The Eternal Speech

Fatima Al-Zahra exhausted all avenues in pursuing her claim to Fadak, but her pleas fell on deaf ears. For this reason, and on the grounds of proving that she has been oppressed by those who professed righteousness under false pretences of faith and piety, Fatima went to her father’s Mosque and delivered eloquent words which left the assembly speechless.

She chose to proceed to the Mosque at a time when it was crammed with people, in order that her words reach the ears of all the people, who were somewhat accessories after the fact due to their silent approval of the events that occurred after the Prophet’s death.

She addressed the assembly in a speech that was both harmonious and systematic. It was an impeccable speech in that it contained no minced words, and was free of equivocation, distortion and slander.

Fatima used the occasion to firstly acquaint the people with Allah, the Most Exalted, and to disclose the merits of the Islamic religion and to clarify the cause and effect of the Islamic Laws. With this introduction she succeeded in securing the full attention of the assembly and created an appropriate atmosphere in which she could deliver her final statement which contained the underlying intentions and reasons that forced her to leave her house and proceed to the Mosque.

And the reasons which warranted her leaving her house were, of course, the misappropriation by the caliph of Fadak which was legally hers, and his illegitimate occupation of the caliphate!!

Fatima began her speech by firstly praising Allah. She said; PRAISE BE TO ALLAH FOR THAT WHICH HE BESTOWED (UPON US);

She praised the Lord for that which He granted in the form of life, health and wealth etc...

AND THANKS BE TO HIM FOR ALL THAT WHICH HE INSPIRED;

knowledge, instinct etc...

AND COMMENDED IS HIS NAME FOR THAT WHICH HE PROVIDED FROM PREVALENT FAVOURS WHICH HE CREATED;

Favours in the form of water, land, fire, gravity and oxygen, plus his orderly design of this world. The Al-Mighty’s universe is so well-coordinated that, for example, the earth is at a distance from the sun that allows us neither to burn nor freeze. The Earth is slanted at an angle which gives us our seasons and the crust of the Earth is just the right thickness, allowing oxygen and carbon dioxide to be maintained.

AND ABUNDANT BENEFACTIONS WHICH HE OFFERED AND PERFECT GRANTS WHICH HE PRESENTED;

organs, limbs, mental faculties, etc..

(SUCH BENEFACTIONS) THAT THEIR NUMBER IS MUCH TOO PLENTIFUL TO

COMPUTE; BOUNTIES TOO VAST TO MEASURE; THEIR LIMIT WAS TOO DISTANT TO REALISE, HE RECOMMENDED TO THEM (HIS CREATURES) TO GAIN MORE (OF HIS GRANTS) BY BEING GRATEFUL FOR THEIR CONTINUITY; HE ORDAINED HIMSELF PRAISEWORTHY BY GIVING GENEROUSLY TO HIS CREATURES; I BEAR WITNESS THAT THERE IS NO GOD BUT ALLAH WHO IS ONE WITHOUT PARTNER, A STATEMENT WHICH SINCERE DEVOTION IS MADE TO BE IT’S INTERPRETATION; HEARTS

GUARANTEE ITS CONTINUATION;

The real interpretation behind the true meaning and the logic of the oneness of Allah can be found deep within our hearts. It is known as the innerway to God, which re-emerges mostly when people find themselves in difficulty as was portrayed by Imam Al-Sadiq when he talked to an atheist seaman. The Imam asked “Have you ever been caught in a

fierce storm in the middle of nowhere, your rudder gone, your sails torn away, trying desperately to keep your boat afloat?. The seaman replied, “Yes”. The Imam then asked “And sometimes perhaps even that leaking boat went down leaving you exhausted and helpless on the mercy of the raging waves”. He again said “Yes”. The Imam then said, “Was not there, in all that despair, a glimmer of hope in your heart that some unnamed and unknown power could still save you?”. When the atheist seaman agreed, the Imam said, “That power is God”.

AND ILLUMINATED IN THE MINDS IS ITS SENSIBILITY;

If one observes and ponders a while over God’s creation of the universe and that which is contained in it, he will surely find a logical and illuminating answer to the statement ‘There is no God but Allah’.

HE WHO CANNOT BE PERCEIVED WITH VISION; NEITHER BE DESCRIBED WITH TONGUES; NOR CAN IMAGINATION SURROUND HIS STATE;

Allah has no form, shape or colour, therefore, He cannot be seen, and one cannot surely describe or envisage in his mind that which he does not see.

HE ORDAINED THINGS BUT NOT FROM ANYTHING THAT EXISTED BEFORE THEM, AND CREATED THEM WITHOUT EXAMPLES TO FOLLOW;

The materialists’ theory is that creation originates from matter. If we ask where did this matter originate from, and who created it?, they would probably say prior matter. But where did this matter come from?. A never-ending argument that can only lead to the more logical belief that every creation is in need of a creator. Allah created this

universe through Omnipotent powers and followed no example. No-one in this age of technology has even come close to creating anything that resembles Allah’s creation, whereas man, for example, in his endeavour to fly followed and observed the bird, and this observation enabled him to invent and perfect the aeroplane.

RATHER, HE CREATED THEM WITH HIS MIGHT AND DISPERSED THEM ACCORDING TO HIS WILL; NOT FOR A NEED DID HE CREATE THEM; NOR FOR A BENEFIT (FO HIM) DID HE SHAPE THEM, BUT TO ESTABLISH HIS WISDOM, BRING ATTENTION TO HIS OBEDIENCE, MANIFEST HIS MIGHT, LEAD HIS CREATURES TO HUMBLY VENERATE HIM, AND TO EXALT HIS DECREES;

Every creation is a living sign of the might of Allah. Observing these signs closely will naturally bring us to worship, venerate and glorify Him even more.

HE THEN MADE THE REWARD FOR HIS OBEDIENCE, SO AS TO PROTECT HIS

CREATURES FROM HIS WRATH AND AMASS THEM INTO PARADISE;

Man’s nature is that he likes to be encouraged with rewards, and Allah encourages His subjects to worship him sincerely in order that they avoid his wrath and attain paradise which is promised for the faithful.

I BEAR WITNESS THAT MY FATHER, MUHAMMAD, IS HIS SLAVE AND MESSENGER;

Fatima had finished acquainting the people with Al-tawheed and began with the next point on her agenda which was Prophethood.

WHOM HE CHOSE PRIOR TO SENDING HIM, NAMED HIM BEFORE SELECTING HIM, AND SELECTED HIM BEFORE SENDING HIM, WHEN CREATURES WERE STILL CONCEALED IN THAT WHICH WAS TRANSCENDENTAL, GUARDED FROM THAT WHICH WAS APPALLING, AND ASSOCIATED WITH THE TERMINATION AND NON-EXISTENCE. FOR ALLAH THE EXALTED KNEW THAT WHICH WAS TO FOLLOW, COMPREHENDED THAT WHICH WILL COME TO PASS, AND REALISED THE PLACE OF

EVERY EVENT;

Fatima confirms that her father, Prophet Mohammad, was chosen and named by Allah before he was born and sent as a Messenger. Allah, In His knowledge which is beyond comprehension, knew the consequence of affairs of his creations, so for this reason He selected Mohammad, who was the possessor of exemplary standards and benign

characteristics.

