Sermon of Mufakhirah
The sermon of Mufakherah from Hazrat Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH) is one of the precious Hadiths that has been narrated from the blessed words of Her Holiness, describing Her virtues, merits, and inherent dignities based on "verses of Holy Quran".
In this Hadith of Mufakherah, the
Lady of the Universe and the
Commander of the World go to
Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF), and count each of Their virtues with the phrase I/أَن َاand equivalent to each virtue of Amir al-Mo'menin (PBUH), a virtue of Hazrat Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH) is stated. In following, we will state passages from this noble and profound sermon.
Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) stated:
O dear Fatimah!
I am son of Fatimah bint Asad (PBUH), the lady of piety And Lady Fatimah (PBUH) stated:
O dear Ali! I am the daughter of Lady Khadijah al-Kubra (PBUH)
(Surah al-Ahzab, Verse 33)
Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH)—under whose maternal cloak the Ashāb al-Kisā’ were gathered during the revelation of the Verse of Purification (Ayah al-Tathir) — in this portion of blessed sermon of Mufākhirah, makes reference to Her blessed Mother, the fountainhead of Ahl al-Kisā’, Umm ul- Mu'minin Wal-Mu'mināt, Khadijah al-Kubrā (PBUH).
Lady Khadijah al-Kubra (PBUH) has been titled in the words of the Noble Qur’an and by the Noble Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HF) as "Umm ul- Mu'minin" and "Khayr Ummihāt al-Mu’minin" (the Best of the Mothers of the Believers) (1).
Also, the verse 11 of Surah al-Wāqiʿah describes Her excellence by placing Her Holiness among: “The foremost —the foremost, they are the ones brought near [to Allah].” (2)
Thus, in this passage of the blessed Sermon of Mufākhirah, Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH) refers to Her blessed mother Lady Khadijah al-Kubra (PBUH) who is the origin of the People of the Cloak, and the Mother of the Believers and the Faithful.
(1) Al-Khiṣāl (by al-Ṣadūq), Vol. 2, p. 418 (2) Tafsir al-Qummi, Vol. 2, p. 411
Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) stated:
O dear Fatimah!
I am the son of (the Mountain of) Safa
And Lady Fatimah (PBUH) stated:
O dear Ali! I am the daughter of Sidrat al-Muntaha
(Surah al-Najm, Verses 13–14)
Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH), through Her use of "Ana/ I" (which implies exclusivity and emphasis), attributes to Her Holiness the noble and unparalleled rank of being "the Daughter of Sidrat al-Muntahā."
"Sidrat al-Muntahā" refers to a station of proximity to God where the religion reaches its ultimate completion (1), and this station is uniquely associated with the Seal of the Prophets (PBUH&HF), whose existence perfected and completed the Divine religion.
Therefore, Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH), in this excerpt from the sermon introduces Her Holiness as "the Daughter of Sidrat al-Muntahā."
(1) Biṣār al-Darajāt fi Faḍā’il Āl Muḥammad (PBUTh), Vol. 1, p. 60
Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) stated:
O dear Fatimah! I am who strikes with the sword according to the revelation of the verses of the Noble Qur'an
And Lady Fatimah (PBUH) stated:
O dear Ali!
And I am the one who possesses the interpretation (Ta’wīl) of the verses of the Noble Qur'an
)Surah Āl ʿImrān, Verse 7(
Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH) in this excerpt from sermon of Mufakhirah describes Her Holiness as the possessor of the interpretation (Ta’wil) of the verses of the Noble Qur'an, which points to Her status as "Umm ul-Kitāb". (1)
In other words, the interpretation and unfolding of the verses of the Qur'an are carried out according to the will, desire, and command of Hazrat Umm ul-Kitāb, Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH).
Whatever the Mother of the Imams and the Righteous, the Proof of Allah upon the proofs (PBUH), wills —by that will, the verses of the Noble Qur’an are interpreted and brought into fulfillment.
(1) ʿAwālim al-ʿUlūm wal-Maʿārif, Vol. 11, p. 90
Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) stated:
O dear Fatimah!
I am the tree that has emerged from Mount Sinai
And Lady Fatimah (PBUH) stated:
O dear Ali!
I am the tree that brings forth its fruit at every moment
(Surah Ibrāhim, Verses 24–25)
Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH) in this excerpt from sermon of Mufakhirah introduces Her Holiness as the reality, root, and essence of the "Blessed Tree" (Shajarat al-Ṭayyibah). (1)
The Blessed Tree whose noble branches are the Holy Imams (PBUTh) from the descendants of Lady (2).
