The most powerful takeaway from Muharram this year was the realization that my fears and sadness for my children and the children of Gaza/Myanmar/etc. are connected to my emotions regarding the children and grandchildren of the Messenger of Allah, blessings and peace be upon him and his family.

We grieve at the dead children of Gaza/Myanmar/etc., and feel heartbroken for those parents who have to go on without their precious ones.

We grieve over our own tribulations, and ask Allah to protect us from trials that are greater than we could bear.

But Imam Husayn was there before all of us, reminding us that the family of the Prophet had to undergo crushing trials and endured.

Why?

Because this world is not our home, and human history is destined to end.

One of the key messages of Ashura is that no worldly victory lasts, but eternal victory will never fade, by the mercy of the Most Merciful.

Hope can never die.