Role after the tragedy of Karbala

On the night of Ashoor, when Yazid's army set fire to their tents, it was Bibi Zainab, (as), who saved Imam Zainul `Abedeen, as, and the children from being burnt alive. She then gathered the women and children and guarded them throughout the night. The next day, when they were being taken to Kufah, she consoled the grieving survivors when they were made to pass by the corpses of their loved ones. When the caravan reached the court of Obaidullah ibn Zima at Kufah, the evil governor mocked them by saying that he thought they were slave girls. Bibi Zainab (as) admonished him then spoke eloquently condemning both ibn Ziad and Yazid. Later, the caravan was marched to Damascus. During this part of the journey too the women and children were treated with utmost cruelty. Bibi Zainab, (as), tried her best to comfort them.

In the court of Yazid: Whenever Imam Zainul `Abedeen, (as), was asked which was the most difficult part of their journey, he would say "Ash Shaam, Ash Shaam, Ash Shaam (Syria, Syria, Syria)" for it was in Damascus that their suffering reached its peak. The bazaars of Damascus had been decorated to give them a festive look and people had thronged the streets to witness the caravan's arrival. They had been told that Yazid's army had successfully crushed a rebellion and now the prisoners were being marched to the court of Yazid. However, when they saw the noble and innocent faces of the children and the dignified bearing of the ladies they were confused. When the members of the caravan entered Yazid's court, Imam Zainul `Abedeen, (as), gave a sermon strongly condemning Yazid, and reminded him that they were the family of the Holy Prophet, (pbuh). This sermon had a profound effect on all present in the court. In order to distract them, one of Yazid's courtiers requested that Bibi Sakina, (as), be given to him as his slave. Bibi Zainab, (as), could not tolerate this preposterous act. She stepped forward and scolded him then asked all those present whether there was anyone who could prevent this outrageous request from being fulfilled. On hearing this, Hinda, one of Yazid's wives, rushed into the court without her veil causing Yazid to dismiss the court.

Return to Madinah: After the members of the caravan were released from Yazid's prison, Bibi Zainab, (as), requested that they be given a house where they could mourn their dead ones. Here she conducted the first majlis. Later, when she returned to Madinah, she continued to narrate the tragedy of Karbala to the people of Madinah and devoted the rest of her life to the remembrance of Imam Hussein (as).