Difference between revisions of "Fatimah" - New World Encyclopedia

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'''Fatimah binte Muhammad''' or popularly '''Fatimah Zahra''' (Fatima the Gracious) (Arabic: فاطمة الزهراء) (Born Friday 20th of [[Jumada al-thani|Jumada al-akhir]] in [[Mecca]] – 14th [[Jumada al-awwal]] or 3th [[Jumada al-thani|Jamadi-ul-Assani]] at Medina) was the daughter of the Islamic prophet [[Muhammad]] and his first wife [[Khadijah]].
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'''Fatimah binte Muhammad''' or popularly '''Fatimah Zahra''' (Fatima the Gracious) (Arabic: فاطمة الزهراء) (Born Friday 20th of [[Jumada al-thani|Jumada al-akhir]] in [[Mecca]] – 14th [[Jumada al-awwal]] or 3th [[Jumada al-thani|Jamadi-ul-Assani]] at Medina) was the daughter of the Muslim prophet [[Muhammad]] and his first wife [[Khadijah]].  
  
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==Biography==
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==Biography==  
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She was born in [[Mecca]] around 614 (Shi'a tradition) or 606 C.E. (Sunni tradition). In 624, she was married to her father's cousin, [[Ali ibn Abi Talib]], who after her death whould to come into power after the [[Sunni Caliph]] [[Uthman]]. She was buried privately in [[Jannat al-Baqi]] in a secret grave. She was survived by two sons, the second Shi’a [[Imam]] [[Hassan ibn Ali]] and third Shi’a [[Imam]] [[Hussain ibn Ali]] and two daughters, [[Umm Khultum binte Ali]] and [[Zaynab binte Ali]].
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She was born in [[Mecca]] around 614 (Shi'a tradition) or 606 C.E. (Sunni tradition). In 624, she was married to her father's cousin, [[Ali ibn Abi Talib]], who, after her death whould to come into power after the [[Sunni Caliph]] [[Uthman]]. She was buried privately in [[Jannat al-Baqi]].Fatimah was survived by two sons, the second and third Shi’a [[Imams]] [[Hassan ibn Ali]] and [[Hussain ibn Ali]] and two daughters, [[Umm Khultum binte Ali]] and [[Zaynab binte Ali]].  
  
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==Muslim views==
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==Muslim views==  
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Muslims regard her as a loving and devoted daughter, mother, and wife, a sincere Muslim, and an exemplar for Muslim women. It is believed that she was very close to Muhammad and her distinction from other women is mentioned in many of his Hadiths: ''"Fatima is a part of my flesh: whoever causes her to be upset, upsets me."'' <ref>[[Sahih Bukhari]] [http://www.islamicity.com/mosque/sunnah/bukhari/057.sbt.html#005.057.111| English Translation, Vol. 5, Book 57, Number 111]</ref> Her children, his grandsons the second Shi’a Imam [[Hassan ibn Ali]] and third Shi’a Imam [[Husayn ibn Ali]] were very dear to him. Shi'a and Sunni Muslims generally agree on these basic facts, but give very different detailed accounts of her life.  
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Muslims regard her as a loving and devoted daughter, mother, and wife, a sincere Muslim, and an exemplar for Muslim women. It is believed that she was very close to her father Muhammad and that her distinction from other women is mentioned in many of his Hadiths: ''"Fatima is a part of my flesh: whoever causes her to be upset, upsets me."'' [[Sahih Bukhari]] [http://www.islamicity.com/mosque/sunnah/bukhari/057.sbt.html#005.057.111| English Translation, Vol. 5, Book 57, Number 111] Fatimah's children, Muhammad's grandsons, became the second and third Shi’a Imams. [[Hassan ibn Ali]] and [[Husayn ibn Ali]] were very dear to their grandfather. Shi'a and Sunni Muslims generally agree on these basic facts, but place very different importance and emphasis on aspects of her life.  
  
