STATUS OF SAYYIDA FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.) WITH ALLAH (S.W.T.)

The beloved daughter of the Chief of Prophets, Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.), the Noble Messenger of Allah (s.w.t.) was Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.), the Chief of the women of the world, the Lady of Paradise, was a unique creation of Allah (s.w.t.). Her names were 50 (Please see my article Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.)’s names)  some of them are Umme Abiha, Siddiqa, Tahira, Raziyah, Marziyah, Batool, Ummul Hasnain, Sayyida, Masooma, Zahida, Abeda, Zakiyya, Alima.

Her two sons were Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.), who were given the title of “the Chief of the youths of Paradise” by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.).

Once, when these two “princes” were very young and a day before the Eid, told their mother that the children of Madinah were celebrating Eid and they have new clothes, we also wanted new clothes. The Lion of Allah, the Conqueror of Khyber, the Infallible Imam Ali (a.s.) lead a simple life having only the basic necessity of life. Whatever money was received, he would quickly distribute it among the poor and needy of Madinah. When her children desired new clothes, it was a difficult situation for her. She promised the children that their dresses are being made and the tailor shall bring it to them. The Infallible Fatima Zahra (s.a.), the Abeda and Zahida daughter of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) quickly performed salaat and prayed to her Creator to keep her words as she had promised her little ones new clothes. Allah (s.w.t.) wanted to save His special slave Fatima Zahra (s.a.) from this situation. She was one of the “Pure person” in the Ayah of Purity (Surah al-Ahzab Ayah 33) and the “Truthful Woman” in Ayah of Mubahelah (Surah Ale Imran Ayah 61). The Al-Mighty Allah (s.w.t.) wanted that her “Truthfulness” should be preserved. Hence He sent the Rizwan of Paradise as “the tailor of Hasnain”. Before her sala’t was completed, there was a knock at the door of Imam Ali (a.s.)’s house. When someone asked: “Who is there?” The Angel replied: “I am the tailor of Hasnain and have brought their dresses.” When the package was opened there were two pairs of dresses; one was green dress for Imam Hasan (a.s.) and one was red for Imam Husayn (a.s.)

Next day which was the day of Eid, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) visited his daughter Fatima (s.a.), and inquired did she know who was the tailor of Hasnain (a.s.); he said that it was Rizwan, the in charge of Paradise!

The choice of colors was also meaningful; Imam Hasan (a.s.) was provided with a green dress which represent the color of the victim of poison, and Imam Husayn (a.s.) was given red dress which represents the color of blood resulting from martyrdom by swords! Later, the color scheme was converted into reality when Imam Hasan (a.s.) was poisoned by Muawiya through his own wife-Ja’adah binte Ash’as. Muawiya promised her huge reward for the crime and marriage with Yazid. After the martyrdom of Imam Hasan (a.s.), he gave the promised money but did not marry his son Yazid to her saying when she was unfaithful to the “Chief of the youths of Paradise” how he can trust her. And Imam Husayn (a.s.) was literally slaughtered at the plains of Karbala by Yazid’s so-called Muslims!   

THE DAUGHTER OF SAYYIDA KHADIJA (S.A.), SAYYIDA FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.)

Hazrat Khadija (s.a.) was the richest woman of Arabia. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) worked for her as the administrator of her enormous trading empire transporting goods to parts of the Middle East where there was demand for it. During these trade journeys, her special servant, Mays rah, witnessed many miracles from the young Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.) and reported back to her. She was very impressed with his honesty, sincerity and exemplary morals. She herself initiated to marry the young Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.).

There is a proverbial saying: “Islam did not spread in the world except through (Imam) Ali’s Zulfiqar and the enormous wealth of Sayyida Khadija (s.a.)”. She had earned the titles of “Ameerat-ul-Quraish” – Princess of Quraish and al-Tahira, the Pure One, due to her impeccable personality and virtuous character, not to mention the honorable descent. She was from the tribe of Banu Asad, a clan of Banu Hashim. Before the dawn of Islam, she was practicing monotheist religion of Prophet Ibra’him (Islam) and was already practicing “Silae Rahem”. She used to feed and provide clothes to the poor and needy, assist financially her relatives and bear the expenses of marriage of her deserving kin.  She was the first woman to apparently embrace Islam along with (Imam) Ali, a young boy who was born inside the sacred Ka’bah!

