The World Federation of KSIMC

TO SAVE YOU, O HUSAYN...

Name: Habib ibn Mazahir

Title: Al-Asadi

From: Kufa

Date & Place of Martyrdom: 10th Muharram 61 AH, Karbala

Of the various amazingly bright personalities that shine out in Karbala, Habib ibn Mazahir has a special place. He was so steeped in the love of Imam Husayn (a) that he is known as the childhood friend of Imam (a).

It was to Habib that Imam (a) wrote a letter, specifically inviting him to join him in Karbala.  Imam (a) had nothing to gain in military power from the addition of one man, neither did he need the moral support of any person in the sacrifice he was ready to present. The calling of Habib could therefore only have been motivated by love and the desire to see his friend gain the highest ranks of martyrdom.

Habib not only responded by coming from Kufa, but he also took a major role in the battle, leading the left wing of Imam (a)'s army  (Source: Kitab al Irshad).  Despite his age, his energy and zeal were those of a young man.  When he heard of the concerns of the women of the Ahlul Bayt (a) on the eve of Ashura, he took a group of the companions outside their tents and assured them that the tents would be safe as long they - the companions - were alive.

Later that night, when Lady Zaynab (a) was overcome with emotion and reassured when she heard Habib urging the companions, saying:  "O companions of al-Husayn! Tomorrow when the battle commences, you must be the first to advance to give your lives before the Hashimites. They are our leaders and masters."  (Source: Lamentations quoting (Kibrit al-Ahmar))

One of the most striking thing about these companions was their joy at being with Imam (a).  History narrates they were not only willing, but excited and happy at the prospect of what awaited them.  Habib himself was said to be seen wearing a big smile on the day of Ashura, in anticipation of martyrdom.  Their grief and pain was reserved only for the suffering that Imam Husayn (a) and his family would have to face.

Sources:

Kitab al-Irshad

Lamentations by Shk. Mohammad Ishtihardi