Fatimah's House

Fatima 's Marital Life

Lady Fatima Zahra (A) moved from the home of Prophethood to the house of Imamate, successorship and guardianship. This turn in Fatima's life, allowed her to become the companion of the Father of the Imams.

As days passed, Fatima's life became more beautiful and splendid, for she lived in an atmosphere of sanctity and chaste, surrounded by modesty and humbleness. She aided her husband in his worldly and religious affairs, and cooperated with him in achieving his exalted goals. This harmony in their life was preferred by the ideological tranquility they both enjoyed, and the respect and glorification they held for each other. Fatima realized the great rank her husband enjoyed. She respected him in the best manner as a Muslim woman should respect her Imam-for she recognized that Ali (A) was:

The dearest person to Allah's Messenger; The holder of the great guardianship;

The possessor of absolute Imamate;

The Prophet's brother, successor and heir; The possessor of excellent talents;

His long-standing service to Islam was also apparent to everyone.

Likewise, Ali (A) respected Fatima, not only because she was his wife, but also because she was:

The most beloved to Allah's Messenger; The mistress of all women; And her sanctity was part of the Prophet's.Indeed, Fatima enjoyed noble traits which had any woman held even one of them, she would be worthy of respect and exaltation.

In view of such characteristics, you can imagine the great marital happiness Ali and Fatima enjoyed. We can also realize that their life was not disturbed by poverty or material deprivation.

It is written in Al-Bihar, on the authority of Manaqeb that Imam Ali (A) said:

"By Allah, I never angered Fatima, or forced her to do something (she did not like), up to the day she died; nor did she ever anger or disobey me. In fact, when I looked at her, depression and sadness would be removed from my (heart).

Al-'Ayyashi, in his Tafsir (interpretation) of the Holy Quran, reported that Imam Baqir (A)said:

"Fatima vouched to take care of the household work, make dough, bake bread, and clean the house; in return, Ali vouched to take care of the outside work (such as) gathering firewood, and bringing food.

It is not exactly known how long Ali (A) and Fatima (A) resided in Harithah's house; but it is a given fact that Allah's Messenger constructed a house for them, which had a door to the mosque just like his own house. 

Historical Distortions Regarding Ali's Right

We have previously spoken of the unjustified slandering and distortion of Ali (A) and his noble life with Fatima (A) We have also stated that Imam Ali's marriage to Fatima caused many people to show their hidden resentment and envy to them, by following every possible means to disturb Fatima's life with her husband.

Among the many fabricated stories told against Imam Ali was that he had asked for Abu Jahl's (the chief of infidels) daughter's hand in marriage. When this news reached Fatima (A), she rushed to her father who found out the falsity of the story.

Yet, let us review how some writers used this story to put down the Commander of the Faithful, and their attempt to tarnish his reputation.

An Egyptian writer, for instance, considered this story to be undoubtedly authentic and wrote the following in her book, The Prophet's Daughters, p.167.

"Ali intended to marry a second wife besides Fatima... without bearing in mind that such action would be resented by the daughter of the Prophet of Islam.

The invalidity of this statement is obvious, for there is not a man in the world who does not realize that his wife prefers to be the only woman he marries.

The writer adds:

"It would have been better if Ali had been satisfied with one wife," and filled up the pages of her book trying to show Abu Jahl's bad deeds and his long-standing enmity to Islam. She then made a comparison between the Prophet's daughter and Abu Jahl's daughter with the intention of showing the disadvantages of the fabricated would-be marriage.

Strangely enough, the writer also made clear her resentment and disapproval of fanatic Christian Orientalists who distorted the history of Islam, especially the famous Christian missionary-La Manze. Yet, unfortunately, she herself was heedless of the need to verify such a story, and instead considered it's revelation undisputed. So she used her imagination and fictitious style of writing for this story, just as fable writers would do.

Sayid Hassan al-Ameen in v.3 of his book, The Shiite Islamic Encyclopedia, refuted such a story and wrote:"It has been written in Dhakhaer al-Uqbithat Ali wanted to marry Abu Jahl's daughter, and that the Prophet was angered by this act and ascended the minbar to speak with resentment and rejection about this matter.

The book also elaborates on the story in such a manner, which not only discredits Ali and Fatima, but also the Prophet himself.

This story makes Muhammad appear as someone who refuses to practice what he preaches, or does not accept to apply the Islamic law to himself and those related to him while requesting others to abide by them. Because he deems it lawful for others to marry more than one wife, but refuses this law when it comes to his daughter... This indeed is a disastrous fabrication against the Prophet that the enemies of Islam were able to insert in the pages of our history books, depending on unscruent narrators who report such stories without reflecting upon them.

The story also defames Ali (A) by showing him as someone who angered both Fatima (A) and her father and defames Fatima for refusing to practice Allah's commands, which He revealed to her father.

I shall not verify the discredibility of the authority on which the narration was based, for it-within itself-proves its own discredibility. Yet, it is inevitable to ask: Why have the narrators, who fabricated this story, insisted on saying that he (A) wanted to marry Abu Jahl's daughter, and not any other woman?! How come they did not claim that Ali (A) attempted to marry another woman? Surely, Abu Jahl's daughter did not enjoy beauty and perfection, which no other Arab girl enjoyed!

The fact is that they wanted their defamation of Ali (A) to be graver and more effective; for in their story, Ali (A) specifically chose the daughter of the chief of the enemies of Islam.

This plot exposed itself and those who perpetuated it, when they praised themselves while discrediting Muhammad, his daughter, and his cousin. They claimed in the same story that he mentioned his other son-in-law, who is a young man from Bani Abd Shams, and praised him as "a noble son-in-law"; they claim that the Prophet said:

"He, the young man from Bani Abd Shams was truthful in his speech and executed his promises to me.

They want us to believe that the Prophet praised his Umayyad son-in-law (the Umayyads belong to the tribe of Bani Abd Shams), which in turn means that he was trying to discredit his first son-in-law [Ali (A)] who, according to the story, lied to the Prophet and violated his promises to him by being an unfaithful husband to his daughter!

Another aim for fabricating this story was to divert the attention from the actual people who angered Fatima, and put Ali (A) under the spotlight as the one who did so. It was for this reason that they mentioned the following tradition at the beginning of the story:

"The Prophet (S) said:

"Fatima is part of me, discomforts me that which discomforts her, and harms me that which harms her.

They interpret it as:

The meaning of this tradition is that Allah prohibited Ali from marrying another woman besides Fatima, which would harm Allah's Messenger!!

Imam Hassan is Born

When Fatima (A)was twelve, she became pregnant with Imam Hassan. Thus, the light of Imamate was carried on from Ali unto Fatima (A). The day the child was to be born was approaching; the Prophet (S) had to go out of town, but before leaving, he (S) made several instructions about the would be born child-including the order not to wrap the new baby in a yellow clothe.

On Ramadhan 15, 3 A.H., Fatima gave birth to her first son. On that great day, Asma Bint Umais was present with Fatima. The women who attended the event, unintentionally wrapped Al-Hassan in a yellow clothe; they were not aware of the Prophet's request.

When the Prophet returned, he said:

"Bring me my son; what have you named him?

After Al-Hassan was born Fatima asked Ali (A) to name the baby, but Ali said: "I would not name him before Allah's Prophet"

When the Prophet saw that Al-Hassan was wrapped in a yellow cloth, he said: "Didn't I tell you not to wrap him in a yellow cloth?"

He then threw the yellow cloth away and wrapped the baby in a white one. When the Prophet inquired about the name of the child, Ali (A) answered:

"I would not name him before you.

