Hadhrat Fatima Masumah (S.A.)

Name: Fatima
Title: Masumah
Born at: Medina, First Day of Zee Qa'dah 173 A.H.
Father's name: Imam Musa al-Kazim (A.S.)
Mother's name: Najma Khatoon mother of Imam Reza (A.S.)
Died at the age 28, at Qum on 10th Rabi al-Thani, 201 A.H.
Buried in the holy shrine in the holy city of Qum.

Noble Descent

Hadhrat Fatima Masumah (S.A.) the Blessed and the Gracious Divine Lady from the Holy Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) was born in the holy city of Medina on the First Day of the month of Zee Qa'dah 173 A.H. His holy father was Imam Musa al-Kazim (A.S.), the Seventh Holy Imam of the Shi'ites and Imam Reza (A.S.), the Eighth Holy Imam was her elder brother. Hadhrat Fatima Masumah (S.A.) was the most learned scholar and very pious lady and was greatly revered by the Holy Imams (A.S.). She was buried in the holy city of Qum (Iran) and her holy shrine is every year visited by millions of the lovers of Holy Ahlul Bayt (A.S.).

The Learned Divine Lady from the Holy Ahlul Bayt (A.S.)

Hadhrat Masumah (S.A.) was brought up in a very noble family.She was daughter of the Holy Imam[Imam Musa al-Kazim (A.S.)], the sister of the Holy Imam[Imam Reza (A.S.)] and the aunt of the Holy Imam[Imam Muhammad Taqi al-Jawad (A.S.)]. She was taught all the Islamic sciences by Imam Musa al-Kazim (A.S.) and Imam Reza (A.S.) and she transmitted Ahadith (traditions) from them. She became famous as Aalimah(the Learned Lady) and Muhaddithah (the Learned Lady who transmitted Ahadith).

The traditions quoted by Hadhrat Masumah (S.A.) are among the most authentic traditions which are present in various books of traditions.

She was Masumah (the Immaculate)

Hadhrat Fatima bint Musa al-Kazim (A.S.) was most pious,noble and reverend lady. Like her holy grand-mother Hadhrat Fatima Zahra (S.A.) she was always busy in performing Salaat(prayers) and kept fast most of the days. She was greatly respected and revered by her holy father Imam Musa al-Kazim (A.S.) and her elder brother Imam Reza (A.S.). She become famous as Masumah (the Immaculate) during her lifetime. Imam Reza (A.S.) has said about Hadhrat Fatima Masumah (S.A.) that "Whoever performs the Ziyarah of 'Fatima Masumah' in Qum is like the person who has performed my Ziyarah".

Karimah-i Ahlul Bayt (A.S.)

Hadhrat Fatima Masumah (S.A.) is also considered as Karimah-i Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) because she was very kind and gracious. Thousands of miracles has been recorded at the holy grave of her and the rightful wishes of the believers are fulfilled by her and incurable patients are miraculously healed by her. Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S.) has quoted "By the intercession of Fatima Masumah (S.A.) all my Shias will enter the paradise".

Demise of Hadhrat Masumah (S.A.)

In the year 200 A.H. a year after the forced migration of Imam Reza (A.S.) from Medina to Marw in Khurasan by the reigning Abbasid caliph Mamun, Hadhrat Masumah accompanied by her brothers left Medina for Khurasan to meet her elder brother Imam Reza (A.S.). When they reached Saveh in central Iran they were attacked by the Abbasid army and many of his brothers were mercilessly martyred.Hadhrat Masumah (S.A.) during her stay in Saveh was poisoned by a lady servant on the orders of the Abbasid commander.

Hadhrat Masumah (S.A.) became severely ill and in this condition she migrated to Qum where she was warmly welcomed by the Shias of the city. The effect of poisoning increased during her short stay in Qum and she attained martyrdom on 10th of Rabi al-Thani 201 A.H. Hadhrat Masumah (S.A.) had great longing to meet her brother Imam Reza (A.S.) but due to her sudden death she could not meet him. Imam Reza (A.S.) was deeply grieved when he came to know about the demise of her beloved sister Hadhrat Fatima Masumah (S.A.).

The Merits of the Ziyarah of Hadhrat Fatima Masumah (S.A.)

