BIRTH OF THE MATCHLESS SAYYIDA FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.)

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was the divine guide for both men and women; hence Allah (s.w.t.) arranged for an assistant to resolve pure feminine problems and concerns which may not be practical for a man to resolve. Hence, Allah planned the creation of His Special slave; Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.).

There is a narration that while the Noble Messenger was on a mission of Ascension (Miraj) the Arch-angel Gabriel gave him (s.a.w.a.s.) some fruits from “Tooba” to eat. When the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) returned to earth, the sacred seed of Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) was coagulated from that Heavenly fruit. She was born on 20 Jumadai as-Sani, five years after the (beginning of the) Prophet hood. With her birth, Allah negated his (s.a.w.a.s.) opponents claims of a discontinuing lineage (a man without off-springs) for the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). On the contrary, it commenced the enormous gushing spring of the continuation of the Prophet’s lineage and the Pure Guiding Imams, and “Sa’daats” across the globe throughout the centuries, till the Day of Resurrection. Sarah al-Kauthar is a testimony to it.

Some of the Sunni books contain this tradition, “The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) asked the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.), “Do you know why my daughter was named Fatima?” Imam Ali (a.s.) replied, “Please say so.” The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) replied, “Because she and the Shias, the followers of her school, are separated from the Fire of Hell.” (Sawa-iqul-Muhriqa, Kanz-ul-Ommal, The History of Baghdad) Her other names were more than 85 some of them are; Ummul-Aimmah, (mother of Imams) Umme Abiha, (mother of her father) Siddiqa (The Honest), Taahirah (Virtuous), Zakiyyah, (chaste) Marziyyah, (pleasing for her prayers) Muhaddisah, (one who converse with angels) and Zahra. In the heavens, her name was “Mansoura” according to Gabriel.  People asked the Sixth Infallible Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.), Why do they call Fatima Zahra?” The Imam Replied, “Because Zahra means shining, and Fatima was such that when she stood in the “Mihrab” of prayers, her light was a radiance for the inhabitants of the skies, just as the light of the stars are for the inhabitants of earth.”

Sayyida Khadija al-Kubra (s.a.) was the richest women of her time in Arabian Peninsula. She married young Muhammad who was not declared as a Prophet at that time but was called “Trustworthy” and “Truthful”. At the time of the birth of Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.), all the women of Quraish boycotted her for marrying a poor man. Allah (s.w.t.) did not leave her alone at this juncture and sent Sarah, wife of Prophet Ibrahim, Asiah, wife of the pharaoh, Maryam, mother of prophet Isa, Kolthoom, sister of Prophet Musa. As soon as she was born, she recited the Kalimah, “There is no god but Allah, my father is the chief of the prophets, Ali is the Chief of Vicegerents, my children are the chiefs of the future generations. Imam Jaffar as-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “My grand mother Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.)’s light was created by Allah (s.w.t.) long before Adam was created. When Allah created the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and wanted to create Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) He (s.w.t.) converted her light into an apple when the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) ate that apple, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) was born. According to Ibne Abbas, she would grow in one month as ordinary babies grow in one year. She resembled the Noble Messenger (s.a.w..as.) in looks, character, behavior and conduct.

Whenever, she would go to her father, he (s.a.w.a.s) would stand up to receive her as a mark of respect and give her a special seat and often would kiss her hands and say, “Allah, the Highest; is pleased when Fatima is pleased. He is angered; whenever Fatima is angered.

Sources: Fatima, the Gracious by Abu Muhammad Ordoni

                Bihar-ul-Anwar by Allama Muhammad Baqir Majlisi (r.a.)

                Duas.org

THE SUPERIORITY OF THE PROGENY (AHL-ALBAYT) STATED IN THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

It is stated in the books of traditions that wherever the Ayah “Ya Ayyuhal Lazeena Amaoo” is mentioned, its primary addressee is the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.). However, in the following cases, the Pure Progeny of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) is mentioned to exhibit their unique distinction and superiority in the Glorious Qur’an.

Surah al-Ah’zab Ayah 33, which states “O People of the House, Allah intends to keep away (all kinds of) uncleanness from you and purify you thoroughly.”

Surah al-Imran Ayah 61, which says “If anyone disputes after knowledge has come to you, say, “Let each one of us bring our children (Abna), women (Nisa) and selves (Anfusana) and pray to Allah to condemn (curse) the liars among us.” It was customary at that time when people continue to argue without any result, they call for “Mubahelah” and invite the curse of Allah on the liars and truth would establish instantly. It is worth mentioning here that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) took his grandchildren; young Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.) as his sons, and the Arabic plural noun (allowing three or more) “Women” used in the Ayah but he (s.a.w.a.s.) took only his daughter Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) and lastly the plural “Anfusana” (more than three men) was used but he (s.a.w.a.s.) took Imam Ali (a.s.) as his soul!

