Hazrat Fatima - Head of women in Paradise

Hazrat Fatima - Head of women in Paradise

By Dr.Faizan Ahmed Azizi

Published in Divine Vision Magazine Second Edition

According to the Islamic Calendar, Fatima Al-Zahra (R.A) was born in Makkah on the 20th day of the Islamic Lunar Calendar month, Jumada Al-Thani (615 AD), five years after the declaration of the message of Islam by Prophet Muhammad (saw) and three years after Isra and Miraj (Night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad (saw) to heaven) and eight years before Hijrah (migration of Prophet Muhammad (saw) from Makkah to Medina).  Her name is Fatimah and her other names are: Zahra, Seddiqah, Tahirah, Mubarakah, Batool, Radiah, Mardiah and Muhaddathah. The word Fatimah means separated. She is named Fatimah because her followers are separated from the Hell because of her. Zahra means luminous. Sixth Imam, Imam Sadiq (R.A) said: "When Fatimah prayed, she shined for the heavens as the stars shine for people on earth." Seddiqah means someone who says nothing except the truth. Tahirah means pure and clean, Mubarakah means full of favour and blessing, Batool means separated from uncleanness and Radiah means satisfied with Allah's (SWT) fate and destiny and Mardiah means laudable. Muhaddathah means the one spoken to by angels. The following are some of her titles: Ensiah (heavenly lady), Haniah (sympathetic), Shahidah (martyr), Afifah (chaste), Sabirah (patient), Alimah (learned), Madhloomah (oppressed), Ma'soomah (infallible), Umm al-Hassan (mother of Hassan), Umm al-Hussain (mother of Hussain), Umm al-A'immah (mother of Imams) and Umme Abiha. 

Fatima is a part of Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him)

Prophet Mohammed (saw) has said, "Fatima is part of me, whoever harms her, harms me." Prophet Mohammed (saw) has also said, "Fatima is part of me, whoever disappoints her, disappoints me."

In these traditions, the statement that 'Fatima is part of me', has an in-depth meaning. It shows that Fatema Zahra (R.A) is not only the daughter of Rahmatul Lil Aalameen (Mercy to all the Worlds); No wonder that where Prophet Mohammed (saw) declared Fatima (R.A) as part of himself, he (saw) also announced, "Verily my daughter Fatima is the leader of the women of the worlds."

Pure noble lady Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (sa) and Prophet Muhammad (saw) bestowed all their natural love, care and devotion on their lovable child Fatima Al-Zahra (R.A), who in her turn was extremely fond of her parents.

As a daughter, Fatima Al-Zahra (R.A) loved her parents so much that she won their love and regard. The behavior of Prophet Muhammad (saw) toward his daughter Fatima Al-Zahra (R.A) was special. Prophet Muhammad (saw) showed unique respect to his dear daughter; whenever Fatima Al-Zahra (R.A) came to see him, he (saw) welcomed her, stood up to show respect and even kissed her hand and made her sit at his own place. On every occasion that Prophet Muhammad (saw) decided to go on a journey, Fatima Al-Zahra (R.A) was the last one to whom he (saw) bade farewell, and as soon as he (saw) came back from his trip, Fatima Al-Zahra (R.A) was the first one whom Prophet Muhammad (saw) visited.

Ayesha, the wife of Messenger of Allah (saw), spoke about this physical, spiritual and moral relationship: "Never have I seen anyone more like the Messenger of Allah (saw) in his solemn way of standing and sitting, more than Fatimah, may Allah (SWT) grant her more honor. When she (Fatimah) came in to see him, he (Messenger of Allah) would rise to his feet, take her hand, kiss her and seat her where he was seated. And when he came to see her, she would stand up, take his hand, kiss him and seat him where she was seated."

Ayesha, the wife of Messenger of Allah (saw), was also reported to have said: "Never have I seen anyone resembling Prophet of Allah, in his way of speaking and talking, better than Fatimah."

The highest degree of humanity is Infallibility, where the consent and anger is based solely upon the anger and consent of Allah (SWT). An infallible person shows content to whatever Allah (SWT) is content with, and shows anger to whatever angers Allah (SWT). Fatima Al-Zahra (R.A) is one whom the Almighty Allah is content when she is satisfied, and is angry when she is angry. This position has astonished many people.

