The Hadis of Kessa

 

Jâber Ibn Abdollâh Ansâri I God rest his soul I recounted that:" One day, I heard this story from the daughter of our Prophet. She said:" One day, I was at home when my beloved father came to see me and said:" Greetings to you, o Fâtemeh! " I replied to him:" And to you. O beloved Father! " He said:" I feel somehow weak..."

"Dearest father, I entrust you to God, so that He takes all your weakness

away…"

He asked her:" Would you please bring me my Yemeni mantle and envelop

me in it...?"

Fâtemeh did as she was told, and enveloped her father in it.

She related:" As I was looking at my father’s sweet face, I saw that it glowed

with such a splendid Light that my gaze couldn't endure it after a while... "

Fâtemeh continued and said:" Slightly less than an hour had passed, when

Hassan, my first born, came in to the room and greeted me. I answered him

back and told him: " Greetings to you, my beloved! O, Thou, the apple of my eyes! O, the sunshine of my heart! "

My son Hassan said:" Mother, I smell a sweet fragrance here... Is it that my beloved grandfather has come to see us? "

" Yes, my son! He is envelopped in his mantle [ Abâ ]..."

Hassan went near the abâ, and after a respectful greeting to him, asked permission to join his grandfather under the mantle:" Will you permit me, O beloved grandfather to join you under your abâ...? "

The Messenger of God answered him most tenderly:" And greetings to you my beloved son! O, thou who shall be the Garden of my Fountain in Paradise, on the Day of judgment! Of course you may enter...! "

After another hour, my second born son Hosseyn, entered the room, and in response to his greetings, I said:" Greetings to you, o my beloved little one!

Thou, the sunshine of my eyes! "

He said:" I smell a wonderful fragrance in this room... Is my grandfather

here? "

I answered him:" Yes! He’s under the abâ, and your brother is also with him. "

He approached his grandfather and after his respectful greetings to him, he too asked permission to join them.

My father answered him most lovingly:" And greetings to you, my beloved son! O, thou who shall be the Interceder of my people [ Ummah ] on the Day of judgment! Of course you may join me and your brother! "

Suddenly, Hazratê Ali Ibn Abi Tâlêb [May God's Greetings reach him!] entered the room, and after asking me about my welfare, he announced:" What a beautiful fragrance I smell in here! It's as though my beloved brother and cousin, our venerable Prophet has entered in this room...! "

I answered him back and said:" Yes, you are right indeed. He is with our two sons under the abâ..."

At that moment, Ali went also near the abâ, and after a most respectful greetings to my father, asked permission to enter and join them.

The Prophet answered him back:" Greetings to you, O, my beloved brother!

Thou, who shall be my heir and successor, and who shall keep up the banner of

Islam! Of course you may join us! "

At last, it was Fâtemeh’s turn to ask permission to join her family under the

abâ. The Prophet replied:" Of course you may join us, my beloved daughter! "

When all of them were under the abâ, the Messenger of God took the hem of his abâ in his left hand, and raised his right hand in the sky and declared:

“O God! These, are from my Household, and those I love dearly and tenderly! These are from my own flesh and blood. Whatever that will make them upset, will also upset me, and whatever that shall be a burden to them, shall be my burden too... Whoever wants to challenge or oppose them has challenged or opposed me. And whoever is in peace with them and shows them his friendship, is in peace with me, and shows his friendship to me. Whoever shows them his enmity shows his enmity towards me. And at last, whoever loves them and is devoted to them, is loving me, and is devoted to me. They come from me, and I come from them...

O Merciful God! $end Thy Greetings, Favors, Bounty, Abundance, Grace

and Forgivness to me and to them, and purify them from any unholiness and

wickedness whatsoever! "

At that moment, God announced graciously:" O, Angels of mine! O, You who reside in the Heaven! I did not make the sky, I did not create Earth, I did not create the moon and the sun, I did not let the waters flow, unless for the love of these five persons who are under the abâ...! "

At that moment, the Archangel Gabriel said:" O, God! Wouldst Thou permit me to go on Earth, and be the sixth person under this abâ ? "

God granted His Archangel this wish, and said:" Thou mayest go. "

The Archangel Gabriel came down to Earth and said:" O, Messenger of God!

Greetings to you! thy God Almighty has sent His Greetings to thee. He commands that everybody should respect you, and He says:" I swear by My Magnificence and My Greatness, that I did not make the sky, did not create Earth, I did not create the moon and the sun,  I did not let the waters flow, unless for the love of these five persons who are under the abâ...! "

He then granted me the permission to join you, and be one of you. Now, would you permit me to join you, o Messenger of God? "

The Prophet replied to him:" Greetings to thee, o Gabriel! O, thou who art entrusted with the Divine Revelations! I gladly permit thee to join us..."

The Archangel Gabriel then said:" Merciful God has sent thee a Revelation, and has announced:" God's Will is that all unholiness and all sins be forever out of thy family, and that you become purified and holy and free of all sins! "

At that moment, Ali asked from the Prophet:" O Messenger of God! Does our

presence under this abâ, 'has some special meaning, or some sort of a privilege

in God's Eye? "

The Prophet answered him:" I swear to God, I swear to He, Who chose me as the Prophet, that the news of our gathering under this abâ, shall not remain unnoticed in all the earthly gatherings in which all the people who love us verily and all the Shiites who are devoted to us, are participating. And everybody who listens to this story shall receive a great Reward and Favour from me. Be certain that in these gatherings, there will be many Angels, and they will ceaselessly ask Forgiveness for all the people who are present there, until the end of the gathering. "

Hazratê Ali Ibn Abi Tâlêb said then:" I swear to God Almighty that we have been saved and reached Salvation, and that God's Grace has reached us! I also swear to the God of Ka’ba that all the Shiits in this world and in the Hereafter shall be saved and forgiven! "

Then my beloved father declared:" O Ali! I swear to The Merciful God who chose me rightfully and made me His Messenger, that whenever the news of this gathering is recounted in any worldly gathering held by people who are devoted to our Household, it shall bring blessings and solace to them. And if any Shiite is affected per chance by some misfortune or sorrow, it will be taken away from him whitin the shortest time, and whatever his wishes may be, it shall be fulfilled most rapidly, and God shall free these Shiites from any problem whatsoever! "

Ali replied:" Then I swear to God, that we have been saved and received verily God's Grace! I swear to the God of Ka’ba that all the Shiites will also be saved and shall receive God's Grace! "

I truly hope that this translation has helped many Muslims who cannot read Farsi or Arabic, to have a relatively better knowledge of Hazratê Fâtemeh 's biography, and to have learned of the tribulations and sorrows that this great Lady had to suffer at the hands of her enemies...

