Layla, the Lady of Virtue and Piety, Mother of Ali al-Akbar

Layla was a daughter of Abu Murrah b. Urwah b. Masoud al-Thaqafi and Maymounah bt. Abu Sufyan. She was one of outstanding mothers in the early history of Islam who played a key role in raising her son, Ali al-Akbar. Layla belonged to a great dynasty, for her great father Urwah was so sublime in character that some people cast doubt why the Holy Quran had not been revealed unto him. The present paper deals specifically with Layla's character and career, besides her presence in the Karbala episode.