Hawzah News Agency- a series of sessions on "Fatima (PBUH) Studies" is being held by the Jafariya School in Taragarh, India. At the session, Hojatoleslam Sayyid Naqi Mehdi Zaidi, the Friday prayer leader of Taragarh, India, explained the secrets of the blessed names of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH) and elaborated on ten narrational aspects of her naming, stressing that true knowledge of her personality is not limited to awareness of her names and virtues, but requires a deep understanding of her existential reality, perfections and spiritual ranks.
Divine Selection of Names for God's Chosen Ones
Addressing the topic "The Blessed Names of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH) and Their Secrets," he elaborated on the place of naming in religious culture and examined the secrets of her names.
The Friday prayer leader of Taragarh, India, noting that the naming of certain of God's chosen ones was carried out by the direct will and decree of the Almighty, stated that in some cases the names of divine personalities were determined and announced by God years before their birth.
In this regard, he cited verse 7 of Surah Maryam, in which the Almighty, in giving glad tidings of the birth of Hazrat Yahya (PBUH) to Hazrat Zakariya (PBUH), says: "O Zakariya, indeed We give you good tidings of a boy whose name will be Yahya — We have not assigned this name to anyone before." God in this verse announces the name of Hazrat Yahya (PBUH) before his birth. The name of Hazrat Maryam (PBUH) was also determined by divine will and was mentioned in the angels' glad tidings to the family of Imran.
Islam's Emphasis on Choosing Good Names for Children
The seminary professor further, referring to Islamic narrations on the importance of naming children, said that in the teachings of the Ahlulbayt (PBUT) great emphasis has been placed on choosing good names for children.
Quoting a saying from Amir al-Mu'minin Ali (PBUH), he stated: "Name your children before they are born."
The religious scholar added that narrations even emphasize naming children who pass away before birth. Imam Jafar Sadiq (PBUH) also said regarding naming children that a newborn should be named Muhammad, and on the seventh day, if one wishes, the name may be changed, and otherwise the same name should be kept.
Hojatoleslam Naqi Mehdi Zaidi also, referring to a saying from Amir al-Mu'minin (PBUH) about the rights of children upon parents, stated that among the rights of a child is that the parents choose a good name for him, teach him proper manners and ethics, and teach him the Holy Quran.
Two Paths to Knowing the Personality of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH)
In another part of his remarks, he elaborated on two fundamental paths for knowing the personality of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH) and said that the first way is a general knowledge of her through examining her blessed names, lineage and outstanding characteristics. This knowledge provides the ground for awareness of the greatness, sanctity and elevated status of Hazrat Zahra (PBUH).
Citing a narration from Imam Jafar Sadiq (PBUH) about her station, he referred to the title "Siddiqa Kubra" and added that the narration states: "And upon knowledge of her the first centuries revolved." This expression indicates the special place of knowledge of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH) in the system of divine knowledge. Knowledge of her station and dignity guides a person to venerate and respect her, for respecting Hazrat Fatima (PBUH) is respecting the Messenger of God (PBUH), and loving her is loving the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
The religious expert considered the second path to be knowledge of the existential reality of Hazrat Zahra (PBUH), her perfections, virtues and spiritual ranks, and stated that this level of knowledge is beyond outward and general knowledge, and attaining the reality of her station is very difficult for ordinary people. Only the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and Amir al-Mu'minin Ali (PBUH) possess the capacity and rank to attain the depth of this reality.
He added that the virtues and perfections of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH) are countless, and the higher the station and spiritual rank of a personality, the more difficult it is to know his or her existential reality.
Nine Blessed Names of Hazrat Zahra (PBUH) in Narrations
Hojatoleslam Naqi Mehdi Zaidi further, citing a narration from Imam Jafar Sadiq (PBUH), referred to nine blessed names of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH) before the Almighty and said these names are: Fatima, Siddiqa, Mubaraka, Tahira, Zakiyya, Radhiyya, Mardhiyya, Muhaddatha and Zahra.
He stressed that each of these names expresses a dimension of the greatness, purity, virtue and spiritual station of that great lady of Islam.
