Behind the Doors of Heaven

Behind the Doors of Heaven is a 211-page novel by Reza Kashani Asadi that, with its captivating prose, takes readers to one of the most influential historical events. Recently published by Ketab Jamkaran Publishing, the book centers on the events leading up to Ashura and those following it, as well as the society of Kufa at that time. Reza Kashani Asadi takes readers to Kufa in “Behind the Doors of Heaven,” where Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), after receiving ten thousand letters inviting him to lead Kufa, sets out for that region. However, when Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad enters Kufa, the situation reverses, and Kufa and its people find themselves on opposing sides. Ibn Ziyad ultimately takes control of Kufa, and various tribes and townsfolk hasten to pledge allegiance to him, turning their backs on their previous commitments. The story revolves around a young man named Mouqe, who, amid these events, stands up against his father and aspires to join Imam Hussein’s army. He is also a special student of Habib ibn Muzahir (peace be upon him), and as Habib decides to leave Kufa to join Imam Hussein, Mouqe faces harsh realities. Reza Kashani Asadi depicts the atmosphere of deceit and oppression during the time of Imam Hussein’s sacrifice and martyrdom in the novel, conveying specific lessons from the Ashura event through storytelling. He narrates the life of an individual through historical accounts and reveals some hidden aspects of that significant historical event to the reader.