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Hajar Makwinja Correspondent
The auspicious birth anniversary of Lady Fatima Zahra the beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet of Islam is celebrated as the International Muslim Women’s Day. Her birth on the Islamic lunar calendar was celebrated on April 10. She was born in a place and time when women were not considered to be human beings and their very existence was seen as a source of shame for families among the different tribes of the pre-Islamic times.

In such a corrupt environment, the great Prophet of Islam Muhammad took woman’s hand and delivered her from the marsh of pagan customs. The history of Islam testifies to the limitless respect the Messenger of God showed to lady Fatima Zahra, so as to demonstrate that a woman has a special greatness in society, and if she is not superior to man, she is certainly no less than him. So this day was the day of women’s revivification, and the day to establish her honour and recognise the great role she plays in society. Certain people misunderstand the Islamic role of women and think that Muslim women should either be a good mother and wife or she should not take part in social activities.

This is not the case. A believing woman should be a good mother and wife and she should also take part in social activities.

Fatima Zahra is the manifestation of this reconciliation between different roles.

Imam Ayatollah Ali Khamenei the current Leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran had this to say on the personality of Lady Fatima Zahra: “Lady Fatima is the role-model for women throughout history and for all generations, past, present and future. The Divine aspect of human beings is perfectly manifested in her.”

History presents Fatima Zahra as outstanding spiritual lady as a role model for women, in her daily life, resistance, knowledge, eloquence, selflessness, her behaviour towards her husband and children, and her presence in all political, military and revolutionary arenas and her comprehensive distinction which would humble great men. This is the role model that Islam presents to women. She was the incarnation of human goodness; she personified the true nature of woman and the true nature of the human being. She personified all the very best human and female traits that one can imagine. She was a human being in the full sense of the word, a woman in the full sense of the word.

Imam Hasan, one of her sons, observed that her mother, Lady Fatima Zahra in her regular night prayers, prayed for all her neighbours, men and all women.

She remembered them by name and prayed for their prosperity and well-being.

“O God, pardon them their sins and let Your grace embrace them in all their dealings.” She would pray fervently. On one particular morning, Imam Hasan decided to ask his mother when the prayers were over: “Mother, you pray for all every day. Not a word for yourself or anyone in the family?” Lady Fatima Zahra replied, said: “O my son Hasan, remember one thing. Neighbours first and then family.”

One of her many glorious examples of her generosity was on a day before her wedding, she gave her new wedding gown to a poor woman and wore her old dress instead, on the wedding day. The next day when Prophet of Islam, Muhammad asked why she was wearing an old dress, she replied that she gave the wedding dress to a poor lady. Can we get such example of kindness anywhere?

The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad asked: “Why didn’t you give your old dress instead?” Lady Fatima Zahra replied: Because the Holy Qur’an says: “You will not achieve piety until you give out what you love the most.” (Holy Qur’an, 3:92)

She managed to reconcile her religious and personal responsibilities with her political responsibilities. There is an important point about the life of Fatima Zahra. First, she managed to reconcile the life of a Muslim woman — her duties toward her husband and children and her responsibilities in the home environment — with the responsibilities of a proud and tireless activist in the face of the important political events that happened after the Holy Prophet had passed away.

She went to the mosque, delivered speeches and announced and defended her position. She spoke choosing the best and the most beautiful phrases to express the most appropriate meanings. Astoundingly she managed to show those unparalleled virtues in a life that lasted only 18 years.

She supported the Holy Prophet and her husband, Imam Ali. Lady Fatima Zahra proved that like men, a woman too, can reach the most sublime levels of ethics, worship and participation in human social development. She also demonstrated how a woman can attain the above positions even at a young age.

Hajar Makwinja is the Director of Fatima Zahra Women’s Organisation