Lady Zainab(S.A) - A BLESSED NEWBORN

THE BLESSED NEWBORN

The life of the Prophet's family was highly flourishing with the existence of the two Imams al-Hasan and al-Husayn (a.s.) who occupied their grandfather's heart completely. Their two sons before them and as they saw the Prophet's love for them. Once, he (peace be upon him and his household) expressed his love for these two sins by saying:

"These two are my only basils that I take from this world."¹ 
In the midst of this delightful atmosphere, Lady fatimah al-Zahra' became pregnant for the third time. Everybody, including the Messanger of Allah (peace be upon him and his household), was waiting for the new baby.²

With more delight and pleasure, Lady Fatimah gave birth of a she-baby who would exceed all Muslim women in fields of faith, honor, chastity, and perseverance on the principles. The ahl al-Bayt and the Prophet's companions received the new of the birth of Lady zaynab with gladness.

Imam 'Ali (a.s.) hurried to take his newborn, kissed her frequently, and held the Shariite ceremonies of newborns. The Imam (a.s.) recited azan³ in his newborn's right ear and iqamah⁴ in the left. Hence, the first voice that penetrated the newborn's hearing was her father's, shouting:
Allah is the Greatest
there is no god but Allah. 
These great words found a strong ground in the inner self of lady Zaynab. They, later on, became the most significant elements of her personality. In the future, she would adopt the calling to the true application of these words for which she would encounter horrible adversities.

As soon as he was informed about the news of the giving birth of this newborn, the Prophet (peace be upon him and his household) hurried to his daughter's house, embraced the newborn to his chest warmly, and began to weep. It was a surprising view for the mother, Fatimah al-Zahra, to see her father's tears drop on his face, "What for are you weeping, father?" asked she.

"Fatimah," said the father (peace be upon him and his household) with sad tone, "you should know that this daughter will have to suffer horrible misfortunes and tragedies after my and your demise."⁵ 

At these moments, the Prophet (peace be upon him and his household) perceived the horrifying hardships that would afflict his granddaughter. Naturally, Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.) participated in her father's griefs at these moments. Then the close friend of the Ahl al-Bayt, Salman, came to congratulate on that occasion but he found the household sinking in griefs and unhappiness. Hence, he also participated in that ceremony of consolation.⁶

CHOOSING THE NAME
The blessed mother carried her newborn to the father and asked for choosing a name for her.
"I will not precede the Messenger of Allah in such a matter," answered the father modestly. He then took the newborn and asked him to choose a name for her.
"I will not precede my Lord in such a matter," answered the Messenger of Allah modestly.
From the Heavens then ascended Archangel Gabriel to say to the Prophet, "This newborn's name is 'Zaynab'.⁷ Almighty Allah has chosen this name for her."⁸She was also given the nickname 'Ummu-Kulthum' or 'Ummu-al-Hasan'.⁹

EPITHETSEpithet is a word of phrase expressing a quality or attribute regarded as characteristic of the person of thing mentioned.¹⁰ Epithets, then, show one's mental characteristics, whether good or bad. thus, Lady Zaynab had many epithets that expressed some aspects of her personality.

1- AL-'AQILAH
The Arabic 'Aqialah means the gentlewoman who is honorable among her people and venerated in her house.

Lady Zaynab was such an honorable and virtuous lady that all her descendants have been called Banu al-Aqilah- sons of the gentlewoman.

During the journey of Imam al-Husayn (a.s.) from Medina to Karbala, Lady Zaynab was the chiefess of the harem and was obeyed and respected by everybody.

It is to add that she was also called 'Aqilatu Bani Hashim -the gentlewoman of the Hashemites,' and Aqilat ut-Talibiyyin - the gentlewoman of the sons (and descendants) of Abu Talib.'

2- AL-ALIMAH
For her supreme knowledge, Lady Zaynab was called 'al-'Alimah -the she-knowledgeable-. Historians have confirmed that she was an authority for Muslim ladies who used to refer to her in their religious affairs. Of course, she used to refer to her in their religious affairs. Of course, she received such knowledge from her grandfather, parents, and brothers who were the sources of knowledge for the Islamic ummah. Fruthermore, Lady Zaynab has had similar epithets, such as 'al-'Arifah -the well-versed- 'and 'al-Muwathaqah -the trustworthy-'.

3- ABIDATU ALI-ALILady Zaynab was recognized also as being distinguisghed worshipper among Muslim ladies. She committed herself to all the recommendable rites of Islam to the degree that even at the most horrible night of her life -i.e. the night of the tenth of Muharram, 61 AH -she offered the supererogatory prayers. Thus, she was called 'Abidatu Ali-Ali -the she- worshipper of 'Ali's household'.

4- AL-KAMILAHIn all aspects of human perfection, lady Zaynab preceded everybody and occupied the leading position. She therefore is called 'al-Kamilah -the perfect-'

5- AL-FADHILAHBecause of her great jihad, service for Islam, and steadfastness for sake of Allah, Lady Zaynab's virtue has exceeded all limits and, therefore, she was proudly conferred with the epithet of 'al-Fadhilah -the virtuous.'

