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The first day of the Islamic month Sha’aban marks the birth anniversary of one of the most fierce yet compassionate women the world has ever known. A strong woman. Whenever I hear this term, she’s all I can think of. In fact, I believe this term, too, is quite insignificant for her personality and the things she achieved in life. Bibi Zainab bint e Ali; granddaughter of Prophet Mohammed (SAW).
You’d think that a woman from an era 1,375 years ago, especially with a pious and prestigious Islamic background as such, would be the kind of woman who may not stand up for herself, would be completely dependent on the men around her and would not step out of her home. It is true, that Bibi Zainab was, indeed, a brilliant homemaker just like her mother, the Prophet (SAW)’s daughter, Bibi Fatima Zahra, but that’s not all. Bibi Zainab’s intellect and intelligence, inherited by her glorious father, Imam Ali (cousin of Prophet Mohammed SAW), was astounding enough to challenge any woman or man of any age or era.
She lived not an ordinary life, she grew up as a dainty, yet bold, a young girl and aged into a brave and dynamic woman. Bibi Zainab went through much trauma and pain in her lifetime, but never let any of it shatter her strength or mental composure. Following the death of her loving mother whom she adored, Bibi Zainab became the woman of her family. After this period, her father departed this world, too, and she was left with just her siblings.
Several years later, when she was approximately 57 years old, Bibi Zainab accompanied her brother, Imam Hussain to the battle of Karbala, Iraq, which was to be fought due to political issues where the ruler of Syria, Yazid bin Muwaviyah, was distorting Islam and banishing it slowly and cynically. Imam Hussain set out on a mission merely to save humanity. His army of 72 men and a number of women and children, among which was Bibi Zainab, set out to support Imam Hussain so that the true meaning and ideology of Islam would be saved and correctly passed on.
Ever since the evening of 10th Moharram, the day Imam Hussain and his soldiers were brutally martyred and there was no man left to protect the women and children of the Prophet (SAW)’s family from Yazid’s heinous army (except for Imam Zainul Abideen, Imam Hussain’s son, who was too ill to fight or even stand sturdy) Bibi Zainab took over and became more tough and authoritative than any man the universe has ever seen. Despite being mercilessly captivated by Yazid’s army, Bibi Zainab showed the world that she truly is the daughter of Imam Ali, who is known for his nickname, ‘God’s lion’.
Bibi Zainab never once broke down and continuously watched over and protected the widowed women and orphaned children and her sick nephew. She stood rock-firm in front of Yazid’s army and never once bowed her head. She was fearless towards them, confident that indeed, those who head out in the name of Allah are protected by Him. It is known in history and even admitted by the oppositions that whenever Bibi Zainab would speak, loud crowds would hush, the men of Yazid’s army would bow their heads and listen; and the world would witness her intellect and knowledge and overwhelmingly strong personality.
Even while captivated (for a minimum of 2 months), Bibi Zainab took care of her family’s legacy and duty towards Allah and kept telling people around her and those whom she’d meet that indeed, Yazid’s path is incorrect and one of menace. Many people, inspired by her logic and practical teachings of Islam, converted the very moment she’d finish her speech.
She was a strong woman. She stood by her family values, religion, principles, duty – and all with patience, grace, and tranquility. That is her, Bibi Zainab bint e Ali.
