Hawzah News Agency- Ayatollah Javadi Amoli described Lady Zainab (PBUH) as the “manifestation of perfect humanity,” emphasizing that the essence of human perfection transcends gender. “The reality of man and woman is almost the same,” he stated, adding that the soul is neither male nor female. “Avicenna explicitly said that the soul has no masculinity or femininity. Gender pertains to the body, not the spirit, which is immaterial and free from bodily characteristics.”
He noted that while certain legal and social responsibilities differ due to physical distinctions, the fundamental principles of faith, ethics, and intellect are shared between men and women. “The Qur’an presents both men and women as models of virtue,” he said, citing verses where Lady Mary (PBUH) and Asiya, the wife of Pharaoh, are introduced as exemplary believers for all humankind — not just women.
Ayatollah Javadi Amoli further explained that Lady Zainab (PBUH), known as “Aqilah Bani Hashim” (the Wise Lady of Bani Hashim), attained divine knowledge that was not acquired through human instruction. Citing Imam Zayn al-Abidin’s (PBUH) praise, he said: “You are, by the grace of Allah, a learned woman without being taught, and one of deep understanding without being instructed.”
This divine insight, he continued, enabled her to perceive the inner reality of martyrdom and suffering — a vision that transformed the tragedy of Karbala into a manifestation of divine beauty. “When Ibn Ziyad asked her how she viewed God’s treatment of her brother and family, she replied: ‘I saw nothing but beauty (Ma ra’aytu illa jamila).’”
“Lady Zainab saw beyond the apparent pain of loss,” he said. “She witnessed the heavenly dimension of martyrdom — that the martyr never dies, but attains eternal life. Her spiritual vision allowed her to behold the angels greeting the martyrs with peace.”
Ayatollah Javadi Amoli added that Lady Zainab (PBUH) not only comprehended the secret of martyrdom but also perceived the divine wisdom in captivity. “Her words and patience revealed the majesty of God even in chains. Through her insight, she turned pain into enlightenment and awakened the world.”
He also highlighted the role of modesty and hijab in safeguarding women’s dignity and divine beauty. “Hijab is the ornament, majesty, and dignity of a woman,” he said. “It preserves her sanctity and honor, and ensures that her greatness remains radiant in the light of divine respect.”
Lady Zainab (PBUH), he concluded, stands as a timeless symbol of the perfect human being — a figure who united knowledge and faith, reason and revelation, patience and vision — and through her, the meaning of humanity itself was illuminated.
Source: Message of Grand Ayatollah Abdullah Javadi Amoli to the 20th Annual Conference of the Muslim Congress of America.
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