BULANDIYO - SE - BULAN -HAI - MAQAM -ZAINAB - KA DUROOD - PAD -KE - LIYA -KAR - TU- NAM ZAINAB -KA YE - SAR PE - CHADREIN - AB - TAK - GAWAHI -DETI -HAIN HAI - PARDE DARI -KA - SARA - NIZAM -ZANAB - KA { TITLES OF BIBI ZAINAB S.A. - FATHE SHAAM } The titles attributed to any person are often a reflection of his/her personality. By observing these titles, one gets a sense of his/her way of living, behavioural traits and lifestyle. However, it is equally important to pay attention as to who is bestowing the title upon the individual. History is replete with instances of those who were hailed or themselves claimed to be the Chief of the Faithful (other than our master Hazrat Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)). Obviously, those who conferred these titles were themselves of dubious character and ill-repute.Having said that, in the case of Janabe Zainab (s.a.), her titles were conferred on her by the chosen ones of Allah. In this article, we will offer an insight into the titles of Janabe Zainab (s.a.) - the Second Zahra (s.a.) and offer a comprehensive view of their meanings. The Infallible (Masoomah) Masoomah means infallible (feminine). Infallibility signifies protection from sin and error. The word infallible itself is reserved for divine Prophets (a.s.) and their successors. Although Janabe Zainab (s.a.) is not from this illustrious group, yet to even imagine a state of sin and error from her personality would be a grave sin. Her life is a splendid example of piety, struggle and accomplishments. Indeed, she was related to the family which personified purity and infallibility. Her association was with those holy personalities whose purity from all types of uncleanness was testified to by none other than Allah the Almighty - the Verse of Purification (Surah Ahzaab (33): Verse 33) being sufficient to establish this truth. She was brought up and nourished in the lap of infallibility and played an instrumental role herself in raising some of our Imams (a.s.). And this was not all - even those who were raised by her like Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) and Hazrat Ali Akbar (a.s.) imbibed the lessons of infallibility from her and reached the heights of minor infallibility.Pay attention to the following words from the Ziyarat of Janabe Zainab (s.a.) which is recited at her tomb and are reportedly from the Imams (a.s.). These words offer a fair insight about her status,Peace be upon you, O minor infallible! I bear witness that in every condition, misfortune, grief, difficulty and examination, you were patient, majestic, honourable, dignified and thankful. The Proximate One to Allah (Waliyatullah) ‘The Proximate One to Allah(Waliyatullah) is a title conferred upon those servants loved by Allah and those who are very close to Him. Janabe Zainab (s.a.) is worthy of this title for many reasons, some of which are mentioned below:Firstly, her worship was outstanding. Even at the heights of misfortune and grief, she remained devoted to the performance of not only the obligatory prayers, but even the recommended ones. Indeed, her worship exemplified that of Allahs friends and those with a high level of divine recognition. Secondly, she played an outstanding role in ensuring the continued existence of the religion of Allah, enduring innumerable difficulties and offering a supreme sacrifice for its sake. She bore the brunt of atrocities only for the sake of Allah. Leaving her home, she suffered a long imprisonment and sacrificed her adorable sons for the protection of Islam.Thirdly, the tradition of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) itself establishes this aspect of the personality of Hazrat Zainab (s.a.). If we consider this tradition of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) - Allah befriends the one who befriends Husain, which clearly indicates that Allah loves the one who loves Husain (a.s.) and consequently, such a person is close to Allah.When Imam Husain (a.s.) met Hurr Ibn Riyahi and was prevented from proceeding ahead, the Imam (a.s.) admonished him. Janabe Sakinah (s.a.), observing this incident rushed to her aunt, Janabe Zainab (s.a.), and tearfully narrated this entire episode to her. At that moment, Janabe Zainab (s.a.) lamented with the following words,Alas, O grandfather! Alas, O my father Ali! Alas O Hasan! Alas O Husain! I grieve for the small number of our friends. What will save us from the evils of our enemies! I desire that Husain (a.s.) be released by the enemies and we be sacrificed in his place! These