Friday 22nd January 2008 As our bus rolled into the city center, the first sight of the Haram of Bibi Zainab (as) was as majestic and glorified as her endeavor and strength we hear of in history. You could feel the strength of a powerful woman emanate through the walls of her beautified haram in all the dignity that was snatched from the Ahlul Bayt back in 61 AH. Perhaps even more. But at first glance, we could only watch as it was closed for the night – and so we continued to our apartments. Our bus stopped one street across from the apartment building. They needed some work to accommodate the very basic lifestyle we are used to, however, considering the place, reason, and the poverty that was evident all around us, I would think it did not matter much, though hygiene was primarily an important issue. Many of us did not sleep that night.
At about 4 am, I decided to walk to the main gate of the haram, finding it populated with many zawar’s anxiously awaiting the gates to be opened. Finally, at 430 hrs, the bolts opened as blessings were recited on the Family of the Prophet (s). As the main gate opened, the entrance began flooding as everyone rushed to the main building in the center. Next, the main door to the shrine opened, and the first sight of Lady Zainab’s (as) mausoleum was magnificent. Until today, the image of the doors opening as it revealed the glorious shrine remains etched in memory, and one that is drawn again and again whenever salutations are sent to her.
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