And by the contents of the Quranic chapter Kawthar, Fatimah Zahra (s.

And by the contents of the Quranic chapter Kawthar, Fatimah Zahra (s.a.) was made the gushing spring for the continuation of the prophet’s lineage and the guiding Imams, and great blessings through the centuries and ages until Doom’s Day.

This heavenly lady had nine names each being more meaningful than the other; 1) Fatimah 2) Siddiqah 3) Tahirah 4) Mubarakah 5) Zakiyah 6) Radhiyah 7) Mardhiyah 8) Muhaddithah 9) Zahra of which each is a statement of the qualities and blessings of her blessed being. It is enough to say that her famous name “Fatimah” contains the greatest of good tidings for the followers of her school, this being because it is from the root word - “Fatm”, meaning, being separated or taken off from Milk.

According to one hadith narrated from the Holy Prophet (S) he asked the commander of the faithful Ali (a.s.): “Do you know why my daughter was named Fatimah?” Ali replied: “Please say so.” He said: “Because she and the Shi’a, the followers[^5] of her school, are separated from the fires of Hell.” From among her names the name “Zahra” also has a special luminosity and brightness; It was asked of Imam Sadiq (a.s.): Why do they call Fatimah “Zahra”?

He replied; Because “Zahra” means shining, and Fatimah was such that when she stood in the “Mihrab” of prayer her light was a radiance for the inhabitants of the skies (heavens), just as the light of the stars is for the inhabitants of earth (is radiant). Therefore she was given the name “Zahra”.

When “Khadijah”, who was a lady of status famous for her greatness, married the Prophet of Islam (S.), the women of Mecca broke off their relations with her, saying; she married a poor, orphaned young man and has lowered her personal status! This situation continued until Khadijah. became pregnant and the fetus was none other than Fatimah Zahra.

When it came time for the birth she sent for-the women of Quraish and asked them to come to her aid in this sensitive hour full of pain and suffering, and not leave her alone.

But she was confronted with this cold, painful answer: “You did not listen to our advice, you married the orphan of Abu Talib who has no wealth, we will not come to your aid!” The faithful Khadijah was greatly saddened by this ugly, meaningless message but deep in her heart the light of hope shone, that her God would not leave her alone at a time like this. The difficult, critical moments of giving birth began; she was alone in her home, and not a woman who could aid her was there.