Sayyida Zaynab (s.a.) was born on 5th of Jumadiul
Awwal 5 A.H. She was the third child of the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali
(a.s.) and the Chief of the women of the world Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.). The
Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) named her “Zaynab” as instructed by Allah through
Gabriel. He (s.a.w.a.s.) kissed her and said, “I enjoined you to honor this
child for she resembles (Sayyida) Khadija (s.a.).” The name may also be a
compound of two words-Zayn (beauty) and Ab (father)-thus the beauty (adornment)
of her father which reflects the life of Zaynab (s.a.) perfectly. She is the
ideal for all women in all roles: daughter, wife, mother, community member,
teacher. She is an embodiment of moral features. Zaynab (s.a.) like her mother Fatima
Zahra (s.a.) proves that a Muslim woman can hold on to her dignity while taking
part in social activities and preserve her nobility as a Muslim.
Some of her titles are: Fasiha (Fluent), Baligha (Eloquent),
A ‘lima Ghayr Mua’llama (She who has knowledge without being taught), Aqilah
(Intellectual), Zahida (Modest), Abida (Devoted), Sadiqa (Truthful). The title
“Shareekatul Hussayn”; every revolution has two faces; Sacrifice and Message.
Imam Hussayn (a.s.) accomplished the first part of the mission to reform the
Ummah and revive the values of his grandfather (s.a.w.a.s.) but the mission
would not have been accomplished had there not been Zaynab (s.a.) to spread the
Message. She was also called “Ummul Masa’ib”. Her grandfather (s.a.w.a.s.) died
when she was 7 years old and within 75 days her beloved mother died.
From the time of Shaam-e-Ghareeban”, she (s.a.) became
responsible for the caravan of orphans, widows and others. She saved Imam
Sajjad (a.s.) from the burning tent and protected him many times from the
beastly hypocrites of Yazid (l.a.) and his governor. She filled the gap of
Hazrat Abbas (a.s.). The women and children were made captives and made to sit
on camels without saddles. They were first taken to Kufa and later to Damascus
where Yazid made them wait till he completed victory celebration. Yazid (l.a.) was hitting the sacred teeth of Imam
Hussayn (a.s.) saying: “My ancestors who were killed at Badr have been avenged
today. Now it is clear that Bani Hashim had staged a play to gain power and
there was never any divine revelation”
Zaynab (s.a.) replied with
confidence saying: “All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the world and blessings
on my grandfather. O Yazid, Allah has said” “Evil was the end of those who did
evil, because they mocked and rejected the signs of Allah.” (30:10) Do you
believe that we have been disgraced and you have been honored by Allah. That
your position is safe now that your crooked affairs are smoothed out and you
are ruler of our country. Wait! Wait! Have you forgotten what Allah says: Do
you think that We give respite to the evil doers and unbelievers for any good
that they have done? Surely We give them time so that they may increase their
evil deeds and it will lead them to degrading punishment” (3:178). O Yazid!
Whatever you have done proves your arrogance against Allah (s.w.t.) and your
denial of His Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and of the Holy Book and the Sunnah. Your
deeds should not cause amazement because one whose ancestors chewed the livers
of the martyrs. I swear by God who sent upon our household His Book and
Prophet hood that you will never get our status. You will never be able to
destroy our status or our light, nor you will be able to wipe out your shame
and dishonor, your word now is weak, and your days are numbered.”
The sermon of Zaynab
(s.a.) changed the atmosphere in Yazid (l.a.)’s court. He (l.a.) was taken aback
by her courage and eloquence.
Sayyida Zaynab (s.a.)
witnessed the demise of her niece Sayyida Sakina (s.a.) in the prison of
Damascus. The Little Princess of Imam Hussayn (a.s.) was more anxious of
returning home to Madinah was left behind. When Yazid (l.a.) offered to release
them, Sayyida Zaynab scored another victory to the offer; she demanded three conditions;
return of the martyrs’ heads, return of all looted materials and a house where
she could mourn the martyrdom of her beloved brother (a.s.) and other martyrs. Thus,
she laid the foundation of Azadari in Yazid (l.a.)’s own capital!
Source: The
Victory of Truth: The Life of Zaynab bint Ali by Muna Haeri Bilgrami, Duas.org
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