Chapter 9: Al-Siddiqah (The Honest)

Wr have already mentioned that one of Fatima's names was Siddiqah. This word means a woman with scrupulous honesty or sincerity.

Siddiqah differs from the word Sadook, in that the first is scrupulous and precise in telling facts. Furthermore, several other meanings have been given to the word Siddiqah; among them are:

A. She who is a truth-teller.

B. She who never lies.

C. She whose deeds conform to her words.

D. She who never lied, because she is used to truthfulness.

E. A woman with scrupulous speech and beliefs, and whose deeds conform to her words.

F. She who believes in the commands of Allah and His Prophet's, without doubting any of them.

This last opinion is supported by the following Quranic verse: 'and those who believe in Allah and His apostles; they are the truthful..." (57: 19)

Although these various meanings have been given to "Siddiqah," it is unanimously agreed upon that the various verses and traditions, counted "Siddiqun" among the apostles and martyrs, who will enjoy special treatment. This becomes apparent when looking at the following Quranic verses:

'All who obey God and the Apostle, are in the company of those on whom is the Grace of God, - of the Prophets. (Who teach) the Sincere (lovers of Duth), the Witnesses (who testify), and the righteous (who do good): Ah! What a beautiful fellowship!" (4: 69)

"(Also) mention in the Book (the story of) Ibrahim: He was a man of truth, a prophet." (19: 41)

'Also mention in the Book the case of Idris: He was a man of truth (and sincerity), (and) a prophet." (19: 56)

"Christ the son of Mary was no more than an apostle; many were the apostles that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth." (5: 78)

When interpreting "His mother was a woman of truth", it was said that Mariam was called "Siddiqah" because she believed in the signs of the Lord, her son's position, and that which he preached to her. This point is supported by the verse:

"And she believed in the words of her Lord."

Another meaning, which is given to this verse, is that Mariam was called "Siddiqah" for her truthfulness and the greatness of her position.

After reviewing the verse, we can easily conclude that some people say they believe in Allah, the apostles, the divine books and religious rules, but show contradictory actions. This becomes clear when some people claim they believe that Allah watches them, yet they disobey and violate His rules; while knowing of Allah's prohibition of liquor usury adultery, and that He decreed some rules and assigned certain duties to them, which if they perform, He will grant them paradise; and those who violate them will be subjected to Hell. These people have not reached the level of applying their words and claims into actions.

On the other hand, "Siddiqun" are those who believe in truth and righteousness, and practice what they believe. Their number is

small at any given place or time; in fact, a survey might show that in some town there is not even one Siddiqah.

Finally, it is easily recognized that Lady Fatima (A.S.) reached this level of "Siddiqun." She was given the title Siddiqah by Allah's Apostle (P.B.U.H.), as was mentioned in Ryad An-Nadherah v.2, p.202. and in Sharaf An Nubuwwah; he (P.B.U.H.) said to Ali (A.S.):

"You have been given three things which have been given to no one else, not even me, (they are):

You have been given a father-in-law like me and my father-in-law was not like me.

You have been given an honest (Siddiqah) wife like my daughter, and I have not been given the like of her as a wife.

And, you have been given Hassan and Hussain from your loin and I was not given two sons like them.

But you are from me, and 1 am from you."

Also, Mufadhdhal Ibn Amr said:

"I asked Imam Sadiq (A.S.): Who gave major ablution to Fatima (Ghusl Mayyet)?

He answered: 'Amir Al -Mo'mineen (A.S.) (Ali)'

I reacted in such a way that made it appear as if I could not believe he (A.S.) would do so.

Thus, Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said: It appears as if you feel uncomfortable about what I told you?

I said: May I be your sacrifice, I indeed do.

He then said: Do not be annoyed by this, for Fatima was a 'Siddiqah' and no one save a 'Siddiq' can give her ablution. Don't you know that no one gave ablution to Mariam save Isa (A.S.)."