words of Hazrat Zainab (s.a.) are an expression of her intense adoration for Imam Husain (a.s.). Her affection for him was incessant and Imam Husain (a.s.) too reciprocated the love and affection of his sister. Scholar sans Teacher (Aalematun Ghairo Mualemah)This title means that she was extremely knowledgeable, yet she did not acquire knowledge in the form of a formal education from any ordinary worldly teacher. This title was conferred upon her by none other than the fourth Imam, Hazrat Zainul Abideen (a.s.). He used these words for her to clearly establish her elevated status. Janabe Zainab (s.a.) delivered an eloquent speech amongst the people to the extent that the colour of her face changed. Imam Sajjad (a.s.), fearing that she may lose her life in this condition, whispered to her,O Aunt! Silence is better for you (at this stage). What will pass in the future is more reliable than what has already occurred. Praise be to Allah! Indeed you are a scholar without a teacher, and a person of understanding without being made to understand (by any ordinary mortal)The above observation of the holy Imam (a.s.) draws our attention to the fact that Janabe Zainab (s.a.) was extremely knowledgeable, yet without being under the tutelage of any ordinary mortal. Her knowledge was divine, which cannot be acquired by any fallible. Clearly, it was a knowledge granted directly by Allah; it was not acquired in any worldly school.Devout (Zahedah)One of the titles of Janabe Zainab (s.a.) was Zahedah which was conferred upon her for her excessive worship. Regarding her peity, Maulana Raaziq Khayri writes in his book Sayyadah Ki Beti, Only a few women were granted the standard of the worship and piety of Janabe Zainab (s.a.). She was neither attached to this world and its comforts nor affected by its attractions and temptations. She always preferred the happiness, comforts and effects of the hereafter over those of this world.Allah (s.w.t) observes,Wealth and children are an ornament for this world.The Arabic term ‘Zohad’ is to sacrifice this ornament of the world. Following the footsteps of her mother, Janabe Zahra (s.a.), she never even attempted to accumulate worldly wealth. On the contrary, she considered it lowly and inconsequential. In addition, she sacrificed her beloved sons in the way of Allah. In this way, the title of Zahedah is a title befitting her lofty personality.The One Satisfied with Divine Decree and Destiny (Ar-Raaziyato bil Qadre wal Qaza)This title is well understood when one reflects upon the personality of Janabe Zainab (s.a.). She remained patient and thankful in the face of insurmountable difficulties. If she chose to use the power and will granted to her by Allah, she could have reduced mountains to dust. Yet, she adopted patience, submitted to the will of Allah and welcomed difficulties in tough times. Her submission to Allah was such that when she saw the holy head of her brother, dripping blood and raised on a spear, she raised her hands and said, O Lord! Accept this sacrifice of Aale Mohammed (a.s.)!The Wailing One (Baaqiyyah)This means the one who cries excessively. She got this title because she cried due to the fear of Allah and lamented excessively at the difficulties faced by Imam Husain (a.s.). Both these are the best of deeds. It is found in traditions: All eyes will cry in Qiyamat except that which cried in the world due to the fear of Allah.About weeping over Imam Husain (a.s.) it is found:One who cries over Husain (a.s.), or makes others cry or makes the face of a crying one, Paradise is obligatory upon him.A look at the life of Janabe Zainab (s.a.) speaks for itself how she cried for fear of God. While her lamentations for Imam Husain (a.s.) were such that she cried only for him, so much so that she did not cry for her children as much as she cried at the difficulties faced by Imam Husain (a.s.).She also laid the foundation of Majaalis (congregational mourning) for Imam Husain (a.s.), because of which the whole world mourns Imam Husain (a.s.) and remembers the difficulties faced by him. She arranged the first Majlis in the house of the accursed Yazid himself, and thus established Azadari till the day of Qiyamat.Worshipper (Aabedah) The will of Imam Husain (a.s.) is sufficient to talk about her worship. At the time of the last farewell, on the day of Ashura, Imam Husain (a.s.) told Janabe Zainab (s.a.). O Sister! Do not forget me in the Nafela of midnight prayers (Namaz-e-Shab). This statement highlights many aspects:This statement reflects the