Zaid ibn Ali was a prominent figure in early Islamic history, born in 695 CE. He was the great-grandson of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatimah and son-in-law Ali ibn Abi Talib. Zaid is known for his role as a scholar and a leader in the Zaydi branch of Shia Islam, which emphasizes the importance of the descendants of Ali. In 740 CE, Zaid led a rebellion against the Umayyad Caliphate, advocating for justice and the rights of the oppressed. His uprising was rooted in his belief that the rightful leadership of the Muslim community should belong to the descendants of Ali. Although he was ultimately killed in battle, Zaid's legacy continues to influence Zaydi thought and practice today.