ALLAH HAS SENT HIM (MOHAMMAD) AS PERFECTION FOR HIS COMMANDS, A RESOLUTION TO ACCOMPLISH HIS RULE, AND AN IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECREES OF HIS MERCY;

Prophet Mohammad was sent to implement and perfect the commands of Allah, in order that all submit to the worship of the One and Only God, which is the sole purpose behind creation, as Allah says in the Quran “I have only created Jinns and humans, that they may worship me”.

SO HE FOUND THE NATIONS VARIED IN THEIR FAITHS, OBSESSED BY THEIR FIRES; WORSHIPPING THEIR IDOLS, AND DENYING ALLAH DESPITE THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF HIM;

Fatima Al-Zahra talks here about the state of ignorance that was prevalent before Prophet Mohammad was sent as a messenger. The people were of many faiths, such as, Jews, Christians, Magis, renegades and atheists, who were either engaged in worshipping fires or Gods of wood and stone, or they were persons who knew of the existence of Allah, but still chose to deny and ignore this fact.

THEREFORE, ALLAH ILLUMINATED THEIR DARKNESS WITH MY FATHER,

MOHAMMAD, AND UNCOVERED OBSCURITY FROM THEIR HEARTS, AND CLEARED THE CLOUDS FROM THEIR INSIGHTS. HE REVEALED GUIDANCE AMONG THE PEOPLE; SO HE DELIVERED THEM FROM BEING LED ASTRAY, LED THEM AWAFROM MISGUIDANCE, GUIDED THEM TO THE PROPER RELIGION,AND CALLED THEM TO THE STRAIGHT PATH;

The legacy Prophet Mohammad left behind, and the message he preached and the standards he set enlightened their hearts and minds and ensured for them a prosperous future as long as they remained steadfast on the righteous path. The Prophet may not have eradicated all the false faiths, but the clear evidence and proof he provided were all

testimony to the fact that Islam was the only equitable religion.

ALLAH THEN CHOSE TO RECALL HIM BACK IN MERCY, LOVE AND PREFERENCE. SO, MOHAMMAD IS IN COMFORT FROM THE BURDEN OF THIS WORLD, HE IS SURROUNDED WITH DEVOTED ANGELS, THE SATISFACTION OF THE MERCIFUL LORD, AND THE NEARNESS OF THE POWERFUL KING, SO MAY THE PRAISE OF ALLAH BE UPON MY FATHER, HIS PROPHET, THE TRUSTED AND CHOSEN ONE FROM AMONG HIS CREATIONS, AND HIS SINCERE FRIEND, AND MAY PEACE AND BLESSINGS OF ALLAH BE UPON HIM;

Prophet Mohammad was now free from the stresses of this world, and all the hardships that he had encountered in it and was living a more serene life surrounded by Angels in nearness of the Merciful Lord in the seventh heaven.

Fatima now directed her address to the crowd. She said:

SURELY YOU ARE ALLAH’S SLAVES AT HIS COMMAND AND PROHIBITION; YOU ARE THE BEARERS OF HIS RELIGION AND REVELATION; YOU ARE ALLAH’S TRUSTED ONES WITH YOURSELVES AND HIS MESSENGERS TO THE NATION;

Fatima was now finished with the Prophethood of her father and it’s legacy and addressed the people because they were present when the commands and prohibitions were instituted by the Prophet and were thus made responsible for conveying the message furthermore to those who had not learnt it offhand from the Prophet, and to the up and coming generation. They are responsible for conveying it free from any contortion or distortion, and if their work is efficient, they will be rewarded, but if they are corrupt, they will be held responsible for every misguidance and deviation that occurs in the religion.

AMONG YOU DOES HE HAVE RIGHTEOUS AUTHORITY, A COVENANT HE BROUGHT UNTO YOU, AND AN HEIR HE LEFT TO GUARD YOU; THAT IS THE ELOQUENT BOOK OF ALLAH, THE TRUTHFUL QURAN, THE BRILLIANT LIGHT, THE SHINING BEAM; IT’S INSIGHTS ARE INDISPUTABLE; IT’S SECRETS ARE REVEALED; IT’S INDICATIONS ARE MANIFEST, AND ITS FOLLOWERS ARE BLESSED BY IT (THE QURAN) WHICH LEADS IT’S ADHERENTS TO GOODWILL, AND HEARING IT LEADS TO SALVATION, WITH IT ARE THE BRIGHT DIVINE AUTHORITIES ACHIEVED, HIS MANIFEST EVIDENCE RECOGNISED; HIS SATISFYING PROOF MADE APPARENT, HIS PERMISSION GRANTED, AND HIS LAWS WRITTEN. SO ALLAH MADE BELIEF TO BE A PURIFICATION FOR YOU FROM POLYTHEISM;

Fatima is talking about one of the two weighty things which the Prophet left behind. She is talking about the Quran, and that clear evidence about the Oneness of Allah, Prophethood, Imamate and Day of Resurrection, can be found in its verses by those who are familiar with the Quran. Some of these verses are straightforward in their meaning, easily understood by the majority, whereas there are verses which are ambiguous and are only understood by the learned minority, The Ahlul-Bait, whose knowledge is bestowed by Allah. She states that the Quran is manifest with recommendations, prohibitions and other written laws which if adhered to, are the source of purification and salvation.

HE MADE PRAYER--AN EXALTATION FOR YOU FROM DECEIT;

Fatima now begins to clarify the Islamic tenets. She begins with prayers which is the pillar of religion, and that it was prescribed to rid the self of conceit and false pride, for one who is engaged in prayers, bowing and prostrating, is usually more often than not in a state of humbleness before the creator.

ALMS--A PURIFICATION OF THE SOUL AND A (CAUSE OF) GROWTH IN SUBSISTENCE;

The paying of alms is a means for purifying the soul, because it wakes the conscience to the needs of others, as stated in the Holy Quran “Take alms out of their wealth, so that thou might cleanse and purify them”.

FASTING--AN IMPLANTATION OF DEVOTION;

Fasting consolidates ones devotion because, whereas one might pray for show, he cannot, or is not, prepared to endure abstinence from his desires for sake of exhibition.

PILGRIMAGE--A CONSTRUCTION OF RELIGION;

Hajj is a construction of religion because the gathering of Muslims of many nations together in one place reveal the different lifestyles and situations of other Muslims, and it is a cause for the bonding of new friendships.

