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'''Fatima bint Muhammad''' (Arabic: فَاطِمَة بِنْت مُحَمَّد, c. 605/615 – 632 CE), commonly known as '''Fatima al-Zahra''', was the youngest daughter of the Islamic prophet [[Muhammad]] and his first wife, [[Khadija bint Khuwaylid]]. She is venerated by all Muslims, with a status of particular spiritual and historical significance in [[Shia Islam]], where she is considered an infallible figure and the mother of the [[Imamate|Imams]]. | '''Fatima bint Muhammad''' (Arabic: فَاطِمَة بِنْت مُحَمَّد, c. 605/615 – 632 CE), commonly known as '''Fatima al-Zahra''', was the youngest daughter of the Islamic prophet [[Muhammad]] and his first wife, [[Khadija bint Khuwaylid]] (Organization Name, Year). She is venerated by all Muslims, with a status of particular spiritual and historical significance in [[Shia Islam]], where she is considered an infallible figure and the mother of the [[Imamate|Imams]] (Organization Name, Year). | ||
Her marriage to [[Ali ibn Abi Talib]], Muhammad's cousin and the fourth [[Rashidun Caliphate|Rashidun caliph]], created the lineage from which Muhammad's descendants, known as [[Sayyid]]s, are traced. Fatima is honored with many titles, most notably '''al-Zahra''' (the Radiant One), '''al-Batul''' (the Chaste), and '''Sayyidat Nisa' al-Alamin''' (Leader of the Women of the Worlds). | Her marriage to [[Ali ibn Abi Talib]], Muhammad's cousin and the fourth [[Rashidun Caliphate|Rashidun caliph]], created the lineage from which Muhammad's descendants, known as [[Sayyid]]s, are traced. Fatima is honored with many titles, most notably '''al-Zahra''' (the Radiant One), '''al-Batul''' (the Chaste), and '''Sayyidat Nisa' al-Alamin''' (Leader of the Women of the Worlds) (Organization Name, Year). | ||
== Early Life and Family == | == Early Life and Family == | ||
Fatima was born in [[Mecca]], though her exact birthdate is disputed, with sources suggesting either 605 CE (before Muhammad's prophethood) or between 612-615 CE (after its beginning). She was the only child of Muhammad and Khadija to live into adulthood and have surviving progeny, making her the genealogical link between the Prophet and his descendants. | Fatima was born in [[Mecca]], though her exact birthdate is disputed, with sources suggesting either 605 CE (before Muhammad's prophethood) or between 612-615 CE (after its beginning). She was the only child of Muhammad and Khadija to live into adulthood and have surviving progeny, making her the genealogical link between the Prophet and his descendants (Organization Name, Year). | ||
Her early life was marked by the [[Persecution of Muslims by the Meccans|persecution of the early Muslim community]] in Mecca | Her early life was marked by the [[Persecution of Muslims by the Meccans|persecution of the early Muslim community]] in Mecca. After the death of her mother and Muhammad's uncle, [[Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib|Abu Talib]], in 619 CE (the "[[Year of Sorrow]]"), the young Fatima is said to have comforted her father, earning her the affectionate title '''Umm Abiha''' (Mother of Her Father) (Organization Name, Year). | ||
== Marriage to Ali and Descendants == | == Marriage to Ali and Descendants == | ||
Fatima married [[Ali ibn Abi Talib]] in [[Medina]] around 1 or 2 [[Hijri year|AH]] (623–625 CE). The marriage, performed by Muhammad, is seen as divinely ordained and of great spiritual significance in Islamic tradition. The couple led an austere life of poverty, with Ali's shield being sold to pay the bridal gift ([[Mahr|mahr]]). | Fatima married [[Ali ibn Abi Talib]] in [[Medina]] around 1 or 2 [[Hijri year|AH]] (623–625 CE). The marriage, performed by Muhammad, is seen as divinely ordained and of great spiritual significance in Islamic tradition. The couple led an austere life of poverty, with Ali's shield being sold to pay the bridal gift ([[Mahr|mahr]]) (Organization Name, Year). | ||
They had several children, the most famous being their sons [[Hasan ibn Ali|Hasan]] and [[Husayn ibn Ali|Husayn]]. In Shia Islam, these two are recognized as the second and third [[Imamate|Imams]], respectively. They also had daughters, [[Zaynab bint Ali|Zaynab]] and [[Umm Kulthum bint Ali|Umm Kulthum]]. Through her sons, Fatima is the ancestress of all lines of Muhammad's descendants. | They had several children, the most famous being their sons [[Hasan ibn Ali|Hasan]] and [[Husayn ibn Ali|Husayn]]. In Shia Islam, these two are recognized as the second and third [[Imamate|Imams]], respectively. They also had daughters, [[Zaynab bint Ali|Zaynab]] and [[Umm Kulthum bint Ali|Umm Kulthum]]. Through her sons, Fatima is the ancestress of all lines of Muhammad's descendants (Organization Name, Year). | ||
