Introduction: The Illustrious Legacy of a Woman of Influence
Fatimah (SA), also known as Fatimah Zahra, was born on the 5th of the Islamic month of Biʿtha (approximately 615 AD) and is the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Khadijah Kubra (SA), as well as the wife of Imam Ali (AS). She is one of the five members of the Ahl al-Kisa (People of the Cloak), whom the Shia Muslims believe to be infallible. The second and third Imams of Shia Islam, Zainab (SA), and Um Kulthum are her daughters.
Early Life and Titles
Unveiling the Life and Titles of Fatimah Zahra
Fatimah is known by various titles, including Zahra, Batul, and Sayyidat an-Nisa al-Alamin (Leader of the Women of the Worlds). She is also referred to as Umm Abiha (Mother of her Father). Fatimah was the only woman accompanying the Prophet (PBUH) during the Mubahala incident with the Christians of Najran.
Accompanying the Prophet
Fatimah: A Companion in Adversity and Triumph
Verses of the Quran, such as the Verse of Purification, the Verse of Affection, and the Verse of Feeding, as well as hadiths like the Hadith al-Thaqalayn, highlight the significance and virtues of Fatimah. The Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have declared Fatimah as the greatest woman in the two worlds and emphasized that her anger or pleasure is reflective of the anger or pleasure of Allah.
Marriage and Social Engagements
The Union of Fatimah and Imam Ali: A Covenant of Support
Little information is available about Fatimah’s childhood and adolescence. Reports mention her accompanying the Prophet (PBUH) against the hostilities of the polytheists, her presence in the Shi’b Abi Talib.
In historical and narrative reports, it is mentioned that Fatimah (peace be upon her) expressed love to Ali (peace be upon him) in various ways, even in the presence of the Prophet, and referred to him as the best husband. It is reported that Fatimah addressed Ali with affectionate words at home and referred to him among people using the title Aba al-Hasan. Reports also suggest that Fatimah adorned her home with fragrance and decorative items.
The early period of Fatimah and Ali’s life was accompanied by challenging economic conditions, and at times, they struggled to find enough food for Hassan and Hussain (peace be upon them). However, Fatimah did not complain about the situation and sometimes engaged in weaving to contribute to the household income.
Based on the Prophet’s recommendation, Fatimah preferred to handle domestic affairs herself and delegated external matters to Ali. When she sent Fadak as a servant to her home, Fatimah would personally perform half of the household chores and entrust the other half to Fadak. According to some reports, at Fatimah’s suggestion, one day Fadak would handle the household duties, and the next day Fatimah herself would take care of them.
Imam Ali, in turn, showed great respect for Fatimah. A narration from Imam Ali states that neither did he ever make Fatimah angry, nor did Fatimah ever make him angry. In the incident involving the request of Abu Bakr and Umar to meet Fatimah, Imam Ali addressed Ali by saying, “The house belongs to you, and this free woman who speaks with you is your wife. Let her do whatever she wishes.”
In essence, these reports highlight the loving and respectful relationship between Fatimah and Ali, showcasing their mutual understanding and cooperation in both domestic and public matters.
Resistance and Opposition
Fatimah’s Stance Against Usurpation and Oppression
During the Saqifah incident, Fatimah opposed the usurpation of Imam Ali’s caliphate by Abu Bakr and refused to pledge allegiance to him. She delivered a sermon known as Khutbah al-Fadak during the property confiscation incident, defending the right of Imam Ali’s leadership.
Tragic Demise and Spiritual Legacy
Martyrdom and Spiritual Inheritance of Hazrat Zahra (SA)
After the demise of the Prophet (PBUH) and the attack on her house by Abu Bakr’s supporters, Fatimah suffered injuries, and, shortly after, she attained martyrdom on the 3rd of Jamadi al-Thani, 11 AH, in Medina. According to her instructions, her burial was carried out secretly, and the exact location of her grave remains unknown.
Spiritual Treasures: Mushaf Fatimah and Khutbah al-Fadak
Exploring the Mushaf Fatimah and Khutbah al-Fadak
The supplications of Hazrat Zahra (SA), the Mushaf Fatimah, and the sermon known as Khutbah al-Fadak are part of her spiritual legacy. The Mushaf Fatimah is a book containing inspirations revealed to her by the divine angel, transcribed by Imam Ali (AS). According to traditions, it was in the possession of the Imams and is currently with Imam al-Mahdi (AS).
Role Model and Commemoration
Fatimah (SA) in Shiite Culture: Role Model and Symbol of Mourning
Shiites consider Fatimah as their role model and mourn her martyrdom during the days of Fatimiyya. In Iran, the anniversary of Fatimah’s birth (20th of Jumada al-Thani) is celebrated as Women and Mother’s Day, and the names Fatimah and Zahra are among the most common names for girls.
Assault on Fatimah’s House
The Historical Account of Abu Bakr’s Assault on Fatimah’s House
In response to the assault by Abu Bakr’s supporters on Imam Ali’s house, Fatimah stood against them, resisting the forced pledge of allegiance to Abu Bakr. According to Ibn Abd Rabbah, a Sunni scholar from the 3rd and 4th centuries AH, after Abu Bakr learned of the opposition in Fatimah’s house, he ordered an attack, instructing to break in and engage in combat. Umar, accompanied by others, went to Fatimah’s house, demanding the occupants to leave. He then threatened to set the house on fire if they resisted. After this threat, the attackers forcibly entered the house. In the confrontation, Fatimah, who was behind the door, suffered injuries due to the pressure and the blows from Umar. It resulted in the miscarriage of her son, Mohsen (AS). Some reports suggest that Fatimah was placed between the door and the wall by Umar and that he struck her side. Following this incident, Fatimah fell ill.
Fatimah’s Infallibility
Understanding the Infallibility of Hazrat Fatimah (SA)
According to Allama Majlisi, Shia Muslims unanimously agree on the infallibility of Hazrat Fatimah (SA). The Verse of Purification, Hadith al-Thaqalayn, and other narrations about the infallibility of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) contribute to the understanding of Fatimah’s infallibility. According to the Verse of Purification, Allah desires to keep the Ahl al-Bayt free from impurities and, according to many Shia and Sunni traditions, Fatimah is considered one of the manifestations of the Ahl al-Bayt. The prerequisite for the infallibility of Hazrat Zahra (SA) is that she possesses the qualifications of prophets and imams, such as the authority of speech and conduct, religious leadership, interpretive ability, and the ability to explain the religion. Her practical life and stances serve as the criteria for distinguishing between right and wrong. She is considered a perfect role model in various aspects of life. In Sunni sources, some narrations and historical accounts also report that the Prophet (PBUH), referring to the Verse of Purification, declared his family, including Fatimah (SA), Ali (AS), Hasan (AS), and Husayn (AS), free from any sins.
Fatimah’s Defense of Islam
Hazrat Fatimah’s Movement: A Powerful Defense of Islamic Values
Hazrat Fatimah’s movement begins with a comprehensive and multidimensional defense of Islam. Her approach is characterized by a powerful and logical force, relying on the exceptional logic found in the Quran and the traditions of the Prophet (PBUH). With courage, she addresses the main points of deviation, revealing them and articulating them as a fundamental protest movement. This movement fundamentally safeguards the sanctity of divine guardianship. It is a path that, when properly discovered and understood by society, can respond adequately to it and place it on a path that, in fact, forces deviations and pollutants away from the Islamic community. It keeps many Islamic values alive and preserves Islamic slogans to some extent, placing the community on a path where many Islamic values are correctly positioned.
