Fatimiyya

Mourning of Fatimiyya in Mashhad 2014

Fātimīyya (Arabic: فاطمیة) is an adjectival term, referring to the anniversary of Lady Fatima al-Zahra's martyrdom, during which Shi'a community holds mourning sessions and rituals.

According to different historical reports within Shi'a traditions, several different dates have been recorded for this incident. Among Iraqi Shi'as, especially in Najaf, three different days; and in Iran two days of the year, are held as the anniversary of Her martyrdom. Out of different historical accounts, third of Jumada II is regarded as more reliable; hence it is an official holyday in Iran, as an occasion for mourning and lamentation.

Variance of Historical Reports

Shi'a marja's in mourning procession of Fatimiyya

The exact date of Lady Fatima al-Zahra's martyrdom remains uncertain due to different historical reports and narrations from the Ahl al-Bayt (a). There are different and incompatible records of that date, like: 40 days after the demise of the Holy Prophet (s), 72 or 75 days after it, 95 days, 3 or 6 months after the demise.

Iraqi Shi'as hold ceremonies in three of these reports: 40 days after the demise of the Holy Prophet (s) (Rabi' II 8), 75 days after it (Jumada I 13), and 95 days (Jumada II 3). Iranian Shi'a, however, hold ceremonies in two last ones.

According to what Abu Basir has narrated from Imam al-Sadiq (a), Lady Fatima al-Zahra (a) was martyred on Tuesday, third of Jumada II. This occasion has been revitalized after the establishment of the Islamic Seminary in Qom by Shaykh 'Abd al-Karim Ha'iri.

As a Holiday in Iran

Since 2000, Jumada II 3 has been declared as a national holyday in Iran. After this decision, the mourning ceremonies expanded in Iran. Some Shi'a marja's attend ritual mourning procession, walking toward the Holy Shrine of Imam al-Rida (a) in Mashhad, and the Holy Shrine of Lady Fatima al-Ma'suma (a) in Qom.

See Also

• Ma'sa'at al-Zahra' (Book)
• Muhsiniyya

References

• The material for this article is mainly taken from ایام فاطمیه in Farsi Wikishia.