Yazid orderered, managed, oversaw, led, gained, trained, and maintained a force that massacred our beloved Imam Husayn (as).
Now, that force consisted of two main groups of people:
1- A group of mercenaries that were loyal to yazid and came over from all over.
2- Majority were people of Iraq, who had given oath and promise to Imam Husayn(as), that if he comes to Iraq, they will fight the Ummayads under his banner till death. Those people were “so called shia” or whatever they call themselves. They, under money and political power promises, gave up Imam Husayn’s promise and oath, aand instead fought under the banner of Yazid and participated in the massacre. Some of them repented, some did not. But that is a fact. Those people called themselves Shia of Imam Husayn. It is quite apparent, that they were Shia of Shaytan and Yazid, not Imam Husayn.

He (RA) embraced the teachings of Islam at a young age of 17 and was one of the earliest to do it. Sa’d ibn Abī Waqqās (RA) was closely related to the Holy Prophet (SAW) and was his (SAW) cousin. However, Holy Prophet (SAW) considered him his uncle. Holy Prophet (SAW) once said: “Here is my uncle, Sa`d. if anyone has an uncle like him, then he should show me.” [Ibn Hajari, Tarikh, 2:33; Ibn Athir, ibid, 2:291]. Sa’d ibn Abī Waqqās (RA) was one of those sahabas or companion of Rasool Allah who worked tirelessly for the betterment of Islam and he (RA) also took the responsibilities of preacher, ambassador and an adviser to the Holy Prophet (SAW). He (RA) played a vital role in the battles of Persia and Qadsiya in the reign of Hazrat Umar (RA). He (RA) was sent to the battlefield as commander of the army in both these conquests. With his immaculate strength and bravery, he (RA) taught a worthy lesson to the enemies of Islam.

The Memorable Role

Sa’d ibn Abī Waqqās (RA) was a preacher and played a role of advisor to Rasool Allah. He was a traveler and famous warrior. Designated as ambassador he (RA) played a significant role in developing the diplomatic relations with China. At the age of eighty he died and is buried in Madinah. The immaculate and impeccable services by Sa’d ibn Abī Waqqās would always be remembered as he was loyal to the Holy Prophet (SAW). His statesmanship and Governorship of Persia are notable services to Islam.

The Muslim expeditionary force consisted of thirty men. They had with them a guide of the Banu Hilal, who showed them the way, and led them to Turbah valley through unfrequented paths.

When the Muslim force reached the Turbah valley, they found that on hearing the approach of the Muslim force, the Banu Howazin had evacuated the valley and fled elsewhere with their animals and other belongings. The Muslim force stayed in the valley for some days. Scouts were sent in various directions to find some clue of the whereabouts of the Banu Howazin. No clue was found, and as the object of driving away the hostile tribe from the neighbourhood of Mecca had been achieved without firing a shot, the Muslim force decided to return to Madina.

When on the return march, the Muslim force reached ZiAljaza, about six miles from Madina, the Banu Hilal guide said:

As on the expedition against Banu Howazin you have had no booty, and if you want to return to Madina carrying some booty I can guide you against some other tribe Banu Kbusham have been afflicted with famine. I have seen them going that way. If you think of attacking them and getting some booty, I can take you by a path to such a place from where you could launch a surprise attack on them. In spite of famine conditions they have ample wealth with them which you could appropriate.”

Thereupon Umar said:”The Holy Prophet merely sent us against Banu Howazin, and the object was to promote the cause of Islam and not to get booty for ourselves. As the Holy Prophet did not authorise me to attack any other tribe, I am afraid I can not attack any other tribe just for the sake of booty, without the express instructions of the Holy Prophet. “When on return to Madloa, Umar submitted his report to the Holy Prophet, and stated how he had not accepted the advice of the guide to attack Banu Khusham, the Holy Prophet said, “Umar you did well. If you had attacked them, I would have been unhappy.”

Amongst the Lions of Allah was a companion by the name of Abu Dujana Sammak bin Kharsha (r.a.a). He was from the Ansar and accepted Islam early in the Prophet’s (s.a.w) mission. He was recognized for his piety and strength and bravery in Jihad. Wherever we discover his name in the books of Sunnah, he can be identified fighting for the Deen of Allah.

