‘Maqtal al-Hussain'-A Brief History

Cover Page of A Translated Version of Maqtal
Published by Imamia Mission-Pakistan

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

 The term ‘Maqtal al-Hussain’ refers to  the title of various books written by different authors to narrate the tragic martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his followers at Karbala in 680 AD. These books were written by renowned scholars in different centuries and serve as a base material for recalling the oppression and atrocities committed on the grandson of the Holy Prophet. Orators, Poets and writers use these books for references and  prepare their Majalis in the light of incidents narrated in them. History records that the first such book was written in 8^th century by Abi Mikhnaf who had breathed his last in 157 AH. The other famous Maqtal Al Hussain were written by Ibn Saad in 230 AH,Baladhuri in 283 AH, Ibn Adham in 314.Maqtal written by Dinawari is available but no one has idea about the date of its compilation.

Several other Maqtals were also written between 2^nd to 4^th Hijri years and their names are found in other relevant works .But they have failed to survive and are no longer traceable. The constant persecution of Shias by the rulers resulted in their permanent loss. Some of the Maqtals lost forever include the works of  Muhammad bin Amr Waqidi (d. 207 or 209 AH), Abu ‘Ubaydah Mu‘mmar bin Muthannà (d. 209 AH, Nasr bin Muzaham Manqari (d. 212 AH, Abi Ubayd Qasim bin Salim Hirawi (d. 224 AH), Abi al- Hasan Ali bin Muhammad Madaini (d. 224/225 AH), , Abdullah ibn Muhammad, , Yaqubi, Abi Abdullah Muhammad ibn Zakariyya al-Ghalabi (d. 298 AH) and Abi Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Shahanshah Bag.

 Ibn Nadim, Yaqut al-Hamawi and Al Najashi have mentioned the untraceable Maqtals in their works. It is ironical that these Maqtals are no longer available or else they would have served as an authentic source to Karbala narratives. In the absence of lost Maqtals, Karbala narrators rely heavily on the work of Abi Mikhnaf who was the first to write Maqtal al Hussain and deserves salute for preserving the heart rending tragedies struck at KARBALA  on Imam Hussain and his followers. Miknaf belonged to Azd tribe and lived in Kufa. His work is an important source of early Iraqi historical traditions.Tabari too relied heavily on his work to produce his own work. Mikhynaf has presented narratives in abundance with complete details on the basis of of independent enquiries, collection of facts and seeking first hand information.He also used the work of other traditionalists such as, Amir Al Shahi, Rasibi, Mugalid ibn Said, and Muhammad ib Said Al Kalbi.These traditionalists were either senior to Mikhnaf or his contemporaries.(References available on request. Photo courtesy- Google Images )