Fatima bint Muhammad (AS)

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 Imams.

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).

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.

Her early life was marked by the persecution of the early Muslim community in Mecca. As a child, she defended her father, such as by cleaning filth thrown on him while he prayed. 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).

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).

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

References

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