Updated 26 March 2013
Over the next few days and nights we will be commemorating the death anniversary of a woman who was the ideal lady, daughter, mother and wife; and to this day, serves as the ideal role model for every woman in Islam.
Of his daughter the Holy Prophet (saw), has said, "Fatima is part of me, whoever harms her, harms me."
As a true role model of women's rights and respect, Lady Fatema Zahra (sa) cared for her father when he was treated ill and ignored from everyone, was a pillar of strength for her husband when he was rebuked by others and raised her 4 children to be the jewels of Islam. She fought for her rights of Fadak while maintaining her dignity and modesty. In all aspects of her life she remained a leader, humble yet strong. As stated in verse 33:33 of the Holy Quran, Fatema Zahra(sa) was an infallible human being.
Sayyida Fatema (as) was a lady who always practiced what she preached. Not only did she learn and teach others, she also applied it in her own life.
Despite that fact that she was the daughter of the Holy Prophet (saw) Fatema Zahra (sa) lived in a two room house made out of clay, wore the simplest garments from head to toe, grinded wheat and barley with her bare hands to prepare meal for her family, and attended to her four children with utmost love and mercy. Yet, she was no ordinary woman. Fatema Zahra (sa) had high moral virtues and her life is full of spiritual behaviour. Even on her marriage day, Fatema Zahra (sa) did not forget about those in need. A girl's wedding dress is probably one of her most cherished belongings. However, in the case of the noble Lady Fatema Zahra (sa) it is not.
Prophet of Islam, Mohammed (saw) bought Fatema Zahra (sa) a new dress for her marriage ceremony. Fatema Zahra (sa) owned a patchy dress before. A poor woman came to her house and asked for a used cloth. Fatema Zahra (sa) decided to give her the old patchy dress as the woman had asked but remembered the verse: "By no means shall you attain to righteousness until you spend (benevolently) out of what you love." (Noble Qur'an, 3:92) So she gave her the new wedding dress, while she wore her old dress to her wedding.
When asked by Prophet of Islam, Mohammed (saw) why she did not donate her old dress, Fatema Zahra (sa) replied because she followed the teachings of Noble Qur'an. The lesson of selfless love and helping those in need remains clear in every story.
The life of Lady Fatema gives us several examples of how to live a life devoted to Allah and in total support of His chosen representatives.
The World Federation gives condolences to Imam e Zamana and to all mu'mineen on this tragic event.