Hawzah News Agency- Speaking in an interview, Farzaneh Hakimzadeh, seminary professor and director of the History Department at Jamiat Al-Zahra Seminary (PBUH), said the sermon serves as “a condensed course in monotheism, prophethood, imamate, and the philosophy and effects of each of these pillars,” presented with exceptional eloquence. She stressed that the sermon addresses both religious foundations and the sociopolitical conditions of its time, completing the argument for those seeking truth.
Usurpation of Fadak: A Strategy to Undermine Imam Ali’s Economic Base
Hakimzadeh explained that the sermon was delivered shortly after the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) and the controversial Saqifa gathering. At a time when some pledged allegiance under the influence of political pressure and others under threat, the senior companions of the Prophet refused to pledge allegiance and instead stood by Imam Ali (pbuh).
She noted that following the Prophet’s passing on a Monday, communal prayers over his blessed body continued until Tuesday evening. By Wednesday noon, when Imam Ali (pbuh) led his first congregational prayer in the mosque, those who had gathered at Saqifa approached him demanding allegiance. The Imam reminded them of their pledge at Ghadir Khumm and rejected their claim as contrary to the Prophet’s instructions.
The seminary scholar said supporters of Saqifa recognized Imam Ali (pbuh) and the major companions would not pledge allegiance without establishing their authority, so they sought ways to weaken him. One of these measures, she said, was the seizure of Fadak—his economic support. Only ten days after the Prophet’s passing, Hazrat Zahra (pbuh), the rightful owner of Fadak, received news that its administrators had been expelled and the property confiscated.
Hazrat Zahra’s Role in Exposing the Truth
Hakimzadeh said the usurpation of Fadak was the second major deviation after Saqifa. In response, Hazrat Zahra (pbuh) took upon herself the responsibility of defending her right and enlightening the public. Imam Ali (pbuh), she added, avoided military confrontation for the greater good of the Muslim community, and instead both undertook cultural and explanatory efforts. Without this enlightenment, she said, “the truth may have remained hidden until today” regarding the rightful succession of the Prophet and the ownership of Fadak.
Referencing the Prophet’s constant emphasis on the status of Hazrat Zahra (pbuh) and Imam Ali (pbuh), Hakimzadeh highlighted a key passage from the sermon: “Make our guardianship the system of your religion.” She explained that religious order and unity can only be maintained under the leadership of the Ahlul Bayt (pbut). With the rejection of this guardianship, division and discord quickly overtook the Muslim community, leading to the martyrdoms of the Imams and the emergence of multiple sects, eroding the strength established during the Prophet’s lifetime.
Modern Challenges Rooted in Early Divisions
Hakimzadeh stressed that many contemporary crises in the Islamic world stem from the same early divisions. She urged women, especially seminary students, to follow the example of Hazrat Zahra (pbuh) in seeking clarity and promoting correct understanding even in difficult circumstances.
She emphasized that Hazrat Zahra (pbuh), through rigorous intellectual and narrational arguments, repeatedly reminded society of the rightful status of the Prophet, the role of imamate, and the virtues of Imam Ali (pbuh), proving that Saqifa represented a deviation from truth.
Hakimzadeh added that members of Saqifa had prepared their plans to sideline Imam Ali (pbuh) even before the Prophet’s passing. Imam Ali (pbuh), she noted, refused to threaten or use illegitimate means to secure leadership, acting instead with integrity and responsibility.
A Model of Clarification and Unity
The seminary professor underlined the unique role of Hazrat Zahra (pbuh) as the divine proof whose clarifying stance after Saqifa could not have been fulfilled by any other figure—not even the most loyal companions—due to the sensitive need to preserve unity. Her approach, she said, adhered to all religious principles and contextual considerations, ensuring its enduring legitimacy.
Hakimzadeh concluded by stressing that unity and cohesion are essential components of Islamic dignity. She said that while defending truth and providing clarity are necessary, they must be pursued in ways that do not deepen divisions within the community.
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