For what crime he was killed?
Babies and infants in green- the color of Islam- filled Sayyed Al Shuhada complex in the Southern Suburb of Beirut. They arrived with their mothers who came to commemorate Imam Hussein's tragic loss of his 6 month old infant only hours before he attained martyrdom in a parade performed by little children who do know and do understand.
Little Abdallah was 6 months when he was slaughtered in the battle of Karbala, an innocent infant was killed savagely on the day of Ashura, during Imam Hussein's battle of righteousness.
How dreadful is it to kill an innocent baby and break his mother's and father's hearts, a baby that only wanted to quich his flaming thirst.
Upon entering into Sayyed Al Shuhada complex, in which a special ceremony was held in commemoration of that little infant's martyrdom, for renewing the pledge to Allah and Imam Hussein on staying on the track of uprightness and justice, it occurred to me that these women are women of resistance and those little ones filling the complex will soon become old enough to play a major role in society and fight their own battle.
When asking some of the participants, mainly mothers on why they are here the answers were various but all serve the same goal and express one though: a battle of righteousness, justice in the face of tyranny and corruption, and Karbala is present in daily life.
Zahraa from the South says: "to me participation in such a festival is a means of consoling and expressing sympathy to ‘Ahl Al Beit' (family of Prophet Mohammad). Not only adults were martyred but also the young and little as the case is for infant Abdullah, son of Imam Hussein.
This is reflected in our life as the young, old, and even babies were martyred during the July war, all for the sake of the Ummah.
Um Ali with teary eyes says: I am here today to console Sayyeda Zahraa (A.S.), mother of Imam Hussein and to show the world that we will adhere to karbala and its teachings all life long.
Sahar who arrived with her 10 month old child says: "I am here to revive the martyrdom and tragedy of Imam Hussein."
"I believe that even if they are little, they do feel and will understand in the future what lessons Karbala holds within its folds. Our goal is to raise up our children the right way."
Amani, mother of two children, 16 months and 7 months old, says: "I think that each mother should participate and take role in commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein precisely the infant Abdullah who was slaughtered for no guilt."
"We have experienced karballah throughout the "Israeli" aggressions and massacres such as that of Qana in South Lebanon. Karballah was the fight of Imam Hussein against tyranny and so is the case in Gaza and Iraq against "Israel" and the US. We see the battle of Ashura in these wars as well."
Another participant, S. M., says that it is heartbreaking to see a child as young as infant Abdullah slaughtered at 6 months of age. "What is his crime? What is the crime of all the children and innocent killed in the differnet wars around the world." She questioned.
It amazed me that even young ones like Serene, a five year old little girl in green understand and know. Sitting next to her mother and baby brother, and upon asking her why is she attending the ceremony, answered: "I want to participate to console Imam Hussein because his baby son was killed."
As for Zeinab Merhi, she says: "We see karballah in the resistance and resistance fighters. Just like we cannot forget Imam Hussein who sacrificed himself and all his companions and family including infant Abdullah, we also cannot forget the fighters of the Islamic Resistance who sacrificed their lives for our sake and the sake of righteousness. They gave their soul and blood for our well being and for the well being of Islam."
Um mohammad says such commemoration is the least thing we can do. "The school of Imam Hussein is present in our homes, in our society, in the Resistance."
Now Mariam believes she is present to revive Imam Hussein and his family's martyrdom. " I participate today to express my rejection to the unjustice and tyranny Imam and his family were subjected to and to show the world that we refuse subjection."
On her part, mother of one-year old Batoul thinks that just like Imam Hussein sought reformation and righteousness, it is each and everyone's duty in this society to do the same.
"commemorating this tragic incident is a must through which we stress the importance of the teachings of Imam Hussein and its reflections on our daily life."
Sammar says: "Not only is Karbala present in the mlitary confrontation and in battle, but also it is there in our daily life, through confronting corruption, immorality, injustice, inhumanity.
We are affected by Imam Hussein's battle and his teachings in all the diomentions of our life."
Last but not least was an answer by Fatima Khashab on the reason behind her presence. Just like tens of the hundreds and hundreds of mothers present in the ceremony said, she is present here in commemoration of Infant Abdallah's martyrdom as she is a mother of a little child and participates to ensure that she, like all faithful mothers, is ready to sacrifice her life and children for the sake of Islam.
"I am readty to do whatever it takes to follow Imam's lead in defense of the land, dignity, and for the sake of Allah. We seek righteousness and will always fight vain."
As eyes poured tears over the great loss of the blessed Imam and his family, and as rushes ran through veins of the mothers who gave an oath to follow the lead of their beloved Imam and seek the right path, candles were lit and a little pageant was performed by children symbolizing the tragedy of Abdullah's martyrdom during a turning point in Islam, Karbala.
And as prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said once: "The men and the women of a particular sect of my followers, who will befriend my Ahl-ul-Bayt, will mourn for Hussein and commemorate his martyrdom each year in every century.
No battle in history of mankind has earned more sympathy and admiration as well as provided more lessons than the martyrdom of Imam Hussein in the battle of Karbala.
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