The marriage between Sayyida Khadijah (s.a.) and Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.), the Noble Messenger, was solemnized and the nikah was performed by his uncle Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.). According to the narratives of both Sunni and Shi’a, on the night of Ascension (Me’raj), the Archangel Jibra’il presented some fruits of Tooba to the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and he ate them. On return to earth, the seed of Sayyida Fatima was coagulated from that heavenly fruits and thus Sayyida Khadija (s.a.) conceived her.

Because Sayyida Khadija (s.a.) had married the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) who was not financially at par with her, hence her neighbors boycotted her at the time of delivery of her precious daughter Fatima (s.a.). It is reported that Allah sent the noble women of the world viz. Hazrat Hawwa, Hazrat Umm Kulsoom, Prophet Musa’s sister, Hazrat Asiya, the wife of Fir’aun, Hazrat Maryam.  Sayyidah Fatima Zahra (s.a.) was born on the 20^th day of Jamadi al-Thani, and with her birth, the taunts and reproaches of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)’s opponents were silenced. Allah (s.w.t.) had granted “al-Kausar” to his Messenger as mentioned in Surah al-Kausar. She was destined to be the “Ummul A’immah” or the Mother of the Golden Chain of Infallible Imams. She was to have the “Princes of the Youths of Paradise” who shall represent “The Sons” in the forthcoming event of Mubahelah”. On the eve of “The Certification of The Most Truthful” as required by the Ayah 61 of Al-e- Imran which says: “If anyone disputes after knowledge has come to you, say, “Let us summon our sons and (you summon) your sons, and (we summon) our women and (you) your women, and (we summon) our selves and (you) your selves and then let us invoke and lay the curse of Allah on the liars.”

As the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had said: “Fatima is a Huri in human form”. Hence, her Purity was subsequently confirmed by Allah (s.w.t.) in Surah al-Ahzab, Ayah 33 which says: “Verily, verily Allah intends but to repel from you (every kind of) uncleanness O’ People of The House, and Purify you (with) a through Purification.” As narrated in “Hadees-e-Kissa”, when Arch Angel Jibra’il inquired as to who was under the cloak (Kissa), Allah (s.w.t.) introduced Sayyidah Fatima Zahra (s.a.) and related “The Pnajetan” as “She is Fatima, her father, her husband and her children”

Growing in the house of revelation, gave Sayyidah Fatima Zahra (s.a.) a chance to achieve the highest degree of perfection and excellence. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) taught her the Divine knowledge and endowed her with special intelligence, so that she realized the true meaning of faith, piety, and the reality of Islam.

Surah al-Nur Ayah 35 which says: “Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth. A metaphor for His light is a niche in which there is a lamp placed in a glass….” Ibn al Maghazli al-Shafi’I has related that the niche means Hazrat Fatimah (s.a.); the lamp means Hasan (a.s.) and Husayn (a.s.).

Surah al-Isra’ Ayah 26 which says: “Give the kinsmen their dues….” Commentators have related that when this Ayah was revealed, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) asked Arch Angel Jibra’il: Who are the kinsmen and what is their due? Jibra’il replied: Give Fadak to Fatima for it is her due, and whatever is due to Allah and the Prophet out of Fadak, that also belonged to her. Thereupon the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) called Fatima and wrote the deed of gift, giving Fadak to her. (Tafsir Durre Mansoor, volume 4 page 177)

 It is said that “Love of the beloved of God is love of God.”“There is no man more loved by the Prophet than Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) and no woman more loved than Sayyida Fatimah (s.a.)”

