The moon was almost setting, casting its dying rays on the waters of the Alqami River and the few tents that were pitched on its banks. Beside these tents, there were a few graves which were scattered across the desert of Karbala, providing the only landscape which the lunar beams could light up dimly. The stillness of the night was almost suffocating. The only noise that could be heard for miles around was the chirping of the night insects and the monotonous rippling of the waters of the stream, recounting the mournful events of the day that had seen the death of those who lay buried in the nearby graves.

Suddenly there was a stir in one of the tents, as if somebody had been awakened from his sleep. The flap of the tent was lifted and an old man, walking with a bent back and supporting himself with a staff, came out of it followed by a young person who apparently was his servant. Slowly he advanced towards the other tents and, standing a few paces away, shouted for the inmates of the other tents to come out. Apparently the old man was speaking with a tone of authority. When the people sleeping in the tents heard his voice, they rushed out showing obvious concern for his safety and welfare. He seemed to be their leader or chief as they reverentially addressed him with sincerity. One of these persons, who perhaps was a close friend, came hurriedly to where the old man was standing and said, “O' Jaber, what is the matter with you that you woke up so early before dawn?  May Allah bless you and your noble revered father. We all felt frightened by the thought that some illness had struck you or some pain had awakened you from your sleep. Please tell us what you are worried about, if it is not connected in any way with your health.”

The old man was no other than Jaber ibn Abdillah Al-Ansari. Jaber told his companions and friends to pack up and get ready to head towards Karbala. On reaching Karbala he saw that Bani Asad, who lived in nomadic camps near Karbala, had covered the bodies of Imam Hussein and his companions with sand to protect them from ravages. However, no proper burial had been given to the martyrs. Jaber and his companions and friends prepared the graves of the martyrs. 

Jaber Ibn Abdillah explained to his friends and companions that the reason why he had awakened them so early that morning was because he had seen in his dream the Holy Prophet and the Prophet told him that Imam Zainul Abidin, Imam Baqir and Sayida Zainab will arrive Karbala next morning as war captives. The Prophet had asked Jabir to go to Karbala to greet them and to convey (to) them his salaams and condolences. Jabir told his friends that he awoke after that and he wanted them to accompany him so that they could go forward to greet the caravan of the family of the Prophet.

By this time the first streak of dawn was visible on the eastern horizon. One of Jaber’s companions recited the call to prayers and all offered their morning prayers. They praised Allah for giving them the opportunity to be the first visitors at the graves of the martyrs of Karbala and also the first ones to greet the family of the Prophet as they (family of the Prophet) returned to the land rendered scared by the holy blood of the martyrs.

As soon as they finished the prayers, they saw a cloud of dust rising in the distant horizon, indicating the approach of a caravan. Jaber and his friends rode their mounts to receive and welcome the Prophet's family. When they were at a hailing distance, they got down from their horses and, with profound respect, offered their salutation to Imam Zainul Abidin. Jaber went over to the Imam and respectfully led him and the rest of the caravan towards his camp on the banks of the river. He told the Imam why he had come to Karbala. Jaber then asked the Imam if adequate treatment was given to him and the family of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). When he heard Jaber’s question the Imam wept silently for a few minutes and then softly replied, "O' Jaber, it is a story of sufferings which will be written in blood and tears for future generations to read! What suffering shall I speak about after the tragedy here?  They defy description".

When the women of the family of the Prophet saw the graves of their dear ones, they fell down one by one from their camels, overcome by grief and sorrow. Each one rushed towards the grave of her son, brother, father or husband. They poured their hearts over the graves of their deceased relatives, recounting all the agony they had endured. Sayida Zainab headed straight towards the grave of Imam Hussein. Zaineb went to Imam Hussein’s grave and said, "My beloved brother, I have returned to you but without Rokaiya, whom you had entrusted to my care. My dear brother, your beloved Rokaiya bore all the suffering patiently and with fortitude until she could no longer endure them so she surrendered her soul to her Master. Forgive me, my dear brother, if I faltered in any way in fulfilling the mission you entrusted to me.

This incident occurred 40 days after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Ever since that incident, the followers of Imam Hussein commemorate that incident each year by gathering and remembering the tragedies that Imam Hussein and his family went through on the day of Ashura and the 40 days following Ashura.