SAHIFAH FATIMIYYAH

The word dua, which literally means calling or supplication, commonly implies expressing requests and needs to Allah to have them fulfilled. Most people tend to think that this is the only aspect of a dua. However, a quick survey of the duas of the Ahlulbayt (AS) clearly highlights two other important aspects, or functions, of a dua: closeness to Allah, and spiritual nurturing of one’s self. Another function of a dua, understood from the duas of the Ahlulbayt (AS), is caring about the community and expressing needs that are beyond one’s individual concerns. The collection of the duas and salats of Hazrat Fatimah (SA) that have survived the history, presented in this book, are rich in all the four aspects. Moreover, they use an outstanding language, they are generally comprehensive yet short, and they are effective. Men and women can both benefit from them in many ways, including in the specific roles assigned to them in the Holy Quran. By practicing the duas and salats of Hazrat Fatimah (SA), women would nurture themselves with awareness of Allah in the many details and distractions of a daily life, and become qānit, and men would strengthen their social roles, and become qawwām. In fact, this was the main motivation behind compiling the present collection.