Aun and Muhammad were the sons of Zainab, and they were quite young, aged ten (10) and nine (9) years respectively. They had learnt the art of fencing from their uncle, Abbas the brave.

When devotee after devotee fought and fell, in defense of the Holy Family, Aun and Muhammad felt that it was now their turn to go to the battlefield. They went to their mother Zainab, to ask for her blessings. Aun and Muhammad assured their mother that they
would fight with such bravery that whenever she thought of them, she would remember how brave they were. Zainab went to her brother to request him, and said: “Hussain, at the Battle of Siffin, Abbas was only ten (10) years old. When he saw someone trying to attack you, he rushed into the battle field and killed the man. Do you remember how proud our father Ali was? Today I too want to be proud of my sons. I want to see them go out there and defend Islam. Will you not allow me that privilege?”

Imam Hussain stood there in silence. He looked at his sister. He saw the disappointment on her face, and saw tears forming around her eyes. Then said: “My beloved sister you have never asked me for anything before, how can I say no to you now.” He turned to Aun and Muhammad and said “Go my sons, be brave, I shall join you soon on your journey to the heavens.” Zainab held them close and kissed them goodbye.

The boys raised their hands and said “Fi Amaani-llah, mother!” Zainab replied, “Bismillah my sons. God be with you!” The two boys rode out into the battlefield. They fought bravely. At one point ‘Umar son of Saad’ asked, “Who are these two youngsters? They fight like I have seen Ali son of Abu Talib fight.” When he was told who they were he ordered his soldiers to give up single combats and surround and kill the boys.

Aun and Muhammad were attacked from all sides.

Imam Hussain, Abbas and Qasim, stood by Zainab as she watched her sons fighting. Hardly a few minutes had passed when Aun fell from his horse and shouted for Imam Hussain. Just at that moment another cry was heard, this time from Muhammad. Abbas left Qasim with Zainab while he ran to the battlefield. Imam Hussain carried the body of Aun while Abbas carried Muhammad.

Imam Hussain walked to Zainab’s tent. He found her in Sajdah praying, “Oh my God, I thank you for accepting my sacrifice. My heart is filled with pride because my two sons have given their lives for your religion.”

Zainab came to the two bodies of her sons and addressing them said: “My dear children! Now I am pleased with you that, you have proved your worth and laid down your lives for Truth and pleased God and His Holy Prophet (pbuh).”