Hazrat Fatima (RA) is a role model for all the Muslim women of the world as she has left behind innumerable examples to follow. This was stated by speakers at a seminar, "Role of woman in the family and society" arranged by the Cultural Centre of Islamic Republic of Iran here on Monday to mark the birth anniversary of the daughter of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
Member of the National Assembly and chief of the Jamaat-e-Islami-affiliated Women Aid Trust, Ms Razia Aziz, was the chief guest on the occasion while a member of the NWFP Assembly from the Jamaat-i-Islami, Ms Zubaida Khatoon, presided the event.
Addressing the largely attended-women gathering at the Imam Khomeini Hall, Ms Razia Aziz said Hazrat Fatima (RA) had exalted status of the mankind. "She was a distinguished daughter, wife and mother. She proved to be an ideal for others in all aspects of life", said the MNA while urging women to follow in the footsteps of Hazrat Fatima (RA).
The Jamaat-i-Islami leader was critical of the Western onslaughts against the Muslim world. "On the one hand we are facing cultural invasions from the West which is plotting to uproot our values, while on the other the forces inimical to Islam are shedding the blood of the Muslims in Palestine, Afghanistan and Iraq. The West is getting ready launch aggression against Islamic Republic of Iran. Acting upon the Islamic teachings and unity alone can help the Muslims to stand up to all the hostile forces", said Ms Razia Aziz while exhorting the women to understand the Holy Quran and sayings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as therein was the salvation.
A woman religious scholar, Zakira Naseem Zahra Naqvi said Hazrat Fatima (RA) stood by her father in the most difficult days of his life. "After the death of Hazrat Khadija (RA), Hazrat Fatima (RA) facilitated the mission of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The Holy Prophet (PBUH) loved and revered her so much that he would stand up in respect on seeing her," said Zakira Naseem while quoting incidents from the life of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH).
Ms Samana Rubab, an Iran-educated Pakistani woman, said Hazrat Fatima (RA) was a beacon of light for all the Muslim women. "She set examples for us all to follow. Hazrat Fatima (RA) struggled throughout her life for the truth and became a symbol of steadfastness when the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was confined for three years at Shaib Abi Talib", said Ms Samana while emphasising on the Muslim women to endear themselves to the Islamic teachings to succeed in this world and that hereafter.
MPA Ms Zubaida Khatoon said Hazrat Fatima (RA) played well her roles as a daughter, wife and caring mother. "She was a great worshipper and groomed her children in away that one of her sons (Hazrat Imaam Hassan-RA) earned a name as a peace maker while the other (Hazrat Imaam Hussain-RA) became a symbol of resistance to the tyrannical forces" said the member of the provincial assembly while throwing light on the traits of Hazrat Fatima (RA).
Ms Zubaida cautioned the Muslims against the conspiracies by the West. "Islam has given all rights to the Muslim women, but the West and its local agents are giving an otherwise impression. We must get ready to foil the plots being hatched against us", said Ms Zubaida while urging women to pay proper attention to their kids and make them fully understand the Islamic teachings.
The MPA from the Jamaat-i-Islami was critical of the campaign against the Hudood Ordinances. Terming the Hudood Ordinances as Divine Laws, Ms Zubaida said the electronic media campaign against the ordinances was a conspiracy and we should join hands to resist it.
Earlier, the programme started with recitation from the Holy Quran by Ms Mumliqat Begum. Ms Syeda Bint-e-Zahra, Ms Syeda Maryam, and Ms Farishta recited Naats. Two Afghan women Khanum Bilqees and Khanum Sakina read out eulogies to Hazrat Fatima (RA) in Persian language.
Ms Madeeha Asghar, a lecture at the Psychology Department of the University of Peshawar, conducted the event. Syed Ghayyur Hussain, Liaison Officer at the Khana-e-Farhang-e-Islami Jamhoori Iran, made the concluding remarks.