LadyZaynab(PeacebeUponHer) Author:ShaikhMusaMuhammad Publisher'sWord Introduction TheBlessedNewborn ScholarlyCapacities Personality TraditionsofLadyZaynab TheCaliph'sReigns Umar'sReign TheKharijite'sSedition TheBlackReign UbaydullahIbnZiyadinKufa InKarabala EvenTheNewborn

EvenTheNewborn LadyZaynabinCaptivity Yazid'sGloating LadyZaynabandASyrianMan Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

ZiyaratofLadyZaynab

Publisher'sWord AllpraiseisduetoAlmightyAllahWhowillrewardthosewhosacrificedtheirlivesforHissake anddeclaredthewordofrightfearlesslysoastoextendjusticeandhonestyonthisearthand contributeinachievingthepurposeforwhichHehascreatedthecreatures.Allah'speaceand allblesssingbeuonMuhammadandhisinfallibleHouseholdwhosufferedtroublesand encounteredhorribleadversities;allfortakinghumankindtotheeternalpleasureandserving AlmightyAllahinthebestway. Inthehistoryofhumankind,onecanfindmanynameswhoseprinciplesencouragedthemto declarethewordofrightandjusticeopenlyinthefacesofthewrongdoersandtheunjust. Thisbookdealswithaladywhoenteredthefieldofstruggleagainstwrongstronglyandsaid thewordofrightandjusticeinthefacesofthewrongdoersandopressors.Theechoesofthis lady'swordsarestilldisturbingeverytyrantandstillremindinghistoryofherimmortal situationsthatgave,altogetherwithherbrother'srevolution,anewbirthtoIslamafterithad beenabouttobedeformedandvanishedatthehandsoftheillegalrulerswhotookoverthe leadershipoftheIslamicnation.ThisladywasZaynabdaughterofImam'Ali(a). WemustalsoyieldtothefactthatImamalHusayn(a)accompaniedhissister,ladyZaynab, withhimonlyafterhehadfoundherthefittesttocompletehisgiantrevolution,andshedid completehisrevolutionafterhimsoperfectly.Besides,LadyZaynabwassuchaperfect individualthatsheunderstoodthedutyshewouldburdenabouttherevolutionofherbrother althoughtheIslamicShari'ah1hasorderedwomentoremainattheirhousessinceitisnot obligatoryuponthemtoparticipateinjihad.2Notwithstanding,ladyZaynab,beingthe daughteroftheIslamicShari'ahthatwasrevealedinherhouse,understoodorethananyone elsethattheadvocacyoftherihgtandthesupportofthereligionweretwomissiontobe undertakenbyher.Hence,shecarriedoutthereligiousdutyasperfedctaspossibleandcould actasanimportantringintheseriesofIslam. Fromthiscause,weunderstandthattherevolutionofLadyZaynab,granddaughterofthe ProphetofIslamanddaughterofitsprotector,wasduetoadivinedirective.

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EverybodyknowsthaIslamcoldseethelightonlybyvirtueofthewealthofKhadijah(Prophet Muhammad'sfirstwife)andtheswordof'AliibnAbuTalib(a).Inthesamemanner,Islamhas subsistedbyvirtueofthemartyrdomofImamalHusayn(a)andtherevolutionofLady Zaynab.OnlythroughtherevolutionaryspeechesofLadyZaynabdidithepublicsrecognize thefalsityofMu'awiyahandYazidandtheirenmityagainstIslam. ThetragedyofLadyZaynabformsthesecondhalfoftherevolutionofImamalHusayn(a). Againstthoseunbearablemisfortunes,shestoodwithsteadfastnessandhadfullcustodyon thecaptives,orphans,andtheailedImam.Shethendisputedthewrongdoersthroughher speechesanddeniedthehorrendouscrushingandviolationaginsttheoppressivegangofthe Umayyadrulersandtheirtailsuntiltheybanishedhersoastosavetheirstate.Nevertheless, theirstatewassmashedcompletelyinconsequenceofLadyZaynab'sefforts. ____________ 1Shari'ahistheIslamiccodeofreligiouslaw,basedontheteachingsoftheQur'anandthe traditionalsayingsofProphetMuhammad(s). 2JihadisreligiouswarfareorawarforthePropagationordefenseofIslam. Thematerialofthisboodhasbeencompiledfromthemostreliablereferencecooksofhistory andbiography.Howeverthebooksentitles'AlSayidahZaynab'andautordbySheikhJa'faral Naqdi,'AlSayyidahZaynab'andauthoredbySheikhBaqirSharifalQarashihavebeenmost dependedinthematerialofthisbook. TheAnsariyanPublicationthusispleasedtointroducethiswork,ehichfocuseslight,inabrief yetdocumentedway,onthelifeaccount,personality,andstruggleofLadyZaynab,tothe gentlereadershopingtheywillbenefitbytheunparalleledsituationsofthisgreatladyand deriveitemsleadingtohumanperfection. Finally,wepraytoAlmightyAllahtomakethepathofsuccesspavedforusandmakeour intentionspurelyproposedtoHim.Heismostcertainlythesourceofsuccessandgood fortune. AnsariyanPublications,2002 THEAHLULBAYT INTHEQURANANDSUNNAH IntroductionHisEminence ShahykhMusaMuhammad Ali'salSayyidahZaynab Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

 AllpraisesbelongtoAllah,Lordoftheworlds.Peaceandblessingsbeuponourmaster Muhammad,themosthonorableoftheprophetsandthechiefoftheMessengersofAllah, anduponhishousehold,companions,andprogeny. AlmightyAllahsays: 73) ).

ThemercyofAllahandHisblessingsareonyou,peopleofthehouse,surelyHeisPraised, Glorious.(11:73) 33) ).

Allahonlydesirestokeepawaytheuncleannessfromyou,OpeopleoftheHouse!andto purifyyoua(thorough)purifying.(33:33)

Say:Idonotaskyouanyrewardforitbutloveformynearrelatives.(42:23) InhisbookentitledalSahih,Muslimrecordsthefollowing:Zaydibnarqamnarrated:Ina placebetweenMeccaandMedinacalled'Khumm',theMessengerofAllah(s)oncedelivereda speechtous.AfterstatementsofpraisingandthankingAlmighty ____________ 1ThisintroductionhasbeenoptedhereinordertoprovethatthelovefortheAhlalBaytis notShiiteclaimormyth.TheauthorofthisintroductionbelongstotheHanafiteIslamicschool ofjurisprudence. Allah,aswellasstatementsofpreachandremindingofHim,theProphet(s)said:

, , : , ..., , ,
"Opeople,Iamnomorethananordinaryperson,andthemessengerofmyLord(i.e.angleof death)willshortlycometomeandthenIwillrespond.first,theBookofyou,Ihavelefttwo Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

weightythings:firsttheBookofAllahthatincludesrightyguidanceandillumination.Preserve intheBookofAllahandholdfastonit.Second,myhousehold,rememberAllahconcerning myhousehold." ThefirstthingonecanlearnfromthepreviousdirectiveoftheimmaculateProphet(s)isthat onewholovessomeghingmustpreferittohimself,lestsuchlovewillbefalseanduntrue.To attainsomethingafterserioussearchismorepleasantanddelightfulthantogetitwithout fatigue. ThetruelovefortheMessengerofAllah(s)canbeshownthroughfollowinghiswordsand deeds,complyingwithhisinstructions,avoidingthingsthathedeemedforbidden,copying ethics,andfollowinghiminhisloveforhishousehold(theAhlalBayt),byshowinglovefor them.TheProphet'shouseholdaretherealpureones.ItistheywhomalmightyAllahhas givenHislove,bestwooduponwithvariantmiracles,purifiedfromthenaturesofsouls,and savedfromfollowingtheirowndesires.Asaresult,alltheirthoughtshavebecomecompletely connectedtoalmightyAllah. Thus,lovefortheProphet'shouseholdhasbecometheoriginandthefirststepintheway towardsAllah.Allmannersandranksareonlylevelsoflove.OutofHishonoringthem, AlmightyAllaheducatedtheignorantamongtheProphet'sfamily,guidedthelost,and strengthenedtheweak;therefore,tobehavemodestlybeforeobligatory,andtoservethem asmuchaspossibleisregardedasseekingnearnesstothem.ItisAlmightyAllah,theCreator, Whofavored,awarded,purified,chastened,andhonoredtheProphet'sHousehold.Thisis clearinHissaying: 33) )

Allahonlydesirestokeepawaytheuncleannessfromyou,OpeopleoftheHouse!andto purifyyoua(thorough)purifying.(33:33)Therefore,creaturesmustbearintheirheartssuch divinefavoringsasresponsetotheCreator'sinstructionandcarryingouttheProphet'scall. LovefortheProphet'shouseholdcanbeachievedonlybyrespectingtheminpresenceand absence;theyhenceshouldnotbeslanderedordisrespected.Finally,itisforbiddento backbite,especiallytheProphet'shouseholdandthesinceresaintsofAllah.1 ____________ 1ThisisanindicationtoAlmightyAllah'ssaying:

12) )
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 Oyouwhobelive!Avoidmostofsuspicion,forsurelysuspicioninsomecasesisasin,anddo notspynorletsomeofyoubackiteothers.Doesoneofyouliketoeatthefleshofhisdead brother?Butyouabhorit;andbecarefulofyourdutytoAllah;surely,AllahisOftreturningto mercy,Merciful.(49:12) Asaresult,Muslimsmustbewareofsuchavicioustrait.However,noonewhoplungesinto suchathingwillattainsuccess,becausethesaintsareassameastheprophets,andtomake distinctionbetweenthemistodeprivethemoftheirprosperitiesandingratitudefortheir graces.Unfortunately,theinattentiveandthedeceivedoneslookatthepeopleofhonesty andfaithfulnesswiththeeyesofdespise,issuewrongdecisionsaboutthem,chargethem withdeviation,andregardthemasignorant.Theclearsightedones.ontheotherhand,are presistentlycalm;theycanseetheunseenwitheyesofdiscernmentfrombeyondsoft screens.Accordingly,misfortunescannotdefeatthemandattacksoftimecannotprovoke them.Inaninstant,theflagofeaseshallgleamforthem,cloudsofobscurityclearawayand AlmightyAllaheradicatetheintriguesoftheconspirators. Onthataccount,menofperception,sagacity,decency,andobservationholdfaithful devotion,perfectconstancy,sincerehonesty,andabundantesteemfortheProphet's householdoutoftheircompliancetotheCreator'sinstruction.theirhonoringtheProphet, andtheiraccedingtohiscommandmentinthefolliwingHadith: AlTabarani,inhisalmu'jamalkabir,AbualShaykhIbnHabban,inhisalSahihandal Bayhaqi;allrecordedtheProphet'sfollowingsaying:

, , ,
"AservantofAllahshallnotbefaithfulbelieverunlesshelovesmemorethanheloves himself,lovesmyhouseholdmorethanheloveshishousehold,lovesmyfamilymorethanhe loveshisfamily,andlovesmysoulmorethanheloveshissoul."1AlBayhaqi,AbualShaykh, andIbnHabban,inhis ____________ 1AlHafizhalDhahabidecidedthisHadithasauthentic. alSahih,allrecordedthefollowingHadithontheauthorityofAli: Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

TheMessengerofAllah(s)wasfuriouswhenhecameout,satontheminbar,thankedand praisedAll,andthensaid:

,
"Whatisthematterwhitthosewhohurtmeconcerningmyhousehold?IswearbyHimWho graspsmysoulinHishandthataservant(ofAllah)shallnotbefaithfulbelieverunlessheloves me,andheshallnotlovetrulyunlesshelovesmyprogeny."Forthisreason'AbuBakrsaid: "IlovetorespecttheProphet'skinshipmorethantorespectmine." Outofhishonestyandwisdom,theMsteroftheCreatures(i.e.ProphetMuhammad)who saysnothingbuttruthhassaidasitisreprortedbyalTirmidhi,inhisalSunan,andalHakim, inalMustadrak,ontheauthorityof(Abdullah)IbnAbbas: ,,. "YoushouldloveAllahonaccountofthegracesthatHebestowsuponyouceaselessly,and youshouldlovemeonaccountofyourloveforme."1AsacommentaryoftheProphet's saying, "YoushouldloveAllahonaccountofthegracesthatHebestowsuponyouceaselessly,"the authorofFaydalQadirsays:"ThismeansthatyoushouldloveAllahforthevariousmaterial andtangiblegracesthatHeconfersuponyou,such ____________ 1AlHafizhalDhahabidecidedthisHadithasauthentic. asthefacilitationoffoodanddrinkasanexampleonthematerialgraces,andtheleadingto successandrightguidance,thenominationoffiguresofknowledge,thecreationofsenses, andthedispenseoftheilluminationsofconvictiononheartsinaddditiontotheothertangible graces." Ibn'AttaAllahalIskandarisays: "Ineverymoment,AlmightyAllahconfersuponyouwithgracesforwhichyoushouldlove HimandmustthankHimatalltimes."Accordingly,itisimpossibletosettlethethankingwhen itstimeslipsaway,sinceanewthankingmustberenewedineverysplitsecond.Inthesame way,seekingforgivenessandevasionofsinsmustberenewedineverymoment. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

 AlmightyAllahsays: 18) ) . "AndifyouwouldcountAllah'sfavors,youwillnotbeabletonumberthem;mostsurelyAllah isForgiving,Merciful."(16:18)Hence,theProphet(s)intendedtosaythatyoumustlove AlmightyAllahbecauseHeisconferringuponyouwithHisendlessgraces.AlZamakhshari saysinthisregard: "Gracedenoteseveryadvantageintendedforcharity.Onthisaccount,AllahtheExaltedhas createdthewholeworldasgrace.Theworldisinfacteitheranimateorinanimate.The inanimateisgracefortheanimate,andtheanimateisgraceforlivelinessisgraceforthe spirited,becausewithoutliveliness,thespiritedwouldlosetheabilitytobenefitbyother graces.Thus,anythingthatcanbebenefitedisgrace."Asacommentaryontheprevious notion,alFakhralRazisays: "ThegracesofAllahtheExaltedarecountless,becauseeverythingthatHehasgiventous, suchasadvantages,pleasures,limbsandorgansthatweuseforgettingbenefitsandevading harms,thingsthatHehascreatedinthisuniversetoreasonouttheexistenceofHimasthe oneandonlyMaker,andthingsthatHehasbroughtaboutsoastorestrainfromactsof disobedience;allthesearegraces.Furthermore,everythingthatbringspleasureisgrace,and everythingthatdoesnotbringpleasurebutisusedforevadingharmsisalsograce,and everythingthatdoesnotbringpleasureandisnotusedforevadingharmsisalsogracesinceit canbeusedasevidenceontheexistenceoftheMakerand,thus,ameanstotherecognition ofandtheobediencetoHim.Asaresult,allthecreaturesaregraces." Itisnowclearthataservant'sloveforAllahdoesnotneedforinterpretation,whileAllah's loveforaservantneedsinterpretation.Inthisregard.ImamalGhazzalisays: "LoveforAllahisfactual,notfigurative,becauselove,aslinguistscite,denotesthesoul's tendencytosomethingexpedientandagreeable,whiletheexcessivetendencyistheardent love.SinceAllahtheExaltedisAllbenevolentandpleasing,andtendencytobenevolenceand pleasanceisnaturallysatisfying,loveforHimhasbecomereal.Ontheotherside,Allah'slove foraservantisafigurativematterthatstemsfromtheLord'sunveilingthedivinescreen betweenaservantandHiminorderthattheservantwillseetheLordwithhisheart,andalso stemsfromtheLord'senablingtheservanttobeclosetoHim." ThefollowingisexceptedfromSharhalMawaqif:1 Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

"OurloveforAllahisaspiritualmannerdependingontheconceptionofHiscontinual, limitlessperfection,andnecessitatingperfectattentiontoHisScaredPresencewithout languororwhereabouts.WhileourloveforthingsotherthanHimisamannerdependingon theimaginationoftheperfectionofpleasant,human,orcomparablethings,suchasthelove forone'sbelovedorthefather'sloveforhisson. ____________ 1sharhalMawaqifisauthoredbyalsharifalJurjani. Moreover,loveissatifaction,will,andavoidanceofprotest.Inabstract,Allah'slovefor othersisnotreal,becausetherealityoflovedenoteswill,andwillsassociatelimitedthings only,andAlmightyAllahhasnolimits.Inotherwords,awilltodosomethingdenotesthat thatthinghasnotbeendoneyet,andthewilltoavoidsomethingdenotesthatthatthingcan beavoided.Onthataccount,AlmightyAllahistooexaltedtowilltodooravoidsomething, becauseHeistheEverlasting,theeternallyBesoughtofall." Theprophetsaying,"youshouldlovemeonacountofyourloveforAllah,"meansthat becauseAllahtheExaltedlovesme,Hespecifiesyourloveformeasaninstructionthatyou mustcarryout.Thismeaningisstatedinthefollowingauthenticallynarratedreport:"When Allahlovesaservant,ArchangelGabrieldeclares:Allahhaslovedsoandso,youtherefore mustlovehim."TheProphet'ssaying,"Youshouldlovemyhouseholdonaccountofyourlove forme,"meansthatbecauseIlovemyhouseholdforAllah'sloveforthem,youshouldthen lovethem. TheProphet'ssayingmayalsodenoteaninstructionthatmustbecarriedout,becauselove fortheProphet'shouseholdisfortheirlovefortheProphet(s).AlmightyAllahsays: "Say:Idonotaskofyouanyrewardforitbutloveformynearrelatives."(42:23) AlFakhralRazirecordsthattheProphet(s)andhishouseholdareequalinfivethings: (1)DuringtheTashahhud1oftheprayers,blessingsshouldbesaidtotheProphetandhis household. ____________ 1Tashhhudisthelastobligatorypartoftheprayer,inwhichperfomers(ofprayer)send blessingstoProphetMuhammadandhishousehold,bysaying: Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

 (2)DuringtheTaslim1oftheprayers.blessingshouldbesaidtotheProphetandhis household.IntheHolyQuranAlmightyAllahsays:130) ). PeacebeonthefamilyofYasin.(37:130) (3)Inpurity;AlmightyAllahaddressestoProphetMuhammad(s)bysaying,"",which means'pure.' (4)AlmightyAllahsays: . Say:IfyouloveAllah,thenfollowme,Allahwillloveyou.(3:31) (5)AlmightyAllahsays: "Say:Idonotaskofyouanyrewardforitbutloveformynearrelatives."(42:23) TheHolyQuran,authenticHadiths,andconsensusofMuslimscholarsfromdifferent generations;alltheserefertothediviveobligationforloving,adoring,esteeming,respecting, andhonoringthehouseholdofAllah'sMessenger(s).Besides,reasondecidesthisfact accordingtothepreviousproofsontheobligationofgratitudefortheAllbenefactorLord's graces.OurProphet(s),asbeingtheprophetofmercy,theguideoftheummah,andthe saviorofhumankind,mustbethanked,appreciated,respected,andhonored.Tohonorand lovetheProphet'shouseholdisapartofhonoringandlovinghim. ____________ 1Taslimisthelastobligatorypillarofaprayerreferringtosalutation. Onthataccount,thefourmajorguidelinesoftheIslamicShariah,namelytheHolyQuran,the holysunnah,consensusofthedifferentgenerationoftheMuslimscholars,andanalogy,make incumbentuponMuslimstolovetheProphet'shousehold.Torefertoalltheseevidencesis impossibleinthisbriefessay,becauseitrequiresbigvolumes,andthesubmissiontothisfact isanindisputablematterforbothordinarypeopleandscholars.Wehavereferredtosome pointsofthistopiconlyinordertoenlightenthosewholovetheProphet'shousehold,for
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AlmightyAllahsays: (33). Surely,AllahchoseAdamandNoahandthedescendantsofAbrahamandthedescendantsof 'Imranabovethenations.(3:33)Undoubtedly,ProphetMuhammad(s)belongstothe descendantsofAbrahamand,asaresult,hishouseholdbelongtothedescendantsof Abraham.Asaconclusion,theProphet'shouseholdarechosenbyAllah. RegardingAlmightyAllah'ssaying: 33) ) Allahonlydesirestokeepawaytheuncleannessfromyou,OpeopleoftheHouse!andto purifyyoua(thorough)purifying.(33:33)Thisismostsurelyclearcutevidenceonthespecial rankoftheProphet'shousehold.Furthermore,therearenumerousVersesfromtheHoly QuranandHadithsupportingeachotherinthisregard.ThebestexampleisAllah'ssaying: "Say:Idonotaskofyouanyrewardforitbutloveformynearrelatives."(42:23)The authenticatedfrankHadithsregardingtheProphet'shouseholdaretooinnumerable.Letus refertosomeofthem: AlTirmidhi,inhisalSunan,andAbuHatamreportedthefollowingHadithontheauthorityof ZaydibnArqam: . "Iaminwaragainsthimwhoeverisinwaraganinstthem(theProphet'shousehold),andin peacewithhimwhoeverisinpeacewiththem."AlTirmidhiandImamAhmadrecordedthe followingHadith: , "Anyonewhohurtsmyrelativeswillbehurtingme,andwhoeverhurtsmeissurelyhurting Allah." ImamalBukhari,inhisalSahih,recordedthefollowingontheauthorityof'AbdalRahman ibnAbuLayla: Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Ka'bibn'Ajarahmetmeandsaid,"MayIpresenttoyouagiftthatIhaveheardfromthe MessengerofAllah(S)?""Yes,"Ianswered,"giveittome." Hespoke,"WeaskedtheProphet(s)howtosendblessingsontheAhlalBayt,andhe answered:Youshouldsay: : . , ,. Say:OAllah,havemercyuponMuhammadanduponthefamilyofMuhammadinthesame wayasyouhadmercyuponAbrahamandthefamilyofAbraham.YouaresurelyPraisedand Glorious.OAllah,blessMuhammadandthefamilyofMuhammadinthesamewayasyou blessedAbrahamandthefamilyofAbraham.YouaresurelyPraisedandGlorious." CommentingonthisHadith,ourmasterJabirsays: "IdonotbelievethatmyprayersinwhichIdonotsendblessingsuponMuhammadandthe familyofMuhammad;Idonotbelievesuchprayerswillbeaccepted." AlTirmidhi,inhisalSunan,recordsthefollowingontheauthorityof'UmaribnAbuSalamah, theProphet'sstepson:RegardingthefollwingVerse: 33)). Allahonlydesirestokeepawaytheuncleannessfromyou,OpeopleoftheHouse!andto purifyyoua(thorough)purifying.(33:33)WhenthisVerseWasrevealed,theProphet(s)was inthehouseofUmmuSalamahtheProphet'srigheouswife.HesummonedFatimah,al Hasan,andalHusaynandcoveredthemwithacloak,which,too,coveredhisback,andsaid: . "OAllah,thesearemyhousehold;therefore,(IbeseechYouto)keepawaytheuncleanness fromthemandpurifythemathoroughpurifying."Seeingthesituation,UmmuSalamah asked,"AmIaddedtothem,Allah'sMessenger:" TheProphet(s)answered,"Youareinyourownposition,andyouareontheright."1These aretheAhlalBaytfromwhomAlmightyAllahkeepsawaytheuncleannessandwhomHe purifiedthoroughley.InthepreviousHadith,theMessengerofAllah(s)showsthatthishonor (ofthoroughpurification)isdedicatedtothemindividuallyandwithouttheparticipationof anyoneelse. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Accordingtothenarration,thisexclusivepositionverifiesthatUmmuSalmahheardandsaw thewholesituationandaskedtheProphet(s)toincludehertothem.Asshetriedtoliftup thatcloakandgounderit,theProphet(s)tookthecloak'sedgefromherhandandsaid, ____________ 1AfterrecordingthisHadith,alBayhaqicommented:AccordingtoAbuAbdullahalTirmidhi, thisHadithisauthenticatedanditsnarratorsaretrustwothy. "Youareonyourownposition,andyouareontheright." BecausethisexclusivepositionisdedicatedtotheAhlalBaytalone,nobodyelseshouldbe addedevenUmmuSalamah,thevirtuouswifeoftheProphet(s)andmotherofthefaithful believers(Allahpleaseallthemothersofthefaithfulbelievers).1 Ifitwaspermissibleoracceptableforanyoneelsetohaveashareinthisexclusivepositionof theProphet'shousehold,itwouldbepermissibleforUmmuSalamahtobeunderthatcloak as,atleast,responsetoherdesire,soothingher,orappreciationforherfaithfulnessand loyalty,especiallyfromtheonewho"tothebelieversfullofpityandmeciful,"2andwasthe kind,thesympathetic,themagnanimous,thegenerous,andthehonest.Thus,ithasbecome evidentthattheVerseisdedicatedtothosepeopleofthecloak,notanyoneelse.Thisfactis alsoprovedbyauthenticnarrations.Thus,ithasbeenprovedthattheVerseintendedis dedicatetotheProphet'shouseholdwhoaredistiguishedbysuchhonorablemerits.In addition,theholySunnahisglitteringtobrimtheMuslims'worldwiththevirtuesofthe Prophet'shousehold: Inhis(bookentitled)alSahih,MuslimsrecordsthefollowingontheauthorityofYazidibn HayyanalTaymi: HusaynibnSabarah,MuslimibnZayd,andIwentto ____________ 1IntheHolyQuran(33:6),AlmightyAllahsays: "TheProphethasagreaterclaimonthefaithfulthantheyhaveonthemselves,andhiswives areastheirmothers." 2ThisisanindicationtoAlmightyAllah'ssayingintheHolyQuran(9:12)"Certainlyan Apostlehascometoyoufromamongyourselves;grievoustohimisyourfallingintodistress, Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

excessivelysolicitousrespectingyou;tothebelievers(heis)fullofpityandmerciful." ZaydibnArqam.Afterwehadsatbeforehim,Husaynasked,"Zaydyouhavereallyattained greatbenefactionbecauseyousawtheProphet(s),listenedtohiswords,participatedinhis campaigns,andfollowedhiminprayers.Now,Zayd,pleasenarratetouswhatyouhaveheard fromtheMessengerofAllah(s)."Zaydspoke:"Osonofmybrother,(Iswear)byAllahIhave becomeoldagedmydayshavebecomeveryold,andhaveforgottensomeofthesenarration thatIusedtomemorizedirectlyfromtheMessengerofAllah(s).Youthereforeshouldaccept whatIwilltellyouandshouldnotaskmethingsovermyability." Hethenadded,"Oneday,inaplacebetweenMeccaandMedinacalled'Khumm',the MessengerofAllah(s)deliveredaspeechtous."Afterstatementsofpraisingandthanking almightyAllah,aswellasstatementsofpreachandremindingofHim,theProphet(s)said: , , : ..., , , , "Opeople,Iamnomorethananordinaryperson,andthemessengerofmyLord(i.e.angleof death)willshortlycometomeandthenIwillrespond.AmongyouIhavelefttwoweighty things:firsttheBookofAllahthatincludesrightyguidanceandillumination.Preserveinthe BookofAllahandholdfastonit.Second,myhousehold,rememberAllahconcerningmy household." Husaynaskedagain,"Zayd,whoaretheProphet'shousehold?Arehiswivesincludedwithhis household?" HeZaydanswered:"Hiswivesareincludedwithhishousehold,buthisHouseholdarethose whomareforbiddentoreceivealmsafterhim."Husaynasked,"Whoarethey,then?" Zaydanswered,"Theyarethefamilyof'Ali,thefamilyof'Aqil,thefamilyofJa'far,andthe familyof'Abbas."(Abdullah)ibn'AbbasnarratedthattheMessengerofAllah(s)hadsaid: , , . "OsonsofAbdalMuttalib,IhavebesoughtAllahtomakethechiefsamongyoustable(you therightycourse),guidethestrayingonesamongyou,teachtheignorantonesamongyou andmakeyougenerous,noble,andmerciful.AmanwholinesuphislegsbetweentheRukn Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

andMaqam1forpraying(there)andobservesfasting(there)shallmostsurelybeentered intothefireofHellifhemeetsAllah(ontheDayofResurrection)bearingmaliceagainstthe householdofMuhammad." ThisHadithisrecordedbyalHakim(inhisbooktitledalMustadrak)onthecriterionof Muslim.2TheProphet'shouseholdaretheworthiestoftheDivineCareandloveofthe MessengerofAllah(s),becausetheyareregardedassecurityfrompeopleonthisearth. ____________ 1TheRuknisthecorneroftheHolyKaabah,andMaqamisthestandingplaceofProphet AbrahamneartheHolyKaabah. 2ThemostreliablerefrencesbooksofHadithforourSunnibrethernaresixeachhaving independentcriteriontodecideaHadith'sdegreeofauthenticity.Muslimisthecompilerof oneofthesebooksand,hence,hashisowncriterionofaHadith'sdegreeofauthenticity. ImamAhmadibnHanbal,inhisalMusnad,andAbu'AmralGhifarihavereportedonthe authorityof'AlithattheMessengerofAllah(s)hadsaid: . , , Starsareactingassecurityfortheinhabitantsoftheheavens.Ifstarsvanish.theinhabitants oftheheavenswillvanish,too.MyHouseholdareactingassecurityinhabitantsoftheearth willdesappear,too. Nasribn'AlialJahfumirelatesthefollowingnarrationto'AliibnAbuTalib: Theprophet(s)tookalHasanandalHusaynfromthehandsanddeclared: Anyonewholovesthesetwo,theirfather,theirmother,andmeshallcertainlybewithmein thesamepositionontheDayofResurrection.SufyanibnWakiand'AbdibnHamidreported thatKhalidibnMukhalladnarratedthefollowingtothemontheauthorityofUsamahibn Zayd:Onenight,IvisitedtheProphet(s)whowentoutembracingtwothingthatIcouldnot seeunderacloak.AfterIhadaskedhimaboutthematterforwhichIvisitedhim,Iasked aboutthethingsthathewasembracing.He(s)uncoveredthecloakandtheywerealHasan andalHusaynonhiships.Hethensaid: . Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

 Thesetwoaremysonsandmydaughter's.OAllah,IdolovethemandIbeseechtoYouto lovethemandtolovethosewholovethem.AlHusaynibnHurayathhasrelatedthatAbu Buraydahsaid: WhilsttheProphet(s)wasontheminbardeliveringaspeechtous,alHasanandalHusayn, whoweredressingredshirts,cametowardshiminstumblingsteps.Immediately,the MessengerofAllah(s)descendedfromtheminbar,carriedthemboth,andputthembefore .: him.Hethencommented: TruthfularethewordsofAllah(Whosays): "Yourpossessionandyourchildrenareonlyatrial."AsIsawthesetwoboyswalkstumblingly, Icouldnotavoidinterruptingmyspeechsoastoliftthemupfromtheground.AlmightyAllah, too,urgedtorespecttheprophet'sHousehold.Inthisregard,alBukhari,inhisalSahih, recordsthatAbuBakrnarratedthefollowingsayingoftheProphet(s): , Opeople,regardMuhammadthroughhonoringhishousehold. ImamAhmadibnHanbal,inhisalSahihrecordsontheautorityof'AlithattheProphet(s) saidtoFatimah: ()() You,thesetwo(i.e.alHasanandalHusayn).thissleepingone(i.e.'Ali),andIshallcertainlybe inthesamepositionontheDayofResurrection. AlTabaranirecordsontheauthorityof'AlithattheMessengerofAllah(s)said: MyhouseholdandthosewholovemeamongtheindividualsofmyUmmahshallbethefirst tojoinmeontheDivinePool (30)AlTabarani,inhisalMu'jamalSaghir,recordsontheauthorityof'AbdullahibnJa'far thattheMessengerofAllah(s)said: , . Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

 OsonsofHashim,IhaveimploredtoAllahtheExaltedtomakeyougenerous,noble,and merciful.IhavealsoaskedHimtoguidethestrayingonesamongyou,securethefearfulones among,andtosupplythehungryonesamongyou InhisalMustadrak,alHakimrecordsthefollowingHadithontheauthorityofAnasibnMalik anddecidesitasauthenticallyreported:TheMessengerofAllah(s)said: Concerningmyhousehold,myLordhaspromisedmethatHeshallnotpunishanyoneofthem whobelivesinAllah'sonenessandmy(divine)message.AlTabarani,inhisalMu'jamalKabir, recordsontheauthorityof('Abdullah)Ibn'AbbasthefollowingHadithwhosereportersare decidedastrustworthy: TheMessengerofAllah(a)saidtoFatimah: Mostsurely,Allahshallnotpunishyoursonsandyou.Ahmad,alHakim,andalBayhaqi recordontheauthorityofAbuSa'id(alKhaidri)thattheMessengerofAllah(s)said:whilehe wasontheminbar: , ,,, WhatisthewrongwithsomeindividualswhoclaimthatkinshipofAllah'sMessenger(s)shall notbehelpfulontheDayofResurrection?Thisisdefinitelynotcorrect.ByAllah,Iswearthat mykinshipishelpfulinthisworldaswellastheworldtocome.Opeople,Iwillprecedeyouto theDivinePool." AlBukhari,inhisalSahih,recordsthefollowingontheauthorityofabuBakr:Whilethe Prophet(s)wasdeliveringasermon,alHasancame;therefore,theProphet(s)said: ,. Thisismyson.Heisachief.Perhaps,AllahwillreconciletwoMuslimpartiesthroughhim.Ibn Hajar,inFathalBari(CommentaryandexplanationsofalBukhari'salSahih),recordsthe followingsayingalMuhallab:InthepreviousHadith,theProphet(s)relatesleadershipto conciliation;therefore,thisindicatesthatnonedeservesleadershipexceptthosebywhom peoplebenefit. ImamAhmadandalTabarani,inhisalMu'jamalKabir,recordthat'Alireported:Asthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

MessengerofAllah(s)assaignedmeasthejudgeoftheYemen,Isaid:"MessengerofAllah(s), youhavechosenmewhileIamstillyoungandmanyelderlymenarethere.Besides,Idonot havefullacquaintancewithjudiciary."TheProphet(s)answered: Goahead,foritisAllahWhoshallguideyourheartandstrengthenyourtongue.'Alithensaid: "Afterthisstatement,Ihaveneverfailed." Infact,theauthenticHadithsinthisregardareinnumerable,forthesixmostreliable referencebooksofHadith,aswellasmanyothers,arefilledupwithsuchnarrationof honoringandesteemingtheProphet'shousehold'sexaltedrankandunanimouselevated standing.Besides,thisfactisknownforeverybody,anditisimpossibletofindasinglefaithful believerignoringtheesteemofthefamilyofAllah'sMessenger(s).AbuBakralBayhaqi(m), thegrandscholar,says: "AllthesereportsappertainedtothevirtuesoftheProphet'shouseholdarementionedinthe famousbooksofHadithinauthenticatedseriesofnarration.Refertothesebooksforthe topicintended." TheProphet'shouseholdare'Ali,Fatimah,alHasan.andalHusayn,andtheirdescendants andoffspringareattachedtothem.TheHadithofMubahalahinvocationofAllah'scurseis theevidenceonthefactthatonlytheaforementionedfiveindividualsenjoythespecialrank giventotheProphet'shousehold. ExegetesoftheHolyQur'anhaveconfirmedthefollowingincident:RegardingalmightyAllah's saying: 61)) Ifanyonedisputesinthismatterwiththee,nowafter(full)knowledgeHathcometothee, say:"Come!Letusgathertogether,oursonsandyoursons,ourwomenandyourwomen, ourselvesandyourselves:Thenletusearnestlypray,andinvokethecurseofAllahonthose wholie!WhenthisVersewasrevealed,theMessengerofAllah(s)embracedalHasanandal Husayn,Fatimahwalkedafterthem,and'Aliwalkedafterthem.Hethenaskedthemtosay 'Amen'whenhewouldinvokeAllah...etc.1 ____________ Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

1TheincidentofMubahalahinvocationofAllah'scurseisverywellknown,foritis mentioneinalmostallthebooksdealingwiththeIslamichistory. Onthisincident,Jarallahcomments: "ThisVerseisthestrongestevidenceonthevirtueofthe'AshabalKisa'(ownersoftheCloak theProphet'shousehold.)1Abouttheirdescendants'followimgtheminvirtue,thefollowing QuranicVerseproveit: And(asfor)thosewhobelieveandtheiroffspringfollowtheminfaith,Wewillunitewith themtheiroffspring.Scholarshaveconfirmedthat'offspring'includesthedescendanceofthe originuptotheDayofResurrection.Onthataccount,theProphet'shouseholdincludeshis offspringanddescendantsuptotheDayofResurrection.Fromthispoint,scholarsofIslamic lawshavedecidedmanyverdicts,especiallyinquestionsofwaqfs2andthelike.Inthisrespect too,thequestionofthebelongingnessoftheProphet'sdaughter'sdescendantstohislineage isveryfamous,andourgreatImamAbuHanifahalNu'manibnThabithashisclearopinionin thisquestion.CommentingonthepreviousQur'aicVerse,theauthorofMahasinalTa'wil says: "TheVersereferstothosewhoimitatetheirascendantswithrelationtofaithandrighteous deeds.TheVresealsoshowsthatthosedescendantswillbejoinedtotheirascendantsin Paradiseand(eternal)bliss.BecausetheaddresseesintheVersearetheProphet's companionswho ____________ 1The'AshabalKisa'(ownersoftheCloak)isanamecalledontheProphet(s),Imam'Ali, FatimahalZahra,Imamalhasan,andImamalHusayn,becausetheProphet(s)coveredthese fourindividualsunderacloakandsupplicatedtoAlmightyAllahtoremoveuncleannessfrom themandpurifythemthoroughly.Inthisincident,theProphet(s)namedthemas'my household'(i.e.theAhlulBayt). 2Waqfistheendowmentorsettlementofpropertyunderwhichtheproceedsaretobe devotedtoareligiousorcharitablepurpose. aresureofAllah'spromise,theyreceivethegoodtidingsthattheirdescendantswhoimitate themrighteouslywillbeaddedtothem."TheotherHashemiteswhomareforbiddento receiveanythingfromthealmsenjoyarankofhonorhigherthanthatofothers,butthey Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

cannotattainthecharacteristicsofthe'AshabalKisa'andtheProphet'sprogenyinrelationto theobligationofloving,respecting,reverencing,andhonoringthem. ScholarshavehaddifferentopinionsregardingAlmightyAllah'ssaying: 33) ) Allahonlydesirestokeepawaytheuncleannessfromyou,OpeopleoftheHouse!andto purifyyoua(thorough)purifying.(33:33)SomescholarshavedecidedthatthisVerseis dedicatedonlytothedescendantsof'AliandFatimah,whileothershaveincludedthefamilies ofal'Abbas,Ja'far,and'Aqilwiththem, InhisalRisalahalzaynabiyyah,JalaluddinalSuyutihasrecordedpreciouswordsconcerning theidentificationoftheSharifs.Hesays:"InthefirstageofIslam,theepithetof'Sharif'was saidtoanyonewhobelongedtotheProphet'shousehold,whetherthroughalHasanoral Husayn,belongedto'AliwhetherthroughMuhammdibnalHanafiyyahoranyotherson,or belongedtoJa'far,Aqil,oral'Abbas.Thus,inthebiographiesmentionedinalDhahabi'sbook ofhistory.youcanfindmanynamessuchas,'Sharifofal'Abbas','Sahrifof'Aqil,'Sharifof 'Jafar,'or'SahrifofZaynab.' But,whentheFatimiddynastyruledEgypt,theydedicatedtheepighettothedescendantsof ourmastersalHasanandalHusayn,ThismatterhasbeenfollowedinEgyptuptonow. LadyZaynabmarriedmymaster'AbdullahibnJa'far,hercousin.Thefirstofherexcellent, puredescendantswereSayyid'Ali,thenamesakeofhisgrandfather,Sayyid'AwnalAkbar, Sayyid'Abbas,SayyidMuhammad,andLadyUmmuKulthumrespectively.LadyZaynab's descendantsarenownumerous. Theyare,accordingtoalSabbanthescholar,addedtotheProphet'sfamilyandhousehold. ThisfactisunanimouslydecidedbecausetheProphet'sfamilyarethefaithfulbelieversfrom theHashemites,sonof'AbdulMuttalib,hisprogeny,andhisdescendants.Sons(and descendants)ofone'sdaughterareregardedashisprogenyanddescendants,andwhensuch amanrecordssomethinginhiswillforhisdescendants,thedescendantsofhisdaughtermust haveashareinit.Thismeaninghoweverismorespecificthantheprevious.Asitis unanimouslydecided,itisforbiddenforthedescendantsofJa'fartohavefromthealms, becausetheybelongtotheProphet'shousehold.Eventhoughitisnowdedicatedtothe descendantsofalHasanandalHusayn,theepithetof'Sharif'mustbesaidtoallthe individualswhobelongtothePropht'shousehold,accordingtotheoldconceptofthis epithet. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

TheauthorofalMawahibsaysthattheMessengerofAllah(s)hadnodescendantsexcept thosewhocamethroughhisdaughterLadyFatimahalZahra.Hence,thePeophet'snoble progenycamethroughthegrandsons,ImamalHasanandImamalHusayn.Thosewhobelong tothedescendantsofthetwoImamsarecalled'Hasani'and'Husayni.'Besides,thename 'Ishaqi'isaddedtothosewhobelongtoIshaqsonofJa'faralSadiqsonofMuhammadal BaqirsonofImamZaynalAbidinsonImamalHusayn.HeIshaqwasthehusbandofLady NafisahdaughterofalHasanibnZaydibnalHasanibn'Ali. AlSabbansaysthat'sharifship'isofvariousclasses;ageneraloneincludesalltheProphet's household.aspecialoneisdedicatedtotheProphet'sprogenyand,hence,includesthe descendantsofLadyZaynabandalloftheProphet'sdaughter'sdescendants,andathirdclass isrestrictedtoalHasanandalHusaynandcalled'sharifshipofkinship.' TheevidenceofthosewhoclaimthatthenameofAhlalBaytisrestrictedtodefinite individualsisthefollowingHadith,whichisrelatedfrommanyauthenticatedwaysof narration: TheProphet(s),accompaniedby'LiandFatimah,gavehistwohandstoalHasanandal Husaynandentered.Heasked'AliandFatimahtocomecloseandsitbeforehim,seatedal HasanandalHusaynonhisthighs,coveredthemwithacloak,andrecited(Allah'ssaying): 33) ) Allahonlydesiretokeepawaytheuncleannessfromyou,OpoepleoftheHouse!andto purifyyoua(thorough)purifying.(33:33)Accordingtoanothernarration,theProphet(s)then said: . "OAllah,thesearemyhousehold;(so,IbeseechtoYouto)Keepawaytheuncleannessfrom them,andpurifythemathoroughpurifying."Accordingtoathirdnarration<theProphet(s) thensaid: , , "OAllah,thesearethefamilyofMuhammad;(So,IbeseechtoYouto)makeYourmercyand blessingsonthefamilyofMuhammadinthesamewayasYouhavemadeitonAbraham.You areceratainlyPraised,glorious." SupportingthosewhoclaimgeneralityoftheexpressionofAhlalBayt,alBaydawistatesthat Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

particularizingtheexpressiontothefiveindividualsonlydoesnotsuittheVersesthatprecede andantecedetheintendedVerse(i.e.VerseofPurification).Inaddition,theHadithhas mentionedthoseindividualsparticularlysoastorefertotheProphet'shousehold,notanyone else Ontheotherhand,theparticularizationismentionedforaddingtheparticularprogenyto them,fortheirspecialrank.Asaresult,thisdoesnotopposethegeneralityoftheexpression. Itisalsocrediblethattheparticularizationofthesefourindividualsisintendedforadivine commandment.ThisfactisprovedbytheHadithnarratedbyUmmauSalamah: Seeingthesituation,UmmuSalamahliftedanedgeofthecloakandtriedtobewiththem underit.ButtheProphet(s)tookthecloak'sedgefromherhand.Shethenasked,"AmI addedtothem,Allah'sMessenger?" Theprophet(s)answered,"Youareinyourownposition,andyouareontheright." InalMusnad,Ahmad(ibnHanbal)andalTabaraninarratesthefollowingHadithonthe authorityofAbuSa'idalKhidri:TheMessengerofAllah(s)said: ,,, , : "ThisVerse(ofPurification)hasintendedfiveindividuals;theyare'Ali,alHasan,alHusayn, Fatimah,andI."IbnAbuShaybah,Ahmad,alTirmidhi,alTabarani,andalHakim(whodecided theHadithasauthentic);allnarratethefollowingontheauthotityofAnas:Wheneverhewent outfortheFajrdownPrayer(intheMasjid),theProphet(s)usedtopassbythehouseof ). Fatimahanddeclare: 33)) Hurryfortheprayer,OpeopleoftheHouse(i.e.theAhlalBayt.)"Allahonlydesirestokeep awaytheuncleannessfromyou,OpeopleoftheHouse,andtopurifyyouathorough purifying."Atanyrate,somenarrationsassertthegeneralityoftheexpression: MuslimandalNassa'inarratethefollowingontheauthorityofZaydibnArqam: TheMessengerofAllah(s)deliveredaspeechtousinwhichhe(s)said: , , . RememberAllahconcerningmyhousehold,rememberAllahconcerningmyhousehold, Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

rememberAllahconcerningmyhousehold."Hethenwasasked,"WhoaretheProphet's household? Zaydanswered,"Hishouseholdarethosewhomareforbiddentoreceivealmafterhim."He wasasked,"Whoarethey,then?" Zaydanswered,"Theyarethefamilyof'Ali,thefamilyof'Aqil,thefamilyofJa'far,andthe familyof'Abbas."Tosumitup,theindividualsoftheProphet'spureprogenyhavebeengiven exclusivelysteppeduphonoring,coveredbygreatvirtuethroughLadyFatimah,dressedwith thewearoftribute,andgrantedmorerespectandreverence.

