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When people want to get married, Islam recommends that they marry someone who is relatively equal to them in terms of religiosity, social status, maturity, and character. Lady Fatima (a), as the mistress of the women of the worlds, had no equal other than the Commander of the Faithful, Ali (a). If it weren’t for Imam Ali (a), Lady Fatima probably wouldn’t have ever married anyone. In this article on Islam4u, we will go over Lady Fatima’s description of Imam Ali (a)—a profound portrayal of his character and virtue that reveals why he was the only worthy spouse for her.
Imam Ali (a): The Worthy Spouse and Guardian of Fatima (a)
Sometimes, to describe a living and immense truth, one must seek help from a truth equal to him. The special descriptions given by Lady Fatima (a) in many of her social actions are examples of this. Lady Fatima’s description of Imam Ali (a) reflects not only her deep love and respect for him as a husband but also her recognition of his divine role as the rightful guardian and leader of the Muslim Ummah. She gave these descriptions during some of the most sensitive moments in human history—moments when her words carried spiritual, political, and social weight.
Imam Ali’s Adherence to Islamic Values
Sometimes Lady Fatima (a) affirms her father’s words by expressing the values of Imam Ali (a). The noble Prophet of Islam (s), in one of the friendly gatherings, referred to the values of Ali (a) and expressed his deep love and affection for his daughter. Lady Fatima’s description of Imam Ali (a) as a man of high principles is evident in her firm statement: “By the One who chose you, selected you (for prophethood), and guided the Ummah through you, I will always acknowledge the values of Imam Ali (a) as long as I live.”
The Factor in Salvation
Sometimes Lady Fatima (a) discusses the factors of salvation, then shows the most important path to salvation. She identified happiness and salvation in loving and befriending Ali (a). Lady Fatima’s description of Imam Ali (a) as the path to salvation is clear in her words: “Indeed, the truly fortunate, in the absolute sense of happiness, is the one who loved Ali (AS) during his life and after his death.”
Weeping Over the Oppression of Imam Ali (a)
Even in the last moments of her blessed life, Lady Fatima (a) did not cease her effort to clarify and openly introduce Imam Ali (a). Her tears were not just of grief, but of concern for the future of Islam. Lady Fatima’s description of Imam Ali (a) during her final days reflects a powerful combination of sorrow and spiritual insight.
She continued: Lady Fatimah Zahra (a) wept bitterly during her grievous final moments. Imam Ali (a) asked, “Why do you weep?” She replied, “I weep for what will befall you after me.” Imam Ali (a) consoled his longtime companion, saying: “Do not weep, for by Allah, these hardships for the sake of Allah are insignificant to me.”
Imam Ali (a) in the Fadak Sermon
Lady Fatima’s description of Imam Ali (a) in the Fadak Sermon stands as one of the clearest testimonies to his status. She referred to the role of Imam Ali (a) in establishing Islam:
“Ali (a) fought hard in the way of God and was diligent and hardworking in carrying out Allah’s commands. He was the closest person to the Messenger of God (s)… ready for benevolence, active and diligent in this path, and did not fear the reproach of the reproachers.”
She also criticized her community for failing to recognize the efforts and rights of Imam Ali (a):
“You were indulging in comfort and luxury… So now, you cannot guarantee the preservation of Islam, and its continuation is realized through the Imamate of Ali (a).”
Imam Ali’s Superiority Over Everyone After the Prophet (s)
Lady Fatima’s description of Imam Ali (a) repeatedly affirms his superiority over others. She wanted to awaken the conscience of those who ignored the divine appointment of her husband, saying:
“If you honor him and recognize him, you will find him to be my father, not the father of your women, and he is my cousin’s brother, not the brother of your men.”
She described true happiness as: “How fortunate is the one who is related to him (referring to Imam Ali (a) who was found worthy of spiritual brotherhood with the Noble Prophet (s).”
Conclusion
Lady Fatima was Imam Ali (a)’s faithful wife, who supported and defended him until her last breath. She was a model for all women of every age for her chastity, modesty, piety, and firm stance against injustice. Through Lady Fatima’s description of Imam Ali (a), we understand that her devotion to him was not only as a spouse but as a devout believer who recognized him as the true guardian and Imam after the Prophet (s). She defended Ali’s rights when he had no supporters, and her legacy remains a guiding light for all Shias who seek truth, loyalty, and spiritual clarity.
References
- Manaqib Ibn Shahr Ashub, vol. 3, p. 330, and Al-Amali, vol. 11, p. 128.
- Yanabi’ al-Mawaddah, vol. 1, p. 376.
- Amali al-Saduq, p. 153, Hadith 8, and Dharai’ al-Uqba, p. 92.
- Fadak Sermon taken from “Lessons by Ayatollah Hajj Agha Mojtaba Tehrani”