Coinciding with the Ziyarat of 'Arafah day, the two holy shrines of Imam Al-Hussayn and his brother Aba Al-Fadl Al-Abbas (peace be upon both of them) receive on this day; the 8th of Dhu Al-Hijjah 1437 AH corresponding to the 10th September 2016, the visitors came to present their condolences to the Imam Al-Hussayn and his brother Aba Al-Fadl Al-Abbas (peace be upon both of them) for the martyrdom anniversary of the ambassador of Imam Al-Hussayn (peace be upon him); Muslim Ibn 'Aqeel (peace be upon him), which was on the 9th of Dhu Al-Hijjah, in the year 60 AH.
When thousands of letters from people of Kufa, inviting Imam Al-Hussayn (peace be upon him) to come to Kufa, to support him, and pledge allegiance to him, Imam Al-Hussayn (peace be upon him) sent his cousin Muslim Ibnu Aqeel (peace be upon him) to report him the news of Kufans, to check their intentions, and to take the pledges of allegiance and their promises of obedience to Imam Al-Hussayn (peace be upon him). He (peace be upon him) wrote them a letter and sent it with him. The most important thing about this letter is the praising of Imam Al-Hussayn (peace be upon him) to him -Muslim ibnu ‘Aqeel-, trusting him, and announce him as the trustee of his family, which is a high status, and a great virtue. No one could have all of this honour but a great man like Muslim Ibnu ‘Aqeel (peace be upon him). Saying: “From Al-Hussayn Ibnu Ali to the followers among the faithful and Muslims etc. I send to you my cousin, my brother and a trustworthy person from among my family Muslim Ibnu ‘Aqeel. And I have instructed him to inquire about your affairs and write to me regarding it. And if he writes to me that your elders, the wise and the learned men hold the same opinion as your messengers have conveyed to me and as written in your letters, then I shall come to you quickly, Allah willing.”
Muslim (peace be upon him) was martyred after the outcome of the change in the political circumstances as Ubaidullah Ibnu Zyad (may Allah curse him) followed the carrot and stick strategies and was able to buy the loyalty of many of tribes heads, clans in Kufa, and their leaders. Those worked on failing people, and scared them from the tyranny of Ibn Zyad, and the risk of standing against him and supporting Muslim Ibnu ‘Aqeel. Thus Ibn Zyad and a result for this drooping, was able to separate Muslim Ibnu ‘Aqeel from people and became alone, which allowed to arrest him –Muslim- after a fierce battle, this heroic champ fought by himself and gave great examples on bravery and heroism. Also Hani Ibn 'Urwa who hidden him inside his house was arrested. Then Ubaidullah Ibn Ziyad ordered to hit the neck of Muslim Ibnu ‘Aqeel. He (peace be upon him) was taken to the roof of the palace, was kneeled and was ordered to stretch his head over the edge of the wall of the palace. Then was mercilessly beheaded. When the axe split his neck, Muslim Ibnu 'Aqeel's head fell from the top of the palace to the ground. After this the soldiers were ordered to throw his body to the ground. Later, Ubaidullah ordered to take away Hani Ibn 'Urwa, and ordered to behead him in the market.
Muslim Ibnu 'Aqeel (peace be upon him) was mercilessly killed on 9th of Dhu Al-Hijjah, 60 AH, the day when Muslims were getting ready to celebrate the festivities of Eid al Hajj. Thus he became the first martyr of the epic battle of Karbala. He is buried in Kufa and thousands of people go annually to visit his grave and pay their respect.