The doors of the houses of companions and Ahl-al Bayt used to open inside the Mosque of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). He (s.a.w.a.s.) ordered that all the doors, except that of Imam Ali (a.s.), should be closed. His uncle Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib complained about it. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) replied, “I did not keep Ali’s door open by my wish nor closed your door. Allah kept his door open and your door closed.” The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) wanted to give the practical demonstration of his Tradition; “O Ali, you have the same relation with me as Haroon had with Musa” Surah Younus Ayah 87, which says, “We sent revelation to Musa and his brother (Harun) to build houses for their people in the Pharaoh’s town and that therein they should pray and that Musa should give the glad news of (Allah’s mercy) to the faithful ones.”

Surah al-Isra’ Ayah 26, which says, “Give the relatives (of the Noble Messenger) the destitute, and those who when on journey have become needy, their dues.” The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) called for Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) and said, “I am giving this Fadak to you as ordered by Allah as this is my property and no horses or camels of Muslims were used to acquire it. It is for you and your progeny.”

Surah al-Shura’ Ayah 23, which says, “(Muhammad), say, “I do not ask you for any compensation for my preaching to you except (your) love of (my near) relatives. Whoever achieve virtue will have its merits increased. Allah is All-forgiving and Appreciating.”

Surah al-Ahza’b Ayah 56, which says, “Allah purifies and adorns the Prophet, and His angels praise him. O believers, pray for the Prophet (acknowledging his possessing divine authority) and greet him (as your guardian and the Messenger of Allah) with, the greeting of peace submissively.” When the companions inquired as to how they should greet, he (s.a.w.a.s.) replied, say, “Allahuuma Salle Ala Muhammadin Wa AleMuhammadan Kama Sallayta Ala Ibrahim Wa Ala Ale Ibrahima Innaka Hameedun Majeed.” Yaseen is one of the names of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) as mentioned in Surah al-Yaseen. Surah al-Saffat Ayah 130, which says,” Peace be with Ale Yaseen (Muhammad and his family).”

Surah al-Anfal Ayah 41 says, “Know that whatever property you may gain, one-fifth belongs to Allah, the Messenger, the relatives (Qurba), orphans, the needy and those who need money while on a journey.” Allah has kept the “Khums” for Himself, His Messenger and at the third place it is the relatives (Ahl al-Bayt). As for the others; orphans once they attain puberty, they are not entitled to the Khums, the needy as soon as he becomes self-sufficient, he is no more entitled to Khums, lastly when the traveler reaches his destination, his entitlement of Khums ceases. While the share of Ahl-al Bayt in Khums remains forever.

Surah al-Nahl Ayah 43, which says, “Every Messenger who We sent before you were men whom We had sent with revelations, ask the people of al-Zikr (those who possess divine knowledge) if you do not know about this.” Here Zikr means the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and ahl-alZikr means the Ahl-al-Bayt. Surah al-Talaq Ayah 10, which says, “People of understanding and believers, have fear of Allah. Allah has certainly sent you a reminder.”

                Source: Ayuoon al-Akhbar by Sheikh Sadooq (r.a.)

MUSLIM'S OBLIGATION TOWARDS SAYYIDA FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.)'S CLAIM FOR FADAK

It was well-known to the people of Madinah how the Chief of the women of the world, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) and the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) voluntarily lived a life of the poorest family in the whole Muslim world. Whenever Imam Ali (a.s.) received money for any work, after buying the most basic food for the family like barley, he would distribute the balance among the needy. Poor and indigent when in need will come to the house of Sayyida Fatima and she never refused to help anyone. Even if there would be nothing to give to the needy, she would ask Imam Ali (a.s.) to borrow and satisfy the needs of the needy! Even the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) himself would send any needy person to the house of Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) to receive assistance.

Their selfless sacrifice of giving food to the three needy persons who came for food when the whole family was fasting after the recovering from sickness of young Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn. Sayyida Fatima instead of opening the fast with the bread, she gave it away to the one who knocked their door for food. Following her, Imam Ali (a.s.), young Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn and even Fizzah gave away their bread. For three days, a destitute, an orphan, a prisoner came for seeking food and the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) preferred Allah’s creatures over themselves and sacrificed for the pleasure of Allah. Surah al-Insan Ayah 7 to 10 refers.

In the early days of Islam when Muslims were financially weak, the wealth of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)’s beloved wife Hazrat Khadija (s.a.)’ was spent by the Noble Messenger to look after the welfare of the newly converted Muslims. Hazrat Khadija could not be provided a shroud when she died and the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) shrouded her body in his personal clothing! She was the richest woman in Arabia at the time of her marriage to the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). Who was benefitted by her wealth?

