The Angels’ Knowledge of the Martyrdom of Ĥusain (a.s.)

I heard Abā ‘Abdillāh (Imam Sādiq (a.s.)) say: When Ḥusain ibn ‘Ali (a.s.) was born, Allāh ordered Jabra`īl to descend (to the earth) with one thousand angels to congratulate the Messenger of Allāh (s.a.a.w.) on behalf of Allāh and himself. (On his way to the Prophet (s.a.a.w.)) Jabra`īl descended on an island in the sea where an angel named Fuťrus lived. Fuťrus was one of the carriers (of the Throne). At one point, he had procrastinated about carrying out an order of Allāh. Therefore, his wings were broken and he was thrown onto this island. He continued worshipping Allāh on that island for six hundred years, after which Ḥusain (a.s.) was born. Fuťrus asked him, “Where are you going?” “Allāh has blessed Muḥammad (s.a.a.w.) with a blessing (child), and I have been sent to congratulate him on behalf of Allāh and myself,” Jabra`īl replied. “O Jabra`īl! Take me with you. Perhaps Muḥammad (s.a.a.w.) will intercede for me,” Fuťrus said. So Jabra`īl carried Fuťrus. When they arrived, Jabra`īl congratulated the Prophet (s.a.a.w.) on behalf of Allāh and himself, and then informed him of Fuťrus. The Messenger of Allāh (s.a.a.w.) told Jabra`īl to bring Fuťrus inside. After Fuťrus was brought inside, he informed the Prophet (s.a.a.w.) of his situation. The Prophet (s.a.a.w.) prayed for him and said to him, “Rub (your wings) on this newborn child (Ḥusain (a.s.)) and (you will) return to your (original) position.” Fuťrus rubbed his wings on Ḥusain (a.s.) and started ascending (to the heavens). As he was ascending, he said, “O Messenger of Allāh! Verily your nation will kill him. Verily, as my repayment to him (Ḥusain (a.s.)), no one will come to his Ziyārah, say Salām to him, or send blessing(s) on him without me informing him of it.” Then Fuťrus ascended (to the heavens).