Fatima bint Mohammad (R.A.), famously known as Fatima Az Zahra (R.A.), was the fourth and most favourite daughter of the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.). Fatima Az Zahra (R.A.) was born in Makkah, five years before the Prophethood of Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) (approx. 615 CE). Her mother was Khadija Bint Khuwailid (R.A.), the first wife of the Prophet (S.A.W.).
With Maryam (mother of Isa A.S.), Khadija (R.A.) and Asiah (Pharoh’s wife), Fatima (R.A.) was the purest and best of women-kind. (Tirmidhi: 3878).
Her Sisters and Brothers:
Fatima Az Zahra (R.A.) had three sisters, Zainab (R.A.), Umm Kulthum (R.A.) and Ruqayyah (R.A.). She also had three brothers named Qasim (R.A.), Abdullah (R.A.), and Ibrahim (R.A.) but all of her brothers died in childhood.
Early Life of Fatima Az Zahra
Fatima Az Zahra (R.A.) was nursed by her mother and brought up by her father (S.A.W.). In the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) home, contrary to the local customs at that time where the newborns were sent to “wet nurses” in the surrounding villages. She spent her early youth under the care of her parents in Makkah and acquired good manners from her parents. When she was five years old, there was a great change in her father’s (S.A.W.) life as he was sent as a Messenger to all of mankind. After the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) declared his prophethood, Fatima (R.A.) suffered a lot of hardships and troubles. Among the severe troubles that she faced was the siege in the valley of Abu Talib. From where she suffered the pain of hunger and thirst side by side with her father (S.A.W.) and early Muslims.
Fatima (R.A.) had several titles, including Zahra (Lady of Light) and Sayyidatun Nisa al Alamin (Leader of the Women of the Worlds). She was born on the 20th of Jamad al Akhar. After her mother Khadija passed away, Fatima took care of her father, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). So devotedly that he called her “Umme Abiha,” meaning the mother of her father. This was a challenging time for the family, as they lost their protector, Abu Talib, and Khadija in the same year. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) later married Umme Salama to help with household chores.
When Umme Salama was asked to teach Fatima, she replied that she should learn from Fatima instead, recognizing her high virtues and purity. Fatima’s childhood was spent in a modest and chaste environment, where she witnessed her father preaching Islam despite facing hostility from the Quraysh. She saw him endure wounds from stones thrown by non-believers and even witnessed women hurling rubbish at him. Despite these challenges, Fatima remained strong and comforted her father, tending to his wounds at a young age. The family faced daily humiliation and mockery, but Fatima remained steadfast in her support for her revered father.
Death of her Mother Khadija (R.A.)
After the siege of Abu Talib ended, Fatima (R.A.) suffered greatly from the loss of her mother, Khadija (R.A.). It was a tough time for her to cope with the sadness. To comfort her, the Prophet (S.A.W.) told her that he had received a message from Angel Gabriel, saying that Allah had built a palace in paradise for her mother.
Her Migration to Madinah:
Fatima (R.A.) and her sister Umm Kulthum (R.A.) remained in Mecca when the Muslims migrated to Medina. Later, the Prophet (S.A.W.) sent a companion to bring them to Medina. At that time, Fatima was eighteen years old.
During the migration, Fatima stayed in Mecca with her family, including her stepmother Umme Salama, and Ali’s (as) mother, Fatima bint-e-Asad, among others. Ali (as) was responsible for taking care of the family. He stayed in Mecca for an additional three days to return the trusts to the Meccans who had entrusted them to the Prophet for safekeeping. After fulfilling this duty, Ali (as) brought the family to Medina.
Fatima Az Zahra’s Marriage with Ali (R.A.)
After living in Madina for about a year, when Fatima (sa) was around 18 years old, marriage proposals started coming in for her. However, the Prophet politely declined, saying he was waiting for Allah’s decision. Fatima (sa) was a living example of the Prophet’s teachings for women, and ‘Ali (as) embodied those teachings for men. They were the perfect match, but ‘Ali (as) was too shy to propose. With some encouragement, he finally went to the Prophet and asked for Fatima’s hand in marriage. The Prophet informed Fatima and asked for her approval, which she gave. Their marriage was simple, with ‘Ali (as) selling his shield for 200 Dirhams and bringing the money to the Prophet.
