Yazid ibn Mu’awiyah’s Haj

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Imam Abu al-Hasan ‘Ali ‘Izz ad-Din ibn Muhammad al-Atsir (r.a.) wrote, in his al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh, that Yazid ibn Mu’awiyah went on the haj like a prince during the era of his father.  After that, he came to Madina, and commenced with his drinking parties.  At one stage, Sayyidina Husayn ibn ‘Ali (r.a.) and Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (r.a.) came to see him.  So, his companions advised him to not to let Sayyidina ibn ‘Abbas (r.a.) enter, so he was turned away.  They allowed Sayyidina Husayn (r.a.) to enter, and he smelt the alcohol mixed with the scent of perfume, so he asked Yazid, “What is this?”

Yazid replied, “A perfume from Sham.”  Then he called for a cup, and asked Sayyidina Husayn (r.a.) to join him in drinking it.  Sayyidina Husayn (r.a.) refused.  Then Yazid, who was a known poet, recited couplets the summary of which was, “My friend, I invite you to fulfill your desires: wine, women and song, but you refuse?  Indeed, among them are those who will take over your heart and you will never repent from them!”

Sayyidina Husayn (r.a.) got up and said, “No!  They have taken over your heart, O son of Mu'awiyah”, and left.