Syedna Hatim bin Ibrahim (RA), the third Dai-al-Mutlaq, ascended to the arsh of dawat in Yemen in the year 557 H. Followers flocked towards him, for he was widely recognized for his greatness, eloquence and his learned discourses. The tribes of Himiar and Hamdan pledged loyalty to him and handed him sovereignty of Hisn-e-Kaukabaan.
Ali bin Hatim, the ruler of Sanaa and much of the surrounding provinces, was very disturbed by the fact that more and more people were becoming followers of Dai Hatim (RA). He began to fear for his throne, for he craved worldly possessions and power above all else. Syedna Hatim (RA) meanwhile did not care for worldly possessions, and urged his followers to seek the rewards of the hereafter.
Consumed by jealousy and pride, Ali bin Hatim undertook a campaign of attempting to turn people away from the Dai (RA), by dispensing great amounts of money and buying away the loyalties of the people. He succeeded in corrupting Ahmed bin Jabeer Al Hibri, who had been a trusted follower of Syedna Hatim (RA). Ahmed and his cohorts, buoyed by the money that was being pumped to them by the Sultan, began to incite unrest and revolt within Kaukabaan.
The battle between Syedna Hatim (RA) and Sultan Ali was long drawn out. The sultan had laid siege to the fort. Finally they were about to call for peace, for the Sultan had no knowledge of the resources at the disposal of Syedna Hatim (RA). The traitor Ahmed informed him that the Dai’s supplies were running low due to the long battle. He demanded to be put in charge of the troops and march upon Hamdan. The sultan agreed. He attacked fiercely, and briefly, for less than an hour and came out victorious. Syedna Hatim (RA) quickly reclaimed lost ground. He emerged from the fort and approached the sheikhs of Hibra in Hamdan. The Sultan resumed his attacks, targeting them all.
Syedna Hatim (RA) feared that Hamdan would be split into factions at his hands, for there were people both for and against him. To avoid this, he left Hamdan and went to his son in law in Bait Radm near Sanaa. He was received with great honour, and his son in law entreated him to stay with them. Syedna (RA) declined and asked to be escorted to Haraaz.
They reached Al shaaf, where the people, once followers of Abdul Majeed, flocked towards Syedna Hatim (RA) seeing his azeem shaan, his knowledge and his eloquence. They climbed further to Al Zahra. Al Hajr was acceded to the Dai (RA). He remained in Hajr until the fort of Al Hutaib, high up in the mountains of Haraaz, was acceded to him also. Saba bin Yousuf was their leader. They gave their allegiance and devotion to Dai Hatim (RA). He brought Shibam into the fold, and gathering horsemen from Hamdan and Haraaz, he conquered Lahab and the fort of Hamedah on the highest tip of Lahab.
Saba bin Yousuf continued forth against the enemies of the Dai like a lion in battle, supported fully by his tribe, until he was treacherously captured and killed by the Bani Hakam. A great deal of bloodshed ensued as Saba bin Yousuf’s tribe sought revenge. Syedna Hatim (RA) intervened, counseling them towards patience to achieve their end. Bani Hakam retreated to their territory, Hauzan. There was a long drawn out period of bloodshed, until the Bani Hakam were reduced to a handful. To this day, the area remains desolate. There ensued an era of peace and prosperity under Syedna Hatim (RA).
Shababul Eidiz Zahabi Colombo is organizing a tour of Umrah & Yemen in Rajab ul Asab. 28 mumineen will inshallah get the azeem sharaf & sawab of ziyarat of Syed Hatim Bin Syedna Ibrahim (R.A). Group will depart on July 3rd 2008
Article courtesy of misbah.info