The Heavenly Marriage

By: Nayyereh Towhidi

The 1^st day of the month of Duh-al-Hijjah (The 12^th month of the Islamic calendar) coincides with the anniversary of the Blessed marriage of the commander of the faithful, Imam Ali (AS) and Her Holiness Fatimah. The highly blessed marriage of these two Infallibles had been first ordained and concluded in heavens by the order of Allah (The Most Gracious), according to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) of Islam. This fact has been clearly expressed by the Holy Prophet(PBUH)  himself,  who in reply to the proposals made by those asking His Holiness for his esteemed daughter's hand in marriage said. “The decision regarding Fatimah (SA)’s marriage does not rest with me. This decision rests with Allah- The Almighty.” (See Biharul-Anwar Vol. 43).  And when the Friend of Allah and his beloved cousin and successor - Imam Ali (AS)  went to His Holiness Muhammed (PBUH) for the hand of  his daughter, Lady Fatimah (SA), Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) expressed great joy and satisfaction. After obtaining the consent of Lady Fatima (SA), the Prophet  himself solemnized the marriage at the mosque, the marriage which according to His Holiness had first been concluded in Heavens by Allah - The Compassionate.

Another note-worthy fact is that the ceremony for this divinely -  ordained and blessed wedding took place in the simplest way and with the least possible expenses. Compare this with the extravagance of many wedding ceremonies today, which are unnecessarily putting heavy burdens on the couples, thus causing problems and discomforts, which could easily be prevented just through following the sublime Islamic model presented to us by our Divine Leaders.

In Islamic sources of Prophetic Narrations, we read that the dowry of Fatima (SA) was just a few necessary items; some containers made of clay, some curtains and mats. As for her wedding gown, it was also an inexpensive one bought with the money gifted by the divinely selected groom – Imam Ali (AS). The gown, though was very much liked by that devoted fairy-like bride, was given away to a poor woman on the blessed night of her wedding? No wonder why she became ummul-A’emmah (the mother of the Imams). No wonder why she gave birth to the superior of the youth in Paradise, Imam Hasan(AS) and Imam Hussain(AS). No wonder why she delivered and raise the heroine of Karbala, Her Holiness Zainab (SA), who exhibited peerless devotion, courage and sacrificial spirit, while in the company of his exalted brother Imam Hussain(AS), in karbala and also after his martyrdom. No wonder why she was referred to as “the Superior Lady of the Ladies in Paradise” by her beloved father, who also said about Fatima (SA) : “Fatima (SA) is the first to enter the Paradise.”  And indeed no wonder why according to her esteemed father who said, “If Ali (AS) had not been created, there would exist no husband for Fatima (SA) . Yes truly,  Her Holiness Fatima (SA), deserved Imam Ali(AS) to be her husband -  the husband who proved to be deserving of such a matchless wife, who proved to be the best Divine Leader after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),  who in spite of facing innumerable back-breaking hardships and obstacles after the Heavenly departure of Allah’s  Messenger, continued to guard defend and spread Islam - Imam Ali (AS)  and the Lion of Allah, whose peerless wisdom, piety, selflessness,  devotion to the cause of Allah has been admitted, and indeed praised even by non-Muslims. And whose off-spring proved to be the off-spring of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), through their words and deeds, and to be the Imams (Divinely appointed Leaders), Imams whose illuminating teachings enlighten the hearts and enliven the souls, guiding the seekers of the truth of Allah’s path and eternal bliss and felicity. And again, no wonder why the great, promised and awaited savior of humanity, Imam Mahdi (May Allah hasten his rise) whose Rise and global Rule of justice is expected, hoped  and prayed  for by all the oppressed and by the seekers of justice, and by those who love their Gracious Creator and have thirst for humanity, is not but the 12th Imam and the most brilliant star of the sky of Imamate, the celestial sky each star of which is indeed a galaxy of light and wisdom.  Yes, such a high-spirited couple,  united by Allah and educated by Allah’s Last Messenger, truly laid the foundations for that promised Rule of truth and justice by their offspring Imam Mahdi (AJ),  who will eradicate tyranny,  operation,  injustice,  poverty and corruption from the earth and will administer justice all over the world,  making every corner of the earth safe place for a happy prosperous life for everybody. He is able to perform this task perfectly, because he enjoys the help, support and guidance of the source of being – Allah. Unlike secular rules, his Rule will be for the people and not against them, and we will be as refreshing rain to the thirsty souls. So, dear sister and brothers, let's pray to Almighty God to hasten his Rise and include us among his devoted aides and followers, and let’s endeavor towards  paving the way for his Rise through following the teachings of the Holy Qur’an,  through educating our children in the light of the Qur’anic instructions and Prophetic Narrations and through defending the oppressed against the  oppressors by all means possible,  as Imam Ali (AS)  has taught us: “Always be the supporter of the oppressed and the enemy of the oppressors.”

For a blessed conclusion, we invite your esteemed attention to the following Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “The one who gets married has (by so doing) guarded half of his faith.”

“Every word or step for the purpose of marriage will have the reward of seventy years of Ibadah.”