At midday, after Zohr prayers, John came to Imam Hussain A.S He stood silently with arms folded. Imam Hussain A.S looked at John and said:
What is the matter John?
My master! I cannot bear to see the children of Bibi Fatimah S.A killed in front of me.
Please Master! Allow me to go to the battlefield.
John, you are an old man! Battle (Jihad) is not obligatory for an old man like you. No, John, no! I cannot allow you to die.
John Said: Master, I know why you are not letting me go to the battlefield.
Is it because I am a black slave & you do not want the blood of a black slave to mix with the blood of the Holy family?
Hussain A.S was deeply shocked to hear this.
My friend John! Do not say that! You know we do not keep such differences. Go, John, go! Allah be with you!
Hussain A.S himself then helped dress John for the battle. He mounted John on the horse and said:
Good bye, John!
John's eyes were full of tears as he reached the battlefield.
He spoke to the soldiers on the other side:
Look at me! You have seen me with the Holy Prophet PBUH.
You say the Holy Prophet PBUH is the messenger of Allah. You call yourselves Muslims. Do you think the Holy Prophet PBUH will be pleased with you for killing his beloved grandson? What has Hussain A.S done to you? He is innocent. Leave him alone.
John was attacked. Arrows were fired from all directions. John fought bravely. He sent many to the Fire of Hell. As he fell from his horse, he cried out:
My Master! Come to see me! Let me see you for the last time."Imam A.S heard John calling him, he rushed to the battlefield. Abbas A.S & Ali Akbar A.S accompanied him.
Imam Husain placed John's head on his lap. Tears poured from Hussain A.S eyes.
John! I am very sorry! You are leaving my home without food or water for three days.
John! Please forgive me!
Master! Why are you sorry? You have done me a big favor by letting me fight and sacrifice my life for Islam. John continued:
Look, Master! Who has come to receive me? The Prophet PBUH , Bibi Fatimah S.A, Imam Ali A.S & Imam Hasan A.S are here for me.
©Freedom Fighters NG.