There are many traditions from the Holy Imams (A.S.) recommending the Shias to perform the Ziyarah of the holy grave of Hadhrat Masumah (S.A.) in the holy city of Qum.

1- Imam Reza (A.S.) said "Whoever performs the Ziyarah of Fatima Masumah(A.S.) will be awarded heaven".

2- Imam Muhammad Taqi al-Jawad (A.S.) said "Whoever performs the Ziyarah of my aunt[Fatima Masumah (S.A.)] in Qum will enter paradise".

3- Imam Reza (A.S.) said" Whoever performs the Ziyarah of 'Fatima Masumah'with the knowledge of her status will attain paradise.

The Holy Shrine of Hadhrat Fatima Masumah(A.S.) in Qum

The construction of the present Bargah (Holy Court) and the holy shrine of Hadhrat Masumah in Qum, was started in the middle of the third century A.H. and continued during the 4th, 5th, and 6th centuries A.H. (mid 9th century through 12th century A.D.), when it was completed with a dome and vault.

In 447 A.H., Mir Abul Fazl Iraqi, the Vazier of Tughril Beg constructed a magnificent dome on the grave of Hadhrat Masumah (S.A.) and the height of that dome was 14 metres. In 925 A.H., Shah Baigi Begum the daughter of Shah Ismail, the Safawid ruler of Iran renovated the dome and illuminated it with intrinsic mosaic tiles.

The holy shrine was greatly expanded during the Safavid period. Shah Ismail ordered the construction of the northern ivan. During the reign of Shah Tahmasb I, 939 A.H. (1532 A.D.) and Shah Abbas II, 1055 A.H. (1654 A.D.), the buildings of the (Astaneh) were completed and some important decorative works were undertaken, which have been continued ever since.

The main structure of the holy shrine consists of the old and new courtyards, a mirror-decorated ivan, a number of Mu`azin`s cages, a portico, a sepulcher, the holy burial chamber, the Holy Tomb(Zareeh), Masjid-i-Bala-sar, Ladies Courtyard (Sahn-i-Zananeh), an ivan, the golden dome, and several golden, silver and inlaid doors.

There are a number of verse inscriptions in the holy shrine, composed by Muhtasham Kashani, Fath Ali Khan Saba, and Shurideh Shirazi. The tileworks of the holy tomb of Hazrat-i-Masumeh, which have been accomplished during the years 605 to 613 A.H. (1208 to 1218 A.D.), bear the following designs and colors.

On the tomb, there are 15 pieces of enameled tiles covering a space of 2.95 meters long and 1.20 meters wide. The sides of the tomb are covered with three kinds of tiles, namely enameled tiles with curved sides, full star-shaped (Kuakabi) tiles, and enameled tiles on which the latter are installed.

There are three inscriptions on the tomb: the first is a relief inscription in Naskh style and is vermilion in color; the second, also vermilion, is in Kufic script; and the third is golden and in Naskh calligraphy. The background is azure, golden, brown or silver, and is further adorned with various ornamental motifs.

According to the inscriptions, the tiles of the Holy Sepulcher have been donated by Muzaffar ibn Ahmad ibn Ismail and the calligraphers Muhammad ibn Abi-Tahir ibn Abi-Hussain and Abu-Zaid have been responsible for the inscriptions, the former having also undertaken the manufacturing of the tiles.

The Holy City of Qum

The holy city of Qum in central Iran, 150 km to the south of Tehran became one of the first bastions Shi'ism and till the present day it is the leading centre of Islamic seminaries where more than forty thousand scholars and students are learning Islamic sciences in the numerable Islamic seminaries present in this holy city. At present about two hundred Islamic research and cultural centres are active in this holy city.

In the year 83 A.H. the Arabs belonging to the Ash'ari tribe migrated and settled in this region and laid the foundation of this city. From the beginning of its establishment the city of Qum became the dwelling place of the Shias and by the end of first century Hijrah more than 6000 Shias settled in this city. The Shias of this city revolted against the Umayyad caliphs and after the inception of the Abbasid caliphate in 132 A.H. they also opposed the Abbasid caliphs.

