Hawzah News Agency- Speaking at a special program titled "Rahrovan-e Zeynabi" held Saturday evening at the holy shrine of Imamzadeh Shah Seyyed Ali (AS) in Qom and attended by families of martyrs, Masoumeh Zahiri offered condolences on the martyrdom anniversaries of Imam Hussein (AS), his loyal companions, Imam Sajjad (AS), and the captivity of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT).
"This gathering is honored today by the presence of the esteemed families of martyrs — those who carry forward the path of the martyrs — and their presence is a lesson in perseverance and steadfastness for all of us," she said.
Quranic standard of true faith
Citing the Quranic verse "Among the believers are men who have been true to the covenant they made with Allah," Zahiri posed the question of why Imam Hussein (AS) described his companions as the finest in history.
"We must look at their characteristics," she said. "The most important quality of the Master of Martyrs' companions was insight and awareness — an insight that does not only mean recognizing the truth, but also understanding the times, correctly assessing situations, knowing the enemy, having the power of decision-making, self-control, and standing firm in the face of enemy pressure and reproach."
Divergent paths at the crossroads of history
Zahiri noted that during the Ashura movement, people did not all stand in the same place. Some joined Imam Hussein (AS) from Medina, some joined the caravan of truth along the route, and others joined the Imam's army on the Day of Ashura itself. By contrast, she said, there were those who, despite knowing the Imam, let doubt, hesitation, and worldliness keep them from the path, causing them to lose the opportunity to stand with the proof of God.
Zuhayr and Hurr: Two models of decisive choice
Pointing to the figure of Zuhayr ibn Qayn, Zahiri said he exemplified someone who, midway through the journey and with a nudge from his wife and the Imam's invitation, changed the course of his life and became one of the companions and martyrs of Karbala.
"In contrast, there were those who, hoping to secure better conditions or thinking they would join the Imam later, missed the opportunity and their names were not recorded among the companions of Ashura," she noted.
Zahiri also referred to a group known in Ashura history as the "hesitant ones" — those who continually postponed their decision, waiting to see how events would unfold.
"They knew Imam Hussein (AS) and had affection for him, but this very delay and hesitation caused them to be deprived of history's greatest felicity," she said.
On the other hand, she added, figures like Hurr ibn Yazid al-Riyahi demonstrated that even in the final moments, one can choose the right path with insight and join the front of truth.
"What saves a person is speed in recognizing the truth and courage in acting upon it," Zahiri asserted.
Wilayat: The dividing line between admirer and companion
Stressing that one of the most important manifestations of insight is devotion to Wilayat, Zahiri said many people in Imam Hussein's time loved him, but love alone was not enough.
"What distinguished the Imam's true companions from others was obedience to the divine guardian and practical presence on the battlefield," she said.
Lady Zainab: Epitome of resilience and truth-telling
Highlighting the role of Lady Zainab (SA) in sustaining the Ashura movement, Zahiri described her as the complete model of insight, crisis management, patience, steadfastness, and the jihad of clarification.
"Although Ashura took place in Karbala, it was Lady Zainab (SA) who, through her illuminating sermons in Kufa and Sham, prevented the enemy from distorting the truth of this uprising," she said.
She cited managing emotions, maintaining composure under the most difficult circumstances, defending Wilayat, and transforming an apparent defeat into a historic victory as the outstanding qualities of Lady Zainab (SA), calling her an enduring role model for all Muslim women.
Women of Bani Asad: Responsibility on the scene
Zahiri also pointed to the role of the women of the Bani Asad tribe in burying the martyrs of Karbala, saying these women too exemplified a sense of responsibility and timely presence on the scene, showing that everyone, within their capacity, can play a part in keeping the Ashura culture alive.
Steadfastness: The key to victory
Concluding her remarks, Zahiri stressed that steadfastness is the most important key to the victory of the front of truth.
"The enemy always tries to weaken the resolve of believers through creating doubt, humiliation, psychological warfare, and various pressures. But the lesson of Ashura is that believers must remain on the field with insight, awareness, knowledge of the enemy, obedience to Wilayat, and perseverance," she said.
She added that today, preserving unity, strengthening the spirit of resistance, serving the people, the jihad of clarification, and active presence in cultural and social arenas are a continuation of the path charted by Lady Zainab (SA) and the companions of the Master of Martyrs to safeguard Islam and divine values.
"Everyone, according to their capacity and resources, can play a role on the front of truth. If the Muslim community makes the culture of insight, devotion to Wilayat, resistance, and responsibility the guiding principle of their lives, then just like the Ashura movement, the enemy will never achieve its goals," Zahiri concluded.
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