By Fauzieh Merchant
As the plane took off, my soul soared and I was engulfed by a whirlwind of emotions. I still could not believe that in a few hours I would be at the shrine of one of the most powerful women in the history of Islam.
I was looking forward to the profound experiences that lay ahead, the people I would meet, and the transformative impact it might have on my life.
In the footsteps of Lady Zaynab (A), whose noble family is renowned for helping those in need, we were also planning to spend time supporting the orphans and widows in the war-ravaged country we were visiting.
As I approached the shrine of Lady Zaynab (A), I was overcome with awe and reverence. I stood before the lady, whose legacy is etched into the very foundations of Islam due to her unwavering faith, patience and courage.
In her courtyard, I could not take my eyes off the gleaming dome that rises majestically, like the crown of a victorious queen. It stands as a symbol of success, a testament to the defeat that Lady Zaynab (A) inflicted upon her enemies. Those who dared to challenge her were annihilated – then and now.
Atop her dome, a triumphant palm is raised high, a declaration to the world of her timeless reign of glory. A declaration that she was, she is, and she forever will be victorious. A hand that warns the enemy to halt their advances, for anyone who has tried to destroy her has met with their own destruction.
Standing before her grave, tears welled up as I recalled the unimaginable tragedies she had endured, yet saw “nothing but beauty”. I had come to offer my condolences at Arbaeen and I came as a humble student, eager to acquire the wisdom she imparts.
During the course of this trip, we made many friends and encountered special people, all of whom had embarked on this quest for spiritual enlightenment. Although we came from different parts of the world, our shared purpose united us. Each conversation deepened my understanding of faith and humanity, and I quickly realized that I was among like-minded people.
Our pilgrimage took us to ancient spiritual sites, mosques and tombs, each whispering its own tale of injustice and tragedy. The energy in the air still resonated with the events of the past and we could sense the sobs of Sakina (A) and hear the impassioned sermons of Imam Sajjad (A) and Lady Zaynab (A), as we imagined the plight of the prisoners in the grand Umayyad mosque.
Yet, what set this journey apart, was our work under the banner of Lady Zaynab Helping Hands, who work tirelessly to help orphans and widows in Zaynabia. Many of the women and children who are helped, belong to the families of martyrs who had sacrificed their lives to protect the sacred shrine of Lady Zaynab (A). The bravery of these noble martyrs had ensured the preservation of the holy shrines and defeated the enemies, thus enabling us to visit these holy sites again.
I felt a deep sense of duty to care for the families of those affected by the conflict and I was grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Lady Zaynab Helping Hands group of volunteers.
The highlight of the trip was spending time with the orphans and seeing the smiles on their innocent faces as we distributed gifts, played, hugged and shared moments of laughter. We communicated in the universal language of love, transcending the need for words.
Closing Reflections
My visit to Lady Zaynab’s shrine at Arbaeen and the heartwarming interactions with the remarkable people in Zaynabia have etched unforgettable memories in my heart. I eagerly await the opportunity to return, to pay my respects once more, and to continue extending a helping hand to those in need.
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