Masoomiyat Az Dast Rafte (The Lost Innocent) Gallery

A powerful historical drama set before Ashura 61 AH, exploring faith, temptation, and moral collapse under Umayyad rule in Kufa.

Innocence Lost: A Tragic Tale of Faith, Desire, and Destiny in the Shadow of Ashura

Innocence Lost is a historical television drama set during the turbulent period surrounding Ashura in 61 AH (680 CE). Produced in 2003 and directed by Davood Mirbagheri, the series explores the moral and spiritual struggles of individuals living under Umayyad rule. 

Rather than directly depicting the tragedy of Karbala, the drama focuses on the internal conflicts and personal choices that ultimately define human destiny.

Historical Background and Setting

The story takes place in Kufa during the first century of Islam — a time marked by political tension, shifting loyalties, and the growing influence of the Umayyad dynasty. The events of Karbala form the moral backdrop of the series, yet the sacred tragedy itself is not shown on screen. Instead, the narrative highlights how ordinary people respond to extraordinary moral tests.

The central message revolves around silence in the face of injustice and the long-term consequences of compromised faith. The series presents a deeply reflective examination of how spiritual weakness and worldly temptations can gradually lead to moral collapse.

The Story: A Man Caught Between Love and Belief

At the heart of the drama is Shozab, a fictional character who was once a companion of Imam Ali (A.S.). During the era of Imam Ali, Shozab experienced a life grounded in justice and spiritual clarity. However, years later, he becomes the treasurer of Kufa under Umayyad authority — a position that places him closer to power but farther from his original convictions.

Shozab’s life becomes emotionally and spiritually divided between two women who symbolize opposing paths.

Maria: The Voice of Faith and Loyalty

Maria, his wife, is a compassionate and devoted woman who was once Christian. She carries beautiful memories of Imam Ali (A.S.), who had helped her poor family during his caliphate. For Maria, faith is not merely belief but lived experience — shaped by gratitude, humility, and loyalty.

Her love for Shozab is sincere and grounded in moral stability. She represents the path of spiritual integrity and remembrance of sacred values.

Humaira: The Symbol of Temptation and Ambition

In contrast stands Humaira, a Jewish woman with a charismatic and seductive personality. Through charm and subtle manipulation, she gradually pulls Shozab toward greater involvement with the Umayyad establishment. She appeals to his ambitions, insecurities, and emotional vulnerabilities.

What begins as emotional attraction slowly transforms into spiritual decline. Shozab’s increasing attachment to Humaira distances him from Maria and from the moral clarity he once possessed.

Tragedy and Consequences

Although Shozab ultimately marries Maria, his continued connection with Humaira weakens his household. Maria, heartbroken and neglected, eventually leaves. She dies while giving birth to their son, Zayd — a devastating loss that marks the beginning of Shozab’s irreversible downfall.

Years later, tragedy strikes again when Zayd falls in love with Rababah, Humaira’s daughter. Their relationship leads to fatal consequences, and Zayd is killed. Overcome with grief and madness, Shozab murders Rababah on her wedding day.

The once-faithful companion is left spiritually shattered — a man destroyed not by fate, but by his own choices.

The Central Message: Faith, Doubt, and Moral Responsibility

Innocence Lost is ultimately a story about doubt — the fragile space between ideal faith and inherited belief. It explores how hesitation, compromise, and silence during moments of moral crisis can shape one’s destiny.

Shozab’s failure is not portrayed as sudden rebellion but as gradual erosion. Each small decision, each ignored warning, and each moral concession accumulates into catastrophic consequences.

The series challenges viewers with a profound question: When faced with injustice, neutrality itself becomes a choice. And that choice carries a price.

Direction and Artistic Strength

Davood Mirbagheri’s direction focuses on psychological depth rather than spectacle. By avoiding direct depiction of sacred figures and instead portraying the moral struggles of surrounding individuals, the series invites viewers to reflect rather than simply observe.

The powerful performances, carefully crafted dialogue, meaningful soundtrack, and detailed historical atmosphere all contribute to the emotional weight of the narrative.

Why the Series Remains Relevant

Though set in the 7th century, the themes of Innocence Lost remain timeless. It speaks about ambition versus integrity, desire versus devotion, and silence versus responsibility.

More than a historical drama, it is a moral reflection on human weakness and the irreversible consequences of compromised faith. It reminds us that the distance between salvation and ruin may be only a single decision.

In the end, the tragedy of Shozab serves as a cautionary tale: innocence is not lost in one moment — it fades through choices.