The child had made it a habit to rise regularly in the small hours of the night and join his mother in her nightly prayers called Tahajjud. He observed that his mother prayed for all Muslim men and women. She remembered them by name and prayer for their prosperity and well being.

O Allah, pardon them their sins and let Your grace embrace them in all their dealings.

On this particular morning, he decided to ask. When the prayers were over, he asked:

Mother, you pray for all every day. Not a word for yourself or any one in the family?

Bibi Fatima, blessings and salutations to her, said: 'O Hasan, remember one thing. Neighbors first and then the house.'

 

Fâtemeh used to cry a lot because of her longing for her father... She cried night and day. She was restless and full of sorrow. Finally, some unthoughtful persons came to see Ali, and began to complain about Fâteme"s incessant crying. They told him that either Fâtemeh should mourn her father by nightfall, and remain silent by morning, or mourn by morning, and remain silent by nightfall.

They said that they couldn"t bear her mourning any longer, and that Ali should find a way to keep her quiet. On hearing this, Fâtemeh got used to take the little hands of her two sons, and go at the end of the" Baghi" graveyard, under a thorny shrub,so as to be able to mourn properly her beloved father and cry at her will. Her wailings were so strong and pitiful, that every caravan that passed from Medina, on hearing these sobbings and wailings, paused a few minutes to think about this strange; unending sorrow...

Finally one day  by nightfall, the enemies uprooted the said shrub, so that Fâtemeh could not even go there anymore. But Ali, put a sort of a tent there by the name of " The House of doom " [ Beytol Ahzân ] for the sake of the Prophet"s daughter, so as to show their enemies, their untamable independence and their infinite freedom of mind, which were the characteristics of the Household of Hazratê Ali Ibn Abi Tâlêb and his wife Fâtemeh.

Fâtemeh, because of her daily mourning and sufferings which she had received from their enemies, was becoming weak and weaker every day. At last she became ill...

 

Ali became the only person that took care of her during her illness. Another person was a woman by the name of Asmâ Bent Omeyss. At last, the news of her physical illness reached the ears of the citizens of Medina.

A multitude of Muslim women came to see her, and to help her recuperate her lost health. But their number was so great, that they couldn"t enter her house; so, many of them remained in the outside. The house of Fâtemeh was so simple and poor, and her personality was so sweet and humble, so great in her magnitude and glory, that everybody grew silent and nobody could utter a word in her presence...

Finally, Fâtemeh in answer to a lady began talking and saying very important things to all of them. While she was talking, she admitted that:" My state of mind is such, that I verily love no more the earthly world, and I despise your men... I tried to examine and test their mentality and their readiness to come to my aid, but the sad result was that I grew very unsatisfied and very upset by their reaction... So, I left them be at their way of thinking. "

 

The reaction of Fâtemeh"s complaint on her ill bed, produced a spiritual awakening on Ansâri women; so much so that it brought out a sort of a rebellion among them. It resulted in the fact that the enemies of Ali were forced to go and to negotiate with him, to silence this rebellion. They found a way: could they come and pay a visit to Fâtemeh?...

But not only their visit to Fâtemeh, did not improve the situation, but it also worsened their case; and made them more hateful and mean and petty in front of the others...

Unfortunately, the health of Fâtemeh went away slowly and each passing day, she grew worse... Finally , in the last day of her very short life, in midday, she went to a deep sleep in her dream, she saw her beloved father who told her that that very same night she would come to meet him at last...

Fâtemeh, woke up and decided to prepare herself for her deathbed; she washed her body, put on a neat dress and then lied down to the direction of the Qiblah. She then put her fragile, innocent hands on her bossom. After that, Fâtemeh told Ali about her beatific vision, and gave him her last directions, and made her testament. She said:

" In the name of God, The most Compassionate, The most Merciful! This is the testament of Fâtemeh, the Prophet’s daughter. I attest that there is no God, but He, and Mohammad is His Messenger. Heaven and Hell exist truly, and the Resurrection will be accomplished, and nobody should doubt this undeniable truth. For God will truly resurrect all who have slept in their grave... O Ali! I am Fâtemeh, daughter of Mohammad.

God has made me your wife, so that not only in this world, but also in the Hereafter, I be your faithful companion, and be always at your side... You were more dignified and worthier than all, to become my husband.

O Ali! After my death, wash my body and envelop me in my shroud in the midst of the night... After some time has elapsed, make a prayer for my sake, and then put me on earth, so that nobody learns of this news, and nobody finds out the whereabouts of my grave! I entrust thee to God, and till the Resurrection, Day, I tell thee my farewell and my good wishes: to thee and to my beloved children..! "

After that, only a few seconds had passed, when Fâtemeh looked at the corner of the room in which she was lying down, and said joyfully:" I salute thee, o Gabriel! I salute thee, o Messenger of God! "

And then, her eyes were shut, and her soul flew up lightly to Heaven...

 

 

 

Only a few days after the burial of the Prophet, the enemies took by force Fadak. Fadak which had been the property that was in possession of Fâtemeh while the Messenge of God was still alive. But soon after the Prophet's decease, suddenly they took Fadak fron the daughter of the Messenger of God, by Abubakr's order, and they also let out all the persons who used to work there...

Unfortunately, despite all the things that Fâtemeh or Hazratê Ali or even the witnesses of this event told and testified everything remained unheeded and unheard by the enemies, and they ignored the testimony of the illustrious daughter of our gracious Prophet...

So one day, Fâtemeh and a group of the immigrant [ Ansâri ] ladies decided to go to the mosque. In the mosque, there was a curtain which divided the space in two parts, so that men were not permitted to look upon the part where the ladies were seated. Fâtemeh approached that curtain to talk and to make the men, hear what she had to say.

Fâtemeh cried out loud, so much so that the whole mosque began to tremble by the deep Sorrow that was surging out, from the bottom of Fâtemeh's heart...

