This brief manuscript currently before the esteemed reader...

This brief manuscript currently before the esteemed reader includes some of the exact words of the Eminent Lord of the Martyrs, (peace be upon him) which this humble writer has recounted, noting their sources. I have merely translated them, refraining from explaining or expounding upon them. Thus, they are concise and brief enough to be written upon posters and banners, placed in view of those present in meetings and gatherings.

At the same time, because of their simplicity, they are useful for all of our religious brethren. It is anticipated that seminarians and other religiously committed students memorize these exact words and speeches, and then in their own speeches and discussions, enlighten the mind of the general public with the radiant brilliance of the light of Husayn peace be upon him.

Thus this valuable legacy which has come to us from the pens of the scholars and the blood of the martyrs who came before us, can be passed along to the next generation. May Allah reward them for their splendid efforts and increase their faith, piety, knowledge, and righteous actions. Allah's greetings, mercy and blessings, be upon us and upon them and upon the Righteous servants of Allah. Sayyid Muhammad-Husain Husaini-Tehrani Noon prayer time, Ashura, 10th Muharram, 1402 H.Q.

The Sacred City of Mashhad, the region of Imam Ridha’, peace be upon him And He is the Ominipotent [^1]: Eminent stands for the word “Hazrat” which is an honorific title, used to show respect, in the Persian language before the names of the Fourteen Infallible. Some translators have omitted this altogether because there is no English equivalent.

The word Eminent, capitalized, has been used here in an attempt to keep the flavor of the original manuscript, showing the deference and respect allotted by devout Shia to the Fourteen infallible. [^2]: “Nahjul Balaghah”, Speech 231; Sharh ‘Abdeh. Egypt: Vol.1, p. 462 [^3]: “Nahjul Balaghah” (The Peaks of Eloquence), Speech 231, Shahr ‘Abdeh, Egypt: Volume 1, p.461. [^4]: Muhtahsham is an Iranian poet.

Verses of his poems elegizing the events at Karbala are traditionally written on black banners hung in mourning ceremonies and halls in meetings commemorating these events.…