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=== The Sunni view of Fatima ===
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=== The Sunni view of Fatima ===  
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According to Sunni historians, '''Fatima Zahra binte Mohammed''' was the youngest of four daughters whom Khadijah bore to Islamic Prophet Muhammad. She died of natural causes, at the age of twenty-three or twenty-four, surviving her father by only a few months. Sunni historians do not accept the accounts of her injuries and miscarriage at the hands of Umar and his men.
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According to Sunni historians, '''Fatima Zahra binte Mohammed''' was the youngest of four daughters whom Khadijah bore to the Muslim Prophet, Muhammad. She died of natural causes, at the age of twenty-three or twenty-four, surviving her father by only a few months. Due to differences of opinion regarding whether or not her husband, Ali, should have been the leader of the Muslim community after Muhammad's death, most Sunni historians do not accept the accounts of her injuries and miscarriage at the hands of Umar, who became the second Caliph over Ali.  
  
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== The Shi'a view of Fatima ==
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== The Shi'a view of Fatima ==  
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[[Image:YaFatimah.jpg|left|thumb|Calligraphy that reads "[[Ya Muhammad|Ya Fatimah Zahra]]". It is common among Muslims to use calligraphy and natural motifs instead of pictures of her.]]
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[[Image:YaFatimah.jpg|left|thumb|Calligraphy that reads "[[Ya Muhammad|Ya Fatimah Zahra]]". It is common among Muslims to use calligraphy and natural motifs instead of figural representations.]]  
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{{splitsection|Shi'a view of Fatimah}}
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{{splitsection|Shi'a view of Fatimah}}  
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{{unreferenced}}
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{{unreferenced}}  
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According to some Shi'a scholars, '''Fatima Zahra binte Mohammed''' was the [[Islamic prophet]] [[Muhammad]]'s only daughter; this position is not universal. <ref>See [[Genealogy of Khadijah's Daughters]] for further discussions. and also see [http://www.balagh.net/english/ahl_bayt/fatima_the_gracious/05.htm here]</ref>. The Sunni belief that he had other daughters by Khadijah denies [[Ali ibn Abu Talib]] the distinction of being Islamic Prophet Muhammad's only son-in-law.  
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According to some Shi'a scholars, '''Fatima Zahra binte Mohammed''' was [[Muhammad]]'s only daughter, though this position is not universal. See [[Genealogy of Khadijah's Daughters]] for further discussions. and also see [http://www.balagh.net/english/ahl_bayt/fatima_the_gracious/05.htm here]. The Sunni belief that he had other daughters by Khadijah denies [[Ali ibn Abu Talib], the main role model in Shi'a Islam, the distinction of being Muhammad's only son-in-law.  
  
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===A'ishah===
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===A'ishah===  
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Shi'a state that Muhammad's young wife, [[Aisha]], disliked both '''Fatimah''' and her husband Ali; that Aisha envied the relationship between Fatimah and Ali, and also Muhammad's high regard for Fatimah as deceased [[Khadijah binte Khuwaylid]]'s only daughter. Shi'a state tha Aisha was also jealous that Muhamamd gave Ali more attention than [[Shi'a view of Abu Bakr|Abu Bakr]], Aisha father.
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Shi'as generally hold the view that Muhammad's young wife, [[Aisha]], was at odds with both '''Fatimah''' and her husband Ali and that Aisha resented the relationship between Fatimah and Ali. Tensions between the two were also put in terms of A'ishah's feelings about Muhammad's high regard for Fatimah, as she was the only daughter of his beloved and deceased first wife, [[Khadijah binte Khuwaylid]]. Political tensions add another dimension, as Muhammad's loyalty was to both Ali, as his son-in-law, and to his friend and Companion[[Abu Bakr]], who also happened to be A'ishah's father.  
  
