AhlalBayt

Political Stances and Positions

Lady Fatima (a) played an active role in both social and political spheres during and after the Prophet's (s) lifetime. Before his demise, she participated in significant events, including the migration to Medina, where she aided the Prophet (s) during the Battles of Uhud and Khandaq. She accompanied him during the Conquest of Mecca. After his passing, her political involvement intensified. She opposed the Saqifa council and Abu Bakr's caliphate, sought support for Imam Ali's (a) rightful leadership, demanded the return of Fadak, delivered the powerful al-Fadakiyya sermon, and defended her home. Her post-prophetic actions are widely viewed as acts of political resistance.

Fatima's Opposition to the Decisions of Saqifa

After the commencement of Saqifa and the acceptance of Abu Bakr as caliph by some of the Prophet's companions, Fatima (a), Imam Ali (a), and a handful of companions, including Talha and Zubayr, opposed this decision because the Prophet (s) had already selected Imam Ali (a) as his caliph and successor at Ghadir. According to historical reports, Fatima (a) and Imam Ali (a) asked the companions of the Prophet (s) for assistance. They replied that if she had come to them before they had given their oath of allegiance to Abu Bakr, they would have supported and defended Ali's claim to the caliphate.

Usurpation of Fadak and the al-Fadakiyya Sermon

After Abu Bakr seized Fadak from Lady Fatimah (a) and used its income for his government, she strongly opposed the decision and demanded its return. Presenting evidence and witnesses, she initially succeeded in reclaiming the property, and Abu Bakr handed her the deed. However, ʿUmar b. al-Khaṭṭāb reportedly tore it up. Some historical accounts mention that ʿUmar physically harmed Fatimah (a), leading to her miscarriage. When her efforts failed, she delivered the renowned al-Fadakiyya sermon in the Prophet’s (s) mosque, publicly condemning the seizure of Fadak and the usurpation of the caliphate, warning of divine punishment

Marriage to ‘Alī

After the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated to Medina, Lady Fatimah (SA) accompanied him and continued her life marked by devotion, simplicity, and spirituality. Though many distinguished companions proposed marriage to her, the Prophet declined each request, stating that he was awaiting a divine command. Eventually, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS), whom the Prophet had raised and deeply trusted, approached with a proposal. When the Prophet asked Fatimah about it, she humbly lowered her head in modesty. Witnessing her silent consent, the Prophet proclaimed, “Allāhu Akbar! Fatimah’s silence is her acceptance.” Their marriage, performed by the Prophet himself, was a sacred union grounded in love, faith, and mutual respect.

Marriage and Family Life

Lady Fatimah (SA) and Imam Ali (AS) started their life together in the simplest way, and when Ali was asked about Fatima, he said: “Fatima is the best aid in obedience to God.’

They had several children, the most well-known being:

•        Hasan ibn Ali (2nd Imam)

•        Husayn ibn Ali (3rd Imam)

•        Zaynab bint Ali

•        Umm Kulthum bint Ali

•        Muhsin, who was miscarried after a violent incident following the Prophet’s death.

Fatimah lived a life of worship, service, and generosity. She often gave away whatever she had to those in need, even when she was in poverty herself. Her household was a center of knowledge, piety, and spiritual strength in Medina. Their home became a model of piety and virtue in Islamic family life.

From Birth to Migration (Hijrah)

Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (SA) was the beloved daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Lady Khadijah (RA). She was born in Mecca five years after her father began his divine mission. She was the only child of the Prophet and Khadijah who survived into adulthood. After the Prophet's sons died in infancy, some polytheists mocked him, claiming that he had no descendants. In response, Allah revealed Surah al-Kawthar (Chapter 108), affirming that true abundance was granted through Fatimah and her noble progeny. Fatimah was known for her exceptional intellect, spiritual purity, and deep devotion to her father. She remained by his side throughout his life. After her mother passed away, Fatimah lovingly cared for the Prophet, earning the honorable title "Umm Abiha," meaning "Mother of Her Father."
 

Father and Daughter
After Khadija’s death, the Prophet used to pay special attention to his daughter Fātima. Whenever he went on a journey, Fātima was the last person he would bid farewell to, and whenever he returned from a journey, Fātima was the first person he would go to see.  When the verse “Do not call the Prophet like the way you call one another” was revealed, even Fātima, like everyone else, started to address him as “O the Messenger of Allah” instead of saying “O Father!” After hearing Fātima calling him in this very formal manner, the Prophet said, “O Fātima, this verse does not apply to you or your children...You should still call me ‘O Father’ because it brightens my heart and pleases Allah.”
From the Hijrah to her Marriage

The idol-worshippers had devised a plan to break into the Prophet's house and put an end to his life. However, God revealed their plan to him and commanded him to leave for Medina. 'Ali bin Abi Talib was left behind to return to the people what they had entrusted to the Prophet. He also agreed to sleep in the Prophet's bed so the enemy would not detect his absence. Some days later, he set out for Medina with his mother, Fatima, and two other women. Before entering Medina, the Prophet stopped at a place named Quba and waited for his cousin Ali and his beloved daughter Fatima, refusing to enter Medina until they joined him

Date of her Martyrdom

After a period of illness, which was caused by the physical injuries that she had to bear after the demise of her father (sa), she was martyred in 11/632. Regarding the date of her martyrdom, differing views exist.

 The most commonly accepted view, according to the Shia, is that she passed away on Jumada II 3/August 26. This view is in accordance with a hadith from Imam al-Sadiq (a). Based on another view, she passed away on Jumada I 13/August 6.

Other views on her passing are the Rabi' II 8/July 3, Rabi' II 13/July 8, and the

Ramadan 3/November 22.

Funeral and Burial

Before her demise, Fatima (sa) requested that she did not want anyone who oppressed her or who angered her to take part in her funeral prayer and burial rites. Therefore, she asked to be buried in secret and for the whereabouts of her grave to be hidden.

According to historians, Ali (a), with the assistance of Asma' bt. 'Umays washed the body of his wife and performed the funeral prayer himself. Other than the Imam (a), a handful of others, of whom differing views exist concerning their names and numbers, also took part in the funeral prayers of Fatima (a).

 Some researchers believe that the request of Fatima (a) to be buried at night and in secret was her last political stance against the caliphate and the government.

Place of her Grave

The body of Lady Fatima (a) was carried in a coffin that she requested to be made and buried at night in a secret location. Because of this secret burial, the grave of Fatima (a) remained unknown to the people, and no grave has been clearly identified as hers. However, some historical reports and narrations have mentioned certain places as possible locations for the grave of Lady Fatima (a):

1.       The house of Lady Fatima (a);

2.       Between the grave and pulpit of the Prophet (s) in al-Masjid al-Nabawi;

3.       The graveyard of al-Baqi', in the house of 'Aqil,  that later became the burial place for 'Abbas b. 'Abd al-Muttalib, four Imams, and other members of the Banu Hashim.