In the course of the battle of Uhud, the second most substantial battle (following the victory of Badr), the Prophet (s.a.w) urged his Companions to fight and spurred them to show stamina and steadfastness in the Jihad. He started out to implant the spirit of boldness and bravery in them. To wage and inflame them and maintain their zeal in the fight, he (s.a.w) drew his sword, held it in his hand and called out to his Sahaba and stated, “Who is prepared to take this sword and fulfill it is right?” Quite a few notable Sahaba set out to take it. Amongst them had been ‘Ali bin Abi Talib, Az-Zubair bin Al-’Awwam and ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab. But it was granted to none of them. Abu Dujana stood and inquired, “O Messenger of Allah, what is its price?” The Prophet (s.a.w) said, “It is to strike the enemy’s faces with it till it breaks!” So Abu Dujana said, “O Messenger of Allah, I will take it for that price.” and he was given the sword.

Abu Dujana was a man of courage who utilized to stand proud and brave in war. He had a red headband that he wore round his head. Whenever he was head-banded everybody knew that he was determined to fight to death. As a result as soon as Abu Dujana took the Prophet’s (s.a.w) sword, he banded his head and began strutting proudly amongst the Mujahideen. Upon seeing this, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) stated, “This is a sort of walking that Allah detests except in such a circumstance (Jihad).” Then the fighting began. In this battle, numerous acts of courage can be noted from several of the Sahaba. Abu Dujana, recognized by the red band worn round his head, came forth, fighting with the sword of the Prophet (s.a.w).

He was determined to pay its value at all costs. He slaughtered all the idolaters that stood on his way splitting and dispersing their ranks. Az-Zubair bin Al-’Awwam stated, “I felt angry and discouraged when the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) refused to give me the sword but instead gave it to Abu Dujana. I said to myself, ‘I am his paternal cousin. I am the cousin of his aunt Safiya. Also, I am from his tribe (Quraish). Besides, I was the first who demanded it and yet he favoured him to me. By Allah, I will watch how he will use it.’ So I followed him and saw him take out his red band and wear it round his head. Seeing him like that, the Ansar said, ‘Abu Dujana has worn the red band of death.’ Then he (Abu Dujana) set out saying loudly (in the form of poetry), ‘I am the 1 whom my intimate friend [the Prophet (s.a.w)] produced covenant with, when we had been below the palm-trees on the mountain side. The covenant was that I would not fight at the rear, but fight at the front heroically with the sword of Allah and His Messenger.’

In the course of this battle no one stood the way of Abu Dujana and remained alive. There was a man among the idolaters whose only objective was to finish off the wounded Muslims. Throughout the fight, Abu Dujana approached that man so I (Az-Zubair bin Al-’Awwam) implored Allah that

they could possibly engage in combat. They did start fighting and exchanged two sword-strokes. The idolater swung at Abu Dujana, but he escaped it and the sword pierced into his (Abu Dujana’s) leather shield. The idolater’s sword now stuck to his shield, Abu Dujana lunged at that Kafir with his sword and killed him. Then into the thick of the battle, he rushed to kill a person who was inciting the enemy to fight the Muslims. Upon this the particular person shrieked and lo! it was a lady. Abu Dujana spared her saying, ‘I respect the Prophet’s (s.a.w) sword too much to use it on a lady.’ The lady was Hind bint ‘Utbah (the wife of Abu Sufyan who was leading the Quraish army against the Muslims, who later became Muslim).” [Ibn Hisham Vol. 2 pg.68-69] Describing the exact same incident, Az-Zubair bin Al-’Awwam stated, “I saw Abu Dujana raising a sword more than the parting of Hind bint ‘Utba’s hair but then he moved it away. I mentioned to myself, ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’ (i.e. why he didn’t kill her).” [Ibn Hisham Vol. 2 pg. 69]

