A role model can be defined as a guide, pattern, and as a leader. The term “role model” seeks to identify a person who possesses certain characteristics, which people admire and choose to follow. Different people choose different role models in their lives and try to live their life in accordance to what they see in that role model. A role model may have impact in a single aspect of one’s life, or it may have impact on many or all aspects of a person’s life. Naturally one’s life, goal, and motive may then be shaped and constructed based on his/her role model.
One, who chooses Islam as his school of life, has actually chosen a way and goal that has been based on human nature. Thus such a person will search for a character that possesses all the special characteristics that the school of monotheism has offered in each aspect of life in order to reach his goal of perfection.
In the following verse, the holy Quran introduces Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP), the prophet of Islam, as the best and perfect role model: “Certainly there is in the Messenger of Allah an excellent example for him who hopes in Allah and the latter day and remembers Allah much.” [1]
Through a deep study of the life of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH), one can slightly understand her exalted human personality. She is similar to her father in terms of her divine and humane character. Her similarity to her father is a truth that can be easily understood through her father’s sayings about her. As the narrator quotes, the holy Prophet (PBUH&HP) came out while holding the hand of Lady Fatimah (PBUH) in his hand. He said: “(For) him, who does not know her, she is Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad, she is a part of me, she is my soul, which is (located) between my two sides. Certainly, him who harms her has harmed me; and him who harms me has indeed harmed Allah.” [2]
Other than being similar to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HP), which in itself is a complete and perfect proof of her being a role model, there are many other examples that prove her as a perfect and excellent model.
For example, Aisha and some others have narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HP) has said: “O Fatimah! Glad tidings be upon you, for the almighty Allah has selected you above the women of the worlds and the women of Islam, which is the best religion.” [3]
Let it be noted that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HP) holds such an esteemed character that all of his sayings, behaviors, and manners are proof for us. He talks according to what is revealed to him and through his deep knowledge and insight. If he is silent about a person, or when he praises, or disgraces another, it is thoroughly true. As the holy Quran notes: “He does not speak out of desire- It is not but revelation that is revealed to him.”[4]
The messenger of Allah (PBUH&HP) has honored his daughter and has greatly praised her. The Prophet’s praises of Lady Fatimah (PBUH) is not out of a fatherly love and affection. As a matter of fact the praises are due to the actual existence of such valuable moralities in Lady Fatimah (PBUH). She is really great and pure; by praising her, the Prophet (PBUH&HP) seeks to make her real personality clear for others.
Allah (SWT) has selected the Prophet of Islam and the Infallible Imams (PBUT) as perfect human beings, role models, and guides for all. Similarly, Lady Fatimah (PBUH) is a model for all people of the world, be it man or woman. Truly, following her footsteps is following the Messenger of Allah and the Infallible Imams (PBUT) …
(Selected from “Who is Fatimah (PBUH)?” by Muhammad Reza Aminzade, with little changes)
One behalf of Roshd website, we congratulate all Muslims and specially you dear friend on the anniversary of the birth of the model of all moralities: Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH).
Footnotes:
[1] Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad SAW) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much. The holy Quran, 33:21
[2] Whoever knows this woman knows her, and whoever does not know her, she is Fatima bint Muhammad, and she is a part of me. She is my heart and my soul, which is between my sides. Whoever harms her has harmed me, and whoever harms me has harmed God. Kashf al-Ghummah, vol.1 , p. 466-467
[3] O Fatima! Give good news, for God Almighty has chosen you On the women of the worlds and on the women of Islam, and it is the best religion. Manaqib, vol.3, p.323
[4] Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is only an Inspiration that is inspired. (The holy Quran, 53: 3,4)