Faatimah’s Precious Jewel of Wisdom

Last updated on December 5th, 2025 at 05:26 am

Reading Time: 6 minutes

May Allah Jalla Shaanuhu reward you for seeking knowledge of the Deen and for your desire to implement the beautiful teachings of our beloved Nabi (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) in your life. The Hadeeth we are concerned with is a gem, containing oceans of wisdom, especially for young Muslim women embarking on the noble path of Pardah. Let us delve into an exhaustive explanation, extracting its timeless lessons.

The Text of the Hadeeth and its Context

First, let us present the Hadeeth with a clear translation:

Narrated by Sayyidina Ali (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu): He was in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) who asked, “What is the best thing for a woman?” The people present remained silent. When I (Ali) returned home, I asked Faatimah (Radhiyallahu ‘anha), “What is the best thing for women?” She replied, “That they do not see men and men do not see them.” I mentioned this to Nabi (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam), and he said, “Indeed, Faatimah is a part of me.” [Musnadul Bazzaar]

 

Contextual Beauty:

• The question was posed by the best of creation, in a gathering that likely included some of the most knowledgeable Sahaabah (Radhiyallahu anhum). Their silence indicates the depth and weight of the question; it was not a trivial matter.
• Sayyidina Ali (Radhiyallahu anhu), demonstrating beautiful adab (etiquette), did not insist on an answer in the gathering. Instead, he took this profound question home to the person he considered most qualified to answer—Sayyidatina Faatimah (Radhiyallahu anha), the leader of the women of Jannah.
• This sets the stage for a divine wisdom to be revealed through the purest of households, the Ahlul Bayt.

The Core Teaching: “That Men Do Not See Them”

Sayyidatina Faatimah’s (Radhiyallahu anha) answer, “That men do not see them,” is the cornerstone of this Hadeeth. This simple, powerful statement encapsulates the entire philosophy of Hijaab and Pardah. Let us break down its wisdom and beauty, particularly for young girls.

1. A Proactive Shield of Honour and Dignity

The beauty of Sayyidatina Faatimah’s answer lies in its comprehensive structure. She began with “That they (women) do not see men,” establishing a principle of active self-guardianship. But she culminated with the powerful statement, “and that men do not see them.”

This order is extremely wise. It first calls a woman to an internal state of empowerment—guarding her own heart and gaze. Then, it establishes the external reality that flows from that internal state: her physical and spiritual protection from the gaze of others. By culminating with “men do not see them,” she places the woman in a position of supreme honour. The phrasing is not merely about a woman’s action, but about her sanctified state of being—she is a person whose dignity is so immense that it necessitates this protection.

• Wisdom: This complete phrasing reframes Pardah from a discourse of restriction to one of sacred preservation and active honour. It is a dual-layered shield. The first layer is her own lowered gaze, an act of spiritual sovereignty over her heart. The second, outer layer is the barrier against the male gaze, which protects her sacred space and physical honour. Together, they affirm that she is like a precious jewel, whose value is so immense that she is both actively guarded and self-guarding, not to be gazed upon by every passerby.
• Benefit for Young Girls: When you adopt Pardah, you are not merely hiding or being passive. You are first and foremost commanding respect from within by choosing where to direct your own gaze. This inner discipline is the source of your strength. Outwardly, you are declaring that your body, your beauty, and your femininity are sacred and are reserved only for those with a rightful claim (your Mahram men and your future husband). It is the ultimate act of self-respect, where you define the terms of your own visibility and honour.

2. The Root of Fitnah (Temptation)

The primary wisdom behind this ruling is to block the pathways to Fitnah. The human heart is fragile. A non-Mahram gaze is not neutral; it can be the first arrow of Shaytaan that leads to sinful thoughts, desires, and actions.

• Wisdom: By preventing the gaze, Islam builds a fortress around the heart—both the heart of the man and the woman. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, “The eyes commit Zina (adultery), and their Zina is the gaze.” (Bukhaari). Sayyidatina Faatimah’s (Radhiyallahu anha) answer strikes at the very root of this spiritual disease.
• Benefit for Young Girls: Pardah is your spiritual armour. In a crass world that objectifies women, your Hijaab and Pardah are your declaration of freedom—freedom from being judged by your looks, freedom from the male gaze, and freedom to be valued for your intellect, character, and faith.

