THE STORY OF MUKHTAR

EPISODE 2 - 'Ya ala Siratil Hussein' – The Path of Mukhtar

INTRODUCTION

MARSIYAH

Narrator: Mukhtar Thaqafi was the man who avenged what happened on the 10th of Muharram, 61 AH. He did this under the banner of 'Ya ala siratil Hussein' which means those who are in the path of Hussein. When we hear the name 'Yazid' we instantly relate him with what happened in Karbala, but he was still Caliph for two years after the event of Ashura. After Kerbala Yazeed never got peace of mind nor sound sleep; he had a constantly undying and unquenching thirst. Yazeed was in no doubt that his incurable illness was due to his atrocities against Aba Abdillah in Kerbala. His death is reported to have taken place in the month of Rabil Awwal 64AH. There is no trace of Yazeed's grave or its location.

Mukhtar Thaqafi wanted to avenge the atrocities that were committed in Karbala. Mukhtar Thaqafi came from a very renowned family. His family, Banu Hawazin, were the most famous people in Arabia. Layla, the mother of Ali Akbar was from this family, and so was Ummul Baneen, the mother of H.Abbas. Mukhtar was only 12 years old when his father, Abu Obaida Thaqafi, died. He was brought up by his mother, Husna and his uncle. Mukhtar had 3 sisters, whose husbands are quite interesting. The first sister was married to Umar ibn Sa'd. The second sister was married to Abdullah ibn Umar ibnal Khattab. And the third sister was married to Imam.Zainal Abideen (AS).

Mukhtar was imprisoned whilst Muslim ibn Aqeel was in Kufa. He stayed in prison and was released after Karbala. The first thing he saw when he came out of prison was the heads of the companions of Imam Hussain (AS). When he saw the heads paraded on spears, he says 'I swear I am a liar if I do not avenge every man who killed Aba Abdillah. I will catch them one by one, Shimr ibn Zil Jawshan, Ibn Ziyad, Umar ibn Sa'd. I will catch Hurmalah and Khooli.'

The 4th, 5th and 6th Imams have all praised Mukhtar. Imam AS Sadiq says 'May Allah have mercy on Mukhtar. Imam Moh'd al Baqir (AS) says 'He avenged Karbala, and he avenged our enemies'.

Mukhtar wanted to set his plan in motion, but before he could anything he knew that he must go and see the Imam of his time, the 4th Imam and seek his blessings. He goes to see Mohammed Hanafiya, the uncle of our 4th Imam and request him to accompany him to Imam Zainul Abideen to seek his blessings and permission for his mission.

SCENE 1

SCENERY: INSIDE A MOSQUE

(Imam on stage in prayer)

MH: Salaam alykum my son, Sajjad

Imam: Salaam my uncle

MH: I have brought with me Mukhtar, he would like your permission and blessings for a mission.

Mukhtar: Salaam alykum Imam,

Imam: Salaams Mukhtar, tell me, what is your mission.

(sits down)

Mukhtar: May Allah send His Blessings on the progeny of the prophet Mohammed. Oh my Imam, I wish to avenge the perpetrators of kerbala and hold them accountable for the hardships and grief that they inflicted upon you and the family of the Holy Prophet

Imam: The work of avenging my father's killers is a right and Wajib for everyone to perform. My father's mission as you know Mukhtar was to defend the truth and protect the religion of my grandfather. It is in the overriding interest of spreading Islam that I do not take on the task myself.

(turns to MH) Uncle I leave this matter in your hands and you (turns to Mukhtar) have my full blessings.

Mukhtar: I am grateful for your blessings my Imam.

(Imam leaves stage)

MH: I know that my nephew cannot openly give you his permission because of the current political situation and has delegated the responsibility to me. I grant you consent as the attorney of our Imam, may Allah grant you success on your mission

Mukhtar: Alhmd thank Mohammed Hanafiya, you are not only a loving uncle to the Imam but a loyal and staunch follower too.