Many people began to cry silently. After a pause, the whole assembly grew quiet, and Fâtemeh began her discourse, first by praising the Lord Almighty.

Everybody was listening intently to what she was going to say. And then she began to utter those unforgettable sentences which have remained to this day, as the most memorable and the most tragic discourse ever made by a Muslim woman…

At the end of her discourse, she began to talk in a way that made everybody think that she was confiding to the glorious soul of her beloved father, and was telling him of all the things that had happened to her and her family, since his departure from this world, and what wrongs she had suffered, and what disrespect she had been forced to face, and what pains and agonies she had endured in silence...

After this, she came back home. Ali was waiting for her. Fâtemeh on seeing his beloved husband, made some complaints about the ungracious behavior of those who had come to power, and told him about her longing to see her father again. She also talked about her concern about Ali’s leadership, and the fact that the people hadn't supported them in any ways...

Hazratê Ali replied to her:" O daughter of the best man in the world! O, thou who art the best reminiscence and reminder of the last Prophet on Earth! Don't be sad... Don't complain, because thy sufferings will not go away... Be certain that all thy enemies owe thee lots of things... I don't remain in the house because of laziness or some weakness of character. But because I have done everything that was possible for me to do.

If thou wishest for a better life, thy sustenance has remained untouched and is at thy disposal, and fortunately thou dost not need thy enemies’ help! Leave them be, and wait until the time when God shall take care of each one of them. "

Fâtemeh said:" All right... I will say no more... I will leave them. May God take care of them in His proper time. I will entrust myself into God's Will. "

 

Jâber Ibn Abdollâh Ansâri I God rest his soul I recounted that:" One day, I heard this story from the daughter of our Prophet. She said:" One day, I was at home when my beloved father came to see me and said:" Greetings to you, o Fâtemeh! " I replied to him:" And to you. O beloved Father! " He said:" I feel somehow weak..."

"Dearest father, I entrust you to God, so that He takes all your weakness

away…"

He asked her:" Would you please bring me my Yemeni mantle and envelop

me in it...?"

Fâtemeh did as she was told, and enveloped her father in it.

She related:" As I was looking at my father’s sweet face, I saw that it glowed

with such a splendid Light that my gaze couldn't endure it after a while... "

Fâtemeh continued and said:" Slightly less than an hour had passed, when

Hassan, my first born, came in to the room and greeted me. I answered him

back and told him: " Greetings to you, my beloved! O, Thou, the apple of my eyes! O, the sunshine of my heart! "

My son Hassan said:" Mother, I smell a sweet fragrance here... Is it that my beloved grandfather has come to see us? "

" Yes, my son! He is envelopped in his mantle [ Abâ ]..."

Hassan went near the abâ, and after a respectful greeting to him, asked permission to join his grandfather under the mantle:" Will you permit me, O beloved grandfather to join you under your abâ...? "

The Messenger of God answered him most tenderly:" And greetings to you my beloved son! O, thou who shall be the Garden of my Fountain in Paradise, on the Day of judgment! Of course you may enter...! "

After another hour, my second born son Hosseyn, entered the room, and in response to his greetings, I said:" Greetings to you, o my beloved little one!

Thou, the sunshine of my eyes! "

He said:" I smell a wonderful fragrance in this room... Is my grandfather

here? "

I answered him:" Yes! He’s under the abâ, and your brother is also with him. "

He approached his grandfather and after his respectful greetings to him, he too asked permission to join them.

My father answered him most lovingly:" And greetings to you, my beloved son! O, thou who shall be the Interceder of my people [ Ummah ] on the Day of judgment! Of course you may join me and your brother! "

Suddenly, Hazratê Ali Ibn Abi Tâlêb [May God's Greetings reach him!] entered the room, and after asking me about my welfare, he announced:" What a beautiful fragrance I smell in here! It's as though my beloved brother and cousin, our venerable Prophet has entered in this room...! "

I answered him back and said:" Yes, you are right indeed. He is with our two sons under the abâ..."

At that moment, Ali went also near the abâ, and after a most respectful greetings to my father, asked permission to enter and join them.

The Prophet answered him back:" Greetings to you, O, my beloved brother!

Thou, who shall be my heir and successor, and who shall keep up the banner of

Islam! Of course you may join us! "

At last, it was Fâtemeh’s turn to ask permission to join her family under the

abâ. The Prophet replied:" Of course you may join us, my beloved daughter! "

When all of them were under the abâ, the Messenger of God took the hem of his abâ in his left hand, and raised his right hand in the sky and declared:

“O God! These, are from my Household, and those I love dearly and tenderly! These are from my own flesh and blood. Whatever that will make them upset, will also upset me, and whatever that shall be a burden to them, shall be my burden too... Whoever wants to challenge or oppose them has challenged or opposed me. And whoever is in peace with them and shows them his friendship, is in peace with me, and shows his friendship to me. Whoever shows them his enmity shows his enmity towards me. And at last, whoever loves them and is devoted to them, is loving me, and is devoted to me. They come from me, and I come from them...

O Merciful God! $end Thy Greetings, Favors, Bounty, Abundance, Grace

and Forgivness to me and to them, and purify them from any unholiness and

wickedness whatsoever! "

At that moment, God announced graciously:" O, Angels of mine! O, You who reside in the Heaven! I did not make the sky, I did not create Earth, I did not create the moon and the sun, I did not let the waters flow, unless for the love of these five persons who are under the abâ...! "

At that moment, the Archangel Gabriel said:" O, God! Wouldst Thou permit me to go on Earth, and be the sixth person under this abâ ? "

God granted His Archangel this wish, and said:" Thou mayest go. "

The Archangel Gabriel came down to Earth and said:" O, Messenger of God!

