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Thursday, January 8, 2009

Shame-e-Ghariban

(Click to enlarge for better detail)

Today is the 10th of Muharram, Sham-e-Ghariban or literraly the evening of desolation is observed. The grandon of the Prophet Muhammed and his small but brave band of 72 followers fought a much larger (20,000-30,000) army of the tyrant Yazid. Water was denied to Imam Hussain's caravan which included small children and women on the 7th of Muharram on the orders of Yazid even though they were camped on the banks of the river Euphrates. The camp now had no supply of water and the enemy hoped to force Husayn to surrender on account of thirst.

This photograph is of a private imambargah setup in a house during the month of Muharram, it displays representations of Imam Hussain's Army's standard known as the "Alam". The standard bearer of the Imam's Army was Hazrat Abbas. Hazrat Abbas could not bear the outcry from the chidren and finally got the permission to get water keeping in mind that he was not to engage in combat of any sort.Abbas ibn Ali alone marched towards the Euphrates river in broad daylight. He succeeded in filling his water skin but on his way back, he was struck from behind and one of his arm was amputated then he was again struck and his second arm was amputated, he was the water bag in his mouth but an arrow struck the water bag and water poured out of it. The water blockade continued up to the end of the battle on Muharram 10 nigh.

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful colourful items!
The decorations on the horse's head is fantastic too! Great shots and very good information!

Destitute Rebel said...

Thanks JM.

Joerg said...

Great Picture!

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Hilda said...

That was horrific ='(

Is Abbas also considered a martyr? I think it is right that he be honored too because of what he tried to do and what he experienced.

I've just read through the posts that I missed about Muharram. Thank you for sharing these very informative posts. I really like learning new things.

Destitute Rebel said...

Hilda, Hazrat Al-‘Abbās is particularly revered by Shī’ah Muslims for his loyalty to his half-brother and third Shī’ah Imām, Husayn ibn ‘Alī, his respect for the Ahl al-Bayt, and his role in the Battle of Karbalā. He was known as the greatest warrior in Arabia and mirrored the strength of his father, ‘Alī ibn Abī Tālib.

Kris McCracken said...

Very ornate. It's great to see you back and posting!

Anonymous said...

the story of muharram and the bravery of Iman hussain and Hazrat Abbas is something to learn from. people of exceptional courage and faith.
thank you for sharing this month's history and value :)
glad you are back.

angela said...

This is such an interesting history. Thank you for sharing it. I'd never heard it before..

Petrea Burchard said...

It's a dramatic story and I thank you for sharing it. I'm enjoying your posts about the days of Muharram.

Destitute Rebel said...

Kris, I'm glad I'm back, Thanks.

Mubi, You are most welcome.

Angela, Petrea, I'm glad you guys are enjoying the posts.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

@ petrea ... its not a story dear its history.....

old vet said...

Thanks u JM.

Shaheen said...

what do you do in the shaam graban i heard that shias intercourse to womans at that night and The child as result OF this INTERCOURSE named as Zakir is it right?