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Fatima

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Fatima bint Muhammad was a very important figure in Islamic history. She was the daughter of the prophet Muhammad and his wife Khadija. Many people look to her as a great example of how to live. She is often seen as a model of kindness and generosity. Some people also see her as a person who showed great strength during hard times.

Mohammed with his daughter Fatima and son-in-law, Ali, from the 1595 illustrated edition of the Siyer-i Nebi
Mohammed with his daughter Fatima and son-in-law, Ali, from the 1595 illustrated edition of the Siyer-i Nebi

Because of her life, her name is a very popular choice for Muslim girls today. Her family line also continues through her children to this day.

Fatima's life was filled with many different roles and duties. She was a daughter, a wife, and a mother to two sons. Her sons were named Hasan and Husayn, who are very important in Shia Islam.

The Marriage of 'Ali and Fatima, Iran, ca. 1850
The Marriage of 'Ali and Fatima, Iran, ca. 1850

In her home, she worked hard on many domestic chores. Her husband, Ali, also worked many jobs to help their family. They lived a very simple life and did not have much money. To help them, Muhammad taught them a special way to pray called the Tasbih of Fatima. This prayer uses three special phrases to help ease their burdens.

Historians have different ideas about when Fatima was born. Some say she was born in Mecca around 605 CE. Other sources say she was born a bit later, around 612 or 615 CE.

Paris, BnF, Supplément Persan 1030 fol. 467v cropped Fatima
Paris, BnF, Supplément Persan 1030 fol. 467v cropped Fatima

She grew up in Mecca during a time when her father faced many enemies. One story says she rushed to help Muhammad when people were unkind to him. She also lost her mother, Khadija, when she was still a child. After her mother died, it is said that the angel Gabriel came to comfort her.

Fatima is known by many beautiful titles that show how people respect her. One common name is al-Zahra, which relates to her regular prayers.

FatimaalZahra
FatimaalZahra

Shia Muslims believe this name also refers to a light that shines from her. Other titles include al-Tahira, which means the pure one, and al-Siddiqa. Some reports say that angels spoke to her, much like they spoke to Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Persian miniature of Jesus and Mary
Persian miniature of Jesus and Mary

Because of these special qualities, she is often compared to the most holy women in history.

There is much discussion about the end of Fatima's life. She died within six months after her father passed away in 632 CE.

Jannatul-Baqi before Demolition
Jannatul-Baqi before Demolition

Sunni Muslims believe she died from her grief over her father. However, Shia Muslims believe she died from injuries during a raid on her house. There was also a disagreement about a place called Fadak, which was a village with farmland. Some say it was a gift to her, while others say it was taken by the first caliph, Abu Bakr. Because of these events, her exact burial place remains a mystery.

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🖼️ Images & Media (9)
File:The Marriage of 'Ali and Fatima, Iran, ca. 1850.jpg
The Marriage of 'Ali and Fatima, Iran,...
File:Mohammed with his daughter Fatima and son-in-law, Ali, from the 1595 illustrated edition of the Siyer-i Nebi.jpg
Mohammed with his daughter Fatima and...
File:Paris, BnF, Supplément Persan 1030 fol. 467v cropped Fatima.jpg
Paris, BnF, Supplément Persan 1030 fol....
File:Residence_of_Fatimah.JPG
Residence_of_Fatimah.JPG
File:Jannatul-Baqi before Demolition.jpg
Jannatul-Baqi before Demolition.jpg
File:Mubahala.jpg
Mubahala.jpg
File:آیه_تطهیر.jpg
آیه_تطهیر.jpg
File:Persian miniature of Jesus and Mary.jpg
Persian miniature of Jesus and Mary.jpg
File:FatimaalZahra.jpg
FatimaalZahra.jpg
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