Lady Zainab

Peace be upon you, oh daughter of the Sultan of the Prophets. Peace be upon you, oh daughter of the owner of the Basin and the Banner. Peace be upon you, oh daughter of the one who ascended to heaven and reached a place just around the corner. Peace be upon you, oh daughter of the Prophet of guidance and the master of enlightenment and the savior of the servants from destruction. Peace be upon you, oh daughter of the owner of the great morals, the verses, and the wise remembrance. Peace be upon you, oh daughter of the owner of the praiseworthy position, the blessed basin, and the witnessed banner. Peace be upon you, oh daughter of the approach of the religion of Islam, the owner of the Qiblah and the Qur’an, and the knowledge of honesty, truth, and benevolence. Peace be upon you, oh She is the daughter of the elite of the prophets and the scholar of the pious. She is well-known on earth and in heaven, and may God have mercy and blessings. Peace be upon you, daughter, the best of God’s creation, the master of His creation, the beginning of number before the creation of His earth and heavens, and the end of eternity after the annihilation of the world and its people, and God’s mercy and blessings.

The shrine of Lady Zeinab, peace be upon her, in the town of Rawya in Ghouta, Damascus, is considered one of the most important spiritual shrines and one of the masterpieces of Islamic architecture. Believers from all over the world visit it, their hearts full of faith, and they enjoy heavenly scents at its pure thresholds that fill their senses with the fragrance of piety and reverence. Visitors to the shrine used to offer sacrifices and vows of livestock to be slaughtered in the shrine’s slaughterhouse and then distribute them all to the poor.

Zainab: A Cry in the Conscience of the Nation

The Unforgettable Stance of Zainab
Zainab’s voice continues to resonate in the places where injustice and tyranny were most vocal. Her honorable stance before the tyrant Yazid will never be forgotten: “By God, you will not erase our remembrance and you will not kill our revelation.” This promise from Zainab (peace be upon her) was not a mere vow from an ordinary woman; it was a divine assurance. We understand that such a promise would not have been uttered by Zainab unless she had seen the plot aimed at erasing religion and silencing revelation.

The Conspiracy Against Islam
Islam has been targeted since then, and this targeting will continue until the Day of Judgment. The enemy lurks against us with all its might, employing various methods both apparent and hidden. Today, we witness a blind attack on moderate Islam belonging to the family of the Prophet (peace be upon him), represented by soft war and intellectual, cultural, and ideological invasion.

Zainab: A Role Model for Women
From a young age, Zainab (peace be upon her) was a great comfort to her mother, Al-Zahra (peace be upon her). She learned from her mother’s school and became the best example for women. She narrated the hadith of the Messenger of God (may God’s prayers and peace be upon him and his family) and the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him). Zainab was a patient, decent, pious, and righteous believer, considered the sacred companion of her brother Imam Hussein (peace be upon him). After his martyrdom, she played a significant role in preserving the Imamate with her Alawite sisters. Hence, she was called Aqeela Bani Hashim and the Mother of Misfortunes. Imam Zayn al-Abidin (peace be upon him) said about her: “O aunt, you, thank God, are knowledgeable and educated, understanding and intelligible” (Bihar al-Anwar: vol. 2, p. 522).

Zainab (peace be upon her) stood before the most powerful tyrants on earth and bore the burden of missionary responsibility. She played a prominent role in educating women, giving them lessons in jihad and sacrifice through her resounding speech that shook the thrones of darkness and clarified the nature of the Husseini renaissance. This speech complemented the process of Karbala, destroying the tyranny of the oppressive Umayyad Yazid and bringing shame and disgrace upon him and his enablers. It made them aware of the greatness of the Prophet’s family, whose foreheads do not bow before tyrants and oppressors.

Women and the Challenges of the Era
Zainab (peace be upon her) also addressed the people of Kufa, speaking through her father, Ali, the Commander of the Faithful, while everyone else remained silent. The nation, which initially submitted to humiliation under Yazid, is now unable to advance due to its dispersion and weakness, leading to its current state of disruption.

Muslims, the true followers of the faith, have ignored the words of the family of the Messenger and their wife, Zainab, whose words will resonate until the Hour of Judgment. They failed to notice the upbringing that produced such women, leading themselves into idleness and decadence by moving away from the true doctrine. This deviation is evident in their departure from the principles of dress and concealment mentioned in the Holy Qur’an:

"O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw down over them some of their cloaks. That is more likely that they will be recognized and will not be harmed. And God is Forgiving and Merciful" (Surah Al-Ahzab: 59).

