Who was Muslim bin Aqeel?
Muslim Bin Aqeel was Aqeel ibn Abu Taalib’s (as) son. Muslim Bin Aqeel was a well-known warrior of Bani Hashim. Muslim Bin Aqeel married Ruqayya bint Ali (as), and Imam Hussain (as) sister through a different mother. Muslim Bin Aqeel had four children. Abdullah was around 15 years old, Muhammad was about ten, Ibraheem was eight, and a daughter Ruqayya was about five or six. All of these children had travelled with their parents to Mecca.
Hazrat Muslim Bin Aqeel al-Hashimi was a relative of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Ameer Muslim was the son of Aqil ibn Abi Talib (as) and a cousin of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (as), who sent him to Kufa in Iraq as His Ambassador.
The Kufians welcomed Ameer Muslim Bin Aqeel and overwhelmingly swore to support Imam Hussain (as) against the illegal and dictatorial Umayya government. In the history of Islam, Muslim Bin Aqeel is respected for his bravery and moral uprightness. Shia pilgrims travel to Kufa to visit his shrine.
Early years of Muslim Bin Aqeel’s life:
Muslim Bin Aqeel was the son of Aqil brother of Mola Ali (as), and nephew of the Holy prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Muslim Bin Aqeel’s birth date is stated, as early 12 hijri and shahadat in 60 Hijri, Muslim Bin Aqeel had a reputation as a ferocious fighter, fighting in the Battle of Siffin for his uncle Ali ibn Abi Talib (as).
Ambassador to Kufa
On the 28th of Rajab, 60 A.H., Imam Hussain’s caravan left Madina. They arrived in Mecca on Shabaan 4th. Imam a.s had not yet decided where he wanted to go. For the time being, He decided to remain in Mecca until the month of Zil Hajj and complete the pilgrimage.
Letters of kufians
The residents of Iraq’s Kufa heard about what had happened in Madina. Kufa was a significant Shia centre. Muawiya had long oppressed the Shias in the region. They feared that under Yazid, they would suffer even worse. They believed that the hunger for power and glory of these two men would gradually destroy Islam. They were concerned about preserving the Holy Prophet’s teachings.
They required an Imam to teach them the tafseer of the Holy Quraan as well as the genuine sayings, ahaadees, of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). They met in the home of Sulaiman bin Surad and decided to compose a letter inviting Imam Hussain a.s.
“We invite you to come to Kufa as we have no Imam to guide us,” they stated in the letter. Allah will unite us on the road of truth through you.”
A messenger delivered the letter to Imam Hussain a.s in Mecca. A few days later, the people of Kufa dispatched an emissary, a special message, to convince Imam to go to Kufa. Qais ibn Musheer as-Saydawi was his name.
Hundreds of other letters and special ambassadors were sent to Imam Hussain a.s from the people of Kufa.
Nu’amaan bin Basheer served as the Governor of Kufa. Despite being a Muawiya and Yazid adherent, he was not a cruel man by nature. The residents of Kufa were confident that Imam would be safe there.
When Imam Hussain a.s received so many petitions and communications from Kufa, he decided to send Hazrat Ameer Muslim (a.s) as a representative to Kufa to investigate the matter and report back to the Imam a.s.
He composed a message to the Kufa people and delivered it to Hazrat Muslim. Imam a.s stated in this letter,
“I have sent my cousin and one of my family’s most trusted members, Muslim ibn Aqeel, to report to me on your circumstances.” If his report matches with what you’ve written, I’ll be there soon. You must understand that the Imam a.s is the only one who follows Allah’s book and serves Allah with justice, honesty, and truth in all things and affairs.”
Hazrat Muslim bin Aqeel a.s Journey started:
Hazrat Muslim Bin Aqeel as and his two sons said their goodbyes and left Mecca. It was a challenging journey through the desert in the summer heat. They landed in Kufa near the end of the month of Zil Qaad. They were well received by the residents of Kufa. Within moments, over eighteen thousand individuals appeared before Hazrat Muslim a.s and offered loyalty to Imam Hussain (a.s) as their Imam.
