Hena of Qassem bin Al-Hassan (S) observed in Holy Karbala

By: Ismail Zabeeh

HOLY KARBALA, Iraq: With the Ashura – the gruesome day when the son of Ali (s) and Batoul (S) and grandson of holy Prophet Muhammad (S), Al-Imam Al-Hussein (S), was slaughtered unjustly in the burning plain of Karbala along with his 72 faithful companions at the hands of Yazid (L) - approaching, mourning ceremonies are touching height in the holy city of Karbala.

On Muharram 7, February 16, which is specified with the Hena processions and majales of 13-year-old Al-Qassem bin Al-Hasan bin Ali (S) who was got married to the daughter of his uncle Al-Imam Al-Hussein bin Ali (p) on the night of Ashura. His holy body was trampled by horses of yazidi army chopping him in pieces.

Tens of thousands of mourners including little children attended the Hena procession of Qassem bin Al-Hassan (S) holding Hena dishes, colorful standards, candles, oil and sweats.

The procession touching through the streets of the holy city reached at the main gate of the holy shrine of Al-Imam Al-Hussein (S) where loud voices were heard to welcome Al-Qassem bin Al-Hassan (S), nephew and son-in-law of Al-Imam Al-Hussein (S). At the shrine, throngs were standing in lines to welcome replica of Al-Qassem (S) who was sitting on the horse back.

After this, the procession entered the holy shrine where the same scene was re-enacted when Al-Qassem bin Al-Hassan (S) had asked Al-Imam Al-Hussein (S) to permit him to go to battlefield in his support, and how Imam (S) had refused to allow him for he was the only sign of his beloved brother Al-Imam Al-Hassan Al-Mojtaba (S).

As much as the procession neared the holy grave of Al-Imam Al-Hussein (S), the sounds of drums went aloud reminding the tragedy of Karbala.

The mourners offered deep condolences with tears to Al-Imam Al-Hussein (S) on the martyrdom of Al-Qassem bin Al-Hassan (S).

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