As Imam Hussain’s caravan drew nearer to Kufa, distressing news reached him about the death of Muslim Ibn Aqeel, who had been arrested and killed by the Governor Ibn Ziyad. Imam Hussain called upon his companions and shared the tragic news offering them the freedom to leave without guilt if they wished. Some companions, filled with fear, chose to part ways with the caravan. Nonetheless, Imam Hussain pressed forward until he encountered an army of 1,000 horsemen, led by Hurr al-Riyahi.
The enemy army obstructed the advancement of Imam Hussain’s camps, causing a standstill. The Imam addressed the enemy, explaining his purpose for traveling to Kufa, emphasizing that it was in response to the people’s invitation. To validate his words, he displayed a bag filled with letters he had received from Kufa. Hurr, however, denied any involvement in writing those letters, stating that their mission was to escort the Imam to Governor Ibn Ziyad. Hurr proposed an alternative route that would neither lead to Kufa nor Medina. Finding the suggestion fair, Imam Hussain altered the course of the caravan, with Hurr and his army marching alongside. Eventually, they arrived at a village called Nainawa, where a messenger from Ibn Ziyad delivered an order to Hurr.
The message instructed Hurr to compel Hussain to halt, but to let him stop in an open space, without vegetation or water. Hurr relayed the contents of the letter to Imam Hussain. Undeterred, the Imam, his family, and his companions resumed their journey, arriving at a place that would become etched in history – Karbala. Recognizing that they had reached their destination, Imam Hussain ordered the setup of their camp.
