7th Muharram — Water Blockade

The Water Blockade

On the 7th of Muharram, Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad ordered Umar ibn Sa'd to cut off the water supply to Imam Hussain (a.s.) and his companions. Five hundred horsemen under the command of Amr ibn Hajjaj were stationed along the banks of the Euphrates River to prevent anyone from the Imam's camp from fetching water.

Thirst in the Camp

This inhumane blockade led to severe thirst in the camp, particularly affecting the young children and infants, such as the six-month-old Ali Asghar (a.s.). Despite the extreme hardship, the companions and family members bore the trial with immense patience and trust in Allah. (Source: Al-Irshad by Sheikh Mufid)

Significance

The blockade of water is a poignant symbol of the extreme cruelty of Yazid's army. In Shia tradition, drinking water is often accompanied by the phrase 'Salaam upon Hussain (a.s.)' as a tribute to the thirst he and his family endured. Majalis on this day focus on the cries of 'Al-Atash' (Thirst) from the children of the Prophet's household.