The Contrast with Western Women
What is the difference between a Muslim woman and an immoral Western woman? The dress, logic, and thinking appear the same, and in some cases, Muslim women even compete with Western standards. Women are an active part of the general social reality, facing many obstacles and negatives represented by globalization and cultural, intellectual, and ideological invasion. This is a real war, an attack on all members of society, evident in the way they dress and wear the hijab.

Today, the hijab has been transformed into something similar to what the Messenger of God (may God’s prayers and peace be upon him and his family) warned against: “At the end of time and the approach of the Hour, which is the worst of times, there will appear revealing, naked women, adorned on their heads like the humps of lean camels, from religion, entering into temptations, inclined to desires, hastening to pleasures, making forbidden things permissible in Hell” (Wasa’il Al-Shi’a, vol. 3, p. 59). The description of humps refers to the adornment and manner of wearing the veil that resembles the hump of a camel.

In contrast, Lady Zainab (peace be upon her) defended her hijab until her last breath. Despite the curses and burning of her dress, she remained steadfast, modest, patient, and chaste. These actions are direct arrows in the body of Lady Zainab (peace be upon her) and her Zainabite message.

References:
(1) Bihar al-Anwar: vol. 2, p. 522.

The Life of the Prophet’s Family with Al-Hassan and Al-Hussein

The life of the Prophet’s family flourished with the presence of the two noble grandsons, Imams Al-Hassan and Al-Hussein, peace be upon them. They were like two moons in that noble house, which God permitted to be raised and His name mentioned in it. They absorbed the heart of their grandfather, the Messenger, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him and his family, who took great care of them and bestowed upon them his benevolence and abundance. They are among the blessings of his soul, the scent of which fills all the horizons of existence.

The Prophet had deep affection for his two grandsons, often referring to them as his fragrance in this world. His love for them was so profound that he interrupted his sermon on the pulpit to carry them when they stumbled into the mosque wearing red shirts. He would tell Lady Fatima, peace be upon her, to call his two sons so he could smell them and hug them.

During this happy period, the Prophet’s family experienced immense joy and kindness from the Messenger. When Lady Fatima received a lamb, the Prophet eagerly awaited it to bless it for his beloved daughter, Fatima, and the gate of his knowledge, the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali.

Birth and Blessings of Lady Zainab

The pure Fatima al-Zahra, peace be upon her, gave birth to her blessed daughter, Zainab, who was unparalleled in faith, honor, purity, chastity, and jihad. The family of the Prophet and the rest of the Companions received her with great joy and pleasure. Imam Ali performed the legal ceremonies on his daughter, calling the Adhan in her right ear and the Iqamah in her left. The first sounds she heard were the declarations of God’s greatness and oneness, words that deeply imprinted the essence of great values in her heart.

When the Prophet learned of this blessed newborn, he rushed to his family’s home, weak and sad, holding her and crystallizing his tears on his honorable face. Lady Fatima was astonished by her father’s tears and asked why he was crying. He answered in a sad voice, predicting the calamities and trials that would befall Zainab after him.

The Foreseen Calamities

The Prophet foresaw the devastating calamities that would befall his granddaughter, trials so severe that mountains would melt from their horror. Salman Al-Farsi, a close friend of the Prophet’s family, came to congratulate Imam Ali on his daughter but found him expressing sadness about the tragedies Zainab would endure. Salman shared in the family’s sorrows.

Naming of Zainab

Lady Fatima carried her blessed newborn to Imam Ali, who began kissing her. She suggested naming the child, but Imam Ali deferred to the Prophet, who in turn deferred to divine will. The Messenger of Heaven revealed to the Prophet that God had chosen the name Zainab, informing him of the horrors and disasters she would face. The family wept upon hearing this.

Titles and Noble Qualities

Lady Zainab was given many titles reflecting her noble qualities and honorable tendencies:

Aqeela Bani Hashim: A title denoting her honor and nobility within her family and community.
The Scholar: A reference to her profound knowledge in religious matters, making her a reference for Muslim women.
A Worshiper of the Family of Ali: Known for her devout worship, never missing a voluntary prayer even on the harshest nights.
Perfect: The epitome of virtue, chastity, and purity.
Virtuous: One of the best Muslim women in her jihad, service to Islam, and enduring tribulation for the sake of God.

These titles indicate her high status and great honor in the history of Islam.

References:

The Killing of Al-Hussein, p. 308, Al-Muqrim Abd Al-Razzaq.
Zainab Al-Kubra - Jaafar bin Muhammad Al-Naqdi, p. 112.
Taikh Al-Tabari, vol. 6, p. 266.