Prophet Muhammad (saw) demonstrated to the people the lofty status of women in Islam. One day when a person asked Prophet Muhammad (saw) as to why he showed such respect to his daughter, he (saw) was told: "You do not know Fatima. She has the fragrance of paradise. Do you know that Allah (SWT) is pleased when Fatima is pleased and Allah (SWT) is displeased if Fatima is displeased?"

Fatima Al-Zahra (R.A) was virtue personified. In fact, she is considered the greatest lady that ever graced Planet Earth. Whatever Prophet Muhammad (saw) said about her was to make people aware of her position and status that would serve as an example for women of all time.

Messenger of Allah (saw), who spoke only what was revealed to him, told her that she [Fatima Al-Zahra (R.A) was the chief and the best of women: "Won't you be pleased to the chief of believers' women and the chief of the women of this Ummah (Nation)?"

To acquaint the Muslims with Fatima Al-Zahra (R.A) and her high rank, he (saw) said to them: "The best women of Paradise are Khadijah, daughter of Khuwailid, Fatimah, daughter of Muhammad, Maryam, daughter of Imran, and Asiyah, daughter of Muzahim, the wife of Fir'on (Pharaoh)."

Life of Hazrat Fatima Fatima Al-Zahra (R.A) was very intelligent, accomplished and cheerful. She had inherited the genius and wisdom, determination and willpower, the piety and sanctity, the generosity and benevolence, the devotion and worship of Allah (SWT) as well as other great qualities like self-sacrifice and hospitality, forbearance and patience, and the knowledge and nobility of disposition from her illustrious father, Prophet Muhammad (saw), both in words and deeds. Her generosity and compassion for the poor was such that no destitute or beggar ever returned from her door unattended. Migration When the migration took place, Fatima was left in Makka with the rest of the Family which included her step mother Umme Salama, Ali’s (R.A) mother Fatima binte Asad and many others. Ali (R.A) was in charge of the family. He stayed in Makka for another 3 days to give back the deposits to the Makkans who entrusted these to the Prophet for safe keeping. After fulfilling this duty Ali (R.A) brought the family to Madina Marriage The marriage of Hazrate Sayyida Fatima (R.A) to Hazrat Ali (R.A) had taken place in the year 2 AH. It was a simple ceremony which took place with a lot of dignity. The Beloved Prophet (S.A.W) ordered Hazrat Anas (R.A) to invite Hazrat Abu Bakr, Umar, Usman, Abdur-Rahman bin Auf and the other Ansaar and Muhaajireen(R.A's, and when all had gathered, delivered a Khutba, performed the Nikah (Marriage) and gave Hazrate Sayyida Fatima (R.A) the following items; a small blanket, a bed-stand, a quilt, a leather bag for water, two pulleys and two jugs made of clay. Hazrat Haarith bin Numaan (R.A) there after presented Rasoolullah (S.A.W) with a house of his, for Hazrate Sayyida Fatima (R.A) and Hazrat Ali (R.A) to live in. When she entered her new home after marriage, Rasoolullah (S.A.W) visited her (R.A) after Isha Salah. Holy Prophet (S.A.W) requested water in a dish, gargled His blessed mouth with it and sprinkled it on the shoulders and chest of Hazrat Ali (R.A) and Fatima (R.A)thereafter making the following Dua; “O Allah (S.W.T)! I hand over Fatima, Ali and their children (R.A) in your protection. Indeed they are saved from the mischief of Shaitaan.” (Zarqaani) Children Hazrat Hassan(R.A) was born in the 3rd year of Hijra, Hussain(R.A) was born in the 4th year of Hijra, Zainab was born in the 6th year of Hijra, Umme Kulsoom was born in the 7th year of Hijra. It was in the same house that the famous Verse of Purification (Sura 33.Verse 33) was revealed on the Holy Prophet and its narration by Fatima has become so famous that it is read in every muslim house as Hadith-e-Kisa. The Reading of this Hadith brings blessings to the household.(Tafseer-e- Kabir by Al-Razi). Fatima (A), the daughter:             She loved and cared for her father and attended to him when he was ill or injured in one of the battles to defend Islam. After the death of her mother, Hazrat Khadija, she attended to the Prophet (SAW) even more often and consoled him during times of hardship, so much so that he called her "Ummi Abiha” which means "mother of her father."  