(hug each other and both leave stage)

 

SCENE 2

Narrator: With the blessings of his Imam, Mukhtar sets out on his mission to avenge the killers of Imam Hussein. Mukthar realises he needed support to carry out his plan. He needed to find a partner who was as firm in his conviction of avenging the perpetrators of kerbala as himself. This person was Ibrahim Malik Ashtar, son of Malik Ashtar who was a staunch shia and a firm supporter of Imam Ali (a.s).

In 66 AH, 5 years after the event of Kerbala Mukhtar takes over governorship of Kufa from Abdulla Muti'. It was during this period that the people became more aware of the atrocities committed against the family of the Holy Prophet and his companions. Yazid's son, Muawiyaa did not want to take over the power which was not rightfully his. Mukhtar's imediate actions were are aimed at humanity, he releases the prisoners, helps the poor into better housing and provides better medical care for the sick and he ensures that the khums and Sehme - sadaat is rightfully paid.

Mukhtar and Ibrahim order for a blockade round Kufa so that nobody was able to go out or come into to Kufa without by-passing their soldiers. The order than goes out that all those guilty of participating in the Kerbala massacre should be rounded up and brought to the court.

Each perpetrator was asked to exactly relate in detail the heinous crimes that they had committed in Kerbala. In this way no innocent person was executed and also, this is how we have today got the details of the atrocities that took place in Kerbala and after.

One after the other each criminal is presented before the court of Mukhtar and stands trial and is sentenced to punishment for their role and crimes committed in Kerbala.

Let us now witness what happened to some of these tyrants:

SCENERY: COURT ROOM

Narrator: The trial of Murrah bin Munqidh

Mukhtar: Bring on the first perpetrator

(Murrah comes on to the stage and takes his place on the pew.)

Mukhtar: State you name and rank

Murrah: I am Murrah bin Munqidh

Mukhtar: What role did you play at Kerbala

Murrah: I was..... I was the one that dealt the mortal blow to the chest of Ali Akber with a poisoned arrow.

Mukhtar: Did you not know that he bore complete resemblance to the holy prophet (pbuh) and was the beloved youthful son of an elderly father.

Murrah: Yes, but my greed for the rewards Yazid promised me blinded me to the truth.

SCENERY: DESERT (PLAINS OF KERBALA)

Flashback: Ali Akber

Ali Akber: My aunt Zainab, the time has come on this day of Ashura for me to sacrifice my life in the way of Islam. As per my father's request I have to come seek your permission my beloved aunt, I implore you by the love you bear for your brother to let me go. Let me be the first from the Banu Hashim to give my life. My mother will face a lot of hardships today and after this day of Ashura has ended, look after her and give her strength to bear what lies ahead for her.

Bibi Zainab: Akbar my child, if the call of death has come to you to then go, may God be with you my son.

(BZ off stage)

Ali Akber: (move sto front off stage) oh you who have paid allegiance to the tyrant Yazid, do you not know who I am? I am Ali, the son of Hussain ibn Ali, We, by the House of Allah, are closest to the Prophet. By Allah! Ibn Ziyad will not rule over us, I will strike you down with my sword defending my father, the blows of a Hashimi, an 'Alawi'.

(Kneels down)

O my Father, accept the final salutations from your dying son.

MARSIYAH

Akber neh kahan ro kar, ai dard zara tham jaa, Baba mere seene se, sinaa khench rahe hain.

Armaan jo dil me hai, dil me hi na dafna de, aisa na ho zainab ko, jaakar koi batlaade

Pyaaari phupi amaa se, bardaaash na ye hoga................

Baaba mere seene se, sinaa khench rahe hai.

 

SCENE 3

SCENERY: COURT

Narrator: The trial of Umar ibn Saad

Mukhtar: Bring on the next perpetrator

(Umar ibn Saad comes on to the stage and takes his place on the pew.)

Mukhtar: State for the court your name and rank.

Umar e Saad: Umar ibn Saad commanding chief of Yazid's Army.

