Introduction

Throughout the history of divine religions, from Prophet Adam to the Seal of Prophets (peace be upon them), the status of women has been honored by religion, prophets, and their successors. Despite this emphasis on the dignity and position of women, entrenched anti-cultural practices by some people have prevented women from attaining their deserved status.

Prophets and their successors have illuminated human reason to distinguish the right path from the wrong, urging respect for the human essence, especially for women. This is an issue that humanity has yet to fully resolve, both theoretically and practically, and it requires further reflection and effort. In this context, real-life role models who embody these values have had the greatest impact on awakening minds and consciences.

Hazrat Fatemeh Masoumeh (peace be upon her), the daughter of Imam Musa ibn Ja'far (peace be upon him), is one of the prominent examples of Islamic thought regarding women. During her lifetime and even after her passing, she has remained a guiding proof for humanity. This noble lady, along with other pious women of early Islam, demonstrated in various aspects of life a lifestyle rooted in the purest beliefs and values. It is a source of pride for Islamic law that such complete human beings are its pioneers, serving as comprehensive role models for designing a proper lifestyle based on divine values.

Following the example of esteemed women like Hazrat Masoumeh (peace be upon her) enables faithful, chaste, and revolutionary girls in society to discover their identity and dignity, attain high spiritual, political, cultural, and social status, and, inspired by the great women of the Prophet’s family, feel a profound sense of responsibility for their destiny, family, Islam, and society. This intellectual and spiritual transformation will lead society towards a blessed and wholesome life. Below are some exemplary characteristics of Hazrat Fatemeh Masoumeh (peace be upon her) as a role model for women and girls.

Pursuit of Knowledge

One of the most prominent attributes of this exemplary figure was her knowledge and learning. It suffices to mention that when Imam Musa al-Kazim (peace be upon him) was traveling, a group of his followers came to his house in Medina with questions. Not finding him, they wrote their questions on paper and left them with his family. The next day, when they returned to say goodbye, they found that Hazrat Masoumeh (peace be upon her) had answered all their questions. On their way back, they met Imam Kazim (peace be upon him) and showed him the answers. Upon seeing them, the Imam repeated three times: “May her father be sacrificed for her”-the same phrase the Prophet used for his daughter Fatemeh Zahra (peace be upon her).

This story highlights the importance of encouraging education for women and girls in Islam. Both men and women are obliged to seek knowledge and use it to serve humanity. Women should not be deprived of education due to other responsibilities such as household management or childbearing, nor should education overshadow other essential aspects of their existence. This educational approach was also evident in Lady Fatemeh Zahra (peace be upon her), who was engaged in teaching and preaching.

Social Engagement

In terms of social influence, we see that a woman can also lead a social movement. Hazrat Masoumeh’s journey from Medina to Khorasan was a socially significant and revolutionary act within the teachings of revelation. Her journey, undertaken to visit Imam Reza (peace be upon him), redefined the mission of the divine guide. She traveled routes from which Imam Reza had been barred by the ruling authorities. Her strategic choices to deliver the essence of Islam to people were among her notable struggles. Like Lady Fatemeh Zahra (peace be upon her), Hazrat Masoumeh did not limit herself to minor acts of preaching but entered the public sphere, striving to analyze and shape social relations.

Patience, Hope, and Purposefulness

Hazrat Masoumeh (peace be upon her) spent her entire childhood and youth separated from her father, knowing he was imprisoned and tortured. Her patience, perseverance, and hope, despite her deep bond with her father, are remarkable. She always recognized her goal and endured many hardships to achieve it. This demonstrates a purposeful individual who, rather than being deterred by challenges, becomes more resilient and steadfast. The defining feature of her life was her clarity of purpose-she knew her path and pursued it unwaveringly. This lesson from her life is not just for women and girls, but for all free and noble people.

Commitment to Family

Another of Hazrat Masoumeh’s qualities was her commitment to family-an attribute much needed in today’s society. Despite her father’s absence and the many hardships her family faced, she always remained devoted. After her father’s martyrdom, she migrated to Iran to support her brother, Imam Reza (peace be upon him), and never abandoned her family.

Courage

Hazrat Masoumeh (peace be upon her) was considered a narrator and a trustworthy source for her father. Many hadiths have been transmitted from her, including those on jurisprudence, the Prophet’s ascension, and the truth of Islam. Her courage is evident in her defense of true Islam during the oppressive reign of Harun, when narrating hadiths was forbidden. She relentlessly conveyed the message of guardianship to Muslims, setting an example for girls and women in defending and reviving Islam and spreading truth and justice.

Diligence and Perseverance

Another lesson girls can learn from this noble lady is that she attained her high status through her own effort and perseverance. Imam Kazim (peace be upon him) had other daughters, but none reached her rank.

Views of Islamic Leaders and Scholars on Hazrat Masoumeh

The status of women and girls in Islam can be so elevated that the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic has said about Hazrat Masoumeh:

“Hazrat Masoumeh (peace be upon her), this young woman raised in the household of the Ahl al-Bayt, by sowing the seeds of knowledge and guardianship among the people, made Qom a base from which the light of the Ahl al-Bayt’s knowledge and teachings spread throughout the Islamic world.”

The late Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Shihab al-Din Mar’ashi Najafi, during his 60 years in Qom, was always the first pilgrim at Hazrat Masoumeh’s shrine at dawn, regardless of the season. Similarly, the late AllamehSeyyed Mohammad Hossein Tabatabaei would walk to her shrine every evening during Ramadan, break his fast by kissing her shrine, and then return home to eat.

The Status of Women in Islam

The establishment of a shrine for Hazrat Masoumeh and her commemoration focuses attention on a point that humanity has not yet resolved in theory or practice. The shrine of the noble lady of the Ahl al-Bayt is living proof that human perfection and worthiness of honor are not limited by gender. Nowhere else can the status of women in Islam be found in other civilizations or ideologies. The Quran contains a chapter named “Women” (An-Nisa), but none named “Men.” Throughout the divine word, there is mention of women, their rights, and their status.

In contrast, the decadent Western view values women only when they are objectified as commodities. Gender equality is recognized only as long as it does not challenge the capitalist humanist order. A woman may become a congresswoman or a university president, but when interests are threatened, these same women are prosecuted-for instance, for protesting the killing of children and women in Gaza.

Conclusion

Qualities such as family devotion, extensive knowledge, courage, support for guardianship, tireless effort, and countless other reasons make Hazrat Fatemeh Masoumeh an unparalleled role model for girls worldwide. While in much of the world, Girls’ Day is seen as a day to free girls from violence and empower them, in the Islamic Republic of Iran, this day coincides with the birth of such an exemplary woman. It is fitting that the lifestyle and character of divine women be introduced and modeled for free women and girls around the world.