A brief look on Aqeela-i-Bani Hashim (s)’s life

By: Hussein b. Ali

Sayyeda Zainab (a.s.), the daughter of Imam Ali (a.s.) and Sayyeda Fatima (a.s.) and granddaughter of Chief of Prophets Prophet Muhammad Al-Mustafa (s.w.), was an exemplary Woman of great ability, intelligence, knowledge, insight, courage, bravery and determination.

According to traditions it was first of Sha’ban – the 8th month of Islamic calendar – when Sayyeda Zainab (a.s.) enlightened the world with her refulgence. The news of her birth spread fragrance throughout Medina. The Parents Imam Ali (a.s.) and Sayyeda Fatima (a.s.) were filled with joy. This was their third child and the first daughter after God had given them the two lovely sons Imam Hassan (a.s.) and Imam Hussein (a.s.).

The Holy Prophet (s.w.) was not in Medina at that time. After a few days the Prophet returned and as it was his habit, he first came to the house of his daughter Sayyeda Fatima (a.s.). The delighted grandfather took the newborn girl in his lap, and kissed her. Imam Ali (a.s.) asked for the Prophet (s.w.)'s advice as to her name, the same as it was in the case of Hassan (a.s.) and Hussein (a.s.). Holy Prophet (s.w.) named her Zainab which is made up of two words “Zain” and “Ab”, that mean ornament of the father. Kissing her, Holy Prophet (s.w.) wept bitterly. They asked reason of his tears, and he replied that Angel Gabriel told me Zainab would he an eyewitness of the fate of her brother Hussein in Karbala. Prophet (s.w.) knew that one day this noble grand-daughter will heroically defend his mission and act as the guardian of the pure and pristine tenets of Islam, as revealed by God Almighty.

She – the co-partner of Chief of Martyrs Imam Hussein (a.s.) - grew in the midst of five infallible personalities, i.e. her grandfather, her parents and her two brothers. She acquired the most excellent of virtues.

Sayyeda Zainab bint-e-Ali (a.s.) was the Greatest Messenger of the Husseini Revolution. She universalizing the Husseini message laid the foundation of Azadari (mourning) of Imam Hussein (a.s.). She was always thankful to God and this way bequeathed a lasting legacy to mankind.