The Prophet (S) replied: "I too, would not name him before my Lord, Glory be to Him.

At that moment Allah revealed to Gabriel:

'A son was born to Muhammad, therefore descend and give him My blessings and congratulate him and say: "Surely Ali is to you as Haroun was to Musa, so give him (the newborn baby) the name of Haroun's son:"'

 When Gabriel had revealed the message to the Prophet, he asked: "What was Haroun's son's name?

Gabriel said: "Shubbar.

The Prophet (S) then said: "My tongue is Arabic.

Gabrial said: "Name him Al-Hassan.

Hence, the Prophet gave him the name Al-Hassan, and made Adhan in his right ear, and Eqamah in his left ear. On the seventh (7) day, he (S) sacrificed two rams from which he gave the midwife a thigh and a dinar; he then shaved the baby's head and gave as charity the weight of his hair in silver. Finally, the Prophet (S)wiped the baby's head with "Khalou" which is a special perfume made of saffron and other substances.

At that time in history, it was customary to cover newborn babies' heads with blood; with this in mind, the Prophet (S) told Asma:

"Asma, using blood is an act performed by the ignorant.

He would embrace Al-Hassan and put his tongue in the baby's mouth, who would suckle it.

The Birth of Imam Hussain

Six months after Al-Hassan was born, Fatima (A) became pregnant with her second child.
Lady Fatima started noticing the signs that childbearing was near, but the Prophet (S) had already foretold of Imam Hussain's birth.

Imam Sadiq (A) said:

"Once, Umme Ayman's neighbors came to the Prophet and said:

"Messenger of Allah, Um Ayman did not sleep last night because of crying; she surely cried until morning.

The Prophet summoned her and said:

"Umme Ayman, your neighbors say that you spent the night crying, may Allah not cause your eyes to cry!! What made you cry?"

She answered: "Messenger of Allah, I had a fearful dream which caused me to cry all night long.

The Prophet said: "Tell me your dream, for surely Allah and His Messenger are most knowledgeable.
She said: "Last night I saw a dream as if one of your limbs was thrown in my house!!

The Messenger of Allah said: "Your eyes have slept, but you visioned a good thing. Umme Ayman, Fatima will give birth to Al-Hussain, and you will bring him to me. So one of my limbs will be in your house.

When Al-Hussain was born, Umme Ayman brought him to the Prophet (S)who said:

"Both the carrier and he who is being carried are welcome. Umme Ayman, this is the interpretation of your dream.

Umm al-Fadhl, Al-Abbas's wife, had a similar dream.

Safia Bint Abdul Muttalib, Asma Bint Umais, and Umme Salama were present when Imam Hussain was born. When the Prophet asked Safia (his aunt) to bring him the newborn child, she said: "We have not cleaned him yet." 

When the Prophet (S) heard this, he said: "You clean him?! Surely Allah the Exalted has cleaned and purified him.

After Al-Hussain was born, Gabriel again descended to the Prophet and revealed to him to give the new baby the name Al-Hussain. Al-Hussain is the Arabic version of the old Hebrew name Shabbir, which was Haroun's second son's name. When Gabriel descended to the Prophet, scores of angels accompanied him to congratulate and console the Prophet for Hussain's birth and expected martyrdom.

Imam Hussain (A) was not nursed by any woman, including his mother (A); instead he suckled the Prophet's tongue until he grew old enough to eat. Because of this, his characteristics were exactly as those of the Prophet (S).
   
Seven days after the birth the, Messenger of Allah shaved Hussain's head and gave the weight of his hair as charity for him.

The Birth of Lady Zainab

Lady Zainab was (accurately) the third child born to Lady Fatima Zahra (A). In other words, she was born directly after Imam Hussain (A); despite the false claim of some historians who hold the opinion that Zainab was born after the miscarriage, which Lady Fatima had and resulted in the martyrdom of Mohsin. These historians are motivated by their desire to divert the attention from the merciless attack on Lady Fatima's house which not only resulted in Mohsin's martyrdom, but also in the eventual death of Lady Fatima herself.

Among these writers is the Egyptian Bint Ash-Shati who wrote in her book Batlat Karbala:"Zahra, the Prophet's daughter was about to give birth to a new baby after bringing happiness unto Messenger's life by giving birth to his beloved sons: Al-Hassan and Al-Hussain, and a third child, who was not destined to live and whose name was to be Mohsin Ibn Ali..."

Regardless of these unfounded claims, it has been established that Lady Zainab (A) was born in 5 A.H., and that she was the third child of the honorable Alawi household.

It is said that her grandfather, the Prophet named her Zainab that is derived from two words: "Zain" and "Ab" that together means "The embellishment of her father." Yet, Muhammad Jawad Mughniah quoted the Egyptian newspaper, Al-Jomhuria dated October 31, 1972, in his book Al-Hussain Batala Karbala as saying:

"Zainab was born in Shaban 5 A.H. When her mother brought her to Imam Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) and said: "Name her" he replied: "I would not name her before Allah's Messenger." At this time the Prophet was on a trip and when he returned, he again refused to name her before her Lord. So Gabriel descended to inform the Prophet about Allah's blessings and said: "The name of this baby is Zainab; Allah chose this name for her."

Zainab's history itself speaks of her honorable life and noble traits, as well as the miseries she encountered during her childhood, such as the death of her great grandfather, the martyrdom of her mother (A), and the various inflictions which she lived through during the quarter of a century that her father, Imam Ali (A), was confined to his house as a result of his rights having been usurped by others.

Moreover, when Zainab emigrated from Medina to Kufa, her Father's capital then, several misfortunes were destined for her; starting with the martyrdom of Imam Ali (A). This was followed by fierce battles between her brother, Al-Hassan, and Mu'awiya, which resulted in the poisoning of the Imam (A). After several years, Zainab faced the greatest disaster of history when Imam Hussain along with the prominent Hashimite men were massacred at Karbala by the Umayyads. After massacring the men, Zainab and the women were taken to Syria, but she did not panic nor did she give into the enemy. From Syria she was sent to Medina and then exiled to Egypt to live the rest of her life.

Zainab's tomb is well-known in Egypt today and is visited by believers from all over the world. (There is disagreement about the location of Zainab's tomb; it is believed by most to be located in Syria.) (compiler's note) 

The Birth Of Lady Umme Kulthum

Lady Fatima's household welcomed their second daughter and fourth child with happiness and glorification, as with the other children.

Lady Umme Kulthum, like her sister, shared the honorable relationship to the Prophet, Imam Ali, and Fatima Zahra in addition to the excellent upbringing.

She was also a victim of historical oppression and sorrowful inflictions and pains, which strong men can barely put up with.Perhaps I will be able to elaborate on the life of Lady Umme Kulthum when I speak about Zainab in new book, if Allah wills.

Fatima in the Verse of Relationship
The verse of relationship, from the Quran, says:

"Say: `No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin. 'And if anyone earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect there of for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Ready to appreciate (service)." (42: 23)

This verse is a clear command from Allah to His noble Prophet. It is as follows:

(Say) O Muhammad, to your nation: (no reward do I ask of you for this) the message of Islam (except the love of those near of kin) to me. (i.e.) Ahlul-Bayt (A).

It is unanimously agreed upon that the kin mentioned in this verse are Ahlul-Bayt (A). There are many traditions narrated by both Shiite and Sunni Scholars, which not only specify the kin mentioned in this verse, but also state their names. Among the narrations mentioned in this regard by Sunni scholars, are the following:

When this verse was revealed, someone said: "Messenger of Allah, who are the kin whose love is obligatory for us?"