Mukhtar: How were you involved in the events that took place in Kerbala?

Umar e Saad: From the seventh night I saw to it that no water reached the camp of Hussein Ibne Ali.

I ordered 20 warriors to fight Muslim bin Awsaja

I ordered the soldiers to surround Aun and Muhammad to take their lives.

Mukhtar: What was your motive for committing these acts?

Umar e Saad: POWER and STATUS.

Mukhtar: Remember Umar e Saad, whoever helps in evil causes shares it's burden and Allah has power over everything.

SCENERY: DESERT (PLAINS OF KERBALA)

Flashback: Aun and Muhammed

(On the stage - Bibi Zainab with her two sons)

BZ: My children you know what lies ahead for us today on the day of Ashura. I want both of you my beloved sons to defend your uncle, my brother Hussein and his children at the cost of your lives. When I was leaving Medina your father Abdullah asked to take both of you with me so that, Aun you could be the deputy of your father and you Mohammad could be my offering in the cause of Islam. My beloved ones may God be with you. My last request to you is to fight bravely and to die bravely.

Aun: Mother, we will fight bravely and show the army of Umar ibn Saad that we are the grandchildren of Jafar-e-Tayyar and have learnt the art of combat from our uncle Abbas.

Mohammed: My loving mother, I have always heard about my grandfather Ali, as long as we live we shall not let any harm come to our uncle Hussein or to any of his children.

A+M: Khudahafiz (they kiss their mum)

MARSIYAH

Shabbir ka tum sadqa ho, ab khaime me betha,

Tum Lovt kar na aana

Ai Aun o Mohammed x2

Hai Maaa ko yakeen, tum ma ki baat rakhoge, Ye yaad rahe, khaimome hai pyaase bache

Dariya pe agar jaaana ho, Sehroz ke pyaaaso, Tum Pyaas na bujaaana.............

Shaaabaash mere, bachon hu me tumse raazi, ye kehke takallum, khaamosh huwi shehzaaadi

Nezo---- pe safar karke, hamra ha hamaare, Tumko hai shaam jaaanaa........

Ai Aun o Mohammed x2

 

SCENE 4

SCENERY: COURT

Narrator: The trial of Hurmallah

Mukhtar: What is your name

H: Hurmallah

Mukhtar: Hurmullah you were chief archer in Yazid's army?

H: Yes

Mukhtar: What crimes did you commit whilst in this position?

H: I pierced with an arrow the water bag that Abbas was carrying back to the camp of Hussein.

Mukhtar: On the Day of Judgement, Hurmala the wrong doers will be presented before their Lord and they will be banished to the pits of the burning fire of Hell.

SCENERY: DESERT (PLAINS OF KERBALA)

Flashback: Hazrat Abbas with Bib Sakina

Sakina: O my uncle Abbas today is the 3rd day since we have had no water in the camp. We are all so thirsty, my throat is dry. Here is my water bag, oh beloved uncle can you bring a little bit of water so that we can wet our throats.

Abbas: I promise to bring you and the children water Sakina. Khudahafiz

(Sakina off stage)

Abbas: Merciful Allah, spare me long enough to fulfil my mission. Oh my master, my mawla come to me before I die. When I die mawla do not carry my body to the camp. I had promised to bring water to Sakina and I have failed in my attempt.

MARSIYAH

Kyun aankh khol kar, hame tum dekhte nahi

Bole imam teer hai mawla laga huwa...........x2

Pyaasi sakina se me bohot sharmsaar hun

Afsos hai ke waada na mujse wafa huwa

Abbas qatl ho gaye mehshar huwa bapaa

SCENERY: COURT

Mukhtar: Hurmala there were other heinous crimes that you committed! State these crimes so the court may record them and reach a decision on your punishment.

H: I .....I also shot the arrow on Ali Asgher's neck.

Mukhtar: You shot an arrow at the neck of an infant child? Oh Hurmallah would arrow not have been to big for the neck of a 6 month old infant?

