the Imam (a.

the Imam (a.s) told them: "Never will I accept disgrace and surrender to Yazid, Death for me is superior to disgrace and I am ready to defend Islam and the Muslims until I am Martyred." At a place called Karbala al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s), his family and helpers were surrounded by Yazid's troops. the Imam (a.s) and his followers stood firm as they fought against the thousands of troops of Yazid. Finally, on 10th Muharram, 61 AH (the day we call Ashura) they were martyred.

Al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s) and his followers were martyred, but they did not submit to injustice and oppression. they defended Islam and the Muslims. With their blood they saved Islam and the Qur'an from the danger of annihilation at the hands of Yazid. Al-imam al-Husayn (a.s) fought against oppression and defended the religion of Islam, and by doing so, he taught the world the greatest lesson on freedom and righteousness.

For this reason we call al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s) "Sayyid al-Shuhada" which means lord of the martyrs. Now the turn has come for us to safeguard and defend Islam. We must shoulder this magnificent resposibility. Protecting Religion The day of Ashura is a glorious day for truth and freedom. Ashura is a model for every day of our lives, and the martyres of that day are the forerunners and teachers for all the martyrs in the way of truth.

One of the self sacrificing yound men of that day was called Wahab. He too gave his life for his Imam (a.s) and for the true teachings of the Qur'an, and provided a lesson on martyrdom to all sincere youths of all times and places. Wahab was in his tent when his mother entered. She was obviously flustered and nervous; she said to her son: "Wahab! what are you waiting for? Don't you know that Yazid's forces have surrounded your Imam (a.s)? Rise and defend your Imam (a.s).

Rise and defend the Qur'an, freedom and honour. If you want me to be happy and pleased with you, rise and give your blood for the sake of your religion." Wahab was already busy putting on his clothes and armour for the battlefield. He quickly finished and made his farewells to his mother and to his young wife. He ran to the battlefield with the permission of al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s). Wahab fought like a valiant lion and his sword fell on the heads of the enemy like lightening.

But the day was hot and soon he became more thirsty and tired.