Fatima Articles

--

Islamic Articles from the ABNA

Ahlul Bayt News Agency – IRAN

www.abna.ir

--

# Hazrat Fatima az-Zahra, Supreme Model of Feminine Virtues

By: Seyyed Ali Shahbaz

ABNA - Date: 2011/04/17

"Hom Fatema, wa Abuha, wa Ba'luha, wa Banuha (It is Fatema, her father, her husband and her sons.)"
The above is an immortal phrase regularly recited by followers of the Prophet's Ahl al-Bayt, especially while reading the famous Hadith al-Kisa or the Tradition of the Cloak.
According to this renowned narration, this phrase is the Almighty's reply to the query of the celestial angels, dazzled by the bright beams of light emanating from Planet Earth when Prophet Muhammad assembled his daughter, son-in-law, and two grandsons under a cloak to pray for Divine confirmation of their spotless purity, so as to serve as an eternal barometer differentiating truth from falsehood.
But why did God chose to identity this immaculate group through Fatema, when her father was the most perfect of all human beings and the Last and Greatest of all Messengers to mankind?
The answer is obvious. Although the angels are addressed here, the reply is to all humanity and creation, till the Day of Judgement. It is to make anyone with a grain of commonsense understand the prime position of the greatest ever role model for women, loftier than the Virgin Mary.
It is also to remove any misconception concerning the following verse of the Holy Qur'an that was revealed in the immediate aftermath of this memorable event (on the eve of the historic Mubahela with the Christians of Najran), since in the distant future some faithless elements might try to deceive simple-minded Muslims by claiming that certain fallible women, connected by the not-so-firm bond of marriage with the Prophet, are included in it: "Allah desires to keep away uncleanness from you Ahl al-Bayt and preserve you pure as purity can be." (33:33)
Moreover, Fatema, the only women in the Infallible Group called the Ahl al-Bayt by the All-Wise Creator, is the link cementing all the four males assembled under the cloak - Father: the Prophet. Husband: Imam Ali. Sons: Imam Hasan and Imam Husain.
No wonder, the following morning when the Prophet, calmly and confidently, entered the field of malediction to the amazement of both the Muslims and the Christians, none of his companions or his wives were with him for the crucial encounter, except for his daughter, son-in-law, and two small grandsons, the Ahl al-Bayt, whom God has decreed as Barometers of Truth. (Holy Qur'an 3:61)
The Christians of Najran, dazzled by the radiance of this select group, especially by the presence of the Pride of the Virgin Mary, Hazrat Fatema az-Zahra (the Radiant), whose veiled figure they saw for the first time of their several-day stay in Medina, acknowledged the truth of Islam and withdrew their challenge to invoke Divine Curse on the liars.
Could there be any other doubt of the pivotal position in Islam of Hazrat Fatema, the Kowthar or the Spring of Perennially Abundant Munificence, mentioned by God in the surah of the same name in the Holy Qur'an?
Certainly not, especially since the last verse of the Surat al-Kowthar after indirectly referring to the perpetuality of the Prophet's progeny through his daughter Fatema, says in explicit words: "Your enemy is without lineal descent."
Today, on the 20th of Jamadi ath-Thani, while celebrating the birth of this blessed personality, whom the Prophet often called Tuffahat al-Firdows (Apple of Paradise), since she was conceived immediately after his Me'raj or Ascension to the highest point in the heavens and back to earth in a small part of the night, and his eating of the fruit of Paradise, we have to admit that mortals cannot enumerate the merits of Seyyedat-nisa al-'alamin min al-awwalin wa'l-akherin (Chief of women of the worlds of all time).
The peerless position of the Baz'at ar-Rasoul (Part of the Prophet), is also clear from her title of Umm Abiha (Mother of her own Father) which she acquired for her care and concern for her widower father after the passing away of her mother, Omm al-Momenin (Mother of all True Believers), Hazrat Khadija.
Yet, despite her lofty merits, Hazrat Fatema used to personally do all household chores. After marriage and a very simple dowry given by her father consisting of basic amenities, the couple shared the blessings of a blissful life, whose fruits were four immaculate children -two sons and two daughters, all of whom continue to serve as models par excellence for the virtuous till this day.
Imam Ali was responsible for all outside work while she took care of household affairs. They made an excellent husband and wife pair. As the supreme symbol of feminine virtues, she displayed the highest ethical traits in marital life in view of the hadith: "jihad al-mar'a husn at-tab'al (a woman's jihad [striving in the way of Allah] is to behave excellently with her husband)."
She also enjoyed very cordial relations with her mother-in-law Fatema bint Asad, the lady who had brought up her father, the future Prophet, as a son and to whose care the Prophet had entrusted Hazrat Fatema after she was orphaned at Hazrat Khadija's death. She never allowed her mother-in-law to trouble herself with household chores and left to her the social relations for keeping the necessary contact with family members and friends.
In 7 AH when the Prophet granted his daughter with the virtuous Abyssinian maid, Fizza, she divided the work equally, by giving rest to the maid a whole day after a day's work, and discharging the duties that day herself.
These are some of the immortal lessons taught to humanity by Hazrat Fatema, whose birthday is celebrated as Mothers' Day and Women's Week in the Islamic Republic of Iran and by followers of the Prophet's Ahl al-Bayt all over the world.

http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=236979
------------------

# Why Hadrat Fatima Was Martyred?

By: Seyyed Ali Shahbaz

ABNA - Date: 2011/04/17

“For Allah’s Book is still amongst you, its affairs are apparent, its rules are manifest, its signs are dazzling, its restrictions are visible and its commands are evident. Yet indeed you have cast it behind your backs. What! Do you detest it? Or according to something else you wish to rule? Evil would be the exchange for the wrongdoers! And if anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to God alone), it never will be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost.”
Today we mourn the person who pronounced these words to a gathering that had obviously deviated from the laws of God no sooner had the Prophet left the mortal world. The person happened to be a lady but so vast was her wisdom and so eloquent was her tongue that no man from among the assembly of ‘democrats’ whom she was addressing dared to lift up their heads and provide any justification as to what prompted them to tamper with religion by selecting one of them to be the political leader despite the fact that it is God who decrees leadership in Islam.
She was not bitter. Neither was frustrated with life despite the agony she was experiencing for defence of humanitarian values. She was just exercising her right and her responsibility as the daughter of the Almighty’s Last Messenger to mankind, not just to admonish the unrepentant usurpers of the rights of her husband and the deniers of her inheritance, but also to teach a lasting lesson to all humanity on discerning right from wrong.
She was none other than Fatema, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad regarding whom the father had said: “Whoever hurts Fatema, has hurt me and whoever hurts me has in fact hurt Allah.”
What an irony! Persons posing as Muslims and styling themselves as successors of the Prophet had dared to displease Allah in their greed for seizing what did not belong to them. They had even snatched away from her the Orchard of Fadak on the unconvincing assumption that Prophet’s don’t leave inheritance, in spite of the evident facts that the Prophet had bequeathed it to his daughter in his lifetime and she was spending its income for the poor and deprived sections of the society.
She refuted them by quoting passages from the Holy Qur’an on how Prophet Solomon inherited the kingdom of his father Prophet David, and how the legacy of Prophet Zechariah was passed onto his son John the Baptist. They were stupefied and had no answer. They had no valid argument either except for some vague references to the pre-Islamic days of the Period of Ignorance when she accosted them on the question of caliphate that by God’s command on the Day of Ghadeer was entrusted to her husband, Imam Ali. She told them that the bounties of God and prosperity in mankind would only descend on earth in case of the Leadership of the Virtuous and not manipulation of power by the unprincipled and the immoral.
Fatema delivered her message. Her lengthy sermon that has actually been hailed as a manifesto of Islamic tenets with its reference to monotheism, its emphasis on the fundamental principle of divine justice, its focus on enlightening mission of Prophethood, its stressing of imamate or leadership of the chosen of God, its outlining of the social duties, and its reminding of the Day of Resurrection, are outside the scope of this brief newspaper column. Interested readers could refer to authoritative books for her sermon which ended with the words:
“Surely, I have said all that I have said with full knowledge that you intent to forsake me…Take it (the caliphate), you have put it on the back of an ill-she camel that has a thin hump marked with the wrath of Allah,”
She was not destined to live much longer. Barely 75 days (and 95 days according to another account), the lady at whose door the Prophet used to salute and through whom he defined the lofty concept of women’s rights in Islam, left the world a martyr. She was the victim of the violation of God’s commandments by a group of power-hungry persons who dared to set fire to her doorstep, flung the door in her face that resulted in miscarriage for her, and whipped her hand when in that acute state of pain she clung to the garments of her husband who was being dragged by the mob for the forced swearing of allegiance to the coup leaders of Medina.
http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=236972
-----------------