I truly hope and wish that it has been accepted from me, as the most humble servant of this sweet, adorable, heavenly Lady among all the ladies who reside in Paradise, as a little token of my love and devotion to her...

May God bless you all, and may Hazratê Fâtemeyeh Zahrâ intercede for you all!

May God help us make the spiritual bond between us and the Household of Hazratêê Mohammê Mostafâ [Peace be upon him and his family!] ever so stronger! Goodbye dearest reader, from wherever you are...

 

Salutations to Hazrat Fatima

 

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of the Messenger of Allah!

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of the possessor of outstanding merit

above all Prophets and messengers and angels !

 

Peace be upon you, Oh Leader of the Women of the Worlds.

Peace be upon you, Oh mother of Hassan and Hussein, the Leaders of the Youth of Paradise!

 

Peace be upon you, Oh most truthful and martyr.

 

Peace be upon you, who was pleased to resign to the will of Allah and Allah was pleased with you.

 

Peace be upon you, Oh possessor of outstanding merit of above others,

and the pure.

 

Peace be upon you, who is holy and guarded herself against sins!

 

Peace be upon you, who is knowledgably and an authority on traditions of the Prophet.

 

Peace be upon you, who was subjected to anger and oppression.

 

Peace be upon you, Oh Fatima, daughter of the Messenger of Allah, and May Allah have mercy on you and bless you.

 

Fatima Zahra (A.S.) on The Last Day

 

On the Day when the oppressed shall bite their hands (in fear); when the oppressors shall be gathered in humiliation and lowliness, remembering their disgraceful and shameful deeds:

Then every one of them shall review his file, which is packed with oppression against his chosen worshippers. On that Day shall every human, whatever color, creed, faith, and his deeds may be shall be gathered... no one will be left behind... even the fetus who was the victim of abortion shall come that Day to present his case...

Then the great personality of Lady Zahra (A.S.) shall become manifest to every soul...

Following are several narrations reported by Ahlul-Bayt (A.S.) regarding Fatima (A.S.) on the Last Day:

1. Hakim reported in Al-Mustadrak v.2, p.153 that Ali (P.B.U.H.) said:

"I heard the Prophet say:

"On the Day of Rising, a caller shall announce from beyond the veil: "O gathered people, lower your eyes so that Fatima, the Daughter of Muhammad, may pass."

This narration has also been reported by:

Ibn Al-Athir in Usd al-Ghaba v.5, p.523;

Ganji Shafiee in Kifayat At-Talib p. 212;

Dhahabi in Mizan al-Etedal v.2, p.18; and by

Hamwini in Yanabi' al-Mawaddah p.104, who added the following to it:

Ali (A.S.) reported that the Prophet said:

"On the Day of Rising, a caller shall call from the sole of the Throne:

"O people of Resurrection, cast your eyes down, so that Fatima Bint Muhammad may pass-while holding Al-Hussain's shirt, which will (still) be saturated with blood.' She will then embrace the leg of the Throne and say:

"O (Allah), You are the Omnipotent and Just; pass the judgment between me and those who killed my son." (The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) added): "Then He shall judge according to my Sunnah, by the Lord of Kaaba, Fatima will then say:

"O Allah! grant me intercedence for everyone who cried for his disaster; Allah will then grant her intercedence for them."

2. Abu Nu'aym in Dala'el al-Nobowwah, Ibn Hajar in al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqah, and others have reported that Abu Ayuoub Ansari said:

"The Messenger of Allah said: A caller shall call from the sole of the Throne: O gathered people, lower your heads and cast your eyes down so that Fatima Bint Muhammad may pass on the Path. ' He added: 'She then passes accompanied by seventy thousand Huri Al-Een, as if they were a flashing light."

3. Many Sunni Scholars have reported that Allah's Messenger stated that Lady Fatima Zahra shall arrive at the gathering place (while) riding Ghadha' or Gusua female camel.

4. Jaber Ibn Abdullah Ansari said:

"I said to Abu Ja'far (Al-Baqir (A.S.)): 'May I be your sacrifice son of Allah's Messenger; narrate to me a hadith in regard to the noble traits of your grandmother Fatima, so that if I report it to your Shiites (followers), they would rejoice at (hearing) it!'

Abu Ja'far (A.S.) said: 'My father told me that my grandfather reported that Allah's Messenger said:

"On the Day of Rising, Minbars of light shall be erected for the prophets and messengers, of which my Minbar shall be the highest among all Minbars on that day. Allah will then say: Deliver a speech,' so I will deliver a speech that none of the prophets or messengers have ever heard. Then for the successors (of prophets) shall be erected Minbars of light, and in the middle of these Minbars one shall be erected for my successor, Ali Ibn Abu Talib, which will be higher than all their Minbars. Allah will then say:

"Ali, deliver a speech.' So he will deliver a speech like no successor has ever heard before. Then for the children of the prophets and messengers shall be erected Minbars of light; among them shall be a Minber of light for my two sons, grandsons and the two flowers of my life (Al-Hassan and Al-Hussain). Then it shall be said to them: "Deliver speeches." So they will deliver two speeches like none of the children of the prophets and messengers have ever heard before!

"A caller-Gabriel-shall then call:

'Where is Fatima Bint Muhammad?'

She (A.S.) will rise..." (Until he said):

'Allah, the blessed and exalted is His Name, shall say:

'O people of the gathering; to whom does honor belong today?'