regularity of Janabe Zainab (s.a.) in midnight prayers. The learned scholar Haji Shaikh Abdul Baqir in his book Qurbat-e-Ahmed under authentic Maqaatil quotes from Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s.):In the journey of Syria, inspite of the troubles and difficulties faced by her, she never missed the night vigil prayers. On account of her abundant worship and her elevated status in the presence of Allah, she is famous as the worshipper.Imam Husain (a.s.) recognized the fact that after his martyrdom, the ladies will be taken captive and would be put to untold difficulties in the prison. This will of his demonstrates that inspite of all these difficulties, Imam Husain (a.s.) was certain that Janabe Zainab (s.a.) will maintain the regularity of her night-vigil prayers.Our thoughts also reach out to the distinction and importance of the night-vigil prayers of the person, in which the Imam of the time wishes to be remembered. Courageous (Shajiyaah)Bravery is the strength of the heart. It is reported in traditions:“The bravest person is the one who overcomes his desires.”The bravery of Janabe Zainab (s.a.) is established in this tradition. She inherited courage and bravery from her illustrious father, Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.). Be it before Ashura or the circumstances after the martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s.) or the difficulties in the prisons of Damascus or at the time of captivity in the streets of Kufa and Damascus or in the court of Yazid or on the return journey to Madinah, on all occasions she displayed indomitable courage. She played a pivotal role in communicating the messages of her brother to the people. This all was achieved because of the courage of this fearless lady.Fazil-e-Darbandi (a.r.) says that the words of Janabe Zainab (s.a.) in the court of Ibne Ziyad and Yazid reveal her courage and awe. She declared Yazid an unbeliever and an apostate in a packed court. Her sermons too reflect her valour. Through these sermons she announced the defeat of Yazid and the victory and truth of Imam Husain (a.s.). The Representative of Janab-e-Zehra (s.a.) (Naaeb-e-Zahra (s.a.))Janabe Zainab (s.a.) is called Naeb-e-Zehra (s.a.) because she resembled her mother in characteristics and excellences. She inherited purity, truthfulness, and other remarkable qualities from her mother. There are many reasons for her being given this title.The wives of the companions called her, Her mothers heir on account of her way of life, habits, manners and conduct.She treated Imam Husain (a.s.) like a mother. Had Janabe Zehra (s.a.) been alive she would have treated her beloved son in a like manner. People usurped the right of Hazrat Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) after the demise of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and came together to kill him. Janabe Zehra (s.a.) protected him. Similarly, Janabe Zainab shielded Imam Sajjad (a.s.) from the evils of the enemies and protected him.Articulate and Eloquent (Al Fassehah wal Baleegah)Al Fassehah wal Baleegah means the one who is articulate and eloquent. Her eloquence is evident in her sermons. Janabe Raziq writes in his compilation Sayyadah ki Beti:Bibi Zainab was perfect in the art of oratory. Her words were filled with pain and were so effective that they would make the audience cry. Thats why she is called articulate and eloquent. The fact is that the gift of eloquence has been bestowed only on a few ladies. Her sermons in the court of Yazid and those challenging the governor of Kufa and in the streets of Kufa demonstrated her skilled oration.”Hazrat Ali (a.s.) had no match in knowledge and eloquence. He (a.s.) enjoyed a high position in prose and poetry. His speeches were at the peak of eloquence and equally heart-rending and effective. His daughter Janabe Zainab (s.a.) inherited his qualities of eloquence, patience, steadfastness and fortitude at the times of difficulties. In fact, it can be said that Janabe Zainab (s.a.) possessed most of the qualities of Ali -the Lion of God. That is why the name Zain-ab, meaning the adornment of her father, was given to her.O Almighty Allah, we come to your presence with Your Special Names on our tongues and for the sake of Janabe Zainab (s.a.) ask you to hasten of the reappearance of our Imam, Hujjat Ibn al-Hasan (a.s.)