Greatness of Fatima, the Wife of Ali
It only makes perfect sense that a person like Ali, the Commander of the Faithful, whose physical being of human nature coincides with his heavenly nature of pure light and energy - the purest form possible - can only marry a woman similar to his status. It is reported that Fatima, the only daughter of the Prophet was his only choice and before Ali, it is said that Fatima had refused several proposals from persons significantly below her status. Most certainly, she was also a celestial being, and third in creation after Prophet Muhammad (S) and Ali (AS).
One of her titles is Zahra, meaning that when she stood in her praying place, the angels in the heavens witnessed a glittering light, just like the starlight in the sky that glitters for the people on the earth.
Ali once said:
It only makes perfect sense that a person like Ali, the Commander of the Faithful, whose physical being of human nature coincides with his heavenly nature of pure light and energy - the purest form possible - can only marry a woman similar to his status. It is reported that Fatima, the only daughter of the Prophet was his only choice and before Ali, it is said that Fatima had refused several proposals from persons significantly below her status. Most certainly, she was also a celestial being, and third in creation after Prophet Muhammad (S) and Ali (AS).
One of her titles is Zahra, meaning that when she stood in her praying place, the angels in the heavens witnessed a glittering light, just like the starlight in the sky that glitters for the people on the earth.
Ali once said:
I have married the mistress of all the women of the community. I am the best of the vicegerents.
al-Majlisi writes that Fatima (was so pure and sanctified by Allah, that she) did not even menstruate, and Ali had no reason to marry any other woman. So Allah forbade him to marry other women in observance of her purity. Or, her eminence disallowed him from marrying another woman; where as this particularity of hers is part of this eminence (Ordoni, 1987).The status of Fatima - as pure and Infallible as she happens to be - is described in the Qur'an:
Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth, a likeness of His light is as a niche in which is a lamp, the lamp is in a glass.
(al-Qur'an - Chapter 24, Verse 35)
Ibn al-Maghazil al-Shafi and several other commentators relate that the niche mentioned in the above verse in Qur'an is Fatima, and the lamp refers to al-Hasan and al-Husain. As noted, Fatima was also third (after Ali) in the creation of the purest souls in this entire universe. Nothing was created then, not even time, prophets, or the earth and galaxies. The Light of Fatima was created and from it Allah made the heavens and the earth. Fatima was also named the mistress of all women in the entire universe, a much higher status than the remainder 11 Aimmah, the purest of the souls.(al-Qur'an - Chapter 24, Verse 35)
It is reported that when Fatima, the only daughter of the Prophet was born into this world, the Prophet (her father) took her in his blessed hands and remarked that she was his intercessor. Some scholars of Islam have stated further that if the entire creation including rocks, pray to the Prophet for intercession, then Fatima being his intercessor in front of Allah makes Fatima the most important person - after the Prophet (S) and Ali (AS) - in the entire universe and its contents. She certainly deserves the title Mistress of all Women in the Entire Universe, from the beginning to the end.
The book of Fatima deserves some attention and also signifies her greatness. Fatima was so blessed, she even had her own Book of Revelation from Allah, the Creator and Designer of the Universe. Ordoni (1987) narrates that in Volume 10 of Biharul-Anwar, al-Sadiq once said to Abu Basir:
.We also possess Fatima's Book (mus-haf), and had they known about the Book of Fatima! It is three times the size of your Qur'an; and by Allah, it has not a letter of your Qur'an, rather it was dictated and revealed to her by Allah.
Imam Ali (AS) said: In Fatima's mus-haf, not only all lawful and unlawful Islamic decrees are available, but also the whole knowledge about whatsoever events that has happened (in the past) and shall happen (in future) are recorded therein.
It is reported that Fatima had regular visits from the highest ranked angel Jibraeel after the demise of her father. Ali was also present in all these occasions wherein the revelations to Fatima took place and he was inscribing all the information. Fatima (AS) was thus perfect in all dimensions of her personality and had achieved the zenith of human perfection. That is why she is a perfect role model for all human beings, either men or women.al-Khumeini (AR) once said:
. Fatima al-Zahra (AS) is the manifestation of all dimensions that could be imagined for a woman or for a human being.
She has not been an ordinary woman, but a spiritual and celestial lady and a representation of perfect humanity, the real meaning of a perfect lady, and the ultimate example of an ideal human being.
She is a heavenly creature who has appeared in this world in form of a human being. All that could be imagined with regard to mankind's excellence is crystallized in the character of our Lady Fatima (AS).
Had she been a man, she ascended the position of the Messenger of Allah. Spirituality, celestial qualities, heavenly moralities, and divine manifestations have been developed in the personality of Fatima, a perfect human being.
Fatima (AS) is Heavenly ConceivedShe has not been an ordinary woman, but a spiritual and celestial lady and a representation of perfect humanity, the real meaning of a perfect lady, and the ultimate example of an ideal human being.
She is a heavenly creature who has appeared in this world in form of a human being. All that could be imagined with regard to mankind's excellence is crystallized in the character of our Lady Fatima (AS).
