Fatima (a) as a Noble Example to Follow
How can women and girls take inspiration from Fatima al-Zahra (a)?
Fatima al-Zahra (a) is one of the most prominent women in the Islamic world, presented as a noble example for women to emulate due to her virtues and moral qualities. The Messenger of God (s) described his daughter Fatima al-Zahra (a) as someone whose faith in God deeply penetrated her heart. In response to the Prophet's (s) inquiry about his wife, Ali (a) described Fatima (a) as his best companion and a helper on the path of obedience to God.
Fatima al-Zahra (a) was deeply fond of charity and almsgiving. She often gave her food to the needy, enduring hunger herself. On her wedding night, she even gave her bridal gown to a poor man. Her strong connection with the Qur’an and her dedication to teaching its principles to her children, along with her keen understanding of political and social matters, were among her many virtues. The personal life of Fatima al-Zahra (a), including her affection for her husband and children, has been portrayed as a model for mothers and women to follow.
The Characteristics of Fatima al-Zahra (a)
| “ | Imam al-Hasan al-Mujtaba (a) said: "I saw my mother Fatima (a) standing at dawn on Friday, continually bowing and prostrating in prayer. She prayed for the believers, mentioning them by name, but she did not pray for herself. I asked her, 'Why did you not pray for yourself?' She replied, 'O my son, first the neighbor, then the family.[1] | ” |
Despite her short life, Fatima al-Zahra (a) remains a significant example for people, especially women. Her characteristics include the following: deep devotion and worship, a sincere relationship with her mother, companionship with her father, chastity and observance of hijab, being a perfect spouse to her husband, leading a simple life, a strong connection with the Qur'an and teaching its principles to her children, adhering to order and rules in life, sharing household tasks with her servant (despite having one), caring for others, respecting children's individuality, and observing fairness among them.[2]
Faith, Piety, and Worship
- The Messenger of God (s), speaking about his daughter Fatima al-Zahra (a), said:
- “Faith in God had deeply penetrated Fatima’s (a) heart to such an extent that she abandoned everything to worship God.”[3]
- Al-Hasan al-Basri (21–110 H), one of the most renowned ascetics in Islamic history, stated:
- “Fatima al-Zahra (a) was the most pious of people. In her devotion to the Almighty God, she stood so long in worship that her blessed feet became swollen.”[4]
- Äicha, the wife of the Prophet (s), said:
- “After the Messenger of God (s), I do not know anyone more truthful than Fatima (a).”[5]
| “ | Ali Shariati remarked: “I wanted to say that Fatima (a) is the daughter of Muhammad (s), but I realized that this does not fully describe Fatima (a). I wanted to say that Fatima (a) is the wife of Ali (a), but I saw that this too does not completely define Fatima (a). I wanted to say that Fatima (a) is the mother of Hasanayn (Imam al-Hasan al-Mujtaba (a) and Imam al-Husayn (a)), but again I realized that this does not fully capture who Fatima (a) is. I wanted to say that Fatima is the mother of Zaynab (a), but once more, I found that this does not entirely explain Fatima (a). These are all aspects of Fatima (a), yet none of them fully encapsulates her. Fatima (a) is uniquely and solely Fatima (a)…”[6] | ” |
Hijab and Modesty
After the passing of the Messenger of God (s), Fatima al-Zahra (a) was compelled to address non-Mahrams. She delivered a sermon in the mosque but requested that the women of Banu Hashim accompany her on her way there. In the mosque, a curtain was placed between the men and women, and she delivered her sermon from behind it. This manner of participation in society was presented as a model for women's presence in the community, demonstrating that a woman can be active in society while maintaining modesty and chastity.[7]
Her Relationship with Her Husband
- From the day she entered the simple home of Imam Ali (a) to the final day of her life, Fatima al-Zahra (a) remained her husband’s steadfast companion. When the Prophet (s) asked Imam Ali (a) about his wife, he described Fatima (a) as his closest friend and helper on the path of obedience to God.[8]
- Mutual respect between spouses requires refraining from disclosing the challenges of life to others. One day, Fatima (a) visited her father, with signs of weakness and hunger visible on her face. When the Messenger of God (s) saw her condition, he raised his hands to the heavens and said, “O God, turn my child’s hunger into satisfaction and restore her state.[9]
Her Relationship with Her Children
- Salman al-Farisi narrated:
- One day, I saw Fatima (a) grinding wheat. At that moment, her son al-Husayn (a) began to cry impatiently. I offered to either grind the wheat for her or calm the child. She said, “It is my priority to calm my child; you may turn the mill.”[10]
- In her final moments, Fatima al-Zahra (a) was deeply concerned for her children. Her greatest worry was that they would be deprived of their mother. For this reason, she advised Imam Ali (a) to choose a wife after her who could properly care for and raise their children.[11]
- It is reported that Fatima al-Zahra (a) played with her son Imam al-Hasan (a), lifting him up while saying:
- “My son al-Hasan, be like your father; distinguish between right and wrong. Worship God, who is the source of many blessings, and never align yourself with wrongdoers.”[12]
Interaction with People
A woman once came to Fatima (a) and said:
- “I have an elderly and weak mother who makes many mistakes in her prayers. She sent me to ask you how she should perform her prayers.”
