Fatima Zahra, the young lady with a lofty position equal to saints and prophets ...

In the Name of Allah

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Lady Fatimah Zahra's (pbuh) behavior in society is a model

Well, the things that are well-known about this honorable personage in the field of cultural affairs includes the issue of hijab, the issue of standing up to falsehood in order to prove the truth, and supporting the issue of Wilaya. These are things that can be seen and which were repeated too. Another part of Lady Fatimah’s (pbuh) teachings was the issue of helping others. I would like to say a few words about this social solidarity today and about helping others. When her son asked, “Mother, why did you only pray for others?” her answer was, “First the neighbor, then ourselves.” This is a lesson. It reminds us of our social responsibility. Another example is that of helping the poor, orphans, and captives as referred to in Surah Insan. The Almighty God refers to this event as something magnificent, and 17 or 18 verses are dedicated to it. This shows the significance of this event. “They give food, for the love of Him, to the needy, the orphan and the prisoner, [saying,] ‘We feed you only for the sake of Allah’” (Quran 76:8-9). It is a symbolic event. Yes, these honorable individuals and all the members of their family endured hunger. They helped the orphan, the poor, and the captive. This actually happened, but it is also symbolic. Lady Fatimah (pbuh) could have asked them to go to the Mosque instead. There was an Islamic government after all. However, the government’s duty does not remove society’s duty. People in a society are required to truly help one another. Various types of assistance should be offered in society, including financial assistance, help in thinking, protecting the honor of others, etc. This is a lesson from Lady Fatimah Zahra's teachings and her understanding.”

Ayatollah Khamenei
Feb. 15, 2020

Imam Khamenei:
The lesson of the life of Siddiqat al-Taherah - Fatima Zahra (God's greetings be upon her) - is to make efforts, show diligence and lead a pure life, as that great personality was the manifestation of enlightenment and purity: she was "pure, clean, immaculate, virtuous, pious and moral" [Kamel al-Ziarat, page 310]. The purity, cleanliness, piety and enlightenment of that great person are what have influenced our Islamic teachings throughout the history of Shiaism …
Apr 20, 2014

Fatima (as) is representative of God among the infallibles

Imam Khamenei:
This is based on a hadith which has been narrated by these Imams (a.s.). Fatima Zahra (s.a.) is the representative of other divine representatives. She is the Imam of Imams (a.s.).

In the Holy Quran, Allah the Exalted has mentioned how much women should be respected. To Allah the Exalted, women are like men. There is no difference between men and women in terms of spiritual and divine position. This path has been created for human beings, not only for men or for women. Allah the Exalted has created a woman like Fatima Zahra (s.a.) about whom Imam Askari (a.s.) or Imam Hadi (a.s.) say, "We are the representatives of Allah among the people and Fatima is representative of Allah among us." [Atayeb al-Bayan, volume 13, page 236]. This is based on a hadith which has been narrated by these Imams (a.s.). Fatima Zahra (s.a.) is the representative of other divine representatives. She is the Imam of Imams (a.s.).

Is there a greater personality? She was infallible. And such a person was a woman. Great women such as Mary, Sara, Asiya and many other great women are the outstanding personalities of the world. In the path of perfection and transcendence, it is human beings which move forward. There is no difference between men and women in terms of social rights. There is no difference between men and women in terms of individual rights. Of course, in specific cases, women have been given certain privileges and in a number of other cases, men have been given certain privileges. This is based on the nature of men and women. This is Islam. It has the most reasonable, the most dignified and the most practical laws that one can ever imagine regarding the issue of gender. We should follow this path. One of the major ways to do this is to raise a family, safeguard the family environment and preserve love in the family. And this is the responsibility of the lady of the house. May 1, 2013

Imam Khamenei:
Man's limited mind cannot definitely evaluate and measure the characteristics of heavenly personalities like Fatima Zahra (God's greetings be upon her). People's minds do not have the capability to evaluate and measure these spiritual dimensions. However, we can make their behavior a model for ourselves

We should make efforts. The lesson of the life of Siddiqat al-Taherah - Fatima Zahra (God's greetings be upon her) - is to make efforts, show diligence and lead a pure life, as that great personality was the manifestation of enlightenment and purity: she was "pure, clean, immaculate, virtuous, pious and moral" [Kamel al-Ziarat, page 310]. The purity, cleanliness, piety and enlightenment of that great person are what have influenced our Islamic teachings throughout the history of Shiaism.

