15th of Rajab Marks Martyrdom Anniversary of Sayyida Zaynab al-Kubra (peace be upon her)

15th of Rajab Marks Martyrdom Anniversary of Sayyida Zaynab al-Kubra (peace be upon her)
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The 15th of Rajab marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of Lady Zaynab al-Kubra (peace be upon her), a towering figure of Islamic history who preserved the message of Ashura through patience, courage, and profound awareness, and played an irreplaceable role in upholding dignity, exposing oppression, and awakening society.

Lady Zaynab al-Kubra (peace be upon her), the daughter of Amir al-Mu’minin Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and Lady Fatima al-Zahra (peace be upon her), is regarded as one of the most distinguished figures in Islamic history. According to authentic narrations, her name was chosen by divine command and bestowed by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family). The name “Zaynab,” meaning “the adornment of her father,” reflects her elevated status, exceptional character, and deep spiritual position within the Prophet’s household.

Her tragic martyrdom anniversary on the 15th of Rajab commemorates the steadfastness of a noble woman whose name and personality remain enduring symbols of commitment to truth and justice in Islamic history.

Following the tragedy of Ashura, Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her) carried the responsibility of safeguarding the message of the uprising. Through resilience and enlightenment, she ensured that the goals of the movement were not lost, and she played a decisive role in exposing tyranny and mobilizing public awareness.

Historical and religious sources describe her as a learned, knowledgeable, and insightful woman. Her illuminating sermons in Kufa and in the court of Yazid, grounded in Qur’anic verses, stand as clear evidence of her profound knowledge, eloquence, and strength of argument.

Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her) is widely recognized as a symbol of beautiful patience and conscious perseverance. Her self-restraint in the harshest circumstances, steadfastness in the face of enemies, and refusal to complain before the people were among her most notable moral qualities. On the day of Ashura, the peak of this patience and faith was manifested when she regarded the martyrdom of her dearest loved ones as nothing but beauty and an offering in the path of God.

After Ashura, her principal mission began. With courage and wisdom, she kept alive the message of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) and prevented the blood of the martyrs from being buried in silence or distortion. Her resolute defense of Imam Sajjad (peace be upon him) and her powerful sermons against the rulers of the time played a crucial role in revealing the true nature of the Umayyad rule.

Through awareness, clarity of vision, and eloquent speech, Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her) awakened a heedless society and shook the foundations of the oppressors’ claimed legitimacy. She was martyred on the 15th of Rajab in the year 62 AH. Her shrine, located near Damascus and known today as Sayyida Zaynab, remains a lasting reminder of the enduring message of patience, awareness, and resistance.