The Prophet (S) replied: "Ali, Fatima, and her two children.

This narration has been reported by the following Sunni scholars

1. Ibn Hajar in his al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqah.

2. al-Thalabi.

3. Al-Suyuti in al-Durr al-Manthur.

4. Abu Nu'aym in Hilyat al-'awliya

5. al-Hamawayni al-Shafi'i in Fara'id al-Samtayn

Another narration similar to the one stated above, is reported by Tabari and Ibn Hajar; according to this narration the Messenger of Allah (S) is reported to have said:

"Surely Allah made it incumbent on you to love my kin, and I will ask you about them in the hereafter.

Moreover, the following narrations mentioned on the account of Ahlul-Bayt are a few of the many saying of the Imams (A) in which they recite this verse as proof of the fact that loving them is a religious duty:

A. It is written in al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqah by Ibn Hajar that Imam Ali (A) said:

"It is stated in the (Quranic chapter) Ha Mim that no one upholds our love save the faithful ones.

He then read:

"Say: `No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin, and if any one earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most ready to appreciate (service). " (42: 23)

B. It has also been reported in the same book that Imam Hassan (A) gave a speech in which he said:

"Surely we are among the Ahlul-Bayt whose love and support were made incumbent (upon the faithful) by Allah, the Exalted. He­-- Glory be to Him, said:

"Say: `No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin, and if arty one earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof. For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most ready to appreciate (service).'" (42: 23)

C. Imam Ali Ibn Al-Hussain (Zain Al-Abedeen (A)) replied to the Syrian who said to him while he was a prisoner of the Umayyads in Damascus:

"Praise be to Allah Who killed you..etc.

Then he (A) said: "Haven't you read the verse:

'Say: `No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin, and if any-one earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof; For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most ready to appreciate (service). "' (42: 23)

D. Jabir Ibn Abdullah said:

"A beduin came to the Prophet (S) and said: 'Muhammad, present Islam to me.''The Prophet replied: `Bear witness that there is no God but Allah, to whom an associate does not exist; and that Muhammad is the slave and Messenger of Allah.

The beduin said: `Do you require any reward from me (for bringing me to Islam)?'

He (S) answered: `No, save loving the nearest of kin.

The beduin then asked: `Mine or yours?

The Prophet (S) said: `My kin.

The beduin said: `Let me pay allegiance to you, and may the curse of Allah be on those who do not love you and your kin.

Thus he (S) said: 'Amen.

This narration has been reported by Al-Kinji in Kefayat At-Talib p.31.

Sheikh Amini (may Allah bless his soul) listed forty-five (45) sources in v.3 of Al-Ghadeer which state that the verse was revealed regarding Ali, Fatima, Al-Hassan and Al-Hussain (A). They are: Imam Ahmad, Ibn al-Mundir, Ibn Abu Hatim, Tabari, Ibn Mardawaih, Tha'labi, Abu Abdullah al-Mula, Abu Sheikh Nisaee, Wahidi, Abu Nu'aym, Bagawi, Bazaz, Ibn Maghazili, Hasakani, Muhib al-Deen, Zamakhshari, Ibn Asaker, Abu al-Faraj, Hamueeni, Nishabouri, Ibn Talhe, Razi, Abu al-Saoud, Abu Hayan, Ibn Abu al-Hadeed, Baidhawi, Nasfi, Haithami, Ibn Sabagh, Ganji, Manawi, Qastalani, Zarandi, Khazin, Zargani, Ibn Hajar, Samhoudi, Suyuti, Safuri, Saban, Shab Lanje, Handhrami, and Nabhawi.

Allah, the Exalted said:

"If anyone disputes in this matter with thee, now after (full) knowledge hath come to thee, say: `Come! Let us gather together; our sons arid your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves. Then let us invoke the curse of God on those who lie!'" (3: 61)

This event is famous and is known to all Muslims. Islamic scholars are united on the fact that it was revealed in regard to the Christian delegation who came from Najran to dispute the issue of Isa Ibn Maryam (A) with the Prophet (S). In v.6 of Bihar, Imam Ali (A) mentioned the event in the following manner:

A delegation of Najrani Christians led by three prominent men, Al-Aqib, Muhsen, and the Archbishop; these meet along with two prominent jews came to the Prophet (S). They intended to argue with him; the archbishop started:

"Abu Al-Qasim, who was Musa's father?

The Prophet answered: "Imran.

The archbishop then said: "Who was Yusufs father?

The Prophet answered: "Yaqoub.

The archbishop continued: "May I be your sacrifice; who is your father?

The Prophet answered: "Abdullah Ibn Abd al-Muttalib.

Then the archbishop asked: "Who is Isa's (Jesus) father?

The Prophet (S) waited a moment while Gabriel revealed the following to him: "(Say) he was the Spirit of Allah and His Word.

The archbishop then asked: "Can he be a spirit without having a body?

Again a revelation was sent to the Prophet (S) the revelation is as follows:

The similitude of Isa before Allah is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him: `Be.' And he was.

When the archbishop heard this, he jumped in objection to the Prophet saying that Isa (A) was created from dust, and said:

Muhammad, We don't find this to be in the Torah, the Bible, or in the Zabour. You are the first one to say this.

This was the moment that the verse of Mubahala was revealed.

After the delegation had heard the verse, they said:

Assign for us a solemn meeting (in which every side supplicates to Allah to curse the other side if they are followers of falsehood).

The Prophet's answer to this was: "Tomorrow morning, if Allah wills.

The next morning, the Prophet finished his morning prayers and ordered Ali to follow him and Fatima, in turn, holding Al-Hassan and Al-Hussain to follow Ali.

The Prophet (S)then told them: "When I supplicate you should say: Amen.

When the delegation saw the holy family and that the Prophet (S) had spread a mat for himself and family, they said to each other:

By Allah, he is a true Prophet; and if he curses us, surely Allah will answer his prayer and destroy us. The only thing that can save us, is to ask him to relieve us from this meeting.

Razi, in his interpretation of the Holy Quran states:

The Archbishop said: "O Christians, I surely see faces of men, who if they were to ask Allah to move a mountain, He would surely do it. Do not hold this meeting, or you shall be destroyed and no Christian will remain on Earth until the Day of Resurrection.

The delegation proceeded toward the Messenger and said: "Abu Al-Qasim, relieve us (from this) solemn meeting.

The Prophet said: "Indeed I will; but the One who sent me with righteousness is my witness that had I cursed you, Allah would not have left a Christian on the face of the earth.

This has been a summary of the story. What matters to us here, is Allah's saying in the verse:

Our women and your women.

All Muslims have agreed that the Prophet took Ali with him to represent "ourselves,

Al-Hassan and Al-Hussain to represent "Our Sons," and Fatima Zahra to represent "Our Women," It is also a given fact that he did not accompany any other woman including his wives, his aunts, or any other Muslim women.

This proves that there was not a woman as excellent, great, holy, and chaste as Fatima (A) was. The Prophet called Fatima alone to join him, because she was the only woman capable of fulfilling the qualifications of the verse.

