Once, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) was walking with
one of his companions named Mazahir. He (s.a.w.a.s.) called Mazahir’s young son
Habib to him and hugged and kissed him. On inquiry from Mazahir, He
(s.a.w.a.s.), with tears in his eyes replied: “While walking, I noticed that
Habib was behind my beloved grandson Husayn. Wherever Husayn stepped, he would
pick up sand from under his feet and put it to his eyes as a respect.
O’Mazahir! This Habib will come to my Husain’s rescue one day.”
Habib ibne Mazahir was also the companion of Imam Ali
(a.s.), Imam Hasan Ali (a.s.). When Imam Ali (a.s.) reluctantly accepted the
worldly khilafah, he moved the capital to Kufa, and Habib also migrated to
Kufa. He participated in all the battles with Imam Ali (a.s.) who had foretold
Habib about his martyrdom.
When Muslim bin Aqeel (a.s.) was sent by Imam Husayn
(a.s.) to ascertain the real situation in Kufa, he resided in Hazrat Mukhtar’s
house and Habib was present there. Initially, about 18,000 Kufans pledged
allegiance for Imam Husain on the hands of Hazrat Muslim. When Yazid (l.a.)
learnt about the situation he sent Ubaidullah bin Ziad as governor of Kufa. He
was infamous for lies, tyranny and treachery.
As the Kufans were expecting Imam Husayn (a.s.) to come to Kufa, it is
reported that Obaidullah ibn Ziad entered Kufa after completely covering his
entire body and deceived the people. But once inside the city, he showed his identity.
He mercilessly killed Hazrat Muslim ibn Aqeel (a.s.) and started the reign of
terror, sealed-off the city of Kufa so that nobody could enter or leave the
city without Obaidullah bin Ziad’s permission. Even Imam Husayn
(a.s.)’s messenger, Qays bin Mushir, was killed by throwing him from the
roof-top three times. Which Islamic law requires such brutal treatment to an
innocent Muslim!
Habib was heart-broken not knowing the whereabouts of
Imam Husayn (a.s.). Imam Husayn (a.s.) was already in Karbala. He wrote a
letter to his childhood friend, Habib explaining how Yazid’s vultures were
gathering around to kill him. His messenger delivered the message to Habib. Habib kissed the letter and tears started rolling on
his cheeks. His wife inquired whose letter it was. Habib replied and
said: “Who would have thought the people would be so thirsty for the blood of
the grandson of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) whose name they utter in every
Azaan and in every Salaat.” Habib’s wife said: “Habib, your childhood friend
has called. Your master needs your help. What are you waiting for? Go Habib,
before it is too late.” Habib’s slave also wanted to sacrifice his life for the
King of Martyrs, Imam Husayn (a.s.). They both secretly left for
Karbala.
In Karbala, Imam Husayn (a.s.) was distributing the
weapons to all the Mujahedin. There was one spear left, and someone asked: “O’
Son of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)! Who is the last spear for? “Imam
Husayn (a.s.) replied: “This is for my childhood friend Habib.” Just
then, Habib was walking towards the Imam’s camp. Imam Husayn (a.s.) ran forward
to greet him with great affection. On hearing the arrival of Habib, Sayyidah
Zaynab (s.a.) sent her salaam to him through Fizzah.
On the morning of Ashura, the 10th of
Muharram, Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s son Hazrat Ali Akbar gave Azaan for the last
time. Imam Husayn (a.s.) appointed Habib as the commander of one wing of his
small army. Yazid’s soldiers blew the trumpet to start the battle. One by one
Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s companions went to the battlefield and gave their lives
for Islam.
The time for Zohar prayer arrived and when a break for
Namaz was sought, Yazid’s army man Haseen uttered some ugly remarks whereupon
Habib got furious resulting in a dual. Habib bravely fought and killed 100 enemies
but ultimately fell and attained martyrdom.
Later, Habib’s head was cut-off along with other
martyrs, but his head was not raised on the spears but was tied to a horse and
pulled along the land of Karbala.
Source: Hazrat Habib ibne Mazahir by Maulana Syed Agha
Mehdi, Tears for Karbala by Liaqat Dewji, ezsoftech.com
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