# Fatima: The Perfect Ideal for Women of All Times

By: S. Masrat Musavi

Hazrat Fatima-Zahra was born on 20th Jamadi al-Thani[1], five years after the first revelation to the Noble Prophet Muhammad. She died at the age of eighteen.
Her mother Hazrat Khadija was the first and most respected wife of the Prophet who did not marry any other woman during her lifetime.
Hazrat Fatima was brought up under the fostering care of her father, the greatest teacher and benefactor of mankind. Unlike other children she possessed a sober temperament. Her weak constitution and frail health kept her away from the children’s get-together and games. Her father’s teachings, guidance and inspiration, developed her into an extremely cultured, amiable, sympathetic and enlightened lady.
Fatima greatly resembled her father in countenance and saintly habits. She was his most beloved daughter and had been immensely devoted to him after her mother’s death, and in a way, to a great extent, made up for the loss of her mother.
The Prophet, on several occasions, gave expression to his extreme fraternal love for Fatima. Once he said: “O Fatima! Allah will not like a person who displeases you and will be pleased with a person who wins your favor.”
On another occasion, the Prophet is reported to have said: “Fatima is my child. One who distresses her, distresses me and one who comforts her comforts me.”
Aishah, who was one of the wives of the Prophet, once said: “I have never come across a greater personality than that of Fatima, except that of her father, the Prophet of Islam.” Further, she added: “Fatima was the one whom the Prophet loved the most. She was dearest to him.”
Fatima was hardly 10 years old at the time of her marriage with Imam Ali[2]. All that she got in her dowry from her illustrious father was a leather water-carrier, an earthen pitcher, a mat and a corn grinding-stone. Addressing his daughter, the Prophet said: “My daughter, I have married you to a person who has stronger faith and is more learned than others and one who is distinguished for his morality and virtues.”
Fatima married-life was smooth and simple. Indefatigable and persevering as he was, Ali labored hard all day long to earn his livelihood while his industrious, frugal and devoted wife labored at home, performing her household duties, which included grinding of corn and carrying water from the well. This ideal couple was known for their piety and generosity. They never turned away a beggar from their door without giving him whatever they could. At times, they gave away their entire food to a beggar and they themselves remained hungry. The Prophet’s beloved daughter was blessed with five children – three sons, Hassan, Hussain, Mohsen and two daughters, Zainab and Umm Kulsoom. Hassan was born in the 3rd and Hussain in the 4th year of Hejira[3]. Both Hassan and Hussain were favorites of the Prophet who often carried them on his shoulders. They even sat on his back during his prostration in prayer. These two sons of Fatima and her daughter Zainab later played a significant and memorable role in the history of Islam.
The Prophet fell seriously ill soon after his return from the farewell pilgrimage. Fatima stayed at his bedside. He whispered something, which made her smile. After his death in 11 A.H., she related the incident to Aishah, saying that when her father told her that he was going to die, it made her weep, but when he told her that she would be the first person to join him in the next world, it made her happy. She could not survive after the Prophet for long. She passed away during the same year, 95 days after her father’s death. At the time of her death, she was only 18 years old.
As per her will, Fatima was laid to rest by her aggrieved husband and small children in the dead of night, because the lady was displeased with those who had offended her and did not want any of them to be present at her funeral.
Even the spot where she was buried was kept secret by her family, and today no one knows for sure where actually the only surviving child of the Almighty’s greatest Prophet rests in peace. Some say that she was laid to rest in the Baqi’ Cemetery, while others say, she was buried besides her father, and still others claim that the blessed spot was her own home.
Speaking of her home, the household, which Allah has exalted, it is said that the Umayyah tyrants forcibly took it from her grandson, pulled it down and added it to the Prophet’s Mosque. But, did they succeed in obliterating its sanctity or the memory of Fatima? No, they could not. Allah’s promise is true no matter what the devious may desire. Without doubt, the Prophet had Fatima in mind when he had expressed those famous words: “Between my grave and my pulpit is a flower-bed of the Garden of Paradise.”
Almighty Allah bestowed Hazrat Fatima-Zahra with a vast greatness and a high level of majesty, which no other woman can ever claim to have reached. She is the greatest lady in humanity, who as mankind advances in understanding and realization of facts, the greatness of her noble personality will become more apparent and the deep meanings and characteristics of her noble actions will be more appreciated. She is the perfect example of how a daughter, a wife and a mother should act. She also shows us the Muslim women’s role in the social field within the limits of religion and virtue. Her noble life confirms that Islam does not deprive women of acquiring scientific, cultural and literary knowledge.

http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=236970
-------------------

# Fatima: the Mother of Her Father

By: Mansour Leghaei

Abu-Faraj al-Isfahani in his Isnad narrated from Imam Sadiq from his father: “Verily, Fatima was surnamed ‘Omme Abiha’.”
[Beharul-Anwaar, vol43 p.19 from Maqatelu-Talebin]
‘Omme Abiha’ or ‘the mother of her father’ is one of the best known titles of the Lady Fatima (peace be upon her). This title sounds quite peculiar for many people specially those who are less familiar with the Arabic language. This lecture is a humble interpretation of the abovementioned Hadith. I shall by the Will of Allah suggest 10 reasons because of which she enjoyed this unique title.
Fatima was the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w), the wife of Imam Ali, the mother of the only two Masters of the Youth of Paradise- Imam Hasan and Imam Husain- and the mother of the 11 infallible Imams (peace be upon them all). She is the elite of the elite women of the past, present and future. She was an infallible martyr and a human huri. She was the crystallization of piety, chastity and real devotee of the Almighty Allah. Her virtues are so numerous that the Messenger of Allah said about her: “If beauty were a person it would be Fatima, Nay! She is greater. Indeed Fatima is my daughter and the best of the people of the earth in her origin, dignity and honour.” [Fara’edoh-Samtayn vol.2 p.68]
Fatima had a short life in this world and as her husband Imam Ali has described, “She joined her father very soon.” Yet, her life was so rich with abundant blessings so much so that she became al-Kauthar and the fountain of the Prophetic blessings.

CHILDHOOD

Fatima was born during the Prophetic mission and when the Prophet of Islam had reached his perfection. She was the only child of the house of Prophet Mohammad and Sayyeda Khadija. Her conception was heavenly blessed with the paradisiacal fruit gifted to her father at the time of his ascension. She was brought up in a house wherein revelation and the words of God were constant. She witnessed the descending and ascending of the angels. Her physical growth accomplished with her mental and spiritual growth and hence she became an infallible lady who enjoyed the sublime virtues of her father, the holy Prophet of Islam.