The Prophet matched that amount and instructed his companions to buy household items for the newlyweds. The Prophet himself conducted the marriage ceremony, and after that, the couple moved into a separate house near the Mosque. Before this, after the Battle of Badr, well-known companions like Abu Bakr Siddiq (R.A.) and Umar ibn Khattab (R.A.) proposed to Fatima (R.A.), but the Prophet (S.A.W.). declined, saying he was waiting for Allah’s guidance. Then Ali ibn Abu Talib (R.A.) came forward and asked for Fatima’s hand in marriage, and the Prophet agreed. He married her to Ali (R.A.) when she was eighteen, and Ali (R.A.) offered a shield, his only possession, as a dowry.
Ali (R.A.) sold his shield to Uthman ibn Affan (R.A.) for four hundred and seventy dirhams, which he used as the dowry for the Prophet (S.A.W.). Then the Prophet (S.A.W.) gave the dowry to Bilal (R.A.) to purchase some perfume and gave the rest to Umm Salama (R.A.) to buy the necessary items for the bride.
Afterward, the Prophet (S.A.W.) invited his Sahabas (R.A.) (companions) and made the wedding banquet. After Isha prayer, the Prophet (S.A.W.) went to the bride and groom. He (S.A.W.) then asked for water for ablution and poured the water upon them and said:
“O Allah, may You bless them, make blessing be upon them, and bless their offspring.”
Birth of Hassan and Hussain (R.A.):
One year after Fatima (R.A.) married Ali (R.A.), she gave birth to the Prophet Muhammad’s (S.A.W.) first grandson, Al-Hasan (R.A.), in the third year after Hijrah. The Prophet was delighted and recited the call to prayer in his ear, chewed a date, and rubbed it on his lips. He named him Hasan and, on the seventh day, shaved his hair, giving silver equal to its weight in charity to the poor. In the fourth year after Hijrah, Fatima (R.A.) had her second son, Hussain ibn Ali (R.A.).
The Prophet cherished his grandsons and predicted they would be leaders in Paradise. Another son, Mohsin, was born but died in infancy. Fatima and Ali’s household witnessed significant events, including the revelation of Surah 33, Verse 33, known as the Verse of Purification, and the family’s fasting for three days, sharing their iftar with the needy. The Prophet honored them with special greetings and showed great respect for Fatima, standing whenever she entered the mosque.
Tragically, after the Prophet’s death, when Ali (R.A.) declined to pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr. Their door was burned down, injuring Fatima and causing her to lose her unborn child. She passed away within three months, leaving behind a legacy of strength, devotion, and kindness. She exemplified the ideal Muslim woman, caring for her family, participating in prayers, aiding the wounded, and supporting her father in times of hardship.
When Allah the Almighty revealed,
“Allah intends only to remove from you the impurity [of sin], O people of the [Prophet’s] household, and to purify you with [extensive] purification.” (Surah Ahzab: 33:33)
Once, the Prophet (S.A.W.) was at Umm Salama’s (R.A.) house. He (S.A.W.) called Ali (R.A.), Fatima (R.A.), Hassan (R.A.), and Hussain (R.A.) and covered them with a garment, saying:
“O Allah! These are the people of my house, so remove the ‘Rijs’ (abomination) from them and purify them with a thorough purification.” (Tirmidhi: 3205)
Birth of Zainab bint Ali and Umm Kulthum bint Ali (R.A.):
In the fifth year of Hijrah, Fatima (R.A.) and Ali (R.A.) were blessed by Allah with a baby girl. Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) was very happy to name her Zainab (R.A.). Two years later, Fatima (R.A.) gave birth to a girl whom the Prophet also called Umm Kulthum (R.A.).
Humble Life of Fatima Az Zahra
After Fatima (R.A.) married Ali (R.A.), they lived humbly in a house near the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) in Madinah. Unlike her sisters, who married wealthy men, Fatima did all the household chores herself. She fetched water, ground corn, kneaded dough, baked bread, and cleaned the house. Their situation improved after the Battle of Khaybar when they received a share of the war spoils. With better economic conditions, Fatima had servants, but she treated them like family and worked alongside them in household tasks.
