Bio of Sayeda Zeinab (a)

The life of the prophetic family flourished with the presence of the two noble grandsons, Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn (peace be upon them). They were like two moons illuminating that blessed household, which Allah decreed to be exalted and where His name is remembered. They captured the heart of their grandfather, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), who enveloped them with love, mercy, and tenderness. He cared for them deeply, showered them with kindness, and imbued them with the noble virtues that radiated from his very being, filling all realms of existence with their fragrance.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) held profound affection for his two grandsons, often saying: “They are my two fragrant flowers from this world.”

Such was his immense love for them that even while delivering a sermon, if Hasan and Husayn approached him wearing red garments, walking and stumbling, he would descend from the pulpit to carry them, placing them in front of him. He then said: “Allah has spoken the truth when He says, ‘And know that your wealth and your children are but a trial.’ I looked at these two children walking and stumbling, and I could not resist interrupting my sermon to lift them.”

He would often tell the Lady of the Women of the Worlds, Fatima (peace be upon her): “Bring my sons to me so I may smell them and embrace them.”

During this blessed period, as the prophetic household basked in the love and care of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), Lady Fatima (peace be upon her) became pregnant. The Prophet eagerly awaited the birth of this child, eager to bless Fatima and her husband, Imam Ali (peace be upon him), with this new addition. This awaited child was:

The Blessed Daughter

Lady Fatima (peace be upon her) gave birth to her blessed daughter, Zaynab, who was unparalleled among women in Islam in faith, honor, purity, chastity, and struggle. Her arrival was celebrated with joy and happiness by the Ahlul Bayt and the companions. Imam Ali (peace be upon him) conducted the religious rites for the newborn: he recited the Adhan in her right ear and the Iqamah in her left.

The first sounds that reached her ears were: “Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha Illa Allah.” These words, the anthem of the Prophets and the essence of great universal values, became imprinted in her heart, shaping her character.

The Prophet’s Tears

When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) learned of this blessed birth, he hastened to visit his daughter Fatima, but he arrived overcome with sorrow. Holding the newborn in his arms, tears streamed down his noble face as he embraced and kissed her. Fatima (peace be upon her), bewildered by her father’s tears, asked: “Why are you crying, father? May Allah never cause your eyes to weep.” He replied in a sorrowful tone: “My beloved Fatima, know that this daughter of mine will endure great tribulations after you and me.”

The Prophet foresaw the devastating trials that would befall his granddaughter—tragedies so severe that they could shake mountains. Naturally, Fatima and Ali shared in the Prophet’s grief. Salman al-Farsi, the close companion of the prophetic family, came to congratulate Imam Ali (peace be upon him) on the birth of his daughter but found him sorrowful, speaking of the calamities that Zaynab would face. Salman joined the Ahlul Bayt in their sorrow and grief.

Her Name

Fatima (peace be upon her) presented her newborn to Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and asked him to name her. Out of respect, Imam Ali deferred, saying: “I would not precede the Messenger of Allah.” When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was consulted, he said: “I would not precede my Lord.” The Archangel Gabriel then descended with the divine instruction to name her “Zaynab,” as this was the name chosen by Allah. Gabriel also informed the Prophet of the hardships that Zaynab would endure, causing the Prophet and the Ahlul Bayt to weep.

Her Titles

Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her) was given numerous titles, reflecting her noble qualities and lofty character:

1. The Noblewoman of the Hashemites: This title signifies her status as an esteemed and noblewoman within her tribe and family.
2. The Learned One: She was renowned for her knowledge and served as a guide for Muslim women in religious matters.
3. The Worshipper of the Family of Ali: She was devoted to acts of worship, never missing a single recommended prayer, even on the tragic night of Ashura.
4. The Complete Woman: She embodied the highest virtues of purity, chastity, and moral excellence in Islam.
5. The Virtuous One: She exemplified unparalleled dedication to the service of Islam and sacrifice in the way of Allah.

Her Year of Birth

Historians differ on the exact year of her birth, with some citing the fifth year of Hijrah in the month of Jumada al-Awwal, while others suggest the sixth or ninth year. However, it is widely accepted that she was born in the fifth year of Hijrah, as earlier dates would contradict historical events related to the timeline of her mother, Lady Fatima (peace be upon her).

Her Upbringing

Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her) was raised in the purest environment—within the household of prophethood and divine revelation. Her mother instilled in her values of modesty, dignity, and the principles of Islam, teaching her the Qur’an and the Prophet’s traditions. She witnessed firsthand the noble interactions within her family and the unmatched reverence between her father, mother, and brothers.

She grew up observing the Prophet’s profound care for the Ahlul Bayt and his victories in establishing Islam, which marked a transformative period in history. She absorbed the teachings and practices of her family, making her a shining example of Islamic virtue and wisdom.

Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her) became a source of inspiration, her eloquence and knowledge a testament to her exceptional upbringing. Her contributions to Islam, through her steadfastness and guidance, cement her legacy as a figure of strength, wisdom, and unwavering faith.