Khadija's Business Proposal

Khadija, who was an honourable wealthy woman, used to put her wealth at the disposal of others who traded for her and received wages in return for their services.
As Muhammad's fame for honesty, virtue and trustworthiness spread throughout Arabia and reached Khadija, she started seeking his cooperation.
Then she made this proposal to him:
'I will put at your disposal some property plus a servant, Masara, and pay you more than others'. Being well aware of his uncle's financial problems due to his old age, low income, and large family, Muhammad accepted Khadija's ofher. 30

Khadija

Khadija, the daughter of Khuwalid, was a lady of supreme character.
She had been twice married, to Abu Halah and Atigh Makhzumi, and twice widowed.
Though she was forty years old, her enormous wealth, popularity, and prestige had led many wealthy and powerful Quraysh to court her.
But she did not accept any of them as her husband and avoided marriage, for she knew well that they either were interested in her wealth or were men whose character she detested.

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Hazrat Fatimah Ma'soomah

Oh Fatima intercede for us in heaven since you have reached a dignified status from a high rank with


From the children of the seventh Imam Hazrat Fatimah Ma'soomah binte Musa ibn Jafar (A-S) , has a special position after Imam Ridha (A-S).
Due to her faith, virtuousness and Kid's Health under the guardianship of Imamate she reached such a position that the Masoom (Imam) gave her the title of Ma'soomah (infallible) , and because of her worship and abstemiousness she acquired the status of intercession.
This is why the most learned ulama (scholars) the greatest maraje' (authorities) and the real Gnostics are humbly standing at her holy shrine saying

There is a tradition which states that out of the eight gates of heaven, one will open towards Qum and due to her intercession all Shias will go to heaven.
Her eighteen years of life was spent with suffering and difficulties.
Had to bear separation from her beloved brother


Visitors entitles to Heaven

In tradition it is excessively mentioned that whoever visits (does ziyarat of) Hazrat Ma'soomah, heaven is incumbent upon that person and this position is obtained by her after the fouteen Ma'soomeen.


Imam Ridha (A-S) has said:

Whoever visits her (does her ziyarat) acknowledging her right, is entitled to heaven

In Kamil al ziyarah it is quoted form Imam Ridha (A-S)

Whoever does the ziyarat of Ma'soomah in Qum it is as though he/she has done my ziyarat


Majlisi quoted in Bihar

Whoever visits Ma'soomah it is as though he/she has visited me.
It is equal to heaven


Heaven Ahlulbait

Ma'soomah stayed in Qum for seven days only.
Due to her brief stay and her holy shrine, Qum was blessed with such a special position that Imam Sadiq (A-S) says: Haram of God Mecca Haram of Rasool(S-A-W) Medina Haram of Imam Ali(A.S) Kufa and Haram of Ahlul bait (peace be upon them) is Qum

According to the quote of Imam Musa ibn Jaffar (A-S)
Qum is refuge of Aal Muhammad(S-A-W)

A group of town of Rai came to Hazrat Abi Abdillah (A-S) and said that we are the settless o Rai.
Imam (A-S) said:


Welcome to our brother from Qum

They said again: "We are from the town of Rai. Imam (A-S) replied with the same statement as before.
This act repeated several times, then Imam (A-S) said that:" God's haram is kufa, main and my progeny's haram will be Qum.
Qum is a small Kufa. From the eight gates of heaven three open towards Qum.
One chaste lady from our family, named Fatimah will be buried there.
Her status and position is such that due to her intercession all shias will go to heaven.

It is due to the blessed lady Masoomah, that after the city of knowledge Najaf al ashraf ther greatest centre and learning institute of the shia world is in Qum, surrounding her holy shrine where more than twenty thousand students , the most learned scholars are busy studying , teaching and conducting research.
This city has embraced numerous libraries and learning institutes with in its vicinity.


Death

Hazrat Ma'soomah used to live in Medina.
When Ma'moon Abbas summoned Imam Ridha(A-S) to Khurasan , she found this separation heavy to bear.
After one year she left for Khurasan in order to see her brother.
When they reached Saveh which is about sixty two KM from Qum she felt ill.
Musa ibn Khazray took this dignified lady to their home.
Ma'soomah passed seven days in Qum suffering from illness until finally she departed from the transient abode on the 10th of Rabi uthanni.

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Hazrat Zainab (s.a.) and Imamate

In her life Zainab (s.a.) always saw the evildoers, oppressors, insurgents and breakers of covenants defy the truth and Imam Ali (a.s.), the supporter of the truth and justice had to quell their revolts. Finally, an evil hand gave Imam Ali (a.s.) a stroke from a poisoned sword on his head in the mosque of Kufa. After Imam Ali (a.s.), his son Imam Hassan (a.s.)became the Caliph. Hassan was also greatly oppressed until at last he signed a peace treaty with the ruler of that time and moved to Kufa in the company of Zainab, her husband, and his own companions. Imam Hassan (a.s.) was poisoned by his treacherous wife Joda, by the order of the Caliph of that time. After Imam Hassan, Imam Hussain (a.s.) became the Imam, but the ruler of Syria Mavia violated the peace treaty and appointed his son Yazid as his successor and insisted that Imam Hussain (a.s.) should pledge allegiance to him. Imam Hussain refused to pledge allegiance and made up his mind to move to Mecca.

Zainab (s.a.) said farewell to her husband and went with her brother accompanied by her sons Muhammad and Aun. They reached Mecca in 61 Hijra year.

Imam Hussain (a.s.) was informed that some agents of the ruler of that time had come to Mecca to assassinate him while circumambulating the Holy Ka'bah. Imam Hussain (a.s.) deemed it advisable to move to Kufa and let people know of his secret mission. They arrived at Karbala on the 2nd Muharram. Zainab had heard from her grandfather and father that Karbala would be the place where Imam Hussain (a.s.) would be martyred.

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Hazrat Zainab (s.a.) in Karbala

Zainab (s.a.) is the shining sun in the history of Islam and of humanity. Her brother's name and Karbala associate the idea of freedom, justice, humanity, virtue, fighting against despotism, with the realization of the sovereignty of Allah. The history of Karbala is based on two pillars: the rising of Imam Hussain (a.s.) and the rising of Zainab (s.a.). She was an outstanding figure in the history of Karbala endowed with divine steadfastness and fortitude. She sacrificed her two sons and one should not say anything if one devoted his life for the cause of Allah. After the martyrdom of her brother and her two sons, she said: "O my Lord! Accept our humble sacrifice to You."

When Zainab(s.a) reached Kufa, she addressed people with fury words: "Praise to Allah, and may the blessing of Allah be upon Muhammad and his progeny. O people of Kufa, you are hypocrites and deceitful. You feign to be sorry for the death of my brother and his companions. May you always shed tears. I find nothing in you but flattery, evil acts and thoughts, pride and spite and ill will. By Allah! You deserve lasting sorrow instead of joy. Shames on you, your hands are imbrued with the blood of the son of the Holy Prophet (SAW), the one who was your sole refuge in case of adversity. By your evil act and disloyalty, you incurred the wrath of Allah against you. Woe betides you! No one will intercede with Allah for you." Her furious words provoked people of Kufa to avenge Hussain's martyrdom.

This frightened Ubaidullah and his cruel agents. She also delivered a furious sermon in the court of the caliph that made his authority and despotic rule feel undermined. She said: "I fear no one but Allah. Make whatever evil plot you can. Blazes are waiting for you in the hereafter. You'll he accountable to Allah for your atrocities."

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Titles of Hazrat Abbas (a.s.)

1-Qamar-e-Banihashem (The Moon Of Banihashem's Progeny)

This was his most famous nickname. The reason behind that was his good looking face which was resembled to the moon.

2-Saqqa' (The One Who Brings Water)

This is his another famous nickname.Since he was dealing with bringing water to Imam Hussein (A.S)'s camps and supplying Imam's thirsty children with water, he was given this nickname.

3-Hamel-ul-Lava' (The One Who Carries the Flags)

This nickname was given to him because he was the one who carried the flag in Imam Hussein (A.S)'s troop.

4-Raees-e-Askar-al-Hussein (the Commander of Imam hussain(a.s.)'s troops)

This nickname was given to him because he was the commander of Imam hussain (as.)'s troops.
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Hadrat Shahrbano: The Reverend Mother of Imam Zayn al-Abidin Part II

The Holy Relationship

Shahrbano was the holy relationship between the Arabs and the Persians.
This is because she was the mother of Zayn al-'Abidin, who was the son of the two good (communities) and father of the pure progeny who filled the world with all the factors of awareness, dignity, and advancement.
Sayyid 'Abid al-'Aziz Sayyid al-Ahal said: "Zayn al-'Abidin is a strong relationship between us, we, the Arabs, and the Persians.

Then he is a strong relationship among all people.
It is as if he is among the strong causes which the Subtle, the Powerful (Allah) drove to erase division, to strengthen unity, and to bring people close to each other."
This was the strongest relationship between the Arabs and the Persians because it has spread love, affection, and unity among them.


Pre-Islamic Beliefs

Islam destroyed the pagan beliefs that divided the Muslims and paralyzed their unity.
Among those beliefs was that an Arab did not marry a non-Arab (woman ).
This is because he wanted to preserve Arab blood and lineage.
Surely this phenomenon divided the Muslims and destroyed their unity. Islam indeed cast away this hollow selfishness and these vain titles.
It supported the honor and beauty of soul.

