Hundreds of Shia Muslims took part in a religious procession yesterday to mark Muharram, the month of mourning.

Men, women and children wore black as a symbolic display of grief over the slaying of the Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Imam Husayn, whose death is thought to be one of the most tragic events in Islamic history.

Read more: Shia Muslims in religious procession to mark tragedy

The Holy Prophet and our Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them all) underwent numerous hardship in their service of the religion of Islam. As we enter the month of Safar, we remember the oppression done against the fourth Infallible, Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (peace be upon him). His sufferings started at a young age, seeing his mother Lady Fatima Zahra (peace be upon her) attacked, injured, and martyred. He also witnessed the usurpation of the rights of Imam Ali (peace be upon him). His sufferings continued as he witnessed his father martyred in the Mosque of Kufa. It was then that Imam Hasan became the Imam of the time, but his sufferings and the oppression done to him only increased, leading to his martyrdom 10 years later. And from the day he was killed until today, Imam Hasan is still the victim of oppressive historians, governments, and cultures.

Read more: The Oppressed Grandson of the Prophet [p]

The Astronomical New Moon is on Saturday 24th December 2011 at 18:07GMT.

The crescent will not be visible anywhere on this day. It can be easily seen on Sunday 25th December 2011 in many parts of the world with a likelihood of sighting in London.

1st Safar 1433AH will thus be on Monday 26th December 2011 for the Muqallideen of Ayatullah Sistani and Marhum Ayatullah Khui.

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When al-’Abbas was killed, al-Husain (A) turned to see none to help him against his foes. He looked and saw how his family members and companions lied slaughtered on the ground. He heard the wailing of the orphans and the cries of the children. As loud as he could, he called out, “Is there anyone who defends the sanctity of the Messenger of Allah? Is there anyone who believes in the Unity of Allah and who fears Allah in our regard? Is there anyone who comes to our rescue and who wishes by doing so to please Allah?” The women's voices now grew even louder as they cried. _[730]

Al-Sajjad (A) stood up. He was leaning on a cane and dragging a sword. He was sick and could hardly move, but al-Husain (A) called on his daughter Umm Kulthum saying, “Confine him so that the world may not run out of the progeny of Muhammad (SAW),” so she took him back to his bed. _[731]

Read more: Hazrat Ali Asghar [as]

None remained with al-Husain (A) except his Ahl al-Bayt who were determined to face death with their might and to maintain their dignity. They came bidding each other farewell _[661] the first being Abul-Hasan _[662] ‘Ali al-Akbar _[663] who was twenty-seven years old. He was born on the 11^th of Sha’ban, 33 AH/653 AD _[664], and he was a mirror reflecting the Prophet's own beauty and a model of his own sublime code of ethics, a specimen of his wise speech One poet of the Messenger of Allah (SAW) praised him saying:

Never have any eyes seen better than you
Never have women begotten more beautiful than you
Fault-free you have been made
As if you as you wished were made.

Read more: Hazrat Ali Akbar [as]

Al-’Abbas could no longer bear life after having seen how his companions and the members of his family killed and how the Hujjah of his time was suffering from the great number of the enemies surrounding him after his supply route had been cut off and after hearing the women wailing and the children crying of thirst. He, therefore, sought permission from his brother. Since al-’Abbas (A) was the most precious asset to the grandson of the Prophet (S), who is soon to be martyred, especially since the foes always dreaded having to fight him and feared his advance, and how the ladies felt a sense of security upon seeing the standard raised high, the sacred soul of the Father of the Oppressed did not accept to part with him.

Read more: Hazrat Abbas [as]

Hadhrat Qasim was the youngest son of Imaam Hassan (A.). Qasim was born in 47 AH, three years before his father was martyred. When Imam Hussain prepared to leave Madina in the month of Rajab 60 AH. Qasim's mother Umme-e-Farwa asked Imaam Hussain to take her and Qasim with him. Imam Hussain agreed. Hazrat Qasim, although only 13 years old, had, like his cousins Aun and Muhammad, learnt fencing from Hadhrat Abbas and Hadhrat Ali Akber. Hazrat Abbas was very fond of Hadhrat Qasim.

On the night before Ashura when Imam Hussain was passing by Umm-e-Farwa's tent he heard Qasim say to his mother, "Mother, tomorrow Uncle Abbas, Ali Akber and I will defend Imaam Hussain. Mother, if I get killed please do not weep for me." Umm-e-Farwa replied, "My son although I dearly love you, I shall not weep for you. Nothing will make me prouder than to see my son give his life for Islam". When Imaam Hussain heard this conversation he prayed to Allah to bless Hazrat Qasim and Umm-e-Farwa.

Read more: Hazrat Qassim [as]