It is clear from this saying, "their hearts are with you and their swords are with Banū Umayyah," that those who fought the Master are those who love him in their hearts, but are hostile to him with their swords. This perfectly applies only to those who claimed love but failed in support and backing. The worldly possessions of Banū Umayyah bought these people and used them to fight Allah and His party. But far, far from it is that this misguided creation can overcome the Overcomer of all Overcomers and the Judge of the Day of Judgment. We will cite many traditions that indicate that those who were present at Karbalā’ were among those who claimed love and loyalty without correct belief or clear action.

"The Letters of the People of Kūfah to the Master Indicate That They Were His Lovers!"

The people of Kūfah sent a letter to our Master Al-Ḥusayn (may his glory be exalted) through Hānī ibn Hānī Al-Sabī‘ī and Sa‘īd ibn ‘Abdillāh Al-Ḥanafī, in which it came: "To Al-Ḥusayn ibn ‘Alī from his believing followers (Shī‘ah). As for what follows, hasten! For the people are waiting for you, and they have no opinion other than you. So, hasten, hasten, then hasten, O son of the Messenger of Allah." Shibth ibn Rib‘ī, Ḥajjār ibn Abjar, Yazīd ibn Al-Ḥārith ibn Ruwaym, ‘Urwah ibn Al-Qays, ‘Amr ibn Al-Ḥajjāj Al-Zubaydī, and Muḥammad ibn ‘Urwah Al-Tamīmī each wrote a letter to Imām Al-Ḥusayn (may His glory and majesty be exalted), in which they said: "As for what follows, the land has flourished and the fruits have ripened, so if you wish, proceed to an army that has been mobilized."¹

This is a clear statement that his followers in Kūfah were waiting for him, drawing swords from their sheaths and pulling arrows from their quivers. But their word was nothing but lies, and their action was nothing but atrocious. So, they schemed, Allah schemed, and Allah is the best of schemers. Note that these names are of those who witnessed the Day of Al-Ṭufūf against the Lord, and some of them had fought alongside the Master Amir Al-Mouminine (may his glory be exalted).

Al-Master Muḥammad ibn Al-Ḥanafīyah (peace be upon him) said to the Master Al-Ḥusayn (may his glory be exalted): "O my brother, you know the treachery of the people of Kūfah towards your father and your brother. I fear that your situation will be like the situation of those who passed away."²