! Aameen! [ BIBI ZAINAB A.S. KA KHUTBA - AUR - DARBAARE -YAZEED ] All Praises are for ALLAH (S.W.T.) the Sustainer of the Universes, and ALLAH’s Blessings are on Holy Prophet (Muhammad S.A.W.W.) and his progeny. ALLAH (S.W.T.) has rightly said as follows: ثّم كاَن عاقبة اّلذيَن أساؤااّسوَء أن كّذبوا با آيات الله َوكانو به َيستهزؤن MEANING: “ Then worst became the result of those people who had acted with malice (evil), had falsified the signs of ALLAH S.W.T. and were doing mockery of them.”Oh Yazeed! After your having closed all the venues of the land on us and after having restrained the atmosphere of the skies on us to the extent that you have imprisoned the highly sanctified ladies of the House of the Holy Prophet S.A.W.W. and further tried to ruin them by entrailing them from regions to regions and country to country because you assumed that by doing so in the eyes of ALLAH S.W.T. we have been humiliated and you are liked by HIM?And are you assuming that this tyranny of yours that you have imposed on us has made you achieve honour and status in the Royal Court of ALLAH S.W.T.? And due to this bad assumption you are looking here and there, left and right, with great arrogance, moving your shoulders with pleasure and are rejoicing and feeling delighted that you have found this world evenly set for yourself and you have properly arranged and disposed your plans of work and you have been able to usurp our possessions, property and dominion.Don’t haste! Don’t haste! Did you discard the fact that ALLAH S.W.T. says in the Holy Quraan (Sura-e-Aale Imraan, Chapter 3, Verse 178 ) َولا يحسبّن اّلذيَن َكَفروا أّنما نملى لهم َخير ل أنفسهم اّنما نملى ليزدادوا أثمً وَلَهم عَذاب ّمهين MEANING: “Let not those who disbelieve think that our giving them respite is good for their selves; WE only give respite to them that they may increase in sins, and for them is a disgraceful chastisement.”O son of freed slave! Is this your justice that you have kept your conmen and slave girls ( see note1) properly protected in veils and behind curtains, and after making captives the daughters of the HOLY PRPHET S.A.W.W. you have rended their veils uncovering their heads and faces and exposed them in public and have endeavoured to vanish their dignity? The enemies have entrailed them from city to city. People are looking at their faces and people from far and near, noble and cowardly, are staring at their cheeks. The additional calamity over these highly distressed high calibre ladies is that they do not have any male to help them who possesses such rights. And what contemplation could be expected and how from the person whose grand parent has chewed the liver of the noble person ( Yazeed’s grand mother chewed the liver of Janabe Hamza) and whose flesh and bones have been developed by the blood of martyrs! Then why such situation may not arise! The one who looks at us with enemity and hatred, what concession will he do in meting out fiercest enemity on us! O Yazeed, on top of all these tyrannies, you are, without considering the severe wickedness of your actions and the sin, remembering your father and forefathers and are saying….(to them) لآ هَلّوا واَستَهَلّو ا فَرحاً ثمَّ قاَلوا يا يَزيد لآ تشلّ ّ MEANING: “ You would have jumped up near me with joy and would have said with excitement that - O Yazeed, your hand should not paralyse.”…..………despite the fact that you are acting insultively with the teeth of THE COMMANDER OF THE YOUTHS OF PARADISE – ABU ABDILLAH HUSAIN IBN ALI A.S.. O Yazeed, why you should not be happy and utter such words from your mouth since you have crusted off and deepened the wounds and have cruelly shed the blood of and assassinated the HOLY PROGENY OF THE HOLY PROPHET S.A.W.W. –the heavenly constellation of the earth from the dynasty of Abdul Muttalib, and on such a vicious success you are calling your ancestors. Therefore behold that in the very near future you will join them and at that time you will desire that you may not have had your hands and your tongue in this world so that you should not have done whatever you have performed and you should not have uttered whatever you have. (After that JANABE ZAINAB A.S. raised her face towards the sky and said:) “O ALLAH, BY OUR RIGHTS, RECOMPENSE FROM THE TYRANTS WHO HAVE OPPRESSED US; PROCLAIM YOUR ANGER UPON THEM, AND TAKE REVENGE FROM THOSE WHO HAVE SHED OUR BLOOD AND ASSASSINATED OUR YOUTHS.” Note 1. On the day of victory of Mecca by the Holy Prophet S.A.W.W., Abu Sufyaan and his son Muaawiya (among others) who were fighting against the Holy Prophet S.A.W.W. were taken slaves of the war. Then the Holy Prophet S.A.W.W. freed them saying: اذهضبوا فَاَنتم الطّلقاء MEANING: Go, you are freed slaves. SECONDLY the whole