Man's limited mind cannot definitely evaluate and measure the characteristics of heavenly personalities like Fatima Zahra (God's greetings be upon her). People's minds do not have the capability to evaluate and measure these spiritual dimensions. However, we can make their behavior a model for ourselves. This was also pointed out in the poems that the friends in this meeting recited.

The spiritual positions of these personalities are one thing and the patterns of behavior which are in front of our eyes are quite another. This does not mean that we can emulate these personalities by displaying a second version of their patterns of behavior. This is not what it means. However, we can follow them at least.

The Commander of the Faithful (a.s.) said, "I know that to adopt such a hard way of life is beyond you, but at least try to be pious. Help me and be my companion in virtue, diligence and simple living" [Nahjul Balaghah, Letter 45]. After he describes his lifestyle - although he had a lofty position and had access to many resources, he lived a life of piety and abstinence - he says, "You cannot behave like me, but you can help me". With what? We can help him with piety, avoidance of sins, effort and diligence. These are our responsibilities.

They have illustrated the goals for us, both individual and personal goals, and social, political and general goals. In personal goals, our lofty ideal is reaching the peak of human dignity. Everyone has been promised that they can take this lofty and limitless flight. You youth are more capable than us. These are the personal goals.

And our great social goals are creating a pure Islamic life and Islamic society, one that allows individuals to move towards this goal. Such a society is well-developed, free, independent, highly moral, united, unanimous, pious and religious. These are the goals of Islamic society. The main social and political goal of Islam is creating a world which is an introduction to the afterlife and which helps individuals to achieve paradise easily. They have illustrated these goals for us.

What is the way to achieve these goals? How can we reach these goals? As Imam Ali (a.s.) said, we should help him to reach this goal - this is the Commander of the Faithful's (a.s.) command. This goal is what the Commander of the Faithful (a.s.) did in his entire life and during his efforts and jihad, which is creating such a world for all the people throughout history. How can we help him? We can help him with virtue, diligence and effort. Laziness is forbidden. Idleness is forbidden. Feeling tired is forbidden. Becoming desperate is forbidden. When this great movement is launched, you have gladdened the blessed heart of Fatima Zahra (God's greetings be upon her) and the Commander of the Faithful (a.s.) because they made all these efforts in order to reach this goal.
Apr 20, 2014

Imam Khamenei:

Fatima Zahra (as) is superior to all great and saintly women throughout history. What factors, forces and what kind of inner strength could make a person become such an ocean of wisdom, piety, sanctity and spiritual transcendence in such a short time? This is a miracle of Islam.

The love of Fatima Zahra (s.a.), also known as Siddiqat al-Kubra, is a great blessing for us

In her short life, Fatima Zahra (s.a.) achieved the position of the mistress of all women. In other words, she is superior to all great and saintly women throughout history. What factors, forces and what kind of inner strength could make a person become such an ocean of wisdom, piety, sanctity and spiritual transcendence in such a short time? This is a miracle of Islam.

Another point is the blessed descendants of this great person. The association of Sura al-Kauther with Fatima Zahra (s.a.) - even if such an association had not existed in our hadith collections - is an accurate association. There are so many blessings that have been bestowed on the Holy Prophet's (s.w.a.) household and on each and every one of the Imams (a.s.). The world is full of enjoyable individual, social, worldly and otherworldly melodies which came out of the pure throats of the Imams (a.s.). Hussein ibn Ali (a.s.), Zeinab al-Kubra (s.a.), Imam Hassan al-Mojtaba (a.s.), Imam Sadiq (a.s.), Imam Sajjad (a.s.) and each and every one of the Imams (a.s.) would produce these melodies. See what a great excitement exists in the world of spirituality and in the path of guidance because of the words of these great personalities and their lessons and teachings. They are the children of Fatima Zahra (s.a.).

We should sincerely thank God. A number of the poems, which were recited by the friends, contained this point. The love of Fatima Zahra (s.a.), also known as Siddiqat al-Kubra, is a great blessing for us. Thank God we became familiar with her. Thank God we relied on her kindness and thank God we appreciated her value. Thank God we relied on her, asked her to help us gain an understanding of things and expressed our love for her. These are great blessings. We should preserve these blessings.

Leader's Speech to Panegyrists on Fatima Zahra's (s.a.) Birthday; July 5, 2007.

Imam Khamenei:

If you investigate the books written by Sunni scholars on Hazrat Fatima (as), you will see numerous hadiths attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), praising Hazrat Fatima (as); or describing the behavior of the Prophet (pbuh) towards her highness (as). Many of these hadiths were narrated by those who were close to the Prophet (pbuh), like his wives.

About Hazrat Fatima (as), whenever we speak of her, words cannot describe her; indeed, we do not know how to express that and what to think [in regard to Fatima (as)].

The scope of this angelic woman's behavioral dimensions, this unique soul, this quintessence of Prophethood and Wilaya is so vast and extensive that it is beyond our understanding: this astonishes us completely.

As you know, living in the same era is a factor that prevents accurate acknowledgement of great personalities. Shining stars among human societies, while living, went mostly unrecognized by others who lived during their time, except for a few of the prominent persons among prophets and pious individuals--only known to a small number of the people.

However, Hazrat Fatima (as) was such a well-known personality that, at her time, not only her father, husband, children (pbut) and her special followers were aware of her high position, but even those who didn’t have a close relationship with her admired her.

If you investigate the books written by Sunni scholars on Hazrat Fatima (as), you will see numerous hadiths attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), praising Hazrat Fatima (as); or describing the behavior of the Prophet (pbuh) towards her highness (as). Many of these hadiths were narrated by those who were close to the Prophet (pbuh), like his wives.

For instance, there is a famous hadith from Aisha which reads: “I didn’t see a person more similar to the Prophet (pbuh) than Fatima (as) who looked like him in appearance, face, brightness, behavior and manners. When Fatima (as) came to see the Prophet (pbuh), he got to his feet and advanced toward her enthusiastically.”

The Arabic expression used in this hadith implies this meaning: "When Hazrat Fatima (as) entered the room, the Prophet did not only stand up [as a sign of respect], he stood and walked towards her." In some hadiths from the same narrator [Aisha] we read: “He kissed Hazrat Fatima (as), took her hand, and invited her to sit in his place.” This reveals the high status of Hazrat Fatima (as).

What more can be said about this lady? What can be said about this magnificent person?

November 24, 1994
Statements in a meeting with a group of panegyrists

Imam Khamenei:

She was a young woman who enjoyed such a lofty position of spirituality which was equal to saints, prophets and the like and she was called the mistress of all women by divine messengers. Besides this spiritual position, each outstanding characteristic and each important role in the personal life of this great lady is a lesson.

The spiritual positions of Fatima Zahra (God's greetings be upon her) are among the best spiritual positions which belong only to a few individuals. She was infallible. Infallibility is particular to a few individuals who are chosen by God and that great Hazrat - Fatima Zahra (God's greetings be upon her) - is one of these few individuals. We should consider the fact that that Muslim woman and that mujahide in the way of God lived only to the age of 20. Of course, different narrations say that her age was from 18 to 25 years at the time of her martyrdom.

She was a young woman who enjoyed such a lofty position of spirituality which was equal to saints, prophets and the like and she was called the mistress of all women by divine messengers. Besides this spiritual position, each outstanding characteristic and each important role in the personal life of this great lady is a lesson.

Her piety, her modesty and purity, her jihad (striving for the sake of God), her care for her husband, her way of raising children, her understanding of politics and her presence in the most important arenas of the life of an individual of those times - whether during her childhood and teenage years or after her marriage - are each a lesson. They are a lesson not only for you ladies but also for the entire humanity.

Therefore, this coincidence is a lesson for us. We should pay careful attention to the life of Fatima Zahra (s.a.), we should understand her life with a new outlook and we should make it a model for ourselves in the real sense of the word.

Three dimensions of Hazrat Fatima's (as) personality according to Ayatollah Khamenei

Presently, these days belong to the most superior woman who walked on the earth, the greatest lady throughout history: Lady Fatima (as). She was an exemplary woman, who, although lived a short life and departed earth as a young lady, is a role model for all zealous, devout Muslim men and women, and even non-Muslim people who are familiar with her prestigious position.

