ASSESSING THE NAMES OF HAZRAT ZAHRA (S.A) IN QURAN AND REWAYAT In a meeting, Dr. Seyed Mohammad Radhawi, faculty member of Azad Islamic Un...
ASSESSING THE NAMES OF HAZRAT ZAHRA (S.A) IN QURAN AND REWAYAT
In a meeting, Dr. Seyed Mohammad Radhawi, faculty member of Azad Islamic University, Tehran Central Branch, discusses about the reasons of naming Hazrat Fatimeh (S.A) with different titles such as Fatimeh, Zahra and other names in Shiite and Sunni Rewayat and reported news. He also explains about some of the Quranic verses which are about this lady. Following is the questions and answers given by Dr. Radhawi:
Since among other names of her, the two names of “Fatimeh” and “Zahra” are the most common ones, please explain the reason of naming the great lady these two names?
We are talking about the great lady of Islam and the master of the world’s ladies, that is Hazrat Sedighe Kobra, Ome Abiha, Fatimeh Zahra (S.A). Whereas there have been abundant discussions about her virtues and generosities, writing and talking about this subject is like a water in the ocean when compared with the greatness of her unlimited virtues; since she is the (Kowsar) a river of paradise which has no end. Enough to say that she is equal with a man who dominates all the world’s sciences at once by the power and permission of God. Quranic verse: (Wa Kolo Shayen Ahsaynaho Fi Imam Mobin 12/Yasin)
In order not to make you reluctant, I try to mention only interesting points. To answer your question why they named her Fatimeh, I indicate some reasons based on authenticated Rewayat: firstly, according to a Rewayat attributed to Imam Ali (A.S) which reads: (Inama Sammayto Fatimah Le Ana Allah Fatimah Men Ahabaha Ala Al-Nar; Behar Al-Anwar Volume 43, page 13), without doubt Fatimeh was named Fatimeh because God will forbid the fire of hell from anyone who likes her.
Also in a Rewayat said by the Holy Prophet (S.A), he says that the reason of naming my daughter “Fatimeh” is that her enemies are deprived from liking her and there is a complete separation between her and them. (Behar Al-Anwar, volume 43, page 4)
Imam Sadiq (A.S) believes the reason of naming her “Fatimeh” is that she is kept away from all types of evils (Famat Fatimeh Men Al-Shar, Behar Al-Anwar, volume 43, page 10).
Alame Majlesi in his book titled, “Behar Al-Anwar” indicates another reason for the naming. Relating from Imam Ali (A.S) Majlesi says, “The Holy Prophet (S.A) knew in advance that after him the issue of Imamat and Welayat will not be lead in the right direction and unworthy people would sit in the seat of Imamat and Welayat unjustifiably as they were so greedy for seizing it. However, God knew better than anyone who is entitled to take the position of Imamat. Thus, God named Her, Fatimeh, because that great Lady became the facilitated the path of Imamat and negated the usurpers’ willingness to become caliphs. (Behar Al-Anwar, volume 43). Although for a period of time and superficially Imamat went to the wrong direction, history is the best evidence for Imam Ali’s (A.S) and his son’s righteousness.
And to answer your question why she was named “Zahra”, I only give you one Rewayat that is reportedly said by Imam Sadiq (A.S) who said, “Samayto Zahra Le Anaha Kanat Iza Fi Maharebeha Zah Nureha Le Ahl Al-Sama’e Kama Yozhero Nur Al-Kawakeb Le-Ahl Al-Arz” meaning that she was named “Zahra” because when she stood up during her prayer, her light for the heavenly angles was the same as the starlight for the people on the earth.
In fact, she is an example of the ones God has talked of them pleasantly in the Quran, Surrah Noor, verse 36 which says”Fi Boyot Ezne Allah Ena Tarfao Wa Yozakoro Fiha Esmoho Yosabeho Laho Fiha Bel Godwe Wa Al-Asl” which means those lights are only in those houses which God has allowed them to elevate and His name is mentioned in them and He is praised in the mornings and at nights.
Since you indicated to the verse 36, Noor Surah, we would be better off discussing about the Rewayat which talk about the Infallibles including Hazrat Zahra (S.A) being created by God’s light and His greatness in the so called “Alame Zar “ before coming to this world.
Of course it seems such questions should be discussed in a specialized atmosphere and for particular addresses. In such setting these types of questions would be discussed and answered without any problem; however, in simple terms I should say that in Rewayee school of Shiism there are numerous Rewayat which indicate this fact. Among these Rewayat, there is one from Imam Sadiq (A.S) reported by Forat Ibn Irahim Kufi which says God created five people, the so called, “Ale Aba” , from His own glorious light and selected His own name for each one of them.
