The Imam after Hossein b. Ali (AS) was his son Ali b. Hossein Zayn al-Abidin (AS). He was also known as Imam Sajjad. He was born in Medina in the year 38 A.H (659). He lived with his grandfather, the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (AS), for two years, with his uncle, Imam Hassan (AS), for twelve years, and with his father, for twenty-three years. After his father, he lived a further year as an Imam. 

Processions (Juloos) in the holy months of Muharram and Safar have traditionally taken place in public by mourners of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) for centuries. The aim of such processions is to carry on the public relations work which was started by Lady Zainab and the holy women in Karbala, and create awareness of Imam Hussain's sacrifice and his message.

The following pages are based on a report of an Address which I delivered in London at an Ashura Majlis on Thursday the 28th May, 1931 (Muharram 1350 A.H.), at the Waldorf Hotel. The report was subsequently corrected and slightly expanded. The Majlis was a notable gathering, which met at the invitation of Mr. A. S. M. Anik. Nawab Sir Umar Hayat Khan, Tiwana, presided and members of all schools of thought in Islam, as well as non-Muslims, joined reverently in doing honour to the memory of the great Martyr of Islam. By its inclusion in the Progressive Islam Pamphlets series, it is hoped to reach a larger public than were able to be present in person. Perhaps, also, it may help to strengthen the bonds of brotherly love which unite all who hold sacred the ideals of brotherhood preached by the Prophet in his last Sermon. 

Ashura Day, the day whereby millions of Muslims all over the world commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Husain (A.S.) which took place in Karbala, Iraq on the 10th of Muharram 61 A.H. (680 AD), creates a historical symbol of unity and struggle against evil, injustice, and oppression.

Imam Hussain ('a) sacrificed his life along with 72 other believing men, all for the sake of Truth. The rise and advent of Islam are attributed to Prophet Muhammad ('s), whilst the continuity and stability of his faith is attributed to his grandson, Imam Hussain Ibn Ali ('a).

Who was Abbas (peace be upon him), whose birth anniversary is being celebrated this week? To the Muslims, Abbas is known in different ways: as the lion of Ali, the hero of Karbala, the flag-bearer of Hussain, the beloved brother of Zainab, and the loving uncle of Sakina (peace be upon them all).

Humanity has been provided with many lessons to learn from the events at Karbala. It is a source of divine enlightenment and a true road to the salvation of mankind.