She would see the enemies cursing Prophet Muhammad (saw) or even hurting him physically. Nevertheless, she had understood the new situation and despite her young age she had realized that supporting her father, Prophet Muhammad (saw) was of her new responsibilities. Hence, she became a great contributor and supporter of Islam and Prophet Muhammad (saw). Once she saw a number of people had gathered around in Masjid al-Haram to plan the murder of Prophet Muhammad (saw). Fatima Al-Zahra (R.A) returned home with tearful eyes, and told her father about the plan; as a result the enemies had failed to carry out their plan. At another time, one of the polytheists, who had apparently come to visit Prophet Muhammad (saw), threw dirt and garbage on Prophet Muhammad (saw). Prophet Muhammad (saw), owner of the greatest morality, acted as if nothing had happened, forgave him, and returned home. When Fatima Al-Zahra (R.A) saw what had happened to her father, ran to him with some water and washed his father's head and face. She began to cry at the harsh act the enemies had done to her father, but Prophet Muhammad (saw) told her: "O my daughter! Do not cry. Be sure that Allah (SWT) will protect your father from all evils and will make him successful in his mission." At another incident, when some polytheist poured the waste of a slaughtered Camel and sheep on Prophet Muhammad (saw) during his prostration, again, it was Fatima Al-Zahra (sa) who went to help Prophet Muhammad (saw) with love. She helped her father clean the waste, and with her act caressed her father's soul. The Prophet (SAW) used to stand up to receive her when she visited him. It was clearly against the Arab custom for a father to stand up for his daughter. This shows the high spiritual status accorded to Fatima by Allah swt.   It is related that Anas bin Malik’s mother said: “Fatima was like a moon on its full night, or the sun covered by no clouds. She was white (fair) with a touch of rose color on her face, her hair was black and she had the beautiful features of the Messenger of Allah (SAW).” (Mustadrak Al-Hakim)   Qandozi reported that Hazrat Aisha said: “Whenever the Prophet (SAW) returned from a trip, he would kiss Fatima’s throat and say: ‘From her, I do smell the fragrance of Paradise.’”  Moral virtues and Simplicity of Fatema Zahra (R.A) Fatema Zahra (R.A) lived in a two room house made out of clay, wore the simplest garments from head to toe, grinded wheat and barley with her bare hands to prepare meal for her family, and attended to her four children with utmost love and mercy. Yet, she was no ordinary woman. Fatema Zahra (R.A) had high moral virtues and her life is full of spiritual behaviour. Even on her marriage day, Fatema Zahra (R.A) did not forget about those in need. A girl's wedding dress is probably one of her most cherished belongings. However, in the case of the noble Lady Fatema Zahra (R.A) it is not. Prophet of Islam, Mohammed (saw) bought Fatema Zahra (R.A) a new dress for her marriage ceremony. Fatema Zahra (R.A) owned a patchy dress before. A poor woman came to her house and asked for a used cloth. Fatema Zahra (R.A) decided to give her the old patchy dress as the woman had asked but remembered the verse: "By no means shall you attain to righteousness until you spend (benevolently) out of what you love." (Noble Qur'an, 3:92) So she gave her the new wedding dress, while she wore her old dress to her wedding. When asked by Prophet of Islam, Mohammed (saw) why she did not donate her old dress, Fatema Zahra (R.A) replied "Because she followed the teachings of Noble Qur'an. The lesson of selfless love and helping those in need remains clear in every story. It was in the same house where this blessed family fasted for three days continuously without eating any food giving away their Iftari to a beggar, an orphan and a prisoner who arrived at their door and asked for food. The Verse in Sura Dahr revealed in praise of their extremely charitable act in the way of Allah Hazrat Fatima Zahra (R.A) on the Prayer Rug of Servitude The quality of her devotion to Allah (SWT) was incomparable; as Fatimah Zahra (R.A) worshiped Allah (SWT) in every moment of her life and worship was rooted in her daily life. Her deeds, words, glances, efforts, breaths and all of her day and night were worships. Every night, Fatimah Zahra's (R.A) home was her prayer rug; after putting the children to bed and finishing the housework, she stood for praying so long so that her feet were sore and swollen.

