Layla was the daughter of Abu Murrah 'Urwah Ibn Mas'ud al-Thaqafi.1 Her mother was Maymunah the daughter of Abu Sufyan Ibn Harb Ibn Umayyah. Layla was the wife of Imam al-Husayn ('a) and the mother of his child, 'Ali (the first martyr from the family of Abi Talib in the tragedy at Karballa'), who was known as 'Ali al-Akbar.2 She has been referred to as Umm Layla in some of the books.3

Layla traveled from al-Madinah to Karbala' with her husband and his family After the martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn ('a) and his companions she was taken as a hostage to al-Kufah, Damascus, and al-Madinah along with the household of the Messenger of God (S).

Her Merits

Layla was a great and honorable woman. Even though her ancestor was Abu­Sufyan, she was very pious and a good believer. Moreover, she had the prosperity of being the wife of Imam al-Husayn ('a) and the daughter-in-law of the Prophet (S). Layla accompanied her husband and son on their trip to Karballa', and was present during that heartrending tragedy.4 She was a witness to all of the oppression, afflictions, and the martyrdom of her son and husband.

She was patient throughout all of these pains and sufferings in the way of God and in order to be obedient to her Imam and leader. Layla who was the wife of Imam al-Husayn ('a) and was present in Karbala' must certainly have related the words or deeds of the Imam ('a). However, these were not found in the sources which were studied. 'Allamah Mamqani has listed her among the women transmitters of traditions.5

• 1. 'Urwah Ibn Mas'ud Ibn Mu'attab al-Thaqafi (deceased, 9 A.H.) was one of the famous companions who was a leader in his tribe. When he became Muslim the Prophet (S) gave him permission to return to his tribe, preach Islam, and lead them. [Al-A'lam by al-Zarkali, vol. 4, p. 227]
• 2. Kitab al-Irshad, p. 253; Tarikh al-Tabari, vol. 3, p. 343; al-Kamil fi'l-Tarikh, vol. 3, p. 428.
• 3. Tanqih al-Maqal, vol. 3, p. 74 and 82; Rayahin al-Shari'ah, vol. 3, p. 295.
• 4. Maqtal al-Husayn, vol. 2, p. 30.
• 5. Tanqih al-Maqal, vol. 3, p. 82.