So Muhammad, Ali, Hassan and Al-Hussain (A.S.) will say:

'To Allah, The one, The Almighty

'Allah the Exalted will say:

"O people of the gathering: lower your heads and

cast your eyes down, for this is Fatima proceeding

towards Paradise.' Gabriel shall then bring her a female

camel from the female camels of Paradise; its sides shall be embellished, its muzzle with fresh pearls, and it shall have a saddle of coral. It shall kneel down in her presence; so she will ride it. Allah 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 their 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 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 wished that my position would be realized on such a Day!"

Allah will say:

"Daughter of My beloved!

Go back and look for everyone in whose heart was love for you or for any of your progeny; take their hand and lead them into paradise!"

Abu Ja'far (A.S.) said: "By Allah; Jabir, she will pick her Shiites (followers) and those who love her just like a bird picks good seeds from bad seeds. So that when her Shiites are near the gate of Paradise, Allah will inspire their hearts to look to their sides; when they do--- Allah, The Almighty, will say:

My beloved ones, why did you look around when Fatima, the daughter of my beloved one, interceded for you?'

They will answer: 'Our Lord! We hoped that our position would be known on such a day!'

Allah will then say: 'My beloved ones, go back and look for everyone who loved you for your love for Fatima;

Look for everyone who fed you for the love of Fatima;

Look for everyone who clothed you for the love of Fatima;

Look for everyone who gave you a drink for the love of Fatima;

Look for everyone who prevented (Gheeba) backbiting from being done against you for the love of Fatima...

Take their hands and lead them into Paradise... "'

5. Ibn Abbas said: "I heard Amir Al-Mo'mineen, Ali (A.S.) say:

Once the Messenger of Allah entered the house of Fatima and found her in a sad mood. So he said: 'What has made you sad daughter?'

Fatima replied: 'Father, I remembered the gathering (Day), and people standing naked on the Day of Resurrection!'

He said: Daughter, surely it will be a great Day. But Gabriel informed me that Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, said that the first one upon whom the ground shall be split opened is me, then your husband, Ali Ibn Abu Talib (A.S.); then Allah shall send Gabriel accompanied by seventy thousand angels and he will erect on your grave seven domes of light, after which Israfil will bring you three garments of light and stand by your head and say to you:

"O Fatima Bint Muhammad, rise towards your gathering place."

"You (Fatima) shall then rise secure from fear and veiled (in privacy). Israfil will hand you the garments and you will wear them. Rafael will then bring you a female camel of light; its muzzle shall be made of fresh pearls and on it shall be a howdan of gold. You will ride it and Rafael shall lead it by its muzzle while seventy thousand angels holding the banners of glorification accompany you.

When the caravan hurries with you, seventy thousand Huris shall receive you rejoicing at seeing you; while every one of them will be holding a censer of light from which the fragrance of incense is spread without fire. They shall be wearing crowns of jewels embellished with green chrysolites."

6. Bihar v.10, on the authority of Amali (by Saduq) reports that Imam Baqir (A.S.) said:

"I heard Jabir Ibn Abdullah Ansari say: Allah's

Messenger said: "On the Day of Rising, My daughter,

Fatima, shall arrive riding a female camel from among

the camels of Paradise-to her right shall be seventy thousand

angels and to her left shall also be seventy thousand angels; Gabriel will be holding its muzzle and calling with the loudest of voices: 'Cast down your eyes so that Fatima Bint Muhammad may pass!"

"Then shall no prophet, messenger, truthful one, or martyr remain without casting their eyes down until Fatima passes... Then a call shall come from the side of Allah, the Exalted:

My beloved one and the daughter of my beloved one; ask Us and you shall be given (whatever you wish), and intercede, your intercedence shall be accepted. By my Honor and Exaltation, the oppression of no oppressor shall pass My (judgement) today.

She (Fatima) will then say:

"O Allah, My Master;

My progeny, My Shiites (followers), the Shiites of my progeny, those who love me and those who love my progeny."

She will then hear a call from Allah's side, may His Name be exalted:

"Where are Fatima's progeny, her Shiites, those who love her, and those who love her progeny?" They will then come forward, surrounded by angels of mercy, and Fatima will lead them into Paradise."

 

Glimpses Into The Family -Life Of Hazrat Fatima (SA) Part 3

 

 

The Personality of Hazrat Fatima (SA)

FATIMA (SA), the only daughter of the Prophet of Islam (SAW), was born in Mecca on 20th Jamadi ath Thani, 18 BH. The good and noble lady Hazrat Khadijah (SA) and the Apostle of Allah bestowed all their natural love, care and devotion on their lovable and only child Fatima (SA), who in her turn was extremely fond of her parents.

Fatima (SA) was very intelligent, accomplished and cheerful. She hadinherited the genius and wisdom, determination and will-power, the piety and sanctity, the generosity and benevolence, the devotion and worship of Allah as well as other great qualities like self-sacrifice and hospitality, forbearance and patience, and the knowledge and nobility of disposition from her illustrious father, both in words and deeds. Her generosity and compassion for the poor was such that no destitute or beggar ever returned from her door unattended.  

 As a daughter, she loved her parents so much that she won their love and regard to such an extent that the Prophet (SAW) used to rise whenever she came near him. As a wife, she was deeply devoted to her husband, Ali (AS) and had never asked him for anything in her whole life.     

As a mother, she cared for and brought up the most wonderful children who have left their marks in history that time will not be able to erase.

