History Books

AFTER ABBAS, CAME the turn of Ali-e-Akbar, to go to the battlefield. It is reported that this eighteen-year-old son was so very much loved by one and all in the camp that the account of his taking leave of his mother, aunts, sisters, brothers and other relatives is so pathetic that none can resist shedding at least a few tears over the heart-rending event. At last when the Holy Imam sent Ali-eAkbar, the 'Ahmad-i-theitiP, i.e., (Muhammad the Second), to the battlefield, he raised his head 1.0,-.1rds Heaven and said:

Is not this offer more acceptable to God than that of Abraham who offered with his eyes blindfolded ? Is not this a Greater Sacrifice than that of Ishmael ?

When Ali-e-Akbar went into the battlefield, it is reported that the Devil's forces were so much amazed at his resemblance with the Holy Prophet that such of those who had seen him before, wondered if the Holy Prophet had reappeared in the world to help his dear grandson Husain. People were so anxious to have a look at the enchanting beauty of the youth that those in the rear of the enemy's ranks, mounted on the horses and camels, even stood on the backs of the animals to have a look at the matchless and the wonder-striking beauty of this son of the Holy Imam. But lo! There was a treacherous onslaught and Ali-e-Akbar fell with a lance pierced through his breast as the Holy Imam had prophesied. God alone knows what a patient heart the Holy Imam had been endowed with, which never gave way against any catastrophe even that of the loss of such a son. The Holy Imam stood looking at his son dying before his eyes and lifting his head towards Heaven said :-

Adapted from the book: "Husain; The Saviour of Islam" by: "S.V. Mir Ahmed Ali"