Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) was the youngest daughter of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and his favorite one. She married his cousin ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and was the mother of the great martyrs of Islam, Al-Hasan and Al-Husain (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma). She was born in Makkah five years before her father was granted Prophethood. Her nickname was the mother of her father i.e. the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). [Asad Al-Ghaabah and Al-Isabah]. She was also known as “Az-Zahra.” She resembled her father (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) in her mannerisms, in the way she spoke, sat, walked, even in her looks. Although Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and Khadijah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) had had three daughters before her, they expressed great happiness at her birth. Going against the accepted custom, her mother did not send her beloved youngest daughter away to be breastfed in any of the surrounding villages but kept her with her and nursed her herself. She loved her too much to entrust her to anyone else’s care. Some years later, her father was declared by Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala) to be His Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and last Messenger.
Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), her mother and her three elder sisters – Zainab, Ruqayyah, and Umm Kulthum (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhun) – accepted Islam and believed in their father as Allaah’s Messenger from the very beginning. She spent her early years under the loving and tender care of her parents. Zeal for the defense of what is sacred and love of the righteous was ingrained in her. She would protect her father and the Cause of Allaah against all odds, and at all times, with courage and conviction.
Her Defense of her father (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)
When he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) announced himself to be the Prophet of Allaah and His Messenger, his whole life seemed to turn around. The entire city seemed to be shaken by an earthquake, so to speak. He became the most unpopular and reviled man in Makkah, and he was the center of a storm of objections and accusations. Those who wanted him to recant and give up his claims started using all kinds of tactics which included both persuasion and/ or torture. The streets he previously frequented were strewn with thorns and filth, and garbage was thrown on him from rooftops. Elaborate plans were made to murder him. Naturally, all these trials and tribulation left a mark on his home life.
Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) was passing the impressionable years of her childhood in the shadow of these events; yet, her maturity was such that she faced it all with remarkable patience and determination. She fought like a courageous little tigress to defend her father and protect him. She would stand in front of him to shield him from the attacks of devilish men like Abu Jahl, ‘Uqbah and Shaibah.
‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that once the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was offering prayers at the Ka’bah. Abu Jahl was sitting (nearby) with some of his companions. One of them said to the others: “Who amongst you will bring the abdominal contents (intestines, etc.) of a camel of Bani so and so and put it on the back of Muhammad when he prostrates?” The most unfortunate of them got up and brought it. He waited till the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) prostrated and then placed it on his back between his shoulders. I was watching but could not do anything. I wish I had some people with me to hold out (stand up) against them. They started laughing and falling on one another. Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was in prostration and he did not lift his head up till Fatimah came and threw that (camel’s abdominal contents) away from his back. He raised his head and said thrice: “O Allaah! Punish Quraish.” It was hard (unsettling) for Abu Jahl and his companions when the Prophet invoked Allaah against them, as they had a conviction (belief) that the prayers and invocations were accepted in this city (Makkah). The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “O Allaah! Punish Abu Jahl, ‘Utbah ibn Rabi’a, Shaibah ibn Rabi’a, Al-Walid ibn ‘Utbah, Umaiyah ibn Khalaf, and ‘Uqbah ibn Abi Mu’ait (and he mentioned the seventh whose name I cannot recall).” By Allaah, in Whose Hands my life is, I saw the dead bodies of those persons who were counted by Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) in the Qalib (one of the wells) of Badr. [Al-Bukhaari nos. 240, 520]
Seven years had passed since Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) declared himself to be Allaah’s chosen Prophet. The whole might of the Quraish had not been able to silence him and his Message. The people who answered the call of Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala) were persecuted and tortured in every way possible. They were made to lay on burning coals and dragged naked across the burning desert sands, but they continued to recite the word of the Oneness of Allaah – ‘None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah, and Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger.’ The numbers of the believers kept multiplying, regardless of the consequences they might face in this world.
The Death of her mother Khadijah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha)
Khadijah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) passed away just three years before the Hijrah, or the Prophet’s migration to Madinah. She died at the age of sixty-five, having given almost twenty-five years to Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and the cause of Islam. When she passed away, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was heartbroken at the loss of a dedicated companion who stood by him during the most difficult period of his life. Ten years passed since Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) declared himself to be the Messenger of Allaah. It was at this same time that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) lost his greatest supporter and defender, his uncle Abu Taalib. The disbelievers became bolder as they thought he was ‘helpless’.
Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha), from a tender age, faced all these troubles, experiencing them firsthand side by side with her father. It was also at this time that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) went to Ta’if with the Message of Islam. The people there were like the Makkans; they welcomed him with stones, and he left Ta’if injured and bleeding. But he did not curse these inhospitable and cruel people; contrary to that, he prayed to Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala) to guide them to the right path.
Her Emigration
Mus’ab ibn ‘Umair (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), who was the Prophet’s ambassador to Madinah, gave the good news that the people there were being drawn into the fold of Islam. They invited Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to settle in their city and promised to help him in any way they could. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) accepted their invitation and with the consent of Allaah Almighty, decided to emigrate to Madinah. He commanded his followers to start the process of emigration, and he followed later with the company of his most trusted Companion, Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu). He left his two daughters at home in Makkah with Saudah bint Zam’ah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha), whom he had married after the death of Khadijah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha).
He sent for them later, and thus these three ladies also had the privilege of becoming emigrants for the cause. But the disbelievers could not bear to see them all moving out either. Some mischievous elements caught hold of them on the outskirts of Makkah. One of them was the evil Quraishi youth, Hawairith ibn Naqeeth. He started jabbing at the camel on which the Prophet’s daughters were riding and the camel reared up in the air, and the two girls fell down. When he saw this, he ran away. This little caravan continued their journey borne by their spiritual faith and strength. When they reached their destination, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) received them. He was very happy to see them alive and well. Those whom Allaah protects, no one can harm them.
Her Marriage to ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu)
In the second year after Hijrah, the battle of Badr was fought and ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) showed admirable courage, valor and skill at fighting. The Islamic forces triumphed and enemies like Abu Jahl and some other prominent leaders of the Quraish were killed in the battle. Many of the disbelievers were captured as prisoners of war and brought to Madinah. This victory lifted the spirits of the Muslims as never before.
Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) was now eighteen years old and prominent personalities started proposing to her, but the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said he was waiting for a sign from Allaah.
The Companions encouraged ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) to get married and that he should propose marriage to Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha). Buraidah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that a group of Ansaar told ‘Ali: “You have Fatimah (to marry)?” So ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) came to see Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “What is your need (request) Ibn Abi Taalib?”
‘Ali said: “O Allaah’s Messenger…” I mentioned Fatimah, the daughter of Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Marhaban wa Ahlan;” and he (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) did not say more than these words. So ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) came out to that group of Ansaar who were waiting for him. They said: “What is the news?” He said: “I do not know, he just said: ‘Marhaban wa Ahlan’.” They said: “It is sufficient for you from the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam); one of them he gave you Ahl (the family), and Marhab (welcome)! (i.e. Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) welcomed ‘Ali into the family).” [Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d and Al-Albaani said it is Hasan in “Manners of Marriage”]
It is quoted in one of the narrations, the names of the Companions who suggested to ‘Ali the marriage to Fatimah. From among them: Abu Bakr, ‘Umar Al-Farooq and Sa’d ibn Mu’adh (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhum). [Al-Mu’jam Al-Kabeer by At-Tabarani]
Her Dowry
It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) said: “When ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) married Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha), the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to him: ‘Give her something.’ He said: ‘I do not have anything.’ He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Where is your Hutami armor?” [Sunan An-Nasaa’i no. 3376, and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Saheeh]
Then ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) sold the armor to ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Affaan (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) for 480 dirhams. After that ‘Uthmaan (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) gave the armor back to ‘Ali as a wedding gift. So ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) came with the armor and the dirhams to Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) invoked for ‘Uthmaan with some supplications.” [As-Sirah Al-Halabiyah 2/471]
In this way, the Companions (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhum) helped ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) to take on the financial requirement for marriage.
He then asked Anas ibn Maalik to bring his Companions – Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthmaan, Talhah, Az-Zubair (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhum) and other Ansaar and Muhaajir friends to attend the wedding feast.
‘Ali did not forget the favors of the Companions in making easy his marriage. Therefore, out of his intensive love for them, he named his sons after Abu Bakr, ‘Umar and ‘Uthmaan who were martyred with their brother Al-Husain in Karbala’.