Greetings to you! thy God Almighty has sent His Greetings to thee. He commands that everybody should respect you, and He says:" I swear by My Magnificence and My Greatness, that I did not make the sky, did not create Earth, I did not create the moon and the sun,  I did not let the waters flow, unless for the love of these five persons who are under the abâ...! "

He then granted me the permission to join you, and be one of you. Now, would you permit me to join you, o Messenger of God? "

The Prophet replied to him:" Greetings to thee, o Gabriel! O, thou who art entrusted with the Divine Revelations! I gladly permit thee to join us..."

The Archangel Gabriel then said:" Merciful God has sent thee a Revelation, and has announced:" God's Will is that all unholiness and all sins be forever out of thy family, and that you become purified and holy and free of all sins! "

At that moment, Ali asked from the Prophet:" O Messenger of God! Does our

presence under this abâ, 'has some special meaning, or some sort of a privilege

in God's Eye? "

The Prophet answered him:" I swear to God, I swear to He, Who chose me as the Prophet, that the news of our gathering under this abâ, shall not remain unnoticed in all the earthly gatherings in which all the people who love us verily and all the Shiites who are devoted to us, are participating. And everybody who listens to this story shall receive a great Reward and Favour from me. Be certain that in these gatherings, there will be many Angels, and they will ceaselessly ask Forgiveness for all the people who are present there, until the end of the gathering. "

Hazratê Ali Ibn Abi Tâlêb said then:" I swear to God Almighty that we have been saved and reached Salvation, and that God's Grace has reached us! I also swear to the God of Ka’ba that all the Shiits in this world and in the Hereafter shall be saved and forgiven! "

Then my beloved father declared:" O Ali! I swear to The Merciful God who chose me rightfully and made me His Messenger, that whenever the news of this gathering is recounted in any worldly gathering held by people who are devoted to our Household, it shall bring blessings and solace to them. And if any Shiite is affected per chance by some misfortune or sorrow, it will be taken away from him whitin the shortest time, and whatever his wishes may be, it shall be fulfilled most rapidly, and God shall free these Shiites from any problem whatsoever! "

Ali replied:" Then I swear to God, that we have been saved and received verily God's Grace! I swear to the God of Ka’ba that all the Shiites will also be saved and shall receive God's Grace! "

I truly hope that this translation has helped many Muslims who cannot read Farsi or Arabic, to have a relatively better knowledge of Hazratê Fâtemeh 's biography, and to have learned of the tribulations and sorrows that this great Lady had to suffer at the hands of her enemies...

I truly hope and wish that it has been accepted from me, as the most humble servant of this sweet, adorable, heavenly Lady among all the ladies who reside in Paradise, as a little token of my love and devotion to her...

May God bless you all, and may Hazratê Fâtemeyeh Zahrâ intercede for you all!

May God help us make the spiritual bond between us and the Household of Hazratêê Mohammê Mostafâ [Peace be upon him and his family!] ever so stronger! Goodbye dearest reader, from wherever you are...

 

 

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of the Messenger of Allah!

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of the possessor of outstanding merit

above all Prophets and messengers and angels !

 

Peace be upon you, Oh Leader of the Women of the Worlds.

Peace be upon you, Oh mother of Hassan and Hussein, the Leaders of the Youth of Paradise!

 

Peace be upon you, Oh most truthful and martyr.

 

Peace be upon you, who was pleased to resign to the will of Allah and Allah was pleased with you.

 

Peace be upon you, Oh possessor of outstanding merit of above others,

and the pure.

 

Peace be upon you, who is holy and guarded herself against sins!

 

Peace be upon you, who is knowledgably and an authority on traditions of the Prophet.

 

Peace be upon you, who was subjected to anger and oppression.

 

Peace be upon you, Oh Fatima, daughter of the Messenger of Allah, and May Allah have mercy on you and bless you.

 

 

On the Day when the oppressed shall bite their hands (in fear); when the oppressors shall be gathered in humiliation and lowliness, remembering their disgraceful and shameful deeds:

Then every one of them shall review his file, which is packed with oppression against his chosen worshippers. On that Day shall every human, whatever color, creed, faith, and his deeds may be shall be gathered... no one will be left behind... even the fetus who was the victim of abortion shall come that Day to present his case...

Then the great personality of Lady Zahra (A.S.) shall become manifest to every soul...

Following are several narrations reported by Ahlul-Bayt (A.S.) regarding Fatima (A.S.) on the Last Day:

1. Hakim reported in Al-Mustadrak v.2, p.153 that Ali (P.B.U.H.) said:

"I heard the Prophet say:

"On the Day of Rising, a caller shall announce from beyond the veil: "O gathered people, lower your eyes so that Fatima, the Daughter of Muhammad, may pass."

This narration has also been reported by:

Ibn Al-Athir in Usd al-Ghaba v.5, p.523;

Ganji Shafiee in Kifayat At-Talib p. 212;

Dhahabi in Mizan al-Etedal v.2, p.18; and by

Hamwini in Yanabi' al-Mawaddah p.104, who added the following to it:

Ali (A.S.) reported that the Prophet said:

"On the Day of Rising, a caller shall call from the sole of the Throne:

"O people of Resurrection, cast your eyes down, so that Fatima Bint Muhammad may pass-while holding Al-Hussain's shirt, which will (still) be saturated with blood.' She will then embrace the leg of the Throne and say:

"O (Allah), You are the Omnipotent and Just; pass the judgment between me and those who killed my son." (The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) added): "Then He shall judge according to my Sunnah, by the Lord of Kaaba, Fatima will then say:

"O Allah! grant me intercedence for everyone who cried for his disaster; Allah will then grant her intercedence for them."

2. Abu Nu'aym in Dala'el al-Nobowwah, Ibn Hajar in al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqah, and others have reported that Abu Ayuoub Ansari said:

"The Messenger of Allah said: A caller shall call from the sole of the Throne: O gathered people, lower your heads and cast your eyes down so that Fatima Bint Muhammad may pass on the Path. ' He added: 'She then passes accompanied by seventy thousand Huri Al-Een, as if they were a flashing light."

