Imam Husain (a.s.) sent the
following reply with Hani bin Hani Sabee'i and Sa'eed bin Abdullah Hanafi, who
were the last messengers (from Kufa):
"In the name of
Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful. From Husain bin Ali to the noblemen among
the Muslims and believers. Now then! Hani and Sa'eed have brought me your
letters, they being your last messengers. I have realized your opinions through
them and your judgement is that: There is no Imam over us. You come towards
us, perhaps Allah will unite us through you upon the truth and righteousness. I
send to you my cousin, my brother and a trustworthy person from among my family
Muslim bin 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. I swear by my life, that he is not an Imam and guide except he who
judges in accordance to the Book of Allah, and establishes justice, and
professes the True Religion and dedicates himself to the will of Almighty
Allah. Greetings."