Figures

who it looks to — gods, spirits, ancestors; some rooms are empty on principle Part of Belief →

A Ali — the appointed. At Ghadir Khumm, Shia Islam holds, the Prophet raised Ali's hand and settled the succession — everything since follows from that afternoon. Domain First Imam — the Prophet's cousin, son-in-law, and rightful heirStanding The hinge of the split: leadership belongs to the Prophet's house Meet them — context →

H Husayn — the refusal at Karbala. Offered allegiance to a corrupt throne, he refused, and died with seventy-two companions. The refusal, not the defeat, is the point. Domain Third Imam — the martyr of KarbalaStanding Mourned every Ashura as if the wound were fresh — because it is kept fresh Meet them — context →