H: Yes... yes it was but I was just following orders!

Mukhtar: Isn't it true it took you three attempts ?

H: Hurmallah does not answer he is embarrassed!

Mukhtar: Answer the question?

H: Yes, but each time I took aim, the curtain of the tent rose and I saw veiled lady, the mother of Ali Asgher, Rubab staring at me with tears in her eyes.

SCENERY: DESERT (PLAINS OF KERBALA)

Flashback: Imam Hussein on battle field with Ali asghar

Hussain: o people what has this 6 month old infant done to you. If you have any enmity than it is with me. You have killed my sons my brothers and my companions. This child cannot fight you. I appeal to you to give a little water to my innocent infant. I implore you for the love of your children come and quench his thirst. Do you not see how he burns with thirst and is about to give his life?

"If you have no religion and are not afraid of the day of resurrection, then at least be free minded in your worldly matters."

(kneels down and clasps the baby to himself)

MARSIYAH

Ran me aaaye zalzale julaa julaane ke liye, Tum chale maidaan me, se teer khaane ke liye

Haae Asgher kya karun, ai jaaane maadar kya karun

 

SCENE 5

SCENERY: COURT

Narrator: The trial of Shimr

Mukhtar: State your name?

Shimr: Shimr ibn Ziljaushan

Mukhtar: what was your involvement in Kerbala

Shimr: I surrounded Hussain on the battlefield.

Mukhtar: I am sure that is not the end of you atrocities Shimr! Tell the court what else you did on the day of Ashura!

Shimr: I was order to carry out a task that no one else could do.

Mukhtar: The court is waiting? What is this heinous task that you alone could carry out?

Shimr: As per my orders......I sat on the Imam's chest, grabbed his blood drenched beard and mercilessly beheaded him.

Mukhtar: What did you do Shimr? Did you not know that he was our beloved imam, the best of man through Ali and Fatima, the grandson of the messenger of Allah?

Shimr: (stammers) yes, but. I am a muslim, I am. I just did all this for my position in this world.

Mukhtar: You say you are a muslim! Then are you not aware of the plight of the wrong doers! You will face your Lord on the Day of Reckoning and you shall be sentenced to an eternity in the abyss of Hell.

SCENERY: HORSE WITH ARROWS

Flashback: Imam on the battlefield

Imam: Hal min Nasir Yansur na, hal min mugithin yugithuna? Is there anyone who can help me? Is there any Allah's worshipper who exists among you, who is afraid of Him regarding the tyranny inflicted upon me? Is there anyone who will respond to my cry for help? Ya Ashabus Safa , O brave men and fighters, Why don't you hear me when I call you?

(addressing the enemies) I implore you by Allah do you know who I am? I am the grandson of Mohammed the messenger of Allah. My father is Ali ibn Abu Talib who was the first Muslim. My grandmother is khadija binte khalid- the first woman to enter Islam. Jafar e tayyar- who takes flight within the realms of paradise- is my uncle. How do you justify killing me when you claim that you are Muslims yourself? You are aware of the laws of Islam and you have read well the Quran and yet you want to kill me. I am Hussain ibn Ali. And in every state Allah is my refuge. Death is worthier to me than disgrace. I will defend the religion of my grandfather.

(kneels on the ground) Oh my Lord! I have given up all without exception out of my love for you. I will meet You like this, covered in my blood, deprived of my rights. Willingly do I submit to your will and bow down to your command accepting from you the trials and afflictions with forbearance.

MARSIYAH

Teer athe hey naze athe hey, ranme jab tanha rehgaye the Hussein.........

 

SCENE 6

SCENERY: COURT

Narrator: The trial of Khooli

Mukhtar: Tell the court who you are

Khooli: I am Khooli

Mukhtar: Khooli state your involvement at Kerbala

Khooli: I was in charge of the unit of archers in Yazeed's army. It is I that gave the order to shoot the arrows at Hussein's camp

Mukhtar: I am sure there is more to your involvement than what you have stated. Tell the court the full extent of the crimes that you committed on the plains of Kerbala.

