The Morning After Grief
On the 8th of Rabi‘ al-Awwal, the Shia world is immersed in mourning. It is the day when Imam Hasan al-‘Askari (AS), the 11th Imam, was martyred through poison at the hands of the Abbasid regime in Samarra. The hearts of the lovers of Ahlul Bayt ache, as yet another pure descendant of the Prophet (S) is taken unjustly.
But the very next day — the 9th of Rabi‘ al-Awwal — a new chapter opens. What seemed like the darkest night becomes the dawn of hope. This day is celebrated as Eid al-Zahra, a day of joy and renewal, known for two great reasons:
It is the day of relief from the enemies of Ahlul Bayt, historically marking the downfall of their greatest oppressors.
It is the day of the beginning of the Imamah of the awaited saviour, Imam al-Mahdi (AJ).
A Day of Divine Transition
On this day, in 260 AH, after the martyrdom of his father, the 12th Imam, Muhammad ibn Hasan al-Mahdi (AJ), became the Imam of the time. Though he was still a young boy, the world of divine leadership shifted to him.
This makes the 9th of Rabi‘ al-Awwal a turning point in history:
It marks the continuation of the unbroken chain of Imamah, from Imam Ali (AS) to the awaited saviour.
It begins the era of the Imam in Occultation, where the Imam is hidden from sight, but present as the spiritual guide, protector, and proof of Allah on earth.
The Connection to Lady Fatima al-Zahra (SA)
This day is called Eid al-Zahra because, according to narrations, it is a day when the heart of Lady Fatima al-Zahra (SA) — the mother of the Imams — is gladdened. For it is on this day that justice is promised: the downfall of her oppressors is remembered, and the beginning of her son’s (al-Mahdi AJ) Imamah brings hope that the long-awaited justice will one day be fulfilled.
Imam al-Mahdi (AJ), after all, is the final link in her lineage, the one who will rise to avenge the tragedies of Karbala, Kufa, Shaam, and every oppression faced by the family of the Prophet (S).
Lessons from Eid al-Zahra
From Mourning to Hope
– The back-to-back dates teach us balance: we mourn with broken hearts on the 8th, but rise with renewed faith on the 9th. Islam does not leave us in despair; it gives us hope.The Continuity of Guidance
– Imamah did not end with Imam Hasan al-‘Askari (AS). It continued with Imam al-Mahdi (AJ), ensuring that divine guidance is never absent from the earth.The Hidden Imam
– His Ghaybah is not absence; it is a test of faith. He watches over us, prays for us, and waits for the right moment to reappear.A Day of Renewal
– Just as the dawn comes after the night, Eid al-Zahra renews our spirit after sorrow. It reminds us that oppression is temporary, but divine justice is eternal.
A Supplication for the Day
On this day, we turn to the hidden Imam with words of renewal:
O son of Zahra, O awaited saviour,
On this day, we renew our covenant with you.
We testify that you are the Imam of our time,
The living proof of Allah on this earth.
Though our eyes do not see you,
our hearts are guided by your light.
Conclusion: A Day of Light in the Shadows
Eid al-Zahra is not merely a celebration of historical relief. It is the first day of the Imamah of the Awaited Imam (AJ) — a reminder that divine leadership continues, even in hidden form. It is a day that belongs to Lady Fatima (SA), whose lineage finds its perfection in her son’s son, the one who will rise.
So, the 9th of Rabi‘ al-Awwal is a day when sorrow turns into hope, tears turn into anticipation, and mourning hearts are lifted with the promise of justice. It is the day of Imam al-Mahdi (AJ), the day of Eid al-Zahra — a day when the lovers of Ahlul Bayt look to the horizon, waiting for the dawn of justice.
Bismillah
Curse be upon the enemies of AHLUL BAYT!
Ameen 🤲🏽