Fatimah (AS): The Straight Path

Fatimah (AS): The Straight Path

Every day, at least ten times, we ask the Lord of the Worlds:
“Guide us upon the straight path” (Ihdina al-sirat al-mustaqim).
(Surah Al-Fatihah, verse 6)

Numerous hadiths explain that this “straight path” refers to the rightly guided way. In one such narration, a Companion named Abu Barzah recounts:
“We were in the presence of the Noble Prophet (SAW) when suddenly Imam Ali (AS) approached. The Prophet (SAW) pointed toward him and declared:
‘Indeed, this is my straight path. Ali ibn Abi Talib and the Imams from the progeny of Fatimah—they are the Path of Allah. Whoever follows them treads the righteous ways.’
(Tafsir Ahl al-Bayt, vol. 1, p. 98)

Similarly, in another tradition, the Prophet (SAW) said:
“Indeed, Allah Almighty has made Ali, his noble spouse Fatimah al-Zahra, and their children a proof (hujjah) over His creation. They are the doors of knowledge in my Ummah; whoever holds fast to them will be guided to the Straight Path.”
(Shawahid al-Tanzil, vol. 1, p. 58, hadith 89)

Many other narrations likewise identify the path of Ahl al-Bayt (AS)—especially the Infallible Imams descending from Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (AS)—as the “Straight Path.” This reveals that Lady Fatimah (AS) herself is the very source through whom we come to recognize Allah’s straight path. Only by turning to her can we walk the path of guidance and salvation. Conversely, enmity toward her or opposition to her leads one into misguidance and spiritual deviation.