The fruit of this Blessed Tree is the knowledge of the Family of Muhammad (PBUTh) that knowledge flows from the Fāṭimi Kawthar—that is, from the abundant lineage of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH)—and through the bearers of knowledge and the Shia (PBUH), it has reached every corner of the world for all of eternity and has been made accessible to all of creation.
(1) Ta’wil al-Āyāt, p. 246 (2) Tafsir Furāt al-Kūfi, p. 220 (3) Al-Iḥtijāj (by al-Ṭabrisi), Vol. 1, p. 252 (4) Tafsir Kanz al-Daqā'iq, Vol. 7, p. 52
Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) stated:
O dear Fatimah!
I am the champion and the lion of the battlefields
And Lady Fatimah (PBUH) stated:
O dear Ali!
I am the one through whom Allah forgives sins
(Surah Al-Fath, Verse 14)
Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH) in this excerpt from sermon of Mufakhirah attributes to Her Holiness the virtue which all the sins are forgiven through Her blessed Holiness.
According to the verses of the Qur'an, for sins to be forgiven, there must first be Divine Will (Mashi'ah/ Shā') towards forgiveness (1).
Moreover, any change in the Divine Will is based upon the "Umm ul-Kitāb", which is one of the blessed titles of Lady Ṣiddiqa al-Kubra (PBUH) (2).
This means that Allah ordains by the Will of Lady Fatimah (PBUH), and thus the forgiveness of sins is realized through Her Divine Will.
(1) Surah Al-Ra'd, Verse 39 (2) Bihār al-Anwār, Vol. 5, p. 114
Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) stated:
O dear Fatimah!
I am the brave one adorned with piety
And Lady Fatimah (PBUH) stated:
O dear Ali!
And I am the intercessor whose intercession is accepted
(Surah al-Ḍuḥā, Verse 5)
Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH) in this excerpt from sermon of Mufakhirah refers to Her lofty rank of Intercession (Shafā‘ah).
According to narrations, the revelation (Tanzil) of Verse 5 of Surah al- Ḍuḥā pertains to the intercession of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH) (1).
Based on verses of the Noble Qur’an, intercession is a manifestation of the Mercy of Allah (2).
And Shafī‘ah al-Kubrā on the Day of Judgment, Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH), is the absolute embodiment of this Divine Mercy.
Thus, anyone who sincerely clings even to a thread of the cloak of this Heavenly Mother shall be enveloped by Her intercession. (3)
Tafsīr Furāt, p. 570 / Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib by Ibn Shahr Āshūb, Vol. 3, p. 120 (2) Surah Maryam, Verse 87 (3) Tafsir attributed to Imam Ḥasan Askari (PBUH), pp. 433–434
Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) stated:
O dear Fatimah!
I am the treasure of self-sufficiency
And Lady Fatimah (PBUH) stated:
O dear Ali!
And I am the most beautiful Word (of Allah)
(Surah al-Isrā’, Verse 110)
Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH) in this excerpt from sermon of Mufakhirah introduces one of Her intrinsic virtues as being “al-Kalimah al-Ḥusnā”
Knowledge of God (Ma‘rifatullāh) is attained through Beautiful Names of God (Asmā’ Allāh al-Ḥusnā) and Allah Words (Kalimātu Allah) (1), which their reality, as referenced in the Qur’anic verses, points to the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUTh) — through whom, when Allah is invoked by Their names, He responds (2).
Among These names, Hazrat Umm al-A’immah, al- Ṣiddiqah al-Kubrā (PBUH) — also known by the title “Umm al-Asmā’” (3) — is the greatest and most beautiful of Allah’s Words, through whose existence the Ma‘rifatullāh is attained (4).
(1) Al-Tawḥid (by al-Ṣadūq), p. 437 (2) Tafsir al-Qummi, Vol.
1, p. 270; Al-Burhān, Vol. 3, p. 678 (3) Biḥār al-Anwār, Vol.
43, p. 8 (4) Biḥār al-Anwār, Vol. 43, p. 105
Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) stated:
O dear Fatimah! I am the one whose knowledge is drawn upon and recorded by My Shi And Lady Fatimah (PBUH) stated:
O dear Ali!
And I am the ocean of knowledge from which My Shia draw their cups
(Surah al-Kahf, Verse 109)
Lady Fatimah al - Zahra (PBUH) in this excerpt from sermon of Mufakhirah introduces one of Her intrinsic virtues as being “ an infinite ocean of knowledge ” , from which Her Shi ‘ ah benefit.
