About Hazrat Fatima (as), whenever we speak of her, words cannot describe her; indeed, we do not know how to express that and what to think [in regard to Fatima (as)].
The scope of this angelic woman's behavioral dimensions, this unique soul, this quintessence of Prophethood and Wilaya is so vast and extensive that it is beyond our understanding: this astonishes us completely.
As you know, living in the same era is a factor that prevents accurate acknowledgement of great personalities. Shining stars among human societies, while living, went mostly unrecognized by others who lived during their time, except for a few of the prominent persons among prophets and pious individuals--only known to a small number of the people.
However, Hazrat Fatima (as) was such a well-known personality that, at her time, not only her father, husband, children (pbut) and her special followers were aware of her high position, but even those who didn’t have a close relationship with her admired her.
If you investigate the books written by Sunni scholars on Hazrat Fatima (as), you will see numerous hadiths attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), praising Hazrat Fatima (as); or describing the behavior of the Prophet (pbuh) towards her highness (as). Many of these hadiths were narrated by those who were close to the Prophet (pbuh), like his wives.
For instance, there is a famous hadith from Aisha which reads: “I didn’t see a person more similar to the Prophet (pbuh) than Fatima (as) who looked like him in appearance, face, brightness, behavior and manners. When Fatima (as) came to see the Prophet (pbuh), he got to his feet and advanced toward her enthusiastically.”
The Arabic expression used in this hadith implies this meaning: "When Hazrat Fatima (as) entered the room, the Prophet did not only stand up [as a sign of respect], he stood and walked towards her." In some hadiths from the same narrator [Aisha] we read: “He kissed Hazrat Fatima (as), took her hand, and invited her to sit in his place.” This reveals the high status of Hazrat Fatima (as).
What more can be said about this lady? What can be said about this magnificent person?
November 24, 1994
Statements in a meeting with a group of panegyrists
