Hawzah News Agency- Speaking on the television program "Aftab-e Sharghi" on Sunday, Hojatoleslam Mousavi stressed the need to understand the practical and earthly dimensions of Hazrat Fatima's life. "An examination of her family life alongside Amir al-Mu'minin Ali (AS) shows that her spiritual stations and special position are not limited to her unique, inherent characteristics; her behavior and way of life can also serve as a model for others," he said.
He noted that when describing the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) and their lofty stations, the impression is sometimes given that such positions are out of reach. "Yet part of this spiritual station is the result of behaviors that others, too, can emulate," he said.
Hojatoleslam Mousavi asked why Hazrat Zahra (SA) attained such an unparalleled station, saying part of the answer lies in her conduct, piety, self-restraint, chastity, and companionship with Imam Ali (AS). "Imam Ali (AS) himself invites others to the path of piety and God-wariness; therefore, Hazrat Zahra's life, alongside all her spiritual stations, has practical and emulable dimensions," he said.
Patience in Economic Hardship
Referring to the difficult economic conditions of Hazrat Zahra's married life with Imam Ali (AS), Hojatoleslam Mousavi said a narration recounts that the family went three days without food. "The important point is that even in such conditions, they preserved their self-respect and did not speak of their hardship to others," he said.
He continued: "In those conditions, Amir al-Mu'minin (AS) would seek to borrow even a single dinar to meet the family's needs, yet no one in Medina knew of their situation to bring them food. The family's self-respect did not allow them to express their hardships to others."
Hojatoleslam Mousavi noted that before his marriage, Imam Ali (AS) had devoted much of his time and energy to jihad and supporting the Prophet (PBUH). After the marriage, despite his efforts to provide for the family, Medina's economy was largely based on agriculture, and its limited farmland was mostly in the hands of Jews. Imam Ali (AS) was therefore forced to work on their land and earned little.
"Alongside bearing these hardships, Hazrat Zahra (SA) was always grateful to God and had a special spirit in worship. Her patience and companionship in difficult conditions is one of the important dimensions of her personality that must be considered," Hojatoleslam Mousavi said.
The Best Helper in Obeying God
Citing a narration in which Imam Ali (AS) was asked to describe Hazrat Zahra (SA), Hojatoleslam Mousavi said one of the notable expressions attributed to him is "What an excellent helper on the path of obeying God."
"This expression shows that one of Hazrat Zahra's distinguished characteristics was her companionship and support for Amir al-Mu'minin (AS) on the path of servitude and divine obedience," Hojatoleslam Mousavi said. "This companionship was not limited to individual acts of worship and prayer; rather, Imam Ali's true worship was also manifested in standing alongside the Prophet (PBUH), sacrificing his wealth and energy for Islam, giving charity, and risking his reputation and social standing to defend the faith."
He continued: "Sometimes life's conditions may bring financial hardship to a family, yet Amir al-Mu'minin (AS) would still act to help others and fulfill his religious responsibilities. In such conditions, Hazrat Zahra (SA) not only did not hinder his movement on the path of obeying God but, through her patience and companionship, was a firm support for him."
Hojatoleslam Mousavi said the hardships of the Prophet's path and the defense of Islam also affected Imam Ali's family life. "Through all these difficulties, Hazrat Zahra (SA) stood by Amir al-Mu'minin (AS) like a mountain so that he could steadfastly continue his duty on God's path. Hence the expression 'Ni'mal-'Awnu 'ala Ta'atillah' is a profound description of her role in Imam Ali's life," he said.
He added that Imam Ali's steadfastness alongside the Prophet (PBUH) during the sensitive early period of Islam played a decisive role. Many opponents of the Prophet, due to past defeats and confrontations, harbored special enmity toward Imam Ali (AS), making conditions difficult for him. "In such an atmosphere, Hazrat Zahra (SA) was his support and companion," Hojatoleslam Mousavi said.
Her Central Place in the Ahl al-Bayt
Referring to Hazrat Zahra's place in the Ahl al-Bayt's system of affection, Hojatoleslam Mousavi noted that in the well-known Salawat — "Allahumma salli 'ala Fatima wa abiha wa ba'liha wa baniha" — Hazrat Zahra's name comes first, followed by blessings upon the Prophet (PBUH), Imam Ali (AS), and her children. "This expression draws our attention to her central place in this family and her role in connecting and accompanying its members," he said.
Citing the title "Umm Abiha" (Mother of Her Father) for Hazrat Fatima, Hojatoleslam Mousavi said that just as she was the best helper for Imam Ali (AS) in obeying God, she also played a special role full of compassion and support in the Prophet's life. "As a wife, Hazrat Zahra (SA) bore part of the responsibility of managing the home and part of the duty of supporting and strengthening Amir al-Mu'minin's spirit. When difficulties from outside the home affected their life, her presence and companionship gave Imam Ali (AS) strength and peace," he said.
Hojatoleslam Mousavi noted that Hazrat Zahra's role was not limited to accompanying her husband and managing the household; she also raised children to whom all Muslims are indebted until the end of history. "This family and this household became the source of training personalities in whom the Islamic world has always taken pride. Therefore, Hazrat Zahra's role cannot be summed up merely in the framework of being a wife; raising distinguished children and providing the ground for their growth on the path of God's servitude is an important part of her station," he said.
From Childhood in the Valley of Abu Talib to Supporting the Prophet
Referring to the hardships Hazrat Zahra (SA) experienced from childhood, Hojatoleslam Mousavi said that according to some accounts, if we accept her age at marriage as 18, she was about 10 years old when her mother, Hazrat Khadija (SA), passed away. Before that, she had experienced great hardships and hunger during the boycott in the valley of Abu Talib.
"During the boycott of the valley of Abu Talib, the Prophet's family, despite their earlier resources and wealth, were placed in very difficult conditions. The severity of hunger and illness was such that Hazrat Khadija (SA) and Abu Talib (AS), two important supporters of the Prophet (PBUH), passed away shortly after the boycott ended," he said.
Hojatoleslam Mousavi continued: "With the passing of Hazrat Khadija (SA), the Prophet (PBUH) lost one of his most important supports at home. In these conditions, Hazrat Zahra (SA), still a young girl, took on a special role in caring for and comforting her father. Mothering the Prophet (PBUH) was not limited to usual care and providing food; through her faith and love, she gave her father peace and strength."
Referring to the plot by polytheists to assassinate the Prophet (PBUH), Hojatoleslam Mousavi said historical accounts indicate that in the final days before the migration, Hazrat Zahra (SA) learned of the enemies' plot to kill the Prophet and returned home anxious and weeping. The Prophet (PBUH) noticed her distress and comforted and calmed his daughter. Despite her anxiety and the difficult conditions, Hazrat Zahra (SA) continued to stand by her father.
In conclusion, Hojatoleslam Mousavi stressed that what stands out in Hazrat Zahra's life is her special faith in God, patience in the face of hardships, preservation of self-respect, companionship with Imam Ali (AS), and emotional and spiritual support for the Prophet (PBUH). "These characteristics show that attaining lofty spiritual ranks, alongside divine grace, is also connected to a person's daily behavior and choices, and her life can serve as a practical model for families and all those who walk the path of obeying God," he said.
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