What is narjis khatun?

Narjis Khatun

Narjis Khatun (Arabic: نرجس خاتون) is revered in Shi'a Islam as the mother of the twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi. She is a highly venerated figure, considered by Shi'a Muslims to be a woman of exceptional piety and virtue.

• Origin and Lineage: Accounts differ regarding Narjis Khatun's background. One common narration states she was a Byzantine princess, descended from the Roman Emperor. She is said to have feigned being a slave in order to travel to Arabia.
• Marriage: She was married to the eleventh Imam, Hasan al-Askari.
• Mother of the Mahdi: Her primary significance stems from being the mother of Muhammad al-Mahdi, who is believed by Twelver Shi'a Muslims to be the promised savior of Islam who will reappear at the end of times to establish justice and peace.
• Veneration: Narjis Khatun is deeply respected and commemorated in Shi'a Islam. Her life story is recounted during religious events, and she is often invoked in prayers and supplications. Her tomb is located in Samarra alongside her husband and son and is an important site for pilgrimages.
• Different Accounts: There are different accounts regarding her name, background, and the circumstances surrounding her marriage. These variations highlight the importance of understanding the nuances within historical narrations.