Anonymous user
Lady Fatimah al-Zahra' (a): Difference between revisions
Fatimiyya Project; Review and Minor Edit.
imported>Mkhaghanif |
imported>Kadeh (Fatimiyya Project; Review and Minor Edit.) |
||
| Line 19: | Line 19: | ||
|data9= [[Jumada II 3]], [[11]]/[[August 26]], [[632 CE|632]] | |data9= [[Jumada II 3]], [[11]]/[[August 26]], [[632 CE|632]] | ||
|label10= Cause of Martyrdom | |label10= Cause of Martyrdom | ||
|data10= Injured after | |data10= Injured after the attack on her house | ||
|label11= Burial Place | |label11= Burial Place | ||
|data11= Medina (hidden grave) | |data11= Medina (hidden grave) | ||
| Line 41: | Line 41: | ||
|data20= [[Ahl al-Bayt]] | |data20= [[Ahl al-Bayt]] | ||
|label21= [[Titles of Lady Fatima (a)|Epithets and Titles]] | |label21= [[Titles of Lady Fatima (a)|Epithets and Titles]] | ||
|data21= [[Sayyidat Nisa' al-'Alamin]] <br><small>(the master of all the ladies in all the worlds)</small>, <br>[[al-Batul]], al-Zahra, al-Siddiqa <small>(truthfull)</small>, al-Muhadditha <small>(being talked by | |data21= [[Sayyidat Nisa' al-'Alamin]] <br><small>(the master of all the ladies in all the worlds)</small>, <br>[[al-Batul]], al-Zahra, al-Siddiqa <small>(truthfull)</small>, al-Muhadditha <small>(being talked by angels)</small>, al-Mansura <small>(being helped)</small>, al-Tahira <small>(the pure)</small>, and etc. | ||
|label22= [[Kunya]]s | |label22= [[Kunya]]s | ||
|data22= [[Umm Abiha]] {{smaller|(the mother of her father)}}, Umm al-A'imma (the mother of the [[Imams]]), Umm al-Hasan, Umm al-Husayn | |data22= [[Umm Abiha]] {{smaller|(the mother of her father)}}, Umm al-A'imma (the mother of the [[Imams]]), Umm al-Hasan, Umm al-Husayn | ||
|label23= Activities | |label23= Activities | ||
|data23= [[Incident of Saqifa|Opposition to the decisions of Saqifa]], [[Usurpation of Fadak|Opposition to the usurpation of Fadak]], [[Fadakiyya Sermon]], Aiding the Opponents of [[Abu Bakr]], [[Attack on the house of Fatima (a)|Defense of Imam Ali (a)]], | |data23= [[Incident of Saqifa|Opposition to the decisions of Saqifa]], [[Usurpation of Fadak|Opposition to the usurpation of Fadak]], [[al-Fadakiyya Sermon]], Aiding the Opponents of [[Abu Bakr]], [[Attack on the house of Fatima (a)|Defense of Imam Ali (a)]], | ||
|label24= | |label24= | ||
|data24= | |data24= | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Fāṭima (a)''' (Arabic: {{ia|فاطِمَة}}) commonly known as '''Fāṭima al-Zahrā (a)''' {{ia|فاطِمَة الزهراء}}) (d. [[11]]/[[632 CE|632]]) was the daughter of the [[Prophet (s)]] of Islam | '''Fāṭima (a)''' (Arabic: {{ia|فاطِمَة}}) commonly known as '''Fāṭima al-Zahrā (a)''' {{ia|فاطِمَة الزهراء}}) (d. [[11]]/[[632 CE|632]]) was the daughter of the [[Prophet (s)]] of Islam and [[Lady Khadija (a)]] and the wife of [[Imam Ali (a)]]. She is one of the [[Ashab al-Kisa'|People of the Cloak]] and, in [[Twelver Shias|Twelver Shiite]] belief, one of the [[Fourteen Infallibles]]. The [[Imam Hasan (a)|second]] and [[Imam Husain (a)|third]] Imams, as well as [[Lady Zaynab (a)]], were her children. Al-Zahra', [[al-Batul]], [[Sayyidat Nisa' al-'Alamin]] and [[Umm Abiha]] are among [[Titles of Lady Fatima (a)|her epithets]]. She was the only lady chosen by the Holy Prophet (s) to be part of the [[Mubahala]] with the Christians of [[Najran]]. | ||
She opposed the decisions made during the [[event of Saqifa]], and regarded the [[caliphate]] of the [[first caliph]] as illegitimate, therefore, she never paid allegiance to him. In defense of Imam | She opposed the decisions made during the [[event of Saqifa]], and regarded the [[caliphate]] of the [[first caliph]] as illegitimate, therefore, she never paid [[allegiance]] to him. In defense of Imam Ali's right (a) to caliphate and objecting to the [[Usurpation of Fadak]], she delivered a speech that became famous as the [[al-Fadakiyya sermon]]. After the demise of the Holy Prophet (s), Fatima (a) was injured when an armed group of zealots, at the order of the first caliph, [[Abu Bakr]], stormed her house. As a result of suffering from both emotional and physical wounds that had debilitated her body, she was advised to rest at home. However, after a short time, she passed away on the [[Jumada II 3]], [[11]]/[[August 26]], [[632 CE|632]] in [[Medina]]. The body of the Holy Prophet’s (s) daughter was, as she had requested, buried at night and in private. Since then, the location of her grave has not been revealed. | ||
Some Qur'anic verses, such as [[al-Tathir Verse]] (the Purification Verse), [[al-Mawadda Verse]] (the Love Verse) and [[al-It'am Verse]] (the Feeding Verse), and many [[hadith|traditions]], such as "[[hadith of Bid'a|Fatima is a part of me]]", were stated in relation to Lady Fatima (a) and her virtues. According to some of these traditions, the Holy Prophet (s) introduced Lady Fatima (a) as the [[Sayyidat Nisa' al-'Alamin|most superior of the women of all Worlds]] and equated her anger with that of [[Allah]]. It was to her that the Holy Prophet (s) taught the [[dhikr]] (litany) that came to be known as the [[Tasbih of Lady Fatima (a)]]. | Some Qur'anic verses, such as [[al-Tathir Verse]] (the Purification Verse), [[al-Mawadda Verse]] (the Love Verse) and [[al-It'am Verse]] (the Feeding Verse), and many [[hadith|traditions]], such as "[[hadith of Bid'a|Fatima is a part of me]]", were stated in relation to Lady Fatima (a) and her virtues. According to some of these traditions, the Holy Prophet (s) introduced Lady Fatima (a) as the [[Sayyidat Nisa' al-'Alamin|most superior of the women of all Worlds]] and equated her anger with that of [[Allah]]. It was to her that the Holy Prophet (s) taught the [[dhikr]] (litany) that came to be known as the [[Tasbih of Lady Fatima (a)]]. | ||
| Line 60: | Line 60: | ||
During the days that precede the anniversary of Fatima's (a) martyrdom, -known as the [[Fatimiyya]] Days- the Shi'a hold mourning ceremonies. Also her birthday, which is on the [[Jumada II 20|20th of Jumada II]], is celebrated as Women's and Mother's Day in the [[Islamic Republic of Iran]]. | During the days that precede the anniversary of Fatima's (a) martyrdom, -known as the [[Fatimiyya]] Days- the Shi'a hold mourning ceremonies. Also her birthday, which is on the [[Jumada II 20|20th of Jumada II]], is celebrated as Women's and Mother's Day in the [[Islamic Republic of Iran]]. | ||
The names Fatima and Zahra are among the most popular names chosen for newborn Shi'a girls. | The names Fatima and Zahra (a) are among the most popular names chosen for newborn Shi'a girls. | ||
==Name and Lineage== | ==Name and Lineage== | ||
Lady Fatima (a) was the daughter of the Holy Prophet, [[Muhammad b. 'Abd Allah (s)]], and Lady [[Khadija bt. Khuwaylid (a)]]. It has been reported that nearly thirty epithets have been mentioned in relation to Lady Fatima (a). Researchers are of the opinion that every one of these epithets is an explainer of a specific behavioral trait related to her. Some of her well-known epithets are al-Zahra, al-Siddiqa (the truthfull), al-Muhadditha (being talked by | Lady Fatima (a) was the daughter of the Holy Prophet, [[Muhammad b. 'Abd Allah (s)]], and Lady [[Khadija bt. Khuwaylid (a)]]. It has been reported that nearly thirty epithets have been mentioned in relation to Lady Fatima (a). Researchers are of the opinion that every one of these epithets is an explainer of a specific behavioral trait related to her. Some of her well-known epithets are al-Zahra, al-Siddiqa (the truthfull), al-Muhadditha (being talked by angels), [[al-Batul]], [[Sayyidat Nisa' al-'Alamin]], al-Mansura (being helped), al-Tahira (the pure), al-Mutahhara, al-Zakiyya (the guiltless), al-Radiyya (pleased) and al-Mardiyya (pleasing).<ref>Ṣadūq, ''al-Amālī'', p. 74, 187, 688, 691, 692; Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 1, p. 240.</ref> | ||
In addition, some | In addition, some [[teknonym]]s have been mentioned for her: [[Umm Abiha]], Umm al-A'imma, Umm al-Hasan, Umm al-Husayn, Umm al-Muhsin.<ref>Ibn Shahrāshūb, ''Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib'', vol. 3, p. 132; Majlisī, ''Biḥār al-anwār'', vol. 43, p. 16.</ref> | ||
{{see also|Titles of Lady Fatima (a)}} | {{see also|Titles of Lady Fatima (a)}} | ||
{{Family tree of Ahl al-Bayt (a)}} | {{Family tree of Ahl al-Bayt (a)}} | ||