Fatima in Surah Al-Insan (76)
Allah the Exalted has said:

"Verily the Good shall drink of a Cup (of wine) mixed with Kafur. A fountain where the Devotees of God do drink, making it flow in unstinted abundance. They perform (their) vows, and they fear a Day whose evil lies far and wide. And they feed, for the love of God, the indigent, the orphan and the captive. Saying, `We feed you for the sake of God alone; no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks.' `We only fear a Day of distressful Wrath from the side of our Lord.' But God will deliver them from the evil of that day, and will shed over them a light of Beauty and a (blissful) Joy. And because they were patient and constant, He will reward them with a Garden and (garment of) silk. Reclining in the (Garden) on raised thrones, they will see there neither the sun's (excessive heat) nor (the moon's) excessive cold. And the shades of the (Garden) will come low over them, and the bunches (of fruit), there, will hang low in humility. And amongst them will be passed round vessels of silver and goblets of crystal; Crystal clear, made of silver. They will determine the measure thereof (According to their wishes). And they will be given to drink there of a Cup (of wine) mixed with Zanjabil. A fountain there, called Salsabil.

And around about them will (serve) youths of perpetual (freshness): if thou seest them, thou wouldst think them scattered Pearls. And when thou lookest, It is there thou wilt see a Bliss and a Realm Magnificent. Upon them will be green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade, and they will be adorned with Bracelets of silver; and their Lord will give to them to drink of a Wine pure and Holy. Verily this is a Reward for you, and your Endeavor is accepted and recognized." (76: 5-22)

These verses were revealed after Ali, Fatima, Hassan, and Hussain (A) gave charity to needy people; this story is stated in the book Al-Kashaf by Zamakhshari; it goes as follows:

"Ibn Abbas said:

Once Al-Hassan and Al-Hussain (A) were ill, the Messenger of Allah and a group went to visit them. The visitors suggested to Imam Ali (A) to make a vow to Allah: if He were to relieve them, he would perform some good action. Therefore, Imam Ali together with Fatima and their servant Fidhdha vowed to Allah that they would fast for three days if He would relieve Hassan and Hussain.

When Allah had relieved them, Imam Ali (A) borrowed three (3) aswu (a cubic measure) of barley from a Jew known as Shimon. Fatima ground one (1) sa'a (singular of aswu) of the barley and baked five loaves of bread for her family's meal at sunset. As sunset approached, a needy man knocked on the door and said: Assalamu Alaikum, Family of Muhammad. I am a needy man from among the Muslims, feed me, may Allah feed you from the food of Paradise.' The holy family preferred the needy man over themselves and spent the night with nothing in their stomachs save water.

They fasted the second day, and again at sunset, when they were waiting for their food, an orphan asked them for help and they again preferred him over themselves. The third evening a captive (prisoner of war) asked them for help and they repeated their preference for the needy above themselves.

The following morning, Imam Ali (A) took Al-Hassan and Al-Hussain to the Messenger of Allah (S) who said the following when he saw them shaking like little chicks from hunger:

The Prophet said: It displeases us to see you in this condition.

Then he went with them, for he wanted to see Fatima. When they arrived, Fatima (A) was in the Mehrab (prayer place), and her condition was such that it further displeased the Prophet (S). At this time, Gabriel descended and said:
Take this chapter Muhammad, - Allah surely congratulates you for having this family.

It is worthy to state that the Good ones mentioned here are Ali, Fatima, Hassan and Hussain; who deserve Paradise because of their act of feeding the needy, the orphan, and the captive.

Another point to keep in mind here is that despite the detailed description of Paradise given in the verses, Allah, the Exalted, does not mention the huris. This understood to be in honor and exaltation of Fatima (A) the wife of Imam Ali, and the mother of Hassan and Hussain

Spending in The Path of Allah

Fatima was known to be very modest and humble. Because as man's desire of the Hereafter increases, his worldly lusts decrease; and when someone realizes the greatness and seriousness of the Day of Judgement, the worldly life becomes of little value to him. Besides, as man's reasoning and ability advances, his desire for lusts greatly decreases.

Have you not seen that children play, have fun, become sad and fight over worthless objects; but as they grow up and their senses mature, they refrain from such actions because they consider them to be degrading to their personalities and contradicting to the rules of observing dignified conduct.

This is the case of righteous worshippers of Allah who look down to the ephemeral things of this world, and their hearts cannot be attached to its vanities. They do not like this world for its worldly belongings, rather they enjoy living to gain good deeds and further worship Allah, the Exalted. They collect money to spend it in the way of Allah, feed the hungry, clothe and support the need and deprived. These were also the fundamentals of modesty on which Lady Fatima Zahra (A) depended. She deeply understood this worldly life, and realized the extent of the Hereafter. It is not amazing to learn that Fatima (A) was satisfied with the minimum requirements of life; she chose for herself the noble trait of preferring others over herself and aiding them, as we." as resenting sumptuous extravagant living. It is a small wonder, indeed, for Fatima was the daughter of the most modest whose religious and social life required him to live in modesty; and Fatima was the first person expected to follow the steps of her father, the modest Messenger.

Fatima's marital life was also surrounded by modesty and satisfaction. Her husband Ali (A) was a devout follower of the Prophet of Islam, and there was not a man known who was more modest than Ali (A). Imam Ali (A)was the man who used to speak to the silver and gold in the treasury by saying:

"O you yellow and white, deceive someone else save me!!

It has been reported that once a beduin approached Imam Ali (A) for help. The Imam then ordered his agent to give the beduin a grant of one thousand dinars, the later exclaimed:

"Gold or silver dinars?

Imam Ali (A)replied: "They are both just stones to me, so give the beduin that which is more beneficial to him.

Here we relate several narrations, which speak of Fatima's modesty and generosity:

1. The author of the book Bisharat A-Moustafa was quoted by Al-Bihar v.10 to have written:

Imam Sadiq (A) quoted Jabir Ibn Abdullah Al-Ansari as saying:

"One day when we had finished the Asr prayer with the Messenger of Allah an old Arab immigrant man, who was wearing worn-out clothes and was barely able to walk because of his old age and weakness came by. The Prophet asked the old man about his affair; the old man answered:

Prophet of Allah I am starving, so feed me, I am naked, so clothe me, and poor, so help me The Prophet then said: `Surely I find nothing to give you. Yet, he who guides to goodness is equal to him who performs it. So go to the house of she who loves Allah and His Messenger, and Allah and His Messenger love her. The one who prefers Allah over herself I mean Fatima.

Fatima's house was near the Prophet's house. He asked Bilal to lead the man to her house. When the old man reached the house, he cried out:

Peace be upon you, O household of prophethood, the (dwellers of the place where) angels frequently visit, where Gabriel-the holy spirit-descends to bring what the Lord of the Worlds reveals.

Fatima said: `Peace be upon you; who are you?'

The old Beduin answered: `I am an old Arab man; I have immigrated to your father, The Master of mankind, from a distant place. Daughter of Muhammad, I am hungry and in need of clothing, so console me-may Allah bless you.

When this occurred, the Prophet, Ali, and Fatima had not eaten for three days. Yet, Fatima gave him a tanned ram skin, which was used as Al-Hassan and Al-Hussain's bed.

Then Fatima told the poor man: `Take this, may Allah substitute it for you by a better gift by selling it.

The old man replied: Daughter of Muhammad, I complain to you of hunger and you give me a ram's skin? How can I eat with this?

When Fatima heard what the old man had to say, she gave him the necklace, which was given to her by Fatima Bint Hamza Ibn Abd al-Muttalib.

The old man took the necklace and went to the Mosque to meet the Prophet who was sitting in the presence of his companions. He went to the Prophet and said: `Messenger of Allah, Fatima Bint Muhammad gave me this necklace and said: `Sell it, for Allah will grant you a solution to your problem.

