on the night of the day in which Imam Husayn (a.s.) left Makkah, Muhammad bin Hanafiyah came to his presence and said, “O dear brother! You are very well aware as to who these people of Kufa are. They committed treachery with your father (Imam Ali) and brother (Imam Hasan), and I fear that they might do the same with you. If you deem fit, do stay here, for you are the most respected and safe herein.” Imam replied,
“O brother! I fear lest Yazid bin Mu’awiyah assault me unawares in the Sacred Sanctuary (Haram) itself, and thus the sanctity of the Sacred Sanctuary and the House of Allah would be spoilt due to me.”
Ibn Hanafiyah said, “Then go to Yemen if you fear this, or go away into the corner of the desert, where you would be safe and no one would be able to lay their hands on you.” Imam replied that he would think over the proposal.
When it dawned, Imam prepared to go and the news reached Muhammad bin Hanafiyah. He came and caught hold of the reins of his camel, on which the Imam was mounted and said, “O my brother! Had you not promised me that you would consider my desire, then why do you leave in such haste”? Imam replied,
“After you left, the Holy Prophet (S) came to me and said: O Husayn! Hasten towards Iraq, for Allah desires to see you martyred.”
Muhammad bin Hanafiyah said, “Verily we are Allah’s and verily unto Him shall we return.” Then Muhammad continued, “Then what is the need of taking these women along with you in such a state”? He replied,
“The Prophet told me that Allah desires to see them in captivity.”
Then he greeted Muhammad and left.
Reference : Nafasul Mahmoom – Shaikh abbas Qummi (r.a.)