The Glory of Martyrdom

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.

 

 http://www.lib.uchicago.edu/e/webexhibits/iranianposters/newkarbala.html