Sayyidah Zainab Bint Ali (Alihi-Salaam) – Unbroken

Introduction:-

                                

In his last sermon, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.A.W) said,’ I am leaving among you two weighty things (Thaqalayn)- the book of Allah (The Quran) and my Ahle-byat (my family). If you hold fast to them, you will never go astray after me. And indeed, they will not sever until they return to me at the pond (Al-Kawthar) (Sahih Muslim). This tradition underlines the glorious virtues of Ahle-Byat. And Hazrat Zainab e Kubra (A.S), the blessed daughter of Hazrat Ali (A.S) and Hazrat Fatima (A.S), enjoys the reputation of being a member of this virtuous group.

Early Life and Lineage:-

Hazrat Zainab bint Ali (A.S) was born on 5 Jumada-al-Awwal in 5 AH (626 CE) in Medina and died on 15 Rajab in 62 AH (682 CE). Her pedigree is enough to discern her exalted stature. She is the granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.A.W), who grew up in a house known for piety, wisdom, and sacrifice. Named by Prophet (pbuh) himself, Zainab means ‘adornment of the father’, and she hewed up to this name by personifying heroism, agility, and stoicism throughout her life.  

Marriage and Family:-

Hazrat Zainab (A.S) married Abdullah ibn Jafar, the nephew of Hazrat Ali. Together they had four sons, namely Ali, Awn, Abass, and Muhammad (A.S). They also had a daughter named Umm Kulthum (A.S). Despite the fact that her husband was wealthy, she preferred austerity to lavishness. Moreover, she sacrificed everything, spanning from family to luxury for Islam - her grandfather Prophet Muhammad’s (S.A.AW) religion.

Tragedy of Karbala:-

The story of her valour starts from the day her mother, Fatima Bint Muhammad (A.S), left worldly life. But the tragedy of Karbala was the greatest test of her life, which she dominated with utmost dominance. In Karbala, she lost her brother Imam Hussain (A.S) along with her family and companions in confrontation with the forces of Yazid Ibn Mawiya.

In Karbala, Hazrat Zainab (A.S) was instrumental in attending to the injured, consoling the grieving, and protecting the children in the aftermath of the battle. She willingly and with gratitude allowed her sons Awn (A.S) and Muhammad (A.S) to offer their blood for the cause upheld by Imam Hussain (A.S). Most importantly, she served as the first journalist of Islam by exposing the fascist regime by reporting about the oppression it carried out, reaching out to the masses with facts, and by debunking misinformation.

Her speech in Yazid’s court is an instance of her resoluteness and defiance against oppression. She was taken captive along with the remaining family members and brought to Kufa and later to Damascus in the court of Yazid. While in captivity, Hazrat Zainab (A.S) demonstrated exceptional prowess. She delivered a potent speech in Yazid’s court, condemned his tyranny and defended the righteousness of Imam Hussain (A.S). She fearlessly declared:

‘O Yazid! Do you think that by slaying and capturing the family of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.A.W), we are disgraced before Allah, while you are honoured by him?. No! Plot whatever you want to and exert all the might and effort to suppress us; you will never erase our remembrance from the hearts of the believers.

Historians such as Al-Tabari, Ibn-i-Athir, and Ibn-i-Kathir have recorded her speech, which is recognised as historic in the face of tyranny. Her words exemplified her knowledge, courage, and eloquence- the characteristics her father was well-known for. Not only did her speech turn public sentiments against the Ummayads, but it also played a critical role in their downfall. Some scholars write, ‘Hussain (A.S) shook the throne with his blood and Zainab (A.S) shook it with her words.’

Later life:-

After her release from captivity, Hazrat Zainab (A.S) returned to Medina and continued the mission of Dawah. Also, she spread the message about the battle of Karbala, the purpose of combating Yazid’s regime, and laying down the lives. Some traditions suggest that she later moved to Egypt or Syria, where she passed away. The shrines in Damascus and Cairo are attributed to her. However, the dominant and widely accepted view among historians and the Muslim world is that her final resting place is located in Damascus.

Her shrine stands as a radiant centre of knowledge, spirituality, blessings, and solace – cherished deeply by her lovers and revered by believers at large.

Writer: Zeeshan Rasool Khan is a Columnist and can be emailed at mohdzeeshan605@gmail.com.