Editorial note: At the beginning of Muharram, we put a call out for Shi'a perspectives on the lessons learned from Ashura and this month. We received many wonderful entries and inquiries and are honored to share some of these posts with you.

As a Shi’a Muslim woman, the month of Muharram is one of the holiest months, second only to Ramadan. Each year, Shi’as across the globe commemorate the death of the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (saw), Imam Hussain (as). Imam Hussain (as) was killed in the desert of Karbala (Iraq) on Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram. While the courage and sacrifice of Imam Hussain (as) is revered by Shi’as and Sunnis alike, the central figure of Ashura, to the surprise of many, was actually a woman, Lady Zainab (as).

Lady Zainab (as) was the sister of Imam Hussain (as), daughter of Lady Fatima (as) and Imam Ali (as), and granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad (saw).

Lady Zainab (as) is significant because by today’s definition, she was the epitome of resilience and courage in the face of tyranny and injustice. To put the significance of this in perspective, let’s look at what she did: Lady Zainab (as) was a young woman who fearlessly and unapologetically stood up and spoke against a powerful male tyrant, Yazid, during the seventh century. Hence, not only does Lady Zainab (as) predate contemporary Muslim feminists, the likes of Amina Wadud and Asma Lamrabet; she is a powerful feminist icon that predates many Western feminists.

It is important to keep in mind that Western or “liberal” feminism does not suffice or appeal to the spiritual and God-centered aspirations of many Muslim women. Furthermore, Western feminism is viewed through a lens of suspicion and detestation in most Muslim-majority countries, the principles of which are seen as a paradox that threaten the core values of Islam.

But, it is also vital to be cognizant of the fact that seeking justice and speaking truth to power are two driving forces within Islam. And, nobody embodies these core morals and values more than Lady Zainab (as).

Looking back at the events that transpired in Karbala, the role of women (many of whom were members of the Prophet’s noble household) was crucial. Their presence alongside their male counterparts was the embodiment of resistance to oppression. Imam Hussain (as) had refused to give his allegiance to Yazid, the son of Muawiya. Yazid was a corrupt and illegitimate ruler. Many historians have painted him as a drunkard, womanizer and ruthless tyrant. Hence, Imam Hussain (as) left Mecca for Iraq as a sign of his defiance to the illegitimate regime of Yazid. And the mothers, sisters, daughters and wives of his supporters accompanied him on this perilous journey.

During the battle of Karbala, all the men of Imam Hussain’s (as) caravan were ruthlessly killed one by one by Yazid’s men, including Lady Zainab’s (as) two sons. The women and children were denied water and food in the scorching desert for days. Imam Hussain (as) was left alone and mercilessly killed and beheaded on the day of Ashura. Lady Zainab (as) and all the women were then placed in chains, unveiled and taken on foot as prisoners to Yazid. Yazid stood before the granddaughter of the Prophet of Islam, and arrogantly praised his army’s strength in defeating the Prophet’s family.

Lady Zainab (as) faced Yazid in his court before his subjects and supporters, unwavered, and delivered a defiant sermon exposing the atrocities of Yazid and his army against her family. It was Lady Zainab’s (as) courage in speaking up against this callous tyrant that led to his eventual downfall and demise. She ignited a fire in the hearts of the people, not with a sword, but with her voice.

It was because of her bravery, her unwillingness to stay silent, and her desire for the truth and justice, that almost 1400 years after the battle of Karbala, Ashura is immortalized and remembered by millions around the world. The tragedy of Ashura is not only mourned by Muslims, but also by Christians across the Arab world and by Sikhs and Hindus in South Asia.

Lady Zainab (as) personifies strength, virtue, piety, grace, bravery and loyalty. Most importantly, it was her steadfast faith in Allah (S) and her reliance only on Him in the face of adversity, that distinguished her from so many others. She is a role model for all Muslim women due to her remarkable merits and her praiseworthy character. Had it not been for her, the sacrifice and death of her brother, Imam Hussain (as), on Ashura would not have been known.

Lady Zainab’s (as) resilience and bravery and her willingness to speak truth to power makes her the central figure of Ashura. If Imam Ali (as), her father, was the Lion of Allah (S), then Lady Zainab (as) was the Lioness of Allah (S).