Introduction LadyZaynab,daughterofImam'Ali(a)andgranddaughterofProphetMuhammad(s),wasthe firstladyintheworldofIslamtoformawholehistory,erectedificesofrightandjustice,demolish thegloomycastleofwrongandoppression,andrecord,throughherhonorablesituation,new itemsofhonoranddignityforIslamandMuslims,throughouthistory.Thus,shehasbeenaringin thesereisoftheideal,humangloriesthatherfathers,brothers,descendantsofherbrothers,and theirpartisanshaveintroducedtohumanity. ShecontributeactivitelyinconstructingtheedificesoftheMuslimidealrenaissancesandinthe propagationforthereligiousandpoliticalcongnizanceinthemeanwhileastherulingauthorities andtheirtailsusedallmediaforovercastingthepurementalitiesofpeopleandforgingeventhe intuitivefactsofIslam.Postively,LadyZaynababortedalltheseforgeriesandbroughtintoviews therealityoftheUmayyadrulers;theactualenemiesofIslam.She,also,provedtothepublicthat theUmayyadrulerswerepollutedbycrimesandviolationsagainsthumanrightsandthattheir authoritywasillegalsincetheyusurpedtheothers'rightsandappointedthemselvesasabsolute rulersoverMuslimswithoutobtainingtheirsatisfactionorconsultingthem. Throughhermarvelousrevolutionaryspeechedandsituations,LadyZaynabparticularized minutelytherealitythatwashiddenfromthepublics,andfocusedlightsonthemisdemeanorof theUmayyadrulers'politicalplots.LadyZaynab,theProphet'sgranddaughter,wascharacterized byapersonalitythatjoinesallthehighmoralstandardsandthehonorabletendenciesand, accordingly,shehasbeenthebestexemplaryofhonor,chastity,anddignityinadditiontoevery virtueofhumanperfection. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

 Fromhergrandfatherandparents,ladyZaynabinheritedperfectlythehighestprinciplesofcharity includingdeeprootedfaithandtrustinAlmightyAllah.Historianshaverecordedremarkable picturesandsituationofincomparablefaithandperseveranceonprinciplestheleadingrolesof whichwasproudlygiventoLadyZaynab.Atthenightthatfollowedthathorribledayof'Ashura'1 inKarbala',LadyZaynabofferedThanksgivingPrayertoAlmightyAllahforthattragedywhich inflictednotonlytheAhlalBayt(a),butalsoallhumanbeingsingeneralandMuslimsin particular. AnotherpictureofLadyZaynab'stremendousfaithisthatonthedayof'Ashura'shestoppednear thebodyofherkilledbrother,ImamalHusayn(a),thatwascruellyseveredbytheswordsofthe criminalbandoftheUmayyadarmy,andutteredherimmortalword: "OAllah,acceptthisofferingandrewardhimforhisdeed." Hashumanityeverseensuchasceneoffaith? ThemostdestructiveadversitythatinflictedIslamwastakingtheAhlalBayt(a)awayfromthe politicaltheatreofIslamwhileeverybody,especiallythosewhocontributeddirectlyinthe scenarioofsettingthemasidefromtheirposition,knewforcertainthedivinedecisionofchoosing them(i.e.theAhlalBayt)fortheleadershipoftheIslamicnation.Historianshaverecorded unanimouslythatafterthedemiseofProphetMuhammad(s),someindividualsledarebellion againsthisgeneraldecisionofsuccessioninthe ____________ 1Dayof'Ashura'isthetenthofMuharram,celebratedasadayofmourning(theanniversaryof themartyrdomofImamAlHussein(a). leadershipoftheIslamicnation,claimingthatitisunacceptablefortheHashemites1tohaveboth prophesyandleadership.2Thisadversityresultedinhandingtheleadershipanddestinyofthe Islamicnationovertounsuitableindividualswhowerethemainreasonbeyondthecollapseof Muslims. Thus,theIslamicnation,asawhole,wasdeprivedofthepuresourceoftheknowlegeoftheAhl alBayt(a)whichwasthenaturalextensionofthedivineknowledgeoftheprophet(a).Imam'Ali (a),inconsequence,livedincompleteconfinementawayfromthepoliticalandpracticallifeofthe Isalmicnationallduringthereignsofthethreecaliphs,andwhenhewaselected,freelyfirsttime, fortheleadershipoftheIslamicnation,thecapitalists,thegreedy,thedeviants,andtheignorant revoltedagainsthisjustgovernmentandingagedhimaganistmanythings.Bysuchengagement, theIslamicworldwasafflicatedwithabiglosswhenImamAli(a)didnothaveenoughtimeto Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

extendidealjusticeandequalityallovertheIslamicstate.Asamatteroffact,theImmaculate ImamsoftheAhlalBayt(a)facedthesamefateoftheirgrandfatherImam'Ali(a)whenthe Umayyadand'Abbasidrulerspreventedthemfromextendingtheiridealitiesandknowledge amongpeopleandcausedhumanitytolosesuchsourcesofwisdom. BecauseofthepoliciesofthecaliphsofQurayash3,themortalenemiesofIslamcouldcometo power,ruleMuslims,andchangetheIslamicStateintokingdomdominatedbypersonalinterests andhereditarydynasty.Thus,wrongandoppressionbecamethedistinctive ____________ 1TheHashemitesaresonsanddescendantsofHashim,thegrandfatherofProphetMuhammad (s). 2SeeAhmedHusseinYa'qub,TheConceptionoftheSahaba'sUltimateDecencyandthePolitical LeadershipinIslam;translatedbyBadrShahin,PublishedbyAnsariyanPublicationQom,1998. 3QurayshisthetribetowhichProphetMuhammad(s)belonged. featuresoftherulingauthorities,killingwasthefateofmenofthoughtandfreedom,peoplewere deprivedoftheirrights,whichbecameinthehandsofafewgangloyaltotherulingauthorities, andcorruptionfoundrichpastureintheIslamicprovinces.Wrong,oppression,andcorruption attaintedtheclimaxinthereignofYazidthedissolute.Historianshaveunanimouslyagreedonthe factthat"Yazidwassuchanunjust,immoral,andsinfulmanthathedidnotbelieveinAllahand HisApostleforasinglemoment."Inabstract,Yazid'spoliciesexplodedineverymatterthat violatedIslam. Inthemidstofthesecicumstances,nobodyhadtheabilitytoutterasinglewordofrightexcept ImamalHusayn(a)whoformulatedhisgreatrevolutionthatpavedthewaytothestanding againsteveryunjustindividualanddeclarethewordoftruthopenlycourageously.Throughits horriblechapters,therevolutionofImamalHusayn(a)shooktheworldwideconscienceand carriedanintellectualdonationandbrightlessonstoallpeopleswhosuffertheordealsof colonialismandslavery. LadyZaynabcontributedactivityandpositivelyinallthechaptersandheroismsofImamal Husayn'srevolution,Inthefirststageoftherevolution,LadyZaynabstoodwithherbrotherso bravelyalthoughsheknewthefatethathewouldface.Herstrongwill,fortitude,and determinationonsupportingherbrotherinhisrevolutionweredistinctivefeaturesofthis revolutionthatchangedthehistoryandsuppliedtheseekersoffreedomwithfactorsof renaissanceanddevelopement. LadyZaynabbelievedintherevolutionofherbrother,participatedinhisstruggleagainstwrong andoppressionvigorously,andadoptedthegoalsofthisgreatrevolution.Throughherinnovative Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

speechesintheporticoesoftheUmayyadrulyngcenter,shesignalizedthegenuineprinciplesof ImamalHusayn'srevolutionandcouldcrystallizethepublicopinionandfoundanactual cognizancethat,lateron,resultedinsuccessivepopularuprisingsagainsttheUmayyadregim.She gavematchlessexamplesofwillpower,deeprootedfaith,andsteadfastnessthroughher treatmentofthehorriblesituationsshehadtoencounter.Infact,theexampleofLadyZaynabcan befoundneitherintheIslamichistorynorinthehistoryofhumankind. Thisgreatladysawtheatrociousadversitiesthatafflicatedherfamilymembersandcouldtreat thesesituationswithperseveranceandsteadfastnessasshesubmittedtotallytoAlmightyAllah. Shesawthemoonlikeyoungmenamonghersons,nephews,andcousinskilledandtheirorgans wereseveredsohorriblyonthegroundofKarbala.Shealsosaweventhenewbornsandthe babiesofherhouseholdslaughteredsosavagelyonthehandsofthoseinhumanecriminals.She sawtheladiesoftheProphet'shouseharshlyexhaustedbythirstwhiletheywerewailingfortheir sonsandbrethren,butshewastryingtoconsoleandorderthemtobepatientandsteadfast.She sawherbrother,ChiefoftheMartyrs,surroundedbythosewickedpeoplethoseswords,spears andlanceswerestrickenhisbodyuntiltheybeheadedhimsohideously. Shesawthoseinfidelinvadersattachthewomen'stentsandsetthemonfirewhiletheProphet's haremhadtoruninthedesertoutoffear.LadyZaynabsawalltheseadversitiesandfacedthem withfaith,persistence,andsubmissiontoAlmightyAllah.ThedisasterofKarbalawithallofthe horrifying,hideouseventsthataccompaniedit,includingthecapture,humility,andexemplary punishmentagainsttheAhlalBayt,menandwomen,provokesusintohavingabriefviewatthe politicaldocumentsandtheeventsthatfollowedtheProphet'sdemisedirectlybecausetheseare therudimentarysourceofthemisfortunesoftheAhlalBaytinparticularandMuslimsingeneral. Mostcertainly,withinthemostsignificantfactorsthatresultedintheabsolutedominationofthe UmayyaddynastyontheIslamicStateweretheplotoftheSaqifah1andthespuriousforgeryof theShura.2Becauseoftheinventionofthesetwobaselesssystem,theUmayyadinfidels,though theywerehumiliatedbyIslamanddecidedasslavesandthenwerereleasedaftertheyhadfought againstIslamwithallweapons,couldcometopowerandprevailonMuslimsandtheirdestiny. TherulingauthoritieswhousurpedthelegalrightofImam'Ali(a)showedfavortoUmayyad rulers,removedthemaskofhumilityandmeeknessthatIslamputontheirfaces,grantedthem abundantwealth,andinvestedthemwithleadingofficeintheIslamicState.Mu'awiyahibnAbu Sufyanwasthebiggestbeneficiaryofsuchprocedures.HewasgiventhegovernorshipofSyria andwasgrantedspecialsupportandadvocacy.When'UmaribnalKhattabwasinformedthatthe governorofSyria,namelyMu'awiyah,exceededalllimitsinviolatingtheMuslims' ____________ Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

1TheSaqifahshedofBanuSa'idahistheplacewhereAbuBakr,UmaribnalKhattab,andAbu 'UbaydahibnalJarrahheldasecretmeeting,attendedbytheAnsartheinahbitantsofYathrib whoreceivedandsupportedtheProphetandtheemigrantsofMecca,immediatelyafterthe demiseofProphedMuhammad(s)tonametheonetoholdpositionoftheleadershipofthe IslamicnationalthoughalltheattendantsknewforcertainthattheProphet(s),onmorethanone occasion,nominated'AliibnAbuTalibashissuccessoranddeclaredthattheissuerofthis decisionwasAlmightyAllah. 2AlthoughhedeclaredbeforeeverbodythattheProphet(s)didnotnominateanybodyforhis successionintheleadershipoftheIslamicnation,abuBakr,inhisfinalhours,nominated'Umar ibnalKhattabashissuccessorandthecomingleader.Thelatter,however,inventedafunny counciltoelecttheleadertosucceedhim.ThissystemwascalledtheSura.Fordetails,seethe booksoftheIslamichistory. treasuryashebuiltpalaces,committedeverysinforbiddenbyIslam,dressedsilkyclothes,andate ingoldenandsilverplates,'Umarfoundhimecxusesbysaying,"ThisistheKhosrowkongofthe Arabs."EverybodyknewthatIslamhasbeenemptyofroyaltyoraristocracy.InthesightofIslam, allMuslimsareofthesameclass.Nothingdistiguishesthemexceptpietyandcharity. ItisironicforsuchanindividualtobedescribedasthekingoftheArabs.IntheholyQuran, Mu'awiyahandhisfamilyaredescribedasthedoomedtree.1Inmanytextsrelatedauthentically totheProphet(s),theUmayyaddynastyiscursed.Afterall,theyareonlyslavesofMuslims ahthoughtheProphetreleasedthemandtheyhavebeennamed'theReleasedOnes.' Inabstract,aviewattheeventsofKarbalaandtheordealsfacedbytheAhlalBayt(a)provesthat they,primarily,aretheresultsoftheplotofSaqifahandthespuriousforgeryofSura.Moreover, thesetwounfoundedsystemshavebeenthereasonbeyondalltheordealsofMuslimsduring history. Inpointoffact,thegreatestandthemostconstructiveservicetobepresentedtotheIslamic nationistohintat,propagatefor,andrefertotheAhlalBayt'snumerous,fenuinemeritsand elevatedidealitiessincethesemattersleavedirectinfluenceonthespreadofvirtueandmoral standardsandthedevelopmentofbehavior.TheAhlalBayt(a)havebeenacting,throughtheir words,deeds,andbehaviors,asraysofAlmightyAllah'sillumination,sincetheyare,asisproved byauthenticatedreportsrelatedtothe ____________ 1Seetheexegesists'explanationoftheQur'anicVerse:"AndwhenWesaidtoyou:Surelyyour Lordencompassesmen;andWedidnotmakethevisionwhichWeshowedyouandthecursed treeintheQur'anaswellbutatrialformen;andWecausethemtofear,butitonlyaddstotheir Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

greatinordinacy.(17:60)" Prophet(s)who'doesnotspeakoutofdesire',theshipsofsalvationoftheIslamicnationandthe matchesoftheBookofAllah. ThelifeaccountoftheAhlalBaythavebeenschoolofGodfearing,genuinefaith,andstruggle againstthewrong.TheydedicatedtheirlivestotheAlmightyandactedperfectlysincerelyforHis sake.Thus,thelifeacountofanyofthemisnomorethanarecordofmodelitemsofGodfearing andobediencetotheLord.Theyspenttheirdayswithfastingandspenttheirnightswithprayers andrecitalsoftheHolyBookofAllah. TheAhlalBayt(a),menandwomen,actedearnestlyforspreadingknowledge,wisdom,andhigh moralstandardsamongpeople.Theyalsospenttheirliveswithdistributingtheircharityamong theneedy,actingkindlytothemiserable,strugglingintentlyagainstthewrong,andexertingall possibleeffortsforopposinginjusticeandtheunjustindividualsnomatterhowstrongtheywere, andwhichpositiontheyheld.TheyadoptedtheissuesoftheIslamicnationsobravely;therefore, theywereexposedtokillingatthehandsoftheunjustrulerswhoheldthereinoftheIslamic nationswrongfully. AmongtheindividualsoftheAhlalBayt(a)towhomallthepreviousactivitiesanddescritionsare applicableisLadyZaynabdaughterofImam'Ali(a)whocontributedinraisingthewordofAllah onthisearthandstruggledintentlyagainsttheoppressorsandhadtosufferthemosthorrible adversitiesandmisfortunesforthissake.AfterthekillingofherbrotherImamalHusayn(a),Lady Zaynab,aswellastheotherharemoftheProphet'shousehold,wastakenascaptiveandhadto bepresentbeforethebastard'UbaydullahibnZiyadwhowasgiventhepositionofthe governorshipoftwoIslamicprovinces. Before'Ubaydullah,LadyZaynabshowedsuchremarkablecouragethathecouldnotcontrol himselfwhenhehurriedtowardshertobeather.ThecaravanoftheProphet'shouseholdthen wastakentoSyriawheretheyhadtobepresentbeforeYazidibnMu'awiyah.Beforethiscriminal descendantofthemortalenemiesofIslam,LadyZaynabdeliveredherhistoricalspeech,whichis consideredasthemostimportantdocumentthatcondemnedanddecidedasillegaltheUmayyad Stateanditspartisans. ForthesakeofIslam,thisgranddaughterofProphetMuhammad(s)hadtosufferhorrifying adversitiesandmisfortunes,andduetoherheroicsituationsandhonorablestruggleagainst wrongandoppression,womenofthisworldmusttakeherastheirmodelthroughadeep understandingofherpioneershipofstruggleagainstwrong,allwomenshouldrecognizetheir rolesinadoptingtheissuesofjusticeonthisearth. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

THELIFEOFLADYZAYNAB Tothrowlightupontheodorousmemoriesandtoworkperseveringlyforobtainingtheitemsof suchmemories;thesetwothingscastonsoulsgoodmanners,virtues,andacquaintancewiththe conductsofthepastpersonalitieswhowerecharacterizedbyhighmerits,piety,righteousness, anddecency. Thus,thenoble,deeprootedcharacterofLadyZaynabshouldnotbepassedoverbecauseshe hascontainedallpointsofimmaculacy,majesty,dignity,anddistinguishedorigin.Shehasalso possessedrenownedbearingsinthefieldsofperseveranceontheprinciples,courage,eloquence, andfullheatednessinadditiontoasceticism,chastity,piety,holiness,andmagnanimity. Onthataccount,itisnecessaryforseekersofmeritsandfactfinderstoadoptfromherprecious lifeaccountandpleasetheearsbylisteningtoheradmirable,odorousmemoriessoastotake fromheramodelofselfdisciplining,knowledge,andaspiration.Letusnowrefertoabrief presentationofthelifeofLadyZaynab. LINEAGE LadyZaynabenjoyedthemostexaltedlineagesincesheramifiedfromthetreeofprophecyand Imamateandcombinedalltheelementsofhonoranddignity.ThefamilyofImam'Ali(a)hasbeen themostelevatesalloverhistoryinfieldsofstruggleagainstwrongandadaptationoftheissues ofhumanrights.Forthesakeoftheseissues,sonsanddescendantsofImam'Ali(a)haveprovided hundredsofmartyrs. LadyZaynab'sgrandfather,fromthematernalside,wasProphetMuhammad(s)whoexploded springofknowledgeandwisdomonthisearth,foundedthefeaturesofcivilizationand development,constructedanoblesocietycontrolledbyjusticeandlaw,smashedthecustoms, superstitions,andpagansofthesavage,tribalsocietythatprevailedintheArabPeninsula,called forworshippingtheOneCreator,andbroughttohisnationabundantgoodness.Indeed,Almighty AllahsentProphetMuhammad(s)asmercyforhumankind. Fromthisgreatpersonality,LadyZaynabinheriteddefenseoftherightandstruggleforelevating theWordofAllahhighly.Hergrandmother,fromthematernalside,wasKhadijahwhosupported Islaminitsdarkestdays,struggledforsakeofAllahintheeverbestway,andspentherentire fortuneforsakeofherreligion.ShethereforehasbeenoneofthetwosupportsonwhichIslam reliedinexistence.TheProphet(s)usedtoappreciateforhisloyalwifehersituationinherlife andafterherdeath. Fromthisgreatgrandmother,LadyZaynabinheritedthehighestmoralstandardsand Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

perseveranceonprinciples.Copyinghergrandmother,shesupportedherbrother,Imamal Husayn(a),inhisrevolutionandsupplieshisgreatuprisingwithelementsofeternity.Lady Zaynab'sfatherisImam'AliAmiralMu'minin(commanderofthefaithfulbelievers):chiefofthe prophets'successors,leaderofthepiousones,andheadoftheworshippers.'Aliwasthe representative,successor,andheirofProphetMuhammad(s).Hismeritsareinnumerableandhis situationsforsakeofAllahareincomparable.Hewasthemostknowledgeable,themostself possessed,themostmagnanimous,themostgenerous,themostascetic,themostcourageous, themostreputable,thebestworshipper,themostloyal,themostfaithful,andthemostpious amongMuslims. HistorianshaverecordedunanimouslythatLadyZaynabwasimitatingherfatherinbehavior, knowledge,andconduct.She,too,adoptedpositivelyallofherfather'sgoalsandsituationsfor sakeofsupplyingIslamwithelementsofcontinuity.Hence,she,alongwithherbrotherImamal Husayn(a),couldthwarttheUmayyadinfidels'plotsaimedatwipingoutIslamandreplacingit withthepreIslamiccustoms. LadyZaynab'smotherwasLadyFatimahalZahra'theVeracious(a)whowasacopyofherfather inadorationofAllah,piety,selfdiscipline,knowledge,virtue,clemency,veneration,andtheother featuresofperfection.HerfathernamedherastheChiefessoftheWomenoftheWorld.1From thiscause,herfatheraddressedhisbestwordsoflaudationandrespecttohisdaughterwhowas theidealwomanonthisearth. ____________ 1BesidesProphetMuhammad(s),FatimahalZahra'theVeracious(a)waspraisedbyeveryone wholivedinhertimeIbnHajaralAsqalani,inhisalIsabah,recordsthat'A'ishah,theProphet's wife,said:"ExceptProphetMuhammad(s),nobodyispreferredtoFatimah."'Abdullahibn'Abbas said,asitisrecordedinthepreviousreferencebook:"ThebestwomenofParadisearefour: Khadijah,Fatimah,Mary,andAsiyahthePharaoh'swife," Albukhari,inhisalSahih,andMuslim,inhisalSahih,recordedthefollowing:AlMusawwiribn MakhramahquotedtheProphet(s)saying,"Fatimahisapieceofme.Whateverhurtsheris certainlyhurtingmeandwhateverpleaseheriscertainlypleasingme."'Ali(a)reportedthe Prophet'saddressingtoFatimah:"Fatimah,mostsurelyAllahispleasedwhenyouarepleasedand enragedwhenyouareenraged." Finally,referencebooksofIslamichistoryandnarrationarefullofreportsrelatingtheelevated standingofFatimahalZahra'theVeracious(a). Thiswasthemother,educator,andinstructorofLadyZaynabwhowasnourishedonallfeatures ofhumanperfection.LetusalsoreferbrieflytothegrandfatherandgrandmotherofLadyZaynab fromthepaternalside.AbuTalib,fatherofImam'Ali(a),wastheprotectorofIslamashe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

defendedProphetMuhammd(s)sobravelyandsufferedinthiscourseunbearabletroubles.Only undertheguardianshipofAbuTalibcouldProphetMuhammad(s)propagateforhisdivine missionandspreadhisprinciplesrearlessly.Withthedemiseofhisprotector,theProphet(s) expressedhisgreatlossandgrief.Hethereforecalledthatyearas'yearofgrief'.Afterthedemise ofAbuTalib,theenemiesoftheProphet(s)agreedonassassinatinghim,butAllahsavedand orderedhimtofleetoYathribandlethiscousin,'Ali,sleepinhisbedformakingtheassassinators understandthathewasstillthere. Fromthisgreatpersonality,LadyZaynabdrewthebestlessonsofdefendingtheprinciples.Lady Zaynab'sgrandmotherwasFatimahbintAsad;anexampeloffaithandpurity.Onherhands,the Prophet(s)wasbroughtupandtreatedsokindlyandtenderlysincesheusedtotakecareof sympathyandlove.Hence,shewashighlyrespectedbyhim;whenshedepartedlife,he(s) dressedherhisownshirtandlaiddowninhergraveasexpressionsofhisgreatloveforher.From thisgreatmother,LadyZaynablearntthebestlessonsofloveandsupportforsakeofherreligion anditslegalleaders.We,alsoshouldnotneglectthefactthatImamalHasanandImamalHusayn (a)participatedincomposingtheunparalleledpersonalityoftheirsister,LadyZaynab,sinceshe spentalongtermofherlifeundrtheircustody. ThetwoImams'meritsandvirtuesaretoomanytobecontained.Asaresult,theProphet(s) calledthem'ChiefsfortheYouthofParadise.'1LadyZaynabimitatedthemoralsandethicsof ImamalHasan(a)whowasknownofhiscomposureandlibertyinadditiontoallthehighmoral standards.AshenoticedthathisgrandfatherandparentstakecareofZaynab,ImamalHasan encompassedherwithverymuchloveandcompassionandpreferredhertotheotherharemof theProphet'shousehold. ImamalHusayn'srealtionwithhissisterZaynabhasbeenthemelodyofseekersofhuman perfection.Shecouldoccupyhisfeelingsandemotionsforthegenuinenessofherestimation, elevationofherethics,andhighmoralstandards.Shewasthemostdependableinthesightof ImamalHusayn(a)whousedtotakecounselwithherinallofhisaffairs.Shealsoaccompanied himinallthestagesofhisrevolution.withoutLadyZaynab'sstruggle,efforts,andhonorable situations,therevolutionofImamalHusayn(a)wouldhavebeenlost.AsanexampleofLady zaynab'sgreatstandinginthesightofherbrotherImamalHusayn(a)isthatwhenhebadeher thelastfarewellonthedayof'Ashura',heaskedhertomentionhiminherNightPrayer.2 Throughthesecondpartofthisbook,wewillrefertosectionoftheunmatchedrelationbetween ImamalHusayn(a)andhissister,LadyZaynab.

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TheBlessedNewborn ThelifeoftheProphet'sfamilywashighlyflourishingwiththeexistenceofthetwoImamsal HasanandalHusayn(a)whooccupiedtheirgrandfather'sheartcompletely.Theirtwosons beforethemandastheysawtheProphet'slovefor ____________ 1SeeYanabi'ulMawaddah;196. 2SeeZaynabalkubra;60. them.Once,he(s)expressedhisloveforthesetwosinsbysaying: "ThesetwoaremyonlybasilsthatItakefromthisworld."1Inthemidstofthisdelightful atmosphere,LadyfatimahalZahra'becamepregnantforthethirdtime.Everybody,includingthe MessangerofAllah(s),waswaitingforthenewbaby.2 Withmoredelightandpleasure,LadyFatimahgavebirthofashebabywhowouldexceedall Muslimwomeninfieldsoffaith,honor,chastity,andperseveranceontheprinciples.Theahlal BaytandtheProphet'scompanionsreceivedthenewofthebirthofLadyzaynabwithgladness. Imam'Ali(a)hurriedtotakehisnewborn,kissedherfrequently,andheldtheShariiteceremonies ofnewborns.TheImam(a)recitedazan3inhisnewborn'srightearandiqamah4intheleft. Hence,thefirstvoicethatpenetratedthenewborn'shearingwasherfather's,shouting:Allahu AkbarAllahistheGreatest... Lailahailla(a)llahthereisnogodbutAllah. ____________ 1Seekenzal'Ummal;7/110,alBukhari'salSahih;Cahpter:KitabalAdab,Majma'alZawa'id; 9/181,Ibn'Asakir'satTarikh;13/39.2Throughsomehistorianssaythatthefirstshebabyof LadyFatimahalZagra'wasruqayyah,nicknamedUmmukulthum,mostofhistorianshaveproved LadyZaynab'shavingbeenLadyFatima'sfirstshebaby.Asevidence,inthereignoftheUmayyad StatewhentheAhlalBaytandtheirpartisanswerepersecuted,anyonewhowantedtorelate somethingtoImamAli,wouldsay,"FatherofZaynadsaiddoandso."SeeIbnAbualHadid,Sharh NahjalBalaghah. 3Azanisthecalltoprayer. 4Iqamahistheprefatorystatementsoftheritualprayer. ThesegreatwordsfoundastronggroundintheinnerselfofladyZaynab.They,lateron,became themostsignificantelementsofherpersonality.Inthefuture,shewouldadoptthecallingtothe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

trueapplicationofthesewordsforwhichshewouldencounterhorribleadversities.Assoonashe wasinformedaboutthenewsofthegivingbirthofthisnewborn,theProphet(s)hurriedtohis daughter'shouse,embracedthenewborntohischestwarmly,andbegantoweep.Itwasa surprisingviewforthemother,FatimahalZahra,toseeherfather'stearsdroponhisface,"What forareyouweeping,father?"askedshe."Fatimah,"saidthefather(s)withsadtone,"youshould knowthatthisdaughterwillhavetosufferhorriblemisfortunesandtragediesaftermyandyour demise."1 Atthesemoments,theProphet(s)perceivedthehorrifyinghardshipsthatwouldafflicthis granddaughter.Naturally,FatimahalZahra(a)participatedinherfather'sgriefsatthese moments.ThentheclosefriendoftheAhlalBayt,Salman,cametocongratulateonthatoccasion buthefoundthehouseholdsinkingingriefsandunhappiness.Hence,healsoparticipatedinthat ceremonyofconsolation.2 CHOOSINGTHENAME Theblessedmothercarriedhernewborntothefatherandaskedforchoosinganameforher. "IwillnotprecedetheMessengerofAllahinsuchamatter,"answeredthefathermodestly.He thentookthenewbornandaskedhimtochooseanameforher. "IwillnotprecedemyLordinsuchamatter,"answeredtheMessengerofAllahmodestly.From theHeavensthenascendedArchangelGabrieltosaytotheProphet,"Thisnewborn'snameis 'Zaynab'.3 ____________ 1SeeAtTirazalMudhahhab;38. 2SeeBatalatuKarbala;21. 3InArabic,theword'Zaynab'isanamecalledonahandsome,odoroustree.(seeIbnManzhur's Lisanal'Arab,vol.6p.88) AlmightyAllahhaschosenthisnameforher."1Shewasalsogiventhenickname'UmmuKulthum' or'UmmualHasan'.2 EPITHETS Epithetisawordofphraseexpressingaqualityorattributeregardedascharacteristicofthe personofthingmentioned.3Epithets,then,showone'smentalcharacteristics,whethergoodor bad.thus,LadyZaynabhadmanyepithetsthatexpressedsomeaspectsofherpersonality. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

1)AL'AQILAH TheArabic'Aqialahmeansthegentlewomanwhoishonorableamongherpeopleandvenerated inherhouse.LadyZaynabwassuchanhonorableandvirtuousladythatallherdescendantshave beencalledBanualAqilahsonsofthegentlewoman.DuringthejourneyofImamalHusayn(a) fromMedinatoKarbala,LadyZaynabwasthechiefessoftheharemandwasobeyedand respectedbyeverybody. Itistoaddthatshewasalsocalled'AqilatuBaniHashimthegentlewomanoftheHashemites,' andAqilatutTalibiyyinthegentlewomanofthesons(anddescendants)ofAbuTalib.' 2)ALALIMAH Forhersupremeknowledge,LadyZaynabwascalled'al'Alimahthesheknowledgeable. HistorianshaveconfirmedthatshewasanauthorityforMuslimladieswhousedtorefertoherin theirreligiousaffairs.Ofcourse,sheusedtorefertoherintheirreligiousaffairs.Ofcourse,she receivedsuchknowledgefromhergrandfather,parents,and ____________ 1SeeZaynabalKubra;167. 2SeezaynabalKubra;17. 3ExcerptedfromtheOxfordTalkingDictionary.Copyright1998ThelearningCompany,Inc. brotherswhowerethesourcesofknowledgefortheIslamicummah.Fruthermore,LadyZaynab hashadsimilarepithets,suchas'al'Arifahthewellversed'and'alMuwathaqahthe trustworthy'. 3)ABIDATUALIALI LadyZaynabwasrecognizedalsoasbeingdistinguisghedworshipperamongMuslimladies.She committedherselftoalltherecommendableritesofIslamtothedegreethatevenatthemost horriblenightofherlifei.e.thenightofthetenthofMuharram,61AHsheofferedthe supererogatoryprayers.Thus,shewascalled'AbidatuAliAlithesheworshipperof'Ali's household'. 4)ALKAMILAH Inallaspectsofhumanperfection,ladyZaynabprecededeverybodyandoccupiedtheleading position.Shethereforeiscalled'alKamilahtheperfect' Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

5)ALFADHILAH Becauseofhergreatjihad,serviceforIslam,andsteadfastnessforsakeofAllah,LadyZaynab's virtuehasexceededalllimitsand,therefore,shewasproudlyconferredwiththeepithetof'al Fadhilahthevirtuous.' 6)ALSIDDIQAHALSUGHRA LikehermotherwhoisknownastheSeniorVeracious,LadyZaynabwassoveraciousthatshe gainedworthilytheepithetof'alSiddiqahalSughratheJuniorVeraciousLady. 7)UMMALMASA'IB Becauseshehadtosuffervariousandinnumerablemisfortunesalloverherlifetime.LadyZaynab wascalledUmmalMasa'ibMotherofmisfortunes. Letusrefertosomeofthesemisfortunesthatshesawinaperiodofaboutonemonth: 1)ShesawalHurribnYazidforceImamalHusayntostopandresideinadesolateplace. 2)ShesawtheImam'sfewcompanionsincomparisonwiththegreatnumbersoftheenemy's army. 3)ShesawmostoftheImam'ssocalledpartisansabandonhimandjoinhisenemies. 4)Shesawthewomen'sfearandworrywhentheyhadtoresideInKarbala'. 5)Shesawtheenemiesdepriveherpeopleandherofwater. 6)Shehadtotakecareofthechildrenandwomenwhiletheywerecryingoutofthirst. 7)Shehadtowitnessherbrother'sfeelingsofdisappointmentandloneliness. 8)Shehadtowitnessthemartyrdomofhertwosons,aswellastheotherrelativesand companionswhomweremartyredonebyone.Themartyrdomofal'Abbashoweverwasthe mostdiastrousforher. 9)ShesawhowImamalHusaynwaswithoutanysupporterorhelper,whilehewasseekinghelp. 10)ShesawthecutofheadofalHusaynlieonspearheads. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

 11)Shesawtheenemiesattachherbrother'scaravanandwomen,tryingtosetfireonthetents. 12)Shehadtogatherthescatteredchildrenandwomenwhofledtoeverywhereinthatdesert. 13)Shehadtopassbythedead,severedbodyofherbrother. 14)Shehadtorideonsaddleless,leancamelsandtohelpthechildrenandwomentorideonsuch animals. 15)shehadtoexertalleffortsfortakimgcareoftheillnephewandconsolinghim. 16)Shehadtogothroughthescenesofbeingcaptivesanddrivenfromatowntoanotherwhile peoplewerelookingatthemasrebels. ItisnarratedthattheHolyProphet(s)oncesaid,"ToweepforthemisfortunesofZaynabisas sameastoweepforherbrothers;alHasanandalHusayn."1 YEAROFBIRTH HistoriansandnarratorshavehaddifferentopinionsabouttheyearofLadyZaynab'sbirth.Some havereferredtothefifthyearafterHijrah,2otherstothesixth,andathirdpartytotheninth.The lastopinionhoweverisinaccurate,3andthemostacceptableisthefirst. ____________ 1SeeJa'faralNaqdi,Zaynabalkubra;32. 2HijrahistheemigrationofProphetMuhammad(s)andhisfamilyandcompanionsfromMecca toMedinain622A.D.;theMuslimerareckonedfromthishistory. 3ShaykhJa'faralnadir,inhisZaynabalKubra;p.18,refutesthenarrationthatLadyZaynabwas bornintheninthyearoftheHijrah.Hesays:"Despitethevarianceofnarration,LadyFatimahal Zahra'theveracious(a)diedinthetenthoreleventhyearoftheHijrah.IfLadyZaynabwasbornin theninthyearoftheHijrah,thenwhenwasUmmuKulthum,hersister,born,andwhenwasal Muhsin,thethirdsonofImamAli,wasborn?Onthataccoun,itisundrestandablethatlady ZaynabwasborninfifthyearoftheHijrah."Besides,ShaykhalNaqdihasreferredtootherfacts providingthisopinion. EARLYLIFE LadyZaynabwasbroughtupatthehandsofProphetMuhammad,Imam'Ali,andLadyFatimah theVeracious(a).Inotherwords,shewasbroughtupinthelapofthedivineprophesy,spenther Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

earlylifeinthehouseofthedivinemission,suckledthemilkofthemostperfectwomanofall ages,andwasnourishedatthehandsoftheCommanderoftheFaithfulbelievers.Hence,she enjoyedadivineupgrowthandspiritualeducationandreceivedagarmentsofelevation, eminence,chastityanddecency.AfterthedemiseofProphetMuhammad(s)andhisdaughter Fatimah(a),Imam'AlimarriedUmamah1whotookcareofLadyZaynabperfectlysincethislady wasknownofherpietyandsubmissiontotheLord. LadyZayanb,hence,wascoveredbythemostexaltedcolorsfoeducation,honor,dignity,mercy, andcompassion.Shelearnfromthebehaviorsofherparentsandbrothersmanythingsthat composedherperfectpersonality. Forinstance,whenevershevisitedherbrotherImamalHusayn,hewouldstandupasasignof reverenceandrespectforher.Whenevershewantedtovisittheholytombofhergrandfather, herfatherandtwobrothersusedtoaccompanyher.Theyalsousedtoextinguishanylightsothat nobodywouldseeher.2 ShewasreallytheinheritorofImam'Ali'svalues,moralities,andethics.Tothescholarsand narratorsofHadith,3LadyZaynabenjoyedagreatposition.They, ____________ 1UmamahisthedaughterofZaynabstepdaughterofProphetMuhammad(s).Implementingthe willofFatimahalZahra',ImamAlimarriedUmamahafterthedemiseofLadyFatimah.Itisalso worthmentioningherethatUmamhwasgreatlyrespectedbyProphetMuhammahd(s). 2SeeatTabarani'salMu'jamalKabirasrelatedtoYahyaalMazini. 3HadithisthebodyoftraditionsconcerningthesayingsanddoingoftheProphetMuhammah (s). therefore,usedtorefertoImam'Ali,duringtheUmayyadreignwhoededanymentiontothe Imam'sname,bysaying'FatherofZaynabreported...'

