An imposing mosque of the Palace in Damascus chaired by Yazid Ibn Muawiya and his numerous loyal ones, presented the scenario unlikely so that their powerful empire began to crumble soon, after facing the survivors of the battle of Karbala more than 1400 years ago.
But numerous historical stories vividly remember that same environment, where the tide began to turn against Yazid Ibn Muawiya after the eloquent sermon of Bibi Zainab (AS), the younger sister of Imam Hussain (as) in summary, this singular event prevented the powerful Empire of Yazid.
The courage and wisdom of Bibi Zainab to this day remain impressive, after having survived the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his followers in Karbala. Karbala martyrs included two of Bibi Zainab’s children, although their determination to ignore their personal loss was only strengthened in captivity.
When his words began to spread through the Empire of Yazid Ibn Muawiya, the popular mood began to turn adversely against him. Yazid Ibn Muawiya died only three years after the massacre in Karbala, giving way to a reaction directed by Amir Mukhtar al Thaqafi, who attacked the murderers of the Imam Hussain (as) and his followers.
Over time, the popular trend arose in marked contrast to the momentary victory of Yazid Ibn Muawiya after the massacre in Karbala. The Yazid Ibn Muawiya army, according to some historical stories, numbered in the thousands of thousands against the martyred loyal ones of Imam Hussain (AS), which does not add more than 72. They included a six -month -old baby: Hazrat Ali Asghar (As), the youngest son of Imam Hussain (AS).
To further break the determination of Bibi Zainab (AS) and other Karbala survivors, they stayed waiting for three days in ‘Souq and Hamidiya’, a bazaar near the Ummaya mosque, as preparations were made to celebrate the arrival of the prisoners of Karbala.
Public ads were made to present the prisoners as relatives of dissidents, killed in an uprising against the Yazid Ibn Muawiya regime. To increase even more to the misery of the captives, the cut heads of the karbala martyrs led by the Imam Hussain (as) were brought in spear heads from the battlefield, and remained in view of the prisoners.
But even in such an adversity, Bibi Zainab bravely led women and children along with an adult man: Imam Zainul Abideen (as), the only son of Imam Hussain (as), to survive the butcher shop in Karbala, since it was too fragile to go to battle.
The centuries have passed since this terrible experience aimed at the descendants of the prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) shook the same foundations of Islam. The terrible experience of the prophet’s home (PBUH) went from the massacre in Karbala to its imprisonment and travel in inhuman conditions.
However, Bibi Zainab sermon continues to resonate with a powerful effect. Throughout history, his words have repeatedly influenced stories in historical texts, from works of history to poetry. In contrast, Yazid’s empire collapsed and finally disappeared. Today is universally remembered with contempt.
While Muslims around the world remembered ‘Arbaeen’ this week, one day commemorated today in Pakistan (Friday), marking on the 40th after the massacre of the Imam Hussain (as) and his followers, the occasion has once more highlighted the courage of Bibi Zainab (AS).
As the eldest daughter of Hazrat Ali (AS) and Bibi Sayyida Fatima (AS), the daughter of the prophet Muhammad (Pbuh), eloquence and courage were naturally inherited by her. And yet, the confrontation with Yazid Ibn Muawiya amid the fear of instantly murdered, presents a unique example of courage that has repeatedly inspired Muslims around the world. Today, this example is especially value for Muslims who are literally sacrificed in Gaza at the hands of Israel, and by the Indian army in India, Kashmir.
Hajjah Chahnaz to Kbaisi-hazari in his widely read rustic ‘which is Zaynab’ praised Bibi Zainab for taking a position for all humanity in the court of Yazid.
When I quote the text of the Bibi Zainab sermon before Yazid ibn Muawiya, Kbaisi-Hazari appointment to say; “GOD is truly sincere when he said: the end of the evil was terrible, since they had rejected God’s revelations and made fun of them. Oh, Yazid, do you assume that when you limit the roads and horizons of heaven, that we became slaves or captives and, as such, they abandoned it to us?
The author also quotes the sermon of Bibi Zainab (as), and adds: “But wait and keep in mind, have you forgotten what God has said? Unbelievers should not think that our respite is for their good. We only give them time to let them increase their sins.”
As part of the traditional pilgrimage to Karbala at this time of year, pilgrims frequently visit the ‘Tila e Zainabiya’ to present their respects. It is a point of view from where Bibi Zainab observed the last meeting and martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS)
The role of Bibi Zainab in the match in Karbala is often remembered for several days before ‘Arbaeen’, when pilgrims often walk from the holy city of Najaf, the location of the final resting place of Hazrat Ali (as), to Karbala.
The 100 kilometers on foot known as ‘Mishi’ takes the pilgrims through a specially designated roadway, overlooked by tent sites full of needs, from food, tea and soft drinks to bedrooms. The verbal memory of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) and his followers echoes frequently here, along with the memory of the consequences.
In this pilgrim’s trip, the central role of Bibi Zainab to finally overcome the probabilities against Yazid Ibn Muawiya is frequently remembered. Many historians have legitimately concluded that Bibi Zainab (as) remains the fundamental figure to complete his brother’s mission. Today, she is remembered as the savior of Karbala’s legacy.
The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad who writes about political and economic matters. You can contact: [email protected]
Discharge of responsibility: The views expressed in this piece are that of writer and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of PakGazette.TV.
