During the caliphate of Mutawakkil ‘Abbasi, a woman claimed that she was Zainab, the daughter of Fatimah Al-Zahra (as).
“Years have passed since the time of Zainab, but you appear to be young,” said Mutawakkil to her.
“The Noble Prophet (S) caressed my head and prayed that every forty years I should become young again!” said the woman.
Mutawakkil called for the elders from the progeny of Abu Talib, ‘Abbas and the Quraish and placed the issue before them. All of them unanimously averred that the woman was lying because Zainab had died in the year 62 ah.
Zainab, the great liar retorted, “They are the ones who lie. I had concealed myself from the people and none knew of my whereabouts until today.”
“You must establish the falsity of her claims by means of proofs,” insisted Mutawakkil to the elders.
“Ask Imam Hadi (as) to prove false her claims,” they advised. Mutawakkil called for the Imam (as) and informed him of the issue.
“She lies, for Zainab had died in such and such year,” said the Imam (as).
“Present your evidence to prove false her claim,” Mutawwakil demanded.
The Imam (as) said, “The flesh of the children of Fatimah (as) is forbidden upon the wild beasts; send her before the lions if she speaks the truth!”
Mutawakkil turned to the woman for an answer.
“In this way, he desires to kill me,” said the woman.
“A number of people from the progeny of Fatimah (as) are present here. You can send whoever you desire (before the wild beasts),” responded the Imam (as).
The narrator states: “The faces of all the sadat present in the gathering turned pale. Some said, “Why does he not go himself instead of referring to others?”
Mutawakkil asked the Imam (as) why he himself was not going before the lions. The Imam (as) instantly agreed to go. Mutawakkil ordered for a ladder, and the Imam (as) entered into the enclosure where the lions were maintained. The wild beasts, in submission and humility, placed their heads on the ground before the Imam (as) and he in turn, caressed their heads. A little later he ordered them to move aside and all of them obeyed!
Mutawakkil’s minister advised him, “Ask Imam Hadi (as) to come out immediately for if the people witness this miracle, all of them would flock to him.”
The ladder was laid again and the Imam (as) climbed out.
“Whoever is of the children of Fatimah (as) should come forward and sit amongst the wild beasts,” proclaimed Imam Hadi (as).
The woman (having witnessed the scene) admitted, “O’ Imam! My claims are false. I am the daughter of a certain destitute, and poverty forced me to resort to this deception.” Mutawakkil ordered his guards to throw the woman to the lions but his mother intervened and interceded for Zainab who was then pardoned.”( Muntahal A’mal, Volume 2, Page 368 )