JUSTICE-- A HARMONY OF THE HEARTS;

Justice is likened to a rosary which is systematically arranged. Should this rosary’s cord break the beads will scatter and separate, likewise should justice be wayward or cease to exist, the hearts of the people will separate causing dissension in the family unit, friendships and society in general.

OBEY US (AHLUL-BAIT)--MANAGEMENT OF THE NATION. OUR LEADERSHIP (AHLUL BAIT)--SAFEGUARD FROM DISUNITY;

The management of any organisation requires knowledgeable and efficient leadership. The only qualified leadership for the Muslim nation is the Ahlul Bait, because Allah bestowed them with the knowledge and qualifications required to keep the people on the righteous path away from anything and everything that would harm or corrupt them. We are obliged to obey the laws of the Quran and likewise obedience should be granted to the Ahlul-Bait because they are the only ones able to materialise the Quranic laws in the best practical form. The Quran is Allah’s written laws and the Ahlul-Bait are the spoken Quran. They are inseparable, as stated by the Prophet “I am leaving behind two weighty things - the Quran and My Ahlul-Bait- they are inseparable and if you hold fast to both you will not go astray”. Therefore, it could be honestly said, that, had they left the leadership to Ahlul-Bait the dissension and disunity apparent in the Muslim Ummah would have been non-existent.

JIHAD--A STRENGTHENING OF ISLAM;

Any sense of honour is achieved through some form of strength. Strength of faith and strength evident in a military unit that fights in the way of Allah. The adversaries of Islam will only submit to a power greater than their own, therefore, jihad is necessary to strengthen Islam. An example of this was the Jews in the village of Fadak, who after

seeing the strength of the Muslim Army at Khayber, opted for surrender and peace.

PATIENCE--A HELPING COURSE FOR DESERVING (DIVINE) REWARD;

Patience in the face of adversities such as poverty, illness or even debt indicates faithful surrender to the volition’s of Allah. This form of submission is a lofty virtue which is used by the patient and afflicted person to achieve merit and reward from Allah, as promised in the Quran, “Who say, when afflicted with misfortune: ‘To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return’, they are those on who (descend) blessing, from Allah, and mercy, and they are the ones that are rightly guided”.

ENJOINING GOODNESS--PUBLIC WELFARE;

Islam considers the Muslims as individual units in one family bonded together in the same faith, therefore, it is the duty of each and every responsible individual to order the true doctrines of Islam be upheld in society so that disorder does not prevail.

KINDNESS TO THE PARENTS--A SAFEGUARD FROM WRATH;

Kindness to ones parents is protection from the wrath of Allah. In the Quran it says “The Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, And be kind to your parents. If either or both of them attain old age, say not to them a word of contempt (Ugh!), nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour”.

MAINTAINING CLOSE RELATIONS WITH ONES KIN--A CAUSE FOR LONGER LIFE AND MULTIPLYING IN THE NUMBER OF DESCENDANTS;

All deeds have either a spiritual reward plus physical and material benefits. One such deed is the maintaining of close relations with ones kin which is insurance for a long, healthy and prosperous life.

RETRIBUTION (QASAS)--FOR SPARING BLOOD (SOULS);

Any person contemplating to kill someone unjustly, knowing that his retribution will be death, will naturally think twice about his actions. Whereas, if his punishment is imprisonment in a cushy cell with possibility of reduce sentence, the detocrime becomes ea. Fear of retribution is, therefore, a deterrent against the unjust shedding of blood, thus preserving life, as the Quran says “And for you there is (security of) life in the (law of) retribution. O’ye men of understanding! that ye may restrain yourself”.

FULFILMENT OF VOWS--SUBJECTING ONESELF TO MERCY;

A vow (Nathir) is a covenant made with Allah, thus in fulfilling your vows you subject yourself to the mercy of Allah as the Quran says “And anyone who fulfils what he has covenanted with Allah, -- Allah will soon grant him a great reward”.

COMPLETION OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES--A CAUSE FOR PREVENTING THE NEGLECT OF OTHERS’ RIGHTS;

One who in inclined to under-weigh or undervalue goods in order to profit, denying others their due right will, no doubt, be inclined to perpetrate greater crimes against the rights of others. So it is necessary to maintain peoples’ rights and deal with them honestly and fairly to preserve the sanctity of the individuals and of the Islamic society we

live in.

FORBIDDANCE OF DRINKING ALCOHOL--AN EXALTATION FROM ATROCITY;

The Quran say “O’ye who believe! intoxicants and gambling, (dedication of) stones and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination - of Satan’s handiwork: Eschew such (abomination), that ye may prosper”. One has only to look at the state of the society we live in to see the perilous effects alcohol has on the people. There are over two thousand

deaths each year on our roads which are largely related to drink-driving. This is only one of the perils associated with alcohol. Space does not allow the listing of the other harmful effects it has on the physical and mental state of the user and the way his habit contaminates society. The alcoholic is the handiwork of Satan because one who has lost hold of his mental faculties becomes a prey for Satan, easily manipulated and persuaded into doing unethical and immoral acts. Therefore, abstinence from the drinking of alcohol can be best described in the words of Fatima who said it was ‘an exaltation from atrocity’.

AVOIDING SLANDER--A VEIL FROM CURSE;

Islam requires that the dignity of all Muslims be respected. Therefore, slandering and defaming fellow Muslims is a crime punishable in this world and the hereafter. Any person who defames and accuses an honourable man or woman of a licentious act without presenting four witnesses is liable to eighty whippings of the lash and is cursed by Allah.

ABANDONING THEFT--A REASON FOR DESERVING CHASTITY;

Chastity is often only related to that which is concerned with sexuality, whereas it can include the many other organs and limbs of our body, such as chastity of the hand which remains pure so long as it refrains from abominable actssuch as stealing. The hand is a valuable asset as long as it remains trustworthy, so much so that compensation under

Islamic law for an accidental or intentional cutting of the hand is five hundred gold dinars which equal about 1750 grams of gold. The value of this asset and it’s owner become worthless should the trust put into it be betrayed.

ALLAH HAS PROHIBITED POLYTHEISM SO THAT ONE CAN DEVOTE HIMSELF TO HIS LORDSHIP;

Polytheism is blasphemous. There is only one God, no doubt about it. The design and orderliness in this universe pay homage to the knowledge and power of the Creator, who is deserving of our sincerest gratitude and devotion to him and only to Him!

Fatima Al-Zahra finalised this part of her speech with verses from the Quran which relate to the subject concerned. She said as per the Quran :

“THEREFORE, FEAR ALLAH AS HE SHOULD BE FEARED, AND DIE NOT EXCEPT IN A STATE OF ISLAM, OBEY ALLAH IN THAT WHICH HE HAS COMMANDED YOU TO DO AND THAT WHICH HE HAS FORBIDDEN, FOR SURELY THOSE WHO TRULY FEAR ALLAH AMONG HIS SERVANTS, ARE THOSE WITH KNOWLEDGE”.

