The Mahdi Times April 2012 | Page 48

Lady Fatima (a.s) By: Embasedor Lady Fatima a.s For every person in this world there is a role model that s/he follows for guidance and direction. That person is usually someone that we love, respect and look up to and most importantly they strongly inspire and influence us. We as humans and as Muslims, are extremely fortunate and privileged to have the most knowledgeable, inspiring and influential role models. One of these role models is Lady Fatima (a.s). She is the best example set out for Muslim women today. The Birth of Lady Fatima (a.s) When Khadijah (a.s) (mother of Lady Fatima a.s) was pregnant with Lady Fatima (a.s) , she said it was an easy pregnancy because she used to speak with the embryo (Lady Fatima a.s) from inside her womb. Khadijah (a.s) did not inform the Prophet (s.a.w) about this miraculous occurrence, but one-day when she was home alone, he found Khadijah (a.s) speaking to someone. He inquired as to whom she was speaking to, she replied, "That which is in my womb, surely it speaks to me". The Prophet (s.a.w) then cheerful ly said, "Rejoice Khadijah, for this is the girl whom Allah has made to be the mother of eleven of my successors who will come after me and after their father". So for the duration of the pregnancy, Fatima (a.s) was comforting her mother who had been deserted by the women of Quraysh because she married the poor orphan, Muhammad (s.a.w). When the delivery of Fatima (a.s) came near, Khadijah (a.s) sent for the qurayshi midwives, who still refused to help her. But by the grace of Allah (swt), four of the most beautiful women came to help her in this time of need, as she says, "When Fatima's delivery came near, I sent for the qurayshi midwives who refused to help me because of Muhammad. During childbirth four ladies whose beauty and brilliance were indescribable entered the house; each one began to introduce herself. The first one said, "I am your mother Eve". The second one said, "I am Asiya bint Muzahim, Firauns wife". The third one said, "I am Kulthum Musa's sister", and the fourth one said, "I am Mariam bint Imran, Isa's mother, we have come to deliver your child". So with the help of these heavenly ladies, Fatima (a.s) was delivered. She was born on the 20th Jamadi al-Akhir. She fell to the ground in the position of prostration and the brightness and brilliance of her face illuminated the skies from east to west, and for this reason she was named "Al-Zahra", Lady of Light. Al-Zahra (a.s) is known by nine names, such as Fatima (a.s). She was named Fatima because she and her followers are protected from hell. Father and daughter Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) and his daughter had an extremely powerful relationship. Even Ayisha, the wife of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) has spoken about the strong relationship between Muhammad (s.a.w) and Fatima (a.s); "Never have I seen anyone like the Messenger of Allah, in his solemn way of standing and sitting, more than Fatima, May Allah Grant her more honors. When she came to see him, he would rise to his feet, take her hand, kiss her, and sit her where he was seated. And when he came in to see her, she would stand up, kiss his feet, kiss him, and seat him where she was seated". Ayesha has also said: "Never have I seen anyone resembling the Prophet of Allah, in his way of speaking and talking, better than Fatima". When people 48