Fatima (radhiallahu anha) was given a few titles . The first, ‘Umm al-Hassan wal-Hussain’ the mother of Hassan & Hussain. Another title granted to her was Az-Zahra (the resplendent one). That was because of her beaming face, which seemed to radiate light.
She was also called Al-Batul, because of her asceticism. Instead of spending her time in the company of her counterparts, she prayed, recited the Quran, and performed other acts of worship.
The Prophet’s (salallahu alaihi wasalam) extent of love for his daughter Fatima was extraordinary. The Prophet (salallahu alaihi wasalam) himself would say, “Fatima is part of me. Whatever pleases her pleases me, and whatever angers her angers me.” (Al-Bukhari)
He also said, “The best women on earth are four: Maryam, the Virgin; Aasiya, wife of Firoun; Khadijah, Mother of the Believers; and Fatima, daughter of Muhammad.”
Moreover, Fatima had a strong resemblance to her father. Hazrat Aisha (radhiallahu anha) said of her,
“I have not seen any one of Allah’s creation who resembles Allah’s Messenger in speech, conversation, and manner of sitting more than Fatima (radhiallahu anha). Whenever the Prophet saw her approaching, he would welcome her, stand up, kiss her, take her by the hand, and sit her down in the place where he was sitting. She used to do the same when the Prophet came to her: She would stand up and welcome him with joy and kiss him.” Subhanallah what immense love and affection!
After the migration to Madinah, Fatima lived with her father in the simple dwelling he had built beside the mosque.Fatimah(radiallahu anha) was honored with a lion hearted husband like Hazrat Ali(radiallahu anhu). In the second year after the Hijrah, she received proposals of marriage through her father until finally Ali ibn Abi Talib (radhiallahu anhu) went to the Prophet (salallahu alaihi wasalam) to ask for her hand in marriage.
The Prophet (salallahu alaihi wasalam) agreed and went on to ask Ali if he had anything to give as mahr (dowry). Ali replied that he hadn’t. The Prophet (salallahu alaihi wasalam) reminded him that he had a shield, which could be sold.
Fatima and Ali were thus married in the second year after the Hijrah. She was 18 or 19 years old at the time and Hazrat Ali (radhiallahu anhu) was about 21. Whilst the nikah was performed in Rajab…departure of the bride from her father’s house took place two months later after the epic battle of Badr.
The Prophet (salallahu alaihi wasalam) himself organized the marriage ceremony. Nabi (salallahu alaihi wasalam) blessed them with the following dua, “May Allah maintain your bond and bless you good fortune and blessings. May He grant and bless you many pious noble children.”
On the second day Ali (radhiallahu anhu) arranged for a simple waleemah. Whatever food was at hand was served without any pomp, display or pretence. Barley bread, dates, Hareera (soup), cheese and mutton were served.
Truly, what can be said of the simple marriage of the Queen of all women in Jannah and Hazrat Ali (radhiallahu anhu)!
As for the departure of Hazrat Fatima (radhiallahu anha)- Nabi (salallahu alaihi wasalam) arranged for Umme Ayman (radhiallahu anha) the noble lady who had breastfed him, and whom he lovingly referred to as mother to escort Hazrat Fatima (radhiallahu anha) to her husband’s house. No fanfare, no pomp and no customs: Neither did Ali (radhiallahu anhu) arrive with a caravan of friends! Sheer simplicity from both sides! After hearing such it becomes incumbent upon us to shun the modern rituals and huge expenses on these occasions and adopt the pure, simple and informal Sunnah of our beloved Nabi (salallahu alaihi wasalam)! What prevents Muslim parents from escorting their daughter to her new home? If it amounts to disgrace why did Nabi (salallahu alaihi wasalam) request his mother to personally escort the Queen of Jannah!!
Allahu Akbar, surely in the simplicity of this marriage lies an example for the whole of mankind! May Allah grant us the ability to follow such beautiful simple ways, Ameen.
Even though Hazrat Fatima and Ali (radhiallahu anhuma) were poor they were a very happy couple and envied by many. The Prophet (salallahu alaihi wasalam) would go to visit them and would hear their laughter from outside. The life they led was a simple one. They had few possessions and there was never too much food in their house. However Hazrat Fatima (radhiallahu anha) was very patient and always content with the little that she had. She never complained of this and truly that is the greatest essence of a happy marriage!
