SAEDNEWS: The True Story of His Escape and the Role of One of Imam Hussein’s Companions in the Battle of Ashura: Exploring Why He Left Imam Hussein’s Camp at Karbala
According to Saednews, After the events of Ashura and the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and his loyal companions, one of Imam Hussein’s companions fled from the battlefield on the Day of Ashura in the desert of Karbala. The following is the story of Al-Dahhak ibn Abdullah, including his role in the battle, his decision to leave, and his eventual escape from the pursuing soldiers.
While Imam Hussein’s caravan was traveling toward Kufa, Al-Dahhak ibn Abdullah met Imam Hussein alongside Malik ibn Nadr al-Arhabi. Imam Hussein invited both men to join and support him. When they offered excuses, Imam Hussein asked them why they could not accompany him.
Malik ibn Nadr replied:
“I have debts and dependents.”
Al-Dahhak, however, agreed to the Imam’s invitation on a condition. He told Imam Hussein:
“I also have a family to support and debts to people. But if you allow me, when you find no remaining warrior beside you who can defend you, I will leave. I will fight for you only as long as my presence is beneficial to you and I am able to defend you.”
Imam Hussein accepted his condition. (Al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Beirut, vol. 4, p. 317; Al-Samawi, Absar al-Ayn fi Ansar al-Husayn, 1419 AH, p. 122.)
On the morning of Ashura, Al-Dahhak took part in the first attack and demonstrated considerable bravery. He also performed the noon prayer alongside Imam Hussein.
When he saw that the forces of the Umayyad army, following the orders of Umar ibn Sa'd, were targeting the horses belonging to Imam Hussein’s companions and killing them by crippling them, Al-Dahhak hid his horse in a tent and continued fighting the enemy on foot. (Al-Tabari, History of the Prophets and Kings, vol. 5, p. 445.)
Al-Dahhak later recounted that he killed two enemy soldiers who were fighting on foot and cut off the hand of another. Imam Hussein prayed for him and said:
“May you never become weak, and may your hand never be severed. May God grant you the best of rewards for your service to the Household of the Messenger.”
(Al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, 1352 SH, p. 3050.)
As the battle progressed, Imam Hussein’s companions were gradually killed. According to the account attributed to Abu Mikhnaf, narrated from Abdullah ibn Asim al-Fa'ishi and ultimately from Al-Dahhak ibn Abdullah, Al-Dahhak realized that Imam Hussein and his family were now facing the enemy almost alone. Only Suwayd ibn Amr and Bashir ibn Amr al-Hadrami remained with him.
Al-Dahhak approached Imam Hussein and said:
“O son of the Messenger of God, do you remember the agreement between you and me?”
Imam Hussein replied:
“Yes. I release you from your pledge. But how can you escape from the enemy ranks?”
Al-Dahhak answered:
“I have hidden my horse in a tent, which is why I have been fighting on foot.”
(Al-Tabari, History of the Prophets and Kings, vol. 5, p. 445.)
Al-Dahhak then mounted his horse and fled from the battlefield. Fifteen soldiers from Umar ibn Sa'd’s army pursued him until he reached a village near the Euphrates, where he stopped.
Among those pursuing him were Kathir ibn Abdullah al-Sha'bi, Ayyub ibn al-Mashrah al-Khaywani, and Qays ibn Abdullah al-Sa'idi. They recognized Al-Dahhak. With the support of several members of the Banu Tamim, who were also among those pursuing him, they helped save him from being killed.
(Al-Baladhuri, Ansab al-Ashraf, 1977, vol. 3, p. 197; Al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, 1352 SH, pp. 3050–3051; Ibn al-Athir, Al-Kamil, vol. 4, p. 73.)
