FATIMA'S
DOWRY
Although Fatima's dowry was
modest, because of the Messenger's wish to set an example for the
Muslims and for other implicit reasons, Fatima Zahra (A) did not ignore
her greatness and exalted identity to obtain a fantastic gift for her
wedding. Fatima's drive for excellence and perfection motivated her to
ask for the right of intercedence-if Allah willed-for the sinners among
the Muslims.
Ahmad Ibn Yusuf Ad-Dimashqi in
his book Akhbar al-Doual Wa Ath-tha al-Uwal reported the following:
"It was narrated that when she (Fatima)
learnt about her marriage and that her dowry was a small number of
dirhams, she said:
`O Messenger of Allah, lay girls take money
for dowries; what is the difference between me and them (if my dowry was
to be money too)? I kindly ask you to give it back and supplicate to
Allah, the Exalted, to make my dowry the right to intercede for the
sinners among Muslims (on the Day of Rising).' It was then that Gabriel
descended with a label on which the following statement was written:
'Allah ordained Fatima Zahra's dowry to be
intercedence for the sinners among Muslims.'
When Fatima (A) was on her
deathbed, she asked that the label be put on her chest under the coffin.
Thus, it was done so. Fatima said:
"When I am raised on the Day of
Resurrection, I will present this label with my hand to intercede for
the sinners from among my Father's nation."
It is apparent that the
narration mentioned above illustrates the greatness, honor, and
excellence Lady Fatima enjoyed. The Messenger's supplication was
answered, so Fatima will present the label on the day when it is most
needed. Nasfi said:
"Fatima (may Allah be pleased with her)
asked the Prophet (S)
that her dowry would be intercedence for his nation on the day of
Resurrection. So when she passes the path, she will ask for her dowry."
It is worthy to mention that
many narrations have been reported on the account of Ahlul-Bayt (A) to
the effect that intercedence is part of Fatima Zahra's dowry. |