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Woman in the Mirror of History
From the study of history we find the fact that in the previous age
woman was considered to be a part of wealth and property. She used to
be sold and purchased like any property or animal. Illiterate Arabs of
the pre-Islamic era considered woman the cause of bad luck and
misfortune and buried the innocent girls alive. But Islam declared
this consideration and notion wrong and unjustified. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.)
fought strongly against such wrong conceptions. He considered woman as
a human being like the man and that she too has the human, freedom and
social rights. No body has the right to insult and look down upon her.
Regretfully, the Western countries and capitalists even today
imagine her to be the medium of enjoyment and time passing. On the
other hand, woman in a few Islamic countries have been restrictively
chained up which is also against the law of Islam, such as, they do
not allow her to go to schools or visit the libraries and they do not
have any ties and relations with the society, with the exception of
their attending the mourning ceremonies of Imam Hussain (A.S.).
Consequently, such absurdities and superstitions came into
existence pushing woman into the cave of ignorance and darkness. This
is the very reason why, when the imperialism raised the slogan of
woman freedom, she could not conceive and understand what kind of
voice it was? From where it is originated? What was the meaning of
this slogan?
Therefore, immodesty and impudency was thought to be the evolution
of culture. When she saw that her previous problems were solved she
forgot everything and, so to say, became free. But instead of getting
free from the superstitions she got free from modesty and piety. She
moved ahead in this very immodesty and deviation to the extent to
become a commercial item, and became the tool of the imperialism,
which may be used in any way as per its choice. She was a stooge and
an agent without eyes, ears or any will and intention. This is the
condition of today's women.
But, Islam by the training provided by ladies such as Khatija (S.A.),
Fatima (S.A.) Zainub (S.A.) highlighted the greatness of woman,
explaining and illustrating the meaning of woman's life and turned it
into an example and specimen for the future races.
We are going to present the brief life history of one of the ladies
Hazrat Fatima Zahra (S.A.), daughter of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.), Wife
of Imam Ali (A.S.), mother of Imam Hassan (A.S.) and Imam Hussain (A.S.),
the chiefs of the youth of Paradise, and Zainub-e-Kubra (S.A.) so
that, it is understood and evident that how should an exemplary woman
be."
Birth
When Hazrat Fatima's (S.A.) birth was to take place, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.)
told Khatija (S.A.) "Jabriel has given me the good news that this
child which is going to be born is a daughter and all the infallible
Imams will be from her generation.
Hazrat Fatima Zahra (S.A.) was born on Friday the 20th of Jamadi
ussani, the fifth year of Hijrah, when Quraish were busy in
constructing the building of Khana-e-Kaabah.
Training and Fostering
Fatima (S.A.) was brought up and trained in the family of Prophet (P.B.U.H)
and took advantage and share of the knowledge and wisdom of the
Prophet (P.B.U.H.). She heard the recitation of Quran from the Prophet
(P.B.U.H.) and leant it by heart, and got busy with the idea and
concept of self training and becoming a complete and real human.
She extremely loved her honorable father and the Holy Quran. She
took advantage and portion from the blessings of her father's
existence. These were the perfections due to which the Prophet (P.B.U.H.)
loved her to the extreme.
Once his wife Ayesha (R.A.) asked him, "Do you love Fatima Zahra so
much, that when she arrives you get up from your place to give respect
to her and kiss her hands and make her sit next to yourself?"
He replied, "Oh Ayesha! If you come to know why I love Fatima so
much, you shall also love her." He considered her the part and parcel
of his life, and used to say repeatedly, "Fatima (S.A.) is a piece of
me, whosoever tortures her he has tortured me, and whoever pleases her
has pleased me." One day, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) of Islam said, "Oh
Fatima God gets pleased on your being pleased and gets furious due to
your unhappiness and displeasure.
Resemblance
Fatima Zahra (S.A.), most of all resembled her father in her looks,
character, behavior and conduct. Ome Salma the wife of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.)
said, "Fatima Zahra resembled the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) most of all the
people."
The Father-Daughter Relation
The love between the father and daughter was not a one-way process;
instead, Fatima (S.A.) too immensely loved her father (Prophet) like
he loved her. When Hazrat Khatija (S.A.) died, she was not more than
six years of age. After the death of her mother, She always looked
after the comfort of her father at home. Fatima (S.A.) was such a
daughter who constantly and stably followed the footsteps of her
father. The streets and Masjid-e-Haram of Mecca were full of those who
teased, insulted and tortured the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). Whenever her
respect worthy father returned home in the injured condition, she
would wash the blood off his sacred face and dress his wounds and
encouraged him with her sweet conversation.