Fatima has now reached the main point on her agenda which was relating to the people the real reason for coming to the Mosque. she said: O’PEOPLE BE INFORMED THAT I AM FATIMA;

She addresses the people and not the caliph because she likens this assembly to a court of law, and in this court, it is the caliph who is on trial. She then informs the assembly of her name because she is the other party. She is Fatima and she is representing not only herself, but the Prophet and the Holy Progeny.

AND MY FATHER IS MOHAMMAD;

She informed the assembly of her name and now she reminds them of her pure lineage. Her father was Mohammad, the greatest of God’s creations. Why this introduction one may ask?.......In order that no person later plead innocence due to ignorance. She wanted every soul to know who she was and why she was here, leaving no grounds for futile argument. She was Fatima, daughter of Mohammad, asking that her usurped rights be returned!!

I SAY THAT REPEATEDLY AND INITIATE IT CONTINUALLY; I SAY NOT WHAT I SAY MISTAKENLY, NOR DO I DO WHAT I DO AIMLESSLY;

‘I am absolutely sure of my statements and I do not say anything mistakenly because mistakes stem from lying and trickery and my words are neither oppressive nor inequitable’.

NOW HATH COME UNTO YOU AN APOSTLE FROM AMONGST YOURSELVES. IT GRIEVES HIM THAT YOU SHOULD PERISH; ARDENTLY ANXIOUS IS HE OVER YOU TO THE BELIEVERS HE IS MOST COMPASSIONATE AND MERCIFUL;

Fatima is quoting the Quran (9:128), in relation to her father who was forever concerned about the welfare of his people. It grieved him to see them distressed and it hurt him to see them sin, hence all Muslims should see that none of their deeds grieve him in the least.

THUS, IF YOU IDENTIFY AND RECOGNISE HIM, YOU SHALL REALISE THAT HE IS MY FATHER AND NOT THE FATHER OF ANY OF YOUR WOMEN; THE BROTHER OF MY COUSIN (ALI) RATHER THAN ANY OF YOUR MEN. WHAT AN EXCELLENT IDENTITY HE WAS, MAY THE PEACE AND BLESSINGS OF ALLAH BE UPON HIM AND HIS DESCENDANTS;

‘If you truly knew the Prophet you would then know that I am his only daughter and my husband, Ali, his only brother. Not a maternal brother, but nevertheless his brother. This came about after the Prophet formed a bond of brotherhood between his companions. he chose Ali to be his brother rather than any other man’.

THUS HE PROPAGATED THE MESSAGE, BY COMING OUT OPENLY WITH THE

WARNING, AND WHILE INCLINED AWAY FROM THE PATH OF THE POLYTHEISTS, (WHOM HE) STRUCK THEIR STRENGTH AND SEIZED THEIR THROATS, WHILE HE INVITED (ALL) TO THE WAY OF HIS LORD WITH WISDOM AND BEAUTIFUL PREACHING;

The Prophet delivered the complete message openly. The warnings and consequence of any misguided inclinations were clearly stated, and the evidence of the authenticity of the message were presented, therefore, silencing the infidels.

HE DESTROYED IDOLS AND DEFEATED HEROES, UNTIL THEIR GROUP FLED AND TURNED THEIR BACK;

The Prophet upturned and destroyed the idols that were worshipped, hence defeating the champion idol-worshippers who were promoting disorder and anarchy. The likes of Shayba, Utba-a and Abu Jahal.

SO NIGHT REVEALED ITS DAWN; RIGHTEOUSNESS UNCOVERED ITS GENUINENESS; THE VOICE OF THE RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY SPOKE OUT LOUD;

The defeat of the polytheists ended the darkness and the oppression and in its place dawned the brightly lit torch of Islam held by Mohammad who was now freely propagating the righteous religion.

THE EVIL DISCORDS WERE SILENCED; THE CROWN OF HYPOCRISY WAS DIMINISHED;THE TIGHTENING OF INFIDELITY AND DESERTION WERE UNTIED;

The activities of the infidels against the Muslims failed and their hypocritical voices were suffocated and their henchmen lost their social standing.

SO YOU SPOKE THE STATEMENT OF DEVOTION AMONGST A BAND OF STARVED ONES; AND YOU WERE ON THE EDGE OF A HOLE OF FIRE;

Before the advent of Islam and the lifting of the banner ‘There is no God but Allah’, by Prophet Mohammad and his faithful companions, described by Fatima as the ‘starved ones’ due to the glow apparent in their faces from their sincere worship and fasting, the people were walking a dangerous path on the edge of a pit of fire--hell, due to their

idolatry and apostasy.

(YOU WERE) THE DRINK OF THE THIRSTY ONE; THE OPPORTUNITY OF THE DESIRING ONE;

Fatima is now stating the lowly situof the people beforeIslam. She begins the watertdrank and how they oit illegally or forcibly obtained it from the owner.

THE FIRE BRAND OF HIM WHO PASSES IN HASTE; THE STEP FOR FEET;

‘You were weak, humiliated, stepped on and run over by the stronger elements in society’.

YOU USED TO DRINK FROM THE WATER GATHERED ON ROADS; EAT JERKED MEAT;

‘You were at such a lowly state that you were prepared to drink the water gathered on roads that was also shared with other animal who urinate in this water. You also ate dead meat that was as dry as leather. All this due to your ignorance and submission to this life of servility and disgrace’.

YOU WERE DESPISED OUTCASTS ALWAYS IN FEAR OF ABDUCTION FROM THOSE AROUND YOU. YET ALLAH RESCUED YOU THROUGH MY FATHER MOHAMMAD;

In a state of anarchy, there is no peace or security. The laws favour the strong who rule the weak and the wealthy who enslave the poor. There is no just government or laws of retribution to fear. But through her father, Mohammad, this situation was changed and social order was restored.

AFTER MUCH ADO, AND AFTER HE WAS CONFRONTED BY MIGHTY MEN, THE ARAB BEASTS, AND THE DEMONS OF THE PEOPLE OF THE BOOK;

If a human being loses his humanity and morality he is lowered in status to that of an animal. Should that be accompanied with lack of knowledge and intelligence, he then resembles an ass. Should he also be devoid of compassion and emotion, he is then likened to a wild beast. From this analysation we come to understand Fatima’s

description of those men who confronted, opposed and waged wars against her father. Arab beasts like Abu Sufyan and Abu Jahal. There were also Jews and Christians who, due to their arrogant pride refused to accept him even though the signs and descriptions in their books fit that of Mohammad.

