Bibliography of the Book:

• Title: Who is Zaynab?
• Author: Hajjah Chahnaz A. Kbaisi-Hazari
• Publisher: I.M.A.M. (Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya) www.imam-us.org
• Pages: 129
• Language: English
• ISBN: 978-0999787793
• Date Published: Oct 03, 2021
• Printed in the United States of America

Book Structure:

The book is organised into nine chapters, each exploring significant aspects of Lady Zaynab’s life. Chapter 1 sets the stage with an introductory overview of her extraordinary role in Islam. Chapter 2 highlights the foundational support provided by influential women in early Islam, including Lady Khadijah, Lady Fatima, and Lady Zaynab’s lineage. It details her birth, childhood in Imam Ali’s household, and early life in Medina, emphasising her resilience in adversity, dedication to learning, and family life.

Chapter 3 is dedicated to her crucial role in preserving the legacy of the Ahl al-Bayt, opposing the plots of the Umayyads, and maintaining truth under challenging circumstances. In Chapter 4, her journey alongside her brother, Imam Hussain, from Medina to Karbala is described with sensitivity to her steadfast commitment. Chapter 5 delves into Lady Zaynab’s role during the tragic events of Karbala, divided into three parts: the days leading up to Ashura, the day itself, and the immediate aftermath, illustrating her unwavering strength and leadership.

Chapter 6 recounts her resilience as the family was taken captive in Kufah, while Chapter 7 describes their captivity in Damascus, focusing on her role in supporting and protecting her family under harsh conditions. Chapter 8 explores the return journey to Karbala and her solemn visit to the graves of the martyrs. Finally, Chapter 9 concludes with the family’s return to Medina, Lady Zaynab’s final journey to Damascus, her passing, and the enduring significance of her shrine in Damascus as a symbol of courage and faith.

Each chapter reveals the depth of her influence on Islamic history and spirituality, making her a lasting figure of faith and fortitude.

About the Book:

Every year the world witnesses millions of people descend upon Karbala to commemorate the valiant stand of Imam Hussain (p) to protect Islam. It is not a visitation for personal gain, nor is it merely to fulfil a ritual practice that is centuries old. Instead, it is a deep conviction and resolve to reaffirm and uphold what Imam Hussain stood and died for on the plains of Karbala. Yet, the principles which he sacrificed himself, his companions, and his family for had to be kept alive after he departed from this world. Such a task could not have been placed on just any person, rather, that responsibility had to be given to someone who was unbreakably strong, absolutely firm in their conviction, and possessing the knowledge and eloquence to keep the Hussaini legacy alive. This was Zaynab, the granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp), the daughter of Imam Ali (p) and Lady Fatima (p), and the devoted sister of Imam Hussain. Her birth, upbringing, and the events of her life led to what would be her fateful destiny in Karbala, Kufah, and Damascus. She pushed back against tyranny and oppression, resisted corruption of the lofty ideals of Islam, shattered social boundaries, and demonstrated that wisdom, resolve, and forbearance can overcome any adversity. This is Zaynab!

Readers’ Views:

The book has a lot of great details that really touches the reader. You get to know a great person (Zaynab (as)) who had a huge impact on human history.