Just before the battle of Uhud started, the Prophet (s.a.w) had ordered a group of archers to stay on 1 side of a mountain to deliver protection to the rear of the Muslim army. However, when the Muslims started to defeat their enemies, forty of the archers raced down the mountain in order to obtain their share of the war booty. The Quraish employed this chance to circle back and attack the rear of the Muslim army. They even got close adequate to attack to Holy Prophet (s.a.w) himself, injuring him severely. Throughout those awkward moments of the Messenger of Allah’s (s.a.w) life, a group of Muslim heroes gathered about the Prophet (s.a.w) forming a shield to guard him from the Kuffar. Among them was Abu Dujana. He stood just before the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w), shielding him from the arrows with his back. While these assaults on the Prophet’s (s.a.w) life continued, Uthman ibn Abdullah ibn Al-Mugheerah (one of the enemy) approached him and tried to kill him.

But Al-Harith bin As-Simma came to his defense and sliced into Uthman’s leg producing him fall to the ground. Then Al-Harith killed him. But an additional Makkan horseman, referred to as ‘Abdullah bin Jabir, attacked Al-Harith bin As-Simma, and cut deeply into his shoulder with his sword and he (al-Harith) was carried to the camp of the Muslims suffering from really serious wounds. Soon afterwards, Abu Dujana, with his red headband and the Prophet’s (s.a.w) sword, came upon ‘Abdullah bin Jabir and cut his head off with a single stroke. Throughout the confusion induced by the archers’ mistake of abandoning their post, a lot of Sahaba had been martyred. So Quraish began to mutilate their bodies to appease their pride more than their defeat at Badr. Ka’b bin Masaid, “I was one of those Muslims who fought in Uhud and witnessed the

Kuffar’s act of barbarity in mutilating the dead bodies, but I left this sight for the reason that I couldn’t stand it. Then I saw an armed stout mushrik pass by means of the Muslims and say, ‘Gather them up like sheep are gathered and slaughtered!’ Similarly I saw an armed Muslim waiting for him. I walked towards them till I stood behind him (the Muslim). Comparing each of them, I thought to be that the Kafir was superior to the other in arms and size. I kept on watching them when they engaged in man-to-man combat. The Muslim raised his sword up and swung it down challenging on the Kafir, so forcefully that the blade went down his hip and split him in half. When the Muslim unveiled his face, he looked at me and said, “What do you assume of that, Ka’b? I am Abu Dujana.”

After the battle concluded, in the evening of that day (i.e. Saturday, the seventh of Shawwal, 3rd year A.H.), the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) arrived in Madinah. As soon as he reached his home, he handed his sword to his daughter Fatimah and stated, “O daughter, wash the blood off this sword. By Allah, it has been useful to me right now.” ‘Ali bin Abi Talib also handed her his sword and stated, “And wash the blood of this sword too. By Allah, it has been useful to me nowadays.” So the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said, “Sahl bin Haneef and Abu Dujana have been as courageous as you are in the Jihad.”

After the death of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w), in the course of the Khalifah of Abu Bakr (r.a.a), Abu Dujana fought till he was Shaheed (martyred) against the army of Musailima al-Kathab [the Liar who claimed Prophethood in the lifetime of the Prophet (s.a.w) and produced war against his Sahaba when Abu Bakr was Khalifah.] To us, his life is a legacy of sacrifice and lessons of bravery and fierceness against Kufr. And to the soldiers of Allah who wear the “red band of death” in our time, he is the epitome of a accurate Mujahid. May perhaps the mercy of Allah be upon Abu Dujana and could He guide our Muslim youth towards the instance he left behind. Ameen

Narrated Anas bin Malik (raa): I was ten years old when Allah’s Apostle (saws) arrived at Medina. My mother and aunts used to urge me to serve the Prophet (saws) regularly, and I served him for ten years.

When the Prophet (saws) died I was twenty years old, and I knew about the order of Al-Hijab (veiling of ladies) more than any other person when it was revealed.

It was revealed for the first time when Allah’s Apostle (saws) had consummated his marriage with Zainab bint Jahsh (raa).

