Many of the martyrs of Karbala entered the battlefield and fought against the enemy, or at least managed to defend themselves to some extent before achieving martyrdom. For instance, Abdullah ibn Hasan, the young son of Imam Hasan (peace be upon him), raised his small hand to block the enemy’s sword while defending his uncle, only to be martyred in the process.
However, there was one individual who did not defend himself at all—not because he didn’t want to, but because he lacked the ability to do so. He hadn’t even gone to the battlefield intending to fight. He had only gone in hopes of being given water, but instead…
When Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) saw that all the men of his family and his companions had been martyred, he decided to face the enemy himself. He came forward and cried out:
“Is there anyone to defend the sanctity of the family of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family)? Is there any monotheist who fears God concerning us? Is there any helper who seeks God’s reward by aiding us? Is there anyone to support us in the hope of what is with God?”
Hearing the plaintive cries of the Imam, the women of his household began to wail and lament. His sister, Lady Zainab (peace be upon her), came out of the tent and pointed to his six-month-old son, Ali Asghar, saying:
“Brother, this is your son, who has not yet tasted water. Seek some water for this infant.”
The Master of Martyrs (peace be upon him) took the infant in his arms and, addressing the enemy, said:
“O people! You have killed my companions and relatives, and this infant is all that remains. See how he opens and closes his mouth due to the intensity of thirst. Give him a little water.”
Before he had finished speaking, one of the enemy soldiers aimed an arrow at the infant’s throat, severing his head from his body.
Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) turned to Lady Zainab (peace be upon her) and said:
“Take this child.” He then cupped his hands under the infant’s throat, filling them with blood. He raised his hands toward the sky and said:
“This calamity is made bearable for me because it is in the sight of Allah.”
Imam Baqir (peace be upon him) later narrated:
“Not a single drop of that blood fell back to the earth.”
Thus ended the tragic story of the youngest and most defenseless martyr of Karbala, Ali Asghar, the six-month-old son of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).
The martyrdom of this innocent infant stands as one of the most vivid proofs of the oppression faced by the Master of Martyrs and a clear testament to his righteousness in the tragedy of Karbala.
(Adapted from the book “Lohuf” by Sayyid ibn Tawus [1] with summaries and additions.)
Footnote:
[1] This account draws on the translated text of Lohuf, translated by Mr. Muhammadi Ashtihardi.