alMasuma

al-Masuma refers to Fatima al-Masuma, an honored figure in Twelver Shia Islam. The name al-Masuma means “the protected” or “the pure,” and the title is bestowed on Fatima, the daughter of the seventh Imam, Musa al-Kadhim, and sister of Ali al-Ridha (the eighth Imam). She is widely venerated for her piety and virtue.

Born in Medina in the late 8th century, Fatima al-Masuma lived during a period of Abbasid rule. Tradition holds that she accompanied her brother, Ali al-Ridha, when he was invited to Khurasan by the Abbasid caliph and later designated as heir. She died during the journey and was buried in Qom, in present-day Iran, where her tomb became a focal point of devotion.

Her burial site is the Fatima al-Masuma Shrine in Qom, a sprawling religious complex that has expanded over centuries. The shrine is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for Shia Muslims and a center for religious education and scholarship. The site attracts millions of visitors who come to pay respects, seek spiritual solace, and participate in religious activities.

In Shia tradition, Fatima al-Masuma is regarded as a model of piety and endurance, and she is invoked in prayers and supplications. Her legacy extends beyond religious practice to influence local culture, devotion, and historical memory within Iran and among Shia communities worldwide.