Had she been a man, she ascended the position of the Messenger of Allah. Spirituality, celestial qualities, heavenly moralities, and divine manifestations have been developed in the personality of Fatima, a perfect human being.
The Prophet once said:
The origin of my daughter, Fatima, is greater than any other inhabitant on earth, as is her honor and her generosity.
The Prophet (S), through a divine command, was ordered to seclude himself from contact with Khadija (AS) for 40 days. Despite all his love for his dear wife, the Prophet (S) did not go home in compliance with Allah's order. During the whole 40 day period of his seclusion, Muhammad (S) was engaged in prayers, fasting, and spiritual connections with his Lord. We have earlier noted the benefits - to the energy and information within the energy - from such soaking prayer and concentration to the Almighty.When the seclusion stage came to its end, at the time of Iftar (while the Prophet (S) was preparing himself to end his fasting by eating food, he heard the familiar voice of Archangel Jibraeel (AS), Allah sends His salaams to you! Get ready to receive the celestial gift from your Lord! Then angels brought down a tray full of heavenly fruits for Muhammad (S). Jibraeel told him:
Eat from this heavenly dish tonight; then go to Khadija; Almighty Allah has willed to create a pure child out of this heavenly food.
Thus Fatima (AS) was conceived from the fruits of paradise.
It is reported that at the crucial moment of giving birth, when Khadija had lost hope to receive any help from the ladies of Quraish, she sought assistance from her Lord. By the grace of Allah, four of the most beautiful women in white dressings came to help her in that time of need. They had bowls of heavenly water in their hands. Each one began to introduce herself. The first one said, I am your foremother, Hawwa. The second one said, I am Asiya daughter of Muzahim, Pharaoh's wife. The third one said, I am Kulthum, Musa's sister, and the fourth one said, I am Maryam, daughter of Imran and mother of Isa; we have come to deliver your child.
And so with the help of these heavenly ladies, Fatima (AS) was delivered, and the brightness and brilliance of her face illuminated the sky from east to west. The four holy ladies bathed the baby with heavenly water, wrapped her in heavenly clothes, and put her on the lap of Khadija (AS). We can appreciate the energy communication and interaction between these sacred women, her mother and Fatima, and was thus a perfect creation.
Respect for Fatima (AS)
It is reported that at the crucial moment of giving birth, when Khadija had lost hope to receive any help from the ladies of Quraish, she sought assistance from her Lord. By the grace of Allah, four of the most beautiful women in white dressings came to help her in that time of need. They had bowls of heavenly water in their hands. Each one began to introduce herself. The first one said, I am your foremother, Hawwa. The second one said, I am Asiya daughter of Muzahim, Pharaoh's wife. The third one said, I am Kulthum, Musa's sister, and the fourth one said, I am Maryam, daughter of Imran and mother of Isa; we have come to deliver your child.
And so with the help of these heavenly ladies, Fatima (AS) was delivered, and the brightness and brilliance of her face illuminated the sky from east to west. The four holy ladies bathed the baby with heavenly water, wrapped her in heavenly clothes, and put her on the lap of Khadija (AS). We can appreciate the energy communication and interaction between these sacred women, her mother and Fatima, and was thus a perfect creation.
Respect for Fatima (AS)
The behavior of the Prophet towards his daughter Fatima was revered. At a time when the most violent behaviors were shown against women and girls, at a time when burying little newborn daughters alive was counted as a routine act, the Prophet (S) exhibited immense respect and love towards his dear daughter. Whenever Fatima (AS) came to see the Prophet (S), he welcomed her, stood up to respect her, kissed her hand and made her sit at his own place.
On every occasion that the Prophet (S) decided to go on a journey, Fatima was the last one to whom he bade farewell, and as soon as he came back from his trip, Fatima was the first one whom the Prophet visited.
Imam al-Baqir (AS) and Imam al-Sadiq (AS) have related that the Prophet (S) never slept unless he kissed the face of Fatima (AS) and placed his face on hers.
The Prophet (S) loved Fatima so much he used to say:
On every occasion that the Prophet (S) decided to go on a journey, Fatima was the last one to whom he bade farewell, and as soon as he came back from his trip, Fatima was the first one whom the Prophet visited.
Imam al-Baqir (AS) and Imam al-Sadiq (AS) have related that the Prophet (S) never slept unless he kissed the face of Fatima (AS) and placed his face on hers.
The Prophet (S) loved Fatima so much he used to say:
May her father be sacrificed for her.
Thus he expressed his deep love for her dignified daughter. Sometimes he (S) called her as Umme Abiha, which means the Mother of Her Father. Also in some cases the Prophet (S) repeated: Fatima is a part of my body.
Marriage of Fatima to Ali in the HeavensHusain bin Ali Ibn Abi Talib has said:
The Prophet was in Um Salama's house when an angel, who had twenty heads, descended upon him. Each one of the angel's heads had one thousand tongues, and he was praising Allah with each tongue in a different language. His wings were larger than all of the seven heavens and the seven earths.
The angel said, I am Sarsaeel. Allah sent me to you to marry the light to the light. Your daughter, Fatima, to Ali.
