PREFACE This book is my attempt to present our children with traditional majaalis of twelve days of Moharram as recited for generations by Zakirs and Zakeeras. The story of the Martyrs of Kerbala is described in more detail than one would find normally in history books of Kerbala. The events of Kerbala are described differently by different Zakirs and Zakeeras, who convey them in their individual styles. The important point to grasp is that the Martyrs of Kerbala sacrificed their lives willingly with one aim only - TO PLEASE ALLAH (S.W.T.) AND TO SAVE ISLAM. They died in battle, but by doing so they achieved the biggest victory in the history of mankind. They were victorious in saving Islam and destroying the evil way of life promoted by Yazid. The book is written in clear and simple English so that children can understand it with ease. I also hope that the youths will find it informative too. In the introduction, I have briefly summarised the events before, on and after Ashura day. The first two majaalis describe the concept of majaalis and the arrival of Imam Husayn's caravan in Kerbala. The next ten majaalis describe in detail the way some of the martyrs were killed mercilessly on the day of Ashura. I am grateful to Mulla Mohsin Jaffer, Mohamed and Layla Dawood, Hassanain Kara and my secretary Nicky Busby, for their help in producing this book. I am also indebted to my family for their help and patience while I was working on this project. My wife Gulzar helped me translate the Urdu recordings. My children, Ali, Zishaan and Sofia, read the draft and encouraged me that by reading the book both children and youths would understand and mourn the tragedy of Kerbala. I hope Allah (S.W.T.) accepts this small service for it is only He who gave me the energy and will to produce this book. Liaket Dewji