5 Muharram

5th Muharram — Final Negotiations

Final attempts at negotiation took place. Shimr ibn Dhil-Jawshan arrived at Karbala with orders to force Umar ibn Sa'd to attack immediately or face execution.

5 Muharram 61 AH

Arrival of Shimr

On the 5th of Muharram, Shimr ibn Dhil-Jawshan arrived in Karbala carrying a letter from Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad. The letter rebuked Umar ibn Sa'd for delaying the battle and ordered him to either secure Imam Hussain's (a.s.) absolute surrender or kill him and trample his body. If Sa'd refused, Shimr was to take command.

Closing the Door to Peace

Shimr's arrival marked the end of any potential diplomatic resolution. Shimr was a man devoid of mercy, and his presence emboldened the worst elements of the Umayyad army. He also attempted to offer a 'safe passage' to Abbas ibn Ali (a.s.) and his brothers due to a distant tribal connection, which Hazrat Abbas firmly rejected, declaring his unwavering loyalty to Imam Hussain (a.s.). (Source: Al-Irshad by Sheikh Mufid)

Significance

This day highlights the unwavering loyalty of Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) and the sheer brutality of the Umayyad regime. In majalis, the devotion of Hazrat Abbas is heavily emphasized as the ultimate standard of brotherhood and faith.

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