Prophet’s (S.A.W.) love for Fatima (R.A.):
Allah blessed Fatima (R.A.) by extending the Messenger of Allah’s (S.A.W.) offspring. When the Prophet (S.A.W.) returned from a journey, he (S.A.W.) used to pray two Rakats in the mosque and then visit Fatima (R.A.) before his wives. Mother of the believers Aisha (R.A.) said:
“I have not seen anyone who more resembled the Prophet (S.A.W.)”. In words or speech or manner of sitting than Fatima. He is used to kissing her when she comes and so does she.” (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad: 947)
Another hadith narrated by Al-Miswar bin Makhrama (R.A.), who said:
Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said, “Fatima is a part of me, and whoever makes her angry, makes me angry.” (Sahih Bukhari: 3767)
However, the Prophet (S.A.W.) drew the attention of his beloved daughter and others to the necessity of righteous deeds. One day he called,
“O Fatimah bint Mohammad! I have no power to help you at all before Allah! Ask of me whatever you want from my wealth.” (Tirmidhi: 3184)
Once, the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) entered Fatima’s (R.A.) home with Thawban (R.A.). He noticed she was wearing a gold necklace and asked where she got it. Fatima (R.A.) said it was a gift from Abu Hasan. Concerned, the Prophet (S.A.W.) advised her, saying, “O Fatimah, do you want people to say the daughter of the Messenger of Allah wears a necklace of fire?” Without staying long, he left. Fatima (R.A.) then sold the necklace and used the money to buy a slave, whom she set free.
When the Prophet (S.A.W.) knew what she had done, he said, “Praise be to Allah Who saved Fatimah from Hell-fire.” (Sunan An-Nasai: 5140)
A Hadith concerning the Makhzumi woman (One of Quraish’s Tribe) who had committed a theft. The Quraish requested Usama ibn Zaid (R.A.) to speak with the Prophet (S.A.W.) on their part for her pardon. When Usama ibn Zaid (R.A.) spoke with the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.), He (S.A.W.) said, ” I swear by Allah that if Fatimah daughter of Muhammad should steal, I would have her hand cut off ” (Abu Dawud: 4373)
Virtues of Glorifying Allah:
When Ali (R.A.) noticed that his wife Fatima (R.A.) was getting tired from all the housework, he suggested she ask her father, the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), for a servant. Fatima (R.A.) went to her father’s house but felt too shy to ask. Later, she returned with Ali (R.A.) and he explained their situation to the Prophet (S.A.W.). However, the Prophet (S.A.W.) declined Fatima’s request. Disappointed, Fatima and Ali returned home.
One day, the Prophet (S.A.W.) visited them and asked, ” Shall I direct you to something better than what you have requested?” They replied yes. He (S.A.W.) said:
“When you go to bed say ‘Subhan Allah’ thirty-three times, ‘Al hamduli l-lah’ thirty-three times, and ‘Allahu Akbar’ thirty-four times, for that is better for you than a servant.”
Ali (R.A.) said, “By Allah, I have never failed to recite it ever since I knew them from the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.). Somebody asked, ” Even on the night of the battle of Siffin?” Ali (R.A.) replied, ” Even on the night of the battle of Siffin.”
(Hadith References: Sahih Bukhari: 5361 and Sahih Bukhari: 5362)
Fatima (R.A.) faced many challenges in her life. She experienced the loss of her mother and her sisters, one after another. She also endured poverty with patience. Despite these hardships, she did not give in to sadness or despair.
Death of Prophet (S.A.W.):
After the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) had performed the Farewell pilgrimage, he (S.A.W.) got sick. Fatima (R.A.) went to visit her father (S.A.W.) at Aishah’s (R.A.) home.
The Prophet (S.A.W.) welcomed Fatima (R.A.) warmly and shared a secret with her. At first, she cried upon hearing it, but then the Prophet (S.A.W.) whispered something else to her, and she started laughing. Aisha (R.A.) observed this and remarked that she had never seen happiness and sadness so close together. When Aisha (R.A.) asked Fatima (R.A.) about the secret, Fatima (R.A.) refused to reveal it, saying she would never disclose the Prophet’s (S.A.W.).
