The Real Queen of Paradise (Part 1)
A woman known for her forbearance, patience, determination and will power, she truly had inherited the intellect and wisdom, piety and sanctity, generosity and benevolence of her beloved father Nabi (salallahu alaihi wasalam). Who can this golden gem possibly be?
Surely none other than the leading woman of paradise Hazrat Fatima (radhiallahu anha), a role model in every aspect of life. Being the perfect daughter, most affectionate mother and loving and caring wife Hazrat Fatima (radhiallahu anha) stands as an example for all women to ever step upon this earth.
Fatima (radhiallahu anha) is reported to have been born in 604 CE, some five years before her father received Prophethood. Hence our Nabi (salallahu alaihi wasalam) was 35 years old. She is the youngest daughter of our Nabi (salallahu alaihi wasalam) and Hazrat Khadijah (radhiallahu anha).
Hazrat Fatima (radhiallahu anha) was born at a time when her noble father had begun to spend long periods in the solitude of mountains around Makkah, meditating and reflecting on the great mysteries of creation.
When she was five, she heard that her father had become Allah’s Messenger. The Prophet’s first task was to convey the teachings of Islam to his family and close relations. Her mother, who was a tower of strength and support, explained to Fatima what her father had to do. From this time on, she became more closely attached to her father and felt a deep and abiding love for him. She would often be at his side walking through the narrow streets and alleys of Makkah, visiting the Ka`bah or attending gatherings held in secret of the early Muslims, who had accepted Islam and pledged allegiance to the Prophet.
Hazrat Fatima would assist her father, and protect him in every way. This was her habit from a very young and tender age, as young as 6 or 7. In fact once while the Prophet (salallahu alaihi wasalam) was in Sujood, the notorious Uqba ibn Abi Mu’iyt came and placed the intestines of a camel on the Prophet’s (salallahu alaihi wasalam) back while he was praying. The Prophet (salallahu alaihi wasalam) stayed in this position and could not lift his blessed head. Fatima (radhiallahu anha) upon being notified ran to her father and removed the filth off his back. She then scolded the Quraysh without any fear. Subhanallah, what can we say of her bravery as at the time it has been reported that she was a tender 9 years old!
On another occasion, an insolent mob heaped dust and earth upon the Prophet’s gracious head. As he entered his home, Fatima wept profusely as she wiped the dust from her father’s head. The Prophet (salallahu alaihi wasalam) then told her,
“Do not cry, my daughter, for Allah shall protect your father.”
Such scenes of vicious opposition and harassment against the Prophet (salallahu alaihi wasalam) and the early Muslims were witnessed by young Fatima. She did not meekly stand aside; rather, she joined in the struggle in defence of her father and his noble mission. Allah forbid but today the phrase, ‘the old man’ and ‘old woman’ are all too common for our youth. Instead of defending our parents for life many seem to have adopted a sort of enmity towards them.
In the tenth year after Prophethood Hazrat Fatima (radhiallahu anha) experienced the loss of her dear mother Hazrat Khadijah (radhiallahu anha). It was in this very year that the uncle of our blessed Prophet (salallahu alaihi wasalam) also passed away. It is for this reason the year was known as `Aam Al-Huzn (the Year of Sadness). Fatima, now a young lady, was greatly distressed by her mother’s death but she soon realised that she now had a greater responsibility. She felt that she had to give even greater support to her father. With loving tenderness, she devoted herself to looking after his needs. In fact she was so concerned about his welfare that she came to be called Umme Abeeha (the mother of her father). Subhanallah what a remarkable example she was as a daughter!
By~A sister,UK
idealwoman.org