So the Prophet married Fatima to Ali with Jibraeel, Mikaeel, Israfeel, and Sarsaeel as witnesses.
Then the Prophet looked and saw the following written between the shoulders of Sarsaeel:
LA ILAHA ILLALLAH.
MUHAMMAD IS THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH
AND IS THE PROPHET WHO BRINGS MERCY
ON PEOPLE.
ALI IS THE DECISIVE ARGUMENT THAT ALLAH
USES ON HIS CREATURES.
(Just for revelation) Then the Prophet asked Sarsaeel, How long have you had this written between your shoulders?
Sarsaeel replied, Twelve thousand years before Allah created Adam.
(Madina al-Maji. Manaqib. Kashf al-Ghumma. Biharul-Anwar)
In a tradition quoted by Professor Abdul Hakim (1999) in one of his sermons in Karachi, he says that the Prophet (S) compared Ali to the Chapter of Unity (Oneness of Allah) in Qur'an and if Ali was not there, there would be no male in this entire universe to marry the like of Fatima, including Prophet Adam and the entire creation after him. al-Sadiq has said, Had the Commander of the Faithful, Ali not married her, no man on earth from Adam on would have been suitable for her until the Day of Rising (Abu Muhammad Ordoni, 1987 - Fatima, The Gracious) It is reported that the heavens witnessed Ali and Fatima's wedding before the event even took place on earth. This was informed to the Prophet by Jibraeel himself and happens to be the only wedding enacted in the heavens by Allah Himself. While on this topic of the heavens - from the book Fatima, The Gracious by Ordoni (1987) - it is reported by Asqalani in his book Lisanul-Mizan, Volume 3, Page 346, that al-Hasan Ibn Ali al-Askari reported that his fathers quoted Jabir Ibn Abdullah as saying - the Prophet said: The angel said, I am Sarsaeel. Allah sent me to you to marry the light to the light. Your daughter, Fatima, to Ali.
So the Prophet married Fatima to Ali with Jibraeel, Mikaeel, Israfeel, and Sarsaeel as witnesses.
Then the Prophet looked and saw the following written between the shoulders of Sarsaeel:
LA ILAHA ILLALLAH.
MUHAMMAD IS THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH
AND IS THE PROPHET WHO BRINGS MERCY
ON PEOPLE.
ALI IS THE DECISIVE ARGUMENT THAT ALLAH
USES ON HIS CREATURES.
(Just for revelation) Then the Prophet asked Sarsaeel, How long have you had this written between your shoulders?
Sarsaeel replied, Twelve thousand years before Allah created Adam.
(Madina al-Maji. Manaqib. Kashf al-Ghumma. Biharul-Anwar)
When Allah created Adam and Eve (Hawwa), they strutted through paradise and said, Who are better than we? At that moment they noticed an image of a girl like they had never seen before; from this girl came an illuminating light so bright that it almost blinded the eyes.
When asked, Allah answered, This is the image of Fatima, the mistress of your women descendants. What is this crown on her head? Allah said, Her husband Ali. Adam then asked, What are her two earrings? Allah replied, Her (two) sons, they were ordained in My Ever-Existent knowledge two thousand years before I created you.
The Prophet once declared to Ali - Here comes Jibraeel to tell me that Allah has willed to unite you in marriage with Fatima. He has, moreover, called as witnesses to her marriage four thousand angels. Allah has revealed to the tree of Tuba, scatter your pearls and rubies! Black-eyed heavenly ladies rushed to pick the precious stones up, which they shall exchange as presents among them till the Day of Resurrection (reported by Ordoni, 1987).When asked, Allah answered, This is the image of Fatima, the mistress of your women descendants. What is this crown on her head? Allah said, Her husband Ali. Adam then asked, What are her two earrings? Allah replied, Her (two) sons, they were ordained in My Ever-Existent knowledge two thousand years before I created you.
It is related on the authority of Ibn Abbas, who said:
On the night when Fatima was married to Ali, the Messenger of Allah stood before her. Jibraeel stood at her right hand and Mikaeel at her left. Seventy thousand angels stood behind her, praising and sanctifying Allah.
The Commander of the Faithful - Ali - prided himself on his marriage to her on numerous occasions.
Abu Ishaq al-Thaqafi reported on the authority of Hakim Ibn Jubayr, who reported from al-Hajari who related from his uncle who said:
I heard Ali say one day, I shall utter words, which no other man would utter but that he would be a liar. I am Abdullah (Allah's servant), and the brother of the Apostle of Allah. I am the one whose guardian is the Prophet of Mercy, for I have married the Mistress of all the women of the community. I am the best of the vicegerents.
Fatima (AS) and Her TitlesThe Commander of the Faithful - Ali - prided himself on his marriage to her on numerous occasions.
Abu Ishaq al-Thaqafi reported on the authority of Hakim Ibn Jubayr, who reported from al-Hajari who related from his uncle who said:
I heard Ali say one day, I shall utter words, which no other man would utter but that he would be a liar. I am Abdullah (Allah's servant), and the brother of the Apostle of Allah. I am the one whose guardian is the Prophet of Mercy, for I have married the Mistress of all the women of the community. I am the best of the vicegerents.
