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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]] (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).
'''Fatima bint Muhammad''' (c. 605–632 CE) is one of the most revered women in Islamic history. She was the youngest daughter of the Prophet [[Muhammad]] and [[Khadija bint Khuwaylid|Khadija]], and is honored across Islamic traditions for her devotion, spiritual stature, and role within the [[Ahl al-Bayt]]. In Sunni and Shia Islam alike, she is recognized as a model of piety, while in [[Shia Islam]] she holds a uniquely elevated status as ''al-Zahra'' (“the Radiant”) and the mother of the Imams *(Momen, 1985).*<ref>Momen, M. (1985). ''An Introduction to Shi‘i Islam''. Yale University Press. https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300034998/an-introduction-to-shii-islam/</ref>


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 ==
=== Birth and upbringing ===
Fatima was born in [[Mecca]] around 605 CE, according to several early biographical sources *(Lings, 1983).*<ref>Lings, M. (1983). ''Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources''. Inner Traditions. https://www.innertraditions.com/books/muhammad</ref> She grew up during the years of Muhammad’s early preaching and is described as deeply attached to him. Her compassion and support during episodes of persecution earned her the title '''Umm Abiha''' (“Mother of her Father”).


== Early Life and Family ==
=== Support for Muhammad ===
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).
Classical accounts describe Fatima comforting Muhammad when the Quraysh harassed him, including wiping dust thrown on him at the Kaaba *(Ibn Hisham, 2008).*<ref>Ibn Hisham. (2008). ''The Life of Muhammad'' (A. Guillaume, Trans.). Oxford University Press. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-life-of-muhammad-9780196360331</ref> These early acts of devotion contributed to her enduring spiritual legacy.


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 and family ==
=== Marriage to Ali ibn Abi Talib ===
In Medina, Fatima married [[Ali ibn Abi Talib]], Muhammad’s cousin and one of the first Muslims. Their marriage, dated to around 622–623 CE, is described in Islamic literature as modest, spiritually grounded, and encouraged by the Prophet himself *(Madelung, 1997).*<ref>Madelung, W. (1997). ''The Succession to Muhammad: A Study of the Early Caliphate''. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511585064</ref>


== Marriage to Ali and Descendants ==
=== Children ===
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).
Fatima and Ali’s children became central figures in Islamic history:
* [[Hasan ibn Ali]]
* [[Husayn ibn Ali]]
* [[Zaynab bint Ali]]
* [[Umm Kulthum bint Ali]]
* A son, ''Muhsin'', who died in infancy *(Momen, 1985).*<ref>Momen, M. (1985). ''An Introduction to Shi‘i Islam''. Yale University Press. https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300034998/an-introduction-to-shii-islam/</ref>


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).
Their household is remembered for charity, piety, and social responsibility.


== Significance in Islamic Tradition ==
== Religious significance ==
Fatima holds a unique and exalted status across the Islamic world, though the emphasis differs between [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] and [[Shia Islam|Shia]] traditions.
=== Ahl al-Bayt and key Qur’anic references ===
Fatima is closely associated with the Qur’anic Verse of Purification (Qur’an 33:33), interpreted by many scholars as addressing the Prophet’s family and affirming their purity *(Madelung, 1997).*<ref>Madelung, W. (1997). ''The Succession to Muhammad: A Study of the Early Caliphate''. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511585064</ref> She is also central to the [[Hadith of the Cloak]], in which Muhammad gathered Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Husayn under a cloak and invoked divine blessings upon them.


=== In Sunni Islam ===
=== Titles ===
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).
Fatima is known by several titles that reflect her character and religious status:
* '''al-Zahra''' (“The Radiant”)
* '''al-Siddiqa''' (“The Truthful”)
* '''al-Muhaddatha''' (“The one spoken to by angels”; especially in Shia tradition)
 
A well-known hadith refers to her as “the leader of the women of Paradise” *(Lings, 1983).*<ref>Lings, M. (1983). ''Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources''. Inner Traditions. https://www.innertraditions.com/books/muhammad</ref>
 
== Political and social role ==
=== During Muhammad’s life ===
Fatima played an important moral and social role in early Medina. She is described as offering guidance to women, assisting the poor, and maintaining a household known for devotion and charity.


