( SA): Malka Habesha- The Black Queen

Hazrat Fizza )
Hazrat Fizza (AS) goes by many titles in the Islamic world. The most common titles given to
her are Janab (Urdu) and Bibi (Persian).
Bibi means Lady of the house. Janab is a title of honor and respect. I have chosen to use
the word Hazrat which is the Arabic equivalent of Janab. She is also given the title of Amma
due to her dedication and loyalty to the household of Prophet Muhammad (SAAS). Hazrat
Fizza (AS) was Malka-e-Habash which means that she was an Ethiopian Queen. She had
been enslaved. She was then purchased and freed by Prophet Muhammad (SAAS).
Hazrat Fizza (AS) was a strong Black Muslim sister of supreme intelligence and wisdom. Her
qualities are seen in the various circumstances that she endured. Hazrat Fizza (AS) was a
close companion to Hazrat Fatima (AS), daughter of Allah's Messenger (SAAS). She lived in
the House of Hazrat Fatima (AS) and shared in the tasks of her home. Hazrat Fatima (AS)
and Hazrat Fizza (AS) would care for the home on alternate days.

Hazrat Fizza (AS) was also a Hafiz (caretaker) and reciter of the Holy Quran. She had
memorized the Quran in such a way that she would answer every question with a verse.
This is the true meaning of a Hafiz which implies so much more than just committing the
entire Quran to memory. It is reported that Hazrat Fizza (AS) exercised such mastery over
the Quran that for twenty years she would talk by quoting its verses.

A Muslim writer named Abul Qasim Al-Qashiri narrates a story from Abdullah Bin Mubarak
and his encounter with Hazrat Fizza (AS). Abdullah Bin Mubarak noticed Hazrat Fizza (AS)
at some distance behind a caravan in the desert. He wanted to help her by taking her to the
caravan. So he approached her.
Abdullah asked: Who are you?
Hazrat Fizza (AS) replied:
And when those who believe in Our revelations come unto thee, say: Peace be unto
you! (6:54)
This was to correct the approach of Abdullah Bin Mubarak, reminding him of the proper
Adaab (ethics) to be used before opening a conversation.
He then offered his salutations and asked: What are you doing here?
She replied:

And who Allah guides none can mislead (39:37)

Abdullah understood from this verse that Hazrat Fizza (AS) had not lost her way in the
desert.
He then inquired: Are you a human being or a jinn?
Note: A jinn is a creation of Allah that once inhabited the earth before man. Their has since been a barrier
placed between jinn and mankind. The jinn occupy the realm of ether. They are also known as demons.

Hazrat Fizza (AS) answered:

O children of Adam! Adorn yourself at every place of worship (7:31)
Thus confirming that she was indeed human.
He asked: Where are you coming from?
She said:

They are being called from a place far distant! (41:44)
He continued to inquire: Where do you want to go?
She informed him:
And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind (3:97)
Hazrat Fizza (AS) was informing Abdullah that she was performing Hajj.
He asked: When did you leave for Mecca?
She replied: )

And verily We created the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them in six
days (50:38)
He asked: Are you hungry?
She replied in the affirmative:

And we did not make for them a body that they can live without eating (21:8)
Abdullah Bin Mubarak waited at a distance on his horse while Hazrat Fizza (AS) ate the food
that he offered to her.
When she finished her meal, he called out to her: Come running, hurry up!
She told him:
Allah burdens not a soul beyond its scope (2:286)
Abdullah was patient until she was able to arrive. Then he invited her to ride with him.
He said: Sit behind me on the horse.
Once again Hazrat Fizza (AS) had to remind Abdullah of the proper Islamic Adaab.
She refused and recited: )
If there were therein gods besides Allah there would have been disorder (21:22)
Notice how Hazrat Fizza (AS) glorifies the Oneness of Allah (SWT), while reminding
Abdullah Bin Mubarak to guard his faith (Taqwa)! Indeed Hazrat Fizza has taken this
conversation to a higher level, without straying from the specific address of Abdullah.
He took heed to the verse and dismounted his horse. After Hazrat Fizza (AS) was seated
comfortably on the horse, she recited words of praise:
Glory to Allah Who has subdued these (animals) unto us (43:13)
When they caught up to the caravan that Hazrat Fizza (AS) was traveling with, Abdullah
asked:
Do you have anyone in this caravan?
She informed him:

O David, we have made you a Khalifah in the earth (38:26)

Muhammad was but a Messenger (3:144)

O John, hold fast to the Scripture (19:12)

O Moses, I am Allah, Lord of the worlds (28:30)

By reciting these verses, Hazrat Fizza (AS) named four people in the caravan. When David,
Muhammad, John, and Moses saw Hazrat Fizza (AS), they ran towards her.

