Introduction
Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her) was one of the important figures in early Islamic history and is highly revered by Shia Muslims due to her unique character and bravery, especially during the events of Karbala, where she witnessed the martyrdom of her brother, Imam Husain (peace be upon him). After the event of Karbala, Lady Zaynab played an important role in protecting the life of the remaining members of the pure Prophet’s Household [Ahl al-Bayt] including her nephew, Ali Ibn Husain and because of her sacrifice and heroism, she became known as the “Heroine of Karbala”. Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her) was an exemplary woman of great ability, intelligence, knowledge, insight, courage and perseverance. She performed her divine duties to the best of her ability and she is indeed an exemplary role model to the women of the Universe.
Her Lineage
Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her) is from the most exalted lineage since she ramified from the tree of Prophethood and Imamate and combined all the elements of honor and dignity. She was from a noble family formed by the Prophet of God (peace be upon him and his family), the most outstanding figure in history. His father is the Commander of the Faithful, Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him) and her mother is the Leader of the women of the Universe, the only surviving child of the Prophet Muhammad, Lady Fatimah az-Zahra (peace be upon her). She was the third child of Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib and Hazrat Fatimah Zahra (peace be upon them) and the first daughter[1].
Her Birth
There is a divergence of opinions about the actual birth date of Hazrat Zaynab (peace be upon her). However, the popular opinion is that she was born in Medina on the fifth day of the month of Jumada al-Awwal, 5 AH[2]. She had barely attained the age of seven when her beloved mother passed away[3]. Her mother’s death had closely followed her cherished grandfather’s passing away.
It was reported that when Lady Zaynab was born and was taken to her father, Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him) to choose a name for her. He refused and said thus: “I will not precede the Messenger of Allah in such a matter.” And they gave her in swaddling clothes to the Prophet. On getting to the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family), he also said: “I will not precede my Lord in such a matter.” Thereafter, Archangel Gabriel ascended from the Heavens and said to the Prophet: “This newborn’s name is ‘Zaynab’[4]. Almighty Allah has chosen this name for her.” She was also given the nicknames – ‘Ummu-Kulthum’ or ‘Ummu-al-Hasan’[5].
The Prophet kissed her and wept. They asked why he wept and he said Gabriel told me that Zaynab would be an eyewitness of the fate of her brother, Husain in Karbala[6].
Her Titles
Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her) has numerous titles including: Al-Aqilah (i.e., the Wise Lady); al-Alimah (i.e., the Woman of Knowledge); Abidatu Ali-Ali (i.e., the Most Worshipping Woman of Ali’s household); al-Kamilah (i.e., the Perfect woman); ‘al-Fadhilah (i.e., the Virtuous Lady); al-Siddiqah al-Sughra (i.e., the Junior Veracious Lady); and Umm al-Masaib (i.e., Mother of misfortunes) due to the series of misfortunes she experienced in her lifetime[7].
Her Unique Personality and Character
Lady Zaynab possessed all elements of nobility and virtue that Almighty Allah bestowed upon her grandparents, parents and her two brothers. She inherited their peculiarities and copied their high moral standards. From her maternal grandfather; Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), she had inherited deep-rooted faith and trust in Almighty Allah most perfectly, the highest principles of charity, standing in defense of the right and striving to elevate the Word of Allah. From her maternal grandmother; Lady Khadijah (peace be upon her), she inherited the highest moral standards and perseverance on principles. Copying her grandmother, she supported her brother, Imam Husain (peace be upon him), in his revolution and supplied elements of eternity to his great uprising.
From her father, the Commander of the Faithful, the historians have recorded unanimously that Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her) followed her father in behavior, knowledge and conduct. She, too, positively adopted all of her father’s goals and efforts for the sake of supplying Islam with sustenance. In addition, she received the best lessons of piety, self-discipline, virtue, clemency, veneration, love and support for the sake of religion and its legal leaders from her mother, Lady Fatimah (peace be upon her).
Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her) imitated the morals and ethics of her elder brothers; Imam Hasan and Imam Husain (peace be upon them) who were known for their composure and liberal approach in addition to their high moral standards.
In essence, the personality and character of Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her) reflected the best attributes of those of her parents and her grandfather, Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). In sobriety and serenity, she was likened to her grandmother, Hazrat Khadija (peace be upon her), in chastity and modesty to her mother Fatimah Zahra (peace be upon her), in eloquence to her father Imam Ali (peace be upon him), in forbearance and patience to her brother Imam Hasan (peace be upon him), and in bravery and tranquility of the heart to Imam Husain (peace be upon him). Her face reflected her father’s awe and her grandfather’s reverence.
Her Lifestyle
Hazrat Zaynab (peace be upon her) found little interest in worldly adornments, always preferring the bliss and comfort of the Next World to that of this world. Being humble and of high morals, her main concern was to strive to please Allah and in doing so she avoided anything which was the least bit doubtful.
