tears by Mullah Bashir Rahim