Sayyeda Fatima (RA)
Important question: When the key to the treasure is in hand, then why live a life of poverty?
Today is the age of show-off and accumulation of superfluous possessions. We all live in a world where our dignity and status are measured by our bank balance, expensive clothes, and home decor. In this fast-paced and materialistic world, we seek spirituality and peace, but we don't know where to find it.
In these difficult times, our eyes turn towards that great personality who was given the status of "Leader of the Women of Paradise". We are talking about Sayyed Fatima al-Zahra (RA), who was not only the daughter of the Prophet (SAW), but also a living philosophy of 'Sadgi and Kana'at' (Contentment) for the entire humanity.
What was her home like? Did she have everything she should have, given her status? In this article, we will delve deeply into every aspect of Hazrat Fatima's (RA) life, where she rejected the blessings of this world and preferred the wealth of the Hereafter. We will describe in detail the conditions inside her home, the simplicity of her clothing, and the spiritual implications of this simplicity, so that every man and woman today can apply this great lesson to their own lives.
I. Falsafa of Sadgi: Despite being the daughter of Huzoor (SAW)
Hazrat Fatima's (RA) simplicity was not a compulsion; it was a complete choice. She was the daughter of the Prophet who could turn mountains into gold if He so desired, and she was the wife of Ali (RA), whose bravery and financial ability ranked among the greatest men of his time.
But what did he choose?
When Bibi Fatima (RA) married Hazrat Ali (RA), the list of dowry that the Prophet (SAW) gave her leaves the world astonished. What was in that dowry?
1: A Leather Mattress: filled with date palm fibre.
2: A leather bag for water.
3: Do Chakkian (Two Grinding Stones): I have a lot of money, but I have to pay for it.
4: A small earthenware pot: and some other commonly used utensils.
Philosophy : This argument indicates that in the religion, marriage is based only on simplicity and respect. Had the Prophet (SAW) wished, he could have given Bibi Fatima (RA) a treasure, but he gave her the royalty of the Qanat.
II. Situation Inside the House: Things That Weren't There
Hazrat Fatima's (RA) home, which was the center of the Ahli e Bayt, did not have any luxuries like today's modern homes. Whatever was lacking became the foundation of their faith.
1. Lack of decoration and comfort in the house
Sleeping on the Ground : Often, she slept on a mat at home, and sometimes even that mat wasn't there. She slept on the ground, leaving marks on her body.
Bare-Necessary Utensils: Their home didn't have more than the bare essentials. Whatever utensils they did have were often earthenware or simple.
Decoration on the walls : There were no expensive curtains, pictures, or decorative items on the walls of their house. Their house was solely for worship and the devotion of God.
Bistār : One day a curtain or sheet came to his house. When the Prophet (SAW) returned, he removed the sheet because he was afraid that the colors of this world might distract him from Allah.
2. The need of a servant and the gift of prayer
Bibi Fatima (RA) had scars on her hands from grinding at the mill and filling water from the water bag. Hazrat Ali (RA) advised her to ask the Prophet (SAW) for a servant.
When she came to Hazrat (SAW), instead of giving her Kaneez, Hazrat (SAW) gave her the greatest golden gift of the world: Tasbeeh e Fatima.
Tohfa : SubhanAllah (33 baar), Alhamdulillah (33 baar), Allahu Akbar (34 baar).
Falsafa : Huzoor (SAW) explained that this Zikr (remembrance) is better for him than Kaneez, because it will give him strength from Allah in every work.
Result : This incident taught us that we should trust Allah's help and prayers more than human help.
III. The Golden Sign of Sadgi: Success That Money Can't Buy
The simplicity of Bibi Fatima (RA) was not just external, but it had a deep impact on her romantic life.
1. Pleasure and respect in worship
When a person has few possessions, his attention shifts from worldly matters to Allah. Bibi Fatima's (RA) all-night worship, her long prayers, and the grace in her prayers were due to this simplicity. Her heart was free from worldly concerns.
2. Effects in the upbringing of children
Sadgi also had a profound impact on the upbringing of her children (Hassan and Hussain). The children saw that their mother was happy even without worldly gifts. Therefore, they learned kindness, patience, and bravery from childhood. If Bibi Fatima's (RA) household had been financially luxurious, perhaps her children would not have possessed those humble and virtuous qualities.
3. The Ikhlaq of Friendship and Relationships
Bibi Fatima (RA) did not have money, but she had a treasure of respect and love. She cared for her neighbors and the poor, and her prayers were always for others first (first her neighbors, then her own home). This great creature is born only in a heart that is pure from the love of the world.
IV. The Tatbeeq of Simplicity in Today's Life (Application in Modern Life)
For a 21st-century woman, emulating the simplicity of Bibi Fatima (RA) may seem impossible. But simplicity doesn't mean poverty, but rather the adjustment of priorities.
1. Digital Simplicity
Unfollow Principles : Stop looking at the life and "perfect" people projected on social media. If you look at people who have too much, your gratitude will diminish. Bibi Fatima (RA) did not dwell on useless things. In today's world, true simplicity lies in staying away from useless things.
Purposeful Spending : Spend money only on things that benefit your soul (e.g. good books, education courses) and not just on things that will become obsolete after a few days.
2. Balance of clothing and appearance
Bibi Fatima (RA) always wore clean and pristine clothing, but she never felt ashamed of it. We should prioritize modesty, honor, and purity in our clothing, not brand names or high prices. Even if the clothing is expensive, modesty is essential.
3. Making the home a center of peace
Not more, but better: Instead of filling your home with unnecessary furniture, gadgets, and useless things, make it a center of peace and love. Bibi Fatima's (RA) house had few physical things, but abundant golden wealth.
Simplicity of Time: The most important thing is not to waste your time on useless gossip, shopping, or watching TV. Use your time for worship, learning, and improving relationships. This is simplicity of time.
Conclusion : The Biggest Treasure
The life of Sayyida Fatima Zahra (RA) shows us that true wealth is not what we deposit in a bank, but what resides in our hearts in the form of contentment and gratitude. She proved that you can live in the highest position in the world and still live a life of poverty.
For today's Larabi, her simplicity is a supreme challenge: Do we have the courage to embrace this divine simplicity, shunning the world? He who understands this philosophy of Bibi Fatima (RA) has achieved success in both this world and the Hereafter.
Definitely share this message with those who believe that more money or more things are necessary to be happy. Tell them that the true treasure lies hidden in the simplicity of the soul.
