The Resemblance of Lady Zaynab al-Kubra (p) to Lady Khadijah al-Kubra (p) — Part 4

Some Aspects of Resemblance Between the Two Ladies

3. Companionship, Solace, and Support for the Wali of God

Lady Khadijah al-Kubra (peace be upon her) was the confidante and companion of the Prophet (peace and blessings of God be upon him and his family), and Lady Zaynab al-Kubra (peace be upon her) was likewise the helper and comforter of Imam Husayn (peace be upon him). Lady Khadijah al-Kubra was a source of solace for the Prophet, and Lady Zaynab al-Kubra was a source of relief for the pains of Husayn.

Lady Khadijah took charge of the services to the Prophet; this revered lady, too, bore the burden of serving her brother. Lady Khadijah was a partner and sharer in all hardships and difficulties; this esteemed lady, too, took part with her brother in all calamities and misfortunes.

Evidence from the narrations about Lady Khadijah al-Kubra (peace be upon her):

Lady Khadijah (peace be upon her) was a true and faithful helper in the cause of Islam, and the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) found tranquility beside her.

A'lam al-Wara, p. 53; Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 19, pp. 4–5

Lady Khadijah (peace be upon her) was the first to believe in God and His Messenger, and she affirmed what had been revealed by God, and she supported the Prophet of God (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) in the matter of the mission. Because of this, God, through her, eased hardships for the Messenger of God.

... And whenever the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) returned to her, God, through Lady Khadijah (peace be upon her), removed grief and difficulty from him; for she would make the Prophet steadfast and encouraged, lessen his suffering and hardships, and make the people's harassment and conduct seem easy and bearable to him, until the time she passed from this world; may God's mercy be upon her.

Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 16, pp. 10–11

Evidence from the narrations about Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her):

On the night of Ashura, Imam Sajjad (a) narrates: وعندي عمتي زينب تمرضني ("and with me was my aunt Zaynab, nursing me"); and Lady Zaynab (s) came to Imam Husayn and said:

Alas, what a soul-burning calamity! If only death had taken life from me! Today it is as though my mother Fatimah, my father Ali, and my brother Hasan (peace be upon them) have passed from this world. O successor of those who have passed, and refuge and support of those who remain!

Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 45, pp. 1–3