Hence the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, said:
"Surely, the most honorable of you with Allah is the most pious of you." Islam has denoted in a positive way the just equality among the Muslims.
It has destroyed class differences and all racism. Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, married his relative Zaynab, the daughter of Jahash, who belonged to the chiefs of the Hashimites, to his retainer, Zayd b.
Ha`ritha.
He, may Allah bless him and his family, wanted the Islamic community to learn a lesson from that and to follow this clear straight path.

The Imams of the members of the House (ahl al -Bayt), peace be on them, followed this Prophetic method.
They waged war against racism and resisted pre-Islamic beliefs by marrying female slaves after they had released them.
They sometimes married them with money before they had freed them.
This had great influence on the Arabs, and they abandoned their pre-Islamic beliefs.

The historians said: "Ima`m al-Husayn, peace be on him, married Shahrbano

and she bore him the great figure of guidance, Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin, peace be on him.
The Arabs saw his perfection and his high self.
Hence Quraysh hurried to marry slave-wives.
Al-Mubarrad has narrated the following on the authority of a man from Quraysh.
The man's mother was a slave-wife.
The man said:
"One day I sat with Sa'id b. al-Musayyab, and he asked me:
'Who are your maternal uncles?'
My mother is a slave-wife, I answered."

Sa'id disdained the man.
However, the man was clever. He waited for a while.
In the mean time Sa`lim b. 'Abd Allah b. 'Umar came.
The latter was a Quraysh great figure, but his mother was a slave-wife. Sa'id talked with Sa`lim.
Then the latter went away. So the man asked Sa'id:

"Uncle, who is this man ?"

Sa'id became angry.
He shouted at the man, saying:

"Glory be to Allah !
Do you ignore this man who is from your people ?
This is Sa`lim b. 'Abd Allah b.
'Umar b. al-Khatta`b."

"Who is his mother ?" asked the man.

"A slave-wife," replied Sa'id.

Then al-Qa`sim b. Mohammed b.
Abi Baker came to Sa'id.
The former's mother was a slave-wife.
A talk took place between them.
When al-Qa`sim went away, the man asked Sa'id the same question.
The man answered him in the same manner.
Then Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin came.
Sa'id welcomed him warmly.
When the Ima`m went away, the man asked Sa'id: "Uncle, who is this man?"

"This is whom no Muslim can ignore.
This is 'Ali b. al-Husayn b. 'Ali b. Abi Ta`lib," replied Sa'id angrily.
"Who is his mother ?" asked the man.

"A slave-wife," replied Sa'id.

"Why did you disdain me when I said that my mother was a slave-wife ?
Is my mother not similar to theirs?" asked the man.

Sa'id confessed his mistake. He admired the man and took care of him.(Al-Mubarrad, al-Kamil, vol. 2, p. 462 Nazhat al-Jalis, vol. 2, p. 23. al-A'mmia al-Ithna 'Ashar, p. 176).

This bad phenomenon prevailed that time.
It resulted from the backgrounds of the pre-Islamic time that was intellectually and socially backward.
One has no shortcoming when his mother is from Rome, Persia, and the like.
For this reason the poet said:

Do not curse the person whose mother is from the Romans

Or is black from the non-Arabs.

Indeed the mothers of people are entrusted containers

And the lineage has fathers.

They only thing that increases the importance of the person is his good deeds, his services for his community, and his high self even though his mother is black from non-Arabs.
If the person's deeds are bad, then he is mean even if he is a Sharif from Quraysh.
The great Islam has underlined that. It does not hold importance to anything except good deeds, for they are the only criterion in showing the high and low position in it.


Ima`m 'Ali took care of Her

Ima`m 'Ali, the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, took care of Shahrbano, for he was aware of her belief and her perfect intellect.
A group of traditions was narrated on his authority.
The traditions have praised her outstanding qualities.
Some of them are as follows:

A. He recommended his son, Ima`m Husayn, to treat her kindly, saying:
"Treat Shahrbano kindly, for she is satisfactory.
She will bear you the best of the people of the earth after you."('Uyyun al-Mu'jizat.
Ithbat al-Hudat, vol. 5, p. 14).

B. He told his family that she would be the pure mother of the pure Imams. He, peace be on him, said:
"She is the mother of the trustees (of authority ), the pure progeny."( Basa'ir al-Darajat, p. 96. Ithbat al-Hudat, vol. 5, p. 214.
Nasikh al-Tawarikh, vol. 1, p. 13).

The pure Imams, from whom Allah kept away the uncleanness and purified thoroughly, branched from this noble Mistress.

Ima`m 'Ali, the Commander of the faithful, took care of Shahrbano, for he knew that she had good abilities such as virtues, perfection, and politeness.
He, peace be on him, asked her: "What have you memorized from your father after the Event of the Elephant?"

She answered him with this golden word that denotes her father's vast intellect and his experience in the affairs of life:

He said: "When Allah overcomes an affair, the ambitions become humble after it.
When the period is over, death is in the means."

