The life of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (RA) is a guiding light for the entire Muslim Ummah: Scholars

Patna: The noble life of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (RA), the daughter of the Prophet and a great lady in Islamic history, remains a bright beacon of chastity, patience, perseverance, self-sacrifice, and high moral character for all humanity, especially women, even today. In the current era, when social and moral values are rapidly declining, it is the most urgent need of the time to convey the exemplary life and teachings of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (RA) to the new generation. With the aim of disseminating this message and introducing Muslim women to the life of Hazrat Fatima (RA), a one-day national seminar on the topic 'Hazrat Fatima Zahra: An Exemplary Character' was organized by Khanqah Hazrat Dewan Shah Arzani on Thursday in the khanqah hall. Distinguished academic, literary, religious, and social personalities from across the country participated and shed light on various aspects of the life and services of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (RA).

The seminar officially began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafiz Jigar Alam, while Badil Ahmad Ashrafi presented a Naat (poem) in praise of the Beloved Prophet (PBUH). Dr. Muhammad Munajjil Din, Head of the Urdu Department at Gaya College, Gaya, presided over the inaugural session with great elegance. Professor Iraq Raza Zaidi, former Head of the Persian Department at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, delivered the keynote address. SM Ashraf Farid, Chief Editor of Roznama Qaumi, participated as the special guest, while Mawlana Syed Murad Raza chaired the session. Professor Dr. Syed Shah Hussain Ahmed, the Sada Nishin (custodian) of Khanqah Shah Arzani and former Head of the Urdu Department at Veer Kunwar Singh University, Ara, delivered the welcome address. Professor Hasan Abbas, former Head of the Persian Department at Banaras Hindu University, also expressed his views on various aspects of the topic.

The speakers said that the life of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (RA) is not just a bright chapter in Islamic history, but a practical model of patience, courage, chastity, worship, self-sacrifice, and selflessness for all humanity, especially women, whose importance will remain in every era. Her life contains a clear message regarding the respect, dignity, rights, and family and social responsibilities of women. It is necessary to make the new generation, especially Muslim women, aware of the life and services of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (RA) so that they can make her life their practical ideal.

In his welcoming address, Professor Syed Shah Hussain Ahmed illuminated the objectives and purposes of the seminar in detail, noting that a previous international seminar on Hazrat Ali (a.s.) organized by the Shah Arzani Khanqah had received acclaim at the global level. Correspondence praising it had arrived from various countries, including Iran and Afghanistan. Continuing this intellectual and philosophical tradition, the national seminar was convened with the aim of presenting the life and character of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (a.s.) effectively to the world. He stated that love for the Ahl al-Bayt of the Aitah and acknowledgment of their greatness is a fundamental part of Islamic teachings. The Qur’an highlights the importance of loving the Prophet’s (s.a.w.) relatives. Unfortunately, today in some circles the mention of the Ahl al-Bayt is linked to a particular sectarian identity, whereas the mention of Hazrat Ali (a.s.), Hazrat Fatima (a.s.) and other Ahl al-Bayt is the shared intellectual, religious and spiritual capital of the entire Muslim ummah. He emphasized that to fully understand Islam, one must integrate the Qur’an, the Prophet’s (s.a.w.) Sunnah, Hadith, Sharia, Tawheed, Righteousness and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt. Neglecting any one aspect prevents a complete interpretation of Islamic teachings. Professor Hussain Ahmed, referring to the current social situation, said that the new generation needs moral and religious training. Presenting the life of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (a.s.) as a practical model for women is a pressing need of the time. He cited her life as an example of sacrifice and self‑lessness, noting that despite severe scarcity and domestic hardships, she prioritized others’ needs over her own, a prominent virtue of her character. Her life teaches us reliance on Allah, patience, contentment and service to humanity.

In delivering the keynote address, Professor Iraq Raza Zedi said that Hazrat Fatima Zahra (a.s.) is the leader of all heavenly women and that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) loved her immensely. The Prophet’s (s.a.w.) statement that “Fatima is a piece of my heart” is a clear proof of her elevated status and rank. He added that scholars of various schools of thought agree on the greatness, qualities and character of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (a.s.). Her biography is not the subject of any single class or sect but is a shared heritage of the entire Muslim ummah.

Special guest S.M. Ashraf Farid said that Hazrat Fatima Zahra (a.s.) was the beloved granddaughter of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.). The Prophet (s.a.w.) would rise when she arrived, greet her, and seat her at his place. This manner of conduct is a great message of respect for women and their elevated status. He said that Hazrat Fatima Zahra (a.s.) presented an exemplary role in worship, simplicity, hard work, patience and fulfillment of domestic duties. Despite being the granddaughter of the Prophet (s.a.w.), she faced life’s hardships and proved through her deeds that greatness is not about comforts but about character, faith and action. Her life will remain a source of guidance for women until the Day of Judgment.

Chairing the meeting, Maulana Syed Murad Raza said that after the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) the most powerful and effective voice against oppression is found in the character of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (a.s.). He added that Hazrat Fatima (a.s.)’s greatness is not merely because she was the granddaughter of the Messenger (s.a.w.), but because she prominently manifested the high qualities, ethics, patience and perseverance of her respected father in her life. The Prophet’s (s.a.w.) special relationship and love for her clarify her status and rank.

After the opening session, a technical meeting was held under the joint chairmanship of renowned critic Dr. Qasim Faridi and famous poet Shami Qasmi. In this meeting, Professor Hassan Abbas, Dr. Qasim Faridi, Dr. Noor-Allah Nadvi, Dr. Mubin Qureshi and Dr. Asif Akhtar presented informative and research papers on various aspects of the life, services, intellectual and spiritual status, and exemplary character of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (a.s.), which were highly appreciated by the participants.

The participation of prominent personalities from various religions and social strata added further significance to this intellectual and scholarly gathering. Representing the Sikh faith, Sardar Guru Charan Singh, and representing Hinduism, Professor Mani Bhushan Kumar, were present. Additionally, Inwar Al-Hassan Al-Wasati, Sultan Azad, Dr. Qaisar Zahdi, Dr. Ashraf Al-Nabi Qaisar, Ashar Faridi, Ali Ahmad, Master Manzoor Alam, Dr. Arman Hassan, and Syed Madad Sar Imam Rizvi, along with numerous writers, scholars, educators, and distinguished figures, attended. The seminar emphasized that the life of Hazrat Fatima Zahra should not be confined merely to speeches and writings but should be used as a practical means for training the new generation, respecting women, preserving family values, fulfilling social responsibilities, and promoting moral reform. According to the speakers, the message of Hazrat Fatima Zahra’s life is not limited to a single era or class but is a timeless collection of teachings on patience, love, justice, sacrifice, and noble character for all humanity.