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Fatima

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Fatima bint Muhammad was a central figure in early Islamic history. She was the daughter of the prophet Muhammad and his first wife, Khadija. To many Muslims, she serves as an ultimate archetype for women. She is remembered for her compassion, her generosity, and her ability to endure suffering.

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

Her lineage is also vital because Muhammad's family line survived through her children. Today, her name and various titles remain popular choices for Muslim girls. Many religious traditions view her as a person of immense spiritual importance.

Fatima's life involved many different responsibilities and roles. She was a daughter, a wife, and a mother to two sons, Hasan and Husayn. In Shia Islam, these sons are recognized as the second and third imams.

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

During her marriage to Muhammad's cousin, Ali, the couple lived in severe poverty. They performed hard physical labor to survive. Ali worked various jobs, while Fatima managed the domestic chores of the household. To help ease their heavy burdens, Muhammad taught them the Tasbih of Fatima. This consists of three specific phrases used during prayer.

Residence of Fatimah
Residence of Fatimah

There are different historical accounts regarding Fatima's early life and family. The mainstream Sunni view suggests she was born in Mecca around 605 CE. This would mean she was over eighteen when she married. However, Twelver Shia sources report she was born later, around 612 or 615 CE.

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

While some sources say she had three sisters, many Shia sources believe she was Muhammad's only biological daughter. She grew up in Mecca while her father faced ill-treatment from enemies. One account describes her rushing to help Muhammad when filth was thrown on him by an enemy named Abu Jahl.

Fatima is known by many honorific titles that reflect her character. Her most common epithet is al-Zahra, which relates to her piety and regular prayer.

FatimaalZahra
FatimaalZahra

Shia Muslims believe this name refers to a primordial light that radiates from her. Other titles include al-Siddiqa, al-Tahira, al-Mubaraka, and al-Mansura. Some reports also call her al-Muḥadditha, meaning one who is spoken to by angels. This comparison is similar to how the mother of Jesus, Mary, is viewed.

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

In both Sunni and Shia collections, she is recognized as the leader of the women of the worlds.

Her marriage to Ali held deep spiritual significance for the Muslim community. Muhammad reportedly stated that he married her to the best member of his family.

Mubahala
Mubahala

Some traditions suggest that Ali did not marry again while Fatima was alive. While polygyny is permitted in Islam, Muhammad reportedly banned a marriage proposal between Ali and the daughter of Abu Jahl. This was done to prevent a union between the prophet's daughter and the daughter of an enemy. Ali is reported to have said that looking at Fatima made his worries and sadness disappear.

After Muhammad died in 632 CE, Fatima experienced deep grief and political tension. She and Ali refused to acknowledge the authority of the first caliph, Abu Bakr. They believed Ali was the rightful successor to Muhammad.

FatimaalZahra
FatimaalZahra

A major dispute arose regarding Fadak, a village with agricultural land. Shia views hold that Muhammad gifted this land to Fatima, but Abu Bakr seized it. Sunni views differ on whether the land was a gift or part of the state's revenue. Fatima contested this, using her sons and a maid named Umm Aiman as witnesses. Abu Bakr required different legal standards for witnesses to confirm her ownership.

Fatima's death within six months of her father's remains a subject of intense controversy. Sunni Islam holds that she died from the weight of her grief. In contrast, Shia Islam teaches that she died from injuries sustained during a raid on her house.

Jannatul-Baqi before Demolition
Jannatul-Baqi before Demolition

It is believed she requested that the caliph not attend her funeral. Because of this, she was buried secretly at night. Consequently, her exact burial place remains uncertain to this day. Her life continues to be a subject of study in theology and history.

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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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