Iran commemorates Karbala infant martyr

Today on the first Friday of the mourning month of Muharram, the infant martyr of Karbala Hazrat Ali Asghar (AS), the only 6 month old son of Imam Husain (AS) was commemorated at more than 5,000 sites throughout the Islamic Republic of Iran, with millions of young mothers along with their infants and toddlers participating in the ceremonies.

The largest gatherings were held in the holy city of Mashhad in the sacred shrine of Imam Reza (AS), followed by the holy city of Qom, at the sacred shrine of Hazrat Ma’suma (SA) and in Tehran at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla.

The infants and toddlers in the arms of their mothers were clad in green or white cloths, complete with headscarves and headbands inscribed with the phrase, “Ya Ali Asghar”.

These gatherings, especially of the big cities were telecast by IRIB. It was a moving sight to watch tears flowing down the eyes of the participants, as preachers and elegists recounted the tragic martyrdom of the thirsty Ali Asghar (AS) whose tender throat was pierced by the arrow of the Omayyud stone-hearted marksman, Harmala ibn Kahel, when Imam Husain (AS) asked for a few drops of water for the infant.

Similar gatherings were held in 41 other countries around the world.

SS