We should follow Fatima's lead. During the life of Fatima (as), there is one point that we should consider. Here, we will not question the degree of her spiritual position and knowledge; we are not even capable of comprehending the spiritual greatness of Fatima (as). In fact, at the top of human spirituality and perfection, only God knows and understands the high level of such individuals--and others at their level. Thus, Fatima (as) is only known to her husband, her great father Mohammad (pbuh), and her pure children. The people of her time, of other times, and we in this era are not able to recognize the brilliance and splendour of her spirituality. The bright light of spirituality is not detectable by everybody’s eyes; our short-sighted and weak eyes are unable to see the luminosity of humanity in these great personalities.

Therefore, we do not discuss the definition of Fatima’s (as) spirituality. However, in her ordinary life, there is an important point: on the one hand, as a Muslim woman, she perfectly performs her duties at home and behaves nicely towards her husband and children; on the other hand, as a zealous, tireless person she acts for her causes. In political events, shortly after the death of her father Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), she went to the mosque, gave a speech, expressed her position and defended her cause. Hence, she represented a marvellous, fighting personality that is tireless, enduring, and tolerant.

The third aspect of her life reveals her as a devotee of Allah, who performs prayers in the dark of nights, uprises for Allah, and is humble before Allah; and, in the worshipping chamber, this young lady worships and speaks to God like the old pious people. Combining these three dimensions is the luminous point in the life of Fatima (as). She did not separate the three dimensions.

Some people think that those who worship God are only concerned with prayers and worship, and cannot be involved in politics. Or, some people think that those--women and men--who are active in politics and the arena of jihad on the path of Allah, if a woman, she cannot perform her duties at home as a mother and a wife; and as a man, he cannot be a good businessman, husband or father.

They think these qualities are contradictory. Whereas, in the view of Islam, these aspects not only reveal that there are no contradictions, but they are also helpful towards achieving the perfect human personality.

Ayatollah Khamenei, December 13, 1989

Four lessons by Lady Fatima Zahra for humanity

Imam Khamenei:

We should make greater efforts [towards emulating Fatima Zahra (pbuh)]. Lessons to be learned from the life of Siddiqat al-Taherah, Fatima Zahra (pbuh), involve making great efforts, showing diligence, and leading a pure life;--just as that great personality, the manifestation of enlightenment and purity, led her life: she was "pure, immaculate, virtuous, and pious," [Kamel al-Ziarat, page 310]. Traits of purity, piety and enlightenment of such an exceptional person are what have influenced our Islamic teachings throughout the history of Shi’a Islam.

Apr 20, 2014

That is to say, in her short life, Fatima Zahra (pbuh) achieved the position as the primary woman of all females. In other words, she is superior to all great and saintly women throughout history. What factors, forces, and what kind of inner strength could lead one person to become such an ocean of wisdom, piety, sanctity and spiritual transcendence in such a short time? This is a miracle of Islam.

Another pivotal matter is in regards to the blessed descendants of this great person [Lady Fatima Zahra (pbuh)]. The association of Sura al-Kauther with Fatima Zahra (pbuh)--even if such an association had not existed in our collection of hadith--is an accurate association. There are so many blessings that have been bestowed upon the Holy Prophet's (pbuh) household and on each and every one of the Imams (pbuh). The world is full of enjoyable individual, social, worldly and otherworldly melodies, which rose from the pure lungs of the Imams (pbuh). Hussain ibn Ali (pbuh), Zeinab al-Kubra (pbuh), Imam Hassan al-Mojtaba (pbuh), Imam Sadiq (pbuh), Imam Sajjad (pbuh), each and every one of the Imams (pbuh) would produce these melodies. See what great excitement exists in the world of spirituality and on the path of guidance because of the words of these great personalities and their lessons and teachings. They are the children of Fatima Zahra (pbuh).

Jul 5, 2007

One of the most prominent examples of “Kawthar” is the sacred soul of Lady Fatimah (pbuh), in whom Allah the Exalted has placed spiritual and physical succession to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Contrary to the assumption of the reproaching enemies, this young woman with her bountiful blessings and deep spirit, was successful in preserving the name, memory, school and teachings of the Prophet (pbuh) more than any illustrious, great child has ever been seen to do.

Imam Khamenei, October 1, 1999