Fatima Az-Zahra (a.s.)
By Syed H. Akhtar
When writing about the greatness of a personality, one needs a gold standard with which to compare the strengths and weaknesses of that individual. However, if that person is herself the gold standard, then it makes it impossible to adequately describe her greatness. Hazrat Fatima az-Zahra (A) was such a personality. Her merits are unmatched by any woman known in history and Allah swt himself testifies in the Qur’an about her purity and piety.
It is related that Imam Jafar As-Sadiq (A) said: “Fatima has nine names near (to) Allah swt, they are: Fatima, As-Siddiqa (the honest), Al-Mubarakah (the blessed one), At- Tahirah (virtuous), Az-Zakiyah (the chaste), Ar-Radhiyatul-Mardhiah (who is gratified and shall be satisfied), Al-Muhaddathah (the one to whom angels speak), and Az-Zahra (the Splendid.)
I will quote a few passages from the introduction of the Book titled “Fatima the gracious” by Abu Muhammad Ordoni, the Jordanian scholar:
“Fatima is a female created by Allah swt to be a sign of His marvelous and unprecedented Might. For, the Almighty Lord created Muhammad (a.s.) as a sign of His among the Prophets; and created from him a daughter, Fatima Zahra, to be a Sign of His ability to create a female possessing all moral excellence and talents. In fact, Allah the Almighty bestowed Fatima with a vast share of greatness and high level of majesty, which no other woman can ever claim to have reached.
She is one of the prominent people close to Allah swt, whose greatness was acknowledged by the Heaven before the creation of mankind; and in whose regard verses from the Qur’an that are (being read) and will be read day and night until the day of resurrection, were revealed.”
Fatima’s (a.s.) genius is considered an example of a Muslim woman’s adherence to noble traits. She is a perfect example of how a daughter, a wife, and a mother should act while keeping her decency and pure character. She also shows us the Muslim women’s role in social fields within the limits of religion and virtue. Her life confirms that Islam does not deprive women of acquiring scientific, cultural and literary knowledge.”
The merits of Hazrat Fatima (a.s.) are many. Numerous verses in the Qur’an are revealed in her praise. Some of the well known verses in the Qur’an in praise of the Ahlul Bayt, including Fatima (A) are these:
- Verse of Mubahila. Quran 3:61
- Verse of Purity. Quran 33:33
- Verse of Muwaddat. Quran 42:23
- Verses of Surah Ad-Dahr. Quran Chapter 76
Traditions referring to the merits of Hazrat Fatima (a.s.)
In Tareekh Baghdadi it is related to Prophet (S) that he said: “The best of your men is Ali Ibn Abu Talib, and the best of your women is Fatima Binte Muhammad.”
Prophet (S) also reported to have said: “Fatima is part of me, that which annoys her annoys me, and that which harms her harms me.” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, and Sahih Tirmidhi…)
Fatima (a.s.), 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 (S) 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.”
The Prophet (a.s.) 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.” (Mustadrak Al-Hakim)
Qandozi reported that Hazrat Aisha said: “Whenever the Prophet returned from a trip, he would kiss Fatima’s neck and say: ‘From her, I do smell the fragrance of Paradise.’”
Fatima (a.s.), the wife
[Hazrat Ali, the first Imam, married Bibi Fatima on Friday, 1st Zilhajj, 2 AH, 623 CE. According to Syed Hossein Nasr, their marriage possesses a special spiritual significance for all Muslims because it is seen as the marriage between the greatest saintly figures surrounding Muhammad.[27] Their marriage lasted about ten years and ended when Fatimah died. ] Her home environment was an example of harmony, peace, tranquility, and modesty. She helped her husband in his worldly and religious affairs, and cooperated with him in achieving his exalted mission.
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 Tafseer of the Qur’an reported that Imam Al-Baqir (A) said: Fatima vouched to take care of the household work, make dough, bake bread and clean the house; Ali in return vouched to take care of the outside work (such as) gathering firewood and bringing food stuff.”
Fatima (a.s.), the mother
It is sufficient to say that Fatima (A) raised two boys, Hasan and Husain, the leaders of the youth of paradise who were the Purified and Infallible Imams. She raised two daughters; Zainab and Umme Kulthum. The older one was Zainab (A) who carried on Imam Husain’s mission to the court of Yezid bin Mu’awiya and ensured its success.
Fatima (a.s.), the teacher
Being brought up by the Prophet (a.s.) of Allah (the City of knowledge) and in company of her husband (the gate to the city of knowledge) it is easy to understand why she was highly enlightened in the knowledge of the Qur’an and the Islamic Law.
