Description

LINEAGE

Bibi Fatima bint Muhammad (R.A) commonly known as Fatima al-Zahra (R.A), holds a revered place in Islamic history, her lineage tracing back to the noblest of families within the Arabian Peninsula. She was born in Mecca around 605 CE as the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the final messenger of Islam, and his esteemed wife, Bibi Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (R.A).

Bibi Fatima’s (R.A) father, Prophet Muhammad (SAW), was the son of Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib (R.A), a member of the prestigious Quraysh tribe, specifically the Hashim clan, known for their leadership and generosity in Mecca. Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (R.A), Bibi Fatima’s (R.A) mother, was not only Hazrat Muhammad’s (SAW) beloved wife but also a successful merchant and a woman of exceptional character. She belonged to the Banu Asad tribe, further enriching Bibi Fatima’s (R.A) lineage with her esteemed ancestry.

It is through Bibi Fatima (R.A) that Hazrat Muhammad’s (SAW) family line has survived to this date. Through this lineage, Bibi Fatima (R.A) embodied the noble heritage of the Arabian Peninsula, standing as an inspiration of virtue, wisdom, and piety in Islamic tradition.

LIFE

Bibi Fatima (R.A) grew up in Mecca while Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) and his few followers suffered the ill-treatment of disbelievers. On one occasion, she rushed to help Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) when filth was thrown over him at the instigation of Abu Jahl, Hazrat Muhammad’s (SAW) enemy. Bibi Fatima (R.A) lost her mother, Bibi Khadijah (R.A), in childhood. When Bibi Khadijah (R.A) died, it is said that Angel Jibreel descended upon Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) with a message to console Bibi Fatima (R.A).

Bibi Fatima (R.A) married Hazrat Muhammad’s (SAW) cousin, Hazrat Ali (R.A), in Medina, possibly after the Battle of Badr. It is also said that Hazrat Ali (R.A) was reticent to ask Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) to marry Bibi Fatima (R.A) on account of his poverty. When Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) put forward Hazrat Ali’s (R.A) proposal to Bibi Fatima (R.A), she remained silent, which was understood as a tacit agreement. On the basis of this report, a woman’s consent in marriage has always been necessary in Islamic law. Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) also suggested that Hazrat Ali (R.A) sell his shield to pay for the bridal gift (Mahr).

Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) performed the wedding ceremony, and they prepared an austere wedding feast with gifts from other Muslims. As with the majority of Muslims, the couple lived in severe poverty in the early years of Islam. Their financial circumstances later improved after more lands fell to Muslims in the Battle of Khaybar. Following the Battle of Uhud, Bibi Fatima (R.A) tended to the wounds of her father Hazrat Muhammad (SAW), and regularly visited the graves to pray for those killed in the battle. Bibi Fatima (R.A) also accompanied Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) in the Conquest of Mecca.

Bibi Fatima (R.A) was severely bereaved after Hazrat Muhammad’s (SAW) death in 632 C.E. Bibi Fatima (R.A) died within six months of Hazrat Muhammad’s (SAW) death. Following her will, Hazrat Ali (R.A) buried Bibi Fatima (R.A) at night.

Bibi Fatima (R.A) was survived by two sons, Imam Hasan (R.A) and Imam Hussain (R.A), and two daughters, Zaynab (R.A) and Umm Kulthum (R.A).

LEGACY

Her legacy is deeply intertwined with her role as the mother of Imam Hasan (R.A) and Imam Hussain (R.A), who became revered figures in Islam. Bibi Fatima’s (R.A) significance extends beyond her familial ties. She is celebrated for her remarkable character, embodying qualities of patience, compassion, and resilience. Her teachings and actions serve as a guiding light for Muslims, emphasizing the importance of humility, charity, and devotion to God.

Her legacy endures through the stories of her righteousness and the principles she embodied. Bibi Fatima (R.A) remains an inspiration for Muslims worldwide, symbolizing the essence of faith, love, and sacrifice. Despite facing hardships, Bibi Fatima (R.A) remained steadfast in her faith and support for her father’s mission.

Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) is said to have regarded her as the best of women and the dearest person to him. She is often viewed as an ultimate archetype for Muslim women and an example of compassion, generosity, and enduring suffering.