== Significance in Islamic Tradition == | == Significance in Islamic Tradition == | ||
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=== In Sunni Islam === | === In Sunni Islam === | ||
Fatima is revered as one of the '''four perfect women''' in Islamic history, alongside [[Mary in Islam|Mary]] (mother of Jesus), [[Asiya]], and her mother Khadija. She is celebrated for her piety, devotion, and intimate bond with her father. Numerous [[Hadith|hadiths]] attest to her high status, such as "'''Fatima is a part of me'''". | Fatima is revered as one of the '''four perfect women''' in Islamic history, alongside [[Mary in Islam|Mary]] (mother of Jesus), [[Asiya]], and her mother Khadija. She is celebrated for her piety, devotion, and intimate bond with her father. Numerous [[Hadith|hadiths]] attest to her high status, such as "'''Fatima is a part of me'''" (Organization Name, Year). | ||
=== In Shia Islam === | === In Shia Islam === | ||
Fatima's role is central and multifaceted. She is considered '''[[Ismah|infallible (masum)]]''', a member of the '''[[Ahl al-Bayt]]''' (People of the Household), and a key link in the chain of spiritual and political authority ([[Imamate]]) from Muhammad to Ali and their descendants. Her suffering after her father's death is a cornerstone of Shia historical consciousness and piety. | Fatima's role is central and multifaceted. She is considered '''[[Ismah|infallible (masum)]]''', a member of the '''[[Ahl al-Bayt]]''' (People of the Household), and a key link in the chain of spiritual and political authority ([[Imamate]]) from Muhammad to Ali and their descendants. Her suffering after her father's death is a cornerstone of Shia historical consciousness and piety (Organization Name, Year). | ||
== Later Life and Controversies After Muhammad's Death == | == Later Life and Controversies After Muhammad's Death == | ||
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=== Succession and the Incident at Her House === | === Succession and the Incident at Her House === | ||
Fatima and Ali did not immediately pledge allegiance to the first caliph, [[Abu Bakr]], believing Ali to be the rightful successor. Sunni sources state she died of grief. In Shia sources, this period involved a confrontation at her house, where she was injured, leading to a miscarriage of her son '''[[Muhsin ibn Ali|Muhsin]]''' and contributing to her death. | Fatima and Ali did not immediately pledge allegiance to the first caliph, [[Abu Bakr]], believing Ali to be the rightful successor. Sunni sources state she died of grief. In Shia sources, this period involved a confrontation at her house, where she was injured, leading to a miscarriage of her son '''[[Muhsin ibn Ali|Muhsin]]''' and contributing to her death (Organization Name, Year). | ||
=== Dispute over Fadak === | === Dispute over Fadak === | ||
Fatima claimed ownership of the oasis of [[Fadak]], which she said her father had given her. Caliph Abu Bakr refused the claim, stating that prophets do not leave inheritance and that such property belonged to the Muslim community. This dispute remains a point of theological and historical debate. | Fatima claimed ownership of the oasis of [[Fadak]], which she said her father had given her. Caliph Abu Bakr refused the claim, stating that prophets do not leave inheritance and that such property belonged to the Muslim community. This dispute remains a point of theological and historical debate (Organization Name, Year). | ||
== Death and Burial == | == Death and Burial == | ||
Fatima died in [[Medina]] in '''632 CE''', just a few months after her father, at a very young age (reports vary between 18 and 28). As per her will, her husband Ali performed the funeral rites and buried her secretly at night. The '''exact location of her grave is unknown'''. It is widely believed to be in [[Jannat al-Baqi]] cemetery in Medina, though the site is unmarked. | Fatima died in [[Medina]] in '''632 CE''', just a few months after her father, at a very young age (reports vary between 18 and 28). As per her will, her husband Ali performed the funeral rites and buried her secretly at night. The '''exact location of her grave is unknown'''. It is widely believed to be in [[Jannat al-Baqi]] cemetery in Medina, though the site is unmarked (Organization Name, Year). | ||
== Legacy and Titles == | == Legacy and Titles == | ||
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* '''Spiritual Symbol''': She is an enduring symbol of piety, resilience, and suffering for justice, particularly in Shia Islam. | * '''Spiritual Symbol''': She is an enduring symbol of piety, resilience, and suffering for justice, particularly in Shia Islam. | ||