Hazrat Muslim Bin Aqeel as informed Imam Hussain a.s that the majority of the people in Kufa were keen to receive him as their Imam and suggested that the Imam a.s should travel to Kufa. Yazid had many spies among the residents of Kufa who reported all these activities directly to him.
Place of stay:
He initially remained in the house of Ameer al-Mukhtar Ibn Abi Ubayda saqafi, which is now known as the house of Muslim Ibn al-Musayyi the Shia began to visit him on a regular basis. When a group of them gathered around him, he read Imam Hussain’s a.s letter, and everyone wept during it. The people swore loyalty to him (on behalf of Imam Hussain a.s) to the level that eighteen thousand men did.
As a result, Muslim Bin Aqeel as wrote to Imam Hussain, a.s notifying him of the eighteen thousand’s promise of devotion to him and begging him to come to Kufa.
The Shia began to pay frequent visits to Muslim Bin Aqeel as and his place of residence became well-known. Muawiya’s governor of Kufa, Numan Ibn Bashir, who had been approved in office by Yazid, was aware of his movements. He approached the podium and, after adoring God, said:
“Servants of God, fear God and do not rush into resistance and disagreement, for in doing so, men will die, blood will be shed, and wealth will be plundered.” I don’t fight someone who doesn’t fight back, and I don’t bother those of you who keep quiet. I won’t fight you, nor do I arrest you just on doubt, accusation, or rumour.
However, if you turn your backs on me, break your promise of devotion, and reject your governor, by God, other than Whom there is no deity, I will strike you with my sword for as long as its hilt is in my hand, even if I have none of you to assist me. But I hope that those of you who know the truth exceed those who are destroyed by deceit.”
“O governor, what you see can only be correctly handled with aggression; for the view which you hold about what (should be done) among you and your enemy is that of the weak,” said Abd Allah ibn Muslim ibn Rabi’al al-Hadrami.
“I would rather be one of the weak (while remaining) in obedience to God than one of the mighty (while remaining) in rebellion against God,” replied -Nu’man.
Then he stepped down from the pulpit.
The new governor of Kufa (Ibn Ziyad):
Abd Allah ibn Muslim ibn Rabi’al al-Hadrami and Umer ibn e Saad wrote letters to Yazid malaun that you should send a cruel and strict governor in Kufa to destroy this movement of Muslim Bin Aqeel a.s right now, as the letters received He sent Basra’s governor ibn e Ziyad towards Kufa.
He was veiled and wearing a black turban when he arrived at Kufa.
People had heard of Imam e Hussain’s a.s departure and were waiting for him to arrive. They misunderstood Ubaid Ullah for Imam Hussain a.s when they saw him. He (Ubayd ullah) never passed through a crowd without being greeted. They were claiming:
“Welcome, son of the Apostle of God, your arrival is a happy (event).” He noticed something troubling in their reception of al Husayn. “This is the governor ‘Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad,” Muslim Ibn Amr stated after their number had become so much that they were delaying them. He continued till he was reaching the (governor’s) palace at night.
When a man behind him heard this, he retreated to the people of Kufa who were following (Ibn Ziyad) and believed him to be Imam Hussain a.s.
“O people, it is Ibn Mirjana,” he said, “by Him other than Whom there is no deity.” Al-Numan unlocked the door for him, and he entered. They slammed the door in their faces, and the crowd dispersed.
Ibn Ziyad was an unjust and wicked man. On the evening of the 2nd Dhul Hajj, he arrived at Kufa. The next day, he went to the mosque and spoke to the people of Kufa. He originally announced his position as governor of Yazid, and then threatened anyone involved in any anti-government action with death and ordered them to hand over Hazrat Muslim Bin Aqeel as to him.
