Water for the Riders

The Story

Hussain and his small group travelled beneath the hot desert sun.

Far ahead, a cloud of dust rose into the sky.

Nearly a thousand riders were approaching, led by a man named al-Hurr.

The riders had been sent to stop Hussain from continuing freely.

They had travelled through the midday heat.

The men and their horses were exhausted and thirsty.

These men had come to block Hussain's path.

But when Hussain saw their thirst, he did not turn them away.

He told his companions to give water to every man and horse.

Hussain's companions carried water through the crowd.

They helped the men drink and carefully gave water to each horse.

They continued until everyone had enough.

When it was time to pray, Hussain asked al-Hurr if he wanted to lead his men.

Al-Hurr replied that Hussain should lead.

The riders stood behind Hussain, and together they prayed beneath the desert sky.

The riders still had orders to stop Hussain.

But he had given them water and treated them with kindness.

That is mercy. Choosing kindness even when it is not returned. 🌙

What would happen when the journey continued?

Family Discussion

Hussain showed kindness to people who were making his journey difficult.

Have you ever been kind to someone who was not being kind to you?

What helped you?

Sources: Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. XIX (The Caliphate of Yazid ibn Mu'awiyah), trans. Howard — al-Hurr ibn Yazid al-Riyahi intercepting Hussain with ~1,000 horsemen in the midday heat; Hussain ordering water for the men and the gradual watering of their horses; the prayer led by Hussain with al-Hurr's men behind him, Shaykh al-Mufid, Kitab al-Irshad, trans. Howard — Hussain's meeting with al-Hurr, the watering of al-Hurr's thirsty troops and horses, and the shared prayer, Abu Mikhnaf, The Event of Taff — 'The Stations on the Way to Kufah': the interception on the road and the giving of water