When the Prophet (S.A.W.) died, Aishah (R.A.), once again, asked Farima (R.A.), “Would you please tell me what the Prophet (S.A.W.) whispered to you? Fatima (R.A.) replied, “Now I can.” As for the first time, he (S.A.W.) said, “Every year, Jibreel (Gabriel) used to revise the Quran with me once only, but this year he has done so twice. So I think that I am about to die and you will be the first of my family to die after my family (to follow me).” So after hearing this, I started weeping.
But when he (S.A.W.) noticed my sadness, he (S.A.W.) said to me, “Fatima, would you like to be the chief of all the women in paradise or the chief of the believing women?” then I smiled.
(Hadith Reference: Sahih Bukhari: 3623 & Sahih Bukhari: 3624)
As the ailment of Prophet (S.A.W.) grew more serious, he (S.A.W.) became unconscious. Out of sadness, Fatima (R.A.) said, “What distress is engulfing my father? The Prophet (S.A.W.) said, ” Your father will have no more distress after today.”
When the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) died, she said, “My father, Allah has called you back and you have responded to His Call. O father! Garden of Firdaus (Paradise) is your abode. O Father! We convey this news (of your death) to Jibreel (Gabriel).”
After the Prophet (S.A.W.) had been buried, she addressed Anas (R.A.), “O Anas, are you satisfied now that you put earth over (the grave of) Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.)?”
(Hadith Reference: Sahih Bukhari: 4462)
Then Fatima (R.A.) wept and so did all Muslims but they remembered Allah’s saying:
“Muhammad (S.A.W.) is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him.” (Surah Al-Imran 3:144)
“And We granted not to any human being immortality before you (O Muhammad S.A.W.), then if you die, would they live forever?” (Surah Anbiya 21:34)
Death of Fatima Az Zahra
Fatima fell sick shortly after the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) passed away. She died in the eleventh year after Hijri, at the age of twenty-seven. The exact month of her death is uncertain. She passed away on the 3rd of Jamad al Thani, about 90 days after her father’s death. Asma binte Umais, who was helping with household chores, described Fatima’s death movingly. Fatima prepared food for her children, then went to her prayer room. She would recite Takbeer loudly at intervals. Asma was instructed to inform Ali (R.A.) if she stopped hearing the Takbeer. If the children returned home before then, they were to be fed before being told about their mother’s death.
When Hasan and Husain returned, Asma had to break the news to them. They went to their mother’s room and stayed with her for a while. Ali (R.A.) arrived and prepared for her burial. During her final bath, Ali (R.A.) cried loudly, unable to bear seeing the wound caused by the door that fell on her during the commotion when some companions demanded Ali’s (R.A.) oath of allegiance to Abu Bakr. After the funeral rites, Fatima was buried in the Baqii cemetery in the darkness of the night, with few family members present. Some historians suggest she was buried in her house, which later became part of Masjid-e-Nabawi during the reign of Umayyad Caliph Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz.
Jannatul Baqii
This is a piece of land not far from where the Prophet Muhammad’s mosque stood in Medina, surrounded by the houses of his companions. It served as a cemetery for Muslims. Mustafawi, a well-known writer, describes it as follows: “The Baqii cemetery lies to the west of the town. Here lie the graves of Ibrahim, the Prophet’s only son, and his daughter Fatima. There are also the graves of his grandsons Imam Hasan, Imam Ali Ibnul Husayn Zainul Abedeen, Imam Muhammad Baqir, and Imam Ja’far Sadiq. For centuries, a marble slab covered their graves, inscribed with praise and prayers.” Unfortunately, in 1932, the Wahabis destroyed the cemetery. When visited later, it appeared like a town razed to the ground, with rubble and broken tombstones scattered about.
In 1995, authorities erected a wall around the area, including the Jewish part of the cemetery, creating one large burial ground. A platform allows visitors to stand outside the wall and view the graves of the Holy Ma’sumeen. People could enter the inner circle after dawn prayers but were kept at a distance from the graves. Among them was also a marker for the grave of Fatima Bine Asad, Imam Ali’s mother. This is Jannatul Baqii, where the beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet, along with her children and grandchildren, lie in a wilderness without even a tombstone.
May Allah have mercy on Fatima bint Mohammad. AMEEN