Zainab’s Upbringing in the House of Prophecy

Lady Zainab, peace be upon her, grew up in the house of prophecy and the place of divine revelation. Her mother, Lady Fatima, the Lady of the Women of the Worlds, nurtured her with chastity, dignity, and good morals. She memorized the Qur’an, learned the rulings of Islam, and absorbed the ideals and values imparted by her mother, becoming a true reflection of her. Zainab's upbringing was marked by honor, dignity, mercy, and affection.

The Ideal Family Environment

In her early years, she witnessed her father, Imam Ali, assisting her mother, Fatima, in the household tasks, contributing to a harmonious atmosphere free from bitterness. Her grandfather, the Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, showered them with honor, reverence, kindness, and tenderness. She also witnessed the significant victories of Islam in the military fields, the elimination of idol worship, and the spread of Islam. The word of God prevailed, and people embraced Islam in large numbers.

Exemplary Islamic Education

Zainab received the most sublime forms of Islamic education. She saw her brother, Imam Hussein, showing great respect for their brother, Imam Hassan, peace be upon him, never speaking harshly or raising his voice. Her other brothers also venerated Hassan and Hussein, offering them respect and reverence. Zainab herself was highly respected by her brothers. When she visited Imam Hussein, he would stand up for her in respect and seat her in his place. When she wished to visit the grave of her grandfather, the Prophet, her father, Imam Ali, and her brother, Hassan, would accompany her. Imam Ali would extinguish the lanterns at the shrine to ensure her privacy, explaining to Hassan that he feared someone might look at Zainab.

Reverence and Respect

Zainab was surrounded by an aura of reverence from her father and brothers. As the granddaughter of the Prophet and the heir to his ideals, values, and etiquette, she held a high status among scholars and narrators. During the Umayyad rule, when narrators referred to the teachings of Imam Ali, they often said, "Abu Zainab narrated," rather than "Abu Al-Hassanin," as a tribute to her virtue and great status.

Intellectual Brilliance

In her youth, Zainab was a miracle of intelligence and genius. She memorized the Holy Qur’an and the hadiths of her grandfather regarding the rulings of religion, rules of education, and principles of morals. She also memorized the historical speech delivered by her mother, Fatima, in the Prophet’s Mosque, protesting against Abu Bakr’s assumption of the caliphate and his confiscation of Fadak, which the Prophet had bestowed upon her.

References:

Bihar Al-Anwar, vol. 2, p. 522.
The Killing of Al-Hussein, p. 308, Al-Muqrim Abd Al-Razzaq.
Zainab Al-Kubra - Jaafar bin Muhammad Al-Naqdi, p. 112.
Taikh Al-Tabari, vol. 6, p. 266.

The Marriage of Lady Zainab

When Lady Zainab advanced in age, many nobles and dignitaries proposed to her, hoping to marry her. However, Imam Ali, the Commander of the Faithful, peace be upon him, refused these proposals. Then a young man from the noblest of Banu Hashim, and the most beloved to Imam Ali, proposed to her. This young man was Abdullah bin Jaafar, a noble and generous figure in the Arab and Islamic world. Imam Ali welcomed his proposal and accepted it. Here, we briefly review some aspects of Abdullah bin Jaafar’s family and life.

Jaafar: The Father

Jaafar, Abdullah’s father, was known for his resemblance in morals and character to the Prophet Muhammad, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him and his family. Abu Hurairah said about him, "No one who wore sandals, rode mounts, or walked on earth after the Messenger of God, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him and his family, was better than Jaafar bin Abi Talib." Jaafar was one of the first converts to Islam. His father, Talib, saw him praying with his brother, Imam Ali, behind the Prophet, and said to him, "Pray like your cousin, and pray on his left," while Ali was praying on his right. Jaafar migrated twice to Abyssinia and once to Medina.

Jaafar was known for his mercy towards the poor and weak. He was kind to Abu Hurairah during his days of hardship and poverty, often feeding him and sharing what little he had. Jaafar returned to Medina after his migration to Abyssinia, coinciding with the conquest of Khaybar, which made the Prophet very happy. The Prophet, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him and his family, said, "I do not know which of the two I am happier with, the coming of Ja’far or the conquest of Khaybar."

The Prophet planned a house for Jaafar next to the mosque. He loved him not only because he was his cousin but also because of his strong faith and dedication to spreading Islam. Jaafar was martyred in the Battle of Mu’tah in the eighth year of Hijra. The narrators say that the banner was in his right hand and it was cut off, so he raised it with his left hand. When it was cut off, he raised it with his arms until he was martyred. The Prophet said that God replaced Jaafar’s arms with two wings with which he could fly in Paradise, hence he was called "the one with the wings."

