The birth of Hazrat-e Zaynab (SA)
The name of “Zaynab ” is like a “sun” shining in the Islamic history. What we know about her life and her character is not enough and there are still more to know.

Her auspicious birth was on 5th of Jamadi-Ul-Aval, in 5 or 6 A.H. She was the daughter of Hazart-e Ali (Pbuh) and the Islamic honorable lady Hazrat-e Fatemeh Zahra (SA).The Prophet named her "Zaynab" explained that this name was the combination of two words “Zayn” and “ab” which meant father’s adornment, in other words she was like an image of Ali (Pbuh)’s character.

In her fruitful life, she encountered the grievous events such as the death of the Prophet (Pbuh), the martyrdom of her mother, the martyrdom of her honorable father and then the martyrdom
of the 2nd Muslims’ leader, Imam Hassan (Pbuh). These grievous events prepared the ground to be enraged at Yazidians’ oppression.

Her eloquent speeches and admirable behavior on Karbala event showed that this honorable lady had a high rank of being submitted to God’s will, which was one of the most important statues among the favorites of God and the Prophets.

She gave up the prosperous life with her husband and accompanied by her two sons, hastened to help Imam Hossein (Pbuh).

At that place many tragic events had happened to her. The martyrdom of her sons, also the martyrdom of her bother’s children and more important of all, the martyrdom of his brother" Hazrat-e
Imam Hossein (Pbuh)" along with his faithful companions, brought this great lady into a terrible shock. Although having submitted to God’s will, she never conceded oppression and injustice.

In fact, the history of Karbala is based on two strong factors, the Imam Hossein’s and Zaynab’s rising.

In social dimension, besides communicating deeply with people she was active in educating the people, solving their problems and also helping the poor.

As a case in point, while living in Kofa, she taught women the Quran interpretation.

Everyone knew that She was a brave and high- spirited lady and this was clear in her brief, effective and blazing speeches in Ib-ne-ziad and Yazid’s court against them.

The nicknames of Hazrat-e Zeynab (SA)
There have been so many nicknames for Hazrat-e Zeynab (SA). Some of them are more important in the historical documents rather than the other ones. “ Omm-e Kolthum” is one of her most famous nicknames. The reason why she was called Zeynab-e Kobra (Zeynab the major) was the fact that her sister having the same name and nickname. Therefore the nickname of Zeynab distinguished her from her sister. However; in some books like “Ibn-e Shahr Ashoob” and “An explanation on Nahjolbilaqih”, one can find out that it was her sister that was called “ Omm-e Kolthum the major.” “Omm-e Abdollah” and” Omm-ul-hasan” are among her other nicknames.

It is worthy to say that according to the Arabian tradition at that time, the nicknames were determined for one in his /her early childhood.

Her nicknames
Her multidimensional character had led to existence of so many nicknames for her, some of them are explained in the following:

Hazrat-e Zeynab (AS) was called “ Banihashem’s Aqileh “ and “Aqileh Talebin” in which Aqileh means the virtuous lady who is treated dearly among the members of the family and in her progeny. Her other nicknames are: “ Sadiqeh, “Esmat-e Soqra (Esmat, the minor)”, “Mahbubat-ul- Mostafa”, “ Sharikat ul Hosein” “Zahedeh” (the virtuous lady),Aqeleh ( the wise lady), and so on.

Poems:
Oh, I know about Damascus
Where Zeynab's star shines
"Zeynab" glorious daughter of "Ali"
Who has nursed humanity

From Karbala throughout times
To keep Islam alive
Humanity sings peace and joy at once
To everyone who seems still in love

To see the trees of truth bloom
And the world be rid of gloom
If there is one thing the entire universe shares
It is the life of Zainab to read and care

Dreams and hopes will come true
When Zeynab and her goals are understood
Inside us is the warmth of Allah's love
When we think of Zeynab "The patient princess"
That is why the Ahlul-Bait of Rasulallah
Are the light of saviors here and after this life.

_________________________________________

Lady of Faith, Lady of Strength,
They killed your sons, your brother, and your friends
then they came and burned your tents.
Lady of Faith, Lady of Strength,

Oh my courage you did show
Even as those fires did glow.
Lady of Faith, Lady of Strength,
To Yazid's palace were you dragged

With our sick Imam (Imam Sajad) who was bound and gagged.
Lady of Faith, Lady of Strength,
Face to face with Yazid you said
How dare you treat the Ahlul Bait so bad?

Lady of Faith, Lady of Strength,
Your role was clear, there was no choice
To save Islam you used your voice.

That it was you who gave the start to all this
So we can never forget, you went to great lengths
Our Lady of Faith, Our Lady of Strength.

Bibi Zeynab Shrine, Syria

---

Source: IRIB World Service