Today in Islamic history the 2nd of Muharram Imam Hussain's (AS) caravan reached Karbala. From the enemies camp Thousands of Yazid's soldiers were already there, having arrived long before the Imam.
The small tribe living in Karbala gathered around Imam Hussain's (AS) caravan.
Imam Hussain (AS) enquired about the price of the land in Karbala. He then bought the entire land as he knew this would be their burial place.
Then, he first spoke to the menfolk of the tribe.
"O, menfolk of Karbala! We have not come here to fight. Yazid's soldiers will fight with us and we will be killed. They will not bury our bodies and our bodies will be left to the wild animals of the desert. I request a favour from you. Please, bury our bodies. Imam Hussain (AS) then turned to the womenfolk of the tribe.
"Ladies of Karbala! Your menfolk, out of fear of Yazid's soldiers might not bury our bodies. Ladies! When your men are working in the fields, please come out of your houses and bury our bodies.
Somehow Imam Hussain (AS) did not feel the men nor the women would carry out his request. Sadly, he turned to the children who had gathered and spoke gently to them.
Children! If your father or your mother are unable to bury us, I beg you to throw a fistful of sand over our bodies while you are playing in the fields. That way, children, our bodies will slowly get buried."
Then, he turned to everyone who had gathered around and spoke again.
"My second request to you all is to look after the people who will come to visit our graves after our death. They will be my guests so please look after them and feed them for three days."
This pictures show the emotion in the camp of Imam Hussain (AS) as he hugs his 4 year old Daughter Sayeda Ruqayya (SA) also known as Bibi Sakina (SA) surrounded by the women of Imam Hussain's (AS) family.