3. It Complements the Command for Men to Lower Their Gaze

Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’aan:

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts…” (An-Noor: 30)
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts…” (An-Noor: 31)

• Wisdom: Sayyidatina Faatimah’s (Radhiyallahu anha) answer provides the most effective means for men to fulfil their command. The easiest way for a man to lower his gaze is if the object of that gaze is not present. Therefore, a woman’s Pardah is not just an act of worship for her, but it is also a form of social cooperation and mercy that helps her brothers in faith uphold their piety.
• Benefit for Young Girls: Your Pardah is an act of sadaqah (charity) towards the Muslim men around you. You are actively helping to create a pure, safe, and dignified environment for everyone. You become a source of blessings (Barakah) for your community.

The Divine Compliment: “Indeed, Fatimah is a Part of Me”

Rasulullah’s (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) response to Faatimah’s answer is one of the most thoughtful compliments in Islamic history.

“Indeed, Fatimah is a part of me.”

This statement carries immense meanings:

1. A Validation of Divine Wisdom

Nabi (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) did not merely say, “She is correct.” He affirmed that her answer, which emerged from her pure fitrah (natural disposition) and deep understanding, was in perfect harmony with the message of Nubuwwat itself.

• Wisdom: This shows that the concept of Pardah is not a cultural imposition or a sign of oppression. It is an intrinsic, divine truth that resonates with the pure human soul. Faatimah (Radhiyallahu anha), the purest of women, understood this best.
• Benefit for Young Girls: When you embrace Pardah, you are aligning yourself with the understanding of Sayyidatina Faatimah and, by extension, the heart of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam). You are following a path validated by Allah Jalla Shaanuhu Himself.

2. An Indication of Her Status and Knowledge

By stating she is “part” of him, Nabi (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was indicating that her wisdom, her judgment, and her character were a direct reflection of his own. Her answer was not just a woman’s opinion; it was a revelation of Prophetic wisdom through her.

• Wisdom: This elevates the status of women in Islam to the highest possible degree. The most beloved person to the Rasool (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam), from whose own being she was a part, gave this ruling on what is best for women.
• Benefit for Young Girls: Take Sayyidatina Faatimah (Radhiyallahu anha) as your role model. She was not a separated, insignificant figure. She was learned, a wife, a mother, and a religious voice. Her Pardah was the source of her strength, honour, and unwavering faith. It protected her to fulfil her great duties in life.

3. An Emotional and Spiritual Bond

The word “Bidh’ah” (part of me) is deeply emotional. It signifies a connection of flesh, blood, and soul. This compliment, given in this context, forever links the practice of Pardah with the love of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and his pure daughter.

• Wisdom: Allah makes this path beloved to the believers. He doesn’t just command it; He shows us that His most beloved ones cherished it.
• Benefit for Young Girls: Let your Pardah be an expression of your love. You love Nabi (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam), you love Faatimah (Radhiyallahu anha), and you love Allah. By adopting this, you are embodying that love. It transforms the practice from a mere obligation into an act of passionate devotion.

Conclusion: A Message for the Young Girl Embracing Pardah

As you stand at the threshold of this beautiful journey into Pardah, internalize the lessons of this Hadeeth:

1. See Your Pardah as a Crown, Not a Cage. You are following in the footsteps of the Princess of Jannah, Faatimah (Radhiyallahu anha). Her father, the king of both worlds, praised her for this very understanding. Carry yourself with the dignity and honour that this legacy bestows upon you.
2. Understand its Profound Social Wisdom. You are not just protecting yourself; you are contributing to a morally healthy society where men and women live with respect and Allah-consciousness.
3. Connect it to Love. Do it for the sake of Allah, out of love for Nabi (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam), and as a way to connect with the noble example of Sayyidatina Faatimah (Radhiyallahu anha). When love is the driver, the journey becomes joyful and full of light.

May Allah Almighty make the path of Pardah easy, beloved, and full of light for you. May He grant you the honour and dignity that He has reserved for the believing women. May you, through your modesty and faith, become a source of pride for the Ummah and a means of attaining His pleasure and Jannah. Aameen.

(Khairun Nisa)