At such times, when her father was a stranger in his own land and
among his own people and he was all alone with all the relatives
present, and secluded and lonely among all those who spoke the same
language he spoke. Moreover, he was all-alone during his struggle and
combat against ignorance, idol worshipping and he was carrying the
heavy responsibility of preaching on his own.
Then it was only and only Fatima (S.A.) who pleased and consoled
the heart of her father with her sincere love and affection. She by
accepting the Prophecy of her father strengthened his hopes. That is
the reason why the Prophet used to say, "May your father sacrifice his
life upon you" or that he would call her the "mother of her father".
Because, she was like a mother for her father.
Marriage
When she attained the age of puberty, it became necessary for her
to marry. But she needed a person who must be her match. So that he
would appreciate her status and perfection and maturity of virtues and
he would know what was the real value and virtue of a human being.
This is the very aim of Islam, which as a result strengthens the
marital relations.
When she became marriage bound many men including Abu Bakar and
Umar sent their messages for asking her hand in marriage. But the
Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said, "I am waiting for the revelation in this
connection."
The revelation came and Fatima's husband was also nominated. God
ordered the Prophet (P.B.U.H.), "Oh my prophet get the light (Noor)
married to the light i.e., get Fatima (S.A.) married with Ali (A.S.)."
When Ali (A.S.) approached the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) to request the
hand of Fatima (S.A.) in marriage, although he had nothing with him
from the wealth of the world, yet he possessed a gem, which was the
reflection of every thing including piety and human nobility.
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) having acceded to his request entered the
house to ask Fatima (S.A.) her opinion about it. He said to her "Oh
daughter you know fully well that Ali (A.S.) is the one who was the
first ever faithful out of the lot. I had prayed to God, to give the
best husband for you. Therefore, God has selected Ali (A.S.) for your
husband, so what is your opinion?"
Fatima (S.A.) remained silent. The father took her silence as the
token of her being agreed and got her married with him.
The Marriage Ceremonies
After the aggregation of the tribe of Bani Hashim and the friends
and relations by the order of Prophet (P.B.U.H.) took place, he (P.B.U.H.)
delivered a Khutba (religious speech), sermon, and got Fatima (S.A.)
married to Ali (A.S.) over a dowry equivalent to four hundred Masqal
Silver (one Masqal comes to nearly 3.45 grams).
A companion (Sahabi) stated, "The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) got a sheep
slaughtered and invited a few persons and made them witnesses upon the
marriage.
After one month of the marriage in the 2nd Hijra on the night of "zaffaf"
(marriage night) the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) held Fatima (S.A.) by her hand
and handing her hand over to Ali (A.S.) said, "Oh Ali, Fatima is the
best wife for you." There after, he addressed Fatima and said "Oh
Fatima, Ali is a good husband for you." Then he said. "Now, both of
you move towards your real home."
The women of Bani Hashim, Ansar and Muhajireen, after taking their
dinner, rode Fatima (S.A.) on the camel of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and
took her along to Ali's (A.S.) house with great fervor. Ali and Fatima
started living near Quba mosque at a distance of eight kilometers from
Medina where the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) had stayed on migration from Mecca
and had waited a week for Ali (A.S.) to join him.
After some time Ali (A.S.) came to the city and selected a house
adjacent to the house of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). Because the Prophet (P.B.U.H.)
could not tolerate the separation of Ali and Fatima, since, it was a
great shock for him. The house of Ali (A.S.) which was made of mud and
date timber was exactly opposite to the window of the Prophet's (P.B.U.H.)
house so that he could daily see them.
This was the same house of Ah-le-bait of Purity and piety, which
was praised by the Holy Quran and was away from all kinds of impurity
(sins). The house wherein Ali (A.S.) was the father, Fatima Zabra (S.A.)
the mother and Zainub, Kulsoom, Hassan and Hussain (A.S.) were the
children. This home is a memorial one for all the races of every age.
Blessed Relation
Fatima Zahra (S.A.) had grown up along with Ali (A.S.) and
considered Ali (A.S.) as best husband and the lover and devotee of his
father. The fate's hand had joined these two blessed persons in such a
special way, which did not have any example in that period of darkness
and ignorance.