AFTER THE DEMISE OF HER MOTHER

Lady Khadija died 10 years after the Prophet of Islam declared his mission and left her five year old daughter an orphan. The richest lady of Quraiysh at the time of her death could not even afford a simple shroud for her burial and hence she requested her daughter to ask her father to shroud her with his own cloak after her death. Fatima was since the only memory of Khadija for the Prophet of Islam. After the painful death of her mother the young Fatima dedicated herself to her father, the Messenger of God. During the hardship of Makka she was not only a supportive daughter but a comrade. After her marriage with Imam Ali in Medina, initially her house was quite a distance from the mosque which would make the traveling to the Prophet quite difficult. Thus, the Prophet made an arrangement that the young couple live in the house of Haritha bin No’man whose house was near the house of the Prophet. [ibn Sa’ad, al Tabaqaat vol 8 p14]

THE FEMALE COMRADE OF THE PROPHET

Fatima was not the type of girl who sat at home weaving or sewing with no social responsibility. Her exalted spirit had made her from the very early stages of her life, endeavor for the spread of Islam with her father.
• Once, the Prophet of Islam was inviting people to Islam inside the Masjidul Haraam. Abu Jahl made some of his puppets pour rubbish onto the Prophet. Fatima; the female comrade of the Prophet immediately ran towards her father and with her small hands cleaned the head and the shoulders of the Prophet of Islam.
Many a time the infidels of Quraiysh stoned the Messenger of God and the young Fatima was sometimes shielding her father with her own body.
• Her care and compassion towards the Messenger of God was so motherly and passionate. Every time the Messenger of God came home Fatima was dusting the hair and face of the Prophet . it was due to all this compassionate conduct of Fatima that the Messenger of God had such tremendous love for her.
• The role of Fatima in her support and the spread of Islam was so vital that according to Imam Ali she was considered the second pillar of the Islam. After the martyrdom of Fatima Zahra Imam Ali stated, “The messenger of God was the first column of Islam and Fatima was the second and the Islamic Ommah today has lost its second column too.

FATIMA DURING THE ISLAMIC BATTLES

Fatima was a woman and as such jihad was not obligatory on her. Nonetheless, she was an active participant and a supporter of the Muslim warriors along with her father and husband. During the battles, Fatima had the responsibility of nursing the wounded soldiers and repairing their artillery. When the rumor about the martyrdom of the Messenger of God was spread in Medina during the battle of Ohud, Fatima mobilized some of the ladies of Medina to the battlefield. When she saw her father’s teeth broken and bleeding she was in tears and hugged the Messenger of God. The shia and Sunni historians have narrated that during the severe time of the battle of Ohud whereat blood was flowing from the head and the face of the Prophet, the companions had tried to stop the bleeding of the wounds, to no avail. It was Fatima who then immediately burnt a straw mat and poured its ashes onto the wounds and stopped the blood from flowing. [Safinatul Behar vol.1 p140, Sahihul Bukhari vol.4 p.72]

ADDRESSING HER FATHER

After the battle of Ohud, an ayah was revealed to the Messenger of God to discipline his companions. It was customary for Arabs to call each other with their names without any title and as such they would only call the Prophet of Islam with his first name, Mohammad, the Messenger of God as also too humble to request them to address him otherwise. It was under these circumstances that the Almighty God revealed, “Make not the calling of the Messenger among you as you are calling one of another.” 24:63
Upon the revelation of the Ayah, Muslims were commanded to address the Prophet with the title of Messenger of God.
Lady Fatima narrated, “After the revelation of the Ayah, I wondered whether I could still address my father as ‘father’ and thus I called him ‘O Messenger of God’. Upon hearing that my father immediately replied, “My dear Fatima. That rule was not for you, you call me O father for indeed this is more reviving for my heart and more pleasing your Lord.”[Ibn al-Maghazeli, al Manaqeb p367]
Thus Fatima was the only exception of the above Ayah of which she gained part of her everlasting title ‘The Mother of Her Father’.

FATIMA; THE MOTHER OF HER FATHER

In the year 5 AH, after the Battle of al-Ahzab a new rule with regards to the wives of the Prophet was revealed. “The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves and his wives are their mothers.” [33:6] This revelation taught Muslims to respect the wives of the Prophet like their own mothers and that they were forbidden to ever marry them. Thus, none of the wives of the Prophet were ever able to remarry after the demise of the Messenger of God. To this end, every wife of the Prophet was referred to as ‘the mother of the believers’ which means as the believers could not ever marry their mother they could not possibly ever marry any of the wives of the Prophet. After the revelation of the above law, the Messenger of God said to his beloved daughter, “O Fatima. If my wives are the (spiritual) mother of the believers then you are my (spiritual) mother.”

ETIMOLOGY OF THE TERM ‘AL-OMM’

The term mother is referred to in Arabic as ‘Omm’ whether a direct biological mother or indirect and hence, Eve is also referred to as our ‘mother’. Linguistically, the term ‘mother’ is quite similar in all different languages. Omm in Arabic, mum or mother in English, mahdar in Farsi, ma in Urdu and mama in Italian.
The term al-Omm in Arabic is defined by the renowned Arabic linguist al-Raghib “Everything and everyone who is the source of the existence of something or its rearing or reforming.” Therefore, anything that is the origin of the source of something or has a fundamental role in its existence is called al-Omm in Arabic. For instance, in Surah 43 Ayah 4 the Holy Quran is introduced to be in the Mother of the Book, “And verily, it (this Quran) is in the Mother of the Book with Us, indeed exalted, full of wisdom.” The term ‘the mother of the book in the above ayah is meant for al-Lauh al-Mahfuz which is the source of all the divine knowledge and its producer.
The first Surah of the Quran is also called ‘Ommul Kitab’ the mother of the book for its seven Ayaat contain the summary of the entire teachings of the holy Quran and hence is the root and the origin of the rest of the Quran.
Ommah in Arabic is a community which has a common religious and spiritual goal.
In short, Omm is either a biological mother which is not gained but physically or a spiritual mother which is a title given due to some spiritual privileges and characteristics and carries similar parental rights. It is to this meaning that the Messenger of God introduced himself along with Imam Ali as the two fathers of the Muslim Ommah (community).

FATIMA; THE AXIS

In the following I shall share with you ten reasons because of which Lady Fatima enjoyed the divine medal of ‘The Mother of Her Father’ by the Messenger of God.
We will learn that she is the symmetrical axis between Prophet-hood and Imamat.

1. The Axis of Creation
Numerous prophetic traditions state that the Messenger of God is the final cause of the creation. The Almighty God in a holy hadith says, “Had it not been because of you I would have not created the creation.” This is a well established principle in Islamic philosophy and mysticism for the reason that the Messenger of God is the most perfect creation of God and the creation is aimed at the peak of its perfection. It is due to this fact that Fatima is the axis of creation for without her the generation of the most perfect human i.e. the Messenger of God would cease to continue. Similarly, spiritually the existence of Fatima was the cause of the continuation of Islam until the day of Judgment as I shall explain.

2. The Axis of Imamat
Fatima was the symmetrical axis joining Prophet-hood to Imamat. It was through Fatima that the blessed light of Prophet-hood was transmitted to eleven infallible Imams. I’m in awe! She is the mother of 11 infallible Imams! If the holy Mary begot one Jesus, and hence she became a truthful female, the holy Fatima begot 11 pure Imams, behind the last of whom Prophet Jesus shall pray.