WHO WHENEVER THEY IGNITED THE FIRE OF WAR, ALLAH EXTINGUISHED IT, AND WHENEVER THE THORN OF THE DEVIL APPEARED, OR A MOUTH OF THE POLYTHEISTS OPENED WIDE IN DEFIANCE, HE (MOHAMMAD) WOULD STRIKE ITS DISCORDS WITH HIS BROTHER (ALI), WHO COMES NOT BACK UNTIL HE TREATS ITS WINGS WITH THE SOLE OF HIS FEET, AND EXTINGUISHES ITS FLAMES WITH HIS SWORD;

The opponents of the Prophet forever waged wars against him and caused commotion, but by the will of Allah their attempts were deemed failures. Fatima describes these opponents as the ‘Horns of the Devil’, because like a broken horn that grows back, they regrouped to continue their devilish and deceptive defiance. But as always by the will of

god and help of his brother, Ali, their defeat was inevitable. Ali, who did not know the meaning of fear. Ali, who would march forward into the battlefield and not look back until the enemy was annihilated. He did away with the evil and corruptive entity and extinguished it’s fire with his sword.

(ALI) IS DILIGENT IN ALLAH’S AFFAIR, NEAR TO THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH, A MASTER AMONG ALLAH’S WORSHIPPERS, SETTING TO WORK BRISKLY, SINCERE IN HIS ADVICE, EARNEST AND EXERTING HIMSELF (IN SERVICE TO ISLAM);

Ali, the soul-mate of her father, exerted all in his power to achieve his divine goals and desires. His whole life evolved around the betterment of Islam and the state of Muslims. A prolific life of struggle, pain, achievement and service to Islam.

WHILE YOU WERE CALM, GAY AND FEELING SAFE IN YOUR COMFORTABLE LIVES, WAITING FOR US TO MEET DISASTERS, AWAITING THE SPREAD OF NEWS;

Ali was facing many dangers while these Muslims sat in the comfort and safety of their homes, engaged in personal affairs. Where were these Muslims when the infidels surrounded the Prophet’s house ready to kill him in his sleep, only to find that Ali had lay down in his place ready to sacrifice his life for the Prophet? Where were they when Ali

was left defending the Prophet in the Battle of Uhud after they had fled? These individuals were imposters and hypocrites, standing along side the Muslims, yet always wishing them a catastrophic downfall and death to the Prophet.

YOU FELL BACK DURING EVERY BATTLE, AND TOOK TO YOUR HEELS AT TIMES OF FIGHTING;

In the Battle of Uhud, the Muslims faced disaster only after personalities from within their ranks fled. Their fleeing during the Battle of Hunain was scandalous, and during the battle of AlKhandaq, they were overcome with fear after Amrr bin Abdiwood advanced in battle, but again the bravery of Ali spared them the heartache of facing him.

Cowardice personalities that only seemed to rise in stature after the Prophet’s death.

YET WHEN ALLAH CHOSE FOR HIS PROPHET THE DWELLING OF HIS PROPHETS, AND THE ABODE OF HIS SINCERE SERVANT;

Fatima is now talking about the unfortunate and pathetic events that transpired after the Prophet’s death. She begins with the description of her father’s passing away. Her words are refined and full of splendour. Rather than saying ‘When the Prophet died’, she says, ‘When Allah chose for his Prophet the dwelling of his Prophets...”.

THE THORNS OF HYPOCRISY APPEARED ON YOU, THE GARMENT OF FAITH BECAME WORN OUT;

The true colours of the hypocrites was now evident. They shed their Islamic facades to reveal their true identity which was that of ravenous wolves ready for the kill.

THE MISGUIDED IGNORANCE SPOKE OUT, THE SLUGGISH IGNORANT CAME TO THE FRONT AND BRAYED. THE HE CAMEL OF THE VAIN WIGGLED HIS TAIL IN YOUR COURTYARDS AND THE DEVIL STUCK HIS HEAD FROM ITS PLACE OF HIDING AND CALLED UPON YOU, HE FOUND YOU RESPONDING TO HIS INVITATION, AND OBSERVING HIS DECEITS;

The cowards who feared to speak out suddenly found their voices. Inflated with vanity and arrogance, they answered to the call of Satan who resurfaced to again seduce and tempt them, after having met with failure and defeat during the prominent Islamic era. Satan called upon them to renege the oath of allegiance taken at Ghadir Khum, and to

dispossess and pillage the Ahlul-Bait of their rightful possessions, and not surprisingly he found in them loyal and obedient servants.

HE THEN AROUSED YOU AND FOUND YOU QUICK (TO ANSWER HIM), AND INVITED YOU TO WRATH, THEREFORE, YOU BRANDED OTHER THAN YOUR CAMELS AND PROCEEDED TO OTHER THAN YOUR DRINKING PLACES;

Consumed anger combined with ignorance led them to act illegally in electing an incompetent leader, who was not qualified in the affairs of the Muslims.

THEN WHILE THE ERA OF THE PROPHET WAS STILL NEAR, THE GASH WAS STILL WIDE, THE SCAR HAD NOT YET HEALED, AND THE MESSENGER WAS NOT YET BURIED;

The Prophet was not yet buried and the pain and anguish suffered after his death had not subsided, yet they assembled to execute their pre-meditated plans.

A QUICK UNDERSTANDING AS YOU CLAIMED, AIMED AT PREVENTING DISCORD (TRIAL), SURELY, THEY HAVE FALLEN INTO TRIAL ALREADY! AND INDEED HELL SURROUNDS THE UNBELIEVERS;

They claimed their actions were undertaken to prevent discord. But these very actions caused the people to fall into trial and gave rise to discord and distress. What is more distressful than usurping the Holy Progeny of their rights and treating them harshly?!

HOW PREPOSTEROUS! WHAT AN IDEA! WHAT A FALSEHOOD! FOR ALLAH’S BOOK IS STILL AMONGST YOU, IT’S AFFAIRS ARE APPARENT; ITS RULES ARE MANIFEST; ITS SIGNS ARE DAZZLING; ITS RESTRICTIONS ARE VISIBLE, AND IT’S COMMANDS ARE EVIDENT;

Fatima is somewhat bewildered at their false and preposterous claims because the Quran which contains the truth is still between their hand. The laws that prohibit and prevent them from following a misguided path or undesirable whims are manifest in this Book. Also manifest were decrees, as clear as crystal, ordering them to obey the Holy Ahlul-Bait.

YET YOU HAVE CAST IT BEHIND YOUR BACKS! WHAT! DO YOU DETEST IT? OR ACCORDING TO SOMETHING ELSE YOU WISH TO RULE? EVIL WOULD BE THE EXCHANGE FOR THE WRONGDOERS! AND IF ANYONE DESIRES A RELIGION OTHER THAN ISLAM, IT WILL NEVER BE ACCEPTED FROM HIM, AND IN THE HEREAFTER HE WILL BE IN THE RANKS OF THOSE WHO HAVE LOST;

Fatima is saying, why did you cast the book of guidance behind your back? Is it because it does not agree with your evil desires and worldly whims?....In your actions you have exchanged belief for blasphemy....yhave forsaken God to become the slave of his enemy....and anyone wsubmits to other thGod will surelbethe loser in the hereaft!