==Biography== | ==Biography== | ||
Lady Fatima (a) was the fourth or according to some reports the fifth [[Children of Prophet Muhammad (s)|child of the Holy Prophet (s)]]. Her mother was the first [[wives of Prophet Muhammad (s)|wife of the Holy Prophet ( | Lady Fatima (a) was the fourth or according to some reports the fifth [[Children of Prophet Muhammad (s)|child of the Holy Prophet (s)]]. Her mother was the first [[wives of Prophet Muhammad (s)|wife of the Holy Prophet (s)]], [[Lady Khadija (a)]]. Historians are in agreement that she was born in [[Mecca]], in the house of Lady Khadija (a) which was located on the alleys of al-'Attarin and Hijr, which was located in close proximity to the [[Mas'a]].<ref>Batanūnī, ''al-Riḥla al-ḥijāzīyya'', p. 128.</ref> According to Shi'i sources, her date of birth is recorded to be the [[Jumada II 20|20th of Jumada II]], five years after Bi'tha/[[March 28]], 615.<ref>Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 1, p. 458; Ibn Shahrāshūb, ''Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib'', vol. 3, p. 132; Ṭabrisī, ''Iʿlām al-warā'', vol. 1, p. 290.</ref> | ||
{{Template:Early Islam}} | {{Template:Early Islam}} | ||
===Birth and Early Childhood=== | ===Birth and Early Childhood=== | ||
Based on the popular opinion amongst the Shia, she was born in the 5th year after [[bi'tha]] (the beginning of the prophetic mission) | Based on the popular opinion amongst the Shia, she was born in the 5th year after [[bi'tha]] (the beginning of the prophetic mission)<ref>Five years after [[bi'tha]] equals nine years before the [[Hijra|the emmigration]] that took place in 622 CE</ref>, which was also more commonly known as the [[al-Ahqafiyya Year]] i.e. the year in which [[Quran 46]] was revealed ([[9 BH]]/[[614 CE]]).<ref>''Farhangnāma-yi ʿulūm-i Qurʾān'', vol. 1, p. 2443.</ref> However, [[al-Shaykh al-Mufid]] and [[al-Kaf'ami]] believe her birth to have taken place in the 2nd year after the [[prophetic mission]] (12 BH/611).<ref>Mufīd, ''Masār al-sharīʿa'', p. 54; Kafʿamī, ''al-Miṣbāḥ'', p. 512.</ref> The popularly held opinion amongst the [[Sunni]] scholars is that she was born five years before the beginning of the prophetic mission (605 CE).<ref>Balādhurī, ''Ansāb al-ashrāf'', vol. 1, p. 403; Ibn Saʿd, ''al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā'', vol. 1, p. 133; vol. 8, p. 19.</ref> | ||
In many Shia resources, [[Jumada II 20]] is mentioned as lady fatima's (a) birthday.<ref>Mufīd, Masār al-sharīʿa, p. 54; Ṭūsī, Miṣbāḥ al-mutahajjid, p. 793.</ref> | In many Shia resources, [[Jumada II 20]] is mentioned as lady fatima's (a) birthday.<ref>Mufīd, Masār al-sharīʿa, p. 54; Ṭūsī, Miṣbāḥ al-mutahajjid, p. 793.</ref> | ||
The lack of extensive historical reports about her childhood and youth makes it difficult to gain an understanding of her early life. According to records, after the Holy Prophet ( | The lack of extensive historical reports about her childhood and youth makes it difficult to gain an understanding of her early life. According to records, after the Holy Prophet (s) committed himself to the initiative of publicly inviting people to Islam, Lady Fatima (a) was a witness to some of the harsh treatments that the [[polytheists]] subjected him to. In addition to this, for three years of her childhood she was exposed to the harsh financial and social sanctions that were imposed on [[Banu Hashim]] and the followers of the Holy Prophet (s) by the polytheists whilst in the [[Shi'b Abi Talib]].<ref>Ibn Saʿd, ''al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā'', vol. 1, p. 163.</ref> | ||
While still in her childhood, Fatima (a) experienced the loss of her beloved mother, Lady Khadijah (a) and of her father's uncle and a close supporter, [[Abu Talib (a)]].<ref>Yaʿqūbī, ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 35.</ref> Some other important events that occurred during her childhood include the decision of the [[Quraish]] to assassinate the Holy Prophet ( | While still in her childhood, Fatima (a) experienced the loss of her beloved mother, Lady Khadijah (a) and of her father's uncle and a close supporter, [[Abu Talib (a)]].<ref>Yaʿqūbī, ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 35.</ref> Some other important events that occurred during her childhood include the decision of the [[Quraish]] to assassinate the Holy Prophet (s),<ref>Aḥmad b. Ḥanbal, ''Musnad'', vol. 1, p. 368; Ḥākim al-Nīyshābūrī, ''al-Mustadrak ʿalā l-ṣaḥīḥayn'', vol. 1, p. 163.</ref> his night [[hijra|migration from Mecca to Medina]] and finally the migration of Lady Fatima (a) accompanied by Imam Ali (a) and other ladies from [[Mecca]] to [[Medina]].<ref>Sabziwārī, ''Nimuna-yi bayānāt'', p. 173-174.</ref> | ||
===Proposal and Marriage=== | ===Proposal and Marriage=== | ||
{{main|Marriage of Imam 'Ali (a) and Lady Fatima (a)}} | {{main|Marriage of Imam 'Ali (a) and Lady Fatima (a)}} | ||
Lady Fatima (a) received several marriage proposals, however she chose to marry [[Imam Ali (a)]]. According to some researchers, after the Holy Prophet (s) [[hijra|migrated to Medina]] and became the leader of the Islamic community, Fatima (a), because of her being the daughter of the Holy Prophet (s) was held in very high regard by the [[Muslims]].<ref> | Lady Fatima (a) received several marriage proposals, however she chose to marry [[Imam Ali (a)]]. According to some researchers, after the Holy Prophet (s) [[hijra|migrated to Medina]] and became the leader of the Islamic community, Fatima (a), because of her being the daughter of the Holy Prophet (s) was held in very high regard by the [[Muslims]].<ref>Ṭabāṭabāʾī, "Izdiwāj-i Fāṭima", vol. 1, p. 128.</ref> In addition to this, because of her superior qualities over the other women of her era<ref>Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 8, p. 165; Qāḍī Nuʿmān al-Maghribī, ''Sharḥ al-akhbār'', vol. 3, p. 29.</ref> and the clear love that the Holy Prophet (s) showed to her<ref>Muttaqī al-Hindī, ''Kanz al-ummāl'', vol. 7, p. 129.</ref> caused some Muslims to pursue her hand in [[marriage]].<ref>Ṭabāṭabāʾī, "Izdiwāj-i Fāṭima", vol. 1, p. 128.</ref> | ||
Even some of the Quraysh dignitaries, because of their precedence in accepting [[Islam]] or financial reputation also asked for Fatima's (a) hand in marriage.<ref>Irbilī, ''Kashf al-ghumma'', vol. 1, p. 363; Khwarizmī, ''al-Manāqib'', p. 343.</ref> [[Abu Bakr]], [[Umar]],<ref>Ḥākim al-Nīyshābūrī, ''al-Mustadrak ʿalā l-ṣaḥīḥayn'', vol. 2, p. 167-168.; Nisāʾī, ''al-Sunan al-kubrā'', vol. 5, p. 143.</ref> [['Abd al-Rahman b. 'Awf]]<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Dalāʾil al-imāma'', p. 82.</ref> and Imam Ali (a) are said to be among this group. All proposals except the one brought by Imam Ali (a) were rejected by the Holy Prophet (s).<ref>Khwarizmī, ''al-Manāqib'', p. 343.</ref> The Holy Prophet ( | Even some of the Quraysh dignitaries, because of their precedence in accepting [[Islam]] or financial reputation also asked for Fatima's (a) hand in marriage.<ref>Irbilī, ''Kashf al-ghumma'', vol. 1, p. 363; Khwarizmī, ''al-Manāqib'', p. 343.</ref> [[Abu Bakr]], [[Umar]],<ref>Ḥākim al-Nīyshābūrī, ''al-Mustadrak ʿalā l-ṣaḥīḥayn'', vol. 2, p. 167-168.; Nisāʾī, ''al-Sunan al-kubrā'', vol. 5, p. 143.</ref> [['Abd al-Rahman b. 'Awf]]<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Dalāʾil al-imāma'', p. 82.</ref> and Imam Ali (a) are said to be among this group. All proposals except the one brought by Imam Ali (a) were rejected by the Holy Prophet (s).<ref>Khwarizmī, ''al-Manāqib'', p. 343.</ref> The Holy Prophet (s) is reported to have said in response to these proposals: "The marriage of Fatima is a heavenly ordainment and requires a divine verdict."<ref>Ibn Saʿd, ''al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā'', vol. 8, p. 19.</ref> In some instances, the discontent of Fatima (a) towards the proposer has been reported.<ref>Ṭūsī, ''al-Amālī'', p. 39.</ref> | ||
