Ashura

Maryam watched Baba Hassan put up black flags around their home. "Baba, why flags?" she asked, pointing with her tiny finger. "It's for Ashura, habibti," Baba Hassan replied with a gentle smile.

"What's Ashura?" Maryam asked, her eyes wide with curiosity. Baba Hassan sat down beside her on the soft carpet. "It's when we remember a very special person named Imam Hussain," he explained softly.

The doorbell rang, and Maryam ran to open it. "Amo Ali!" she squealed with delight. Amo Ali picked her up and spun her around. "Are you ready to learn about Ashura?" he asked.

Baba Hassan made sweet tea while Maryam sat between him and Amo Ali. "Imam Hussain was a very brave man," Baba Hassan began. "He was also very kind," added Amo Ali.

"Imam Hussain was the grandson of Prophet Muhammad," explained Baba Hassan. Maryam's eyes grew wide. "He loved his family very much," Amo Ali added. "And he always stood up for what was right."

"Imam Hussain belonged to Ahlul Bayt," said Amo Ali. Maryam tilted her head. "What's Ahlul Bayt?" she asked. "It means 'People of the House' – the family of our Prophet Muhammad," Baba Hassan explained.

"Ahlul Bayt includes Prophet Muhammad, his daughter Fatima, his cousin Ali, and their sons Hassan and Hussain," Baba Hassan counted on his fingers. Maryam tried to count along. "They were very special people who taught us how to be good," Amo Ali added.

"Imam Hussain was very brave," said Baba Hassan. "He stood up against a bad king who was hurting people." Maryam frowned. "That's not nice."

"Even when it was hard, Imam Hussain always told the truth," Amo Ali said. "He protected his family and friends." Maryam nodded seriously. "I want to be brave too."

"Imam Hussain shared water with everyone, even his enemies," Baba Hassan said. Maryam picked up her sippy cup. "I can share too!" she declared proudly.

"Imam Hussain and his family went on a long journey through the desert," Amo Ali explained. "It was very hot and they were very thirsty." Maryam took a big sip of water. "Poor Imam Hussain."

"The place where Imam Hussain stood up for what's right is called Karbala," said Baba Hassan. Maryam tried to say the word. "Kar-ba-la," she repeated slowly.

"We remember Imam Hussain because he teaches us to be brave and kind," Amo Ali said. Maryam nodded. "And to always tell the truth," added Baba Hassan.

Baba Hassan showed Maryam a black shirt. "We wear black to show we're sad about what happened to Imam Hussain." Maryam touched the fabric gently. "I'll wear black too."

"We make special food to share with everyone," explained Amo Ali. Maryam clapped her hands. "I want to help!" Baba Hassan smiled. "You can help me stir the soup."

"Imam Hussain always helped people who needed help," said Baba Hassan. Maryam thought for a moment. "I can share my toys with my friends," she decided.

"Ahlul Bayt taught us to be kind to everyone," Amo Ali explained. "Even people who aren't nice to us?" asked Maryam. Baba Hassan nodded. "Especially them."

"Imam Hussain loved his family very much," said Baba Hassan. Maryam hugged him tight. "I love my family too!" Amo Ali smiled. "And we love you."

"Tomorrow we'll go to the mosque to remember Imam Hussain," Amo Ali said. Maryam jumped excitedly. "Will there be other children?" Baba Hassan nodded. "Many families will be there."

As Baba Hassan tucked Maryam into bed, she yawned sleepily. "I'll remember Imam Hussain and Ahlul Bayt," she promised. "They teach us to be good people," Baba Hassan whispered, kissing her forehead.