Understanding its relevance to the most blessed occasions of “the third-fifth of Shaban” being “the successive birth anniversaries of Imam Husayn (a), Hazrat Abbas (a) and Imam Zain-ul-Abidin (a)”, and since even though the main point of reference is the tragic events of Karbala, there is no mention of the “tradeoff” of another important key personality, who actually became the leader of the caravan of Karbal’s captives, including her nephew, Imam Sajjad (a), that is Hazrat Zainab Kobraa (sa).
Her essential role in being the trustee and available confidant and counselor to all members of the caravan, especially to Imam Husayn (a), throughout their journey from Medina to Naynava Desert, Kufa, Damascus and back to Medina, according to some traditions, via Karbala, then her standing against the insults of the cursed Ibn Ziyad in Kufa and the cursed Yazid in Damascus, all are recorded and well documented in various versions of maqaatel.
Then, upon the return of the caravan to Medina, Hazrat Zainab (sa) and Imam Zain-ul-Abedin (a) for many days walked around their houses that had been destroyed and narrated in detail what had happened to each member of Imam Husayn (a)’s caravan, which became the source of the book of maqaatels.
Then, upon the return of the caravan to Medina, Hazrat Zainab (sa) and Imam Zain-ul-Abedin (a) for many days walked around their houses that had been destroyed and narrated in detail what had happened to each member of Imam Husayn (a)’s caravan, which became the source of the book of maqaatels.
It is prominently accepted by many scholars, like Marhoom ‘Allaamah Iqbal, and even some from different backgrounds and faiths, that Imam Husayn (a)’s standing and sacrifice for truth, freedom and justice, and those of his kin and companions preserved and saved the true teachings of Al-Thaqalain.
By the same token, it was the very powerful determination, resolve and safeguarding by Hazrat Zainab (sa) that made sure Imam Husayn (a)’s message, which he had clearly declared to be the reason for his rising, which was to preserve his grandfather’s divine message and his true Prophetic traditions, the commemoration of which continues to spread throughout the world. And this has been reflected in many books by various scholars, even non Muslims, who have studied the tragedy of Karbala, and the lectures of some of them are available online.
As proud lifetime members, we do not believe that the blessed AWSOM, known as an organization that espouses the authentic teachings of Al-Thaqalain in accordance with the traditions of Ahl-ul-Bait (swsaa), would not want to give even a hint of any false patriarchal impression.
Prayerfully,
Mariam and Ali Asghar Agah