The next day Hamzah ibn ‘Abdul Muttalib (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) slaughtered two goats to host a banquet to celebrate the wedding of his brother’s son, ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu). It is quoted in another narration that Sa’d gave one goat to set a wedding feast and the Ansaar collected many Sa’ of corn for him. [Saheeh As-Seerah]
Some basic things were purchased for the house to which ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) moved. A bed, a sheet of velvet, a leather pillow filled with Idhkhir, a leather water bag and a grinding stone for grinding flour – these were the few things with which the daughter of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) set up her new home.
The Night of the Marriage
On the night of marriage, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) told ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu): “O ‘Ali! Do not do anything till you meet me.” The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) asked for water. He performed Wudu’, then he poured the water on ‘Ali, saying: “O Allaah! Bless them and bless for them their marriage.” [Fada’il As-Sahaba, and An-Nasa’i in Al-Kubra, and its chain is correct]
Asma’ bint ‘Umais (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) said: “I attended the wedding of Fatimah, the daughter of Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). When morning entered, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) came to the door and said: “O Umm Ayman, call for me my brother.” She said: “Your brother and get him married (your daughter)”. He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Yes, O Umm Ayman.” Asma’ added: “’Ali came and the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) poured some water on him and prayed for him. Then he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Call Fatimah for me.” Fatimah came, walking in shyly. The Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) told her: “Keep silent. I have married you to the most beloved person to me of my family members.” So he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) poured water on her and invoked for her.” [Al-Mu’jam Al-Kabeer by At-Tabarani and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Hasan in the Book of Manners of Marriage].
Her House
When ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) migrated to Al-Madinah he did not have a house or shelter or any land. When he got married to Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha), the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) asked him to seek a house. The house that was available was quite a distance from the Prophet’s mosque. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) wished that his daughter could live closer to him so that he could see her every day. When one of the Companions, Haarithah ibn Nu’maan Ansaari (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) came to know of this, he approached the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) very respectfully, saying that his wealth is for Allaah and His Messenger and he had several houses close to the Prophet’s mosque and he was welcome to choose any one of them. This would make that particular house dearer to him. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was very moved by this offer and chose one for Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) and he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) prayed for increase and prosperity for his devoted follower. [At-Tabaqat by Ibn Sa’d] So, ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) moved in and started the routine of daily life. It was usual for her to grind the wheat, fetch water from the well and cook their meals.
Her Patience and Asceticism (Zuhd)
Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) used to get very tired with all this hard work. On one occasion after a battle, a lot of money, precious jewelry and prisoners of war, both men and women, were taken by the Muslim army. So, ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) suggested to Fatimah that she should go to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and ask him for a maid to help.
‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) complained to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) about the effects of the grinding stone on her hand. Then some slaves (prisoners of war) were brought to him. So she went to him to ask for (one of) them, but she did not find him. She mentioned the matter to ‘Aishah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha). When the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) came, she informed him. He (the Prophet) (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) visited us (Fatimah and ‘Ali) when we had gone to bed, and when we were about to get up, he said: “Stay where you are.” He then came and sat down between us (her and me), and I felt the coldness of his feet on my chest. He then said: “Let me guide you to something better than what you have asked. When you go bed, say: ‘Glory be to Allaah’ thirty-three times, ‘Praise be to Allaah’ thirty-three times, and ‘Allaah is most Great’ thirty-four times. That will be better for you than a servant.” [Al-Bukhaari no. 3705 and Sunan Abu Dawoud no. 5062]
In another Hadeeth, ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) came to him and Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) at night and said: “Won’t you pray?” I said: “O Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), our souls are in the Hand of Allaah, and if He wants to make us get up, He will make us get up.” The Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) went away when I said that to him. Then as he was leaving, I heard him striking his thigh and saying: “But man is ever more quarrelsome than anything.” [Sunan An-Nasaa’i no. 1611 and Al-Albaani graded it Saheeh]
Her Participation in the battles
Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) spent her entire life as a God-fearing and pious servant of Allaah. Always patient and grateful to her Creator, there was never a word of complaint from her, however difficult the circumstances. The world and its attractions held no charm for her. Her motto in life was always service for Islam and its Mujaahideen. In the battles, she was at the forefront nursing the wounded and the sick. When her father was injured in the battle of Uhud, it was she who burnt a part of a straw mat and used its ashes to stop the flow of blood. There is a narration in Saheeh Al-Bukhaari that when the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was asked on one occasion whom he loved best in the world he named his youngest daughter, Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha).