3. Many Sunni Scholars have reported that Allah's Messenger stated that Lady Fatima Zahra shall arrive at the gathering place (while) riding Ghadha' or Gusua female camel.

4. Jaber Ibn Abdullah Ansari said:

"I said to Abu Ja'far (Al-Baqir (A.S.)): 'May I be your sacrifice son of Allah's Messenger; narrate to me a hadith in regard to the noble traits of your grandmother Fatima, so that if I report it to your Shiites (followers), they would rejoice at (hearing) it!'

Abu Ja'far (A.S.) said: 'My father told me that my grandfather reported that Allah's Messenger said:

"On the Day of Rising, Minbars of light shall be erected for the prophets and messengers, of which my Minbar shall be the highest among all Minbars on that day. Allah will then say: Deliver a speech,' so I will deliver a speech that none of the prophets or messengers have ever heard. Then for the successors (of prophets) shall be erected Minbars of light, and in the middle of these Minbars one shall be erected for my successor, Ali Ibn Abu Talib, which will be higher than all their Minbars. Allah will then say:

"Ali, deliver a speech.' So he will deliver a speech like no successor has ever heard before. Then for the children of the prophets and messengers shall be erected Minbars of light; among them shall be a Minber of light for my two sons, grandsons and the two flowers of my life (Al-Hassan and Al-Hussain). Then it shall be said to them: "Deliver speeches." So they will deliver two speeches like none of the children of the prophets and messengers have ever heard before!

"A caller-Gabriel-shall then call:

'Where is Fatima Bint Muhammad?'

She (A.S.) will rise..." (Until he said):

'Allah, the blessed and exalted is His Name, shall say:

'O people of the gathering; to whom does honor belong today?'

So Muhammad, Ali, Hassan and Al-Hussain (A.S.) will say:

'To Allah, The one, The Almighty

'Allah the Exalted will say:

"O people of the gathering: lower your heads and

cast your eyes down, for this is Fatima proceeding

towards Paradise.' Gabriel shall then bring her a female

camel from the female camels of Paradise; its sides shall be embellished, its muzzle with fresh pearls, and it shall have a saddle of coral. It shall kneel down in her presence; so she will ride it. Allah will then send 100, 000 angels to accompany her on her right side; and 100, 000 angels to accompany her on her left side; and 100, 000 angels to lift her onto their wings until they bring her to the gate of Paradise. When she is near the gate of Paradise, she will look to her side. Allah will then say:

"Daughter of My beloved, why did you look to your side after I gave the command that you enter my Paradise?"

She will say: "My Lord, I wished that my position would be realized on such a Day!"

Allah will say:

"Daughter of My beloved!

Go back and look for everyone in whose heart was love for you or for any of your progeny; take their hand and lead them into paradise!"

Abu Ja'far (A.S.) said: "By Allah; Jabir, she will pick her Shiites (followers) and those who love her just like a bird picks good seeds from bad seeds. So that when her Shiites are near the gate of Paradise, Allah will inspire their hearts to look to their sides; when they do--- Allah, The Almighty, will say:

My beloved ones, why did you look around when Fatima, the daughter of my beloved one, interceded for you?'

They will answer: 'Our Lord! We hoped that our position would be known on such a day!'

Allah will then say: 'My beloved ones, go back and look for everyone who loved you for your love for Fatima;

Look for everyone who fed you for the love of Fatima;

Look for everyone who clothed you for the love of Fatima;

Look for everyone who gave you a drink for the love of Fatima;

Look for everyone who prevented (Gheeba) backbiting from being done against you for the love of Fatima...

Take their hands and lead them into Paradise... "'

5. Ibn Abbas said: "I heard Amir Al-Mo'mineen, Ali (A.S.) say:

Once the Messenger of Allah entered the house of Fatima and found her in a sad mood. So he said: 'What has made you sad daughter?'

Fatima replied: 'Father, I remembered the gathering (Day), and people standing naked on the Day of Resurrection!'

He said: Daughter, surely it will be a great Day. But Gabriel informed me that Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, said that the first one upon whom the ground shall be split opened is me, then your husband, Ali Ibn Abu Talib (A.S.); then Allah shall send Gabriel accompanied by seventy thousand angels and he will erect on your grave seven domes of light, after which Israfil will bring you three garments of light and stand by your head and say to you:

"O Fatima Bint Muhammad, rise towards your gathering place."

"You (Fatima) shall then rise secure from fear and veiled (in privacy). Israfil will hand you the garments and you will wear them. Rafael will then bring you a female camel of light; its muzzle shall be made of fresh pearls and on it shall be a howdan of gold. You will ride it and Rafael shall lead it by its muzzle while seventy thousand angels holding the banners of glorification accompany you.

When the caravan hurries with you, seventy thousand Huris shall receive you rejoicing at seeing you; while every one of them will be holding a censer of light from which the fragrance of incense is spread without fire. They shall be wearing crowns of jewels embellished with green chrysolites."

6. Bihar v.10, on the authority of Amali (by Saduq) reports that Imam Baqir (A.S.) said:

"I heard Jabir Ibn Abdullah Ansari say: Allah's

Messenger said: "On the Day of Rising, My daughter,

Fatima, shall arrive riding a female camel from among

the camels of Paradise-to her right shall be seventy thousand

angels and to her left shall also be seventy thousand angels; Gabriel will be holding its muzzle and calling with the loudest of voices: 'Cast down your eyes so that Fatima Bint Muhammad may pass!"