SURELY YOU HAVE NOT WAITED UNTIL IT’S STAMPED SEIZED, AND IT BECAME OBEDIENT. YOU THEN STARTED AROUSING IT’S FLAMES, INSTIGATING ITS COAL, COMPLYING WITH THE CALL OF THE MISLED DEVIL, QUENCHING THE LIGHT OF THE MANIFEST RELIGION, AND EXTINGUISHED THE LIGHT OF THE SINCERE PROPHET;

They seized the position of Caliphate and the tumult had only just died down, when they again complied with Satan’s orders and aroused the flames of disorder and disobedience by systematically attacking Fatima’s house, causing her fatal injuries, assaulting her husband, then seizing ownership of Fadak, and, and, and,.......and! All these deplorable

and pathetic actions were undertaken in order to extinguish the illuminating Islamic flame that guided the people, and to suppress the enlightening traditions of the Holy Prophet.

YOU CONCEALED SIPS ON FROTH AND PROCEEDED TOWARDS HIS (THE PROPHET) KIN AND CHILDREN THROUGH THICK AND THIN, BUT WE ARE PATIENT WITH YOU AS IF WE ARE BEING NOTCHED WITH KNIVES AND STUNG BY SPEARHEADS IN OUR ABDOMEN;

After the cow is milked men come and ask to sip the froth that has formed on top of the milk. They appear to be only sipping the froth, meanwhile what they are really doing is drinking the milk. This is an aphorism used to describe on who professes one thing while doing another. So Fatima is saying that these men claimed their actions were undertaken to prevent discord but their ulterior motive was the destruction of the Prophet’s household and the radication of the Holy Ahul-Bait. Therefore this is a major crime that cannot be overlooked or forgotten. Can on disregard a stab of a knife of spear?!

YET...NOW YOU CLAIM THAT THERE IS NO INHERITANCE FOR US!

‘To cover up your actions, you now allege falsely that we have no claim to inheritance from the Prophet and these allegations contradict one of the most important issues in the Quran which is the law of inheritance’.

WHAT! DO YOU THEN SEEK AFTER A JUDGEMENT OF (THE DAYS OF) IGNORANCE.;

What! do you seek to rule by the laws that were present during the age of ignorance? The laws that deprived the female from inheritance’.

BUT WHO, FOR A PEOPLE WHOSE FAITH IS ASSURED, CAN GIVE BETTER JUDGEMENT THAN ALLAH? DON’T YOU KNOW?

This is another Quranic verse which Fatima incorporates into her speech, meaning, if your faith is certain and not just empty words, then are not the laws that come from Allah better? Did not the Divine Islamic laws do away with laws of ignorance and decree that both males and females are entitled to receive inheritance?

YES, INDEED IT IS OBVIOUS TO YOU AS A MIDDAY SUN ON A CLEAR DAY, THAT I AM HIS DAUGHTER. WILL MY INHERITANCE BE USURPED? O’SON OF ABU QUHAFEH! WHERE IS IT IN THE BOOK OF ALLAH THAT YOU INHERIT YOUR FATHER AND I DO NOT INHERIT MINE?

‘Yes everything is as clear as crystal to you, just as it is clear to you that I am the Prophet’s daughter’ Fatima then turns to the elected leader. She does not address him saying “Oh Caliph or successor of the Prophet”, because her father did not appoint him as his successor and she does not use his epithet, Abu Bakr, because that is a form of

glorification, she rather said ‘Oh son of Abu Quhafeh, which law allows you to inherit your father but says that I cannot inherit mine. In reaching this conclusion, did you rely on the Quran?’.

SURELY YOU HAVE COME UP WITH AN UNPRECEDENTED THING. DO YOU

INTENTIONALLY ABANDON THE BOOK OF ALLAH AND CAST IT BEHIND YOUR BACK? DO YOU NOT READ WHERE IT SAYS: ‘AND SULAIMAN (Solomom) INHERITED DAWOOD (David)?’, AND WHEN IT NARRATES THE STORY OF ZAKARIA AND SAYS: ‘SO GIVE ME AN HEIR AS FROM THYSELF; (ONE THAT) WILL INHERIT ME, AND INHERIT THE PROSTERITY OF YAQOOB (Jacob)’ AND ‘BUT KINDRED BY HOOD HAVE PRIOR RIGHTS AGAINST EACH OTHER IN THE BOOK OF ALLAH’, AND ‘ALLAH (THUS) DIRECTS YOU AS REGARDS YOUR CHILDREN’S (INHERITANCE) TO THE MALE, A PORTION EQUAL TO THAT OF TWO FEMALES’ AND ‘....IF HE LEAVES ANY GOODS,

THAT HE MAKE A BEQUEST TO PARENTS AND NEXT OF KIN, ACCORDING TO REASONABLE USAGE; THIS IS DUE FROM THE PIOUS ONES’;

How can you abandon the Holy Quran and fabricate such lies when in it can be found blatant proof as the rights and laws of inheritance?

YOU CLAIM THAT I HAVE NO SHARE AND THAT I DO NOT INHERIT MY FATHER! WHAT! DID ALLAH REVEAL A QURANIC VERSE REGARDING YOU, FROM WHICH HE EXCLUDED MY FATHER?

The Quranic verses of inheritance were not revealed to any particular group and they certainly did not exclude Prophets. So Fatima is saying, if you are really acquainted with the Quran, show me where there is a verse that says that prophets do not inherit or bequeath.

OR DO YOU SAY? THESE (FATIMA AND HER FATHER) ARE THE PEOPLE OF TWO FAITHS, THEY DO NOT INHERIT EACH OTHER? ARE WE NOT, ME AND MY FATHER, A PEOPLE ADHERING TO ONE FAITH?

‘Are you alleging that I am an infidel, because it is only on these grounds that inheritance can be denied?. An infidel cannot inherit a Muslim. Is there any doubt that my father and I belong to the same denomination?’ Fatima has no doubt about her faith, but these sanctimonious wolves forced her to use this form of logic to make her point clear.

OR IS IT THAT YOU HAVE MORE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE SPECIFICATIONS AND GENERALISATIONS OF THE QURAN THAN MY FATHER AND MY COUSIN (IMAM ALI)?;

‘The Quran was revealed to my father and he would have surely related to me any meaning of any verses that disqualify me from inheritance, likewise, my husband, who is the gate to the city of knowledge, would have prevented me from standing here in this Mosque if there was any truth in your words. But your allegations are devoid of any

truth and stem from ignorance because the truth and knowledge of the meaning of the verses in the Quran are manifest in our personalities, the Ahlul-Bait. We are the truth!.....We are the Quran!.....We are the interpretation of the Quran!.

