In a dark dawn, the Zionist regime brought destruction to the world, raining ruin upon the tender shoots, branches, and blossoms of the life tree belonging to the mother of Mohammad Hossein Khaki. Even today, from the blood-soaked events of Ashura in Karbala until now, wherever anyone has stood proud and free like Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) and refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid, the Yazids of our time have sent their Ibn Ziyads to arm shamirs and harmalas, to fire upon innocent children, to topple the pillars of tents, to bring down walls of homes, and to displace women… They continue to trample over the bodies of today’s Qasems ibn al-Hasans and crush the young sons who stand valiantly like Husains defending their homeland.

Mohammad Hossein Khaki was martyred at the break of that grim dawn, as the body of his father, Hussein Khaki, was crushed under the debris of the steeds of the Yazids of our time. God knows that this dawn was a Hussein-like tragedy in the midst of these dark mornings…

Amid this, there remain women like Zainabs, whose steadfastness has turned the houses of oppression—those of Yazids and Ibn Ziyads—into such ruins that even their names may barely survive in history.

True heroes of Generation Z

These days, words like “Generation Z” and “Alpha” have fallen onto some of us in such a way that we mistakenly think this generation might not be heroic at all. We imagine that their greatest desires are simply to play the latest video games, survive against monsters in Minecraft, become characters in Warcraft or Elden Ring, or perhaps become elite PUBG players. But we are sorely mistaken!

I don’t deny that this generation loves excitement, as all adolescents do, but that’s not the whole story. What this generation sought was to show their desires, become heroes, and channel their passion. And when the opportunity arose, this generation demonstrated that they are braver and more heroic than any previous generation in Iran! Today’s Iranian youth excel in understanding, knowledge, skill, and, above all, love for Iran.

Defenders of the homeland: From the Sacred Defense to today’s heroes

Living life as a hero is a precious opportunity; every scene tells its own story, and we are allowed but one interpretation: to live, instead of fallen heroes of our own age, and ultimately become one of them—this is every adolescent’s dream.

A role model for Generations Z and Alpha: Mohammad Hossein, a hero and enlightened martyr

Mohammad Hossein, a true hero from this generation, embodies perfection—in reciting the Quran, in singing religious eulogies, in sports, in academics, and in character. His beautiful voice lifts your soul to the heavens when he sings. At only thirteen years old, he was already a complete human being and a role model for his generation.

• Began Quran recitation at age five

• Ranked first in religious eulogy last year

• Ranked first in adhan and iqama this year

• Held a black belt and multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals in karate

• Participated in Arbaeen pilgrimage to Imam Hussein (peace be upon him)

• Visited war martyrs on the Rahian-e Noor trips

• Respected his parents and family

• Participated in spiritual retreats, observed fasting and prayers

• Practiced giving, fairness, and care for others

Thinking of guiding others

He was never selfish. Later, when his local Hussaini congregation gained its own hall, whenever he went, he made sure to bring his friends along, sharing with them the blessings of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).