The Prophet mourned Jaafar deeply, visiting his house to console his wife and children. He expressed his sorrow to Asma’, Jaafar’s wife, and Muslim women came to console her.

Asmaa: The Mother

Abdullah’s mother was Asmaa bint Umays, one of the first converts to Islam. She migrated to Abyssinia with her husband, Jaafar, where she gave birth to Abdullah, Aoun, and Muhammad. After Jaafar’s martyrdom, she married Abu Bakr and gave birth to Muhammad. After Abu Bakr's death, she married Imam Ali, giving birth to Yahya. Asmaa was loyal to the Ahl al-Bayt and had a close relationship with Fatima al-Zahra, serving her during her illness and protecting her wishes.

Abdullah bin Jaafar

Abdullah bin Jaafar was a distinguished man of Islam and a leader of Banu Hashim. Muawiyah praised him, saying he was worthy of all honor and surpassed all in generosity and virtue. Abdullah was known as "the Sea of Judgement" and was exceptionally generous. Despite being rebuked for his kindness, he believed that his generosity would never lead to poverty, as God would always replenish his wealth.

Abdullah was blessed with several children from his marriage to Lady Zainab, including:

Aoun: Aoun was one of the most virtuous young men of Banu Hashim. He accompanied his uncle, Imam Hussein, to Iraq and fought bravely in the Battle of Karbala, where he was martyred.
Ali Al-Zeinbi
Muhammad
Abbas
Lady Umm Kulthum

Conclusion

Lady Zainab, peace be upon her, and Abdullah bin Jaafar’s marriage united two noble and devout families, continuing the legacy of piety, sacrifice, and generosity that defined their lineage. Their children carried forward their parents’ virtues, contributing to the strength and continuity of the Ahl al-Bayt’s legacy.

The marriage of Umm Kulthum

This lady reached the age of maturity and was unique in her beauty, chastity, and respect among her family and the general public of Banu Hashim. Her character was so esteemed that Muawiyah, seeking to strengthen his political position among Muslims, proposed to betroth her to his son Yazid. He wrote to his governor in Yathrib, Marwan ibn al-Hakam, with a message:

"As for what follows: The Commander of the Faithful loves to return familiarity, extend generosity, and maintain ties of kinship, so if my letter reaches you, propose to Abdullah bin Jaafar, his daughter Umm Kulthum, to Yazid, son of the Commander of the Faithful, and desire the dowry from him."

Muawiyah believed that his false authority and the wealth he spent would tempt the Alawite nobles, who were raised on dignity and honor. He did not understand that his authority and money were worthless to them. When Muawiyah's letter reached Marwan, Imam Hussein, knowing the nature of the request, became concerned about its implications. Hussein traveled, and Marwan seized the opportunity to hasten to Abdullah bin Jaafar, presenting Muawiyah's letter and advocating for the marriage.

The Response of the Alawite Family

Abdullah bin Jaafar, understanding the implications, replied to Marwan, "Her uncle Al-Hussein is in Yanbu. And I have no way to proceed with this matter without seeking his opinion and approval."

Upon Imam Hussein's return to Yathrib, Abdullah bin Jaafar presented the matter to him. Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, questioned the appropriateness of his niece marrying into the immoral Banu Umayyad, descendants of Abu Sufyan. He then consulted with his sister, Zainab, peace be upon her, and requested that her daughter, Umm Kulthum, be brought to him.

Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, said to her, "Your cousin Al-Qasim bin Muhammad bin Jaafar has more right to you, and perhaps you desire a large amount of dowry." The girl agreed with her uncle’s opinion, and her wise mother supported the decision. Abdullah bin Jaafar was satisfied with Imam Hussein’s decision, and the Imam provided her with a substantial dowry.

The Secret Marriage

The Imam kept the matter secret. On the wedding night, he held a public gathering with many people from the city, including Marwan, who mistakenly believed he was invited to witness the marriage of Umm Kulthum to Yazid. Marwan praised Muawiyah’s intentions in his speech, but when he finished, Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, rose and announced the marriage of Umm Kulthum to her cousin, Al-Qasim bin Muhammad bin Jaafar.

Marwan, realizing his plans were thwarted, became furious and raised his voice, saying, "Be treacherous, O Hussein." He left in a fit of anger and frustration. Muawiyah, upon hearing of the failed attempt to marry his son into the Prophet’s family, was equally upset.

