Zaynab, the Fragrance of Ahl-ul-Bayt

Who was Zaynab? Why do we look up to her? She was the granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad and Khadija, the daughter of Fatima az-Zahraa and Ali, the sister of the Youths of Paradise, Hassan and Hussein, and the beloved aunt of Imam Ali Zayn al Abideen. With such a blessed family, Zaynab had such perfect examples to look up to.

A narration says that Zaynab’s characteristics represented each of her family member: in her seriousness and calmness she was Khadija; in her modesty and pureness her mother Fatimah; in her meaningfulness, her father Imam Ali; in her restraint and capacity to endure, her brother Imam Hassan; and in courage and lion-hearted, her brother Imam Hussein.

Prophet Muhammad said to Fatima,

“My dear child, this child of mine, Zaynab, would be confronted with a thousand and one calamities and face serious hardships in Karbala.”

We have been aware of her actions and speeches through a dramatic event in her life: The Massacre of Karbala. We were able to see how she reflected the light of Ahl-ul-Bayt, and her love for them. Imam Hussein and Zaynab actions' during afflicted times showed us what they really stood for and meant. Imam Hussein gave his life for the sake of Islam, and Zaynab was there to stand up to his words, to defend them, and carry it on with the symbolism of her patience.

After the tragic battle of Karbala, no one was left (accept her weak nephew), to stand up to the oppression and speak the truth. In this case for Zaynab, it was an obligation for her to stand up to the tyranny Yazid.

Now knowing the life of Zaynab and the tragedies of Karbala that she went through, how many of us are actually thankful for today? Thankful in knowing that she stood up and spoke out to make sure there would be a tomorrow for Islam, Ahl-ul-Bayt, and so we could have the honorable title as Shia. Always remember how Zaynab stood up to the enemies with the characteristics of Ahl-ul-Bayt in her.