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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biographies of Leaders of Islam Fatima Az-zahra' the Sublime Among All Women NAME, TITLES AND PARENTAGE Her name is Fatima (as) and her most popular title is AZ-ZAHRA' (The Lady of Light).

She was given many other titles the most popular of which are: SAYYIDATU NISA' AL-ALAMIN (Mistress of Womankind), KHATUN AL-JANNAH (Lady of Paradise), KHATUN AL-QIYAMA (Lady of the Day of Judgment), MA'SUMAT AL-ALAM (The Infallible Lady of the World), SIDDIQA (Truthful), TAHIRA (Purified).

She was the only daughter of the Prophet form KHADIJA and it was her son Imam HUSAIN (AS) who perpetuated the Cause of Islam, and we can say without any hesitation that she provided the mainstay to support the mission of her illustrious father. BIRTH There is a difference of opinion regarding the dates of her birth and death. Some historians say that was born in the 5th year before Prophet-hood, while other biographers place it five years earlier.

Based on AHL AL-BAYT references, one can safely say that she was born on the 20th of JUMADA AL-AKHIR in the fifth year of Prophet-hood (615 A.D.) or the 8th year before the HIJRA. INSTRUCITON AND STATUS Up to the age of five, she enjoyed the love and teaching of both parents. Then she was deprived of her mother's love and was looked after by her affectionate father, the Prophet of mercy.

Aged ladies of the household, that is, Fatima daughter of ASAD, SAFIYYA daughter of 'ABD AL-MUTTALIB (the Prophet's aunt), and UMMU SALAMA was requested to tutor the child Fatima (as), the wise woman replied: "How can I tutor one who is the personification of high virtues and purity? It is I who should learn from her!" Her childhood, therefore, was passed in a very chaste and modest environment.

Both Imam AHMED IBN HANBAL and AT-TABARI quote the Messenger of God (p) saying to his daughter Fatima (as): "I and you, and these two (i.e. Imam HASAN and Imam HUSAIN, (as), and this sleeping man (i.e. Imam Ali (as)) shall be in the same place on the Day of Resurrection". P. 219, vol. 2, of KANZ AL-'UMMAL quotes the Messenger of God (P.B.U.H.) saying that she was named Fatima (as) because God protected her and those who cherish her from Hellfire. 'A'ISHA is quoted on p. 319, vol.

2, of TIRMIDHI'S SAHIH saying: "I have never seen anyone who was so similar to the Messenger of God in his dignity and guidance, whether sitting or standing, more than Fatima daughter of the Messenger of God".