Conclusion

Imam Hussein's wisdom and steadfastness preserved the honor and dignity of his family, thwarting Muawiyah's attempt to use marriage as a political tool. This incident exemplifies the strength and integrity of the Alawite family in the face of political manipulation and deceit.

History of the shrine

The role model of Lady Zainab (pbuh)

Unmatched Steadfastness
Maintaining steadfastness and composure in circumstances as harrowing as those of Karbala is extremely challenging, particularly given the emotional nature of women. Lady Zainab’s positions of steadfastness are numerous and exceptional. Her steadfastness during Karbala is rarely matched in the history of men, let alone women. The only explanation for her unwavering determination is her deep faith, nurtured in the house of prophecy and imamate. When the convoy of captives left Karbala, the army brought the women and children to the battlefield, creating a scene both majestic and terrifying. Here, Lady Zainab rose above the pain, controlled her feelings, maintained her composure, and suppressed all the sadness and pain that welled up within her.

Fulfilling the Legal Obligation
This characteristic also stems from her deep faith. In circumstances conflicting with human desire, energy, and ability under normal conditions, Lady Zainab presented her imam with the horse that would lead him to the battlefield, knowing he would not return. She did this without being asked, talking to herself, “Which sister offers her brother Jawad death?” (The Killing of Al-Hussein, p. 308, Al-Muqrim Abd Al-Razzaq). This initiative is difficult even under normal circumstances, and she rose above her sisterly feelings and emotions, demonstrating her respect for duty and commitment to it, despite the difficulty and pain.

Familiarity with Worship
A testament to her piety is that, even at fifty years old, Lady Zainab stood up to perform the night prayer, a practice she never interrupted, neither before nor after Karbala. Imam Al-Sajjad saw her on the eve of the battle, praying from a sitting position, which was understandable given the circumstances (Zainab Al-Kubra - Jaafar bin Muhammad Al-Naqdi, p. 112).

High Morals
Morals may seem like a definite and attainable characteristic for someone like Lady Zainab, but given the circumstances of Karbala, they appear supernatural. The special aspect is being polite with your opponent. After the arduous journey of captivity, one soldier was tasked with returning the caravan to the city. He was gentle and kind, asking about their needs. When they arrived in Medina, Lady Zainab wanted to reward him for his good treatment but had no money. She collected what little jewelry remained and presented it to him, apologetically saying: “This is your reward for accompanying us with good deeds” (Taikh Al-Tabari, vol. 6, p. 266).

Beautiful Patience
Patience is often associated with enduring difficulties and trials. This endurance might be due to reluctance, hatred, or simply suppressing anger. The Holy Qur’an offers a type of patience that includes submission and satisfaction with one’s fate:

“And give good news to those who are patient - those who, when a calamity befalls them, say, ‘Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.’ Those are upon them blessings from their Lord and mercy, and it is those who are guided” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 155-156).

Lady Zainab's patience is even more profound. She offered her misfortune as an offering to God, saying: “Oh God, accept this offering from us,” and saw beauty in all her sorrows, saying, “I saw nothing but beautiful.” This is a level of patience that prompts us to ask: Who is this lady who stands over her brother’s corpse, whose neck has just been slit, and immediately looks to the sky to offer her loss as an offering?

Chastity and Boldness with Strength
Chastity and boldness may seem like opposites, but Lady Zainab is the best model for balancing both. She maintained her chastity by not seeing men and not being seen by them, yet displayed boldness by actively participating in social situations when necessary. Her balance between these qualities exemplifies the psychological equilibrium required.

Defense of the Imamate
Lady Zainab was a guardian of the Imamate, represented by Imam Zain al-Abidin, in several incidents. In the battle, when Imam Zain al-Abidin rose to fight despite his illness, Imam Hussein called to her: “Take him and imprison him so that the earth will not be devoid of the descendants of the family of Muhammad” (Zainab al-Kubra, M.S., p. 30).

Lessons for Today
When discussing Lady Zainab, the lessons are numerous and invaluable. Her exceptional personality shone in exceptional circumstances, reviving religion and preserving the divine remembrance with all her strength. We need to embody the spirit of Zainab in our lives, strengthening our foundations from faith to defending the Imamate and confronting tyrants. This requires patience, modesty, and vigilance against the destructive forces threatening us, especially the invasive modern communication technologies that pose significant moral and religious challenges. Let us pay attention and wake up before it is too late, striving to be Zainabiyat in word and deed.

References:

The Killing of Al-Hussein, p. 308, Al-Muqrim Abd Al-Razzaq.
Zainab Al-Kubra - Jaafar bin Muhammad Al-Naqdi, p. 112.
Taikh Al-Tabari, vol. 6, p. 266.