Abdullah asked: Who are they?

Hazrat Fizza (AS) answered: )

Wealth and children are the ornaments of (this) life (18:46)

Indeed, these were the sons of Hazrat Fizza (AS). Seeing that Abdullah Bin Mubarak had
assisted their mother with kindness towards her, they treated him with due respect. Hazrat
Fizza (AS) ordered her children:

Hire him. the best person you should hire is one who is strong and trustworthy.(28:26)

In response to their mother's command, the sons of Hazrat Fizza (AS) bestowed gifts on
Abdullah Bin Mubarak. But the generosity of Hazrat Fizza (AS) demanded that her sons
should bestow upon him more lavishly. So she reminded her children of Allah's Grace by
asking:

Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan, which Allah will double unto his credit and
multiply many times? (2:245)

Her sons responded by giving money to Abdullah Bin Mubarak, in addition to the gifts he had
recieved. Abdul Qasim wanted to know the identity of this magnifecent lady who rehersed
the ayah of Allah (SWT) so well. Her sons informed him that she was Hazrat Fizza (AS), a
slave who was set free by Prophet Muhammad (SAAS), the close companion of Hazrat
Fatimah (AS), and caretaker of Ahlul Bayt (AS).

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HADIS-e-KISA

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Kaneez (maid servant) of khanwada e Risalat, the Quee

Habash Hazrat Fizza (RA) was Sahabia (companion of Prophet (SAWW)) who b
head on the door of Prophet (SAWW) throwing away the throne and crown. Th
stated by Quaid-i-Millat-i-Jafariya Agha Syed Hamid Ali Shah Moosavi while tal
media men on the occasion of unveiling the gate of the shrine of Hazrat Fizza (
after its fixation, and Alam-Khushai (raising the Alam of Hazrat Ghazi Abbas Al
high (AS)) at Markazi imambargah Jamiatul Murtaza G-9/4 Islamabad in annua
daari marking Week of Pledge (Hafta-e-Ehd-o-Paymaan).

Agha Moosavi said Holy Prophet (SAWW) changing her earlier name Maymoona
her Fizza; she was used to talk in the language of Quran. This great lady in the
Prophet (SAWW) and after his departure served his progeny for 58 years. She
the side of the holy daughters of Ali (AS) and Batool (AS) in Karbala, Kufa and

He said coming of the gate of the shrine of this great khadma in Pakistan and t
fixing in Jamiatul Murtaza is a great blessing because these holy personalities a
best source of fulfilment of needs and prayers.

The TNFJ Chief reiterated his resolve that all schools of thought will prove their
practically on the occasion of Milad-un Nabi like Ayyam-i-Aza and will make cle
world that no power can create hurdle in processions of grandfather and grand

Appreciating special arrangements made by the government during Ayyam-e-A

Muharram and Chehlum, Agha Moosavi praised practical display of unity by the
nation for holding peaceful programs throughout the country on the whole. he
that under a pre-planned conspiracy terrorism was caused to be committed in
processions in Choa Sedan Shah, Dheri Hasanabad and Girja Road Rawalpindi
friday aimed at pushin Rawalpindi region into the fire of choas. he resolvwed th
not let foreign stooges involved in these heinous activities to succeed.

He demanded the government to set up tribunal for impartial probe of these ab

incidents, punish the attackers of azadari processions and culprits who disgrac
Tabarrukaat, and ensure law and order by holding immediate search operation
areas.

