Fatima Is Fatima

• Author: Ali Shariati
• Translator: Laleh Bakhtiar
• Pages: 226 Pages
• Publisher: ‎ The Shariati Foundation
• Language: ‎ English, Persian
• ISBN-10: ‎ 0940368099

Summary of the book

“Fatima is Fatima” is among the first analytical books in Persian exploring the character of Lady Fatemeh Zahra (peace be upon her). The text of the book was initially delivered as a lecture in a single session at Hosseiniyeh Ershad on 4th July 1971. Later, the author—who was also the speaker—refined and slightly expanded it, shaping it into a book. This work emanates from a deep sense of pain, fervent faith, religious zeal, and emotional intensity, serving as a window to examine the cultural invasion and moral plundering by the West upon the Islamic East, where women have been the primary victims and the first captives of an identity crisis.

The late Dr Ali Shariati, in this book, provides a comprehensive analysis of the status of Iranian women. He elucidates their genuine need to recognise the unique role model of the Muslim woman, Lady Fatemeh Zahra (peace be upon her).

From the very outset of his discussion (the book), he does not conceal his regret at the lack of sufficient study and exploration by genuine scholars in recognising the illustrious figures of Shia Islam. He reflects on the dedicated efforts of Western scholars in researching the lives of significant religious figures, contrasting it with the negligence on our part towards this critical subject. He asserts that society’s limited understanding of the personal and historical dimensions of the Imams and great figures has caused considerable harm.

The author addresses Muslim women specifically in this book. These are women navigating a transformative period of changing values, striving to rediscover and adhere to their true identity. He writes:

“We are Muslims. The women of our society—seeking independence and self-determination—are inherently connected to a history, culture, religion, and society deeply rooted in Islam. A woman in this society who wishes to be herself, to build herself, and to be ‘reborn’ cannot remain indifferent to Islam. It is therefore natural for her to question: Our people have always invoked the name of Fatemeh, weep for her for days on end every year, and hold hundreds of thousands of ceremonies and gatherings in her honour. Yet, despite all this, her true image remains unknown. The only things people know about this revered and great personality are repetitive tales handed down through generations and recounted endlessly, year after year and throughout their lives.”

The essence of the book lies in answering this fundamental question: How can today’s Muslim woman, 14 centuries later, truly understand Fatemeh (peace be upon her) and take her as a role model?

The author delves into history, recalling the genius and truth-seeking spirit of Iranians that led them to embrace Shia Islam, despite the Sunni version being the initial form of Islam introduced to Iran. He highlights the greatest pride of the Iranian people throughout history: their ability to “recognise deception and falsehood, expose the powerful hand of treacherous usurpers, and rediscover an unknown, hidden truth buried beneath thick, dark layers of prevailing falsehood.” This, he explains, is why the Iranian nation, in a moment of critical, dark, and challenging history, chose Ali (peace be upon him).

Table of content

• Author’s Preface
• Translator’s Introduction
• Introduction: Part I
• Who Am I?
• Who Is Responsible?
• What Did They Miss?
• What Should Be Done?
• Which Mould Do They Fill
• What Role Did Women Play In the Attack?
• Introduction: Part II
• Islam Revolutionized the Position of Women
• The Confinement
• Freedom, Tragedy, Spiritual Strength
• A New History Begins
• Why Fatemeh?
• Her Final Struggle
• Epilogue

One famous part of the book

I do not know what to say about her. How to say it? I wanted to imitate the French writer who was speaking one day in a conference about the Virgin Mary. He said, ‘For 1700 years all of the speakers have spoken of Mary. For 1700 years, ail philosophers and thinkers of various nations of the East and West have spoken of the values of Mary. For 1700 years, the poets of the world have expressed all of their creative efforts and power in their praise of Mary. For 1700 years, all of the painters and artists have created wonderful works of art showing the visage and states of Mary. But the totality of all that has been said, thought and the efforts of all the artist throughout all of these many centuries were not able to sufficiently describe the greatness of Mary as these words, ‘Mary was the mother of Jesus Christ’.’

And I wanted to begin in this manner with Fatemeh. I got stuck. I wished to say, ‘Fatemeh is the daughter of the great Khadijah.’ I sensed it is not Fatemeh. I wished to say, ‘Fatemeh is the daughter of Mohammad (‘s).’ I sensed it is not Fatemeh. I wished to say, ‘Fatemeh is the wife of Ali (‘a).’ I sensed it is not Fatemeh. I wished to say, ‘Fatemeh is the mother of Hassan and Hussein.’ I sensed it is not Fatemeh. I wished to say, ‘Fatemeh is the mother of Zainab.’ I still sensed it is not Fatemeh. 

No, these are all true and none of them are Fatemeh. 

FATEMEH IS FATEMEH.