When this Ayah was revealed saying: “Make not the calling of the Messenger among you as your calling of one another”, the Muslims did not address the Prophet as “O Muhammad” any more, instead they said: “O Messenger of God”. Sayyidah Fatimah Zahra (s.a.) said: “After this Ayah was revealed, I did not dare calling my father as “father dear”. Subsequently, when I addressed him as “O’ Messenger of Allah”, he did not like it and turned his face away. He said: “O’ Fatimah, this Ayah was not revealed for you, not for your family and your descendants. You are of me and I am of you. Say, father dear; for this word is more life giving for the heart and more pleasing to God.” (Manaqib Ibne-Shher Ashub)

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Whoever harms Fatimah has harmed me and whoever angers her has made me angry; and whoever has made her glad has made me glad, and whoever sadden her has made me sad. Fatimah is part of me, whoever annoys her annoys me.”

This Tradition carries an utmost importance. It is a fact that all the physical and spiritual qualities which are in the main body are completely found in the part. Hence, if the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) was the Messenger of Allah and responsible for preaching Islam, it is a natural corollary that Sayyidah Fatima also preached Islam to the women folks. That might be the reason when Sayyidah Fatima Zahra (s.a.) came in the presence of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.); he would stand up and gave respect to her not as a daughter but as the partner in preaching Islam!

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur’an

Fatima Zahra: The World’s Most Outstanding Lady                      by Ayatullah Nasir Makarem Shirazi

Fatimah, the Gracious                                                                     by Abu Muhammad Ordani

Hazrat Fatimah Az-Zahra                                                                al-Islam.org

STRUGGLE AGAINST SELF (NAFS) - PART ONE

Man is a marvel possessing two lives and two worlds within one existence; worldly existence associated with his body and the other is soul belonging to the invisible and celestial world which consists of several levels and grades. Each one of them is specified with hosts of guardians. The host related with the divine and intellectual powers attracts him towards the sublime and heavenly spheres and summons him to virtue and goodness. The other host is the satanic one who attracts him towards darkness and shame and invites him to acts of villainy and destruction.

There is always a state of conflict and strife between these two forces, and human existence is the battle ground of these two bands. When the divine forces of good are successful, man emerges as a virtuous being and attains the high status of angels, and is congregated under the category of prophets, saints and the pious. If the satanic host becomes successful, man commits sins and vices.

Ears, eyes, tongue, stomach, private parts, hands and legs are under the control of “self”. Thoughts and imagination are sovereign over all visible and invisible human faculties. If the faculty of thought resolves to employ all other faculties in the evil direction, all of them are converted to satanic forces and the forces of piety, rationality are subjugated. If the faith and reason control the mind, all other faculties work towards piety and reason.   

At the First Grade, there are five factors responsible to control and direction of the “Self”:

Contemplation: Think about our duties to Allah, purpose of our creation, bounties of Allah, be thankful to Him and seek His forgiveness for your sins.

Will and Resolution: Resolution is the essence of humanity and criterion for human freedom. You should make resolution to purge life from sins, to perform all obligatory (Wajib) acts, to compensate for the lost time in sinful acts, and to behave like a rational and religious person.

Efforts and Struggle (Spiritual): Make efforts to be a man of strong will power and resolution so that you may not leave this world as a brain-less being not in the form of human but some animal. The Hereafter is a world where hidden is unveiled and secrets are exposed. Continued committing of sins converts him into a man devoid of will power and takes away humanity from him. Hence, desist from transgression, resolve to return to Allah. Pray to Allah to assist you in your mission and pray for the intercession of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and Ahlul Bayt (a.s.).

Self-Examination and Stipulation: Self-Examination, Contemplation and Self-Conditioning are pre-requisite for a seeker of truth who is battling with his “Self”. It means binding oneself with the resolve not to do anything against Allah’s commands. Curse, and drive the Shaitan away from the depths of your heart and the domain of your mind.

Guarding against Evil: Concentrate on your actions .If at any time any idea to violate the divine command occurs in your mind, remember that it is from Shaitan. Hence curse him and seek Allah’s forgiveness and help. Before going to bed, review your results of the whole day. If you were successful in your resolve to avoid sins, thank Allah, if there were any shortcomings, pray to Allah for forgiveness and seek His help.

