Imam Ali (a) who was a source of truthfulness, wisdom, and
gnosis and the embodiment of justice and rationality. She was
also a role model for all worshippers and mystics.
People have always been - and still are - in need of and eager for such
eternal role models for mankind who went beyond time, place, and
language and played a dynamic and decisive role in history.
The Facets of her Character
The personality of Fatima Bint Asad (a) is discussed in two parts:
1. Her guardianship of the Prophet Muhammad who was titled
‘the universal reason’, the ‘guide to the paths’, the ‘Seal of the
Prophets’ and the ‘bearer of good tidings.’ It is also examined with
respect to her being a mother of a son who bore complete and absolute
devotion to God, namely Imam Ali (a). The layman fails to
understand the unseen stations and the spiritual and existential
achievements of Imam Ali (a), who called himself “a servant among
Muhammad’s servants.”2 Such a figure as Fatima Bint Asad (a) was
the mother of Imam Ali (a)3 and played the role of a mother to the
Messenger of God (s). This is a great honor, merit, and inherent
nobility of this exemplary lady, who was an excellent mother and a
woman of faith and good deed, and who was the prime example of
“Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily,
to him will We give a new Life, a life that is good and pure” (Nahl:
97).4