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===Coup d'état &mdash; 632===
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===Coup d'état — 632===  
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[[Image:Fatimah Zahra AS 3.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Artist depiction of Fatimah being crushed by the door as Umar's forces assualt and burn her house]]
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[[Image:Fatimah Zahra AS 3.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Artist depiction of Fatimah being crushed by the door as Umar's forces assault and burn her house]]  
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When Muhammad died, Aisha and her father, Abu Bakr, intrigued to grab the leadership of the Muslim community in a [[Coup d'état]]. The Shi'a believe that [[Hadith of the pond of Khumm|Muhammad had wanted Ali to succeed him]] but his wishes were ignored. After Abu Bakr assumed leadership, he asked Muslims to swear allegiance to him, as was the Arab custom of the time. Ali and his followers refused and were harassed and threatened by Abu Bakr's supporters.
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When Muhammad died, a series of conflicts took place and Abu Bakr,attained the leadership of the Muslim community in what Shi'as consider a [[Coup d'état]]. The Shi'a believe that [[Hadith of the pond of Khumm|Muhammad had wanted Ali to succeed him]]and that his familial relationship to Muhammad secured this, but that his wishes were ignored. Sunnis believe that Abu Bakr was rightfully elected by the community. After Abu Bakr assumed leadership, he asked the Muslims to promise an oath of allegiance to him, as was the custom of the time. Those who supported Ali refused to do so.  
  
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According to the Shi'a view, [[Shi'a view of Umar|Umar ibn al-Khattab]] was not only one of Abu Bakr's most zealous supporters, but also his co-conspirator and in some cases his superior. Umar led a party of armed men against Ali's house in Medina and called for Ali and his men to come out and swear allegiance to Abu Bakr, who they had decided would take power in the [[the meeting at Saqifah]]. Umar and [[Khalid ibn Walid]] threatened to burn the house down if they did not submit.
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According to the Shi'a view, [[Shi'a view of Umar|Umar ibn al-Khattab]], who became Caliph after Abu Bakr died, was not only one of Abu Bakr's most zealous supporters, but also his co-conspirator and in some cases his superior. Umar led a party of armed men against Ali's house in Medina and called for Ali and his men to come out and swear allegiance to Abu Bakr, whom they had decided would take power in the [[the meeting at Saqifah]]. Thus the conflict and split between Aunnis and Shi'as resulted from this initial disagreement about authority over the community.
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[[Umar al-Khattab]] and his men broke down the door behind which Fatima Zahra binte Mohammed was standing, and she was crushed between the wall and door. This caused her severe injury; she was pregnant at the time and miscarried a son whom the Shi'a call [[Al Muhsin]]. [[Zubayr ibn al-Awwam]] went out, but was dissarmed, and Ali was arrested.  
 
  
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===Fadak and inheritance===
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===Fadak and inheritance===  
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According to the Shi'a view, the conspirators succesfully seized power. They proceeded by stripping Fatimah of all financial means: The land of [[Fadak]], a gift from Muhammad to her before the [[Conquest of Mecca]] was confiscated and any inheritance due to her was denied since Abu Bakr had conveniently been the only one to hear Muhammad state that "prophets do not inherit".
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According to the Shi'a view, the conspirators succesfully seized power. They proceeded by depriving Fatimah of certain financial means: The land of [[Fadak]], a gift from Muhammad to her before the [[Conquest of Mecca]] was confiscated and any inheritance due to her was denied on the basis of a saying attributed to Muhammad and attested by Abu Bakr stating that "prophets and their family members do not inherit."  
  
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Fatimah opposed this confiscation, and contested Abu Bakr's statements: She still had the merit of being Muhammads daughter and people where still watching, although they where in shock over how the events had turned out. However, even though Fatimah and Ali succesfully contested Abu Bakr's claim, Abu Bakr refused to return her property as this would jeopardize their newly gained power. Fatimah made one last attempt: She interruped Abu Bakr's speech in the mosque of Medinah, with a long speech of her own. After this speech, Abu Bakr repented and went to return the deed to the land. However, he was stoped by Umar, who grabbed Abu Bakr's beard and demanded a explanation, forcing him to stop jeopardizing the mission. Abu Bakr yet again changed his mind.
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Fatimah opposed this confiscation, and contested Abu Bakr's statements: She still had the merit of being Muhammad's daughter. Even though Fatimah and Ali succesfully contested Abu Bakr's claim, Abu Bakr refused to return her property. Fatimah made one last attempt: She interruped Abu Bakr's speech in the mosque of Medinah, with a long speech of her own. After this speech, Abu Bakr repented and went to return the deed to the land. However, he was prevented from doing so by Umar, and Fatimah was unable to reclaim the deed.  
  