 

Fatima (SA) is acknowledged as "

Sayyidatu-n-Nisa"i"l-alamin" (the leader of all the women of the world for all times) because the Prophethood of Muhammad (SAW) would not have been everlasting without her. The Prophet (SAW) is the perfect example for men but could not be so for women. For all the Qur"anic verses revealed for women, Fatima (SA) has been the perfect model, who translated every Verse into action. In her lifetime, she was a complete woman, being daughter, wife and mother par excellence. ( M. H. Shakir, "A Brief History of the Fourteen Infallibles", published by World Organization for Islamic Services, Tehran)

 

Fatima (SA), the Manifestation of Kindness and Self-sacrifice

The Tradition (Hadith) related below is said to be responsible for the revelation of the following Qur"anic verses:

         

"...and prefer (them) before themselves, though poverty may afflict them." (59:9)

It is related that: One day a poor, hungry man came to the Prophet (SAW) to ask for some food. The Prophet (SAW) guided him to go to the homes of his wives and get something to eat. All of them had no food in their homes and thus could not offer the poor man anything. He returned to the Prophet (SAW) who then asked his companions, "who is going to invite this guest to his home"? Ali (AS) immediately offered to take the man as his guest and soon they proceeded towards Ali"s (AS) home. On reaching home, Ali (AS) informed his wife Fatima (SA) that they had a guest and also enquired as to what they had at home for food. Fatima (SA) said that they had just enough food to feed the children, but that they would give priority to the poor guest. Ali (AS) then offered to turn off the lamp in the house, asking Fatima (SA) to put the children to bed. Ali (AS) thought of making the home dark so that their guest would not notice that his hosts had very little food and get embarrassed. Ali (AS) accompanied the guest on the dinner mat but the guest did not notice that Ali (AS) had not eaten, since the house was dark.

The night passed by in this manner. The guest ate comfortably and the members of Fatima"s (SA) home slept hungry.

It has been confirmed by numerousexegetes of the Qur"an that the Qur"anic verse mentioned above refers to the incident that demonstrated the kindness and self-sacrifice of Fatima (SA) and her family.

Hazrat Ali (AS) is quoted to have said:

"Once we were sitting with the Prophet (SAW) of Islam when he asked: `What is the best thing for a woman?" No one could answer his question. I approached Fatima (SA) and discussed the issue with her and she immediately claimed to know the answer. According to her, the answer was:

"The best thing for a woman is that she is protected from the sight of strangers such that neither does she have to see them nor do they get to see her."

 

 I returned to the Prophet (SAW) and gave him the answer. He asked at once, "Who taught you this answer?" I told him that the answer had come from Fatima (SA). The Prophet (SAW) was delighted and said:

"Fatima (SA) is my flesh and blood."

Numerous Traditions (Ahadith) have been related regarding the personality, dignity and responsibility of women. One Prophetic Tradition relates that once the Prophet (SAW) asked one of his companions, "When are women closest to Allah?" Again no one could answer this question. Fatima (SA) finally answered, saying: "When they are in their home." According to exegetes, in all probability, this answer refers to a verse from the Qur"an that says:

"And stay in your home and do not display your finery like the displaying of the ignorant of yore..." (33:33)

 It needs to be emphasized here that although in the Qur"an, this verse is addressed directly to the Prophet"s (SAW) wives, but it is also applicable to all Muslim women. In the same Chapter "The Allies", Allah says:

  "O Prophet! Say to your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers that they let down upon them their over-garments that they may be known, and thus they will not be given trouble; and Allah is Forgiving, the Merciful." (33:59)

  The above verse has discussed the philosophy of Hijab (Islamic dress code) for women, as a kind of protection for them from being followed, teased, disrespected and from evil and lustful eyes.

 

Islam considers the protection of the dignity and character of women for their happiness and sincerity. However, here we need to clarify that Islam does not advocate that women should never be allowed to see the light of the day. In fact, when we study the life of Fatima (SA), we find that she was very active in her personal and social life. At the same time, she was so careful in safeguarding her dignity and self-respect that in spite of her activities, she never intermingled with any strangers.

 Not only has the presence of women not been prohibited in the areas of culture, politics, defense, etc. rather wherever necessary they are obliged to participate actively in these areas. For example, whenever the society requires the services of female doctors, nurses, teachers etc., the  women in that society are obliged (wajib) to obtain the necessary skills and qualifications.

The sermons of Fatima (SA) in the Prophet"s Mosque (Medina), her serving alongside Imam Ali (AS) in the Holy Wars (Jihad) and during their migration from Mecca to Medina and also the roles played by her great daughter Zainab (SA) in the Battle of Karbala, followed by her famous speeches in Kufa and Sham - all these reflect on the active and powerful roles played by these great Islamic personalities.

 Hazrat Fatima"s (SA) legacy to all the Muslim women of her ummah is purity of faith and character. Her vision for all Muslim women for all times to come is that they keep themselves chaste and pure like angels, as per Islamic values and ethics. One Prophetic Tradition says:

  "The alms (zakat) of the beauty of a woman is her dignity and chastity."

Thus, if a woman does not guard or protect her beauty and exhibits herself to strangers, neither does she attain salvation, nor does her husband experience peace of mind and spirit.

 It is to be remembered here that Islam regards women like a beautiful and delicate flower that needs to be protected from hardships and dangers. Moreover because only if a woman is well-protected and well-secure, can she offer happiness and peace to her family and home and in this way only would the society be safe, secure and progressive. May Allah guide all Muslim women to Fatima"s (SA) example - Ameen.

 

Glimpses Into The Family -Life Of Hazrat Fatima (SA) Part 2

 

Relationship with Children 2

Paying Attention to the Needs of Children

One of the most important factors for the mental and physical well-being of a child is nutrition and the other is hygiene. Thus providing for these needs of the child, guarantees his physical and psychological well-being for life. Many of the psychological and mental problems that surface in adulthood too, have their roots in unfulfilled childhood need and desires. Moreover, the mutual effects between the body and the spirit should never be taken for granted or neglected. There is no doubt that a sick body distresses the soul, while an unrestful soul causes physical disorders.

