The tragedy was that in place of giving him water, Ali al-Asghar was killed by Harmala who shot an arrow that pierced his neck. According to both Shia and Sunni traditions, the arrow was three-headed. It has been recorded that the 6 month old baby moved his neck to protect the 3 headed spear from hitting his father. It has also been stated that it took Hurmula 3 attempts to shoot the arrow. He said he kept seeing the mother of Hussayn (as) in front of his eyes.