Remembrance of Allah and His Graces:  Remember the gifts of Allah and thank Him. Greater the self-less generosity the greater is sense of gratitude. Look around for His Bounties and its importance in your life both physical and spiritual. The prophets and Books He sent for our guidance. Consider His Omnipotence, He is everywhere watching us. Consider our shameful boldness of committing sins in His presence! Have we sought His forgiveness? Approach Him with utmost humility and with tears in your eyes and seek His help and no one on earth can help you except Him.

There is a Golden Advice of the Commander of the Faithful, The Gateway of Knowledge, Imam Ali (a.s.): “Keep your thoughts pure and clean like the crystal clear drops of rain as the river is made up of drops of water.”

                Condensed from: “Forty Hadees” by Ayatullah Ruhullah Khomeini (r.a.)

SURAH AL-JU'MUAH OF THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

Surah al-Jumu’ah is the 62^nd Surah of the Glorious Qur’an revealed in Madinah.

                                           In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

All that is in the Heavens and the earth glorifies Allah, the King, al-Quddus (free from the matters that can lead one to ignorance) the Majestic and the All-Wise. It is He who has sent to the illiterate (people without a Heavenly book) a Messenger from among their own people to recite to them His revelations and purify them. He will teach the Book to them and wisdom, even though before this they had been in plain error, and to others, who have not yet joined, (accepted the faith). He (Allah) is Majestic and All-Wise. Such is the favor of Allah, which He grants to whomever He wants. Allah’s favor is great. Those who were to carry the responsibility of the Torah but ignored it are like donkeys laden with books. How terrible is the example of the people who reject the revelations of Allah. Allah does not guide the unjust. (Muhammad), ask the Jews, “If you believe that you are the chosen people of Allah to the exclusion of all other people, wish for death if you are truthful. They will never wish for death because of what they have done! Allah knows best about the unjust people. (Muhammad), tell them, “The death from which you run away will certainly approach you. Then you will be returned to the One who knows the unseen and the seen, and He will tell you what you have done. Believers, on Friday when the call for prayer is made, try to prepare yourselves to attend prayer (remembering Allah) and leave-off all businesses. This would be better for you if only you knew it. When the prayer ends, disperse through the land and seek the favor of Allah. Remember Allah often so that perhaps you will have everlasting happiness. When they see a merchandise or sport, they rush toward it and leave you standing alone. Say, “(Allah rewards for good deeds) are better than merriment (game) or merchandise; Allah is the best Sustainer.”

It is a point to ponder, in the above Ayah which reads, “When they see a merchandise or sport, they rush toward it and leave you standing alone”, were these companions of the Noble Messenger? As it is generally believed that whoever saw the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) even once, was a companion!

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) first recited the signs, then purified them by raising their attention from sensual needs to their spiritual requirements and taught them the Book containing the Truth and Wisdom to apply it in practical life. When the poor came to the Messenger and complained that they do not have wealth to spent in Allah’s path and earn His reward, the Messenger told them: “You recite one hundred times ‘La Ilaha Illallah (there is no god but Allah the One God’ and it will be better than liberating a slave and better than giving one hundred horses in the way of Allah.” Likewise the children of Isra’il held the Torah but did not act upon it. The same example hold good for the Muslims who hold the Glorious Qur’an but do not act upon it. Although the Jews professed themselves to be favorites of Allah but when they were told to invoke death but they did not because of their sins. By the way, Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “Verily, the son of Abu Talib, is more familiar with death than the baby with its mother’s breast.” Friday is called the day of the birth of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), the day of Grace, the Day of Blessings, the Day of Mercy, the Day of Acceptance of Prayer, the Day of Festival, the Day of Piety, the Day of Endeavor, the Day of Honor, and the Day of Abundance. Friday is for congregational prayers, a weekly demonstration of the brother-hood in the faith and the unity of the faithful, sharing the spiritual state of a joint communion with Allah. At the end of the Surah, the believers are admonished not to get distracted by any craze for amusement and worldly gain at the cost of their duty to Allah. According to Jabir, once when the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was offering the Friday prayers, a caravan entered the town singing and beating the drum, every one ran to witness the jubilant caravan except twelve persons including Jabir.