ScholarlyCapacities Fromearlylife,LadyZaynabwasmarvelousinintelligenceandcleverness.Shelearntbyheartthe holyqur'anandtheProphet'ssayingsregardingIslamiclaws,rulesofeducation,andpriciplesof ethics.shealsomemorizedthefamous,confoundedthespeechofhermother,LadyFatimahal Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Zahra(a),thatshedeliveredinthePropht'sMasjidprotestingagainstAbuBakr'susurpationofthe Islamicummah'sleadership,whichwastherightofImam'Aliaccordingtotheinstructionof AlmightyAllahandProphetMuhammd(s),aswellasconfiscationofFadakthattheHolyProphet (s)hadgiventoherasgiftwhithinearshotofallMuslims.Inadditiontomanyothernarrations, shenarratedhermother'sspeechwhentheMuslimladiesvisitedherinherfinaldisease. Herfather,too,wasgreatlyadmiredbyhersharpcleverness.Oneday,sheaskedhim,"Father,do youloveus?"heanswered,"OfcourseIdo,daughter.Idoloveyoubecauseyouarethefruitofmy heart."sherepliedpolitely,"Father,loveisexclusivelyforAlmightyAllah,whileitiscompassion whichisforus."1Ashewasteachingherthenumbers,heasked"say:one."Shesaid,"one."Ashe askedhertosay"two",shekeptsilent."Whydoyounotsay:two?"askedthefather.She answered"tonguewhichpronounces'one'cannotsay'two.'"2 ____________ 1seezaynabalKubra;53. 2ThismeansthatonewhobelieveshonestlyintheonenessofAlmightyAllahmustneverbetake anotherasgod. Asheheardthisgreatanswer,thefatherkissedandemracedher.1Shealsousedtosay: "AnyonewhointendsnottohavethecreaturesasintercedersforhimbeforeAllahshouldpraise Him.ListentoHissaying:'AllahlistentoanyonewhopraisesHim.'Hence,oneshouldfearAllahfor Hehasabilityoverhim,andshouldfeelshyofHimforHeisveryclosetohim."2Thisstatementin factimpliesthatshewassovirtuousandperfectlyadheredtoAllah.Moreover,sherepresented herbrother,ImamalHusayn(a)wheneverhewouldbeabsent.Hence,Muslimsusedtoreferto herinthequestionsoftheIslamiclaws.Forherextensiveknowledge,ImamZaynalAbidin(a), 'AbdullahibnJa'far,LadyfatimahdaughterofImamalHusayn,Muhammadibn'Amr,and'Ataibn alSa'ibusedtoreporthersayings.3 InKufaandduringherfather'sreign.LadyzaynabhadspecialsessiontowhichMuslimladiesused tocomeforlisteningtoherpreciouslecturesaboutIslamandexegesisoftheHolyQur'an.She thuswasthemosttrustworthyreferencefromwhomMuslimladiesusedtotakeconcerning questionsaboutIslam,moralinstrucions,andgeneralethics.Forhertremendousvirtuetoo, 'Abdullahibn'Abbas4frequentlyaskedherforanswersofqrestionsthatheignored. ____________ 1SeeRayahinalShari'ah;vol.3p.54,andHajj'AbdulHadialShehristani'sYanabi'alRahmah(3) p.8.ThisnarrationisalsorecordedbyIbn'Asakir,IbnMandah,and'AliMullahalQari. 2SeeSayyidMuhsinalAminalAmili,A'yanalShi'ah;vol.7,p,140. 3SeeBaqirSharifalQarashi'salSayyidahZaynab. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

4'Abdullahibn'AbbasisregardedasthegrandauthorityoftheIslamicummahforhisknowledge inHadithandIslamiclaws. Healsoreported,proudly,agoodnumberofnarrationonherauthority.Inthisregard,hewould say: "Our'Aqilah1(i.e.thehonorablegentlewoman),Zaynabdaughterof'Alinarratedtousthat...etc." OneofhisreportsthatherelatedontheauthorityofLadyzaynabwasLadyfatimahalZahra's famousspeechintheProphet'sMasjid.ShealsorepresentedImamZaynalAbidin(a)duringhis illness.Abouther,he(a)said:"Sheissoknowledgeablethatshedoesnotneedother's knowledge."2Finally,wasthemosteloquentspeakerinIslam;shecouldshaketheenemies' emotions,disorderthepublicopinion,andprovokethepublicsagainsttheUmayyadrulingregime whenshedeliveredherfamousspeechesinKufaandDamascus.Infact,thesespeecheshintat herpreciousculturalandliteratefortunes. Inaddition,thereasonbeyondherpeculiarscholarlycapacitymaybementionedinthefollowing points: 1)ShewasalwayspiousandobservanttowardstheAlmightyAllah'scommandmentsand instructions.TobeGodfearingandpiousachievesknowledgeabilityandnotablelearning.Thisis clearinAlmightyAllah'ssaying: "Andbecarefulof(yourduty)toAllah,Allahteachesyou,andAllahknowsallthings."(2:282) ____________ 1Abdullahibn'Abbasusedtosay"ourAqilah"becausehebelongedwithakinshiptoProphet Muhammad(s). 2SeealTabirsi'salIhtijaj,p.166. LadyZaynabwassoGodfearingandpious.Shededicatedagoodtimeofherdailyactivitiestoher Lord;shewassinkinginpraisingandglorifyingHim.Atnightwhensoundscalmandeyessleep, sheusedtoturnherfaceandhearttowardsherLordwithtearyeyes,fearfulheart,andhopeful mindtosayconfidently: "OYouWhodressesandadornsHimselfwithvalor!OYouWhodesignsanddonsHimselfwith glory!IimploretoYoubytheseatsofmightinYourThrone,bytheutmostofmercyinYourBook, byYourGrandestName,byYourmosthighMajesty,andbyYourPerfectWordsthathavebeen accomplishedtrulyandhonestly,[IimploretoYou]tosendblessingsuponMuhammadandthe familyofMuhammadandtoarrangeformethegoodofboththisworldandtheworldtocome. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

2)LadyZaynabwaswellknownofherunparalleledintelligence,appositeopinion,andwisdom, Herwordswereasregulatedasnecklaceandheropinionsweretothepoint.Shewastheidealof eloquenceandexpressiveness.Allahgiftedhertheutmostofknowledge,morality,composure, religiousness,andetics.ThisisnotstrangesinceshewasthegrandfaughterortheHolyProphet, thedaughterofthemodelparentsofIslam,andthesisterofthetwoChiefsoftheYouthsof Paradise,Inhergranfather,LadyZaynabtakespridesaying: "Noneislikemygrandfather;theArab,theHashemite,andtheQurayshiteProphetwhomis selectedbyAllah,theElevated,forguidingpeopletothepathoflifeinitsgoodandevilbranches, andhedidinsuchahandsomeapproachandpleasant,sympathy,andcompassion."1 3)ShewastaughtbythemostknowledgeablepairinIslam;herfatherandmother,anditisso naturalthatastudentofthesepersonswouldbesointelligentandknowledgeable. AboutLadyZaynab'sacumenandsagacity,letuslistentothefollowingnarrationrecordedbyIbn HumaydinhisbookentitledalMusnad,andalYafi'iinMir'atalZaman: Oneday,ImamalHasanandImamalHusaynwerediscussingsomeoftheirgrandfather'ssaying, "TheHalalisobviousandtheHaranisalsoobvious,butbetweenthesetwotherearemany dubiousmattersmostofpeopleignore.Toavoidsuchduboiusmattersisacquittalforthereligion andthehonor,whiletofallinsuchdubiousmattersisplungingintotheHaram.Ashepherdwho grazesaboutashelterwilldecisivelypastureinit.Thereisasheltertoeverykingdom,andthe shelterofAllahiswhatHedeemsunlawful.thereistooasinglemorselineachone'sbody;when thismorselbegood,thewholebodywillbeso,andwhenthismorselbebad,thewholebodywill beso.Thisistheheart."2Commentinginthisstatement,LadyZaynabsaid: Listentome,HasanandHusayn!Yourgrandfather,theMessengerofAllah,hasacquiredthe ethicsoftheLord.ItisAlmightyAllahWhodisciplinedhimsoperfectly.Inthisregard,theProphet says,'MyLordhasdiciplinedme,andhehasdonesoperfectly.'Noneislikemygrandfather;the Arab,theHashemite,andtheQurayshiteProphetwhomisselectedbyAllah, ____________ 1SeeMusaMuhammad'Ali,alSayyidahZaynab,69. 2ThishadithisrecordedbyalBukhariinhisalSahih. theElevated,forguidingpeopletothepathoflifeinitsgoodandevilbranches,andhedidinsuch ahandsomeapproachandpleasant,articulatestatementsfullofsoftness,tenderness,sympathy, andcompassion.TheHalalisobviousandtheHaramisalsoobvious,butbetweenthesetwo, therearemanydubiousmatters.Accordingly,thereligionisofthreedegrees;Halal,Haram,and duboiusmatters.TheHalaliswhatAllah,theExalted,hasdeemedlawfulbywayofatextinthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

HolyQur'anorthroughtheexplanationsoftheProphet,suchasthelegalityofpurchaseand vendition...TheHaramiswhateverAllahhasdeemedunlawfulintheHolyQur'an.Itisalsothe contraryoftheHalal.ThedubousmatteriseverythingthatisunknownwhetherHalalorHaram. Afaithfulbelieverwhointendstoachievehappinessinthisworldandblissintheworldtocome mustperformallthatwhichAllahhasmadeincumbent,followthepathdrawnbytheHolyQur'an, takemygrandfather,theProphet,asexample,andgoawayfromtheduboiusasmuchasonecan. Toavoidthedubiousmattersisacquittalforthereligionandthehonorandalsopurityforboth.It alsoachievessincereobediencetotheLord."Now,surely,sincereobedienceisduetoAllahalone. (Qur'an;39:3)" Forthosewhofollowthelineofthedubiousmatters,itisnotsafetohavetheirfeetslippedand, thus,theycommitunlawfuldeed.Thereisasheltervesideeachpossession,buttheshelterofthe AllkingiswhatHedeemsunlawful.TheHolyProphetsays,'AvoidtheUnlawfulandyouwillbe themostpious.' AllahtheExaltedhasputineachhumanbeingaminutegemandmorsel;whenitbegood,the wholebodywillbegood,pureandclearfromfilth,impairments,andactsofdisobediencetothe LordoftheWorlds,Thisistheheart.Ifone'sheartissound,hewillbeattentivetotheaffairsof hisreligionandtheprincipleofitslaw,andwillseerealhappinesslieinstraightnessonthelights oftheguidanceoftheHolyQur'anandtheSunnah,Thosewhofollowthisstraightpathandthese divineinstructionwillbewhithinthewinnersontheDayofResurrection.Ourlifeisinfactonlya stageamongmanystagesthatleadeithertoParadiseortoHell.Deathwillbetheend,andno blamefallsafterit.NothingisafterthisworldexceptParadiseorHell." Asshefinished,ImamalHusaynsaidtoher,:Howgreatyouare!youaresurelyfromthetreeof prophecyandthecoreoftheDivineMessage."Sheoncesaid:"Mygrandfatherhasdecidedforus (i.e.women)rightsthatareincumbentuponourhusbandsinthesamewayashehasdecided rightsforourhusbandsthatareincumbentuponus."Inthisregard,theHolyQur'ansays: Andtheyhaverightssimilartothoseagainsttheminajustmanner,andthemenareadegree abovethem.(2:228)MynobleGrandfatheralsosays:'Awomanwhooffersthefiveobligatory prayers,observesfastingonthemonthoffasting,guardsherchastity,andobeysherhusband shallhavethechoicetoenterParadisefromanygateshelikes.'Ibn'Askir,inhisalTarikh,records thefollowing:AftershearrivedinEgypt,LadyZaynaboncecameoveranindisposition.Thechiefs ofEgyptdecidedtofetchheraphysician,butsherefusedsaying: "Wearenotamongthosewhohopeforthisworldorforperpetuationinit.WearetheHousehold ofProphecyandthemostdesirablemeetingforusisthemeetingofourLord.Aphysician, however,cannotchangeone'sdecidedtermofdeath." Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

 IbnHumayd,Abu'Asim,andIbnAbuShaybahnarratedthat'Abdullahibn'Abbassaid:Once,Lady zaynabrecitedAllah'ssaying: Oyouwhohavewrappedupinyourgarments...and(also)apartyofthosewithyou.Shethen commented: "ThankstoAllah,weareincludedwiththisparty[ofthosewhoarewiththeProphet]."The evidencesonLadyZaynab'seloquenceandrhetoricareheraddresseinmorethanoneoccasion. TheseaddresseschangedthepublicopinionagainstYazidandtheUmayyadStateandshowedthe realgoalsofImamalHusayn'srevolution.Lateron,theseaddresseswillbereferredtoindetails. LadyZaynabenjoyedapeculiarrankintheworldofmysticism,Inthisregard,'AllamahalBurghani says:"LadyZaynab'sspiritualrankisverynighttothatoftheimmaculateImams..."AlRawandi,in alTirazalMudhahhab,says:"Inadditiontoherhighspiritualrank,LadyZaynabcomeafterher motherinvirtue,highmerit,peculiarity,majesty,knowledge,infallibity,chastity,illumination, light,honor,andsplendor." MuhammadRidaalIsfahani,inJannatalkhulud,records:"LadyZaynabwasthenearesttoher parentsineloquence,asceticism,management,andcourage.AfterthemartyrdomofImamal Husayn,shewasthecustodianofherfamilymembersand,furthermore,theHashemites." Ibn'Anbah,inAnsabalTalibiyyin,says: "LadyZaynabisdistiguishedbyherinnumerablemerits,elevatedpeculiarities,praiseworthy characters,admirablehabits,remarkableprides,andmanifestvirtues." MARRIAGE WhenLadyzaynabattainedmaturity,famouscelebritiescompetedwitheachotherforaskingfor herhand.Herfather,however,refusedthemall.AbdullahsonofJa'farsonofAbuTalibalsoasked forherhand.HewasoneofthenoblestmenoftheHashemitesandoneofthemostgenerous menoftheArabs.Besides,Imam'Ali(a)lovedhimverymuch.Hethereforerespondedtohimand acceptedtogivehimLadyZaynabinmarriage.'Abdullah'sfatherwasJa'farwhoisdescribedas themostsimilartotheHolyProphet(s)inmoralityandnature.1Hewasoneofthosewho precededothersinembracinganddefendingIslam.HeemigratedtwiceonetoAbyssiniaandthe othertoMedina,andwaswellknownofhispityandsympathytothepoorandpaupers.Likehis brotherImam'Ali,Ja'farwasverymuchrespectedbytheprophetofAllah(s)whohousedhim nexttohisMasjidbecauseherecognizedJa'far'sstrongfaithandsacrificinghimselfforsakeof Islam. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

IntheeighthyearafterHijrah,theProphet(s)appointedJa'farasthecommanderoftheMuslim armyintheircampaignatMu'tah.Inthisbattle,Ja'far'shadbeenmartyredafterhistwoarms wereseveredbecauseheheldfastonthepennon.Aboutthissituation,theHolyProphet(s)said: "AllahtheExaltedshallhavegivenJa'fartwowingswithwhichhewillflyinParadiseeverywhere hewishes,insteadofhistwoseveredhands."Ja'farthereforeisnamed'Dhu'lJanahayn'(thetwo winged).ThemartyrdomofJa'farwasoneofthemostdifficultmisfortunesthattheProphet(s) hadtoencounter.Hence,he(s)said: ____________ 1SeeIbnHafaral'Asqalani,alIsti'abfima'rifatalAshab;vol.1,p.242. "ForJa'farandhismatches,weepingshouldbeceaseless."1'Abdullah'smotherwasthegreatlady Asmabint'Umays.ShewaswithintheearlierembracersofIslam.Accompanyingherhusband,she immigratedtoAbyssiniawhereshegavebirthof'Abdullah,'Awn,andMuhammad.Shethen emigratedtoMedina.AfterJa'far'smartyrdom,AsmawasmarriedbyAbuBakrandgavebirthof MuhammadwhoisoneofthemostcelebratedmenofIslam.WhenabuBakrdied,Imam'AliAmir alMu'mininmarriedher,andshegavebirthofaboycalledYahya.2 AsmastucksincerelytotheAhlalBayt(a)andhadstrongrelationshipwithLadyFatimahal Zahra'(a).ShereportedaboutsixtyhadithsdirectlyontheauthorityoftheHolyProphet(s).She actedasatendermotherforImamalHasan,ImamalHusayn,andLadyZaynabassoonasshe enteredImam'Ali'shouseasawife.Theythereforeappreciatedhersituations,nicetreatment, andtenderness.Shethuswasanexampleofchastity,purity,andloyaltytotheAhlalBayt(a). AbdullahibnJa'farwassuchanonesuchpersonthatnone,includinghisenemies,couldhide admirationforhisunparalleledpersonality.Abouthim,Mu'awiyahibnAbuSufyansaid,"'Abdullah ibnJa'farisworthyofallhonor.Heprecededeveryoneelsetothenobledeedsandqualities."3He wasloyaltotheAhlalBaytingeneralandImamalHusayninparticular,thoughhedidnotjoin theImam'scaravantoKarbala'.Historianshaverecordedthat ____________ 1SeeIbnHajaral'Asqalani,UsdalGhabahfiMa'rifatalSahabah;vol.1,p.289. 2SeeIbnJafaral'Asqalani,UsdalGhabahfiMa'rifatalSahabah;vol.5,p,271. 3SeeIbnHajaral'Asqalani,TahdhibalTahdhib;vol.5,p.171. 'AbdullahheldthebiggestobsequiseforthemartyrdomofImamalhusayn,thoughhistwosons werealsomartyredinthesametime.Duringthatceremony,oneoftheslavessaidtohim,"We havesufferedlongbecauseofalHusayn!"Asheheardthisstatement,'Abdullahthrewasandal onthatslaveoutofhisrageandsaid,"Sonoffetidone!Howdareyousaysuchathingaboutal Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Husayn?ByAllahIswear,hadIbeenwithhim,IwouldnothavelefthimbeforeIwouldbekilled there.Tome,heisundoubtedlymorefavoredthanmytwosonsare.Whatmakesmaymisfortune easyisthattheywerekilledwithhimwithoutcomplaintorimpatience.ThankstoAllah,ifIcould notsupportalHusaynduringhisfighting,mytwosinsdid."1Hewasalsowellknownofhis generosityaboutwhichnarratorshavereportedmanymarvelousstories.Becauseofthe Prophet'ssupplicationtoAllahforhim,hewastherichestamongpeopleofMedina.Besides,he wassovirtuous.Hereportedmanynarrationsontheauthorityofhisuncle,Imam'AliAmiral Muminin(a)andhistwocousins,ImamalHasanandImamalHusayn(a). LadyZaynabgavebirthoffoursonsandadaughter;'Awn,'AlialZaynabi,Muhammad,'Abbas, andLadyUmmuKulthum.'Awnwasvirtuousandwellmannered.Heaccompaniedhis(maternal) uncle,ImamalHusayn(a),toIraq.InthebattleofKarbala,'Awnfoughtverybravelyandtook prideinhisfather,'Abdullah,andgrandfather,Ja'far. Afterabraveroundoffighting,'Awnwasattackedbythevicious'AbdullahalTa'iwhocouldkill him.2UmmuKulthum,daughterofLadyZaynab,wasfamousforherbeauty,chastity,and personality.ShewashighlyrespectedbyallpeopleingeneralandtheHashemitesinparticular.As anattempttocurryfavorwiththeHashemites ____________ 1SeeMuhammadibnJariralTabariTarikhalUmamwaalMuluk;4:357. 2SeeShaykhalmufid,alIrshad,p.268. soastofindhimselfarespectfulpositionintheMuslims'view,Mu'awiyahibnAbuSufyansenta missivetohisgovernorinMedina,MarwanibnalHakam,orderinghimtoaskthehandofUmmu Kulthum,daughterofLadyZaynab,forhisson,Yazid.MarwanibnalHakamknewthatImamal Husayn(a)wouldsurelyrefuseandthwartthematter.Hethereforepostponeditashelookedfor aproperopportunity.HeseizedtheOpportunityofImamalHusayn'stravelandhurriedto 'AbdullahibnJa'farwhounderstoodthewholematter.HesaidtoMarwanthatheshouldwait untilImamalHusayn(a)wouldcomebackfromhisjourney. WhentheImamwasback,'Abdullahrushedathiminformingofthewholestory.TheImam becameveryangry,forherejectedcompletelythathisniecewouldbecomethewifeofthesinful, lewdgrandsonofAbuSufyan.Hethereforehurriedtohissister,LadyZaynab,andaskedherto bringherdaughter,UmmuKulthum,beforehim.Whenthedaughtercame,theImamtoldthat hercousinalQasim,sonofMuhammadibnJa'far,wouldbetheworthiestofmarryingher.The motherwelcomed,thedaughteraccepted,thefathershowednorejection,andtheImamgave herabigdowry. Theykeptthemattersecretuntiltheweddingnightcame.Onthatnight,theImaminvitedmany Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

personalitiesamongwhomwasMarwanibnalHakamwhothoughtthattheinvitationwasheld forannouncingtheImam'sacceptanceofYazid'smarriagetohisniece,UmmuKulthum.Yet,he wasdisappointedwhentheImamdeclaredthemarriageofalQasimtoUmmuKulthum.Marwan reportedthemattertoMu'awiyahwho,accordingly,feltmalicetowardstheImam.1 ____________ 1SeeZaynabAqilatuBaniHashim;27.

Personality LadyZaynabcontainedallelementsofnobilityandvirtuethatAlmightyAllahbestoweduponhe grandfather,herfather,hermother,andhertwobrothers.Sheinheritedtheirpeculiaritiesand copiedtheirhighmoralstandards.Byvirtueofherethicalinheritanceandunmatched peculiarities,LadyZaynabisindeedthegreatestLadyinIslamasshesignalizeditstruevaluesand principles.Alongwithhermother,LadyZaynabstruggledinthebestwayandstoodfirmlyagainst thefactionalcurrenciesthattried,usingalltheirpossiblitiesandpowers,tothrowcurtainsonthe realleadersandguideoftheIslamicummah. InthesamewayasLadyfatimahalZahrastoppedstronglywithImam'Ali(a)andopposedthe IllegalgovernmentofAbuBakrthroughhersplendidspeechaswellasherhonorablesituations, LadyZaynabstoppedtothelastsparkoflifewithherbrother,ImamalHusayn(a)andopposed theblackgovernmentoftheUmayyadrulerswhoaimed,openlyandfrankly,atuprootingIslam anderasingitsexistencebyexcludingtheAhlalBayt(a)fromtheMuslims'socialandpolitical lives. LetusnowrefertosomeofsuchpeculiaritiesthatmadeLadyZaynabattheheadofMuslim women: FAITH InthecenterofcallingtoAlmightyAllah,andthehousewheretherevelationoftheDivine Messagewasdescended,andthepivotfromwhichthewordofmonotheismadvancedtocover, withitsbrightrays,allthepeopleonthisearth;inthisveryhouseLadyZaynabwasbroughtup. ShewasfedwiththecoreoftruefaithandtherealityofIslam;hence,loveforAlmightyAllahwas inhernatureand,lateron,becameadistinctivefeatureinherpersonalitythatledhertostandall Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

themisfortunesandadversitiesshehadtoencounterfromherearlylife. FirmfaithandexclusivedevotiontoAlmightyAllahwerethefearuresthatProphetMuhammad's familyenjoyedinspecialway.Eachmemberofthisexaltedfamilyexpressedhis/herfirmfaith distinctively.LadyZaynab,forInstance,stoppedattheseveredbodyofherbrother,Imamal Husayn(a),andexpressedherfirmfaithbysaying: "OAllah,acceptthisofferingfromus."Thesewordshavebeenthebestexampleonthesublemity ofthepropheticinheritance.theyalsoshowedtherealityofIslamthroughthelessonthateach sacrificemustbepurelyofferedforAlmightyAllah'ssake. Humanity,inallages,mustbowbeforesuchunparalleledfaith,whichwasthesecretbeyondthe perpetuityofLadyZaynabandherprinciples.OnthecruelestnightinthelifeofLadyZaynab,as wellastheIslamicummah,sheofferedaThanksgivingPrayerwhileshewascompletely surroundedbyhorrifictragedies;thebodiesoftheProphet'sfamilyandtheirpurecompanions werethrownbeforehereyeswithoutcovers,firewasplayinginthecanopiesoftheAlawidladies whobecameshelternessafterthesavage,mercilesssoldiershadusurpedtheirjewelriesand properties,andchildrenhadnothingtodootherthanweepingandcrying.Inthemidstofthis shockingsituation,LadyZaynabdirectedherfacetowardsherLordtothankHimforthatgrace. Indeed,suchfaithismoreperpetualthancivilizations,fortunes,andevenperpetuityitself. STEADFASTNESS Sinceearlylife,LadyZaynabarmedherselfwithsteadfastnessagainstmisfortunes.Shefirstwas deprivedofhergrandfather,ProphetMuhammad(s),wholovedherverymuchandsympathized withher.Shethensawthehorribleeventsthatsurprisedherparentsimmediatelyafterthe Prophet'sdemise.HerfatherwastakenawayfromthepositionthatalmightyAllahandProphet Muhammad(s)choseforhim.Hermotherwasseverelymistreatedbythepeopleuntilshe departedlifewhileshewasintheflushofheryouth.ShethensawpeopleofKufacheather brother,ImamalHasan(a),andlethimdowntothedegreethathehadtomakeapeacetreaty withMu'awiyah,themortalenemyofIslamandtheAhlalBayt(a).Afewyearslater,theImam wasassassinatedbypoison,Shesawhimvomitbloodtodeath.OnthetenthofMuharram,61AH, shehadtoseetheeverbitterestadversities;herbrother,ImamalHusayn(a),yieldedtoafterhe hadlostallsupportersandhelpers;theswordsofthewickedUmayyadsoldierskilledtheAlawid youths,children,andevenbabies.Beforealltheseunbearablemisfortunes,LadyZaynabstood likeanunshakablemountain.Shefacedallthesewiththeweaponofsteadfastnessandresisted alltheeventswithconviction.Thus,sheisintendedinAlmightyAllah'ssaying: "Andgivegoodnewstothepatientwho,whenamisfortunebefallsthem,say:Surelyweare Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Allah'sandtoHimweshallsurelyreturn.Thosearetheyonwhomareblessingsandmercyfrom theirLord."(2:2557) ManypoetshavedepictedLadyZaynab'ssteadfastnessinthemostbeautifulandexpressiveway. She,beingtheProphet'sgranddughter,showedsteadfastnessandendurancebeforetheenemies ofAllah.Byvirtueofherdeterminationandpersistence,LadyZaynabcouldwithstandall adversitiesandmisfortunes. DIGNITY DignitywasaprominentfeatureinthepersonalityofLadyZaynab.AfterthekillingofImamal Husayn(a),she,aswellastheProphet'sgranddaughter,weretakenascaptivesfromKarbalato Kufaandalltheirpersonalpropertieswereusurped.Whilethechildrenwereharshlyharmedby hunger,shelookeddownuponaskingsomefoodfromthesoldiersoftheUmayyadarmy.When thecaptives'caravanarrivedinKufa,andthewomenthereknewthatthecaptiveshadbeenthe Prophet'sfamily,theyhurriedtoservesomefoodforthechildren.Preventingthisthing,Lady ZaynabspoketotheladiesofKufa: "Itisforbiddenforus,theAhlalBayt,tohavefromalms." Assoonastheyheardthesewordsfromtheiraunt,thechildthrewfromtheirhandsandeven mouthseverythingtheyhadtakenfromtheseladiesandpreferredfeelinghungrytoaccepting almthatareforbiddenforthem.Thisisthefruitoftheeducationofthechoiceones;the prophets,theveracious,andtheirrealfollowers.Alongthecaptives'journeyfromKufato Damascus,LadyZaynab,becauseofherdisdainandsenseofhonor,didnotaskforanyaidsfor thechildrenandwomenthoughtheywereinurgentneedforsuch. Thus,LadyzaynabdidnotsuccumbtoanythingotherthanAlmightyAllah.Sheshoweddignity, honor,anddisdaininheritedfromhergranfatherandfatherinspiteofhardships. COURAGE NoonecaneverdoubtthecourageoftheProphet'sfamily.Themembersofthisfamilygavethe bestexamplesofbraveryandcourage.Forinstance,Imam'Ali(a),theheadoftheProphet's family,said: "EventheArabshelpedeachothertofightme,Iwillneverflee."Heshowedthebestsortsof courageduringthebattlesandcampaignsofIslam.Hisson,ImamalHusayn(a),alsogavethebest examplesofbraveryandcourage.OnthedayofAshura,heamazedhisenemiesandcouldstopso bravelyandsteadfastlybeforetheirgreatnumbers.Despitethehorrifyingmisfortunesthathe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

hadtoencounteronthatday,hedidnotshowsurrenderorweakness.Onthecontrary,his steadfastnessincreasedwiththeincreaseofhismisfortunes.Healoneattackedthirtythousand soldiersandcouldobligehealoneattackedthirtythousandsoldiersandcouldobligethemtorun thebacksjustlikegoatsthatrunawayfromalion.Evenwhenhefelltothegroundoutofhis heavywounds,theyweretooscaredtoapproachhim. Patterningafterherfamilymembers,LadyZaynabbehavedsocourageouslybeforethecriminals whokilledherbrother.Asshehadtostopbefore'UbaydullahibnZiyad,thegovernorofKufa, whileshewasconsideredascaptive,shedespisedanddesrespectedhim.Hethereforeshowed hisgloatingoverhermisfortunesbysaying,"ThankstoAllahWhounmasked,killed,andbelied yourrevolution."Asareply,shesaidcourageously: ThankstoAllahWhohonoreduswithHisProphetandpurifiedusfromuncleannessthoroughly.It isonlythepurifiedusfromuncleannessthoroughly.Itisonlythelewdwhomisunmasked,andit isonlythedissolutewhomisbelied.Wearenotanyofthesetwo.Indeed,wearenotanyofthese two,sonofMarjanah.1!2Thisstatementwasinfactmorelethalthanweapons.Shesaiditwhile she,aswellastheladiesoftheProphet's ____________ 1Marjanah,'UbaydullahibnZiad'smother,wassuchanotoriousprostitutethateverybodyall overtheIslamicStatehadhearofhername. 2SeeMuhammadibnJariralTabariTarikhalUmamwaalMuluk;6:263. family,wasundercapativityandtheirprotector'sdeadswereonspearheads.Thesewords,too, tookthetyrantfromhisthronetohisgrave.Beforehisservantsandofficials,thesewordsmade himrealizethefactthathewastherealdefeatedandtheveryunmasked,whilethereal triumphantwasImamalHusayn(a),thekilledone,andhiscompanions.Asherecievedthese shockingwords,'Ubaydullah,sonofMarjananh,hadnothingtosay;hethereforespokeawordof wreakasanattempttocoverhisfailureandincapabilitytoanswer.Headdressedher,"Howdo youseethatwhichAllahhasdonetoyourbrother?"Bravelyandsteafastly,LadyZaynab answeredwithwordsoftriumph: Itwasnothingbutgood.ThosewerepeopleswhomAllahknewtheywouldbekilled.They thereforecametotheplaceswheretheywouldslain.Allahwillgatheryouwiththemfor judgmentandsentences.See,whowillbethetriumphantonthatday.Woeshallbeyou,sonof Marjanah,then.Thesewordsaresurelyasourceofpride,notonlyforLadyZaynab,butalsofor IslamandMuslims.TheyarealsoregardedasendlessgloryfortheProphet'sfamily. LadyZaynab'ssituationsintheroyalplaceofYazid,hersituationwiththeSyrianman,andher everlastingrevolutionaryspeechshooktheUmayyadthroneandrevealedthebaselessrealityof Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Yazidandthosewhoenabledhimtocometopower.Inthecomingchapters,thesesituationswill bediscussedindetails. ABSTENTIONFROMWORLDLYPLEASURES Imitatingherfatherwhodivorcedtheworldlypleasuresreturnlessly1andhermotherwho possessednothingotherthanarugmadeofleavesofdatepalmtreesandaskinofaewe,Lady ZaynababandonedalltheworldlypleasuresandstucktoAlmightyAllahanddeedsofcharity.She hadneversavedanythingfortomorrow.2Shelefteverythingforaccompanyingherbrother, ImamalHusayn(a),whileshewasthewifeofthewealthiestmanofMedina;allthatwasfor supportingherreligionanddefendingitsprinciplesandvalues. FIRMNESS LadyZaynabstoppedagainstthetyrantssofirmlythatsherepresentedtherightandthejustice perfectly.Inallsituations,sherepliedthetyrantscourageouslyandfacedtheirfalsitywithwords oflightthathaveperpetuatedandactedasmodelsofstoppingagainstanytyrantforsakeofthe rightandjustice.Whileshewassurroundedbythepolicemenandtheattendantswhomwere invitedbyYazidtowitnesshisfalsevictory,LadyZaynabrepliedeachandeverysinglewordthat Yazidsaidfearlesslyuntilsheunmaskedhimandprovedthegenuinenessofhisbrother'sissue. Moreover,shethreatenedandshoweredatthetyrantwithseverewordsof ____________ 1ThisisanindicationtoImam'Ali'sfamousword: "Oworld.Oworld!Getawayfromme.Whydoyoupresentyourselftome?Orareyoueagerfor me?Youmaynotgetthatopportunitytoimpressme.Deceivesomeotherperson.Ihaveno concernwithyou.Ihavedivorcedyouthricewhereafterthereisnorestitution.Yourlifeisshort, yourimportanceislittle,andyourlikingishumble.Alas!Theprovisionislittle,thewayislong,the journeyisfarandthegoalishardtoreach." 2Imam'AliZaynalAbidin(a)narratedthisfeatureabouthisaunt,LadyZaynab.SeealTimothy's alSahih;2:319,alHakim'salMustadrak;3:149,IbnalAthir'sUsdalGhabah;5:523,alKhatibal Baghdadi'sTarikhBaghdad;7:366,andothers. rebukeasifshewasthegovernorandhewasthecaptive.ReferringtoVersesfromtheHoly Qur'ananditemoflogic,shedidnotleaveanyargumenttothetyrant.Herwordswerethe swordswithwhichYazidandhislikeshavebeenkilled.Thesamethingshedidbeforetheother tyrant,'UbaydullahibnZiyadwhotriedtogloatathermisfortunes,butallhisattemptswerefaced bysharpwordsandastrongstylethatobligedhimtokeepsilent.Sheignoredhimcompletely, Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

andthatwasenoughshameforhim.Herinterpiditywasclearduringthejourneyofherbrother aftershehadtakenvarioushonorableroleinhisundyingrevolution.ShemanagedtheImam's Affairswithanonesuchactivitydespitetheenemies'seige.Asinglelookatthebrightfaceofher brotherwouldremoveanytirednessshemighthavefelt. ShealsotookcareofthechildrenandharemaftrertheImam'smartyrdom,andthatwasreallya hardmissionthatordinarywomencannotmanage,Thesourceofsuchpowerandfirmnesswas thatsheunderstoodImamalHusayn'srevolutionperfectlyandexertedalleffortsforgiving successtoit. ThesehavebeensomefeaturesoftheunmatchedpersonalityofLadyZaynab.Asamatteroffact, thislady'spersonalityincludedallfeaturesofmoralhighnessandperfection.Torefertoallthese featuresreqiresgreateffortsandverymuchtime,thoughLadyZaynab'sfeaturesaretimeless. Thisisthereasonwhyonlyafewfeaturesofherpersonalityhavebeenmentionedhere. LADYZAYNABINTRADITIONS Forherhighposition,LadyzaynabwasmentionedinanumberoftraditionsascribedtotheHoly ProphetandtheAhlalBayt(s).WehavealreadyreferredtotheProphet'ssayingthatweepingfor herisassameasweepingforhertwobrothers.ShaykhSulaymanalHanafiinhisfamousbook entitledYanabi'alMawaddahSection58,recordsthefollowingweexceptonlythepointof dicussion: Rabi'ahalSa'direported:AsIaskedHudahyfahaboutanumberofmatters,hesaid,"Listento this,understandit,andconveyittopeople.IhaveseentheMessengerofAllahandheardhim withmyearswhenalHusaynibn'Alicametohimontheminbarandheseatedhimonhis shouldersandsaid: Opeople!ThisisalHusayn;hisgranfatherandgrandmotherarethebestpeople.Hisgrandfather istheMessengerofAllahandmasterofAdam'sdescendants...AndthisisalHusaynwhose father,mother,brother,andsistersarethebestofpeople...andhissisterareZaynaband Ruqayyah...andhistwosistersshallbeinParadise...1Thispropheticsayingisaclearcutproofon theexceptionalpositionofLadyZaynabassheisaddedtotheProphetandtheandtheImams andisregardedasthebestofpeople.ShaykhalSaduqinhisIkmalalDinwaItmamalNi'mah, reportsthefollowingweexcerptonlythepointofdiscussion:'AliibnMahziyarsaidthatAbual HusaynMuhammadibnJa'faralAsadisaidthatAhmadibnIbrahimsaid: ____________ 1ThishadithisreportedbyAbualShaykhIbnHayyaninalTanbihalKabirandisalsorecirdedby JamaluddinMuhammadibnYusufalZarandiinDuraralSimtayn. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

 Intheyear262,Ivisited{Lady}HakimahdaughterofMuhammadibn'AliandsisterofImamal Hasanal'Askariandaskedheraboutthereligion...Shethensaid,"ThisiswhatalHusaynibn'Ali haddonewhenheappointedhissisterZaynabashisrepresentativeheappointedhissister Zaynabashisrepresentativeopenly,andheopenly,andhenceanyitemofknowledgethatwas saidby'AliibnalHusaynwasascribedtozaynab.Thisisanotherproofonthehighpositionof LadyZaynabinthesightofImamalHusaynasheappointedhertocarrytheweightyingeritance ofImamate. ShaykhalMufidrecordsthefollowingnarration: DuringtheBattleoftheCamel,'Aishahgatheredchildrenandbondmaids,gavethemdrums,and orderedthemtochantsomepoeticversesaganinstImam'Ali.WhenUmmuSalamah,the Prophet'swidow,wasinformedaboutthis,shedecidedtogothereandreproach'Aishahandthe gatheringwomen.LadyZaynabaskedtodothisinsteadofUmmuSalamahsincesheknewthese womenverywell.Hence,shedisguisedherselfandherbondmaidsandlefttowardsthesechildren andwomen.Whenshereachedthere,shenoticedtheirvainnessandfutility.Shethenshowed herrealityto'Aishahandsaid,"Itisnotstrangefromyouandyourcompanion(i.e.Hafsah)tohelp eachotheragainstAmiralMuminin,sinceitwasbothofyouwhohelpedeachotheragainsthis brother,theMessengerofAllah,untilyouwerereproachedbytheHolyQur'an,"1'Aishahfelt ashamedandexcusedthatthesewomenhaddonethisoutoftheirignorance.Thistraditiongives aclearideaaboutthesagacityandwisdomofLadyZaynabwhoparticipatedinthedefenseof Islamwithherfatherandbrothers. ____________ 1Thestoryof'AishahandHafsah'shavinghatchedplotsagainsttheHolyProphet(s)isvery famous,sinceitismentionedintheHolyqur'anindetails.seeallbooksoftafsirregardingthe surahofalTahrim. ThefollowingtraditionisrecordedinalTirazalMudhahhabasqoutedfromNasikhalTawarikh: OneofthemiraclesoftheHoleyProphet(s)wasthatheusedtoputhistongueinthemouthsof Fatimah'ssuklingchildrenandtheyweresatiated.ZaynabandUmmuKulthumwereengagedin thisvirtuebesidesalHasanandalHusayn.ThisisinfactasufficienthonorforLadyZaynab. ThefollowingisrecordedinBiharalAnwar,asqoutedfromMa'anialAkhbar:Muhammadibn 'ImranaskedImamJa'faral'Sadiq(a)whetheritistruethattheHolyProphet(s)hadsaidthat becauseFatimahguardedherchastity,AllahshallforbidHelltotakeherprogeny.ImamalSadiq (a)said,"yet,itis,HerprogenyarealHasan,alHusayn,Zaynab,andUmmuKulthum."The previousareonlysmallexcerptsofthetraditionsinwhichLadyZaynabismentioned.Ithasbeen alreadymentionedthatsheherselfwasatrustworthynarratorofprophetictraditionsand Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

incidentsthatshelivedorheardfromhermother.

TraditionsofLadyZaynab ThemostfamousnarrationofLadyZaynabwashermother'saddressofFadak.IbnAbualHadid, inSharhNahjalBalaghah.reportstheaddressfromalseriesofnarratorsallrelatetoladyZaynab inmorethanonewayofnarration.'Abdullahibn'AbbasalsorelatestheaddresstoLadyZaynab.1 Shealsonarratedherfather'slastwordstohertwobrothersandhisinstructionshowtowashhis deadbodyandwheretoburyhim. ShealsonarratedthestoryofImamalHusayn'sbirth,asquotedfromhermother(a).2 ShealsonarratedthestoryoftheHeavenlyFoodthatLadyFatimahalZahra'prayedtotheLord togivehersoastoserveittoherfather.3 Shealsonarratedthefamousstoryofhermother'sprayertothebelieverssayings,"neighbors shouldbeprecededtothefamilymembers."4 Shealsonarratedtohernephew,ImamZaynal'AbidinthewordsoftheHolyProphetaboutwhat theywouldfaceafterhim.5Inthesamemanner, shenarratedherfather'sconfirmationofUmmuAyman'snarrationinthesamerespect. ____________ 1SeeAbualFarajalIsfahani,alAghani. 2SeealKhazzaz,KifayatalAthar. 3See'ImaduddinmuhammadibnAlialTusi,ThaqibalManqib. 4SeeShaykhAhmadZaynuddinalIhsa'ie,alMajami'. 5SeeIbnQawlawayh,KamilalZiyarah. HORRIFYINGEVENTS LadyZaynablivedunderthecustodyofhergrandfather,ProphetMuhammad(s),foraperiodof herearlylife.Duringthisperiod,shewassotranquilandatease,forheusedtorecieveherwith hospitalityandhonor.Herparents,too,showedhersympathy,loveandcordiality.Shealsosaw thegreattriumphsofIslamandthedefeatsofitsenemies.Themostsignificantthing,however, thatLadyZaynabnoticedinherchildhoodwastheProphet'sspecialcareforherparentsand brothers.1 Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Sherealizedthefactthatsuchcareandspecialtreatmentwasnotmereemotionorpersonal view.Itwasoriginatedfromdivineinstructionstoexpressappreciationfortheperfectfeatures thoseindividualsenjoyedandtoexpresstheirworthinessofbeingtheleadersoftheIslamic ummah.ThesewerethehappiestdaysinthelifeofLadyZaynab. ____________ 1ProphetMuhammad(s)referredtohishouseholdinalmosteveryoccasionandsituation.He instructedMuslimstofollowandtakethemastheonlyguides,sincedeviationwouldsurelyoccur whentheircourseisleft.Inotherwords,ProphetMuhammad(s)presentedhishouseholdasthe oneandonlysourceofguidaceandattainingAlmightyAllah'ssatifaction.Thefollowingnarration, forexample,isrecordedinalTabari'sDhakha'iral'Uqba;24,Majma'alZawa'id;9:169,Ansabal Ashraf;1:157,andmanyotherreferencebooksofHadith:ProphetMuhammad(s)said:"Thelike ofmyhousehold(AhlulBayt)amongyou(i.e.theMuslims)isNoah'sArk;anyonewhoembarks thatarkwillcertainlybesaved,butanyonewholeavesitwillcertainlydrown.Also,thelikeofmy householdamongyouistheGateofForgivenessfortheIsraelites;anyonewhoentersfromthat gatewillbeforgiven." Nevertheless,thathappinessdidnotcontinue;ProphetMuhammad(s)feltdeathapproaching him,andtoldhisdaughteraboutit.1Thisnewsspreadgriefandfeelingssadnessoverthe Prophet'sfamilyaswellasMuslimswhohadtothinkofanewlifeemptyoftheirleaderand Prophet. LADYZAYNAB'SDREAM Once,LadyZaynabsawinsleepsomethinghorrible;soshehurriedtohergrandfathertotellher dream.TheProphet(s)seatedherinhislap,kissedherrepeatedly,andaskedhertotellher dream.Shebegan:"Lastnight,Isawasifaviolentwindmadeeverybodylookblackanddark. Hence,Irantowardsagreattreeandhangedstronglytoitsleavessothatthewindwouldnot takemeaway.Thewingunfortunatelytoreoutthattree,butthewindcutitoff.So,Ihangedto another,butthewindcutitoff.soIhangedtoanother,butthewindalsobrokeit.Ithenhurried tohangtooneoftwoleavesfromthattree,butthestormywindbrokeit.Ithenwokeup." Asheheardthedream,theProphet(s)burstintotearsandsaid,explainingherdream: "Thetreeisyourgrandfather.Thefirstbranchisyourmotherandtheotherisyourfather.The twootherbranchesareyourbrothers,alHasanandalHusayn.Theworldwillbeblackenedwhen theyleaveit,andyouwillputonmourningdressfortheirmisfortunes."2 THEFAREWELLPILGRIMAGE Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