3. The Axis of Ahlul-Bait
The story of the Hadith of the Cloak is narrated by numerous Shia and Sunni narrators. Jabbir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari narrated that the Messenger of God went to the house of Fatima while he was not feeling well. Fatima received him and covered him with his Yemenese cloak for warmth and comfort. Then the Prophet of Islam brings Hasan, Husain and then Imam Ali and Fatima under his cloak with him. It was then that the angel Gibreel brought Ayah 33 of Surah 33, “Verily, Allah willed but to purify you Ahlul-bait…..” Lady Fatima is the symmetrical axis in this story so much so that when the arch angel Gibreel aims at introducing those who are under the cloak to the heavenly creatures, he states, “They are Fatima and her father and her husband and her children.”

4. The Axis of Infallibility
Since Fatima is the axis of Ahlul-bait she is also the axis of infallibility as indicated in Ayah 33 of Surah 33. She was the mother and the spiritual coach of all the Imams of Ahlul-bait. The infallibility, bravery and guidance of all the Imams of Ahlul-bait were inherited from their mother, holy Lady Fatima. When Khadija was pregnant with Fatima she used to speak with her. One day when the Prophet of Islam heard his wife talking to her baby he said to her, “Gibreel has given me the glad tiding that she is going to be a baby girl and her generation will be blessed and pure and indeed the Almighty God will continue my generation from her offspring and will make them the Imams and the vicegerents of God on earth after revelation has ceased to continue.” [Rodhatul Wa’ezin vol.1 p.143]

5. The Axis of Al Mubahilah
In the last year of the life of Prophet Muhammad a deputation of 60 high ranked Christians of Najran headed by Abdul Masih their chief monk-priest came and discussed with the Holy Prophet about the personality of Prophet ‘Isa (Jesus). When they refused to accept the logical reasoning of the Prophet of Islam, the Messenger of Allah by revelation invited them to a cursing challenge called ‘al-Mubahila’. “Then whoever disputes with you concerning him (Jesus) after all this knowledge that has come to you, say: Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then we pray and invoke the Curse of Allah upon those who lie.” [3:61]
The only people the Prophet of Islam chose to take to this vital challenge were: Imam Ali, Fatima al-Zahra, (Imam) Hasan and (Imam) Husain peace be upon them. In this challenge Fatima was the example of the child of the Prophet in ‘our sons’, the woman in ‘our women’. She was also the example of the soul of the Prophet in ‘ourselves’ for the Messenger of God had said about her: “She is part of me as she is my soul in my heart.”
Of the significance of this selection the renown Sunni scholar al-Qandoozi narrated from the holy Prophet: “Had the Almighty Allah knew more honourable people on earth than Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Husain he would have commanded me to challenge the Christians with them. But He ordered me to enter the Mubahila with them (Ahlul-Bait) for they are the best creatures.” [Yanabi’ul-Mawaddah, p.131]

6. The Axis of Imams of Ahlul-Bait
The Almighty God gave the glad tidings to Fatima that 11 infallible Imams will emerge from her offspring. Thus, she was called ‘the Mother of the Imams’ and ‘the Mother of the Blossoms of Islam’ and ‘the Mother of the Light of the Imams’. It is therefore narrated from the Messenger of Allah: “I am the tree and Fatima is its fruit-bearing and Ali is its pollen and Hasan and Husain are its fruits.” [Ihqaqul-Haq, vol.9 p.157]
Similarly, when Lady Fatima delivered her eloquent sermon in the Masjidul-Nabi, Imam Ali addressed her with the title of: “O the remaining of the Prophet-hood.” [Beharul-Anwar, vol.43 p.148]
Most importantly, the holy Fatima was the bearer and the depository of the divine secrete, i.e. Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance).

7. The Axis of Faith
The Lady Fatima is the axis of faith. It is narrated from the Imams of Ahlul-bait that on the Day of Judgment “she will be the scale of measuring the deeds of our lovers and our enemies.” [ al-Kharazmi, Maqtalul-Husain, p.107] Thus, she is the scale of measuring the lovers and the enemies of Ahlul-Bait.

8. The Axis of the Sayyyeds
The holy Fatima was ‘al-Kouthar’ meaning abundant blessings. The generation of the last Messenger of Allah has spread world-wide through his daughter Fatima. She is the mother of Millions of offspring of the Prophet from the linage of Imam Ali, Imam Hasan, Imam Husain, Imam Redha, and Imam Kadhem (peace be upon them). They are related to the Prophet of Islam through Fatima.

9. The Axis of Intercession
The holy Fatima is the axis of intercession on the Day of Judgment to rescue the sinners from the Hell-fire. Indeed she is called Fatima for Allah has safeguarded her and her followers from the Hell-fire. Numerous Prophetic saying indicated that she is called Fatima for Allah has prevented her and her lovers and followers from the Hell-fire. [See Beharul-Anwar, vol.43 pp.4 -18]
Jabir; the distinguished companion of the Messenger of Allah who lived long enough to visit Imam Baqir asked the Imam to inform him of the status of his grandmother; the lady Fatima. Part of the Hadith reads:
“On the Day of Judgment people will be ordered: Bend your heads down and lower your gaze for indeed this is Fatima proceeding to Paradise. She then will ask the Almighty: O my Lord! I would like my status be known in this Day. Thus, the Almighty Allah addresses her: O daughter of My beloved! Look back and find whoever there is a love in their heart for you or for any of your offspring to take their hands and enter them into Paradise. It is on that Day the she will be as selective as a chicken selects the good seeds over the spoiled ones. Then the Almighty Allah will address those who loved the holy Fatima (sa.a): Look back and find whoever loved your for the love of Fatima, whoever fed you for the love of Fatima, whoever clothed you for the love of Fatima, whoever offered you a drink for the love of Fatima… then take their hands and enter them into Paradise. Imam Baqir then added: On that Day none will be left save the one who has been doubtful (about the status of Fatima), or the one who has been Kafir or hypocrite.” [Beharul-Anwar, vol.8 p.51]

10. The Axis of Granting Wishes
Although all the fourteen infallible are the gates through whom the Almighty God grants our invocations, the Lady Fatima has a pivotal role in the granting of our wishes. Even the Imams of Ahlul-bait when they invoked to the Almighty, they asked Allah in the virtuous name of their mother Fatima. Thus, the name of Fatima is again the central core in the recommended supplication for our needs.
“Allahuma inni asaloka be haqe fatimata wa abiha wa ba’leha wa baniha wa sirril musta’ da’e fi ha an to salle’a ala muhammadin wa ale muhammad. Wa an tafalla be ma anta ahlo wa an taqthia hawa’iji”
“O Allah verily I ask You by the right of Fatima and her father and her husband and her sons and the hidden secret entrusted in her (Imam Mahdi a.j) that You may Mohammad and his family and that You may do for me what You are anticipated to do and that You grant my requests.”