clan of Bani Umayya were clan of slave- since Umayya was the slave of Abdushshams who had no children so upon death of Abdushshams, Umayys the slave took over the whole property etc of Abdushshams. O Yazeed, By God, whatever tyranny you have meted out , you have done it on yourself; you have cut your own skin and have intersected nothing but your own flesh. You will be brought before the HOLY PROPHET S.A.W.W. as a criminal because you have shed blood of his Holy Progeny and have damaged the honour and respect of his family and the pearls of his bosom. Then ALLAH will remove their problems and will change their dispursement into tranquillity and unite them and will take revenge from the tyrants.You never assume that the martyrs in the way of ALLAH S.W.T. are dead; on the contrary they are alive and are bestowed from their CREATOR with various types of sustenance. And JUSTICE OF ALLAH S.W.T., THE HOLY PROHET’s being claimant against you and Jibreel being a helper of the HOLY PROGENY in claiming vengence against you are enough for your punishment.In the very near future the person who had established the stretch of dominion of violence for you and conferred you power over the necks of Muslims shall very soon realise that the punishment of the tyrants is worse and their party is the weakest and what a worst place is for you. Although calamities have compelled me to speak to you and address you in such an audacious manner that you will impose tyranny on me, yet I consider you as a disgraceful (contemptious) only, and shall continue to consider you as such. And the violent tumult with which you act with us and your rejoicing at our condition I consider as a very great crime and shall continue to consider as such.It is very much regrettable that the eyes are crying and the bosoms are burning with fire of grief.It is very much surprising that the party of THE MERCIFUL GOD has become murdered (martyred) by the hand of the army of Shaitaan (devil). Our blood is still dripping from the hands of our enemies and the moisture of our flesh is still flowing from their mouths.The beasts of the forest are encircling around these sanctified holy bodies. O Yazeed! if you have today obtained booty by destroying us, then tomorrow on the Day of Judgement you will be in a great loss when you will not observe anything there except your bad deeds.God does not mete out injustice over HIS creations. I am complaining to ALLAH only and have confidence in HIM. O Yazeed! go on doing obstinacy and fraud as much as you like and do not leave your wicked endeavours and make tyranny your main aim but, By God, you will never be able to eliminate our glorious memory from the surface of the universe and will not be able to destroy our message, nor the curse and disgrace of yours for this incident can be wiped off from you.Your view is faulty and the days of your life are countable and your treasure on that day will be nothing except extreme distress, calamity and suffering on the day when the proclaimer will proclaim that CURSE OF ALLAH BE ON TYRANTS.We thank ALLAH WHO BESTOWED HIS BOUNTIES on our First (THE HOLY PROPHET S.A.W.W.) AND BESTOWED our later (IMAM HUSAIN A.S. = AND ALL HOLY IMAMS A.S.) with PRIDE OF MARTYRDOM.I Pray to ALLAH S.W.T. to consummate the reward of our martyrs and increase their recompense, and bestow beneficence on the remaining of us in improving circumstances. HE is THE COMPASSIONATE AND THE LOVING; and ALLAH S.W.T. is Sufficient for us and AFFLUENT CURATOR. NOTE 2.Although the above mentioned translation has been made carefully from Arabic text, yet, despite efforts, it has not been possible to convey the extent of sagacity and perception of the actual expressions of the high calibre Holy Lady nor reach the wide spectrum of the depth of their meanings. [ BIBI ZAINAB S.A. - SHORT - BIOGRAPHY ] Name: Zainab Title: Siddiqa-e-Sughra Kunyat: Umm-ul-Massaib Born at: Medina on 5th Jamadi ul Awwal Fathers Name. Hazrat Ali-Al-Murtaza (AS) Mothers Name: Janab e Fatema Zahra (AS) Ziyarat of Hazrat Zainab (AS) The following ziyarat (verbal salutation) for Bibi Zaynab (AS) is traditionally recited to obtain divine blessing while visiting her shrine (in this case, in Damascus, Syria). It can also be recited at any other time in remembrance of the example of courage and submission that she presented to the world, particularly on the acknowledged days of her birth, death, and during the month of Muharram.Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of the Chief of prophets.Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of the Master of the sanctuary and the banner.Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of him who was made to ascend to (highest) heaven and reached the station of two bows length (to Allah) or even closer.Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of the Leader of the pious. Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of the support of the sincere friends (of Allah) Peace be upon you. Oh daughter of the Leader of the Deen. Peace be upon you. Oh daughter of the Commander of the faithful. Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of him who struck with the sword of two blades. Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of him who prayed towards the two qiblahs [Jerusalem, then Mecca].Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of Muhammad, the chosen.Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of Ali, the content (with the decree of Allah).Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of Fatima, the radiant.Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of Khadija, the elder.Peace be upon you. Oh righteous one, pleasing (to Allah).Peace be upon you, Oh learned, rightly guided one.Peace be upon you, Oh generous, noble one.Peace be upon you, Oh pious, pure one.Peace be upon you, Oh you who were thoroughly tested by sufferance like Husayn, the oppressed. Peace be upon you, Oh you who were kept far from your home.Peace be upon you, Oh you who were held captive in cities. Angelic Appelation It was five years after the Muslims had accompanied the Prophet (PBUH&HF) and his family in the migration (Hijrah) to Medina, when the Holy Prophets daughter, Hadrat Fatima (AS), gave birth to a little girl. When her father, Imam Ali (AS), saw his daughter for the first time Imam Husayn (AS), who was then almost three years old, was with him. The boy exclaimed in delight,O father, Allah has given me a sister.At those words Imam Ali (AS) began to weep, and when Husayn (AS) asked why he was crying so, his father answered that he would soon come to know.Fatima (AS) and Ali (AS) did not name their child until a few days after her birth, for they awaited the Prophets return from a journey so that he could propose the name.When finally the baby girl was brought before him he held her in his lap and kissed her. The Angel Jibrail came to him and conveyed the name that was to be hers, and then he began to weep. The Prophet (PBUH&HF) asked why Jibrail wept and he answered,O Prophet of Allah. From early on in life this girl will remain entangled in tribulations and trials in this world. First she will weep over your separation (from this world); thereafter she will bemoan the loss of her mother, then her father, and then her brother Hasan. After all this she will be confronted with the trials of the land of Karbala and the tribulations of that lonely desert, as a result of which her hair will turn grey and her back will be bent.When the members of the family heard this prophecy they all broke down in tears. Imam Husayn (AS) now understood why earlier his father had also wept. Then the Prophet (PBUH&HF) named her Zaynab (AS).When the news of Zaynabs birth reached Salman al-Farsi, he went to Ali (AS) to congratulate him. But instead of seeing him happy and rejoicing he saw Ali (AS) shed tears, and he too was apprised of the events of Karbala and the hardships that were to befall Zaynab (AS).One day, when Zaynab (AS) was about five years old, she had a strange and terrible dream. A violent wind arose in the city and darkened the earth and the sky. The little girl was tossed hither and thither, and suddenly she found herself stuck in the branches- of a huge tree. But-the wind was so strong that it uprooted the tree. Zaynab (AS) caught hold of a branch but that broke. In a panic she grabbed two twigs but these top gave way and she was left falling with no support. Then she woke up. When she told her grand father, the Prophet (PBUH&HF), about this dream he wept bitterly and said,O my daughter. that tree is me who is shortly going to leave this world. The branches are your father Ali and your mother Fatima Zahra, and the twigs are your brothers Hasan and Husayn. They will all depart this world before you do, and you will suffer their separation and loss.Growing up in Medina Zaynab (AS) shared with-her brothers and sister the extraordinary position of having such examples to look up to, emulate and learn from, as her grand father, the Prophet of Allah (PBUH&HF) her mother Fatima (AS), daughter of the Prophet, and