In the year 200 A.H. Hadhrat Fatima Masumah (S.A.) took refuge in this city and Her Holiness expired in the year 201 A.H. and was buried in this city. The sacred grave of Hadhrat Fatima Masumah (S.A.) became the pilgrimage centre of the Shias and this city became famous as Qum-i Muqaddas. Since then it also emerged as a leading Shia learning centre in the world. The holy shrine of Hadhrat Fatima Masumah (S.A.) and the city's reputation as a centre of theological education of the Shias contributed most to its fame.

The city was patronised by the Shia Buyid (Buwayhid) rulers and during that era many leading Shia theologians emerged from this city. The holy city of Qum was also patronised by Timurids, the Qara Qoyunlu and Aq Qoyunlu sultans and the Safawid rulers showed great respect to the holy city of Qum.

During the stay of Ayatullah Abdul Karim Haeri Yazdi in this holy city in the first half of twentieth century Qum established itself as the leading Shia theological centre in the world and most of the leading Maraje(the Grand Ayatullah) of the Shias reside and teach Islamic sciences to the scholars in this holy city.

In June 1963 Imam Khomeini (R.A.) started Islamic movement against the rule of Shah from the holy city of Qum. The uprising of people of Qum in January 1978 convulsed the whole of Iran and led to the victory of Islamic revolution and the establishment of Islamic Republic in Iran in February 1979.

A Brief Biography of Hazrat Zainab (A.S)

Sayyeda Zainab (a.s), the daughter of Imam Ali (a.s) and Sayyeda Fatima (a.s.), was an exemplary woman of great ability, intelligence, knowledge, insight, courage and perseverance. She performed her divine duties to the best of her ability. She was born to a family formed by the Prophet (SAW), the most outstanding figure in history. The Prophet's wife Sayyeda Khadija a devoted woman, was her maternal grandmother, and her paternal grandmother was Fatima daughter of Assad, who mothered and nursed the Prophet (SAW). The members of the family, in trio hierarchical order, were all great. Hazrat Zainab (as) was a brilliant star in the mandate sky that received rays of holiness from the five suns. It was through her holy origins and pious edification that she manifested so great a fortitude in Karbala (Iraq).

The life of the daughter of Hazrat Al-Zahra (a.s.) was always laden with hardships, but she never feared coping with difficulties, this enhanced her endurance and elevated her soul.

The Birth of Hazrat Zainab (a.s)

There is divergence of opinions about the birth date of Hazrat Zainab (a.s). Some say it was in Medina in the month of Jamadil-Alawwal, and others say it was in the month of Shaban, in the 6th Hijra year.

When Hazrat Zainab (a.s) was born, Imam Ali (a.s.) asked for the Prophet's advice as to her name, the same as it was in the case of Hassan and Hussein. They gave Zainab in swaddling clothes to the Prophet (SAW) and he waited for Allah's message. Gabriel appeared and said she should be named Zainab. The Prophet (SAW) kissed her and wept. They asked why he wept. He said Gabriel told me Zainab would be an eyewitness of the fate of her brother Hussein in Karbala.

Zainab, the Sage of Bani Hashim

In her childhood, Zainab studied with the Prophet (SAW) , and when Imam Ali (a.s) moved to Kufa, the respected women of Kufa requested Imam Ali (a.s) through their husbands to allow them to benefit from the knowledge of Hazrat Zainab (a.s.). Imam Ali (a.s) complied with their request and the interested women learned from her the expounding wisdom of the Holy Qur'an.

Ibn Abbas quoted Hazrat Zahra (a.s.) as having said that her daughter Zainab, like her father, was unparalleled in literary eloquence and courage. The speech she delivered in the assembly in presence of Yazid was at the zenith of eloquence and impressiveness. (Refer Famous Women, Dr. Ahmed Beheshti, p.51)

After the demise of the Holy Prophet (SAW), there came the period of distress and hardship in the life of Hazrat Zainab (a.s.) She stood by her mother as far as the question of supreme mandate of her father was concerned. When her mother delivered the Fadak sermon, she was only 4 years old, but narrated the sermon so lucidly and expressively that the people from Bani Hashim remembered it by heart. Later the Shiite scholars recorded it, that is why she is called Zainab the narrator of traditions.

