Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Who Was Bibi Fatima (s.a)?
- Historical Context: After the Prophet’s (s.a.w.w) Death
- The Dispute Over Allegiance to Abu Bakr
- The Incident at the Door of Fatima (s.a)
- Sunni and Shia Narrations on the Door Event
- The Role of Umar ibn al-Khattab
- The Impact on Bibi Fatima (s.a)’s Health
- Aftermath: The Martyrdom of Fatima (s.a)
- Hidden Grave of Bibi Fatima (s.a)
- Lessons for Muslims Today
- FAQ Section
- Conclusion & Dua
- Off-Page SEO Suggestions
Introduction
The incident of the door of Bibi Fatima (s.a) is among the most painful and controversial episodes in Islamic history. This event, involving Umar ibn al-Khattab, is deeply tied to the political disputes that arose immediately after Prophet Muhammad’s (s.a.w.w) demise.
For centuries, Muslim historians, both Sunni and Shia, have debated: What really happened at the house of Fatima (s.a)? Did Umar attack the house to force Imam Ali (a.s) into giving allegiance to Abu Bakr? Was Fatima (s.a) injured during the confrontation?
This article explores these questions with authentic references from Islamic sources, presenting a respectful yet honest look into one of the darkest moments faced by the Ahlul Bayt (a.s).
Who Was Bibi Fatima (s.a)?
Bibi Fatima al-Zahra (s.a), the beloved daughter of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w), was known as:
- Sayyidatun Nisa al-Alamin (Leader of the Women of the Worlds).
- The wife of Imam Ali (a.s).
- The mother of Imams Hasan (a.s) and Husayn (a.s).
She was a symbol of purity, sacrifice, and truth. Defending her rights and the rights of Ahlul Bayt (a.s) became central to her life after the Prophet’s death.
Historical Context: After the Prophet’s (s.a.w.w) Death
After the death of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w) in 11 AH, Muslims were divided on leadership. While a group gathered at Saqifah to pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr, Imam Ali (a.s) and supporters of Ahlul Bayt (a.s) believed the Prophet had already appointed Ali (a.s) as his successor at Ghadir Khumm.
This political conflict created tension between the ruling caliphate and the household of the Prophet.
The Dispute Over Allegiance to Abu Bakr
According to Tarikh al-Tabari (vol. 2, p. 233), Umar ibn al-Khattab, Abu Bakr’s supporter, sought to secure allegiance from those in Ali’s house. When Imam Ali (a.s) delayed pledging allegiance, Umar went with companions to the house of Fatima (s.a).
The Incident at the Door of Fatima (s.a)
The most controversial part is the attack on the house of Fatima (s.a).
- Shia Narrations: State that Umar threatened to burn down the house if Ali (a.s) refused allegiance. When Fatima (s.a) came to the door, the door was pushed, crushing her between the door and the wall, leading to her severe injuries, miscarriage of her unborn son (Muhsin), and eventually her martyrdom.
- Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 30, p. 293
- Al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 511
- Sunni Narrations: While most Sunni historians do not detail physical harm, some sources confirm Umar threatened to burn the house.
- Tarikh al-Tabari, vol. 2, p. 233
- Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, vol. 8, p. 572
This confrontation is what became known as the “Incident of the Door.”
Sunni and Shia Narrations on the Door Event
- Shia Position:
- Fatima (s.a) was injured by the forced entry.
- She lost her unborn child Muhsin.
- Her martyrdom was a direct result of this oppression.
- Sunni Position:
- Most sources confirm the threat to burn the house.
- Some sources, like Baladhuri (Ansab al-Ashraf, vol. 1, p. 586), mention confrontation but downplay injury details.
- Sunni scholars emphasize Fatima’s anger with Abu Bakr, recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari (Book 59, Hadith 546), where it states she did not speak to Abu Bakr until her death.
The Role of Umar ibn al-Khattab
Umar’s role was central:
- He led the group to Ali’s house.
- He threatened to burn the house down.
- He pressured Imam Ali (a.s) to pledge allegiance.
Shia sources record that Umar physically harmed Fatima (s.a), while Sunni sources admit the threat but generally avoid describing physical injury.
The Impact on Bibi Fatima (s.a)’s Health
According to Shia narrations:
- The injury from the door caused broken ribs.
- Fatima (s.a) suffered miscarriage of Muhsin.
- She lived only about 75–95 days after the Prophet’s death in continuous pain and sorrow.
Reference: Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 43, p. 170
Aftermath: The Martyrdom of Fatima (s.a)
The events at the door led to Fatima’s (s.a) early martyrdom.
- Sahih al-Bukhari (Book 59, Hadith 546): States Fatima (s.a) remained angry with Abu Bakr until her death.
- Shia historians connect her death directly to the attack.
Her death marked a permanent wound in Islamic history.
Hidden Grave of Bibi Fatima (s.a)
One of the most telling legacies of this incident is that Bibi Fatima (s.a) requested to be buried secretly at night, without the attendance of Abu Bakr and Umar.
Her grave remains hidden in Madinah to this day, a lasting sign of protest against the oppression she faced.
Lessons for Muslims Today
- Justice must never be sacrificed for politics.
- The honor of Ahlul Bayt (a.s) must be respected by all Muslims.
- Women’s voices in Islam matter — Fatima (s.a) stood firm against injustice.
- Unity requires truth — recognizing historical events with honesty is key to Muslim unity.
- Leadership in Islam must follow divine guidance, not worldly politics.
FAQ Section
Q1: What was the incident of the door of Fatima (s.a)?
It was when Umar ibn al-Khattab went to Ali’s house to demand allegiance. Shia sources say Fatima (s.a) was injured when the door was forced open.
Q2: Did Umar threaten to burn Fatima’s house?
Yes, according to Tarikh al-Tabari (vol. 2, p. 233) and Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah (vol. 8, p. 572).
Q3: Did Fatima (s.a) forgive Abu Bakr and Umar?
No. Sahih al-Bukhari (Book 59, Hadith 546) confirms Fatima (s.a) remained angry with Abu Bakr until her death.
Q4: What happened to Fatima’s unborn son Muhsin?
Shia sources say she miscarried after the door incident.
Q5: Why is her grave hidden?
Fatima (s.a) willed a secret burial at night to show her protest against those who wronged her.
Conclusion & Dua
The incident of the door of Fatima (s.a) remains a deeply painful chapter in Islamic history. While details differ between Sunni and Shia traditions, both agree that Fatima (s.a) was angered, her rights were denied, and she left this world in grief.
Her courage, patience, and stand for justice continue to inspire Muslims today.
Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa Aali Muhammad.