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===Breach in relations===
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===Breach in relations===  
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This caused a major breach in their relations, she refused to talk to Abu Bakr after that, something Sunnis agree on <ref>[[Sahih Bukhari]], [[Sahih Muslim]]</ref>.
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This caused a major breach in their relations, and Fatimah refused to speak to Abu Bakr after the incident, a detail which Sunni historical sources confirm [[Sahih Bukhari]], [[Sahih Muslim]].  
  
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Shia continue taht some time later, it became evident that Fatimah whould not be recovering from her wounds. She still had the people heart as she was Muhammads favorit and only biological daugher and also the mother of Muhammads only grandchildren. Abu Bakr and Umar went to her house, and asked permision to enter. Fatimah refused to answer them, but eventualy was the door opened by Ali. Abu Bakr wanted to improve the relations, but Fatimah was angered that Abu Bakr was not going to return to her her property. Angrily, she said that she "would [[curses in Islam|curse]] him in her every prayer".
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Shi'as further contend that some time later, it became evident that Fatimah whould not be recovering from injuries obtained during the raidon Ali's house. She was a leading figure in the community, as Muhammad's biological daugher and mother of his only grandchildren. Abu Bakr and Umar went to her house, and asked permision to enter. Fatimah refused to answer them, but eventually the door was opened by Ali. Abu Bakr wanted to improve the relations, but Fatimah was angered that Abu Bakr was not going to return to her her property. Angrily, she said that she "would [[curses in Islam|curse]] him in her every prayer".  
  
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===Death===
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===Death===  
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Fatima did not survive long after the demise of her father. Sources differ from six month to one month. According to the Shi'as, before her death she made these requests of her husband:
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Fatima did not survive long after the demise of her father. Sources differ as to whether she passed away one or six months after Muhammad. According to the Shi'as, before her death she made these requests of her husband:  
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* '''O Ali, you will personally perform my funeral rites.'''
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* '''O Ali, you will personally perform my funeral rites.'''  
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* '''Those who have displeased me should not be allowed to attend my funeral.'''
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* '''Those who have displeased me should not be allowed to attend my funeral.'''  
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* '''My corpse should be carried to the graveyard at night.'''
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* '''My corpse should be carried to the graveyard at night.'''  
  
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Ali did as she wished: she was buried at night, and accompanied to the grave by her relatives and sons. The burial was done secretly, so that Abu Bakr and Umar could not attend.
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The Shi'as believe that Fatima died at the age of eighteen in Medina.  
  
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The Shi'as believe that Fatima died at the age of eighteen in Medina. This cause great grief to her husband. Eventualy, as another part of her will, Ali got married with the woman of Fatimah choise, so that Fatimahs children would be well take care of. After Fatima's death, Ali renewed the claim to the properties, but was again denied by Abu Bakr <ref>[[Sahih Muslim]]</ref>.
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== Works ==
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*[[Book of Fatimah]]  
  
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== Works ==
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==Legacy==  
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*[[Book of Fatimah]]
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[[Image:Amulet Spain Louvre OA3013.jpg|thumb|right|Amulet with two hands of Fatimah, bearing the inscriptions "Allah is the guardian", "Allah brings consolation in all trials". Hammered silver with filigree and cloisonné enamel decoration. 14th-15th century, Andalousia, Spain.]] Shi'as regard Fatima Zahra binte Mohammed as the greatest woman who ever lived, the leader of all women in Paradise, and the model of female virtue. She was the wife of the first Shi'a Imam, the mother of the second and third, and therefore the ancestress of all the succeeding Imams.
  
