Introduction
Hazrat Fatima Zahra (sa), the beloved daughter of Prophet Muhammad (saww), is an exceptional figure in Islamic history, particularly revered in Fiqh-e-Jafaria (Shia Islam). Known as Sayyidatun Nisa al-Alamin (Leader of the Women of All Worlds), she embodies purity, strength, knowledge, and unwavering devotion to the cause of Islam. Her life, though brief, profoundly shaped the spiritual and socio-political fabric of the Muslim ummah and holds eternal significance in the Shia tradition.
Birth and Divine Significance
Hazrat Fatima Zahra (sa) was born in Makkah on 20th Jamadi al-Thani, 5 B.H. (before Hijrah). Her birth was accompanied by extraordinary signs and events. According to authentic Shia narrations, Lady Khadija (sa), her mother, received divine comfort and spiritual companionship during childbirth, as the women of Paradise came to assist her.
The Holy Prophet (saww) named her Fatima, which comes from the Arabic root “Fatama,” meaning “to wean” or “to protect.” The Prophet (saww) said:
“She has been named Fatima because Allah has protected her and her followers from the Hellfire.”
— (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 43, p. 18)
Titles and Attributes
Hazrat Fatima (sa) is known by numerous exalted titles that reflect her unique status:
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Al-Zahra (The Radiant) – due to her divine light that illuminated the heavens.
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Sayyidatun Nisa al-Alamin (Leader of the Women of the Worlds) – as mentioned in both Sunni and Shia sources.
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Al-Muhaddatha (One spoken to by angels) – similar to Maryam (as), she had communication with the celestial world.
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Al-Batul (The Chaste One) – a symbol of spiritual and physical purity.
Her spiritual status is so lofty that the Prophet (saww) said:
“Fatima is a part of me. Whoever hurts her, hurts me.”
— (Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim, also narrated in Shia texts such as Al-Kafi)
Marriage to Imam Ali (as)
Hazrat Fatima (sa) was married to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) by divine command. The Prophet (saww) rejected many wealthy proposals and declared that Allah had chosen Ali (as) as the most suitable match. Their marriage was not merely a family bond but the spiritual foundation of the Imamate lineage – the Ahlul Bayt (as).
Their home became a centre of divine knowledge, patience, and sacrifice. Despite facing immense poverty, they embodied generosity and steadfastness. The Surah Insaan (76) was revealed in honour of their act of selflessness when they gave away their food to the needy for three consecutive days.
Mother of the Imams
Hazrat Fatima (sa) is the mother of the Imams of Ahlul Bayt, starting from Imam Hasan (as) and Imam Husayn (as). She is the ancestral root of Nine Infallible Imams, making her the Umm-e-Aimmah. Her maternal role is not just biological but spiritual. Her sons carried her legacy of truth and sacrifice, especially evident in the tragedy of Karbala.
The Event of Mubahila
In the event of Mubahila (Qur’an 3:61), when Christians of Najran questioned the Prophet’s message, Allah commanded him to bring his “sons, women, and selves.” The Prophet (saww) brought:
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Hasan (as) and Husayn (as) – his sons
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Fatima (sa) – the woman
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Ali (as) – himself
This event affirmed Fatima’s divine status, as she was the only woman deemed pure and worthy enough to represent Islam in such a critical encounter.
Fadak and the Tragedy After the Prophet’s Demise
After the death of Prophet Muhammad (saww), Hazrat Fatima (sa) endured immense injustice. The land of Fadak, a gift from her father during his lifetime, was wrongfully seized. When she demanded her right, her claim was denied based on fabricated hadith. She delivered the famous Khutbah of Fadak in Masjid al-Nabawi, where she eloquently defended her rights and exposed the political betrayal against the Ahlul Bayt (as).
Her suffering deepened when she was physically harmed, leading to a miscarriage of her unborn son Mohsin (as), according to Shia sources. This grievous act is considered one of the earliest tragedies against the Ahlul Bayt.
Martyrdom and Legacy
Hazrat Fatima Zahra (sa) was martyred just 75 or 95 days after the demise of her father (dates vary among scholars). She was only 18 years old. She requested to be buried at night, with her grave left unmarked, as a silent protest against the oppression she faced.
Her grave remains unknown, symbolising the injustice done to her and the Ahlul Bayt. Her martyrdom is mourned annually by Shia Muslims, particularly in the months of Jamadi al-Awwal and Jamadi al-Thani.
Her Eternal Status in Fiqh-e-Jafaria
According to Shia belief, Hazrat Fatima (sa) holds an unparalleled status. She is:
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Ma’suma (Infallible) – as confirmed by the hadith of the Cloak (Hadith al-Kisa) and Ayah al-Tatheer (Qur’an 33:33).
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Wasiyyah of the Prophet (saww) – he entrusted his legacy and secrets to her.
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Role model for all women – in piety, modesty, resistance, and intellect.
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A proof (Hujjah) over the Imams in her time.
Imam Mahdi (ajtf) is the final descendant of Hazrat Fatima (sa), and it is said in narrations:
“I am the son of Fatima.”
— (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 51)
This declaration highlights her central place in the continuation of divine guidance.
Hazrat Fatima Zahra (sa) was not merely the daughter of the Prophet (saww) — she was his soul, his legacy, and the pure root of the divine tree of guidance. Her life, filled with devotion, resistance, and sacrifice, continues to inspire believers worldwide.
In the lens of Fiqh-e-Jafaria, she is a pillar of the religion, a guardian of the truth, and a symbol of divine justice. Remembering her is not just an act of reverence but a commitment to uphold the path of the Prophet (saww) and the Ahlul Bayt (as).