Ibn Ziyad sealed Kufa so that no one could enter or leave without the governor’s consent.
Hazrat Muslim Bin Aqeel as was residing with Ameer Al Mukhtar at the time. He relocated to Hani bin Urwah’s residence at the invitation of Hani bin Urwah, another prominent Shia member of Kufa.
Except for a few people, no one knew where Hazrat Muslim Bin Aqeel as was at the time. Ibn Ziyad discovered the location of Hazrat Muslim through a spy who claimed to be a Shia, after this Hani was apprehended and imprisoned.
Ameer Muslim Bin Aqeel a.s left Hani’s home:
Not wanting to risk his friends’ life, Hazrat Muslim Bin Aqeel as and his two boys left Hani’s residence. He left the children with Qazi Shuray, a judge in Qufa, and headed towards the desert to warn Imam Hussain a.s not to go to Kufa.
The seventh day of Dhul Hajj.
That entire day and the next, Hazrat Muslim Bin Aqeel as attempted to flee the city. All of the exits were shut and guarded by Ibn Ziyad soldiers.
Kuffan betrayal:
The public support that Muslim Bin Aqeel as received was genuine. However, the poor, as always, bear the scars and wounds of oppression and are easily frightened and dominated by deception and oppression. Over 20,000 people surrounded Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad, who sought safety behind the palace’s closed door with twenty of his elite. Cunning and vicious that he was, Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad dispatched, as spies into the throng through a rear entrance, his comrades Kathir ibn Shihab al-Harithi, al-Qa’qa’ ibn Shour ath-Thuhali, Shabath ibn Rib’iy at-Tamimi, Hajjar ibn Abjar, Shimr ibn zil-Jowshan al-Aamiri.
They interacted with the audience and claimed to sympathise with them. They first sought out, targeted, and informed their families and friends that, while their cause was just, confronting a ruthless ruler like ibn Ziyad was useless. They also propagated rumours that Yazid had deployed a huge army to quash the uprising at Ubaidillah’s request. They circulated the rumour that when the army arrived, even innocent spectators would face the harshest penalty, and anything they owned would be confiscated, forcing them to become beggars.
Simultaneously, Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad sent Muhammad ibn al-Ash’as, al-Qa’qa’ ath-Thuhali and a few other men with white flags in the signal of an agreement to declare that anyone who come over to them and stood under the white flag would be not subjected to penalties and those who failed in doing so would be severely punished by Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad and the coming army of Yazid. Those who arrived under the flag were soon taken away to their own houses. The rumours and trick had an electrical impact, and the crowd vanished quickly. The astonished Muslim Bin Aqeel as was left to observe the unexpected turn of events.
Kathir ibn Shihab al-Harithi was tasked with locating all Imam Ali (a.s.) companions as well as those who sympathised with or supported the cause of Imam Husayn (a.s.). Soon after, Sulayman ibn Surad al-Khuza’iy, Ibrahim bin Malik al-Ashtar, Ibn Safwan, Yahaya ibn Ouf, Sa’sa’a bin Souhan al-Abdi, and other pious and intelligent men of Kufa were seized and imprisoned. Hussein bin Numayr afterwards seized and imprisoned al-Muktar at-Thaqafi, who lived in the settlement of Qatawan. He also detained Abdullah bin Nufeil at the Kufa Mosque. In actuality, the last two lords mentioned were imprisoned until after Yazid bin Mu’awiya’s death and then released by the population in a subsequent rebellion.
On the eighth Zilhaj, late in the evening, Hazrat Muslim Bin Aqeel a.s knocked on the door of a residence on the outskirts of the city, fatigued, hungry, and drained.
The door was opened by a lady. Hazrat Muslim Bin Aqeel a.s asked for some water to satisfy his thirst. He was given water by the lady. When she found out who he was, she invited him in and offered him a place to stay for the night. Tau’aa was the name of this lady. She fed and watered Hazrat Muslim a.s and led him to a room where he could spend the night.