6- AL-SIDDIQAH AL-SUGHRALike her mother who is known as the Senior Veracious, Lady Zaynab was so veracious that she gained worthily the epithet of 'al-Siddiqah al-Sughra- the Junior Veracious Lady.

7- UMM AL-MASA'IB
Because she had to suffer various and innumerable misfortunes all over her lifetime. Lady Zaynab was called Umm al-Masa'ib -Mother of misfortunes-.

Let us refer to some of these misfortunes that she saw in a period of about one month:
1- She saw al-Hurr ibn Yazid force Imam al-Husayn to stop and reside in a desolate place.
2- She saw the Imam's few companions in comparison with the great numbers of the enemy's army.
3- She saw most of the Imam's so-called partisans abandon him and join his enemies.
4- She saw the women's fear and worry when they had to reside In Karbala'.
5- She saw the enemies deprive her people and her of water.
6- She had to take care of the children and women while they were crying out of thirst.
7- She had to witness her brother's feelings of disappointment and loneliness.
8- She had to witness the martyrdom of her two sons, as well as the other relatives and companions whom were martyred one by one. The martyrdom of al-'Abbas however was the most diastrous for her.
9- She saw how Imam al-Husayn was without any supporter or helper, while he was seeking help.
10- She saw the cut of head of al-Husayn lie on spearheads.
11- She saw the enemies attach her brother's caravan and women, trying to set fire on the tents.
12- She had to gather the scattered children and women who fled to everywhere in that desert.
13- She had to pass by the dead, severed body of her brother.
14- She had to ride on saddleless, lean camels and to help the children and women to ride on such animals.
15- she had to exert all efforts for takimg care of the ill nephew and consoling him.
16- She had to go through the scenes of being captives and driven from a town to another while people were looking at them as rebels.

It is narrated that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his household) once said, "To weep for the misfortunes of Zaynab is as same as to weep for her brothers; al-Hasan and al-Husayn."¹¹

YEAR OF BIRTH
Historians and narrators have had different opinions about the year of Lady Zaynab's birth. Some have referred to the fifth year after Hijrah,¹² others to the sixth, and a third party to the ninth. The last opinion however is inaccurate,¹³ and the most acceptable is the first.

EARLY LIFE
Lady Zaynab was brought up at the hands of Prophet Muhammad, Imam 'Ali, and Lady Fatimah the Veracious (a.s.). In other words, she was brought up in the lap of the divine prophesy, spent her early life in the house of the divine mission, suckled the milk of the most perfect woman of all ages, and was nourished at the hands of the Commander of the Faithful believers. Hence, she enjoyed a divine upgrowth and spiritual education and received a garments of elevation, eminence, chastity and decency. After the demise of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his household) and his daughter Fatimah (a.s.), Imam 'Ali married Umamah¹⁴ who took care of Lady Zaynab perfectly since this lady was known of her piety and submission to the Lord.

Lady Zayanb, hence, was covered by the most exalted colors for education, honor, dignity, mercy, and compassion. She learn from the behaviors of her parents and brothers many things that composed her perfect personality.

For instance, whenever she visited her brother Imam al-Husayn, he would stand up as a sign of reverence and respect for her. Whenever she wanted to visit the holy tomb of her grandfather, her father and two brothers used to accompany her. They also used to extinguish any light so that nobody would see her.¹⁵

She was really the inheritor of Imam 'Ali's values, moralities, and ethics. To the scholars and narrators of Hadith,¹⁶ Lady Zaynab enjoyed a great position. They, therefore, used to refer to Imam 'Ali, during the Umayyad reign who eded any mention to the Imam's name, by saying 'Father of Zaynab reported ...'
^{* Lady Zaynab (Peace be Upon Her)}