WhentheProphet(s)realizedthathewouldsoondepartlife,hedecidedtoholdapublicmeeting withMuslimsandnominatetheauthotitiesandleaderswhowouldleadthemafrerhim.Forthat verypurpose,theProphet(s)performedhisfinalHajj(ritualpilgrimage),whichwascalledthe FarewellPilgrimage.Hetookfromoneplacetoanother ____________ 1SeeIbnShahrashub'sManaqibAl(i)AbuTalib;1:167. 2SeealTirmidhi'salSahih;2:308. amongMuslimssoastoleadthemtothesourcesofsalvationandguidethemtotheleaders whomtheyshouldfollowafterhim.Herepeatedlysaid:"OPeople,Ihaeleftamongyouthetwo preciousthngs;theBookofAllahandmyprogenymyhousehold."1TheProphet(s)thenstoped nearWellZamzamanddeliveredagreatspeechinwhichhereferredtoallthefieldsthatpeople needafterhim.Regardingtheleadershipoftheummah,he(s)declaredopenly: "Iamleavingamongyouthatwhichwillsaveyoufromdevitationforeverifyouonlyadhereto: theBookofAllahandmyprogenymyhousehold.HaveIconveyed(toyouthismatter)? Inonevoice,alltheonehundredthousandattendantsshouted:"Yes,youhave."2Afterhehad accomplishedtheritualofhisfinalHajj,ProphetMuhammad(s)receivedfromtheheavenesa missiveinstructinghimtonominateImam'Aliashissuccessorandasageneralauthorityforthe ummah.ThemissivewasAlmightyAllah'ssaying:OApostle!Deliverwhathasbeenrevealedto youfromyourLord;andifyoudoitnot,thenyouhavenotdeliveredHismessage,andAllahwill protectyou. ____________ 1SeealYa'qubi'salTarikh;2:912. 2SeealGhadir;2:34. fromthepeople;surelyAllahwillnotguidetheunbelievingpeople.(5:67)1Hence,heorderedthe caravansofhepilgrimstogatherinaplacecalled'GhadirKhumm'.Itwassohotthatmenhadto puttheground'sheat.Insuchasituation,heledacongregationalprayerandaskedhis companionstomakeapulpitlikepeak.hetoweredoveritanddeliveredthemostimportant speechinthelivesofallMuslims.Themostimportantpieceofthatspeechwasthathetook Imam'Ali(a)fromthehand,raisedhimasmuchashecould,anddeclaredopenlyandfrankly: "'Alishallbelthemasterofhimwhoeverhastakenmeasmaster.OAllah,(IimploretoYouto) accedetohimwhoeveraccedesto'Ali,lovehimwhoeverloves'Ali,hateshimwhoeverhates'Ali, givevictorytohimwhoeversupports'Ali,disappointhimwhoeverdisappoints'Ali,anddirectthe righttothedirectionthat'Alitakes.ItisobligatoryupontheAttendantstoconveythisinstruction Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

totheabsent."2AstheProphet(s)conveyedhisLord'smissivesocompletely,theLordreveal, "ThisdayhaveIperfectedforyouyourreligionandcompletelyMyfavoronyouandchosenfor youIslamasareligion."(5:3)3 ____________ 1SeealWahidi'sAsbabalNuzul,alRazi'salTafsir,andmanyotherbooksoftafsir(exegesisof theHolyQur'an). 2SeeAhmadibnHanbal'salMusnad;4:281. 3SeealKhatibalBaghdadi'sTarikhBaghdad;8:29,alSuyuti'saldurralManthur,andmany otherreferencebooksofhistoryandHadith. Fromherearlylife,LadyZaynabrealizedthePropht'sinstructionandtheummah'shomagetoher father,Imam'Ali(a).Shealsorealizedthattheleadershipofherfatherwasadivineinstruction and,hence,wasapillarpartofthereligion. THEPROPHET'SFINALDISEASE AshewasbackfromtheFarewellPilgrimage,theHolyProphet(s)feltsick.Hewasattackedbya veryviolentfeverthatobligedhimtostayatbed.WhenMuslimsheardofthisbadnews,they hastenedtovisithimingroups.HeusedtoinstructthemnottoleavetheleadershipofImam'Ali (a)afterhisdeparture.1BecausetheissueofImam'Ali'snextleadershipwasthemostimportant, theProphet(s)repeatedlyfocusedonitineverysituation.Heusedtosay: 'AliismostcertainlywiththeQur'anandtheQur'anismostcertainlywith'Ali.Theyshallnever leaveeachotheruntiltheyjoinmeontheDivinePool.2Asheanticipatedviolationofthisdecision afterhisdeath,theProphet(s)orderedtheindividualsundersuspicion3tojoinaphalanxand traveltoSyriainamilitarycampaignsoastoavoidtheirrebellionafterhisdeath.4Those individualshoweverunderstoodtheProphet'spurpose;therfore,theydecidedtorebelagainsthis instructionsandrefusetojointhatcampaign.Despitehis ____________ 1SeeAhmadHusaynYa'qub'sTheConceptionoftheSahaba'sUltimateDecencyandthePolitical AuthorityinIslam;translatedbybadrShahin,PublishedbyAnsariayanPublicationQum,1998. 2SealSawaiqalMuhriqah;124. 3AbuBakr,'UmaribnalKhattab,Abu'UbaydahibnalJarrahwerethemajorindividualswhom theProphet(s)askedinsistentlytojointhatmilitarycampaign,Yet,theylateronbecamethe leadersoftherebellion. 4SeealMuttaqialHindi'sKenzal'Ummal;5:312,IbnSa'd'salTabaqat;4:46,andTarikhal Khamis;2:46. illness,theProphet(s)wentout,ascendedtheminbar1,orderedhiscompanionstojointhat Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

campaign,and,finally,cursedeveryonewhowouldbreakthisorder.2Thisstrongthreatmade theviewveryclearforthoseindividualswhodideverythingtoavoidleavingMedinaonthese days. THECALAMITYOFTHURSDAY Asasecond,morelongestablished,attempttofrustratetheconspirators'wickedplots,the Prophet(s),whilehewasinhisfinalhoursencompassedbyhiscompanionsamongwhomwere theconspirators,askedthemtofetchhimaninkwellandpensoastorecordforthemhislast, mostimportantwill.Heinstructedthatthewillshouldsavethemfromgoingastrayforever.3The conspiratorsundrestoodtheProphet'sintention;so,theyarousedastormofnoisesome supportedtheProphet'sdemandwhileothersrejectedtenaciously.Itwassostrangefromsuch individualswhorealizedtherealityoftheProphet(s)whowouldneverspeakoutofdesire,4to stopagainsthislastwill.Someladieswhoknewaboutthismatterhurriedtoreproachthose individualsforsuchdisgracefuldaretochallengetheProphet'sorders.Thepartywhosupported theProphet'sdemandwasabouttowin,butsomeone(namely,'UmaribnalKhattab)intruded hastilytodeclarehisdisastrousword:"TheProphetishallucinating!"5 ____________ 1Minbarisasmallsetofstepsinamosquefromwhichspeechesaredelivered. 2SeealSirahalHalabiyyah;3:34. 3ThisfamousincidentwasrecordedinthemostreliablebooksofhadithoftheSunnis,suchas alBukhari'salSahih,Muslim'salSahih,alTabarani'salMu'jamalAwsat,andmanyothers. 4ReferringtoProphetMuhammad(s),AlmightyAllahsays(53:25):"Yourcompaniondoesnot err,nordoeshegoastray;nordoeshespeakoutofdesire.Itisnaughtbutrevelationthatis revealed." 5SeeIbnAbi'lHadid'sSharh(u)NahjalBlaghah;3:114. ThisincidentwasthemostcalamitousintheIslamichistory.'Abdullahibn'Abbas,thegrand authorityoftheIslamicummah,usedtoweepwheneverhementionedthisincident.hecalledit 'TheCalamityofThursday'.1LadyZaynab,watchingtheseevents,realizedthepurposesofthose individualswhoaimedattakingherfatherawayfromthepositionthatAlmightyAllahand ProphetMuhammad(s)choseforhim.Thisincident,however,ledtootheradversitiesoneof whichwasthatofKarbala. LADYFATIMAHALZAHRA'SGRIEF LadyFatimahalZahra(a)wasthemostgrievousforherfather'sdisease.Shesatbyhimwitha hearttornbygriefandpainasifshewastheonewhosufferedagoniesofdeath.2Seeinghis daughteranddearestonetohisheartinsuchamanner,theHolyProphet(s)triedtoentertain Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

herandalleviatehergriefs.Hence,hesaidtohersomethingconfidentially.Sheburstintotears. He(s)thensaidsomethingelse,alsoconfidentally,butthistimeshesmiled. When'Aishah,theprophet'swife,askedLadyFatimah(a)aboutthesecretbeyondhertearsand smile,sheturnedherfaceanddidnottellher.She,however,toldsomerighteusladiesaboutthe matter.Shesaid:"Inthefirsttime,myfather(s)toldmethathewouldsoondepartlife.Thisnews mademebreakintotears.Inthesecondtime,hetoldmethatIwouldbethefirsttojoinhimto theheavens.HealsotoldthatIamtheChiefessoftheWomenofthisummah.Thisnews gladdenedme."3LadyZaynabtoodpartinhermother'sgriefandpains.Shewassadforher motherandgrandfather. ____________ 1ThoughallreferencebooksofHadithhaverecordedthisincident,mostofthenrefusedto mentionthenameoftheonewhosaidthatcalamitousstatementopenly. 2SeeAhmadibnHanbal'salMusnad;1:355. 3SeeBaqirSharifalQarashi'sHayatalImamalHasan;1:113. Inhisfinalmoment,theHolyProphet(s)supplicatedtoAlmightyAllahtobethecustodianofhis householdandtomaketheheartofeverybelievingmanandwomantoburntothem. Inhisfinalmomentstoo,heaskedtheattendantstoattendtohishouseholdandprogeny: "IhaveleftamongyoutheBookofAllahandmyprogenymyhousehold.TowastetheBookof Allahisassameaswastingmyprogeny.The(theBookofAllahandtheAhlalBayt)shallnever leaveeachotheruntiltheyjoinmeontheDivinePool."1 PROPHETMUHAMMADDEPARTSLIFE Thus,theProphet(s)tookhislastbreathesfromthisworldanddepartedlifewhilehewasinthe lapofImam'Ali(a).2Then,Imampreparedforthefuneralcereminieswhilehewasvery thouched.HebathedtheProphet'sdeadbody,putitinthecoffin,offeredtheDeceasedPrayer, andallowedMuslimstoofferprayersforthebody,saying:"Peace,Allah'smercy,andblessingbe uponyou,Prophetofmercy.OAllah,wedeclarehonestlythathehasconveyedtohisnation everythingthatwasrevealedtohimandhefoughtforAllah'ssakeuntilAlmightyAllahreinforced HisreligionandaccomplishedHisWord.OAllah,guideustofollowthatwhichwasrevealedto him,makeuscontinueonthiscourse,andjoinustohim."3 ____________ 1SeealKhawarizmi'salManqib:1:114. 2SeealMuttaqiaHindi'sKenzal'Ummal;2:55,IbnSa'd'salTabaqat,andmanyotherreference Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

booksofhistory. 3SeealMuttaqialHindi'sKenzal'Ummal;4:54. Thereafter,Imam'Ali(a)puttheholybodyoftheProphet(s)inthetombandstoodattheedgeof thetombsheddingtearsandutteringwordsofgrief.ThesaddestindividualwasLadyFatimahal Zahra(a)whowasabouttolosehersoulbecauseofgriefandbitterweeping.Insuchhorrible hours,sheusedtosay: "Ofather,OMessengerofAllah,OProphetofMercy.Fromnowon,theheavenlyrevelationwill cease.Fromnowon,Gabrielwillnotvisitus.OAllah,(IimploretoYouto)joinmysoultohisand havemercyuponmebylettingmeseehisface.OAllah,Iimploretoyounottodeprivemeofhis recompenseandintercessionontheDayofResurrection."1BythedemiseofProphetMuhammad (s),hishouseholdwerecompassedbywavesofsadnessandgrief.Besides,theyweresurrounded bywavesofhorrorandfear,sincetheyanticipatedthattheArabswouldinjurethemsoasto revengethemselvesontheProphet(s)whocausedmourningineveryhouse.Inthisregard,Imam Ja'faralSadiq(a)said: "WhentheHolyProphet(s)departedlife,hishouseholdfeltasiftheywereshelterless;nothing, eventheheavens,wouldprotectthemfromabove,andnothing,eventheearth,wouldprotect themfrombeneath."LadyZaynab,whileshewasinherearlylife,sufferedbitterlythisgrand misfortuneandhadtoencounteritseffects.Shewasonlyfiveyearsoldwhenthisadversity invadedheryouthfulheart;shesawherbelovedgrandfatherdepartthemforever,sawherfather swallowgriefbecauseoflosinghiscousin,andsawhermothermournandweepforherfather's departuresoapprehensively.ThatdayinfactwasthebeginingofLadyZaynab'sgriefsand sufferance. ____________ 1SeeTarikhalKhamis;2:192.

TheCaliph'sReigns TheHolyQur'anhasdepictedadeptlythetragedythatinflictedtheIslamicummahbecauseofthe absenceofProphetMuhammad(s),yetnooneelsecandepictsuchavision.ListentotheHoly Qur'an(3:144) Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

AndMuhammadisnomorethananapostle;thetheapostleshavealredypassedawaybefore him;ifthenhediesoriskilledwillyouturnbackuponyourheels?Andwhoeverturnsbackupon hisheelwillbynomeansdoharmtoAllahintheleast,andAllahwillrewardthegrateful.Infact, themostdisastroustragedythatinflictedtheIslamicummahaftertheProphet'sdemisewas takingtheProphet'sHouseholdawayfromthepolitcalfieldsandgivingtheleadershiptoother unworthyindividuals.BesidesthemanyadversitiesthattheIslamicummahhasbeensuffering becauseoftheseprocedures,thismatterresultedinsavagelywithMuslimsingeneralandthe Prophet'sHouseholdinparticular,Infewwords,theplotoftakingImam'Aliawayfromthe leadershipwasthemajorreasonbeyondslayingtheProphet'sHouseholdandthegenuine companionsinKarbalaatthehandsoftheUmayyadarmy. Theeventsthatoccurredduringthereignofthefirstthreecaliphshadleftclearprintsonthelife ofLadyZaynab.Letusthenreferbrieflytotheseevents. THEPLOTOFALSAQIFAH whileProhetMuhammad'sdeadbodyhadnotbeenburiedyet,someindividualsfromtheAnsar1 hurriedtoholdasecretcongressinSaqifahshedofBanuSaidahforproposingoneofthemfor theleadshipoftheIslamicummahbecausetheyanticipatedthattheMuahjirun2wouldseize power.Sa'dibn'Ubadah,thechiefofalKhazrajtribe,deliveredaspeechinwhichheapplauded theAnsar'sstruggleforsakeofIslamandthattheywouldbeworthierofleadingtheIslamic ummahthanthetribesofQurayshwhoantagonizedtheProphet(s)andtriedtoassassinatehim. AnotherchieffromtheAnsar,namelyalHabbabibnalMundhir,deliveredaspeechinwhichhe warnedhispeoplefromthepeopleofQurayshandadvisedthemtogivethepeopleofQuraysha shareinpowerbecauseheanticipatedthatthedescendantsofthosewhosefathers,sons,and brotherswerekilledduringtheProphet'scampaignswouldcometopowerandrevenge themselvesontheAnsar. Unfortunately,theanticipationofalHabbabibnalMundhircametrue;whenMu'awiyahibnAbu Sufyan,whoserelativeswerekilledbythosewhodefendedIslamduringthePropht'scampaigns, cametopower,heintentionallyhumiliatedtheAnsarandspreadpovertyamongthem,Hisson, Yazid,madewhatisworse;heusurpedtheirproperties,shedtheirblood,andabusedtheir honors. SUDDENARRIVALOFTHEMUHAJIRUN WhiletheAnsarwerediscussingtheaffairsofthenextleadership,theyweresurprisedbythe arrivalofAbuBakr,'UmaribnalKhattab,Abu'UbaydahibnalJarrah,Salim, ____________ Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

1TheAnsarsupportersarepeopleofalMadinah(formerlyYathrib)whosupportedtheProphet (s)andtheemigrantsofMeccaaftertheyhadtoleavetheirhomecountry. 2theMuhajirunemigrantsarepeopleofMeccawhohadtoleavetheirhomecountryaftertheir peoplehadtreatedthemsoseverelybecausetheyembracedIslam. andothersfromtheMuhajirun.Despitesecrecyoftheircongress,theAnsarwererevealedandall theirplotsfailed.Takingadvantageofthesituation,AbuBakrdeliveredasmoothtonguedspeech inwhichhereferredtothemuhajirunastheforemostinembracinganddefendingIsalm.hethen offeredthepositionofvizieratetotheAnsarandkeptthepositionofleadershiptohispeopleand him.Inhisspeech,AbuBakrkidnotrefertothedeathofProphetMuhammad(s)ortotheAhlal Bayt(a).Heshouldatleast,havedemandswithpostponingthatcongresssometimebecausethe Prophet'sholybodyhadnotbeenburiedyet.HealsoshouldhavereferredtotheProphet's repetitiveinstructionofnominatingImam'Aliashimsuccessorandrepresentative. However,hispartyhurriedtosupporthimandpayhomagetohimasthenextleader.'Umaribn alKhattab,byusinghisfamousstickandtoughstyle,playedthegreatestroleinthisplay.Infact, theydidtheirrolessosuccessfullybecausetheirplothadbeenalreadyknownandagreedupon. OmittinganyparticipationinthefuneralceremoniesoftheProphet(s),thepartyofAbuBakr carriedhimtotheProphet'sMasjidinprocessionlikeabride. IMAM'ALIANDTHEILLEGALHOMAGE Whenheheardoftheirplots,Imam'AliAmiralMu'mininrefusedtopayhomagetotheillegal governmentofAbuBakr,becauseheconsideredthismatterasflagrantviolationofhisright, Imam'Ali'spositioninrelationtotheleadershipoftheIslamicummahisassameastheposition oftheaxisinrelationtothehandmill.Thefloodwaterflowsdownfromhimandthebirdcannot flyuptohim.1HoweverAbuBakrandhispartyagreeduponcoercingImam'Alitopayhomageby anymeans.Theythereforesenttheirforces ____________ 1ThisistheexpressionthatImam'Ali(a)himselfusedconcerningtheusurpationoftheposition thatAlmightyAllahandProphetMuhammad(s)choseforhim.SeeNahjalBalaghag;sermonof alShaqshaqiyyahNo.3. toarresthimathomeandbringhimoutforcibly.TheImam'sclaimsagainstthemweresostrong andeffectivethattheycouldnotsayanythinglogictohim.1Hethencamebackhomewithout payinghomagetoAbuBakr.Athome,manywavesofgriefandsorrowsurroundedtheImam whoserightwasusurpedbeforehiseyes.Thesamewavescoveredhisfamilymembersamong whomwasthelittleZaynabwhosawherfatherresistgriefandoptforpatience,andsawher motherweepforherfather'sdepartureandherhusband'sgrievance. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

 STRICTPROCEDURESAGAINSTTHEAHLALBAYT AshefailedtocoerceImam'Alitopayhomagetohim,AbuBakrresortedtoanumberof shamefulmeans,hopingtheywouldobligetheImam(a)torenouncehisright.Theyfirstcanceled theKhums(Onefifth)taxthatAlmightyAllahgaveexclusivelytoProphetMuhammadandhis family(a).AbuBakrthenimposedaneconomicblockadeontheProphet'sHouseholdby confiscatingtheirpropertiesandcountingthemonthepublictreasurysothattheywouldnotbe abletorevoltagainsthisillegalgovernment.HealsocondiscatedthelandofFadak,whichthe Prophet(s)giftedtohisdaughter,LadyFatimahalZahra'(a),inparticularbeforetheveryeyesof allMuslims,includingAbuBakrhimself..2 LadyFatimahalZahrawasveryangrywiththebehaviorsofAbuBakrwholockedinherfaceall spacesoflife.Accompaniedbyanumberofpiouswomen,sheenteredthesessionofAbubakrin herfather'sMasjidwheremanymenfromtheMuhajirunandtheAnsarwerepresent.Whena screenwasputbetweenherandtheattendants,LadyFatimahalZahra(a),first,moanedso patheticallythat ____________ 1SeeIbnQutayba'salImamahwaalSiyasah;1:112. 2Fordetails,SeeFadakinHistory,bySayyidMuhammadBaqiralSadr,translatedby'Abdullahal Shahin,PublishedbyAnsariyanPublicationsQum,2002. everybodyshouldnotresistweeping.Shethendeliveredanastoundingspeech;shefirstreferred totheIslamicknowledge,philosopheyoftheIslamiclaws,andthentookupsomeimportant issues.Shementionedherfather'sgreatfavorsonthosepeopleswho,beforehim,hadlivedin dimnesofignorance,incivility,andhumiliation.Shealsoreferredtothevirtueandprecedenceof hercousinandhusband,Imam'Ali,andhisstruggleforsakeofIslamwhileotherslivedinluxury anddidnotexertasingleeffortinthisregard.Beforeenteringuponthemainissue,LadyFatimah alZahra(a)expressedhergreatsorrowforthecurrentdeviatonandperversionthatinflictedthe Islamicummah,andpredictedtheummah'simminentcollapseandincurrenceofadversitiesand misfortunesbecauseoftakingawaytheAhlalBayt(a)fromthepositionsthatalmightyAllahand HisApostlechoseforthem. Shethencitedthequestionofdeprivingherofherfather'sheritagebygivingexamplesfromthe HolyQaur'anandtheIslamiclawsinthisregard. Inpointoffact,LadyFatimahalZahra'(a)disprovedtheclaimsofAbuBakrsounquestionably thatnobodycouldanswerher.Shethenputbeforehiseyesthebitterfuturethathewouldmost certainlyencounterwhenheshallbejudgedbyAlmightyAllahandHisProphet(s). Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

 ShethenaddressedtotheMuslims,attemptingtoawakentheirdeterminationsfordemanding withherrightandrevoltingagainsttheillegalgovernment.However,shekewthattheyweretoo weaktobestirredupbyanywordofanysituation.atanyrate,thespeechisregardedasthemost impressiveinnovativespeechthroughouthistoryofhumankind.Duetohiscraftiness,AbuBakr couldcontainthesituation,whichwasabouttobeexplode,byusingan ____________ 1SeeA'lamalNisa;3:208andBalaghatalNisa;129. amazingdiplomacy;heansweredLadyFatimahalZahra'(a)withwordsofwelcomeandhonoring. Healsoloweredhimselfbeforeherandshowedthatthosestrictprocedureshadnotbeenhisown opinion.yet,theyhadbeentheMuslims'decisions.Inabstract,norationalindividualcanexcuse AbuBakrwho,inadditiontodressinghimselfwiththepositionofleadershipoftheIslamic ummah,confiscatingtheProphet'sheritage,seizingFadakandotherpersonalproperties,and imposinganeconomicalblockadeontheProphet'sfamily,liedverymuchwhenhefabricatedlies againsttheHolyProphet(s)1andwhenhetoldthatallMuslimsdecidedtodepriveImamAli(a)of hisrightofleadrship. LadyZaynab,witnessingalltheseevents,undrestoodtherealityofthoseindividualswhocaused troubles,pains,andgrieftohermother.ItisworthmentioningthatLadyZaynab,whileshewas onlyfiveyearold,memorizedhermother'slongandeloquentspeech.Shewasthemajornarrator ofthatspeech.Thisisinfactaclearsignofherextraordinarygenius. REJECTEDAPOLOGIES AbuBakrand'UmartriedtopleaseLadyFatimahalZahra'(a)inanyway,butsherefusedto recievethem.TheythendirectedtowardsImam'Aliandbeggedhimtoarrangeameetingwith her.TheImamdidandladyFatimah(a)permittedthem.Whentheybothsatbeforeher,she turnedherfaceawayfromthem.Theythenapologizedforher,butsheaskedthem: ____________ 1AbuBakrclaimedthathehadheardProphetMuhammad(s)saying:"We,theprophets,donot leaveheritages.Anythingthatweleavemustberegardedasalms."LadyFatimahalZahra'(a), however,provedthefalsityofthisclaimthroughmanyQur'anicVersesandrationalevidences. Formoredetails,seeFakadinHistory,bySayyidMuhammadBaqiralSadr. "NowifItellyousomethingsaidbytheProphetofAllah(s),willyouacceptandfollowit.""Of coursewewill,"answeredthey. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Sheasked,"IaskyoubyAllah,youhaveheardtheProphetofAllah(s)say:'TopleaseFatimahis mypleasureandtoenrageherismyanger.Hence,anyonewholovesmydaughterFatimahhasin factlovedme,anyonepleasesmydaughterFatimahhasinfactpleasedme.'haveyounot?""Yes, wehave,"theyconfirmed,"WehaveheardtheProphetofAllah(s)sayso."Furiously,she addresedtoAbuBakrandhisconpanion:"InowcalluponAllahandHisAnglestowitnessthatyou haveenragedmeandthatyouhaveneverpleasedme.Iwillcertainlycomplainagainstyouas soonasIwillmeettheProphet(s)"1 Moreover,sheaddressedmoreintensewordswhenshesaid,"ByAllahIswearthatIwillinvoke AllahagainstyouineveryprayerIoffer."Hence,AbuBakrandhiscompanionleftwithout obtainingthesatisfactionofLadyFatimahalZahra(a).Naturally,LadyZaynabwhowitnessed theseeventscloselytookthesameattitudeandparticipatedinhermother'srageatAbuBakr. SORROWSOFLADYFATIMAHALZAHRA Sinceherfather'sdemise,LadyFatimahalZahra'(a)didnotliveasinglemomentofhappinessor evenamoderatetemper.Sheusedtoweepdayandnighttothedegreethatsome"powers"in Medinaaskedherhusband,Imam'Ali(a),toforcehertoweepeitherindayofatnight,notin both.ShethereforeusedtotakealHasan,alHusayn,andLadyZaynabtoaplaceoutofMedina andsitunderatreethereto ____________ 1SeeIbnQutayba'salImamahwaalSiyasah;1:14,FirstEdition. weepfreelyasmuchasshecould.Becauseherweepingremindedthemoftheirunjustsituations, theevils'handsextendedtothattree.Hence,shehadtositundersunheatformourningher father.ButitwasveryhardforImam'Ali(a)tolethiswifeandmostbelovedonebeexposedto theheatofthesun.Hethereforehurriedtobuildforherahousehecalled'BaytalAhzan'(House ofGriefs)sothatshewouldtakeforweepingandmourningherfather(s).Thus,she,accompanied byhersonsanddaughter,usedtositatthatgloomyhousealltheday,andtheImam(a)usedto takethembackhomewhennightwouldfall.Heronlysourceofpleasurewasvisitingherfather's tomb;shewantedtogothere,throwherselfonthetomb,andcomplainaboutwhathad happenedtoherafterhisdeparture.1 DEMISEOFLADYFATIMAH Asgriefprevailedinhersoul,theProphet'sdaughterlostallherpowers;shecouldhardlystand upanddoherdailyactivities.LadyZaynabwashelpinghermotherasmuchasshecould.Shefelt hergriefs,offeredtoaidher,andstoppedwithher.Nevertheless,herhealthwasdeclining,her bodywasexposedtoillnesses,andshehadtostayinbed.Once,someladiesvisitedher.witha Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

faint,sorrowfulvoice,sheanswered:"IhavehatedthisworldandIwillbehappyonlyifIdepart you.IwillmeetAllahandHisProphet(s)withnumeroussadnesses;myrightshavebeenviolated, myrelationshiptotheProphet(s)hasnotbeenrespected,hiswillconcerningmehasnotbeen regarded,andnobodyhasconsideredmysanctity."2Likearoselosingitsbloom,theProphet's daughterbegantowither,anddeathwalkedtoherinspeedystepswhileshewasinthevigorof youth. ____________ 1SeeIbnShahrashub'salManaqib;2:131. 2SeealYa'qubi'salTarikh;2:95. WhenImam'Ali(a)attendedaccordingtoherrequest,shetoldhimaboutherwill,whichincluded manypointsthemostimportantofwhichwerethat(1)herholybodymustbeburiedatthe darkesthourofnight,(2)thosewhoaggreived,wronged,andviolatedherrightsmustnever participateinherfuneralceremonies,and(3)hertombmustnotbeknownbyanybodysothat herissueandgrievanceswouldbeobjectsofwondermenttothecominggenerations. TheImamleftherafterhehadguranteedforherallthesematterswhilehewassinkingin sadness.Shealsoaskedherdaughter,LadyZaynab,todosomethingpropheticinthefutureina certainsituation.Thedaughterpromisedhermotherthatshewoulddo.ShethenaskedAsma bint'Umaystomadeforherabedsteadthatwouldhideherpurebody.1Onthelastdayofher life,ladyfatimahalZahra(a)seemedtobeinabetterstate;becausesherealizedthatshewould verysoonjoinherfather,shewasglad.Shewashedhersons,madefoodforthem,andasked themtovisittheirgrandfather'stomb.Shethenlookedatthemsodeeply,turnedtoLadyZaynab, andlookedatherthesamelook. ShethenaskedAsmatofetchhersomewater,thendressofmourning,thenputherbedatthe middleofthehouse.AsmaknewthatthesewerethelastmomentsofLadyFatimahalZahra'slife; therefore,shebecameastounded.Afterward,LadyFatimahalZahra(a)begantoreciteversesof theHolyQur'anuntilherholysoulascendedtotheheavenstomeetherfather(s)afterwhomshe hatedtheworldlylife.AsLadyZaynab'seyesfellonthemotionlessbodyofhermother,shebegan towailandcryoutingrief.AssoonasalHasanandalHusaynknewabouttheirmother'sdeath, theythrewthemselvesonherbodyandwept.ButAsmaaskedthemtogototheMasjidandtell theirfatheraboutthisheartbreakingnews. ____________ 1SeealHakim'salMustadrak;3:162. Whentheirfatherheard,hefeltasifhishearthadcleftandwishedifhehaddepartedlife.He hurriedtothehousewithtearyeyes,lookedatthedeadbodyandsaidwordsfullofsufferings. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Besidethebody,therewasLadyZaynabcryingoutingriefaftershehadlostallhopes.Forachild, nothingismoredifficultthandepartingmotherforever. TheImamaskedSalman(thePersian)toinformthewordlesspeoplewhofatheredatthedoor thatthefuneralshouldbeatnight.NobodywasallowedtoseethedeadbodyofLadyFatimahal Zahra(a)even'A'ishah,theProphet'swidow.1Whenthebigpartofthatnightwentby,Imam'Ali (a)washedpurebodywhilethetwosons,thedaughter,andAsmawerelookingwithtearyeyes andbrokenhearts.Hethenputthebodyinthecoffinandaskedhischildrentotakethelastlook attheirmother.Theyhencethrewthemselvesontheirmother'sbody.Whenonlyafewhours remaindfromthatnight,theImam(a)offeredtheDeceasedPrayertothedeadbody,carrieditto thefinalrestingplacewiththehelpofthechiceones,suchasSalmanandsomeHashemitemen, putitinthegrave,heapeddust,andwipedouttheplaceofthegrave.TheImam'stearswetted thedustwhilehewasreferringtohiswife,LadyFatimahalZahratheVeracious(a),withwords thatexpressedhisdeepsadnessandgreatsufferng.2 TheImam(a)thenreturnedhometoparticipateinhischildren'sweepingfortheirmother.Thus, sadnessandpaincoloredthechildhoodofLadyZaynabwholosthergrandfather(s),the compassionate,then,onlyafewweekslater,hertendermother.Whileshewasinsuchanearly age,LadyZaynabrealizedthemajorgoalsthatmadethosepeopleoppresshermotherandviolate ____________ 1SeeIbnShahrashub'salManaqib;3:365. 2SeeNahjalBalaghah;commentaryofMuhammad'Abduh,2:207. herrights.Shethereforedecidedtofollowhermother'scourseandneversuccumbtothetyrants andtheillegalrulersoftheIslamicummah.

Umar'sReign Afterabouttwoyearsofruling,diseasesurroundedAbuBakrwhonominated'Umaribnal KhattabashissuccessorthoughmanycelebratedpersonalitiesoftheIslamicStateobjectedthis matterandcomplainedabout'Umar'srudness.Nevertheless,AbuBakrdidnotrespondtosuch protestandwentonstressinghisunjustifiabledicision.1ThemostdistinctivefeatureofAbuBakr's reignwaspersecutingtheProphet'sfamilyanddivestingthemoftheirsacrednessthatthe Prophet(s),duetoadivineinstruction,castonthem.Thismatterinfactopenedthedoortothe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

illegalrulerswhoreignedtheIslamicummahillegallytopersecutethemandtreatthemseverely. ThismeansthaAbuBakrgavegreenlighttotheUmayyadrulerstoperpetratethemassacreof KarbaladuringwhichImamalHusayn,alongwithhisrelativesandvirtuouscompanions,wasslain andhispurebodywasseveredsocrudely,andhisharem,headedbyLadyZaynab,weretakenas captivesfornothingbuttheirbeingtheAhlalBayt(s). AfterAbuBakr'sdeath,'UmarheldtheaffairsoftheIslamicummahwithanironhand.Hisruling wassorudethateventhemajorcompanionsoftheProphet(s),suchas"Abdullahibn'Abbas, keptthemselvesawayfromhim.2InthesamewayashedidduringAbuBakr'sreign,Imam'Ali(a), thetrueleaderoftheIslamicummah,isolatedhimselffromthesocialandpoliticallifeduring 'Umar'sreign,Infact,theytriedtheirbesttokeephimawayfromanyaffairrelatedtotheir government.3 ____________ 1SeeIbnAbi'lHadid,Sharh(u)NahjalBalaghah;6:343. 2Formoredetails,see'AbdalHusaynSharafuddin,alNasswaalIjtihad. 3SeeIbnAbi'lHadid'sSharh(u)NahjalBlaghah;9:28. Yet,theyhadtorefertohimineveryproblemtheyfaced.1TheImamthusconfidedhimselftohis housewhilegriefs,bitterness,andgloomwerehisonlycompanions.liketheirfather,Imam'Ali's sonstookpartinthesadnessthatcoveredtheirhouse,andweresoangrywith'Umar.Imamal Husayn(a),once,shoutedat'UmarwhowasclimbingtheProphet'sminbarandaskedhimto descendsincehe'Umarwasunworthyofthatplace.2LadyZaynab,too,hadthesamefeeling towards'Umartowhomshereferredinastatementincludedbyherhistoricalspeechaddressed toYazidinhispalace: "TheonewhoseducedyouandgaveyouthepowerduetowhichyouarerulingovertheMuslims shallcertainlyknow..."Atanyrate,'UmaractedintheIslamicummahaccordingtohispersonal opinions.Forexample,hehatedthePersiansverymuchthatthey,inreturn,havehatedhim.He preventedanyofthemtoenterMedinacity,thecapitalofIslamstate,unlesshewouldbeunder fullage,anddecidedthattheyhavenorighttoinheritexceptthosewhowerebornintheArab lands.3Asaresult,'UmarwasassassinatedbyaPersianslavewhomhehumiliatedandridiculed.4 ____________ 1Fordetails,see,forinstance,QadaalImam'Ali,Infact,allbooksthatdealtwiththeIslamic historyhavementionedmanynarrationsshowing'UmaribnalKhattab'sfrequentreferenceto Imam'Aliineveryproblemhefaced.Moreover,'Umar'sfamoussaying:"Without'Ali,'Umar wouldcertainlyhaveperished,"andmanyotherlikeoneshavebeenmentionedineverybook dealingwith'Umar'sreign. 2SeeBaqirSharifalQarashi'salSayyidahZaynab;114. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

3SeeMalikibnAnas'salMuwatta';2:12. 4SeealMas'udi'sMurujalDhahab;2:212,andalIsti'ab(publishedintheamrginsofalIsabahfi Ma'rifatalsahabah);2:461. Inhisfinaldays,'Umarthoughtforquietawhilewhomshouldheassaignfortheleadershipofthe Islamicummah.Asherecalledhisoldassociateswhoparticipatedactivelyintheimplementation oftheplanoftakingtheProphet'sfamilyawayfromleadership,heshowedsadnessforthem,for deathwrenchedthemaway. Finally,heputameanplotduetowhichImam'AlinamedhisunsubstantiatedplayasShura,He decidedtochoosesixpersonalitieswhoshouldnominateoneofthemforthecaliphate.After 'Umar'sdeath,thesixpersonsheldtheirmeeting.Afterlongdiscussionsanddisputations, 'Uthmanibn'Affan,therepresentativeoftheUmayyaddynasty,wasselectedasthecoming caliph.Fromitsfirstspark,theoneandonlypurposebeyondfabricatingtheemaciatedplayof Shura,alongwithitsfunnystipulationsputby'Umar,wastonominat'Uthmanasthecaliphandto takeImam'Aliawayfromthisposition.'Umar'sShura,infact,broughtaboutseditionsand disorderfortheIslamicummah.ItwasanimportantstepinenablingthemortalenemiesofIslam, theUmayyadfamily,tocometopowerandtakerevengefortheirindiviaualswhomwerekilled duringthebattleofBadratthehandsofImam'Ali,theHashemiteyouths,andthepureMuslims. 'UTHMAN'SREIGN Once'Uthmanheldleadership,theUmayyadandtheAbuMa'it'sfamiliessurroundedhimand controlledontheummah'sdestiny,'Uthmanlovedhisrelatives,theUmayyadfamily,andlost himselfintheloyaltytothem.1Asaresult,alltheofficesofthestatewereintheirhandsandall thefortunesofMuslimsbecametheirsexclusively.Accordingly,disorder,rebellion,andpublic anarchyspreadthroughouttheprovincesofthestate,Moreover,'Uthman ____________ 1SeeAhmadibnHanbal'salMusnad;1;62. persecutedtheforemostMuslimsandtheauthoritiesfortheummah,suchasAbuDharalGhifari, 'AbdullahibnMas'ud,and'AmmaribnYasir,Even'A'ishah,theProphet'swidowandAbuBakr's Daughter,oppesed'Uthman,accusedhimofatheism,andurgedpeopletokillhim.Thematter reacheditsclimaxwhencompleteprovinces,suchasIraqandEgypt,mutinied.Somemilitary phalanxes,aswell,directedtowardsMedina,surrounded'Uthman'shouse,anddemandedwith takingMarwanibnalHakamandtheUmayyadindividualsawayfromthestate'sofficeor abdicatinghisposition. Heinthefirstplace,promisedthemutineershewouldrespondtothem,buthedidnot.They Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

thereforeassassinatedhimsoviolentlyandlefthisdeadbodyinoneofthedunghillsofMedina withoutpermittinganyonetoburyit.However,Imam'Aliaskedthemutineerstoburythedead body,andtheyhadtoaccept.ByclosingthefinalpartofUthman'sreign,anewpageofthe Islamichistorybegan.Withouttheseditionmattersthat'A'ishah,Mu'awiyah,Talhah,andal ZubayrarousedagainstImam'Ali'sgovernment,hisreignwouldhaverectifiedalltheproblems thatthethreecaliphscausedtotheummah. IMAM'ALI'SREIGN Aftertheyhadoverthrown'Uthman'sgovernment,themutineerssurroundedImam'Ali(a)and declaredthattheyunanimouslyselecthimfortheleadershipoftheIslamicummah.Ashe anticipatedthecomingcrises,theImam(a)refused,butthepublicsinsistedanddeclaredthat theywouldnotoptforanyoneelse,andthattheIslamicummahwouldbewithoutleaderifhe wouldrefuse.Thus,theImam(a)hadtoaccept,andthepublicshurriedtopayhomagetohim. Talhah,alZubyr,themilitaryforces,theforemostwarrriorsandauthotitiesofIslam,andallthe publicspaidhomagetotheImam(a).1Infact,noneofthefirstthreecaliphs,anyrulerofthe Islamicstate,wonsuchanoncompulsoryhomageexceptImam'Ali(a). InthesamewayastheyreceivedtheprophethoodofProphetMuhammad(s),thetribesof QurayshreceivedtheleadershipofImam'Ali(a)withdiscomfortandgloominess.2Theyknowthe Imam(a)fromanotherangle;itishewhobeheadedtheirmastersandcrushedtheirprideunder thepennonofIslam.3TheyalsoknewthatImam(a)wouldneverneglecttheirplunderingthe publictreasuresduringthedarkreignof'Uthman.Assoonasheheldthepositionofleadership, Imam'Ali(a),theoneandonlydeserveroftheephithetofAmiralMu'mininthecommanderof thefaithfulbelieversdecidedtoconfiscateallthefortunesthat'Uthmanrobbedfromthepublic treasureandgaveexclusivelytohisfaithlessrelatives,hethendeposed'Uthma'sofficialswho spreadunjusticeandpersecutionthroughouttheIslamicummah.Asathirdstepinhisprogramof socialjustice,theImam(a)declaredequalityamongpeopleandcancelledanyclassdistinction.4 Onthisrighteousplan,Imam'Ali(a)educatedhissonswhoraisedhissloganofjustice,foughtfor itssake,andchallengedallitsoppressorsandviolators. REBELLIONAGAINSTTHEIMAM BecauseImam'Ali(a)insistedonapplyingtheinstructionsoftheHolyQur'anandtheSunnah honestlyandimpartially,manystrayingpowersopposedhimsoasto ____________ 1SeeIbn'AbdRabbuh'sal'IqdalFarid;3:93. 2SeeAhmadHusaynYa'qub'sTheConceptionoftheSahaba'sUltimateDecencyandthepolitical LeadershipinIslam;translatedbyBadrShahin,Pub.AnsariyanPublications,1999. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

3SeealYa'qubi'salTarikh;2:155. 4SeeAnsabalAshraf;1:160(part1). safeguardtheirpersonalintereststhattheyobtainedillegally.Thefirstonestodeclarerebellion againstImam'Ali'sgovernmetwereTalhahandalZubayr,BecausetheImamtreatedthemjust likeanyotherMuslimandrefusedtogivethemprivilegesattheexpenseoftheothers,they mutiniedagainsthimandbreachedthehomagethattheyhadpaidtohim.Healsorefusedto investthemwithanyofficialpositionbecauseheknewtheirgreediness. OneDay,theybothaskedtheImam'spermissiontoleaveforMeccaforperforming'Umrah,1The Imamgazedatthemandsaid:"ByAllahIswear,youdonotintendtoperform'Umrah.You intendedtomutinyandbreachyourhomagetome."However,theImam(a)permittedthemafter hehadaskedthemtopayhomagetohimagain.Withouthesitation,theydidandsworethey wouldnevermutiny. AssoonastheyfledtoMecca,theyjoined'A'ishah.Eventhoughshewasintheleadofthosewho revoltedagainst'Uthmanibn"Affananddecidedhisapostasy,'A'ishahcouldnotstandthenews ofImam'Ali'sundertakingthepositionoftheIslamicummah'sleadership,becauseofher uncontrollablemalicetowardshim.Thus,'A'ishah'ssituationtowards'Uthmanchanged completely.Shebegantomournforhimandbetakehisassassinationasapretexttooverthrow theImam'sgovernment.2TalhahandalZubayr,aswellasthepastprofiteersof'Uthman's government,joined'A'ishahanddecidetomarchtowardsBasraforfightingagainsttheImam's authorities. ____________ 1'UmrahisnonobligatorypilgrimagetotheHolyhouseofAllahinMecca.Itisalsocalledthe MinorHajj. 2SeeIbnJariralTabari,TarikhalUmamwaalMuluk;vol.3,p,454. Thelawlessmutineersseduced'A'ishahbymountingheronacamel1andcallinghertheirmother. Whenshearrivedinaplace,dogsreceivedhercompanionsandherwithbarking.Thebarking remindedherofawordshehadheardfromtheHolyProphet(s).Sheaskedinaterrifiedtone, "Whatisthisplacecalled?""ItiscalledalHawb'ab,"shewasanswered. Themomentthisnamecametoherear,shebecamepanicstrickenandaskedthemtotakeher backhome.Whenshewasaskedforareason,sheansweredthatsheoncehadheardtheProphet (s)sayingtohiswives,"IseecomingthatthedogsofalHaw'abwillbarkatoneofyou.Donotbe it,littlereddishone!2"3Allthemutineers'effortstomake'A'ishahchangeherdecisionfailed: therefore,they,ledbyTalhahandalZubayr,bribedsomeindividualstocomeandwitnessthat theplacewasnotcalledalHaw'ab.ThatwasthefirstperjuryinIslam.4Unfortunately,'A'ishah Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

wasdeceivedbythatfalsetestimony.WhenthelawlessmutineersarrivedinthesuburbsofBasra, 'UthmanibnHanif,thegovernorofBasra,sentAbualAswadalDu'alitoseethematter.Theman met'A'ishahandalZubayranddiscussedthematterwiththemsologically.Yet,theydidnot respondtohim. ____________ 1SeeIbnJariralTabari,TarikhalUmamwaalMuluk;vol.3,p,475. 2'A'ishahwascalled'Humayrathelittlereddishone' 3ItisrecordedinIbnAbi'lHadid'sSharh(u)NahjalBalaghah;2:497,that'Abdullahibn'Abbas narratedthatProphetMuhammad(s)oncesaidtohiswiveswhowereallpresentbeforehim, "WhichoneofyouwillbetheriderofthegiantcamelandthedogsofalHaw'abwillbarkather? Totherightandleftofthisonewillbenumerouskilledones.AllofthemshallbeinHell.Shewill hardlyescape." 4SeealMas'udi'sMurujalDhahab;2:343andalya'qubi'salTarikh;2:181. AbualAswadtoldthegovernorthattheyhaddecidedtofight.So,thetwopartiesagreedona temporarypeacetreatyastheywaitedforImam'Ali'sopinion.Nonetheless,'A'ishah'sparty breachedthetraty,attackedthegovernor,arrestedandtorturedhim,robbedthepublictreasury, andarousedseditioninBasra. TheImam(a)thenledhisarmytoBasratofightagainstthemutineers,Assoonashearrived there,hesent'Abdullahibn'AbbasandZyadibnSawhantocallthemtopeace.Buttheircallwas notresponded.HethensentagenerousboyandorderedhimtocarryacopeoftheHolyQur'an andcallthemtopeaceanapplytheinstructionsoftheQur'an.Themutineersattackedhim, severedhisbothhands,andthrewdartsathimuntilhedapartedlife.TheImam(a)thenhadto attacktheothercamp,whichwasledby'A'ishah.ThemutineerscouldnotresisttheImamsarmy; asaresult,'A'ishahtriedtobreathlifeinhersoldier'sdeterminations,buttheyweretooweakto facehisfamoussword.Theysurroundedtheirmother'scamel,andtheImam(a)ordered'Ammar ibnYasirandMalidalAshtartocutthecamel'slegsbecause'A'ishah'ssoldiers,accordingtothe Imam'sexpression,hadbetakenthatcamelascenter.Theydid,andthusthefightingceasedwith thebitterdefeatofthelawlessmutineers.Thatfightingwascalled'BattleoftheCamel'. TheImam(a)thenissuedageneralamnesty1andreleased'A'ishahtogobacktoMedina.From theseevents,LadyZaynabrealized,moredeeply,theserioushostilitythatthetribesofQuraysh boreagainsthergrandfatherandfather.Shealsounderstoodthe ____________ 1Imam'Ali(a)pardonedallhisenemies,suchas'AbdullahibnalZubayrandMarwanibnal Hakam,anddidnotpunishanyoneofthem.Formoredetails,refertoalYa'qubi'salTarikh. factualityoftheIslamicummahandtheMuslims'dutiestoit. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

MU'AWIYAH'SSEDITION Asamatteroffact,'A'ishahpavedthewayofmutinytoMu'awiyahwho,toobetooktheissueof 'Uthman'sassassinationaspretexttoopposetheImam'simpartialgovernment.Theoneandonly reasonbeyondMu'awiyah'smutinywasthatheknewforcertainthattheImamwoulddismiss himfromhisposition,1divesthimofallthefortunesthatheusurpedfromthepublictreasury, andgetevenwithhimconcerninghisbehaviorsthatviolatedIslam,suchaswearingsilkgarment, usinggoldenandsilverbowls,andwastinghugericheinbuildingpalaces.Furthermore,theImam (a)wouldnotadmit'Umar'spurposefulglorifyingandsupportinghim. Atanyrate,Mu'awiyahrejectedtheImam'scalltopeaceandpayinghomagetohim.Hegathered abigarmyanddirectedtowardsaplacecalledSiffinontheIraqiSyrianborders,Thefirstthinghe didwasoccupyingthetwobanksoftheRiverEuphratesinorderthattheImam'sarmywouldnot findwater.Ontheotherside,theImam(a)readiedformeetingthemutinousforces,Hisarmies couldnotreachtheEuphratesforsupplyingthemselveswithwater.Hethereforesentoneofhis companionstomeetMu'awiyahandconvincehimtolettheImam'sarmyhavewater.Ofcourse, Mu'awiyahrefusedoutofhismeanness.TheImam(a)thenhadtogiveordersofoccupyingthe riverandhavingwaterfromit.thearmiesdid,andthemutineersweredefeatedandtakenaway fromtheriver'sbanks.Afterwards,thecommandersofthe ____________ 1since'Umar'sreign,Mu'awiyahibnAbuSufyan,themortalenemyofIslamandthesonofthe mortalenemyofIslam,washoldingtheposotionofgoverningSyria. Imam'sarmyfounditagoodopportunitytomakeaneyeforaneye,bydeprivingMu'awiyah's armyofreachingtheriver,buttheImam(a),outofhismatchlesshumanityandhighmorals, refused.Asanattempttopreventbloodshed,Imam'Ali(a)sentmessengersofpeaceto Mu'awiyah'scamp,butthelatterrefusedandresolvedtoenterthewaragainsttheImam(a).Asa consequence,theImamhadtobattleagainstthem.Firstofall,therewereindividualcampaigns frombothparties,becausetheImam(a)hopedforMu'awiyah'srespondingtocallsofpeace. WhentheImam(a)despairedandknewthatMu'awiyahwaspreparingforgeneralattack,hehad torecruithissoldiers.Thus,afiercewar,duringwhichgreatfiguresofIslamsuchas'Ammaribn Yasirweremartyred,brokeout.1 ThearmyofMu'awiyahwasdefeatedandtheirleaderwasabouttoflee.Asaresultofasecret conspiracybetween'AmribnalAs,thecounselorofMu'awiyah,andsomecommandersofthe Imam'sarmy,headedbyalAsh'athibnQays,theSyrianarmyraisedcopiesoftheHolyQur'anon spearheadsandcalledforitsbeingthearbiterofthedispute. Hence,theconspiresintheImam'sarmyurgedimportunatelytheotherstorespondtotheSyrina Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

army'scall.Eventthoughhehadknowntherealityofthattrick,theImam(a)hadnothingtodo otherthanrespondingtohisarmy'sdemandingcallstopeace.Beforeso,hehadproventhefalsity ofMu'awiyah'strickandinformedthatMu'awiyahandhispartyhadneverrespectedoreven believedintheQur'an,butthesoldiersrefusedtheImam'swords,respondedtoMu'awiyah's trick,andeventhreatenedtokillhimifhewouldnotrespond. Thatwasnotall,theImam'ssoldiersselectedAbuMusaalAsh'aritobetheirrepresentativeinthe arbitrationbetweenImam'AliandMu'awiyah,whiletheImam'snomineewas'Abdullahibn 'Abbas,thegreatIslamicauthority.Onceagain,theImam'ssoldiersrefusedhisrepresentativeand insistedonchoosingthemindlessAbuMusa.Ontheotherside,theSyrianarmyselected'Amribn alAsthefoxy.Whenthetwometforappointingthetimeofarbitration'AmribnalAsconvinced, delusively,themindlessrepresentativeoftheImam'sarmeythattheybothshoulddeposethe twoparties,Mu'awiyahandImam'Ali,soastosavetheIslamicummahfromconflicts.Thetrickof thefocxyrepresentativeofMu'wiyah'spartyworkedwiththemindlessrepresentativeofthe Imam's.Beforethedelegatesofthetwoparties,AmrcheatedAbuMusatoclimbtheminbarand declarehisdecisionofdeposingtheImam.Afterhim,'Amrclimbedtheminbaranddecidedto deposetheImamandnominateMu'awiyahastheleaderoftheummah. Thus,AbuMusaalAsh'arihadtofleetowardsMeccaafterhehadinventedseditionandschismin theImam'sparty. ____________ 1Thatwarwascalled'BattleofSiffin'.