Naturally they two were humans and arguments occurred.Once the newly married couple had quarrelled, when Nabi (salallahu alaihi wasalam) arrived. Skilfully, with wisdom he made peace between them and departed. On the way out, somebody noticed happiness upon the blessed face of Nabi (salallahu alaihi wasalam) and enquired, “When you entered their house we did not observe any greatness, yet you leave with great signs of joy?” Our Nabi (salallahu alaihi wasalam) replied: “Why should I not be happy, when I have achieved peace between my two beloveds.”
Hazrat Fatima (radhiallahu anha) carried out all her daily chores herself. Her delicate hands were blistered from constant grinding; her neck had become sore from carrying water; her clothes would become dirty due to her excessive cleaning. She did a lot more than simply roll the daily chapattis like many of us! When the Prophet (salallahu alaihi wasalam) had received slaves from the battle of khaybar, Hazrat Ali (radhiallahu anhu) suggested to his wife that she approach her father and ask for a servant. Fatima (radhiallahu anha) went to Nabi (salallahu alaihi wasalam) but was reluctant to ask. The Next day, Nabi (salallahu alaihi wasalam)came to her house, and asked Fatima (radhiallahu anha) as to why she wanted to see him. Hazrat Fatima (radhiallahu anha) told Nabi (salallahu alaihi wasalam) of her situation. Her noble father didn’t grant her what she wished, in fact he overlooked her worldly difficulties and blessed her with something far greater, something that would give her strength and bless her with barakah in her time. He taught her to recite this beautiful tasbeeh: Subhan-Allah x 33, Alhamdulillah x 33 and Allahu-Akbar x 34. This is formally known as the very Tasbeeh-e-Fatimi that we read today after every salaah and before we retire to bed. This incident itself teaches us that rather than always look for worldly cures and remedies, we should find an answer in Shariah, a cure through Zikr, Salaah and Tasbeeh, and Allah will be ever ready to assist.
Hazrat Fatima (radhiallahu anha) gave birth to 6 children: Muhsin who died in infancy. Hassan, Hussain, Ruqayyah, Zainab and Umme Kulthum. Ruqayyah was the first daughter of Fatima (radhiallahu anha) but she too passed away in infancy, this is why some historians have not mentioned her.
Hazrat Fatima (radhiallahu anha) nurtured her children in such a manner that they were infused with the spirit of Martydom.Hazrat Hassan and Hussain (radhiallahu anhuma) are known as the leaders of the youth of Jannah!
On one occasion Hazrat Hassan and Hussain were playing and in a matter of moments they disappeared from the sight of Hazrat Fatima (radhiallahu anha). She was struck with grief and began to cry. At that moment her dear father came to visit her and enquired with regards to her crying. Hazrat Fatima (radhiallahu anha) explained that she did not know where they had gone? Nabi (salallahu alaihi wasalam) went in search for them and found them not so far away, one sleeping over the other. This is how Hazrat Fatima looked out for her children; always keeping them in her sight. The children of today roam the streets freely with whom they wish and many a times their parents have no knowledge of their whereabouts and company. Often not knowing what they are getting up to within the four corners of their own home!
It was only through Hazrat Fatima (radhiallahu anha) that the progeny of the Prophet (salallahu alaihi wasalam) continued. All the Prophet’s male children died in their infancy and the two children of Hazrat Zaynab (radhiallahu anha) named Ali and Umamah died young. Hazrat Ruqayyah’s child, Abdullah, also died when he was not yet two years old.
Hazrat Fatima (radhiallahu anha) worshiped Allah in every moment; worship was rooted in her daily life. Every night, Hazrat Fatima’s (radhiallahu anha) home was her prayer rug; after putting the children to bed and finishing the housework, she stood in prayer for so long that her feet would swell.
She died 6 months after the Prophet (salallahu alaihi wasalam) and was buried at night, upon her request. Allahu Akbar, even as she is dyeing she wishes to preserve her modesty. Fatima the resplendent one passed away while she was only 29 years old.
Having simply fulfilled her right as the greatest daughter, most affectionate mother and most caring and wisest of wives Hazrat Fatima (radhiallahu anha) was granted the title of the Queen of Jannat. Surely in her life is a lesson for all those who seek success in anything other than that which pleases Allah!
May we all be given the ability to follow such a remarkable lifestyle! Ameen
References-
Daughters of Prophet Muhammad
Companions of the Prophet
3 Comments
Leave a Reply