---

^{1- See kenz al'Ummal; 7/110, al-Bukhari's al-Sahih; Cahpter: Kitab al-Adab, Majma' al-Zawa'id; 9/181, Ibn 'Asakir's at-Tarikh; 13/39.
2- Through some historians say that the first she-baby of Lady Fatimah al-Zagra' was ruqayyah, nicknamed Ummu kulthum, most of historians have proved Lady Zaynab's having been Lady Fatima's first she-baby. As evidence, in the reign of the Umayyad State when the Ahl al-Bayt and their partisans were persecuted, anyone who wanted to relate something to Imam Ali, would say, "Father of Zaynad said do-and-so." See Ibn Abu al-Hadid, Sharh Nahj al-Balaghah.
3- Azan is the call to prayer.
4- Iqamah is the prefatory statements of the ritual prayer.
5- See At-Tiraz al-Mudhahhab; 38.
6- See Batalatu Karbala; 21.
7- In Arabic, the word 'Zaynab' is a name called on a handsome, odorous tree. (see Ibn Manzhur's Lisan al-'Arab, vol. 6 p.88)
8- See Zaynab al-Kubra; 16-7.
9- See zaynab al-Kubra; 17.
10- Excerpted from the Oxford Talking Dictionary. Copyright 1998 The learning Company, Inc.
11- See Ja'far al-Naqdi, Zaynab al-kubra; 32.
12- Hijrah is the emigration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his household) and his family and companions from Mecca to Medina in 622 A.D.; the Muslim era reckoned from this history.
13- Shaykh Ja'far al nadir, in his Zaynab al-Kubra; p.18, refutes the narration that Lady Zaynab was born in the ninth year of the Hijrah. He says:
"Despite the variance of narration, Lady Fatimah al-Zahra' the veracious (a.s.) died in the tenth or eleventh year of the Hijrah. If Lady Zaynab was born in the ninth year of the Hijrah, then when was Ummu-Kulthum, her sister, born, and when was al-Muhsin, the third son of Imam Ali, was born?
On that accoun, it is undrestandable that lady Zaynab was born in fifth year of the Hijrah."
Besides, Shaykh al-Naqdi has referred to other facts providing this opinion.
14- Umamah is the daughter of Zaynab stepdaughter of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his household). Implementing the will of Fatimah al-Zahra' , Imam Ali married Umamah after the demise of Lady Fatimah. It is also worth mentioning here that Umamh was greatly respected by Prophet Muhammahd (peace be upon him and his household).
15- See at-Tabarani's al-Mu'jam al-Kabir as related to Yahya al-Mazini.
16- Hadith is the body of traditions concerning the sayings and doing of the Prophet Muhammah (peace be upon him and his household).}Source : Al-Maaref

Personality of Lady Zeinab (S.A)

Lady Zeinab contained all elements of nobility and virtue that Almighty Allah bestowed upon he grandfather, her father, her mother, and her two brothers. She inherited their peculiarities and copied their high moral standards.

By virtue of her ethical inheritance and unmatched peculiarities, Lady Zeinab is indeed the greatest Lady in Islam as she signalized its true values and principles. Along with her mother, Lady Zeinab struggled in the best way and stood firmly against the factional currencies that tried, using all their possiblities and powers, to throw curtains on the real leaders and guide of the Islamic ummah.

In the same way as Lady fatimah al-Zahra stopped strongly with Imam 'Ali (AS) and opposed the Illegal government of Abu Bakr through her splendid speech as well as her honorable situations, Lady Zeinab stopped to the last spark of life with her brother, Imam al-Husayn (AS) and opposed the black government of the Umayyad rulers who aimed, openly and frankly, at uprooting Islam and erasing its existence by excluding the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) from the Muslims' social and political lives.

Let us now refer to some of such peculiarities that made Lady Zeinab at the head of Muslim women:

Faith
In the center of calling to Almighty Allah, and the house where the revelation of the Divine Message was descended, and the pivot from which the word of monotheism advanced to cover, with its bright rays, all the people on this earth; in this very house Lady Zeinab was brought up. She was fed with the core of true faith and the reality of Islam; hence, love for Almighty Allah was in her nature and, later on, became a distinctive feature in her personality that led her to stand all the misfortunes and adversities she had to encounter from her early life.

Firm faith and exclusive devotion to Almighty Allah were the fearures that Prophet Muhammad's family enjoyed in special way. Each member of this exalted family expressed his/her firm faith distinctively. Lady Zeinab, for Instance, stopped at the severed body of her brother, Imam al-Husayn (AS), and expressed her firm faith by saying:

"O Allah, accept this offering from us."
These words have been the best example on the sublemity of the prophetic inheritance. they also showed the reality of Islam through the lesson that each sacrifice must be purely offered for Almighty Allah's sake.

Humanity, in all ages, must bow before such unparalleled faith, which was the secret beyond the perpetuity of Lady Zeinab and her principles.

On the cruelest night in the life of Lady Zeinab, as well as the Islamic ummah, she offered a Thanksgiving Prayer while she was completely surrounded by horrific tragedies; the bodies of the Prophet's family and their pure companions were thrown before her eyes without covers, fire was playing in the canopies of the Alawid ladies who became shelterness after the savage, merciless soldiers had usurped their jewelries and properties, and children had nothing to do other than weeping and crying. In the midst of this shocking situation, Lady Zeinab directed her face towards her Lord to thank Him for that grace.

Indeed, such faith is more perpetual than civilizations, fortunes, and even perpetuity itself.

Steadfastness
Since early life, Lady Zeinab armed herself with steadfastness against misfortunes. She first was deprived of her grandfather, Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h), who loved her very much and sympathized with her.

She then saw the horrible events that surprised her parents immediately after the Prophet's demise. Her father was taken away from the position that almighty Allah and Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) chose for him. Her mother was severely mistreated by the people until she departed life while she was in the flush of her youth. She then saw people of Kufa cheat her brother, Imam al-Hasan (AS), and let him down to the degree that he had to make a peace treaty with Mu'awiyah, the mortal enemy of Islam and the Ahl al-Bayt (AS). A few years later, the Imam was assassinated by poison, She saw him vomit blood to death.