And when the angles stared at the Ale Aba, they confessed to their greatness and learned from them how to praise God and once God created Adam (A.S), He taught him Ale Aba’s names and again when Adam (A.S), tempted by Satan and ate from the forbidden tree along with his wife, his repentance was accepted due to his resorting to Ale Aba’s names. The text of this Rewayat reads, “Once Adam (A.S) ate from the forbidden tree and was expelled from Heaven, angel Gabriel came to him saying, “call God” Adam answered, “how?” and Gabriel replied, ”Ghol Rabi Asaloka Behaghe Al-Khamsaya Al-Ladhina Tokhrejhom Men Salbi Akhar Al-Zaman Ella Ma Tabat Ala Wa Rahmatani” which means, for the sake of five sacred lights (Ale Aba) whom You create them from me in the End of Times, I request You nothing but accepting my repentance and having mercy on me; and that was how God accepted Adam’s repentance. (Tafsire Furat Kufi, page 56)
As you are aware, some of the Quranic verses are related to Hazrat Zahra (S.A) regarding Tanzil and Tawil. Please explain the difference between these two categories of Quranic verses and give some instances.
Of course there are some verses in Quran which are directly related to the prophets’ family, such as “Mobahele” or the “Insan” Sura. For example, according to “Mobahele” verse the Christians of “Najran” deliberately denied the reality and their standoff with the Holy Prophet (S.A) continued. Both sides agreed to get together with their households and curse each other. The Holy Prophet (S.A) selected merely Imam Hassan (A.S), Imam Hussein (A.S) and her daughter, Fatimeh (S.A) and his cousin, Imam Ali (A.S).
Nevertheless, the “Najran” Christians came along with all the tribesmen. When they saw that the Holy Prophet had come with those so called “lights” they withdrew and ran away. Thus, they showed their weakness by their escape. Also in the “Hal Ata” Sura there is a famous story about the vow undertaken by Imam Ali (A.S), Hazrat Zahra (S.A), Imam Hassan (A.S) and Imam Hussein (A.S) along with lady “Fidheh” and how they devoted themselves to the vow. Since the story is famous I skip it and if you are interested you can refer to related books to reading about.
However, besides these verses, directly related to the Infallibles especially Hazrat Zahra (S.A), there are other verses which are related to them based on “Tawil” rather than “Tanzil”. For instance, we can indicate the verse: “Fayamaezen Yofareh Al-Momenon Be Nasre Allah” which apparently deals with the battle between the two great Roman and Iranian Empires resulted in the victory of Iranians at first and according to the Quran’s forecast, some years later the Christians who believed in God overcame Iranians and this victory made all the believers of God happy.
The above verse is regarding the Iran-Rome battles if assessed according to “Tanzil”; nevertheless, based on “Tawil” and according to the classification of Rewayat is categorized in the groups that are about the major resurrection and the time of its “Tawil” has not reached yet.
Do you mean that Hazrat Zahra (S.A) is the mediator in the Day of Judgment? And if so, please elaborate on the issue for the readers?
According to Rewayat, the Quranic verse:”Fa Youmaezen Yofareh Al-Momenoon Be Nasre Allah” has two meanings: the first interpretation is about the pious people’s joy concerning Devine help during the appearance of the 12th Imam whose coming removes sorrow from the pious people because he is in fact the dawn and the real dawn, to which God swears (Wal Fajr) and he is in fact that dawn whose coming will not be late (Alaysa Al-Sobh Be Gharib) and his great appearing will remove darkness and injustices forever.
But the second interpretation which is given by the Infallibles is based on a Rewayat reportedly said by the Holy Prophet (S.A). Somebody asked the Holy Prophet (S.A) why Fatimeh (S.A) is also called “Mansureh”? To answer the question, the Prophet (S.A) said, “She is Mansureh in the skies and this is the word of God when He said, “Fayamaezen Yofareh Al-Momenun Be Nasre Allah” which means the believers of resurrection and the Divine law court of justice will get happy by Fatimeh’s (S.A) support which is offered to the ones who really liked her.”
I mean exactly the same thing you indicated. Of course in order to deeply understand the issue of “Shafa’at” (mediation) which is one of the foundations of Shiism, there should be a comprehensive and in-depth research based on Quranic verses and Rewayat.
Obviously, the Shiites and the lovers of Imam Ali (A.S) and the household of the Holy Prophet (A.S) who moved in the right path and obeyed the Imams (A.S) which is fact is obeying God and the Prophet (S.A) will be entitled to mediation of the Infallibles and their successors and will enjoy God’s special support. (Ina Rahmat Allah Gharibon Min Al-Mohsenin).
the following Quranic verse and its Tawil can probably be the best instant showing legitimacy of Shafa’at (mediation) according to Shariah; since the real great victory is not conquering Mecca or battle of Kheibar or peace of Hudaybiyeh which are apparently true, but rather the real great victory of the Prophet (S.A) is when the Infallibles’ Shafa’at for the Shiites not to be sent to the hell is accepted and that is why God tells the Holy Prophet (S.A),”Wa Lasafa Yotika Raboka Tatarza”, which means I will accept your Shafa’at for the lovers of you and of Ahle Bayt for as many as them so that you are satisfied and pleased.