The Ima`m was astonished at this wise word that indicates the reality of life.
Hence he admired her, saying: "What good your father said !
All matters are subject to destiny, so much so that sometimes death results from effort."(Al-Mufid, al-Irshad, p. 160. Al-Bihar, vol. 46, pp. 11-12).

Every thing in this existence is subject to Allah's will.
Indeed Allah , the Most High has the power over everything.
Man may depend on firm means.
He thinks that such means protect him from dangers.
However, they do not avail him.
This is because they might endanger him.
Therefore, his death results from them.


Al-Husayn took care of Her

Ima`m Husayn, peace be on him, took care of his wife,Shahrbano, very much.
He preferred her to his wives.
As a result this Shahrbano found respect and honor with the Ima`m.
So she forgot the luxurious life which she led during the rule of her father.
The Ima`m taught her the Islamic spiritual teachings to the extent that she renounced her royal life.
Sayyid 'Abd al-Aziz Sayyid al-Ahal said: "Al-Husayn, peace be on him, taught her Islamic teachings to the extent that she forgot the palaces of al-Mada`'in and the meadows of Kabul."


The Historians praised Her

Some historians praised this noble lady.
The following are their words (concerning her):


A. Al-Mubarrad

Concerning this great Mistress, al-Mubarrad said:

"Shahrbano was among the excellent women."(Al-Kamil, vol. 2, p. 462).

Indeed Shahrbanowas among the mistresses of the women. She was chaste, and her intellect was perfect. Moreover, her morals were high.


B. Ibn Shadqam

Ibn Shadqam said: "Shahrbano had many outstanding merits."(Zahrat al-Maqul, p. 16).

C. Al-Kunji

Ima`m al-Hafiz, Mohammed b. Yousif al-Kunji, said: "Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, created the rightly-guided Imams, from among the progeny of al-Husayn, from the daughter of Choesroe with the exclusion of the rest of his wives.(Kifayat al-Talib, p. 414).

Indeed Allah bestowed His favors and His care on this noble lady.
He endowed her with great favor.
He made her a noble mother for Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin and good pure grandmother for the pure Imams, who raised the Word of Allah high in the earth.

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Hadrat Shahrbano: The Reverend Mother of Imam Zayn al-Abidin Part I

Shahrbano was the daughter of the (Iranian) kings and was mother of Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin, peace be on him.
This great mistress occupied an important position in the world of the Muslim woman.
Indeed, she was among the great mistresses of her time. She was among the prominent Muslim women and was distinguished by noble qualities.
Among them are:

A. She had a very clear lineage.
She was the daughter of Choesroe, the just king and pride of the kings of the East.
Concerning him, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, said with pride: "I was born at the time of the just King, Choesroe."

B. She was the wife of the father of the free and lord of martyrs, Ima`m Husayn, peace be on him.

C. She was the mother of Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin and Sayyid al-Sa`jidin, peace be on him.

D. She was the grandmother of the pure Imams from among the children of Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin, peace be on him.

E. She was the holy relationship between the Arabs and the Persians.

Indeed these qualities added honor to her honor and glory to her glory.


Her Psychological Traits

As for her psychological traits, they were chastity, purity, perfection, standard morals, and cleverness.
As she had good inclinations and honorable traits, the Commander of the faithful (Ima`m 'Ali ), peace be on him, hastened to marry her to his son Ima`m Husayn, peace be on him.
He ordered him to treat her kindly and to do good for her.
We will briefly present some of her affairs according to what the references have mentioned.


Reports of her Marriage

The reports have differed over the time when she married Ima`m Husayn, peace be on him.
The following are some of them:


A. At the Time of 'Umar

Al-Kulayni reported on the authority of Ima`m Abu Ja'far al-Baqir, peace be on him.
He said: "When Yazdigird's daughter came, 'Umar made the virgins of Medina honor her.
When 'Umar looked at her, she covered her face and said:
"Uf biru`jj ba`da` Hurmuz."
These words meaning the day of Hurmuz has become black because his daughters have become prisoners.

"Is she abusing me ? "asked 'Umar.
"That is not for you," said the Commander of the faithful, "Let her choose a person from the Muslims."

She walked till she put her hand on the head of al-Husayn, peace be on him (Usul al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 467. Dala'il al-Imama, p. 370.)

Some historians have mentioned a report similar to this account. They said: "Yazdigird had two daughters.
They were taken prisoners during the time of 'Umar.
Thus, the Commander of the faithful (Ima`m 'Ali), peace be on him, took them. Of these he had given Ima`m al-Husayn and she bore him Zayn al-'Abidin.
He had given the other to Mohammed b.
Abi Bakr and she bore him al-Qa`sim.(Shadharat al-Dhahab, vol. 1, p. 104. Nazhat al-Majalis, vol. 2, p. 192. Zahrat al-Maqul, p. 6).