"Then shall no prophet, messenger, truthful one, or martyr remain without casting their eyes down until Fatima passes... Then a call shall come from the side of Allah, the Exalted:

My beloved one and the daughter of my beloved one; ask Us and you shall be given (whatever you wish), and intercede, your intercedence shall be accepted. By my Honor and Exaltation, the oppression of no oppressor shall pass My (judgement) today.

She (Fatima) will then say:

"O Allah, My Master;

My progeny, My Shiites (followers), the Shiites of my progeny, those who love me and those who love my progeny."

She will then hear a call from Allah's side, may His Name be exalted:

"Where are Fatima's progeny, her Shiites, those who love her, and those who love her progeny?" They will then come forward, surrounded by angels of mercy, and Fatima will lead them into Paradise."

 

 

The Personality of Hazrat Fatima (SA)

FATIMA (SA), the only daughter of the Prophet of Islam (SAW), was born in Mecca on 20th Jamadi ath Thani, 18 BH. The good and noble lady Hazrat Khadijah (SA) and the Apostle of Allah bestowed all their natural love, care and devotion on their lovable and only child Fatima (SA), who in her turn was extremely fond of her parents.

Fatima (SA) was very intelligent, accomplished and cheerful. She hadinherited the genius and wisdom, determination and will-power, the piety and sanctity, the generosity and benevolence, the devotion and worship of Allah as well as other great qualities like self-sacrifice and hospitality, forbearance and patience, and the knowledge and nobility of disposition from her illustrious father, both in words and deeds. Her generosity and compassion for the poor was such that no destitute or beggar ever returned from her door unattended.  

 As a daughter, she loved her parents so much that she won their love and regard to such an extent that the Prophet (SAW) used to rise whenever she came near him. As a wife, she was deeply devoted to her husband, Ali (AS) and had never asked him for anything in her whole life.     

As a mother, she cared for and brought up the most wonderful children who have left their marks in history that time will not be able to erase.

 

Fatima (SA) is acknowledged as "

Sayyidatu-n-Nisa"i"l-alamin" (the leader of all the women of the world for all times) because the Prophethood of Muhammad (SAW) would not have been everlasting without her. The Prophet (SAW) is the perfect example for men but could not be so for women. For all the Qur"anic verses revealed for women, Fatima (SA) has been the perfect model, who translated every Verse into action. In her lifetime, she was a complete woman, being daughter, wife and mother par excellence. ( M. H. Shakir, "A Brief History of the Fourteen Infallibles", published by World Organization for Islamic Services, Tehran)

 

Fatima (SA), the Manifestation of Kindness and Self-sacrifice

The Tradition (Hadith) related below is said to be responsible for the revelation of the following Qur"anic verses:

         

"...and prefer (them) before themselves, though poverty may afflict them." (59:9)

It is related that: One day a poor, hungry man came to the Prophet (SAW) to ask for some food. The Prophet (SAW) guided him to go to the homes of his wives and get something to eat. All of them had no food in their homes and thus could not offer the poor man anything. He returned to the Prophet (SAW) who then asked his companions, "who is going to invite this guest to his home"? Ali (AS) immediately offered to take the man as his guest and soon they proceeded towards Ali"s (AS) home. On reaching home, Ali (AS) informed his wife Fatima (SA) that they had a guest and also enquired as to what they had at home for food. Fatima (SA) said that they had just enough food to feed the children, but that they would give priority to the poor guest. Ali (AS) then offered to turn off the lamp in the house, asking Fatima (SA) to put the children to bed. Ali (AS) thought of making the home dark so that their guest would not notice that his hosts had very little food and get embarrassed. Ali (AS) accompanied the guest on the dinner mat but the guest did not notice that Ali (AS) had not eaten, since the house was dark.

The night passed by in this manner. The guest ate comfortably and the members of Fatima"s (SA) home slept hungry.

It has been confirmed by numerousexegetes of the Qur"an that the Qur"anic verse mentioned above refers to the incident that demonstrated the kindness and self-sacrifice of Fatima (SA) and her family.

Hazrat Ali (AS) is quoted to have said:

"Once we were sitting with the Prophet (SAW) of Islam when he asked: `What is the best thing for a woman?" No one could answer his question. I approached Fatima (SA) and discussed the issue with her and she immediately claimed to know the answer. According to her, the answer was:

"The best thing for a woman is that she is protected from the sight of strangers such that neither does she have to see them nor do they get to see her."

 

 I returned to the Prophet (SAW) and gave him the answer. He asked at once, "Who taught you this answer?" I told him that the answer had come from Fatima (SA). The Prophet (SAW) was delighted and said:

"Fatima (SA) is my flesh and blood."

Numerous Traditions (Ahadith) have been related regarding the personality, dignity and responsibility of women. One Prophetic Tradition relates that once the Prophet (SAW) asked one of his companions, "When are women closest to Allah?" Again no one could answer this question. Fatima (SA) finally answered, saying: "When they are in their home." According to exegetes, in all probability, this answer refers to a verse from the Qur"an that says:

"And stay in your home and do not display your finery like the displaying of the ignorant of yore..." (33:33)

 It needs to be emphasized here that although in the Qur"an, this verse is addressed directly to the Prophet"s (SAW) wives, but it is also applicable to all Muslim women. In the same Chapter "The Allies", Allah says:

  "O Prophet! Say to your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers that they let down upon them their over-garments that they may be known, and thus they will not be given trouble; and Allah is Forgiving, the Merciful." (33:59)

  The above verse has discussed the philosophy of Hijab (Islamic dress code) for women, as a kind of protection for them from being followed, teased, disrespected and from evil and lustful eyes.

 

Islam considers the protection of the dignity and character of women for their happiness and sincerity. However, here we need to clarify that Islam does not advocate that women should never be allowed to see the light of the day. In fact, when we study the life of Fatima (SA), we find that she was very active in her personal and social life. At the same time, she was so careful in safeguarding her dignity and self-respect that in spite of her activities, she never intermingled with any strangers.