Fatima, means separated and protected from ignorance and impurity, and the one who is kept away from the fire of hell; the one who is adorned with all virtues, merits, and purities; and the one who shall save herself and all her followers from the fire of hell.
Siddiqa, means extremely honest; this title points out the degree of Fatima's honesty and truthfulness as one of her outstanding qualities.
Mubaraka, blessed, as she was granted much blessings by Allah (SWT), and she herself was a source of abundant blessings. The offspring of the Prophet all are descendents from Fatima (AS).
Taahira, pure and chaste, as she was purified along with other members of the Household (Ahlul-Bayt) of the Prophet according to verse 33 of al-Ahzab in the Qur'an, Verily, Allah desires to keep away the uncleanness from you, O People of the House! And to purify you a (thorough) purifying.
Zakiyya, the purified soul; purified from any kind of pollution or deficiency, a quality that made her attain the highest level of spiritual evolution and perfection.
Raaziya, the one who is content with the Will of Allah, surrenders herself to all that Allah (SWT) has predestined for her, and endures pain and suffering in the way of the mission of Allah's Messenger.
Mardhiyya, the one, with whom Allah and His Messenger and the sacred Imam are fully satisfied because of her impeccable worship, nice moralities, good fulfillment of duties, and all her good deeds.
Muhaddatha, the one to whom the angels talked, the matchless lady who received some sort of divine inspirations. In this relation, Imam al-Sadiq (AS) is quoted as saying, Fatima (AS) was named as Muhaddatha as an angel came to her continuously and talked to her in the same way that it (the angel) used to talk to Maryam. The angel told Fatima, O Fatima! Allah (SWT) has selected you, purified you, and made you superior to all women throughout the world. (Ordoni, 1987).
Zahra, means luminous, as when she stood in her praying place, the angels in the heavens witnessed a glittering light, just like the starlight in the sky that glitters for the people on the earth.
Fatima - The Most Sanctified and Purified Woman
The purity of Fatima - Wife of Ali, daughter of the Prophet, mother of al-Hasan and al-Husain, grandmother of all the Infallible including al-Mahdi in occultation - is beyond human imagination and comprehension. The following quote from al- Sadiq, by al-Tabarsi in his book Beacons of Light narrates that the highest level of purity that Allah gave to a human female was to Fatima, and none other. Besides the following narration, Ordoni (1987) in his book Fatima, The Gracious, mentions more than ten narrations that explain the purity of Fatima and her experiencing no menstruation or parturition.
Fatima has 9 names with Allah. They are - Fatima, al-Siddiqa (the Righteous), al-Mubaraka (the Blessed), al-Tahirah (the Pure), al-Zakiyyah (the Unblemished), al-Radhiyah (the one content with Allah's pleasure), al-Mardhiyyah (the one pleasing to Allah), al-Muhaddathah (the one Spoken to by angels) and al-Zahirah (the Luminous).
In the musnad (collection of transmitted traditions) of the eighth Infallible al-Ridha, it is reported that the Prophet declared:
I named my daughter Fatima (the weaned one) because Allah weaned her and those who love her from the Fire.
The Prophet also called her al-Batul (pure virgin), and said to Aishah - O Humayra (a redish white, a well-known epithet of Aishah), Fatima is not like the women of human kind, nor does she suffer the illness you (women) suffer. This is explained in another prophetic tradition, which asserts that she never menstruated.
It is likewise reported by Sunni traditions on the authority of Anas Ibn Malik, who heard Umm Salma, the wife of Abu Talhah al-Ansari, say:
Fatima never experienced the blood of menstruation or parturition, for she was created from the waters of Paradise. This is because when the Messenger of Allah was transported to heaven, he entered Paradise, where he ate of its fruits and drank its water.
In Biharul-Anwar - Volume 10, al-Baqir says: In the musnad (collection of transmitted traditions) of the eighth Infallible al-Ridha, it is reported that the Prophet declared:
I named my daughter Fatima (the weaned one) because Allah weaned her and those who love her from the Fire.
The Prophet also called her al-Batul (pure virgin), and said to Aishah - O Humayra (a redish white, a well-known epithet of Aishah), Fatima is not like the women of human kind, nor does she suffer the illness you (women) suffer. This is explained in another prophetic tradition, which asserts that she never menstruated.
It is likewise reported by Sunni traditions on the authority of Anas Ibn Malik, who heard Umm Salma, the wife of Abu Talhah al-Ansari, say:
Fatima never experienced the blood of menstruation or parturition, for she was created from the waters of Paradise. This is because when the Messenger of Allah was transported to heaven, he entered Paradise, where he ate of its fruits and drank its water.
When Fatima was born, Allah (Exalted is His Name) revealed to an angel to speak the name Fatima with Muhammad's tongue. Allah then said, I have bestowed knowledge upon you and safeguarded you from menstruation. Then Abu Ja'far added:
By Allah! Allah (Blessed and Exalted is His Name) bestowed knowledge on her and safeguarded her from menstruation with the covenant.
