The story begins with the marriage of the faithful commander (Amir al-Muminin) and Hazrat Umm al-Banin and continues until the events of Ashura.
The book also covers the period of martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (AS) and Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (AS).
The Mother of Love, written by Atiya Sadat Salehian and published by Madraseh Publications, begins with a fantastical dream, a vision in the sky of the moon and three stars descending into the lap of young Fatima bint Hisam.
This powerful and symbolic dream sets the stage for a life destined to intertwine with the glorious lineage of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
This book is a moving and novel portrayal of the life of this remarkable woman, known to history as Umm al-Banin, “Mother of Sons,” who became the wife of Imam Ali (AS) and the mother of four brave sons: Abbas, Abdullah, Ja’far, and Uthman, the moon and stars of her dreams.
The author anchors her story firmly in established historical and narrative sources and carefully arranges events chronologically.
But the genius of this book is its perspective. We witness pivotal moments in early Islamic history, from the aftermath of the martyrdom of Lady Fatima Al Zahra (SA) and the events of the Battle of Siffin, to the tragic martyrdom of Imam Hasan Al Mujtaba (AS), through Umm Al Banin’s empathetic lens.
This approach transforms well-known historical facts into a deeply personal and moving journey.
The core theme that radiates from every page is Umm al-Banin’s unique and awe-inspiring dedication (erādāt) to Ahl al-Bayt (AS).
This love that Salehian depicts is not just emotional. It is an essential part of her, woven into her flesh and blood.
From the moment her marriage to Imam Ali (AS) is proposed by his brother Aqeel, her entire existence revolves around her servitude to this holy house.
This story beautifully depicts her as a “butterfly” that flies around Imam Ali (AS) and his children, and her heart is forever restless in their love and service.
An important and fascinating part of the book is naturally dedicated to her sons, especially her eldest son, Hazrat Abul Fazl al-Abbas (AS).
The story traces his growth from a beloved child kissed on the hand and eye by his father Imam Ali (AS) to a legendary symbol of courage, ‘Kamal-e-Bani Hashim’ (Moon of Bani Hashim).
The author skillfully depicts how Umm Al Albanin consciously cultivated this spirit of chivalry and absolute loyalty to Imam Hossain (AS) in his sons, repeatedly reminding Abbas of his duty to stand by his master.
The book contains touching details about his life that are not often told, such as the origin of the title ‘Abul Fazl’ and the story behind the names of his brothers.
The structure of the story employs an omniscient narrator who is primarily limited to the presence of Umm al-Banin.
When she is not physically present during events such as the Battle of Siffin or the Tragedy of Karbala, the author skillfully uses secondary characters (the wives of returning soldiers, or later survivors of Karbala such as Lady Zainab (SA) and Imam Sajjad (AS)) to narrate the heroism and sacrifice of her sons, ensuring that the reader witnesses these crucial moments.
The final chapter is a moving masterpiece of prose that depicts the deep grief of a mother who lost all four of her sons on the Day of Ashura.
However, as a testament to her ultimate priorities, her grief is primarily directed toward her master, Imam Hossein (AS), rather than her biological children.
Her visit to al-Baqi’s cemetery to mourn the Imam and his family gives an impression of love that transcends the self.
The Mother of Love is an important literary success. The simple yet elegant writing style makes it approachable and informative for a wide range of readers, from teenagers to adults.
This book serves as both a moving tribute and an informative historical account, deepening our understanding of the sacrifice of Ahl al-Bayt (AS) and the extraordinary woman who raised the standard bearers of Karbala.
On this anniversary, this book is a fitting reminder of the virtues of patience, dedication and unwavering faith that Hazrat Umm Al Albanin (AS) embodied.
Report by Tohid Mahmoodpour