Shawwal 3rd marks death anniversary of al-Mutawakkil al-Abbasi, enemy of Ahlul Bayt

The third of Shawwal marks the death anniversary of al-Mutawakkil, the tenth Abbasid caliph.

Mutawakkil was a merciless despot who ruled for nearly 15 years.

He is well-known for his hatred towards Ahlul-Bayt. Most significantly, in 236 A.H., the Abbasid Caliph ordered his men to destroy the tomb of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) and raze its surrounding houses to the ground.

He also ordered for severing the limbs of anyone heading off for the pilgrimage towards Karbala (Ziyarat ul-Hussein peace be upon him).

His rule coincided with the Imamate of Imam Hadi (peace be upon him).

In 247 A.H., he was killed by his son Muntaser and buried in his palace.