wikishia:Featured Article/2018/2

Al-Sayyida Nafīsa (Arabic: السيدة نفيسة) was the daughter of al-Hasan al-Anwar, the son of Zayd, son of Imam al-Hasan (a). In historical books,she is well-known for her worship, asceticism, narrating hadith, generosity and memorizing the Holy Qur'an. She was born in Mecca and lived She was married to Ishaq al-Mu'tamin, the son of Imam al-Sadiq (a).

Al-Sayyida Nafisa moved to Egypt in 193/809 and stayed there for the rest of her life. When people of Egypt heard of her arrival, they flocked to welcome her and requested the governor of Egypt to prepare housing for her.

She has taken pilgrimage to Mecca thirty times. She would shed tears in the fear of God. It's also said that she has spent most of her nights in worship and fasted her days. Al-Sayyida Nafisa had dug a grave for herself with her own hands, and has prayed a great deal and recited the Quran many times there.

Al-Sayyida Nafisa was highly attached to the Holy Qur'an and according to most of the biographies, she had memorized the entire book. Although some researchers have mentioned she was unfamiliar with reading and writing, it's said she recited the whole Quran 1900 times. It's also said that she has passed away while reciting the following verse:

For them shall be the abode of peace near their Lord and he will be their guardian because of what they used to do. (Quran 6:127)

After al-Sayyida Nafisa passed away, her husband, Ishaq, has intended to take her body to Medina, but Egyptians insisted on burying her in Egypt.

The shrine of al-Sayyida Khatun is among the most visited sites in Egypt. Today her mausoleum is a place of pilgrimage for people, especially on Sundays and Thursdays. It is also a custom to hold wedding ceremonies near there. Each year on the birth anniversary of al-Sayyida Nafisa and Lady Zaynab (a) ceremonies are held in Egypt. Read more...