Tauaa’s son returned home late that night.
When he discovered that the man Ibn Ziyad was seeking was in his mother’s house, he believed that the governor could reward him if he got Hazrat Muslim Bin Aqeel a.s jailed. He went out in the middle of the night, unseen to his mother, and handed the information to a captain in Ibn Ziyad’s army.
They went to Muslim Bin Aqeel’s a.s residence early the next morning. When He heard the beating of horses’ hooves and the shouting of men, he knew they had come for him. As they rushed wildly towards the house, he charged out with his sword ready.
He swooped down on them and hit them with his sword, driving them away from the home. They launched another attack, and Muslim Bin Aqeel as responded in kind. He and Bakr ibn Humran al-Ahmari fought, and Bakr struck Ameer Muslim Bin Aqeel a.s in the mouth, slashing his upper lip and slicing down to the lower lip, knocking out two of his teeth.
Ameer Muslim Bin Aqeel a.s smashed him on the head again and again, tearing a nerve along his shoulder with a blow that nearly reached his stomach. When the people saw this, they (got up and) gazed down on him (Muslim) from the roofs of the homes, and they began to throw stones at him and light sticks of wood with fire, which they flung over the top of the home. When he saw this, he charged into the path against them, his sword unsheathed.
“You have my assurance of safety,” Ibn al- Ashath replied, “but don’t kill yourself.”
But he persisted, saying, “I swear I will only be killed as a free man, even though I don’t view death as something horrible, or it turns the cold into a bitter heat and deflects the sun’s ray (forever).” Every guy will meet an evil one day;
I believe I shall be tricked and deluded.”
“You will not be lied to, deluded, or deceived,” Ibn al-Ashath answered. “These people (Banu Umayya) are your old companions from quresh, and they will not fight or strike you.”
Stones had injured him and the fighting had weakened him. He was short of breath and propped his back up upon the house’s wall. Ibn al-Ash’ath reiterated his assurance of security.
“Do I have security?” he explained.
“Yes,” he said, and he told the individuals who were with him, “he is given protection by me.”
“Yes,” the people said, with the exception of (Amr Ibn) ‘Ubayd Allah Ibn al-Abbas al-Sulami.
“I have neither she nor camel in this (i.e. I will have nothing to do with it),” he remarked, turning away.
A mule was brought in, and he was mounted. They surrounded him and yanked his weapon away. His eyes welled up with tears.
“This is the first betrayal,” he grieved.
“I hope nothing bad happens to you,” said Ibn al- Ashath.
“Is it all hope?” he responded as he broke down. “Where, then, is your security guarantee?” Indeed, we belong to God, and we will return to Him.”
“One who has sought the like of what you have sought should not weep when what has befallen you befalls him,” ‘Amr Ibn ‘Ubayd Allah Ibn al-‘Abbas taunted him.
“I would not cry for myself, nor would I mourn for my own death, even though I have no desire to,” he said. But I am sobbing for my relatives who are visiting me, and I am weeping for my Imam Hussain a.s and his family, may peace be upon them.”
Then he approached Ibn al-Ash’ath and said, “O servant of God, by God, I see that you are unable to grant me a security guarantee.” But do you have the foresight to send one of your men with my letter so that it reaches Hussain a.s. For I have no doubt that he has already begun or will soon begin his journey to you. (This messenger) would inform you that Ibn ‘Aqil has dispatched him to you.
He is a prisoner in the hands of the people, and he does not expect to see evening before he is killed; and he says: Return, may my father and mother be your ransom, with your House, and do not be tempted by the Kufans, for they were your father’s followers, and he desired to leave them even through death and murder. You have been duped by the Kufans. A liar has no discernment.”
“By God, I will do that,” Ibn al-Ash’ath responded, “and I will inform Ibn Ziyad that I have given you a guarantee of security.”
