Faith in Allah has certain requirements and responsibilities that may be difficult and impossible for many to act upon. Example of this would be struggling in the way of Allah (SWT), standing up against the enemies, forgiveness, and sacrificing one’s wealth and life for the sake of Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) has stated in the Holy Quran:
“And (as for) those who believed and fled and struggled hard in Allah’s way, and those who gave shelter and helped, these are the true believers… (1)”
And in a similar context, the Holy Quran has:
“The believers are only those who believe in Allah and His Messenger then they doubt not and struggle hard with their wealth and their lives in the way of Allah; they are the truthful ones (2)”.
That is why Allah (SWT) has elevated the status of warriors and martyrs above all others, as He states in the Holy Quran:
“Those who believe, and have left their homes and striven with their wealth and their lives in Allah’s way are of much greater worth in Allah’s sight (3)”.
And in another verse, it is stated:
“…And Allah shall grant to the strivers above the holders back a mighty reward (4)”.
Jihad (struggle) in this context refers to hard work, effort, sacrifice, and forgiveness in the path of Allah (SWT). This act is possible for all people, each in their own individual manner and special circumstances. It is for this reason that women are exempt from the war which is fought with weapons, and it is not obligatory on them to fight in battles. However, if there are other ways that they can serve their faith, while protecting their modesty, character and health, surely that is a sign of faith and accomplishment.
The great lady of Islam, Lady Zaynab (PBUH), did exactly that. When she was faced with the responsibility of striving in the way of Allah (SWT) and fighting the non-believers, she jeopardized her wealth, life, and family, and left her life. She even took her children with her to Karbala, and was always a kind and faithful companion to her Imam, Imam Hussain (PBUH).
Zaynab’s (PBUH) character clearly reflects upon being raised by a mother who likewise defended her faith with all her might. Lady Fatimah (PBUH), the master of women, would take advantage of all opportunities to express her opposition to the enemies of Allah’s religion and the innovators in religion. Her speeches, reminders, and discussions with Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH&HP) companions all served to warn people about the dangers of overlooking and ignoring Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH&HP) teachings. And when she realized that this method was not working, she chose to express her message and opposition to the then ruling party and its deviations through tears and wails.
Having such a role model as her mother is what gave Lady Zaynab (PBUH) such strength that even when she saw the blood covered bodies of her brothers, nephews, and sons, she remained patient and instead of weakening, complaining, or swearing, like what many other women who face calamities would do, she chose to remain steadfast and use the situation towards spreading her martyred brother’s message. In fact, she used all her power and every opportunity she could to accomplish the holy movement her brother had initiated.
Indeed, Lady Zaynab (PBUH) fulfilled her mission in this manner, and succeeded her sacrifices with pride.
(The above is a selection taken from “Zaynab, Aqilah of Bani Hashim”, by Sayyid Hashim Rasouli Mahallati)
On behalf of Roshd Website, we congratulate you dear friend upon the 5th of Jamadi al-Awwal, the birthday anniversary of the manifestation of modesty, strength, and humbleness, Lady Zaynab (PBUH).
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Footnotes:
1- The Holy Quran (8, 74)
2- The Holy Quran (49:15)
3- The Holy Quran (9:20)
4- The Holy Quran (4:95)