SO HERE YOU ARE! TAKE IT! (READY WITH) ITS NOSE ROPE AND SADDLED! BUT IF SHALL ENCOUNTER YOU ON THE DAY OF GATHERING, (THUS) WHAT A WONDERFUL JUDGE IS ALLAH, A CLAIMANT IS MOHAMMAD, AND A DAY IS THE DAY OF RISING. AT THE TIME OF THE HOUR SHALL THE WRONGDOERS LOSE; AND IT SHALL NOT BENEFIT YOU TO REGRET (YOUR ACTIONS) THEN! FOR EVERY MESSAGE THERE IS A TIME LIMIT, AND SOON SHALL YE KNOW WHO WILL BE INFLICTED WITH TORTURE THAT WILL HUMILIATE HIM, AND WHO WILL BE CONFRONTED BY AN EVERLASTING

PUNISHMENT;

Fatima is again directing her speech to the leader. She is saying ‘Take it’, referring to Fadak and she likens it to a saddled horse all ready to be ridden. Her words were like a threat, ‘do as you wish; pillage, loot, bon-appetite. But don’t forget that your actions are going to meet up with you on the day of reckoning, where the only Judge will be

Allah and your advocate will be my father, asking you for what you have taken from his daughter. On that day your regrets will be futile because it is a day of retribution for wrongdoers. There you will be humiliated and you shall receive your reward of an everlasting punishment, which is ramification for your evil and worldly deeds’.

O’YOU PEOPLE OF INTELLECT! THE STRONG SUPPORTERS OF THE NATION! AND THOSE WHO EMBRACED ISLAM, WHAT IS THIS SHORTCOMING IN DEFENDING MY RIGHT? AND WHAT IS THIS SLUMBER (WHILE YOU SEE) INJUSTICE (BEING DONE TOWARD ME)?

Fatima is addressing the ‘Ansar; the people of Medina who welcomed the Prophet and supported his mission. She addresses them with terms of endearment, saying ‘You are people of intellect and great supporters of the Islamic nation, so why have you allowed my rights to be stolen from me and why do you still turn a blind-eye to the injustice

still dealt to me?’

DID NOT THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH, MY FATHER, USED TO SAY ‘A MAN IS UPHELD (REMEMBERED BY HIS CHILDREN?’ O’HOW QUICKLY YOU HAVE VIOLATED (HIS ORDERS)?! HOW SOON HAVE YOU PLOTTED AGAINST US? BUT YOU ARE STILL CAPABLE (OF HELPING ME IN) MY ATTEMPT, AND POWERFUL (TO HELP ME) IN THAT WHICH I REQUEST, AND (IN) MY PURSUIT (OF IT);

The honour of the Prophet is upheld bythe continued respect of his family and by ensuring that the sanctity of his household is not violated ordegraded. They clearlyheard the Prophettalkabout the sanctity of hisprogeny, but they still disobeyed and violated his request and as soon as he was gone they quickly plotted against the Ahlul-Bait.

Fatima reminds them that it is not too late to rethink their actions and that they can still help her in her endeavour to restore her stolen possessions.

OR DO YOU SAY MOHAMMAD HAS PERISHED, SURELY THIS IS A GREAT CALAMITY; ITS DAMAGE IS EXCESSIVE, ITS INJURY IS GREAT, ITS WOUND (IS MUCH TO DEEP) TO HEAL, THE EARTH BECAME DARKENED WITH HIS DEPARTURE; THE STARS ECLIPSED FOR HIS CALAMITY; HOPES WERE SEIZED; MOUNTAINS SUBMITTED; SANCTITY WAS VIOLATED, AND HOLINESS WAS ENCROACHED UPON AFTER HIS DEATH;

‘What is it with you!....do you say that Mohammad died and that sanity ceases to exist? Fatima then goes on to describe the state of great misery that was heartfelt after the Prophet’s death and that this was not only due to his departure alone. The heartache was heightened by the invasion on his Holy family and the violation of their sanctity.

THEREFORE, THIS, BY ALLAH, IS THE GREAT AFFLICTION, AND THE GRAND CALAMITY; THERE IS NOT AN AFFLICTION, WHICH IS THE LIKE OF IT, NOR WILL THERE BE A SUDDEN MISFORTUNE (AS SURPRISING AS THIS). THE BOOK OF ALLAH--EXCELLENT IN PLEASING HIM--ANNOUNCED IN THE COURTYARDS (OF YOUR HOUSES) IN THE PLACE WHERE YOU SPEND YOUR EVENING AND MORNINGS, A CALL, A CRY, A RECITATION, AND (VERSES) IN ORDER: IT HAD PREVIOUSLY COME UPON HIS PROPHETS AND MESSENGERS; (FOR IT IS) A DECREE FINAL, AND A PREDESTINATION FULFILLED: ‘MOHAMMAD IS NOT BUT AN APOSTLE: MANY WERE

THE APOSTLES THAT PASSED AWAY BEFORE HIM. IF HE DIED OR WAS SLAIN WILL YE THEN TURN BACK ON YOUR HEELS? IF ANY DID TURN BACK ON HIS HEELS - NOT THE LEAST HARM WILL HE DO TO ALLAH, BUT ALLAH (ON THE OTHER HAND) WILL SWIFTLY REWARD THOSE WHO (SERVE HIM) WITH GRATITUDE’;

Death is pre-destined by Allah, and there is no exception, even Prophets have to die. Prophet Mohammad passed away, just as prior prophets had, but this does not mean that his religion and his laws die with him or that his departure is an excuse to revert to blasphemy and ignorance.

O’YOU PEOPLE OF REFLECTION; WILL I BE USURPED THE INHERITANCE OF MY FATHER WHILE YOU HEAR AND SEE ME? (AND WHILE) YOU ARE SITTING AND GATHERED AROUND ME? YOU HEAR MY CALL, AND ARE INCLUDED IN THE (NEWS OF THE) AFFAIR?

She directs her words to the clans of Aus and Khazraj saying, ‘you have heard what I have said and you can clearly see that I am being oppressed, so are you going to stand by and watch my inheritance being usurped?’

(BUT) YOU ARE NUMEROUS AND WELL EQUIPPED! (YOU HAVE) THE MEANS AND THE POWER, AND THE WEAPONS AND THE SHIELDS. YET, THE CALL REACHES YOU BUT YOU DO NOT ANSWER; THE CRY COMES TO YOU BUT YOU DO NOT COME TO HELP? (THIS) WHILE YOU ARE CHARACTERISED BY STRUGGLE, KNOWN FOR GOODNESS

AND WELFARE, THE SELECTED GROUP (WHICH HAS CHOSEN), AND THE BEST ONES CHOSEN BY THE MESSENGER FOR US AHLUL-BAIT;

Fatima remonstrates her objection to their inaction, because they have the capabilities, both in men and weapons to defend and protect her, just as they had assisted and defended the Prophet.