Hazrat Zaynab (peace be upon her) absorbed the Islamic teachings that the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) imparted. Accordingly, she was endowed with an abundant amount of knowledge she shared with women in regular meetings in Medina and later in Kufa. In her well-attended gatherings, Hazrat Zaynab (peace be upon her) conveyed the precepts of the religion of Islam as explained in the Holy Qur’an with absolute clarity, eloquence and fluency. She has also narrated many hadiths from her grandfather Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), her mother Fatimah Zahra (peace be upon her) and her father Imam Ali (peace be upon him).
Hazrat Zaynab (peace be upon her) always appeared in modest clothes in society and spoke firmly in a non-provocative way. In observing such rules and principles about Hijab, she was exemplary and so she became a role model for all Muslim women.
The life of Hazrat Zaynab (peace be upon her) was always laden with hardship, but she never feared coping with difficulties. As a young seven-year-old girl, she lost her beloved mother, only a few months after the demise of her grandfather. Some years later in Kufa, she had to bear the loss of her father who was martyred by a stroke of a poisoned sword on his head in the mosque while he was praying. Then she was faced with another hardship when her older brother, Imam Hassan (peace be upon him) was killed by poison. The hardest suffering she went through was when she witnessed her younger brother’s and his companions’ martyrdom in the battle of Karbala. Hazrat Zaynab’s conscious patience made her endure all such difficulties just for God’s satisfaction. This kind of patience is achieved only through strong faith in Allah.
Her Role in Karbala
Imam Husain (peace be upon him) stood up against Yazid Ibn Muawiyah in 680 AD (61 AH). Upon his invitation by the people of the Kufa, Imam Husain (peace be upon him) decided to move to Kufa. Hazrat Zaynab for the love and submission she had for her brother, accompanied him to Kufa. The history of Karbala is based on two pillars: the rising of Imam Husain (peace be upon him) and the rising of Hazrat Zaynab. She was an outstanding figure in the history of Karbala endowed with divine steadfastness and fortitude.
She sacrificed her two sons and one should not say anything if one devoted his life to the cause of Allah. After the martyrdom of her brother and her two sons, she said: “O my Lord! Accept our humble sacrifice to You”. After the battle of Karbala, Hazrat Zaynab (peace be upon her) in many ways functioned as a model of defiance against oppression and other forms of injustice. When she reached Kufa, she addressed people with fury words. Her furious words provoked the people of Kufa to avenge Imam Husain’s martyrdom.
It is documented that Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her) and her family embarked on a journey toward either Egypt or Syria in 61 AH, a year after the tragedy of Karbala.
Her Death
Lady Zaynab passed away on the 15th of Rajab 62 AH[8]. While her burial place remains a subject of speculation, with some historians believing she was buried in Medina, Egypt, or Damascus. It is argued that if she was buried in Baqi, Medina, she would have a special tomb just like the others who were buried there. However, for all Egyptians, the claim that she was buried in Egypt is an unquestionable fact, and her handsome shrine there is one of the most significant signs of Egypt[9]. Ibn Asakir in his book entitled al-Tarikh Ibn Asakir, writes: “Lady Zaynab resided in Egypt where she died and was buried. The lady buried in Damascus is her sister, Zaynab al-Wusta.”
Conclusion
The commemoration of the death of Lady Zaynab bint Ali ibn Abi Talib (PBUH) is a solemn occasion to reflect on her unparalleled strength, patience, and devotion to the path of truth. As a symbol of resilience and steadfastness, Lady Zaynab’s life stands as a beacon of hope and guidance for all those who face trials in their journey of faith. Her unwavering stance in the face of oppression and her role in preserving the message of Karbala continue to inspire believers to uphold justice and integrity. Honoring her legacy serves as a profound reminder of her enduring contributions to the preservation of Islam and the empowerment of future generations through her remarkable courage and wisdom.
Peace be upon you, O daughter of Muhammad al-Mustafa. Peace be upon you, O daughter of Ali al-Murtadha. Peace be upon you, O daughter of Fatimah al-Zahra. Peace be upon you, O daughter of Khadijah al-Kubra. Peace and Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon you, O mother of misfortunes; Zaynab.
References
[1] . Ibn Athīr, Usd al-ghāba, vol. 6, p. 132.
[2] . Kaḥḥāla, Aʿlām al-nisāʾ, vol. 2, p. 91.
[3] . Seyed Ja’far Shahidi, The life of Lady Fatima Zahra, p. 62.
[4] . Sharīf al-Qarashī, al-Sayyida Zaynab, p. 39.
[5] . See: Zaynab al-Kubra, 17.
[6] . See: At-Tiraz al-Mudhahhab, 38.
[7] . Badr Shahin, Lady Zaynab, pp. 35-36.
[8] . Qazwīnī, Zaynab al-kubrā, p. 591.
[9] . Sharīf al-Qarashī, al-Sayyida Zaynab, p. 299.
