“One day ago in the evening, two armies become separate. It was the ninth day on which they ceased to fight. On the ninth day, both armies were granted a deadline to make their last decision to fight or to compromise. The small army of Imam Hussein (a) received a respite, however, determined on their final decision. They did not accept the ceasefire to think but to convince the army to stop fighting for a night. Then, the army returned to the campsite and kept waiting for tomorrow.”
On the other side of battlefield, the army of Kufah passed the night expecting a new decision. Not unlike the heads of Kufah’s army, most people in Kufah expect the surrender of Imam Hussein. Many of them such as Shabas Ebn Rabey, Azrat Ebn Ghayse Ahmasi and Ghays Ebn Ashas did not like to kill Imam Hossein and their other innocent guests.
A small group of people in Kufah, however, was on the alert to either kill or surrender of Imam Hussein. Among them are Shemr Ebn Zeljoshan, Amr Ebn Hejaj and their friends who seek nothing but to serve Obaydollah Ebn Zeyad. In the case of Imam Hussein’s surrender, Obaydollah stands a good chance to kill or to forgive him, his companions and his family. Obaydollah never succeed and never manage to do it but accompanied by the servants such as Shemr Ebn Zeljoshan.
Shemr had told Obaydollah “now, you are in position of power. If you take Hussein as captive then lift the ban from him, in your lifetime, you will cast a favor in his teeth and in that of Bani Hashem tribe. Therefore, you will win fame and Yazid will endear you for your bag play and your excess-of-need service. Then, you will stigmatize your enemy by shame of servitude and will hurt their dignity and surely, you will win pride and fame. If he do not submit himself to our forces, we will kill him. Therefore, we will weed out the greatest threat and will defeat the greatest hostile of Yazid”.
Hussein (a) is their hostile and his record of hostility dates back to a long time. Hussein (a) is from a dignified family that its dignity humiliated Bani Omayeh in several occasions. Their hostility dates back to battle of Saffain in which the kingdom of Bani Omayeh was put in danger. Now, Hussein (a) is their hostile because all Islamic lands including Kufah (the movement of Muslim Ebn Aghil) and Iraq have revolted against Bani Omayeh for the sake of Him (a).
They are afraid of Hussein (a) and his presence in Hejaz – which is the center of prophecy. They are afraid of Hussein, his position and position of the household of great prophet (s) in the sight of Muslims. Hussein is the most beloved in household of Ali (a). He is the pillar of this household. Therefore, not only his presence but also his phantom presence takes Yazid away from tranquility. Even his dream would be a nightmare for him.
Of course, whoever assists Ebn Zeyad in the enterprise of killing Hussein; Ebn Zeyad will have a favorable opinion of him and endears by providing him with lots of gold. Ebn Zeyad will also be proud of him . Such a assistant will receive the badge of merit from the hands of Ebn Zeyad. Such an assistant deserve a bonus. Although these poor slaves anticipate a prize, it will not be the case. They (the members of Kufah’s army ) sang the song of “fill my saddle with gold and silver” in front of Omar Ebn Saad. The soldiers of Ebn Zeyad have been dreaming of winning an extra amount of gold and silver for killing Hussein (a). They sang this song in front of Omar Ebn Saad. They were intoxicated of this promise. Omar Ebn Saad, however, broke his promise ungratefully. Helplessly, they repeated this song in front of Obaydollah Ebn Zeyad. Omar had told the soldiers “never demand Ebn zeyad to reward your service”. Ebn zeyad did not heed too. They, finally, with no hope of requital asked Yazid to bring a return on their effort. Yazid also socked them in the puss .Interpretation of their dream for reward was not satisfactory. Yazid and Obaydollah viewed their service – in killing Hussein - just as the performance of Obligation.
Yazid deemed it advisable to ignore their demand for reward. If Yazid had heeded them , they would have held him indebted for this favour . Besides, yazid and Obaydollah would not have satisfied them if they had heed. It was not exigent anymore. They were rid of Hussein (a) .Such impudent soldiers were not necessary anymore.
He is not compelled to pay his servants in cash because his enemy does not exist anymore. First, He was compelled to pay soldiers to fascinate them with money to confront Hussein (a) but he is not anymore. He was of the opinion that Hussein (a) is suppressed forever; therefore, his slaves and soldiers do not serve further any purpose. He knows well the Movement of Hussein (a) is over and he will not come alive. He enjoys safety and is not in need for servant so he inflict them suffering and does not reward them. Now, he has to save money to make his parties brisk. Yazid did not interpret their dream satisfactory.
To be continued
