The Noble Steed: Zuljanah – The Final Companion of Imam Hussain (a.)

In the annals of history, the legend of Zuljanah, also known as Duljanah, emerges as a poignant tale of unwavering loyalty and ultimate sacrifice. A white Arabian Stallion, reputedly a gift from the esteemed Prophet Mohammad (s.) to Imam Hussain (a.), Zuljanah carries with it a profound legacy, tragically marked by sorrow and steeped in tears.

The Unfolding Legend: The Birth of Zuljanah’s Bond

The genesis of this enduring legend can be traced back to Zuljanah, originally named Murtajiz, a horse nurtured under the loving care of none other than the esteemed Prophet Muhammad (s.) himself. In a moment that would echo through eternity, the Prophet beheld his beloved grandson, Imam Hussain (a.), a mere toddler on the cusp of exploring the world, casting inquisitive glances toward the magnificent horse. 

In that poignant instance, it seemed as though an unspoken communion transpired between the young Imam and the horse. The Prophet, guided by a solemn premonition, gently inquired whether the young Imam harbored a desire to mount this regal companion.

Upon receiving an affirmative response, Prophet Muhammad (s.) summoned the horse’s saddle, extending an invitation to the young Imam. To the astonishment of all witnesses present, Zuljanah, as if guided by an innate understanding, humbly lowered itself, affording the boy the opportunity to ascend.

Yet, amid the joyous occasion, a heavy melancholy settled upon the Prophet’s countenance, his cheeks dampened by tears. When queried about his sorrow on what should have been a joyful moment, he offered a prophetic insight, “You are not aware of what I foresee. A day will come when my grandson, in an extremely wounded state, will be unable to remain in the saddle. At that moment, this very horse ‘Murtajiz’ will dismount my grandson upon the scorching sands of the ‘Desert of Karbala,’ with the same reverence it displayed here.”

Undying Love and Loyalty

Zuljanah, celebrated for its unwavering devotion, exhibited extraordinary strength, endurance, and loyalty. Imam Hussain (a.) held an abiding affection for this horse, often quenching its thirst before tending to his own. When the caravan of Imam Hussain (a.) reached the land of Karbala on the 2nd of Muharram, Zuljanah hesitated to enter the plains of Karbala, sensing an impending calamity. It only joined Imam Hussain (a.) when he led the way, mirroring his unwavering support.

In Karbala, during the Battle, Imam Hussain (a.) rode into the fray atop Zuljanah. As Asar approached, marking the time to meet his Creator, Imam Hussain (a.) dismounted but remained suspended on the arrows embedded in his body. In this grievous moment, Zuljanah encircled Imam Hussain (a.), seemingly shielding his master with its body and absorbing arrows intended for him.

The Heartbreaking End

With Zuljanah’s presence preventing anyone from reaching Imam Hussain (a.), Ibn Saad, the commander of Yazid’s army in Karbala, cried out, “The horse! Get the horse, for it is one of the horses of the Messenger of God!” A group of horsemen surrounded Zuljanah, which retaliated fiercely, taking the lives of forty riders and ten horses. Ibn Saad, observing the situation, decided to cease the attack. Upon feeling secure, the horse returned to Imam Hussain (a.), its body stained with his blood, a ghastly testament to the horrors of Karbala. In the midst of this gruesome scene, the horse’s piercing neighs seemed to echo its master’s grief.

Imam Hussain (a.) commanded Zuljanah to return to the camps. The riderless horse made its way back to the tent of the Imam, its sides punctured by arrows, making it appear as if it had wings. It approached the tents of the Ahl-e Bayt, the household of Prophet Muhammad (s.), signaling the tragic martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.). Gazing upon the horse, Imam Hussain’s (a.) four-year-old daughter, Sokayna (s.a.), joined by the mourning women of the family, wept at the sight, christening the horse Zuljanah, a steed with wings. These “wings” symbolized the arrows that had pierced the valiant companion on both sides.

A Farewell to Zuljanah

In the aftermath of the Battle of Karbala, Zuljanah, bearing grievous wounds, ventured towards the Furat, the river that had denied water to Imam Hussain (a.) and the Prophet’s family. Some accounts suggest that the horse succumbed to its injuries, while others claim it disappeared into the unforgiving desert.

Zuljanah’s Timeless Legacy

Each year, during the first Islamic month of Muharram, a decorated riderless horse, symbolically representing Imam Hussain’s (a.) unwavering companion, serves as a poignant reminder of Zuljanah. It pays homage to the sacrifices of Imam Hussain (a.) and the enduring love and reverence for the family of Prophet Muhammad (s.) felt by people around the world.

In the midst of this sorrowful narrative, the name Zuljanah endures as an enduring symbol of unwavering loyalty and the heartrending tragedy of Karbala.