 History has recorded that time and again, Hazrat Fatima (SA) would go hungry in order to feed her children. It is said that once, because of scarcity of water, the Muslims of Medina were facing severe problems. Like any other mother, Fatima (SA) was concerned about her sons Hassanand Hussain (AS) and took them to her father, the Prophet (SAW). She expressed her concern to her father saying that she was worried since her children were small and couldn"t bear the thirst. Seeing Fatima distressed, the Prophet (SAW) put his tongue into the mouths of his two grandsons. This immediately soothed Fatima (SA) and relieved her of her concern as well as satiated the extreme thirst of the two children. (Manaqibe Ibn-e Shahr Asheeb, vol. 3, p. 394)

 Fatima (SA) loved her children so deeply andwas so full of compassion that towards the end of her life, she was very worried about her small children. Her main worry was that these children would be deprived of a mother"s love which no one else could probably be able to compensate for. Foreseeing the plight of her motherless children, Fatima (SA) suggested that her  husband Imam Ali (AS) married someone who would take care of her children, after her demise. (Ibid., p. 362)

 

As we all know, Fatima (SA) was deeply-grieved after the demise of her father and it is said that a large part of her pain was because her children were deprived of the love and care of the Prophet (SAW) and their grandfather. Sometimes she would talk to them with a painful heart, saying:

"Where has your grandfather who loved you so dearly gone? The grandfather who showered you with love and affection and carried you on his shoulders. Where has your grandfather who was the kindest to you, gone? He wouldn't even allow you to walk on the ground and would carry you in his arms. Alas, I'll never see you all on his shoulders again!" (Ibid.; Biharul-Anwar, vol. 43, p. 181)

Play & Activity

Although Islam emerged from an ignorant society, lacking in civilized culture, however the Message of the Prophet (SAW) and his Traditions that were forwarded through him and the Infallibles (AS) are suitable for the people of all cultures and civilizations, at any period of time, since Islam deals directly with the common innate nature of man.

 

Play and activity for children had a very special and important place  in the methods of child-upbringing of Fatima (SA). Physical and mental activity and stimulation are so important for the healthy overall growth of a child that even adults should involve themselves wholeheartedly in these activities, in order to enthuse and encourage the child.

 

 During childhood, play is the best way in which a child relates with his environment and leads to the surfacing of the latent aptitudes of the child. At the same time, it has very positive effects on the physicaldevelopment of the child. Keeping these factors in mind, play and activity should never be neglected by parents or by the child.

 It has been recorded that the Prophet (SAW) often involved himself wholeheartedly in play with his grandchildren. This shows that one of the very important tools of good parenting and positive upbringing of children is play and activity. Imam Ali (AS) and Fatima (SA) gave great attention to this childhood need and this was one of the secrets of the health and freshness of theirchildren.

It has also been found that in homes where children do not have an environment where they can play and express themselves, the effects of such an environment are very negative on the children.

Fatima (SA) involved herself actively in play with her children, always attentive and alert to the fact that her words and actions would play a very determining role on the development of the characters and personalities of her children. This teaches us the importance of using healthy language and expressions in dealing with children. Hazrat Fatima (SA) used play as a very important tool in developing the bodies and souls of her children as well as enthused and inspired them into greatness and bravery through these entertaining activities.

It has been recorded that while playing with Imam Hassan (AS), Hazrat Fatima (SA) would swing him, reciting poems like:

   "My Hassan, grow up to be like your father and do away with oppression on the way of the Truth. Worship Allah Who Bestows upon us countless blessings and never befriend oppressors."

While play with Imam Hussain (AS), she would recite:

 "You look just like my father (the Prophet) - you don"t look like your father (Ali)."

 It is said that when Imam Ali (AS) heard these playful poems between Hazrat Fatima and her children, he would smile indulgently.

 Our main purpose in glimpsing into the personal family-life of Fatima (SA) is to learn from her flawless and divinely inspired approaches in her inter-relationships within her immediate family as wellas in society. We can see very clearly through studying her relationship with her father as well as her children that in spite of all the hardships, problems and pains this great family suffered at the hands of the cruel, ignorant people of their times, within of the family, always they shared very warm, affectionate and joyful times.

In the same way that the Prophet (SAW) used to put aside all his pains and concerns while he was with his beloved daughter Hazrat Fatima (SA), Fatima (SA) and Ali (AS) too,always made time to pay due attention to the different needs of their children. All of these very scientific methods played a very major role in bringing up their children as the bravest and most powerful people in human history. It is also important to note the importance of timing in child-upbringing because as we all know, Hazrat Fatima (SA) had a very few years with her children, but these were the most crucial years that shape a child"s personality. She played her role as a mother most perfectly and efficiently, leaving behind for the world a legacy of great and powerful heroes like Hassan (AS) and Hussain (AS) and Hazrat Zainab (SA) who in times to come, shook up the roots of oppression and tyranny.

 Thus far, we have gained invaluable insights into the importance and benefits of healthy inter-family relations through studying the life of Hazrat Fatima (SA) and her role as a daughter and a mother. Continuing on this topic, in our following issue, we shall look into the personality of this great lady and her social relationships - insha"Allah.

 

Glimpses Into The Family -Life Of Hazrat FatimaPart 1

 

Relationship with Children 1

The Fundamental Role of a Mother in the Well-Being and Prosperity of a Generation:

There is no doubt that to a very large extent, the future of a child depends greatly on the mental and psychological influence that he is exposed to, through people closest to him in his childhood. And naturally since a mother is the closest to a child during his growing years, her role in his upbringing is of the utmost importance. Therefore, we could say that the starting point of the success or failure of an individual"s life is the mother"s lap and the overall environment of his upbringing, of which the mother constitutes the main pillar. The child is therefore like a soft lump of wax which is moulded in the hands of his mother.

 If we carefully examine the emotional and logical approach of Hazrat Fatima (SA) in the upbringing of her great children, we will be able to discover very subtle anddelicate methods used by her in their upbringing. Behavioral psychologists and other experts who have studied these methods closely, have developed faith in the positive effects of the approach adopted by this great lady. This unique success in the upbringing of children has its roots in the profound understanding of the nature of man as has been explained by Islam. Every school of thought has recommended methods of upbringing of children, based on its interpretation and understanding of innate human nature.An unbiased research and analysis easily proves that the definition and explanation that the divine religion of Islam has revealed, regarding the complete innate nature of man (taking in consideration, all his physical, emotional, psychological, material as well as spiritual needs), is the most perfect and objective. Moreover, since the method of child-training and parenting used by Hazrat Fatima (SA) was based in this Divine Source, studying and practically adopting this method could ensure the success and well-being of our children both in this world and in the Hereafter.

