The Faithful of God (Aminatu al-Allah) of her time
Aminatu al-Allah is the faithful of God, which is a testament to Lady Zainab bint Ali’s (A.S) unyielding devotion to the Lord of the worlds. Lady Zainab bint Ali (A.S) was recognized among Muslim believers as being a devout and committed worshipper. Her worship was so sincere and distinguished that even her brother Imam Hussain ibn Ali (A.S) asked her to pray for him in her nightly prayers.
It was narrated that Imam Hussain ibn Ali (A.S) said to his sister Lady Zainab (A.S): “Oh sister do not forget to pray for me in your night prayer”
This kind of devotion to God is also what gave Lady Zainab bint Ali (A.S) the strength and firm conviction she needed to endure the merciless slaughter of her children, brothers, and other family members (A.S). This is what gave her composure and conviction of faith when she and the remaining family members were taken as prisoners. And finally, it is why she remained composed and eloquent while delivering her speech in the courtyard of Yazid (L.A) to the accomplices and bystanders of the events of Ashoora.
Worship strengthens the connection and relationship we have with the Almighty. And it is with this connection that we are able to endure life’s many challenges. Although it is a very private practice, it exhibits itself by making the worshiper grounded and mindful of themselves and their surroundings. It is what builds our resilience to life’s challenges and gives us peace through our conviction and trust in the Lord of the universe.
Although we know that as human beings we are bound to make mistakes, we should strive to be the best version of ourselves using the Ahl al-Bayt (A.S) as our guides. Their lives were not without a multitude of difficulties and challenges, yet they never compromised on their morals, ethics, principles, and belief in God. Although we do not face the same challenges as they did, we can still derive the same lessons. Their illustrious lives serve as a ‘how to’ manual to navigate life’s many obstacles. Reflecting on the epithets or titles of Lady Zaynab bint Ali (A.S) allows us to appreciate her life, understand the challenges she faced, and learn from the way she conducted herself. This provides the blueprint we need to seek nobility, knowledge, and complete devotion to and worship of God in our own lives.
Lady Zaynab (A.S) was a visionary
To be a visionary, you should think beyond the here and now and be a forward thinker. The preservation of the Imamate was paramount to the survival of the religion of Islam. Lady Zaynab (A.S) knew that she had to protect her nephew, Imam Zayn al-Abidin (A.S), and did so as to best she could with God’s Divine protection and help. She remained steadfast, protected him physically when necessary, and publicly spoke out when the truth was distorted and covered.
Lady Zaynab (A.S) also knew that to safeguard the future of her grandfather’s religion and its believer’s people must always remember the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (A.S), his family, and companions. Women became the flagbearers of the message of Imam Hussain (A.S). From one majlis (gathering of sorrow) to the next, they have passed the baton of guidance that contained the true message of Islam up until this day.
Women’s role in society
Lady Zaynab’s (A.S) strength, leadership, and vision are a lesson for men and women alike in today’s world. Women have an important role to play in all aspects of life: at home, at work, in the community, at the university, at our centers, and in mosques. Taking the lessons we learn throughout the months of Muharram and Safar, we can strive to build a better community of inclusion and appreciation of one another. We can create more opportunities and positions for women to take on leadership roles to help our communities continue to grow.
Peace And Mercy be upon Lady Zaynab’s from the Day she was born, The Day she was Departed, and to The Day that she will Rise as a Trustworthy Lady.