When the Prophet heard what the man had to say, he cried and said: `Indeed, Allah will grant you a solution, for Fatima Bint Muhammad, the Mistress of all women gave you this necklace.

Meanwhile, Ammar Ibn Yasir (may Allah bless his soul) said: `Messenger of Allah, do I have your permission to buy this necklace?'

The Prophet answered: `Buy it Ammar, surely if all of mankind and Jinn participate in buying it Allah will not torture them in Hellfire.

Ammar said: `How much do you want for it?'

he old Beduin said: A meal of bread and meat, a Yemeni shirt to cover my private parts and to perform my prayers in front of my Lord, and a dinar so I can return to my family.

Ammar, who had just sold his share of booty from the battle of Khaibar, told the man: I will give you twenty (20) dinars, two hundred (200) dirhams, a Yemeni shirt, my horse to take you home, and your need of wheat bread and meat.'

The old then said: `What a generous man you are!!'

When Ammar had fulfilled his promise to the old man, the later came back to the Prophet (S) who said: Are you satisfied and clothed?'

The old man said: Yes, and I have become rich; may my father and mother be your sacrifice.

The Prophet (S) then said: `So reward Fatima for her kindness.

The old man supplicated: `O Allah, surely You are our God whenever we ask You.

We have no other God to worship besides you;

You are the one who grants us beneficence in all conditions.

O Allah, grant Fatima that which no eye has ever seen, and ear has ever heard .

During that time, Ammar had perfumed the necklace with mush wrapped it in a Yemeni shirt, and gave it to one of his slaves by the name of Sahm, who he had bought with the money that he had received for selling his share of the Khaibarian booty. He told Sahm:

Take this necklace and give it to the Messenger of Allah (S) and tell him that I give you to him also.

When Sahm had delivered the message, the Prophet (S) said: `Take the necklace to Fatima and I give you to her also.' When the slave had told Fatima the message, she (A) took the necklace and told the slave that he was free.

Upon hearing Fatima, Sahm laughed, so Fatima asked him about the reason that made him laugh. He answered: `I smiled when I thought of the abundance of goodness put in this necklace; it fed a hungry man, clothed a naked man, satisfied a poor man, freed a slave and came back to its original owner.

2. Al-Majlisi, quoting Fural Ibn Ibrahim's interpretation of The Holy Quran in his book Al-Bihar, said:

Abu Saeed al-Khudari said: One morning Ali Ibn Abu Talib woke up very hungry and said:

Fatima, do you have anything to feed us?'

She answered: `No, by Him who honored father with Prophethood, and honored you with successorship, we have nothing edible this morning, and we haven't had any food for two days save that which I have preferred to give you and our two children, Hassan and Hussain.

Ali (A) said: 'Fatima! Why didn't you tell me, so I could bring some food for you?'

Fatima answered: 'Abu Al-Hassan, I surely become ashamed before my God to ask you to do something you cannot do.

At this, Ali Ibn Abu Talib left Fatima, with full trust that Allah would help him. He borrowed a dinar, and while he was holding the dinar and trying to buy some food for his family, he came upon Miqdad Ibn Al Aswad.

The sun had burnt Al-Miqdad's face and feet on that exceptionally hot day. When Ali (A) saw him, he exclaimed surprisingly:

Miqdad, what brings you out of your home at this hour?

Miqdad answered: 'Abu Al-Hassan, ask me not about what I have left behind in the house.

Ali (A) said: `My brother, I cannot leave you without knowing your problem.

Miqdad then said: 'Abu Al-Hassan, for Allah's sake and your sake leave me alone, and do not ask about my condition!!'

Imam Ali said: `My brother, you should not hide your condition from me.

Miqdad replied: 'Abu Al-Hassan, now that you insist, by Him who honored Muhammad with Prophethood and honored you with successorship, nothing forced me out of my house save poverty. I left my children starving; when I heard their cries, there remained no place for me on earth-

Fatima's Glorification of Allah

It is reported in Bihar that Ali (A) said to a man from Bani Sae'ed:

"Should I speak to you about Fatima and Myself?

She was my spouse who was the most beloved to the Prophet. Once, she carried water using a waterskin until it scarred her chest, she ground (grain) using a hand mill until blisters appeared on her hands, she swept the floor until her clothes became dusty and lit the fire under the cooking pot until her clothes became mud colored from the smoke.

Fatima was inflicted by great pain as a result of this, so I said to her:

`Why don't you ask your father for a servant to relieve you from these jobs?

When Fatima (A) went to the Prophet she found that he had company; and was too shy to talk to him, so she left the house. But the Prophet (S) knew that she had come for something.

Imam Ali (A) continued:

"The next morning, the Prophet came to the house while we were still under our quilt and said:

'Assalamu Alaikum!'

Yet because we were ashamed (of being under the quilt), we preferred to remain silent.

The Prophet once again said:

'Assalamu Alaikum!'

Once again we remained silent. Then for the third time the Prophet said 'Assalamu Alaikum'. Now we feared that he would depart, for it was the prophet's habit to say Assalamu alaikum three times and then wait for permission to enter or leave.

So I said:

`Wa Alaik As-Salam, Messenger of Allah! Come in.

He (S) sat near our heads and said: 'Fatima, what was your need when you came to Muhammad yesterday?

Imam Ali added: "I was afraid that she (Fatima) would not tell him, so I pulled my head from under the cover and said:

"I will inform you, Messenger of Allah!

Surely she carried water using a water skin until her chest was scarred, she ground (grain) using a hand mill until blisters appeared on her hands, she swept the floor until her clothes became dusty and lit the fire under the cooling pot until her clothes were mud colored from the smoke. So 1 said to he:

`Why don't ask your father for a servant to relieve you form these jobs?'

The Prophet (S) upon hearing this, said:

Shall I teach you something that is better for you than a servant and a world with everything in it? After every prayer say: Allahu Akbar thirty four (34) times, Alhamdulillah thirty three (33) times and Subhan Allah thirty three (33) times then conclude that with la illaha ila Allah. Surely this is better for you than that which you wanted and the world and its belongings.

Thus, Fatima adhered to this glorification after every prayer; and it came to be known as `Tasbih Fatima.

Abu Haroun, surely we command our children to adhere to `Tasbih Fatima' the same way we command them to perform prayers. So perform the tasbih, for whoever adheres to it shall never be miserable.

In reference to Fatima's beads, it was reported in Makarim al-Akhlaq that it was made of woven wool threads which had knots by the number of Takbir (Allahu Akbar), until when Hamza Ibn Abdal Muttalib (A) was martyred, she made them from the mud of his grave.

Since the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A), people have been using the mud surrounding his tomb for making beads for the great blessings, which lie in it.

Imam Sadiq (A) said: "Beads should be made with blue thread and thirty four (34) beads, which was the way Fatima's beads were made after Hamza's martyrdom.

There are various narrations, which were reported about "Tasbih Fatima's" importance and order. Yet, the most famous order on which our jurisprudents agree is to start with Allahu Akbar, then Subhan Allah, and end with Al-Hamdulillah.

When we review the aforementioned narrations, it becomes clear that Lady Fatima Zahra (A) performed her housework by herself, despite her honor and nobility, and that Ali (A) helped her to do the housework.

It has been reported in Bihar that Imam Ali (A) said:

"Once, the Messenger of Allah came to us while Fatima was sitting near the pot and I was cleaning some lentils; when the Prophet saw us he said:

'Abu Al-Hassan!'

I said: 'At your service! O Messenger of Allah!'

