ALLAMA IQBAL (R.A.)'S PRAISE OF THE LADY OF PARADISE SAYYIDA FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.)

Allama Iqbal (r.a.) was an extremely educated Sunni Muslim and “Thinker of Pakistan”. But his praise for the Chief of the women of the world (Hadith of Prophet) and Lady of Paradise (Hadith of Prophet), the mother of the Princes of Paradise; Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn (Hadith of Prophet), the wife of the “Nafse Rasool” (Qur’an), Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.), is matchless and exemplary. In one of his Persian books “Ramooz-e-Bekhudi”, Allama Iqbal’s Qasidah and its translation in prose is reproduced here-under:

               Maryam az ek nisbate Isa aziz*Az se nisbat hazrate Zahra aziz

               Nure Chashme Rahmatul lil Alameen*An Imame Awwaleen o Akhareen

               Aan ke jaan dar paykare geeti damid*Rozgare Taaza aaeen aafraid

               Bano e Aan Tajdaare “Hal Ataa’” *Murtaza Mushkilkusha Shere Khuda

               Badshah waa Kalbai Aiwaan e oo*Yek Husaam o Yek Zirah Samaan e oo

               Maadar e Aan Markaz e Parkaar e Ishq*Maadar e Aan Karwan Salaar e Ishq

               Aan yeke Shame Shabistaan e Haram*Hafiz e Jamiyyat e Khairul Umam

               Taa Nashinad Aatish e Paikar o keen*Pusht e Paa Zad Bar sare Taaj o Nageen

               Waan digar Mawlai Abraar e Jahan*Quwwat e Bazoe Abraar e Jahan

               Dar Nawai Zindagi Soze Ast Husayn*Ahle Haq Hurriyyat Amoz az Husayn

               Seerat e Farzand ha az Ummahaat*Jouhar e Sidq o Safa az Ummahaat

               Mazra e Tasleem ra Hasil Batool*Madaraan ra Uswai Kaamil Batool

               Bahr e Muhtaj e Dalish Aan gona Sukht*Baa Yahudi Chaader e khud ra furukht

               Noori wa ham Aatishi Farmanbarish*Gum Raza’ish dar Razai Shuharish

               Aan Adab Parwarda e Sabr o Raza*Aasia Gar’den wa lab Qur’an sara

               Girya haei oo zabaleen be niyaz*Gauhar afshande badamaan e namaz

               Ask e oo barcheed Jib’rail az Zameen*Hamchu Shabnam raikht bar Arshe Bareen

               Rishta e Aa’een e Haq Zanjeer pa ast*Paas e Farman e Janaab e Mustafa ast

               Warna Gird e Turbatish Gar Deedami*Sajda ha bar Khak e oo Pasheedami

Running translation:

Hazrat Maryam is exalted by only one relation being the mother of Prophet Isa (a.s.), but Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) is far more respectable by three relations; her father was the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), her husband was Imam Ali (a.s.) and her sons were the Princes of Paradise; Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.). She was the beloved daughter of the chief of all Prophets. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had brought peace and tranquility on earth and opened new avenues. Her husband (Imam Ali) was the Crown of the Surah “Hal Ata’”. Imam Ali (a.s.) was well-known helper of people in distress and was also known as “Murtaza” and “The Lion of Allah”. Imam Ali (a.s.) was the caliph of the largest empire at the time but his “Palace” was a small house and his belongings were the sword Zulfiqar and one shield which he used to wear only at the back! Her mother, Sayyida Khadija, was the pivotal figure as she gave all her immense wealth to her husband, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) for the propagation of Islam. Her son, Imam Hasan (a.s.) was one of the “Panjetan” and protector of Muslim Ummah. Imam Hasan (a.s.), to protect the Muslims from the fire of bloodshed, abandoned and kicked off the caliphate. Her other son, Master of Martyrs Imam Husayn (a.s.) was the leader of the pious and symbol of freedom fighters of the world. Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s jihad in Karbala has brought meaning and purpose in life and the followers of truth and righteousness will continue to draw inspiration from his patience, fortitude and courage. Character of children reflect their mothers and they learn truth and piety from their mothers. One of her names was “Batool” which means unlike other women she was free of menses. She was a perfect role model for women of the world. One time, there was no provision in her house to give to the needy, hence she sold her chador to give charity to the needy. All the angels and jinn were her servants, but she was obedient to her husband Imam Ali (a.s.). She was the symbol of patience and contentment and recited Qur’an while grinding grains and taking care of her children. She would shed tears while praying, Jib’rail would carry them and spread as dew in the heavens. I am constrained by the Islamic laws and the commandments of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). Otherwise, O Fatima, I would have circumbulated your grave (Like Ka’ba) and would prostrate on the soil of your grave!