But to answer your question which is about Shafa’at of Hazrat Zahra (S.A), I shall say that there are several related Rewayat and I will only indicate one of them. In a Rewayat reported by Allameh Majlesi, Hazrat Zahra (S.A) is introduced as “Sahib Lawa’e Al-Hamdo Lellah” which is meant to cleverly indicate Quranic verse 34, Sura “Fatir” in which God says on behalf of the pious people in the scene of resurrection,”Wa Ghalu Al-Hamdo Le Lah Aladhi Azhabo Anna Al-Huzn” meaning that the residents of Heaven say “Praise to God who will remove all sorrows from us…”
Although apparently those words cover all the residents of Heaven and is said using pronoun”Wa” in the verb “Ghalu”, according to Rewayat, the narrator of such words, who will be ordered to speak, is the sacred Lady Hazrat Zahra (S.A) whose deep sorrows will be removed when she helps take the lovers of Ahle Bayt and friends of Her husband, Imam Ali (A.S) away from hell and leads them to heaven.
Evidently, the real lovers are those whose objectives are following the right path and the Quran and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (S.A) and submitting the Prophet (S.A) and in case they did something wrong they are hopeful that by grace of God and support of the Holy Prophet (S.A) and His successor, Imam Ali (A.S) they are excused.
Whether those who will enjoy Shafa’at are only the real Shiites and not the enemies of them?
Of course the answer is the same as you said. And in order to illustrate the point we can indicate numerous Rewayat which are about the fact that bothering and harming Fatimeh (S.A) is in fact bothering and harming the Holy Prophet (S.A) and bothering and harming the Prophet (S.A) is in fact bothering and harming God. (Faman Azaha Faghad Azani Wa Man Azani Faqhad Azey Allah, from Behar Al-Anwar, volume 43, page 54)
Bothering and harming God will result in God’s curse and the ones committed such harms to the Lady will face God’s agonizing punishment; this is what Quran indicates clearly in Sura “Ahzab” which says,”Ina Ladhina Yoadhona Allah Wa Rasulahu La’anahom Allah Fi Al-Donya Wa Al-Akhirah Wa A’ada Lahom Azaban Mahina.(57) Wa Ladhina Yoadhona Al-Momenina Wa Al-Momenate Be Ghayre Maktasabu Faqhad Ehtamelu Bohtanan Wa Isman Mobina.(58) which means “without a doubt those people bothering God and His Prophet will be cursed by God in the world and in the hereafter and God will punish them severely. And those who bother pious men and women with no reason, undoubtedly they have committed great sin and accusation.”
Possibly indicate historical evidences upon different ideas about the Lady’s martyrdom date and briefly give us some information on the issue.
Historically speaking, it is clear that the first person who joined the Prophet (S.A) is Lady Fatimeh (S.A). Historians have estimated her decease date 75 to 95 days after the Prophet’s (S.A) departure. The best word about this issue is a Rewayat which Ahmad Ibn Hanbal quotes from Ayeshe, the Prophet’s (S.A) wife.
About the issue Ayeshe says: “one day I observed the Prophet (S.A) who was secretly telling something to Fatimeh and afterward I saw Fatimeh crying. Then again the Prophet told her something secretly which made her happy. I asked her about the reason of sadness and happiness and she said, “Until the Prophet (S.A) is alive I will not reveal his secret.”
Ayeshe says, “After the Prophet’s (S.A) demise, I asked her daughter, Fatimeh about the secret and she replied,” the reason of crying was that my father said Gabriel (S) would present me the Quran once a year and this year he presented it to me two times which means my departure time is near and my time to visit God has come. And the reason of my happiness was because my father said, “my daughter, Fatimeh, won’t you become happy if you find out that you are the lady and master of all the world’s women and you are the first one who joins me.”.
That is how this great lady of Islam joined her father shortly after her father’s demise and visited her God. It is also interesting to know that the Holy Prophet (S.A) had talked about Fatimeh’s (S.A) martyrdom and I end this dialogue with the gracious words of the Holy Prophet (S.A).
The Holy Prophet (S.A) said, “And my daughter, Fatimeh, is the master of the world women from the beginning till the end and she is part of me and the light of my eyes and the fruit of my life. She is my soul who is in my body; she is an angle in the form of a human. Anytime she stands in Mihrab before God, her light will illuminate the sky for the angles the same way the stars illuminate and shine for the people of earth. God tells the angles, “My angles! Look at my servant Fatimeh, while she is standing before me and all her body is shaking out of fear of me and is praising me with her heart and spirit, you are my witnesses that I will immunize her Shiites from the hell’s fire.”
The Holy Prophet (S.A) then said, “Anytime I visit her I am reminded of what they did to her. It is as though a thorn is entered her house, her honor is broken, her rights are suppressed, and her inheritance is denied from her, her side is broken, and her baby is aborted. (Wa Iza Al-mowodat Soelat Be Aye Zanb Ghotelat) and she groans and says: Wa “Mohammada!” But there is no reply and she asks for help but nobody helps her….
She is the first one from my family who joins me, comes to me while she is sad, miserable, looted, and murdered. And then I will tell God: My God, take away your grace from those who oppressed her, punish those who took away her rights, make those weak who degraded her, and keep those in the hell who hit her on her side and caused her baby to be aborted and then all the angles say Amen God (Behar Al-Anwar, volume 43, page 172).