He then said: `Listen to me, for I say not save that which is the word of Lord: There is not a man who helps his wife in her housework, save that with very hair on his body a whole year of worship-during which he fasted the days and kept up the nights in prayer is counted for him....'

The Prophet's Love for Fatima
It is difficult to define the extent of the Prophet's love for Fatima (A) for she occupied a special place in his heart like no other person did. The Prophet's love for Fatima was mixed with respect and exaltation; and in addition to being motivated by the father/daughter relationship, this love was granted to her for the special talents and noble traits Fatima enjoyed. Perhaps we can go to the extent of saying that the Prophetwas commanded to love and respect Fatima (A), a matter that led him to speak openly about her greatness and talents and her nearness to Allah-and His Messenger-on every possible occasion.

This reality is supported by the fact that the Prophet (S)did not pay this much attention to any of his other daughters. Thus, it can again be concluded that his love and respect for Fatima was motivated by some reason other than fatherhood. In addition to Fatima's noble traits and special talents, the Prophet(S)knew what was going to happen to her after his death and the great miseries and sorrows, which she would be inflicted with by some so-called Muslims, after his departure to the Heavens. So the Prophet intended to make clear to his Ummah the greatness and excellence of Fatima so as to clarify the falsity of those who would oppose Fatima in the future.

The following are various reports that illustrate the love and respect the Prophet (S) held for Lady Fatima (A)

1. Bihar v. 10-Imam Sadiq (A) reported that Fatima (A) said:

"When the following verse was revealed:

'Deem not Summons of the Apostle among yourselves like the summons of one of you to another,' (24: 63) 

'I feared to call the Messenger of Allah, `Father'; so I began calling him Messeenger of Allah. He ignored me two or three times and finally said:

'Fatima, this verse was not revealed about you or your family, nor does it include your progeny; for you are from me and I am from you. Rather, this verse was revealed regarding the vain and crude Quraishans who are arrogant and spendthrifts. Call me Father; it surely is better for the heart and more satisfying to the Lord.

2. Aisha Bint Talha quoted Aisha as saying:

"I have not seen anyone more similar to the Messenger in speech and dialogue than Fatima. Whenever she entered the house, he would greet her, kiss her hands and ask her to sit near him. Likewise, when he entered the house, she would greet him, kiss his hands and etc.....

3. Bazl al-Harawi said to al-Hussain Ibn Roah:

"How many daughters did the Messenger of Allah have?

Ibn Roah said: "Four"

Bazl then asked: "Who was the best of them?" 

He said: "Fatima" 

Bazl said: "Why was she the best while she was the youngest and least company to the Prophet of Allah (S)?

Ibn Roah then said: "(She was the best) because she possessed two special characteristics:

1. She inherited the Messenger of Allah

2. The Prophet's progeny are her children. Besides, Allah gifted her with these traits because He knew her sincere adherence and pure intention (to worship Him).

4. Khawarizmi wrote in his book Maqtal al-Hussain that Huthiefa said:

"The Messenger of Allah used to kiss Fatima all over her face before he went to sleep ....

5. Ibn Umar said:

"Once the Prophet (S) kissed Fatima's head and said: `May your father be your sacrifice; stay as you are ....

6. According to Dhakhear al-Uqbi, Aisha said:

"Once the Messenger of Allah kissed Fatima's throat so I said, Messenger of Allah! You have done something which you have not done before!"

The Prophet answered: "Aisha, whenever I long for Paradise, I kiss Fatima's throat.

7. Qandouzi reported that Aisha said:

"Whenever the Prophet returned from a trip, he would kiss Fatima's throat and say:

"From her, I do smell the fragrance of Paradise.

Furthermore, the following narrations have been reported by both Shiite and Sunni scholars:

1. The Messenger of Allah said:

"The best of women of Paradise are: Khadija Bint Khowailid, Fatima Bint Muhammad, Asia Bint Muzahim (Pharaoh's wife) and Maryam Bint Imran.

2. Healso said:

The best of the women of the world are four: Maryam Bint Imran, Asia Bint Muzahim, Khadija Bint Khowailid, and Fatima Bint Muhammad.

(These two narrations have been reported in Musnad Ahmad v.2, p.293)

3. The Prophet(S)also said:

"Among the women of world, the following are among (the best): Maryam Bint Imran, Khadija Bint Khowailid, Fatima Bint Muhammad, and Asiya-Pharaoh's wife.

(Al-Esti'ab and al-Isabah)

These three narrations name the four best women but do not specify the best of them. However, there are many authentic narrations, which clearly state that Fatima was the best of all women, including these honorable ladies. In fact, this is an undisputable fact, which both Shiite and Sunni scholars unanimously agree. Among the sayings of Sunni scholars who reported narrations to this effect are:

1. Masrouq reports that Aisha told him:

"We, the Prophet's wives, were gathered around him when Fatima walked towards us; by Allah her walk is exactly the same as that of the Messenger of Allah when he saw her, he greeted her by saying: `Welcome my daughter.' He then asked her to sit to his right or left. He then whispered something to her that caused her to cry; when he saw her sadness, he whispered something else to her which caused her to laugh. (When I saw this) I said to her: `The Messenger of Allah bestowed you with a special secret, yet you cry?'

When the Prophet left I exclaimed: "What did he whisper to you?

Fatima answered: `I would not announce the secret of the Messenger of Allah!

After the Prophet's death, I said to her: `I insist on you-by my right over you-to tell me (what he told you)!'

She said: 'Yes, I will tell you now. The first time he whispered to me, he told me that Gabriel used to review the Quran with him once a year, but this year he reviewed it twice. So, he said, I think the time of my departure is near. Therefore, fear Allah and be patient, for I will be a good (person) to proceed you.' Fatima added: `so I cried, as you saw. When he noticed my sadness, he once again said to me: 'Fatima, is it not satisfying to you to be theMistress of believing women (or the Mistress of the women of my Ummah)?

1. Baghawi in his book Masabeh As-Sunna writes that the Prophet said to Fatima:

"Is it not satisfying to you to be the Mistress of the women of the world?

2. Hakim Nishabouri reported in his book Mustadrakthat hesaid to Fatima:

"Is it not satisfying to you to be the Mistress of the women of the world, this Ummah and believing women?

Although there is a large number of narrations, which state that Fatima (A) was the Mistress of all women. Ahmad Ibn Hanbal mentions at the end of the first narration that he also informed Fatima (A) that she was the first one to follow him after his death.

3. Bukhari reported in v.5, p.21 and 29 of his Sahih that Allah's Messenger said:

"Fatima is part of me, he who harms her harms me.

This narration has been reported with a variety of words which all have the same meaning; it has been reported by more than fifty narrators. For instance, Abu al-Faraj wrote in his Al-Aghani v.8, p.307:

"When Abdullah Ibn Al-Hassan was still young, he visited Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz who sat him in an honorable place, paid much attention to him and fulfilled his wishes. Ibn Abdul Aziz then pinched the boy's stomach and said: "Remember this when it is time for intercedence.

When Abdullah Ibn Al-Hassan left, Umar's family blamed him for doing so with a young boy. But Umar said:

'A trustworthy man informed me that the Messenger of Allah said: "Surely Fatima is part of me, pleases me that which pleases her.

Umar then added: 'and I know that had Fatima been alive, what I did with her descendant (Abdullah), would have pleased her.

His Family then said: "But why did you pinch his stomach and say what you said to him?

Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz then said: "There is not a man from Bani Hashim who does not have the right of intercedence; and I hope to be included among those through this boy.

