One of the most powerful and inspiring figures in Islamic history, Sayyida Zaynab (sa) continues to empower believers across the world.
The daughter of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) and Lady Fatima Al-Zahra (sa), Sayyida Zaynab would go on to witness some of the most painful moments in Islamic history for Shia Muslims – the martyrdom of her father, Imam Ali, the martyrdom of her brothers, Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain, the death of her two sons in the Battle of Karbala alongside Imam Hussain, and the captivity she endured at the court of Yazid in Damascus.
Despite this, or perhaps because of this, Sayyida Zaynab came to epitomize what it means to remain steady and powerful in one’s faith in Allah. The life of Sayyida Zaynab remains one of the most inspiring.
Birth and Childhood
Sayyida Zaynab was born in 5 AH, or 626 AD, in the city of Medina. According to several hadith, the Prophet Muhammad gave her the name Zaynab after being spoken to by Jibreel.
Not only having a loving relationship with her father and mother, Sayyida Zaynab had a special place in the heart of her grandfather, the Prophet Muhammad, with him reportedly saying: “I advise the present and the absent of my Ummah to honor and respect this girl as she looks like Khadija (sa)”.
With the enlightenment of her holy household, Sayyida Zaynab grew within the intellect, faith, and love of her father, Imam Ali, and mother, Lady Fatima Al-Zahra.
Courage and Faith: Karbala and Beyond
Her intellect and wisdom, her bravery and courage, were all respected and cherished – Sayyida Zaynab was in turn given many titles of adornment, including ‘Aqilat Bani Hashim (Wise Woman of Banu Hashim), ‘Alima Ghayr Muallama (The Knowledgeable Without Being Taught), and Abida Al’Ali (The Worshipper of the Family of Ali).
Her preservation of the resilience, faith, and morals of the Holy Household of the Prophet Muhammad, the Ahlulbayt, would have far-reaching implications. Today, across the world, her name is still remembered with love and respect.
The events of the Battle of Karbala, in where she witnessed the death of her brother, sons, family members, and companions of Imam Hussain was a turning point not only for her but for the legacy of our faith – after being captured alongside a few other survivors and taken to the court of Yazid, Sayyida Zaynab’s sermon in Damascus that she gave in defiance of tyranny would go down in history as one of the most powerful speeches ever given.
Part of her sermon is as follows: “Do you think, O Yazid, now that you have seized the vastness of the earth from us and constrained the horizons upon us, and that we are being herded like the prisoners — that Allah wishes humiliation for us and honor for you?
“O Yazid, you have done what you wanted to do. By doing what you have done, you have actually pierced your own skin and have torn your own flesh. You will surely be presented to the Messenger of Allah with your crime of spilling the blood of his descendants and your act of violating the sanctity of his family and relatives … So do not let [your act of] killing them fill your excitement. [Do not you remember what Allah has said:] ‘And do not consider those who are killed in the way of Allah as dead; rather they are alive with their Lord, being sustained; they are pleased with what Allah has given to them out of His grace’. (3:169-170)
“Plan your stratagem, strive to your maximum, and put your best efforts but, by Allah, neither will you be able to erase our memory [from the people’s minds] nor can you destroy our revelation, nor can you reach our heights, and your shame [for killing Imam Hussain] cannot be washed out. Your idea is nothing but wrong, your days are numbered, and your gathering will soon disperse – the day when the herald will announce: Verily the curse of Allah is on the oppressors!
“So all praise is due to Allah who granted our ancestors the bliss and our present generation the honor of martyrdom; and we ask Allah to complete their reward and give them even more, and make us their worthy successors. He is indeed Merciful and Loving; Allah is sufficient for us and He is the best supporter.”
Sayyida Zaynab’s courage in the aftermath of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain cemented her as one of the most important women in Islam – and in Shia Islam – and continues to be an inspiring figure of faith and devotion for us all.
The Legacy of Sayyida Zaynab
Her faith, steadfastness, courage, and wisdom has undoubtedly left a powerful mark on the history of Islam. The daughter of Imam Ali and the enlightened Lady Fatima, Sayyida Zaynab’s knowledge of the Quran, of hadith, of morals, and of faith is a shining beacon of hope amidst the legacy of her Holy Household, the Ahlulbayt. Islamic history was made with her powerful impact.
Her death on the 15th of Rajab, in 62 AH (or 682 AD), marks a turning point in the history of Islam for Shia Muslims – it is now a duty, and a responsibility, to remember and protect the legacy of the sacrifices of Imam Hussain, of Imam Ali, and of the Prophet Muhammad just as she once did. Our belief and our faith – continuing with the current Imam Mahdi – stems in large part from her powerful stance and courage.
Sayyida Zaynab’s unwavering dedication and support for justice and truth is what we strive to embody here at The Zahra Trust – in the hopes that we can continue her legacy of providing hope and justice for those most vulnerable.
Click here to learn more about what we do, and how you can help keep Sayyida Zaynab’s legacy alive.
