ভূমিকা

of time is spent in not only remembering the tragedy of

Fatima al-Zahra, but also making the most of the sessions to

al-Uzma Shaykh Lutfullah Safi Gulpaygani, states the

following in regards to these sessions of remembrance of the

Lady of Light, “Amongst the fourteen infallibles, it was

necessary for one of them to be a woman as if all of them were

men, then all of the advice, recommendations and teachings

which we see directed towards the women of the community

maintain the home, how to take care of the children, the style

and function of the hijab, how to modestly maneuver within

society, patience and submission to God in the face of

challenges and the hundreds of other teachings would have

been mere words which were spoken and simple theological

Shaykh Safi notes, “It is possible that women of all ages

would have said to themselves: ‘If there was at least one

infallible woman from amongst all of these people that God

sent for guidance, a woman who knew what we as women go

through, how we feel and how our emotions are formulated,

then all of these pieces of advice we have been given and

responsibilities which have been put on our shoulders would

not have been there – as these men just don’t understand us!’”

Ayatullah Safi Gulpaygani goes on to say, “The presence

of Fatima al-Zahra as one of the fourteen infallibles, and her

being a role-model for women cemented the guidance and

teachings which Islam brought and showed us that they are

possible to implement in our daily lives.”

He continues, “Amongst the members of the ,

midst of them all, as we read in hadith al-kisa, “They [those

who are under the cloak during the revelation of 33:33] are

Fatima and her father and her husband and her sons.” Indeed,

amongst the , Sayyida Zahra has a pivotal role,

Fatima al-Zahra: The Spring of Inspiration

universe; she is a part and parcel of the Messenger; and she is