Half of my Heart - Life of Zaynab bt. Ali

As Abû Abd Allâh al\- usayn, son of Alî and Fâ ima and grandson of Mu ammad, moved inexorably towards death on the field of Karbalâ , his sister Zaynab was drawn ever closer to the centre of the family of Mu ammad, the people of the house (ahl al\-bayt). There she would remain for a few historic days, challenging the wickedness of the Islamic leadership, defending the actions of her brother, initiating the commemorative rituals, protecting and nurturing the new Imâm, al\- usayn s son Alî b. al\- usayn b. Alî b. Abî âlib, until he could take his rightful place. This is her story.