Due to his family attachment with the Holy Prophet ( | Due to his family attachment with the Holy Prophet (s) and the ethical and religious traits of Fatima (a), Imam Ali (a) truly desired her hand in marriage;<ref>Irbilī, ''Kashf al-ghumma'', vol. 1, p. 364; Ṣadūq, ''al-Amālī'', p. 653.</ref> however, historians have narrated that he shunned from proposing to the Holy Prophet (s) for his daughter.<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Ikhtiṣāṣ'', p. 148.</ref> [[Sa'd b. Mu'adh]] informed the Holy Prophet (s) about this, which lead to the Holy Prophet (s) accepting the proposal of the Imam (a).<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Ikhtiṣāṣ'', p. 148.</ref> He then took the proposal to Fatima (a) and told her of his praiseworthy traits and characteristics, to which she gave her approval.<ref>Ṭūsī, ''al-Amālī'', p. 40.</ref> Imam Ali (a), like the other Emigrants (muhajirun), during the early period after the migration did not enjoy a stable financial situation and therefore found difficulty in addressing the prescribed [[Mahr|dowry]] payments.<ref>Ibn Athīr al-Jazarī, ''Usd al-ghāba'', vol. 5, p. 517.</ref> In resolving this issue, he followed the advice of the Holy Prophet (s) and gave the money earned from selling or loaning his armor as the dowry to Fatima (a).<ref>Irbilī, ''Kashf al-ghumma'', vol. 1, p. 358. </ref> The marriage ceremony of Imam Ali (a) and Lady Fatima (a), which was attended by the Muslims, took place in the mosque.<ref>Khwarizmī, ''al-Manāqib'', p. 335-338. Ṭabarī, ''Dalāʾil al-imāma'', p. 88-90.</ref> | ||
There is a difference of opinion concerning the date of the marriage ceremony. Most sources record it to have taken place in the second year after Hijra ([[2]]/624)<ref>Ibn Ḥajar al-ʿAsqalānī, ''Tahdhīb al-tahdhīb'', vol. 12, p. 391; Maqrizī, ''Imtāʿ al-asmāʾ'', vol. 1, p. 73.</ref> i.e. the ceremony took place after the [[Battle of Badr]], in the month of [[Shawwal]] or [[Dhu al-Hijja]] in the second year after Hijra (Apri or June, 624).<ref>Ṭūsī, ''al-Amālī'', p. 43.</ref> | There is a difference of opinion concerning the date of the marriage ceremony. Most sources record it to have taken place in the second year after Hijra ([[2]]/624)<ref>Ibn Ḥajar al-ʿAsqalānī, ''Tahdhīb al-tahdhīb'', vol. 12, p. 391; Maqrizī, ''Imtāʿ al-asmāʾ'', vol. 1, p. 73.</ref> i.e. the ceremony took place after the [[Battle of Badr]], in the month of [[Shawwal]] or [[Dhu al-Hijja]] in the second year after Hijra (Apri or June, 624).<ref>Ṭūsī, ''al-Amālī'', p. 43.</ref> | ||
| Line 93: | Line 93: | ||
===Her Life with Imam Ali (a)=== | ===Her Life with Imam Ali (a)=== | ||
{{Timeline of Lady Fatimah's (a) Life}} | {{Timeline of Lady Fatimah's (a) Life}} | ||
It is reported in historical records and traditions that Fatima (a) in varying ways showed her affection towards Ali (a) and even in the presence of her father, the Holy Prophet (s) would call him the best of husbands.<ref>Ibn Shahrāshūb, ''Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib'', vol. 3, p. 131.</ref> Her respect towards her husband has been counted as one of the great qualities of Fatima (a). It has been reported that Fatima (a) would address Imam Ali (a) with affectionate words whilst at home<ref>Khwarizmī, ''al-Manāqib'', p. 268-271.</ref> and would address him with the respectful [[ | It is reported in historical records and traditions that Fatima (a) in varying ways showed her affection towards Ali (a) and even in the presence of her father, the Holy Prophet (s) would call him the best of husbands.<ref>Ibn Shahrāshūb, ''Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib'', vol. 3, p. 131.</ref> Her respect towards her husband has been counted as one of the great qualities of Fatima (a). It has been reported that Fatima (a) would address Imam Ali (a) with affectionate words whilst at home<ref>Khwarizmī, ''al-Manāqib'', p. 268-271.</ref> and would address him with the respectful [[teknonym]] of Abu l-Hasan whilst in public.<ref>Majlisī, ''Biḥār al-anwār'', vol. 43, p. 192-199.</ref> It has also appeared in reports that Fatima (a) would use perfumes and jewelry while at home and it can even be seen that on occasions she would give her necklaces and bracelets as charity.<ref>Majlisī, ''Biḥār al-anwār'', vol. 43, p. 56-57; Ṣadūq, ''al-Amālī'', p. 552.</ref> | ||
In the beginning periods of their married life, Imam Ali (a) and Fatima (a) lived in very difficult financial conditions to such an extent<ref>Ibn Saʿd, ''al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā'', vol. 8, p. 25.</ref> that at times they were not able to find food to satiate their children, [[al-Hasan (a)]] and [[al-Husayn (a)]].<ref>Majlisī, ''Biḥār al-anwār'', vol. 43, p. 72.</ref> However, even with the existence of these harsh conditions, Fatima (a) never complained and even at times tried to assist her husband in acquiring livelihood by spinning wool.<ref>Khwarizmī, ''al-Manāqib'', p. 268.</ref> | In the beginning periods of their married life, Imam Ali (a) and Fatima (a) lived in very difficult financial conditions to such an extent<ref>Ibn Saʿd, ''al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā'', vol. 8, p. 25.</ref> that at times they were not able to find food to satiate their children, [[al-Hasan (a)]] and [[al-Husayn (a)]].<ref>Majlisī, ''Biḥār al-anwār'', vol. 43, p. 72.</ref> However, even with the existence of these harsh conditions, Fatima (a) never complained and even at times tried to assist her husband in acquiring livelihood by spinning wool.<ref>Khwarizmī, ''al-Manāqib'', p. 268.</ref> | ||
Fatima (a) took it upon herself to do the household work and left the outside work to Imam Ali (a);<ref>Ḥimyarī, ''Qurb al-isnād'', p. 52.</ref> even when the Holy Prophet ( | Fatima (a) took it upon herself to do the household work and left the outside work to Imam Ali (a);<ref>Ḥimyarī, ''Qurb al-isnād'', p. 52.</ref> even when the Holy Prophet (s) sent a helper by the name of [[Fidda]] to her home, she did not pass over all the chores to her, rather she was responsible for doing half the work and Fidda was responsible for doing the other half.<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Dalāʾil al-imāma'', p. 140-142.</ref> According to some reports it is said that Fatima (a) would assign Fidda to do the chores one day and then she would do them herself the next day.<ref>Anṣārī al-Zanjānī, ''al-Mawsūʿa al-kubrā'', vol. 17, p. 429.</ref> | ||
====Children==== | ====Children==== | ||
Both Shi'i and Sunni sources state that [[al-Hasan]],<ref>Ibn ʿAsākir, ''Tārīkh madīna Damascus'', vol. 13, p. 163, 173.</ref> [[al-Husayn]],<ref>Dhahabī, ''Siyar iʿlām al-nibalāʾ'', vol. 3, p. 280.</ref> [[Zaynab]]<ref>Ibn Saʿd, ''al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā'', vol. 8, p. 465.</ref> and [[Umm Kulthum]]<ref>Ibn ʿAsākir, ''Tārīkh madīna Damascus'', vol. 69, p. 176.</ref> are the four children of Ali and Fatima.<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Irshād'', vol. 1, p. 355.</ref> In Shi'i sources and in some Sunni sources a name of another son is mentioned who was miscarried as a result of the injuries that Fatima (a) sustained during the events that occurred after the demise of | Both Shi'i and Sunni sources state that [[al-Hasan]],<ref>Ibn ʿAsākir, ''Tārīkh madīna Damascus'', vol. 13, p. 163, 173.</ref> [[al-Husayn]],<ref>Dhahabī, ''Siyar iʿlām al-nibalāʾ'', vol. 3, p. 280.</ref> [[Zaynab]]<ref>Ibn Saʿd, ''al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā'', vol. 8, p. 465.</ref> and [[Umm Kulthum]]<ref>Ibn ʿAsākir, ''Tārīkh madīna Damascus'', vol. 69, p. 176.</ref> are the four children of Ali and Fatima.<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Irshād'', vol. 1, p. 355.</ref> In Shi'i sources and in some Sunni sources a name of another son is mentioned who was miscarried as a result of the injuries that Fatima (a) sustained during the events that occurred after the [[demise of the Prophet (s)]]. His name is recorded to have been either [[Al-Muhsin b. al-Imam 'Ali (a)|al-Muhsin]] (Arabic: {{ia|مُحسِن}}) or Muhassan (Arabic: {{ia|مُحَسَّن}}).<ref>Dhahabī, ''Siyar iʿlām al-nibalāʾ'', vol. 15, p. 578. Shahristānī, ''al-Milal wa l-niḥal'', vol. 1, p. 57.</ref> | ||
===Events towards the End of her Life=== | ===Events towards the End of her Life=== | ||