Ibn al-Ash’ath accompanied Ibn Aqil a.s to the palace door. He inquired about permission to enter. He was granted permission and went in to see Ibn Ziyad. He reported on Ibn ‘Aqil a.s and Bakr’s attack against him and his own assurance of security to him.
“What does this have to do with you and a guarantee of security?”As if we sent you to ensure his safety when we only sent you to bring him,” ‘Ubayd Allah said.
Ibn al-Ashath remained mute.
Ibn Aqil’s a.s hunger had grown unbearable while he lingered at the royal door. People sat outside the palace door, waiting for permission to enter. ‘Umara Ibn ‘Uqba Ibn Abi Mu’ayt, ‘Amr Ibn Hurayth, Muslim Ibn Amr, and Kathir ibn ShihaIbn were among them.
A jug of cold water was placed near the doorway.
“Give me a drink of that water,” the Muslim Bin Aqeel as inquired.
“See how cold it is,” Muslim Ibn Amr answered, “but by God, you will never taste a drop of it until you feel the heat of Hell-fire.”
“Whoever you are, shame on you!” exclaimed Ibn Aqil a.s.
“I am the one who saw the truth when you denied it; who was honest with his Imam when you deceived him; and who was obedient to him when you opposed him.” “My name is Ibn Amr al-Bahili, and I am a Muslim.”
“Your mother has been bereft of a son,” Ibn ‘Aqil a.s answered. “How coarse, how rough, how hard is your heart.” Man of Bahila, you are more suited to the heat of Hellfire and to spend eternity there than I am.”
He took a seat, leaning against a wall. ‘Amr Ibn Hurayth dispatched one of his sons to bring a jug, napkin, and cup. He filled it with water and instructed him to drink. However, anytime he went to drink, he filled the cup with blood, leaving him unable to drink. He did it once, then twice. His tooth slipped into the cup when he drank for the third time.
“Praise be to God,” he stated, adding, “If it had been a provision granted to me (by God), I could have drunk it.”
Ibn Ziyad’s messenger appeared and told him to go see him. He entered without greeting him as governor.
“Do you not greet the governor?” The guard demanded.
“What is the point of greeting him with vows of peace if he wants my death?” he responded. “If he did not want my death, my greetings (of peace) to him would be abundant.”
“By my life, you will be killed,” Ibn Ziyad said.
“So be it,” he said.
“Indeed, (it will).”
“Then let me make my will
“Do (so).”
Last wishes of Hazrat Muslim bin Aqeel a.s:
Ameer Muslim Bin Aqeel a.s turned to face those seated with Ubayd Allah. ‘Umar Ibn Saad ibn Abi Waqaas was one among them. “Umar, there is a kinship between you and me, and I need you,” he continued. So you could do what I needed you to do. But it’s a closely guarded secret.”
Umar would not listen to him.
“Why do you refuse to consider your elderly relative’s needs?”Ubayd Allah inquired. So Umar joined him and sat where Ibn Ziyad could see both of them.
- “I have a debt in Kufa,” Muslim Bin Aqeel explained. “When I arrived in Kufa, I borrowed 700 dirhams.” Sell my weapon and gear to pay my loan.
- When I am killed, ask Ibn Ziyad to bring you my body and bury it as per Islamic law.
- Send Imam Hussain a.s, my message, I have written to him, informing him that the people are behind him, and all I can think is that he is on his way.” So send him my message and ask him to return to Makkah or anywhere else but don’t come to Kufa.
“Do you know what he told me, governor?”Umar told Ibn Ziyad. “He mentioned these things.”
“The faithful would not betray you,” Ibn Ziyad said (Muslim), “but the traitor had been revealed.” What you have is yours, and we will not stop you from doing whatever you want with it. We don’t care what happens to the body once we’ve killed it. We shall not mean (damage) to al Husayn provided he does not intend (hurt) to us.”
Then Ibn Ziyad remarked, “Ibn Aqil a.s, you visited the people while they were all (united), and you separated them and confused their opinions so that some of them attacked others.”
