Aun and Muhammad were the sons of Bibi Zainab. They had not accompanied Bibi
Zainab when she left Madina with Imaam Hussain A.S. Just before Imaam Hussain
started his journey from Mecca, Hazrat Abdullah ibne Jaffer brought his two sons
to Mecca and handing them over to Imaam Hussain said, "Ya Imaam, since you have
decided to go and will not allow me to come with you, please take my two sons
with you. Aun will represent his maternal grandfather Hazrat Ali A.S. and the
other will represent his paternal grandfather Hazrat Jaffer-e-Tayyaar".
Aun and Muhammad were quite young. It is reported that Aun was about thirteen
and Muhammad was a year or two younger. They had learnt the art of fencing from
their uncle, Hazrat Abbas.
On the night before Ashura Bibi Zainab said to them, "My sons, tomorrow there
will be a battle. I can not ask you to fight because you are young. But if
anything happens to Imaam Hussain, while you are still alive, I will be filled
with shame." Both the boys stood up and said "Mother, we have the blood of Ali
and Jaffer in our veins. Our grand fathers were warriors whose fame will always
be remembered. Do you think we can possibly shame them? More over we are the
pupils of Uncle Abbas. Mother, unless you forbid us and stop us from fighting,
we shall go to the battlefield and show the enemies of Islam how bravely the
children of Islam can fight. All we want from you is a promise that you will
never weep for us. Or souls will never rest in peace if you grieve for us after
we are gone".
Tears of joy and pride flowed down Bibi Zainab's eyes as she embraced her two
boys. In the morning during the general attacks from the enemy, Aun and Muhammad
fought side by side with Ali Akber, Qasim and Hazrat Abbas. Every time either of
them succeeded in felling an enemy, he would look proudly at Hazrat Abbas who
would smile and nod his approval. Imaam Hussain would not, however, give the two
boys permission to go for single combat. They were very disappointed. They came
to their mother for help. Bibi Zainab sent someone to request Imaam Hussain to
come to her tent., When the Imaam came Bibi Zainab said, "Hussain, at the battle
of Siffeen Abbas was only eight years old. When he saw someone trying to attack
you, he rushed into the battle field and killed the man. Do you remember how
proud our father Ali was? Today I too want to be proud of my sons. I want to see
them go out there and defend Islam. Will you not allow me that privilege?" Imaam
Hussain stood there in silence. He looked at his sister. He saw the
disappointment on her face. He saw tears forming around her eyes. He put his
arms around the two boys and led them to their horses. He kissed them and then
helped them mount. "Go," said Imaam, "Go, and show the world how those as young
as you can fight the injustice and oppression of Yezid!" Then he turned round
and lifted the curtain of the tent. The boys raised their hands and said "Fi
Amaani-llah, mother!" Bibi Zainab replied, "Bismillah my sons. Allah be with
you!"
The two boys rode out into the battlefield. They fought bravely. At one point
Umar Sa'ad asked, "Who are these two youngsters? They fight like I have seen Ali
ibne Abu Taalib fight." When he was told who they were he ordered his soldiers
to give up single combats and surround and kill the boys. Aun and Muhammad were
attacked from all sides. Soon they were over-powered and brutally killed. Imaam
Hussain and Hazrat Abbas carried the two young bodies to a tent and laid them on
the floor. Imaam walked to Bibi Zainab's tent. He found her in sijdah praying,
"Ya Allah, I thank you for accepting my sacrifice. My heart is filled with pride
because my two sons have given their lives for your religion." |