During the last few months of her life some very unpleasant and painful incidents occurred. It has been mentioned that during this period no one saw Fatima al-Zahra (a) smiling.<ref>Ibn Saʿd, ''al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā'', vol. 2, p. 238; Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 3, p. 228.</ref> The passing of her father, the [[event of Saqifa]], the usurpation of the [[caliphate]], the [[confiscation of Fadak]] by [[Abu Bakr]] and the delivery of the [[Fadakiyyah sermon]] in the presence of many important [[companions]] of her father<ref>Irbilī, ''Kashf al-ghumma'', vol. 1, p. 353-364; Mufīd, ''al-Muqniʿa'', p. 289-290.</ref> are some of the most important events that took place during this period. | During the last few months of her life some very unpleasant and painful incidents occurred. It has been mentioned that during this period no one saw Fatima al-Zahra (a) smiling.<ref>Ibn Saʿd, ''al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā'', vol. 2, p. 238; Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 3, p. 228.</ref> The passing of her father, the [[event of Saqifa]], the usurpation of the [[caliphate]], the [[confiscation of Fadak]] by [[Abu Bakr]] and the delivery of the [[al-Fadakiyyah sermon]] in the presence of many important [[companions]] of her father<ref>Irbilī, ''Kashf al-ghumma'', vol. 1, p. 353-364; Mufīd, ''al-Muqniʿa'', p. 289-290.</ref> are some of the most important events that took place during this period. | ||
Being at the side of Imam Ali (a), she was one of the main opponents of the [[Incident of Saqifa|Saqifa council]] and the choosing of Abu Bakr as [[caliph]].<ref>Ibn Abī l-Ḥadīd, ''Sharḥ Nahj al-balagha'', vol. 2, p. 47; Jawharī al-Baṣrī, ''al-Saqīfa wa l-Fadak'', p. 63.</ref> It was because of this stance that they became targets of the government's threats, of which one example is when the government threatened to set the house of Fatima (a) on fire.<ref>Ibn Abī Shayba, ''al-Muṣannaf'', vol. 8, p. 572.</ref> When Imam Ali (a) and the other opponents of the caliph refused to pay the oath of [[allegiance]] (Bay'a), they sought refuge in the house of Fatima (a), this led to the supporters of the caliph attacking her house and as a result of this attack, Fatima (a) got severely injured when trying to prevent them from taking Imam Ali (a) to Abu Bakr in order to forcibly take his oath of allegiance;<ref>Jawharī al-Baṣrī, ''al-Saqīfa wa l-Fadak'', p. 72-73.</ref> this was also the cause of her child being miscarried.<ref>Ṭabrisī, ''al-Iḥtijāj'', vol. 1, p. 109.</ref> After this incident, she fell very ill and after a short time was martyred.<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Dalāʾil al-imāma'', p. 134.</ref> | Being at the side of Imam Ali (a), she was one of the main opponents of the [[Incident of Saqifa|Saqifa council]] and the choosing of Abu Bakr as [[caliph]].<ref>Ibn Abī l-Ḥadīd, ''Sharḥ Nahj al-balagha'', vol. 2, p. 47; Jawharī al-Baṣrī, ''al-Saqīfa wa l-Fadak'', p. 63.</ref> It was because of this stance that they became targets of the government's threats, of which one example is when the government threatened to set the house of Fatima (a) on fire.<ref>Ibn Abī Shayba, ''al-Muṣannaf'', vol. 8, p. 572.</ref> When Imam Ali (a) and the other opponents of the caliph refused to pay the oath of [[allegiance]] (Bay'a), they sought refuge in the house of Fatima (a), this led to the supporters of the caliph attacking her house and as a result of this attack, Fatima (a) got severely injured when trying to prevent them from taking Imam Ali (a) to Abu Bakr in order to forcibly take his oath of allegiance;<ref>Jawharī al-Baṣrī, ''al-Saqīfa wa l-Fadak'', p. 72-73.</ref> this was also the cause of her child being miscarried.<ref>Ṭabrisī, ''al-Iḥtijāj'', vol. 1, p. 109.</ref> After this incident, she fell very ill and after a short time was martyred.<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Dalāʾil al-imāma'', p. 134.</ref> | ||
| Line 109: | Line 109: | ||
On her death bed, Fatima (a) made a request to her husband that all those who opposed her and oppressed her should not participate in her [[funeral prayer]] and [[burial]] and asked him to bury her at night.<ref>Ibn Shahrāshūb, ''Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib'', vol. 3, p. 137.</ref> According to the commonly accepted view, Fatima (a) passed away on the [[Jumada II 3|3rd of Jumada II]], [[11]]/August 29, 632, in [[Medina]].<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Dalāʾil al-imāma'', p. 134; Ṭūsī, ''Miṣbāḥ al-mutahajjid'', p. 793.</ref> | On her death bed, Fatima (a) made a request to her husband that all those who opposed her and oppressed her should not participate in her [[funeral prayer]] and [[burial]] and asked him to bury her at night.<ref>Ibn Shahrāshūb, ''Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib'', vol. 3, p. 137.</ref> According to the commonly accepted view, Fatima (a) passed away on the [[Jumada II 3|3rd of Jumada II]], [[11]]/August 29, 632, in [[Medina]].<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Dalāʾil al-imāma'', p. 134; Ṭūsī, ''Miṣbāḥ al-mutahajjid'', p. 793.</ref> | ||
== | ==Political Stances and Positions== | ||
Fatima (a) had numerous social activities and political stances. The [[migration to Medina]], the treatment of the Holy Prophet (s) at [[the Battle of Uhud]],<ref>Majlisī, ''Biḥār al-anwār'', vol. 20, p. 96. </ref> bringing supplies to the Holy Prophet ( | Fatima (a) had numerous social activities and political stances. The [[migration to Medina]], the treatment of the Holy Prophet (s) at [[the Battle of Uhud]],<ref>Majlisī, ''Biḥār al-anwār'', vol. 20, p. 96. </ref> bringing supplies to the Holy Prophet (s) at the [[Battle of Khandaq]]<ref>Majlisī, ''Biḥār al-anwār'', vol. 20, p. 245.</ref> and accompanying him during the [[Conquest of Mecca]]<ref>Wāqidī, ''al-Maghāzī'', vol. 2, p. 635.</ref> were just some of her activities before the demise of the Holy Prophet (s); however, after his (s) demise the political activities of Fatima (a) increased and her stances became more profound. | ||
Amongst her most important political stances the following can be mentioned: opposing the [[Incident of Saqifa|Saqifa council]] and the selection of [[Abu Bakr]] as the [[caliph]] after the Holy Prophet (s), going to the houses of the heads of the [[ | Amongst her most important political stances the following can be mentioned: opposing the [[Incident of Saqifa|Saqifa council]] and the selection of [[Abu Bakr]] as the [[caliph]] after the Holy Prophet (s), going to the houses of the heads of the [[Emigrants]] and the [[Helpers]] in order to get a confession from them on the superiority and worthiness of [[Imam Ali (a)]] for the position of [[caliphate]], attempting to reclaim her property of [[Fadak]], deliverance of the al-Fadakiyya sermon in the presence of the Emigrants and Helpers and defending Imam Ali (a) during the attack on her house. Some researchers are of the belief that a large amount of Fatima's (a) speeches and actions after the [[demise of the Prophet (s)]] were political reactions and her protests towards the usurpation of the caliphate by Abu Bakr and his supporters in the government.<ref>Farahmandpūr, "Sīra-yi sīyāsī-yi Fāṭima", vol. 2, p. 309-316.</ref> | ||
===Opposition to the Decisions of Saqifah=== | ===Opposition to the Decisions of Saqifah=== | ||
| Line 118: | Line 118: | ||
After the commencement of Saqifa and the acceptance of Abu Bakr as the caliph by some of the companions of the Holy Prophet (s), Fatima (a) together with Imam Ali (a) and a handful of companions, including [[Talha]] and [[Zubayr]], opposed this decision;<ref>Yaʿqūbī, ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 124.</ref> because the Holy Prophet (s) had already selected Imam Ali (a) as his caliph and [[successor]] at the [[event of Ghadir]].<ref>Amīnī, ''al-Ghadīr'', vol. 1, p. 33.</ref> According to historical reports, Fatima (a), along with Imam Ali (a), went to the companions of the Holy Prophet (s) to ask for their assistance. The companions of her father replied to her that if she had come to them before they had given their [[bay'a|oath of allegiance]] to Abu Bakr, they would have supported and defended the claim of Ali (a) to the caliphate.<ref>Ibn Qutayba al-Dīnawarī, ''al-Imāma wa l-sīyāsa'', 1380 Sh. p. 29-30.</ref> | After the commencement of Saqifa and the acceptance of Abu Bakr as the caliph by some of the companions of the Holy Prophet (s), Fatima (a) together with Imam Ali (a) and a handful of companions, including [[Talha]] and [[Zubayr]], opposed this decision;<ref>Yaʿqūbī, ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 124.</ref> because the Holy Prophet (s) had already selected Imam Ali (a) as his caliph and [[successor]] at the [[event of Ghadir]].<ref>Amīnī, ''al-Ghadīr'', vol. 1, p. 33.</ref> According to historical reports, Fatima (a), along with Imam Ali (a), went to the companions of the Holy Prophet (s) to ask for their assistance. The companions of her father replied to her that if she had come to them before they had given their [[bay'a|oath of allegiance]] to Abu Bakr, they would have supported and defended the claim of Ali (a) to the caliphate.<ref>Ibn Qutayba al-Dīnawarī, ''al-Imāma wa l-sīyāsa'', 1380 Sh. p. 29-30.</ref> | ||
===The Usurpation of Fadak and the Fadakiyya Sermon=== | ===The Usurpation of Fadak and the al-Fadakiyya Sermon=== | ||
{{main|Usurpation of Fadak|Fadakiyya Sermon}} | {{main|Usurpation of Fadak|al-Fadakiyya Sermon}} | ||
After Abu Bakr seized Fadak away from Fatima (a) and used its profits for the benefit of his government, he was met with her opposition.<ref>Jawharī al-Baṣrī, ''al-Saqīfa wa l-Fadak'', p. 109.</ref> In order to reclaim what was rightfully hers, she tried to dialogue with Abu Bakr and after providing proofs and witnesses for her claim,<ref>Jawharī al-Baṣrī, ''al-Saqīfa wa l-Fadak'', p. 109.</ref> Abu Bakr gave her the deed to [[fadak|the land of Fadak]]. Following on from this incident, [[Umar b. al-Khattab]] took the deed and tore it. Some sources narrate that Umar hit Fatima (a) and it was because of this that she miscarried her child.<ref>Ḥalabī, ''al-Sīra al-Ḥalabīyya'', vol. 3, p. 488; Mufīd, ''al-Ikhtiṣāṣ'', p. 184-185.</ref> After seeing that her attempts to try and reclaim Fadak had yielded no results, she went to [[Al-Masjid al-Nabawi|the mosque of the Holy Prophet (s)]] and delivered a speech, which later became known as the | After Abu Bakr seized Fadak away from Fatima (a) and used its profits for the benefit of his government, he was met with her opposition.<ref>Jawharī al-Baṣrī, ''al-Saqīfa wa l-Fadak'', p. 109.</ref> In order to reclaim what was rightfully hers, she tried to dialogue with Abu Bakr and after providing proofs and witnesses for her claim,<ref>Jawharī al-Baṣrī, ''al-Saqīfa wa l-Fadak'', p. 109.</ref> Abu Bakr gave her the deed to [[fadak|the land of Fadak]]. Following on from this incident, [[Umar b. al-Khattab]] took the deed and tore it. Some sources narrate that Umar hit Fatima (a) and it was because of this that she miscarried her child.<ref>Ḥalabī, ''al-Sīra al-Ḥalabīyya'', vol. 3, p. 488; Mufīd, ''al-Ikhtiṣāṣ'', p. 184-185.</ref> After seeing that her attempts to try and reclaim Fadak had yielded no results, she went to [[Al-Masjid al-Nabawi|the mosque of the Holy Prophet (s)]] and delivered a speech, which later became known as the al-Fadakiyya sermon, in the presence of the companions in which she severely criticized the seizing of Fadak and the usurpation of the caliphate. Fatima (a) in this speech warned that the actions and the results of the actions of Abu Bakr and his followers would be the fire of [[Hell]].<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Dalāʾil al-imāma'', p. 110-121.</ref> | ||
===Aiding the Opponents of Abu Bakr=== | ===Aiding the Opponents of Abu Bakr=== | ||
After the companions ignored the Holy Prophet's ( | After the companions ignored the Holy Prophet's (s) selection of Imam Ali (a) as his caliph and established Abu Bakr as the caliph and gave him their oath of allegiance, Lady Fatima (a), Imam Ali (a), [[Banu Hashim]] (descendants of Hashim) and a number of other companions opposed this decision and allegiance. Those who opposed the caliphate sought refuge in the house of Fatima (a).<ref>Yaʿqūbī, ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 124; Ibn Kathīr, ''al-Bidāya wa l-nihāya'', vol. 5, p. 266; Ibn Hishām, ''al-Sīra al-nabawīyya'', vol. 2, p. 656.</ref> [[Al-'Abbas b. 'Abd al-Muttalib]], [[Salman al-Farsi]], [[Abu Dhar al-Ghifari]], [[Miqdad b. 'Amr]], [['Ammar b. Yasir]] and [[Ubay b. Ka'b]] were amongst those who opposed the caliphate of Abu Bakr and sought refuge in the house of Fatima (a).<ref>ʿAskarī, ''Saqīfa'', p. 99.</ref> | ||
===Attack on her House; Defense of Imam Ali (a)=== | ===Attack on her House; Defense of Imam Ali (a)=== | ||
| Line 132: | Line 132: | ||
===Fatima's Anger towards Abu Bakr and Umar=== | ===Fatima's Anger towards Abu Bakr and Umar=== | ||
After the way that she and her husband were treated by Abu Bakr and Umar concerning Fadak and the events related to the forceful acquiring of the oaths of allegiance for the caliph, Fatima (a) became extremely angry with Abu Bakr and Umar. According to reports, after the attack by Umar and the other government supporters on the house of Fatima (a), Abu Bakr and Umar decided to apologize and seek forgiveness from Fatima (a), however she refused their request to enter into her house. Eventually they gained entrance by seeking the assistance of Imam Ali (a). When they entered the room, she turned her face away from them and did not return their [[Salam]] (greeting). After she reminded them of the narration of the Holy Prophet (s) that her anger is equated to the anger of the Holy Prophet (s), she then informed them that they have earned her anger. It has also been reported in some accounts that she promised to curse them after every [[prayer]].<ref>Kaḥḥāla, ''Iʿlām al-nisāʾ'', vol. 4, p. 123-124.</ref> | After the way that she and her husband were treated by Abu Bakr and Umar concerning [[Fadak]] and the events related to the forceful acquiring of the oaths of allegiance for the caliph, Fatima (a) became extremely angry with Abu Bakr and Umar. According to reports, after the attack by Umar and the other government supporters on the house of Fatima (a), Abu Bakr and Umar decided to apologize and seek forgiveness from Fatima (a), however she refused their request to enter into her house. Eventually they gained entrance by seeking the assistance of Imam Ali (a). When they entered the room, she turned her face away from them and did not return their [[Salam]] (greeting). After she reminded them of the narration of the Holy Prophet (s) that her anger is equated to the anger of the Holy Prophet (s), she then informed them that they have earned her anger. It has also been reported in some accounts that she promised to curse them after every [[prayer]].<ref>Kaḥḥāla, ''Iʿlām al-nisāʾ'', vol. 4, p. 123-124.</ref> | ||
==Martyrdom, Funeral and Burial== | ==Martyrdom, Funeral and Burial== | ||
| Line 138: | Line 138: | ||
After a period of illness which was caused by the physical injuries that she had to bear after the demise of her father (s), she was martyred in the [[11]]/[[632 CE|632]]. Regarding the date of her martyrdom, differing views exist. The most commonly accepted view according to the [[Shia]] is that she passed away on [[Jumada II 3]]/[[August 26]].<ref>Ṭūsī, ''Miṣbāḥ al-mutahajjid'', p. 793.</ref> This view is in accordance with a [[hadith]] from [[Imam al-Sadiq (a)]].<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Dalāʾil al-imāma'', p. 134.</ref> | After a period of illness which was caused by the physical injuries that she had to bear after the demise of her father (s), she was martyred in the [[11]]/[[632 CE|632]]. Regarding the date of her martyrdom, differing views exist. The most commonly accepted view according to the [[Shia]] is that she passed away on [[Jumada II 3]]/[[August 26]].<ref>Ṭūsī, ''Miṣbāḥ al-mutahajjid'', p. 793.</ref> This view is in accordance with a [[hadith]] from [[Imam al-Sadiq (a)]].<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Dalāʾil al-imāma'', p. 134.</ref> | ||
Based on another view, she passed away on [[Jumada I 13]]/[[August 6]]. | Based on another view, she passed away on [[Jumada I 13]]/[[August 6]]. | ||
Other views on her passing are the [[Rabi' II 8]]/July 3, [[Rabi' II 13]]/July 8,<ref>Ibn Shahrāshūb, ''Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib'', vol. 3, p. 132.</ref> and the [[Ramadan 3]]/November 22.<ref>Irbilī, ''Kashf al-ghumma'', 1421 AH, vol. 2, p. 125. </ref> | Other views on her passing are the [[Rabi' II 8]]/July 3, [[Rabi' II 13]]/July 8,<ref>Ibn Shahrāshūb, ''Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib'', vol. 3, p. 132.</ref> and the [[Ramadan 3]]/November 22.<ref>Irbilī, ''Kashf al-ghumma'', 1421 AH, vol. 2, p. 125. </ref> | ||
