By Momineen Quran Center | Global Online Shia Quran Academy
🕊 Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
As we enter the 4th night of Muharram, the sorrow of Karbala deepens in our hearts. Each night draws us closer to the tragic climax of Ashura, and tonight, we reflect on the inspiring loyalty of one of Imam Hussain’s (a.s) most devoted companions — Janabe John (r.a).
He was neither from Bani Hashim nor a blood relative of the Ahlul Bayt (a.s), yet his soul was bound with unwavering love, knowledge, and sacrifice. At Momineen Quran Center, we teach not only the words of the Qur’an but the values lived by its greatest followers, like Janabe John (r.a).
🌑 Not All Martyrs Were Related by Blood — But All Were United by Faith
While the eyes of the world are often drawn to the martyrdom of Ali Akbar (a.s), Abbas (a.s), Ali Asghar (a.s) and others from the family of the Prophet (s.a.w), the 4th night reminds us that Karbala’s battlefield was also filled with believers of diverse backgrounds who chose martyrdom over silence.
Among them stood sixteen freed slaves, many from Ethiopia, who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Imam Hussain (a.s). One of the most honored among them was Janabe John (r.a) — an elderly, African companion who had once served in the house of Imam Ali (a.s).
📖 The Life of Janabe John (r.a) – A Quranic Student in the House of Ahlul Bayt (a.s)
Originally gifted by the noble companion Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, Janabe John (r.a) grew up learning the Holy Quran, Tafsir, and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) under Imam Ali (a.s) and Bibi Fatima Zahra (s.a).
He memorized the Quran and became a close companion of both Imam Hasan (a.s) and later Imam Hussain (a.s). When the Imam departed Madinah, John insisted on joining him, refusing to let age or weakness keep him away from his beloved master.
⚔️ The 4th Night: Devotion with a Sword in One Hand and Qur’an in the Other
As the pressure from Yazid’s army intensified on the 4th of Muharram, Janabe John (r.a) prepared himself for the inevitable battle. While younger companions wept and prayed, he spent the night sharpening his sword while reciting verses of the Quran. His heart was with his Imam, and his faith was unshakable.
Despite being nearly 80 years old, he stood ready — not for glory, but for loyalty.
🤲 A Conversation That Moved the Imam to Tears
On the day of Ashura, after the Zuhr prayer, John respectfully requested permission to fight. Imam Hussain (a.s) hesitated out of love, saying:
“You are elderly. Jihad is not obligatory for you.”
But Janabe John (r.a) replied with a trembling voice:
“Is it because I am a black man, a former slave, that you hesitate to accept my sacrifice?”
Imam Hussain (a.s) embraced him with tears, saying:
“Never! You are my brother in faith. Go, and may Allah be with you!”
🏹 The Martyrdom of Janabe John (r.a)
He entered the battlefield as a true servant of Allah and defender of the Ahlul Bayt (a.s). He fought valiantly, reminding Yazid’s army of their betrayal of Islam. Eventually, overwhelmed by arrows and swords, he fell.
With his last breath, he called out:
“O my Master! Let me see you once more!”
Imam Hussain (a.s) came running, placing John’s head in his lap.
John smiled through the pain:
“Master, I see the Prophet (s.a.w), Bibi Fatima (s.a), Imam Ali (a.s) and Imam Hasan (a.s) welcoming me…”
And with that, his soul departed for Paradise.
🖤 A Timeless Lesson from the 4th Night of Muharram
Janabe John (r.a) teaches us that true love for the Ahlul Bayt (a.s) knows no boundaries — not race, not status, not blood. His courage and Qur’anic knowledge made him one of the most honored martyrs in Karbala.
At Momineen Quran Center, we keep his legacy alive by offering online Shia Quran classes that go beyond memorization. We teach tafsir, history, and the values of Karbala, through certified virtual Shia Quran teachers.
📖 Learn Quran with the Spirit of Karbala
Our global online platform offers:
✅ 1-on-1 Shia Quran Classes (Urdu & English)
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✅ Courses in Quran with Tajweed, Tafsir, Nahjul Balagha, Sahifa Sajjadiya
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💬 Raise a Generation with the Loyalty of Janabe John (r.a)
This 4th night of Muharram, let us honor Janabe John’s devotion by investing in Islamic education rooted in the teachings of the Ahlul Bayt (a.s). At Momineen Quran Center, we are more than a Quran academy — we’re a community that remembers, reflects, and revives the message of Karbala.
Momineen Quran Center – Where Quranic Knowledge Meets the Legacy of the Ahlul Bayt (a.s)
🕊️ Enroll Today. Keep the Spirit of Karbala Alive.
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