TheKharijite'sSedition ItisironicthattheveryindividualswhoforcedtheImam(a)torespondtoMu'awiyah'strickofthe Qur'an'sarbitrationmutiniedagainsthimclimingthatheshouldnothaverespondedtothattrick. Theyformedapoliticalmovement,whichwascalled'Khawarij(pluralofKharijite;dissidents).' Theywereextremists;theykillednumerousinnocentpeople,suchas'AbdullahibnKhabbab,the decentcompanionoftheProphet(s),andcampedinalNahrawan.TheImam(a)intendedto directtowardsSyriaforfightingthemutinousMu'awiya,buthiscompanionconsultedhimto fight,first,againsttheKharijiteswhosedangerontheIslamicummahhadbeenmoreseriousthan Nahrawan,foughtagainsttheKharijites,andcouldkillthemallexceptnineindividualsonly.1 ____________ 1Thatconflictwascalled'BattleofalNahrawan.' Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

 Then,theImam'ssoldiersweariedofwars;therefore,theydidnotrespondtohimwhenhe intendedtofightagainstthedisobedientMu'awiyahdespiteurgings. DECLINEOFTHEHONESTGOVERNMENT Iftruthbetold,theOrienthasneverknownthelikeofImam'Ali'sgovernmentinhonesty,justice, andimpartiality.Unfortunately,theevilandopportunistpowersofhistimesparednoeffortsfor stoppingagainsthispoliticalandsocialplansofreformation.Theyforcedhimtoenterwarsthat exhaustedhismilitaryforcesandoccupiedhimfromdoingthereformativeschemesofthestate. BytheslowdownoftheImam'ssoldiers,itwasthebestopportunityforMu'awiyahtostrengthen andarmhisforces.Moreover,hebegantowagecampaignsaganisttheIslamicprovincesthat wereunderImam'Ali'srulingsoastomakethepublicbelievethattheImam(a)losttheabilityto protecthispeople.Meanwhile,alltheImam'sattemptstoarousehissoldiers'determination failed.HethereforesupplicatedtoAlmightyAllahtosavehimfromsuchafrozensocietywhose individualscouldnotrecognizehisprinciplesandpoliciesofspreadingjusticeandequality. THEASSASSINATIONOFIMAM'ALI GroupsoftheKharijitesheldasecretmeetinginMeccaanddiscussedthecurrentissuesofthe Islamicummah.TheyagreedthatImam'Ali(a),Mu'awiyahibnAbuSufyan,and'AmribnalAs stoodbeyondthecatastrophesoftheummah.Theythereforedecidetoassassinatethethree. 'AbdalRahmanibnMuljim,thecursed,tookuponhimselftheassassinationoftheImam(a),while twootherstookamongthemselvestheassassinationoftheothers.Theyspecifiedadefinitehour atwhichtheywouldimplementtheirplans.ItwasaftertheFajrdawnPrayeronthenineteenth ofRamadan.Hence,'AbdalRahmanibnMuljim,thecursed,returnedtoKufa,whichwasthe capitaloftheislamicstate,todohismission.There,hemetaKhafijiteladywhosefatherand brotherwerekilledduringtheBattleofalNahrawan.Asheaskedforherhand,shespecifiedas dowrythreethousanddirhams,aslave,abondmaid,andthekillingofImam'Ali(a).Thecursed 'AbdalRahmanagreedandpromisedherofarrangingforallthesethings.1 OnthenightoftheeighteenthofRamadan,Imam'Ali(a)hadstrangefeelings.Heanticipatedthe imminentoccurrenceofahorrifyingmatter.ItwasFriday,andtheImam,thatnightdidnotsleep. HespentitwithrecitationoftheHolyQur'anandofferingprayers.Whendawnwasabouttofall, heintendedtoleavefortheMasjid,butsomeswanscriedinhisface.Thishappeninggaveasignal totheImam(a)whosaid,"AllpowerandmightbelongonlytoAllah.Thesecrieswillbefollowed bywailings."2 Hethencametowardsthedoor,butcoulddifficultyopenit.Thatwasanothersignhealonecould understand.Whenhereachedinthemosque,he,asusual,awokepeopleforofferingtheprayer. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Hethenbeganhisprayer.WhenhesatafterthefirstSajdah,3thecursedibnMuljimstrokehim withtheswordsoheavilythattheImam'sforeheadwascleftandtheswordrechedhisbrain.As soonastheImamfeltthestroke,heraisedhisvoicewiththestatement: "BytheLordoftheKaabah,Ihavewon." PeoplehurriedfromeverysideandbegantomourntheImam(a)withmeltedhearts.Theythen carriedhimtohishouseandarrestedthemurderer.Hehoweveraskedhisson,ImamalHasan(a), totreatthemurdererkindly.Whenthesonwondered,theImam(a)answered,"Oson,wearethe householdofmercyandforgiveness.Feedhim(i.e.yourprisoner)fromthefoodyoueatand waterhimfromthedrinkyoutake.IfIwilldie,youmaythenretaliateuponhim(accordingto Allah'slawofretaliation)bykillinghim. ____________ 1SeealHakim'salMustadrak;3:143. 2SeealMas'udi'sMurujalDhahab;3:291. 3Sajdahistheobligatoryprostrationoftheritualprayers. But,neverdoanythingtohisdeadbody.forIheardyourgrandfathertheMessengerofAllah(s) say:"Neverdoanythingtothedeadbodeyofevenbitingdogs."IfIwillsurvive,IknowwhatIwill dowithhim.Itishoweverbetterformetopardonhim,foritismyethicstoforgive.We,theAhl alBayt,returnonthosewhodowrongagainstusinforgivenessandgenerosity". LADYZAYNABWITHHERFATHER LadyZaynabhurriedtoherinjuredfatherwithrearfuleyesandbrokenheart.Sheaskedhim whethertheProphet'sreport,relatedbytherighteousladyUmmuAyman,regardingthe adversitiesandmisfortunesthattheAhlalBaytwouldhavetoencounterinthefutuerwastrueor not.TheImam(a)said: UmmuAymanhastoldthetruth.Iseecomingthatyou.aswellasyourprople'sharem,willbe captivesinthiscountry.Youwillbesubmissiveandterrified,fearinglestpeoplemightcarryyou offbyforce.Atthattime,bepatientandadheretopatience,for,onthatday,therewillbeno disciple(ofAllah)ontheearthexceptyou,yourfollowers,andyourpartisans.IswearthisbyHim Whosplitthegrainsandcreatedthesouls. Whenheforetoldusofthesenews,theMessengerofAllah(a)added:"Onthesamedayasal Husaynwillbeslain,Eblis1thecursedwillbeoverjoyedandwillwanderabouttheearthwithhis devilsandafreets2todeclare:Odevils,onlytodayhavewerevengedourselvesonthe descendantsofAdam,attainedourobjectiveofwipingthemout,andledthemtothefireofHell. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Now,youmustturnallyoureffortstowardsfillingpeople'smindswithdoubttowardsalHusayn andhiscompanions,incitingthemtobearhostilityagainstthem,andprovokingthemagainst anybodywhoshowsloyaltytothem(i.e.alHusaynandhiscompanions)inorderthatpeople's strayingandatheismwouldbesoguaranteedthatnoneofthemwouldbesaved(ontheDayof Resurrection)"Eventhoughheisthebiggestliar,Eblissaidthetruthinthatquestion.Itisquiet truethatthegooddeedsofanyonewhobearshostilityagainsttheAhlalBaytareofnoavail(no matterhowgreattheyare),andthesins,notthegrandones,ofanyonewholovesthemandis loyaltothemareofnoharm.3 THEIMAM'SFINALADVICES Inhisfinalhours,Imam'Ali(a)advisedhissonsanddaughterstoclingtothehighmoralstandards anabstinencefromthetransitorypleasuresofthisworld.Tohistwosons,ImamalHasanand ImamalHusayn(a),hesaid: ____________ 1EblisisthenameoftheDevil. 2Afreetisapowerfull,eviljinnee.(SeeTheOxfordTalkingDictionary;item:afreet.) 3SeeKamilalZiayarat;266. Iadviseyou(both)tofearAllahandthatyoushouldnothankerafterthe(pleasuresofthis)world eventhoughitmayrunafteryou.Donotbesorryforanythingofthisworldthatyouhavebeen denied.Speakthetruthandact(inexpectation)forreward.Beanenemyoftheoppressorand helteroftheoppressed. Iadviseyou(both)andallmychildrenandmembersofmyfamilyandeveryonewhommywriting reaches,tofearAllah,tokeepyouraffairsinorder,andtomaintaingoodrelationamong yourselvesforIhaveheardyourgrandfather(theHolyProphet)saying,"improvementofmutual differencesisbetterthangeneralprayersandfastings." FearAllahandkeepHiminviewinthematteroforphans.So,donotallowthemtostraveand theyshouldnotberuinedinyourpresence.FearAllahandkeepHiminviewinthematterofyour neighbors,becausetheywerethesubjectoftheProphet'sadvice.Hewentonadvisingintheir favoruntilwethoughthewouldallowthemashareininheritance. FearAllahandkeepHiminviewinthematteroftheQur'an.Nooneshouldexcelyouinacting uponit.FearAllahandkeepHiminviewinthematterofprayer,becauseitisthepillarofyour religion.FearAllahandkeepHiminviewinthematterofyourLord'sHouse(theKaabah).Donot forsakeitsolongasyoulive,becauseifitisabandondedyouwillnotbespared(oryouwillbe deprivedofyourLord'sgrace).FearAllahandkeepHiminviewinthematterofjihadwiththe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

helpofyourproperty,lives,andtonguesinthewayofAllah.Youshouldkeeptoarespectfor kinshipandspendingforothers.Avoidturningawayfromoneanotherandseveringmutual relations.Donotgiveupbiddingforgoodandforbiddingfromevillestthemischieveousgain positionsoveryou,andthenifyouwillpray,theprayerswillnotbegranted.ThentheImam(a) said: Osonsof'AbdalMuttalib,certainlyIdonotwishtoseeyouplungingharshlyintothebloodof MuslimsshoutingthatAmiralMu'mininhasbeenkilled.Beware;donotkillonaccountofme exceptmykiller.1WaituntilIdiebyhis('AbdalRahmanibnMuljim)existingstroke.Thenstrike himonestrokeforhisstroke.Butneverdoanythingtohisdeadbody,forIheardyourthe MessengerofAllah,peacebeuponhimandhisfamily,say:Neverdoanythingtothedeadbodyof evenbitingdogs.2ThefinalwillofImam'Ali(a),however,wasnarratedbyLadyZaynab. Afterwards,theImam(a)begantoreciteVerseoftheHolyQur'anandsufferdeathagonies,Then, hispuresoulelevatedtotheSupremeComradeandjoinedtheendlessjoywiththeprophets, saints,andrighteouspeople.Excellentisthecompanionshipofsuchones.ImamalHasan(a), accompaniedbyhisbrothers,assumedresponsibityforhisfather'sfuneralceremonies,andatthe lastpartofnight,theycarriedImam'Ali'spurebodytothefianlrestingplaceinalNajaf.Lady zaynab,3whileshewassheddingtearsheavily,participatedinthatfuneralceremony. ____________ 1Thisisanindicationtotheseditionsthat'A'ishahandMu'awiyaharousedbecauseof'Uthman's assassination. 2SeeNahjalBalaghah;3:85. 3SeeZaynabalKubra;60. IMAMALHASAN'SREIGN Onthesecondday,ImamalHasan,surroundedbyhisbrothersandtheHashemitesyouths, directedtowardsKufaMasjidanddeliveredafuneralorationsinwhichheusedwordsasglorious ashisfather.Heshowedthathisfatherhadbeensuchauniquepersonalitythatnonefromthe pastandcominggenerationscanbehislike.Inthefieldofjustice,ImamalHasan(a)declaredthe followingfactabouthisfather: "He(i.e.Imam'Ali)hasnotleftbehindhimasingleyellow(golden)norwhite(silver)pieceexcept sevenhundreddirhamswithwhichhehadintendedtohavebondmaidforhisfamily.yet,he orderedmetoreturnthemtothepublictreasury."AsImamalHasan(a)finishedhisspeech,the publicshurriedtoswearallegiancetohim,eventhoughthemajorityofthemwerenothonest.At anyrate,Mu'awiyahrealizedtherealityofImamalHasan'sarmywhoseindividualswere controlledbyweakness,looseness,anddeterminationofrebel;hethereforechallengedhimto fight.Moreover,heledhisarmywhoseindividuals,quitetheopposite,werecompletelyobedient Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

andsubmissivetocampinalMada'in.Oncetheyheardofthisnews,theheartsofImamal Hasan'asoldierswerefilledupwithhorrorandpanic.Thus,theyrefusedtheImam'scalltofight againstMu'awiyah.TheImam(a)stilldidnotstop;heexertedalleffortsforurgingpeopletofight. Finally,afarragoofpeopleofdifferenttendenciesandthoughtsrespondedtohimandcampedin alMada'in. ThecommanderinchiefoftheImam'sarmy,namely'Ubaydullahibn'Abbas,joinedMu'awiyah's campafterhehadreceivedaseductivebribeand,asaconsequence,disorderandsedition dominatedtheImam'sarmyandmanycelebratedindividuals,aswellaseightthousandsoldiers andthetribesofRabi'ah,insinuatedthemselvesintoMu'awiyah'scamp.1 ThematterreacheditsclimaxwhenagangheadedforrobbingImamalHasan'sbaggage,the bribeesattemptedtoassassinatehimmorethanonce,and,finally,apartyinhisarmy,mostlikely theKharijites,accusedhimofatheism. Inviewofthissituation,ImamalHasan(a)hadtomakepeacewithMu'awiyah,though unwilllingly,soastosavehispartyfromdistinction.2Afterthetruce,ImamalHasan(a)hadto leaveKufa,thecitywhosepeopledisappointedhisfatherandhim,forMedinawhosepeoplehis fatherandhim,forMedinawhosepeoplereceivedhimsodelightedlybecausehewasthebranch ofthatpureorigin,theHolyProphet(s).Bythefadingoftherightfulgovernmetandthecomingof thewrongfulone,thelifeofLadyZaynabenteredanewstagethatwouldcarrynew,yetmore grievous,adversities. ____________ 1SeeAnsabalAshraf;1:223(partI) 2SeeShaykhMurtezhaAlYasin'sSulhalHasanandBaqirSharifalQarashi'sHayatalImamal Hasan. MU'AWIYAH'SREIGN ByMu'awiyah'scomingtopower,thepreIslamicidolrulingreplacedthedemocraticrulingof Islam.vice,indecency,andviolationofgodmannersfoundthemselvesexpansiveplacesunder theconsentoftheUmayyaadindividulas.1FromhisfatherwhowasthebitterstenemyofIslam, andfromhismotherwho,outofhermaliceagainsttheHolyProphet(s).Furthermore,theson exceededhisparents;hecouldnothidehisrealfeelingsasthenameoftheHolyProphet(a), duringthefivetimeperdaydeclarationofprayer,wasannoyinghim.2 Insequence,hehatedtheProphet'sHouseholdlandoffspringsasextremelyaspossible.He thereforeissuedthemostmaliciousdecisionofcondealingtheirvirtuesandmerits,Muhammad ibnIdrisalShafi'i;thefounderoftheShafiiteIslamicschooloflaw,answeredthosewhoasked Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

himtosayhisopinionaboutImam'AliAmiralMu'minin:"Whatcanwesayaboutapersonwhose partisanshavehadtohidehismeritsbecauseoffear,sndenemieshavehiddenhismeritsoutof envy?Butbetweenthesetwo,hismeritthathavebecomewidelyknownaretoonumeroustobe counted."DuringthereignofMu'awiyah,thepartisansofImam'AliandtheAhlalBaythadto suffervarioussortsofpersecution.Forinstance,thecriminalBisribnArta'ahkilledandburnt morethanthirtythousandindividuals,SamrahibnJundabkilledeightthousandindividualsfrom ____________ 1SeeSayyidAmir'Ali'sRuhalIslam;296. 2SeeIbnAbi'lHadid'sSharh(u)NahjalBlaghah;2:297,and10:101. 3SeealMuhaddithalQummi'salAnwaralBahiyyah. Basra,anZiyadibnAbih,whoexceededeveryoneelseincriminality,cutthelimbsoftheImam's partisans,EvnethewomenwhoshowedloyaltytoImam'Ali(a)andtheAhlalBaytwerenot savedfromtheinhumanproceduresofMu'awiyah'scriminalauthorities.Furtheromore, Mu'awiyahgavetheorderofdestroyingthehouseoftheImam'spartisansandleavingthem homeless.Healsodeprivedthemoftheirsharesfromthepublictrasure1andrefusingtheir testimoniesintheofficialcourts.Eventually,Mu'awiyahexiledmorethanfiftythousandofthem toKhurasan,northeastPersia.Bytheway,thoseexilespropagandizedShiisminthatprovnice whosepeople,lateron,changedintoastrongfrontofopositionagainsttheUmayyadrulignuntil they,undertheleadershipofAbuMuslimalKhurasani,couldoverthrowtheiroppressivestate. ASSASSINATIONOFIMAMALHASAN Anyhow,thegravestcrimeofMu'awiyahwasassassinatingImamalHasan(a)afterhehad pledged,throughafamoustrucewiththeImam,toholdthepositionofleadershiptotheImam. Thus,hecouldestablishanUmayyadroyalstate.Ashelookedinthelonglistofthecriminals whommaydothismissionsocompletely,hecouldnotfindanyonemorequalifiedthanJa'dah daughterofalAsh'ath,eventhoughshewastheImam'swife.Thisladywasbroughtupon betrayalandperfidy.Mu'awiyahsentalethalpoisontoMarwanibnalHakamandaskedhimto seduceJa'dahtopoisonherhusbandunderpromisofmarriagetoYazid,Mu'awiyah'sson. Duetohernature,Ja'dahdidnothesitate;shepoisonedtheImam'sfood. TheImam(a)begantosufferthepainsofpoisonandvomitpieceofbloodinabahtub.WhenLady Zaynab ____________ 1SeeIbnAbi'sHadid'sSharh(u)NahjalBalaghah;11:44. visitedhim,heorderedtotakeawaythatwashtubsothatshewouldnotseethathurtingview. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

yet,shebecameverysadassherealizedthatherbrotherwoulddepartherforeververysoon. TheImam(a)thenadvisedhisbrothersandcompanionstoadheretothenobilitiesofcharacter, gooddeeds,andfearofAllah.WhilehewasrecitingVerseoftheHolyQu'an,hissoulexaltedto theHeavenstojointheendlessworldthere.ImamalHusayn(a)undertookhisbrother'sfuneral ceremoniesandintendedtoburyhimnexttohisgranfather,ProphetMuhammad(s).But 'A'ishah,owingtoincitementoftheUmayyads,rodeamule,shouted,"Donottaketomyhouse thosewhomIdonotlike,"andcreatedabigseditiousmatterduetowhichthebloodofhuge numbersofMuslimswasabouttobeshed.Evadingsuchamatter,ImamalHusayn(a)hadto changehismindandburyhisbrotherinanotherplace. ASSIGNINGYAZIDASTHECOMINGCALIPH Mu'awiyahsealedhiscriminalreignwithimposinghisson,Yazid,ashissuccessor.Likehisfather andgrandfather,Yazidwasknownofhishypocrisy,treachery,andenmityagainstIslam.He, publicly,slightedallhumanvaluesandprinciples,Heusedtodrinkwineineverymomentofhis lifethatsomehistorianshavespecifieddipsomaniaashisdeathcause.Hewasalsofondof breedinganimals,especiallymonkeys.Inabstract,Yazidrepresentedallviceandoffensesandhad nothingtodowithIslamofleadershipoftheIslamicummah.

TheBlackReign AftertheperditionofMu'awiyah,theIslamicummahwaspervadedbyaviolent,terroristreign, whichdidnotsubmittoatradidionoflaworrespondtoanyhumaneemotion.Finally,itbetook oppressionanddespotismasitsslogan.ThisistheverydepictionofYazidibnMu'awiyah'sreign, whichpersecutedMuslimssoharshly.Duringthisreign,LadyZaynabsufferedthemostdifficult misfortunesandadversities,andtheProphet'sfamilyhadtoencouterextremeeradication.They wereslain,andtheUmayyadsoldierscuttheirlimbsandviolatedtheirdeadbodiesso inhumanely.LadyZaynabsawtheseexcruciatingviewswithherowneyes;therefore,sadnessand sorrowscutthroughherheartandshecouldnotstopagainsthertearsandcriesofmourning, Thatwasnotall;she,altogetherwiththeProphet'sharem,thenwastakenascaptiveandshown aroundtheprovincesoftheUmayyadState.Theyonceweretakento'UbaydullahibnZiyad,son oftheillfamedMarjanah,andthentoYazid,grandsonoftheillfamedHind.1 ____________ Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

1Hind,daughterof'UtbahandwifeofAbuSufyan,wasthemortalenemyofIslamingeneraland theHashemitesinparticular.ItwasshewhotriedtoeattheliverofalHamzahibn'Abdal MuttalibafterhehadbeenkilledduringthebattleofUhud.Aboutherillfame,listentothe followingnarraition: AfterthecconquestofMecca,Hind,aswellasherfamilymembers,hadtopretendthemselves fromkilling.ShecametotheProphet(s),accordingtoadivineinstruction,wouldlistentoher pledgeopenlyinthehearingofMuslims.hewoulddectatesomepriciplesandshewouldagree, otherwiseherbeingMuslimshouldnotbeaccepted.OneoftheseprincipleswasthattheProphet (s)askedhertopledgeherselfthatshewouldnotcommitprostitution.Asananswer,shesaid, "Howcomethatacelebratedaladycommitprostitution?"Assoonasheheardthisstatement fromher,'UmaribnalKhattablaughedtoexcess!Thisisbecauseheknewherverywell.This incidentisrecordedinalmostallthereferencebooksofIslamichistory.See,forinstance,Ibn Kuthayr,alBidayahwaalNihayah,vol.4p.365,IbnKuthayr,alSirahalNabawiyyah,vol.3p.603, alTabari,TarikhalUmamwaalMuluk,vol.2p.338,alQurtubi,alTafsir,vol.18p.17,andShaykh alAmini,alGhadir,vol.10,p.170. Inanycase,LadyZaynabsufferedthecruelestadversitiesduringtheblackreignofYazid,thesinful tyrantwhowasaninexperienced,lecherousyoungandhadknownnothingaboutleadership, policy,ormanagement.Hecouldnotevenmanageorcontrolhimself;hesubmittedcompletelyto hiswhimsandhisoneandonlylustwasbloodshed.WhenhiscursedfatherdiedinDamascus, Yazidwasonajourney.1Herecievedamessageinformingabouthisfather'sperditionandhis becomingthecaliphoftheIslamicummah.Hethushurriedtothecapitalaccompaniedbyhis immoralfaction.Fromthatmoment,peoplebegantocriticizehimforirresponsiblebehaviors.2 ThefirstthinghedidinDamascuswasthathedeclaredhisdeterminationtowageadestructive waragainstpeopleofIraqPeopleofSyria,however,welcomedthisdeterminationanddeclared theirreadinesstoplungethemselvesintosuchawar.3Yazid'smostmaliciousoppositionwasin Medina;theywereImamalHusayn(a)and'AbdullahibnalZubayr.Hethereforeissuedthe emphaticdecisionthatalWalid,thegovernorofMedina,mustcoercethesetwopersonsto pledgethemselvesassubmissivetotheleadershipofYazid,butifthey,oranyotherindividuls, refusetopayhomagetothenewcaliph,thegovernormustbeheadthem.4 ____________ 1SeeIbnKuthayr,alBidayahwaalNihayah,vol.8p.152. 2SeealDhahabi,TarikhalIslam,vol.1,p.267,andIbnalAthir,alTarikh,vol.3,p.266. 3SeealBaladhiri,FutuhalBuldan,vol.5,p,6. 4SeealYa'qubi,alTarikh,vol.2,p.241. Whenhereceivedtheseresoundinginstructions,alWalidpanickedbecauseitwasnoteasyto beheadsuchpersonalities.1EvenMu'awiyahwhoenjoyedterriblediplomaticcapabilitiescould Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

notdareassassinateImamalHusayn(s).Howisitthenpossibleforanordinarygovernorlikeal Walidtodoit?AlWalidthensoughttheopinionofMarwanibnalHakam,thechiefofthe Umayyadfamily,whosuggestedthatthosetwopersonalitieswouldbecompulsorilysummoned atthatverymomentandaskedtoshowcompliancewiththenewleadershipofYazid,otherwise theywouldbebeheaded.2ThisopiniondidnotappealtoalWalid,buthehadtorespondto Marwan.3 REFUSALOFYAZID'SLEADERSHIP ItwasmidnightwhenalWalidordered'Abdullahibn'Amribn'UthmantosummonImamal Husayn(a)and'AbdullahibnalZubayr.ThemessengerfoundthembothintheProphet'sMasjid andaskedthemtoattendatthegovernor.Theyansweredaffirmatively.'AbdullahibnalZubayr turnedhisfacetoImamalHusayn(a)andwondered,"Whatdoyouthingthematterforwhichhe summonedusinsuchtime?"4TheImam(a)answered,"Ithinkthattheirtyrantruleri.e. Mu'awiyahdied,andtheysummonedustopayhomagetothenewonebeforethespreadofthe news."5TheImam(a)thengatheredhiscompanionsanddirectedtowardsthegovernorscenter. Hefirstaskedwhyhewassummonedinsuchtime.Hewasansweredthatheshouldpayhomage totheleadershipofyazid. ____________ 1SeealTabari,TarikhalUmamwaalMuluk,vol.4,p.25. 2SeeAbuMikhnafalAzadi,MaqtalalHusayn,p.4. 3SeealBaladhiri,FutuhalBuldan,vol.5,p.123. 4SeeIbnKuthayr,alBidayahwaalNihayah,vol.8p.160. 5SeeIbnalAthir,alTarikh,vol.3,p.264. Askingforpostponement,theImam(a)said,"Idonotpayhomagesecretly.Whenyouaskall peopletopayhomage,youthenmayaskmesothatpeopleandIwillsharethesamesituation." ThismeansthattheImam(a)intendedtodeclarehisrefusalofswearingallegiancetothe leadershipofYazidopenly,butMarwanunderstoodit.HethereforeshoutedatalWalid,"Ifhe leavesyouatthisinstantwithoutpayinghomage,youwillneverbeabletoobligehimtopayitat anytimeunlessmanyvictimsfrombothsideswillnumerouslyfall.Detainhimnow.Hemustpay homageorbebeheaded."TheImam(a)turnedtoMarwanandshoutedinhisface,"Sonofal Zarqa,isityouorhewhowillkillme?ByAllahIswear,youhavemeanlylied."1 TheImam(a)thenturnedtoalWalidtodeclarehisdeterminationtorejectthematter completely: "OGovernor,wearethehouseholdofprophesy,thecoreofthe(divine)message,frequently visitedbytheangels,and(weare)thecenterofmercy.Allahhascommencedwithusandshall Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

sealwithus.Yazidisalecherous,intoxicatingmanwhokillstherespectfulsoulandpromulgates hisactsofimmorality.Mylikeshouldneverpayhomagetohimorhislikes.Waitforusuntilnext morningandyouwillseewhoistheworthiestofleadership(oftheIslamicummah)andbeing paidhomage."2 ____________ 1SeeIbnalAthir,alTarikh,vol.3,p.264. 2SeeSayyidIbnTawusalHasani,alLahuffiQatlaalTufuf,p.17,andSayyidMurtadaal'Askari, Ma'alimalMadrasatayn,p.46. ThatwasthefirstdeclarationofImamalHusayn'srefusalofYazid'sillegalleadership.Marwan blamedalWalidfornotadoptinghissuggestion.AlWalid,however,reproachedMarwanand declaredthathewouldneverkillImamalHusayn(a),becausehiskillerwouldcertainlybethefuel ofHell.1Thenextmorning,ImamalHusayn(a)decidedtoleaveMedinaforMecca.Beforeso,he visitedthetombofhisgranfather,ProphetMuhammad(s),andcomplainedtoAlmightyAllah againsttheadversitiesthatsurroundedhim,saying:OAllah,thisisthetombofYourprophet Muhammad,peacebeuponhimandhisfamily,andIamthesonofYourProphetMuhammad's daughter.IhavebeeninflictedwiththematterthatYouknow.OAllah,Idolikeallthatwhichis goodandIforbidallthatwhichisevil.Hence,InowbeseechtoYou,OLordofMajestyandHonor, tochooseformethatwhichdrawsYourpleasureandthepleasureofYourProphet.2Inthe darkesthourofnight,ImamalHusayn(a)directedtowardsthehiddentombofhismother, FatimahalZahra(a),andthenturnedtothetombofhisbrother,ImamalHasan(a),wherehe revivedthehappymomentshespentwiththem. INMECCA WhenImamalHusayn(a)decidedtoleaveforMecca,hesummonedhissister,LadyZaynab, informedheraboutwhathehaddecidedtodo,andaskedhertotakepartinhisordeal.Inviewof herdeeprootedfaith,shedidnothesitatetorespondtoherbrother'scall.Moreover,she determinedtoparticipateandwinduphisrevolution.LikeLady ____________ 1SeealTabari,TarikhalUmamwaalMuluk,vol.5,p.340.SeeshaykhalShurayfi,Mawsu'st KalimatalImamalHusayn,p.287asquotedfromalKhawarizmi,MaqtalalHusayn. Zaynab,Imamalhusayn'swives,sons,brothers,andcousinsagreedjoinhisrevolutionagainstthe oppressors.Thenextmornings,everybodywasreadytobeginthejourny.Ladyzaynabwasso upsetthoughherbrother,al'Abbas,wasbesideher;takingcareofherandregardingher attentively.PeopleofMedina,too,weresodismayedbecausetheywatchedtheProphet'sfamily leavingthem,perhaps,forever.Throughoutthejourney,ImamalHusayn(a)wasreciting repeatedlyAlmightyAllah'ssaying:"MyLord!Delivermefromtheunjustpeople." Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

 ByrecitingthisHolyVerse,ImamalHusayn(a)likenedhisjourneytothatofProphetMoses(a) whorevoltedagainstthetyrantofhistime.1HetookthepublicwaytoMeccadeclaringhis challengetotherulingauthoritiesandmakinglittleofdeath,whichinevitably,shallinflictmanin anylandandatanymoment.2HehadfullconfidenceinAlmightyAllahWhodominates everythingthoroughlycompletely.ThisjourneywasthesecondforLadyZaynab;thefirstwaswith herfatherwhenheleftMedinatosettleinKufathathebetookasthecapitalofhisstate.Onthat journeyshewasinagreatcaravanthatcontainedherfather,herbrothers,herhusbandandher honorablecousins.ThebackjourneyafterImamalHasan'strucewithMu'awiyahwasalsogreat surroundedbyhonoranddignity.yet,thethirdjourneywouldbesosorrowfulanddreary,sinceit wastheenemieswholedthecaravan. OnTuesdaynight3,ImamalHusayn(a)arrivedinMeccaandresidedinthehouseofAl'Abbasibn 'AbdalMuttalib.4PeopleofMeccavisitedhimsofrequentlyand ____________ 1SeealNu'manalMaghribi,SharhalAkhbar,vol.3,p.144. 2SeealQanduzialHanafi,Yanabi'alMawaddahliDhawialQurba,p.402. 3SeeIbnJariralTabari,TarikhalUmamwaalMuluk,vol.6,p.190. 4SeeIbn'Asakir,TarikhMadinatDimashq,vol.13,p.68. usedtoaskhimquestionabouttheIslamiclawsandothersabouthisopinionoftherulingregime. WhentheseasonoftheHajjoccurred,HajjisandMu'tamirs1surroundedtheImam(andlistened tohisopinionandinstructions.Fromthatmoment,hebegantopromulgatehisrevolution,and thepublicsbegantounderstandtheaimofhisbeinginMecca.Owingtosuchactivities,theruling authoritiesthereMeccapanickedandanticipatedthathewouldbetakeMeccaasthecenterofhis revolutionagainsttheoppressiveregimeofYazid.ThegovernorofMeccacametotheImam(a) andaskedthereasonbeyondhisresidencethere.TheImamansweredthathehadcomefor seekingtherefugeofAlmightyAllahandtheHolyHouse.2Asaresult,thegovernorsentamissive toYazidinforminghimaboutImamalHusayn'sarrivalandthepublics'surroundinghim,attending hissessions,andlisteningtohim. ThesenewsconfusedYazidwho,immediately,sentamissiveto'Abdullahibn'Abbasaskinghim thathewouldpardontheImam(a)providedthathewouldpayhomagetohimYazidlesthe wouldpunish.AnsweringYazid'smissive,'Abdullahibn'AbbastoldthattheImam(a)leftMedina becausetherulingauthoritiestherebotheredhim.Healsopromisedthathewouldmeetthe Imam(a)andseethematter.InIraq,therewasageneralrebelandrefusalofpayinghomageto Yazid,becausetheyregardedhimastheinheritorofthosemortalenemiesofIslam.3TheShiite chiefsinKufaheldameetinginthehouseofSulaymanibnSadralKhuza'iduringwhichthey deliveredspeechesshowingthesinsoftheUmayyadindividulasandcallingtoswearallegianceto Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

ImamalHusayn(a)asthetrueleaderofthe ____________ 1HajjisareperfomersoftheritualHajj,andMu'tamirsareperformerof'Umrah. 2SeeSibtibnalJawzi,TadhkiratalKhawass,p.248. 3BaronAlfredVonKremer,BeliefandShariainIslam,p.96. Islamicummah.1Alltheattendantsshoutedthattheywouldcertainlysupportanddefendthe ImamandwouldsendhimmessageaskinghimtoleadtheirrevolutionagainsttheUmyyadrulers. So,Manydelegationsmethimandthousandsofmessagesweresenttohimbyordinarypeople andchiefs,suchasShibthibnRab'i,HajjaribnAbjural'Ujali,and'AmribnalHajjaj.2Asaresult, ImamalHusayn(a)decidedtorespondtothemandsendthemandsendhiscousin,Muslimibn 'Aqil,toseetherealsituation.3 MUSLIMIBN'AQILINALKUFAH MuslimleftforKufaanadresidedthereinthehouseofalMukhtaralThaqafi,oneofthemost celebratedfaithfulpersonalities4whocalledeverybodytovisitMuslim;therefore,everybody cametolistentothemessageofImamalHusayn(a)thatMuslimcarried.Atleast,fortythousand individualsfromkufaacknowledgeImamalHusayn(a)astheirleaderwhomtheymustdefend andsupport.5Becauseofthishugenumberofsupporters,muslim'sconfidenceandtrustinthe expectedsuccessofImamalHusayn'srevolutionincreased.Hethereforesentamessagetothe Imam(a)askinghimtohurryhiscomingtoKufa,6and,asaresult,theImam(a)preparedtoleave. ____________ 1IbnNamaalHilli,MuthiralAhzan,p.15. 2SeeAbu'lFarajalIsfahani,MaqatilalTalibiyyin,p.95.andAnsabalAshraf,p.157. 3SeeAbuHanifahalDaynuri,alAkhbaralTiwal,p.210. 4SeehamidibnMuhammadalMahilli,alHada'iqalWardiyyah,vol.1,p.125.Otherhistorians havementionedthatmuslimibn'AqilresidedinthehouseofMuslimibn'AwsajahorHani'ibn 'Urwah(seeIbnHajar,alIsabahfiMa'rifatalSahabah,vol.1,p.332,andIbnHajaral'Asqalani, TahdhibalTahdhib.) 5SeeMuhammadBaqiralMajlisi,BiharalAnwar,vol.44,p.337. 6SeeIbnJariralTabari,TarikhalUmamwaalMuluk;vol.4,p.224. Yazid'sagentsinkufareportedthesenewstohim,andhe,outoffear,soughttheadviceof Sirjawn,theRoman,whowashisfather'sbestsecretary.Thiscunningmanhadthoughtforquitea whilebeforehesuggestedtoYazidtoassign'UbaydullahibnZiyadasthenewgovervorof Kufa.1AlthoughYazidwasangrywith'UbaydullahibnZiyad,hehadtoappointhimasthenew governorofKufabesidesBasra.2thus,ibnZiyadbecametheruleroftheentireIraq.Inaddition, Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Yazidsenthimamessageaskinghimtocapture,exile,orevenkillMuslimibn'Aqil3,andthen followeditwithanotheraskinghimtoevenflytoKufaifhewouldbeable.4 ____________ 1SeeIbnalAthir,Tarikh,vol.3,p.268. 2SeeIbnKuthayr,alBidayahwaalnihaya,vol.8,p.152. 3SeeIbnJariralTabari,TarikhalUmamwaalMuluk;vol.4,p,265. 4SeealShahabi,Siyar(u)A'lamalNubala,vol.3,p.299.