| Line 148: | Line 149: | ||
The body of Lady Fatima (a) was carried in a coffin that she requested to be made and buried at night in a secret location.<ref>Ibn Saʿd, ''al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā'', vol. 8, p. 29.</ref> Because of this secret burial, the grave of Fatima (a) remained unknown to the people and no grave has been clearly identified as hers. However, some historical reports and narrations have mentioned certain places as possible locations for the grave of Lady Fatima (a): | The body of Lady Fatima (a) was carried in a coffin that she requested to be made and buried at night in a secret location.<ref>Ibn Saʿd, ''al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā'', vol. 8, p. 29.</ref> Because of this secret burial, the grave of Fatima (a) remained unknown to the people and no grave has been clearly identified as hers. However, some historical reports and narrations have mentioned certain places as possible locations for the grave of Lady Fatima (a): | ||
# The house of Lady Fatima (a);<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Ikhtiṣāṣ'', p. 148; Ṣadūq, ''Man lā yaḥḍuruh al-faqīh'', vol. 2, p. 572.</ref> | # The house of Lady Fatima (a);<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Ikhtiṣāṣ'', p. 148; Ṣadūq, ''Man lā yaḥḍuruh al-faqīh'', vol. 2, p. 572.</ref> | ||
# Between the grave and pulpit of the Holy Prophet ( | # Between the grave and pulpit of the Holy Prophet (s) in [[al-Masjid al-Nabawi]];<ref>Ibn Shahrāshūb, ''Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib'', vol. 3, p. 139; Ṭabarī, ''Dalāʾil al-imāma'', p. 136.</ref> | ||
# The graveyard of [[al-Baqi']],<ref>Ṣadūq, ''Man lā yaḥḍuruh al-faqīh'', vol. 2, p. 572.</ref> in the house of 'Aqil<ref>Ibn Shubba, ''Tārīkh al-Medina'', vol. 1, p. 105.</ref> that later became the burial place for 'Abbas b. 'Abd al-Muttalib, [[Imams of al-Baqi'|four Imams]] and other members of the [[Banu Hashim]].<ref>Samhūdī, ''Wafāʾ al-wafā'', vol. 3, p. 92-95.</ref> | # The graveyard of [[al-Baqi']],<ref>Ṣadūq, ''Man lā yaḥḍuruh al-faqīh'', vol. 2, p. 572.</ref> in the house of 'Aqil<ref>Ibn Shubba, ''Tārīkh al-Medina'', vol. 1, p. 105.</ref> that later became the burial place for 'Abbas b. 'Abd al-Muttalib, [[Imams of al-Baqi'|four Imams]] and other members of the [[Banu Hashim]].<ref>Samhūdī, ''Wafāʾ al-wafā'', vol. 3, p. 92-95.</ref> | ||
==Virtues== | ==Virtues== | ||
In the hadith, historical and exegetical literature of both the Shia and Sunni schools of thought, numerous virtues have been recorded for Lady Fatima (a). Some of these virtues are based on [[ | In the hadith, historical and exegetical literature of both the Shia and Sunni schools of thought, numerous virtues have been recorded for Lady Fatima (a). Some of these virtues are based on the [[Holy Qur'an]], for example the verses of [[al-Tathir Verse|Purification]] and [[Al-Mubahala Verse|Mubahala]]. In these types of virtues, the [[occasion of revelation]] is about [[Ahl al-Bayt (a)]] of which Fatima (a) is a member. A number of other virtues have been reported in traditions such as the tradition of "Fatima is a part of me" and her being called Muhaddatha (being talked by angels). | ||
===Infallibilty=== | ===Infallibilty=== | ||
{{main|Ahl al-Bayt (a)#Infallibility}} | {{main|Ahl al-Bayt (a)#Infallibility}} | ||
The opinion of the Shi'i school of thought, because Fatima (a) is one of the referents of [[al-Tathir Verse]] (the Verse of Purification), is that she possesses the status of [[infallibility]].<ref>Ibn Shahrāshūb, ''Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib'', vol. 3, p. 112; Sayyid Murtaḍā, ''al-Shāfī fī l-Imāma'', vol. 4, p. 95.</ref> According to this [[verse]] of the Holy Qur'an<ref>Qurʾān, 33:33.</ref>, [[ | The opinion of the Shi'i school of thought, because Fatima (a) is one of the referents of [[al-Tathir Verse]] (the Verse of Purification), is that she possesses the status of [[infallibility]].<ref>Ibn Shahrāshūb, ''Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib'', vol. 3, p. 112; Sayyid Murtaḍā, ''al-Shāfī fī l-Imāma'', vol. 4, p. 95.</ref> According to this [[verse]] of the Holy Qur'an<ref>Qurʾān, 33:33.</ref>, [[God]] willed that the Ahl al-Bayt (a) be cleansed from all sorts of filth and uncleanliness and according to many traditions from both schools of thought, Fatima (a) is one of the referents of this verse.<ref>Ṣuyūṭī, ''al-Durr al-manthūr'', vol. 5, p. 198; Ṭabrisī, ''al-Iḥtijāj'', vol. 1, p. 109.</ref> The first historical account of the infallibility of Fatima (a) being mentioned was after the demise of the Holy Prophet (s) during the seizing of Fadak. It was during this incident that Imam Ali (a) made reference to the infallibility of Lady Fatima (a) by mentioning the Verse of Purification; it was because of this that he was certain that the actions of Abu Bakr were wrong and that the claim of Fatima (a) was true.<ref>Ṣadūq, ''ʿIlal al-Sharāyiʿ'', vol. 1, p. 190-192; Ṭabrisī, ''al-Iḥtijāj'', vol. 1, p. 122-123.</ref> In addition to Shia hadith and exegetical literature, narrations reported from the Holy Prophet (s) that purifies his Ahl al-Bayt (a) i.e. Ali, Fatima, al-Hasan and al-Husayn from all types of [[sins]] in the hadith and historical literature of the [[Sunni]]s.<ref>Ibn Kathīr, ''al-Bidāya wa l-nihāya'', vol. 2, p. 316; Ṣuyūṭī, ''al-Durr al-manthūr'', vol. 5, p. 199.</ref> | ||
{{see also|infallibility}} | {{see also|infallibility}} | ||
===Worship=== | ===Worship=== | ||
Just like her father, Fatima (a) had a great affinity towards worship and spent a great deal of her time in [[prayer]]s and supplications.<ref>Ṭūsī, ''al-Amālī'', p. 528.</ref> Many of those who visited her or were close to her would report seeing her reciting the [[Holy Qur'an]].<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Dalāʾil al-imāma'', p. 139.</ref> In some sources it has been reported that she would receive help from the Unseen | Just like her father, Fatima (a) had a great affinity towards worship and spent a great deal of her time in [[prayer]]s and supplications.<ref>Ṭūsī, ''al-Amālī'', p. 528.</ref> Many of those who visited her or were close to her would report seeing her reciting the [[Holy Qur'an]].<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Dalāʾil al-imāma'', p. 139.</ref> In some sources it has been reported that she would receive help from the [[Unseen World]] while reciting the Holy Qur'an. An example of this is reported from [[Salman al-Farsi]] who got surprised when he noticed one day that while Fatima (a) was besides the grinder reciting the Holy Qur'an, the grinder was moving by itself. He then reported what he saw to the Holy Prophet (s) who responded to him, "God had sent down [[Gabriel]] in order to do the grinding for her."<ref>Ibn Shahrāshūb, ''Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib'', vol. 3, p. 116-117.</ref> Lengthy prayers, [[Vigil|night vigil]]s, supplicating for others like her neighbors,<ref>Ṣadūq, ''ʿIlal al-Sharāyiʿ'', vol. 1, p. 182.</ref> [[fasting]] and visiting the graves of the martyrs were some of the special characteristics of Fatima (a) that have been reported by the Ahl al-Bayt (a), some [[companions]] and the [[Tabi'un]] (the next generation after sahaba).<ref>Ibn Shahrāshūb, ''Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib'', vol. 3, p. 119.</ref> Hence, it can be seen that many prayers, supplications and praises have been attributed to her in Islamic literature.<ref>Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 3, p. 343; Ibn Ṭāwūs, ''Jamāl al-usbūʿ'', p. 72.</ref> | ||
===Status of Fatima (a) with Allah (swt) and the Holy Prophet (s)=== | ===Status of Fatima (a) with Allah (swt) and the Holy Prophet (s)=== | ||