After the martyrdom of Hazrat Zahra (a.s.), Zainab suffered many calamities. Their house was attacked and the usurpation of her father's rightful caliphate was a great shock to her. Her sublime devotion to the cause of Allah and Islam endeared her to her father Ali ,which reminded of her mother's endearment to her father, the Holy Prophet (SAW). All this was worthy of the grand status of Zainab (a.s.).

Hazrat Zainab's Marriage

Abdullah son of Ja'far Tayyar, a nephew of Imam Ali (a.s.) asked for Zainab's hand, and Imam Ali (a.s.) accepted it. Her marriage settlement was equal to that of her mother's. Imam Ali (a.s.) told Ja'far not to prevent Zainab from going on a journey with Imam Hussein (a.s), her brother.

Although Zainab's husband was a man of means, she lived a modest life, not a life of luxury. She and her husband were charitable to the needy people. The Arab tribes called Abdullah "the sea or the cloud of munificence".

Abdullah was also noted for his standing with Imam Ali (a.s.) in the holy wars (jihad). Ibn Hajar quoted the Prophet as having said that Abdullah was like him in character and had taken him by the right hand and prayed to Allah to extend His mercy over the household of Abdullah bin Ja'far.

The marriage of Zainab did not diminish her strong attachment to her family. Imam Ali (a.s) also felt a great affection for his daughter and nephew and when he became the Caliph of the Muslims and moved from Medina to Kufa, Zainab and Abdullah joined him. Zainab bore four boys by the names of Ali, Muhammad, Aun and Abbas and two girls, Umm Kulthum.

Zainab and Imamate

In her life, Zainab always saw the evildoers, oppressors, insurgents and breakers of covenants defy the truth and Imam Ali (a.s.), the supporter of the truth and justice had to quell their revolts. Finally, an evil hand gave Imam Ali (a.s.) a stroke from a poisoned sword on his head in the mosque. After Imam Ali (a.s.), his son Imam Hassan (a.s.) became the Caliph. Hassan was also greatly oppressed until at last he signed a peace treaty with the ruler of that time and moved to Kufa in the company of Zainab , her husband, and his own companions. Imam Hassan (a.s.) was poisoned by his treacherous wife, by the order of the Caliph of that time. After Imam Hassan, Imam Hussein (a.s.) became the Imam, but the ruler of Syria violated the peace treaty and appointed his son as his successor and insisted that Imam Hussein (a.s.) should pledge allegiance to him. Imam Hussein refused to pledge allegiance and made up his mind to move to Mecca.

Zainab said farewell to her husband and went with her brother accompanied by her sons Muhammad and Aun. They reached Mecca in 61 Hijra year.

Imam Hussein (a.s.) was informed that some agents of the ruler of that time had come to Mecca to assassinate him while circumambulating the Holy Ka'bah. Imam Hussein (a.s.) deemed it advisable to move to Kufa and let people know of his secret mission. They arrived at Karbala on the 2nd Muharram. Zainab had heard from her grandfather and father that Karbala would be the place where Imam Hussein (a.s.) would be martyred.

Zainab (as.) in Karbala

Zainab (a.s.) is the shining sun in the history of Islam and of humanity. Her brother's name and Karbala associate the idea of freedom, justice, humanity, virtue, fighting against despotism, with the realization of the sovereignty of Allah. The history of Karbala is based on two pillars: the rising of Imam Hussein (a.s.) and the rising of Zainab (a.s.). She was an outstanding figure in the history of Karbala endowed with divine steadfastness and fortitude. She sacrificed her two sons and one should not say anything if one devoted his life for the cause of Allah. After the martyrdom of her brother and her two sons, she said: "O my Lord! Accept our humble sacrifice to You."

When Zainab reached Kufa, she addressed people with fury words:

"Praise to Allah, and may the blessing of Allah be upon Muhammad and his progeny. O people of Kufa, you are hypocrites and deceitful. You feign to be sorry for the death of my brother and his companions. May you always shed tears. I find nothing in you but flattery, evil acts and thoughts, pride and spite and ill-will. By Allah! You deserve lasting sorrow instead of joy. Shame on you, your hands are imbrued with the blood of the son of the Holy Prophet, the one who was your sole refuge in case of adversity. By your evil act and disloyalty, you incurred the -wrath of Allan against you. Woe betide you! No one will intercede with Allah for you."