From the same author al-Tabarsi, he quotes the following traditions from Anas Ibn Malik that: By Allah! Allah (Blessed and Exalted is His Name) bestowed knowledge on her and safeguarded her from menstruation with the covenant.
Fatima is the most excellent of all the women of the world.
The most excellent among the women of the world are - Maryam daughter of Imran (that is, the Virgin Mary), Asiyah daughter of Muzahim (wife of Pharaoh), Khadijah daughter of Khuwaylid and Fatima, daughter of Muhammad.
I heard the Apostle of Allah say, I am a tree, Fatima is its trunk and Ali is its pollen. al-Hasan and al-Husain are its fruits, and our followers (Shia) are its leaves. The roots of the tree are in the Garden of Eden, and its trunk, fruits and leaves are in Paradise.
Ali Ibn Abi Talib has said: The most excellent among the women of the world are - Maryam daughter of Imran (that is, the Virgin Mary), Asiyah daughter of Muzahim (wife of Pharaoh), Khadijah daughter of Khuwaylid and Fatima, daughter of Muhammad.
I heard the Apostle of Allah say, I am a tree, Fatima is its trunk and Ali is its pollen. al-Hasan and al-Husain are its fruits, and our followers (Shia) are its leaves. The roots of the tree are in the Garden of Eden, and its trunk, fruits and leaves are in Paradise.
The Prophet used to order me to open the door to whoever wanted to join him when he came to break his fast, but that night he ordered me to guard the door of the house and said to me, O son of Abu Talib! This food is forbidden to everyone save me.
I sat at the door, and the Prophet uncovered the plate, in privacy, to find a cluster of dates and a bunch of grapes; he ate until satisfied and drank his need of water. He then extended his hands to be washed, so Jibraeel poured the water, Mikaeel washed his hands, and Israfeel dried them. Thereafter, the remaining food with the plate ascended to heaven. Then he (S) started to prepare himself for prayers when Jibraeel said to him, Prayer is forbidden to you until you go to Khadija's house and perform coition with her; for Allah (Glory be to Him) ordained upon Him to create noble progeny from you tonight. So he rushed to Khadija's house.
In another tradition, al-Ridha quotes the Prophet who said: I sat at the door, and the Prophet uncovered the plate, in privacy, to find a cluster of dates and a bunch of grapes; he ate until satisfied and drank his need of water. He then extended his hands to be washed, so Jibraeel poured the water, Mikaeel washed his hands, and Israfeel dried them. Thereafter, the remaining food with the plate ascended to heaven. Then he (S) started to prepare himself for prayers when Jibraeel said to him, Prayer is forbidden to you until you go to Khadija's house and perform coition with her; for Allah (Glory be to Him) ordained upon Him to create noble progeny from you tonight. So he rushed to Khadija's house.
On the night of my Ascension to Heaven, Jibraeel took my hand and led me into Paradise, then he handed me dates from which I ate; those dates were formed into sperm. When I descended to earth, I came unto Khadija who became pregnant with Fatima; thus, Fatima is a Human Huri (human heavenly lady), whom whenever I long for Paradise I smell.
Fatima (AS) and The Verses of al-Kawthar In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
Verily, We granted you Kawthar (the Abundant Blessing). So, turn to your Lord in prayer and make a sacrifice. Surely, your enemy (and not you) is the one who shall be without posterity.
(al-Qur'an - Chapter al-Kawthar)
Kawthar means Abundant Blessing, and it may include a broad range of concepts; however, many great Shiite scholars believe that Fatima al-Zahra (AS) is the personality who best fits the concept of Kawthar.Verily, We granted you Kawthar (the Abundant Blessing). So, turn to your Lord in prayer and make a sacrifice. Surely, your enemy (and not you) is the one who shall be without posterity.
(al-Qur'an - Chapter al-Kawthar)
Before Fatima was born, the enemies of the Prophet (S) repeatedly annoyed him by saying that he was the one who should be without posterity (as all his children had died due to different reasons). Here, in this verse, Almighty Allah (SWT) negates the claims of His enemies and says, We granted you the Kawthar.
According to one scholar, we can conclude that Fatima (AS) is the same Kawthar (the Abundant Blessing) mentioned in Qur'an, as all later offspring of the Prophet descended from Fatima al-Zahra, who were (and are) the guardians of Islam. Besides the twelve Infallible (AS) - who have an exceptional standing and are flawless - if we have a look at the past history of Islam, we come across innumerable Sayyids (the offspring of the Prophet and Fatima), among whom we can trace countless Islamic scholars, authors, jurisprudents, narrators, interpreters, and devoted commanders, who struggled hard to safeguard the teachings and precepts of Islam, ideologically and physically.
Fatima (AS) and The Verses of al-Insan
...They fulfill vows and fear a day, the evil of which shall be spreading far and wide.
And they give food - out of love for Him (Allah) - to the poor and the orphan and the captive (and say), We only feed you for Allah's sake. We desire from you neither reward nor thanks. Surely we fear from our Lord a stern, distressful day.
Therefore Allah will guard them from the evil of that day and cause them to meet with ease and happiness.