Shia and Sunni scholars concur that the love for Lady Fatima (a) is a Quranic command of God. Based upon the 23rd verse of [[Qur'an 42]], which is known as the [[Al-Mawadda Verse]] (Verse of Love), the necessity of loving Fatima (a) is established. In this verse the recompense for the prophetic mission has been explained as the love and affection towards his Ahl al-Bayt (a). According to traditions, those who are considered as the Ahl al-Bayt in this verse are [[ | Shia and Sunni scholars concur that the love for Lady Fatima (a) is a Quranic command of God. Based upon the 23rd verse of [[Qur'an 42]], which is known as the [[Al-Mawadda Verse]] (Verse of Love), the necessity of loving Fatima (a) is established. In this verse the recompense for the [[prophetic mission]] has been explained as the love and affection towards his Ahl al-Bayt (a). According to traditions, those who are considered as the Ahl al-Bayt in this verse are [[Ali (a)|Ali]], Fatima, al-Hasan and al-Husayn (a).<ref>Abū l-Futūḥ al-Rāzī, ''Rawḍ al-jinān'', vol. 17, p. 122; Baḥrānī, ''al-Burhān'', vol. 4, p. 815. Ṣuyūṭī, ''al-Durr al-manthūr'', vol. 6, p. 30.</ref> In addition to this verse, traditions have been narrated from the Holy Prophet (s) that equates the pleasure and anger of Allah (swt) with the pleasure and anger of Fatima (a).<ref>Ḥākim al-Nīyshābūrī, ''al-Mustadrak ʿalā l-ṣaḥīḥayn'', vol. 3, p. 154.</ref> In some traditions, the creation of Fatima (a) is known as the cause for the creation of all other creation. As an example, in a divine narration ([[al-hadith al-qudsi]]) known as the [[Lawlak Hadith]], it has been narrated from the Holy Prophet (s) that the creation of the heavens and the earth were dependent on his creation; whereas his creation connected to the creation of Ali (a) and their creation was connected to the creation of Lady Fatima (a).<ref>Mīrjahānī, ''Jannat al-ʿāṣima'', p. 148.</ref> Even though some may find fault with the chain of narration of this tradition; its contents can be defended. | ||
The Holy Prophet (s) greatly loved Fatima (a) and showed her more affection and respect than to others. In a tradition commonly known as the tradition of [[Bid'a hadith|Bid'a]],” the Holy Prophet introduced Fatima (a) as a part of his very existence and that whoever annoys her, annoys me. This tradition has been recorded by great traditionalists like [[al-Shaykh al-Mufid]] (Shi'i scholar) and [[Ahmad b. Hanbal]] (Sunni scholar), however with variations in the text of the tradition.<ref>Aḥmad b. Ḥanbal, ''Musnad'', vol. 4, p. 5; Mufīd, ''al-Amālī'', p. 260; Ṭūsī, ''al-Amālī'', p. 24.</ref> | The Holy Prophet (s) greatly loved Fatima (a) and showed her more affection and respect than to others. In a tradition commonly known as the tradition of [[Bid'a hadith|Bid'a]],” the Holy Prophet (s) introduced Fatima (a) as a part of his very existence and that whoever annoys her, annoys me. This tradition has been recorded by great traditionalists like [[al-Shaykh al-Mufid]] (Shi'i scholar) and [[Ahmad b. Hanbal]] (Sunni scholar), however with variations in the text of the tradition.<ref>Aḥmad b. Ḥanbal, ''Musnad'', vol. 4, p. 5; Mufīd, ''al-Amālī'', p. 260; Ṭūsī, ''al-Amālī'', p. 24.</ref> | ||
====Chief of all Women==== | ====Chief of all Women==== | ||
| Line 174: | Line 175: | ||
====Continuation of the Prophet's Lineage through Fatima (a)==== | ====Continuation of the Prophet's Lineage through Fatima (a)==== | ||
The continuation of the Holy Prophet's lineage and the specifying of the [[Imams]] as the children of Fatima (a) have been mentioned as one of her special virtues.<ref>Ṭabāṭabāyī, "al-Mīzān", vol. 20, p. 370-371.</ref> Some [[tafsir|exegetes]] of the Holy Qur'an view this continuation of the Holy Prophet's lineage through Fatima (a) as a referent for al-Kawthar i.e. vast goodness, as stated in the [[ | The continuation of the Holy Prophet's lineage and the specifying of the [[Imams]] as the children of Fatima (a) have been mentioned as one of her special virtues.<ref>Ṭabāṭabāyī, "al-Mīzān", vol. 20, p. 370-371.</ref> Some [[tafsir|exegetes]] of the Holy Qur'an view this continuation of the Holy Prophet's lineage through Fatima (a) as a referent for al-Kawthar i.e. vast goodness, as stated in the [[Quran 108]].<ref>Fakhr al-Rāzī, ''Mafātīḥ al-ghayb'', vol. 32, p. 313; Makārim Shīrāzī, ''Tafsīr-i nimūmna'', vol. 27, p. 371; Ṭabāṭabāyī, "al-Mīzān", vol. 20, p. 370-371.</ref> It is also worth mentioning that the station of [[Imamate]] is from this very lineage. | ||
===Her Generosity=== | ===Her Generosity=== | ||
The generosity of Fatima (a) has been recorded as one of her ethical traits. While she was living with Imam Ali (a) at the time when their financial situation was stable, she lived a simple life and would always give in charity.<ref>Ṭabrisī, ''Makārim al-akhlāq'', p. 94-95.</ref> Giving her wedding dress on the night of her wedding to a person in need,<ref>Marʿashī al-Najafī, ''Sharḥ Iḥqāq al-ḥaq'', vol. 19, p. 114.</ref> giving her necklace to a poor person<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Bishārat al-Muṣtafā'', p. 218-219. </ref> and giving away all of the food to a pauper, an orphan and a captive are just some examples.<ref>Irbilī, ''Kashf al-ghumma'', vol. 1, p. 169. </ref> It has been reported in Islamic literature that after Imam Ali (a), his wife and their two sons gave their food away for three consecutive days, verses 5-9 of [[ | The generosity of Fatima (a) has been recorded as one of her ethical traits. While she was living with Imam Ali (a) at the time when their financial situation was stable, she lived a simple life and would always give in charity.<ref>Ṭabrisī, ''Makārim al-akhlāq'', p. 94-95.</ref> Giving her wedding dress on the night of her wedding to a person in need,<ref>Marʿashī al-Najafī, ''Sharḥ Iḥqāq al-ḥaq'', vol. 19, p. 114.</ref> giving her necklace to a poor person<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Bishārat al-Muṣtafā'', p. 218-219. </ref> and giving away all of the food to a pauper, an orphan and a captive are just some examples.<ref>Irbilī, ''Kashf al-ghumma'', vol. 1, p. 169. </ref> It has been reported in Islamic literature that after Imam Ali (a), his wife and their two sons gave their food away for three consecutive days, verses 5-9 of [[Qur'an 76]], known as the [[Al-It'am Verse]] (verses of Feeding), were revealed in their honor.<ref>Fakhr al-Rāzī, ''Mafātīḥ al-ghayb'', vol. 30, p. 746-747; Ṭūsī, ''al-Tibyān'', vol. 10, p. 211; Zamakhsharī, ''al-Kashshāf'', vol. 4, p. 670.</ref> | ||
=== | ===Muhaddatha=== | ||
Her conversing with the angels has been recorded as another virtue of Fatima (a). This virtue resulted in her being called "Muhaddatha"<ref>Ṣadūq, ''ʿIlal al-Sharāyiʿ'', vol. 1, p. 182.</ref> i.e. the one who the angels spoke to.<ref>Ibn Shahrāshūb, ''Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib'', vol. 3, p. 116.</ref> The conversations of the angels with her before the demise of the Holy Prophet (s) and after it, were to console her and give her news of events that would occur in the future to the progeny of the Holy Prophet (s). The future events that were told to her by the angels were written and recorded by Imam Ali (a). These writings became known as the [[Mushaf of Fatima (a)]].<ref>Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 1, p. 240-241.</ref> | Her conversing with the angels has been recorded as another virtue of Fatima (a). This virtue resulted in her being called "Muhaddatha"<ref>Ṣadūq, ''ʿIlal al-Sharāyiʿ'', vol. 1, p. 182.</ref> i.e. the one who the angels spoke to.<ref>Ibn Shahrāshūb, ''Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib'', vol. 3, p. 116.</ref> The conversations of the angels with her before the demise of the Holy Prophet (s) and after it, were to console her and give her news of events that would occur in the future to the progeny of the Holy Prophet (s). The future events that were told to her by the angels were written and recorded by Imam Ali (a). These writings became known as the [[Mushaf of Fatima (a)]].<ref>Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 1, p. 240-241.</ref> | ||
==Spiritual Legacy== | ==Spiritual Legacy== | ||
Her speeches and spiritual, social and political life are like a heritage that has remained and has been the focus of attention of the Muslims in their writings. The [[The Mushaf of Fatima (a)|Mushaf of Fatima]], the | Her speeches and spiritual, social and political life are like a heritage that has remained and has been the focus of attention of the Muslims in their writings. The [[The Mushaf of Fatima (a)|Mushaf of Fatima]], the Sermon of Fadakiyya, her [[Tasbih of Lady Fatima (a)|tasbih]] and [[The prayer of Fatima (a)|special prayer]] are just some of her spiritual legacy. | ||