It is reported in Al-Bihar that a lady came to Hazrat Fatima with questions, and then repeatedly came with more questions. Then she felt embarrassed and said she did not want to inconvenience Fatima. At this Hazrat Fatima answered:
“Ask me regarding any thing which comes to your mind ….” “My reward for (answering) every inquiry is more than that which fills (the space) between the ground and the Throne (heaven) with pearls; thus, I should be more apt to answer your questions.”
Quotes from Fatima (a.s.)
- It is attributed to Imam Sadiq (A) that he heard from his forefathers that
Hazrat Fatima (A) had said that: “The man who is observing a Fast would not gain any thing when his tongue, ears, and limbs are not safe from sin.”
- “Allah fixed the reward for His obedience and torment for His disobedience so that He may restrain His servants from His Wrath and Fury and lead them to paradise.”
- “You the servants of Allah are the ones to maintain His injunctions and prohibitions, and carry His religion and His revelations, and are the trustees of Allah upon your souls, and propagators of His religion among other nations.”
- “The Book of Allah is the guide to its followers toward the pleasure of Allah. Listening to it (carefully) leads to the Salvation. The enlightened and conspicuous evidences and proofs of Allah can be obtained through it. … .”
- “Allah rendered alms for the purity of your souls and for flourishing and expansion of your sustenance.”
- “And (Allah made) kindness to the parents as a protection (shield) to His wrath and displeasure.”
- “And Allah made the vow performing (fulfilling of vows) as a medium for forgiveness.”
The quotes 2-7 are from “Fascinating discourses of the 14 Infallibles” by the Islamic Propagation Organization, translated by Javed Iqbal Qazilbash; Ansariyan Publications.
(http://www.al-islam.org/masoom/sayings/fatema.html)
In Conclusion
Fatima (a.s.) held a pivotal place in the family of the Prophet (S). She had the distinction of: being the daughter of the most beloved Prophet (S) of Allah swt; the wife of the First Imam who was the purified one, and the only one to bear the title of Amir-ul-Mu’mineen; the mother of two Imams who are the leaders of the youth of paradise. She is the one from whose progeny Infallible Imams came. She herself was purified and infallible, granted divine knowledge, bestowed with wisdom, reasoning, intellect and Grace. The Tasbih formula that was a gift to her by Allah swt through His Prophet (S), the recitation of which is a source of forgiveness, mercy and reward for her followers. Allah has promised her the privilege of Intercession on the Day of Judgment, on behalf of those who love her, send salutations on her, and adhere to the teachings of the fourteen Infallibles. No woman comes close to her exalted status.
May we be among those who earn the intercession of Hazrat Fatima Az- Zahra. (a.s.)
Aameen.
Tribute to Syyeda Fatima Zahra (a.s.) on the Auspicious date of her Birth
By Syed H. Akhtar
[Bibi Fatima was the only daughter of Prophet Muhammad and Hazrat Bibi Khadija bint-e Khuwailid.] The date of birth of Lady Fatima Zahra (s.a.) is [Friday] 20th of Jamaadil-Aakhir [Jamadi II, 613 CE in Makkah, in the 2nd year after Prophet Muhammad was declared Prophet]. This year it will fall on Sunday, 14th of June [2009]. [In 2015, it will fall on March 21st, Navroz!] It is celebrated as a day of Eid by the followers of Ahlul Bayt. She was in fact a heavenly lady that arrived on earth to illuminate the path to piety, virtue and Godliness.
On this day, besides celebrations, charity, fasting, special Duas and special Salaat are recommended. (Please refer to Mafaatih-al-Jinaan, ‘The Prayers Almanac’)
Names and titles of Fatima (a.s.)
It is related that Imam Jafar As-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “Fatima has nine names that are near (to) Allah swt, they are: Fatima, As-Siddiqah (the honest), Al-Mubarakah (the blessed one), At-Tahirah (virtuous), Az-Zakiyah (the chaste), Ar-Radhiyah (who is satisfied), Al-Mardhiah (who will be satisfied), Al-Muhaddatah (to whom angels speak) and Az-Zahra (the Radiant).”
