Role Model for the Women of the 21^st Century: - 

Maulatuna Fatema Tuz Zahra (A.S.) 

 

There have been many women who have made an everlasting mark on the history of civilization and humankind. They have been great in various aspects, yet one woman contributed more than perhaps any other woman. Her actions were her belief, without fault or mistake. She was the best example for all women throughout all time. This woman is Maulatuna Fatema Tuz Zahra (A.S.), the daughter of the Holy Prophet Mohammmed (S.A.W.), born in the holy city of Mecca on Friday 20^th Jamadil Akhar.

 

Her birth was to change the dignity of all women, who prior to Islam were considered inferior to man. With the advent of Islam and birth of Maulatuna Fatema (A.S.), women were given exalted position in an Islamic society. 

 

 Among the various titles of Maulatuna Fatema Tuz Zahra (A.S.), Sayyidato-Nisaail ‘Aalameen "The Leader of the Women in the Universe" is most fascinating. This description of her lofty standing is indicative of the position she holds in religious thought. 

 

She had the spirit of the Holy Prophet, his characteristics and morals. Indeed, she was the complete inheritor of her father. The distinguished relationship between the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) and his dear daughter attracted the attentions of those who lived nearby. They talked about the resemblance between the father and the daughter. 
            

Her eloquence of speech, her bravery and strength, her loving tenderness towards her noble father, husband and children are what philosophers still write and speak of in terms of a cure for the ills of today’s society. 

 

Maulatuna Fatema (A.S.), the noblest of all women, married Ali for his faith, piety trustworthiness and high principles and not for wealth, money and the fading luxuries of this world. 

 

She accepted the holy bond with a simple modest mahr (dowry) that smashed the very values of materialism.
            

The wedding of these two eminent personalities is an example to behold as it set the guidelines to all wedding ceremonies in Islam. Islam has made it easy for one to get married so that it is not a burden on its followers.

 

Historians note that she was a mother, who in the broader sense of the word was a source of knowledge and support for all. She fulfilled her obligations as a wife and mother with such dignity that it was a great example for all women of the world. She considered her children as Allah’s great gift and spent night and day nurturing them.

 

In her total married life she never complained of destitution or poverty. Nor did she ever command or order. But to the contrary she was always humble and obedient.

She also undertook the social responsibility of educating other women and assisting in the financial support of her family. 

 

Maulatuna Fatema’s life reflects an integral projection of the progressive rights and status of the woman in Islam. She has proved for all time to come that Hijab is not any impediment (restriction) for a woman but Islam considers woman the most precious creature in human life. To protect her from all harm and intruders Islam stipulates Hijab on every woman. The Hijab continues to offer recognition and freedom to woman in many ways: it is a signal sent out which demands respect, and receives it in return.

 

Rasulullah (S.A.W.) has described woman as ‘wazirs’ in the home and without them the home is incomplete. He has taught us that the beauty of a home is a woman who plays a pivotal role in the education and upbringing of children. In fact he compares a woman to a flower in a beautiful garden.

 

Today, more than fourteen centuries later, the sayings and the lifestyle of Maulatuna Fatema (A.S.) serve as a role model with very strong implications for Muslim women in the post modern era.

 

Women are entitled to education on a par with men but they should first choose the education that suits their role as future mothers; they can have university or college education provided that they put on the proper Islamic dress.

 

The Muslim women all over the world have identified themselves with Maulatuna Fatema (A.S.). In an Islamic society therefore a woman need not compete to prove her status by joining a women’s liberation movement, as her religion has given her an exalted position with safeguards for her rights and respects for her virtues. 

 

It is fascinating that a lifestyle belonging to fourteen centuries ago is strikingly relevant to the lives of young men and women at the threshold of the second millennium.

 

Time and again His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb (T.U.S.), has quoted Maulatuna Fatema (A.S.) in his every auspicious gathering and call upon his followers to follow her in her footsteps.

 

May Allah shower Maulatuna Fatema Tuz Zahra with ‘salawaat’ and ‘salaam’ and bless us with His bounties by the benedictions of His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb (T.U.S.)

 

Speech delivered by Zainab A. Tarwalla
in Burhani College on the occasion of
Maulatuna Fatema's (A.S.) Milad (1421)