Lady Mary and Lady Fatima: Intertwined Paths of Grace and Compassion

Lady Mary and Lady Fatima is a groundbreaking contribution to interfaith scholarship, offering a profound comparative exploration of two of the most revered women in the Islamic and Christian traditions.

Co-authored by two distinguished scholars-Father Christopher Clohessy, a Catholic theologian based in the rome, and Mohammad Sahhaf Kashani, a Shi’a cleric and theologian residing in Qom, Iran-this rare collaboration builds a bridge between Islamic and Christian theological and mystical traditions. The book examines central themes such as grace, purity, motherhood, intercession, and divine election, presenting an in-depth analysis of Catholic Mariology and the elevated spiritual status of Fatima al-Zahra in Shi’a theology. Rather than simply comparing two figures, the authors respectfully highlight shared virtues, parallel spiritual ranks, and complementary roles, illuminating how these two women embody sacred models of piety and strength across faiths. In both Islamic and Christian traditions, Mary and Fatima are not only revered spiritual figures but also among the most inspirational and influential women in the history of faith. Their lives have shaped the religious, moral, and cultural identity of millions, standing as enduring symbols of purity, devotion, and resilience.

Key Features

Co-authored by a Catholic theologian and a Shi’a Muslim cleric Comparative chapters on spiritual ranks, virtues, and mystical dimensions.

A rare interreligious work grounded in mutual reverence and academic integrity Ideal for theologians, interfaith scholars, students, and spiritually curious readers.

This book is a beacon of hope for interfaith understanding. It is not only a tribute to two extraordinary women, but also a heartfelt call for dialogue, empathy, and shared reflection in a world often marked by division.

About the Author

Professor Christopher Clohessy is a South African Catholic priest who received a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Urbanianum University in Rome and a MA and PhD from the Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies (PISAI), also in Rome. He is author of several articles in academic journals, as well as of four books: Fatima, Daughter of Muhammad (2009, 2018 2ND edition), and Half of My Heart: The Narratives of Zaynab bt. ‘AIT (2018) and Angels Hastening. The Karbala’ Dreams (2021), and The Outrider. Abo al -Fadl ‘Abbas (2024), all published by Gorgias Press. In 2021 he was one of the recipients of the Iranian World Book Award, with the nomination ‘Distinguished Researcher’.

Professor Mohammad Sahhaf Kashani received a postdoctoral degree in Comparative Islamic-Christian Studies from the Research Institute for Islamic Culture. Since 2005, he has been teaching Comparative Studies of Islam and Christianity at the Seminary of Qom. He also serves as the president of the International Institute for Dialogue between Islam and Christianity. His primary research focuses on comparative studies between Islam and Christianity. He has authored numerous books and articles in this field, including works on love and compassion in Islam and Christianity (2024), co-authored with Professor Bartolomeo Pirone, and humanitarian rights in Islam and Christianity(2018). In 2014, he was awarded the Book of the Year Prize of the Islamic Seminaries.

Bibliographic Information

Title: Lady Mary and Lady Fatima: Intertwined Paths of Grace and Compassion

Author (s): Professor Christopher Clohessy & Professor Mohammad Sahhaf Kashani

Publisher: Canada International Publishing Group (Cipg)

 Language: English

Length: 164 Pages

ISBN: 978-1778990410

Pub. Date: May 17, 2025

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