Is Hazrat Zahra (SA) a role model only for women or is she a role model for all people, both men and women? There are several verses in the Holy Qur’an that introduce two role models for believers: Pharaoh’s wife and Lady Maryam. In the words of the Qur’an:

“ضَرَبَ اللهُ مَثَلًا لِلَّذِینَ آمَنُوا امْرَأَتَ فِرْعَوْنَ” (Allah cites an example of the faithful: the wife of Pharaoh); “وَمَرْیَمَ ابْنَتَ عِمْرَانَ” (And Mary, daughter of Imran) (See Surah Al-Tahrimm, Verses 11 and 12). In these verses, the phrase “الَّذِینَ آمَنُوا” encompasses both men and women. Thus, Pharaoh’s wife and Lady Maryam are role models for all believers.

Achieving the Status of a Role Model

The dimensions of Hazrat Zahra’s being, including the scientific, cultural, devotional, mystical, political, social, and other dimensions of her being, are not exclusive to women. She is also a role model for men. Secondly, being a role model in life may be of different levels. If we set a high goal for ourselves and move towards it, we may not reach the end of the road, but we can traverse some parts of that path and achieve certain levels of perfection. If we cannot embody all the perfections of Hazrat Zahra (SA) in our own lives, it does not mean that she is not a role model. She is an ideal model and everyone should try to follow footsteps as much as they can.

Therefore, the meaning of Hazrat Zahra being a role model is not that everyone can live like her, but they should try to do this as much as they can.

Prerequisites for Emulating the Life of Imams (AS)

It is not enough to claim to be a follower of the path of Hazrat Zahra (SA) and that she is a role model for us. We need to fulfill certain prerequisites. In the absence of faith and the desire to attain closeness to God Almighty, one lacks the incentive to pass through the path, which is full of ups and downs, and make one’s way of being similar to that of Hazrat Zahra (SA) or the Infallible Imam (AS) to some extent.

What Is the Meaning of Hazrat Zahra Being a Role Model?

Those who say that Hazrat Zahra is an ideal role model do not mean that people should live like how daily life was 1400 years ago. Rather, they mean looking at her family life and her relationship with her father, husband, and children in her family life.

The Importance of Simple Living and Avoiding Extravagance

The important thing is that a person should not pay too much attention to luxuries so that his thoughts are occupied with new fashions and decorations day and night. Having such a spirit is against the dignity of a believer who: “لِمَنْ کَانَ یَرْجُو اللَه وَالْیَوْمَ الْآخِرَ” (those who look forward to Allah and the Last Day) (See Surah Ahzab, Verse 21).

If we really believe that we have been created for eternal life and everything we do in this world is to be a prelude and a means for our eternal happiness, then we should avoid being merely concerned about this worldly life, which will one come to end and be oblivious of what we need to do for the hereafter? Is this a wise thing?! The relationship between the world, which is like the blink of an eye, and life in the hereafter is like this. Life in the hereafter is eternal and infinite. No matter how long this worldly life may be, it is finite and not comparable to the infinite in the hereafter. Thus, is it right for someone who believes in that world and knows that we have been created for there and that our whole worldly life is to provide prepare ourselves for the hereafter, to forget the final destination? It is clear that this is not a wise decision.

A Lesson from the Lifestyle of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT)

The life of the Holy Prophet of Islam and the Infallible Imams is a model for us because it instills this value in our lives that we should not be too concerned with the issues of worldly life and not give too much importance to them and, rather, be a bit relaxed when it comes to worldly life. So much concern about fashion, extravagance, and being envious of other people’s luxurious lives is against the dignity of someone who considers himself/herself a follower of Hazrat Zahra (SA). A true follower of Hazrat Zahra is one who avoids the spirit of extravagance and strengthens the spirit of contentment, piety, and indifference towards the things that deviate one from the path of Hazrat Zahra (SA).

Making Hazrat Zahra (SA) one’s role model in life is not a repeated slogan and is not impossible. It is very much possible in today’s world and every person, in accordance with his/her managerial and intellectual ability and environmental conditions can easily follow her as a role model. If there are many social, economic, and cultural problems in our society and social lives it is because of being away from the path of life of the household of the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH).