Imam Hussain (a.s) ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) was born in Madina on 3rd Shaban 4 A.H.
His mother Lady Fatima (s.a) brought him to her father,the Apostle of Allah, who named him Hussain. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) recited the Azaan in the baby’s right ear and Iqaama in his left ear.
There was joy in the Holy Household but also sadness. Holy Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) had tears in his eyes as he held his grandson in his arms. When asked “Why are you sad?” He replied; “this son of mine will be killed by the worst people. May Allah not grant them my intercession.”
Allah (swt) sent the Angel Jibraeel with greetings that the Saviour of Islam had been born but also with the news that this baby will suffer on the day of Ashoor.
Martyrdom was promised to him and the Earth and the heavens wept for him.
With Jibraeel came thousands of angels including the Angel Futrus, who had lost his wings and had been confined to a remote island.
He sought his (p.b.u.h) intercession to reclaim his wings. The Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) prayed for him.
Allah (swt) revealed to the Prophet (p.b.u.h) to order Angel Futrus to rub his wings on cradle of Imam Hussain (a.s).
The Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) instructed Futrus- “Rub your broken wings on this newborn’s cradle.”
When he came to the baby’s cradle and touched it; his wings were restored to him. He soared back to the skies saying :
“Who can be like me? I am freed by Hussain (a.s).”
Imam Hussain (a.s) was not nursed by any woman, including his mother (Bibi Fatima Zahra (s.a)); instead he suckled the Holy Prophet’s (p.b.u.h) tongue until he grew old enough to eat. Because of this, his characteristics were exactly as those of the Prophet (s.a).
Seven days after the birth, the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) shaved Imam Hussain’s (a.s) head and gave the weight of his hair as charity for him.