This infinite sea of knowledge is referred to ā t in Verse 109 of Surah al - Kahf as Kalim Rabb, ” which, according to the commentary of the Ahl al - Bayt ( PBUTh ), refers to the limitless and unquantifiable knowledge of the Qur ’ an and its meanings. ( 1 )
According to narrations, the Qur ’ an was revealed within the vessel of Laylat al - Qadr ( 2 ) . Among the dignities of Lady Fatimah (PBUH) is that She is “ Laylat al - Qadr . ” ( 3 )
Therefore, had it not been for Her sacred existence, Qur ’ an would not have descended .
Therefore, Hazrat Umm al - Kit al - Zahra (PBUH) is that boundless ocean of divine knowledge, and those who cling to ā yah , in accordance with the level Her Wil of their recognition, will partake from this vast ocean of divine knowledge.
(1) Tafsir attributed to Imam al-Ḥasan al-‘Askari (PBUH), p. 11 (2) Al-Kāfi, Vol. 4, p. 158 (3) Tafsir Furāt, p. 581
Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) stated:
O dear Fatimah!
I am the reality of Mount Sinai
And Lady Fatimah (PBUH) stated:
O dear Ali!
I am the reality of the Inscribed Book
(Surah al-Ṭūr, Verses 1–3)
Lady Fatimah al - Zahra (PBUH) in this excerpt from sermon of Mufakhirah introduces one of Her intrinsic virtues as being “ al - Kit ā b al - Mas ṭū r ” — the Written Book . One of the reasons of “ al - Kit ā b al - ṭū r ” is the “ Mu ṣḥ af ” of Lady M as Fatimah al - Zahra (PBUH).
This blessed Muṣḥaf was a revelation from Allah to Lady Fatimah (PBUH) following the passing of the Prophet (PBUH&HF), sent down to console Her blessed heart. (1)
According to narrations, the knowledge of this radiant Muṣ ḥ af is exclusive to the Ahl al - Bayt ( PBUTh ), and creation is incapable of comprehending it. ( 2 )
Within it exists knowledge of all that has occurred and all that will come to pass, and everything that humanity may need.
This includes: the names and numbers of all Divine Prophets and their successors, angels, believers, those who affirmed the Divine call, and those who denied it. ( 3 )
(1) Bihār al-Anwār, Vol. 26, p. 39 (2) Al-Kāfi, Vol. 1, p. 239 (3) Al-Kāfi, Vol. 1, p. 240; Dalā’il al-Imāmah, p. 105
Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) stated:
O dear Fatimah!
I am who gave charity with His ring during prayer And Lady Fatimah (PBUH) stated:
O dear Ali!
And I am the daughter of the Master of the worlds
(Surah al-Kawthar, Verse 1)
Lady Fatimah al - Zahra (PBUH)
in this excerpt from sermon of
Mufakhirah introduces one of Her intrinsic virtues as being tied to Siy ā dah (leadership and mastery )
of Her Father over all creation .
The Siyādah of the Master of all creation, the Prophet (PBUH&HF), is continued and multiplied throughout the worlds through, Kawthar al-Rasul— Fatimah bint Muḥammad (PBUH). Thus, in this noble passage, Sayyitanu Nisā al-Ālamin (PBUH) defines the foundation of Siyādah as being rooted in Her own sacred being.
This is confirmed by the occasion of revelation of Surah al-Kawthar, which validates this truth. (1) Furthermore, Imam al-Kāẓim (PBUH) explained that one of the reasons why Lady Fatimah (PBUH) was named "Fatimah" is because Allah, by virtue of Her blessed existence, cut off the hands of others from the affair of Divine Wilayah, and He placed the inheritance of Wilayah solely within Her pure progeny, who are the masters (Sayyids) of all creation. (2)
(1) Tafsir al-Qummi, Vol. 2, p. 445 (2) ʿIlal al-Sharā’iʿ, Vol. 1, p. 178
Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) stated:
O dear Fatimah!
I am the one whose name Allah derived from His own Name for He is ‘Āli, and I am Ali And Lady Fatimah (PBUH) stated:
O dear Ali!
And I am likewise; He is Fātir, and I am Fātimah
(Surah al-Rūm, Verse 30)
Lady Fatimah al - Zahra (PBUH) in this excerpt from sermon of Mufakhirah refers to the derivation of Her blessed name from the Beautiful Divine Name "al - F āṭ ir ", indicating that the secret of Creation ( F āṭ iriyyah ) is hidden within Her sacred Being.
Allah is the Originator (Fāṭir) of all things, and all of creation has been brought into existence based upon a monotheistic nature (fiṭrah). According to the luminous teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUTh), this fiṭrah of tawḥidi means the recognition of the Imam and belief in His Wilāyah (1).
The name "Fāṭimah", which is itself among the Asmā’ Allāh al-Ḥusnā, is derived from "Fāṭir." (2) This means that the Divine Fāṭiriyyah and the encompassing Mercy of Allah reached their most complete and perfect manifestation in the sacred being of Umm al-Raḥmah, Lady Fatimah (PBUH) (3).
