A Review of the Political and Social Roles Played by the Ladies Hodayth and Narjis Khātoon

The Ladies Hodayth and Narjis Khātoon played a crucial role in the history of Islam and particularly that of the Shiite faith. Hodayth, Imam Hassan 'Askari's mother, and Narjis Khātoon, his wife, wisely defended the position of Imamat. Imam 'Askari named Hodyath as the executrix of his will and as his delegate. Narjis Khātoon followed her foot step, and after the martyrdom of Imam 'Askari, defended the twelfth Imam against the dangers posed by the Abbasid Caliphs.