Ibn Kullakan has mentioned a similar report to this.
However, he has added that they were three (daughters). So he (the Commander of the faithful)had given the third to 'Abd Allah b. 'Umar.(Ibn Khullkan, Wafayat al-A'yan, vol. 2, p. 429).


B. At the Time of 'Uthma`n

Al-Sadu`q has reported: "When 'Abd Allah b.
'Umar conquered Khurasan (Iran)during the days of 'Uthma`n, he took the two daughters of Yazdigird prisoners.
He sent them to 'Uthma`n. Of them the latter had given to al-Hasan.
He had given the other to al-Husayn."('Uyyun al-Akhbar wa Funun al-Athar, p. 143. Roudat al-Wa'izin, vol. 1, p. 137.

Tuhaf al-Raghib, p. 13. A'lam al-Wara, p. 151. Al-Mufid, al-Irshad).


C. At the Time of the Caliphate of the Commander of the Faithful

A group of the historians and the narrators has reported:
"When the Commander of the faithful (Ima`m 'Ali), peace be on him, had assumed the caliphate, he appointed Hurayth b. Ja`bir over part of the eastern provinces.

The latter had sent him two daughters of Yazdigird b.
Sharyya`r.
Of these he had given his son al-Husayn, peace be on him, Shahrbano and she bore him Zayn al-'Abidin, peace be on him. He had given the other to Mohammed b.
Abi Baker and she bore him al-Qa`sim, the famous jurist."

These are the reports which have been mentioned of her marriage to Ima`m (Husayn), the Lord of martyrs, peace be on him.
/ m,;Worth mentioning, the last two reports have not mentioned the capture of Shahrbano with her two sisters, rather they have mentioned that they were sent to the Caliph.
But the first report is clear in mentioning their capture.


Checking the Reports

We must check these different reports.
We think that the first report is incorrect for the following reasons:

1. Yazdigird was alive throughout the caliphate of 'Umar.
He died after his death. He was killed in Maru in the year 30 A.H.
That was in the sixth year of the caliphate of 'Uthma`n.
We firmly believe that Shahrbano and her two sisters disappeared after the murder of their father till the caliphate of the Commander of the faithful (Ima`m 'Ali).
The Commander of the faithful appointed Hurayth b. Ja`bir over that area. The latter found them and sent them to the Ima`m, peace be on him.


2. What Abu Hanifa reported indicates that the first report is incorrect.
When the daughter of Yazdigird was brought to the Commander of the faithful, he, peace be on him, said to her:

"Choose whomever you want of the Muslims."

She answered with awareness and high purpose:

"I want a head over whom there is no head."

This indicates the strong awareness of this Princess.

The Ima`m answered her kindly, saying:

"Indeed 'Ali is an old man."

This means that the Ima`m was in no need of women, for he was an old man.
Besides he was busy treating the general affairs that surrounded him.

But the Princess insisted on her idea, saying:

"I talked completely to you."

Some Persian leaders asked the Ima`m to marry her to them.

The Ima`m answered, saying: "That is up to her. If she wishes to refuse (marriage), (she can refuse it).
If she wishes to accept (marriage), (she can accept it)."

The Ima`m had no right to impose marriage on her, rather that was up to her psychological wishes.
No one had the right to force her to what he wanted.
The Mistress refrained from answering him.( Al-Akhbar al-Tiwal).
We firmly believe that it was Shahrbano. Her marriage took place during the time of the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him.

The most famous of the foregoing two reports. Most jurists think that fame makes the report superior to (the other reports).
Al-Muqrim, a researcher, believed in this report.


Irregular Ideas

Some historians have mentioned irregular ideas concerning the lineage of Shahrbano.
They are as follow:

A. She was from the country of al-Sind.

B. She was among those who were taken prisoners in Kabul.

These two ideas oppose what the narrators and the historians have unanimously agreed on, for they said that she was the daughter of Yazdigird, the king of the Persians.
That was famous even during the time of the Ima`m.
All the people knew that. In this connection, Abu al-Aswad al-Du'ali, who was contemporary with the Ima`m, recited:

Indeed there is a son between Kasra and Ha`shim.
He is more noble than him to whom charms were
entrusted.
He is the light.
The place of his secret
is the Light of Allah.

He is the source of the fountain of the Ima`mate.(Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 46, p. 166).


He is knowledgeable

Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin, peace be on him, denoted that when he said: "I am the son of the two good (communities)." With this he, peace be on him, referred to the well-known tradition:
"Allah, the Most High, has two good (communities) among His creatures.
His good (community) from the Arabs is Quraysh, and from non-Arabs is Persia."(Ibn Khullaka Wafayat al-A'yan, vol. 2, p. 429. Ibn Tolon, Al-A'mmia al-Ithna 'Ashar, p. 175).

Some historians said: "Indeed 'Ali b. al-Husayn (Zayn al-'Abidin) gathered prophethood and authority on the side of his grandfathers."