When the day dawned, the Prophet (saws) was a bridegroom and he invited the people to a banquet, so they came, ate, and then all left except a few who remained with the Prophet (saws) for a long time.

The Prophet (saws) got up and went out, and I too went out with him so that those people might leave too.

The Prophet (saws) proceeded and so did I, till he came to the threshold of ‘Aisha’s dwelling place. Then thinking that these people have left by then, he returned and so did I along with him till he entered upon Zainab and behold, they were still sitting and had not gone.

So the Prophet (saws) again went away and I went away along with him. When we reached the threshold of ‘Aisha’s dwelling place, he thought that they had left, and so he returned and I too, returned along with him and found those people had left.

Then the Prophet (saws) drew a curtain between me and him, and the Verses of Al-Hijab 1 were revealed.

Wedlock, Marriage (Nikaah) – Sahih Bukhari: Volume 7, Book 62, Number 95

Al Ahzâb – Surah 33. The Clans, The Coalition

[33:59] “O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

She was a slave along with her daughter Umm Ubays. Her owner was a woman from Banu Abd-al-dar. Both of the mother and daughter embraced Islam during their slavery and had to face immense torture and brutalism by the non Muslims of Makkah. Upon seeing their miserable condition, Abu Bakar talked to her mistress. The mistress replied in an arrogant tone and asked him to pay for her freedom. Abu bakar paid for their freedom according to the price the mistress demanded. So, this way their miseries came to an end by the grace of Allah.

Lubaynah

Lubaynah was another slave girl freed by the notable friend of Prophet Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi wasalam known as Abu Bakar R.A. Abu Bakar R.A. had freed many other slave men and women by paying from his own pocket and wealth.

Lubaynah was owned by Umar ibn al-Khattab who had not yet embraced Islam. Another slave girl known as Zinnira accompanied her. Umar threw all of her anger and hatred for Islam on them. His harsh treatment was unbearable by the slave girls. His merciless beatings could not affect the faith of Lubaynah at all. The brave girl refused to renounce her religion in any condition and remained steadfast to her beliefs in One Allah SWT and His Apostle Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam.

Sîrîn bint Sham’ûn

Sîrîn bint Sham’ûn, the Egyptian lady and sister of Umm al Momineen Maria Al-Qibtiyya were sent as a gift to Prophet Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam. Muqawqis, the Sassanid official, wanted to please the Prophet with his gifts. Both of the girls were slaves of Prophet and comprised unique intelligence with beauty. Unlike any ordinary master, Prophet Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam, the master of masters treated both of his slave girls with much respect and gave them honor. The Prophet sent Maria Al-QIbtiyya proposal and her sister got married to Hassan ibn Thabit, companion of Prophet Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam.

The husband and wife returned to Makkah after sometime and did not find the situation much in their favor. Quresh and people of Makkah were leaving no one from their cruel intentions and torturous behavior. Umm Salamah and her husband were among those who were permitted to migrate to Madinah. They both and their son went through a very rough time until they finally reached Madinah and settled there.

Her clan had snatched her away from her husband and son. She was left alone to stay with her clan. It was terrible for her to be forced to leave her family and this separation left her grief stricken. Her clan finally permitted to join her husband and she was set free. She went to Banu Abdulasad in Makkah for the return of her son. After getting her son back, she set forth for her journey towards Madinah.

She reached Madinah and met her husband. Finally, they all reunited and it seemed her sufferings had come to an end. Soon, her husband died and she was left alone again along with her son. Many nobles with marriage proposal approached her but she refused until the time came she had prayed so much for. She received the proposal by the noblest of all men Prophet of Allah Sallalaho Alayhi wasalam and she agreed with all her might and happiness. She died as the most respectable and honorable Umm al-Mu’mineen the mother of all true believers.

Fatimah Bint Muhammad was closely attached to her father. She had deep enduring love for him. Fatimah grew up seeing her father being tortured by Quresh and despite her tender age of less than ten, she always managed to reach on the spot. She was ruthless and unafraid of them and stood by her father steadfast to support him in his quest of spreading words of Allah SWT.