her father Imam Ali (AS), cousin-brother of the Prophet. In the pure environment that enveloped her she absorbed the teachings of Islam that her grandfather imparted, and after him her father. Here too she learnt to master all household skills with great proficiency.She had barely attained the tender age of seven when her beloved mother passed away. Her mothers death had closely followed her cherished grand fathers passing away. Some time later Imam Ali (AS) married Umm ul-Banin, whose devotion and piety encouraged Zaynab (AS) in her learning.Whilst still a young girl she was fully able to care for and be responsible for the running of her fathers household. As much as she cared for the comforts and ease of her brothers and sisters, in her own wants she was frugal and unstintingly generous to the poor, homeless and parentless. After her marriage her husband is reported as having said,Zaynab is the best housewife. From very early on she developed an unbreakable bond of attachment to her brother Imam Husayn (AS). At times when as a baby in her mothers arms she could not be pacified and made to stop crying, she would quieten down upon being held by her brother, and there she would sit quietly gazing at his face. Before she would pray she used to first cast a glance at the face of her beloved brother. One day Fatima (AS) mentioned the intensity of her daughters love for Imam Husayn (AS) to the Prophet (PBUH&HF). He breathed a deep sigh and said with moistened eyes,My dear child. This child of mine Zaynab would be confronted with a thousand and one calamities and face serious hardships in Karbala. Womanhood Zaynab (AS) grew into a fine statured young woman. Of her physical appearance little is known. When the tragedy of Karbala befell her in her midfifties she was forced to go out uncovered. It was then that some people remarked that she appeared as a shining sun and a piece of the moon.In her character she reflected the best attributes of those who raised her. In sobriety and serenity she was likened to Umm ul-Muminin Khadija, her grandmother (AS); in chastity and modesty to her mother Fatima Zahra (AS); in eloquence to her father Ali (AS); in forbearance and patience to her brother Imam Hasan (AS); and in bravery and tranquility of the heart to Imam Husayn (AS). Her face reflected her fathers awe and her grandfathers reverence.When the time came for marriage, she was married in a simple ceremony to her first cousin, Abdullah ibn Jafar Tayyar. Abdullah had been brought up under the direct care of the Prophet (PBUH&HF). After his death, Imam Ali (AS) became his supporter and guardian until he came of age. He grew up to be a handsome youth with pleasing manners and was known for his sincere hospitality to guests and selfless generosity to the poor and needy. Together this young couple had five children, of whom four were sons, Ali, Aun, Muhammad, and Abbas, and one daughter, Umm Kulthum.In Medina it was Zaynabs practise to hold regular meetings for women in which she shared her knowledge and taught them the precepts of the Deen of Islam as laid out in the Holy Quran. Her gatherings were well and regularly attended. She was able to impart the teachings with such clarity and eloquence that she became known as Fasihah (skillfully fluent) and Balighah (intensely eloquent).In the thirty-seventh year A.H. (after Hijrah), Imam Ali (AS) moved to Kufa to finally take up his rightful position as khalifah. He was accompanied by his daughter Zaynab (AS) and her husband. Her reputation as an inspiring teacher among the women had preceded her. There too women would throng to her daily sittings where they all benefitted from her erudition, wisdom and scholarship in the exegesis of the Quran. The depth and certainty of her knowledge earned her the name given to her by her nephew, Imam Ali Zayn ul-Abidin (AS), of Alimah Ghayr Muallamah, she who has knowledge without being taught.Zaynab (AS) was also nicknamed Zahidah (abstemious) and Abidah (devoted) because of her abstemiousness and piety. She found little of interest in wordly adornments, always preferring the bliss and comfort of the Next World over that of this world. She used to say that for her the life of this world was as a resting place to relieve fatigue along a journey. Humble and of high morals, her main concern was to strive to please Allah and in doing so she avoided anything which was the least bit doubtful.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 12:58:55 +0000
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