 

 

 One of the most critical factors determining the characters of the children of Hazrat Fatima (SA) was genetics. As we all believe, she was an Infallible (Ma"sum) and was thus free from all kinds of sins and moral pollution. The Ziyarat of Imam Hussain (AS) confirms:

"I testify that you (i.e. Imam Hussain) were from a pure seed that was nurtured in a pure womb, free from polytheism and ignorance." ("Ziyarat of Imam Hussain", see Mafatih ul-Jinan).

Imam Hussain had himself emphasized on the purity of Hazrat Fatima (SA), on the Day of Ashura, when he announced:

         

"The virtues of courage, freedom and generosity, I owe to the purity of my mother Hazrat Fatima (SA)."

 

All of us are aware of the importance and the greatness of the Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram), and as a matter of fact, the extraordinary roles that the children of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (SA) played, throughout the historical event were the result of her powerful upbringing and training. In other words, the Karbala phenomenon is one of the best testimonies of the divine nature of her methods of child-rearing.

 

The Methods of Child-Upbringing Adopted by Hazrat Fatima (SA)

Psychologists and child-training experts have always debated regarding the best age to commence child-training, and have not really reached to any substantial conclusion regarding the issue, even today. However, according to Islam, the point that actually starts affecting the soul of the child is the moment a name is chosen for him. And this is the first stage in the moulding of the character of a child. It is because of this very important reason that Islam has laid great emphasis on care and attention in naming of children. Thus, a good name has a very deep and lasting effect on the soul of a child. In this context, Imam Ali (AS) has advised thus in one of his sayings mentioned in the "Nahjul-Balagha ("Peaks of Eloquence"):

 

       

   "...while the right of the child on the father is that he should give him a good name." (Saying No. 409)

 In other words, one of the primary duties of parents, especially the father, is the selection of a worthy name for his child. It is for this very important and scientific reason that Fatima (SA), after consulting her husband, Imam Ali (AS) and her beloved father, Prophet Muhammad (SAW), chose the best and most beautiful names for her children.

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Sacrifice of a goat or sheep (Aqiqah)

Aqiqah (sacrifice of a goat or sheep) and also alms-giving, are highly-recommended acts that have been greatly emphasized in Islamic traditions. It has been recorded that whenever Fatima (SA) would be blessed with a child, she would sacrifice a sheep and would distribute the meat among people. Then on the 7th day of the child"s birth, she would shave his/her head and distribute in charity (alms), the equivalent in silver, of the weight of the shaved-hair of the child. Also she would send gifts to the mid-wife as well as the neighbors such that they too, would share the happy event with her family. ("Bihar ul-Anwar, vol. 43, p. 257)

 

Another custom followed by Fatima (SA) was that as soon as her child would be born, she would recite the `Adhan" in his/her right ear and would recite the `Iqamah" in his/her left ear. This was because she was very well-aware that if the child would be acquainted with the names of Allah, Muhammad (SAW), salat, etc., from the very beginning of his early life, it would have deep and lasting effects on his/her psychological inclinations.

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The Role of Maternal Emotions in Child's Upbringing:

 The soul of a human being is created in such a way that love and compassion are among one of its most basic needs. This is the reason why children who have been deprived of love, care and attention, become prone to various psychological and physical illness, a fact that has been proved scientifically. Research indicates that many crimes committed are rooted in the vacuum created by lack of love and affection in the life of an individual.

Fatima (SA) who had herself grown up saturated with the love and affection of her beloved father (SAW), showered the same love and warmth upon her children.

 

 An incident that has been narrated by one of the close companions of the Prophet named Salman, says:

 "One day, I saw Fatima (SA) who was busy grinding some grain. In the meanwhile, her son Hussain (AS) became impatient and started crying. I offered my help to Fatima (SA), asking her whether she would prefer me to take over the grinding of grain or whether it would help her if I comforted the child. She answered by saying that it would be better for me to take over the grinding, since she would be better at comforting her child" (Bihar ul-Anwar, vol. 43, p. 280).

 

This incident gives us the knowledge of the importance of a mother's soothing presence for a child. It indicates how no one else can soothe and comfort a child, better than his own mother, an important message to mothers in today"s "creche and milk-bottle" culture. She showed us just how important it is for a child to have his mother around when he needs her and how these little moments of attention go a long way in shaping a confident, secure and powerful personality for a human being.

To be continued...

 

Hazrat Fatimah (pbuh) in verse of Counsel

 

The verse of relationship, from the Qur"an, says:

"Say: `No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin. And if anyone earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect there of for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Ready to appreciate (service)."(42: 23)

This verse is a clear command from Allah to His noble Prophet. It is as follows:

(Say) O Muhammad, to your nation: (no reward do I ask of you for this) the message of Islam (except the love of those near of kin) to me. (i.e.) Ahlul-Bayt (PBUH).

It is unanimously agreed upon that the kin mentioned in this verse are Ahlul-Bayt (PBUH). There are many traditions narrated by both Shiite and Sunni Scholars, which not only specify the kin mentioned in this verse, but also state their names. Among the narrations mentioned in this regard by Sunni scholars, are the following:

 

When this verse was revealed, someone said: "Messenger of Allah, who are the kin whose love is obligatory for us?"

 

The Prophet (PBUH) replied:

"Ali,Fatima, and her two children."

This narration has been reported by the following Sunni scholars

1. Ibn Hajar in his al-Sawa"iq al-Muhriqah.

2. al-Thalabi.

3. Al-Suyuti in al-Durr al-Manthur.

4. Abu Nu"aym in Hilyat al-"awliya

5. al-Hamawayni al-Shafi"i in Fara"id al-Samtayn

 

Another narration similar to the one stated above, is reported by Tabari and Ibn Hajar; according to this narration the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) is reported to have said:

"Surely Allah made it incumbent on you to love my kin, and I will ask you about them in the hereafter."