She saw her father facing vicious opposition and defied the harassment against him. She was a brave person and struggled for the sovereignty of Islam since childhood. Khadijah, wife of Prophet and loving mother of Fatimah died when she turned into a young lady. After her mother’s demise the grief stricken Fatima devoted herself to look after her beloved father and soon she was famous with a new nickname “Umm Abi-ha” or  “the mother of her father”.

She was the most beloved daughter of Prophet and she had a very special place in his heart. Rasul Allah said “Whoever pleased Fatimah has indeed pleased God and whoever has caused her to be angry has indeed angered God. Fatimah is a part of me. Whatever pleases her pleases me and whatever angers her angers me.”

She was married to Ali R.A. and was the mother of Hassan R.A. and Hussain R.A.

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid is the first wife of Prophet Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam. She was 25 years older to him and was that first person ever who embraced Islam. She belonged to a noble clan and was steadfast on the faith of Prophet Ibrahim. Prophet Ibrahim is the great grandfather of Prophet Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam.

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was beautiful and very pious lady. She was notable for her charity works and her luck in business. She was doing trade and became one of the richest persons in Makkah. She was the daughter of renowned tribal leader and businessperson. One can say she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. She married twice and had children from both of the husbands. Her first husband died and the second one lacked compatibility so she divorced.

She used to employ hardworking individuals and Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam was the one she picked this time. Her experienced eyes and insight did not do her wrong and that is how she met the most impressive, honest and intelligent of all men our beloved Prophet Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam.  Although, Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam was a young man of 25 years of age when she sent him the proposal of marriage, it was accepted and she became Umm Al Momineen and blessed mother of Fatima and Grandmother of Hassan R.A. and Hussain R.A.

She strived hard and stood side by side her husband. She was brave and never gave up in any kind of situation. She is among the four most respectable women in the history of earth as mentioned by Rasul Allah Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam. She was kind and generous, great wife and mother and spent all her life for the sovereignty of Islam.

Safiyya bint Huyayy’s Father was chief of the Jewish tribe known as Banu Nadir, in Madinah. The Banu Nadir tribe was expelled from Madinah and they took refuge in the nearby oasis called Khaybar. She married Kinana ibn al-Rabi at the age of seventeen. She saw a dream, which was a clear sign that she will be a big name and have place in the hearts of Muslims by marrying the Holy Prophet Sallaha Alayhi Wasalam. Her husband upon knowing the prediction of her dream struck her beautiful face in anger, which left a mark forever.

In the aftermath of successful victory of Khaybar, she was among the female captives. She was proposed by the Prophet Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam and embraced Islam. They were married and then returned to Medina.

Safiyya bint Huyayy played an important role in the history of Islam and she was an influential political figure. She died during the reign of Ameer Muawiyah and left land, dirhams and goods, which were distributed, according to her will. She was laid to rest in the Jannat al-Baqi. She lived like a queen and proved her knowledge and skills so many times. She helped Caliph Umar R.A. during the times he was in trouble. She bore no child of her own but she dedicated much of her belongings to her beloved nephew, her sister’s son.

She has the honor of giving birth to the son of Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi wasalam. Her son Ibrahim died when he was still a child. Being the father of the child Prophet Muhammad Sallalaho alayhi wasalam remained grief stricken. This was his third male child who could not survive according to the traditionss. There will be no prophet after last Prophet Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam. Ibrahim, the child was named after his great grand ancestral Prophet Ibrahim.

Hātib b. Abi Balta’ah, companion of Holy Prophet Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam brought Maria al-Qibtiyya from Egypt to Madinah along with her sister Sīrīn. Both of the sisters embraced Islam before they reached their final destination. Another companion of Prophet Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam proposed her sister, which she accepted. She gave birth to his son. Al Muqwaqis also send many other gifts that included precious garments and a number of animals along with the slave girls. All of those were distributed among the Muslims.

She lived in a mud-brick house along with the Prophet of Islam Sallaho Alayhi Wasalam. She was a beautiful woman and a very pious Muslim. She preferred rags over riches and stick to her faith as a Muslim. She is one of the luckiest wives of Prophet who gave birth to a child after Khadijah R.A.