Ashura

Maryam points with her tiny finger at black flags being hung around their home while Baba Hassan stands on a small ladder attaching a flag to the wall.

Maryam watched Baba Hassan put up black flags around their home. "Baba, why flags?" she asked, pointing with her tiny finger. "It's for Ashura, habibti," Baba Hassan replied with a gentle smile.

Maryam's Question

Baba Hassan sits cross-legged beside Maryam on a soft patterned carpet, explaining about Ashura with his hands gesturing gently.

"What's Ashura?" Maryam asked, her eyes wide with curiosity. Baba Hassan sat down beside her on the soft carpet. "It's when we remember a very special person named Imam Hussain," he explained softly.

What is Ashura?

Amo Ali lifts Maryam up in the air at the open doorway while Baba Hassan watches with a smile from inside the house.

The doorbell rang, and Maryam ran to open it. "Amo Ali!" she squealed with delight. Amo Ali picked her up and spun her around. "Are you ready to learn about Ashura?" he asked.

A Special Visitor

Maryam sits between Baba Hassan and Amo Ali on a couch, with a tray of sweet tea on the coffee table in front of them.

Baba Hassan made sweet tea while Maryam sat between him and Amo Ali. "Imam Hussain was a very brave man," Baba Hassan began. "He was also very kind," added Amo Ali.

Family Time

Baba Hassan shows Maryam a picture book with illustrations of Imam Hussain while Amo Ali points to specific images in the book.

"Imam Hussain was the grandson of Prophet Muhammad," explained Baba Hassan. Maryam's eyes grew wide. "He loved his family very much," Amo Ali added. "And he always stood up for what was right."

Who Was Imam Hussain?

Amo Ali gestures with his hands explaining Ahlul Bayt while Maryam tilts her head in curiosity and Baba Hassan sits nearby.

"Imam Hussain belonged to Ahlul Bayt," said Amo Ali. Maryam tilted her head. "What's Ahlul Bayt?" she asked. "It means 'People of the House' – the family of our Prophet Muhammad," Baba Hassan explained.

The Prophet's Family

Baba Hassan counts on his fingers while Maryam tries to mimic him counting along, with Amo Ali watching them fondly.

"Ahlul Bayt includes Prophet Muhammad, his daughter Fatima, his cousin Ali, and their sons Hassan and Hussain," Baba Hassan counted on his fingers. Maryam tried to count along. "They were very special people who taught us how to be good," Amo Ali added.

Special People

Baba Hassan kneels to Maryam's level, telling her about Imam Hussain's bravery while she frowns with concern.

"Imam Hussain was very brave," said Baba Hassan. "He stood up against a bad king who was hurting people." Maryam frowned. "That's not nice."

Being Brave

Amo Ali makes a strong gesture about standing up for truth while Maryam nods seriously, sitting on a cushion.

"Even when it was hard, Imam Hussain always told the truth," Amo Ali said. "He protected his family and friends." Maryam nodded seriously. "I want to be brave too."

Standing for Truth

Maryam proudly holds up her sippy cup offering to share, while Baba Hassan looks at her with pride.

"Imam Hussain shared water with everyone, even his enemies," Baba Hassan said. Maryam picked up her sippy cup. "I can share too!" she declared proudly.

Water for Everyone

Amo Ali gestures widely describing the desert journey while Maryam takes a big sip from her cup, looking concerned.

"Imam Hussain and his family went on a long journey through the desert," Amo Ali explained. "It was very hot and they were very thirsty." Maryam took a big sip of water. "Poor Imam Hussain."

The Journey

Baba Hassan points to Karbala on a map while Maryam carefully pronounces the word, her lips forming the syllables.

"The place where Imam Hussain stood up for what's right is called Karbala," said Baba Hassan. Maryam tried to say the word. "Kar-ba-la," she repeated slowly.

Remembering Karbala

Amo Ali and Baba Hassan sit on either side of Maryam, who nods thoughtfully as they explain the importance of remembering Imam Hussain.

"We remember Imam Hussain because he teaches us to be brave and kind," Amo Ali said. Maryam nodded. "And to always tell the truth," added Baba Hassan.

Why We Remember

Baba Hassan holds up a black shirt while Maryam gently touches the fabric with her small fingers.

Baba Hassan showed Maryam a black shirt. "We wear black to show we're sad about what happened to Imam Hussain." Maryam touched the fabric gently. "I'll wear black too."

Special Clothes

Maryam stands on a step stool at the kitchen counter, clapping her hands excitedly while Amo Ali shows her ingredients for special food.

"We make special food to share with everyone," explained Amo Ali. Maryam clapped her hands. "I want to help!" Baba Hassan smiled. "You can help me stir the soup."

Special Food

Maryam sits thoughtfully with her toys spread around her while Baba Hassan kneels nearby explaining about helping others.

"Imam Hussain always helped people who needed help," said Baba Hassan. Maryam thought for a moment. "I can share my toys with my friends," she decided.

Helping Others

Amo Ali gestures about kindness while Maryam looks up at him questioningly and Baba Hassan nods affirmatively.

"Ahlul Bayt taught us to be kind to everyone," Amo Ali explained. "Even people who aren't nice to us?" asked Maryam. Baba Hassan nodded. "Especially them."

Being Kind

Maryam hugs Baba Hassan tightly while Amo Ali watches them with a warm smile.

"Imam Hussain loved his family very much," said Baba Hassan. Maryam hugged him tight. "I love my family too!" Amo Ali smiled. "And we love you."

Family Love

Maryam jumps excitedly between Baba Hassan and Amo Ali as they discuss visiting the mosque tomorrow.

"Tomorrow we'll go to the mosque to remember Imam Hussain," Amo Ali said. Maryam jumped excitedly. "Will there be other children?" Baba Hassan nodded. "Many families will be there."

Visiting the Mosque

Baba Hassan tucks Maryam into bed with a children's book about Imam Hussain visible on the nightstand, as he kisses her forehead.

As Baba Hassan tucked Maryam into bed, she yawned sleepily. "I'll remember Imam Hussain and Ahlul Bayt," she promised. "They teach us to be good people," Baba Hassan whispered, kissing her forehead.