Shahadat of Bibi Fatima (s.a): Complete Story with Authentic References

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Early Life of Bibi Fatima (s.a)
3. The Prophet’s Love for Bibi Fatima (s.a)
4. The Issue of Fidak
5. The Door Incident with Umar ibn al-Khattab
6. Illness and Final Days of Bibi Fatima (s.a)
7. Shahadat of Bibi Fatima (s.a)
8. The Hidden Grave of Fatima Zahra (s.a)
9. Lessons for Muslims Today
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
11. Conclusion & Dua

Introduction

The Shahadat of Bibi Fatima al-Zahra (s.a) is one of the most heart-wrenching tragedies in Islamic history. She was the beloved daughter of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w.), the wife of Imam Ali (a.s), and the mother of Imam Hasan (a.s) and Imam Husayn (a.s). Her life and death remain central in discussions of early Islamic history, politics, and faith.

This article explores her shahadat with authentic references from Shia and Sunni sources, covering events such as Fidak, the door incident, her illness, and the mystery of her hidden grave.

Early Life of Bibi Fatima (s.a)

• Born in Makkah, 605 CE.
• Titles: Az-Zahra (The Radiant), Sayyidatun Nisa al-Alamin (Leader of Women of the Worlds).
• Married Imam Ali (a.s) after the migration to Madinah.

Her life was marked by simplicity, devotion, and her unwavering support of Islam.

The Prophet’s Love for Bibi Fatima (s.a)

The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said:

• “Fatima is part of me. Whoever angers her, angers me.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3714)
• “Fatima is the leader of the women of Paradise.” (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Vol. 5, p. 275)

These hadith show her exalted status in Islam.

The Issue of Fidak

After the Prophet’s passing, Bibi Fatima (s.a) requested her inheritance of Fidak, a fertile land gifted to the Prophet by Allah (Qur’an 59:6).

• Abu Bakr declined her claim, citing a hadith: “We prophets do not leave inheritance.” (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 5, Book 59, Hadith 546)
• Shia sources reject this narration, stating that the Qur’an confirms prophets do leave inheritance (Qur’an 27:16, Qur’an 19:6).

This disagreement caused deep sorrow to Bibi Fatima (s.a).

The Door Incident with Umar ibn al-Khattab

Multiple historical records state that when Imam Ali (a.s) did not immediately pledge allegiance, Umar came to the house of Fatima (s.a).

• According to Tarikh al-Tabari (Vol. 3, p. 202), Umar threatened to burn the house if Ali (a.s) did not come out.
• Shia sources (Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 43, p. 170) narrate that Fatima (s.a) was injured when the door was pushed against her, leading to the miscarriage of her unborn son, Muhsin (a.s.).

This tragic incident is one of the most debated events in Islamic history.

Illness and Final Days of Bibi Fatima (s.a)

After the door incident and emotional distress from Fidak’s denial, Fatima (s.a) fell severely ill.

• Her illness lasted 40–95 days depending on narrations.
• During this time, she gave important sermons such as the Khutbah of Fadak (found in Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 29).

Shahadat of Bibi Fatima (s.a)

The Shahadat of Bibi Fatima (s.a) occurred between 75 to 95 days after the Prophet’s death.

• According to Shia narrations, she died from injuries caused by the door incident.
• Sunni historians attribute her death mainly to grief after the Prophet’s passing.

Regardless of narration differences, her early death at just 18–24 years old is undisputed.

The Hidden Grave of Fatima Zahra (s.a)

One of the greatest mysteries is her hidden grave.

• Imam Ali (a.s) buried her at night, fulfilling her wish.
• Locations suggested: Jannat al-Baqi, her own house, or Masjid al-Nabawi.

This act was seen as a silent protest against the injustices she faced.

Lessons for Muslims Today

• Stand firm in truth even in adversity.
• Respect the Ahlul Bayt (a.s) as commanded by the Qur’an (33:33).
• Learn from history to avoid division within the Ummah.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How old was Bibi Fatima (s.a) at the time of her shahadat?
A: Between 18–24 years old, depending on sources.

Q2: Why was her grave kept hidden?
A: As a form of protest against those who wronged her.

Q3: What was the Khutbah of Fadak?
A: A sermon where she defended her right to Fidak, referencing the Qur’an.

Q4: Who was responsible for the door incident?
A: Shia sources blame Umar, while Sunni sources either deny it or downplay the event.

Q5: Who buried Bibi Fatima (s.a)?
A: Imam Ali (a.s), assisted by close family members.

Conclusion & Dua

The Shahadat of Bibi Fatima (s.a) remains a turning point in Islamic history. Her life, her courage, and her suffering remind us of the sacrifices made by the Ahlul Bayt (a.s).

Dua: May Allah grant us the ability to follow the path of Bibi Fatima (s.a), to uphold justice, and to remain loyal to the teachings of the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) and his family.