On the tenth of Muharram, 61 AH, she had to see the ever bitterest adversities; her brother, Imam al-Husayn (AS), yielded to after he had lost all supporters and helpers; the swords of the wicked Umayyad soldiers killed the Alawid youths, children, and even babies.

Before all these unbearable misfortunes, Lady Zeinab stood like an unshakable mountain. She faced all these with the weapon of steadfastness and resisted all the events with conviction. Thus, she is intended in Almighty Allah's saying:

﴾And give good news to the patient who, when a misfortune befalls them, say: Surely we are Allah's and to Him we shall surely return. Those are they on whom are blessings and mercy from their Lord.(2:255-7)﴿

Many poets have depicted Lady Zeinab's steadfastness in the most beautiful and expressive way.

She, being the Prophet's granddughter, showed steadfastness and endurance before the enemies of Allah. By virtue of her determination and persistence, Lady Zeinab could withstand all adversities and misfortunes.

Dignity
Dignity was a prominent feature in the personality of Lady Zeinab. After the killing of Imam al-Husayn (AS), she, as well as the Prophet's granddaughter, were taken as captives from Karbala to Kufa and all their personal properties were usurped. While the children were harshly harmed by hunger, she looked down upon asking some food from the soldiers of the Umayyad army. When the captives' caravan arrived in Kufa, and the women there knew that the captives had been the Prophet's family, they hurried to serve some food for the children.

Preventing this thing, Lady Zeinab spoke to the ladies of Kufa:

"It is forbidden for us, the Ahl al-Bayt, to have from alms."
As soon as they heard these words from their aunt, the child threw from their hands and even mouths everything they had taken from these ladies and preferred feeling hungry to accepting alm that are forbidden for them.

This is the fruit of the education of the choice ones; the prophets, the veracious, and their real followers.

Along the captives' journey from Kufa to Damascus, Lady Zeinab, because of her disdain and sense of honor, did not ask for any aids for the children and women though they were in urgent need for such.

Thus, Lady Zeinab did not succumb to anything other than Almighty Allah. She showed dignity, honor, and disdain inherited from her granfather and father in spite of hardships.

Courage
No one can ever doubt the courage of the Prophet's family. The members of this family gave the best examples of bravery and courage. For instance, Imam 'Ali (AS), the head of the Prophet's family, said:

"Even the Arabs helped each other to fight me, I will never flee."
He showed the best sorts of courage during the battles and campaigns of Islam. His son, Imam al-Husayn (AS), also gave the best examples of bravery and courage. On the day of Ashura, he amazed his enemies and could stop so bravely and steadfastly before their great numbers.

Despite the horrifying misfortunes that he had to encounter on that day, he did not show surrender or weakness. On the contrary, his steadfastness increased with the increase of his misfortunes. He alone attacked thirty thousand soldiers and could oblige he alone attacked thirty thousand soldiers and could oblige them to run the backs just like goats that run away from a lion. Even when he fell to the ground out of his heavy wounds, they were too scared to approach him.

Patterning after her family members, Lady Zeinab behaved so courageously before the criminals who killed her brother. As she had to stop before 'Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad, the governor of Kufa, while she was considered as captive, she despised and desrespected him. He therefore showed his gloating over her misfortunes by saying, "Thanks to Allah Who unmasked, killed, and belied your revolution."

As a reply, she said courageously:

Thanks to Allah Who honored us with His Prophet and purified us from uncleanness thoroughly. It is only the purified us from uncleanness thoroughly. It is only the lewd whom is unmasked, and it is only the dissolute whom is belied. We are not any of these two. Indeed, we are not any of these two, son of Marjanah.(1,2)

This statement was in fact more lethal than weapons. She said it while she, as well as the ladies of the Prophet's family, was under capativity and their protector's deads were on spearheads.

These words, too, took the tyrant from his throne to his grave. Before his servants and officials, these words made him realize the fact that he was the real defeated and the very unmasked, while the real triumphant was Imam al-Husayn (AS), the killed one, and his companions.

As he recieved these shocking words, 'Ubaydullah, son of Marjananh, had nothing to say; he therefore spoke a word of wreak as an attempt to cover his failure and incapability to answer. He addressed her, "How do you see that which Allah has done to your brother?"

Bravely and steafastly, Lady Zeinab answered with words of triumph:

It was nothing but good. Those were peoples whom Allah knew they would be killed. They therefore came to the places where they would slain. Allah will gather you with them for judgment and sentences. See, who will be the triumphant on that day. Woe shall be you, son of Marjanah, then.

These words are surely a source of pride, not only for Lady Zeinab, but also for Islam and Muslims. They are also regarded as endless glory for the Prophet's family.

Lady Zeinab's situations in the royal place of Yazid, her situation with the Syrian man, and her everlasting revolutionary speech shook the Umayyad throne and revealed the baseless reality of Yazid and those who enabled him to come to power.