Her furious words provoked people of Kufa to avenge Hussein's martyrdom. This frightened Ubaidullah and his cruel agents. She also delivered a furious sermon in the court of the caliph that made his authority and despotic rule feel undermined.

She said:
"I fear no one but Allah. Make whatever evil plot you can. Blazes are waiting for you in the hereafter. You'll be accountable to Allah for your atrocities."

Sakina binte Hussain (A.S)

Sakina binte Hussain (Arabic) was the youngest daughter of Hussain ibn Ali and Umm-e-Rubab (Rubab binte Umrao Al Qais). Hussain ibn Ali is notable as the grandson of the islamic Prophet Muhammad and as a revered figure to Shi'a Muslims, who regard him as the third Shi'a Imam.

Sakina binte Hussain was born on the 20th day of Rajab, 24th Dhu
al-Hijjah 56 Hijri. Her name means "peace" in Arabic.[1] Her real name was Fatima. Her titles includes Sakina, Ruqqya, Masooma, Aatika, Kulsoom, Zainab. Her early years were said to have been spent in Medina. Her brothers included Ali ibn Hussayn, Ali Akbar & Ali Asghar. Her sister included Fatima Sughra.

According to Shi'a Muslims, she accompanied her father when he traveled from Mecca to Kufa, in what is now Iraq, to make a bid for the caliphate following the death of the caliph Muawiya I. Husayn was intercepted by the troops of Yazid I, and he and all of his men were killed at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. The women and children of the party, including Sakina along with her aunts (Zaynab binte Ali and Lady Umm Kulthum binte Ali), were captured and force-marched to the court of Yazid I, where they were held in prison. Sakina is said to have died in prison on 13 Safar 61 Hijri, at Damascus, Syria and is buried there.

Shi'a view of Sakina

The story of Sakina is one of the many emotional and highly affecting stories that Shi'a Muslims tell of Imam Hussain ibn Ali and his martyrdom, at the hands of Yazid's troops. The Battle of Karbala and the subsequent events at the court of Yazid are explained and mourned annually during the commemoration of Ashura.

Shi'a (and some Sunni) Muslims believe that Sakina binte Hussain ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib was a sweet and loving child, the light of Imam Hussain’s household. She would not leave him, even when he was going into danger.

During the battle, the little girl watched in horror as her uncles, her brothers, and her father were martyred. Then Yazid's soldiers entered Hussain ibn Ali’s camp, where the women and children were hiding in fear: they pillaged the tents and ripped the earrings out of Sakina's ears. But she had no thought for her own pain and her bleeding ears. She went out to the battlefield, looking for her father. Her remaining family found her clinging to her father’s corpse. She had fallen asleep on Hussain ibn Ali’s chest, as she did during happier times.

Sakina suffered from fatigue and thirst on the forced march to Damascus, and later from cold and starvation in Yazid's dungeon. Her jailers are said to have shown her father's head. She embraced his head and died of sorrow.

Persian or Urdu speaking Shi’a refers to Hussain ibn Ali as "Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS)". Hazrat is a title of respect, and Imam is the divine office they believe he held. They often put AS after his name when writing, as shorthand for an honorific in the Arabic language. Sakina is usually called "Bibi Sakina", "Bibi" being a title of respect for women.

Shrine of Sayeda Sakina

She is said to be buried near the palace of Yazid I, in Damascus, Syria. Her shrine is a place of pilgrimage (ziyarat) for Shi'a Muslims

Bibi Fizza

Bibi Fizza had come from Abyssinia to Arabia as a slave. She was freed by the Holy Prophet (S) and afterwards served Bibi Fatimah (A) as her maid-servant. Bibi Fatimah (A) divided her house work equally between herself and Bibi Fizza and they would take turns to do the chores. She remained faithful to the household of Ahlul Bayt (A) and even accompanied them to Kerbala and the prison of Sham. She also had the honour of taking part in the "Three Days Fast".