Al-Miswar ibn Makhrama narrated that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Fatimah is part of me and he who makes her angry, makes me angry.” [Al-Bukhaari no. 3714]
Her closeness to her father
‘Aishah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha), speaking of her, said she bore a remarkable resemblance to her father. She not only looked like him, but her way of speaking, sitting, standing and walking – in other words, all her mannerisms and gestures were exactly like his. Whenever her father visited her, she would receive him and kiss his forehead with reverence and respect. They were exceptionally close to each other and whenever she visited her father, he would stand up and receive her. It was as if she left the sweet atmosphere of her personality wherever she went. If he saw her troubled or sad, he would also be grieved, and if he saw her happy, he would also be pleased.
One day the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) heard that there was some misunderstanding between ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha), so he went to meet them:
Abu Hazim narrated: A man came to Sahl bin Sa’d and said: “This is so-and-so,” meaning the governor of Madinah, “He is calling ‘Ali bad names near the pulpit.” Sahl asked: “What is he saying?” He (i.e. the man) replied: “He calls him (i.e. ‘Ali) Abu Turab.” Sahl laughed and said: “By Allaah, none but the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) called him by this name and no name was dearer to ‘Ali than this.”
So I asked Sahl to tell me more, saying: “O Abu ‘Abbaas! How (was this name given to ‘Ali)?” Sahl said: “‘Ali went to Fatimah and then came out and slept in the mosque. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) asked Fatimah: “Where is your cousin?” She said: “In the mosque.” The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) went to him and found that his (i.e. ‘Ali’s) covering sheet had slipped of his back and dust had soiled his back. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) started wiping the dust off his back and said twice: “Get up! O Abu Turab (i.e. O father of dust).” [Al-Bukhaari 3703]
Al-Miswar ibn Makhrama narrated that ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) demanded the hand of the daughter of Abu Jahl. Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) heard of this and went to Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying: “Your people think that you do not become angry for the sake of your daughters, as ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) is now going to marry the daughter of Abu Jahl.” On that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) got up and after his recitation of Tashah-hud I heard him saying: “Then after! I married one of my daughters to Abu Al-‘As ibn Ar-Rabi’ (the husband of Zainab, the daughter of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) before Islam and he proved truthful in whatever he said to me. No doubt, Fatimah is a part of me, I hate to see her being troubled. By Allaah, the daughter of Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and the daughter of Allaah’s enemy cannot be the wives of one man.” So ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) gave up that engagement. ‘Al-Miswar further said: “I heard the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) talking and he mentioned a son-in-law of his belonging to the tribe of Bani ‘Abd-Shams. He highly praised him concerning that relationship and said (whenever) he spoke to me, he spoke the truth, and whenever he promised me, he fulfilled his promise.” [Al-Bukhaari no. 3729]
One day ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) asked the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) who was dearer to him; himself or Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha)? The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) answered that he loved Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) more, but ‘Ali was dearer to him than her. It was a masterpiece of diplomacy and yet it also was the truth, because he really did love both of them deeply.
Her Children
Their first son was born to ‘Ali and Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) in Ramadan of the third year after Hijrah. When the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) heard the good news, he was very happy and immediately went to see the child.
It was narrated that ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said that when Al-Hasan was born, the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) came and said: “Show me my son, what did you name him?” I said: “I named him Harb [which means “war”].” He said: “Rather he is Hasan.” [On the seventh day, his head was shaved clean, and an amount of silver equivalent to the weight of the hair was distributed among the poor.]
