Shafaqna English- What happens when truth stands face-to-face with absolute power? In this powerful lecture delivered at the Islamic Centre of England, Shaykh Dr. Usama Al-Atar reflects on one of the most extraordinary moments following the tragedy of Karbala: Lady Zaynab’s (SA) fearless sermon in the court of Yazid ibn Mu‘awiyah.
After the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) and his companions, Yazid appeared to have achieved victory. The family of the Prophet Muhammad (saww) had been taken captive, brought from Karbala through Kufa and eventually into the court of Yazid in Damascus.
Yet it was there that Lady Zaynab (sa) transformed apparent defeat into a declaration of truth.
Dr. Al-Atar examines the remarkable structure and message of her sermon, explaining how Lady Zaynab (sa) challenged Yazid’s claim to legitimacy, exposed the oppression committed against the family of the Prophet (saww), held Yazid responsible for the killing of Imam Hussain (as), and warned him that worldly power could never extinguish the truth.
The lecture also explores the important theological question of free will and predestination in Islam, discussing how ideas of predestination were used politically during the Umayyad and later Abbasid periods to justify rulers and their actions.
Drawing upon the teachings of the Ahlulbayt (as), Dr. Al-Atar explains the relationship between divine decree, human choice and moral responsibility — and why human beings remain accountable for the choices they freely make.
Key Topics Discussed
Free will and predestination in Islam
The political theology of the Umayyad period
Human choice and moral responsibility
Yazid ibn Mu‘awiyah and the aftermath of Karbala
The captives of Ahlulbayt (as) in Damascus
Lady Zaynab (sa) confronting Yazid
The Qur’anic foundations of Lady Zaynab’s sermon
Why apparent victory does not mean divine approval
Yazid’s treatment of the family of Prophet Muhammad (saww)
Responsibility for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as)
Lady Zaynab’s courage and eloquence
The enduring message of Ashura
Why tyranny cannot silence the voice of truth
One of the central lessons of Lady Zaynab’s sermon is timeless: the temporary success of oppression should never be mistaken for the victory of truth.
A tyrant may possess armies, wealth and political authority, but Lady Zaynab (sa) demonstrated that moral courage rooted in faith can confront even the most intimidating centres of power.
Her words ensured that the message of Imam Hussain (as) would not disappear with the martyrs of Karbala.
Speaker: Shaykh Dr. Usama Al-Atar
Venue: Islamic Centre of England, London
Date: 4 August 2026