Traditions reported from her form a large part of this legacy. These traditions in respect to their contents vary and include subjects such as beliefs, [[jurisprudence]], ethics and sociology. Some of these traditions have been reported in the | Traditions reported from her form a large part of this legacy. These traditions in respect to their contents vary and include subjects such as beliefs, [[jurisprudence]], ethics and sociology. Some of these traditions have been reported in the hadith collections of the Shia and the Sunni, whereas others have been reported in specific books dedicated to the traditions of Fatima (a). Many of these specific books over the ages have been lost and only their mention is found in bibliographical books and books dealing with narrators of hadith and traditions, in which the discussion is on the writers of these specific books rather than the books themselves.<ref>Maʿmūrī, "Kitābshināsī-yi Fātima", vol. 2, p. 561-563.</ref> | ||
[[The Mushaf of Fatima (a)]] includes discussions that she heard from the divine angel and were written down by Imam Ali (a).<ref>Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 1, p. 241.</ref> The Shia believe that the Mushaf was passed from Imam to Imam as a heirloom and no one other than them had access to it.<ref>Ṣaffār, ''Baṣāʾir al-Darajāt'', p. 173, 181.</ref> Currently it is believed that [[ | [[The Mushaf of Fatima (a)]] includes discussions that she heard from the divine angel and were written down by Imam Ali (a).<ref>Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 1, p. 241.</ref> The Shia believe that the Mushaf was passed from Imam to Imam as a heirloom and no one other than them had access to it.<ref>Ṣaffār, ''Baṣāʾir al-Darajāt'', p. 173, 181.</ref> Currently it is believed that the [[Twelfth Imam (a)]] has it in his possession.<ref>Aqā Buzurg al-Tihrānī, ''al-Dharīʿa'', vol. 21, p. 126.</ref> | ||
[[ | The [[al-Fadakiyya Sermon]] is one of her most famous speeches. This sermon was delivered about the usurpation of the caliphate and [[usurpation of Fadak|seizing of Fadak]]. A number of expositions have been written on this sermon and have the name of "An exposition on the Sermon of Fadakiyya," or "An exposition on the Sermon of Lumma (another name for this sermon)."<ref>Aqā Buzurg al-Tihrānī, ''al-Dharīʿa'', vol. 8, p. 93; vol. 13, p. 224.</ref> | ||
[[Tasbih of Fatima (a)]] is a worship that Fatima (a) learnt from the Holy Prophet (s)<ref>Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, vol. 4, p. 48, 208; Ṣadūq, ''Man lā yaḥḍuruh al-faqīh'', vol. 1, p. 320-321.</ref> and was extremely pleased to have learnt it.<ref>Ṣadūq, ''ʿIlal al-Sharāyiʿ'', vol. 2, p. 366.</ref> In the literature of both the Shi'a and the Sunni, various reports exist on how she learnt the rosary and it has also been reported that once Imam Ali (a) heard and learnt this worship, under no circumstance did he abandon performing it.<ref>Aḥmad b. Ḥanbal, ''Musnad'', vol. 1, p. 107. </ref> | [[Tasbih of Fatima (a)]] is a worship that Fatima (a) learnt from the Holy Prophet (s)<ref>Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, vol. 4, p. 48, 208; Ṣadūq, ''Man lā yaḥḍuruh al-faqīh'', vol. 1, p. 320-321.</ref> and was extremely pleased to have learnt it.<ref>Ṣadūq, ''ʿIlal al-Sharāyiʿ'', vol. 2, p. 366.</ref> In the literature of both the Shi'a and the Sunni, various reports exist on how she learnt the rosary and it has also been reported that once Imam Ali (a) heard and learnt this worship, under no circumstance did he abandon performing it.<ref>Aḥmad b. Ḥanbal, ''Musnad'', vol. 1, p. 107. </ref> | ||
[[ | The [[prayer of Fatima (a)]] are prayers that she learnt from the Holy Prophet (s) or from Jabra'il (a). These prayers have been mentioned in the books of traditions and supplications.<ref>Ibn Ṭāwūs, ''Jamāl al-usbūʿ'', p. 70, 73.</ref> | ||
Poems have also been attributed to Fatima (a). These poems can be separated into two time periods, before the demise of her father and after his demise. Monographs have also been written and published concerning these poems.<ref>ʿĀlimī, ''Ashʿār-i Fātima'', vol. 3, p. 110-120.</ref> | Poems have also been attributed to Fatima (a). These poems can be separated into two time periods, before the demise of her father and after his demise. Monographs have also been written and published concerning these poems.<ref>ʿĀlimī, ''Ashʿār-i Fātima'', vol. 3, p. 110-120.</ref> | ||
| Line 200: | Line 201: | ||
The Shias view Fatima (a) as a complete role model and her way of life has found its way into the culture and lives of the Shia. What follow are a few examples of this: | The Shias view Fatima (a) as a complete role model and her way of life has found its way into the culture and lives of the Shia. What follow are a few examples of this: | ||
* [[Mahr#Mahr al-Sunna|Mahr al-Sunnah]] | * '''[[Mahr#Mahr al-Sunna|Mahr al-Sunnah]]:''' In traditions and jurisprudential works of the Shia, the dowry ([[mahr]]) of Fatima (a) has been placed as an example and has been called the traditional dowry.<ref>Shahīd al-Thānī, ''al-Rawḍa al-bahīyya'', vol. 5, p. 344.</ref> | ||
* [[Fatimiyya]] (The days of Fatima): The Shias during the days of the martyrdom of Fatima (a) hold mourning processions. In Iran, the day of her martyrdom, which coincides with the [[Jumada II 3|3rd of Jumada l-Thania]] is an official holiday and jurists ([[marja']]s) take part in public marches. | * '''[[Fatimiyya]] (The days of Fatima):''' The Shias during the days of the martyrdom of Fatima (a) hold mourning processions. In [[Iran]], the day of her martyrdom, which coincides with the [[Jumada II 3|3rd of Jumada l-Thania]] is an official holiday and jurists ([[marja']]s) take part in public marches. | ||
* Creating life scale models: During the days of Fatimiyya, the [[Banu Hashim District|neighborhood of Banu Hashim]], the graveyard of [[al-Baqi']] and the house of Fatima (a) are built in an ancient style and a large amount of people visit these models. | * '''Creating life scale models:''' During the days of Fatimiyya, the [[Banu Hashim District|neighborhood of Banu Hashim]], the graveyard of [[al-Baqi']] and the house of Fatima (a) are built in an ancient style and a large amount of people visit these models. | ||
* Women's Day: The birthday of Fatima (a) (20th of Jumada l-Thania/September 15) is known as women's day in the [[Islamic Republic of Iran]]. The people celebrate this day by giving gifts to their womenfolk. | * '''Women's Day:''' The birthday of Fatima (a) (20th of Jumada l-Thania/September 15) is known as women's day in the [[Islamic Republic of Iran]]. The people celebrate this day by giving gifts to their womenfolk. | ||
* Naming of daughters: According to statistics, the names of "Fatima" and "Zahra" are part of the top ten names given to girls in Iran. | * '''Naming of daughters:''' According to statistics, the names of "Fatima" and "Zahra" are part of the top ten names given to girls in Iran. | ||
* Attachment to the progeny of Fatima (a): Amongst the Shia sects, the [[Zaydiyya]] believe that the leadership of society is confined to the progeny of Fatima (a). Because of this, the Zaydiyya will only follow a person and accept his government if the person is from the progeny of Fatima (a).<ref>Raṣāṣ, ''Miṣbāḥ al-ʿulūm'', p. 23-24.</ref> In addition to the Zaydis, the [[Fatimid]], who took the name of their government from Lady Fatima (a), see themselves from being from the progeny of Fatima (a). | * '''Attachment to the progeny of Fatima (a):''' Amongst the Shia sects, the [[Zaydiyya]] believe that the leadership of society is confined to the progeny of Fatima (a). Because of this, the Zaydiyya will only follow a person and accept his government if the person is from the progeny of Fatima (a).<ref>Raṣāṣ, ''Miṣbāḥ al-ʿulūm'', p. 23-24.</ref> In addition to the Zaydis, the [[Fatimid]], who took the name of their government from Lady Fatima (a), see themselves from being from the progeny of Fatima (a). | ||
==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||