Khooli: Mukhtar, you do not understand! I was merely following orders.

Mukhtar: State your crimes fully Khooli

Khooli: I......stripped Sakina's veil and pulled the earrings from her earlobes.

Mukhtar: Surely Khooli you committed the lowest of crimes. You say you are a muslim! Do you not know what our prophet has said about how to treat an orphan? Was Sakina not the beloved orphaned child of her father Hussein.

SCENERY: LADIES CRYING BY THE HORSE

Flashback: Sham-e-Ghariba – Bibi Sakina

Bibi Sakina: O Father, after you left, our tents were set fire, our veils were snatched and my earrings were taken off my ears! O Father, I cannot bear to spend the night alone without you, where will I sleep my dear father, whose chest shall I rest my head upon.

MARSIYAH

Nane Haathon ko sakina ne rakha gaalon par, Ashk jo girte the paao ke, kabhi chaalon par,

Dharkane mujse ye puche baaba x2, Hai kahaan baaabaa ka sina.....

Baaba jaan, baabaa jaan, x2

Tere pehlu ke taras ti hun, tere sine ko, teri khushbu hi bachi baba, mere jine ko, har gari yaad tujhe karti hun x2, mera dushwaar hai chalna

Sakina, baaba jaan, sakina, baaba jaaan...................(slow)

 

SCENE 7

SCENERY: COURT

Narrator: The trial of Obaidullah ibne Ziad

(Ibne Ziad (I.Z) walks on to the stage and takes his place.)

Mukhtar: State your name and position.

I.Z: Obadullah Ibne Ziad, governor of Kufa.

Mukhtar: Ibne Ziad tell the court what was your role in Kerbala?

I.Z: I replaced Nu'amaan bin Basheer as govenor, Yazid put me in charge of Kufa, in order to prevent Hussein from getting acquainted with the Kufan's.

Mukhtar: What did you do when the head of my Imam was presented to you?

I.Z: I struck the lips and poked Hussein's teeth with a cane and said

Mukhtar: How could you dishonor the prophet's grandson in such a manner! Your role does not end here! Continue describe your cruelty to the court!

I.Z: After the events of Kerbala I imprisoned the ladies and the children.

Mukhtar: As a follower of Mohammed (pbuh) you should know that all captives especially women and children should be treated with sympathy and consideration. Did you follow this?

(.Z silent– looks down in shame)

Mukhtar: Answer the court!

I.Z: No!

Mukhtar:What was your motive?

I.Z: AMBITION, and to WIN THE FAVOUR OF YAZID

Mukhtar: You committed these atrocities to gain the favour of Yazid and the pleasures of this world! But you have displeased your Creator! Indeed you shall be amongst those that shall pass through boiling water and have no one to defend you!

SCENERY: COURTYARD OF YAZID

Flashback: Bibi Zainab addressing ibn ziad

B.Z: O son of Ziad we are the sisters of Hussain and the granddaughters of Muhammed whom you acknowledged as your prophet. You have for the sake of wordly gains flouted all the principles of Islam, have desicrated the dead bodies of the martyrs despite the fact that it is strictly forbidden by Islam and subjected us to the worst kind of ill treatment although u know that the prophet had enjoined all the believers to treat captives and particularly women and children with sympathy and consideration. Today you are gloating over your success and rejoicing, today you are thinking that you can insult and humiliate us to your hearts content. But o tyrant!! Let me warn you that very soon the wrath of Allah will descend upon you. Do you know what commitment you have broken, what sanctities you have violated and whose blood you have spilled. O Ibne Ziad do you know which women you pulled the veils from?

MARSIYAH/MATAAM

Ai Kufe ke logo, me binte Ali Hun, x2

Mei waarise tatheer hun x2, Namoose nabi hun...........

Ai Kufe Ke logo, me binte Ali Hun..............

Haae Haae zainab, Haaae Haaae Shaaam x2........(getting ready for matam)