of time is spent in not only remembering the tragedy of Fatima al-Zahra, but also making the most of the sessions to learn more about her and her unique role in Islam. The oldest living marja’ taqlid, His Eminence, Ayatullah 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 – things such as how to take care of ones’ spouse, how to 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, Sayyida Zahra enjoys a distinct pivotal role and significance. When the are introduced, she is placed in 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 status and greatness for which all of the Imams take pride in. Fatima al-Zahra is the chief of all of the women of the entire universe; she is a part and parcel of the Messenger; and she is the wife of the [first] representative of God. She is such a significant woman that she alone, from amongst the women- folk, was chosen to take part in the event of mubāhilah, based upon the order of the Quran...” His eminence goes on to say, “In every aspect – other than in the status of prophethood - she is a carbon copy of her father: in terms of her mannerisms (akhlaaq), knowledge (ilm) and perfection (kamaalaat). Just as the Imams, in her life, actions and speech, the way she practiced her religion and followed the religious precepts, she is a guide towards the religious injunctions of the Divine.”