Ten Aspects and Secrets of the Naming of Hazrat Fatima (PBUH)
The seminary professor in the main part of his lesson, relying on narrations of the Ahlulbayt (PBUT), explained ten aspects and secrets for the naming of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH):
- Separation from Evil and Impurities
According to a narration from Imam Jafar Sadiq (PBUH), the word "Fatima" means one who is separated and kept away from evil and wrongdoing. The same narration continues that were it not for Amir al-Mu'minin Ali (PBUH), there would be no equal for Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH).
- Derivation of the Name Fatima from One of God's Names
The Messenger of God (PBUH) in a narration addressed Hazrat Zahra (PBUH) saying: "God has derived for you, O Fatima, a name from His names." In this narration, reference is made to the connection between the name "Fatima" and the name "Fatir."
- Immunity of Hazrat Zahra (PBUH) and Her Followers from the Fire of Hell
In a narration from the Holy Prophet (PBUH), it is stated that Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH) and her Shia are protected and kept away from the fire of hell.
- Keeping Those Who Love Hazrat Zahra (PBUH) Away from the Fire of Hell
According to another narration, the Almighty has kept those who love Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH) away from the fire of hell.
- Salvation of Hazrat Zahra (PBUH) and Her Lovers from Divine Punishment
In a narration transmitted from Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari, emphasis is placed on the salvation of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH) and her lovers from the fire of hell.
- Purity from Ignorance and Physical Impurities
Imam Muhammad Baqir (PBUH) in explaining the meaning of the name Fatima (PBUH) said that the Almighty separated her from ignorance through knowledge and learning, and made her pure and free from menstruation.
- The Connection of Knowledge of Hazrat Zahra (PBUH) with the Reality of the Night of Qadr
Hojatoleslam Naqi Mehdi Zaidi, referring to a narration from Imam Jafar Sadiq (PBUH) in the interpretation of Surah al-Qadr, stated that in this narration "Layla" is interpreted as Hazrat Fatima (PBUH) and "Qadr" as the Almighty.
According to this narration, whoever attains true knowledge of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH) has in reality comprehended the Night of Qadr. Also, the reason for her being named "Fatima" is said to be that creatures are incapable of fully knowing her reality and station.
- Separation of Hazrat Zahra (PBUH) and Her Shia from the Fire of Hell
In another narration transmitted by Ibn Abbas from the Messenger of God (PBUH) and addressed to Muawiyah, emphasis is placed on the immunity of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH) and her Shia from the fire of hell.
- Intercession of Hazrat Zahra (PBUH) on the Day of Resurrection
According to a narration from Imam Muhammad Baqir (PBUH), Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH) on the Day of Resurrection will be positioned beside the gate of hell and will intercede for her lovers and followers. The Almighty will accept her intercession and issue the command for her lovers to enter paradise.
- Detachment from the World and Material Attachments
According to another narration, one of the aspects of naming Hazrat Zahra (PBUH) as "Fatima" is that she was detached and cut off from the world, its fleeting pleasures and material and carnal desires.
Hojatoleslam Naqi Mehdi Zaidi in conclusion, summarizing the verses of the Holy Quran and narrations of the Ahlulbayt (PBUT), emphasized the importance of knowing the blessed names of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH) and paying attention to the meanings and secrets hidden within them.
He considered the explanation of these names and virtues a step on the path to deeper knowledge of the personality of that great lady of Islam, and reminded that knowledge of Hazrat Zahra (PBUH) is not limited to knowing her names and outward virtues, but requires reflection on her existential reality, perfections and unique station in the system of Islamic knowledge.
Fatima Studies Sessions in India
The sessions on Fatima (PBUH) Studies at the Jafariya School in Taragarh, India, reflect the universal reach of the school of Ahlulbayt (PBUT) and the enduring devotion of Muslims worldwide to Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH). Scholars note that the blessed names of the Lady of the Two Worlds are not merely titles but encapsulate profound divine truths, and that reflecting on them serves as a gateway to understanding her unparalleled station in Islam. The lectures underscore the timeless relevance of her legacy and the importance of transmitting her knowledge and virtues to new generations of believers.
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