Mourning for Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) and the establishment of mourning gatherings in his name is one of the most important, profound, and yet simplest ways to renew the memory of the Ashura movement and keep its culture alive. It continuously and repeatedly reminds people of the sacrifices of the martyrs of Karbala, which strengthens the spirit of resistance among the people against tyranny and deviation. However, this must be done in the proper and positive manner.
Imam Zain al-Abidin (peace be upon him) and Lady Zainab (peace be upon her) were determined from the very beginning to establish the tradition of mourning for Imam Hussain (peace be upon him). The first mourning gatherings held in this regard took place in the capital of Yazid, Damascus. After Yazid’s policy changed and he decided to ease the harshness and express remorse, Lady Zainab (peace be upon her) sent a message to Yazid requesting permission to hold mourning gatherings for her brother, Imam Hussain (peace be upon him). Certainly, Imam Zain al-Abidin (peace be upon him) played a pivotal role in this proposal.
Yazid agreed. Imam Zain al-Abidin (peace be upon him) and his companions held mourning sessions for seven days at the “Dar al-Hijara” in Damascus. Many women participated, and the remembrance of Hussain (peace be upon him) and the martyrs of Karbala spread throughout the people. The emotions of the people were stirred to such an extent that they nearly stormed Yazid’s palace and killed him. Marwan, who was in Damascus, felt threatened and advised Yazid that it would not be safe for Imam Zain al-Abidin (peace be upon him) and his companions to stay in the city any longer. Therefore, Yazid ordered them to return to Medina after seven days of mourning (on the eighth day)[1].
Thus, the founders of the mourning tradition were Imam Zain al-Abidin (peace be upon him) and Lady Zainab (peace be upon her).
Another piece of evidence for this is that when the caravan of Imam Zain al-Abidin (peace be upon him) left Damascus for Medina, the plan was to go directly to Medina. However, along the way, they first visited Karbala, where they stayed for three days and mourned at the graves of the martyrs on the occasion of the Arbaeen (the 40th day after Ashura). According to some reports, Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari was present at that gathering, and during these three days, a group from Banu Hashim, the people of Kufa, and others gathered to mourn. This event further emphasized the preservation of the mourning tradition, which then continued in Medina and gradually expanded, becoming a widespread and significant tradition observed today by Shia communities and the followers of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) worldwide.
Imam Zain al-Abidin (peace be upon him) wanted the events of Karbala and the movement of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) to be revived and never forgotten, but always to be remembered. The Shia have continued this tradition, and through various forms of mourning, they reinforce their beliefs and protect themselves from deviation.
(Adapted from the book “A Look at the Life of Imam Zain al-Abidin (peace be upon him),” written by Muhammad Mohammadi Eshtahardi, with slight edits and additions)
Footnote:
[1] Quoted from Nafas al-Mahmum, p. 262