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur’an (English translation) by Ayatollah Agha H.M.M. Pooya Yazdi

The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu translation) by Ayatollah Nasir Makarem Shirazi

The Glorious Qur’an (English translation) by Muhammad Sarwar

THE CONCEPT OF WORSHIP IN ISLAM

Worship is the highest form of humility before Allah. It is the purpose behind the creation of all human being and the mission of all the Prophets sent by Allah as mentioned in Surah al-Za’riyat Ayah 56: “We have created Jinn and human beings only that they might worship Me (follow My laws).” Similarly, the mission of the Prophets has been to invite people to worship Allah as stated in Surah al-Nahl Ayah 36: “To every nation We sent a Messenger who told its people, “Worship Allah and stay away from Shaitan.” However, it may be realized that Allah does not need our worship; as stressed in Surah al-Ikhlas Ayah 2: “Allah is Absolute (Self-Sufficient)” and also Surah al-Zumar Ayah 7: “…know that Allah is certainly independent of you.” The benefits of worship return to the worshippers themselves.”

Worship is in man’s instinct and an integral part of human beings. In the earlier period of civilization, man worshiped sun and other deities, but the Prophets guided human beings to worship Allah.

Worship means devoting all dimensions of life to the Divine Will and Pleasure. It has significant effects on man’s life. Man and his efforts will perish but whatever is done for His Pleasure remains as an asset as mentioned in Surah al-Nahl Ayah 96: “Whatever you possess is transient and whatever is with Allah is everlasting.”

If the purpose behind our deeds be a Godly one and we could set our intention, motive and direction of our activities along the path of Divine Will and conduct ourselves as true servant of Allah, then our every activities will become spiritual like eating, travelling, dressing, housekeeping, studying etc.

The concept of worship is not restricted to the prayer and fasting. Acts which are beneficial to the people are all acts of worship. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s) said: “Worship has seventy parts, the best of which is earning lawful (halal) sustenance. Also, seeking knowledge to refute falsehood and turn deviation into guidance is equivalent to forty years of worship. The best act of worship is to wait for the relief (faraj) with the advent of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.)” The Infallible Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “Worship is not excessive praying and fasting. Verily, worship is reflection on the creations of Allah.

It is reported in Ahadees that two raka’at of the prayer of a scholar are better than seventy raka’at of prayer of an ignorant person. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Prayer performed on the basis of reflection and consciousness is accepted.” Prayer must be performed with love, enthusiasm, fervor and pleasure. Any act of worship not purely for the sake of Allah but out of ostentation, hypocrisy, demagogy, and show-off have no value and hence are not accepted by Allah as mentioned in Surah al-Kahf Ayah 110: “Whoever desires to meet his Lord should strive righteously and should worship no one besides Him (do not show-off to others)” Prayer must be performed with humility with a sense of Allah’s grandeur and our own insignificance before Him as directed in Surah al-Muminun Ayah 1 and 2: “Triumphant indeed are the believers, who are submissive to Allah in their prayers….” There is a Hadees which says: “Worship Allah as if you can see Him, and think as if it is your last prayer!”

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur’an, Wasail ash-Shia, Muhajja al-Baydah, Nahaj al-Fasahah, Safina al-Bahar, Misbah ash-Shariah, Bihar al-Anwar, Radiance-secret of prayer by Maulana Muhsin Qara’ati

THE GENEROSITY OF THE COMMANDER OF THE FAITHFUL IMAM ALI (A.S.)

Munificence and generosity is the hall-mark of the Ahlul-Bayt specially the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) and Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.), “The Lady of Paradise” and “The Chief of the Women of the World.

There are numerous instances of their generosity. Appended below is one of it stated in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah al-Hashr Ayah 9 which says: “….They give preference to them over themselves – even concerning the things that they themselves urgently need. Whoever controls his greed will have everlasting happiness.”

