1. Loving Lady Fatima (AS)

Whoever loves my daughter, Fatima (AS), will be with me in heaven, and whoever holds grudges against her will reside in hell. 

Bihar al-Anvar, vol.27, p.116.

2. The Best in Worshiping Allah

Fatima (AS) is the best companion in the path toward serving and worshiping Allah.

 Bihar al-Anvar, vol.43, p.117.

3. The Dearest

Fatima (AS) is the dearest of people to me.

Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Amali, p.259.

4. Lady Fatima (AS), the Joy of Her Father's Heart 

Fatima is of my flesh, who is the light of my eyes and the warmth of my heart.

Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Amali, p.486.  

5. Injustice to Lady Fatima (AS)

Woe to whoever does wrong to my daughter, Fatima (AS), after my death.

Bihar al-Anvar, vol.73, p.354.

6. Paying a Visit to Lady Fatima (AS)

Visiting Fatima (AS) equals to visiting me.

Bihar al-Anvar, vol.43, p.58.

7. Part of Her Father, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP)

O’ Fatima (AS)! You are part of me, and I part of you.

 Bihar al-Anvar, vol.43, p.32.

8. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP)'s Deep Love for Her

O’ Fatima (AS)! I’m ready to give my life for you!

Bihar al-Anvar, vol.22, p.490.

9. A Heavenly Angel

Fatima (AS) is an angel who smells like heaven. 

Bihar al-Anvar, vol.87, p.112.

10. An Avid Worshipper 

Verily, Allah has poured faith and belief into the veins of Fatima (AS); thus, she is consistent in worshiping Allah. 

Bihar al-Anvar, vol.24, p.74.

11. Lady Fatima (AS)'s Marriage

I did not give permission for Fatima (AS)’s marriage until I received Allah’s command as to her marriage. 

Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Uyoun Akhbar Al-Ridha, vol.2, p.59. 

12. Lady Fatima (AS)'s Status

My daughter’s light is of Allah, and her status is higher than heaven and earth.

Bihar al-Anvar, vol.15, p.10.

13. The Four Honored Women

Heaven looks forward to four women: Mary, the daughter of Joachim, Asyia, pharaoh’s wife, Khadija, Khuwailad’s daughter, and Fatima (AS), Muhammad (PBUH&HP)’s daughter. 

Bihar al-Anvar, vol.43, p.53.

14. Asking Allah's Pardon for Others

O’ Fatima! I give you the glad tiding of holding a high status in Allah’s regard, which provides you with the power to ask pardon for other people. 

Bihar al-Anvar, vol.76, p.359.
 

Does the Quran have any direct verses about books? Can the Quran guide us on what kinds of books to read? How can a book that was revealed about 1400 years ago tell us about which book genres are useful and which are not? 
In this text, we will study the status of reading books in the Quran and in Islamic teachings.
The first thing about books is the fact that the Quran, the miracle of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) is a book. Therefore, there is no doubt that there are no problems with reading books in Islam. But, the question that if there is any limitations in reading different types of books is considerable. 

Pointing out about books in the Quran

The word book has been used a lot in the Quran and has been used for three different meanings. Yet, all of them are used for a thing that records concepts and meanings and transfers them to the audience. In all different meanings of the book, it has been mentioned as a medium. The three different types of books mentioned in the Quran are as follows: 

1-    The books that contain religious rules and laws. [1]
2-    The books that record the deeds and actions of people. [2]
3-    The book in which all the events and details of this universe have been written and is kept by Allah. [3]

Writing books

Writing books is also an important point in the eyes of the Quran, as books are crucial means of conveying messages and transferring history to the next generations. They are also great means of spreading knowledge, wisdom, science, etc. the status of books and writing are so high in the eyes of Allah (SWT) that there is a chapter in the Quran called “Pen” (Qalam) in which Allah (SWT) swears by pens and what is written by it. [4] 
However, it is also very important that the written content should be useful, based on truth, and produced for the growth and improvement of human beings: 
“So woe to them who write the Book with their hands and then say, ‘This is from Allah,’ that they may sell it for a paltry gain. So woe to them for what their hands have written, and woe to them for what they earn!” (2: 79)

This can be a very important lesson and point to all of those who use their writing talent and produce written material for their audience. The above verse shows how enormous the effect of written products are on the readers.  

What does the Quran say about reading books?

Reading is also a very important point that is mentioned in the Quran. The most unique verse of the Quran that shows the importance of reading is, according to some Islamic scholars, the first verse of the Quran that was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP): 
“Read in the Name of your Lord who created; Created man from a clinging mass. Read, and your Lord is the most generous, who taught by the pen, taught man what he did not know.” (96: 1-5)

The above few verses show how learning knowledge and wisdom is connected to writing and reading. It is by writing that human beings transfer their thoughts and learnings to others, and it is by reading those writings that people learn from others. It is by reading that people think, contemplate, and come up with new ideas which lead to more learning, wisdom, discovery and inventions. Therefore, Allah compares those who seek knowledge and those who do not and asks us: 
“… Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ Only those who possess intellect take admonition.” (39:9) 

Which books to read?

Despite the importance of gaining knowledge through reading in Islam [i], still we might ask if all the books available in the market are useful, worth reading and lawful (Halal) to read in Islam. 

The point is that the Quran does not mention all different book genres and does not discuss each genre in detail. But, it provides specific frameworks that work as a type of criterion. Knowing the criterion helps us to distinguish which books are useful for us and which ones can harm our soul and spirituality. 
For example, the Quran is not against stories or novels since the Quran itself is full of amazing stories, some of which are examples or stories [5]. Allah (SWT) claims that He is the best storyteller when He says: 

“We will recount to you the best of narratives in what We have revealed to you of this Quran, and indeed prior to it you were among those who are unaware [of it].” (12: 3)

Reading such books will result in many positive effects on our mind and soul. As Imam Ali (AS) says, “The greatest peace is obtained by reading books”[6]. Also, at the times of difficulties and hardships, sometimes one finds no remedy other than taking refuge in books, perhaps to find a way out; As Imam Sadiq (AS) puts, “There will be chaotic days when people would not find peace unless within their books” [7]. 

However, this does not mean that reading all types of storybooks, novels or myths are useful. Allah mentions in the Quran that real believers are those who “avoid vain talk” (23: 3). Therefore, books in which we can find parts that would waste our time or those that contain stories, chapters, or lines that may harm human soul and spirituality are not recommended to read. Apart from the books that may harm our soul, reading and learning can be considered as a sign of a Muslim. 

Notes:
[i] “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon Muslims.” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) [8]. 

References: 

1. The Quran (38:29)
2. The Quran (45:29)
3.  The Quran (10:61)
4. The Quran (68:1)
5. The Quran (39:27)
6. Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.8126.
7.  Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.1, p.52.
8.  ibid, p.83.