Answering a question about US diplomat Raymond Davis, he said he is not a sa

(diplomat) but jasarat-kaar(sinner) because a diplomat respects national laws
and does not go anywhere without permission. he said it is judiciary that shoul
his case. and everyone should respect it. Agha Moosavi also condemned terror
Mardan.

Responding another question on summoning a round table conference by presi

said Islam gives importance to consultation but nothing can be said without br
conference age nda in view. however such kind of measures are made just to p
and prolong the rule. he advised that parliament should be taken in confidence
national affairs.

On this occasion, different matmi organizations performed pursa daari and noh
The procession after touching through its designated routes culminated in Jam
Murtaza. special contingent of police and Mukhtar Force volunteers made secur
arrangements. large number of ulema e karam, religious dignitaries, matmi lea
people belonging to different schools of thought participated in the program. A
Muhammad Murtaza Moosavi advocate, Agha Syed Ali Roohul Abbas Moosavi a
and family of Muhammad Ali Shakir thanked all participants.

She only spoke verses From

Quran

By Mohammad Irshad

11 January, 2015

This is the true story of an elderly lady , who for 40 years spoke only from the verses of
Quran. Sayyiduna Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak, one of the most eminent students of
imam abu Hanafiah (RA) was travelling from Makkah to Madina, when he saw this old
lady , talked with her, and the whole conversation stunned him.

The Woman who only spoke verses from Quran

The ladys son informed Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak that his mother has been
speaking in this manner, using only the ayat of the Quran in her speech, for
the last 40 years.

Taqwa means protecting the heart from anything other than Allah or anything that
distances one from Allah so that the heart becomes a mirror of beautiful
manifestations. The following story is very telling in showing the piety of a woman who,
when she spoke, spoke nothing but verses from the Quran out of fear of falling into sin:

An elderly Arab lady was sitting alone at the trunk of a tree and Imam Abdullah bin
Mubarak also happened to pass that way. Seeing this lady in distress, he spoke to her.
The discussion is recorded as follows:

Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak:

Asalamu alaykum wa Rahmatullah.

The lady: The word from a merciful Lord is

peace [Ya Sin 36/58].

She meant that the reply of salaam is from Allah, Most High, Himself.

She said further: To

such as Allah Rejects from His Guidance, there can be no guide; He will Leave
them in their trespasses, wandering in distraction. (Surah al-Aaraf:186).

She meant that she had lost her way.

Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak: Where are you coming from?

The
lady: Glorified be He who carried His servant by night from the Masjid alHaraam (inviolable place of worship) to Masjid al-Aqsa (Far distant place of
worship) [Israa 17/1].
Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak: How long have you been in this place?

The lady: For three nights -[Maryam 19/10].

Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak: What arrangements are made for your food?

The lady: And Who gives me food and

drink (Surah ash-Shuara:79).

She meant that her food was provided to her by Allah.

Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak: Is there any water for wudhu?

The lady: And if ye find not

water, then go to high clean soil and (make tayamum) rub your faces and
hands (therewith). [Nisaa 4/43].

She meant that she made tayamum because there was no water.

Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak: Here is some food, partake of it.

The lady: Strictly observe the fast till nightfall [Baqarah

2/187].

She indicated that she was fasting.

Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak: This is not the month of Ramadan.

The lady: And he who does good of his

own accord (for Him) lo! Allah is responsive, aware [Baqarah 2/158].

Meaning that she had observed an optional (nafl) fast.

Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak: It is permitted to break the fast when on a journey.

The lady: And that ye fast is better

for you, if you did but know [Baqarah 2/184].

Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak: Speak in the manner that I speak.

The lady: He (man) uttereth no word but

there is with him an observer ready [Qaf 50/18].

She meant that since every word of a person is

observed and recorded, she took precaution by speaking only in the words of the Quran.

Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak: Which clan do you belong to?

The lady: Follow not that

whereof thou hast no knowledge, lo! The hearing and the sight and heart of
each of these it will be asked [Israa 17/36].

She meant that he should not inquire about that which he had no knowledge.

Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak: Forgive me. I have certainly made a mistake.

The lady: Have no fear this day. May Allah

forgive you [Yusuf 12/92].

Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak: Would you like to travel on my camel and meet your
caravan?