Moreover, the following narrations mentioned on the account of Ahlul-Bayt are a few of the many saying of the Imams (PBUH) in which they recite this verse as proof of the fact that loving them is a religious duty:

A. It is written in al-Sawa"iq al-Muhriqah by Ibn Hajar that Imam Ali (PBUH) said:

"It is stated in the (Quranic chapter) Ha Mim that no one upholds our love save the faithful ones."

He then read:

"Say: `No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin, and if any one earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most ready to appreciate (service). "(42: 23)

 

B. It has also been reported in the same book that Imam Hasan (PBUH) gave a speech in which he said:

"Surely we are among the Ahlul-Bayt whose love and support were made incumbent (upon the faithful) by Allah, the Exalted.

He­-- Glory be to Him, said:

"Say: `No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin, and if arty one earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof. For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most ready to appreciate (service).""(42: 23)

 

C. The fourth Imam, Imam Ali Ibn Hosein (PBUH) replied to the Syrian who said to him while he was a prisoner of the Umayyads inDamascus:

"Praise be to Allah Who killed you..etc. "

 

Then he (PBUH) said: "Haven"t you read the verse:

 

"Say: `No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin, and if any-one earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof; For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most ready to appreciate(service). ""(42: 23)

 

D.Jabir Ibn Abdullah said:

"A Bedouin came to the Prophet (PBUH) and said: "Mohammad, present Islam to me."

"The Prophet replied: `Bear witness that there is no God but Allah, to whom an associate does not exist; and that Muhammad is the slave and Messenger of Allah. "

The Bedouin said: `Do you require any reward from me (for bringing me to Islam)?"

He (PBUH) answered: `No, save loving the nearest of kin."

The Bedouin then asked: `Mine or yours?"

The Prophet (PBUH) said: `My kin."

The Bedouin said: `Let me pay allegiance to you, and may the curse of Allah be on those who do not love you and your kin."

Thus he (PBUH) said: "Amen.""

This narration has been reported by Al-Kinji in Kefayat At-Talib p.31.

Sheikh Amini (may Allah bless his soul) listed forty-five (45) sources in v.3 of Al-Ghadeer which state that the verse was revealed regarding Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Hosein (PBUT). They are: Imam Ahmad, Ibn al-Mundir, Ibn Abu Hatim, Tabari, Ibn Mardawaih, Tha"labi, Abu Abdullah al-Mula, Abu Sheikh Nisaee, Wahidi, Abu Nu"aym, Bagawi, Bazaz, Ibn Maghazili, Hasakani, Muhib al-Deen, Zamakhshari, Ibn Asaker, Abu al-Faraj, Hamueeni, Nishabouri, Ibn Talhe, Razi, Abu al-Saoud, Abu Hayan, Ibn Abu al-Hadeed, Baidhawi, Nasfi, Haithami, Ibn Sabagh, Ganji, Manawi, Qastalani, Zarandi, Khazin, Zargani, Ibn Hajar, Samhoudi, Suyuti, Safuri, Saban, Shab Lanje, Handhrami, and Nabhawi.

 

Condolence on the death of Fatima

 

The Holy Prophet said:

" Whoever injures (bodily or sentimentally) Fatima, injures me; and whoever injures me injures Allah; and whoever injures Allah practices unbelief. O Fatima! If your wrath is incurred, it incurs the wrath of Allah; and if you are happy, it makes Allah happy too."

Fatima, the only daughter of the Holy prophet of Islam, was born in Mecca on 20 Th. Jumadi al- thani 18 BH. The good and noble lady Khadijah and the apostle of Allah bestowed all their natural love, care and devotion on their lovable and only child Fatima, who in her turn was extremely fond of her parents. The princess of the House of the Prophet was very intelligent, accomplished and cheerful. Her sermons, poems and sayings serve, as an index to her strength of character and nobility of mind. Her virtues gained her the title "Our Lady of light".

  She was tall, slender and endowed with great beauty, which caused her to be called " AZ - Zahra" " (the Lady of Light). She was called az - Zahra" because her light used to shine among those in Heaven. After arriving in Medina, she was married to ` Ali, in the first year hijrah, and she gave birth to two sons and two daughters. Her children, Hasan, Husayn, Zaynab and umm kulthum are well - known for their piety, goodness and generosity .Their strength of character and actions changed the course of history.

 The Holy Prophet said, "Fatima is a peace of my heart".

Every morning on his way to the Mosque, he would pass by Fatima's house and say: "peace be on you O the Household of prophet hood and the source of Messengership".

Fatima is famous and acknowledged as the "Leader of all the women of the world" because the Prophethood of Muhammad would not have been everlasting without her. The Prophet is the perfect example for men, but could not be so for women. For all the verses revealed in the Holy Quran for women,Fatima is the perfect model, who translated every year into action. In her lifetime, she was a complete woman, being Daughter, wife and Mother at the some time.

Fatima was very generous; and none who come to her door, when away empty handed. She never asked ` Ali for anything in her whole life. As a mother, she cared for and brought up wonderful children; they have lifted their marks on the face of the world, which time will not be able to erase. The death of the Apostle, affected her very much and she was very sad and grief- stricken and wept her heart out crying all the time. Fatima died in the prime of her life at the age of eighteen, and was buried in jannatu "l-Baqi ` Medina.

Hazrat Fatimah’s Outlook

 

Fatimah (peace be upon her) is the student of Islamic school. She was brought up in revelation house and under the supervision of the Prophet (peace be upon him and his descendants), and even when she married Ali (peace be upon him), she had a close contact with her father. Her view towards the world and its aspects is the view of Prophet (peace be upon him and his descendants). It is as if she has derived all her views from the Prophet’s.

In the Islamic school, she was Ali’s classmate. They have got the same views. She was developed under the protection of the Islamic Ideology, taught by the Prophet (peace be upon him and his descendants).

