Story No. 284 – Fatema Zahra (sa): Bidhatur Rasool and Sayyidati Nisa il Aalameen
Prophet Mohammed (saw) has said, “Fatima is part of me, whoever harms her, harms me.” Prophet Mohammed (saw) has also said, “Fatima is part of me, whoever disappoints her, disappoints me.”
In these traditions, the statement that ‘Fatima is part of me’, has an in-depth meaning. It shows that Fatema Zahra (sa) is not only the daughter of Rahmatul Lil Aalameen (Mercy to all the Worlds); No wonder that where Prophet Mohammed (saw) declared Fatima (sa) as part of himself, he (saw) also announced, “Verily my daughter Fatima is the leader of the women of the worlds.”
Fatema Zahra (sa), by virtue of being ‘Bidhatur Rasool’ [part of Prophet Mohammed (saw)] and ‘Sayyidati Nisa il Aalameen’ [Fatima is the leader of the women of the worlds for all times] is an excellent role model particularly for the Muslim women, because the Prophethood of Mohammed (saw) would not have been everlasting without her. Prophet Mohammed (saw) is the perfect example for men but could not be so for women. For all Noble Qur’anic verses revealed for women, Fatema Zahra (sa) has been the perfect model, who translated every verse of Noble Qur’an into action. In her lifetime, she was a complete woman, being daughter, wife and mother par excellence.
As a true role model of women’s rights and respect, Fatema Zahra (sa) cares for her father when everyone else ignore him, encourages her husband when everyone else rebukes him and tends to and raises such children as Imam Hassan, Imam Hussain, Hazrat Zainab and Hazrat Umm Kulthum (pbut). She fights for her right (Fadak) in front of the caliphate at that time, all while maintaining her dignity and modesty. She portrays excellence in all her character, whether it be as a daughter or as a wife or a mother, or as a leader of women, humble yet strong.
All the children of Fatema Zahra (sa) are a jewel in the crown of Islam and Fatema Zahra (sa) is the reason behind it. Both religious and secular scholars agree that a child begins learning in the womb of his mother and the foundation laid by the parent is essential in the future character and morals of the child. Fatema Zahra (sa) displays a model for all the God-fearing parents in the upbringing of her four children. It has been narrated by a companion of Prophet (saw) in Bihar al-Anwar that one day, he saw Fatema Zahra (sa) busy grinding some grain. In the meanwhile, her older son Imam Hassan (as) became impatient and started crying. The companion of Prophet (saw) offered help to Fatema Zahra (sa), asking her whether she would like him to take over the grinding of grain or comforting the child. She answered by saying that it would be better for her to take over the grinding, since she would be better at comforting her child. This proves the importance of a mother being present around her child as much as possible, since only a mother can truly comfort and soothe her child and no one else can be as much of a comfort as a mother.
Lady Fatimah Zahra (pbuh): Let Us Walk in Her FootstepsFatema Zahra (sa) was the perfect human being that was infallible, according to the verse of Hadith al-Kisa (cover), and which talks about the infallibility of the five people who were under the cover in the house of Umm Salama (sa). Prophet Mohammed (saw) used to remind the people of this Ayah nearly every morning. Where he (saw) used to pass by Fatima Al-Zahra’s (sa) house and say: “Assalamu Alaika Ya Ahle Baite Naboowah (Peace be upon you O people of the house of Ahlul Bayt of Naboowah). Allah (SWT) only wishes to remove uncleanness from you Members of the Family and to purify you.”
Thus, when we talk about Fatema Zahra (sa) we are talking of an infallible human being whose manners were superior to the extent that she could be considered a role model not only for Muslim women, but also for all Muslims being a perfect image of the prophet. Following her means, following her role model in our practice and not just crying for her fate, because she is not an object for our crying and mourning.