As the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HP) has given glad tidings of Paradise to the Shiites of Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) and his Infallible descendents (PBUT) and praised their greatness and high status, likewise, he has given the glad tidings of Paradise to the Shiites of Lady Fatimah (PBUH) and praised them for the exact same virtues.
‘‘Shia’’ means follower, devotee, and disciple; thus, Shiites of Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) are those who achieve guidance from him and are his followers in their intentions, morals, and actions all the time. Similarly, Shiites of Lady Fatimah (PBUH) are those who follow her in their lives and imitate her in all the aspects of their lives. However, since all the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) follow the same path, Shiites of Lady Fatimah (PBUH) are considered to be equal to the Shiites of Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH), as the Hadiths have mentioned. Hence, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) sometimes praises the Shiites of Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) and, at other times, praises the Shiites of Lady Fatimah (PBUH). This tradition of the Prophet illustrates that although Lady Fatimah (PBUH) herself is a follower of Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) in the straight path of guidance, yet, she is considered to be an independent model.
The following hadith is an example of this:
Jabir bin Abdullah narrates from the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) that he said:
‘‘When the Day of Judgment comes, my daughter will enter the gathering of people while on a camel from the camels of Paradise. The bridle of the camel is made of bright pearl and its feet are from green emerald… There is a knob (dome) of light on top of it, the outside of which is apparent from its inside and vise versa. The interior of this knob contains rays of Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness, while the exterior manifests His mercy. There is a crown of light on top of the knob which has seventy pillars of pearl and ruby that shine like bright stars in the sky. The camel will be accompanied by seventy thousand angels on its left and seventy thousand angels on its right. Gabriel will hold the bridle of the camel and call with a loud voice: ‘‘Cover your eyes so that Fatimah, daughter of Muhammad, may cross.’’
At that moment, even the Prophets, Siddiqin (the truthful ones), and the martyrs will close their eyes out of respect until Fatimah (PBUH) passes and stops in front of the throne of Allah (SWT). Then, Allah (SWT) will call, “O my dear and the daughter of my dear one! Ask from me whatever you want so that I may grant it to you, and intercede for whomever you wish so that I would accept your intercession.”
Fatimah (PBUH) will reply, “O my Lord and my Master! Rescue my progeny, my Shiites, my followers, my friends, and the friends of my progeny.”
Than, Allah (SWT) will say, “Where are the progeny of Fatimah (PBUH) and her followers? Where are her friends and the friends of her progeny?” At that point, a group of people will step forward, the angels will surround them from every direction, and Fatimah (PBUH) will lead them all together into Paradise. (1).”
(Selection taken from “Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH)”, by Allamah Amini)
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Footnote
1- The intercession of Lady Fatimah (PBUH) for the sinners on the Day of Judgment is not arbitrarily; it’s rather dependent on specific requirements (such as having faith) which have to be met in this world.