The Infallible Panjetan, in whose honor the Ayah of Purity (Surah al-Ahza’b Ayah 33) was revealed, was provided Heavenly food on many occasions. One such occasion was, when once there was no food available in the house. Imam Ali (a.s.) went out borrowed a dinar to procure some eatables. He met Meghdad, one of his true companions, exhausted with eyes sunken in his cavities manifesting terrible weakness. On inquiry, he told the Imam that he and his family were without any eatables and he could not see the sight of his crying children hence he came out of his house. Imam Ali (a.s.) gave away that borrowed dinar to Meghdad to purchase food for his children and returned home empty-handed! When he entered the house, he found some heavenly-being had delivered some delicious food for Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.), Imam Hasan (a.s.), Imam Husayn (a.s.) and himself (a.s.). (Mullah Abul Qasim Damishqi narrated by Abu Sa’eed Khudri)

It is reported by the Companion Abdullah ibn Masood: “We were sitting in the Mosque of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), when a man amongst us stood and requested that he was poor and hungry. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “O’ man, do not call yourself a poor, for there are four things which are really poor ones, in the world:

1.       The mosque in the midst of the people who do not pray in it.

2.       The Holy Qur’an in the house, the inmates of which do not recite it.

3.       The scholar in the midst of the people who do not resort to him to get benefited by his learning.

4.       The Believer (Muslim) who is a helpless captive in the hands of the disbelievers.

Then he (s.a.w.a.s.) turned to his companions and asked “who can take this brother of yours and feed him?” Imam Ali (a.s.) brought the guest with him to his abode and inquired from Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) about the food. She replied that there was very little food available barely for one person. It was a difficult situation for Imam Ali (a.s.); if he eats from it then it would not be sufficient for the guest and if he did not take part it would be against the etiquette. Imam Ali (a.s.) extinguished the lamp. In the dark the guest ate the food and Imam Ali (a.s.) at with him and kept on moving his mouth to show as id he was also eating the food. When the guest finished the food, the lamp was lighted and Imam Ali (a.s.) saw that the food was still there. Imam Ali (a.s.) asked the guest why he did not eat the food; the man replied that he had his fill! After the guest had departed, Imam Ali (a.s.), Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.), Imam Hasan (a.s.), and Imam Husayn (a.s.) ate from the food and the quantity of food did not decrease but remained the same as before. The food was given to the poor. This was one of the many instances of the miraculous happenings with the “Panjetan”. When Imam Ali (a.s.) returned to Prophet’s Mosque, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) informed Imam Ali (a.s.) of what happened in the “house” saying that the Arch-Angel Jibra’eel informed him of the event in all its details and conveyed the above-mentioned Ayah.

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur’an (English translation) by Ayatollah Agha H.M.M.Pooya Yazdi (r.a.)

The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu translation) by Maulana Hafiz Farman Ali (r.a.)

WHERE IS THE GRAVE OF SAYYIDA FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.) ?

Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) was the only daughter of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). Her mother was Sayyida Khadija (s.a.), the richest woman in the Arabian Peninsula. She authorized the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) to spend her entire wealth for the propagation and strength of Islam. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) loved and respected his daughter. He told the Muslims time and again that she was a part of the Messenger of Allah, whatever harms her harms him, whatever causes her pains it pains him, whoever pleases her pleases him. After the Migration to Madina and her marriage to the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.), it was customary for the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) to stand up to welcome his daughter Fatima Zahra (s.a.) as a mark of respect. This was the distinction and unique status of Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.). Muslims do not give this exalted status to their daughters treating it as “Sunnah” The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) called her “Umme Abiha” which means she was the mother of her father (s.a.w.a.s.). Her husband was the Conqueror of Khyber, hero of Badr, Uhad, and Khandaq. He sacrificed his life on the night of “Migration to Madinah” to safeguard the Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.a.s.). It is rightly said that “Islam prospered by the wealth of Sayyida Khadija (s.a.) and the sword (Zulfiqar) of Imam Ali (a.s.).