YOU FOUGHT THE ARABS, BORE WITH PAIN AND EXHAUSTION, STRUGGLED AGAINST THE NATIONS, AND RESISTED THEIR HEROES. WE WERE STILL, SO WERE YOU IN ORDERING YOU, AND YOU IN OBEYING US. SO THAT ISLAM BECAME TRIUMPHANT, THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE DAYS CAME NEAR, THE FORT OF POLYTHEISM WAS SUBJECTED, THE OUTBURSTS OF FABRICATION SUBSIDED, THE FLAMES OF INFIDELITY CALMED DOWN, AND THE SYSTEM OF RELIGION WAS WELL ORDERED;

Fatima is describing their stands during the life of the Prophet and how they fought continuously without slackening in their mission, whilst enduring much pain, until the fortunes of Islam changed and the mission of the Prophet was accomplished and infidelity was eradicated.

THUS, (WHY HAVE YOU) BECOME CONFUSED, AFTER CLEARNESS? CONCEAL MATTERS AFTER ANNOUNCING THEM? TURNED ON YOUR HEELS AFTER DARING? ASSOCIATED (OTHERS WITH ALLAH) AFTER BELIEVING?

‘With such a past behind you, why have you reverted and become confused in your beliefs, and why have you concealed the truths and dissented against the Prophet by transgressing against his Ahlul-Bait?

WILL YOU NOT FIGHT PEOPLE WHO VIOLATED THEIR OATH? PLOTTED TO EXPEL THE APOSTLES AND BECAME AGGRESSIVE BY BEING THE FIRST (TO ASSAULT) YOU? DO YOU FEAR THEM? NAY IT IS ALLAH WHOM YE SHOULD MORE JUSTLY FEAR, IF YOU BELIEVE?

Fatima with these words does not intend for them to mobilise an army and shed the blood of the Muslims, but is rather alerting them to the fact that it is within their power to assist her in reversing this situation which had been cooked up overnight.

NEVERTHELESS, I SEE THAT YOU ARE INCLINED TO EASY LIVING AND YOU HAVE DISMISSED HE, WHO IS MORE WORTHY OF GUARDIANSHIP (ALI). YOU SECLUDED YOURSELVES WITH MEEKNESS AND DISMISSED THAT WHICH YOU ACCEPTED;

You have become accustomed to a life of comfort and for this very reason, you removed Ali from his rightful position as Caliph, because he threatens your life of luxury. Ali does not fear combat, he does not flatter in order to gain status, and he divides the Muslim wealth equally amongst the people. Such an upstanding Caliph threatens your worldly lifestyle, so in order to protect it you chose one who complies with your desires and rules according to your wishes. With these actions you have dismissed yourself from the righteous religion you had accepted.

YET, IF YOU SHOW INGRATITUDE, YE AND ALL ON EARTH TOGETHER--YET, ALLAH IS FREE OF ALL WANTS, WORTHY OF ALL PRAISE;

She incorporates this Quranic verse, meaning ‘your actions which tantamount to blasphemy do harm to yourselves and you in the end will be the losers’.

SURELY I HAVE SAID ALL THAT I HAVE SAID WITH FULL KNOWLEDGE THAT YOUINTEND TO FORSAKE ME. AND KNOWING THE BETRAYAL WHICH YOUR HEARTS SENSED. BUT, IT IS THE STATE OF THE SOUL, THE EFFUSION OF FURY, THE DISSEMINATION OF (WHAT IS IN) THE CHEST AND THE PRESENTATION OF THE PROOF;

‘I am fully aware of your disposition and attitude, and when I asked for your assistance, I was fully aware that it would not be forthcoming because your hearts are filled with deceit. Hence, I came here only to release some of the heartache which you have caused me, and more importantly to present to you proofs and to make you aware of all you

need to know and to substantiate every claim I make in order that you do not bring forth any excuses on the Day of Judgement. You will not be able to enter a plea of innocence due to ignorance, or obliviousness because I have informed you of myself and my ancestry. I have also communicated to you all that is connected with the Imamate and

I have announced and proven to you through the quoted Quranic verses that I am being oppressed and that my rights are being usurped, all along imploring you to support me, but not surprisingly, from amongst you, there was not a respondent nor a helper’.

HENCE, HERE IT IS, BAH IT (LEADERSHIP) AND PUT IT ON THE BACK OF AN ILL SHE-CAMEL, WHICH HAS A THIN HUMP, WITH EVERLASTING DISGRACE, MARKED WITH THE WRATH OF ALLAH, AND THE BLAME OF EVER (WHICH LEADS TO) THE FIRE OF (THE WRATH OF) ALLAH KINDLED (TO A BLAZE), THAT WHICH DOTH MOUNT (RIGHT) TO THE HEARTS;

‘Here!...take the caliphate, but the consequences of your actions will be everlasting ignominy and the wrath and curse of Allah, who will have the last say, thus, placing you in the only fit place for the betrayers and oppressors of Ahlul-Bait, which is the eternal flames of hell’.

FOR ALLAH WITNESSES WHAT YOU DO, AND SOON WILL THE UNJUST ASSAILANTS KNOW WHAT VICISSITUDES THEIR AFFAIRS WILL TAKE!

Allah is All-Aware, All-Knowing and your despicable actions do not pass Him, and when you stand before Him, you will come to realise the enormity of your transgressions because awaiting the transgressors is everlasting pain and agony in the fires of hell.

AND I AM THE DAUGHTER OF A WARNER (THE PROPHET) TO YOU AGAINST A SEVER PUNISHMENT. SO, ACT AND SO WILWE, AND WAIT AND WE SHALL WAIT;

‘I am Fatima, the daughter of whom was sent to you as a bearer of glad tidings and as a Warner, alerting you to the punishments Allah instal for the oppressors. If youdesires are to continue this campaign against us, sobeit, for we will continue to endure patiently, but wait for the day when you will have to confront the consequences of your misdeeds and, we too, will wait for the day when we will be rewarded for our patience in the face of these adversities and recompensed by our Cherisher, Allah, for all that was usurped from us in this world’.

After Fatima ended her speech, a dialogue took place between her and the caliph. she again fluently and eloquently silenced him with proofs from the Quran which were beyond a shadow of a doubt, finally forcing him to submit to the truth, thus compelling him to return Fadak to her, but his ‘dexterous’ and infamous’ friend took it upon himself to tear the deed that was written to her by the Leader.

Fatima may not have changed or reversed the situation, but then again she knew that no changes would be forthcoming when she said to them, “Surely I have said all that I have said with full knowledge that you intend to forsake me and knowing the betrayal which your hearts sensed”, but the purpose behind her presence in that assembly, and the critical and historical masterpiece which she eloquently delivered, was the exposing of all persons connected with the oppression of her and her Ahlul-Bait, and proving to the

ignorant people present, that their conversion to Islam was for sinister and wicked purposes.