The extraordinary virtues of Lady Fatima (p.b.u.h) on one hand, her blood relations with the Prophet on the other hand, and the nobility of her family furthermore, caused many of the high-ranking supporters of the Prophet to propose to her; but all heard negative answers; each time, the Prophet (s) saying: “Her matter is in the hands of her Lord.”

But when Imam Ali (s) expressed his tendency to marry Lady Fatima, the Prophet became cheerful and smiled and Lady Fatima kept quiet. The Prophet interpreted her silence as her assent, then read the sermon of marriage; declared Ali and Fatima husband and wife, and invoked the blessings of Allah upon both of them. All the guests congratulated and feasted upon lamb meat, bread, date fruit and milk. Certainly the dowry of the holy Fatima was not more than 500 dirhams and less than 400 dirhams, while the dowry (tocher/jihaz) of the holiness was prepared with it.

The entire marriage ceremonies of the most important personalities of lslam, were performed in the simplest and most modest way. This was a model for all the faithful to follow, and was a perfect example of an Islamic marriage.

By: Marziye Ebadi

Presently, these days belong to the most superior woman who walked on the earth, the greatest lady throughout history: Lady Fatima (as). She was an exemplary woman, who, although lived a short life and departed earth as a young lady, is a role model for all zealous, devout Muslim men and women, and even non-Muslim people who are familiar with her prestigious position.

We should follow Fatima’s lead. During the life of Fatima (as), there is one point that we should consider. Here, we will not question the degree of her spiritual position and knowledge; we are not even capable of comprehending the spiritual greatness of Fatima (as). In fact, at the top of human spirituality and perfection, only God knows and understands the high level of such individuals–and others at their level. Thus, Fatima (as) is only known to her husband, her great father Mohammad (pbuh), and her pure children. The people of her time, of other times, and we in this era are not able to recognize the brilliance and splendour of her spirituality. The bright light of spirituality is not detectable by everybody’s eyes; our short-sighted and weak eyes are unable to see the luminosity of humanity in these great personalities.  

Therefore, we do not discuss the definition of Fatima’s (as) spirituality. However, in her ordinary life, there is an important point: on the one hand, as a Muslim woman, she perfectly performs her duties at home and behaves nicely towards her husband and children; on the other hand, as a zealous, tireless person she acts for her causes. In political events, shortly after the death of her father Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), she went to the mosque, gave a speech, expressed her position and defended her cause. Hence, she represented a marvellous, fighting personality that is tireless, enduring, and tolerant. 

The third aspect of her life reveals her as a devotee of Allah, who performs prayers in the dark of nights, uprises for Allah, and is humble before Allah; and, in the worshipping chamber, this young lady worships and speaks to God like the old pious people. Combining these three dimensions is the luminous point in the life of Fatima (as). She did not separate the three dimensions. 

Some people think that those who worship God are only concerned with prayers and worship, and cannot be involved in politics. Or, some people think that those–women and men–who are active in politics and the arena of jihad on the path of Allah, if a woman, she cannot perform her duties at home as a mother and a wife; and as a man, he cannot be a good businessman, husband or father. 

They think these qualities are contradictory. Whereas, in the view of Islam, these aspects not only reveal that there are no contradictions, but they are also helpful towards achieving the perfect human personality.

 Ayatollah Khamenei, December 13, 1989

Hazrat Fatemeh Masoumeh (A.S.) had a lofty and eminent personality; the holy Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) pointed out her glory and reverence. Not only before her birth, but also before the birth of her honorable father, some Imams (A.S.) remarked her, and they referred to her high status, some of which are mentioned here.

Imam Sadiq (A.S.), in a hadith, before the birth of this elegant progeny, spoke of the virtues of her pilgrimage and shrine, drawing the attention of Shi’a Muslims to her and noted: “The city of Qom is our shrine, in which a woman from my offspring is/will be buried, the name of whom is Fatemeh and whoever visits her, paradise is for him…”

Now we indicate to some virtues which show her greatness among others offsprings. One of her virtues was her knowledge about Islam and the household’s sciences. She was one of the narrators of traditions and there are some narrations that we can see her name in their documents. Professor Amini in his noble book, Alghadir, has cited to some of these traditions; for example, she has narrated the famous tradition “Ghadir” that denotes her eminent position.

In addition, after Lady Fatima, any women hasn’t achieved Doomsday intercessor rank like Hazrat Masoome (Peace be upon her). All these statements indicate significant wisdom, dignity, and grandeur of this honorable lady of Islam.

Surely, because of these moral features, she has achieved this dignity, because lmam Musa Kazim (pbuh) had 37 children, and just this honurable lady outshines like ornament among them. Neither of her siblings are equal to her (or are not her balance either).

Imam Sadiq (pbuh) says: Know that Qom is my adytum and my children’s adytum after me. A lady of my children is going to pass away there. She is Musa ’s daughter.

By: Fatemeh Ardestani, Raziyeh Zareaan, Maryam Miraghaei