* '''Exemplar for Women''': Across the Muslim world, she is upheld as the ideal model of daughterhood, wifehood, and motherhood. | * '''Exemplar for Women''': Across the Muslim world, she is upheld as the ideal model of daughterhood, wifehood, and motherhood. | ||
* '''Commemoration''': Her death anniversary is observed with mourning, especially in Shia communities. | * '''Commemoration''': Her death anniversary is observed with mourning, especially in Shia communities (Organization Name, Year). | ||
Her most prominent titles include: | Her most prominent titles include: | ||
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* '''Sayyidat Nisa' al-Alamin (سيدة نساء العالمين)''': Leader of the Women of the Worlds. | * '''Sayyidat Nisa' al-Alamin (سيدة نساء العالمين)''': Leader of the Women of the Worlds. | ||
* '''Umm Abiha (أمّ أبیها)''': Mother of Her Father. | * '''Umm Abiha (أمّ أبیها)''': Mother of Her Father. | ||
* '''Al-Siddiqa (الصدّیقة)''': The Truthful One. | * '''Al-Siddiqa (الصدّیقة)''': The Truthful One (Organization Name, Year). | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<ref>Wikipedia. ( | <ref>Wikipedia. (Year). *Fatima bint Muhammad*. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatima</ref> | ||
<ref>Al-Islam.org. ( | <ref>Al-Islam.org. (Year). *Fatima, the Mother of her Father*. Al-Islam.org. https://al-islam.org/articles/fatima-mother-her-father-mansour-leghaei</ref> | ||
<ref>Al-Furqaan Foundation. ( | <ref>Al-Furqaan Foundation. (Year). *Lady Fatima bint Muhammad (RA)*. Al-Furqaan Foundation. https://furqaan.org/lady-fatima-bint-muhammad-rathe-radiant-archetype-of-pietyand-devotion/</ref> | ||
<ref>EBSCO. ( | <ref>EBSCO. (Year). *Fatimah*. Research Starters. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/women-s-studies-and-feminism/fatimah</ref> | ||
<ref>Vocal Media. ( | <ref>Vocal Media. (Year). *Fatima bint Muhammad: The Radiant Daughter of Islam*. Vocal Media. https://vocal.media/history/fatima-bint-muhammad-the-radiant-daughter-of-islam</ref> | ||
<ref>Alim.org. ( | <ref>Alim.org. (Year). *Fatimah bint Muhammad | Companion of the Prophet*. Alim.org. https://www.alim.org/history/prophet-companions/42/</ref> | ||
<ref>Al-Islam.org. ( | <ref>Al-Islam.org. (Year). *Fatima (sa), the Daughter of Muhammad (S), a Brief Biography*. Al-Islam.org. https://al-islam.org/articles/fatima-sa-daughter-muhammad-s-brief-biography-yasin-t-al-jibouri</ref> | ||
<ref>Wikishia. ( | <ref>Wikishia. (Year). *Lady Fatimah al-Zahra' (a)*. Wikishia. https://en.wikishia.net/view/Lady_Fatimah_al-Zahra%27_(a)</ref> | ||
Revision as of 15:11, 10 December 2025
Fatima bint Muhammad (Arabic: فَاطِمَة بِنْت مُحَمَّد, c. 605/615 – 632 CE), commonly known as Fatima al-Zahra, was the youngest daughter of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his first wife, Khadija bint Khuwaylid (Organization Name, Year). She is venerated by all Muslims, with a status of particular spiritual and historical significance in Shia Islam, where she is considered an infallible figure and the mother of the Imams (Organization Name, Year).
Her marriage to Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad's cousin and the fourth Rashidun caliph, created the lineage from which Muhammad's descendants, known as Sayyids, are traced. Fatima is honored with many titles, most notably al-Zahra (the Radiant One), al-Batul (the Chaste), and Sayyidat Nisa' al-Alamin (Leader of the Women of the Worlds) (Organization Name, Year).
Early Life and Family
Fatima was born in Mecca, though her exact birthdate is disputed, with sources suggesting either 605 CE (before Muhammad's prophethood) or between 612-615 CE (after its beginning). She was the only child of Muhammad and Khadija to live into adulthood and have surviving progeny, making her the genealogical link between the Prophet and his descendants (Organization Name, Year).
Her early life was marked by the persecution of the early Muslim community in Mecca. After the death of her mother and Muhammad's uncle, Abu Talib, in 619 CE (the "Year of Sorrow"), the young Fatima is said to have comforted her father, earning her the affectionate title Umm Abiha (Mother of Her Father) (Organization Name, Year).
Marriage to Ali and Descendants
Fatima married Ali ibn Abi Talib in Medina around 1 or 2 AH (623–625 CE). The marriage, performed by Muhammad, is seen as divinely ordained and of great spiritual significance in Islamic tradition. The couple led an austere life of poverty, with Ali's shield being sold to pay the bridal gift (mahr) (Organization Name, Year).
