Ashoura’a Southern Suburb Procession, Hearts of Faith in Imam Hussein’s Path
Siraj Kobeissy
Photos by: Moussa Houseini and Mariam Nibras
The tenth day of Ashoura'a arrived along with an atmosphere full of sentiments focusing on the love of Imam Hussein, and the love the resistance.
To the believers, Ashoura'a plays a role in reviving the notion of resistance within their society, so that they would prosper and develop into wholesome communities.
The believers in the path of Imam Hussein all poured into the streets surrounding Sayyed Al Shuhada Complex to commemorate the memory of Imam Hussein and his household's martyrdom.
Young and old people gathered to take part in this day where hundreds of thousands of people reflect their support to Imam Hussein (PBUH) and the path through which he chose to defend Islam.
Several Hizbullah organizations cooperated in organizing the annual procession, this year spotting the light on the many aspects of Ashoura'a.
Al Mahdi Scouts Organization took part in the procession, including children from ages 9 to 14, girls and boys, expressing deep pride of taking part in an event that demonstrates part of their love to Imam Hussein and his household.
In an interview with moqawama.org, Zahraa, one of the leaders in Al Mahdi scouts, said that the organization takes part every year in the day of Ashoura'a, where year after year the number of participants increases.
On the other hand, Zeinab Mansour, Al Mahdi Scouts Beirut commissioner told moqawama.org, that the participating girls will be walking in a procession named after Sayyeda (Lady) Roqaya, Imam Hussein's daughter.
Zeinab Mansour said that some scouts girls will be wearing their scouts' uniforms, in order to show that Al Mahdi Scouts is on the right path of the resistance.
Commissioner Mansour said that the rest of the girls will be wearing black in condolence with Imam Mahdi for the memory of Imam Hussein's martyrdom.
Al Mahdi Scouts' commissioner said that the number of participants has increased from the previous years, stressing that despite the tiring atmosphere, the girls chose to come and take part in what confirms to the people that they are still on the right path.
An 8 year old Al Mahdi Scouts member, Salma, told us that she has come to present condolences to the people for the loss of Imam Hussein and his household, reminding of Imam Hussein's children who were martyred at very young and innocent ages.
On the same note, Layla, an organizer in the Hizbullah Women committee clarified that like each year, there is an overall complete organizing team, where each member of the team works hard to reach the aim of staying on Imam Hussein's path.
Layla also referred that this year's participation is considered widely active, especially that there is an outstanding coordination between all organizers this year, including men and women.
As people gathered to listen to the Ashoura'a elegies in Sayyed Al Shuhada complex, with hearts pounding for the lost of their beloved Imam and lantern of guidance, The Raya stadium was being prepared to receive the great number of people.
Those people headed towards to the stadium to listen to Hizbullah Secretary General His Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's speech by the end of the procession.
People went ahead of the procession to take a chance and be in the front seats in the playground.
Hizbullah Media official in Beirut, Hassan Darwish told moqawama.org that this year's annual Ashoura'a procession was divided between the men and women throughout the main roads of the Beirut southern suburb.
Hizbullah Media official affirmed that the accuracy of Hizbullah's organization represents the depth, cooperation, and coordination between all sub-organizations in Hizbullah, which made a day so special in memory of Imam Hussein.
Abu Ali, an old man who comes every year to participate in the procession of the tenth day of Ashoura'a, says that this year, his participation does not only reflect his love to Imam Hussein, but also reflects the affirmation of his path in resistance and defending humans rights.
People from different regions gathered to take part in the central Hizbullah Ashoura'a procession.
On his part, Sayyed Mohammad Moussawi came from the Bikaa region to witness what he called the greatest gathering in Lebanon, affirming that the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and his household is the base of all resistance powers in the globe.
In this context, Sayyed Mohammad Moussawi also referred that he has come to Beirut to meet the call of His Eminence Sayyed Nasrallah, who urged the people and followers of the resistance's path to take part on this occasion, hearts and souls.
On another hand, Hassan, another participant, referred that Imam Hussein (PBUH) is the reason behind the survival of Islam, and thus the survival of all the Islamic generations, and those who fight for the truth.
Moustafa Dirani, former detainee in "Israeli" prisons, affirmed that Imam Hussein has presented to the whole world, especially the Islamic world, with great lessons in resistance, revolution and sacrifice.
Dirani told moqawama.org that Imam Hussein aimed at awakening all nations, Islamic or Christian, against injustice and oppression, referring that Imam Hussein is the title of the ever after victory; the victory of the right versus wrong.
Furthermore, Sheikh Akram Diab pointed out that the tenth day of Muharram represents the time of sacrifices, referring that the victories achieved by the resistance is because of the faith the resistance has in Imam Hussein's path and stances in Karbala.
Sheikh Diab affirmed that the sacrifices presented by the resistance are encouraged by the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and his household, and by the rightness of their sacred path.
Year after year, the number of participants in Hizbullah's annual central procession increases, and so does their faith in the true meaning of Imam Hussein and all the sacrifices he presented.
Imam Hussein is a guideline for each person who seeks the truth of existence, especially the resistance which depends on Imam Hussein and his sacrifices, to realize its faithful duty in defending its land and people.