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==Legacy==
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They term Al-Zahra means the Lady of Light. The khamsa, an popular amulet believed by some off evil and widely used in the Maghreb, represents the hand of Fatima. Although Sunnis also revere Fatimah because of her relationship to Muhammad as well as Ali (who eventually became the fourth Caliph), because of her centrality to the Shi'a view, it was Shi'as who established many titles of praise for her. See [[List of Shi'a titles for Fatima Zahra]]
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[[Image:Amulet Spain Louvre OA3013.jpg|thumb|right|Amulet with two hands of Fatimah, bearing the inscriptions "Allah is the guardian", "Allah brings consolation in all trials". Hammered silver with filigree and cloisonné enamel decoration. 14th-15th century, Andalousia, Spain.]] Shi'as regard Fatima Zahra binte Mohammed as the greatest woman who has ever lived, the leader of all women in Paradise, and the pattern of female virtue. She was the wife of the first Shi'a Imam, the mother of the second and third, and the ancestress of all the succeeding Imams.
 
  
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They also call her Al-Zahra, the Lady of Light. The khamsa, an amulet popularly believed to ward off evil and widely used in the Maghreb, represents the hand of Fatima. However, charms are forbidden in some branches of Islam.
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==See also==
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*[[Sura]] [[Al-Kawthar]]
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*[[Fatima The Gracious (book)]]
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*[[Ahl al-Bayt|Ahl al Bayt]]
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*[[Khamsa|Hand of Fatima]]
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*[[Succession to Muhammad]]
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*[[Historiography of early Islam]]
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*[[Al Muhsin]]
  
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Shi'as gave Fatima Zahra binte Mohammed many titles of praise; the list is long. See [[List of Shi'a titles for Fatima Zahra]]
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==References==
  
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==See also==
 
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*[[Sura]] [[Al-Kawthar]]
 
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*[[Fatima The Gracious (book)]]
 
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*[[Ahl al-Bayt|Ahl al Bayt]]
 
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*[[Khamsa|Hand of Fatima]]
 
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*[[Succession to Muhammad]]
 
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*[[Historiography of early Islam]]
 
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*[[Al Muhsin]]
 
  
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==References==
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== External links ==  
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<references/>
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Sunni links:
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*[http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/history/biographies/sahaabah/bio.FATIMAH_BINT_MUHAMMAD.html A biography of Fatimah.] — [[USC-MSA Compendium of Muslim Texts]]
  
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== External links ==
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Shi'a links:  
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Sunni links:
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*[http://www.shianews.com/hi/articles/education/0000325.php Sunni Traditions in praise of Syeda Fatima Zahra (AS)] — shianews.com  
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*[http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/history/biographies/sahaabah/bio.FATIMAH_BINT_MUHAMMAD.html A biography of Fatimah.] &mdash; [[USC-MSA Compendium of Muslim Texts]]
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*[http://www.ezsoftech.com/islamic/infallible3.asp Picture gallery and quotes] — ezsoftech.com  
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*[http://www.karbala-najaf.org/zahra/gallery.html Biographt and picture gallery] — karbala-najaf.org  
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Shi'a links:
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[[Category:History and biography]]  
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*[http://www.shianews.com/hi/articles/education/0000325.php Sunni Traditions in praise of Syeda Fatima Zahra (AS)] &mdash;  shianews.com
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[[Category:606 births]]  
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*[http://www.ezsoftech.com/islamic/infallible3.asp Picture gallery and quotes] &mdash;  ezsoftech.com
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[[Category:614 births]]  
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*[http://www.karbala-najaf.org/zahra/gallery.html Biographt and picture gallery] &mdash;  karbala-najaf.org
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[[Category:632 deaths]]  
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[[Category:History and biography]]
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[[Category:Muhammad]]  
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[[Category:Muslim women]]  
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"Fatima" redirects here.

