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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Tragedy of al-Zahra’: Doubts and Responses Part 7: Why Did Al-Zahra’ Have To Open The Door? In this Chapter, we will discuss points relevant to the following: Ali’s zeal and manliness prohibit him from letting al-Zahra’ (sa) open the door to the assailants. Ali’s courage prohibits him from letting al-Zahra’ (sa) face the danger as a result of opening the door before the folks. Al-Zahra’ (sa) is ever confined to her chamber; how could she face the men?!

Why did al-Hassan or al-Husayn (as), Fidda, Ali (as) or al-Zubayr, or any of the Hashemites present inside, not open the door instead?! Those seeking shelter inside the house were all armed; so, how could the Commander of the Faithful (as) expose her to danger? Al-Zahra’ (sa) is the trust of the Messenger of Allah S; so, how could the Commander of the Faithful (as) thus expose her to danger?

Beating al-Zahra’ (sa) is a “personal matter” irrelevant to the caliphate, and the Prophet S never told Ali (as) not to defend himself or his family in personal matters. Rather, he told him not to initiate a battle on account of the caliphate which is a public issue related to the entire Islamic reality. How could those present hear what was happening to al-Zahra’ (sa) and yet refrain from going to her rescue? These are the points which we will tackle in this chapter.

On Allah do we rely, and from Him do we derive help and guidance; we plead to Him for all of that. Where were Ali’s Zeal and Manliness? Someone is of the view that if Ali (as) sits inside the house and lets his wife open the door, this contradicts zeal and manliness. Can such a conduct come from Ali (as)?! In answer, we would like to say the following: FIRST: There is no doubt that Ali (as) is the Imam of the zealous, the man of manliness and of rushing to assist others.

So are both al-Hassan and al-Husayn (as); they, like their father, are the Imams of the zealous. Imam al-Husayn (as) transported his women with him, including the wise lady Zainab (sa), to face the trials and tribulations, the hardships and calamities, because Allah, Glory is all His, willed to see them taken captive. They were taken from one country to another.