Ali Asghar (A.S) was only six months old in Karbala. He was the son of Imam Hussein (A.S) and Rubab. On the day of Ashura it was very hot and there was no water for the family of the Imam (A.S) for three days. His mother could not feed him either, as there was no milk. When the Imam (A.S) called out “Is there anyone to help me?” there was loud crying from the ladies. The Imam (A.S) came into the tent.
Hazrat Zainab (S.A) said: “O my brother Hussein, since Asghar heard your call, he has not stopped crying.” The Imam (A.S) said, “Bring him to me. I will take him and see if he can get some water.” Rubab brought the baby Ali Asghar (A.S) from his crib and kissed him goodbye.
Imam Hussein (A.S) took the baby in his arms and going to the army of Yazid said: “See how thirsty my Asghar is. His lips are dry and he can hardly open his eyes. He has done no harm to anyone. Give him some water.”
Hearing this, some of the soldiers started to cry, but Umar Saad said to Hurmala: “Stop Hussein’s words”
Hurmala aimed an arrow at the baby’s neck. The arrow hit its mark and the baby was killed in the arms of his loving father, Imam Hussein (A.S). The Imam (A.S), kissed the baby then took a step forward, and then went backwards. He did this again and again 7 times saying:
"انا لله و انا الیه راجعون"
“From Allah we come and to Allah we return”
He buried the baby with his own hands in the hot sand.
