ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Al-Abbas Umm-ul-Banin Umm-ul-Banin is the glorious mother of al-’Abbas. Her name was Fatima, daughter of Hizam. Historians have referred to her name among names of eleven mothers each of whom were known for their glory, honor, and good reputation.[^1] Her father too was one of the most celebrated personalities of the Arabs, and was the chief of his people.

Historians have also mentioned many names of this great lady’s ancestors that were well known for their horsemanship, heroism, and courage.[^2] In conclusion, Umm-ul-Banin belonged to one of the most celebrated families in fields of honor, open-handedness, nobility, courage, and bravery.

Marriage When Imam ‘Ali lost his wife Fatima, the daughter of (S), he summoned his brother ‘Aqil who was a well- known genealogist to ask him to search for a lady who being a descendant of heroes would give birth to a courageous, immaculate hero whose mission would be to support his brother al-Husayn (S) in the field of Karbala.[^3] Without hesitation, ‘Aqil advised his brother to propose to Umm-ul-Banin - from the tribe of Kelab because her fathers and people had been the foremost among others in fields of heroism and courage.

Agreeing to his advice, Imam ‘Ali asked his brother ‘Aqil to go to that lady’s father and ask her hand for him. As soon as ‘Aqil mentioned the matter with him, Aamir - Umm-ul-Banin’s father - welcomed and responded to it with pride. Some historians[^4] have confirmed that Imam ‘Ali married Umm-ul-Banin after the death of his first wife Fatima the veracious (a). Others[^5] have recorded that Imam ‘Ali had married Imama, daughter of Zaynab daughter of the Prophet, before Umm-ul-Banin.

Her Situations Lady Umm-ul-Banin took care of al-Hasan and al-Husayn so remarkably well that she had asked her husband not to call her with her name Fatima, so that this name would not remind these two boys of their mother. They, however, felt the extreme kindness and sympathy of this lady who could fill a part of the great loss of their own mother whose demise had left a deep sadness in their minds.

Emotionally, Umm-ul-Banin had great love for al-Hasan and al- Husayn because of their perfection and unique morality. She in fact loved them more than her own children. She also preferred them to her sons in taking care and responsibility. Except for this great lady, history has never seen a fellow wife act so sincerely with her stepsons.