Tasbeeh of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (R.A)

Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) whole life was shaped by thoughts of the hereafter. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) loved his children, but not in any worldly way. Fatimah Zahra (pbuh) used to run her house without much help; Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) could see how hard his daughter worked at home. Imam Ali ibn Talib (R.A) Fatimah Zahra's husband, once told Ibn Wahid a story about Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) most beloved daughter. Imam Ali ibn Talib (R.A) said, Fatimah Zahra's (R.A) hands were blistered from constant grinding; her neck had become sore from carrying water; her clothes would become dirty from sweeping the floor. When Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had received an influx of servants from some place, Imam Ali ibn Talib (R.A) suggested to his wife that she approach her father and ask for a servant. Fatimah Zahra (R.A) went, but could not speak to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) because of the people who were surrounding him. Next day, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) came to their house, and asked Fatimah Zahra (R.A) as to why she wanted to see him. Imam Ali ibn Talib (as) told the whole story to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and said that Fatimah Zahra (pbuh) went to him on his advice. "Fear Allah (SWT), Fatimah," Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, "Fulfill your obligations to the Lord, and continue with your housework." Then, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said he would give her something that would be better than a helper or anything else she wished in this world, this is when Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) gives Fatimah Zahra (R.A) the gift of this Tasbih/Tasbeeh and its is known as Tasbih/Tasbeeh of Fatimah Zahra (R.A) And said when you go to bed at night, read the following: 34 times - Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) 33 times - Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah) 33 times - Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah) This would be much better than having a servant. "If that is the will of Allah (SWT) and His Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)," Fatimah Zahra (pbuh) replied "then so be it." This was Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) only reply. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did not provide her a servant. This Tasbeeh is recommended to be read after every Namaz/Salah. The Salah is like a beautiful flower and the Tasbih of Fatimah Zahra (R.A) gives that beautiful flower a beautiful fragrance. So after every Salah we should say the Tasbih/Tasbeeh of Fatimah Zahra (R.A) because we want our Salah to be like a beautiful flower with a beautiful fragrance. Demise of Hazrat Fatima(R.A) When the holy prophet (peace be upon him) was ill and near to pass away Hazrat Fatima (R.A) was crying  that time holy prophet (peace be upon him) said to Hazrat Fatima (R.A) “don’t cry you will be the firs person who will meet me first. The demise of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w) affected her very much and she was very sad grief-stricken and wept her heart out crying all the time. Before her demise she bequeathed the following as her will to Imam 'Ali (R.A) 1. O 'Ali you will personally perform my funeral rites. 2. My corpse should be carried to her graveyard at night. Allama Jalaluddin Suyuti said in his book Tarikul Khulfa  under the description of Hazrat Abu Bakr(R.A) page 141 at the age of 24th Hazrat Fatima (R.A) was pass away on 11th AH (632 AD). Thus Imam 'Ali (R.A) in compliance with her will, performed all the funeral rites and accompanied exclusively by her relatives and sons carried her at night to Jannatu'l-Baqi Medina, where she was laid to rest and her wished fulfilled

Hazrat Fatima(R.A) was a symbol of womanhood in Islam. How a daughter, a wife and a mother should behave in their ordinary lives. She was devoted to her father, looked after him when he was in distress by the hands of the non-believers of Makka, she was the exemplary wife, queen of her household yet fair to her maid servant Fizza to divide household chores between herself and the maid servant, she was a devout wife and the most loving mother to her children.

There were occasions when there was no food for the family, but she would never complain. Once Hazrat Ali(R.A) went out to do some work to get food for the family but returned empty handed. Fatima asked  Hazrat Ali(R.A) what happened to the food. HazratAli(R.A) said that he did earn some money and bought food, but while on his way home he met some poor hungry persons and gave away all the food to them. When the Prophet heard of this situation he brought some food for the family and told them that Ali’s charitable act was of the greatest value in the eyes of Allah.

The whole family was thankful to Allah and there were no complaints against anyone.