Name: Zaynab Title: al-Aqilah Kunya: al-Hawraa’ Father: Ali ibn Abi Talib (pbut) Mother: Sayyida Fatimah bint Muhammad (p) Born: 5 Jamadi al-Awwal, 5 A.H. Death: 15 Rajab, 62 AH Age at Death: 57 Buried: Damascus, Syria (per most historians), however, it is also said that she was buried in Madinah, in the Arabian Peninsula, or Cairo, Egypt. Sayyida Zaynab bint Ali (p)
With parents such as Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (p) and Sayyida Fatima (p) and grandparents such as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and Lady Khadija (p), there is no doubt that the upbringing of Sayyida Zaynab (p) would be beyond exemplary.
She grew up in Medina, where she was married to Abdullah ibn Jafar al-Tayyar, who was brought up under the direct care of the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hp)[i]. Together they had five children, four of whom were sons, Ali, Aun, Muhammad, and Abbas, and one daughter, Umm Kulthum[ii].
Sayyida Zaynab (p) was no stranger to death or oppression. We know her best for the crucial role she played during the events of Karbala in 61 A.H. when she was 55 years old. She witnessed the martyrdom of her own children, her nephews, companions, and most significantly her beloved brothers Abbas ibn Ali Talib (p) and Imam al-Hussain (p). Sayyida Zaynab’s (p) strong upbringing, piety, and nobility ensured she was not weak in the face of adversity. Therefore, after Imam Hussain (p) was mercilessly martyred, she became the pillar for the other women and children. She, therefore, serves as an example of steadfastness, courage, humility, and strength for all of us.
The following is an excerpt of the sermon Sayyida Zaynab (p) gave in the courtyard of Yazid’s palace in Damascus after they were brought as prisoners:
“Whatever you consider today, as a bounty would turn into reparation for tomorrow, whatever you have sent in advance would be received by you. Allah does not like oppression toward his servants. I complained to Him and put my trust upon Him; thus whatever deceit you want to practice, go ahead and do it; whatever endeavors and efforts you can make, try them. By Allah you would never be able to remove our remembrance from the hearts [of the believers], nor would you ever be able to destroy our revelations; you would never reach our splendor and majesty; you would never be able to wash this ugly spot of tyranny from your [dress]; your opinion and suggestions are invalid and unstable. The duration of your rein is very short, and your assembly would soon be scattered; on that day when the heavenly crier would announce: ‘Praise be upon the Lord of the Worlds, and our beginning- with prosperity and salvation-and our end-with martyrdom and blessing. I beseech the Almighty to bestow upon them [Imam Hussain (p), his family (pbut), and his loyal companions] His best recompense and may [He] increase their rewards. O You, Who is just and righteous toward us, and Who is the most compassionate among all the compassionate ones, we put our trust only upon You.” [iii]
[i] Muna Haeri Bilgrami, The Victory of Truth: The Life of Zainab bint Ali (p), (Qum: Ansariyan Publications).
[ii] Muna Haeri Bilgrami, The Victory of Truth: The Life of Zainab bint Ali (p), (Qum: Ansariyan Publications).
In the aftermath of the battle, Zainab was taken captive by the forces of the caliph and marched to the court of the caliph in Kufa. It was during her captivity that Zainab delivered a series of speeches and sermons that have come to be remembered as some of the earliest examples of Shia political and religious discourse. These speeches, in which she laid out the events of the Battle of Karbala and the reasons for Hussain’s resistance, were the first step in forming a distinct Shia identity that would endure for centuries.
Despite her tragic and tumultuous life, Zainab remains a revered figure among Muslims, who honor her as a symbol of resistance against tyranny and oppression.
The life and legacy of Zainab bint Ali are, therefore, of great historical significance, as they offer a window into the early years of Islam, the development of the Shia community, and the role of women in shaping the religious and political landscape of the Islamic world.
The Stages of Lady Zainab’s Life
Early life and childhood: Zainab was born in Medina and grew up in the household of Prophet Muhammad (s). She was known for her intelligence and devotion to her faith.
The tragedy of Karbala: Zainab was present at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, where her brother al-Hussain and many other family members were martyred. She was taken captive by the caliph’s forces and marched to the caliph’s court in Kufa.
Captivity and advocacy: During her captivity, Zainab delivered speeches and sermons in which she recounted the events of the Battle of Karbala and the reasons for al-Hussain’s resistance. These speeches are some of the earliest examples of Shia political and religious discourse.
Legacy and influence: After her release, Zainab returned to her family in Medina, where she continued to advocate for the rights of the descendants of the Prophet (s) and to commemorate the events of Karbala. Her speeches and her actions are still studied and remembered by Shia Muslims.
Lady Zainab bint Ali was born on the fifth of Jumada al-Awwal in Medina, a city that was at the heart of early Islamic history. Upon her birth, her mother, Fatimah al-Zahra (a), sought guidance from her father, Ali ibn Abi Talib (a), on what to name the child. Imam Ali (a), recognizing the significance of the moment, couldn’t name her without the blessing of the Prophet Muhammad (s). He brought the newborn to the Prophet (s), who held her close and tenderly kissed her. The Prophet, in turn, declared that he could not precede his Lord in naming the child and awaited guidance from Allah. Not long passed before the archangel Jibril descended with a message from the Lord of the Worlds, instructing the Prophet (s) to name the child Zainab, meaning the beauty of her father. And indeed, Zainab lived up to her name, character, and life reflecting her father’s radiance.​
Ahlul Bayt Digital Islamic Library Project 1995-2023
المواضيع المتشابهه
Sayyida Zaynab bint Ali (p)
العرض العادي