Fatima (S.A.) knew that although Ali (A.S.) does not possess any
thing from the wealth of the world but he has the great treasure of
self sacrifice and devotedness of which he had given proof to fulfill
the aspirations of her father (P.B.U.H.). She was aware that all the
youth period of her husband was spent defending Islam and in Jehad. He
did not think anything except the service to Islam and it's welfare.
Fatima (S.A.) never thought that since she was the daughter of a
Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and leader therefore, she must have maidservants at
her home. Nay, instead she performed all the domestic works with her
own hands for instance grinding the wheat with millstone, baking
bread, looking after the children etc. But, she, leaving aside
everything would only think about God. She was always in search of a
life giving and radiant education.
Fatima (S.A.) was such a tree, which must only breed and grow in
the shade of revelation and bring the fruits of freedom and justice in
its deep shadow. This is the very root and origin of the tree of
purity.
An Exemplary Family
The lives of Ali (A.S.) and Fatima (S.A.) are a school of thought
for the next generations so that the people may learn a lesson from
them. They had such coordination that when Ali (A.S.) got free from
the work outside the house, he used to lend a helping hand to Fatima (S.A.).
On the other hand, the daughter of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) also, always
tried to keep Abul Hassan (Ali) (A.S.) happy. Both led such a life
full of love and affection that they never called each other by their
names, rather, whenever Ali (A.S.) called her he addressed her by
"Daughter of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.)" and Fatima (S.A.) would address
him as "Ameer ul Momineen" (the Chief of the Faithfuls).
They never neglected the training of their children. They always
gave their response with love and affection. They loved their children
too much, so far so, that they never got angry with them & rebuke them
and never said anything to them, which may annoy or case their sorrow.
The Fruit of the Marriage
In the 3rd year of Hijrah the first son was born to Fatima (S.A.),
who was named "Hasan (A.S.)." The birth of this child saved the
Prophet (P.B.U.H.) from the torture of the enemies and the sorrow of
the separation of friends. He (P.B.U.H.) happily and joyfully visited
Fatima's (S.A.) house and took Imam Hassan (A.S.) into his lap and
recited Azan and Aqamat in his ears. Then he gave some silver, which
was equal in weight of the hair of the child, as alms.
One year after the birth of Imam Hassan (A.S.), Imam Hussain (A.S.)
was born. Now the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) got the substitutes for his sons
Qasim and Tahir who had died in the childhood, so that God had decided
that the race of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.), persists and survives through
her daughter.
The dawn of these two stars brought a new horizon in existence
wherein the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). Ali (A.S.) and Fatima (S.A.) saw
themselves.
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) thanking God and considering those two
children as the substitute of his sons, loved them very much that the
world was astonished.
One day, when he (P.B.U.H.) visited Fatima's (S.A.) house he (P.B.U.H.)
saw that Ali (A.S.) and Fatima (S.A.) were sleeping and Imam Hassan (A.S.)
was weeping due to hunger. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) slowly picked up the
pot, milked the goat, and fed the child who then became silent.
Once, he (P.B.U.H.) was passing by the house of Fatima (S.A.) when
suddenly he (P.B.U.H.) heard Imam Hussain (A.S.) crying. He came back
to her home and said, "Oh Fatima! Don't you know that I get upset by
the weeping of this child?"
One year after the birth of Imam Hussain (A.S.), a female baby was
born, who was named "Zainub" and even after another year another
female baby, who was named "Ome Kulsum."
"Zainub" and "Kulsum" were the names of the daughter's of Prophet (P.B.U.H.)
who died before 8th Hijra. In the 8th year of Hijra a son named
Ibrahim was born to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.), who died after one year of
his birth.
Now, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) was only left over with Fatima (S.A.)
and her children. He (P.B.U.H.) loved his grandchildren to such an
extent that he (P.B.U.H.) never tolerated to get separated from them.
Whenever he (P.B.U.H.) went out of the house, he (P.B.U.H.) would
always carry one of them on his shoulders.
The Superiority of Fatima (S.A.)
No one has the right in Islam to burry a dead body in the mosque.
Masjid-e-Haram is the most superior of all the mosques, being the
Qibla of all the mosques of the world.
A lady named Hajir is burned there. God has ordered all the human
being to visit Mecca and perform the circumambulation of her grave.
But Fatima's (S.A.) status is much sublime and higher than the lady
who has been laid to rest in Kaabah.
