On the birth anniversary of Lady Zahra (a.s.) and Women’s Week, the first virtual and international meeting of women followers of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) with the officials of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly was held on Wednesday, January 26, 2022.
In this meeting, the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly stated, “The study of the life of Lady Zahra (a.s.) is necessary in every period and era, especially at our time that we are facing different issues. Studying the teaching position of Lady Zahra (a.s.) as a teacher, and her educational status as an educator, is an important issue that can have valuable results in studying her life.”
“She played the role of an educator at home and was able to raise the best children with the least facilities. Throughout her life, Lady Zahra (a.s.) faced various troubles, problems, and issues. After her birth, she faced neighbor women’s neglect of her mother, Lady Khadija (a.s.), and as a child, she faced the problems of Muslims and the hardships of the She’b Abi Talib (Valley of Abi Talib, during Meccan infidels boycott of the Hashemites) and social and economic sanctions,” added Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, expressing the characteristics of Lady Zahra (a.s.).
“Lady Zahra (a.s.) married Imam Ali (a.s.) who was his counterpart. If God Almighty had not created Imam Ali (a.s.), there would have been no equal for Lady Zahra (a.s.). Imam Ali (a.s.) was present at the wars of early times of Islam that were imposed on the Prophet Muhamad (p.b.u.h) by infidels. Therefore, the educational role of Lady Fatima Zahra (a.s.) was very prominent,” he continued.
“Lady Zahra (AS) was the best wife and mother in the house,” the professor of higher levels of the seminary of Qom added.
“She worked to awaken the Islamic community, and she was in contact with influential elites of the society. As a true Muslim woman who was educated in the school of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h), Lady Zahra (a.s.) was the mother and wife, and as an activist she influential in the social sphere. Meetings were held to awaken and educate the community, and women came to Lady Zahra (a.s.) for questions and answers, and she even answered the questions that women asked on behalf of their husbands. As a teacher, she informed and educated the community,” he stated on the social characteristics of Lady Zahra (a.s.).
“Today, half of the world population is made up of women, girls and mothers. It is very important to pay attention to the view of the Quran in this regard. There are many Quranic verses on issues related to women. There is even a surah called An-Nisa (Women) in the Quran. Also, the names of some suras are the names of prominent female figures such as Lady Maryam (a.s.) (Mary, the mother of Jesus),” said Ayatollah Ramazani on the position of women in Islam.
“The existence of many issues in Islam about women shows the importance of women in this religion. In the Quran, some women are introduced as role models. The Quran introduces Lady Zahra (a.s.) as a great Abundance (Kawsar). Therefore, all generations must realize the importance of women. Especially in the family, the woman is an important element that can ensure the mental health of society by playing the educational role,” he continued.
“In all Quranic verses and Hadiths related to human status, there is no difference between men and women. Faith has nothing to do with gender, and its criterion is righteous deeds. According to God, ‘If a person has faith and righteous deeds, good life will come to him.’ The criterion of humanity is not to be a man or a woman. Humanity includes all those who have dignity. God says in Surah Al-Hujurat, ‘We created you from a male and a female, and the most honorable of you, is the most pious of you.’ That is, the criterion of piety is not being a woman or a man. In short, human status is shared between men and women. But some issues are contractual. For example, the fact that a woman cannot become the Imam of the congregation for a man is contractual. While perhaps the real position of the woman who prays behind the Imam of the congregation is higher than the position of the Imam of the congregation himself,” emphasized the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
“The Holy Quran recognizes the presence of women in social, educational and training fields and activities. Sometimes the role of women is even highlighted. In specialized women’s issues, it may be necessary and Wajib for some women to be expert. Also, in many other matters such as education, the role of women can be very prominent,” he said on the necessity of women’s presence in social arenas.
“In education, women can play a very active role. Also, in the cultural, social, and even economic and managerial fields, women can show their competencies. Of course, in the Islamic Republic of Iran, women have shown their capabilities. There have been successful women in positions of vice president, and they have rendered invaluable service,” added Ayatollah Ramazani.
“We hope to conduct in-depth and serious studies on different issues related to the women, and to reconsider and redefine our perspective. With the awareness, intellectual growth, and spirituality, we should no longer see neglect of women in society,” he concluded.