Quick answer: Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) is remembered for her devotion to Allah, truthfulness, patience, generosity, modesty, knowledge and courage in speaking for what is right. For Muslim girls growing up in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Europe, she offers a model of confident faith that is not afraid of being different.
During Ayyam-e-Fatimiyah, scholars have encouraged believers, and especially women, to take her as their example. In a published answer on the mourning days, Grand Ayatollah Safi Gulpaygani advised that pious women should make Sayyida Fatima (s.a.) their ideal and role model, including by preserving their hijab. This article turns that advice into practical ideas for girls and their parents.
Seven lessons from her life
1. Worship comes first
Shia narrations describe her long hours of worship and her dua for others before herself. For a teenager, this can be as simple as praying on time, reading a page of Quran each day and reciting the Tasbih of Fatima Zahra after every prayer.
2. Truthfulness
Al-Siddiqa (“the Truthful”) is one of her titles. At school, university and work, this means keeping your word, being honest even when it costs you, and not joining in gossip. Read about her other titles in Names and Titles of Fatima Zahra (s.a.).
3. Modesty and dignity
Modesty in Islam covers speech, behaviour, dress and the way we carry ourselves. The hijab is one part of this. For girls in the West, wearing hijab can feel hard, especially when it makes you stand out. Several things help:
- Remember that modesty is a choice made out of love for Allah and respect for yourself.
- Find friends who share your values, at a local Shia centre or online.
- Learn the reasons and the rulings properly from a teacher rather than from social media. See the Fiqah e Jafria course.
- Parents should explain and encourage, never shame. Confidence grows from understanding.
4. Generosity
Shia scholars connect Surah al-Insan with the Prophet’s family giving their food to the poor. A practical way to follow this example is to give in her name: a monthly donation, volunteering, or cooking for a neighbour. See Fatima Zahra (s.a.) in the Quran and Hadith.
5. Patience in hardship
She is remembered for patience in difficult circumstances, including a hard household life. Patience (sabr) does not mean staying silent about injustice; it means remaining steady, kind and connected to Allah while working through a problem. This is a helpful lesson for exams, bullying, moving countries and family challenges.
6. Knowledge
Shia narrations describe her as a teacher who answered questions from women of Madinah. Girls today should be encouraged to study the Quran, Fiqh and history. Qualified female teachers are available in our Shia female Quran teacher program, and adult women can start at any level: see Shia Quran Academy for Adults and Beginners.
7. Courage to speak for what is right
Her sermon and her stand after the passing of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) are remembered by Shia Muslims as an example of speaking clearly for justice. For girls today, this can mean speaking up respectfully when something is wrong, and not being afraid to explain your faith. For the history behind the days, see Why Two Fatimiyah Dates? The 75 vs 95 Days Narrations Explained.
How parents can support daughters
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Listen first, and answer questions calmly. | Responding to questions with anger or embarrassment. |
| Give your daughter a female mentor or teacher. | Comparing her to other girls. |
| Explain the reasons behind rulings. | Saying “because I said so”. |
| Celebrate her achievements in learning and character. | Focusing only on appearance. |
| Model the behaviour yourself. | Telling children to do what adults do not do. |
A 7-day challenge for girls and families
- Day 1: Pray all five prayers on time.
- Day 2: Read one page of Quran with translation.
- Day 3: Say the Tasbih of Fatima Zahra after every prayer.
- Day 4: Do one act of charity in her name.
- Day 5: Call or visit a relative you have not seen for a while.
- Day 6: Learn one ruling you did not know.
- Day 7: Share one thing you learned with a friend or family member.
Looking for ideas for the whole family? See Ayyam-e-Fatimiyah at Home: A 10-Day Family Plan.
Female teachers, safe and flexible learning
Many parents prefer a female teacher for their daughters, and many women prefer to learn from women. Al Mehdi Center has male and female Shia teachers. All teachers go through a vetting process, including a police check, and classes take place live on Microsoft Teams. Read about how we vet our teachers, our child safety and safeguarding policy and meet the team.
A qualified Shia female teacher for your daughter, or for you. Live one-to-one classes for girls and women, with 5 free trial classes. Book your free trial · See reviews · WhatsApp +92 333 1941 225
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Fatima Zahra (s.a.) a role model for Muslim women?
She is remembered for devotion to Allah, truthfulness, modesty, patience, generosity, knowledge and courage in speaking for what is right.
How can girls in the West follow the example of Fatima Zahra (s.a.)?
Pray on time, read Quran with understanding, dress and behave with modesty, be generous and truthful, study Islam from qualified teachers, and speak for what is right with respect.
Is hijab compulsory in Fiqah e Jafria?
Yes. In Fiqah e Jafria, covering is obligatory for adult women according to the rulings of the maraji’. Details, such as what must be covered in front of whom, are explained in each marja’s rulings. Parents should explain the reasons gently and early.
Can women and girls learn Fiqah e Jafria online from a woman?
Yes. Al Mehdi Center offers male and female Shia teachers, and you can choose when you book your free trial.
What age can girls start learning with a teacher?
From age 5. Adult women can also begin at any age, whatever their level.
What should I do if my daughter feels embarrassed about hijab at school?
Listen, do not shame, and help her find a supportive community. Teach her the reasons from reliable sources, and practise how to respond politely to questions.
Sources
- Mourning guidance of Ayatollah Safi Gulpaygani, including advice to women: saafi.com
- Al-Islam.org: Sayyida Fatimah al-Zahra
- WikiShia: Fatimiyya