When Al-Husain was born (in Sha’ban of the fourth year after Hijrah) he said: “Show me my son, what did you name him?” I said: “I named him Harb.” He said: “Rather he is Husain.” When the third son was born, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “‘Show me my son’ what did you name him?” I said: “I named him Harb.” He said: “Rather, he is Muhassin.” Then he said: “I have named them after the fashion of Haroon, Shabbar, Shabeer and Mushabbir.” [Reported by Ahmad in his Musnad no. 769, 953 and Shu’aib Al-Arna’oot graded it Hasan]
Abu Sa’eed narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Al-Hasan and Al-Husain are the chiefs of the youth of Paradise.” [At-Tirmidhi no. 3768]
Hudhaifah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “My mother asked me: ‘When is your planned time – meaning with the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)?’ So I said: ‘I have not had a planned time to see him since such and such time.’ She rebuked me, so I said to her: ‘Let me go to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) so that I may perform Maghrib (prayer) with him, and ask him to seek forgiveness for you and I.’ So I came to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and I prayed Maghrib with him, then he prayed until he prayed ‘Isha. Then he turned, and I followed him, and he heard my voice, and said: ‘Who is this? Hudhaifah?‘ I said: ‘Yes.’ He said: ‘What is your need, may Allaah forgive you and your mother?‘ He said: ‘Indeed, this is an angel that never descended to the earth ever before tonight. He sought permission from his Lord to greet me with peace and to give me the glad tidings that Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) is the chief of the women of Paradise, and that Al-Hasan and Al-Husain are the chiefs of the youths of the people of Paradise.‘” [At-Tirmidhi no. 3781]
Usamah ibn Zaid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “I came to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) one night concerning some need, so the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) came out while he was covering up something, and I did not know what it was. Once I had tended to my need, I said: ‘What is this that you were covering up?’ So he uncovered it, and I found it was Al-Hasan and Al-Husain [peace be upon them] upon his hips. So he said: ‘These are my two sons, and the sons of my daughter. O Allaah! Indeed, I love them, so love them, and love those who love them.‘” [At-Tirmidhi no. 3769]
Al-Bara (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “I saw the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) carrying Al-Hasan on his shoulder and saying: ’O Allaah! I love him, so love him.’” [Al-Bukhaari no. 3749]
Usamah ibn Zaid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to take him and Al-Hasan and used to say: “O Allaah! I love them, so please love them,” or said something similar. [Al-Bukhaari no. 3747]
Abu Bakra (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “I heard the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) talking at the pulpit while Al-Hasan was sitting beside him, and he (i.e. the Prophet) was once looking at the people and at another time, Al-Hasan and saying: ‘This son of mine is a Sayyid (i.e. chief) and perhaps Allaah will bring about an agreement between two sects of the Muslims through him.’” [Al-Bukhaari no. 3746]
‘Uqbah ibn Al-Harith (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “I saw Abu Bakr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) carrying Al-Hasan and saying: ‘Let my father be sacrificed for you; you resemble the Prophet and not ‘Ali,’ while ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was laughing at this.” [Al-Bukhaari no. 3750]
In the fifth year after Hijrah, a daughter was born to ‘Ali and Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhum); the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) named her Zainab and in the seventh year after Hijrah another daughter was born, and he named her Umm Kulthoom. When Zainab bint ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) grew up, she married ‘Abdullaah ibn Ja’far ibn Abi Taalib (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu). And Umm Kulthoom married ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu). They had two children, Zaid and Ruqayyah. After his wedding, ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) asked the Muhaajirs (immigrants) and the Ansaar to congratulate him. They asked him for what reason. He said since he had married Umm Kulthoom, the daughter of ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and had established links with the family of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam); this was a very great honor for him. And everyone wished him happiness and blessed him on this great occasion.
Merits of the Family Members of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)
‘Aishah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) reported that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) went out one morning wearing a striped cloak of the black camel’s hair. Then there came Al-Hasan ibn ‘Ali. He wrapped him under it, then came Al-Husain and he wrapped him under it along with the other one (Al-Hasan). Then came Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) and he took her under it, then came ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and he also took him under it and then said: “Allaah only desires to take away any uncleanliness from you, O people of the household, and purify you (with a thorough purification).” [Muslim no. 2424]
Imaam Ahmad (Rahimahullaah) was once asked what he thought of ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and his family members. He said their position in history is unparalleled. According to what the Noble Qur’an tells us, Allaah Almighty had cleaned them of every kind of sin, impurity of faith, disobedience to the Divine Will and social evils.
