ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Fatimah al-Ma`sumah (as): a role model for men and women Foreword by the Translator Any historical figure with a multi-dimensional personality calls for a researcher with a multi-dimensional personality to appreciate, analyze and introduce him or her to the public. But when it comes to the most distinguished individuals, only very few researchers are capable of the task.

Otherwise, the personality in question may not be properly evaluated and his or her impact in history may be misrepresented.

However, when it comes to people like our Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (as) - who is not only distinguished amongst men and women of all time, but who was chosen by Allah the All-Knowing, and hence His choice was based on absolute knowledge of that personality and all others - then it needs someone really capable, who must not only be an excellent researcher, but who must also have a feeling for the life in question, to live it, love it, appreciate it and - in the case of Fatimah (as) - follow it.

One such person is his eminence Sayyid Muhammad Husain Fadlullah, who has been studying the lives of the infallibles, and digging among the treasures which resulted from their infallibility - i.e. the two fundamental aspects: knowledge which never errs, and perfect conduct which never sins - for almost five decades now.

His eminence has succeeded in using the hadith, conduct and lives of Ahlul Bayt (as) to formulate general ideas and theories on various issues, the most important of which is probably their practical application, which Muslims badly needed. Instead of concentrating on a limited number of issues, he went through the whole of the tradition of Ahlul Bayt (as), to tackle all issues and challenges.

Using the unrivalled tradition of Ahlul Bayt (as), he has lectured and written on various issues: from the fundamental principles and branches of Islam to social questions, such as friendship, and to difficult areas such as feminine issues, linking all this with the present state of the Muslims and the challenge to effect fundamental change for the better.