Now while the men rehearse, another act
Of great importance threatens to distract
The fighters from the training they pursue.
No one can fault the men for wanting to
Observe the practice for the passion play,
That annually commemorates the day
The prophet's grandson made his final stand,
Upholding righteousness to reprimand
The vile usurper of the caliphate.
Though tempted, they do not participate
With other villagers, for each man knows
That their community now undergoes
A similar attack against the creed.
Until the threats from foreigners recede,
Hussein's heroic sacrifice will be
Their model to defy the enemy.
So now they train in hopes that they will win
And triumph over advocates of sin,
Injustice, and disdain for righteousness.
This hope relieves the warriors of distress.
