ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib The Matrimony Fatimah al-Zahra’ (a.s) was born to Khadijah al-Kubra and was the dearest daughter of the Prophet (a.s). Her birth took place at Makkah in the fifth year of the Annunciation of the Prophet (a.s). When she was only five years old her beloved mother, Khadijah, died. The entire responsibility of her upbringing became the responsibility of the Prophet (a.s).

Despite his very busy schedule, he gave good attention to her education and training. His attention and her personal innate capability resulted in her accomplishments that became an example for the womenfolk of the world. While she was a replica of the Prophet (a.s) in her looks and personality, she was also a reflection of his qualities of head and heart. When she walked, it felt as if the Prophet (a.s) was walking. When she spoke, she modulated the words the same way as her father did.

She achieved such heights in learning that the Prophet (a.s) gave her the titles of `adilat maryam (the equivalent of Mary) and sayyidat nisa’ al-`alamin (the Doyenne of the women of the world). Whenever she came to the presence of the Prophet (a.s), he used to stand up in respect.

`A’ishah says: “Whenever Fatimah came to The Prophet (a.s), he used to stand up, kiss her, welcome her and guide her with his own hands to sit on his carpet.”[1] After arrival in al-Madinah, Lady Fatimah attained the age of maturity. At this time, the elite of Quraysh and other important persons sent in proposals for her hand in marriage. One person was very proud of his wealth. He offered excessive dowry if the Prophet (a.s) acceded to his request for marriage with his daughter.

The Prophet (a.s) turned away his face when this proposal was mooted before him. He told some other persons, “Fatimah’s matter is in the hands of Allah! He will fix a match for her!” When none of the proposals received the assent of the Prophet (a.s), some of the asked `Ali (a.s) to stake his claim. They said that there is no reason that he proposed and got a refusal from the Prophet (a.s). He said that [1] Mustadrak, Hakim, Vol 3, Page 160 he felt shy to make the proposal to the Prophet (a.s).

When those persons insisted, he promised to moot the subject with the Prophet (a.s) at an appropriate time. Therefore, one day after completing the important tasks, he went to the presence of the Prophet (a.s) and sat quietly in a corner.