Historical Figure
Fatimah
d. 632
Daughter of Muhammad (died 632)
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Biography
Fatima bint Muhammad, commonly known as Fatima al-Zahra', was the daughter of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his wife Khadija. Fatima's husband was Ali, the fourth of the Rashidun caliphs and the first Shia imam. Fatima's sons were Hasan and Husayn, the second and third Shia imams, respectively. Fatima has been compared to Mary, mother of Jesus, especially in Shia Islam. Muhammad is said to have regarded her as the best of women and the dearest person to him. She is often viewed as an ultimate archetype for Muslim women and an example of compassion, generosity, and enduring suffering. It is through Fatima that Muhammad's family line has survived to this date. Her name and her epithets remain popular choices for Muslim girls.
Timeline
The story of Fatimah, told in moments.
Marries Ali ibn Abi Talib, who will become the fourth caliph and the first Shia imam. They have two sons: Hasan and Husayn, the second and third Shia imams. Every descendant of Muhammad alive today traces their line through Fatima. No other branch survived.
Muhammad dies. Fatima and Ali refuse to recognize Abu Bakr as caliph. They believe Ali was named successor at the Ghadir Khumm. In Shia accounts, soldiers raided her house to force Ali's submission. She was injured, miscarried, and never recovered. Sunni sources say she died of grief.
Dies within six months of her father. She is perhaps 27. Her dying wish: the caliph should not attend her funeral. She was buried secretly at night. Her exact grave is still unknown.
In Their Own Words (15)
Fasting (is) for the maintainance and firmness of your sincerity.
Allah made the faith for you as a purity from polytheism (and unbelief).
First thy neighbour, and there after your own house.
Allah set Hajj for the consolidation and reinforcement of the religion.
God has required us (the Ahlul Bayt) to be obeyed for the sake of protection of the Ummah (community) and Imāmat (leadership); and our leadership is obligatory to protect against disunity.
Artifacts (7)
Portrait of Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam II and Raja Isteri Fatimah
Unknown authorUnknown author
Anees Fatimah (née Karim), Lady Imam; Sir Saiyid Ali Imam
someone paid by Bassano Ltd in 13 January 1921
Anees Fatimah (née Karim), Lady Imam
someone paid by Bassano Ltd in 13 January 1921
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