Marriageعقد (شادی)

From the moment the radiant sun, al-Zahra (pbuh), appeared from the heaven of Prophethood and then reached perfection upon the horizon of majesty and greatness, all eyes and concerns were drawn toward her. The companions of the Prophet, being fully aware of her lofty status and importance, sent proposals of marriage to the door of Prophethood, yet each time the Prophet would defer the matter. Determining true compatibility (kufw) is not an ordinary task; rather, it is something that human beings are incapable of fully comprehending. Only the One who is aware of the innermost secrets of souls knows who is compatible with whom, and who among creation is truly equal to another. In this regard, the selection of Lady Fatima (pbuh) for the Commander of the Faithful was a divine choice. For al-Zahra, both her husband and her equal were chosen by Allah Himself. The sermon of this heavenly marriage was recited by the Lord, and the witnesses to this sacred union were the Messenger of Allah, Jibraeel (Gabriel) (pbuh), and the angels themselves. Due to ignorance of her true rank and station, individuals such as Umar and Abu Bakr sent proposals of marriage. However, in response to all of them, the Prophet of Islam (pbuh) would say: “Fatimah is the bondswoman of Allah; I have no authority in this matter. Only Allah, the Most Holy, knows who is worthy and equal to al-Zahra.” The Sixth Imam (peace be upon him) said: “Had the Commander of the Faithful (Ali) not married her, there would have been no one equal to her on the face of the earth from Adam (pbuh) until the Day of Resurrection.”