ABOUT WOMAN AND SOCIAL LIFE
BIBI KHADIJA (AS)
Bibi Khadija's father was a merchant like most of the tribe of Quraysh
in Makka. He sent caravans to other cities to trade in the summer
and winter. Her mother and father both died within 10 years of each
other. Their wealth was divided amongst the children but it was bibi
khadija who took over the family business and expanded it. With the
profit she made she helped the poor, widows, orphans, sick and the
disabled people of Makka.
She had a cousin called Waraqa bin Naufal who was very learned man
and who was not an idol worshipper. Both Waraqa and Bibi Khadija believed
in one Allah.
Becauise of her excellent Akhlaq the Arabs (who at that time used
to look down upon women) called her Tahira - the pure one. She was
also known as the 'princess of Makka' because of her wealth. A lot
of Arab nobles and princess wanted to marry her but she refused all
of them.
In 595 AD, Bibi Khadija was looking for someone to be in charge of
her caravan to Syria. Abu Talib suggested the Prophet to her. She
had heard of his trustworthiness and agreed to employ him although
he did not have much trading experience. To help him she sent her
slave Maysara. The trading caravan was a great success and when Bibi
Khadija heard of the Prophet's skills and excellent conduct, she became
his admirer.
Soon it was arranged for Bibi Khadija to be married to the Prophet
(S.A.W). Abu Talib read the Nikah on behalf of the Prophet whilst
Waqara read it for Bibi Khadija. Abu Talib paid the mehr for his nephew
and fed the people of Makka for 3 days in celebration. Bibi Khadija
too fed the people. The marriage was a very happy one and their first
child was a son called Qasim. The second was Abdullah. Both died in
infancy. Their third and last child was Bibi Fatema Zahra (A.S).
When the Prophet used to go to meditate
in the cave of Hira on Jabel An Noor, it was Bibi Khadija herself who
would climb up there to give him his food and necesseries. Bibi Khadija
was the first person to accept Islam as taught by the Prophet (S.A.W).
In 616 AD, the Quraysh isolated the Bani Hashim (the family of the Prophet)
and they took refuge ina ravine called Shib e' Abu Talib. Bibi Khadija
was there too and it was her wealth (which she donated for Islam) that
sustained the Muslims at that time. The seige lasted for 3 years during
which time they experienced hunger, thirst, and the cold and heat of
the desert.
In 619 AD, Bibi Khadija died. When she died nothing was left of her
wealth. Abu Talib died in this year too. The Prophet called the year
Aamul Huzn (the year of grief).
BIBI MASUMA QUM (AS)
Name: Fatema
Title: Masuma
Daughter of: Imam Musa Kadhim & Bibi Najma (as)
Sister of: Imam Ali Raza (as)
Birthdate: Zilkaad 179AH in Medina
After the shahadat of our 7th Imam, Imam Musa Kadhim (as), the 8th Imam,
Imam Ali Raza (as) took care of his family and his sisters.
Bibi Fatema loved her brother immensly (similar love as that of Bibi
Zainab (as) and Imam Husayn (as)).
In 200AH Mamoon Rashid called Imam Raza (as) to Khorasan from Medina,
no family member was allowed to accompany him. Bibi Masuma missed her
brother very much and left Medina for Iran.
When she reached Sawa, she learnt the news of shahadat of her brother.
On learning this, she became very ill and asked to be taken to Qum.
Within a few days after her brother's death, she died. She was buried
in Qum on 8th Rabi-ul-Awwal 201AH. She was only 22 years of age.
People pay great respect and visit her grave and have their hajat (wishes)
fulfilled. She was the daughter of our 7th Imam, sister of our 8th Imam,
aunt of 9th Our Imam - great respect to this lady surrounded by Imams.
Janabe Fatema Zahra (as)
This Great Lady was the only daughter
of the Holy Prophet (saww) and Hazrat Khadijah. She was born in Makkah
on Friday, 20th Jamdi-ul-Akhar in the 5th year after the declaration
of Prophethood (615 AD).
She was married to the great personality, the 1st Imam, Imam Ali (as).
The marriage ceremony took place on Friday, 1st Zilhajj 2 AH.
As a daughter, she loved her parents very much. As a wife, she was very
devoted. As a mother, she cared for and brought up wonderful children
that they have left marks on the face of the world.
On Fasting She Said:
Imam Sadiq (as) says on the authority of his forefathers that J. Zahra
(as) had said that: "The man who is observing a fast would not
gain anything, when his tongue, ears, and limbs are not safe from sin."
