hidden secrets of Islam were not hidden from him, as his complete comprehension of the religion was thorough. For this reason, the zeal and enthusiasm he had was not simply raw emotion or over-exuberance. In fact, it was religious zeal and religious enthusiasm.

The martyrdom of Imam Husayn رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ in Karbala was predestined to occur. The means that led to this event were all destined to take place. The great Imam himself knew about his impending martyrdom but did not act except with wisdom and tactfulness. It is not the case that he simply charged into Karbala and fought until he was martyred. The reality is that every step, every action and every breath of the great Imam was filled with great wisdom. His every decision was imbued with vast intellect, as well as deep-rooted understanding of Quran and hadith. Whilst acting upon every facet of Islam, he sacrificed everything for the religion.

There are two points of discussion here:

Firstly, Yazid wanted Imam Husayn رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ to pledge allegiance (bay’ah) to him. However, the great Imam did not give in to the personal interests of Yazid, completely and utterly rejecting any oath of allegiance the wretched leader sought.

Secondly, when Imam Husayn رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ took practical steps to oppose Yazid, he did so with wisdom. Yazid the wretched came into power in Rajab, 60 AH, and wrote a letter to Walid, the governor of Madinah. In this letter, Yazid expressed his selfish desire for Imam Husayn رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ to pledge the oath of allegiance to him and ordered Walid to ensure this took place.

Walid had a message conveyed to Imam Husayn رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ on the same night, and so the great Imam went to Walid. Walid began demanding Imam Husayn رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ to pledge an oath of allegiance to Yazid. Not only did Imam Husayn رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ completely reject this demand, he left Madinah with his family and travelled to Makkah.