(al-Qur'an - Chapter 76, Verses 7-11)
These verses of Qur'an speak of the Ahlul-Bayt (AS), eulogizing their selflessness and piety. These verses are good evidence for their merits and virtues. The historical occasion to which these blessed verses refer was - once al-Hasan and al-Husain were at their childhood age, they fell sick and the Prophet together with some of his companions visited them. He suggested that Ali (AS) should make a vow to Allah for his sons' health. Heeding the Prophet's suggestion, Imam Ali, Fatima, along with their maid, Fizza, took a vow that if the boys recovered, they would fast for three consecutive days. Eventually al-Hasan and al-Husain (AS) recovered, and to fulfill the vow, they also fasted along with their parents and the maid.And they give food - out of love for Him (Allah) - to the poor and the orphan and the captive (and say), We only feed you for Allah's sake. We desire from you neither reward nor thanks. Surely we fear from our Lord a stern, distressful day.
Therefore Allah will guard them from the evil of that day and cause them to meet with ease and happiness.
(al-Qur'an - Chapter 76, Verses 7-11)
They all fasted for three consecutive days, but each day - at the time of breaking the fast - some needy person (as verse No. 8 indicates) appeared, and the Ahlul-Bayt gladly fed him, and themselves passed the nights without food and broke their fasts with water only.
On the fourth day, Imam Ali (AS) took his dear sons - al-Hasan and al-Husain (AS) - with himself to see the Prophet. When the Prophet (S) observed them - trembling with hunger - he said, It grieves me to see you in this condition. Then, he stood up and accompanied them to their house. On entering the house, he was shocked to see the sight of his daughter Fatima, sitting hollow-eyed on her prayer mat, her stomach stuck to her back. It was then that the Archangel Gabriel came down with this Surah, saying, O Muhammad, Allah congratulates you for having such a (devoted) household, and then recited the verses of the chapter al-Insan.
Fatima (AS) and The Verse of al-Tatheer
Verily, Allah desires to keep away the uncleanness (impurities) from you, O people of the House! And to purify you, a (thorough) purifying...
(al-Qur'an - Chapter 33, Verse 33)
This is actually a genetic purification of the Ahlul-Bayt (AS). That is, the Ahlul- Bayt (including Fatima) are not only infallible (far from any kind of uncleanness, disobedience, error, sin, or personal whim) but also away from the thought of sin. (al-Qur'an - Chapter 33, Verse 33)
Fatima and the Verse of Mubahila
.Let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, and ourselves and yourselves. Then let us pray and invoke Allah's curse upon those who lie.
(al-Qur'an - Chapter 3, Verse 61)
Historians narrate that in place of our women the Prophet took only his daughter Fatima to confront the Christians during the event of Mubahila. The Prophet could have taken his close female relatives or some other women, but he took only his daughter, the Infallible lady. Together with Fatima, her father (Prophet Muhammad), both sons (al-Hasan and al-Husain) and husband (Ali) who were also Infallible proceeded to argue with the Christians who were defeated. She was also the only lady permitted inside the Cloak under the cover of the Prophet when the verse of Purification was revealed.(al-Qur'an - Chapter 3, Verse 61)
Mir Ahmed Ali (1988) has summarized the Event of Mubahila as follows:
The Prophet was sending invitations to all to accept the True Religion of Allah. Tribe after tribe, region after region were coming into the fold of Islam. One such invitation was sent to the Christians of Najran, a town in Yemen, in the 9th year of Hijra. A deputation of 60 scholars came to discuss the matter with the Prophet.
Abdul Masih, the chief monk, asked him as to who was the father of Isa, thinking that the Prophet would accept (God as the father of Isa. Verse 59 of this chapter was revealed and presented to the Christians as a reply but they did not listen to reason). Then this verse was revealed to call them to a spiritual contest by invoking the Curse of Allah on the liars. The Christians agreed to this contest.
Early next morning, the 24th of the month of Dhilhijjah, the Prophet sent Salman to the selected site, outside the city area, to set up a shelter for those whom he would take with him, as his sons, women and selves. A large number of companions assembled in the mosque, making themselves available for the selection. On the opposite side of the field, selected for the contest, the Christians, with their selected men, women and children appeared on the scene.
At the appointed hour, a huge crowd, standing in wait, saw the Prophet coming in, al-Husain in his arms, al-Hasan holding his index finger, walking beside him, Fatima Zahra, close to his heels and Ali just behind her - as his sons, women, and selves. It should be noted that although there was provision for women and selves the Prophet selected one woman and one self - Fatima and Ali, because there was no woman and no man among his followers at that time that could be brought into the contest of invoking the curse of Allah on the liars. They alone were the truthful ones.
The Prophet raised his hands to the heaven and said, O my Lord! These are the people of my house. The chief monk looked up and down at the faces of the Pure Five from who emanated a radiant and brilliant glow; and this sight filled him with awe and anguish. He cried out aloud, By Jesus! I see the faces that if they turn upward to the heavens and pray, the mountains shall move. Believers in Jesus of Nazareth, I tell you the truth. Should you fail to come to some agreement with Muhammad, he, along with the godly souls with him, shall wipe out your existence forever, should they invoke the curse of God on you.