Fatimah binte Muhammad or popularly Fatimah Zahra (Fatima the Gracious) (Arabic: فاطمة الزهراء) (Born Friday 20th of Jumada al-akhir in Mecca – 14th Jumada al-awwal or 3th Jamadi-ul-Assani at Medina) was the daughter of the Muslim prophet Muhammad and his first wife Khadijah.

Biography

She was born in Mecca around 614 (Shi'a tradition) or 606 C.E. (Sunni tradition). In 624, she was married to her father's cousin, Ali ibn Abi Talib, who, after her death whould to come into power after the Sunni Caliph Uthman. She was buried privately in Jannat al-Baqi.Fatimah was survived by two sons, the second and third Shi’a Imams Hassan ibn Ali and Hussain ibn Ali and two daughters, Umm Khultum binte Ali and Zaynab binte Ali.

Muslim views

Muslims regard her as a loving and devoted daughter, mother, and wife, a sincere Muslim, and an exemplar for Muslim women. It is believed that she was very close to her father Muhammad and that her distinction from other women is mentioned in many of his Hadiths: "Fatima is a part of my flesh: whoever causes her to be upset, upsets me." Sahih Bukhari English Translation, Vol. 5, Book 57, Number 111 Fatimah's children, Muhammad's grandsons, became the second and third Shi’a Imams. Hassan ibn Ali and Husayn ibn Ali were very dear to their grandfather. Shi'a and Sunni Muslims generally agree on these basic facts, but place very different importance and emphasis on aspects of her life.

The Sunni view of Fatima

According to Sunni historians, Fatima Zahra binte Mohammed was the youngest of four daughters whom Khadijah bore to the Muslim Prophet, Muhammad. She died of natural causes, at the age of twenty-three or twenty-four, surviving her father by only a few months. Due to differences of opinion regarding whether or not her husband, Ali, should have been the leader of the Muslim community after Muhammad's death, most Sunni historians do not accept the accounts of her injuries and miscarriage at the hands of Umar, who became the second Caliph over Ali.

The Shi'a view of Fatima

File:YaFatimah.jpg
Calligraphy that reads "Ya Fatimah Zahra". It is common among Muslims to use calligraphy and natural motifs instead of figural representations.

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According to some Shi'a scholars, Fatima Zahra binte Mohammed was Muhammad's only daughter, though this position is not universal. See Genealogy of Khadijah's Daughters for further discussions. and also see here. The Sunni belief that he had other daughters by Khadijah denies [[Ali ibn Abu Talib], the main role model in Shi'a Islam, the distinction of being Muhammad's only son-in-law.

A'ishah

Shi'as generally hold the view that Muhammad's young wife, Aisha, was at odds with both Fatimah and her husband Ali and that Aisha resented the relationship between Fatimah and Ali. Tensions between the two were also put in terms of A'ishah's feelings about Muhammad's high regard for Fatimah, as she was the only daughter of his beloved and deceased first wife, Khadijah binte Khuwaylid. Political tensions add another dimension, as Muhammad's loyalty was to both Ali, as his son-in-law, and to his friend and CompanionAbu Bakr, who also happened to be A'ishah's father.

Coup d'état — 632

File:Fatimah Zahra AS 3.jpg
Artist depiction of Fatimah being crushed by the door as Umar's forces assault and burn her house

When Muhammad died, a series of conflicts took place and Abu Bakr,attained the leadership of the Muslim community in what Shi'as consider a Coup d'état. The Shi'a believe that Muhammad had wanted Ali to succeed himand that his familial relationship to Muhammad secured this, but that his wishes were ignored. Sunnis believe that Abu Bakr was rightfully elected by the community. After Abu Bakr assumed leadership, he asked the Muslims to promise an oath of allegiance to him, as was the custom of the time. Those who supported Ali refused to do so.