Her Holy Name

The mother of the Ima`m, peace be on him, was known as Shahrbano.
This was not her name.
Rather it was her nick-name.
It means the queen or the mistress of the women.1 However, the historians have differed over her name.


The following are some of her names:

1. Sala`ma.
2. Sala`fa.
3. Ghaza`la.
4. Salama.
5. Sa`dira.
6. Shahrbano.

These are some of the ideas which we have mentioned concerning her name.
It does not concern us which name is correct, for it does not avail readers.

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The Birth of Lady Zainab

Lady Zainab was (accurately) the third child born to Lady Fatima Zahra (A). In other words, she was born directly after Imam Hussain (A); despite the false claim of some historians who hold the opinion that Zainab was born after the miscarriage, which Lady Fatima had and resulted in the martyrdom of Mohsin. These historians are motivated by their desire to divert the attention from the merciless attack on Lady Fatima's house which not only resulted in Mohsin's martyrdom, but also in the eventual death of Lady Fatima herself.

Among these writers is the Egyptian Bint Ash-Shati who wrote in her book Batlat Karbala:

"Zahra, the Prophet's daughter was about to give birth to a new baby after bringing happiness unto Messenger's life by giving birth to his beloved sons: Al-Hassan and Al-Hussain, and a third child, who was not destined to live and whose name was to be Mohsin Ibn Ali..." [1]

Regardless of these unfounded claims, it has been established that Lady Zainab (A) was born in 5 A.H., and that she was the third child of the honorable Alawi household.

It is said that her grandfather, the Prophet named her Zainab that is derived from two words: "Zain" and "Ab" that together means "The embellishment of her father." Yet, Muhammad Jawad Mughniah quoted the Egyptian newspaper, Al-Jomhuria dated October 31, 1972, in his book Al-Hussain Batala Karbala as saying:

"Zainab was born in Shaban 5 A.H. When her mother brought her to Imam Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) and said: "Name her" he replied: "I would not name her before Allah's Messenger." At this time the Prophet was on a trip and when he returned, he again refused to name her before her Lord. So Gabriel descended to inform the Prophet about Allah's blessings and said: "The name of this baby is Zainab; Allah chose this name for her."

Zainab's history itself speaks of her honorable life and noble traits, as well as the miseries she encountered during her childhood, such as the death of her great grandfather, the martyrdom of her mother (A), and the various inflictions which she lived through during the quarter of a century that her father, Imam Ali (A), was confined to his house as a result of his rights having been usurped by others.

Moreover, when Zainab emigrated from Medina to Kufa, her Father's capital then, several misfortunes were destined for her; starting with the martyrdom of Imam Ali (A). This was followed by fierce battles between her brother, Al-Hassan, and Mu'awiya, which resulted in the poisoning of the Imam (A). After several years, Zainab faced the greatest disaster of history when Imam Hussain along with the prominent Hashimite men were massacred at Karbala by the Umayyads. After massacring the men, Zainab and the women were taken to Syria, but she did not panic nor did she give into the enemy. From Syria she was sent to Medina and then exiled to Egypt to live the rest of her life.

Zainab's tomb is well-known in Egypt today and is visited by believers from all over the world. (There is disagreement about the location of Zainab's tomb; it is believed by most to be located in Syria.) (compiler's note)

References:

[1] Bihar: v.10.

www.al-islam.org

Characteristics of the Shi'as of Ahl al-Bayt (A.S)