Samhoudi comments on this narration by saying:

"This proves that anyone who hates or harms a descendant of Fatima, makes himself subject to harming the Prophet On the contrary, if someone pleases them, he also pleases the Prophet.

Moreover, Sahaili added: "This narration leads us to the conclusion that he who curses her (Fatima), becomes an infidel; and he who praises her, praises her father.

4. Bihar v.10:Imam Ja'far Ibn Muhammad (A) and Jabir Ibn Abdullah al-Ansari said:

"Once the Prophet saw Fatima wearing a cloak of camel skin while grinding (grain) with her hands; and holding her

 

Fatima's Knowledge
Fatima (A) acquired her divine knowledge from the clear spring of Prophethood and received the excellence of truth from the house of revelation. So her attentive heart was embellished with wisdom and her brilliant reason together with her brightness realized to the fullest extent the real meaning of every fact.

Yet, despite the fact that Fatima heard an abundant volume of narrations from her father what has been reported on her authority is limited to certain issues. The reason for this will be explained later.

Among the narrations reported on Fatima's account are:

1. Bihar, Chapter--Knowledge.

Imam Askari (A) said: "A woman came to Fatima Zahra (A) and said: `I have a weak mother who has become confused about a matter related to her prayer; she sent me to inquire from you about it.'

Fatima Zahra (A) answered her; the woman repeatedly came with questions for Fatima, and she (A) kindly answered her every time. One day the lady again approached Fatima (A) with another question from her mother and said to Fatima:

`I shall not inconvenience you (any more), daughter of Allah's Messenger.

Fatima replied: 'Ask me regarding anything, which comes to your mind. Because if a man had been hired to transport a heavy load to the top of a mountain for a reward of one thousand dinars, do you think it would bother him?'

The woman said: `No'

Fatima continued: `My reward for (answering) every inquiry is more than that which fills (the space) between the ground and the Throne with pearls; thus, I should be more apt to answer your questions. Surely I heard my father say:

`When the scholars of our Shiite (followers) are gathered (on the Day of Resurrection), they will be bestowed with garments of honor equal in quantity to their knowledge and struggle to guide Allah's worshippers, up to the point that anyone of them will be gifted with one million garments of light.' Then the caller of our Exalted and Glorified Lord will say:

O you guardians of the orphans of Muhammad. (You) who inspire them when they are separated from their fathers, who are their Imams; these are your pupils and the orphans whom you guarded and inspired, therefore bestow them with garments of knowledge in life. Thus, they will bestow each orphan with that which corresponds to the amount of knowledge he received from them (the scholars); up to the point that some orphans are bestowed with one million garments. Like-so, the orphans bestow those who learnt from them.' Then Allah, the Exalted said:

Repeat upon these scholars, the guardians of the orphans, the bestowment and double and complete it for them and for those who follow them" 

Fatima (A) then added:

`Worshipper of Allah, surely a thread of those garments is better than that on which the sun rises.

2. Bihar v.10:

Yazid Ibn Abdulmalik (Nawfali) quoted his father, who quoted his grandfather as saying:

"Once, I entered the house of Fatima (A) who was the first to greet me; she then said:

`What brings you here?'

I said: "I have come in search of blessing." 

Fatima then said: "My father (who was present) said: 'He who greets him or me for three consecutive days, will be granted Paradise by Allah.

I said: `While you are living?'

She answered: 'yes, and after we are dead.'

3. Kashf al Ghumma:

Imam Ali (A) quoted Fatima as saying:

"The Messenger of Allah (S) said: 'Fatima, he who praises you, will be forgiven by Allah; Who will make him my companion where ever in Paradise I may be.

4. Da'awat Ar Rawandi:

Swaid Ibn Ghafla said:

"Once, Ali (A) was inflicted with hardship; so Fatima (A) knocked on the Messenger of Allah's door, who said:

`I hear the movement of my beloved one near the door, Umme Ayman get up and see!'

Umme Ayman opened the door and Fatima entered the house.

The Prophet then said: 'You have come to us at a time that you have not previously come!'

Fatima said: `Messenger of Allah, what is the angels food near our Lord?'

The Messenger of Allah said: `By Him Who holds my soul in His hand, fire has not been lit (in our house) for a whole month; yet, I will teach you five statements which Gabriel taught me.

She (A) said: `Messenger of Allah, what are these five statements?

The Prophet (S) said: `O Lord of the First and Last;

O You Possessor of Might, and Strength;

O You Who is Merciful with the poor;

O You most Beneficent, most Merciful.

(Note: It appears as if the fifth statement has been mistakenly erased.)

Thereafter Fatima returned and Ali (A) saw her and exclaimed:

"May my father and mother be your sacrifice, Fatima; what have you to tell me?

She said: "I went seeking worldly things, but have returned (with the goodness of) the hereafter.

Ali (A) then said: "Expect goodness, expect goodness!

5. Bihar v.10: It is reported in Al-Kafi that Imam Sadiq (A) said:

'Once, Fatima approached Allah's Messenger with a problem. The Prophet listened to her problem and gave her a wrapped piece of material and said: `Learn that which is written in it.' (When she opened it) she found written in it:

"He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, shall not harm his neighbor.

He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, shall honor his guest.

He who believes in Allah and the Last Day shall say that which is useful or keep silent.'

Among the Islamic teachings to which Lady Fatima Zahra gave special attention, was protecting women's honor and beauty through observing the Islamic way of dress. Fatima realized that crimes, social disasters, and humiliations were majorly due to unveiling, debasement, dissoluteness and mixture of the sexes. These social crimes are now called freedom and civilization by various publications that are scattered throughout Muslim and non-Muslim countries.

It shouldn't be forgotten that less than one-tenth of such crimes and debasements, used to occur to Muslim women when they observed the Islamic covering and exalted themselves from exhibiting their bodies to men. That day when they used to bestow themselves in the garments of honor and modesty, when they truly believed in that which is forbidden and permitted. But as time passed, they exhibited their privacy to thousands of men from all walks of life and with many different faiths; Muslim women lost their honor and dignity... and reached the point of disgrace where they stand today!!

The following are two reports, which explicitly present the Messenger's admiration of Fatima's stands regarding women:

A. Abu Nu'aym reports in Hilyat al-Awliya v.2. p.40, that Anas Ibn Malik said:

"The Messenger of Allah (S) asked: `What is best for women?' We did not know how to answer the Prophet, so Ali (A) asked Fatima about the Prophet's question.

Fatima answered: `It is best for them not to see men and not to let men see them.

Ali returned to Allah's Messenger and conveyed Fatima's answer to him. When the Prophet had heard the answer, he said:

`Surely she has spoken the truth, for she is part of me.

B. Ibn al-Maghazili mentions in his book Manaqib that Ali Ibn al-Hussain Ibn Ali (A) said:

"Once a blind man asked for permission to enter Fatima's house, but she kept a veil between them. The Messenger of Allah noticed her actions and asked:

`Why did you keep a veil between you when he can not see you?'

Fatima (A) answered: `Messenger of Allah, it is true that he cannot see me, but I can see him and he can smell my fragrance.

At this, the Prophet (S) said: 'I bear witness that you are part of me.

In addition to these narrations, many prayers and supplica­tions have been reported on Lady Fatima's account; among them is the famous supplication for the relief of fever and headaches. This supplication is mentioned below as an example of Fatima's prayers.

