Jan 26
Death of Hazrat Zaynab Binte Ali (RA)
Friday 15 Rajab, 1445
Jan 26
Friday 15 Rajab, 1445
Hazrat Zaynab bint Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا has a significant place in the history of Islam. She is the daughter of Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ and Hazrat Fatima رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا and granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. She was born in the prestigious household of Ahl al-Bayt. She observed wisdom, sacrifice, and faith all her life as the most faithful and religious personalities surrounded her. She is known as one of the extraordinary women of Islam. She received kindness from her grandfather, a pure soul, and showed immense courage, which she inherited from her father.
In the Battle of Karbala, she showed immense courage and resilience. She lived a life of great strength, leaving a lasting legacy, especially after Karbala. She stood strong and did not lose courage even after her brother Imam Hussain رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ was martyred. She faced huge personal loss and suffered ala lot still stood up with courage. She ensured that the truth of Karbala was heard by everyone and discussed it with utmost courage in Damascus and Kufa. Her legacy embodies unconditional faith, patience, and resilience, even in the face of distress. It inspires Muslims around the world to lead exemplary lives like hers.
Hazrat Zaynab رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا was born in the holy city of Madina in the year 5 AH. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had immense love for her and always cherished her. Her life was truly blessed as she grew up under the teachings and compassion of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This unwavering bond put immense faith, strength, and wisdom in her, which became the basis of her character.
She grew up in the most noble household of Madinah, where she was surrounded by knowledge and piety. She possessed remarkable qualities, including great insight, bravery, and patience. Her mother, Hazrat Fatima, رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا, was known for purity and devotion, while her father, Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, was the epitome of courage. All these qualities, with the amalgamation of the qualities of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, made her a woman of great character. Her speeches depict the remarkable spiritual depth and skills that she got in inheritance from her family.
She got married to Abdullah bin Jafar, who was one of the noble companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. She balanced her life responsibilities with utmost care. The foundation laid in childhood served as a great help for her in later life.
Hazrat Zaynab رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا faced a difficult phase of life in 61 AH during the Battle of Karbala. Hazrat Imam رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ decided to compete against the dictatorship of Yazid, and she chose to stand with her brother, knowing the dangers. She was one of the witnesses of this heart-wrenching battle alongside her sons, nephews, and other women.
Her brother and sons were martyred in front of her eyes on the Day of Ashura, but she stayed strong and did not lose courage. During this time of grief, she remained devoted and busy to comfort others, forgetting about her own pain. She made sure the Prophet’s ﷺ family remained dignified even in this hour of suffering.
As the battle ended, she became the voice of the injustice held in Karbala. She gave persuasive sermons in Kufa and Damascus against the tyranny of Yazid while holding the principles of Islam strong. Her oratory skills and courage did hit the conscience of many. She made sure that no one would be able to forget the injustice of Karbala ever. She protected the memory of the injustice that happened with Imam Hussain رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ and gave the courage to others to stand for the right.
Her health started to decline in her final years, but she endured it quite well. The aftermath of Karbala took a toll on her mental and physical health. She still did not choose to sit quietly and keep reminding others about the tyranny that took place in Karbala with her brother and loved ones. She was the epitome of patience and courage throughout her life.
She passed away around the year 62 AH, according to most of the authentic sources, which is shortly after the tragedy of Karbala. The details related to her death are not very clear, as there are different perspectives. Some say she died in Madinah, while some suggest that she passed away in Damascus when she was held as a captive. There is a third point of view also according to which she spent her final days in Egypt.
The cause of her death is known to be natural, as she was feeling immense grief after the tragedy of Karbala. Moreover, captivity also affected her health and may have contributed to her final days coming so soon. The exact circumstances of her death are unclear, but the fact that her death left a deep void in the Muslim community remains there. She was a symbol of bravery and courage who carried the message of Karbala with resilience, leaving a lasting legacy. It is an event that is connected to her legacy and can't be forgotten. It is also an inspiration for Muslims today.
The exact site of her burial place has some disputes around it. There are multiple traditions related to her grave, unlike most of the graves of Ahl al-Bayt, which are well-known. It shows that the Prophet’s family moved across different places.
The most agreed-upon site of her burial is known to be in Damascus at the place where Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque is present today. Many visitors come to this mosque each year, especially members of the Shia community, who see her as their inspiration. It is suggested that she was held as a captive in Syria, thus remaining there till her final moments, and was laid to her final resting place.
Another suggestion is that she is buried in Al-Sayeda Zaynab Mosque in Cairo, Egypt, which is one of the main sacred places in Egypt. According to this, it is said that she migrated there and passed away in the company of her family. A third site is said to be in Jannat al-Baqi in Madina, where most of the members of the Prophet’s ﷺ are buried. Each sight is significant for Muslims regardless of knowing the exact location. Muslims visit these sites to pay their respect and keep her memory and sacrifice alive.
Hazrat Zaynab رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا was a woman of strength who showed immense courage and bravery. She was a true devotee who was ready to sacrifice anything for the existence of Islam. She belonged to an honourable family of Ahl al-Bayt who carried the legacy with full devotion. Her main role in front of the world was during the time of Karbala, where she did not hesitate to participate in the battle with her brother. Feeling immense grief, she chose to stay brave and made sure that the world would remember the injustice done against his brother and loved ones. She is a sign of bravery and courage for us Muslims.
There is some uncertainty regarding her burial place, but her inspiration continues to enlighten the hearts of Muslims. She is a motherly figure known for her sacrifices and resilience, even in the most difficult times of her life. She stood for justice and did not stumble even in the time of hardship when his brother was martyred in front of her. She maintained her dignity and stayed busy comforting others with patience.
She left the world silently, but her presence is still in the hearts of Muslims, making us realize that we should not fear in front of oppressors. Always stand for justice and take the side of truth, which is the true victory.