Characteristics of the Shi'as of Ahl al-Bayt (A.S)
Imam Ali (A.S.): Our Shi'as are generous to one another within the intimacy towards us. They love each other in the light of attachment to us, and rush to visit each other in order to perpetuate our memory; they are the ones who, when outraged, would not inflict oppression and when pleased, would not practice extravagance. They are sources of blessing for their neighbors and will follow conciliation once they mingle with others.
Nawf ibn Abd Allah al-Bikali: Imam Ali (A.S.) said to me: O Nawf! We have been created of a pure nature and our Shi'as created from our nature; so they will join us on the Resurrection Day.
I said: O Amir al-Mu'minin! Describe your Shi'as to me. As I uttered the name of his Shi'a, he wept and said: O Nawf! I swear by Allah that my Shi'as are patient, aware of Allah and his Faith, they are engaged in obedience and worship of Allah, and find their ways in the light of His love; they are over tasked by worship and prayers and are adherents of austerity; they have mournful and lean faces due to the observance of nocturnal devotions; their eyes are shrinked out of weeping, their lips tend to dry up because of dhikr (remembrance), and their stomachs are thin-skinned due to hunger, Divine color is evident on their faces, and piety is apparent in their countenance. They are lights to any darkness and like flowers they cover up every ugliness; they neither adore the Muslims of the past nor do they pursue the ones coming later on.
The evil is suppressed in them, their hearts are gloomy, they are chaste, their wants are scanty, their souls are habituated with difficulties and people are at ease with them. They are intelligent and wise, honest and noble; and are very smart in setting their faith free. When they appear somewhere they will not be recognized; and in their absence they will not be questioned.
These are the purest of My Shi'as and the noblest of my brothers.
Oh! How eager am I to see them!
Imam al-Sadiq (A.S.): Try my Shi'as on three occasions: At the exact time of prayers (they pray on time), concerning secrets as how they keep them hidden from our enemies, and regarding their wealth as how they share it with their brothers.
Imam al-Sadiq(A.S.): The true Ja'fari Shi'a is one who abstains from gluttony and lust, who is hard-working and works for his Creator, being hopeful of His rewards, and is fearful of His Punishment. Whenever you see such people, they are indeed Ja'fari Shi'as.
Imam al-Sadiq(A.S.): Our Shi'a is the one who takes hold of what he deems good, and gives up what he views evil, reveals beauty and rushes into good deed hopeful of Divine mercy. Such a person is with us, is in line with us wherever we are.
Imam al-Sadiq (A.S.): Our Shi'as are chaste, hardworking, loyal, trustworthy, and austere. They daily perform fifty one rakahs of prayers; they observe prayers at night and fast during daytime; they pay up the Zakah of their property, perform the pilgrimage of Hajj and withdraw from any unlawful action.
Imam al-Sadiq(A.S.): Our shi'as are recognized by various characteristics: Munificence, sacrificing for their brothers, and daily performing fifty rakah of prayers.
Imam al-Sadiq (A.S.): Our followers include three groups: Those who are our friends and express their love to us such people are of us; those who adorn themselves with us, and we make beautiful those who adorn themselves with us; and those who usurp people's property in our name, and whoever usurps people's property in our name will become poor.
Source:
Ahl al-Bayt (A.S.) in the Holy Qur'an and Hadith
By Ayatullah Muhammadi Rayshahri

Reference: ImamReza.net

Ummul Baneen the first Noheh(lamentation poetry) Reciter for the martyrdom of Imam Husain(A.S.)