=== In Shia Islam ===
=== After Muhammad’s death ===
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).
Following Muhammad’s death in 632 CE, Fatima became part of the early political disputes over succession. Her disagreement regarding the status of the property of [[Fadak]] is reported in numerous sources and interpreted differently between Sunni and Shia traditions *(Madelung, 1997).*<ref>Madelung, W. (1997). ''The Succession to Muhammad: A Study of the Early Caliphate''. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511585064</ref> 


== Later Life and Controversies After Muhammad's Death ==
Her role in these events significantly shaped Islamic historiography.
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 ===
== Death and burial ==
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).
Fatima died about six months after Muhammad, according to most traditional accounts *(Ibn Hisham, 2008).*<ref>Ibn Hisham. (2008). ''The Life of Muhammad'' (A. Guillaume, Trans.). Oxford University Press. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-life-of-muhammad-9780196360331</ref> 


=== Dispute over Fadak ===
She requested a nighttime burial, and Ali oversaw her funeral. The exact location of her grave remains unknown—believed by many to be either in [[Jannat al-Baqi]] or near the Prophet’s Mosque. The secrecy surrounding her burial carries symbolic meaning, especially in Shia tradition.
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 ==
== Legacy ==
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).
=== In Sunni Islam ===
Fatima is revered as Muhammad’s beloved daughter and a model of modesty, faith, and family devotion. Sunnis regard her as among the most virtuous women in history, frequently citing her in hadith literature.


== Legacy and Titles ==
=== In Shia Islam ===
Fatima's legacy is profound and multifaceted:
In Shia theology, Fatima is considered infallible (''ma‘suma''), a repository of divine light, and the link through whom the lineage of Imams descends. Her suffering and advocacy in early Islamic disputes are central themes in Shia ritual and historical consciousness *(Momen, 1985).*<ref>Momen, M. (1985). ''An Introduction to Shi‘i Islam''. Yale University Press. https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300034998/an-introduction-to-shii-islam/</ref>
*  '''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:
=== Contemporary relevance ===
*  '''Al-Zahra' (الزهراء)''': The Radiant or Splendid One.
Fatima continues to inspire Muslims globally as a symbol of spiritual depth, resilience, maternal devotion, and ethical leadership.
*  '''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 ==
== References ==
<ref>Wikipedia. (Year). *Fatima bint Muhammad*. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatima</ref>
<references/>
<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. (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. (Year). *Fatimah*. Research Starters. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/women-s-studies-and-feminism/fatimah</ref>
<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. (Year). *Fatimah bint Muhammad | Companion of the Prophet*. Alim.org. https://www.alim.org/history/prophet-companions/42/</ref>
<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. (Year). *Lady Fatimah al-Zahra' (a)*. Wikishia. https://en.wikishia.net/view/Lady_Fatimah_al-Zahra%27_(a)</ref>

Revision as of 15:23, 10 December 2025

Fatima bint Muhammad (c. 605–632 CE) is one of the most revered women in Islamic history. She was the youngest daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and Khadija, and is honored across Islamic traditions for her devotion, spiritual stature, and role within the Ahl al-Bayt. In Sunni and Shia Islam alike, she is recognized as a model of piety, while in Shia Islam she holds a uniquely elevated status as al-Zahra (“the Radiant”) and the mother of the Imams *(Momen, 1985).*[1]

Early life

Birth and upbringing

Fatima was born in Mecca around 605 CE, according to several early biographical sources *(Lings, 1983).*[2] She grew up during the years of Muhammad’s early preaching and is described as deeply attached to him. Her compassion and support during episodes of persecution earned her the title Umm Abiha (“Mother of her Father”).

Support for Muhammad

Classical accounts describe Fatima comforting Muhammad when the Quraysh harassed him, including wiping dust thrown on him at the Kaaba *(Ibn Hisham, 2008).*[3] These early acts of devotion contributed to her enduring spiritual legacy.