The Ansars of Madina appreciating the pains and sacrifices of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), offered financial help to the Noble Messenger when this Ayah of Surah Shu’ra Ayah 24 was revealed:” Say, I do not ask of you any reward for it except the affection for my Progeny”

Dawn of Islam brought the last Divine Scripture, the Glorious Qur’an and the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) completely revolutionized the people’s way of life which provided enormous material and spiritual benefits to them.

Sural al-Rahman Ayah 60, says “Hal Jaza’al Ihsan Illall Ehsan?” Can anything else be a response to a favor but a favor?

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s) had said, “Fatima is a part of me” The Golden Ayahs of the Glorious Qur’an were still fresh in the minds of the Muslims. Surah al-Ahzab Ayah 33 says, “O people of the House, Allah intends to keep away uncleanness from you and keep you thoroughly pure.” Surah al-Imran Ayah 61,” If anyone disputes after knowledge has come to you, say, let each one of us bring our children, women, and our selves and pray to Allah to condemn the Liars among us.” The Noble Messenger took young Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn (as his sons), and his daughter Sayyida Fatima (Ayah provided plural number of three or more women) in place of women, and Imam Ali (a.s.) as his “self.” Their Truthfulness and Purity was certified by the Glorious Qur’an.

If Sayyida Fatima asked for her legitimate right on Fadak, what was the moral, religious, ethical obligation of Muslims as a whole?

SAYYIDA FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.)'S SERMON OF FADAK REFERENCED TO THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

Praise be to Allah                                                                                             Surah al-Fatiha

Abundant and complete Bounties                                                             Surah al-Maida Ayah 3 (Bounty of Wilayah)

Countless Unlimited Bounties                                                                     Surah Ibrahim Ayah 34

Increase and perpetuity of Blessings                                                        Surah Ibrahim Ayah 7

Listeners of Glorious Qur’an are guided                                                  Surah al-A’raf Ayah 204

Alms purifies the sustenance                                                                      Surah al-Bar ‘at Ayah 103

Patient ones will be recompensed                                                            Surah Zumur Ayah 10

Security in retribution                                                                                    Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 179

Prohibition of intoxicants                                                                              Surah al-Maida Ayah 90

Prohibition of defamation of adultery                                                     Surah al-Nur Ayah 23

Make sure you die as a Muslim                                                                  Sarah Ale Imran Ayah 102

Only knowledgeable one fear Allah                                                          Surah al-Fatir Ayah 28

A compassionate Messenger who cares for you                                  Surah Tawbah Ayah 128

The Messenger called with wisdom and good advice                        Surah al-Nahl Ayah 125

Keep off uncleanness from Ahl al-Bayt                                                    Surah al-Ahza’b Ayah 33

You were at the brink of the pit of Hell Fire                                           Surah Ale Imran Ayah 103

Disgrace and feared would be carried away                                          Surah al-Anfal Ayah 26

Ali (a.s.) served Allah’s creation regardless of censure                      Surah al-Maida Ayah 54

Swiftly appointed a caliph and fell in pit of agitation                          Surah al-Tawbah Ayah 49

You left behind Qur’an, evil is the unjust exchange                           Surah al-Kahf Ayah 50

No religion other than Islam will be accepted                                      Surah Ale Imran Ayah 85

You started mutiny, blew out light of Allah                                            Surah Tawbah Ayah 32, Surah Saff Ayah 8

No inheritance for Fatima, Allah is the Judge                                        Surah al-Maida Ayah 50

It is strange thing!                                                                                            Surah Maryam Ayah 27

Suleman inherited Dawood                                                                         Surah al-Namal Ayah 16

Zachariah prayed for heir of family of Yaqoob                                      Surah Maryam Ayah 5-6

Blood relations are nearer to each other in Book of Allah                                Surah Tawbah Ayah 75

Inheritance of different relations                                                              Surah Nisa Ayah 11

Duty of the pious to bequeath to relatives                                            Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 180

Every prophecy there is appointed time they will experience it    Surah al-An’ am Ayah 67

Humiliating punishment and ever lasting torment                             Surah Hud Ayah 39

If Muhammad dies will you go back to pre-Islamic behavior?        Surah Ale Imran Ayah 144

The unjust will soon know how terrible their end will be                 Surah al-Shu’ara Ayah 227

Act (you) whatever you can and wait we too are waiting                 Surah Hud Ayah 121-122

        Source: The Historic Sermon of Sayyida Fatima Zahra by Ayatollah Lutfulla Safi al-Payagani