One of the most important aspects of Shi'a ideology is the glorification of
martyrdom. Martyrdom appears in many forums in Islam, however the most
significant example in Islamic history is with the lord of all martyrs.
The legend
started with Ali ibn the fourth Khalifa, and first "Imam",as a shi'i
would refer him. Ali was the main founder of the Shi’a following and religion.
After being passed up three times, Ali was final up for position as Khalifa. However his rite was contested by Mu ‘Awiya governor of Syria who also claimed
rite to Khalifa. Shortly after Ali was murdered by Mu 'Awiya's men in a power grab. Mu ‘Awiay then
appointed his own son Yazid his successor. After the hostile takeover
by Mu ‘Awiya, and murder of his father, Hussein, Ali’s second son was
astonished. Hussein in answer to the call of the Shi’a in Kufa
began leavening to aid the Shi’a of Iraq in revolting against the Umayyad
headed by Yazid. While traveling, Hussein, his family, and followers were
killed in a skirmish with Yazid’s forces. They were buried in today’s Karbala
in Iraq. These events led to Hussein being hailed as the ultimate martyr. This
is because he did not start the fighting, he was only coming to the aid of his
fathers supporters. He was since know as "sayyed al shohaha" (the
lord of all martyrs). This tale was heavily utilized as a recruiting tool in
the Iranian Revolution and was used in lots of propaganda, as shown in my
previous propaganda post.
Here a captured Iranian soldier is
executed. This harsh, brutal poster is accompanied by figures of Islamic
scripture to seemingly glamorized death in the name of the Iranian cause.
Figures such Hussein, who would accompany the executed solder into the glorious
afterlife, as well as three headless men who represent fellow martyrs.