Muslims of all schools recognize the exalted status of Hadrat Fatima Zahra, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&p). She held a central place in the family of the Prophet and played a pivotal role in the establishment of Islam. This is evident from the famous Hadith-e-Kisa, when Angel Gabriel asked Allah as to who were the souls under the blanket that earned such high praises of the Lord. The answer was, “They are the people of the house of prophecy and treasurers of My Messengership, and they are Fatima, her father, her husband, and her sons.” It is to be noted that the only name mentioned was that of Fatima (S.A.).
[Her Sayings]
Presented here are some traditions regarding Hadhrat Fatima (a.s.), reported in the books of Ahl-e-Sunnah-wal-Jamaat and by Shia sources.
Miswar ibn Makhramah reported Allah’s messenger (pbuh&p) as saying:
- “Fatima is part of me. He, in fact tortures me who tortures her.” (Sahih Muslim Vol. IV, Chapter MVII, Merits of Fatima)
- “Fatima is the chief of the women of Paradise.” (Sahih-Al-Bukhari Vol. V, chapter 29, The Merits of Fatima)
- “Fatima is a human Houri, whenever I long for paradise I kiss her.” (Tareekh Baghdad by Khateeb Baghdadi: v.5, p.86)
Anas ibn Malik’s mother is reported to have said:
- “Fatima was like a moon on its full night or the sun covered with no clouds. She was of fair complexion with a touch of rose color on her face, her hair was black, and she had the beautiful features of the Messenger of Allah.” (Mustadrak al- Hakim: v.3, p. 161)
It is reported that ‘Aisha (r.a.) said:
- “I have not seen a person more similar to the Prophet’s appearance, conduct, guidance, and speech, whether sitting or standing, than Fatima. When she enters, the Messenger of Allah stands up, kisses and welcomes her, then takes her hand and asks her to sit in his place.” (Tirmadhi and Ibn Abdurabbeh in Eqd al-Farid: v.2, p.3.)
‘Ali (a.s.) is reported to have heard the Prophet (pbuh&p) say this to Fatima (s.a.):
- “Surely Allah is angered when you are angered, and He is pleased at your pleasure.” (Mustadrak al-Hakim: v.3, p.154., Tadhkirat al-Bast: p.175., Maqtal al- Khawarazmi: v.1, p.54., Kefayat At-Talib: p.219., Kanz al-Umal: v.7, p.111., Sawiq: p.105)
The Prophet (pbuh&p) was also reported to have said to Fatima while holding her hand:
- “He, who knows this, knows her, and he who does not know her; she is part of me, she is my heart and my spirit which is in my side, thus he who harms her harms me.” (Al-Fusul al-Muhammad: p.150., Nuzhat Al-Majalis: v.2, p.228., Nur al-Absar: p.45)
He was also reported to have said:
- “Fatima is part of me; whoever annoys her annoys me and whoever harms her harms me.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmadhi, Musnad Ahmad: v.4, p. 328., Khasaes An-Nisaee: p.35)
He also said:
- “Fatima is part of me; he who angers her angers me.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Khasaes An-Nisaee: p.35)
He also said:
- “The best of your men is Ali Ibn Abu Talib, and the best of your women is Fatima Bint Muhammad.” (Tareekh Baghdad: v.4, p.392)
‘Aisha (r.a.) is reported to have said:
- “(I declare) by Allah that I have not seen anyone more beloved to Allah’s Messenger than Ali, or a woman on earth more beloved to him than his wife (Ali’s wife, Fatima).” (Mustadrak al-Hakim: v.3, p.154, Khasaes An-Nisaee: p.29)
Burayda and Ubay were reported to have said:
- “The most beloved to the Messenger of Allah from among women is Fatima, and from among men is Ali.” (Khasaes An-Nisaee: p.29, Mustadrak al-Hakim: v.3, p.115)
Juma ibn Umayr said:
- “I entered ‘Ali’s house with my aunt, when I inquired as to who was the most beloved of all people to Allah’s Messenger. She said, ‘Fatima.’ Then she was asked: And from among men? She said: ‘her husband;’ ever since I met him he has been fasting and praying.” (Jame’ At-Tirmadhi: v.2, p.227, other collective books)
Love of the Prophet (pbuh&p) for Fatima (s.a.) The Prophet loved Fatima not only because she was his daughter, but also, because of her high spiritual status and her nearness to Allah (S.W.T.)
‘Aisha bint Talha quoted ‘Aisha bint Abu Bakr 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 …”
Khawarizmi wrote in his book Maqtal al-Hussain that Hudhayfa said:
- “The Messenger of Allah used to kiss Fatima all over her face before he went to sleep.”