Before his death, the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) used to come at the house of Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) and greet the inmates of her house. Surah al-Shura Ayah 23 says: “I do not ask you for any compensation for my preaching to you except (your) love of (my near) relatives.” Moreover, whenever the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) would go out of Madinah, he would meet his daughter (Fatima) at the end and see her first on his return!

It is customary that man not only loves his lover but also loves those human beings or things attached to his lover. In Surah al-Rahman Ayah 60: “Hal Jaza’al Ihsan Illal Ihsan?” “Can anything else be a response to a favor but a favor?”

Surprisingly, we Muslims are fully aware that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) dearly loved his beloved daughter Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) who’s self-less services to Islam and the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) are undeniable. He himself had said: “Fatima is a part of me”. Part is inclusive of physical as well as spiritual partnership. Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) single-handedly conveyed the Message of Islam to the women-folk of the Muslim community. But we do not ponder for a moment as to where is the grave of this lady who was part of the Ayah of Purification Surah al-Ahza’b Ayah 33: “Innama Ureedullahu Le’yuzheba Ankumur Rijsa Ahlal Bayte wa Utah’herakum Tatheerah” It means “O’People of the House, Allah wants to keep away all kinds of uncleanness from you and to Purify you thoroughly.” Her “Truthfulness” was certified by Allah (s.w.t.) in the spiritual Battle with the Christians of Najr’an (Najra’an is a town south of Jiddah, Saudi Arabia) when the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) invited the priests for Mubahelah Surah ale-Imran Ayah 61 and seeing the illuminating faces (of course, Sayyida Fatima Zahra was fully covered), they decided not to do Mubahela. In Mubahela, the opposing parties would pray for the curse of Allah on the liars.

When the time of Martyrdom of the beloved daughter of the last Prophet of Allah arrived, she requested the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.), her husband, not to let the people attend her funeral prayers who oppressed and caused utmost pain to her. She also requested that she should be buried at night and to eliminate any sign of her grave. Imam Ali (a.s.) complied with her request and she was buried at night and eliminated the signs of her grave. He prepared 40 other graves so that no one could identify her grave.

There are reports that she was buried in her house, some other reports said that she was buried in the Mosque of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) between his grave and his minbar as it was considered to be a garden of Paradise. And a third report says that she was buried in the famous graveyard of “Jannat-ul-Baqi’”

If the Muslims sincerely and really love their Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and expect his Shafa’ah on the Day of Judgment, then they should ponder, inquire and search the reasons why the Lady of Paradise did not want the Muslims of Madinah to attend her funeral, why she did not want that any outsider should identify her grave?

SAYINGS OF THE NOBLE MESSENGER (S.A.W.A.S.) ABOUT SAYYIDA FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.)

The gem of Prophets of Allah (s.w.t.) the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) loved his only daughter, the Chief of the women of the world, the Lady of Paradise, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.). This love was not only because she was his daughter but also because she was the only one to preach the tenets of Islam to the women-folks and also the eleven Infallible Imams were also to be born from her lineage.

Appended below are some of his (s.a.w.a.s.) sayings regarding Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.);

1.       Fatima (s.a.) is part of me. Whatever upsets her upsets me, and whatever harms her harms me.

2.       Fatima (s.a.) is part of me, and whoever pleases her pleases me.

3.       Fatima (s.a.) is part of me, so whoever makes her angry makes me angry.

4.       Fatima (s.a.) is part of me, whatever harms her harms me, and whatever is against her is against me.

5.       Fatima (s.a.) is part of me and she is my heart and the soul which is between my two sides.

6.       Fatima (s.a.) is part of me, whatever causes her pain causes me pain and whatever makes her happy makes me happy.

7.       On the Day of Judgment, a caller will call out, “Lower your gaze until Fatima has passed.

8.       When I long for the fragrance of Paradise, I smell Fatima.

9.       Of all the women in the universe, four would suffice: Mary, Asiya, Khadija and Fatima.

10.   O’ Ali! Jibra’eel has informed that God has married you to Fatima (s.a.).

11.   I am not pleased unless Fatima (s.a.) is pleased.

12.   All the children of a mother are attributed to the fatherly relations except the sons of Fatima (s.a.)

13.   The most beloved of my family to me is Fatima (s.a.)

14.   The head of the women of Paradise is Fatima (s.a.)

15.   Many men have reached completion, but no women have reached completion except four; Mary, Asiya, Khadija, and Fatima (s.a.)