The lady: And whatsoever good ye do, Allah knoweth

it [Baqarah 2/197].

Meaning that if he if he did this good deed, Allah would recompense him for it.

Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak: Well, then you may mount it.

Saying this he made the camel sit down on the ground.

The lady: Tell the believing men to lower their

gaze. [Nur 24/30].

Ibn Mubarak understood, turned, and looked away. While she was mounting, the camel
jerked, and her clothes got tangled in the saddle and she proclaimed:

Whatever of misfortune striketh

you, it is what your hands have earned. [Shura 42/30].

In other words, she was calling Imam Abdullah bin Mubaraks attention towards this
mishap.

Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak understood and he tied the legs of the camel and he
straightened the straps of the saddle. She praised him for his understanding by saying:

And we made Sulayman to understand [Anbiya 21/79].

When the journey was about to begin, the lady recited the ayat, which are read when
undertaking a journey,

Glorified be He who hath subdued

these unto us, and we were not capable (of subduing them). And lo, unto our
Lord we are returning. [Zukhruf 43/13].

Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak held the bridle of the camel. He began to hum the Huddi, a
famous Arabic song for travelling, and he started walking quickly alongside the camel.

The lady:

Be modest in thy
bearing and subdue thy voice [Luqman 31/19].

Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak understood, so he began walking slower, and he lowered his
voice.

The lady: Recite of the Quran that which is easy for

you [Muzzamil 73/20].

She meant that instead of humming the Huddi, he should recite the Quran.

Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak began reciting the Quran.The lady became very pleased and
said:

But none remember (accept advice)

except men of understanding [Baqarah 2/269].

After reciting the Quran for a while, Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak asked,:-

O Aunt, have you a husband (meaning is he alive)?

The lady:

O you who believe,

ask not of things, which if they were made known unto you, would trouble
you[Maidah 5/101].

Meaning, he had most likely passed away.

At last, they caught up to the caravan.

Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak:

Do you have any son or relative in this caravan that has connection with you?

The lady:

Wealth and children are an ornament of

life of the world [Kahf 18/46].

She meant that her sons were with this caravan and they had provisions with them.

Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak: What work are your sons doing for the caravan?

The lady: And landmarks, and by the

star they find a way [Nahl 16/16].

She meant that her sons were guides for the caravan.

Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak: Can you tell me their names?

The lady:

The story is very telling in showing the piety of a woman who, when she
spoke, spoke nothing but verses from the Quran out of fear of falling into sin:

Allah chose Ibrahim as a friend [Nisaa 4/125].

And Allah spoke directly unto Musa [Nisaa 4/164].

O Yahya! Hold fast the Scripture [Maryam 19/12].

By reciting these ayat, the lady had informed him that her sons were named Yahya,
Ibrahim, and Musa.

Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak called out these names in the caravan and immediately
three young people came walking quickly over to them.

The lady: (addressing her children)

Now send one of you with

this your silver coin unto the city. And let him see what food is purest there
and bring you a supply thereof [Kahf 18/19].

In other words, she instructed them to feed bin Mubarak.

When the food was brought, she told Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak:

Eat and drink at ease for

that which ye sent on before you in the past days. [Haqqah 69/24],

and with this ayah she recited another ayah to convey her gratefulness to him for his
good conduct and courtesy. The ayah was:

Is the reward of goodness anything

other than goodness? [Rahman 55/60].

And their conversation ended on this ayah.

The ladys son informed Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak that his mother has been speaking
in this manner, using only the ayat of the Quran in her speech, for the last 40 years.

Imam then read from Chapter Jumuah:

That is Allahs favour which He gives to whoever He wills. Allahs

favour is indeed immense (62:4)

The lady was Bibi Fizza (ra) who had come from Abyssinia to Arabia as a slave. She was
freed by Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) and afterwards served Bibi Fatimah (sa) as her
maidservant. Bibi Fizza (ra) was only 11 years of age when she came to serve Bibi
Fatimah (sa). She remained faithful to the household of Ahlul Bayt (as) and even
accompanied them to Karbala and the prison of Sham.

This incident reflects the love and

attachment with the Noble Quran. It
also manifests the comprehensiveness
of the Noble Quran.