ZAIN AL-ABIDIN'S shield was a bit longer for him and reached his knees...

ZAIN AL-ABIDIN'S shield was a bit longer for him and reached his knees, He immediately bent the extra length then broke it out to have the shield fit. The attendants were surprised at his strength and praised his strength. Yet he could not make use of his bravery on the day of the battle. He suffered a fever that threw him in bed.

It was Allah's will that he should be sick at that apex of the fight, hence be was spared martyrdom at that age in order to survive and play his role in keeping the Prophet's progeny safe, despite the tyrants' decision to end all of IMAM HUSAIN'S offspring. It was Allah's will that protected him and kept him alive while all other males were blessed with martyrdom at the battle of KERBALA.

They left a bright record in the Islamic history though their struggle against oppression while their enemies are cursed throughout history. At the end of that tragic event, women and children were chained then taken to KUFA accompanied by IMAM ZAIN AL-ABIDIN. FACING THE INFIDEL IBN ZIAD At the city of KUFA, the infidel IBN ZIAD made a show of arrogance and merry-making. His mercenaries surrounded him, so he could insult the captives as much as he could, using malicious words against them.

No one dared utter a word for fear of his cruelty. When he saw IMAM ZAIN AL-ABIDIN, he said, "Who are you?" The Imam (as) answered, "I am Ali son of AL-HUSAIN". The tyrant said, "Has not Allah killed Ali son of AL-HUSAIN?" The Imam said, "I had a brother called Ali; the people killed him". IBN ZIAD said, "Surely, Allah had killed him". The Imam said, "Allah takes the souls at death". IBN ZIAD was vexed because the Imam refuted his claims.

He shouted, "dare you answer me?' He ordered his mercenaries to kill him, but his Aunt Lady ZAINAB protected him with her arms and said, "By Allah! I will not let him go. Kill me before you kill him. Are not you satisfied with the blood you have shed of my men?" IBN ZIAD could not kill a woman, hence the Imam's life was spared.

FACING THE TYRANT YAZID The captives, members of the prophet's family, were taken to AL-SHAM (Syria) where people were told that those captives were outlaws who stirred sedition, and that it was necessary to punish them. Damascus, at the order of the cursed YAZID, was decorated to celebrate his so-called victory. The captives entered Damascus and were brought to YAZID'S court.