 Not only has the presence of women not been prohibited in the areas of culture, politics, defense, etc. rather wherever necessary they are obliged to participate actively in these areas. For example, whenever the society requires the services of female doctors, nurses, teachers etc., the  women in that society are obliged (wajib) to obtain the necessary skills and qualifications.

The sermons of Fatima (SA) in the Prophet"s Mosque (Medina), her serving alongside Imam Ali (AS) in the Holy Wars (Jihad) and during their migration from Mecca to Medina and also the roles played by her great daughter Zainab (SA) in the Battle of Karbala, followed by her famous speeches in Kufa and Sham - all these reflect on the active and powerful roles played by these great Islamic personalities.

 Hazrat Fatima"s (SA) legacy to all the Muslim women of her ummah is purity of faith and character. Her vision for all Muslim women for all times to come is that they keep themselves chaste and pure like angels, as per Islamic values and ethics. One Prophetic Tradition says:

  "The alms (zakat) of the beauty of a woman is her dignity and chastity."

Thus, if a woman does not guard or protect her beauty and exhibits herself to strangers, neither does she attain salvation, nor does her husband experience peace of mind and spirit.

 It is to be remembered here that Islam regards women like a beautiful and delicate flower that needs to be protected from hardships and dangers. Moreover because only if a woman is well-protected and well-secure, can she offer happiness and peace to her family and home and in this way only would the society be safe, secure and progressive. May Allah guide all Muslim women to Fatima"s (SA) example - Ameen.

 

 

Relationship with Children 2

Paying Attention to the Needs of Children

One of the most important factors for the mental and physical well-being of a child is nutrition and the other is hygiene. Thus providing for these needs of the child, guarantees his physical and psychological well-being for life. Many of the psychological and mental problems that surface in adulthood too, have their roots in unfulfilled childhood need and desires. Moreover, the mutual effects between the body and the spirit should never be taken for granted or neglected. There is no doubt that a sick body distresses the soul, while an unrestful soul causes physical disorders.

 History has recorded that time and again, Hazrat Fatima (SA) would go hungry in order to feed her children. It is said that once, because of scarcity of water, the Muslims of Medina were facing severe problems. Like any other mother, Fatima (SA) was concerned about her sons Hassanand Hussain (AS) and took them to her father, the Prophet (SAW). She expressed her concern to her father saying that she was worried since her children were small and couldn"t bear the thirst. Seeing Fatima distressed, the Prophet (SAW) put his tongue into the mouths of his two grandsons. This immediately soothed Fatima (SA) and relieved her of her concern as well as satiated the extreme thirst of the two children. (Manaqibe Ibn-e Shahr Asheeb, vol. 3, p. 394)

 Fatima (SA) loved her children so deeply andwas so full of compassion that towards the end of her life, she was very worried about her small children. Her main worry was that these children would be deprived of a mother"s love which no one else could probably be able to compensate for. Foreseeing the plight of her motherless children, Fatima (SA) suggested that her  husband Imam Ali (AS) married someone who would take care of her children, after her demise. (Ibid., p. 362)

 

As we all know, Fatima (SA) was deeply-grieved after the demise of her father and it is said that a large part of her pain was because her children were deprived of the love and care of the Prophet (SAW) and their grandfather. Sometimes she would talk to them with a painful heart, saying:

"Where has your grandfather who loved you so dearly gone? The grandfather who showered you with love and affection and carried you on his shoulders. Where has your grandfather who was the kindest to you, gone? He wouldn't even allow you to walk on the ground and would carry you in his arms. Alas, I'll never see you all on his shoulders again!" (Ibid.; Biharul-Anwar, vol. 43, p. 181)

Play & Activity

Although Islam emerged from an ignorant society, lacking in civilized culture, however the Message of the Prophet (SAW) and his Traditions that were forwarded through him and the Infallibles (AS) are suitable for the people of all cultures and civilizations, at any period of time, since Islam deals directly with the common innate nature of man.

 

Play and activity for children had a very special and important place  in the methods of child-upbringing of Fatima (SA). Physical and mental activity and stimulation are so important for the healthy overall growth of a child that even adults should involve themselves wholeheartedly in these activities, in order to enthuse and encourage the child.

 

 During childhood, play is the best way in which a child relates with his environment and leads to the surfacing of the latent aptitudes of the child. At the same time, it has very positive effects on the physicaldevelopment of the child. Keeping these factors in mind, play and activity should never be neglected by parents or by the child.

 It has been recorded that the Prophet (SAW) often involved himself wholeheartedly in play with his grandchildren. This shows that one of the very important tools of good parenting and positive upbringing of children is play and activity. Imam Ali (AS) and Fatima (SA) gave great attention to this childhood need and this was one of the secrets of the health and freshness of theirchildren.

It has also been found that in homes where children do not have an environment where they can play and express themselves, the effects of such an environment are very negative on the children.

Fatima (SA) involved herself actively in play with her children, always attentive and alert to the fact that her words and actions would play a very determining role on the development of the characters and personalities of her children. This teaches us the importance of using healthy language and expressions in dealing with children. Hazrat Fatima (SA) used play as a very important tool in developing the bodies and souls of her children as well as enthused and inspired them into greatness and bravery through these entertaining activities.

It has been recorded that while playing with Imam Hassan (AS), Hazrat Fatima (SA) would swing him, reciting poems like:

   "My Hassan, grow up to be like your father and do away with oppression on the way of the Truth. Worship Allah Who Bestows upon us countless blessings and never befriend oppressors."

While play with Imam Hussain (AS), she would recite:

 "You look just like my father (the Prophet) - you don"t look like your father (Ali)."

 It is said that when Imam Ali (AS) heard these playful poems between Hazrat Fatima and her children, he would smile indulgently.