In the coming chapters, these situations will be discussed in details.

Abstention From Worldly Pleasures

Imitating her father who divorced the worldly pleasures returnlessly³ and her mother who possessed nothing other than a rug made of leaves of date-palm trees and a skin of a ewe, Lady Zeinab abandoned all the worldly pleasures and stuck to Almighty Allah and deeds of charity. She had never saved anything for tomorrow.⁴

She left everything for accompanying her brother, Imam al-Husayn (AS), while she was the wife of the wealthiest man of Medina; all that was for supporting her religion and defending its principles and values.

Firmness
Lady Zeinab stopped against the tyrants so firmly that she represented the right and the justice perfectly. In all situations, she replied the tyrants courageously and faced their falsity with words of light that have perpetuated and acted as models of stopping against any tyrant for sake of the right and justice.

While she was surrounded by the policemen and the attendants whom were invited by Yazid to witness his false victory, Lady Zeinab replied each and every single word that Yazid said fearlessly until she unmasked him and proved the genuineness of his brother's issue. Moreover, she threatened and showered at the tyrant with severe words of rebuke as if she was the governor and he was the captive. Referring to Verses from the Holy Qur'an and item of logic, she did not leave any argument to the tyrant. Her words were the swords with which Yazid and his likes have been killed.

The same thing she did before the other tyrant, 'Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad who tried to gloat at her misfortunes, but all his attempts were faced by sharp words and a strong style that obliged him to keep silent. She ignored him completely, and that was enough shame for him.

Her interpidity was clear during the journey of her brother after she had taken various honorable role in his undying revolution. She managed the Imam's Affairs with a nonesuch activity despite the enemies' seige. A single look at the bright face of her brother would remove any tiredness she might have felt.

She also took care of the children and harem aftrer the Imam's martyrdom, and that was really a hard mission that ordinary women cannot manage, The source of such power and firmness was that she understood Imam al-Husayn's revolution perfectly and exerted all efforts for giving success to it.

These have been some features of the unmatched personality of Lady Zeinab. As a matter of fact, this lady's personality included all features of moral highness and perfection. To refer to all these features reqires great efforts and very much time, though Lady Zeinab's features are timeless. This is the reason why only a few features of her personality have been mentioned here.

^{1- Marjanah, 'Ubaydullah ibn Ziad's mother, was such a notorious prostitute that everybody all over the Islamic State had hear of her name.
2- See Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari Tarikh al-Umam wa al-Muluk; 6:263.
1- This is an indication to Imam 'Ali's famous word:
"O world. O world! Get away from me. Why do you present yourself to me? Or are you eager for me? You may not get that opportunity to impress me. Deceive some other person. I have no concern with you. I have divorced you thrice whereafter there is no restitution. Your life is short, your importance is little, and your liking is humble. Alas! The provision is little, the way is long, the journey is far and the goal is hard to reach."
2- Imam 'Ali Zayn al-Abidin (AS) narrated this feature about his aunt, Lady Zeinab. See al-Timothy's al-Sahih; 2:319, al Hakim's al-Mustadrak; 3:149, Ibn al-Athir's Usd al-Ghabah; 5:523, al-Khatib al-Baghdadi's Tarikh Baghdad; 7:366, and others.}

Source : Al-Maaref

Lady Zainab(A.S), The Sage of Bani Hashim

Lady Zainab(A.S), The Sage of Bani Hashim

Daughter of the Holy Prophet's (peace be upon him and his household) daughter. Sister of the King of Martyrs. She is a true role model for any woman today of any religion. She showed the world the definition of womanhood. Her bravery and courage stands alone in a field of millions. She was tied up and taken as a prisoner. She had her scarf ripped off her head, she had her house burned to the ground. She was Janab-e-Zainab. 

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 (s.a.); in chastity and modesty to her mother Fatima Zahra (s.a.); in eloquence to her father Imam Ali (a.s.); in forbearance and patience to her brother Imam Hassan (a.s.); and in bravery and tranquility of the heart to Imam Hussain (a.s.). Her face reflected her father's awe and her grandfather's reverence.

Ibn Abbas quoted Sayyeda Zahra (s.a.) as having said that her daughter Zainab, like her father, was unparalleled in literary eloquence and courage. The speech she delivered in the assembly in presence of Yazid was at the zenith of eloquence and impressiveness. 

After the demise of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his household), there came the period of distress and hardship in the life of Sayyeda Zainab (s.a.). She stood by her mother as far as the question of supreme mandate of her father was concerned. When her mother delivered the Fadak sermon, she was only 4 years old, but narrated the sermon so lucidly and expressively that the people from Bani Hashim remembered it by heart. Later the Shiite scholars recorded it that is why she is called Zainab the narrator of traditions.