According to the Shi'a view, Umar ibn al-Khattab, who became Caliph after Abu Bakr died, was not only one of Abu Bakr's most zealous supporters, but also his co-conspirator and in some cases his superior. Umar led a party of armed men against Ali's house in Medina and called for Ali and his men to come out and swear allegiance to Abu Bakr, whom they had decided would take power in the the meeting at Saqifah. Thus the conflict and split between Aunnis and Shi'as resulted from this initial disagreement about authority over the community.

Fadak and inheritance

According to the Shi'a view, the conspirators succesfully seized power. They proceeded by depriving Fatimah of certain financial means: The land of Fadak, a gift from Muhammad to her before the Conquest of Mecca was confiscated and any inheritance due to her was denied on the basis of a saying attributed to Muhammad and attested by Abu Bakr stating that "prophets and their family members do not inherit."

Fatimah opposed this confiscation, and contested Abu Bakr's statements: She still had the merit of being Muhammad's daughter. Even though Fatimah and Ali succesfully contested Abu Bakr's claim, Abu Bakr refused to return her property. Fatimah made one last attempt: She interruped Abu Bakr's speech in the mosque of Medinah, with a long speech of her own. After this speech, Abu Bakr repented and went to return the deed to the land. However, he was prevented from doing so by Umar, and Fatimah was unable to reclaim the deed.

Breach in relations

This caused a major breach in their relations, and Fatimah refused to speak to Abu Bakr after the incident, a detail which Sunni historical sources confirm Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim.

Shi'as further contend that some time later, it became evident that Fatimah whould not be recovering from injuries obtained during the raidon Ali's house. She was a leading figure in the community, as Muhammad's biological daugher and mother of his only grandchildren. Abu Bakr and Umar went to her house, and asked permision to enter. Fatimah refused to answer them, but eventually the door was opened by Ali. Abu Bakr wanted to improve the relations, but Fatimah was angered that Abu Bakr was not going to return to her her property. Angrily, she said that she "would curse him in her every prayer".

Death

Fatima did not survive long after the demise of her father. Sources differ as to whether she passed away one or six months after Muhammad. According to the Shi'as, before her death she made these requests of her husband:

  • O Ali, you will personally perform my funeral rites.
  • Those who have displeased me should not be allowed to attend my funeral.
  • My corpse should be carried to the graveyard at night.

The Shi'as believe that Fatima died at the age of eighteen in Medina.

Works

  • Book of Fatimah

Legacy

Amulet with two hands of Fatimah, bearing the inscriptions "Allah is the guardian", "Allah brings consolation in all trials". Hammered silver with filigree and cloisonné enamel decoration. 14th-15th century, Andalousia, Spain.

Shi'as regard Fatima Zahra binte Mohammed as the greatest woman who ever lived, the leader of all women in Paradise, and the model of female virtue. She was the wife of the first Shi'a Imam, the mother of the second and third, and therefore the ancestress of all the succeeding Imams.

They term Al-Zahra means the Lady of Light. The khamsa, an popular amulet believed by some off evil and widely used in the Maghreb, represents the hand of Fatima. Although Sunnis also revere Fatimah because of her relationship to Muhammad as well as Ali (who eventually became the fourth Caliph), because of her centrality to the Shi'a view, it was Shi'as who established many titles of praise for her. See List of Shi'a titles for Fatima Zahra

See also

  • Sura Al-Kawthar
  • Fatima The Gracious (book)
  • Ahl al Bayt
  • Hand of Fatima
  • Succession to Muhammad
  • Historiography of early Islam
  • Al Muhsin

References
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External links

Sunni links:

Shi'a links:

ar:فاطمة بنت محمد de:Fatima bint Muhammad es:Fatima az-Zahra fa:فاطمه زهرا fr:Fatima Zahra it:Fatima bint Muhammad nl:Fatima Zahra ja:ファーティマ pl:Fatima (córka Mahometa) pt:Fatima bint Muhammad sv:Fatima th:ฟาฏิมะหฺ tr:Fatıma Zehra uk:Фатіма ur:فاطمہ بنت محمد zh:法蒂瑪

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