 Our main purpose in glimpsing into the personal family-life of Fatima (SA) is to learn from her flawless and divinely inspired approaches in her inter-relationships within her immediate family as wellas in society. We can see very clearly through studying her relationship with her father as well as her children that in spite of all the hardships, problems and pains this great family suffered at the hands of the cruel, ignorant people of their times, within of the family, always they shared very warm, affectionate and joyful times.

In the same way that the Prophet (SAW) used to put aside all his pains and concerns while he was with his beloved daughter Hazrat Fatima (SA), Fatima (SA) and Ali (AS) too,always made time to pay due attention to the different needs of their children. All of these very scientific methods played a very major role in bringing up their children as the bravest and most powerful people in human history. It is also important to note the importance of timing in child-upbringing because as we all know, Hazrat Fatima (SA) had a very few years with her children, but these were the most crucial years that shape a child"s personality. She played her role as a mother most perfectly and efficiently, leaving behind for the world a legacy of great and powerful heroes like Hassan (AS) and Hussain (AS) and Hazrat Zainab (SA) who in times to come, shook up the roots of oppression and tyranny.

 Thus far, we have gained invaluable insights into the importance and benefits of healthy inter-family relations through studying the life of Hazrat Fatima (SA) and her role as a daughter and a mother. Continuing on this topic, in our following issue, we shall look into the personality of this great lady and her social relationships - insha"Allah.

 

 

Relationship with Children 1

The Fundamental Role of a Mother in the Well-Being and Prosperity of a Generation:

There is no doubt that to a very large extent, the future of a child depends greatly on the mental and psychological influence that he is exposed to, through people closest to him in his childhood. And naturally since a mother is the closest to a child during his growing years, her role in his upbringing is of the utmost importance. Therefore, we could say that the starting point of the success or failure of an individual"s life is the mother"s lap and the overall environment of his upbringing, of which the mother constitutes the main pillar. The child is therefore like a soft lump of wax which is moulded in the hands of his mother.

 If we carefully examine the emotional and logical approach of Hazrat Fatima (SA) in the upbringing of her great children, we will be able to discover very subtle anddelicate methods used by her in their upbringing. Behavioral psychologists and other experts who have studied these methods closely, have developed faith in the positive effects of the approach adopted by this great lady. This unique success in the upbringing of children has its roots in the profound understanding of the nature of man as has been explained by Islam. Every school of thought has recommended methods of upbringing of children, based on its interpretation and understanding of innate human nature.An unbiased research and analysis easily proves that the definition and explanation that the divine religion of Islam has revealed, regarding the complete innate nature of man (taking in consideration, all his physical, emotional, psychological, material as well as spiritual needs), is the most perfect and objective. Moreover, since the method of child-training and parenting used by Hazrat Fatima (SA) was based in this Divine Source, studying and practically adopting this method could ensure the success and well-being of our children both in this world and in the Hereafter.

 

 

 One of the most critical factors determining the characters of the children of Hazrat Fatima (SA) was genetics. As we all believe, she was an Infallible (Ma"sum) and was thus free from all kinds of sins and moral pollution. The Ziyarat of Imam Hussain (AS) confirms:

"I testify that you (i.e. Imam Hussain) were from a pure seed that was nurtured in a pure womb, free from polytheism and ignorance." ("Ziyarat of Imam Hussain", see Mafatih ul-Jinan).

Imam Hussain had himself emphasized on the purity of Hazrat Fatima (SA), on the Day of Ashura, when he announced:

         

"The virtues of courage, freedom and generosity, I owe to the purity of my mother Hazrat Fatima (SA)."

 

All of us are aware of the importance and the greatness of the Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram), and as a matter of fact, the extraordinary roles that the children of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (SA) played, throughout the historical event were the result of her powerful upbringing and training. In other words, the Karbala phenomenon is one of the best testimonies of the divine nature of her methods of child-rearing.

 

The Methods of Child-Upbringing Adopted by Hazrat Fatima (SA)

Psychologists and child-training experts have always debated regarding the best age to commence child-training, and have not really reached to any substantial conclusion regarding the issue, even today. However, according to Islam, the point that actually starts affecting the soul of the child is the moment a name is chosen for him. And this is the first stage in the moulding of the character of a child. It is because of this very important reason that Islam has laid great emphasis on care and attention in naming of children. Thus, a good name has a very deep and lasting effect on the soul of a child. In this context, Imam Ali (AS) has advised thus in one of his sayings mentioned in the "Nahjul-Balagha ("Peaks of Eloquence"):

 

       

   "...while the right of the child on the father is that he should give him a good name." (Saying No. 409)

 In other words, one of the primary duties of parents, especially the father, is the selection of a worthy name for his child. It is for this very important and scientific reason that Fatima (SA), after consulting her husband, Imam Ali (AS) and her beloved father, Prophet Muhammad (SAW), chose the best and most beautiful names for her children.

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Sacrifice of a goat or sheep (Aqiqah)

Aqiqah (sacrifice of a goat or sheep) and also alms-giving, are highly-recommended acts that have been greatly emphasized in Islamic traditions. It has been recorded that whenever Fatima (SA) would be blessed with a child, she would sacrifice a sheep and would distribute the meat among people. Then on the 7th day of the child"s birth, she would shave his/her head and distribute in charity (alms), the equivalent in silver, of the weight of the shaved-hair of the child. Also she would send gifts to the mid-wife as well as the neighbors such that they too, would share the happy event with her family. ("Bihar ul-Anwar, vol. 43, p. 257)

 

Another custom followed by Fatima (SA) was that as soon as her child would be born, she would recite the `Adhan" in his/her right ear and would recite the `Iqamah" in his/her left ear. This was because she was very well-aware that if the child would be acquainted with the names of Allah, Muhammad (SAW), salat, etc., from the very beginning of his early life, it would have deep and lasting effects on his/her psychological inclinations.

