Rafed English
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Arrival of Yazid's Forces

THE BRUTE IBNE-ZIAD at Kufa got the information of Husain's getting out of the control of Hur and also learnt that the.helpless Imam had camped near the River Euphrates. Regiment after regiment began to pour in on the plain of Karbala from all sides and ultimately the enemy's forces compelled Husain to shift his camp from the bank of the river to the interior of the burning desert. Husain's brother, the lion-hearted Abbas, objected to this demand from the enemy, claiming priority of occupation and the right of the son of the Holy Prophet, the Holy Imam, to stay where he had first camped. When the enemy wished to march towards the Holy Imam's camp, the brave Abbas at once drew his sword and stood firm and shouted to the men:

"One step forward if ye advance, ye shall lay headless there."

Knowing the bravery, valour, and prowess of the valiant son of Ali, the Lion of God, none cared to step forward. But Husain called his Brother saying:

"Brother Abbas! Let not bloodshed be initiated from our side. Let them occupy any place they like. They call themselves my Grandfather's followers. Let them enjoy every comfort they want. We shall suffer for them, being away from the water. When God is with us, Brother, what if, the river is far away from us."

With these words, the Holy Imam, in order to avoid bloodshed, issued orders to shift this camp into the interior of the burning desert and it was immediately done.

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