House hold affairs:
In the whole world, there was only one house that was free from impurities
and that house was of Imam Ali (as) and J. Zahra (as). She being the
leader of all the women of the world, she was the torch bearer of the
ideals and character of woman hood.
J Zahra (as) never used to take household duties as a chore for a woman.
In the performance of domestic duties, she had faced many obstacles
and hardships.
The Infallible daughter of the Holy Prophet (saww) was conscious of
her responsibilities and aware that a wife could shape the direction
of her husband's activities. Her thinking was that the home is the place
of refuge. A place of peace for a man, when he comes back tired from
his struggles and dealings with the outside world. A place to re-strengthen
his energy and also to gain in him fresh confidence and determination,
so that he could be able to tackle his duties.
Imam Musa Al Kadhim (as) says: "The crusade of a woman is to have
concern and regard for the husband."
Bibi Zainab (as), A Brief Look At Her
Life
Name: Zainab
Title: Siddiqa-e-Sughra
Kunyat: Umm-ul-Massaib
Born at: Medina on 5th Jamadi ul Awwal
Fathers Name. Hazrat Ali-Al-Murtaza (AS)
Mother's Name: Janab e Fatema Zahra (AS)
The following ziyarat (verbal salutation) for Bibi Zaynab (AS) is traditionally
recited to obtain divine blessing while visiting her shrine (in this
case, in Damascus, Syria). It can also be recited at any other time
in remembrance of the example of courage and submission that she presented
to the world, particularly on the acknowledged days of her birth, death,
and during the month of Muharram.
Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of the Chief of prophets.
Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of the Master of the sanctuary and the
banner.
Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of him who was made to ascend to (highest)
heaven and reached the station of two bows' length (to Allah) or even
closer.
Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of the Leader of the pious.
Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of the support of the sincere friends
(of Allah)
Peace be upon you. Oh daughter of the Leader of the Deen.
Peace be upon you. Oh daughter of the Commander of the faithful.
Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of him who struck with the sword of two
blades.
Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of him who prayed towards the two qiblahs
[Jerusalem, then Mecca].
Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of Muhammad, the chosen.
Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of Ali, the content (with the decree
of Allah).
Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of Fatima, the radiant.
Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of Khadija, the elder.
Peace be upon you. Oh righteous one, pleasing (to Allah).
Peace be upon you, Oh learned, rightly guided one.
Peace be upon you, Oh generous, noble one.
Peace be upon you, Oh pious, pure one.
Peace be upon you, Oh you who were thoroughly tested by sufferance like
Husayn, the oppressed.
Peace be upon you, Oh you who were kept far from your home.
Peace be upon you, Oh you who were held captive in cities.
It was five years after the Muslims had accompanied the Prophet (PBUH&HF)
and his family in the migration (Hijrah) to Medina, when the Holy Prophet's
daughter, Hadrat Fatima (AS), gave birth to a little girl.'
When her father, Imam Ali (AS), saw his daughter for the first time
Imam Husayn (AS), who was then almost three years old, was with him.
The boy exclaimed in delight,
"O father, Allah has given me a sister."
At those words Imam Ali (AS) began to weep, and when Husayn (AS) asked
why he was crying so, his father answered that he would soon come to
know.
Fatima (AS) and Ali (AS) did not name their child until a few days after
her birth, for they awaited the Prophet's return from a journey so that
he could propose the name.
When finally the baby girl was brought before him he held her in his
lap and kissed her. The Angel Jibra'il came to him and conveyed the
name that was to be hers, and then he began to weep. The Prophet (PBUH&HF)
asked why Jibra'il wept and he answered,
"O Prophet of Allah. From early on in life this girl will remain
entangled in tribulations and trials in this world. First she will weep
over your separation (from this world); thereafter she will bemoan the
loss of her mother, then her father, and then her brother Hasan. After
all this she will be confronted with the trials of the land of Karbala
and the tribulations of that lonely desert, as a result of which her
hair will turn grey and her back will be bent."
When the members of the family heard this prophecy they all broke down
in tears. Imam Husayn (AS) now understood why earlier his father had
also wept. Then the Prophet (PBUH&HF) named her Zaynab (AS).
When the news of Zaynab's birth reached Salman al-Farsi, he went to
Ali (AS) to congratulate him. But instead of seeing him happy and rejoicing
he saw Ali (AS) shed tears, and he too was apprised of the events of
Karbala and the hardships that were to befall Zaynab (AS).