Sayyeda Zainab (A.S) in Karbala
Zainab (s.a.) is the shining sun in the history of Islam and of humanity. Her brother's name and Karbala associate the idea of freedom, justice, humanity, virtue, fighting against despotism, with the realization of the sovereignty of Allah. The history of Karbala is based on two pillars: the rising of Imam Hossein (a.s.) and the rising of Zainab (s.a.). She was an outstanding figure in the history of Karbala endowed with divine steadfastness and fortitude. She sacrificed her two sons and one should not say anything if one devoted his life for the cause of Allah. After the martyrdom of her brother and her two sons, she said: "O my Lord! Accept our humble sacrifice to You."

When Zainab reached Kufa, she addressed people with fury words: "Praise to Allah, and may the blessing of Allah be upon Muhammad and his progeny. O people of Kufa, you are hypocrites and deceitful. You feign to be sorry for the death of my brother and his companions. May you always shed tears. I find nothing in you but flattery, evil acts and thoughts, pride and spite and ill will. By Allah! You deserve lasting sorrow instead of joy. Shames on you, your hands are imbrued with the blood of the son of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his household), the one who was your sole refuge in case of adversity. By your evil act and disloyalty, you incurred the wrath of Allah against you. Woe betides you! No one will intercede with Allah for you." Her furious words provoked people of Kufa to avenge Hussain's martyrdom. This frightened Ubaidullah and his cruel agents. She also delivered a furious sermon in the court of the caliph that made his authority and despotic rule feel undermined. She said: "I fear no one but Allah. Make whatever evil plot you can. Blazes are waiting for you in the hereafter. You'll he accountable to Allah for your atrocities."

The Foundation of Mourning (Majales A'azaa)
Another unique feature of Zainab's character was her establishment of mourning ceremonies. This tradition which has lived in the memories and hearts of millions of Muslims to this day, has kept the sacrifices of Imam Hussein alive, and brought dynamism to every movement that aimed at removing injustices on earth.

After every Majlis, the women would offer their condolences to Zainab (s.a.) and the men to Imam Zain-ul-Abedeen. These majales made quite a stir in the cities, and the sound of crying and beating of chests and heads affected the minds of the inhabitants, and made them sadder and wiser to the events of Karbala.

Source : Al-Maaref

Imam Sadiq from Imam Khomeini’s point of veiw

Imam Sadiq from Imam Khomeini’s point of veiw

Imam addressed the young in this way: "The young students, dear young people, no matter, where you come from, you are this nation’s hope. You should pass the way, which is in front of you. You should end and continue this movement for which there has been the bloodshed case…. You should pass the way so that you will be considered as the right followers of the holy prophet (peace be upon him and his household) and Imam Sadiq".

In another part of his statement one would find that "The best character with which one can get insight in to Imam Sadiq’s personality is Imam’s jurisprudence (Fiqh)". He continues: "The jurisprudence which had been developed by him, can meet the needs of all humankind. The jurisprudence (Fiqh), the book and practice, by themselves can meet all of the superficial, spiritual, philosophical and mystic needs of all human beings. We can not offer a suitable definition for it."

Imam has called Iran as Imam Sadiq’s land: "Here is a land of The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his household). This land belongs to Imam Sadiq. Our soldiers have priority over those who live in the palace. The members of our mobilization forces are much more noble than all of courtiers all around the world and also in comparison with those adhere to absurd claims who think that every one around the world must be modest to them."

"We are honored to say that our religion is Ja’fari. Our jurisprudence, which is an endless sea, is the result of Imam Sadiq’s endeavor, we are proud to be the followers of the innocent Imams.

Imam Sadiq from the great leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei’s point of veiw

Here comes Ayatollah Khamenei’s words about the scientific, campaigning and organizational characteristics of Imam Sadiq:
"Imam Sadiq could train a group of Muslims and true believers of the Islamic school of thought, from the real essence, ready to rise against the tyrannical rulers, who could sacrifice themselves and who were ready to face any hazardous situation. This was due to the hard efforts of Imam Sajjad and Imam Baqir".

Ayatollah Khamenei continues in this way: "As far as a base is concerned, Imam Sadiq controlled the affairs of an immense Islamic party all around the world".

The Status of Women in Imam Khomeini’s View

Introduction

The history of mankind is filled with many despotisms which were imposed on less fortunate and innocent people by the tyrants and bullies, and in the midst of everything, women, as half of the population of humanity, not only have endured the historical share of tyranny, but they have dealt with the added oppression which requires a greater space to be explained. Upon the expansion of the new civilization, i.e. the western dominant culture, it nearly influenced all the nations that were less historical, cultural, social and religious, and it has ruined or taken over some civilizations which had surrendered to this trend.

A woman is a divine being who, in the revolutionary school of Imam Khomeini – which represents pure Islam –, is promised freedom and human qualities more than men. Throughout history and under the ruling of profanity and polytheism of the old and new trends, women have always been led into enslavement. The pure materialistic and even abject portrayals of women in various historical times have manifested themselves in the worst possible form at the current time. The outcomes of the plots designed and implemented by devilish functionaries have turned the divine aspects of women upside down. The victory of the Islamic revolution of Iran with Imam Khomeini’s leadership offered a different viewpoint toward women. A glance at the situation of women before and after the Islamic revolution clearly shows that the previous criteria and measures entangled the individuality of women to the extent that consumed their traits as facilitating tools to fulfill men’s unlawful desires; whereas, after the triumph of the revolution, a lot of stress has been placed on maintaining the nobility and development of women.

