Mukhtar’s Victory over the Enemies
After the Battle of Ain al-Warda, the Umayyad Army went on advancing towards Kufa. It occupied Mousal City. Then it headed for Kufa.
Mukhtar formed an army of three thousand fighters. Yazid bin Anas, a brave, good, old man headed the army.
Reaching Mousal suburbs, Mukhtar Army met the Umayyads' one at two battles. They won the two battles. Then Yazid bin Anas died. His death affected his soldiers spirits. They were afraid of the Umayyads' big Army. Thus, they decided to come back to Kufa.
The Rumours
Imam Hussein's killers rumoured that Mukhtar's army was defeated. They also rumoured that Yazid bin Anas was killed in the battle.
So, Mukhtar formed an army of seven thousand fighters. He ordered Ibrahim al-Ashtar, a brave leader, to head the army.
The army left Kufa. Mukhtar's enemies took advantage of the situation. They plotted against Mukhtar's government.
The rebels besieged the palace. In spite of the intense siege, Mukhtar sent a horseman to Ibrahim al-Ashtar. The horseman told him to come back.
After three days' siege, the rebels were astonished to see the army coming back. The army could end the mutiny quickly. It arrested some plotters. And some could escape.
The army executed Harmala bin Kahil, who killed Imam Hussein's baby. It arrested and executed Sanan bin Anas, who took part in Imam Hussein's killing. And it executed Amr bin Saad, who led the Umayyad Army during the Karbala massacre.
Shibth bin Riby escaped to Basrah. Shimr bin zel Jawshan also escaped. The army chased him. They found him at a village in Wasit and executed him. Al-Shimr himself beheaded Imam Hussein (A.S).
Mukhtar thanks Allah
Mukhtar was a good man. He fasted to thank Allah for His blessings. Allah granted him victory over the Prophet's enemies, who killed his grandson and robbed his family of their possessions.
The Battle of al-Khazir
Ibrahim al-Ashtar's Army reached al-Khazir River. There he met Ubaidullah bin Ziyad's Army.
Violent fights took place between the two sides. The Kufian Army fought bravely. Some commandos made a brave attack against the Umayyad's headquarters. They killed senior leaders such as Ubaidullah bin Ziyad and al-Hussein bin Numair. Anyhow, Ibrahim al-Ashtar's Army could defeat Ubaidullah bin Ziyad's.
Mukhtar's victory spread all over the Muslim cities. The Muslims became very happy when they heard about Ubaidullah bin Ziyad's killing. The Battle of al-Khazir suited Allah's words:
How often has a small party vanquished a numerous host by Allah's permission.
Ibrahim al-Ashtar's small army defeated Ubaidullah bin Ziyad's big one.
Taken from Mukhtar al-Thaqafy by Kamal al-seyyed
Other links:
Mukhtar al-Thaqafy, The First who paid homage to Imam Hussein (A.S)
Why couldnt Mukhtar Catch up with the Caravan of Karbala?
Imam Hussein (A.S), a Martyr for Islam
Mukhtar was released from Prison
Mukhtar defends Allah’s House