One day, when Zaynab (AS) was about five years old, she had a strange
and terrible dream. A violent wind arose in the city and darkened the
earth and the sky. The little girl was tossed hither and thither, and
suddenly she found herself stuck in the branches- of a huge tree. But-the
wind was so strong that it uprooted the tree. Zaynab (AS) caught hold
of a branch but that broke. In a panic she grabbed two twigs but these
top gave way and she was left falling with no support. Then she woke
up. When she told her grand father, the Prophet (PBUH&HF), about
this dream he wept bitterly and said,
"O my daughter. that tree is me who is shortly going to leave this
world. The branches are your father Ali and your mother Fatima Zahra,
and the twigs are your brothers Hasan and Husayn. They will all depart
this world before you do, and you will suffer their separation and loss."
Zaynab (AS) shared with-her brothers and sister the extraordinary position
of having such examples to look up to, emulate and learn from, as her
grand father, the Prophet of Allah (PBUH&HF) her mother Fatima (AS),
daughter of the Prophet, and he'r father Imam Ali (AS), cousin-brother
of the Prophet. In the pure environment that enveloped her she absorbed
the teachings of Islam that her grandfather imparted, and after him
her father. Here too she learnt to master all household skills with
great proficiency.
She had barely attained the tender age of seven when her beloved mother
passed away. Her mother's death had closely followed her cherished grand
father's passing away. Some time later Imam Ali (AS) married Umm ul-Banin,
whose devotion and piety encouraged Zaynab (AS) in her learning.
Whilst still a young girl she was fully able to care for and be responsible
for the running of her father's household. As much as she cared for
the comforts and ease of her brothers and sisters, in her own wants
she was frugal and unstintingly generous to the poor, homeless and parentless.
After her marriage her husband is reported as having said,
"Zaynab is the best housewife."
From very early on she developed an unbreakable bond of attachment to
her brother Imam Husayn (AS). At times when as a baby in her mother's
arms she could not be pacified and made to stop crying, she would quieten
down upon being held by her brother, and there she would sit quietly
gazing at his face. Before she would pray she used to first cast a glance
at the face of her beloved brother.
One day Fatima (AS) mentioned the intensity of her daughter's love for
Imam Husayn (AS) to the Prophet (PBUH&HF). He breathed a deep sigh
and said with moistened eyes,
"My dear child. This child of mine Zaynab would be confronted with
a thousand and one calamities and face serious hardships in Karbala."
Zaynab (AS) grew into a fine statured young woman. Of her physical appearance
little is known. When the tragedy of Karbala befell her in her midfifties
she was forced to go out uncovered. It was then that some people remarked
that she appeared as a 'shining sun' and a 'piece of the moon'.
In her character she reflected the best attributes of those who raised
her. In sobriety and serenity she was likened to Umm ul-Muminin Khadija,
her grandmother (AS); in chastity and modesty to her mother Fatima Zahra
(AS); in eloquence to her father Ali (AS); in forbearance and patience
to her brother Imam Hasan (AS); and in bravery and tranquility of the
heart to Imam Husayn (AS). Her face reflected her father's awe and her
grandfather's reverence.
When the time came for marriage, she was married in a simple ceremony
to her first cousin, Abdullah ibn Ja'far Tayyar. Abdullah had been brought
up under the direct care of the Prophet (PBUH&HF). After his death,
Imam Ali (AS) became his supporter and guardian until he came of age.
He grew up to be a handsome youth with pleasing manners and was known
for his sincere hospitality to guests and selfless generosity to the
poor and needy.
Together this young couple had five children, of whom four were sons,
Ali, Aun, Muhammad, and Abbas, and one daughter, Umm Kulthum.
In Medina it was Zaynab's practise to hold regular meetings for women
in which she shared her knowledge and taught them the precepts of the
Deen of Islam as laid out in the Holy Quran. Her gatherings were well
and regularly attended. She was able to impart the teachings with such
clarity and eloquence that she became known as Fasihah (skillfully fluent)
and Balighah (intensely eloquent).
In the thirty-seventh year A.H. (after Hijrah), Imam Ali (AS) moved
to Kufa to finally take up his rightful position as khalifah. He was
accompanied by his daughter Zaynab (AS) and her husband. Her reputation
as an inspiring teacher among the women had preceded her. There too
women would throng to her daily sittings where they all benefitted from
her erudition, wisdom and scholarship in the exegesis of the Qur'an.'
The depth and certainty of her knowledge earned her the name given to
her by her nephew, Imam Ali Zayn ul-Abidin (AS), of 'Alimah Ghayr Mu'allamah,
'she who has knowledge without being taught'.
Zaynab (AS) was also nicknamed Zahidah (abstemious) and 'Abidah (devoted)
because of her abstemiousness and piety. She found little of interest
in wordly adornments, always preferring the bliss and comfort of the
Next World over that of this world. She used to say that for her the
life of this world was as a resting place to relieve fatigue along a
journey.