Fatima (A) taught the following supplication to Salman al-Farsi (may Allah be pleased with him) and said to him:

"If it pleases you not to be inflicted with fever as long as you live in this world, then read these words, which my father, Muhammad, taught me and I say every morning and evening:

'In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, Most Merciful

In the Name of Allah the light; In the Name of Allah the light of light

In the Name of Allah, light upon light

In the Name of Allah, the planner of affairs

In the Name of Allah, Who created light from light

And

Revealed light upon the Turr
By a decree inscribed

In a scroll unfolded

According to a decree fore-ordained

Unto a Learned Prophet

Praise be to Allah, Who is known with Might

Whose Glory is established

Who is praised during times of prosperity and infliction

And may Allah's grace be upon our Master, Muhammad

And his purified progeny'

Salman later said:

"By Allah, I have taught this supplication to more than a thousand souls in Mecca and Medina who were inflicted with fever, and they were all relieved by the will of Allah.

Ibn Tawoos (may Allah bless his soul) wrote in his book Muhaj Ad-Da'awat, that Allah's Messenger (S) taught Fatima the following supplication:

O Allah, Our Lord and the Lord of Everything

(He) Who revealed Tawr?t, Injeel and Furqan (Quran)

(He) Who causes the seed-grain and the date-stone to split and sprout

I seek refuge in You from every beast that you shall seize by its forelock

Surely You are the First, where nothing has succeeded (You)

And the last, where nothing shall come after (You)

You are the Evident, there is nothing more Manifest than You

And the Eminent, there is nothing more Eminent than You

Send your grace upon Muhammad and his Ahlul-Bayt

May Peace be upon them

And settle my debts for me

Make me free from poverty

And decree easy for me all my affairs

O You! Most Merciful of all'

In conclusion, we can easily state that had Fatima Zahra (A) been given the chance to manifest her knowledge and had she lived for fifty or sixty years, we would have been able to inherit a treasury of knowledge and information pertaining to various subjects and sciences. Unfortunately, Fatima (A) was neither given the chance to teach us, nor did she live more than twenty years-as you will come to know.

Allah's Messenger Reveals Fatima's Future

It was natural for the Prophet (S) who knew and foretold the future events, to reveal to his family, especially his beloved daughter Fatima (A), the events which they would face in the future. He (S) undoubtedly informed Fatima (A) that she was going to suffer from the harsh treatment of some so called Muslims after his death and that she would be the first to follow him to the blessings of Paradise after his departure.

There are many traditions reported to this effect; the following are just a few samples:

1. Bihar v.10: Sheikh Mufeed is quoted as writing in his book Al-Amali that Abdullah Ibn Abbas said:

"When Allah's Messenger was on his deathbed, he cried until tears overtook his beard.

So was asked:

`What makes you cry, Messenger of Allah?

The Prophet answered: `I am crying for my progeny, for the crimes that will be committed against them by the evildoers of my nation after my death. It is as if I (can see) my daughter, Fatima, being oppressed and crying: "O Father!" But no one will come to help her among my Ummah.

Fatima (A) began weeping when she heard this, so the Prophet said to her:

'Do not cry my daughter'

She said: 'I am not crying because of that which will be done to me after you; rather, I am crying because I will be separated from you, Messenger of Allah'

He then said: `Rejoice, O daughter of Muhammad, at the close succession to me, for you will be the first one to follow me from among my Ahlul-Bayt.

2. Bihar v.10, quoting the previous source wrote:

"The Prophet said: `When I saw her (Fatima), I remembered what would happen to her after my death. It is as if I (could see) humiliation entering her house, her sanctity violated, her right seized, her inheritance usurped, her side broken, and her unborn child being caused to be aborted, all while she is crying:

"Mohammad!" 

'But she will not be answered, she asks for help but she will not be helped. Surely she will remain afflicted, sad and crying after me, remembering the cease of revelation from her father's house at one time, and remembering being separated from me another time. She will become estranged at night, when she used to spend listening to me reciting the Quran. She then will see herself humiliated after she was honored during the days of her father...

3. Bihar v.6: 

According to The Interpretation of The Quran written by Furat Ibn Ibrahim, Jabir Ibn Abdullah Ansari reported that Allah's Messenger (S) said to Fatima (A) during the illness, which caused him to pass away:

"May my father and mother be your sacrifice! Call your husband for me.

Fatima then told Al-Hassan and Al-Hussain:

"Go tell your father to come, and that your grandfather summons him.

Thus, Al-Hussain went and called him to come. When Ali Ibn Abu Talib (A) entered the house, he found Fatima sitting near Allah's Messenger (S)and saying:

'How distressed I am for your agony, Father!!'

The Prophet said:

'There is no agony for your father after this day, Fatima. Yet, do as your father did when (his son) Ibrahim passed away:

Then I said:

`Eyes spill tears, and the heart may be affected, but we shall not say that which angers the Lord. Yet, surely we are saddened by (your death) Ibrahim!!'"

4. Bihar v.6:

'Once, the Prophet (S)summoned Ali, Fatima, Al-Hassan and Al-Hussain (A)and ordered everyone present in the house to leave. He then ordered Umme Salama to stand at the door so no one could come near it.

The Prophet (S)then said to Ali
"Come near me.

Ali came near as the Prophet asked; he then held Fatima's hand and put it on his chest for a long time, and held Ali's hand in his other hand. When the Prophet tried to speak, he was overtaken by tears and was unable to do so. Therefore, Ali, Fatima, Al-Hassan and Al-Hussain cried when they saw him (S) crying.

Fatima then said:

"Messenger of Allah! You have broken my heart and brought sorrow to me with your crying. You are the Master of all Prophets and the trusted Prophet of your Lord; you are the beloved Prophet of Allah! Who do I have for my children after you? Who do I have to protect me from the humiliation, which will inflict me after you? Who does Ali, your brother and the helper of your religion, have after you? Who is to (attend to) Allah's revelation and affair?

Fatima then broke down crying and embraced him together with Ali, Hassan and Hussain (A). The Prophet raised his head, and while holding Fatima's hand, he placed it in Ali's hand and said:

Abu Al-Hassan, she is Allah's and His Messenger's, Muhammad, trust to you. Therefore, keep Allah's and His Messenger's trust by protecting her. Surely I know you will.

'Ali, this (Fatima) by Allah, is the Mistress of all women of Paradise; this, by Allah, is (like) Maryam al-Kubra.

'By Allah, before I reached this state, I asked Allah (certain things) for you and I, and He surely has given me what I asked.

Ali, Execute that which Fatima commands you to do, for I have commanded her to (perform certain affairs) which Gabriel ordered me to do. Be informed, Ali that I am satisfied with him who my daughter is satisfied with, so is my Lord and the angels.

Ali, Cursed is he who oppresses her;

Cursed is he who usurps her right;

Cursed is he who violates her sanctity...

The Prophet then embraced Fatima (A),kissed her hand and said:

"May your father be your sacrifice, Fatima.

At that moment, the Messenger of Allah was putting his head on Ali's chest; but his love for Fatima kept driving him to embrace and kiss her repeatedly. He cried until his tears made his beard and shirt wet.

Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain (A) began crying and kissing his feet; when Imam Ali (A)tried to separate them, the Prophet said:

"Let them smell me and let me smell them

Let them be near me, surely they will be afflicted with sorrows and difficult problems after me. May Allah curse him who abuses them.

O Allah!! I commend them to your protection and to the protection of the righteous believers.

Meanwhile, Fatima (A) was speaking to her father with a crying voice and saying:

"May my soul be your sacrifice!

May my face prevent harm from your face!

Father, can you not speak a word to me?

Surely I see the knights of death attacking you fiercely!!"

Allah's Messenger then said: