There have been many women who have made an everlasting mark on the history of civilization and mankind. They have been great in various aspects. Yet one lady contributed more than perhaps any one else, while she was not more then a young girl. She had all the great and virtuous attributes of the women of respect and honor - and more. Her prayers and supplications were no less than the most inspiring words of poetry to her Lord. Her eloquence of speech, her bravery and strength, her loving tenderness towards her noble father, husband and children are what philosophers still write and speak of in terms of a cure for the ills of today's society. She was filled with spiritual devotion, as is becoming of any true saint. Her actions were her belief, without fault or mistake. She rose above the frail diversions of this life and was truly the best example for all women throughout all time.
This Lady is Fatema Zahra (as) the daughter of Rasulallah (sa), the wife of Amirul Mumineen Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) the mother of Imam Hasan and Husain (as).
Underneath the shade of her father (sa), and in the lap of her chaste and noble mother, Khadija binte Khuwailid, Fatema (as) was born in the city of Mecca a few years past the Mab'ath after the Me'raaj. She had the spirit of Rasulallah (sa), his characteristics and morals. Indeed, she was the complete inheritor of her father. The distinguished relationship between Rasulallah (sa) and his dear daughter attracted the attentions of those who lived nearby. They talked about the resemblance between the father and the daughter. Rasulallah (sa), who spoke only that which had been revealed to him, addressed Fatema in these words: "Oh Fatema! Allah, the Mighty, the Exalted, is angered at the one who makes you angry and is satisfied with the one who pleases you". He was often heard saying "Fatemato Ummo Abiha (Fatema is the mother of her Lord - her father)". He used to say, "My life is for your sake, Oh! Fatema. You are the leader of the women of this world" She was the possessor of life, honor, beauty and high stature, living under her father's care. It was such a unique relationship that it made Ayesha used to say "Never have I seen anyone more like Rasulallah in his solemn way {of standing and sitting} than Fatema" she added, "When she {Fatema} came to see him, he would rise to his feet, take her hand, kiss her and seat her where he was seated . And when he came to see her, she would stand up, take his hand, kiss him and seat him where she was seated". Nothing can be said more than that he was born and brought up in the household of Rasulallah (sa).
Fatema was the greatest lady with regard to her honour, faith and position in the sight of Allah. Thus, so many people approached her father asking for her hand in marriage. Umar and Abu Bakr were for instance, among those who asked for her hand. Other people among the leading men of the Quraysh tribe thought of asking for Fatima's hand in order to achieve the honour of being the son-in-law of the Messenger of Allah. Nevertheless, Rasulallah (sa) would say to these people, "This matter is yet not divinely settled". Finally Amirul Mumineen (sa) approached Nabi Saheb on this matter and he was extremely delighted. It seemed to all that Rasulallah was waiting for Amirul Mumineen's approach.
Fatema (as) married Amirul Muminnen (as) and the tree of Prophethood bore fruit. Fatema gave birth to Imam Hassan and then to Imam Husain, Rasulallah (sa) welcomed them and named them. This marriage was indeed a divide act of Rasulallah (Sa) as he had said and later declared that, Allah had wedded Fatema to Ali in the heavens and the occasion was rejoiced by its dwellers. The treasurer of the heavens, Ridhvan, was ordered to shake 'Tuba' for its fruits. Surely, 'Tuba' scattered the most wonderful of all treasures, a bushra for mumineen, freedom from hellfire was written on its leaves for them. Fatema, the noblest of all women, married Ali (as) for his faith, piety trustworthiness and high principles, not for wealth, money and the fading luxuries of this world. She accepted the holy bond with a simple modest mahr (dowry) that smashed the very values of materialism, abrogating its deceptive role in the subject of marriage, replacing it with Islamic values and ideals. Her marriage would no doubt teach the generations how elusive (false) is the nature of materialism and how it dwarfs before the sublime human values and ideals. It is also related that Fatema asked for the Shafa'at of Muminaat as her mahr, which was granted to her by Allah.
The glory of Zahra towers over any other glory. Asceticism and worship of Allah are two natural traits of Ahle Bait of Rasulallah, for here were the finest examples of the highest ideals, the greatest Islamic personalities that had ever lived on this earth.
Fatema (as) did not live long after the death of her father. She was the first from among his family to join him in the after life. Fatema (as) left this world with pain and grief, leaving both sons and daughters to be brought up by their father Molana Ali (as). She was angry at the ummat of her father who had not only troubled her but had performed acts of torture on her family. Her last Prayers were as always for her loved ones, Mumineen and Muminaat.
She is still a target to torture by the enemies of Ahle Bayt (as). Her burial place is in ruins and the hearts of mumineen in deep sorrow seeing this state. Aqa Moula's deep love for Fatema (as) and his wish to see her Zarih made is always a part of mumineen's Dua. May Allah fulfill Aqa Moula's desire and may we have the privilege of ziyarat of Moulatena Fatema with our beloved Moula, long live he in prosperity and good health.