STATUS OF SAYYIDA FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.) IN THE EYES OF ALLAMA IQBAL (R.A.)

 

Allama Iqbal was known as “Thinker of Pakistan.” He was Sunni Hanafi Muslim. In his book “Ramuz-e—Bekhudi,” had authored an excellent poem about Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) in Persian. Following is the translation in English:

Mariam is exalted on one count being the mother of Prophet Eisa or Jesus. But Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) is exalted by three criteria. She is the beloved daughter of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). He is the leader of all prophets. He brought peace and tranquility on earth through Islam, opened new avenues of Tawheed. Her husband (Imam Ali) was the Crown of Surah Hal Ata (76). His other names are Murtaza, Mushkilkusha, (helped people in distress), Lion of Allah. Kings of the time used to visit his mausoleum like dogs putting chains in their necks! His material assets were only one sword (Zulfiqar) and one shield (which he used to wear at his back) only. Her mother (Khadija) was the pivot of love of Allah and His Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.). Her mother was the richest woman in Arabia which she gave away to her husband for spreading and sustaining Islam. Imam Hasan (a.s.), her eldest son, was one of the “Lights of Panjetan” and the “Protector” of Muslim Ummah and saved the Ummah from the fire of war. He kicked off the crown of khilafat. Her other son Imam Hussein (a.s.) was the leader of the pious ones. He is the source of strength for the freedom fighters of the world. His sacrifice in Karbala brought meaning and purpose to life. Even today truthful freedom lovers draw inspiration from their patience and fortitude. The characters of children reflect their mothers. Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husein (a.s.) reflected on her upbringing. Their Purity and Truthfulness reflect their mother Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.). She was the most dedicated Muslim titled “Chief of the Women of the world.” She is the perfect role model for Muslim women for all time to come. She gave away food to the needy for three days and kept fasting without eating anything. She sold her chador to help a needy Jew. All the angels and Jinn were her servants. But she was whole-heartedly lost in obedience to her husband Imam Ali (a.s.). She was the symbol of patience and contentment. She would recite the Qur’an while grinding the stone-mill (to make flower). She would shed tears to attain nearness to Allah. Her tears roll into pearls falling on her prayer-mat. Gabriel would carry her tears from the earth and would spread her tears in Heaven which falls on earth later as dew.

I am restrained by the commandments of Islam. I am following the directions of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). Otherwise, I would circumambulate around Fatima Zahra’s grave and would prostrate on the soil of Fatima Zahra’s grave.

 

GUIDELINES FOR YOUTHS

 

We all believe in friends and enemies having tangible bodies. Shaitan is our archenemy which has no tangible body that is visible to our eyes. Hence in our daily life, we do not care about Shaitan. When Allah created Adam and ordered all angels to prostrate Adam, everyone complied except Shaitan, who was a jinn but due to his constant prayers, Allah allowed him to be among the angels. He refused to prostrate Adam saying that he was superior to Adam as Adam was created from soil and Shaitan was created from fire. Allah expelled him due to his pride and disobedience. Shaitan sought permission to influence all man kind and was granted.

All the evil deeds man commits are inspired by Shaitan. If we know what deed is prohibited by Allah then we must avoid it. However, there are deeds obligatory or recommended if followed will minimize Satanic influences e.g., Salat or Namaz. Namaz is obligatory on every Muslim boy of 15 years and every Muslim girl of 9 years. Shaitan as our enemy discourages us not to pray namaz but we should remember that we must do this obligatory act which is in our own benefit. It is the remembrance of Allah that cleanses our souls; as we remember that we must pray five times, we keep our body and clothes clean. It is said that “Cleanliness is half of faith.”

Allah has placed in every human being conscience called Nafse Lawwama which reminds everyone of committing sins, it is the Shaitan who encourages us to proceed to sin. The Glorious Qur’an expressly mentions the prohibited deeds. Also, Allah sent prophets and Imams whose main mission was to guide the humans. Furu-e- Deen (Branches of Islam) explains to us what to do and what to abstain from doing. Furu’ Deen are salaat, Fasting in the month of Ramazan, Pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in life time, Charity to help others, Zakat also a tax yearly, struggle with self, do the pious deeds and recommend others also to do it, Abstain from prohibited deeds and recommend others as well, love the Prophet’s Ahle Bayt and abhor their enemies.

As a practical guide, we should minimize exposure to the modern gadgets like television. We are exposed to obscene images which awaken our baser sentiments. This is prohibited in Qur’an; Allah says, “tell men and women to lower their gaze.” (24:30). After seeing it we are mentally disturbed, unable to concentrate on healthy activities. It is purely unproductive. Develop friendship with Allah, share your worries and problems with him. Reciting Namaz is like talking to Allah and reading the Glorious Qur’an is like Allah talking to you. Time is very precious, do not waste it on unproductive activities. Do not pick any book and start reading it. After the Glorious Qur’an, the next book for guidance is Nahual Balanghai, compiled by Ayatullah Sayyid Razi about one thousand years ago. It contains sermons and priceless sayings of Amirul Momineen Imam Ali (a.s). His sayings are like universal truth covering every aspect of life true today as well.

An American author, Michael H. Hart, who authored a book, “The 100 Most Influential Persons in History” in which he named our Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) saying he was supremely successful in religious and secular realms. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its Gate.”