By Dr. Niyaz Ahmad Hakim

As the blessed month of Ramadan approaches, our hearts and minds turn toward introspection, self-purification, and strengthening our connection with Allah. It is a time when we seek inspiration from the lives of those who best embodied the principles of faith, justice, and compassion. Among the most remarkable figures in Islamic history is Hazrat Fatima Al-Zahra (RA), the beloved daughter of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), whose life offers profound lessons for individuals and societies today.

Yet, in many parts of the world, the values she represented—justice, dignity, and women’s rights—remain unfulfilled. If we truly seek to honor her legacy, we must reflect on the injustices that persist in our societies and commit to meaningful change.

A Woman of Strength, Patience, and Spirituality

Hazrat Fatima (RA) was not just the daughter of the Prophet; she was a pillar of strength and faith. Her life was marked by immense trials, yet she remained unwavering in her devotion to Allah. As a wife to Hazrat Ali (RA) and the mother of Hazrat Hasan (RA) and Hazrat Husain (RA), she nurtured a family that would go on to shape Islamic history.

Her spirituality was evident in her famous supplication, Tasbeeh Fatima, a practice given to her by the Prophet (PBUH) himself—reciting Allahu Akbar 34 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times, and SubhanAllah 33 times. Even today, this supplication is widely recited, particularly in Ramadan, as a means of strengthening faith and inner peace.

But while we commemorate her life with prayers and supplications, are we truly embodying the values she stood for?

The Forgotten Rights of Women

One of the greatest tragedies of our time is that the very rights Islam granted women over 1400 years ago are still being denied to them in many societies. Islam was revolutionary in its elevation of women’s status, granting them inheritance rights, the freedom to seek education, and protection from oppression. Yet, in many Muslim-majority countries, cultural traditions have overshadowed these divine commandments.

Consider the denial of inheritance rights, a problem rampant in South Asia and the Middle East. The Quran explicitly mandates that women receive their rightful share of property, yet families often deprive daughters and sisters under the pretext of “tradition” or “family honor.” This is not Islam—it is cultural patriarchy masquerading as faith.

Likewise, education for women remains a battleground. In Afghanistan, the Taliban have barred girls from secondary and higher education, despite the fact that during the time of the Prophet (PBUH), women actively sought knowledge and contributed to society. How can we claim to follow the teachings of Islam while denying women the right to learn?

And then there is domestic violence, a grave injustice that contradicts the very essence of Islamic teachings. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the greatest advocate of women’s dignity, stating: “The best of you are those who are best to their wives.” (Tirmidhi, Hadith 1162). Yet, countless women suffer abuse in silence, trapped by societal stigma and legal loopholes.

Ramadan: A Time for Reflection and Reform

Ramadan is not just about fasting from food and drink—it is about fasting from injustice. As we purify our souls through worship, we must also purify our societies from oppression. If we truly wish to honor Hazrat Fatima (RA), we must act:

• Ensure Women’s Inheritance Rights: Families must stop denying women their rightful share of property. Governments should enforce strict laws against such violations.
• Prioritize Women’s Education: Religious scholars, educators, and leaders must champion the cause of girls’ education, just as the Prophet (PBUH) educated his own daughter.
• Condemn and Eradicate Domestic Violence: Mosques and community leaders must actively speak against domestic abuse, reinforcing that it has no place in Islam.

The legacy of Hazrat Fatima (RA) is not just about personal piety—it is about justice. Her life teaches us that faith and action go hand in hand. This Ramadan, let us move beyond mere rituals and commit to real change.

May we strive to follow in the footsteps of Hazrat Fatima (RA) and build a society that truly upholds the values of Islam—justice, compassion, and equality.

Dr. Niyaz Ahmad Hakim
(The author is an expert in Unani and Ayurvedic medicine, specializing in holistic healing practices.)