Hazrat Fatima al-Zahra (RA)
*Message of Seerat-e-Fatima for women on the occasion of 3rd Ramadan, the passing of Fatima*
Today, on the occasion of the third Ramadan, when we remember the passing of Hazrat Fatima al-Zahra (RA), it is not just a historical event but an invitation to reflection for the women of Islam. Your life is such a comprehensive example of patience, modesty, worship, service, obedience, and religious zeal, in which a complete picture of a daughter, wife, and mother is visible.
Hazrat Fatima (RA) was born in Mecca in the house that was the center of revelation and the source of the light of prophethood. Your father was Sayyid al-Mursalin Muhammad ﷺ and your mother was Umm al-Mu'minin Khadija bint Khuwaylid (RA). From childhood, you saw the hardships of the early days of Islam. The persecutions of the disbelievers of Mecca, taunts and reproaches, and the starvation of Shib Abi Talib, all these scenes are part of your childhood memories. A young girl standing up for her father in such a way that when the polytheists threw filth on him ﷺ, she would run to clean it, this scene is an early glimpse of Hazrat Fatima's character. This is why the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to lovingly call her "Umm Abiha".
When the migration took place from Mecca to Medina, Hazrat Fatima (RA) also migrated to Medina with other members of the Ahl al-Bayt. In Medina, you were married to Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA). This marriage was an example of simplicity and blessing. The dowry was a coat of armor, the household goods were very few, but the hearts were full of faith and love. There is a great lesson here for today's women that the success of married life does not depend on worldly goods but on piety, tolerance, and mutual respect.
In married life, Hazrat Fatima (RA) showed unparalleled patience. You used to do all the household chores yourself, grind the flour until your hands were blistered. Your shoulders were marked from carrying water. Once, when you requested a servant, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ taught you the Tasbih of Fatima: 33 times Subhan Allah, 33 times Alhamdulillah, and 34 times Allahu Akbar. This shows that Hazrat Fatima's life was not about seeking comfort but about worship and hard work. If today's woman makes the remembrance of Allah her support in fatigue, peace can be created in her life.
You (RA) were also the best mother. In your house, great sons like Hazrat Hassan bin Ali and Hussain bin Ali (RA) grew up, who later became symbols of sacrifice and patience for the Ummah. This shows that the foundation of righteous children is laid in the mother's lap. Hazrat Fatima taught her children simplicity, worship, and courage. Today, if we want to connect our generations with religion, we have to adopt Fatimi training.
Hazrat Fatima (RA) was a worshiper. She used to stand up at night, praying for the Ummah. It is narrated that she used to pray for others first, then for herself. When she was asked, she said: "Al-Jar Thumma al-Dar" meaning neighbor first, then home. This concern for the Ummah, this selflessness, and this breadth of heart are very necessary in today's society.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ had special love for Hazrat Fatima. Whenever you ﷺ returned from a journey, you would go to Fatima first, and when you went on a journey, you would meet her last. You ﷺ said: "Fatima is a piece of my liver, whoever angers her has angered me." This status is not achieved by any ordinary woman. This shows that the honor and respect of a daughter is a fundamental aspect of Islam.
After the passing of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, Hazrat Fatima (RA) remained in deep sorrow. You used to say that now there is no happiness left in the world after your father. Only six months later, you also departed from this world. The land of Medina gave this pure being a place within itself. You passed away at a young age, but the impact of your life remains until the end of the world.
Today, on the occasion of the third Ramadan, we should think about what we are taking from the life of Hazrat Fatima?
Are we instilling modesty and simplicity in our daughters? Are we adopting patience and contentment in married life?
Do we have the concern to connect our children with religion?
The life of Hazrat Fatima (RA) tells us that honor is not in worldly display but in obedience to Allah.
For the women of Islam, the life of Hazrat Fatima al-Zahra (RA) is a mirror. If a woman is a daughter, she should be obedient like Fatima, if she is a wife, she should be loyal like Fatima, if she is a mother, she should be a mentor like Fatima, and if she is a worshiper, she should be sincere like Fatima. This is the message of the third Ramadan that we should adorn our lives with Fatimi character and make our homes a cradle of remembrance, modesty, and love.