By: Seyyed Ali Shahbaz
      
“We are the Hujjat-Allah (God Almighty’s Argumentation or Proof) for mankind, while our ancestress Fatema (az-Zahra) is the Hujjat upon us.” – Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS)
It has come, the auspicious 20th of Jamad al-Akher, the day the Almighty Creator granted His Last and Greatest Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (SAWA), “Kowthar” or Perpetual Abundance – in both the mortal world until its end and in the eternity of the Hereafter.
“Indeed, We have given you “Kowthar”, 
“So pray to your Lord, and offer sacrifice,
“Indeed it is your enemy who is without posterity.” (Holy Qur’an:108)
For the arrogant Arab pagans of the era of ignorance who prided on male issue and a few of them would bury their own girls alive, the birth of a daughter to the Prophet of Peace whose monotheistic message most of these bloodthirsty idolaters opposed, it meant the end of the road for Islam.
To their retarded minds, their idols of stone, wood, and clay seemed more powerful than the One and Only God Who could not keep alive the two sons born in succession to His Messenger and then failed to prevent the birth of a daughter. 
One of the heathens of Mecca dared to insult him with the word ‘abtar’ or a tailless animal, little realizing that Divine Providence has ensured eternity for Islam through this radiant daughter, her immaculate husband, her two infallible sons and two impeccable daughters, and the abundance of their offspring, the progeny of the Prophet.
The birth of Fatema az-Zahra (SA) thus revolutionized the status of women and gave them the perfect role model, as daughter, wife, mother, and teacher.
Her moral excellence and spotless character that was evident throughout her brief and bright life, with the Prophet rising to his feet whenever she entered his presence, her husband Imam Ali ibn Abi Taleb (AS) saying his problems cease on seeing her, her children beholding her as the source of faith, and the women of her times vouchsafing her truthfulness.
The radiance of Fatema az-Zahra (SA) has continued to glow in every age and place in view of her defence of the dynamics of Islam through her flawless sermons in front of the hypocrites – the deniers of her patrimony, the usurpers of the political leadership of her husband, and the suppressers of women’s rights.
No wonder, Islam has placed the female on the pedestal of dignity, in sharp contrast to her slavish fate in idol-worshipping communities and the despicable attitude of Christianity and Judaism towards her, as well as her humiliation by secular systems as a commercial and carnal commodity on the pretext of ill- defined freedom.
Volumes, not a brief newspaper, are required to pen the virtue of the only daughter of the Prophet, whose birth anniversary the Islamic Republic of Iran celebrates as “Mother’s Day” every year.
“Paradise lies at the feet of the mother”, says a famous statement from the Messenger of Mercy in order to emphasize the mother’s lofty and dignified position in Islam. 
As is evident by the words of God Almighty in the holy Qur’an the mother (along with the father) deserves the highest respect from the children, to the extent that Ayah 32 of Surah Maryam (Mary) has preserved the words of Prophet Jesus (peace upon him): 
“And (God has commanded me) to be good to my mother.” 
If the Last and the Greatest Prophet were to hail his lone daughter and only surviving child as “Omm-e Abiha” (Mother of her [own] father), then what would be the position in the whole universe of that Lady, whom God Himself calls “Kowthar” or the Perennial Spring of Abundant Munificence in the holy Qur’an. 
It was an honour for her to be a woman who would set the lasting example for all daughters of Eve. She raised exemplary children. She was a perfect teacher for the women of Medina.
When she used to supplicate to God Almighty, she would first pray for all the community, and then lastly for herself and her family, saying “neighbours take precedence over the household”. What a selfless attitude indeed in the Divine Court for which God Almighty rewarded her with manifold merits!
Among her merits is her central position in the revelation of Ayah 33 of Surah Ahzaab to the Prophet in her house regarding the pristine purity of his immediate family the Ahl al-Bayt, that is, his daughter Fatema (SA), son-in-law Imam Ali (AS), and two grandsons Imam Hasan (AS) and Imam Husain (AS).  
“Indeed, Allah desires to keep away uncleanness from you Ahl al-Bayt, and preserve you thoroughly purified.”
It is also worth noting that the entry of this specific group of Five Fabulous persons ensured the victory of the truth of Islam on the field of the historic Mubahela with the Christians of Najran. It bears testimony to the fact that no other woman except the Prophet’s daughter is mentioned in this particular Ayah, which is number 61 of Surah Aal-e Imran that commands the Prophet to take along with him for the unique challenge with the Christians. 
Hazrat Fatema az-Zahra (SA) thus embodies the essence of the immortal spirit of Islam, as we celebrate “Mother’s Day” and “Women’s Week”.
She is not just the mother of four virtuous children, but through her younger son, Imam Husain (AS), is the ancestress of Nine Infallible Imams, the Last of whom is the Prophet’s 12th Heir, the Imam of our Age, who will reappear in the end times as Mahdi al-Qa’em (AS) to establish the global government of peace, prosperity and justice.