“No,” Ibn ‘Aqil a.s said, “I came not for that, but because the residents of the city believed that your father had murdered their best men, shed their blood, and established governors among them like Choesroe and Caesar.” We arrived to encourage justice and to stand for the rule of the Book.”
“What are you going to do with it, you great sinner?” shouted Ibn Ziyad. “Why didn’t you do that among those who lived in Medina when you were drinking wine?” “Drink wine, me!” God knows you are not expressing the truth and have spoken with no knowledge, for I am not as you have stated. You are more accurately characterised as drinking wine than I am, (you) who lap the blood of Muslims and kill the life that God forbids killing, and (you are one) who sheds holy blood on behalf of usurpation, hatred, and evil beliefs. At the same time, he (Yazid) enjoys his character and plays as if he had done nothing.”
“You great sinner (fasiq),” Ibn Ziyad screamed, “your own soul made you desire what God prevented you from having (i.e. authority) (because) God did not regard you as worthy of it.”
“Who is deserving of it if we aren’t?” Muslim Bin Aqeel as remarked.
“The Commander of the Faithful, Yazid,” Ibn Ziyad said.
“Praise be to God,” Muslim Bin Aqeel a.s screamed. “We will accept the decision of God among us and you regardless of circumstance.”
“May God kill me if I do not kill you in a way that no one in Islam has (ever) killed before,” Ibn Ziyad responded.
“You are the person with the most right to commit new crimes in Islam,” Muslim Bin Aqeel a.s said, “because you won’t give up evil murder, wicked punishment, shameful practice, and avaricious domination to anyone (else).”
Ibn Ziyad began cursing him, as well as Imam Hussain a.s, Mola Ali a.s, and ‘Aqil, peace be on them, but Muslim Bin Aqeel a.s remained silent.
“Take him up to the top of the palace,” Ibn Ziyad ordered, “and cut off his head, (throw it to the ground), and make (his body) follow it (to the ground).”
“Who is the man whose head Ibn Aqil slashed with his sword?” inquired Ibn Ziyad. Then Bakr Ibn Humran al Ahmari summoned him and said, “Climb up, and you be the one who cuts his head off.”
He (Muslim a.s) said, “God is Greatest (Allahu Akbar)” He requested forgiveness from God and prayed for the Apostle’s blessings, saying, “O God, judge between us and a people who have deceived us, lied against us, and betrayed us.” And O Allah save My Imam a.s and His family from these cruel wolfs of Yazid (malaun)
His a.s head was severed (and thrown to the ground), and his body was made to follow his lead.
Yazid Ibn Muawiya wrote a letter after the news of Muslim Bin Aqeel a.s death:
You have not exceeded my expectations. You took the decisive action I requested. You have launched an attack with the violence of a man in command of his emotions. You have satisfied me, been adequate for (the assignment), and confirmed my perception of you and my judgement of you.
I called your two emissaries, questioned them, and spoke with them. As you indicated, I found them in their points of view and worth. On my advice, treat them both with kindness. I’ve learned that Imam Hussain a.s has left for Iraq. Set alerts and watches, be cautious, and detain suspicious (characters). Put to death (everyone who is) accused, and notify me of any further developments. The Exalted God wishes.
In the end :
From 9 zil hajj 60 hijri the greatest sacrifice of Karbala has been started through shahadat of Ameer Muslim Bin Aqeel a.s and His sons Muhammad a.s and Ibrahim a.s who were executed on 10th of zil haj . When Imam e Hussain got to hear the news of Ameer Muslim Bin Aqeel’s a.s shahadat He said inna lillah wa inna alyhe rajiyoon the time of my promise has arrived well stay in Karbala now and bought the land of Karbala.
May Allah count us as the followers and ushaaq’s of Muhammad o Ahl e Bit e Muhammad (pbuh) on the day of judgment of Imam e Zamana will arrive to take Revenge for all Umah’s cruelty.
