Salam Alaikum everyone,
Today we honor and commemorate the shahadats of Hazrat Aun and Hazrat Muhammad, the young sons of Bibi Zainab (AS) and Abdullah ibn Jafar.
Though they were only thirteen and eleven respectively, they had studied sword fighting and combat from their uncle Hazrat Abbas (AS), and they were determined that no harm would come to Imam Hussain (AS) or his children while they still lived. After the battle began they started asking Imam Hussain (AS) for permission to defend him and fight Yazid’s army, but the Imam (AS) refused their requests time after time, not wanting his sister’s sons to be killed while he could still keep them safe.
They went to their mother Bibi Zainab (AS) and told her that their uncle Imam Hussain (AS) was repeatedly refusing to send them into battle. Upset, Bibi Zainab (AS) spoke to Imam Hussain (AS), asking him to allow her sons to fight the enemies of Islam:
“Today I too want to be proud of my sons. I want to see them go out there and defend Islam. Will you not allow me that privilege?” Imam Hussain (AS) finally agreed, kissing Aun and Muhammad as he helped them mount their horses.
Everyone could tell who their teacher had been from their skill and bravery on the battlefield. They fought valiantly together and the enemies were fearfully reminded of the way Imam Ali (AS) had fought. Every time an enemy fell Aun and Muhammad would glance proudly towards their uncle Hazrat Abbas (AS). Yazid’s commanders ordered the army to surround Aun and Muhammad. The enemy forced them apart and struck brutally at them with their swords. They became shaheed protecting Imam Hussain (AS) and Islam.
When Imam Hussain (AS) and Hazrat Abbas (AS) sadly carried the bodies of the martyred boys back into the tents, Bibi Zainab (AS) did not cry. Instead, she prayed to Allah and thanked him, “My heart is filled with pride because my two sons have given their lives for your religion.”
Though Hazrat Aun and Hazrat Muhammad were young, they possessed incredible bravery and loyalty which we can all aspire to. They helped prove that love for the Imam and Islam mattered far more than age, and that anyone can stand up to fight injustice.