In this, the sixth programme in our series, we look at the many letters of invitation sent by the people of Kufa in Iraq to Imam Husain (PBUH), declaring their support for him and inviting him to come to Iraq. When the people of Kufa learnt that the tyrant Mu’awiya had died, and that the Prophet's grandson had refused to acknowledge the rule of the ungodly Yazid, it didn't take very long for the people of Kufa to find out that Yazid was certainly not the right person to lead Muslims, and moreover his nomination as caliph was violation of the treaty that Mu’awiya had signed some 20 years earlier with the Prophet’s elder grandson, Imam Hasan Mojtaba (PBUH) that the caliphate would return on his death to the Prophet’s Ahl al-Bayt. The people of Kufa gathered in the house of one of the elders of the town – that is, the house of Solaiman bin Sorad Khazaie – to decide what to do. At this gathering Solaiman Khazaie made a speech.
He said: "O people of Kufa. You are aware that Mu’awiya has died, and he will no doubt pay for his actions, and he will receive what he deserves. His son Yazid has been named as the next caliph. Husain ibn Ali has opposed Yazid, and in order to remain safe from the clutches of the sons of Abu Sufyan (of the Ommayad clan) has travelled to Mecca. You, the people of Kufa, who are supporters of the Prophet’s grandson, and you were also followers of his father, Imam Ali, be aware that today, Imam Husain needs your help. If you are certain and ready to assist him and fight his enemies, then write to him and invite him to come to Kufa. But, if you are not certain, if you are wavering or in two minds, if you are weak and undecided, then don't deceive him!!"
All those who had gathered at the house of Soleiman Khazaie replied with one voice: "We will fight the enemies of Imam Husain; we will assist him, and we will offer our lives in the way of God".
And thus, the people of Kufa, wrote and sent a letter to Imam Hussein (PBUH ) in Mecca. The letter started by praising the Almighty Allah, and cursing the oppressive tyrant Mu’awiya bin Abu Sufyan. Then the people of Kufa addressed the Imam by saying: "You know very well that we have no leader, so please come to us. We hope that the Lord, through you, will collect us under one roof, and will guide us towards truth and righteousness…….
Greetings, mercy and blessings of God upon you, O son of the Messenger of God, and greetings, mercy, and blessings upon your noble father – Imam Ali (PBUH). There is no might nor strength, except in God Almighty".
After this letter, hundreds or even thousands of letters, were sent by the people of Kufa to Imam Husain (PBUH) in Mecca, inviting him to visit their town.
source : irib