Humble and of high morals, her main concern was to strive to please
Allah and in doing so she avoided anything which was the least bit doubtful.
Bibi Sakina (AS)
Bibi Sakina was the youngest daughter of Imaam Hussain. She was a vivacious
child, full of love and happiness. Everyone loved Sakina. She was also
a very religious girl. She enjoyed reading the Holy Quraan and never
missed her prayers. From the age of two she took great care to make
sure that her head and face were properly covered when in public.
Sakina was Imaam Hussain's most beloved child. Our Imaam was often heard
to say, "A house without Sakina would not be worth living in!"
She always had a sweet and cheerful smile and a very friendly nature.
Other children sought her company as much as the grown ups did. She
was very generous and always shared whatever she had with others.
There was a special bond between Hazrat Abbas and Sakina. He loved her
more than he did his own children. If Sakina requested for anything,
Abbas would not rest until he satisfied her request. There was nothing
that Abbas would not do to make Sakina happy.
During the journey from Madina to Mecca and then Mecca to Kerbala, Abbas
was often seen riding up to the mehmil in which Sakina sat to make sure
that she had everything she wanted. Sakina loved her uncle just as much.
While in Madina she would, several times a day, visit the house in which
Hazrat Abbas lived with his family and his mother, Ummul Baneen.
Like any other four-five year old when Sakina went to bed at night she
wanted to spend some time with her father. Imaam Hussain would tell
her stories of the prophets and of the battles fought by her grand-father
Ali. She would rest her head on her father's chest and Hussain would
not move from her until she fell asleep. When from the second of Muharram
the armies of Yezid began to gather at Kerbala, Hussain said to his
sister Zainab, "The time has come for you to get Sakina used to
going to sleep without my being there !". Sakina would follow her
father at night and Hussain had to gently take her to Zainab or Rubaab.
At Kerbala when from the seventh Muharram water became scarce Sakina
shared whatever little water she had with other children. When soon
there was no water at all, the thirsty children would look at Sakina
hopefully, and because she could not help them she would have tears
in her eyes. Sakina's lips were parched with thirst.
On the Ashura day, she gave her Mashk to Hazrat Abbas. He went to get
water for her. The children gathered round Sakina with their little
cups, knowing that as soon as Hazrat Abbas brought any water, Sakina
would first make sure that they had some before taking any herself.
When Sakina saw Imaam Hussain bringing the blood drenched 'alam she
knew that her uncle Abbas had been killed. From that day on Sakina never
complained of thirst.
Then came the time when the earth shook and Sakina became an orphan!
But even then she always thought of the others first. She would console
her mother on the death of Ali Asghar and when she saw any other lady
or child weeping Sakina would put her little arms around her.
Yes Sakina never again asked anyone for water. Bibi Zainab would persuade
her to take a few sips, but she herself would never ask for water or
complain of thirst!!!!
From the time when Imaam Hussain fell in the battle field, Sakina forgot
to smile! Kufa saw her as a sombre little girl lost in thought. Quite
often she would sit up at night. When asked if she wanted anything,
she would say, "I just heard a baby cry? Is it Asghar? He must
be calling out for me!"
Knowing that her weeping upset her mother, Sakina would cry silently
and quickly wipe away her tears! In the prison in Shaam she would stare
at the flock of birds flying to their nests at sunset and innocently
ask Bibi Zainab, "Will Sakina be going home like those birds flying
to their homes?"
Then one dreadful night Sakina went to bed on the cold floor of the
prison. For a long time she stared into the darkness! The time for the
morning prayers came. Sakina was still lying with her eyes wide open.
Her mother called out: "Wake up, Sakina! Wake up, it is time for
prayers, my child!" There was only the painful silence! Our fourth
Imaam walked up to where Sakina lay. He put his hand on her forehead.
It was cold! He put his hand near the mouth and the nose. Sakina had
stopped breathing. In between sobs Imaam Zain ul 'Abideen said:
"INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAYHI RAAJI'OON!"
How was Sakina buried ? Zainab held the still child as Imaam Zain ul
'Abideen dug a grave in the cell. As the grave was being filled up after
the burial the mother let out a scream! How could anyone console Bibi
Rubaab? What could they say? They huddled around her, and the prison
walls began to shake with the cry: "YA SAKINA, YA MAZLOOMAH!!"
Bibi Rubaab put her cheek on Sakina's grave and cried out:
"Speak to me, Sakina! Only a word, my child! Speak to me!!"
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