The Christians saw the wisdom of their chief and readily agreed to arrive at a settlement. As there is no compulsion in religion Islam, the Prophet gave them complete freedom to practice their faith. He also agreed to protect their lives and possessions, and for this service the Christians consented to pay a nominal fee (Jizya). It was an extraordinary manifestation of the glory of Islam.
Abdul Masih, the chief monk, asked him as to who was the father of Isa, thinking that the Prophet would accept (God as the father of Isa. Verse 59 of this chapter was revealed and presented to the Christians as a reply but they did not listen to reason). Then this verse was revealed to call them to a spiritual contest by invoking the Curse of Allah on the liars. The Christians agreed to this contest.
Early next morning, the 24th of the month of Dhilhijjah, the Prophet sent Salman to the selected site, outside the city area, to set up a shelter for those whom he would take with him, as his sons, women and selves. A large number of companions assembled in the mosque, making themselves available for the selection. On the opposite side of the field, selected for the contest, the Christians, with their selected men, women and children appeared on the scene.
At the appointed hour, a huge crowd, standing in wait, saw the Prophet coming in, al-Husain in his arms, al-Hasan holding his index finger, walking beside him, Fatima Zahra, close to his heels and Ali just behind her - as his sons, women, and selves. It should be noted that although there was provision for women and selves the Prophet selected one woman and one self - Fatima and Ali, because there was no woman and no man among his followers at that time that could be brought into the contest of invoking the curse of Allah on the liars. They alone were the truthful ones.
The Prophet raised his hands to the heaven and said, O my Lord! These are the people of my house. The chief monk looked up and down at the faces of the Pure Five from who emanated a radiant and brilliant glow; and this sight filled him with awe and anguish. He cried out aloud, By Jesus! I see the faces that if they turn upward to the heavens and pray, the mountains shall move. Believers in Jesus of Nazareth, I tell you the truth. Should you fail to come to some agreement with Muhammad, he, along with the godly souls with him, shall wipe out your existence forever, should they invoke the curse of God on you.
The Christians saw the wisdom of their chief and readily agreed to arrive at a settlement. As there is no compulsion in religion Islam, the Prophet gave them complete freedom to practice their faith. He also agreed to protect their lives and possessions, and for this service the Christians consented to pay a nominal fee (Jizya). It was an extraordinary manifestation of the glory of Islam.
Fatima and the Day of Judgment
Jabir ibn Abdullah Ansari (AS) narrates that I once said to Imam al-Baqir (AS):
May I be your sacrifice, son of Allah's Messenger (S), narrate to me a hadith in regards to the traits of your grandmother, Lady Fatima (AS), so that if I report it to your Shiites, they would rejoice at hearing it.
Abu Ja'far (AS) said: My grandfather, the Prophet (S) is reported to have said that on the Day of Rising, pulpits of (divine) light shall be the highest (from amongst the things visible) on that Day. Allah (SWT) will then say, Deliver a sermon so I will deliver a sermon that none of the Prophets (AS) or the Messengers (AS) have ever heard before.
Then for the successors (of Prophets (AS) shall be erected pulpits of light, and in the middle of these pulpits one shall be erected for my successor, Ali Ibn Abi Talib (AS), which will be higher than all other pulpits. Allah (SWT) will then say, Ali! Deliver a sermon. So he will deliver a sermon like the one no successor has ever heard before.
Then for the children of the Prophets (AS) and Messengers (AS) shall be erected pulpits of light, and among them shall be a pulpit of light for my two sons, grandsons and the two flowers of my life, Hasan ibn Ali (AS) and Husain ibn Ali Ibn Abi Talib (AS). Then it shall be said to them, Deliver a sermon. So they will deliver two sermons like those that none of the children of the Prophets (AS) have ever heard before.
A caller (by the name) Jibraeel (AS) shall then call, Where is Fatima, daughter of Muhammad (S)? She will then rise.
Allah (SWT), Blessed and Exalted is His Name, shall say, O people of the Gathering! To whom does honor belong today? So, Muhammad (S), Ali, Hasan, Husain (AS) will say, To Allah (SWT), the One, the Almighty. Allah (SWT) the Exalted will then say, O People of the Gathering! Lower your heads and cast your eyes down, for this is Fatima proceeding towards Paradise.
Jibraeel (AS) shall then bring her a female camel from the female camels of Paradise. Its sides shall be embellished, and its muzzles with fresh pearls and it shall have a saddle of coral. It shall kneel down in her presence, so she will ride it.
Allah (SWT) will then send 100,000 angels to accompany her on her right side, and 100,000 angels to accompany her on her left side, and 100,000 angels to lift her onto wings until they bring her to the gate of Paradise. When she is near the gate of Paradise, she will look to her side.
Allah (SWT) will then say, Daughter of My Beloved! Why did you look to your side after I gave the command that you enter My Paradise?
She will say, My Lord! I wish that my position be realized on such a Day.
Allah (SWT) will say, Daughter of My Beloved! Go back and look for everyone in whose heart was love (and obedience) for you or for any of your progeny. Take their hands and lead them to Paradise.
