Woman leader of Karbala

The tragedy of Karbala starkly represents the timeless struggle between good and evil, virtue and wickedness, truth and falsehood, depicted by Hussain ibn Ali (RA) and Yazid ibn Muawiyah, respectively.

Hussain (RA), the righteous leader of the Muslims, refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid, whose rule represented a stark departure from Islamic principles. This refusal set the stage for the tragic death of the pious family of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH); even a child of six months was not spared. The women of the revered family were unveiled, and their tents were set on fire. All was ravaged by the forces of Yazid in a pursuit of vengeance, and the oppressed family of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) sacrificed their lives for truth and justice.

One of the most important aspects of the Karbala tragedy was the crucial role played by women, particularly Bibi Zainab, the granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and sister of Hussain (RA). She upheld courage and truth in the face of adversity. Throughout the journey to Karbala, Bibi Zainab exhibited staunch loyalty and devotion to her brother and his mission. Her steadfastness provided strength and solace to the women and children accompanying the caravan, even as they faced tremendous hardships.

In her overwhelming grief, Bibi Zainab cared for Hussain’s (RA) sick son and daughter, Zainul Abideen and Sakina. They both witnessed the ruthless deaths of their father and six-month-old brother. Despite her bitter sufferings, she stood firm in her faith and mission, reminding everyone of the importance of their sacrifice for the greater good.

Bibi Zainab became a key narrator of the atrocities committed by Yazid’s forces during the tragedy of Karbala. As the surviving members of Imam Hussain’s family were paraded through towns on their way to Damascus, she fearlessly condemned the oppressive regime and exposed the true nature of Yazid’s rule. Her powerful speeches and sermons during this period struck a chord with the people, leading to a groundswell of sympathy and support for the oppressed family of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

In the court of Yazid, her eloquence and courage reached zenith. Though a captive, she confronted Yazid and his court, displaying the righteousness of their cause and exposing the moral bankruptcy of Yazid’s rule. Her words left a lasting impact, even leading some of Yazid’s supporters to question their allegiance to the oppressive regime.

Bibi Zainab’s commitment to justice continued after their release from captivity. She actively participated in religious gatherings and delivered sermons to keep the memory of Karbala and the message of Hussain (RA) alive. Her actions and words continue to inspire millions, serving as a timeless reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice and oppression.

She challenged stereotypes about the role of women in Islam. As a woman, she raised her voice for what was right and opposed oppressive regimes, proving that a woman’s voice is powerful and can be a strong force against tyranny. Her defiant speech in Yazid’s court, delivered while she was heartbroken over her brother’s death, displayed immense strength and conviction. She humiliated Yazid while honouring the Ahl al-Bayt, invoking Quranic verses to make it clear that true victory belongs to those who die in the cause of Allah and those tyrants will ultimately face divine retribution.

Bibi Zainab, through her invocation of Surah Al-Imran, raised a voice against Yazid in front of his supporters, asserting that their perception of victory was mistaken in the court of Allah. Her recitation of the verse that those martyred in the cause of Allah are not truly dead but alive with their Lord, rejoicing in the divine blessings bestowed upon them, conveyed that the Lord is on the side of those who seek truth, justice and righteousness.

Thus, Karbala was about standing in the face of oppression, no matter the cost. Bibi Zainab set the precedent for women of all ages to side with the truth and righteousness, inspiring countless others to stand firm in the face of tyranny.