MUTUAL AFFECTION

The affection between Fatima and her father was mutual. That means, as much as the holy Prophet of Islam loved his daughter Fatima, she also loved her father the Prophet. Thus, the demise of the Prophet of God did not have but an enormous effect on Fatima. During her short time after the demise of her father, she cried so much that according to the words of imam Sadiq she became one of the five most weeping people in history of mankind. Prophet Adam after his fall wept so much that stains marks appeared on his cheeks. Prophet Yaqoub wept so much in the absence of his son Yusuf that he lost his eye sight. Prophet Yusuf in return also cried so much in missing his father that his fellow prisoners requested that he should cry either at night or day. Imam Sajjad wept for the last thirty five years of his life for the tragedy of Karbala and finally the holy Fatima wept her life away in the absence of her father the holy Messenger of God. She wept so much that Imam Ali had to build an isolated hut for her worshipping and weeping called ‘the House of Grieves’. The weeping of Fatima however, was not only for the physical departure of the Messenger of God from this world, she wept also for the catastrophic deviation that occurred after the Prophet passed. Her weeping was in fact a cry opposition to awaken the Islamic Ummah of the evil consequences of their wrongdoing. Fatima was fully aware that the deviation that occurred in Saqifeh would lead to the massacre of Karbala.
“As salamu alayk O you oppressed lady whose right has been usurped and her rib was broken, the one who was beaten, the lady who was truthful and martyred.”
The enemies of Islam and Ahlul-bait could not stand her opposition. According to al-Mas’oodi; the renowned historian, she witnessed that the party of Abu Bakr forced Imam Ali to pay allegiance to Abu Bakr whilst Imam Ali was refusing. [Ithbatul-Wasiya p262]
Eventually, the enemies threatened to set the house of Fatima on fire should Ali continue to refuse allegiance. Omar ibn Kattab along with his men approached the house of Ahlul-bait. He threatened that should Ali still refuse he would burn the house down and the household. Omar was reminded that Fatima was also in that house, his only reply was, “Even so…”.
I would like to end my speech by narrating the tragic event of the martyrdom of the holy Lady Fatima; the part of the heart of the Prophet and the beloved mother of her father with her own heartbreaking description of the scene,
“they placed firewood at the gate of my house and then they brought fire and torched it to burn us all. I was standing behind the front door. I pleaded with them by the name of Allah and my father the Messenger of Allah to leave us alone or help us. But Omar grabbed the whip of Qunfuz; the slave of Abu Bakr, and whipped my arm so hard that it bruised and marked like a bracelet. He then kicked the door against me while I was pregnant and I fell to the floor all the while the fire was blazing in front of me and its heat was burning my face. He then slapped me so hard on my face that my earring tore my ear then I felt the pain of labor and lost my innocent baby. [Baitul ahzan p97 al-Ehtejaj vol1 from p203, Sharh ibn Abil Haddid vol2 p21, The History of Tabari vol2 p234, Al Imamah & Al Siyasah vol1 p12, Morujo Thahab vol2 p302, Al Kafi vol8 p343]

http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=236968
---------------------

# Fatima Zahra: The Supreme Example of a Perfect Human Being

Holy Fatima belongs to the noblest family ever existing throughout the whole history of mankind. Her distinguished father was the very last messenger of Allah, a personality that the Holy Koran introduces him as Oswatun Hasanah (the Best Paradigm). Mother of Holy Fatima was a pure lady named Khadija, a godly woman with unparalleled virtues and merits, who dedicated all her wealth for the sake of promotion of Islam.
According to the Islamic calendar, Hazrat Fatima Zahra was born in the 20th day of Arabic lunar month Jamadi al-Thani, five years after Bi’tha (appointment of Hazrat Mohammad to the position of divine prophethood) and 8 years before Hegira (immigration of the Holy Prophet from Mecca to Medina).
The story of her birth is a wonderful one. The Holy Prophet – through a divine command – was ordered to seclude himself from contact with Khadija for 40 days. Despite all his love for his dear wife, the Holy Prophet did not go home in compliance with Allah’s order. During the whole 40-day period of his seclusion, Mohammad was engaged in prayers, fasting, and spiritual connections with his Lord. The Holy Prophet had sent a courier to Khadija to notify her of the matter and assure her that there was nothing wrong with her and that the event had happened as a result of Allah’s command.
When the seclusion stage came to its end, at the time of Iftar (while the Holy Prophet was preparing himself to end his fasting by eating food), he heard the familiar voice of Archangel Gabriel: “Allah sends His salaams to you! Get ready to receive the celestial gift from your Lord!” Then angels brought down a tray full of heavenly fruits for Mohammad. Gabriel told him: “Eat from this heavenly dish tonight; then go to Khadija; Almighty Allah has willed to create a pure child out of this blissful food.”

Thus Fatima was conceived from the fruits of paradise.
Nine months passed. During her pregnancy, Khadija talked to the baby in her womb; a baby, who turned out to be the most supreme lady among the mankind from the very first to the last.
Finally Archangel Gabriel brought glad tidings to the Holy Prophet: “O Messenger of God! This baby is a much dignified daughter. All your offspring and descendants shall be descended from her. She is the mother of Infallible Imams: the religious leaders who shall be your successors when the divine revelation would end (after your demise).” The Holy Prophet transmitted the good tidings to Khadija to make her heart happy with the promising news.
Some years earlier, when Khadija had married Mohammad, the aristocratic ladies of her tribe (entitled Quraysh) left her alone and cut off their relations with her as an objection to her decision in marrying Mohammad.
When the time for childbirth approached, Khadija dispatched someone to go to the ladies of Quraysh and ask them to help her in the process of giving birth to her baby, but they refused to help Khadija even at that difficult time.
At that crucial moment, when Khadija had lost hope to receive any help from the ladies of Quraysh, she sought assistance from her Lord. By the grace of Allah, four of the most beautiful women in white dressings came to help her in that time of need. They had bowls of heavenly water in their hands. Each one began to introduce herself. The first one said, “I am your foremother, Eve”. The second one said, “I am Asiya daughter of Muzahim, Pharaoh’s wife”. The third one said, “I am Kulthum, Moses’ sister”, and the fourth one said, “I am Mariam (Saint Mary) daughter of Imran, mother of Jesus Christ; we have come to deliver your child”.
So with the help of these heavenly ladies, Fatima was delivered, and the brightness and brilliance of her face illuminated the sky from east to west. The four holy ladies bathed the baby with heavenly water, wrapped her in heavenly clothes, and put her on the lap of Khadija.
The baby was named Fatima, because she and her followers shall be protected from the fire of hell.
The news of Fatima’s birth reached the Holy Prophet. He was extremely delighted to hear the joyful news. He perceived that the divine promise of giving him the Kawthar (the Abundant Blessing) had been fulfilled.
At the same time that the birth of Holy Fatima had made the Holy Prophet and Khadija happy, the enemies of Islam became disappointed and upset as they used to call the Holy Prophet as Abtar - i.e. the one who shall be without posterity (as all his children had died due to different reasons) - but now they saw that he was given an abundant blessing through the birth of Holy Fatima.
The love and respect of the Holy Prophet and Khadija for Fatima nullified all the wrong ideas of that day’s Arab World, who considered ‘having daughter’ as a shame for themselves.
Fatima Al-Zahra grew up in an atmosphere of human virtues, on the lap of a pure mother, and under the training of the Holy Prophet. She obtained all merits and spiritual qualities in its perfect shape.
The behavior of Holy Prophet toward his daughter Fatima was wonderful. In that day’s world when the most violent behaviors were shown against women and girls, at a time when ‘burying little newborn daughters alive’ was accounted as a routine act, the Holy Prophet showed much respect to his dear daughter. Whenever Fatima came to see the Holy Prophet, he welcomed her, stood up to show respect to her, and even kissed her hand and made her sit at his own place.
On every occasion that the Holy Prophet decided to go on a journey, Fatima was the last one to whom he bade farewell, and as soon as he came back from his trip, Fatima was the first one whom the Holy Prophet visited.
Imam Baqir and Imam Sadiq have related that the Holy Prophet never slept unless he kissed the face of Fatima and placed his face on hers.
A good way to know Holy Fatima is to look through her names. Each of her names and titles is a mirror to reflect her outstanding qualities.
In a narration, Imam Sadiq is quoted as saying: “Fatima has nine names given by Almighty Allah: Fatima, Seddiqah, Mubarakah, Tahirah, Zakiyyah, Raaziyah, Marziyyah, Muhaddathah, and Zahra.”
1) Fatima; means separated and protected from ignorance and impurity, and the one who is kept away from the fire of hell; the one who is adorned with all virtues, merits, and purities; and the one who shall save herself and all her followers and lovers from the fire of hell.
2) Seddiqah; means extremely honest; this title points out the degree of Fatima’s honesty and truthfulness as one of her outstanding qualities.
3) Mubarakah; or blessed; as she was granted much blessings by Allah, and she herself was a source of abundant blessings. The offspring of the Holy Prophet all are descended from Fatima.
4) Taahirah; pure and chaste; as she was purified along with other members of the Household [Ahlul-Bayt] of the Holy prophet according to verse 33 of Surah Al-Ahzab in the Holy Koran: “Verily, Allah desires to keep away the uncleanness from you, O People of the House! And to purify you a (thorough) purifying…”
5) Zakiyyah; the purified soul; purified from any kind of pollution or deficiency, a quality that made her attain the highest level of spiritual evolution and perfection.
6) Raaziyah; the one who is content with Allah’s wills, surrenders herself to all that Allah has predestined for her, and endures pains in the way of mission of Allah’s Messenger.
7) Marziyyah; the one, with whom Allah and His Messenger and the Holy Imam are fully satisfied because of her impeccable worship, nice moralities, good fulfillment of duties, and all her good deeds.
8) Muhaddathah; the one to whom the angels talked, the matchless lady who received some sort of divine inspirations. In this relation, Imam Sadiq is quoted as saying: “Fatima was named as Muhaddathah as an angel came to her continuously and talked to her in the same way that it (the angel) used to talk to Saint Mary. The angel told Fatima: “O Fatima! Allah has selected you, purified you, and made you superior to all women throughout the world.”
9) Zahra; means luminous; as when she stood in her praying place, the angels in the heavens witnessed a glittering light, just like the starlight in the sky that glitters for the people on the earth.
The childhood period of Holy Fatima coincided with the most critical years of early Islam. She was only two years old when Muslims faced the hard conditions of economic siege – imposed by the infidels – and were forced to live in a confined area in Mecca, known as “She’b Abitalib”. The three-year period of living in this area was actually a terrible experience for early Muslims. The distinguished daughter of Holy Prophet, too, passed three years of her best childhood ages under these harsh conditions. However, she still enjoyed being within the warm arms of her mother. Before long, she lost her dear mother as well. That bitter event was a spiritual shock for her at that age, and seriously hurt her delicate feelings. Afterwards, Fatima was the only companion, supporter, and source of alleviation for her father at home. Whenever the Holy Prophet looked at her, he summoned up the remembrance of his faithful wife, Khadija.
The Holy Prophet loved Fatima so much. Sometimes he said: “May her father be sacrificed for her”. Thus he expressed his deep love for her dignified daughter. Sometimes he called her as Umme Abiha, which means the Mother of Her Father. Also in some cases the Holy Prophet repeated: “Fatima is a part of my body.”
Finally the Holy prophet emigrated from Mecca to Medina. A few days later, Imam Ali, Holy Fatima, and a number of other Muslim women left Mecca for Medina.
Fatima grew up and reached the age of marriage. There were many wealthy and high-ranking men who wished to marry her, but they all received the same answer from the Holy Prophet: “I am looking forward to receiving Allah’s command on the marriage of my daughter.”
Fatima Al-Zahra was the only match for Imam Ali; and Ali was the only match for Fatima. That was why when Imam Ali proposed to marry Fatima, the Holy Prophet replied: “Your marriage contract is signed in the Heavens.”
Thus, Holy Fatima entered the house of Imam Ali and started her new life. With her spiritual sincerity and perfect faith & knowledge, Fatima turned the house of Imam Ali into a tranquil, safe shelter for him. Whenever Imam Ali came home – tired and exhausted from the people’s unfair behaviors – Holy Fatima was the one who alleviated his sufferings and lessened his pains.
Ali and Fatima had four children: Hasan, Hussein, Zainab, and Umm Kulthum.
Holy Fatima tried hard to train her children in the best way; and indeed she presented great personalities to the mankind’s community. The infallible descendants of Holy Fatima are characters from whom all people shall benefit up to the Day of Resurrection; they are luminaries whose light shall guide all truth-seeking people to the right path.
The offspring of Zahra became the torchbearers of guidance. Anyone who places himself/herself under their banner would attain salvation in this world and in the Hereafter. The infallible descendants of Fatima found their place besides the Holy Koran, as the Holy Prophet said: “Verily, I leave among you two precious and weighty things: the Book of Allah and my Household [the Ahlul-Bayt]; as long as you hold fast on these two, you shall never go astray…”
The Holy Prophet highlighted the status of Fatima - with regard to her faith - as follows:
“Belief in Allah has entered the heart of Fatima so deep that she makes herself free from all [worldly] involvements to worship her Lord.”
Zahra learnt all virtues and profound knowledge through the pure headspring of divine revelation (Wah’y). Whatever she learnt, she wrote it down in her book entitled Mushaf. Imam Ali said: “In Fatima’s Mushaf, not only all lawful and unlawful Islamic decrees are available, but also the whole knowledge about whatsoever event that has happened [in the past] and shall happen [in future] are recorded therein.”
Fatima Al-Zahra was the perfect example in Irfan (Gnosis) and Ibadah (Worshipping Allah). She used to wake up at midnights and offer long prayers so that her holy feet swelled up. Her elder son, Imam Hasan, relates the worship of her mother as follows: “It was a Thursday night when my mother – in her worshipping place – offered prayers all night long, and I heard her praying for all Muslims and believers in her positions of prostration and bowing down before Allah. At last I asked her: O Mother! Why did you not pray for yourself? She replied: “My dear son! Neighbors first; then our house…”
The merits and virtues of a supreme lady like Fatima are too extraordinary and outstanding to be described by ordinary people. Therefore, we briefly highlight some verses of the Holy Koran, which point to the character of Hazrat Fatima Al-Zahra (peace be upon her). These verses are revealed unto the Holy Prophet on different occasions; each of which indicates some aspects of her sanctity:

1-Surah Al-Kawthar:
In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Verily, We granted you Kawthar (the Abundant Blessing). So, turn to your Lord in Prayer and make a sacrifice. Surely, your enemy (and not you) is the one who shall be without posterity.
Kawthar means Abundant Blessing, and it may include a broad range of concepts; however, many great Shiite scholars believe that ‘Fatima Al-Zahra’ is the personality who best fits the concept of ‘Kawthar’.
Before Holy Fatima was born, the enemies of the Holy Prophet repeatedly annoyed him by saying that he was the one who should be without posterity (as all his children had died due to different reasons). Here, in this verse, Almighty Allah negates the claims of His prophet’s enemies and says: “We granted you the Kawthar”. So, we can conclude that Fatima is the same Kawthar (the Abundant Blessing) mentioned in the Holy Koran; as all later offspring of the Holy Prophet descended from Fatima Al-Zahra, who were (and are) the guardians of Islam. Besides the twelve Infallible Imams – who have an exceptional standing – if we have a look at the past history of Islam, we come across innumerable Sayyids (the offspring of the Holy Prophet and Fatima), among whom we can trace countless Islamic scholars, authors, jurisprudents, narrators, interpreters, and devoted commanders, who struggled hard to safeguard the teachings and precepts of Islam, ideologically and physically.

2- Surah Al-Insan, Verses 7-11:
"...They fulfill vows and fear a day, the evil of which shall be spreading far and wide. And they give food - out of love for Him (Allah) - to the poor and the orphan and the captive (and say): We only feed you for Allah's sake; we desire from you neither reward nor thanks: Surely we fear from our Lord a stern, distressful day. Therefore Allah will guard them from the evil of that day and cause them to meet with ease and happiness”
These verses of the Holy Koran speak of the Ahlul-Bayt, eulogizing their selflessness and piety. These verses are good evidence for their merits and virtues. The historical occasion to which these blessed verses refer was, once Imam Hasan and Imam Hussein were at their childhood age, they fell sick and the Holy Prophet together with some of his companions visited them. He suggested that Ali should make a vow to Allah for his sons' health. Heeding the Prophet's suggestion, Imam Ali, Holy Fatima, along with their maid, Fizza, took a vow that if the boys recovered, they would fast for three consecutive days. Eventually Hasan and Hussein recovered, and to fulfill the vow, they also fasted along with their parents and the maid.
They all fasted for three consecutive days, but each day - at the time of breaking the fast - some needy person (as verse No. 8 indicates) appeared, and the Ahlul-Bayt gladly fed him, and themselves passed the nights without food and broke their fasting with water only.
On the fourth day, Imam Ali took his dear sons - Hasan and Hussein -with himself to see the Holy Prophet. When the Prophet observed them - trembling with hunger - he said, “It grieves me to see you in this condition”. Then, he stood up and accompanied them to their house. On entering the house, he was shocked to see the sight of his daughter Fatima, sitting hollow-eyed on her prayer mat, her stomach stuck to her back. It was then that the Archangel Gabriel came down with this Surah, saying:
"0 Muhammad, Allah congratulates you for having such a (devoted) household”, and then recited the verses of Surah Al-Insan.
All Shiite scholars unanimously agree that at least 18 verses of this Surah (Chapter) are revealed on the abovementioned occasion. These verses are considered as a great badge of honor for the Holy Ahlul-Bayt.

3- The Verse of Tat’heer (Purity) (in Surah Al-Ahzab: Verse 33):
Verily, Allah desires to keep away the uncleanness (impurities) from you, O people of the House! And to purify you, a (thorough) purifying...
This is actually a genetic purification of the Ahlul-Bayt; that is, the Ahlul-Bayt (including Hazrat Fatima) are not only infallible (far from any kind of uncleanness, disobedience, error, sin, or personal whim) but also away from ‘the thought of sin’.

4- The Verse of Mubahala (Mutual Cursing) Surah Aale-Imran: Verse 61):
If anyone disputes with you in this matter - after what has come to you of knowledge - then say: Come let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, our souls and your souls; then let us earnestly pray, and invoke the curse of Allah upon the liars.
This verse points towards an epoch-making event, narrated by all historians and commentators; an event that revealed to the Muslims how near and dear the progeny of the Prophet are to Allah, the Exalted.
This event that clearly marked out the distinct status of the Ahlul-Bayt, is known in the annals of Islamic history as Mubahala, that is, invoking Allah's curse on the liars. Historians and exegetes of the Holy Koran have narrated the event as follows:
A deputation (the deputation comprised three prominent Christian leaders of Arabia) from the Christians of Najran region in Arabian Peninsula came to the Prophet of Islam to argue the merits of their faith. The Holy Prophet advanced to them arguments showing that Jesus the son of Mary was a human-being and a Prophet, and it was blasphemy to regard him as a son of God, because Allah the Exalted is high above all such human characteristics.
Although the Holy Prophet argued to the point fully and convincingly, the Christian leaders deliberately persisted in their false belief in the deity of Prophet Jesus. So Allah revealed this verse. It was a challenge to the Christians, to pray and invoke Allah that the curse may overtake the party that insisted upon falsehood.
Early the next morning on the 24th of the Arabic lunar month of Dhul-Hijja, the Holy Prophet - in accordance with Allah's command - came out to the meeting grounds. The Holy Prophet carried Hussein in his arms and led Hasan (our sons) by his hand; they were followed by Holy Fatima (our women), behind whom came Ali (our souls) carrying the banner of Islam.
Seeing the Prophet accompanied by his immediate family, Christians were convinced that Muhammad was truthful; otherwise he would not have dared to bring his dearest of kin along. So they refrained from Mubahala (Mutual Cursing) and agreed to pay Jizya (tax) instead.
In this story, we perceive that Imam Hasan and Imam Hussein are the sons of the Holy Prophet, Fatima is his selected lady, and Imam Ali is actually his soul. These are the members of Prophet’s household, the nearest ones to him, and those who are the symbols of truth to prove the superiority and truthfulness of the great religion of Islam.
Neither pen nor tongue is able to express the merits of Holy Fatima. Mankind cannot imagine her elevated position. What we said above was actually a drop from the vast ocean of her character. Zahra can be accounted as the best role model, whom has been trained in the “school of Islam”.
She was perfect in all dimensions of her personality and had achieved the zenith of human perfection. That is why she is a perfect role model for all human beings, either men or women.
Her distinguished descendant, the late Imam Khomeini once said: “… Fatima Al-Zahra is the manifestation of all dimensions that could be imagined for a woman or for a human being. She has not been an ordinary woman, but a spiritual and celestial lady and a representation of perfect humanity, the real meaning of a perfect lady, and the ultimate example of an ideal human being. She is a heavenly creature who has appeared in this world in form of a human being. All that could be imagined with regard to mankind’s excellence is crystallized in the character of our Lady Fatima. Had she been a man, she ascended the position of the Messenger of Allah. Spirituality, celestial qualities, heavenly moralities, and divine manifestations have been developed in the personality of Fatima, a perfect human being…”

http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=236965
------------------------