Marriage and family

Marriage to Ali ibn Abi Talib

In Medina, Fatima married Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad’s cousin and one of the first Muslims. Their marriage, dated to around 622–623 CE, is described in Islamic literature as modest, spiritually grounded, and encouraged by the Prophet himself *(Madelung, 1997).*[4]

Children

Fatima and Ali’s children became central figures in Islamic history:

Their household is remembered for charity, piety, and social responsibility.

Religious significance

Ahl al-Bayt and key Qur’anic references

Fatima is closely associated with the Qur’anic Verse of Purification (Qur’an 33:33), interpreted by many scholars as addressing the Prophet’s family and affirming their purity *(Madelung, 1997).*[6] She is also central to the Hadith of the Cloak, in which Muhammad gathered Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Husayn under a cloak and invoked divine blessings upon them.

Titles

Fatima is known by several titles that reflect her character and religious status:

  • al-Zahra (“The Radiant”)
  • al-Siddiqa (“The Truthful”)
  • al-Muhaddatha (“The one spoken to by angels”; especially in Shia tradition)

A well-known hadith refers to her as “the leader of the women of Paradise” *(Lings, 1983).*[7]

Political and social role

During Muhammad’s life

Fatima played an important moral and social role in early Medina. She is described as offering guidance to women, assisting the poor, and maintaining a household known for devotion and charity.

After Muhammad’s death

Following Muhammad’s death in 632 CE, Fatima became part of the early political disputes over succession. Her disagreement regarding the status of the property of Fadak is reported in numerous sources and interpreted differently between Sunni and Shia traditions *(Madelung, 1997).*[8]

Her role in these events significantly shaped Islamic historiography.

Death and burial

Fatima died about six months after Muhammad, according to most traditional accounts *(Ibn Hisham, 2008).*[9]

She requested a nighttime burial, and Ali oversaw her funeral. The exact location of her grave remains unknown—believed by many to be either in Jannat al-Baqi or near the Prophet’s Mosque. The secrecy surrounding her burial carries symbolic meaning, especially in Shia tradition.

Legacy

In Sunni Islam

Fatima is revered as Muhammad’s beloved daughter and a model of modesty, faith, and family devotion. Sunnis regard her as among the most virtuous women in history, frequently citing her in hadith literature.

In Shia Islam

In Shia theology, Fatima is considered infallible (ma‘suma), a repository of divine light, and the link through whom the lineage of Imams descends. Her suffering and advocacy in early Islamic disputes are central themes in Shia ritual and historical consciousness *(Momen, 1985).*[10]

Contemporary relevance

Fatima continues to inspire Muslims globally as a symbol of spiritual depth, resilience, maternal devotion, and ethical leadership.

References

  1. ↑ Momen, M. (1985). An Introduction to Shi‘i Islam. Yale University Press. https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300034998/an-introduction-to-shii-islam/
  2. ↑ Lings, M. (1983). Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources. Inner Traditions. https://www.innertraditions.com/books/muhammad
  3. ↑ Ibn Hisham. (2008). The Life of Muhammad (A. Guillaume, Trans.). Oxford University Press. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-life-of-muhammad-9780196360331
  4. ↑ Madelung, W. (1997). The Succession to Muhammad: A Study of the Early Caliphate. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511585064
  5. ↑ Momen, M. (1985). An Introduction to Shi‘i Islam. Yale University Press. https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300034998/an-introduction-to-shii-islam/
  6. ↑ Madelung, W. (1997). The Succession to Muhammad: A Study of the Early Caliphate. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511585064
  7. ↑ Lings, M. (1983). Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources. Inner Traditions. https://www.innertraditions.com/books/muhammad
  8. ↑ Madelung, W. (1997). The Succession to Muhammad: A Study of the Early Caliphate. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511585064
  9. ↑ Ibn Hisham. (2008). The Life of Muhammad (A. Guillaume, Trans.). Oxford University Press. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-life-of-muhammad-9780196360331
  10. ↑ Momen, M. (1985). An Introduction to Shi‘i Islam. Yale University Press. https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300034998/an-introduction-to-shii-islam/
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