Thus, all creation has been imbued with maternal love by their fiṭrah, and through Lady Fāṭimah, the all-encompassing Divine Mercy (Raḥmatullāh al- Wāsi‘ah), humanity has received the monotheistic fiṭrah and recognition of Divine Wilāyah.Had this not been so, no one would have ever attained knowledge of their Creator and Sustainer (4).
(1) Al-Kāfi, Vol. 1, p. 419 (2) Biḥār al-Anwār, Vol. 26, p. 328 (3) Al-Burhān, Vol. 4, p. 52 (4) Al-Tawḥid (by al-Ṣadūq), p. 330
The Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) stated:
O dear Fatimah!
Do not speak against Ali, for He is the possessor of the conclusive proof And Lady Fatimah (PBUH) stated:
O dear Father!
I am daughter of the one upon whom Qur'an was revealed
(Surah al-Qadr, Verse 1)
Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH) in this excerpt from sermon of Mufakhirah refers to the revelation of the Noble Qur’an, and introduces Her Holiness as the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad al-Muṣṭafā (PBUH&HF)—whose blessed heart was the vessel of the Divine Word.
The instantaneous revelation (inzāl) of the Qur’an took place during Laylat al-Qadr, upon the heart of the Noble Prophet (PBUH&HF). It has been narrated that were it not for Laylat al-Qadr, the Qur’an would not have descended. (1)
According to the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUTh), Laylat al-Qadr is one of the dignities of Lady Umm al-Kitāb — Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH) (2).
Therefore, the Qur’an descended upon the heart of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HF) by virtue of the sacred existence of the Kawthar of all Worlds— Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH).
(1) Al-Kāfī, Vol. 4, p. 158 (2) Tafsīr Furāt al-Kūfī, p. 581
Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) stated:
O dear Fatimah!
I am the reality of the unrolled parchment
And Lady Fatimah (PBUH) stated:
O dear Ali!
I am the reality of Bayt al-Ma‘mūr
(Surah al-Ṭūr, Verses 1–4)
Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH) in this excerpt from sermon of Mufakhirah introduces one of Her intrinsic virtues as “Bayt al-Ma‘mūr”
According to luminous words of the Imams (PBUTh), Bayt al-Ma‘mūr is the sanctuary and place of circumambulation for the angels, located in the seventh heaven — and in some narrations, the fourth heaven — just as the Kaʿbah on earth is the sanctuary and place of circumambulation for the inhabitants of the earth. (1)
Narrations state that Bayt al-Ma‘mūr is built upon four pillars, upon which the Four Lights of the Throne descend. These pillars themselves are founded upon the Fātimi Tasbiḥ (Fātimi Glorification) (2):
Thus, the reality of that House of Divine Mercy, which stands upon the Fātimi remembrance and around which the creation of the heavens and earth find tranquility, stability, and protection, and ascend the degrees of nearness to Allah, is none other than the sacred being of Lady Fatima al-Zahra (PBUH).
(1) Al-Burhān, Vol. 1, p. 574 / Biḥār al-Anwār, Vol. 55, p. 58 (2) Man Lā Yaḥḍuruhu al-Faqīh, Vol. 2, p. 191
Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) stated:
O dear Fatimah!
I am the life of the ārifin
And Lady Fatimah (PBUH) stated:
O dear Ali!
I am the path (the ship) of salvation for the seekers
(Surah Yāsin, Verse 41)
Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH)
in this excerpt from sermon of
Mufakhirah introduces Her
Holiness as “the ship and path of salvation for the seekers.”
According to the transmitted exegeses, the term "Ship of Salvation" — in its most specific sense — refers to the Wilāyah of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUTh). (1) However, the more general term “Fulkin Mashḥūn” (laden ship), which symbolizes the manifestation and expanse of Divine Mercy, has been interpreted as the love of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH). (2) Thus, the “Dhurrīyah” referred to in the verses of the Noble Qur’an — those whom Allah has willed to remain — are saved solely through clinging to and seeking recourse in the Holy Mother, Fatima al-Zahra (PBUH). Her exalted rank as the Greatest Intercessor on the Day of Resurrection is a clear manifestation of this quality. On that Day, a divine caller will proclaim:
"O lovers of Me! Look to see whosoever loved you for the sake of love for Fatimah (PBUH) …
take their hand and enter Paradise." (3)
(1) Biḥār al-Anwār, Vol. 17, p. 243 (2) ʿAwālim al-ʿUlūm, Vol. 11, p. 106 (3) Tafsir Furāt al-Kūfi, p. 299
