Prepared by M.M. Liqa Abbas Zahir

Introduction
In human history, there are moments unlike any other, moments when the word was transformed into a weapon sharper than the sword, and certainty into an unbreakable front against tyranny. Such was the sermon of Lady Zaynab bint Ali (peace be upon her) in the court of Yazid ibn Muawiyah: a word that emerged from the heart of captivity to become a voice louder than thrones, an eternal echo that exposes injustice and perpetuates truth. This article aims to study the context of the sermon, its eloquence, and its psychological and political impact in that era and beyond. Axis One: The Historical Circumstances of the Sermon

After the killing of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) and his supporters in Karbala in the year 61 AH, Yazid's army took the women and children of the Prophet's family as captives from Kufa to Damascus. There, in Yazid's palace, the heads of the martyrs were displayed on spears, and the captives were gathered before the tyrant, who believed he could break their pride and silence their voices. However, the situation changed when Zainab (peace be upon her) stood up in that assembly to speak the truth, transforming the moment of captivity into a declaration of the eternality of their message. Al-Irshad by Sheikh Al-Mufid, Vol. 2, p. 118

Second Section: The Eloquence and Literary Beauty of the Sermon
Layyah Zaynab's sermon was imbued with the spirit of the Qur'an, filled with awareness, pride, and defiance. She used powerful rhetorical devices:
- The rhetorical question:
"O Yazid, since you have seized upon us the regions of the earth and the horizons of the heavens, and we have become led as captives are led, that we have humiliation before God and you have honor before Him?"
- Direct rebuke and rebuke:

Is it just, O son of the freed slaves, that you drug your free women and take the daughters of the Messenger of God as captives?
- The explicit challenge:
"So plot and strive... For by God, you will never erase our memory nor kill our revelation."

Al-Luhuf ala Qatala al-Tafuf, pp. 185-186

These words were not merely a display of verbal courage, but a historical declaration that her grandfather's religion remained, and that what Yazid had thought of as a victory was only the beginning of his moral collapse.
Third Section: The Impact of the Sermon on the Souls of Those Present and History
These words shook the foundations of Yazid's council, and the silence turned to gloom and confusion. Some historians note that Yazid tried to mitigate their impact by resorting to sarcasm, but the sermon's echo preceded his sarcasm and has remained immortal throughout the centuries. The sermon contributed to exposing the Umayyad project of falsification and awakening popular awareness that the House of Prophethood is invincible and that truth never dies.

Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 45, p. 136

Fourth Theme: The Educational and Moral Implications of Lady Zaynab's Sermon
Lady Zaynab's sermon, peace be upon her, was not merely a protest against Yazid's tyranny or a temporary political statement. Rather, it carried within it lofty educational and moral values ​​that serve as a constitution for generations in the face of adversity and injustice.
Among the most prominent of these implication are:
1. Patience and Steadfastness
The sermon demonstrated a sublime model of patience in the face of the most severe trials. She did not utter a word of weakness despite the enormity of the loss of family and friends. Rather, her words seemed filled with certainty when she said:
"By God, you will not erase our memory nor will you kill our revelation."
To teach the nation that steadfastness to principles is the foundation of dignity.

2. Human Dignity and Pride
At the height of captivity and restrictions, she addressed Yazid from a position of pride, not humiliation: “Is it just, O son of the freed ones, that you release your free women and slave women and take the daughters of the Messenger of God as captives?”
To prove that dignity is not lost through captivity, but rather remains as long as a person believes in their rights and their cause.

3. Invoking Quranic Values
She cited blessed verses in the face of tyranny, demonstrating that the survival of oppressors does not mean their victory:
“And let not those who disbelieve think that Our granting them respite is better for themselves. We only grant them respite that they may increase in sin; and for them is a humiliating punishment.”
This teaches the nation to constantly adhere to the Holy Quran in times of adversity.

4. Bearing Responsibility Morality
She addressed her speech to the entire community, holding the nation responsible for its silence and failure to uphold the truth:

"It is as if, O Yazid, you belittle God's power and exalt yourself..."
To awaken the collective conscience and educate people not to be false witnesses to injustice.

5. Trust in God
Her words exuded trust in God Almighty, emphasizing that true victory is not achieved by thrones.
She taught souls that reliance on God transcends all means of material power.

6. The Courage to Speak the Truth
Neither fear nor captivity prevented her from speaking the truth with complete clarity, setting a model for generations in moral courage.
She instilled in hearts that confronting oppressors is a duty that does not waiver in the face of threat.

Fifth Axis: Psychological and Social Implications of the Sermon

Lady Zaynab's sermon, peace be upon her, was not merely a passing protest against Yazid's tyranny. Rather, it was a voice that touched the depths of souls and stirred the conscience of society. In every phrase, psychological and social implications flashed, depicting the features of dignity, patience, and silent revolution. 1. Summoning Inner Dignity and Breaking the Barrier of Fear
When she said:
"O Yazid, since you have seized the regions of the earth from us... did you think that God would degrade us and you would honor us?"
She was instilling in the souls of the prisoners and those present a deep conviction that the tyrant's authority is an illusion, and that dignity cannot be taken from the hearts of the free.
2. A Psychological Earthquake of the Majesty of Might
Her words confused Yazid, causing him, despite his throne, to hide behind his powerless might:
"So plot your plot, strive hard, and exert your effort, for by God, you will never erase our memory."
In this challenge, there is courage that makes the executioners lose their certainty of victory.
3. Reinforcing Solidarity and Collective Awareness:
When she invoked her noble lineage by saying:
"Is there justice, O son of the freedmen..."
She was not only boasting of her inherited lineage, but reminding the entire nation of its moral covenant with the Prophet's family, uniting them in a bond of loyalty and devotion.

4. Embracing the Wounds of Hearts and Raising the Spirit of Patience
The sermon's impact on the hearts of women and orphans was a balm that eased the pain of apparent defeat, transforming pain into honor and patience that instilled strength:
"I saw nothing but beauty..."
With this great phrase, when asked about Karbala, she taught the entire world a lesson in serenity and submission to God's will.

5. Educating Souls to Transform Pain into Energy for Construction:
Amidst the devastation and tears, her words lifted spirits:
True defeat is the defeat of the soul, not the loss of the homeland or the annihilation of the body.

6. Awakening the Social Conscience:
Her sermon was not kept secret among them, but rather a cry to all people to awaken from their slumber and recognize the realities of tyranny and injustice, stirring within them the chivalry of humanity.

Conclusion:

Thus, a captive woman became an immortal symbol, teaching generations that a word can elevate its speaker above thrones and crowns. Lady Zainab's sermon was not merely a protest; it was a voice louder than thrones, testifying that the glory of faith transcends the power of force, and that history only immortalizes those who stand up for truth when others remain silent.

Sources:
The Holy Quran
1. Sheikh Al-Mufid, Al-Irshad, Vol. 2.
2. Ibn Tawus, Al-Luhuf ala Qatala Al-Tafuf
3. Allamah Al-Majlisi, Bihar Al-Anwar, Vol. 45

(Al-Mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq)