John was sent as a gift from Abuzar Ghifari, to the household of Hazrat Ali (A.S) and Bibi Fatima (S.A). In the company of Hazrat Ali (A.S) he learnt the commentary (tafseer) of the Quran and traditions of the Holy Prophet. He also knew the Holy Qur’an by heart. When Hazrat Ali (A.S) was martyred, John stayed with Imam Hassan (A.S) and after Imam Hassan's death he stayed on with Imam Hussein (A.S).
John was blessed to be with the three Imams. What a lucky man!
When Imam Hussein (A.S) left Medina John insisted on joining him.
On the night before Ashura, John spent the whole night sharpening his sword whilst reciting the Holy Qur’an.
In the battlefield
The battle of Karbala started.
One-by-one, Imam's friends took permission to go for battle.
At midday, after Zohr prayers, John came to Imam Hussein (A.S). He stood silently with arms folded.
Imam Hussein (A.S) looked at John and said:
"John! My friend John! What is the matter?"
"My master! I cannot bear to see the children of Bibi Fatima (S.A) killed in front of me. Please Master! Allow me to go to the battlefield."
"John, you are an old man! Battle (Jihad) is not obligatory (wajib) for an old man like you. No, John, no! I cannot allow you to die."
"Master, I know why you are not letting me go to the battlefield. Is it because I am a black slave and you do not want the blood of a black slave to mix with the blood of the Holy family?" john said.
Hussein (A.S) was deeply shocked to hear this.
"John! My friend John! Do not say that! You know we do not keep such differences."
"Go, John, go! Allah be with you!"
Hussein (A.S) himself then helped dress John for the battle. He mounted John on the horse and said:
"Good bye, John!"
John's eyes were full of tears as he reached the battlefield.
He spoke to the soldiers on the other side:
"Look at me! You have seen me with the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P). You say the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) is the messenger of Allah. You call yourselves Muslims. Do you think the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) will be pleased with you for killing his beloved grandson?"
He continued:
"What has Hussein (A.S) done to you? He is innocent. Leave him alone. Save yourselves from the Fire of Hell."
John was attacked. Arrows were fired from all directions. John fought bravely. He sent many to the Fire of Hell.
As he fell from his horse, he cried out:
"My Master! Come to see me! Let me see you for the last time."
Imam Hussein (A.S) heard John calling him and he rushed to the battlefield. Abbas (A.S) and Ali Akbar (A.S) accompanied him.
Imam Hussein (A.S) placed John's head on his lap. Tears poured from Hussein (A.S)'s eyes.
"John! I am very sorry! You are leaving my home without food or water for three days. John! Please forgive me!"
"Master! Why are you sorry? You have done me a big favor by letting me fight and sacrifice my life for Islam."
John continued:
"Look, Master, look! Who has come to receive me? The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) himself is here. Bibi Fatima (S.A) is here. Imam Ali (A.S) and Imam Hassan (A.S) are here!"
Taken from: Almujtaba Islamic Articles Page