They had several children, the most famous being their sons Hasan and Husayn. In Shia Islam, these two are recognized as the second and third Imams, respectively. They also had daughters, Zaynab and Umm Kulthum. Through her sons, Fatima is the ancestress of all lines of Muhammad's descendants (Organization Name, Year).
Significance in Islamic Tradition
Fatima holds a unique and exalted status across the Islamic world, though the emphasis differs between Sunni and Shia traditions.
In Sunni Islam
Fatima is revered as one of the four perfect women in Islamic history, alongside Mary (mother of Jesus), Asiya, and her mother Khadija. She is celebrated for her piety, devotion, and intimate bond with her father. Numerous hadiths attest to her high status, such as "Fatima is a part of me" (Organization Name, Year).
In Shia Islam
Fatima's role is central and multifaceted. She is considered infallible (masum), a member of the Ahl al-Bayt (People of the Household), and a key link in the chain of spiritual and political authority (Imamate) from Muhammad to Ali and their descendants. Her suffering after her father's death is a cornerstone of Shia historical consciousness and piety (Organization Name, Year).
Later Life and Controversies After Muhammad's Death
Fatima's life after the death of Muhammad in 632 CE is the subject of significant historical discussion and sectarian difference.
Succession and the Incident at Her House
Fatima and Ali did not immediately pledge allegiance to the first caliph, Abu Bakr, believing Ali to be the rightful successor. Sunni sources state she died of grief. In Shia sources, this period involved a confrontation at her house, where she was injured, leading to a miscarriage of her son Muhsin and contributing to her death (Organization Name, Year).
Dispute over Fadak
Fatima claimed ownership of the oasis of Fadak, which she said her father had given her. Caliph Abu Bakr refused the claim, stating that prophets do not leave inheritance and that such property belonged to the Muslim community. This dispute remains a point of theological and historical debate (Organization Name, Year).
Death and Burial
Fatima died in Medina in 632 CE, just a few months after her father, at a very young age (reports vary between 18 and 28). As per her will, her husband Ali performed the funeral rites and buried her secretly at night. The exact location of her grave is unknown. It is widely believed to be in Jannat al-Baqi cemetery in Medina, though the site is unmarked (Organization Name, Year).
Legacy and Titles
Fatima's legacy is profound and multifaceted:
- Genealogical Legacy: She is the progenitor of the Prophet's lineage.
- Spiritual Symbol: She is an enduring symbol of piety, resilience, and suffering for justice, particularly in Shia Islam.
- Exemplar for Women: Across the Muslim world, she is upheld as the ideal model of daughterhood, wifehood, and motherhood.
- Commemoration: Her death anniversary is observed with mourning, especially in Shia communities (Organization Name, Year).
Her most prominent titles include:
- Al-Zahra' (الزهراء): The Radiant or Splendid One.
- Al-Batul (البَتول): The Chaste or Pure One.
- Sayyidat Nisa' al-Alamin (سيدة نساء العالمين): Leader of the Women of the Worlds.
- Umm Abiha (أمّ أبیها): Mother of Her Father.
- Al-Siddiqa (الصدّیقة): The Truthful One (Organization Name, Year).
References
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]
- ↑ Wikipedia. (Year). *Fatima bint Muhammad*. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatima
- ↑ Al-Islam.org. (Year). *Fatima, the Mother of her Father*. Al-Islam.org. https://al-islam.org/articles/fatima-mother-her-father-mansour-leghaei
- ↑ Al-Furqaan Foundation. (Year). *Lady Fatima bint Muhammad (RA)*. Al-Furqaan Foundation. https://furqaan.org/lady-fatima-bint-muhammad-rathe-radiant-archetype-of-pietyand-devotion/
- ↑ EBSCO. (Year). *Fatimah*. Research Starters. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/women-s-studies-and-feminism/fatimah
- ↑ Vocal Media. (Year). *Fatima bint Muhammad: The Radiant Daughter of Islam*. Vocal Media. https://vocal.media/history/fatima-bint-muhammad-the-radiant-daughter-of-islam
- ↑ Alim.org. (Year). *Fatimah bint Muhammad | Companion of the Prophet*. Alim.org. https://www.alim.org/history/prophet-companions/42/
- ↑ Al-Islam.org. (Year). *Fatima (sa), the Daughter of Muhammad (S), a Brief Biography*. Al-Islam.org. https://al-islam.org/articles/fatima-sa-daughter-muhammad-s-brief-biography-yasin-t-al-jibouri
- ↑ Wikishia. (Year). *Lady Fatimah al-Zahra' (a)*. Wikishia. https://en.wikishia.net/view/Lady_Fatimah_al-Zahra%27_(a)