There is a miraculous incident related in Al-Bidaayah wan-Nihaayah: Once a lady sent Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) a couple of pieces of bread and some roasted meat. She (Fatimah) put this on a large plate and covered it with cloth. Then she sent a message to her father to come and have his meal at her house. When he arrived, she removed the cloth and to her astonishment she found the plate full of bread and plenty of meat. She understood that this abundance and plenty had come from Allaah. She praised Almighty Allaah and asked Him to mention and bless His Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and started to serve the meal to him, beginning with Allaah Almighty’s Name. When he saw such a huge amount, he smiled and asked who had sent it all. She promptly said Allaah gave it to her and He provides sustenance to whom He pleases without limits. He smiled and thanked Allaah Almighty that he had a daughter who could speak like Maryam. Then the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ate of the meal with his daughter, son-in-law and the two grandchildren. Yet there was so much food left over that it was sent to the Mothers of the Believers. They also ate their fill and then it was distributed among the neighbors.
Her Departure
‘Aishah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha), the Mother of the Believers, narrated: “We, the wives of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) were all sitting with the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and none of us had left when Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) came walking, and by Allaah, her gait was very similar to that of Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).” When he saw her, he welcomed her, saying: “Welcome, O my daughter!” Then he made her sit on his right or his left, confided something to her, whereupon she wept bitterly. When he noticed her sorrow, he confided something else to her for the second time, and she started laughing. Only I from among the Prophet’s wives said to her: “(O Fatimah), Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) selected you from among us for the secret talk and still you weep?” When Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) got up (and went away), I asked her, “What did he confide to you?” She said: “I won’t disclose the secrets of Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).” But when he died I asked her, “I beseech you earnestly by what right I have on you, to tell me (that secret talk which the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) had with you).” She said: “As you ask me now, yes, (I will tell you).” She informed me, saying: “When he talked to me secretly the first time, he said that Gabriel used to review the Qur’an with him once every year. He added: ‘But this year he reviewed it with me twice, and therefore I think that my time of death has approached. So, be afraid of Allaah, and be patient, for I am the best predecessor for you (in the Hereafter).'” Fatimah added: “So I wept as you (‘Aishah) witnessed. And when the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saw me in this sorrowful state, he confided the second secret to me saying: ‘O Fatimah! Will you not be pleased that you will be chief of all the believing women (or chief of the women of this nation i.e. my followers?)” [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari nos. 6285, 6286, 3623 and Muslim no. 2450]
Anas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that when the ailment of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) got aggravated, he became unconscious, whereupon Fatimah said: “Oh, how distressed my father is!” He said: “Your father will have no more distress after today.” When he died, she said: “O Father! Who has responded to the call of the Lord Who has invited him! O Father, whose dwelling place is the Garden of Paradise (i.e. Al-Firdaus)! O Father! We convey this news (of your death) to Gabriel.” When he was buried, Fatimah said: “O Anas! Do you feel pleased to throw earth over Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)?” [Al-Bukhaari no. 4462]
In his book “Asad Al-Ghaabah”, Ibn Atheer writes that after the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) passed away, no one ever saw Fatimah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) smile. And her grief remained visible on her face till she passed away six months later.
“To Allaah we belong, and to Him we return.” [Surat Al-Baqarah (2:156)]
‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and her four children – Al-Hasan, Al-Husain, Zainab and Umm Kulthoom (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhum) were left to mourn her death at a very young age. She was given her final bath and shrouded by ‘Ali, Asma’ bint ‘Umais and Salamah Umm Raaf (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhum) and buried at night in Jannatul Baqi’. ‘Ali, Al-‘Abbaas and Fadhl ibn Al-‘Abbaas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhum) placed her into her final resting place. Thus the leader of the virtuous women of Paradise set out on her journey to Paradise.
“O the one in (complete) rest and satisfaction! Come back to your Lord – well pleased and well pleasing. Enter you then among My (honored) servants, and enter you, My Paradise.” [Surat Al-Fajr (89:27-30)]
Sources:
Great Women of Islam who were given the good news of Paradise by Mahmood Ahmad Ghadanfar -Darussalam publisher
Women around the Messenger by Mahmoud Al-Istanbooli and Mustafa Ash-Shalabi
Mawsoo’ah Al-Hasan and Al-Husain by Sayyid Hasan Al-Husaini by the Committee of Al-Aal Wal-Ashab
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