Ibn Umar said:
- “Once the Prophet kissed Fatima’s head and said: `May your father be your sacrifice; stay as you are.’”
According to Dhakhear al-Uqbi, ‘Aisha said:
- “Once the Messenger of Allah kissed Fatima’s neck, 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 neck.’”
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh&p) said:
- “The best of the women of Paradise are: Khadija Bint Khowailid, Fatima Bint Muhammad, Asiyah Bint Muzahim (Pharaoh’s wife), and Mariam Bint Imran mother of Jesus
He also 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)
Hakim Nishapouri reported in his book Mustadrak that the Prophet said to Fatima:
- “Is it not satisfying to you to be the mistress of the women of the world, this Ummah, and the believing women?”
The above presentation was but a small sample of traditions regarding the merits of Hadhrat Fatima Zahra (a.s.)
Allah (S.W.T.) has revealed verses of the Qur’an in praise of the family of the Prophet (pbuh&p). Four historical quotes from the Qur’an are listed below:
“But whoever disputes with you in this matter after what has come to you of knowledge, then say: Come, let us call our sons and your sons, and our women and your women, and our near people (ourselves) and your near people 3 (yourselves), then let us be earnest in prayer, and pray for the curse of Allah on the liars.” (Chapter 3, v. 61)
In the ninth year of Hijra, a Christian delegation came to Prophet Muhammad seeking clarification about the status of Prophet Jesus. They refused to accept the Prophet’s position that Jesus was not the “Son of God.” Allah revealed the above verse. The Prophet (pbuh&p) took Fatima (s.a.) to represent all the believing women. He also took Ali, Hasan, and Husayn.
“Allah only desires to keep away the uncleanliness from you, O people of the house, and to purify you a (thorough) purification.” (Quran 33:33)
The circumstances of the revelation of this verse are documented in the famous Hadith-e Kisa referenced above. Briefly, the Prophet, Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Husayn (peace be upon them) were assembled under the prophet’s blanket in the house of Fatima. Allah sent Angel Gabriel with this verse, testifying to the purity of these exalted personalities.
“Say: I do not ask of you any reward for it (my toils), but love for (my) near relatives …” (Quran 42:23)
It has been agreed by all schools of Islam that the individuals referred to here as “relatives” or kin (Qurbaa in Arabic), were none other than Fatima, Ali, Hasan, and Husayn (peace be upon them). Allah commands showing love and affection to these individuals.
“And they give food out of love for Him, to the poor and the orphan and the captive.” (Chapter 76, v. 8)
Chapter 76 of the Qur’an “Ad-Dahr.” It was revealed in praise of Fatima, Ali, Hasan, and Husayn (peace be upon them all). They had made a vow to fast for three consecutive days to fulfill a vow. At iftaar time, each evening a needy person knocked at their door asking for food. They gave away what little food they had for themselves to the needy and broke the fast with water only. They endured three days of hunger for the sake of Allah. Allah was so pleased with them that the Chapter 76 was revealed to honor them.
Her teachings and Duas are many. One short Dua appealed to this presenter as very meaningful.
“O’ Allah, bestow rewards on my parents and on all those who have a right on me because of their favors on me. O’ Allah, grant me leisure (time) and respite to accomplish the tasks for which You have created me; let me not become overly busy in my (worldly) tasks; do not punish me when I repent and ask for forgiveness. Do not withhold from me that, for which I beseech You.” (Ref. Ayan-ush-shia, At-tabaul-jadeed, part 1, page 323)
Conclusion:
Fatima (a.s.) held a pivotal place in the family of the Prophet (a.s.). She had the distinction of being the daughter of the most beloved Prophet of Allah swt; the wife of the First Imam who was the purified one, and the only one to bear the title of Amir-ul-Mu’mineen; the mother of two Imams who are the leaders of the youth of paradise. She is the one from whose progeny Infallible Imams came. She herself was purified and infallible, gifted with divine knowledge, bestowed with wisdom, reasoning, intellect and Grace.
The Tasbih (of Allah) formula was a gift to her by Allah swt through His Prophet (pbuh&p), the recitation of which is a source of forgiveness, mercy and reward for Muslims. [See Tasbih below] It is our belief that she will have the privilege of Intercession on the Day of Judgment for those who love her, send salutations upon her, and adhere to the teachings of the Infallible Imams. No woman comes close to her exalted status.
Let us pray to Allah swt that may we be among those who earn the intercession of Hadhrat Fatima az-Zahra (a.s.) on the Day of Judgment. Aameen.