# Knowledge of Hadrat Fatima Zahra

Source: the book, "Fatima The Gracious", by Abu Muhammad Ordoni

Fatima acquired her divine knowledge from the clear spring of Prophethood and received the excellence of truth from the house of revelation. So her attentive heart was embellished with wisdom and her brilliant reason together with her brightness realized to the fullest extent the real meaning of every fact.
Yet, despite the fact that Fatima heard an abundant volume of narrations from her father what has been reported on her authority is limited to certain issues. The reason for this will be explained later.
Among the narrations reported on Fatima's account are:
1. Bihar, Chapter??Knowledge.
Imam Askari said: "A woman came to Fatima Zahra and said: `I have a weak mother who has become confused about a matter related to her prayer; she sent me to inquire from you about it.'
Fatima Zahra answered her; the woman repeatedly came with questions for Fatima, and she kindly answered her every time. One day the lady again approached Fatima with another question from her mother and said to Fatima:
`I shall not inconvenience you (any more), daughter of Allah's Messenger.'
Fatima replied: ‘Ask me regarding anything, which comes to your mind. Because if a man had been hired to transport a heavy load to the top of a mountain for a reward of one thousand dinars, do you think it would bother him?'
The woman said: `No'
Fatima continued: `My reward for (answering) every inquiry is more than that which fills (the space) between the ground and the Throne with pearls; thus, I should be more apt to answer your questions. Surely I heard my father say:
`When the scholars of our Shiite (followers) are gathered (on the Day of Resurrection), they will be bestowed with garments of honor equal in quantity to their knowledge and struggle to guide Allah's worshippers, up to the point that anyone of them will be gifted with one million garments of light.' Then the caller of our Exalted and Glorified Lord will say:
`O you guardians of the orphans of Muhammad. (You) who inspire them when they are separated from their fathers, who are their Imams; these are your pupils and the orphans whom you guarded and inspired, therefore bestow them with garments of knowledge in life. Thus, they will bestow each orphan with that which corresponds to the amount of knowledge he received from them (the scholars); up to the point that some orphans are bestowed with one million garments. Like?so, the orphans bestow those who learnt from them.' Then Allah, the Exalted said:
`Repeat upon these scholars, the guardians of the orphans, the bestowment and double and complete it for them and for those who follow them”
Fatima then added:
`Worshipper of Allah, surely a thread of those garments is better than that on which the sun rises. "'
2. Bihar v.10:
Yazid Ibn Abdulmalik (Nawfali) quoted his father, who quoted his grandfather as saying:
"Once, I entered the house of Fatima who was the first to greet me; she then said:
`What brings you here?'
I said: “I have come in search of blessing.”
Fatima then said: “My father (who was present) said: ‘He who greets him or me for three consecutive days, will be granted Paradise by Allah.'
I said: `While you are living?'
She answered: ‘yes, and after we are dead.’”
3. Kashf al Ghumma:
Imam Ali quoted Fatima as saying:
"The Messenger of Allah (S) said: 'Fatima, he who praises you, will be forgiven by Allah; Who will make him my companion where ever in Paradise I may be."
4. Da'awat Ar Rawandi:
Swaid Ibn Ghafla said:
"Once, Ali was inflicted with hardship; so Fatima knocked on the Messenger of Allah's door, who said:
`I hear the movement of my beloved one near the door, Umme Ayman get up and see!'
Umme Ayman opened the door and Fatima entered the house.
The Prophet then said: ‘You have come to us at a time that you have not previously come!'
Fatima said: `Messenger of Allah, what is the angels food near our Lord?'
The Messenger of Allah said: `By Him Who holds my soul in His hand, fire has not been lit (in our house) for a whole month; yet, I will teach you five statements which Gabriel taught me.'
She said: `Messenger of Allah, what are these five statements?'
The Prophet (S) said: `O Lord of the First and Last;
O You Possessor of Might, and Strength;
O You Who is Merciful with the poor;
O You most Beneficent, most Merciful. "'
(Note: It appears as if the fifth statement has been mistakenly erased.)
Thereafter Fatima returned and Ali saw her and exclaimed:
"May my father and mother be your sacrifice, Fatima; what have you to tell me?"
She said: "I went seeking worldly things, but have returned (with the goodness of) the hereafter.”
Ali then said: "Expect goodness, expect goodness!"
5. Bihar v.10: It is reported in Al?Kafi that Imam Sadiq said:
‘Once, Fatima approached Allah's Messenger with a problem. The Prophet listened to her problem and gave her a wrapped piece of material and said: `Learn that which is written in it.' (When she opened it) she found written in it:
“He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, shall not harm his neighbor.
He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, shall honor his guest.
He who believes in Allah and the Last Day shall say that which is useful or keep silent.’"

http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=236960
---------------

# Fatimah Masoomah similar to Hadrat Fatimah

On the first of Dhi al-Qa’dah in 173 AH, the city of Medina was enlightened by the birth of Hadrat Fatimah Ma’soomah(1). She was born to Imam Moosa ibn Ja’far and her mother, Najmah.
Hadrat Fatimah Masumah was the second and last child of Najmah, after her older brother, Imam Ali ibn Moosa al-Reza. In fact, after Imam Reza, she has the highest status and position amongst the children of Imam Moosa al-Kadhim. (2)
One year after Imam Rezawas forcibly taken to Khurasan (in year 201 AH) by the orders of Ma’moon, Hadrat Masumah, along with her brothers and some of her relatives, left Medina for Marw in order to visit her brother, Imam Reza.
On their way, when they reached the city of Saweh, the enemies of Ahl al-Bait attacked them. After a serious struggle, many of her relatives were martyred, and a woman in Saweh poisoned her. (3)
Grief over the loss of her relatives and the effects of the poison put Hadrat Masumahinto a severe illness. She asked her companions to take her to the city of Qum, for she had heard her father say, “Qum is the center of our Shiites.”
When she arrived in Qum, the people of the city welcomed her. Moosa ibn Khazraj, who was amongst the great people of Qum, respectfully invited her to his house.
17 days later, on the 10th of Rabi’ al-Thani of the year 201 AH, after 28 years of sufferance and difficulty, Hadrat Ma’soomahno longer could endure her sickness and the effects of the poison. She left this world with a broken heart, while she had not been able to see her brother. She was buried in Qum and her shrine became the beauty of this city since then.
From amongst the narrators, we come across to narrators who happen to be women. One of these virtuous women is Hadrat Ma’soomah, who has narrated many Hadiths from Lady Fatimahand the other Infallibles (PBUT). Actually, because of her prominence, both Shia and Sunni narrators have considered the Hadith narrated by her as authentic.
The Hadiths narrated about Hadrat Ma’soomahreveal her superiority in knowledge and virtue (6). From the point of view of Ahl al-Bait (PBUT), Hadrat Ma’soomah possesses a high status. In regards to her particular status, Imam Rezahas said:
“One who visits the shrine of Ma’soomah {PBUH} in Qum is like one who has visited my shrine.” (7)
As this Hadith illustrates, not only the Ziarat of Hazrat Ma’soomah is stated to be similar to doing the Ziarat of an Infallible Imam, but also she has been given the title of a Ma’soomah (infallible woman) by an Imam. Considering the fact that an infallible does not exaggerate, one can come to this conclusion that Hazrat Ma’soomah owns some sort of infallibility.
Also in regards to her particular status, Imam Sadiq has said:
“… A lady from my children, named Fatimah daughter of Mousa, will pass away there (Qum), which all our Shiites will enter paradise with her intercession”. (8)
Imam Sadiq said this Hadith at a time when neither Hadrat Ma’soomahnor her father was born yet, and this expresses her high status.
One of her virtues is that she has a special script for Ziarat dictated by an Infallible Imam. She is the only women after Lady Fatimah- who is the most superior lady in the two worlds - to have a script for Ziarat dictated by an Infallible Imam. (9)
Now on the occasion of her demise let us go over on a phrase from her Ziarat:
“O Fatimah! Intercede for me in heaven, as you have an outstanding position from Allah {SWT} for intercession.”
(Selection taken from “The Generous Lady of Ahl al-Bait”, by Ali Akbar Mahdipour, and some other sources)
Footnotes:
1- No other days or months have been narrated regarding her birthday, but two have been mentioned for the year she was born:
a)173 AH (according to Mustadrak al-Saqifah) b) 183 AH (according to Nuzhat al-Abrar - Lawaqih al-Anwar)
Considering the date of martyrdom of Imam Moosa ibn Ja’far, the first date seems more likely to be true.
2- Tawarikh al-Nabi Wal’al, p. 65
3- Wasilah al-Ma’soomiah, by Mirza Aboutalib Byouk, p. 68; Al-Hayat al-Siasiah lel Imam al-Reza, by Ja’far Mortaza Ameli, p. 428
4- Nothing else has been narrated for the year of her martyrdom; however, 3 have been narrated for the day and month:
a) 10th of Rabi’ al-Thani (according to Nuzhat al-Abrar and Lavaqih al-Anwar) (which coincides with the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Reza)
b) 12th of Rabi’ al-Thani (according to Mustadrak al-Saqifah)
c) 8th of Sha’ban (according to Hayat al-Sitt)
The first one seems more likely to be true
5- Kashf al-Le’ali, Salih ibn Arandas Helli
6- Nasikh al-Tawarikh, vol. 3, p. 68; Mustadrak Wasael al-Shia, vol. 10, p. 368
7- Al-Naqd, p. 196; Majalis al-Mu’minin, vol. 1, p. 83; Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 60, p. 216
8- Allamah Majlisi has narrated this Ziarat from Imam Rezain his valuable book of “Tuhfah al-Za’ir” in addition to Bihar al-Anwar. He has stated in the introduction of Tuhfah al-Za’ir that he had only narrated the Ziarat which were proved to be authentic in that book.

http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=231471
-------------------