Fatima (a) replied:
- “Ask whatever you wish.”
The woman continued to ask questions until she reached ten, and Fatima (a) answered each one with joy. The woman, feeling ashamed of asking so many questions, said:
- “I will not trouble you further.”
Fatima (a) reassured her, saying:
- “Ask again if needed.” To encourage the woman, she added, “If someone is tasked with carrying a heavy load to a great height and is promised a reward of one hundred thousand dinars, would they feel burdened?” The woman replied, “No.” Fatima (a) said, “The reward I receive from God for answering questions is far greater, and I never feel tired or weary.” She then said, “I heard from the Messenger of God (s) that on the Day of Resurrection, the scholars of Islam will stand before God and be rewarded according to their efforts in guiding people.”[13]
Charity and Generosity
Fatima al-Zahra (a) was deeply devoted to charity and giving to others. After the wedding ceremony of Fatima (a) and Imam Ali (a), a poor man came to their house seeking help. Fatima (a) gave him her wedding dress and chose to wear older clothes instead.[14] On many occasions, she gave her food to the needy, even when it meant going hungry herself.[15]
Resources
- ↑ Arbalī, ‘Alī ibn ‘Īsā, taṣḥīḥ: Ibrāhīm Miyānjī, Tehrān, Intishārāt-e Islāmiyya, 1382 sh.
- ↑ Majlisī, Muḥammad Bāqir ibn Muḥammad Taqī, Biḥār al-Anwār al-Jāmi‘a li-Durar al-Akhbār al-A’imma, Bayrūt, Dār Iḥyā’ al-Turāth al-‘Arabī, 1403 q, j 43, ṣ 91.
- ↑ Majlisī, Biḥār al-Anwār al-Jāmi‘a li-Durar al-Akhbār al-A’imma, j 43, ṣ 46.
- ↑ Majlisī, Biḥār al-Anwār al-Jāmi‘a li-Durar al-Akhbār al-A’imma, j 43, ṣ 76.
- ↑ Majlisī, Muḥammad Bāqir ibn Muḥammad Taqī, Biḥār al-Anwār al-Jāmi‘a li-Durar al-Akhbār al-A’imma, Bayrūt, Dār Iḥyā’ al-Turāth al-‘Arabī, 1403 q, j 43, ṣ 84.
- ↑ Sharī‘atī, ‘Alī, Fāṭima Fāṭima Ast, Tehrān, Intishārāt-e Salmān, 1357 sh, ṣ 134.
- ↑ Ibn Abī al-Ḥadīd, ‘Abd al-Ḥamīd ibn Hibat Allāh, Sharḥ Nahj al-Balāgha, taḥqīq: Muḥammad Abū al-Faḍl Ibrāhīm, Qom, Maktabat Āyat Allāh al-Mar‘ashī al-Najafī, 1414 q, j 16, ṣ 249.
- ↑ Majlisī, Muḥammad Bāqir ibn Muḥammad Taqī, Biḥār al-Anwār, Bayrūt: Dār Iḥyā’ al-Turāth al-‘Arabī, 1403 q, j 43, ṣ 117.
- ↑ Majlisī, Biḥār al-Anwār al-Jāmi‘a li-Durar al-Akhbār al-A’imma, j 43, ṣ 62.
- ↑ Majlisī, Biḥār al-Anwār al-Jāmi‘a li-Durar al-Akhbār al-A’imma, j 43, ṣ 280.
- ↑ Majlisī, Biḥār al-Anwār al-Jāmi‘a li-Durar al-Akhbār al-A’imma, j 43, ṣ 178.
- ↑ Majlisī, Muḥammad Bāqir ibn Muḥammad Taqī, Biḥār al-Anwār, Bayrūt: Dār Iḥyā’ al-Turāth al-‘Arabī, 1403 q, j 43, ṣ 286.
- ↑ Nūrī, Ḥusayn ibn Muḥammad Taqī, Mustadrak al-Wasā’il wa Mustanbaṭ al-Masā’il, Qom, Mu’assasa Āl al-Bayt (‘alayhim al-salām), j 17, ṣ 317-318.
- ↑ Ṣafūrī, ‘Abd al-Raḥmān ibn ‘Abd al-Salām, Nuzhat al-Majālis wa Mukhtār al-Nafā’is, j 2, ṣ 175, Miṣr, al-Maṭba‘a al-Kastalliyya, 1283 q; Shūshtarī, Qāḍī Nūr Allāh, Iḥqāq al-Ḥaqq wa Izāhaq al-Bāṭil, j 10, ṣ 401, Qom, Maktabat Āyat Allāh al-Mar‘ashī al-Najafī, chāp-e awwal, 1409 q.
- ↑ Maḥallātī, Dhubīḥ Allāh, Riyāḥīn al-Sharī‘a, Tehrān, Dār al-Kutub al-Islāmiyya, 1396 sh, j 1, ṣ 72.