Bibi Masooma Qum (s.a.): The Luminous Lady of Qum

Published by Abbas on April 30, 2025

A Noble Lineage

Bibi Masooma (s.a.) was born in 173 AH (approximately 789 CE) in Medina. She was the daughter of Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.), the seventh Imam, and the sister of Imam Ali al-Ridha (a.s.), the eighth Imam of the Shia Muslims. Coming from such a noble lineage, she was raised in an atmosphere of piety, learning, and divine wisdom.

Her title, Masooma, meaning “the infallible” or “pure”, was bestowed upon her by her brother Imam al-Ridha (a.s.), signifying her exceptional spiritual purity and status.

Journey to Iran

Following the forced relocation of her brother Imam al-Ridha (a.s.) to Khorasan by the Abbasid Caliph Mamun, Bibi Masooma (s.a.) decided to leave Medina to join him. Her journey, however, was marked by hardship and tragedy. While traveling through Iran, she fell seriously ill upon reaching the city of Saveh. With the support of her followers, she was taken to the city of Qum, a center of Shia scholarship and devotion.

The people of Qum welcomed her with deep respect and love. However, her illness worsened, and she passed away shortly after her arrival, at the young age of 28. Her death was mourned deeply, and she was buried in Qum, a city that would forever be sanctified by her presence.

Spiritual and Scholarly Legacy

Though her life was short, Bibi Masooma (s.a.) left behind a profound spiritual legacy. Her shrine in Qum has become a major site of pilgrimage, second only to the shrine of her brother in Mashhad for Iranian Shia Muslims.

The city of Qum itself has evolved into a major hub of Islamic learning, home to the largest Shia seminary in the world. Many scholars attribute this honor and spiritual blessing to the presence of Bibi Masooma’s (s.a.) shrine.

A Symbol of Female Piety

Bibi Masooma (s.a.) stands as a powerful role model for Muslim women. Her life embodies deep devotion, courage, and a commitment to truth. She is often remembered not only for her familial ties to the Imams but for her own scholarly insight and wisdom, with traditions (hadiths) reported on her authority.

Her example is particularly important in showing that women have played key roles in the preservation and promotion of Islamic knowledge and values.

Her Shrine: A Beacon of Light

The Shrine of Bibi Masooma (s.a.) in Qum is a majestic and serene place, visited by millions annually. Pilgrims seek her intercession, pray for guidance, and find solace near her resting place. The spiritual atmosphere surrounding her shrine is one of reverence and tranquility.

Many have testified to the spiritual transformations and miracles experienced at her shrine — a reflection of the divine light associated with her pure soul.

Bibi Masooma Qum (s.a.) is not just a historical figure; she is a living symbol of faith, knowledge, and feminine virtue in Islam. Her shrine continues to inspire and illuminate hearts across the world. For those seeking a deeper connection to their faith, her life and legacy serve as a reminder of the enduring power of piety, family, and spiritual resilience.

✦ 1. Saying of Imam Ali al-Ridha (a.s.) about Bibi Masooma (s.a.):

“Whoever visits Fatima Masooma in Qum will be granted Paradise.”
(من زار المعصومة بقم كمن زارني)
— Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 48, p. 303

This statement from her brother, Imam al-Ridha (a.s.), clearly shows her elevated spiritual status. Visiting her shrine is considered spiritually equivalent to visiting the Imam himself, highlighting her rank and the purity of her soul.

✦ 2. Imam al-Ridha (a.s.) gave her the title “Masooma”:

Though only the 14 Infallibles (Ma’sumeen) are considered divinely infallible in Shia theology, Imam al-Ridha (a.s.) referred to his sister as “Masooma” (meaning infallible/pure), a title of deep spiritual honor.

“O Fatima al-Masooma! Intercede for me in Heaven, for you have a high status with Allah.”

This declaration signifies her power of intercession (shafa’ah) and her position as a saintly personality whose prayers are accepted by Allah.

✦ 3. Saying of Imam Muhammad al-Taqi (a.s.):

“Whoever visits the shrine of my aunt, Fatima Masooma, will go to Heaven.”
— Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 102, p. 266

This reiterates the immense reward promised to those who sincerely visit her resting place in Qum, affirming her special nearness to Allah.

✦ 4. Saying of Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) – before her birth:

Imam Sadiq (a.s.), long before the birth of Lady Masooma (s.a.), foretold:

“A lady from my descendants, named Fatima, will be buried in Qum. Whoever visits her, will definitely enter Paradise.”
— Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 60, p. 216

This prophecy not only emphasizes her future greatness but also affirms the sacredness of Qum, which would later become the spiritual and educational heart of Shia Islam — largely due to her presence.