Quick answer: Sayyida Fatima al-Zahra (s.a.) is known by many names. The best known are Fatima, al-Zahra (“the Radiant”), al-Batool (“the one devoted to Allah”), al-Siddiqa (“the Truthful”), al-Tahira (“the Pure”), al-Mubaraka (“the Blessed”), al-Zakiyya, al-Radhiyya, al-Mardhiyya and al-Muhaddatha. Shia narrations attributed to Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) mention nine names she has with Allah.
Her names and what they mean
| Name | Arabic | Meaning | Why it is used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fatima | فاطمة | The one who protects and keeps away | A report from the Ahlulbayt (a.s.) says that Allah kept her and those who love her away from the Fire. |
| al-Zahra | الزهراء | The Radiant | Reports explain that her light shone for the people of heaven. |
| al-Batool | البتول | The one devoted wholly to Allah | Describes her devotion to Allah and her separation from worldly attachments. |
| al-Siddiqa | الصدّيقة | The Truthful | Her truthfulness in word and deed. |
| al-Tahira | الطاهرة | The Pure | Linked by Shia scholars to the Verse of Purification (Surah al-Ahzab 33:33). |
| al-Mubaraka | المباركة | The Blessed | The blessing of Allah through her family. |
| al-Zakiyya | الزكيّة | The Pure and Growing in Goodness | Her purity of soul. |
| al-Radhiyya | الراضية | The Pleased (with Allah’s decree) | Her contentment with Allah. |
| al-Mardhiyya | المرضيّة | The one with whom Allah is pleased | Allah’s pleasure with her. |
| al-Muhaddatha | المحدَّثة | The one the angels spoke to | A title found in Shia narrations. |
Other well-known titles are Sayyidat Nisa al-Alamin (“Leader of the Women of the Worlds”), Umm Abiha (“the Mother of Her Father”, a title of love and respect) and Umm al-A’imma (“Mother of the Imams”).
Where do these names come from?
The nine names are reported from Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) in classical Shia hadith collections, and the meanings of Fatima and Zahra are explained in narrations that scholars have discussed for centuries. Because details of wording differ between books, the safest approach is to learn the names, enjoy their meanings, and refer to a qualified scholar for the exact sources when you want to quote them.
Fatima: the one who protects
The meaning of her name is explained in a narration attributed to Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.), who said that she was named Fatima because Allah has kept her and her lovers away from the Fire. Shia families take this as a reason to love her, send salawat on her and teach their children her name from an early age.
Zahra: the radiant one
Zahra comes from a root meaning radiance. In Shia tradition it is said that her light shone in her place of worship for the dwellers of heaven, just as the stars shine for the people of the earth. Her radiance is also understood as the radiance of her character, faith and patience.
Batool: the devoted one
Batool is used in two ways in the books: to describe her complete devotion to Allah and her distance from worldly distractions, and to describe her as unmatched among women in virtue. Parents who name their daughters Batool or Fatima often choose it for these reasons.
Siddiqa and Tahira: truthfulness and purity
Siddiqa is the one who is always truthful, and Tahira the one purified by Allah. Shia scholars connect Tahira with the Verse of Purification, the same verse recited in the Hadith of Kisa, which we explain in Fatima Zahra (s.a.) in the Quran and Hadith.
Muhaddatha: the one the angels spoke to
In Shia narrations the angels spoke to Sayyida Fatima (s.a.) and consoled her after the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) passed away. This is why she is called Muhaddatha. It is a title that shows her high spiritual rank.
How to say her names correctly in Arabic
Reading and pronouncing these names correctly is a good first Tajweed lesson.
- Fatima (فاطمة): the F is a soft fa, then a long ā.
- Zahra (الزهراء): the z is a clear zay, and the h is the light hā’ from the throat, not the heavy ḥ.
- Batool (البتول): a soft b and a long ū.
- Siddiqa (الصدّيقة): the ṣ is a heavy ṣād and the d is doubled with a shadda.
Children who learn the Arabic letters properly can read these names in duas, ziyarat and the Quran with confidence. Our Basic Qaida Reading with Tajweed course is built for that. You can also try the free interactive Noorani Qaida book.
Teaching these names to children
A simple activity for ages 5 to 10: write each name on a card with its meaning (“Zahra: shining, like a star”) and let your child choose the name they like best. Then tell one short story that matches it, such as her generosity (for Siddiqa) or her worship (for Batool). More ideas are in our guide to teaching children about Bibi Fatima Zahra.
Connect it to Ayyam-e-Fatimiyah
During the Fatimiyah days, many families recite her names and titles in dua and salawat. Read more in Ayyam e Fatimiyah: Remembering Sayyida Fatima Zahra (SA) and see this year’s Ayyam-e-Fatimiyah 2026 dates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Fatima called Zahra?
Zahra means “the Radiant”. Shia narrations explain that her light shone for the people of heaven, and it also describes the radiance of her faith and character.
Why is Fatima called Batool?
Batool describes her complete devotion to Allah and her distance from worldly attachments, and it also describes her as unmatched in virtue among women.
How many names does Fatima Zahra (s.a.) have?
She has many titles. A narration from Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.) mentions nine names with Allah: Fatima, al-Siddiqa, al-Mubaraka, al-Tahira, al-Zakiyya, al-Radhiyya, al-Mardhiyya, al-Muhaddatha and al-Zahra.
What does Fatima mean in Arabic?
It comes from a root associated with weaning and cutting off. A Shia narration explains that she was named Fatima because Allah kept her and her lovers away from the Fire.
Why is she called Umm Abiha?
Umm Abiha means “the mother of her father”. It is a title of deep love and respect that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) had for her, because of the care she gave him.
Is it recommended to name daughters Fatima or Zahra?
Giving a child a good name connected to the Ahlulbayt (a.s.) is a recommended and widely loved practice in Shia families.
Sources
- Al-Islam.org: Sayyida Fatimah al-Zahra
- WikiShia: Fatimiyya (titles and observances)
- Classical Shia sources where the nine names and the explanation of Fatima and Zahra are discussed include Bihar al-Anwar and Ilal al-Shara’i.