Abu Ja'far (AS) says: Then for the successors (of Prophets (AS) shall be erected pulpits of light, and in the middle of these pulpits one shall be erected for my successor, Ali Ibn Abi Talib (AS), which will be higher than all other pulpits. Allah (SWT) will then say, Ali! Deliver a sermon. So he will deliver a sermon like the one no successor has ever heard before.
Then for the children of the Prophets (AS) and Messengers (AS) shall be erected pulpits of light, and among them shall be a pulpit of light for my two sons, grandsons and the two flowers of my life, Hasan ibn Ali (AS) and Husain ibn Ali Ibn Abi Talib (AS). Then it shall be said to them, Deliver a sermon. So they will deliver two sermons like those that none of the children of the Prophets (AS) have ever heard before.
A caller (by the name) Jibraeel (AS) shall then call, Where is Fatima, daughter of Muhammad (S)? She will then rise.
Allah (SWT), Blessed and Exalted is His Name, shall say, O people of the Gathering! To whom does honor belong today? So, Muhammad (S), Ali, Hasan, Husain (AS) will say, To Allah (SWT), the One, the Almighty. Allah (SWT) the Exalted will then say, O People of the Gathering! Lower your heads and cast your eyes down, for this is Fatima proceeding towards Paradise.
Jibraeel (AS) shall then bring her a female camel from the female camels of Paradise. Its sides shall be embellished, and its muzzles with fresh pearls and it shall have a saddle of coral. It shall kneel down in her presence, so she will ride it.
Allah (SWT) will then send 100,000 angels to accompany her on her right side, and 100,000 angels to accompany her on her left side, and 100,000 angels to lift her onto wings until they bring her to the gate of Paradise. When she is near the gate of Paradise, she will look to her side.
Allah (SWT) will then say, Daughter of My Beloved! Why did you look to your side after I gave the command that you enter My Paradise?
She will say, My Lord! I wish that my position be realized on such a Day.
Allah (SWT) will say, Daughter of My Beloved! Go back and look for everyone in whose heart was love (and obedience) for you or for any of your progeny. Take their hands and lead them to Paradise.
By Allah (SWT), Jabir (AR), she will pick her Shiites (i.e. obedient followers) and those who loved her just like a bird picks good seeds from bad seeds. However, when her Shiites are near the gate of Paradise, Allah (SWT) will inspire their hearts to look to their sides. And when they do so, Allah (SWT) the Almighty will say, My beloved ones, why did you look around when Fatima, the daughter of My Beloved interceded for you?
The people will answer, Our Lord! We hoped that our position would (also) be known on such a Day.
Allah (SWT) will then say (to the selected people), My beloved ones, go back and look for everyone who loved you for your love of Fatima. Look for everyone who fed you for the love of Fatima; Look for every one who clothed you for the love of Fatima; Look for every one who gave you a drink for the love of Fatima; Look for everyone who prevented backbiting from being done against the love of Fatima. Take their hands and lead them into Paradise.
Indeed, there are various degrees of serving Allah (SWT), but affection (and cordial inclination) for us, Ahlul-Bayt (AS), is the highest one.
Salman al-Farsi quotes the Messenger of God having said: The people will answer, Our Lord! We hoped that our position would (also) be known on such a Day.
Allah (SWT) will then say (to the selected people), My beloved ones, go back and look for everyone who loved you for your love of Fatima. Look for everyone who fed you for the love of Fatima; Look for every one who clothed you for the love of Fatima; Look for every one who gave you a drink for the love of Fatima; Look for everyone who prevented backbiting from being done against the love of Fatima. Take their hands and lead them into Paradise.
Indeed, there are various degrees of serving Allah (SWT), but affection (and cordial inclination) for us, Ahlul-Bayt (AS), is the highest one.
O Salman, those who love Fatima, my daughter, will be with me in paradise, and those who hate her will be in hell.
O Salman, the love of Fatima will be beneficial in one hundred difficult instances. The least difficult of these instances will be at the time of death, in the grave, at the scale, the gathering of people on the Day of Judgment, the bridge, the display (of your book), and the calculation.
I am pleased with those with whom Fatima is pleased, and God is pleased with those with whom I am pleased.
I am angry with those with whom Fatima is angry, and God is angry with those with whom I am angry.
Woe unto those who are unjust to her and her husband, the Commander of the Believers.
Woe unto those who are unjust to her Shia and her progeny.
(Biharul-Anwar. Ghayatul Maram. Maqtal al- Husain. Yanabi al-Mawaddah)
O Salman, the love of Fatima will be beneficial in one hundred difficult instances. The least difficult of these instances will be at the time of death, in the grave, at the scale, the gathering of people on the Day of Judgment, the bridge, the display (of your book), and the calculation.
I am pleased with those with whom Fatima is pleased, and God is pleased with those with whom I am pleased.
I am angry with those with whom Fatima is angry, and God is angry with those with whom I am angry.
Woe unto those who are unjust to her and her husband, the Commander of the Believers.
Woe unto those who are unjust to her Shia and her progeny.
(Biharul-Anwar. Ghayatul Maram. Maqtal al- Husain. Yanabi al-Mawaddah)
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