The Periods of the Captivity of Women according to Imam Khomeini
An extensive look at history shows that various social communities imposed a lot of cruelty and injustice on women one way or the other. According to Imam Khomeini, the historical oppressed situation of women is categorized into two eras: “the Age of Ignorance” and “the Pahlavi era”. At both times, the plight of women had been greater than men or, in some occasions, incomparable to them. “During the reign of Reza Khan which was the beginning of Pahlavi’s Age of Ignorance, he –as the protégé of the West- made a huge effort to corrupt the culture and history of Iran. The women were subjected to his despotism more than men; in the beginning, women voluntarily and later under compelling circumstances were captivated through deceptive models the government offered. They took advantage of women by fulfilling their satanic purposes and unlawful needs. It is obvious that the women who opposed even slightly to the current opinions and situations imposed by the governors of the time would be bothered eventually due to the despotic nature of the government, and they would be deprived of their natural rights on the pretense of defending the freedom. On the other hand, based on this approach, the social presence of women was summarized into the commercial use of the presence of women in the society.” (Sahifeh Noor - 3rd vol.)

Women had two positive and influential roles in the victory of the Islamic revolution; the first role was their direct and positive participation in the fight itself, and their second role which had a greater impact was their ability to show patience, cooperation, and endurance against the hardships of the struggle. Many women in the Islamic revolution encouraged their husbands, and in the revolution, the fighters’ wives were the ones who stood firm against the problems. In the last couple of years of the fight for revolution, the role of women in the triumph of the Islamic revolution and the great upheaval of the people were noticed all of a sudden, and women initiated the first heroic demonstration and displayed their active and notable participation in the highly perilous combat zones.

The Status of Women in Imam Khomeini’s View
In general, the value of mankind in the viewpoint of Imam Khomeini is defined through “humanity” which is emphasized by the Qur’an, too. The status and individuality of human beings as well as their rights of freedom have a structure which has been provided by the Islamic teachings and the brilliant commandments of Qur’an. Outside these holy borders, the human status of mankind is manipulated by the carnal desires of dishonest people, and it will not have a genuine definition and content anymore.

(O Marium! keep to obedience to your Lord and humble yourself, and bow down with those who bow.) Al-E-Imran: 43

According to the great leader of the revolution, Fatimah and Zainab (peace be upon their souls) are two appropriate role models whom Muslim women should follow in every arena, since they are the two women in whom the human identity is manifested.

They are the honor of the family of revelation and shine over the summit of Islam. Fatimah is a woman whose virtues are at the same level as the infinite virtues of the Prophet Muhammad and his descendants. The woman whom many –with various viewpoints - have talked about but their words fell short on praising her. The lady of the World of Islam is a holy and spiritual woman and a true human being. She is the true face of humanity and the women. (Sahifeh Noor, 6th vol.) She is a divine and heavenly being who has appeared as a woman; a woman who has gathered all the characteristics of prophets within herself. She is the one who has commenced her spiritual journey from nature, and through the power of God and the training of the Prophet Muhammad, she has reached such a stance that no one can compete with her. This woman has been the purpose of the creation and the interpretation of “hayya ala khair al-amal” is referring to “doing good to her and her children”. (Bihar Al-Anvar, 43rd vol.)

Regarding the status and greatness of women in Islam, Imam Khomeini has stated: “The prosperity and wretchedness of mankind depends on women since they are the educators of the human beings; women shape real human beings through their proper training, and all the happiness and good deeds originate from women.” He also adds: “If brave women are taken away from nations, the nations will succumb to defeat and decadence.”

The Social and Cultural Stance of Women in Imam Khomeini’s Thinking
The ten-year-old superb leadership of Imam Khomeini caused the accessibility to his opinions to go beyond pure theories, and both the theories and the practical examples became available to everyone. This advantage makes Imam Khomeini’s thoughts superior to the thoughts of the other Muslim thinkers and connoisseurs. In a quick glance, the sublime measures of the social life of women can be identified in his point of view. It is quite surprising to see that the status of women is placed higher than men in this faith related arena.

In the Islamic point of view which emphasizes on the potential of women to develop themselves, the participation of women in the social and political matters is not prohibited and it is a sign of maturity and faith; however, the participation of women requires some formalities. As Imam Khomeini has stated: “Today, women should perform their social and religious duties and maintain public modesty and accomplish political-social activities with respect to public modesty.” (Tebiyan, the article titled ‘The Status of Women in the Viewpoint of Imam Khomeini’)

Motherhood is the primary stance of women in the society and is responsible for the survival of the human societies. At this stand, women are considered at the same level with the prophets. This concept, unfortunately, has lost its true value in the material standpoint. The insight of Imam Khomeini examines the heart of the matters and explains them to common people with a simple rhetoric. In his point of view, women are in charge of the purification and constructiveness of the society.