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The Role of Maternal Emotions in Child's Upbringing:

 The soul of a human being is created in such a way that love and compassion are among one of its most basic needs. This is the reason why children who have been deprived of love, care and attention, become prone to various psychological and physical illness, a fact that has been proved scientifically. Research indicates that many crimes committed are rooted in the vacuum created by lack of love and affection in the life of an individual.

Fatima (SA) who had herself grown up saturated with the love and affection of her beloved father (SAW), showered the same love and warmth upon her children.

 

 An incident that has been narrated by one of the close companions of the Prophet named Salman, says:

 "One day, I saw Fatima (SA) who was busy grinding some grain. In the meanwhile, her son Hussain (AS) became impatient and started crying. I offered my help to Fatima (SA), asking her whether she would prefer me to take over the grinding of grain or whether it would help her if I comforted the child. She answered by saying that it would be better for me to take over the grinding, since she would be better at comforting her child" (Bihar ul-Anwar, vol. 43, p. 280).

 

This incident gives us the knowledge of the importance of a mother's soothing presence for a child. It indicates how no one else can soothe and comfort a child, better than his own mother, an important message to mothers in today"s "creche and milk-bottle" culture. She showed us just how important it is for a child to have his mother around when he needs her and how these little moments of attention go a long way in shaping a confident, secure and powerful personality for a human being.

To be continued...

 

The verse of relationship, from the Qur"an, says:

"Say: `No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin. And if anyone earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect there of for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Ready to appreciate (service)."(42: 23)

This verse is a clear command from Allah to His noble Prophet. It is as follows:

(Say) O Muhammad, to your nation: (no reward do I ask of you for this) the message of Islam (except the love of those near of kin) to me. (i.e.) Ahlul-Bayt (PBUH).

It is unanimously agreed upon that the kin mentioned in this verse are Ahlul-Bayt (PBUH). There are many traditions narrated by both Shiite and Sunni Scholars, which not only specify the kin mentioned in this verse, but also state their names. Among the narrations mentioned in this regard by Sunni scholars, are the following:

 

When this verse was revealed, someone said: "Messenger of Allah, who are the kin whose love is obligatory for us?"

 

The Prophet (PBUH) replied:

"Ali,Fatima, and her two children."

This narration has been reported by the following Sunni scholars

1. Ibn Hajar in his al-Sawa"iq al-Muhriqah.

2. al-Thalabi.

3. Al-Suyuti in al-Durr al-Manthur.

4. Abu Nu"aym in Hilyat al-"awliya

5. al-Hamawayni al-Shafi"i in Fara"id al-Samtayn

 

Another narration similar to the one stated above, is reported by Tabari and Ibn Hajar; according to this narration the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) is reported to have said:

"Surely Allah made it incumbent on you to love my kin, and I will ask you about them in the hereafter."

Moreover, the following narrations mentioned on the account of Ahlul-Bayt are a few of the many saying of the Imams (PBUH) in which they recite this verse as proof of the fact that loving them is a religious duty:

A. It is written in al-Sawa"iq al-Muhriqah by Ibn Hajar that Imam Ali (PBUH) said:

"It is stated in the (Quranic chapter) Ha Mim that no one upholds our love save the faithful ones."

He then read:

"Say: `No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin, and if any one earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most ready to appreciate (service). "(42: 23)

 

B. It has also been reported in the same book that Imam Hasan (PBUH) gave a speech in which he said:

"Surely we are among the Ahlul-Bayt whose love and support were made incumbent (upon the faithful) by Allah, the Exalted.

He­-- Glory be to Him, said:

"Say: `No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin, and if arty one earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof. For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most ready to appreciate (service).""(42: 23)

 

C. The fourth Imam, Imam Ali Ibn Hosein (PBUH) replied to the Syrian who said to him while he was a prisoner of the Umayyads inDamascus:

"Praise be to Allah Who killed you..etc. "

 

Then he (PBUH) said: "Haven"t you read the verse:

 

"Say: `No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin, and if any-one earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof; For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most ready to appreciate(service). ""(42: 23)

 

D.Jabir Ibn Abdullah said:

"A Bedouin came to the Prophet (PBUH) and said: "Mohammad, present Islam to me."

"The Prophet replied: `Bear witness that there is no God but Allah, to whom an associate does not exist; and that Muhammad is the slave and Messenger of Allah. "

The Bedouin said: `Do you require any reward from me (for bringing me to Islam)?"

He (PBUH) answered: `No, save loving the nearest of kin."

The Bedouin then asked: `Mine or yours?"

The Prophet (PBUH) said: `My kin."

The Bedouin said: `Let me pay allegiance to you, and may the curse of Allah be on those who do not love you and your kin."

Thus he (PBUH) said: "Amen.""

This narration has been reported by Al-Kinji in Kefayat At-Talib p.31.

Sheikh Amini (may Allah bless his soul) listed forty-five (45) sources in v.3 of Al-Ghadeer which state that the verse was revealed regarding Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Hosein (PBUT). They are: Imam Ahmad, Ibn al-Mundir, Ibn Abu Hatim, Tabari, Ibn Mardawaih, Tha"labi, Abu Abdullah al-Mula, Abu Sheikh Nisaee, Wahidi, Abu Nu"aym, Bagawi, Bazaz, Ibn Maghazili, Hasakani, Muhib al-Deen, Zamakhshari, Ibn Asaker, Abu al-Faraj, Hamueeni, Nishabouri, Ibn Talhe, Razi, Abu al-Saoud, Abu Hayan, Ibn Abu al-Hadeed, Baidhawi, Nasfi, Haithami, Ibn Sabagh, Ganji, Manawi, Qastalani, Zarandi, Khazin, Zargani, Ibn Hajar, Samhoudi, Suyuti, Safuri, Saban, Shab Lanje, Handhrami, and Nabhawi.