Once, when Imam Hasan (A) and Imam Husain (A) fell sick, the Holy Prophet (S) suggested that Imam Ali (A) make a vow (Nazr) to fast for three days when the children recovered. When they were better, Imam Ali (A), Bibi Fatimah (A), Imam Hasan (A), Imam Husain (A) and Bibi Fizza all fasted to fulfil the vow.
However, on each of the three days, when they sat to break their fast, a hungry person called at their door. The first said he was poor, the second said he was an orphan and the third said he was a freed captive. Each time, the big-hearted members of the house, including Bibi Fizza, gave away their food and broke their fast with water. In praise of this selfless action Allah revealed the 76th Chapter of the Holy Qur'an. The incident is described as follows:
They who fulfil their vows, and fear the day, the woe of which stretches far and wide. And they give away food, out of love for Him, to the poor and the orphan and the captive, (saying), "We feed you only for the sake of Allah, we do not want anything from you, not even thanks. Verily we fear from our Lord a stern day of distress." So Allah will guard them from the evil of that day and give them freshness and pleasure. (Surae Dahr (Insaan), 76 : 7 - 11)
Abdullah Mubarak has related a very interesting dialogue between himself and Bibi Fizza. He states, "I saw a woman passing through the desert who had fallen behind the caravan and asked her, "Who are you and where are you from?" She replied:
And say, "Salaam" for they shall soon know! (Surae Zukhruf, 43 : 89)
I learned that she expected me to greet her and say "Assalaamu Alaykum" first, before any question. I did as she reminded, and then enquired why she was in the desert. She answered:
And whomsoever Allah guides, there can be none to lead astray! (Surae Zumar, 39 : 37)
On hearing her reply, I asked her, "Are you from mankind or from the jinn?" She replied:
O Children of Adam! be adorned at every time of prostration. (Surae A'raf, 7: 31)
I understood that she was human and then asked her, "Where are you coming from?" She replied:
Those who are called to from a place far off. (Surae Ha Mim 41:44)
I asked her, "Where are you intending to go?" She said:
And (purely) for Allah, is incumbent upon mankind, the Pilgrimage of the House. (Surae Aale Imran, 3 : 97)
I asked her how many days she had been travelling. She told me:
And indeed We (Allah) created the heavens and the earth and what is between them two, in sixdays. (Surae Qaaf, 50: 38)
I asked her, "Do you feel hungry?" She replied:
We (Allah) did not make them such bodies that ate no food. (Surae Anbiya, 21 : 8)
I gave her food and asked her to hurry up to catch the caravan but she replied:
Allah does not task any soul beyond its ability. (Surae Baqarah, 2: 286)
I suggested that she sit on the camel behind me, but she said:
Had there been gods therein besides Allah, there would have been disorder in both (the heavens and the earth). (Surae Anbiya, 21: 22)
I realised that, because we were not husband and wife, it was Haraam for both of us to ride the camel. So I got off and mounted her on it. As she sat on the camel, she said:
Glory to Him Who subjected this to us. (Surae Zukhruf 43: 13)
When we reached the caravan, I asked her, "Do you know anyone among them?" She called out in reply:
O Dawood, Verily, We have appointed you a vicegerent in the earth. (Surae Saad, 38: 26)
And Muhammad is not but a Messenger." (Surae Aale Imran, 3 : 144)
O Yahya! Hold the book with firmness!" (Surae Maryam, 19 : 12)
O Musa! Verily I am Allah, the All-Mighty. (Surae Naml, 27: 9)
I began to call out these four names at which four youths came out of the caravan and ran towards Bibi Fizza. I asked her who they were and she replied:
Wealth and children are the adornment of the world. (Surae Kahf, 18: 46)
I realised that they were her sons. The woman turned to the youth and said:
O my Father, employ him, verily the best of those who you can employ is the strong man and the trusted one. (Surae Qasas, 28 : 26)
She thus made them understand that I had helped her. Then she told them:
And verily God increases manifold to whosoever He wills. (Surae Baqarah, 2: 261)
The sons understood their mother's hint and paid me well. I asked them who this noble lady was, and they replied, "She is our mother, Fizza, the maid-servant of Lady Fatima (A.S). She has conversed in nothing but the Holy Qur'an for the last 20 years."