Imam Husain (a.s.) wrote a similar
letter to the noblemen of the five divisions of Basra and their chiefs through
his retainer named Sulayman. The letters with similar contents were addressed
to Malik bin Musme' Bakri, Ahnaf bin Qays, Manzar bin Jarood, Mas'ood bin Umro,
Qays bin Haysam and Umar bin Abdullah bin Mu'ammar.
"Now then! Verily Allah has chosen
Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.s.) above all His creatures and granted him (the
prestige of) Prophethood and chose him for the Apostleship. Then the Almighty
took him towards His mercy (death) after the Prophet having guided all people
towards the truth, and after having propagated the message for which he was
sent. Thus we are his Household (Ahlulbayt), friends, vicegerents and his
successors and are more worthy of succeeding him than anyone else. Then the
nation has tried to precede us in this matter and we helplessly withdrew to
avoid dissentions. We cherish peace although we consider ourselves more worthy
and deserving of it (Caliphate) than them. I have sent towards you my messenger
and I invite you to the Book of Allah and the tradition (sunnah) of the
Prophet, for I see that the traditions (sunnah) have been destroyed and
innovations have crept up. Hence if you pay heed to my words and obey my
command, then I shall guide you to the Righteous path. And peace be upon you and
Allah's blessings and mercy."