Ummul Baneen the first Noheh(lamentation poetry) Reciter for the martyrdom of Imam Husain(A.S.)
Hazrat Abbas(A.S.) was the son of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib(A.S.).His mother's name was Fatima Binte Hazam bin Khalid Ibn-e-Rabi'e Ibn-e-Amer Kalbi. She was also known as 'Ummul Baneen'. She belonged to the clan of Banu Kilah, which was one the noblest families amongst the Hashimites and famous for the bravery and valour of its warriors.
According to historical accounts Hadrat Ummul Baneen was born in the year 5 A.H.
Some years after the martyrdom of Fatima Zahra (A.S.), Imam Ali (A.S.) asked his brother Aqil ibn Abi Talib(A.S.) to offer the marriage proposal to a woman from a brave progeny. Being so knowledgeable in this regard, Aqil wooed Fatima Binte Hazam (Ummul Baneen) for Imam(A.S.) and they got married.
One of the bravest of the Holy Prophet's followers Ja'far Tayyar, the brother of Hazrat Ali(A.S.).In the battle of Muta, Ja'far Tayyar carried the Banner of Islam and in that battle he was out-numbered by the enemies and killed.
When the news reached the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) he cried and prayed for Ja'far's soul and the angel Gabriel came down and consoled (the Prophet), saying "Ja'far was a brave and loyal soldier. God has given him everlasting life, and in place of two arms which were cut off in the battle, the Lord has given him a pair of wings".
Hazrat Ali(A.S.), who was sitting near the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) at that time, said, "Please pray to God that I should die fighting for the cause of Islam and become a martyr."
But the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) said, "0 Ali(A.S.), your death has already been decreed. You shall die in the mosque during your prayers, but the Almighty will give you a son who will die in the battle on Ashura day".
From that time Imam Ali(A.S.) eagerly awaited the birth of that son. (This prophecy was made in the year 8 A.H. when Imam Hasan(A.S.) was 5 years old and Imam Husain(A.S.) was 4.)
Imam Ali(A.S.) weds Hadrat Ummul Baneen
The world around the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) witnessed and history has vouched the fact that the gap in the domestic life and the happiness of the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.), created by the demise of Hadrat Khadija(A.S.) doubtlessly proved as irreparable for no other woman fittingly filled it up to give the Apostle of God the happiness at home or the harmony in his domestic life, and it is only about the good Hadrat Umme Salamah that the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) said: Ante ala! Khair,' i.e., Thou art on goodness, which the good Lady proved true by not leaving the house of the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) even after his departure from this world, and remaining as attached to his Ahlul Bayt(A.S.) as she was during his lifetime.
The same was the case with Hadrat Ali(A.S.) the First Imam, the Vicegerent of God on earth, succeeding the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.). After the martyrdom of the Holy Hadrat Fatima Zahra(A.S.), there was none in the world to take her holy place in the house of Imam Ali(A.S.) and the good Lady Ummul-Baneen served Hadrat Ali(A.S.) after Holy Hadrat Fatima Zahra(A.S.) as did Umme Salamah to the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) after the demise of Hadrat Khadija(A.S.).
The Alliance for a Holy Cause
The prophecy from the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) about the impending Zibhe Azeem' or the Great Martyrdom of Husain(A.S.), had gained so much currency and had become a matter of such a conviction and concern to the Ahlul Bayt(A.S.) that after the martyrdom of Holy Hadrat Fatima Zahra(A.S.), Imam A1i(A.S.) called his brother Aqeel who was known for his knowledge about the tribal genealogies and told him to find out a respectable lady of a noble family, known for its bravery, for him to wed for he wanted to have a brave son from her to be his own representative there at Karbala to serve Husain(A.S.) the son of the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) and help him in the calamitous situation against his enemies and lay his life defending Husain(A.S.) on his own behalf, for Hasan(A.S.) and Husain(A.S.) were hailed as the sons of the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) and each one was addressed as Ibne Rasoolullah' (son of the Holy Prophet).
All expressly and particularly stressed when he told Aqeel for the selection of a lady, that he wanted the determined issue from the lady to be the bravest one in the world, to serve Husain(A.S.) at Karbala on his own behalf. Aqeel said: "Marry thou, Ummul-Baneen-e-Kalbi, the daughter of Hazm bin Khalid-e-Kalbi, for braver than her father, there was none in the tribes.
Fatima Binte Hazam was an accomplished and cultured lady, and bore Hazrat Ali's four sons, Abbas, Abdulla, Ja'far and Usman. The meaning of 'Ummul Baneen' is 'Mother of Sons'. All of her sons were martyred along with Imam Husain. After their martyrdom, she requested people not to call her 'Ummul Baneen' ever again.
The day she entered the household of Hazrat Ali, she made it very plain to Imam Hasan(A.S.) and Imam Husain(A.S.) that she considered herself their slave, and she hoped and prayed that they would accept her as one. Her respect and affection for there was soon reciprocated by the two brothers, and even after her children were born, Imam Hasan(A.S.) and Imam Husain(A.S.) occupied a foremost place in her heart.
When Imam Husain(A.S.) was leaving Madinah for Iraq Hadrat Ummul Baneen asked her four sons, Hadrat Abbas(A.S.), Abdulla, Ja'far and Usman to sacrifice their lives in the sacred cause of Imam Husain(A.S.).
On 10th Muharram 61A.H.,the day of martyrdom of Imam Husain(A.S.) and his 72 faithful companions at the battlefield of Karbala when Hadrat Umme Salamah witnessed that the earth in the bottle given to him by the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) has turned into blood she raised the cry of "Ya Husain" Ya Husain" and declared that according Imam Husain(A.S.) has been martyred according to the prophecy foretold to her by the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) about the martyrdom of Imam Husain(A.S.).
Then Ummul Baneen gathered women of Madinah in her house and all cried for the martyrdom of Imam Husain(A.S.).This was the first ever Majlis conducted after the martyrdom of Imam Husain(A.S.).
Ummul Baneen had such sincerity toward the Holy Prophet's progeny that she loved Imam Hussain (A.S.) more than her own children. A feeling which was from the bottom of her heart. It was to the extent that when she received the news stating the martyrdom of her four children, she said: "Tell me about Hussain (A.S.)" and when she received the news of Imam Hussain (A.S.)'s martyrdom she said: "All of the arteries of my heart are torn. May all of my children and what ever that exists under this azure heaven be sacrificed for the sake of Imam Hussain (A.S.).
The first Noheh(lamentation poetry) Reciter for the martyrdom of Imam Husain(A.S.)
After the arrival of Imam Sajjad(A.S.) and Hadrat Zainab(A.S.) in Madinah Hadrat Ummul Baneen used to gather women in her house and used to narrate them how Imam Husain(A.S.) and his companions were martyred by Yazidi forces.
Hadrat Ummul Baneen was a great poet and she is considered as the first Noheh(lamentation poetry) Reciter for the martyrdom of Imam Husain(A.S.).She used to visit regularly the famous Jannat al-Baqi cemetery in Madinah and recite her Noheh in a very sad and pathetic voice that everybody present there used to weep bitterly.
She transformed the Jannat al-Baqi cemetery in Madinah as "the Centre of Azadari of Imam Husain(A.S.)". The Noheh recited by Hadrat Ummul Baneen for the martyrdom of Imam Husian(A.S.) is recorded in history and is considered as masterpiece in Arabic literature.
It is recorded in historical accounts that Hadrat Ummul Baneen died on 13th Jamadi al-Thani 64 A.H. and was buried in the Jannat al-Baqi cemetery in the holy city of Madinah.
Compiled by Dr Hyder Reza Zabeth

Reference: ImamReza.net