Fatima Al-Zahra (sa) belongs to the noblest family to have existed throughout the history of mankind. Her distinguished father, Prophet Muhammad (saw), was the very last messenger of Allah (SWT), a personality that the Noble Qur’an introduce as the Best Paradigm. The mother of Fatima Al-Zahra (sa) was a pure noble lady named Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (sa), a godly woman with unparalleled virtues and merits, who dedicated all her life and wealth to Islam. Fatima Al-Zahra (sa) is the wife of the Leader of all Believers, Ameerul Momineen, Ali ibn Abi Talib (as), mother of the Masters of the youths of heaven (Syed-e-Shabab-e-Ahlul Jannah) and grandmother of the other nine Imams of Islam. Her name is as beautiful and as peaceful as the garden of heaven.
Her other names are: Zahra, Seddiqah, Tahirah, Mubarakah, Batool, Radiah, Mardiah and Muhaddathah. The word Fatimah means separated. She is named Fatimah because her followers are separated from Hell because of her. Zahra means luminous. The sixth Imam, Imam Sadiq (as) said: “When Fatimah prayed, she shined for the heavens as the stars shine for people on earth.” Seddiqah means someone who says nothing except the truth. Tahirah means pure and clean; Mubarakah means full of favour and blessing; Batool means separated from uncleanliness; Radiah means satisfied with Allah’s (SWT) fate and destiny and Mardiah means laudable. Muhaddathah means the one spoken to by angels.
The following are some of her titles: Ensiah (heavenly lady), Haniah (sympathetic), Shahidah (martyr), Afifah (chaste), Sabirah (patient), Alimah (learned), Madhloomah (oppressed), Ma’soomah (infallible), Umm al-Hassan (mother of Hassan), Umm al-Hussain (mother of Hussain), Umm al-A’immah (mother of Imams) and Umme Abiha. Umme Abiha means mother of her father. Prophet Muhammad (saw) gave her this title showing that Fatima Al-Zahra (sa) treated Prophet Muhammad (saw) as his mother. This fact was proved throughout the history as she cured her father during the wars as well as other cases.
According to the Islamic Calendar, Fatima Al-Zahra (sa) was born in Makkah on the 20th day of the Islamic Lunar calendar month, Jumada Al-Thani (615 AD).
Fatima al-Zahra (as) inherited the genius and wisdom, the determination and will-power, the piety and sanctity, the generosity and benevolence, the devotion and worship of Allah, the self-sacrifice and hospitality, the forbearance and patience, and the knowledge and nobility of disposition of her illustrious father, both in words and deeds. “I often witnessed my mother,” says Imam Hussain, “absorbed in prayer from dusk to dawn.” Her generosity and compassion for the poor was such that no destitute or beggar ever returned from her door unattended.
Fatima Al-Zahra (sa) lived in a two room house made out of clay, wore the simplest garments, grinded wheat and barley with her bare hands to prepare meal for her family, and attended to her four children with utmost love and mercy. Yet, she was no ordinary woman. Fatima Al-Zahra (sa) had the highest moral virtues and her life was full of spiritual behaviour. Even on her marriage day, Fatima Al-Zahra (sa) did not forget about those in need. A girl’s wedding dress is probably one of her most cherished belongings however, in the case of the noble Lady Fatima Al-Zahra (sa) it was not.
The Prophet of Islam, Mohammed (saw) bought Fatima Al-Zahra (sa) a new dress for her marriage ceremony. Fatima Al-Zahra (sa) owned a patchy dress before this. A poor woman came to her house and asked for clothes. Fatima Al-Zahra (sa) remembered the verse: “By no means shall you attain to righteousness until you spend (benevolently) out of what you love.” (Noble Qur’an, 3:92) So she gave her the new wedding dress, while she wore her old dress to her wedding, following the teachings on the Noble Qur’an, the lessons of selfless love and helping those in need.
Without Fatima Al-Zahra (sa) there is no Islam. Fatima Al-Zahra (sa) is a role model who set an illustration of the highest morals and eloquence. We should aim to imitate her chastity; we should look at her as a source of inspiration. If we live in the west we should have the courage to wear the hijab despite the social pressures as we are making Fatima al-Zahra (sa), Mistress of All Women, proud. When helping others and giving charity we should remember her generosity. Fatima Al-Zahra (sa) is, and should be, the inspiration of all women and should be emulated. She was exactly like her father, Prophet Mohammad, and we too should strive to be like her. We should learn from her honesty, modesty and loyalty.
[1] AYAN U SHIA ATABA AL JADEED, VOL 1, P 316
[2] AYAN U SHIA ATABA AL JADEED, VOL 1, P 316
[3] AYAN U SHIA ATABA AL JADEED, VOL 1, P 316
[4] AYAN U SHIA ATABA AL JADEED, VOL 1, P 316
[5] AYAN U SHIA ATABA AL JADEED, VOL 1, P 316