16.   The first people to enter Paradise will be Ali (a.s.) and Fatima (s.a.)

17.   The “Ayah of Purification” was revealed concerning five people; myself, Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Husayn.

18.   The best women in Paradise will be Mary, Asiya, Khadija, and Fatima (s.a.)

19.   The “Mahdi” is from my family, from the sons of Fatima (s.a.)

20.   Verily, God has weaned (protected) (Fatima in Arabic) my daughter Fatima and her children and those who loved them, from the Hellfire, and that is why she is named “Fatima”

21.   Fatima (s.a.), you will be the first among my “Ahlul Bayt” to follow after me.

22.   Fatima (s.a.) is a maiden of Paradise created in human form, and she does not receive any kind of menses.

23.   Fatima (s.a.) is more beloved to me than you, O’ Ali, and you are dearer to me than her.

Sources used:

Kenz al-Omal, Sawaiq al-Muhriqa, Manaqib al-Imam Ali, Al-Sahihain, Nur al-Absar, Yanabial-Muwadda, Al-Bidaya wa Al-Nihaya, Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Tadkhirat al-Khawass, Mustadrak al-Hakim, Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Manaqib al-Khwarazimi,

THE ATTENTIVE EARS IN THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

Surah al-Ha’qqa Ayah 11 & 12: “When the flood rose high and covered the whole land, We carried you in the Ark; to make it a lesson for you, but only the attentive ears will retain it.”

The Glorious Qur’an is referring to the mammoth flood at the time of Prophet Noah (a.s.), how Allah (s.w.t.) saved His Prophet and his sincere followers by the Ark prepared under the Divine Supervision.

The Arabic word “ta’iyaha” used in the Ayah means “preserving something in the heart”. The verbal form here means the ears listening to the truths and preserving it. One of the idiomatic meanings is to listen to something and preserve in his heart and make use of it as the map shedding light on his life.

According to the “Hulyatul – Auliya and Kashshaf, this Ayah was revealed in the favor of the Infallible Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.). The above-mentioned authorities report that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “O’ Ali! Allah (s.w.t.) has commanded me to, to always keep you near me and not away from me-and I prayed to Allah (s.w.t.) to make your ears such that whatever you hear of the word of Allah (s.w.t.) and receive the knowledge from me, you do not forget but preserve it always. I have been commanded by Allah to convey to you whatever knowledge I receive from Him.” It was based on the strength of this Divine Gift that Imam Ali (a.s.) on the day of his departure from this world, though mortally wounded by a strongly poisoned sword, said, “Ask me whatever you want to know, lest you may lose me.” This was one of the unique distinctions which Imam Ali (a.s.) was blessed with and it was for this position of Imam Ali (a.s.) that after the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), every one resorted to him for the solution of their problems, even the second caliph openly declared “Had not Ali been there, Omer would have perished.”

Similarly, it was reported by Sa’eed bin Mansur bin Jarir, Ibne Manzr bin Abi Hatim and Ibne Marduya.

Imam Ali (a.s.) himself had said that whatever he heard from the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), he always remembered and never forgotten and it remained in his memory. (Tafsir Qartabi volume 10 page 6743, Majma-ul-Bayan, Rooh-ul-Bayan, Rooh-ul-Ma’ani, Abul Fatooh Razi and also Manaqib ibn Maghazli Sha’fae)

As per Tafsir Dure Mansur volume 6 pages 260 from line 11 to line 17 printed in Egypt, when this Ayah was revealed, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “O Ali! You are the ear of remembering my knowledge.” 

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur’an (English translation) by Ayatollah Agha H.M.M.Pooya Yazdi

The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu translation) by Maulana Farman Ali

The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu translation) by Ayatollah Nasir Makarem Shirazi

Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur’an