Ramadan 14 in the Islamic calendar is traditionally believed to be the day when a crucial letter from the leaders of Kufa reached Imam Hussain ibn Ali. This event took place in the year 680 AD (60 AH), during Imam Hussain’s stay in Mecca.
The people of Kufa, a city in Iraq, had been expressing their discontent with the oppressive rule of Yazid ibn Mu’awiya, the Umayyad caliph. They saw Imam Hussain as the rightful leader and a symbol of justice and righteousness. To show their support and urge him to lead a movement against Yazid’s rule, the leaders of Kufa wrote a letter to Imam Hussain.
This particular letter, which reached Imam Hussain on Ramadan 14, was significant because it came from prominent and influential figures among the people of Kufa. The leaders of Kufa expressed their commitment to Imam Hussain’s cause and pledged to stand by him in the struggle against tyranny and oppression.
The arrival of this letter further reinforced the calls from the people of Kufa, and it played a crucial role in shaping Imam Hussain’s decision-making process. The overwhelming support and encouragement from the leaders of Kufa, as well as the common people, added weight to the responsibility Imam Hussain felt to address the grievances of the Muslim community and uphold the values of Islam.
After receiving this letter and considering the situation at hand, Imam Hussain made the difficult decision to leave Mecca and journey towards Kufa to confront the unjust rule of Yazid. Unfortunately, this journey ultimately led to the tragic events of the Battle of Karbala on the day of Ashura, where Imam Hussain and his companions faced the Umayyad army and were martyred.
The letter from the leaders of Kufa, along with the other letters from the people of Kufa, exemplify the longing for a just and righteous leader and the desire for positive change in the Muslim community. These historical events are commemorated during the month of Muharram, particularly on the day of Ashura, as Muslims around the world honor the sacrifice of Imam Hussain and his companions and draw important lessons from their stand against oppression and injustice.