Dua’a
Presented by Syed H. Akhtar, Austin, Texas June 2009
Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent,
the MercifulAllaahumma Innee As-aluka bi-haqqi Faatimata
O’ Allah, I ask You for the sake of Fatima
wa Abeehaa, wa Ba’lihaa, wa Baneehaa,
and her father, and her husband, and her sonswas-Sirril-mustawda‘i-feehaa.
And the secret entrusted in her.An-tusalliya ‘Alaa Muhammadin (w) wa
Aali Muhammad.
That You send blessings upon Muhammad and
The family of MuhammadWa an-taf- ‘ala bee maa Anta Ahluh,
And do with me what is worthy of You,walaa taf ‘al bee maa Ana Ahluh.
And do not do with me what I deserve.
Tasbih of Fatima
Tasbih (Arabic: تسبيح) is a form of dhikr that involves the repetitive utterances of short sentences glorifying God, in Islam. To keep track of counting either the phalanges of the right hand or Muslim prayer beads called a misbaha or tasbih is used, a string of 99 beads.
The Tasbih of Fatima is a divine formula that was first given to Fatima when she asked her father for a kaneez (servant girl) in order to help her with household chores. Her father asked her if she would like a gift instead that was better than a servant and worth more than everything in the world. Upon her ready agreement, he told her to recite at the end of every prayer the Great Exaltation, Allahu Akbar 33 times, the Statement of Absolute Gratitude, Alhamdulillah 33 times and the Invocation of Divine Glory, Subhan’Allah 33 times, totaling 99. This collective prayer is called the Tasbih of Fatima.
Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira:
Some poor people came to the Prophet and said, “The wealthy people will get higher grades and will have permanent enjoyment, and they pray like us and fast as we do. They have more money by which they perform the Hajj and ‘Umra, fight and struggle in Allah’s Cause and give in charity.” The Prophet said, “Shall I not tell you a thing upon which if you acted you would catch up with those who have surpassed you? Nobody would overtake you, and you would be better than the people amongst whom you live except those who would do the same. Say “Sub-han-al-lah”, “Alhamdu-lillah” and “Allahu Akbar” thirty three times each after every (compulsory) prayer.” We differed, and some of us said that we should say “Subhan-al-lah” thirty three times and “Alhamdu lillah” thirty three times and “Allahu Akbar” thirty four times. I went to the Prophet, who said: “Say, “Subhan-al-lah” and “Alhamdu lillah” and “Allahu Akbar” all together for thirty three times.” (Book #12, Hadith #804)
Holy Prophet Muhammad declared:
‘O Fatima! I have granted you something that is superior to a maidservant and to the world and everything in it.’ (Aasaar o Asraare Tasbeehe Zahra (s.a.) , Pg. 7)
Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) informs:
‘Allah is not worshiped by anything more meritorious than the Tasbih of Fatima Zahra (s.a.). Had there been any worship superior to it, most surely the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) would have granted it to Fatima (s.a.).’ (Wasaaelush Shia , Vol 4 Pg. 1024)
Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) says about the importance of this Tasbih in the eyes of the Imams of the Ahlulbayt (a.s.):
“Reciting Tasbeeh of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.) everyday after every Namaz is liked by me more than reciting one thousand rakats of (mustahab) namaz”. (Al-Kafi, Kitabus Salaat)
Reciting this Tasbih results in the forgiveness of sins. In a tradition, Imam Mohammad Baqir (as) says:
“One who recites the Tasbih of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.) and then seeks forgiveness, will be forgiven”. (Wasaaelush Shia Vol 4, Pg. 1023)
Imam Mohammad Baqir (a.s.) said:
“(Reciting Tasbih) drives away Shaitan and makes results in the satisfaction of Allah”. (Wasaaelush Shia Vol 4, Pg. 1023)
The faithful believe that reciting this Tasbih regularly delivers the reciter from adversities in this world and the hereafter. In this connection, Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) says to one of his companions:
“You do adhere to it and be regular about its recitation, for surely one who is steadfast upon its recitation will not encounter adversity.” (Al-Kafi, Kitabus Salaat, Pg. 343)
Hazrat Bibi Fatima Tasbi in order:
- Subhan’Allah (سبحان الله) (Glory be to Allah) – repeated 33 times.
- Alhamdulillah (الحمد لله) (Praise be to Allah) – repeated 33 times.
- Allahu Akbar (الله أكبر) (Allah is the Greatest) – repeated 33 times.
Masha’allah! Masha’allah!