UbaydullahIbnZiyadinKufa ThroughouthiswayfromBasratoKufa,'Ubaydullah,accompaniedbyfivmen,didnotstopforfear thatImamalHusayn(a)wouldprecedehim.Hedisguisedhimselfwithblackclothessothat peoplewouldtakehimfortheImam.HeenteredthecityandhurriedtowardstheQasralImarah GovervorateMansioninfearandresentmentbecausepeoplewelcomedhimwarmlyasthey reallytookhimforImamalHusayn(a).5Ashereachedthereandknockedthedoor,thegovernor ofKufa,alNu'manibnBashir,whoalsothoughtofhimastheImam(a)shoutedfromthebalcony, "SonofAllah'smessenger,IwillnotfulfillmypledgetoyouandIdonotwanttofightyou..."6 "Openthedoor,"shouted'Ubaydullah,"Youwillsufferlongnighttime!"7 ____________ 5SeeMuhammadibnalFattalalNisapuri,RawdatalWa'izhin,p.174. 6SeeAbuMikhnafalAzd,MaqtalalHusayn,p.28. 7SeeSayyidMuhsinalAminal'Amili,Lawa'ijalAshjan,p.44. Someofthecrowdedpeoplewhowalkedbehindhimknewhisreality;theythereforeshouted, "ThisisindeedsonofMarjanah."Thus,theyranawaywiththeirheartsfilledinwithterror. 'Ubaydullahwenttowardsthemansionandseizedtheweaponsandfortune.Hewasgathered aroundbytheagentsoftheUmayyddynasty,suchas'UmaribnSa'd,ShamribnDhi'lJawshan, MuhammadibnalAsh'ath,andotherfamousnamesamongthehypocritesofKufa.Theybegan discussingthematteroftheexpectedrevoutionanditschiefs,andwentonplottingfor eradicatingit.1 Nextmorning,'UbaydullahgatheredthepeopleintheGrandMasjidofKufatodeclarehisbeing thenewgovernor.Hepromisedtheobedientwithbigprizesandthreatenedthedisobedientwith Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

persecutionandthemutineerswithharshpunishment.2hethenshoweditemsofhorrorby puttingtodeathsomeindividualsbeforehehadinterrogatedthem.3Healsofilledtheprisons withinnocentpeople.Allthesemeanswerepurposedforcontrollingthecountrycompletely. Onceheknewabout'Ubaydullah'sarrival,Muslimchangedhisresidentialplace.Hemovedtothe houseofHani'ibn'Urwah,oneofthemostcelebratedpersonalitiesofKufa,whowelcomedhim hospitablyandreceivedispartisanstoplanfortherevolution.Thesuccessthat'Ubaydullahibn Ziyadachievedinthepoliticalfieldsisascribedtotheseriesofplansthathemade,The introductorystepwassyaingonthemovementsofMuslimtocirculatehisactivitiesandrealizhis pointsofpowerandweakness.'Ubaydullahchosehisservant,Mu'qal,forthismission.Hegave somemoneyandorderedhim ____________ 1SeebaqirSharifalQarashi,al'Abbasibn'Ali,p.133. 2SeealFadlibnHasanalTabarsi,I'lamalWarabiA'lamalHuda,vol.1,p.438. 3SeeIbnalSabbaghalMaliki,alFusulalMuhimmah,p.197. tocontactwiththesignificantmembersoftherevolutionbyclaimingthatheshowsloyaltytothe AhlalBayt(a)andthathehadcometokufabecauseheheardthecallofImamalHusayn(a). Mi'qalcouldfirstreachMuslimibn'Awsajahandshowhimfalseloyaltyand,unfortunately,the latterwasdecieved;hethereforeshowedMi'qaltheresidentialplaceofMuslimibn'aqil.Thus, Mi'qalfrequentedabouttheplaceandcouldcomprehendeverythingabouttheexpectedrevolt andreporttohismaster,sonofMarjanah.1 ThesecondandmostdangerousprocesswasarrestingHani'ibn'Urwahwhowaschiefofthe tribesofMidhhajthegreatmajorityoftheinhabitantsofKufa.Thisprocedurespreadabigwave ofhorroramongpeopleandsentadestructivestriketotheexpectedrevolution.Before 'Ubaydullah,Hani'deniedtheaccusation;hence,theysummonedMi'qal,thespy,totestifyofthe truth,However,Hani'refusedtogiveuphisguesttotheauthorities.2Butthetyrantorderedhis servanttodrawHani'nearhimandwentonbeatinghimonthefacewithabarhehadinthe hand.hethenorderedtodetainhiminoneoftheroomsofthemansion. Thisprocedureshookthefeelingsofhiskinsmenwho,undertheleadershipofthetraitor'Amribn alHajjaj,pushedthemselvestowardsthemansion.'Amrshouted,soastomake'Ubaydullahhear him"Iam'Amr,andthesearethecelebritiesandchiefsofMidhhaj.Yet,wearenotdenoucing ourloyaltytoyounorarewemutinyingagainstyou."Furthermore,'Amrsaidwordsofsurrender andhumilityforwhich'Ubaydullahdidnotcare.HethenaskedShurayh,thejudge,toseeHani' andthentellhistribeabouthisstate.ThejudgeenteredthecellofHani'whoshouted:"How stangethisis!Havemypeoplealldied?Ifonlyten ____________ Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

1SeeIbnalAthir,Tarikh,vol.3,p.269. 2SeealMas'udi,MurujalDhahab,vol.3,p.7. personsfrommytribecometometheywillcertainlysaveme."WhenShurayhlefthim,hesaidto hiskinsmen,"Ihaveseenyourchief.Heisalive.Hehasorderedyoutogohome."'Amrshouted, "Well,hehasnotbeenkilled.ThankstoAllah!"Asiftheyhavebeengrantedtheoneandonly opportunitytoescapealightlessjail,peopleofMidhhajturnedtheirfacedbackandranaway.It seemsthattherehadbeenasecretagreementbetweenthechiefsofMidhhajand'Ubaydullahon killingHani',otherwisetheywouldhaveattackedthemansionandsavedtheirchief. Muslimibn'aqilknewaboutthesituationofHani'whowasanimportantmemberoftheexpected revolution;therefore,hedeclaredopenlytherevolutionagainst'Ubaydullah.Thus,aboutfouror fortythousandwarriorsjoinedhim.1'Ubaydullahwasdeliveringaspeechwhenheheardthe noiseoftherevolterswhosenumberswereincreasingandweredirectingtowardsthe GovernorateMansion.Likeadirtydog,'Ubaydullahhurriedtowardsthemansion.2Hehadonly thirtypolicemen;hethereforeusedthemeanestmeansthatwouldsavehimwarofnerved. BecauseheknewpeopleofKufaverywell,heorderedtheirtraitorouschiefstoslipamongthe troopsofMuslimandspreadtherumorsthatthearciesofSyriawouldsoonpuishthosewho joinedMuslim'sarmy,thegovernmentwoulddeprivethemoftheirsalaries,andthatmartiallaws wouldbeappliedtothem.Theserumorsactedasthatmartiallawswouldbeappliedtothem. Theserumorsactedasbombsontheheadsofthepeoplemostofwhomdeclared,"Weshould notengageourselvesinquestionofpolicy!"3 Beforelong,mostofthemleftMuslimwholedtheresttotheMsjidforprayer.Evenduringthe prayer,theothers ____________ 1SeeIbnHajaral'Asqalani,TahdhibalTahdhib,vol.2,p.351. 2SeeIbnKuthayr,alBidayahwaalNihayah,vol.8,p.154. 3SeeIbnalAthir,Tarikh,vol.3,p.269. left,andMuslim,ashefinishedtheprayer,foudhimselfalone!1Thatnight,hecouldnotfinda housetosettlein.HethereforehadtowanderaloneinthestreetsofKufa.Onlyanoblelady calledTaw'ahhadthecouragetoletMuslimin.Assheservedhimfood,Muslimrefusedtoeator drinkbecausehewasthinkingofthefatethatImamalHusayn(a)wouldfaceafterthebetrayalof thosepeople.SonofTaw'ahknewthewholestoryandwiththefirstsparksofthatmorning,he hurriedtoinformtherulingauthoritiesaboutthematter,eventhoughhehadgivenhismother bindingoathsthathewouldnottellanybody. Threehundredhorsemen,ledbyMuhammadibnalAsh'ath,attackedthehouseofTaw'ah,but Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Muslimfacedthemwithsuchanunprecedentedcouragethatheinheritedfromhisfathers.2He alonecoulddefeatthosehorsemenandkillagreatnumberofthem.Themeanoneshowever begantothrowstonesandfireballsonhim,buthetooovercame.3WhenMuhammadibnal Ash'athreturnedto'Ubaydullahandaskedformoretroopsandweapons,thelattersaidwith astonishment,"Ihavesentyoutocaptureoneman!Buthedidthistoyourtroops!"Heanswered, "DoyoutinkyouhavesentmetobringanordinarymanfromKufaortheneighboring?Youhave sentmetocaptureacourageouslionandaherofromthefamilyofthebestmeninwhosehands cuttingswordsareheldfast."4'Ubaydullahsuppliedhimwithmoretroopsandweapons,but Muslim,thehero,keptonfightingagainstthemsobravely.Thisfacingtookalongtimeduring whichMuslimsufferedthirstandthetroopsoftherulingauthoritieswere ____________ 1SeeAbu'lFida,alMukhtasarfiAkhbaralBashar,vol.1,p.300. 2SeeBaha'alDin'Aliibn'Abdalkarim,alDurralNadidfiTa'azialImamalShahid,p.164. 3SeeIbrahimibnMuhammadalBayhaqi,alMahasinwaalmasawi,vol.1,p.43. 4See'abdullahalBahrani,al'AwalimalImamalHusayn,p.203. increasingaroundhim,thoughtheyweretooterrifiedtoattackhim.Finally,theystabbedhim withtheirlancesuntiltheycouldcapturehim.aftertheyhadlethimdown,peopleofKufa crowdedtoseehowhewastakentotheMansion.Muslimcourageouslyrefusedsubmittingtothe tyrantwho,asaresult,orderedBukayribnHamrantotakehimtothesurfaceofthemansionand beheadhim.HealsoorderedHani'tobekilledbeforetheindividualsofhistribe.Thedeadbodies ofMuslimandHani'weretrailedonthegroundinthestressasasignofterrorismandscorning theiradherents.1 LEAVINGFORIRAQ BeforesheleftforIraqinthecompanyofherbrother,LadyZaynabhadaskedpermissionofher husband.andbeforeImamalHusayn(a)leftforIraq,'Abdullahibn'Abbas,hiscousin,hadtriedto chanehismind,buttheImam(a)refused.Hence,ibn'Abbasaskedhimnottoaccompanyhis haremandfamilymembers,buttheImam(a)answered,"ThesearethetrustsoftheMessenger ofAllah,andIcannottrustanyonewiththem."Then,LadyZaynabsaidtoibn'Abbaswithtearful eyes,"Sonof'Abbas,doyousuggesttoourleadertoleaveushereandgoalone?No,byAllah,we eitherlivewithhimordiewithhim.Wehavenothingleftexcepthim."2'Abdullahibn'Abbas couldnotcontrolhimselfwhenhebrokeintotearsandsaid,"Itistrulydifficultformetoleave you,cousin."OneofthemostexcellentplansofImamalHusayn'srevolutionwasaccompanying hisharemandfamilymemberswithhim,especiallyLadyZaynabwhohadtheleadingroleinthe processoftherevolution'sperpetuity.Asheanticipatedthecomingevents,heplannedforhis sister Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

____________ 1SeeAhmadibnYahyaalBaladhiri,AnsabalAshraf,p.83. 2SeeSayyidHashimalBahraini,MadinatalMa'ajiz,vol.3,p.485. herhonorableroleinperfectinghisuprising,showinghissacrificethattheUmayyadtyrant attemptedtocoverup,andputtingintocirculationhisprinciplesandaims.Asamatteroffact,the Imam'sharemcontributedactivelyintherenaissanceoftheMuslimsocietyandtheoverthrowing oftheUmayyadregim'sfalseprestige.Throughtheirenthusiasticspeeches,theImam'sharem commencedtherevolutionsagainsttheregimeandshooktheentityoftheirillegalstate. Inthisregard,MuhammadHusaynKashifalGhita'says: "DoesanyonedoubtthefactthatifthoseladiesoftheProphet'sfamilyhadnotchallengedthe rulingregimethroughtheirsituationsandaddresses,thebloodofImamalHusayn(a)andhis sonswouldhavegonefornothingandnonewouldhavedemandedwiththepunishmentofthose killersand,accordingly,ImamalHusayn(a)hadalreadyplannedforthisstepandhadfull knowledgethatnonewouldbeabletoaccomplishthismissionsoperfectlyexceptthoseladies.As aresult,heaskedthemtoaccompanyhimforaddinganotheritemtotheoppressionthatthey wouldencounterwhentheseladieswouldbetakenascaptivesInadditionandoverthrowthe illegalregimeoftheUmayyadrulersbeforetheywoulderadicateIslamandtakepeoplebackto theperIslamiccustomsandtraditions."1Dr.AhmadMahmudSubhisays: "AlHusayninsistedonaccompanyinghisharemandfamilymemberswithhiminorderthat peoplewouldtestifyoftheinexcusableandinhumanecrimesthattheirenemieswoulddoto them.Thankstothisprocedure,theissueforwhichalHusaynfoughtandrevoltedhasnotbeen lostinthedesertwithhisblood.Withouttheexistenceofhisfamily ____________ 1SeeMuhammadalHusaynKashifalGhita',alSiyasahalHusayniyyah,p.467. membersandharem,alltheincidentsthatoccuredwithalHusaynandhisenemieswouldhave beencompletelyforgedanddistorted,andalltruetestimonieswouldhavebeenunavailable."Dr. 'A'ishahBintalShati'says: "Zaynab,alHusayn'ssister,caused'UbaydullahibnZiyadandtheUmayyaddynastytolosethe elationofvictoryasshepoureddropsofdeadlypoisonintheircups.Alltheeventsthattookplace afterthat,suchastherebelofalMukhtarandtherevolutionof'AbdullahibnalZubayr,and resultedinthedeclineoftheUmayyadregime,the'Abbasiddynasty'scomingtopower,andthe inveteracyofShiism;alltheseweretheresultofZaynab'sformation."1Tosumitup,withoutLady Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Zaynab,thetragicstoryofKarbala'wouldhavebeenrecordedfromtheviewpointofImamal Husayn'senemiesonly,andthepurebloodoftheImam,hisrelatives,andhiscompanions,which wasshedwronglythere,wouldhavebeenlostinthedesert.Atanyrate,beforeheleftMecca, ImamalHusayn(a)calledforgeneralmeetingduringwhichhedeliveredanaddress: ____________ 1See'A'ishahBintalShati',Zaynab;theHeroineofKarbala. AllpraiseisduetoAllah,onlythatwhichAllahwantswillcometopass,thereisnostrengthsave inAllah,andmercyandblessingofAllahbeuponHisMessenge.Deathismappedoutonevery humanbeigninthesamewayasanecklaceleavesamarkonagirl'sneck.Forme,myeagerness tojoinmylatefather,themartyrs,isassameasProphetJacob'seagernesstosee(hisabsentson) Joseph.Iwillunavoidablyencouterthedemisethathasbeenchosenforme:Iforeseethatmy limbsandorganswillbeseveredbythewolvesofdeserts1inaplacebetweenalNawawisand Karbala'wheretheywillfilltheirhungrybellieswithme.Noonecanescapethatwhichhasbeen recordedwiththePen.2 OnlythatwhichpleasesAllahwillpleaseustheAhlalBayt;webehavesteadfastlyagainstHis tests(thatHepresentsinformsofmisfortunes)andHeshallcertainlypayustherewardsofthe steadfastonesinfull.ThefleshoftheMessngerofAllah,peacebeuponhimandhisfamily,shall notgostrayfromhiswayandshalljoinhimintheSacredPositiontodelighthimandfulfillthe promise,whichwasmadetohim.Hence,hewhosacrificehissoulforusanddeterminestomeet Allahmayaccompanymeinthisjourney.Tomorrowmorning,Iwillleave,ifAllah,theExalted, willsit."3InhislastmomentinMecca,ImamalHusayn(a)wenttowardstheHolyHouse(Kaaba) andofferedtheZhuhr ____________ 1Thismeansthatthosewhowillfightagainstmeareassavageandwildaswolves. 2ThisisanindicationtotheabsoluteknowledgeofAlmightyAllah. 3See'AliibnAbu'lFathalArbali,KashfalGhummahfiMa'rifatalA'immah,vol.2,p.239. noonPrayerthere.OntheeighthofDhu'lHijjah,60A.H.,heleftMeccawhosepeoplesawhim offwithtearfuleyesanddepressinghearts.Throughouthisjourney,heusedtotellthestoryof themartyrdomofProphetJohn.InaplacecalledalSifah,ImamalHusayn(a)metalFarazdaq, thefamouspoet,andtoldhimthattherulingauthoritieshadplottedtoassassinatehimin Mecca.1TheImam(a)askedhimabouttherealityofpeopleofKufathathehadcomefrom,and alfarazdaqsaid:"Theirheartsarewithyou,buttheirswordsareagainstyou."Heagreedtothese words,butcontinuedhisjourneysosteadfastly.InaplacecalledDhat'Irq,theImam(a)metAbu HirrahwhoaskedhimwhyhehadleftMecca.TheImam(a)answered:"Woetoyou,AbuHirrah! WhentheUmayyadsusurpedmyproperties,Itreateditpatiently,whentheyinsultedmyhonor,I Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

alsotreateditpatiently,andwhentheyattemptedtoshedmyblood,Iescaped.ByAllahIswear thatbecausetheoppressivepartywillkillme,Allahshalldressthemwithcomprehensive humiliationandshallcausecuttingswordstoservethem,Allahshallalsogiveafreehandtorulers whowillhumiliatethemtothedegreethattheywillbemorehumblethanpeopleofSheba;a womanruledthemandhadfullhandontheirpropertiesandsouls."TheImam(a)thenleftthis manwhocouldnotunderstandthemeaningofsupportingtherightanddefendingIslam. InaplacecalledalKhuzaymiyyah,LadyZaynabapproachedtheImam(a)andaskedabouttheir fate.Heansweredthatshewouldhavetofaceterribledifficulties ____________ 1SeeKhalifahibnKhayyatal'Asfari,TarikhKhalifahibnKhayyat,p.176. 2SeeMuhammadibnJariralTabari,NawadiralMu'jizat,p.107. andadversities.hesaid,"Sister,allthatwhichisgoingtobeisgoingtobe."1Inaplacecalled Zarud,thecaravanoftheImam(a)receivedaverybadnews;Muslimibn'Aqilwasmartyredin Kufa.Thecaravanburstintotears,andtheImam(a)turnedtowardsthefamilyofthemartyrand asked,"Muslimhasbeenmartyred.Whatdoyounowsee?"Theyansweredsofirmly,"Wewillnot gobackunlesswerevengeforhimorjoinhim."Thesewordsshowedthedeterminationofthose heroesandmadetheImam(a)trusthisissuemore. Thatnoon,ImamalHusayn(a)tookasiestaandsawahorribledream.Hewokeupinterror,and hisson,'AlialAkbar,hurriedadnaksedaboutthatterror.TheImam(a)toldhissonthathehad seeninsleepahorsemansaying,"Youaremendingyourpaceswhileyourdeathsaretakingyou hurriedlytoParadise."Explainingthisdream,theImam(a)toldthattheywouldbekilled.Theson asked,"Arewenottherightparty?" "Ofcourse,weare.IswearitbyHimtoWhomallcreaturesshallreturn,"answeredtheImam(a) confidently.Thesonconcluded,"Ofather,wethenshallnevercareaboutdeath."Thisstatement relievedtheImam(a)whoexpressedhisgratitudeforsuchasituation.2Astheyreachedaplace calledShuraf,theImam(a)gavetheordersoffetchingasmuchwateraspossiblefromthesprings there.Afewstepsafterthesesprings,oneoflthecompanionssawsomethinglikedatepalmtrees andshoutedtomaketheothersnotice.Someofthosewhohadfullknowledgeofthat arearealizedthatitwasnothingbut ____________ 1SeeShaykh'AlialNamazialSharhudi,MustadrakSafinatalBihar,vol.5.450. 2SeeMuhammadibnJariralTabari,TarikhalUmamwaalMuluk;vol.4p.308,andAb'lFarajal Isfahani,MaqatilalTalibiyyin,p.111. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

arrowheadsandearsofhorses.ImamalHusayn,too,realizedthatthesewerethevanguardsof theUmayyadarmy.Hethereforeaskedhiscompanionswhethertheyknewanearplacetohide in.somereferredtoMountDhuHusamtotheleft.AstheImam'scaravandirectedtowardsthat mountainthemassivetroopsofaboutmorethanonethousandhorsemenassomehistorians haveconfirmedunderthecommandmentofalHurribnYazidalRiyahiwhom'Ubaydullahibn Ziyadcommissionedtowanderthroughthedesertuntilhewouldmeetandcapturethecaravan ofImamalHusayn(a),approached.ItwasmiddyandalHurr'stroopsweretoothirstytocontinue theirmarch.Seeingthis,theImam(a)feltpityforthemandorderedhiscompanionstogivethem fromthewatertheyhadwiththem.Eventhehorsesweregivenwater.Afterthat,theImam(a) deliveredanarticulatesermontothetroopsofthatarmy: People:Thisonlyandargumentintendedtoreleasemefromtheresponsibilitythatliesonme withregardtoAllahandyou.IcametoyouonlyafterIhadreceivedyourmissevesandyour messengerswhoaskedmetocometoyousinceyouhadnoleaderandsinceyoudesiredtobe guidedtotherightguidancethroughmyleadershiptoyou.Ifyouarestillbearingthisvery tendency,thenhereIam.ShowmepledgesandcovenantsduetowhichIwillbesureofyour intentions.Butifyoudislikemycomingtoyou,Iwillleaveyouandreturntotheplacefromwhich Icame.1Becausemostoftheindividualsofthatarmywereamongthosewhosentmissivesand askedtheImam(a)tocometothemandpaidhomagetohimviahisrepresentativeMuslimibn 'Aqil,theycouldnotanswerehim.AstimeoftheZhuhrPrayerfell,theImam(a)orderedthe muezzin2todeclareit.HethenturnedhisfacetoalHurrandaskedwhetherhewouldleadthe collectiveprayerforhiscompanions."Wewillfollowyouinprayer,"answeredalHurrpolitely. Whentheyperformedthe'AsrafternoonPrayer,theImam(a)deliveredanothersermon: People:ifyoufearAllahandrecognizethepeopleoftheright,thiswillsurelypleaseHimmore thananythingelse.WetheAhlalBaytareworhierofholdingthepositionofleadershipthan thosewhoclaimitfalselyandgovernedyoubymeansofwrongandoppression.Ifyouwilldislike usandignoreourrightandchangeyourmindsthatyouhadexpressedinyourmissivesyousent tome,Iwillsurelyleaveyou...3Asheknewnothingaboutthesemissives,alHurraskedtheImam (a),"Whatarethesemissivesyouarementioning?"TheImam(a),thus,orderedoneofhis companionstofetchthemandshowtoalHurrwho,assoonassawthem, ____________ 1SeeMuhammadBaqiralMajlisi,BiharalAnwar,vol.44,p.376. 2Muezzinisthecallertoprayer. 3SeeShaykhalMufid,alIrshad,p.79. wasshocked,hethensaid,"Wearenotamongthosewhowrotethesemissives."Afterwards,the Imam(a)wantedtoleavethatplaceandreturnhome,butalHurrpreventedhimandsaid,"Iwill notleaveyouuntilIleadyoutoKufatobepresentbefore'UbaydullahibnZiyad.""Deathisnearer Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

toyouthandoingso,"theImamansweredandorderedhiscompanionstorideanddirectsaidto him,"Whatdoyouwantfromus?""Iwanttoleadyouto'UbaydullahibnZiyad,answeredal Hurr.""Iwillnotfollowyou,"saidtheImam(a)."AndIwillnotleaveyou,"answeredalHurr. Warwasabouttobreakout,butalHurrcouldsavethesituationbysaying,"Iwasnotordredto fightyou.IwasonlyorderednottoleaveyoubeforeIleadyoutoKufa.Ifyourefuse,youmay takeawaythattakesyouneithertoKufanorMedinasothatIwillwriteareportto'Ubydullah andhopeAllahwillsavemefromfightingyou."Hence,theImam'scaravantookanotherway southwardbetweenal'UdhaybandalQadisiyyah,1andalHurr'sarmywatchedthem.Inaplace calledalBayda,theImam(a)deliveredasermon: ____________ 1SeeIbnalAthir,Tarikh,vol.3,p.280. People:theMessengerofAllahsaid,"Foranyonewhoknowsanunjustrulerthatisviolating Allah'ssanctities,breakingthepledgeofAllah,goingagainsttheSunnahoftheProphet,and treatingtheservantsofAllahwithmeansofsinandoppression,andavoidsdenyingsobyadeed oraword,itwillbeincumbentuponAllahtotakehimtotheplacehedeserves(i.e.Hell)."Those individualstheUmayyadrulerhaveadheredtotheobediencetotheShaitan,desertedthe obediencetotheAllbeneficent(Lord),madepublicsinfulness,defiedthedoctrinalprovisions, dedicatedthetreasuriestothemselves,deemedlawfulthingthatAllahhasdicidedunlawful,and deemedunlawfulthingsthatAllahhasdecidedlawful.Iamworthierofholdingthispositonthan thosewhodestorted(thepronciplesofIslam). Ihavereceivedyourmissiveandyourmessengerswhoreportedtomethatyoupaidhomageto meandthatyouwouldneitherletmedownnordisappointme.Ifyoukeepyourhomage,youwill certainlydotherightthing.IamalHusaynsonof'AliandFatima;daughteroftheMessengerof Allah.Mysoulwillbewithyoursandmyharemwillbewithyours.(Theywillfacethesamefate thatyouwillface.)Ihoweveramtheexamplethatshouldbefollowed.Butifyoubreakyour homageandpledge,thisisinfactnotstrangefromyou.Youhavealreadydoneitwithmyfather, brother,andcousinMuslim(ibn'Aqil).Hewhobelievesyouissurelydeceived.Anyhow,youhave onlymissedyouropportunityofsuccessandneglectedyourchanceofsafety.Hewhobreachesis onlydoingilltohimself.Allahwillsurelyfindmeasubstitution.Peace,Allah'smercy,andHis blessingsbeuponyou.1Afterthissermon,alHurrsaidtotheImam(a),"Ionlywanttoadviseyou. Iamsurethatyouwillbekilledifyoufight,Iswearit."TheImam(a)answered,"Doyouthreaten mewithdeath?Willmisfortunesdepartyouifyoukillme?Ireallydonotknowwhattosayto you.But,Iwillcopythesayingofthatmanfromthe(tribeof)Awswhosecousinthreatenedwith deathwhilehewasgoingtodefendtheProphet(s).hepoetized:2 Iwillgoon,anddeathisnotshamefulforthehero Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

WhointendsgoodandfightsforhisIslam Andsacrificeshissoulfortherighteousmen Anddefiestheperishedoneanddepartsthewrongones IfIlive,Iwillnotregret,andifIdie,iwillnotbeblamed Itiscertainlysufficienhumilitytoliveinhumbleness. Asheheardthesewords,alHurrlefttheImamandrealizedthathehaddecidedtosacrificehis soulforsakeofsavingtheMuslimsfromtheoppressionandwrongoftheUmayyadrulers. ____________ 1SeeIbnShu'bahalHarrani,Tuhafal'Uqul,p.505. 2SeeMuhammadibnJariralTabariTarikhalUmamwaalMuluk;4:305. Ladyzaynab,too,recognizedthatherbrother,bysayingthesewords,haddecidedtosacrifice himselfandattainmartyrdom.ShethereforefeltverysadandsupplicatedtoalmightyAllahto givevictorytohim.AlTarimmahledtheImam'scaravanbecauseheknewtheareabetter.1The caravanhoweverwentonandthetroopsofalHurrwerepreventingitfromdirectingtowardsthe desertandtryingtopushittowardsKufa.Meanwhile,ariderappeared,Itwasamancarryinga messagefrom'UbaydullahibnZiyadtoalHurr:"Assoonasyoureceivethismessage,leadal Husayntoaderelictplaceinthedesertwherethereisnoshelterorwater.Ihavealsoorderedthis messengertohauntyouuntilyoucarryoutthisorder."2 ____________ 1SeeAbu'lfarajalIsfahani,MaqatilalTalibiyyin,p.111. 2SeealBaladhiri,AnsabalAshraf,p.240.

InKarabala ImamalHusayn(a)wantedtoresideinaplacenearaspringorashelter,butalHurrpervented himandrecited'Ubaydullah'smessage.asthesituationattaineditsclimax,ZuhayribnalQayn, oneofthesincerecompanionsoftheImam,suggestedthattheywouldfightagainstalHurrand histroops,buttheImam(a)rejectedsaying,"Iwillneverbeingfighting."3AlHurrthenobliged theImam(a)toresideinaplace,andtheImam(a)hadtorespond."Whatisthisplacecalled," askedtheImam(a)."ThisisKarbala,"answeredoneofthecompanions."OAllah:IseekYour protectionagainstagonyandordeal,"supplicatedtheImam(a)withtearyeyes.4 Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

____________ 3SeealFadlibnHasanalTabarsi,I'lamalWarabiA'lamalHuda,vol.1,451. 4TheArabic'karb'means'agony',andtheArabic'bala'means'ordeal'.Hence,theword'Karbala' isacombinationofthesetwowords.Infact,'Karbala'isanancientnameoftheregionitrefersto. Formoreinformationabouttheorigionof'Karbala',refertoSayyidSamialBadri,theHolyQur'an andArchaeology,TranslatedbyBadrShahin,IssueNo,1,Chapter:Karbala'intheAncientOrient LinguisticHeritage,FirstEdition,1421. Hethenturnedtowardshiscompanionsandsaid:Thisistheplaceofagonyandordeal.Thisisthe placewherewe,asourridinganimals,willresideandourbloodwillbeshed.Al'Abbas, accompaniedbythehorsesoftheProphet'shouseholdandtheImam'scompanions,hurriedto pitchtentsfortheharem,headedbyLadyZaynab,whowerereignedbyhorrorastheyimagined thecomingeventsonthisland.TheImam(a)thenraisedhishandsupwardforsupplicatingto Allahandsaid: OAllah:We,thehouseholdofYourProphetMuhammad,havebeenbanishedawayfromthe sanctumofourgrandfatherandhavebeenaggressedbytheUmayyads.OAllhah:Takevengeance uponthosewhooppressedusandsupportusagainstthewrongdoers.1Hethenturnedhisface towardshishouseholdandcompanionsandsaid: ____________ 1SeeMuhammadBaqiralMajlisi,BiharalAnwar,vol.44,p.383.Thisworldhaschanged, snubbed,anditsgoodhasturnedtail.Nothinghasremainedfromitexceptathingthatisas scantyastheleftoverofacupandameanlifethatislikeanoxiousgrazing.Haveyounotnoticed thattherightisignoredandtheevilisnotforbidden?Thisissufficientformakingthebelievers desireformeetiingAllahrightfully.Idonotseedeathbutashappinessanddonotconsiderlife withthewrongdoersbutasboredom.Peoplearecertainlyslavesofthisworld.Thereligionisonly aslaverontheirtogues.Theyturnitwherevertheirlivelihooddemands.Iftheyareexaminedby misfortunes,thereligiouswillbeverylittle.1 Bythesewords,ImamalHusayn(a)informedhishouseholdandcompanionsaboutthecoming ordealstheywouldface,anddeclaredhisreadinesstofightagainstthewrongfulpartytothelast sparkofhislife.Astheyheardhiswords,thoseunmatchedindividualswhopavedthewayof freedomtohumankindthroughtheirunparalleledsituationsspokebeforetheirleadertoshow himtheirreadinesstoparticipateandcontinuethewaywhateverthesacrificeswouldbe.Thefirst companiontospeakwasZuhayribnalQayn: "SonofAllah'sMessenger:Wehaveundrestoodyourwords.Wemaystopsupportingyouifwe undrestandthatthisworldwillperpetuateforusforgood...etc."Anotherhero,namelyBurayr ibnKhudayr,saidsimilarwords.Theotherheroesdeclaredtheirsituationofperseveranceon theirprinciplesandreadinesstosacrificetheirsoulsfortheirleader.TheImam(a)thankedthem Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

fortheirfeelingsandblessedthem. ____________ 1SeeIbnShu'bahalHarrani,Tuhafal"Uqul;287. InKufa,'UbaydullahibnZiyadfelthappywhenhewasinformedthatthevanguardsofhisarmy seizedImamalHusayn.Hethereforebegantoplanforthenextstep;whomshouldhechoosefor thecommandmentofthearmytokilltheProphet'sdearestone?Ashereviewedthenamesof thecandidates,hecouldnotrealizeanyindividualsmeanerandmoreviciousthan'UmaribnSa'd. Atfirst,'UmarrefusedtofightagainsttheImam(a),but'Ubaydullahthreatenedhewoulddismiss himfromthegovernorshipofRaycurrentlyTehran.Thus,heacceptedandbeganhiscampaign towardsKarbala'withfourthousandhorsemenwhojoinedthearmyofalHurrthere.'Umaribn Sa'dwaschosenforthemosthorriblecrime,andheshowednoblemishwhenheledarmiesto fightagainstthedivinelyselectedImam.hesurroundedtheImam(a)fromeveryside,laidsiegeto him,andblockedallthewaysinordertopreventanybodyfromjoiningorsupportinghim. Inkufaagain,'Ubaydullahgatheredpeopleandspoke:"Opeople:Asyoutriedthedescendantsof AbuSufyan,youhavefoundthemasexactlyasyoulike.Youhavealsoknownyourleader,yazid, asgoodandpraiseworthyman.hetreatshissubjectkindly,giveseverybodyhisdeservedshareof thepublictreasury,andhonorspeopleoutofhiswealth.Hehasorderedmetogiveeachofyou onehundreddirhamsmonthlyasanadditiontoyourfixedsharesoftheparticipateinthe campaignagainsthisenemyalHusayn.Hence,youshouldlistentoandobeyhim..."1 Unfortunately,mostofthemcarriedouttheseordersandcomposedahugearmyagainstthe Imam'ssmallgroup.Afterwards,theytraveledtoKarbala'andoccupiedthetwobanks,aswellas allthebranches,oftheRiverEuphrates. Somehistorians,however,havementionedthatthreedaysbeforetheencounter,Imamalhusayn (a)wasdeprived ____________ 1SeeAbuHanifahalDaynuri,alAkhbaralTiwal,p.253. ofwater.1Thisinfactwasthemosthorriblemisfortunehehadfoface.Thestrangethingisthat thebandoftheUmayyadarmytookprideinthiscriminalactthatchallengedallhumanitarian values.Oneofthem,forinstance,shoutedatImamalHusayn(a),"Husayn:youcanseewater flowlikereptiles.Youwillnottasteitbeforeyoudie..."2 Expressinghisjoyatthissituation,'AmribnalHajjajaddressed,"Husayn,thisisthe Euphrates.Dogs,donkeys,andevenpegsarelickingitswater.Butweshallpreventyoufrom havingasingledropfromit..."3Nosinglelaworcodeonthisearthallowsanyperson,underany circumstances,todeprivewomenandchildrenofwaterexceptthelawsoftheUmayyaddynasty Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

whoseindividuals,fromthefirstsparkofIslam,advisedeachothertopreventtheProphet's householdfromholdinganypositionofleadership.Facingthisordealofthescarcityofwater, LadyZaynabundertookthedifficultmissionofgatheringthethirstychildrenandwomenand tryingtocomfortthemandpromisewithwater.Herheartmeltedawayasshesawthosechildren andbabiescryoutofthirstwhileshehadnothingtogive.ImamalHusayn(a)thenasked'Umar ibnSa'dtomeethimindividually.ThecriminalcamewithhissonandservanttotheImam(a)who askedhisbrotheral'Abbasandhisson'AlialAkbartoattendthatmeeting.TheImam(a)then asked'Umartothinkaboutthemattermoreseriouslyandtoanticipatetheinescapable misfortunesthathewouldcertaninlyfaceinthisworldandtheworldtocomeifhewouldfight againsthim.'Umarhowevertriedtotenderhisexcuses,buttheImam(a)provedallthem worthless. ____________ 1SeesibtibnalJawzi,Mir'atalZamanfiTawarikhal'A'yan,p.89. 2SeeShaykhalSaduq,alAmali,p.221. 3SeeAhmadibnYahyaalBaladhiri,AnsabalAshraf,vol.3,p.181. Finally,theImam(a)recognizedthat'Umarwouldneverchangehismind;therefore,hesaidto him,'Whatismatterwithyou?Myallahkillyouonyourbed~Mayallahneverforgiveyouonthe daywhenyouwillberesurrected!Iforeseethatyou,Ifyoudoit,willnotevenbeabletosatisfy yourappetitefromthewheatofIraq."Mockingly,'Umaranswered,"Itwillbeenoughformeto havefromitsbarely!"1 Indeed,AlmightyAllahrespondedtothesupplicationofImamalHusaynconcerning'Umar:the sodiersofalMukhtarslewhiminhisbed.InthelandofKarbala',LadyZaynabfacedthe progressionofcalamitieswiththeweaponofpatienceandsteadfastness.Atthenightoftheninth ofMuharram,theUmayyadarmiesadvancedtowardsImamalHusayn'ssmallgroup.TheImam (a)wasabouttotakeanapwhenhissister,LadyZaynab,hurriedtohimwithhorrorafterhsehad heardthesoudsofthefoescomingtowardsthem.Shewakedhimupsaying,"Brotherthe enemiesareapproachingus."Heanswered,"IhavejustseentheMessengerofAllah,myfather 'Ali,mymotherFatima,andmybrotheralhasaninsleepandtheytoldthatIwilljointhemvery soon."thesewordsactedasathunderboltonLadyZaynabandtorehersensitive,torturedheart. Shethereforehadnothintodobutslappingherface,shouting,"Alasforthis!"TheImam(a)tried torelieveherbysaying,"Alasisnotyours,sister.Please,bequiet.MaytheAllbeneficenthave mercyuponyou."2 Al'Abbas,whodidnotleavehisbrotherforasonglemoment,turnedhisfacetohimandsaid, "Theyhavecometoyou."TheImam(a)askedhimtoidentifytheirintents. ____________ Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

1SeeIbnShahrashub'sManaqibAlAbiTalib;3:213. 2SeeShaykhalShurayfi,Mawsu'atKalimatalImamalHusayn,p.391asquotedfromIbnal Athir,alKamilfialTarikh,vol.2,p.558. Hesaidtohim,"MayIsacrificemyselfforyou,brother!Rideonandmeetthemtoaskabouttheir intentions."Withtwentyhorsemen,al'Abbashurriedtowardsthatarmyandaskedwhtthey wanted."Thegovernorhasorderedustocallyoutosubmittohisorders,therwisewewillfight you,"answeredthey.1Al'Abbasturnedbacktotellhisbrotherabouttheirintention.Meanwhile, HabibibnMuzhahirdeliveredasermontothatarmy;headmonishedandwarnedthemagainst thedivinepunishmenttheyshouldfaceiftheyfightagainstthefamilyoftheProphet(s). However,someofthemansweredhimimpudently. Whenheheardthewordsofhisbrother,ImamalHusaynsaidtohim,"Gobacktothemandtry yourbesttodelaythemuntiltomorrowmorningsothatwe,onthisnight,willhavetimetopray toourLordWhoknowsthatIloveprayingtoHim,recitingHisBook,andsupplicatingtoHim."Al 'AbbasconveyedthesewordstotheUmayyadarmy'UmaribnSa'd,becausehefearedthatothers wouldreporthissituationtothegovernor,offeredthesuggestiontoShamrwhowashisonly competitor.Hedidnotsayanything,but'AmribnalHajjajintruded,"Howstrangethisis!Evenif theyarefromthenonArabs,wewillrespondtotheirdemand!Infact,'Amrdidnotwantto confessthattheiradversaryparywasthebelovedgrandsonoftheProphet(s)andtheChiefofthe YouthofParadise.Thisisbecauseheanticipatedthatotherswouldreportanysinglewordhe wouldsaytotherulingauthorities.Becausemanyotherssupported'Amr'sopinion,'UmaibnSa'd acceptedtopostponewagingwaragainstthecampoftheImam(a).heorderedoneofhis soldierstoapproach ____________ 1SeeShaykhalMufid,alIrshad,vol.2,p.90. thecampoftheImam(a)anddeclarethatthefightingwouldbepostonettothenextday.Thus, thefightingwaspostponedforanightand'UmaribnSa'd'sarmywaitedwhethertheImam(a) wouldrespondtothemorfight.TheImamgatheredallofhisfollowersandgaveasermon: IpraiseAllahwiththebestwordsofpraiseandthandHimforgoodtimesandbadtimes.oAllah:I dopraiseYouforYouhavehonoreduswithprophecy,havetaughtustheQur'an,havegivenus undestandingofthereligion,haveconferreduponuswithearsandhearts,andhavenotmadeus idolworshippers.Indeed,Isonotknowanyfollowersbetterthanmyfollowersnoranyfamily betterthanmyfamily.Mayallahrewardyouall.Indeed,Ithinktomorrowwillbethedeciseveday withthesepeople,Ihaveallowedyoualltoleavemealoneandgoonyourownway.Duringthis night,anyoneofyoumayleave.Anyofyoumaytakeoneofmyfamilyandleaveandyoumay scatterinthemurkofthisnight.Indeed,Iamtheonetheywant.Whentheygetme,theywillnot Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

goafteranyoneelse.1 AssoonastheImam(a)finishedhissords,Abu'lFadlAl'Abbas,representingtheAhlalBayt,said tohisbrother:"Whyshouldwedoso?Isitforthatwewillliveafteryou?No!Wesupplicateto theLordtoforbidit."2Thesamesituationwasshownfromthesonsof'Aqil,andtheother companionswhoshowedtheirreadinesstosacrificetheirsoulsfortheirImam(a).Hence, everybodyspentthatnightwithworshipandactsofobediencetoAllah.Theywerewaitingforthe dawnofthatdayonwhichthysouldobtaintheirhighestgoalinthislife;martyrdom. LADYZAYNAB'SPANIC Imam'AliibnalHusaynzaynal'Abidin(a),theonlysurvivorofthtragedyofKarbala',lateron reported:MyauntZaynabwasnursingmeonthatnight(thenightbeforethetenthof Muharram)whenmyfatherisolatedhimselfinatent.OnlyJuwayn,theservantofAbuDharr,was withhimmendinghissword.TheImam(a)thencited(thefollowingpoeticverses): Odays,fieuponyou!Howbadmatesyouare! Toomanythosewho,inmornsadeven,are Deadofaloneinisolation Daysneverchageandneveralternation Everymortalshlltakeawaytotermination Theinevitableshallimminentlyoccur AllmatterstotheMostHighrecur. HerepeatedthesewordstwiceorthriceuntilIundestoodhispurpose.Hence,Icouldnotcontrol mytears.However,Itriedmybesttostopweepingandkeepsilence.Iunderstoodthatwewould sufferhorrifyingordealsafterhim.MyauntZaynab,likeotherwomenwhoareprevailed ____________ 1SeeIbnalAthir,alKamilfialTarik,vol.3,p.285. 2SeeAbuMikhnafalAzdi,MaqtalalHusayn,p.177. bytenderheartedness,couldnotcontrolherself.Sherantowardshimwithuncoveredheadand soutedberorehim:Oh,formylosingyou!Oh,formygriefforyou!Maydemisedeprivemeoflife! Oh,foralhusayn!Oh,formymaster!Ohfortheonlyremainingoneofmyfamilymembers!Isit truethatyouhavesubmittedtodeathanddespiredoflife?Onlythisdayhavemygrandfather, theMessengerofAllah,mymother,Fatimahalzahra,myfather,'AlialMurtada(thePleased One),andmybrother,alHasanalZaki(thePure)died.Youarethesuccessorofthebygoneones andthelastingofthesurvivors." Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Hearingthesewordsfromhisbelovedsister,ImamalHusayn(a)lookedatherandsaid:"Odear sister:donotletShaitanseizeyourtoleration."TheImam'seyesoverflowedwithtearsand added,"Aftertheyhadmademerevolt,theywrongedme."Shethenshouted: Oh,woe!Doyoutakeyoursoulbyforce?Thisisindeedmorepainfulandmoredifficultformeto tolerate.Shethenslappedherface,torehercloth,andfelltothegroundlosingconscoiusness. TheImam(a)hurriedtopourwateronherface.Ehensheregainedconsciousness,heconsoled herwiththefollowingwords:(160) Odearsister:FearAllah,consoleyourselfwiththeconsolationofallah,andknowthatinhabitants ofthisearthshallinexorablydieandtheinhabitantsoftheheavensshallnotsurviveforever.Also, beitknowntoyouthateverythingshallperishexceptAlmightyallahWhohascreatedallthe creaturesoutofHisomnipotenceandtheyallshallreturntoHim.HeisSingleandOne.Myfather isbetterthanIamandmybrotherisbetterthanIam,andeveryMuslimmusttakeandexample fromthemessengerofAllah(s).Odearsister:Iputyouunderthisoathandpleaseyounotto breatit:nevertearapieceofyourcloth(asasignofyoursadnessforme),neverslapyourface (formourningatmydeath),andneverinvokewoeandperditionwhenIwillbeslain.Imamal Husayn(a),then,accompaniedhertomytent. TotheconpanionsoftheImam(a),thatnightwasthebrightestintheirlives;theycouldnotwait forthedawnofthenextdayonwhichtheywouldjointheheavensandsettleintheendlessbliss. HabibibnMuzhahir,forinstance,wassocheerful,andwhenhewasaskedwhy,heanswered,"It isonlyafewoursandthosetyrantsattackuswithhtheirswordstomadeusembracethewomen ofParadise.Thistimethenistheworthiestofcheer."Similarwordsweresaidbytheother companionswhowerefullofdeeprootedandunshakablefaith.1 ____________ 1SeeMuhammadibnJariralTabariTarikhalUmamwaalMuluk;6:241. Atthatnight,too,ImamalHusayn(a)tookanap,andwhenhewokeup,hetoldhisfamily membersandcompanionsabouthisdream:"Idreamtthatdogsattackedmesosavagelythat theybitme.Themostsavageamongthemwasaspottedone.AsmuchasIunderstandfromthis dream,IforeseethatIwillbeslainbyaleprousman,Ithensaw,indreamtoo,mygrandfather, theMessengerofAllah(s),withagroupofhiscompanionsaddressingtome:Youaretheshahid ofMuhammahd'sfamily:Theinhabitantsoftheheavens,especiallythelevatedones,areglad becausetheyanticipatethayyouwilljointhemverysoon.Tonight,bemyguest.Please,hurryup anddonotbeslow.1Atthatnight,too,cloudsofpanicandterrorcoveredtheharemtotally.They didnotseeasinglemomentofeaseaseachoneofthemimaginedthehorrifyingfutureafterte demiseoftheirlord,ImamalHusayn(a),andtheirprotector,Abu'sFadlal'Abbas,aswellastheir familymen,TheyhadnoweaponotherthanweepingandprayingtoAlmightyAllah. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

 Themostgrievousoneamongthemwastheirchiefess,LadyZaynab,whowatchedalltheevbetso attentivelyandalreadyknewthatalltheresposibilitywouldbehers.Shealsoanticipatedthat noneofherfamilymenwouldsurviveaftertomorrow;theblacktomorrow.Owingtohergreat concentaboutherbrother,LadyZaynab,onthatnight,watchedthetentsofthecompanionsand theHashemitessothatshewouldbeawareoftheirrealsituationand,hencehowwouldthey behavetomorrow.Shefirstwentslowlynearthetentofherbrother,Abu'lFadlal'Abbas,tolisten toinwhilehewasdeliveringinstructiontoHashemitewarriors: ____________ 1SeeMuhammadBaqiralMajlisi,BiharalAnwar,vol.45,p.3. Al'Abbasasked,"Brothers,nephews,andcousing:whatareyougoningtodointhemorning?" "Youdecided,andwecarryout,"theysaid. Couragieously,al'Abbassaid,"Ourcompanionsandsupportersarenotourrelatives,Andaheavy burdenmustbecarriedbyitsownpeople.Nextmorning,wewillbethefirsttofightandwill precedeourcompanionstodeathsothatpeoplewillnotblameus."Beforeheifnished,theyall shoutedinonevoice,"Weallagreetothisopinion."ThisconversationgavesomehopetoLady Zaynabwho,then,directedtowardsthetentofthecompanionstolistentothem.Theywere gatheringinthetentoftheirhead,HbibibnMuzhahir,whoaskedthem,"Ocompanions:whatare yougoingtodointhemorning?""Youdecide,andwecarryout,"theysaid. Habibspoke,"Nextmorning,wewillbethefirsttofightandwillprecedetheHashemitestodeath. WeshouldneverseeaHashemitepersonstainedwithblood.Otherwise,peoplewillblameusand saythatwemadethemfightbeforeussothatwesouldsaveoursouls."Alltheconpanions shoutedinonevoice,"Weallagreetothisopinion,Habib."LadyZaynabhenceunderstoodthat thecompanionswouldneverletImamalHusayn(a)downandwoulddefendhimtothelastspark oftheirlives.Shethereforedirectedtowardsthetentoftheleader,Imamalhusayn9a),toreport thesenewstohim,TheImam(a)thankedforthemthesesituationandtoldhissisterthatthose individualswerethechoiceoftheAlmightyAllah.1 ____________ 1SeeShaykhalShurayfi,Mawsu'atKalimatalImamalHusayn,p.409.

EvenTheNewborn

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 'Abdullah,thesixmontholdbabyofImamalHusayn(a),wasfaintedbecauseofthirst.So,his mothercarriedhimtoLadyZaynadsothatshemightdosomething.LadyZaynabtookthebabyto herbrother,ImamalHusayn(a),andpleasehimtofetchwaterforhim.TheImam(a)tookthe baby,kissedhimveryoften,andcarriedhimbeforetheUmayyadarmyhopingtheirheartswould feelpityforthebabyandgivehimsomewater.Thissituationhadnothingtodowiththose heartless,inhumanecreatures,andinsteadofsympathizingwiththebaby,theythrewhimwitha dartthatsettledinhisneck.Feelingtheheatofthatdart,thebabytookhistwohandsawayfrom hisswaddleandbegantoflutterlikeaslainbirdonhisfather'schest.Finally,heraisedhisheadto theheavensandbreathedhislastbreathbeforehisfather'seyes.TheImam(a),sosteadfastly, handedtheslainbabytoLadyZaynab,raisedhistwohands,whichwerefullofthebaby'sblood, towardstheheavens,andcomplainedtotheCreator. THEGRANDADVERSITY Withselfpossessionandunprecedentedresoluteness,ImamalHusayn(a)stoodcompletely lonelyinthemidstofthebattlefieldwhilehewassurrounded,fromeveryside,byhisbrutalfoes someofwhomweresurprisedathiscourageevenastheotherscouldnothidetheiramazement. Despiteeverything,ImamalHusayn(a)attackedhisenemiesandcausedthemlosses. Hethenreturnedtothetentstobidfarewellandgivehislastinstructionstotheharem.He orderedthemtodependuponAlmightyAllahbymeansofpatienceandsteadfastness,Hethen turnedhiseyestowardshissister,LadyZaynab,andinstructedhertoadheretopatienceandtry herbesttohidehertearsandirritation.Hefinallyordredhertobetheguardianofthechildren andharem. Whenhewasabouttoleave,hisharemsurroundedhimwithtearyeyesandgrievoushearts.The extremelyailed,'AliZaynal'Abidin,askedhisaunt,LadyZaynab,togivehimastickandasword;s sticktohelphimstanderectly,andaswordtodefendhisfather.Seeingthissituation,Imamal Husayn(a)askedhissistertoprevent'Alifromproceedingtothebattlefield,andshedid,yet forcibly.Finally,gavethelastinstrucionstotheharem:dressheavyloincloth,readythemselves formisfortunes,andsubmitcompletelytoAlmightyAllah.TheImam'slastwordstothemwere: Prepareyourselvesfortheimminentmisfortunes.YoushouldknowthatAllahshallguard,protect, andsaveyoufromtheevilsofthoseenemies,Heshallconferuonyouwithagoodendresult, shallpunishyouenemieswiththemostgrievouschastisement,andshallawardyouforthis adrersitywiththebestgracesandblessins.Youthereforemustnotcomplainandmustnotsay thingsthatdiscredityou.HethensupplicatedtohisLordandcomplainedtoHimagainstthe misfortuneshehadtosuffer.Hesaid: Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

 OLord,ItakepatienceoverYourprovidence.ThereisnogodsaveYou.Youarethehelperofthe succorseekers.ExceptYou,Ihavenolordnordeity.ItakepatienceoverYourrule.Youarethe helperoftheshelterless.YouaretheeverlastingSubsistent.YouaretheWatcherovereachand everysoulastowhatitearns.(IimploretoYouto)judgebetweenus,andYouarethebestto judge.Fromeveryside,thecriminal,filthygangoftheUmayyadarmyattackedImamalHusayn (a);theystruckhimwithswordsandstabbedhimwithlances.1 Whenherestedontheground,nooneofthemhadthecouragetoputhimtodeath.Hetherefore restedthereforalongtime.Seeingthissituation,LadyZaynabstoodathertent'sopenand mournedfortheImam(a)sosadly.Sheshouted,'Oh,formybrother!Oh,formymaster!Oh,for therestofmyhousehold!wouldAllahtheheavenshadfallenupontheearth!Wouldallah mounainshadbeenmadetocrumbleonplains!"Shethenshoutedat'UmaribnSa'd,"Howdo youaccepttowatchAbuAbdullahwhileheisbeingslain?"Asananswer,thecursed'Umarturned hisfaceawayfromherwhilehistearsweresheddingonhisbeard.Becauseshecouldnolonger seeherbrotherinsuchastate,LadyZaynabhadtoreturntothetentstowatchoverthechildren andharemwhowouldsoonbewithoutprotection. 'UmaribnSa'dthenorderedthecommandersofhisarmytoputtheImam(a)todeath,butnone ofthemagreedexceptShamr.HewaldedtowardstheImam(a)andcutoffhishead.TheImam's horsebegantoneighaloudandtrytokicktheenemieswithitslegs.Itthensmeareditsfacewith thebloodoftheImamanddirectedtowardsthetentsoftheharem. ____________ 1SeeShahidHamidibnMuhammadalMahalli,alHadaiqalWardiyyah,vol.1,p.126. LadyZaynabrantowardsthepurebodyofImamalHusayn(a)andsawhowitwastornbythe swordsandlancesofthoseruthlessfiends.Beforethatbody,shestoodwithpefectdignityand modestythoughthethesurroundingoftheenemiesglancedattheheavens,andsaidthat statement,whichhaslitupwiththepurestspiritoffaithandsinceritytoAlmightyAllah.Shesaid: OAllah,acceptfromusthisoffering.Ladyzaynabreceivedthatmisfortunewithsteadfastness becauseitwasforsakeofAlmightyallahandforkeepingHisreligionaspureandgenuineasitwas revealedfromtheHeavens.Bythesewords,sheshowedtherealmeaningoftheProphetic heritageandtheperseveranceonthecarryingoutofherfather'swill. AftertheyhadslainandmaraudedtheImam(a),theUmayyadarmy,accordingtotheordersof theircommandment,carriedfirebrandsanddirectedtowardsthetentsoftheImam'scamptoput themonfire.Whenthesetentweeputonfire,thechildrenandharemhadtoleavethemfleeing tonowhere.TheladiesoftheProphet'sfamilyhadtrunfromonetenttoanother,whilethe children,descendantsoftheProphet(s),werecryingandtryingtoclingtotheirguardian,Lady Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Zaynab.Furthermore,someofthemranaimlessly. ThesehoursweretheharshestmisfortunesthatthePrphet'sfamilyhadeversuffered.Thoughout hislifeImam'AliZaynal='Abidin(a)couldnotforgetthesehours:Heusedtorememberthem withgrief,saying"WheneverIlookatmyauntsandsisters,tearsturninmyeyes.Iremember whentheywererunningfromatenttoanotherwhiletheenemieswereshouting:putthehouses ofthewrongfulonesonfire."Moreover,thecriminalusurpedeverythingthesetentsincluded. TheyalsostroketheladiesoftheProphet'shouseholdwiththelowerpartsoftheirlanceswhile theladieswereresortingtoeachotherforprotecton.Theyalsousurpedtheirsjewelries. Thecriminalsattackedtheailed'AliZaynal'Abidin.Shamrdeterminedtokillhim,butanother manrebukedandtriedtopreventhim.However,Shamrdidnotheed;herantowardstheailedto killhim.LadyZaynabhurriedtowardshernephew,heldontohim,andsaid,"No,youshouldfirst killmebeforeyoukillhim."1Becauseofthissituation,thecursedShamrstopped.Outofhis brutality,Umar,underapromiseofawards,askedforvolunteerstodrivetheirhorsestorunover thechestandbackofthebodyofImamalHusayn(a),tenwickedhorsemenstoodup,rodetheir horses,andtrampleduponthebodyoftheImam(a). Nightcame,anditwasthecruelestnightinthelifeoftePropht'shousehold.Despiteeverything, LadyZaynabwentintohermissionasguardianofhermartyredbrother'schildrenandharem;she hurriedtopickupthechildreninthatdesolatedesertandgatheredtheallinoneplace.Shethen comfortedandsolacedthemwithwordsofpatiencewhilethedeadbodiesoftheirfathersand brothersspreadinthatareaandthecriminalswhomwereassignedforwatchingthechildrenand haremsurroundedthem. Atthatcruelnighttoo,LadyZaynabgatheredherpowers,stoodup,andofferredathanksgiving prayertotheAlmightyLordfortheadversitiesandmisfortunesshesuffered.Shealsoimploredto theLordtohavethesesacrificesinacceptance.ShealsoofferedtheNightPrayer,butinthestate ofsittingbecauseshehadnofurtherpowertostandup.2Thenextday,thecriminalsdecidedto takethechildrenandharemascaptivestoKufa.Theladieshoweverbeggedthecriminalstomake thempassbythedeadbodiesofImam ____________ 1SeeIbnalQirmani,AkhbaralDuwal,p.108. 2SeebaqirSharifalQarashi,HayatalImamalHusayn,vol.3,p.309. alHusayn(a)andtheothermartyrs.Whenhereyesfellonthesevered,headlessbodyofImamal Husayn(a),LadyZaynabshoutedwithagriefstrickenvoice: Oh,Muhammad!MaytheKingoftheHeavensblessyou!ThisisHusayn!Heisstainedwithhis Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

bloodandhislimbsaresevered!Andtheseareyourdaughters!Theyaretakencaptives! Complaining(aboutthis)isonlytoAllah,to'AlialMurtada(thePleasedOne),toFatimahal Zahra',andtoHamzahthechiefofmartyrs.ThisisHusayninthedesert!Windsareblowinghis body!Heisbeigkilledbybastards!Oh,formygrief!Oh,formybereavement!Thisdayonlyhas mygrandfather,theMessengerofAllah,died.Oh,companionsofMuhammad!Thesearethe descendantsofalMustafatheDivinelySelectedProphetTheyarepushedlikecaptives. Theonlysavedman,ImamZaynal'Abidin(a),couldnotcontrolhimselfwhinhesawthedead bodiesofhisfatherandtheothermartyrsthrownawayinthedesert.Hisgriefwasabouttokill him,butLadyZaynab,noticinghisnephew'sbehavior,hurriedtohimandsaid: Othelegacyofmygrandfather,father,andbrother:WhatforisitthatIseeyoupleadfor death?1Donotbesadforwhatyousee.Itis,byAllahtoyourgrandfatherandfather.Allahhas certainlymadeaconvenantwithsomepeople,whomarenotknownbythetyrantsonthisearth buttheyarewellknownbytheinhabitantsoftheHeavens,thattheyshallgathertheseseverd organsandthesebloodstainedbodiestoburythem.Theyshallalsohoistinthisland,alTaff,aflag onthetombofyourfatherthemasteroftheMartyrs.Throughoutdaysandages,themarkofthis tombshallneverbeobliteratedanditsfigureshallnotblottedout.Nevertheless,theheadsof atheismandthespreadersofdeviationshallexertalleffortsforobliteratingit,yetthisshallmake itmoreandmoreelevatedinstead.2 ____________ 1AccordingtoKamilalZiyarat,ImamAliZaynalAbidinanswerdhisaunt:HowshouldInotgive myselfupandbeimpatientwhileIseemymaster,mybrothers,myuncles,mycousins,andmy familymembersstainedwithblood,lyingbareandlootedwithoutcoffinsandwithoutburing, nobodycanvisittheirbodies,andnobodycanapproachthem,asiftheyarenonArabs. 2SeeJa'faribnMuhammadalQummi,KamilalZiyarat,p.447.Thisishoweveralongnarration therestofwhichisasfollows:Imam'AliZaynal'Abidin,thenaskedhisaunt,"Whatisthat covenantandwhatisthatpromise?"ThenLadyZaynabreported: UmmuAymannarratedtomethattheMessengerofAllah(s),once,visitedthehouseofLady Fatimah(a).ShecookedforhimaHarirahasoupofoilandflour,and'Aliofferedtohimadishof dates.I,UmmuAyman,thenservedthemwithabigcupofmildandbutter.Themessengerof Allah(s),'Ali,Fatimah,alHasan,andalHusaynatefromthatdishanddrankfromthatmilk.Then, theMessengerofAllah(s)washedhishandand'Alipouredwateronthem.Afterthat,the Prophet(s)passedhishandsoverhisfaceandglacedat'Ali,Fatimah,alHasan,andalHusayna while,directertowardstheQiblah,andextendedhisbegansobbinginaloudvoiceandtearyeyes. Heathennoddedhisheaddownwhilehistearweresheddinglikerain.Forthisscene,Fatimah, 'Ali,alHasan,andalHusayn(a),aswellasI,Feltsorrybutnoonedaredtoaskhimforthereason. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Butwhenthatweepingtookalongtime,'AliandFatimahaskedhim,"OMessengerofAllah:what forareyouweeping?MayAllahnevermakeyouweep.Yourviewhaswoundedourheart." TheProphet(s)answered: Brother,whenIwaslookingatyou,IfeltthepleasurethatIhaveneverfeltbefore.Ithusthanked before.IthusthankedAllahforthisgrace.Forthemeantime,ArchangelGabrieldescendedand foretold: Muhammad:AllahtheBlessedandExaltedhasknownyourfeelingandhasknownyourpleasure withyourbrother,yourdaughter,andyourtwograndsons.Hethereforeperfectedforyouthis graceandcongratulatedyouforthisgift.Hehasdecidedtojointheirdescendants,partisans, adherents,andthemtoyouinParadise.Hehasalsodecidednottoseparatethemfromyou.He shallhonortheminthesamewayasHeshallhonoryouandshallgivethemthesamegracedHe shallgivetoyouuntilyouwillbepleasedorevenbeyondyourpleasure.Thisisformany misfortunestheywillsufferandmanyadversitiesthewillencounteratthehandsofsomepeople whoclaim,falsely,beingembracingyourreligionandbelongingtoyourummah,whileyouand Allahdisavowthem.Theywillinflictmassacresandkillinguponyourhouseholdandtheirareas andtheirgraveswillbeveryfarfromoneanother.ThisiswhatAllahhaschosenforthemandfor you.YoushouldthenthankHimforthischoiceandsatifyyourselfwithHisprovidence. TheProphet(s)thencommented:IthereforethankedAllah,andsatifiesmyselfwiththatwhich Hehasdecidedformeregardingyou.ThenArchangelGabrieladded:Muhammad:afteryour demise,yourummahwillpersecuteanddiscriminateagainstyourbrother('Ali).Yourenemieswill annoyhim.Afterall,hewillbekilledatthehadsofthemostevilandmostviciouscreaturewho willberegardedassameasthekilleroftheshecamelofProphetSalih.Thatwillhappenina countrytowhere'Aliwillemigrate,andthatcountry,lateron,willbethecenterofhisandhis descendants'adherents.Onthisland,too,theywillsuffertheharshestordealsandthemost catastrophicmisfortunes. Regardingyourgrandson,alHusayn,he,alongwithanoblegroupofhisfamilymembersandthe mostvirtuousmenofyourummah,willbeslainonthebankoftheRiverEuphratesinaland namedKarbala.Forthat,reason,yourhouseholdandyourenemieswillunavoidablysuffertoo muchagonyandtormentonthedaywhoseagonyisceaselessandordealsareneverending (namely,DayofResurrection).Thatland,namelyKarbala,isthebestareaonthisearthandthe mostscared.ItisapartofParadise,aswell.Onthatdaywhenyourgrandsonandhishousehold willslainandsurroundedbygroupsofatheistsandcursedones,theearthshallbeshaken, mountainsshallswingandsway,wavesofoceansshallmovedisorderly,andheavensshallquiver withtheirinhabitants,assignsofwrathforyouandforyourhousehold,aswellasthe tremendoussinofviolatingyourprogenyandyourssanctityandtheingratitudeforyou Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

concerningyourprogeny.Allthesecreaturestheearth,mountain,oceans,andheavenswill beseechtoAlmightyAllahtogivethempermissiontostandforyourwronged,persecuted descendantswhoareAllah'sclaimoverhumankindafteryou.Asaresult,AlmightyAllahshall revealtotheheavens,earth,mountains,andoceans,saying: "IamAllahtheOmnipotent,theAllpowerful.NofleercanescapeMeandnothingcanstopagaist Mypower.Iamtheworthiestofdefendingandavenginguponthosecriminals.IswearbyMy SupremacyandMajestythatIshallpunishhimwhoeverintrudeduponMymessengerandchoice onebywronginghisprogeny,whoeverviolatedhissanctity,whoeverkilledhisdescendants, whoeverbreachedhispledge,andwhoeverpersecutedhishousehold.Ishallpunishallthosewith apunishmentwherewithIhavenotpunishedanyofMycreatures."Bytheneverythinginthe heavensandtheworldswillinvokeAllah'scurseagainstthosewhowillwrongyourprogenyand violateyoursanctity.Whenthenoblegroup(whowillfightwithalHusayn)departlife,Allahthe AllmightyandMajesticwillgrasptheirsoulsHimself.AngelsfromtheSeventhheaven,having withthembowelsofgramentsandodorsfromParadise,willdescendtotheearthtowashtheir deadbodieswiththatwater,dressthemthosegarment,andcamphoratethemwiththatodor. Then,bodies.Afterthat,Allahwillforwardsomepeoplesfromyourummah,whoarenotknown bytheatheistsandhavenotparticipatedinthatbloodshedindeed,word,orevenintention,to burythosedeadbodiesindeed,word,oreventheMasterofMartyrs(namely,alHusayn)witha signonthatland.Thissignwillbethestampoftherightpartyandwillbethecauseofthefaithful believers'success.Oneverydayandnight,onehundredthousandangelsfromeachheavenwill encirclethattomb,blessit,praiseAllahthere,seekAllah'sforgivenessforanyonewhovisitsit, andrecordthenamesoftheirfathers,tribes,andcountries.Theyfinallymarktheirforheadswith asignoftheLightofAllah'sThroneandwillrecordthere:Thisisthevisitorofthetombofthe MasterofMartyrsandsonofthebestProphet. OntheDayofResurrection,thatsignwillglowintheirfacessoflashilythatitwillsnatchothers' sights.Fromthesesigns,thevisitorsofalHusayn'stombwillberecognized.Onthatdaytoo,you, Muhammad,willstandbetweenAngelMichaelandme,'Aliwillbewithus,andinnumerable angelswillbewithusaswell.WewillknowcreaturesuntilAlmightyAllahsavethemfromthe ordealsanddifficultiesofthatday.ThisisthedecidedawardofAllahforthosewhovisityour tomborthetombsofyourbrother,'Ali,andtwogrnadsonspurelyforsakeofAllah.Somepeople whodeservedAllah'scurseandwrathwillexertalleffortsforobliteratingandwipingoutthe placeofthattomb,But,Allahwillnotgivethemanopportunitytodo. TheMessengerofAllah(s)commented: Thisperdictionhasgrivedmeandmademeweep.Then,LadyZaynadadded:When'Abdal RahmanibnMuljim,thecursed,strokemyfathertodeath,Iwenttohimandaskedwhetherthe reportthatUmmuAymanhadnarratedtometrueornot,Myfathersaid: Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

 UmmauAymamhastoldthetruth.Iseecomingthatyou,aswellasyourfamily'sharem,willbe captivesinthiscountry.Youwillbesubmissiveandterrified,fearinglestpeoplemightcarryyou offbyforce.Atthattime,bepatientandadheretopatience,for,onthatday,therewillbeno disciple(oAllah)ontheearthexceptyou,yourfollowers,andyourpartisans.IswearitbyHim Whosplitthegrainsandcreatedthesouls.Whenheinformedusofthesenews,theMessengerof Allah(s)added:onthesamedayasalHusaynwillbeslain,Eblisthecursedwillbeoverjoyedand willwanderabouttheearthwithhisdevilsandafreetstodeclare: "Odevils,OnlytodayhavewerevengedourselvesonthedescendantsofAdam,attainedour objectiveofwipingthemout,andledthemtothefireofHell.Now,youmustturnallyourefforts towardsfillingpeople'smindswithdoubttowardsalHusaynandhiscompanions,incitingthemto bearhostilityagainstthem,andprovokingthemagainstanybodywhoshowsloyaltytothem(i.e. alHusaynandhiscompanions)inorderthatpeople'sstrayingandatheismwouldbeso guaranteedthatnoneofthemwouldbesaved(ontheDayofResurrection)."Eventhoughheis thebiggestliar,Eblissaidthetruthinthatquestion.Itisquitetruethatthegooddeedsofanyone whobearshostilityagainsttheAhlalBaytareofnoavail(nomatterhowgreattheyare),andthe sins,notthegrandones,ofanyonewholovesthemandisloyaltothemareofnoharm.Bythese words,LadyZaynabcouldtranquilherdistressednephew.Sheconfirmedthatthesedeadbodies wouldbeburiedandtheirtombswouldbesignofperseveranceonprinciplesandsacrificeforthe religion.ThetombofImamalHusayn(a),inparticular,wouldbeaneverendingcryinthefaceof everytyrandandwouldpersistforeverdespitetheveryoftenattemptstoobliterateit.History hasprovedthisfact;theUmayyadand'AbbasidkingsdidtheirbesttowiptoutthetombofImam alHusayn,butalltheirattemptsfailed,becauseithasnotbeenonlyaplaceofburyingadead,yet severd,body,butithasbeenascreaminthefaceofeveryonewhotyrannizesortriesto persecute.Ithasbeenevidenceonthefateofthewrong,andthebrightendlessnessoftheright. Theearth,too,hasnotacceptedtohideitsprideininclludingtheseseveredbodieswhocarried unmmatched,elevatedsoulsthat,inturn,carriedthemosthonorableprinciplesofhumanity.In reality,thisearthhasnevercontainedanareamorehonorableandexcellentthanthatwhich includedthebodyofImamalHusayn(a),fatheroffreedom. Inmodernhistorytoo,bombsandtankscouldnotstandagainsttheelevated,loftydomeofthe tombofImamalHusayn,anditwasverynaturalthatthosewhogaveorderstobombthatdome metthesamefateofthosewhogaveordersandmobilizedallpowerstofighttheImam(a). Humanitytoo,musttakeprideintheanniversaryofImamalHusayn'smartyrdomsoastoregain itstruefaceandplaytheveryrolethattheCreatorhaschosenforit.

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LadyZaynabinCaptivity Boundwithropesandforcedtorideonsaddleless,leancamels,theladiesandorphansofthe Prophet'sfamilyweretakenascaptivestoKufa.Theircaravanwasveryhorrible;clarionwere blownandflagswereflutteringn.Letuslistentothestoryfromaneyewitness:Muslim,the plasterer,reports:WhileIwasplasteringdoorsoftheGovernorateMansionofKufa,soundsof clarionsattackedmyhearingfromeveryside."WhyisKufaclamoring?"Iaskedoneofthe servantsinthatmansion."TheheadofamutinouswhorebelledagainstYazidisnowenteringthe city,"answeredtheservant."Whoisthatmutinous?"askedI."ItisalHusaynibn'Ali,"answered theservant. Thisansweracteduponmelikeathunderbolt.IslappedmyfacesostronglythatIfearedonmy eyes.Ashurriedlyaspossible,Isashedmyhandsfromtheplasterandlefttheamnsion.WhileI stoodamongpeoplewhowerewaitingforthecaravanofthecaptivesandthecutoffheads,forty camelscarryingwomanandchildrenappeared.Isaw'AliibnalHusaynonasaddlelesscamel,As bothsidesofhismeckwerebleedingbecauseofchainsandhewashandcuffed,hewasweeping ansaying,"Oevilnation!Curseyou!Youhavenotregardedusinfavorofourgrandfather.What willyousyaontheDayofResurrectionwhenAllahwillgatheruswiththeProphet?Asifwehave notguidedyoutothereligion,youare,now,takingusonnakedcamels,byforce."1 Inviewofthishorriblesituation,womeofKufabegantomournandcry,Oneofthemapproached oneofthecapturedladiesandasked,"Towhomdoyoubelong?" Theladyanswered,"WebelongtotheAhlalBayt." ____________ 1SeeMuhammadBaqiralMajlisi,BiharalAnwar,vol.45,p.114. Assheheardthisastoundinganswer,theKufianlady,withtheotherswhowerenesxtotoher, screamedaloudandhurriedtotherhousetobringanycoversshehadandthrowonthecaptive ladiessothatpeoplewouldnotloodatthem.Anotherladybroughtsomefoodanddatesand threwatthecaptivechildrenwhowereharshlyhungry,butLadyUmmuKulthumshoutedat them,"ItisHaramunallowableforus,theAhlalBayt,tohavefromalms."Hearingthisstatemet, thehungrychildrenthrewthefoodfromtheirhandsandevenmouths. LADYZAYNAB'SFIRSTADDRESS AsshesawthecrowdsblockingallstreetsofKufaansurroundingthecaravan.LadyZaynab decidedtodeliveraspeechaimingatunitingthepublicopinion,referringtothegrandmisfortune Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

thattheUmayyadgangbroughttotheIslamicummahbykillingtheactualleader,ImamalHusayn (a),andchargingpeopleofKufawiththatcrime,becauseitwastheywhobreachedtheirpromises ofsupportingtheImam9a)andprotectinghim.Nevertheless,theyasifitottheywhocausedthat massacre,nournedfortheImam(a)andweptforthecaptivityofhisharemandchildren.Lady Zaynabasdkedeverybodytokeepsilent,andthenshe,calm,composed,andcourageous,said: AllpraiseisduetoAllah.BlessingbeuponmyfatherMuhammad(s)anduponhisgoodand righteousprogeny(a).Wellnow,OpeopleofKufa;peopleofdeceptionandperfidy!Doyou weep?Mayyourtearsnevercease,andmaytheresoundingofthiscalamityneverstop.Your similitudeisshewhounravelsheryarn,disintegratingitintopiecesaftershehasspunitstrongly, youmakeyouroathstobemeansofdeceitbetweenyou.Isthereanyoneamongyouwhoisnota boasterofwhathedoesnothave,achargerofdebauchery,aconceitedliar,amanofgrudge withoutanyjustification,submissivelikebondmaids,offeeblebeforetheenemies,justlikea pastureinrelicsorlikeadirtypieceofclothonagrave?Trulybadisthatwhichyoursoulshave committed.YouhavereapedtheWrathofAllah,remaininginthechastisementforeternity. DoYoureallycryandsob?ByAllah,youshouldthencryagreatdealandlaughverylittle,foryou haveearnednothingbutshameandinfamy,andyoushallneverbeabletowashitaway,How couldyoudoso?ThedescendantofthebeareroftheLastMessage,theveryessenceofthe Message,masteroftheyouthsofParadise,therefugeoftherighteousfromamongyou,theone whosavesyoufromcalamity,thebeaconofyourguidance,andthekeeperofyourtraditionshas beenkilled.Ohowhorribleisthesinthatyoubear! Mayyoubedistancedandcrushed.Theeffortisrenderedfutile,perditionovertakesthehands, thedealislost,andyouearnednothingbutwrathfromAllahandHisMessenger.Youaredoomed withservitudeandhumiliation. Woeuntoyou,OpeopleofKufa!Doyouknowwhoseheartyouhaveburned,whatafeatyou havelabored,whatbloodyouhave,andwhatsanctityyouhaveviolated?youhavedoneamost monstrousdeed,somethingforwhichtheheavensareabouttosplitasunderandsoistheearth, andforwhichthemountainscrumble.Youhavedonesomethingmostuncanny,mostdefaced, duskiest,mosthorrible,asmuchasthefilloftheearthandofthesky.Doyouwonderwhythesky rainsblood?Surely,thetormentoftheHereafterisagreaterchastisement,andyoushallnotbe helped.Letnorespiteelateyou,forrushingdoesnotspeeditup,nordoesitfearthelossofthe opportunityforrevenge.youLordiswaitinginambushtodoso. Becauseherecognizedthatthesituationcouldnolongerstandthewordsofhisaunt,ImamZayn al'Abidininterruptedherspeech,saying,"Thatisenough,aunt,ThankstoAllah,youarealearned Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

ladywhomnonetaughtandyoucancomprehendwithoutbeingmadetodoso." ECHOOFTHESPEECH LadyZaynab'seloquentspeech,whichiscomparedtoImam'Ali'sspeeches,rebukedpeopleof Kufasoeffectively,exposedtheirfalsefaithinIslam,falsifiedtheirdeceitfultears,andintroduced themasthemostignoblecriminalsastheycontributedstronglyinthemurderofkillingImamal Husayn(a),hishousehold,andhiscompanions.Withtheutteranceofjusticeandhonestyandthe voiceofcourageandright,LadyZaynabhitpeopleofKufaandpointedtotheirlowlinessand rottenheartedness.Theirforgeryandfalsehoodcouldnotdeceiveherasshereproachedthem fortheircrimesandascribedtothemthemeanestcharacters.Moreover,shecommentedon theirweepingbysayingthattheyshouldhaveweptforthebigcrimeofdisappointingtheImam andlettinghimdown. Furthermore,thisspeechmadethemamazedandperplexed.Theyputtheirhandsontheirs mouthswithoutknowingwhattodo.Anoldman,forinstance,approachedherwithtearyeyes, saying,"myfatherandmotherbesacrificedforyou.Yourmenarethebestmen,youryouthsare thebestyouths,yourwomenarethebestwomen,andyourprogenywillneverdieawayor becomelow."1Then,LadyFatima,DaughterofImamalHusayn(a),deliveredaneloquentspeech similartoheraunt's.Becauseherwordsweresostrongandhadbearingsonthem,peopleofKufa beggedhertostop.Sheresponded,butpeoplecouldnotstoptheirwailingsandweeping.Then, LadyUmmuKulthumspokesimilarwordsthattouchedpeoplesodeeplythatwomenbeganto slaptheirfacedandmentoweepincessantly.Then,ImamZaynal'Abidinspoke.Heprovedthey werenottrueMuslimsandthattheyhadashareinthecrimeofkillingtheImam(a).They thereforesaidtoeachother,"We ____________ 1SeeWafiyyatalA'immah,453. havecertainlyperished."Theythenaskedhimtostop,andhedidastheircriesandwailingrose. BEFORETHEGOVERNOR 'UbaydullahibnZiyad,sonoftheillfamedMarjanah,wassittingonhisthroneintheGovernorate MansionwhenthecaptiveladiesandchildrenoftheProphet'sfamilywereobligedtobebefore him.Theywerelivinghorriblehoursinthehumilityofcaptivityandundertheswordsofthose miscreantswhoweretheretocongratulatehimforhistriumphandnarratetohimtheircrimesin Karbala',whilehewaslisteningarrogantlyandjoyfully.Withabatonhehadinthehand, 'UbaydullahwaswhackingtheholyheadofImamalHusayn(a)andexpressinghisgloatingover himbysayin,"Ihaveneverseensuchaface." Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

 Beforehehadfinishedhismaliciousstatement,AnasibnMalik,thecompanionoftheHoly Prophet(s),saidtohim,"Yes,helooksliketheProphet."Thisstatememtsilenced'Ubaydullah whocouldnotfindawordtoanswer.Afterhehadquenchedhiswicked,thirstysoulfromthe Prophet'sfamily,'Ubaydullahturnedhisfacetowardsthecaptives.Therewasaladytryingtohide herselfinaremotesideofthesession.Dignityandsublimityweredrawnverydressed.Assoonas hiseyesfellonher,heasked,"Whoisthatladytakingtheremotestsideofthissession." Theladydidnotanswerbecauseshedespisedandslightedhim.Herepeatedhisquestionmore thanonceuntiloneoftheladiesanswered,"ThisisZaynab,daughterofFatimah,daughterofthe MessengerofAllah(a)."Hethereforetriedtoshowhisgloatingoverhermisfortunesbysayin, "ThanksAllahWhounmasked,killed,andbeliedyourrevolution." Patteringhercourageousfathersandbrothers,LadyZaynabrepliedhim: "ThanksAllahWhohonoreduswithHisProphetandpurifiedusfromuncleannessthoroughly.Itis onlythelewdwhomisunmasked,anditisonlythedissolutewhomisbelied.Wearenotanyof thesetwo.Indeed,wearenotanyofthesetwo,sonofMarjanah!"Ashereceivedtheseshocking words,'Ubaydullahhadnothingtosay.hethereforespokeawordofwreakasanattemptto coveruphisfailureandincapabilitytoanswer.headdressedher,"Howdoyouseethatwhich Allahhasdonetoyourbrother?"Bravelyandsteadfastly,LadyZaynabansweredwithwordsof triumph: "Itwasnothingbutgood.ThosewerepeoplewhomAllahknewtheywouldbekilled.They thereforecametotheplaceswheretheywouldbeslain.Allahwillgatheryouwiththemfor judgmentandsentence.See,whowillbethetriumphantonthatday.Woeshallbeyou,sonof Marjanah,then."Thesewordsofreproachanddespisemadethebastardgovernorlosehis tempertothedegreethatthestooduptostrikeLadyZaynab,but'AmribnHuraythwarnedhim againstso,saying,"Sheisonlyawoman,andwoman'swordsshouldnotbeconsidered." Nevertheless,'UbaydullahreturnedtogloatatthemisfortunesoftheAhlalBaytbyaddressing LadyZaynab,"Atleast,Allahhascuredmyheartandwreakedmyself ____________ 1SeeMuhammadibnJariralTabariTarikhalUmamwaalMuluk;6:263. uponyourtyrantmasterandthedisobedientrebelsofyourfamilymembers."Thesewordsfilled LadyZaynab'sheartwithsorrowandgriefassherecollectedtheimagesofherprotectors.Hence, shesaidtohim:"Iswearbymylife,youhavekilledmyprotector,pulledupmybranches,and uprootedmyroots.So,ifthishealsyourheart,thenyouareindeedhealed." Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Outofhisuncontrollablerage,'Ubaydullahsaid,"Thisoneisrhymist.Herfatherwasrhymistand poet.Iswearit." LadyZaynabanswered,"Iatooengagedtouserhyme.Womenhavenothingtodowithrhyme." Ashefoundnothingtosay,'UbaydullahturnedhisfacetowardsImamZaynal'Abidin(a)and asked,"Whoareyou?" "Iam'AlisonofalHusayn,"answeredtheImam(a). "ButAllahhaskilled'AliibnalHusayn,"shoutedthefilthycriminal. "Ihadabrothercalled'Ali,too.Youhavekilledhim,andontheDayofResurrection,youwillbe interrogatedaboutthis,"repliedtheImam(a)withcomposure. "No,itwasAllahwhokilledhim,"barked'Ubaydullahfuriously. ImamZaynal'Abidin(a)answeredwithwordsofalmightyAllah: "Allahtakesthesoulsatthetimeoftheirdeath,(39:42)" "AndasoulwillnotdiebutwiththepermissionofAllahthetermisfixed.(3:145)" Thisanswerbewilderedthetyrantwhodidnotexpecttohearsuchstrongevidenceextracted fromtheHolyQur'an,becauseheforgotthattheholyQur'anwasrevealedinthehousesofthose individualsandtheonetowhomtheholyQur'anwasrevealedistheirgrandfatherandorigin. Hence,heshowedhisarrogancesaying,"Howdareyouanswermywords?Howdareyourefuse mysaying?"HethenorderedoneofhisheadmentocutoffImamZaynal'Abidinhead.ButLady Zaynabhurriedtoembracehernephewandaddress'Ubaydullah,"SonofZiyad,sufficeyouwhat youhaveshedofourblood.Haveyoureallysparedanyoneotherthanthis?Ifyouwanttokill him,killmewithhimaswell."'Ubaydullahwasamazedbysuchsituationofheroismandaltruism. Hethereforeordered,"Leavehimforher.Howstrongthetieofkinshipis!Shewantedtobekilled withhim." ThankstoLadyZaynab,ImamZaynal'Abidin(a)wassavedfromthattyrant.Inachamberlying nexttotheKufaMasjid,thecaptiveharemandchildrenoftheProphet'sfamilyweredetainedand mistreated.Eachoneofthemreceivedasingleloafofbreadforawholeday,andLadyZaynab, however,usedtodistributehershareamongthechildrenandabstainfromfoodforthewhole dayuntilfeeblenessattackedhernotablytothedegreethatshechouldnolongerstandupfor prayer.Noticingthis,ImamZaynal'Abidinexpressedhispanictohisauntwhohadtotellhimthe reason.InviewofLadyZaynab'sremarkablereputationthroughouttheIslamicstate,theladiesof Kufacompetedwitheachotherinhavingthehonorofvisitingher,butsherefusedcompletelyto receiveanyone,declaring,"Noneshouldevervisitusexceptbondmaidens,fortheyhavebeen captured,andsohavewebeen." Therulingauthoritieswerewaitingfortheordersofthetyrant'Yazidregardingthecaptives,anda fewdayslater,theyreceivedhisordersofsendingthemtoDamascus. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Withthecaravanofthecaptives,theholyheadofthemartyrswerecarriedonspearheadsso that,likepeopleofKufa,peopleofSyriawouldseethem,andthiswouldgladdenthetyrant. THECAPTIVESINDAMASCUS Tiedupwithropes,forcedtoridesaddleless,leancamels,andbeingintheutmoststateof humiliation,theharemandchildrenoftheprophet'sfamilyweretakentoSyria.Throughouttheir journey,theydidnotsayasinglewordanddidnotaskanythingfromthedriversoftheircaravan. BeingclosetoSyria,thecaravanstoppedsothatenoughtimewouldbegiventoadornthecity withmanifestationsoffestivityandtogatherpeopletowitnessthisfalsevictoryoftheirruler.The caravanwasaboutfourparasangs1awayfromSyriawhenitspeoplerecievedthemwithjoy, carryingdrumsandtrumpets,andwearingtheirbestdressesallthiswasforshowingtheirdelight forthemassacreoftheProphet'sfamily.Letuslistentothesceneasdescribedbyand eyewitness: SahlibnSa'dalSa'idinarrated: IntendingtovisitJerusalem,IpassedbyDamascus,butitwasdifferentthecitywas exaggeratedlyadornedwithcolorfulgilding,itspeoplewerehighlyjoyful,andtheirwomenwere playingtambourinesanddrums.IthoughtthatpeopleofDamascushadafestivitythatwedidnot have.Noticingsomepeopletalkingsecretly,Iapproachedthemandasked,"Doyoupeopleof Syria,celebrateafestivitythatwedonotknow?""Itseemsthatyouarestrange,areyounot?" askedthey. ____________ 1Parasangisaunitoflength,usuallyreckonedasequaltobetween3and3,5miles5to5,5km. "Yes,itis.I,SahlibnSa'd,amoneofthosewhomettheMessengerofAllah,"answeredI.They said,"Sahl,doyounotthinkthatitisverystrangethattheheavensarenotrainingbloodandthe earthisnotsinkingwithitsinhabitants?""Whatforisthat?"askedI. "AlltheseareexpectingthearrivalofalHusayn's(cutoff)headfromKufa,"theyrevealed."How strangethisis!TheheadofalHusaynisbeingforwardedwhilepeoplearecrowdingcheeringly! Fromwhichgatewilltheheadenterthecity?"askedI.AstheypointedattheGateofalSa't,I hurriedthere.Aqueueofbannersbegantoenter,butmyeyesfellonahorsemanwhohadinthe handabannerwithoutaspearheadonwhichliedaheadmostsimilartothatofthaHolyProphet. ThatwastheheadofalHusayn!Onsaddleless,leancamels,thecaptivesappeared.AsIreached oneofthecaptivesladies,Iaskedaboutheridentity."IamSukaynahdaughterofalHusayn,"she replied. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

"AndIamSahl,thecompanionofyourgrandfathertheMessengerofAllah,askforanythingandI willdoitforyou,"Ioffered.Grievously,sheasked,"AskthebearerofalHusayn'sheadtoprecede usforaconsiderabledistancesothatpeoplewilllookatheadandignorelookingatusthefamily oftheMessenngerofAllah."So,Irantowardsthathorseman,bribedhimwithfourhundred dirhams,andaskedhimtohurryforwardlyawayfromthecaptiveladies,andhedid. Inthatsituationtoo,anoldSyrinamanleaningonastickwhowasgloatingatthehumilityof thosecaptivesapproachedImam'AliZaynal'Abidin(a)andsaidwreakfully,"PraisebetoAllah whoeradicatedyouandempoweredtheemirtotriumphoveryou." Outofhiskeennessandperspicacity,theImamnoticedthattheoldmanwasdeceivedbythe wrongrumorsthattherulingauthoritiesspreadagainsttheAhlalBayt(a).Hethereforeasked, "Oldman,haveyourecitedtheHolyQur'an?"Thisstatementshockedtheoldmanwhowondered and,thus,answeredaffirmatively.TheImam(a)thenaskedhimwhetherhehadseenthe followingQuranicVerses:"Say:Idonotaskofyouanyrewardforitbutloveformynearrelatives. (16:26)""Andknowthatwhateverthingyougain,afifthofitisforAllahandfortheMessenger andforthenearrelatives.(8:41)"Amazingly,theoldmanansweredthathehadrecitedthese Verse. TheImam(a)thusdeclared,"OnlyisitwewhoareintendedinAllah'sremark'thenearrelatives' intheseVerses."Furthermore,theImam(a)askedtheoldmanwhetherhehadrecitedAllah's saying:"Allahonlydesirestokeepawaytheuncliannessfromyou,OpeopleoftheHouse!andto purifyyoua(thorough)purifying.(33:33)"Withastonishment,theoldmanansweredthathehad recitedthisVerse,too.TheImam(a)hencesaid,"Onlyisitwewhoarethe'PeopleoftheHouse' whomAlmightyAllahhaspurifiedthoroughly."Thisfactchangedtheoldmancompletelyand madehimfeelsorryforthedaysonwhichhecouldnotdescerntherealityoftheUmayyadrulers andtheirauthorities.Evenhistonguewastiedupbythenewfact;hethereforesaidtotheImam falteringly,"Please,tellmebyAllah!Isityoutrulythoseones?" "Yes,itis,Iswearitbyourgrandfather,theMessengerofAllah(s),"repliedtheImam(a) confidently.FeelingsorryforthewordsthathefirstshoweredattheImam(a),theoldmanthrew himselfonthehandsoftheImam(a)tokissthemheavilyassignsofremorse,declaring,"I disavowthosewhokilledyou."

Yazid'sGloating

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 Yazid,thecursed,wassinkinginwavesofjoyandwreakasheknewaboutthearrivalofthe captives'caravan.ShamribnDhi'lJawshanandMakhfaribnTha'labahpresentedtheheadof ImamalHusayn(a)tohim,andhepermittedalllowlypeopleofDamascustogatherathispalace andcongratulateforthis'false'triumphandrevengeovertheProphetandhisfamily(a). Theholyheadwasplacedbeforethetyrantwhowentonbeatingitwithastickhehadinthe hand.hethenbegantosaystaementshowinghislimitlessmalicetowardstheImam,hispeople, andtheDivineMessagethattheHolyProphet(s)conveyedtohumankindthemessage humiliatedYazidandhispeoplesincetheyhadstoppedagainstit,sparingnosingleeffort. AbiBarazahalAslami,seeingthishorriblescene,couldnotcontrolhimself;soheaddressedYazid, "HowdareyoubeatthemouthofalHusaynwithyourstick?IswearIhaveseentheHolyProphet (s)kissthismouthsofrequently.However,ontheDayofResurrection,'UbaydullahibnZiyadwill beyourinterceder,wholetheintercederofalHusayn(a)willbeMuhammad(s)."1Thefilthy policemenofYazidtiedallthecaptivesinoneropebeginnigwiththeneckofImamZaynal 'Abidin,toLadyZaynab's,uptothelastchild.Theyforcedthemtowalkinsuchamanner,and wheneveranyofthemwouldstumble,thepolicemenwouldwhipheavily,Moreover,they surroundedthemwithcriesoftriumph. Withthishumiliativescene,thecaptiveswereplacebeforethetyrantYazi.ImamZaynal'Abidin lookedatthe ____________ 1SeeIbnalAthir,alTarikh,vol.3,p.398. tyrantandsaid,"WhatiftheMessengerofAllahseesusinsuchamanner?Whatwillbehis impression?"Thesewordsaffectedeverybody,includingthetyranthimself,andthusthe attendantswept.AsheturnedhisfacetowardsthecaptiveharemoftheProphet'sfamily,Yazid said,"WoetosonofMarjanah!Ifyourelatedtohiminanytie,hewouldnotdothistoyou."This iscompletelyuntru,becausesonofMarjanahwouldnothavedoneanythingunlesshehad followedtheordersandinstructionsofYazidthetyrant. HethenturnedhisfacetowardsImamZaynal'Abidinandsaid,'Well'AliibnalHusayn!Because yourfatherdesregardedmykinshipwihthim,ignoredmyright,andattemptedtoseizemy authority,Allahdidthistohim."TheImam'sanswertothisfalseclaimwasastatementfromthe HolyQur'anthewordsofAlmightyAllah: "Noevilbefallsontheearthnorinyourownsouls,butitisinabookbeforeWebringitinto existence;surely,thatiseasytoAllah.Sothatyoumaynotgrieveforwhathasescapedyou,nor Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

beexultantatwhatHehasgivenyou;andAllahdoesnotloveanyarrogantboaster."(57:223) ThisanswerenragedYazidwhotriedtofindasuitablereplyand,hence,herecitedanother QuranicVerse: "Andwhateverafflictionbefallsyou,itisonaccountofwhatyourhandshavewrought,and(yet) Hepardonsmost(ofyourfaults)."ImamZaynal'Abidin,themostknowledgeableoftheHoly Qur'an,said,"ThisVerseconcernsonlythosewhowrongothers,anddoesnotconcernthose whomarewronged."1 LADYZAYNAB'SSECONDADDRESS Whenherecollectedthsebitterdaysofhisfatherandgrandfatherwholedcampaignsagainstal Husayn'sgrandfatherandthefailurethatchasedthemevenintheirownhomes,Yazidshowedhis greatrejoicingatthecurrentsituationasthefamilyoftheProphetwerecaptivesbetweenhis handsandtheheadsoftheProphet'sgrandsonswerethrownbeforehim.Hethenquotedpoetic versessaidduringtheBattleofUhud,withsuitablechanges,saying: IwishmyforefathersatBadr2hadwitnessed HowtheKhazraj3arebythethornsannoyed, Theywouldhavebeenverymuchdelighted, Thenthey'dhavesaid,"mayyourhands,OYazid, neverbeparalyzed Wehavekilledthemastersoftheirchiefs AndequateditwithBadr,andithasbeensoindeed, WhilenonewsfromtheHeavenhadcome,norwas thereanytingrevealed4 IwilldisavowtheKhandafifIwillnotseekrevenge FromAhmed's5childrenforwhathedidtous! Reactingtotheseverses,LadyZaynabuproseagainstthetyrantandsaid: ____________ 1SeeShaykhalMufid,alIrshad,p.276. 2ThisanindicationtotheBattleofBadrduringwhichtherelativesofYazidwerekilledatthe handsofalHusayn'sfatherandrelatives. 3TheKhazrajisthetribewhosupportedtheProphetandhispartisans. 4ThisisclearcutevidenceonYazid'sdisbeliesfinIslamandtheDivineMissionofProphet Muhammad. 5AhmadistheheavenlynameofProphetMuhammad(s). Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

AllpraiseisduetoAllah,LordoftheWorlds,Allah'sblessingsbeuponHisMessengerMuhammad andhisentireprogeny.TruearethewordsofAllahWhosays,"Thentheendofthosewho committedevilwasthattheydisbelievedinAllh'sSignsandtheywereridiculingthem.(30:10)"Do you,Yazid,thinkthatwhenyoublockedalltheavenuesoftheearthandthehorizonsofthe heavensbeforeus,soweweredrivenascaptivesthatweareworthlessinthesightofAllahand thatyouarerespectfulinHiseyes?OrisitbecauseyouenjoywithHimagreatstatus?So,you lookdownatusandbecomearrogant,elated,whenyouseetheworldsubmissivetoyouand thingsaredoneandyouwantthem,andwhenourauthorityandpowerbecameallyours? Butwait!HaveyouforgottenthatAllahhassaid,"Donotregardthosewhodisbelievedthatwe grantthemgoodforthemselves?Weonlygivethemarespitesothattheymayincreasetheirsins, andforthemthereisahumiliatingtorment.(3:178)"Isitfair,Osonofthe'Releasedones',that youkeepyourladiesandcondmaidensintheirchambers(underprotection),andatthesame timeyoudrivethedaughtersoftheMessengerofAllahascaptiveswiththeirveilsremovedand facesexposed,takenbytheirenemiesfromonelandtoanother,beingviewedbythoseat wateringplacesaswellasthosewhomanyourforts,withtheirfacesexposedtothelooksof everyonenearordistant,lowlyorhonorable,havingnoneoftheirmenwiththemnoranyof theirprotectors? Butwhatcanbeexpectedfromonedescendedfromthosewhosemouthschewedtheliversof thepurifiedones1andwhosefleshgrowsoutofthebloodofthemartyrs?Howcanitbeexpected thatonewholooksatuswithgrudgeandanimosity,withhartedandmalice, ____________ 1ThisisanindicationtothefamousincidentthatoccurredimmediatelyaftertheBattleofUhud, whenHindgrandmotherofYazi,triedtoeattheliverofthemartyrHamzahibnAbdalMuttalib. wouldnothatesustheAhlalBayt?Besides,you,withoutfeelinganyguiltorwieghingheavily whatyousay,recitesaying,Theywouldhavebeenverymuchdelighted,Thenthey'shavesaid, "Mayyourhands,OYazid,neverbeparalyzed HowdareyouhitthelipsofAbu'Abdullah(a),themasteroftheYouthsofParadise?Butwhy shouldyounotdoso,sinceallmercyisremovedfromyourheart,havingshedthebloodofthe offspringofMuhammad,peaceandblessingofAllahbeuponhimandhisProgeny,andthestars onearthfromamongthefamilyof'AbdulMuttalib?Thenyouciteyourmentorsasifyouspeakto them.Soonshallyoubelodgedwiththem,andsoonshallyouwishyouwereparalyzedand mutedandneversaidwhatyousaidnordidwhatyoudid. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

OAllah,takewhatbelongestousoutofhishands,seekrevengeagainstallthosewhooppressed us,andletYourwrathdescenduponwhoevershedourbloodandkilledourprotectors!ByAllah, youhaveburntonlyyourownskin,youhavecutonlyyourownflesh,andyoushallcomefaceto facewiththeMessengerofAllah,peaceofAllahbeuponhimandhisprogeny,bearingthe burdensofthebloodwhichyouhaveshed,thebloodofhisoffspring,andofhissanctitiewhich youviolated,whenAllahgathersthemtogetherandseeksequityontheirbehalf."anddonot reckonthosewhoareslaininthewayofAllahasdead.Nay!TheyarelivingwiththeirLord, receivingtheirsustenance.(3:169)"ItisquitesufficentthatAllahisyourJudgeandMuhammad, peaceandblessingsofAllahbeuponhimandhisprogeny,isyouropponent,and(Archangel) Gabrielasthesupporter(ofMuhammad).Allthosewhoinstigatedyoutodowhatyoudidandall thosewhoputyouinchargeduetowhichyouareplayinghavocwiththelivesoftheMuslimswill knowforcertainhoweviltheendoftheoppressorsisandwhichofyoushallhavetheworstplace andwillbetheleastprotected?Althoughcalamitieshaveforcemetospeaktoyou,Iseeyou trivialinmyeyeandfindyourverbalattacksgreatandIregardyourrebuketoomuchtobear,but theeyesaretearful,andthechestsarefilledwithdepression.Whatisevenstrangeristhatthe honoredPartyofAllahisbeingkilledbythePartyofthe'Releasedones'PartyofShaitan.Such handsaredrippingwithourblood;suchmouthsarefeedingonourflesh,whilethosesacredand purecorpsesareofferedasfoodtothewildbeastsofthedesertandaredirtiedbythebrutes,If youregardusasyourbooty,youshallsoondingusasyouropponentsthatwillbewhenyoufind nothingbutwhatyourhandshadunjustly.(41:46)"ToAllahismycomplaint,anduponHimdoI rely. >Soschemewhateveryouwishtoscheme,andcarryoutyourplots,andintensifyyourefforts, for,bymention,norwillyoueverbeabletokilltherevelation(thatwasrevealedtous),norwill youeverexalttoourposition,norwillyourshameeverbewashedaway.yourviewshallbe provenfutile,yourdayslimitedinnumber,andyourwealthwastedontheuponthe oppressors.(11:18)"AllpraiseisduetoAllah,LordoftheWorlds,Whosealedthelifeofourearly oneswithhappinessandforgiveness,andthatofourlastoneswithmartyrdomandmercy.We pleadtoAllahtocompleteHisrewardsforthem,grantthemanincrease,andrecompenseus pleasingly;HeisthemostMerciful,themostCompassionate.Allahsufficeus,andHeisthebest Guardian. WORDSABOUTTHEADDRESS ThisaddresshasbeenacompletionofImamalHusayn'suprisingandoneofthemostmarvelous revolutionaryspeechesinIslam.Bysuchsweeping,LadyZaynabsmashedthedespotismofYazid andinflicteddisgraceanddishonoronhimandonthosewhocausedhimtoreachsuchaposition. Aboutthisaddress,ShaykhMuhammadHusaynKashifalGhitta'says: "Canthebrushofthebestpainterorthepenofthemosteloquentwriterdepicttherealityof Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Yazid'sarrogance,pride,andelationforhavingtheworldsubmissivetohimandtastingthe pleasureofconquestinawaybetterandmoreeffectivethanthatdepictedbythewordsofLady Zaynabinthisspeech?Andcananybodyrefutealltheclaimsofanopponentinsuchawayfullof expressiveness,substantiation,andevenreproachandcensure?Moreover,LadyZaynab,asifall herwordsofreprimandwerenotenough,provedbeforethetyrantandtheattendantsthe inescapableabjectresutlofthewrongandthepleasantendresultoftheright.Usinga courageous,bravelanguage,sheshowedYazidhislowly,mean,ugly,andshamefulreality"1 Dr.TawfiqalFukaykisays: "Joinmetocontemplateonthisfarreachingspeechthatcontainedallartsofrhetoric,styleof oratorymanifestationofexpressiveness,significancesofenthusiasm,powerofallegation,and authorityofdefenseoffreedomandbelief,insuchaforthrightwaythatwassharperthanswords. ForYazid,tojumponaddres'fangsortoberargetedbypointedspearswaseasierthanhearing thesewordsthatslappedhisunshamedfaceinhisownhouseandinthemiddleofthecapitalof hisillegal,despoticstate.Throughoutages,thishistorical,sweepingspeechhasbeedspreading theunparalleledinterpidities,theunwontedcourage,andthehighidealsofLadyzaynab.Itis finallyaneverendingliteraturethatscreamsinthefacesofthetyrantsthroughoutgenerations."2 CONTENTSOFTHEADDRESS ThegreatspeechofLadyZaynabhasbeenanextensionoftheuprisingofKarbala'andagood representationofits ____________ 1MUhammadHusaynKashifalGhita',alSiyasahalHusayniyyah,30. 2BaqirSharifalQarashi,HayatalImamalHusayn,3:381. valuesandgoals,Letusnowrefertosomegoalsthatthespeechachieved:1)LadyZaynab referredtothefalseelationofYazidwhothoughtofhimselfasvictoriousinthatencounter.She uncoveredthetruththathismilitarysuperioritywastransientandthatAlmightyAllahletthe unbelieversenjoyblissinthisworldsothattheirsonswillincreaseand,thus,theywillhavea painfulchastisementontheDayofResurrection. 2)ShereproachedYazidfortakingthaharemoftheProphet'sHouseholdascaptives.Whileitwas theHolyProphet(s)whofreedYazidandhisunbelievingfamilyontheConquestofMeccawhile theywerecaptivesoftheIslamicarmies.InsteadofthankingtheProphet(s)whosavedhimfrom slavery,Yazidrewardedhisfamilyverybadly. 3)Shereferredtothehereditary,educational,andpsychologicalmotivesbeyondYazid'sslaying Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

theProphet'sfamily.Shereferred,asaninstance,tohisgrandmother,Hind,whochewedtheliver ofHamzahoutofherlimitlessmaliceagainsttheProphetandtheHashemites,Shealsoreferred toYazid'sgrandfatherAbuSufyanwhowastheleadingenemyofIslamandwholedcampaigns againsttheProphetandhisDivineMission.NotforgettingYazid'sfather,LadyZaynabreferredto Mu'awiyahwhoslaininnocentMuslimsandviolatedallwhatAllahhasdeemedrespected.4)She disapprovedofYazid'scitingpoeticversesinwhichhewishedhisforefatherswhomwerekilledat thehandsofImam'Ali,aswellasMuslimwarriors,duringtheirconflictsagainsttheholyProphet tobewitnessinghimsothattheywouldtakerevengeupontheHolyProphet.Shealsoassertedto yazidcourageouslythathewouldcertainlyfacethasamefateofthosecursedforefathers. 5)Sheshedlightsonanimportantpoint;thetyrant,byslayingImamalHusaynandhispure familymembersandcompanions,hasinfactslainhimself,noneelse.Thesoulsofthemartyrsare pure,alive,abiding,andcoveredbyaurasofglory.DisgraceandlosswouldbeYazid'sonly. 6)ShementionedthosewhopavedthewaytoYazidtoholdsuchapositionwithwordsof scoldingassheaddedthemtoYazid.Thispointshouldstudiedcarefully. 7)Shereferredtoherhighstandingandunreachablehonorasanotherwayofmakinglittleofthe tyrant.Despiteallthemisfortunesthatinflictedonherandweakenedher,sheshowedherpower andscoldedthetyrantsoharshlythathecouldnotfindanyanswer. 8)SheprovedthatallYazid'sendeavorstoeradicatetheimmortalgoodmentionoftheAhlalBayt wouldfail,becausetheyrepresenttheright,whichwillinevitablytriumph. Thus,dayshaveprovedthatImamalHusaynandhispartywerethetriumphant,whileYazidand hispartyhavebeenalwaysthelosers.Atanyrate,thespeechofLadyZaynabincludestensof lessonsnotallofwhichcanbecontainedinthisbriefstudy.Itisquiteenoughtosaythatthis speechwasoneofthedeathblowsthatsnappedtheUmayyadState.Havingseenthecollapseof hisprideandarrogance,Yazidcouldnotfindanywordstoanswerexceptcitingapoeticversenot relatedtothesubjectinanyextent.Moreover,thepoliticalatmosphereswereoverclouded againsthimwhoseperplexity,owingtothescandaloussituationthatLadyZaynabputhimin, disabledhimtodoanything.Heoncetriedtofindhimselfexcusesforhiscrimeand,atother times,triedtomakeacomparisonbetweentheImamandhimself.

LadyZaynabandASyrianMan

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 ASyrianmanwhoattendedthesessionofYazidlookedatLadyFatimahdaugherofImamal HusaynincaptivityandsaidtoYazid,"Givethisgirltometoserveme."Assheheardthisshocking statement,theladytrembledandgrabbedholdtoheraunt'scloak.LadyZaynabshoutedatthe Syrianman,"You,themeanone,havelied.Neitheryounorcanevenyourleader(i.e.Yazid)do this."ThisstatementenragedYazidwhosaid,"IcouldifIwould."LadyZaynabanswered,"No,you cannotdoitunlessyouabandonourreligionandtakeanotherforyourself."AsYazidrealizedthe biginsultthatLadyZaynabtargetedathimbythesewords,heshoutedather,"Howdareyousay suchwordsinmyface?Itwasyourfatherandyourbrotherwhoabandonedthereligion!" Indifferenttothetyrant'sauthorityandabilitytopunishLadyZaynabrepliedhimsoconfidently saying,"OnlybythereligionofAllahandthatofmyfatherandgrandfatheryouandyourfather wereguided,ifyouarereallyMuslim."Bythesewords,LadyZaynabunmaskedthetyrantwho claimedImamalHusaynandhisfamily'sbeingapostates.Asaresult,peopleofSyriarealizedthat thecaptivesweretheHolyProphet'sfamilyaboutwhommanyQuranicVerseswererevealed fromtheAlmightyLord,andthatYazidwasnomorethanafaithlessliar."Youhavelied,enemyof Allah!"theseweretheonlywordsthatYazidcouldfindtoanswerLadyZaynabwhoseanswerwas, "Youareadominantruler!Youcanrevile[atanybody]unjustlyandyouprevailonanyone throughyourauthority." Thetyrant'sragedecreasedandhehadtonoddownmeanwhile,theSyrianmanrepeatedhis request,butYazidshoutedathim,"MayAllahinflictuponyouaswiftdeath!"Hence,LadyZaynab couldcontrolherselfpowerandselfwillthatsheinheritedfromherforefatherstofacethe tyrantandtotriumphuponhim. Anauthorsays: "Despiteherweaknessandsubmission,LadyZaynabcouldachievethefirstdecisivevictoryover anauthoritativeandstrongtyrant.Morethanonce,sheconfutedYazidanddeclaredbefore everybodyhisignoranceandirreligiousness,sinceitis,accordingtoIslamiclaws,notacceptable toregardMuslimwomenascaptivesortobetreatedassuchinwars."1Anyhow,theSyrianman's requestwasseemlytheopeningofalongarticlesofcriticismandreproachagainstYazidandthe beginningoftheSyrianwasnotsodull,especiallyafterhehadheardthereplyofLadyZaynabthat provedYazid'shavingbeenexcludedfromIslamifhewouldrespondtotheSyrianman'srequest. ThisprovedsthatthemanonlyintendedtodisgraceYazid. MOANINGFORIMAMALHUSAYN LadiesofthePrpphet'sfamilythenaskedthetyranttogivethemahouseinwhichtheywould Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

consolationceremoniesforImamalHusaynsincetheywereunabletoshowtheirgriefbeforethe policemenofYazid,andiftheydid,theywouldbeansweredbywhipsandwordsofinsult.Inthis regard,Imam'AliZaynal'Abidinsays,"Thepolicemen'sspearswouldfalldownontheheadof anyoneofuswhowouldshedevenasingletear."YazidhoweverhadtorespondtotheLadies' requestand,hence,allofthemworeinblackandmoanedfortheirImamandmartyrsforseven daysceaselessly. BACKTOMEDINA HavindseentheinfluentialresultsoftheaddressesofImamZaynal'AbidinandLadyZaynab, Yazidanticipatedarebelofatleastadisorderinthecapitalofhisstate.Hethereforedecidedto sendtheProphet'sfamilyawayfromDamascustotheirhometown,Medina.Hegatheredthemin hispalaceandpouredverymuchmoneyonasilkycarpetasbloodmoneyforthemartyrdomof ImamalHusayn,hishousehold,andhiscompanions.ThissituationinfuriatedtheLadiesso terriblythattheyallspoke.LadyZaynabsaid, ____________ 1SeeBaqirSharifalQarashi'sHayatalImamalHasan;3:390. "Youaresurelyshamelessandboastful!Youkillmybrotherandfamilymembers,andthenyou wantmetoacceptmoneyasrecompense!"LadySukaynahsaid,"Ihaveneverseensuchhard heartedness,andIhaveneverseenaninfidelandpolytheistmoreviciousthanyouare...etc." Hence,thetyrant,whothoughtthattheAhlalBaytcanbesubmittedbymoneyoranyother transientmaterial,failedtosubjugatetheProphet'shouseholdsincehedidnotbelievethatthe almightyAllah"onlydesirestokeepawaytheuncleannessfromthemandtopurifythema (thorough)purifying." HethenorderedalNu'manibnBashirtoaccompanytheProphet'sfamilytoMedinaandtotake careofthemalongthisjourney.1Healsodecidedtobeginthatjourneyatnightsoastoevadeany expecteddisorderorrevolt.AbdalMalikalSalami,carryingouttheordersof'UmaribnSa'd, conveyedthenewsofImamalHusayn'smartyrdomtoMedinabeforethecaptives'arrivalin there.2AsmuchasthisnewsdelightedtherulerofMedina,itdepressedthepeoplewhocould notcontrolthemselvesastheircriesandweepingcoveredthewholecity.Therulerhowever ascendedtheminbaroftheProphet'sMasjidanddeclaredhishappinessandschadenfreudeover theImamandhisparty.'AbdullahibnalSa'ibcriticizedtheruler,sayin,"HadFatimahbeenalive, shewouldweepforherson."3 ____________ 1SeeIbnalAthir,alTarikh,vol.3,p.300. 2ThisreportisqoutedfromBaqirSharifalQarasahi'sbookentitledalSayyidahZaynab. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Nevertheless,thisrepotmaycontradictothers. 3Imam'Ali(a)narratedthattheHolyProphet(s)oncesaid,"OntheResurrectionDay,my daughterFaimahshallcomewithdressespaintedwithherson'sbloodinherhand.Sheshallhang tooneofthepillarsofthe(Divine)Throneandsay"OtheAlljust!judgebetweenmyson'skiller andme.TheLordthenwilljudgeformydaughter.IswearitbytheLordoftheParadise."Seeal SiratalSawifiManaqib(i)alNabi,93. Buttherulershoutedathimandsaidmeaninglesswords.1Forthemartyrdomoftheircheif,the Hashemitescriedwaile,andheldceremoniesonthatoccasion.'AbdullahibnJa'far,LadyZaynab's husband,heldobsequiesattendedbygroupsofpeopletoconsolehimforthemisfortune.Yazid thensenttheheadofImamalHusayntoMedinasoastospreadhorrorandfearamongits people.TherulerofMedinadeniedthisdeed,whileMarwanibnalHakamwelcomedandshowed hismaliceagainsttheProphetandhisreligion.AshelookedinthefaceoftheImam,he rememberedhisforefatherswhowerekilledatthehandsoftheImam'sfatherandgrandfather. HethenturnedhiseyestowardstheHolyProphet'stombandsaid,"Muhammad,thisisforthat dayof[thebattleof]Badr."2 DuringtheirwaytoMedina,thecaptivesoftheAhlalBaytaskedthepolicemenwho accompaniedthemtotakeawayleadingtoKarbala',andtheydid.Oncetheyarrivedinthere,the ladiesreceivedthetombofImamalHusaynwithcriesandwails.Theyspentthreedaysthere duringwhichtheirtearsdidnotstopshedding. AsImamZaynalAbidinfearedforthedeathofhisauntandtheotherladiesoutoftheirexcessive grief,heorderedthemtoreadythemselvesfortraveltoMedina.Theyleftwithtearyeyesand hoarsevoices.MedinawasdressedinblackbecauseofthedeathofLadyUmmuSalamah,the Prophet'swidow,whodiedamonthafterImamalHusayn'smartyrdombecauseofhergrieffor him.3WhenthecaravanwasafewparasangsnearMedina,ImamZaynal'Abidinresidedthere forawholeandaskedBishribnHidhlimwhetherhecouldpoetizesomethingsothathewould precedetheotherstoMedinaanddeclare,bysomepoeticverses,themartyrdomofImamal Husayn.Themanentered ____________ 1See'AbdalRazzaqalMuqarram,MaqatalalHusayn,417. 2SeeIbnAbi'lHadid'sSharh(u)NahjalBalaghah;4:72. 3SeeSayyidIbnTawusalHasani,alLahuffiQatlaalTufuf,p.116. thecityandstoppedneartheProphet'sMasjidtodeclare,inasadtone,themartyrdomofthe Imam.Thepublicshurriedtowardshimformoreinformationaboutthefateoftheothers.Bishr toldthemaboutthecaptivityofImamZaynal'AbidinandtheotherladiesoftheProphet's household.They,cryingandweeping,hurriedtothesuburbstoreceivethecaravan.Assoonas Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

theProphet'shouseholdarrived,peoplesurroundedthemwithtearyeyes,andthatdaywas similartothedaywhichtheHolyProphetdied.Inthemidstofthathorriblegathering,ImamZayn al'Abidindeliveredaspeechinwhichhetouchedonhisfatherandthemisfortunestheyhad suffered.He,accompaniedbyhisauntandsistersandsurroundedbypeople,thendirected towardstheProphet'sMasjid.LadyZaynabtookthejambsoftheMasjid'sgateandshouted,"O grandfather!IamconveyingtoyouthenewsofmybrotheralHusayn'smartyrdom."1 Fromthatday,LadyZaynab'soneandonlydeedwasweepingforhermartyredpeopleand workingtocontinuetheendlessmessageofImamalHusayn.Sheusedtoweepwheneverher eyesfellonhernephew,ImamZaynal'Abidin,untilshebecauseassameasdeadbody.2 ____________ 1See'AbdalRazzaqalMuqarram,MaqtalalHusayn,472. 2SeeMuhammadibnJariralTabariTarikhalUmamwaalMuluk;6:366,andIbnalAthir,al Tarikh,vol.3,p.428. TOTHEHEAVEN ThehorriblescenesthatLadyZaynabhadtowitnessdidnotdepartherforevenasinglemoment; hereyeswerealwaystearyandherwordswereonlywailingforherbrotherandthemartyrs,She usedtocrythenamesofherbrothers,sons,andnephews,andthenshewouldbeunconscious. Thisstateturnedherintoasoulless,feeblebodywaitingfordeath,whichwouldbetheonlyrelief. Shewaswaitingfordeathsoastocomplaintohergrandfatherandparentsaboutwhatshehad seen.Thus,diseasesbegantoattackherandshehadtostayinbedforlongtimesufferingagonies ofdiseases.Eveninherlastsparksoflife,thescenesofKarbala'andDamascuswerepresent beforehereyes.However,deathattackedherwhilehertonguewasglorifyingtheAlmightyLord Whowilltakerevengeuponthosewhowrongedher. ShedepartedthislifeonSunday,thefifteenthofRajab,62AHattheageoffiftyseven.1 HERBURIALPLACE HistorianshavehadvariousopinionsabouttheburialplaceofLadyZaynab;somehavedefinedal BaqiinMedina.Thisopinionisnotacceptable,becauseifshewasburiedthereshewouldhavea specialtombjustliketheotherswhowereburiedthere.Itisprobablethatshe,likehermother, askedtobeburiedatnightsothatnonewouldknowabouttheplaceofhergrave. ____________ 1Seeal'Ubaydali,alSayyidahZaynabwaAkhbaralZaynabiyyat,9. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

AgoodgroupofhistorianshavedecidedthatshediedinasmallvillageinDamascusandwas buriedthere.TheyrecordedthatsheimmigratedtoSyriawhenMedinahadbeenbefallenbya disastrousfamineduetowhich'AbdullahibnJa'farleftforSyria.Itseemsthatthestoryofthis famineisbaselesssincemostofthehistoriansandnarratorshaveneverreferredtosuchan incidentduringthatperiod.Besides,'AbdullahibnJa'farwassorichthathewouldnotbe influencedbysuchafamine,andthathewastoogeneroustoleavehispeopleinsuchafamine andimmigratetohercenterofhisenemies.Atanyrate,itiswidespreadthatLadyZaynabwas buriedinDamascusandthereisnowahandsomeshrinepilgrimagedbythousandsofpeople everyday,seekingtheblessingandmercyofAlmightyAllah,justliketheholyshrineofImamal Husayn. AnothergoodnumberofhistorianshaverecordedthatLadyZaynabwasburiedinEgypt.1Forall Egyptians,thisisanunquestionablefact,andherhandsomeshrinethereisoneofthemost significantsignsEgypt.AboutLadyZaynab'simmigrationtoEgypt,historianshaverecordedtha following:InMedina,LadyZaynabbegantorallythepublicsagainsttherulingauthoritiesandthe unjustUmayyadState.Asaresult,peopleofMedinarebelledandformedarmedforcestoface therulingauthorities.Asareply,YazidsentaheavyarmycommandedbythecriminalMuslimibn Aqabah ____________ 1Thissayingisagreedbythefollowingscholars:Ibn'AskirinalTarikhalKabir,IbnTawlawninal RisalahalZaynabiyyah,alSha'raniinLawqihalAnwar,MuhammadSabbaninIs'afalRaghibin,al ShabalnajiinNuralAbsar,alShabrawiinalIthaf,HasanalAdwiinMashariqalAnwar,al MannawiinalTabaqat,JalaluddinalSayutiinalRisalahalZaynabiyyah,alAjhuriinMusalsal Ashura,andmanyothers. tokilltherebelsandcivilianssoharshlyandmercilessly.Heeventurnedthemintoslavesfor Yazid.FearingtheactivitiesofLadyZaynab,therulerofMedinawrotetoYazidaboutherdanger. Thetyrantwrotebackthatheshouldbanishhertoanycountryshewouldchoose.Firstofall, LadyZaynabrefused,butZaynabdaughterof'Aqil,hercousin,couldconvincehertoleaveforthe goodofreligion.ShehenceoptedforEgypt.Inthis(final)journey,shewasaccompaniedbyher niecesFatimahandSukaynahdaughtersofImamalHusayn.TheyarrivedinEgyptonthelastdays ofDhu'lHijjah,andwerereceivedhospitablybytherulerofEgypt,MaslamahibnMukhalladal AnsariwhoofferedLadyZaynabtoresideinhisownhouseinalHamra',andshelivedtherefor elevenmonthsandfifteendays.OnSundays,15thofRajab,62A.H.,LadyZaynabdepartedlife andwasburiedinthathouse.Thereisnowahandsomeshrinecarryinghernameandteachingall generatonsthemeaningsofrealhumanityanddefenseoffreedomandbelief.1 InhisbookentitledalTarikh,IbnAsakirrecords: Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

"LadyZaynabresidedinEgyptwhereshediedandwasburied.TheladyburiedinDamascusisher sister,ZaynabalWusta."TheEgyptiansaswellastheotherMuslimthroughouttheglobe pilgrimagetotheholyshrineeverydayespeciallyontheoccasionofherdeath.They,including scholarsandreligiouspeople,crowdaroundtheshrineseekingtheLord'sblessingsandmercy throughtheintercessionofLadyZaynab.RulersofEgypt,suchasKafuralAkhshidi,Ahmadibn Tawlawn,andalDafirbiNasrillahalsohadthehonortovisittheholyshrine.withthebeginning themonthofRajab,peoplefromeverywheregatheraroundtheholyshrinerecitingtheHolyBook ofAllahandotherDu'as. ____________ 1SeeIs'afalRaghibin196,alShamrani,LawaqihalAnwar23,alIthafbiHubbalAshraf93,and MasahriqalAnwar,100. someofthem,furthermore,residetheretothehalfofthemonth. Amanyreconstructionsandreformationsalloverhistoryhavebeenmadetotheholyshrineat thehandsofvirtuouskingsandleadersofEgypt,suchas,FakhruddinTha'lbalJa'fari,'AliPashaal Wazir(in956AH),andAbdulRahmanKatkhada(in1174AH).In1212AH,UthmanalMuradi reconstructedtheshrine,buthehadtostopwhentheFrenchoccupiedthecountry.In1326AH, YusufPashacarriedonthereconstructionsanddatedhiswordsthroughsomepoeticverses writtenonatabletofmarble.Abyhow,thefinaltoucheswereatthehandsofMuhammad'Ali Pashareconstructedotherfaces.Theoperationwascompletedin1304AH.Everycountryorplace inwhichLadyZaynabresidedhasallrighttotakeprideinthisLadywhohasbeenthehonorof IslamandAllMuslims.Atanyrate,Ladyzaynab'splaceistheheartofeachandeveryfactfinder. Shehasbeentoogreattobecontainedbyanytomb,andone'sdeeddependsuponhis/her intent.

ZiyaratofLadyZaynab InthenameofAllah,MostGracious,MostMerciful Peacebeuponyou,OdaughteroftheleaderoftheProphets. Peacebeuponyou,Odaugheroftheownerofthe(Heavenly)PondandtheStandard. Peacebeuponyou,Odaughterofhimwhowastakentotheskiesandwhoreachethepositionof thelengthoftwoarrowsorevencloser. Peacebeuponyou,OdaughteroftheProphetofrightguidance,themasterof(all)humanbeing, Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

andthesavioroftheservants(ofAllah)frombeingdestroyed. Peacebeuponyou,Odaughteroftheonewhohasconformed(himself)tosublimemorality, enjoyedthebroadhonor,andownedthe(Heavenly)SignsandtheWiseRemembranceofAllah (i.e.theHolyQuran). Peacebeuponyou,OdaughteroftheowneroftheLoftyPosition,thePond fromwhichpeopleshalldrink(ontheResurrectionDay),andtheStandard,whichshallbe witnessedbyeverybody.Peacebeuponyou,OdaughterofthePathofIslamandtheonegiven theqiblahandtheQuran,andtheexampleofhonesty,right,andbenevolence.PeaceandAllah's MercyandBlessingsbeuponyou,OdaughterofthechoiceoftheProphetstheexampleofthe piousones,andthewellknowninboththeearthandtheheavens. PeaceandAllah'sMercyandBlessingsbeuponyou,OdaughterofthebestofAllah'screation,the masterofHiscreatures,theforemostcreatedindividualbeforetheexistenceof(Allah's)earth andheavens,thelastoftheexistentones(whoshallendure)aftertheextinctionofthisworldand itsbeing,andtheonewhosesoulisacopyoftheDivinityandwhoseheartisthetreasuryofthe Eternal,SubsistentGod.PeaceandAllah'sMercyandBlessingsbeuponyou,Odaughterofthe onewhoisshadedbyclouds,isthemasteroftheTwoWorlds,isthechiefofthetwobeings (i.e.manandjinn),andistheIntercessoroftheummahontheResurrectionDay. Peacebeuponyou,OdaughterofthemasteroftheProphet'ssuccessors. Peacebeuponyou,OdaughteroftheleaderoftheGodfearingones. Peacebeuponyou,Odaughteroftheshelterofthesaints. Peacebeuponyou,Odaughterofthesupportofthechoiceones. Peacebeuponyou,OdaughteroftheleaderoftheReligion. Peacebeuponyou,Odaughterofthecommanderofthefaithfulones. Peacebeuponyou,OdaughterofthechiefoftheProphet'ssuccessors. Peacebeuponyou,Odaughteroftheleaderofthepiousones. Peacebeuponyou,Odaughterofthepreventeroftheinfidelsandthewantons. Peacebeuponyou,OdaughteroftheinheritoroftheProphets. Peacebeuponyou,OdaughterofthesuccessoroftheApostles'chief. Peacebeuponyou,OdaughterofbrightnessoftheReligion. Peacebeuponyou,OdaughteroftheGreatNews(asitiscertainlyproved). PeaceandAllah'sMercyandBlessingsbeuponyou,Odaughteroftheonetowhomthemission ofsettlingaccountswithpeople(ontheResurrectionDay)isgiven,betweenwhosehandsthe HeavenlyPond(ofalKawthar)isput,andwhomisintendedbythe(Prophet's)Statementofthe Ghadirday. Peacebeuponyou,Odaughteroftheladywhoseshecamelwasdrivenby(Archangel)Gabriel, andwhosemisforturne(ofImamalHusayn'sbeingslaininKarbala)wassharedby(Archangel) Israfil,andduetowhoseangertheAllexaltedLordwasangry,andforwhosemisfortuneof Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

Karbala,(theProphets)AbrahamtheFriendofAllah,Noah,andMosesthe SpokenbyAllahwept. Peacebeuponyou,Odaughteroftheshiningfullmoons. PeaceandAllah'sMercyandBlessingsbeuponyou,Odaughterofthebrilliantsuns. Peacebeuponyou,OdaughterofWellZamzmaandSafa(ofthelandmarksofMecca). Peacebeuponyou,OdaughterofMeccaandMinaaheightinMecca. Peacebeuponyou,OdaughterofhimwhomwascarriedbyBuraqtotheheavens. Peacebeuponyou,Odaughterofhimwhocarriedthezakat(almsgiving)bythemarginsofhis dresstogiveittothepaupers. Peacebeuponyou,OdaughterofhimwhomwastakenbynightfrontheInviolableMasjidtothe FarthestMasjid. Peacebeuponyou,Odaughterofhimwhofoughtwithtwoswords. Peacebeuponyou,Odaughterofhimwhoofferedprayerstothetwoqiblas. Peacebeuponyou,OdaughterofMuhammadalMustafa(theSelectedbyGod). Peacebeuponyou,OdaughterofAlialMurtada(thePleasedone). Peacebeuponyou,OdaughterofFatimahalZahra(theResplendant). Peacebeuponyou,OdaughterofKhadijahalKubra(theGrand) Peacebeuponyouanduponyourgrandfather,MuhammadalMukhtar(theChosen). Peacebeuponyouanduponyourfather,HaydaralKarrar(theAttacking). Peacebeuponyouanduponthepure,choicemasterswhoaretheArgumentsofAllahonlands, thechiefsoftheearthandtheheavens,andloveforwhomisaprescriptionthatisincumbent uponallcreatures. Peacebeuponyou,Odaughteroftheglorified,holyservantofAllah. Peacebeuponyou,Oauntofdignified,holyservantofAllah. PeaceandAllah'sMercyandBlessingsbeuponyou,Omotherofmisfortunes;Zaynab. Peacebeuponyouthevirtuos,rightlyguidedone! Peacebeuponyoutheperfect,knowledgeablegooddoer. Peacebeuponyouthenoblegentlewoman. Peacebeuponyouthepious,infallibleone. PeacebeuponyouwhoshowedherloveforalHusayn;thewronged,inmanysituationandhad tosufferawfulheartbreakingmisfortunes. PeacebeuponyouwhoguardedtheImamontheDayofAshurawhenhewaskilled,and sacrificedhersoulforthesalvationofZaynalAbidinatthegatheringofthemostwretchedone (i.e.UbaydullahibnZiyad),andaddresedaspeech,justlike(Imam)Ali's,inthestreetsofKufa despitethepresenceofherenemies. Peacebeuponyouwhothrustherforeheadwiththefrontpartofthehowdah,whenshesawthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

severedheadoftheChiefofMartyrs(i.e.ImamalHusayn),andcausedbloodtoflowfrom beneathherveilandfromthehowdahintheviewoftheenemies. Peacebeuponyou,OtherepresentativeoftheInfallibleImam. PeaceandAllah'sMercyandBlessingsbeuponyou,Oyouwhoweretestedthoughpatience againstmisfortunes,likethatofalHusayntheoppressed. Peacebeuponyouwhoarefarawayfromyouhome. Peacebeuponyouwhowerewanderedascaptiveincities. PeacebeuponyouwhenyouwerebewilderedinthatruinedplaceinSyria. Peacebeuponyouwhenyouwerebewilderedasyoustoodbythe(severed)bodyoftheChiefof Martyrsandcalledatyourgrandfather;theMessengerofAllah,mayAllahblesshimandhis family,saying,"Oh,Muhammad!MaytheangelsintheHeavensblessyou!ThisisHusaynunder theopensky!Histurbanandhisclothesarestripped!Hislimbsaresevered!Andyourdaughters aretakencaptives!Complaining(aboutthis)isonlytoAllah."Youalsosaid,"OMuhammad!This isHusayn!Windsareblowinghisbody! Hisheadiscutofffromtheback!Heisbeingkilledbybastards!Oh,formygriefforyou,Abu Abdullah!PeacebeuponyouwhoseheartcriedoutforalHusayn;theoppressed,thestripped, andthethrewnondust,andyousaidinasadtone,"Maymyfatherbesacrificedfortheonefor whomImaysacrificemysoul!Oh,forhimwhowasdepresseduntilhepassedaway!Oh,forhim whohadbeenthirstyuntilhedepartedlife!Oh,forhimwhosebeardisdroppingblood!" Peacebeuponherwhoweptforthe(severed)bodyofherbrotheramongthekilledonesso painfullythateveryonewhetherfriendorevenenemy,wepttorherand,moreover,people,asit isprovedbyauthenticatednarraions,sawevenhorsesshedtears,whichflewontheirlegs.Peace beuponherwhotooktheresposibilityofgatheringandguardingthedaughtersoftheMessenger ofAllahandthechildrenofalHusaynontheafternoonofthedayofAshura,andshestirredup thesutuationwhenthetwooppressed,strangechildrenweremartyred.Peacebeuponher whoseeyesdidnotsleepsoastoguardthefamilyoftheMessengerofAllahatTaffofNineveh, andwastakenascaptiveasshewashumiliatedatthehandsofherenemies. PeacebeuponherwhohadtorideasaddlelesscamelandthencalledonherbrotherAbu'l Fadhl(alAbbas),sayin,"Obrother!OAbu'lFadhl!Itwasyouwhohelpedmerideonacamelwhen IleftMedina."Peacebeuponherwhoaddressedaremarkablyexpressivespeechatthecenterof Kufathatshemadeallvoiceskeepsilent(tolistentoherwithastonishment) Peacebeuponherwhosaidclearcutargumentsinthegatheringof(Ubaydullah)IbnZiyadwho saidtoher,"HowdidyouseethatwhichAllahhaddonetoyourbrother?"Answeringhim,she saidwithhonestevidences,"Isawnothingbutgood!"Peacebeuponyouwhohadtobe imprisonedbytheenemiesunderanopenskyandhadtoseepeopleofSyriacelebrate(the martyrdomofherbrotherwithpleasure,joy,andraisedflags. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

 PeacebeuponherwhowastiedwitharopeonthearmandtheneckofImamZaynalAbidin,and she,alongwithsixteenpersonsfromthefamilyoftheMessengerofAllah,wasforcedtoenter(the sessionofYazid)whiletheywereenchainedwithironfetters.Meanwhile,AliibnalHusayn(Imam ZaynalAbidin)saidtoYazid,"WhatiftheMessengerofAllahseesusinsuchamanner?Whatwill behisimpression?"Then,LadyZaynab;motherofmisfortunes,saidtoYazidafterhehad poetized,"(HadmyforefatherwhomwerekilledattheBattleofBadrwitnessedthis,)theywould havebeenverymuchdelighted.thenthey'dhavesaid,"Mayyourhands,OYazid,neverbe paralyzedHowdareyouhitthelipsofAbu'Abdullah(a),theMasteroftheYouthsofParadise?" Shethensaid,"Althoughcalamitieshaveforcedmetospeadtoyou,Iseeyoutrivialinmyeyeand findyourverbalattacksgreatandIregardyourrebuketoomuchtobear,buttheeyesarefilled withdepression.whatisevenstrangeisthatthehonoredPartyofAllahisbeingkilledbytheParty ofthe'Releasedones'PartyofShaitan. Ifyouregardusasyourbooty,youshallsoonfindusasyouropponentthatwillbewhenyoufind nothingbutwhatyourhandshadcommitted,"andyourLordnevertreatsHisservantsunjustly. (41:46)"ToAllahismycomplaint,anduponHimdorely.Soschemewhateveryouwishto scheme,andcarryoutyourplots,andintesifyyourefforts,for,byAllah,youshallneverbeableto obliterateourmention,norwillyoueverbeabletokilltherevelation(thatwasrevealedtous), norwillyoueverexalttoourposition,norwillyoushameeverbewashedaway.Yourviewshall beprovenfutile,yourdayslimitedinnumber,andyourwealthwastedontheDaywhenthecaller callsout,"ThecurseofAllahbeupontheoppressors.(11:18)" AllpraiseisduetoAllahLordoftheWorlds,Whosealedthlifeofyourearlyoneswithhappiness andforgiveness,andthatofourlastoneswithmartyrdomandmercy.WepleadtoAllahto completeHisrewaredsforthem,grantthemanincrease,andrecompenseuspleasingly;heisthe mostMerciful,themostCompassionate.Allahsufficesus,andheisthebestGuardian. MayAllahblessMuhammadandhisPure,ImmaculateHousehold.

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