The Martyrdom of Ali
In this edition of the Newsletter we will be featuring several heart wrenching and
beautiful poems from our most talented sister Zainab Kazim...May Allah reward her
and the entire staff of the Newsletter...
by Zainab Kazim
Sleep reigned over the Kufan town, As from the mosque came a godly
sound. The call for prayer filled the sky, Moving the air with a gentle
sigh. Awakening Muslims with a gentle prod, “O people come, and pray
to God.” And in the silent mosque, Ali (AS)stood alone, Gazing at every
wall and stone. He knew that these walls would be stained with blood,
Innocent, pious, saintly blood. Today his blood would be shed, These
clean walls would be covered in red. He was eager for martyrdom I am
sure, It was then he heard a tiny snore. In a corner a sleeper lay, Ali (AS)
knew he had not come to pray. Gently Ali (AS)awoke the man,
“Awake awake, O Ibn Moljam. Come it is nearly time to pray, Awake for the coming day. I know your work, I
know why you’ve come, Remember your deed cannot be undone.” Ibn Moljam, nothing did say, Quickly he
rose and walked away. Ali (AS) prepared for prayer as the Muslims
came, Ready to pray in Allah’s Name. “Allah-u-Akbar” his voice began,
Behind him stood Ibn Moljam. “Allah-u-Akbar” Ali (AS) said again,
And knelt before God with the other men. Suddenly Ibn Moljam moved
forward to kill, His sword with poison was definitely filled. He raised his
sword and struck it down, Confusion was there all around. Ali’s neck
was covered with blood, His head prostrated before his God. Ibn Moljam
quickly ran, He was a scared and sinful man. And Ali (AS) reeled back
not crying out his pain, His blood drenched lips spoke in Allah’s name.
His heart felt happy, his mind so light, He was finally ending his worldly
life. His sons held him in their arms, As if to protect him from this physical harm. His smiling lips parted and
then he said, “I thank Thee O Lord for a martyr’s death.” Soon Ibn Moljam was brought before Ali (AS), His
state was terrible, Ali (AS) could see. His bonds were cutting deep in his
skin, Causing the blood to spurt from within. A frown creased Ali’s
brow, He ordered the bonds be loosened NOW. The murderer into tears
broke, Ali (AS) smiled faintly and then he spoke. “It is not too late to
repent O Ibn Moljam, Was I an unjust or cruel Imam?” Then to his sons,
Ali (AS) said, “Give him a drink to relieve his head.” But Ibn Moljam
didn’t trust Ali, He refused the drink quietly. Ali (AS) then spoke, “O
Ibn Moljam, Why do you not trust your dying Imam? If you had taken
this juice of mine, You’d be with me in Heaven divine.” In two more
days Ali (AS) died, So “Think not of those slain in the way of Allah as
dead, Nay, they are living, with the Lord they have provision.” (Qur’an, 3:169)
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