The corruption of human societies –the western societies in particular- and lack of solidity in families, as well as not abiding with the moral principles, stem from ignoring the motherhood responsibilities. The happiness and the wretchedness of nations and countries have profound and genuine ties with the presence of women. A woman can be the origin of the happiness for a society and the blessings of her being can establish the endurance of a society. The opposite of this situation is true as well. Based on Imam Khomeini’s view, the fundamental role of women in the survival of societies has been greater than the role of men and he has expressed it beautifully in the following statements: “Men are producers of nations and women more so; and the appropriate structures of countries are built through the capable power of women.”

Contrary to some opinions, Hijab, or Islamic cover, protects women from inappropriate gazes and prevents their human personality and worth from being treated like a tradable good in the society. Under the protection of Hijab, the nobility and individuality of women is preserved. Imam Khomeini expresses his opinion in regards to Hijab and its role in the society: “Of course, the type of Hijab that Islam requires you to observe is to protect your values. What God has commanded, either for men or women, is to protect their true values from the satanic temptations which might be implemented on them by the expansionists. Hijab is for reviving these values.”

With regards to the role of women in the society, Imam Khomeini has said: “In the Islamic government, women along with men can actively contribute to the erection of an Islamic society as human beings and not as objects. Neither women are allowed to lessen themselves to a low stance nor do men have the right to think of them in that context.”

Women and Politics in Imam Khomeini’s viewpoint
The Islamic revolution in Iran transformed the status of women in the society profoundly. The women who even refused to attend educational centers due to the intellectual contradictions they had with the government of the time welcomed the new thinking of Imam Khomeini, and broke out of the tight traditional boundaries and participated in the revolution as one of the main elements of the movement. At the time that women could not appear in the society without their husbands’ permission, the presence of women in the street demonstrations and various scenes of the revolution transformed their traditional role completely. With their extensive presence, women objected to the marginal role which was imposed on them during the years, and requested the dominant perspective on women to be revised. After the Islamic revolution, not only the presence and cooperation of women in various fields did not decline (according to statistics), but we are witnessing their increasing contributions to various arenas. Although, it should be noted that so far no scientific evaluation has been carried out in regards to the growth of women’s contribution to the political activities. However, a brief look at Iran’s revolution in general and Imam Khomeini’s thinking in particular shows a shift of perspective on the Muslim women.

Imam Khomeini’s opinion in regards to the religion and politics is clear in the interpretation he offers about the Kauthar.

Hence, Fatimah becomes the symbol of the relationship between the religion and politics. Aside from this profound spiritual interpretation which clears the air about the ties of the religion and politics, Fatimah is the symbol of a political faith.

Imam Khomeini believed that the pretension of Muslim women resorting to the way of Fatimah is not appropriate, and if they do not act according to what they say they believe, they are considered to be lying. According to Imam, if the Iranian Shiite Muslim women do not follow the path of Fatimah in piety, living simply and God-worshiping, they should know that they are not entitled to the Women’s Day, and they will not be sharing the honor of this day. Many times in his speeches, Imam Khomeini highlighted and praised the important role of women in the victory of the Islamic revolution. He believed that the participation of women during the revolution blessed and advanced this phenomenon: “This was a phenomenon beyond man’s power.

This was a divine phenomenon; the One who transformed the hearts took care of this phenomenon. He cleared the hearts from fear they had from the [Pahlavi] regime and gave them bravery and the ability to decide instead. That is how women, men and children rose to fight.”

The Last Word
Imam Khomeini believed in the important role of women in all the political, social and cultural arenas. His statements during the most critical times of the history of our country endorse this fact. For example, during the imposed Iraq-Iran war, he said: “The women who are serving behind the front lines with no consideration to rank or fame are anonymous soldiers who are the soldiers performing Jihad.”

In conclusion, it is appropriate to follow the testaments of Imam Khomeini; the Imam who promised to serve God, and promised to stay unanimous to his companions.

Oh Imam! The history has a lot of stories; but it will more beautifully retell the story of a mentor who earnestly learned the alphabet of love in the school of faith, and lived lovingly, stood bravely to overthrow the oppressors, and taught the art of being and the form of eternity in all eras.

“We are honored that women, either young or elderly, are participating in the cultural, economical and marital scenes along with or even better than men in order to exalt the Islam and the purposes of Qur’an … and they have courageously and promisingly got themselves rid of the deprivations which were imposed on them by the enemies’ plot and untruthful interpretation of some inexpert allies; they have also freed themselves from the superstitions that the enemy had provided to some fools and few uninformed mullahs.” (Sahifeh Noor, 21st vol.)

We ask God to fill our hearts with Imam’s memory, lead our way according to Imam’s path, and adorn our words with Imam’s words.

Source : Al-Maaref