Salaam dear young friends and heartfelt condolences to you on the eve of a very tragic occasion.
As you know, we are commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of the Noblest Lady of all times, the Pride of the Virgin Mary (SA), the Immaculate Daughter of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA), Hazrat Fatema az-Zahra (SA).
The fateful day, that is, the 3rd of Jamadi al-Akher is a public holiday in the Islamic Republic of Iran, where ceremonies are held in every town, city, village and hamlet for the lady that serves till this day as the most perfect model of feminine values and rights.
This was the day she was forced to leave the mortal world in the prime of her youth, only 95 days after the passing away of her father, leaving behind her bereaved husband, the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (AS), and four little children – the two Infallible Sons, Imam Hasan (AS) and Imam Husain (AS) and two Impeccable Daughters, Hazrat Zainab (SA) and Omm Kolthoum (SA).
For the information of our friends abroad, the Prophet had said: “Fatema is a part of me, whoever hurts her, has hurt me.”
Fatema Zahra (SA), remains the most excellent role model, particularly for the Muslim women. She was a complete lady, being an obedient daughter, a loyal wife and a loving mother.
She cared for her persecuted father in Mecca when everyone else ignored him. She encouraged her husband to be patient and steadfast when everyone else shunned him after seizing his God-given right of the political leadership of the Islamic state. She groomed her children in the best possible manner, so that each one of them became exemplars for the Islamic society in their own right.
She defended her right of ownership of the orchard of Fadak, even though she was not dependent materially on its income, but to prove that women in Islam are also entitled to their share of inheritance.
She challenged the caliphate and exposed it as against the instructions of her father the Prophet and the commandments of God Almighty in the holy Qur’an.
At the same time, she was modest, humble, and immersed in the remembrance of God Almighty, to such an extent, that when she was in the prayer niche, her radiance would enlighten the angels of heaven.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is really proud to be devoted to Hazrat Fatema Zahra (SA) and her blessed household. Therefore, every year people all over the country hold mourning ceremonies on her tragic martyrdom, taking out processions and reciting elegies that inspire the onlookers.
Her “tasbih” or glorification of God Almighty on the beads is regularly recited by all Muslims, whether Shi’a or Sunni, after the daily ritual prayers – 34 times Allah-o Akbar, 33 times al-Hamdo Lillah, and 33 times Subhan-Allah.
We join you in your hour of grief, and bid you farewell until we meet you again next week for our weekly chat. Goodbye and God bless you.