ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Maqtal al-Husayn Kufa When the daughters of the Commander of the Faithful (‘a) entered Kufa, the city's residents gathered to see them, so Umm Kulthum shouted at them, “O people of Kufa! Do not you have any sense of shame before Allah and His Messenger so you look at the ladies of the Prophet (S)?”[^1] One of Kufa's women came to them and saw their condition for which even a most bitter enemy would feel sorry.

She asked them what captives they were, and she was told: “We are captives belonging to the Progeny of Muhammad (S).”[^2] The people of Kufa kept doling out dates, walnuts and bread to the children, whereupon Umm Kulthum, that is, Zainab al-Kubra, shouted at them that they were prohibited from accepting charity. She threw away what had been given to those children.[^3] O father of Hasan!

She overlooks and in the slumber she delights Now only with her hand can Zainab cover her face O father of Hasan! Are you pleased with your women in captivity, As Banu Harb's women in their chambers veiled with grace? Does your side on the bed find comfort and ease, While your daughters on the camels to Syria are brought? Do you find life pleasing when your wise ladies are uncovered? Whenever they cry, with lashes they are whipped.

To the east they are once taken by the mean gangs, And once towards the land of shame are taken, to the west. None to protect them as they cross every plain, None heeds their complaints when they complain. Their voices were lost and their hearts melted, Their breath by grief is almost snatched away.

Amazed am I about one who thinks of fate And contemplates upon it and wonders alone: A fornicator turns about on his throne, As Husayn on the ground is left unburied, And his head is on a lance openly carried, And with the crown is crowned the son of a whore. For three days did Husayn stay unburied or more.

One's body is to cruel elements left exposed As the other covers his with silk and with gold...[^4] Zainab’s Speech The daughter of the Commander of the Faithful (‘a) explained to people Ibn Ziyad's villainy and meanness in a speech which she delivered to them. She signaled to the large crowd to calm down. They did, standing as if birds were resting on their heads.

Nothing could quieten the commotion nor silence the numerous voices other than the divine dignity and the magnificence of Muhammad (S) that crowned the wise lady who descended from his Progeny (S).