Fatima (S.A.) is one of the four superior most and virtuous ladies
i.e., Mariam, Asiyah, Khatija, Fatima. Which Fatima (S.A.)? Fatima (S.A.)
is the heir of all the honors and virtues. Who is the one continuing
the great race originating and beginning with Adam (A.S.), Ibrahim (A.S.),
Moosa (A.S.), Essa [Christ] (A.S.) and reaching Mohammad (P.B.U.H.).
Fatima (S.A.) besides father's bed
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) was on the bed of ailment and illness. His
head was in the lap of Ali (A.S.) and Fatima (S.A.) was weeping
holding the hand of her father. Suddenly, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.)
opened his eyes and when he saw her weeping. He (P.B.U.H.) said, "Oh
daughter! Recite the holy Quran for me." Fatima (S.A.) recited a few
verses from the holy Quran. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) by getting her dear
daughter recite the verses meant to listen her voice in the last
moments of his life. No sooner, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) passed away the
house turned into a mourning house. The delicate heart of Fatima (S.A.)
took a deep effect by her father's death.
Only a few hours later, another big grief took shape i.e., the
right of her husband was extorted and usurped. Fatima (S.A.), with the
help of a few faithful companions of his father, defended the right of
her husband strongly. So far so, that one day she went to the
Prophet's mosque along with the women of Bani Hashirn and Ansar and by
delivering a speech described her object and point of view. So that,
all the audience started weeping. But there was no body to give a
positive response to the voice of Fatima (S.A.).
They were no longer true and faithful. Their faces were covered
with the dust of abjectness, misery and misfortune. She returned to
her house with a heave and grieved heart and said to Ali (A.S.), "Oh
Abul Hassan why have you sit down with your hands upon each other like
weak, feeble, powerless and unable men and why don't you defend your
right?" Ali (A.S.) said, "Oh the daughter of Prophet (P.B.U.H.) Do you
not want that your father's name be pronounced in the mosque? Don't
you have the desire that the cause and mission of your father remains
alive? Fatima (S.A.) said, "Why not?"
Then he said, "If I draw the sword today (as the enemy wishes) the
efforts of your father will be finished and we will become
unsuccessful. On hearing this, Fatima (S.A.) got silent and
thereafter, she did not utter any word. She started her silent war in
the same manner as her husband Ali (A.S.) spent twenty-five years in a
great-oppressed state.
Death
Fatima (S.A.) was sure that none of her plans can mature in
connection with Ali (A.S.). Therefore, she did every thing possible so
that a wrong foundation for the caliphate is not laid. But evidently
and obviously she could not succeed in her efforts and was compelled
to face hopelessness and dismay.
After that, it became hard for her to live and she became fed up
with the world and day by day got keen and restless for her death.
Till at last, on Monday the 3rd of Jamadi ussani, 11th of Hijra,
She bade fare well to her children and husband and passed away. She
died in the same year as her father had died.
At the time of her sorrowful demise Imam Hassan (A.S.) was 7 years
of age, Imam Hussain (A.S.) was 6 years, Zainub (S.A.) was 5 years and
Ome Kulsum (S.A.) was 3 years of age. God knows, how shocking and
painful was the separation of Fatima (S.A.) for her children and
husband.
When her death time came near she asked the maidservant to bring
her water for taking a bath and putting on new clothes. Because, the
time for her to meet her father was at hand. The maidservant brought
her the water and she put on new clothes after taking a bath and laid
down upon the bed facing Kaabah. After a short while, her eyes closed
down and lips became silent and motionless and she proceeded towards
the paradise.
"Innalil laha ina ilayha rajaoon".
Imam Ali (A.S.), as per her last will, bathed her and gave her the
coffin and buried her in the darkness of the night. Her grave was kept
secret and still it is not known and is hidden. So nobody could know
where she was buried. Because, the political figures of that period
were bent upon opening her grave apart and offer the death prayers
again. A negative combat about her grave is going on from that time to
the day and from now onwards for the future days to come.
The testament and will of Fatima (S.A.) made is clear and evident
for the races of those days and all the races to come that the
daughter of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) was subjected to oppression. Fatima
(S.A.) remained unhappy and annoyed with those oppressors up to her
death. Therefore, those should remain ready for vengenence and
revenge.
After Fatima (S.A.) passed away Ali (A.S.) and the children became
secluded and lonely. Ali (A.S.) sat by her grave and repeated a few
sentences in a low voice and then facing the grave of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.)
he said, "Oh Prophet (P.B.U.H.) of God! I am returning to you that one
which you had entrusted me. O Lord! Ask Fatima what happened with us.
She will tell you all about it."
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