It seems difficult to express and study all aspects of Fatimah’s outlook, but whatever based on her practice, her speech, her view, can be stated includes:

1. Her View on the World:

Fatimah’s view on the world is that it is a farm for cultivation. Its facts and appearance are interconnected, and it has been created by a Creator.

We must love the world, but not absorb in it; it is a means and not an end. Therefore, approaching the end, one must use the means but not attach himself to it. According to Fatimah (peace be upon her), the world deserves love, but not attachment.

The world is the scene of action. It is the field of struggle and effort. The world is a means to make us reach to the otherworldly felicity.

2. Her View on Wealth:

Fatima (peace be upon her) wants property and wealth but not for acquiring value and credit. She wants it for providing her life and protecting her honor.

Those who think of money as an end and seek for it all days and nights, in fact, they have got a complex, and are misleading between means and end. Whatever is achieved in life is not limited to eating, drinking, and wearing. Therefore, we’d better do our utmost to gain wealth but dedicate the rest to our end after satisfying our needs. Fatimah (peace be upon her) never limited herself to wealth and did not think of it as the end, because according to her view, the abundant wealth in man’s hand can bring Allah’s pleasure and His affection if he knows how to use it.

The best wealth is her inner richness and generosity, the hand that pays sincerely will receive Allah’s pleasure, instead, and Fatima (peace be upon her) had got such an spirit.

3. Her View on Happiness:

Her view on happiness and felicity is different from others. She doesn’t see happiness in a doll’s life, luxury, beauty, materialism, decoration, make-up, etc. because these factors cannot solve man’s problems and prepare the ground for inner peace and tranquillity. They are considered as worldly things and can be lost through the passage of time and as a result, involve man in a heart-rending regret.

Any love and adherence to them are wrong, because they will swallow us in themselves and make us forget our real end and ourselves.

The feeling of happiness under the protection of wealth, position, and property is a plot and a deceit, a plot for the decline of our character, and a deceit for keeping us negligent of our development and perfection process. Therefore, we must have another view of happiness. Fatimah (peace be upon her) sees happiness in the eternal moments in which man finds himself in the way of Allah; the time that he fulfills Allah’s orders, and obeys the Divine verdicts.

Happiness is in freedom from all bonds and limitations, having captured our minds, and not in pleasure and fruition. Fatimah (peace be upon her) never spends her lifetime for happiness with the same misconception of ordinary people, and she is more rational to dissipate her life for reaching to pleasure and fruition.

Fortunately, Ali (peace be upon him), as her husband, is also not a person to provide pleasure with negative concept for her, because he deserves a great value and credit for his life and wife.

4. Her View on Mankind:

She is a responsible and duteous being. She is responsible to develop her character and elevate her soul, and tries to achieve her aims and responsibility, and exalt right perfection of mankind, come to people rescue, make progress, and make the people progress.

According to Fatima (peace be upon her), man is more exalted than he passes his life in the way of his passion as a means for a shameful life. Therefore, she tried to elevate her soul.

She was exposed to different exams during her life, in good and bad conditions, misery and happiness, pains and pleasure. She must endeavour to show herself as she really is and endeavour as she must be.

5. Her View on Death:

She has got another view of death. She thinks of it as a means of transfer from this world to the next as well as a door to happiness and prosperity.

She knows that everything in this world is temporary, even its light, its darkness, its pleasure, and its groan. The time when death arrives and Doomsday occurs, everything will be clear; the people are called to account, and man is put in “Dar Ul-Gharar”‌; the place of stability.

She is not frightened of death. And at the time of the Prophet’s death when he sees Fatima’s great love towards himself, he feels he must console her only; therefore, he puts his head into her ears and says, “You are the first person that will join me after my departure”‌. And then, Fatima (peace be upon her) not only does not get sad, but also happy. Yes, the news of death is joyful for her, because she knows that there is prosperity, comfort, and glory to those who have achieved good deeds in this world. She knows that even death for criminals is a bless due to the fact that it prevents them from more crimes and keeps them away from the abyss of adversity.

 

Hazrat Fatima (A.S), the Sample of Deconstruction

 

The role of Fatimah (peace be upon her) in women’s revival was fabulous. She is the sample of deconstruction of the misleading customs, which were prevalent among the people in the society and had captured their hearts.

She was the practical sample of laws, through which the Prophet (peace be upon him and his descendants) managed to apply the Islamic principles and programs.

Like the Prophet (peace be upon him and his descendants), Fatimah (peace be upon her) tried to instruct the parents how to revere and love their daughters. While the people buried their daughters alive, the Prophet (peace be upon him and his descendants) kissed Fatimah (peace be upon her) and said,”‌ daughter is Allah’s gift.”‌ When she was a child, the Prophet (peace be upon him and his descendants) sat her on his knees, and through this action wanted the people to take lesson.

The Prophet (peace be upon him and his descendants) should show the high position of women and how they should be viewed in Islamic ideology through her method. Kissing Fatimah’s hand is the symbol of campaign and rebellion against the society viewpoint. It is a revolution against burying girls alive, teaches us indirectly that women as the gift of Allah must be revered and not heated.

The girls and women at her era were not believed, and even they were forced to work hard in the farms. They were not considered as kin; they were deprived from inheritance, retaliation was completely fulfilled for them, etc. A woman having some daughters and no son was considered as barren.

The Prophet (peace be upon him and his descendants) through having Fatimah (peace be upon her) proved that having no son does not mean barrenness as the short sighted think. On the contrary, she can be the source of abundant felicity for her own family and relatives.

She was the sample of deconstructing the wrong marriage customs. In that age, the rich just married to the rich, but she deconstructed this custom and married to Ali (peace be upon him), her cousin who was poor and by selling his chain mail had managed to provide the marriage costs.

In fact, if there existed no Fatimah (peace be upon her), how these false customs were deconstructed, and how the real practical samples in the Prophetic mission were achieved?

If there existed no Fatimah, how the complexes, disgrace, irregularity, making the women’s souls weak, were removed?