Source: MAHJUBAH Vol. 14 No.12(139) Dec.1995

Dedication to all Muslim Women on the Occasion of Women's and Mother's Day which has been named after Hazrat Fatima's (a.s.) Birthday on the 20th of Jamadi al-Thani

Naming newborn children is considered a principle divine rule. Allah Almighty named Adam and Eve the first day He created them; He also taught Adam all names. Man, too, has followed this rule and practised it ever since. Naming is an essential rule for civilized people. People's names vary according to different times, generations and languages. They may also be a relationship between the name and its meaning; although this is not always true. Thus, some names can be derived from entities other than lingual material.

Nevertheless, advocates of Allah's religion give names special importance. This practice has a significant meaning, for a human being is called by his name; hence a good or bad name leaves its effect on the holder. Indeed, there is special importance in good names; it is noteworthy to mention that when Imran's wife gave birth to a daughter she said: "And I therefore call her Mariam."

Furthermore, Allah chose the name for His prophet Yahya (a.s.) before he was conceived. Allah Almighty says that Zakariya, Yahya's Father, said:
"So give me an heir as from Thyself. (One that) will (truly) represent me, and represent the posterity of Jacob; and make him, O my Lord! One with whom Thou art well-pleased!"

(His prayer was answered):
"O Zakariya! We give thee good news of a son: His name shall) be Yahya: On none by that name have We conferred distinction before." (Chapter Mariam: 5-7)

It is also clear from His saying, "On none by that name have We conferred distinction before;" that Allah (glory be to Him) assigns the names of His special worshippers, such as prophet and Imams, in place of their parents.

Let us take a look at a large group of narrations which discuss naming Fatima Zahra, plus the reason for giving her this name; then also state that her name was given to her because of certain incitements, not offhand, nor as a result of admiring of preferring such a name; rather, it is the relationship between the name and the person which was considered.

Imam Ja'far Sadiq (a.s.) said: "Fatima has nine names near Allah (Exalted be His Name), they are: Fatima, Siddiqah (the honest), Al-Mubarakah (the blessed one), At-Tahirah (virtuous), Az-Zakiya (the chaste), Ar-Radhiatul Mardhiah (she who is gratified and who shall be satisfied), Al-Muhaddathah (a person, other than a prophet, that the angels speak to), and Az-Zahra (the splendid)."