Presence 

One of the most important things that was done in the neighborhood was the drawing of Ibrahim’s face under the Shahid Mahallati Bridge in the year 1376. During the last days of collecting this compilation I went to Sayyed and said, “Mr. Sayyed, I have heard that you have drawn the picture of the Martyr Hadi, is that correct?” Sayyed said, “Yes, why is that?!” I said, “Nothing, I just wanted to thank you; because, with this picture Mr. Ibrahim is still present in the neighborhood.” Sayyed said, “I didn’t know Ibrahim, and I didn’t ask for anything for drawing his picture. But, after doing this project God has given me many blessings in my life which I can’t even count for you! I have seen many good things from this picture.” I asked in surprise, “Like what?!” He related this story for me. “When I drew this picture and the ‘Jelveh Gah Shohada Exhibition’ was held, one Friday night a woman came to me and said, ‘Sir, these sweets have been obtained for this martyr. Distribute them here.’ I thought she was one of the relatives of the martyr. That is why I asked her, ‘Do you know the Martyr Hadi?’ She said, ‘No.’ When she saw my surprise she continued, ‘Our house is in this area. I had a difficult problem in my life. A few days ago, I passed by here when you were drawing this picture. I told myself, “O God, if these martyrs hold a rank before you, solve my problem because of him.” Then I added, “And, I promise that I will pray my prayers on time.” Then I read the Fatihah Chapter for this martyr whom I didn’t even know his name. Believe me that my problem was solved very quickly! Now I have come to thank him.’” Sayyed continued, “Last year my work situation got worse again! I had many problems. I passed by in front of Ibrahim’s picture and saw that due to the passing of time the picture had become yellow and damaged. I obtained scaffolding, picked up my colors, and started fixing the martyr’s picture.  It was unbelievable. Just as work on the picture finished, a big project was suggested to me. Many of my financial problems were solved.” Then he continued, “Sir, these people hold very high positions before God. We haven’t known them yet! God returns a few times over the smallest thing which you do for them.” He came to the Mosque and asked me about Mr. Ibrahim’s friends! He wanted to ask them about this martyr. I asked him, “What do you want?! Maybe I can help.” He said, “Nothing, I want to know who this Martyr Hadi was. Where is his grave?!” I thought a little. I was thinking about what to say. After a few seconds of silence I said, “Ibrahim Hadi is an anonymous martyr and doesn’t have a grave, like all of the anonymous martyrs. But why are you asking about this martyr?” This man who had become very upset continued, “Our house is close to the Martyr Hadi’s picture. I have a little girl who passes in front of his picture every morning on her way to school. One time my daughter asked me, “Dad, who is this man?!” I told her, “These martyrs have gone and fought with the enemy. They didn’t let the enemy attack us; and, they were martyred.” From the time when my daughter heard this, whenever she passed in front of his picture she said hello to the Martyr Hadi’s picture. A few nights ago my daughter saw this martyr in a dream! The Martyr Hadi told my daughter, ‘Young girl, whenever you say hello to me, I answer you! I pray for you too because at this young age you adhere to your modest covering so well.’ Now my daughter has asked me, ‘Who is this Martyr Hadi? Where is his grave?!’” I felt a lump in my throat, and I didn’t have anything to say. I just said, “Tell your daughter that if you want Mr. Ibrahim to always pray for you, take care of your prayer and your modest covering.” Then I related a few memories from Ibrahim. I remembered that it was written on a board, “Friendship and having ties with the martyrs is a two way relationship. If you are with them, they will be with you.” This sentence had a deep meaning. It was the winter of the year 1388. We went to Gilan Gharb to complete the information for this book. On the way we came to the city of Ayvan. It was sunset and I was very tired. I had driven from morning and… We didn’t find any hotel or motel in the city! In my heart I said, “Mr. Ibram, we have come for your work. Work it out for us yourself!” At that very moment, the sound of the Call to Prayer for the Sunset Prayer could be heard. I told myself, “If Ibrahim were here, he would certainly go to the Mosque to pray.” So we went to the Mosque and prayed group praying. After praying a man who was about fifty years old came forward and greeted us politely. He asked us, “Have you come from Tehran?!” I said in surprise, “Yes, why is that?!” He said, “I could tell from your license plate.” Then he continued, “Our house is close. Everything is ready too. Will you come?!” I said, “Thank you, we have to go.” He said, “Rest tonight and leave tomorrow.”I didn’t want to accept. The servant of the Mosque came forward and said, “He is Mr. Mohammadi, one of the officials in the municipality. Accept what he says.” I accepted since I was so tired, and we left together. We had a very complete dinner, he catered to our needs,… In the morning after eating breakfast we started to say goodbye. Mr. Mohammadi said, “Can I ask you the reason for your presence in this city?!” I said, “We are going to Gilan Gharb to complete a collection of memories of a martyr.” He asked in surprise, “I am from Gilan Gharb. Which martyr?!” I said, “You don’t know him. He had come from Tehran.” Then I took out a picture from my bag and showed him. He looked in surprise and said, “This is Mr. Ibrahim!! My father and I were soldiers under the Martyr Hadi. In the first year of the war, we were together in the operations and reconnaissance missions!” I looked at him in confusion. I didn’t know what to say. I felt a lump in my throat. We had been catered to in the best way since last night. Our host was one of his friends! Mr. Ibrahim, thank you. We prayed our prayer on time in memory of you, and you…