Chapter 1

Introduction

Bibi Fatima was created by Allah tobe a perfect example of a human being for us to follow. She was noble, kind, generous and always truthful. She was also known by other names like Butool, Insiya,Azraa, Masumah, Sayyedah,Siddiqah, Tahirah, Tayyibah,Radhiyah, Mardheyyeh, Zakeyyah,Umma Abeehaa and Zahraa.

Fatima AS was the only daughter of the holy Prophet Muhammad SAW and Hazrat Khadija AS. He used to say “Fatima is part of me.” She was the wife of our first Imam Ali AS.She had four children: two sons,Imam Hasan AS and Imam Hussain AS and two daughters Hazrat Zainab AS and Hazrat Kulsoom AS.

Bibi Fatima was an excellent daughter, a wonderful wife, and a loving mother. She is the leader of all the women in the universe, Syedatun nisa al aalameen and the Lady of Paradise, Khatoon e Jannat. She was extremely intelligent, learned,gentle, generous, pious, beautiful,pure and free from every fault. The Prophet Muhammad SAW called her Umme Abeehaa, the mother of her father.

Through her words and actions she has shown us how to live as a true Muslim, following the laws of Islam.

Chapter 2

Birth

Bibi Fatima AS was born on Fridaythe 20th Jamadi us-sani, five years after the Prophet Muhammad declared his message. Most of the people in Makkah would not believe in Islam and refused to help her mother Hazrat Khadija AS.

At the time of birth, Allah sent four ladies, who entered the house. When Hazrat Khadija asked who they were, one of them said: “I am your mother Eve.”The second said:“I am Aasiya, daughter of Muzahim.”The third said:

The fourth said:“I am Maryam daughter of Imran,the mother of Jesus. We have come to deliver your baby.The baby was then born. The holy Prophet named her Fatima. Both the parents were very happy. Imam RezaAS has said, “She was given the name Fatima because she and her followers are protected from Hell.”

Today her birthday is celebrated as“Mother’s Day” by many Shia families across the world. We should celebrate her birthday by remembering her and following her.

We must thank Allah for making us her follower and pray that we follow Bibi Fatima‘s (A.S.) example in our daily life.

Chapter 3

In Makkah

As Bibi Fatima grew up, she waslooked after with love and care byher father, the Holy ProphetMuhammad SAW and her motherUmmul Momineen Hazrat Khadija AS, who was the first lady to acceptIslam. But as the message of Islamspread and more and more peoplestarted to follow it, the enemiesmade life very difficult for the holyfamily.

One day Bibi Fatima saw her father come home with his clothes all dusty and his feet bleeding. She found out that someone had thrown rubbish on him and put thorns in his way. She washed his feet and cleaned his clothes.

When she entered the sacred mosque of Kaaba, she saw that while the Holy Prophet SAW was saying his prayers and doing sajda, his enemies had poured camel placenta on his back. She was very upset and started to cry. Then she cleaned his back and prayed to Allah to help her father and destroy the enemies of Islam.

The Prophet and his family were forced to live in a valley, away from the people. They had to suffer boycott and lived for three years in fear and anxiety. No one was allowed to buy or sell them anything,including food. They were often hungry and thirsty in the extreme heat of the desert hills.

Hazrat Khadija’s wealth was spent in buying the necessary goods at very high prices to help the Muslims.

Their only support was the Prophet’s uncle, Hazrat Abu Talib AS, the father of Imam Ali AS who refused to give up his nephew, Muhammad SAW.

We must never forget the help given by these two great persons in the history of Islam.

Chapter 4

Loss of Her Mother

When the boycott could not stop people from entering Islam, the Holy Prophet SAW and his family were allowed to return to Makkah. But the harsh conditions of life in the valley affected the health of Hazrat Khadija AS. She fell ill and Bibi Fatima AS, only seven years old looked after her sick mother.

The Holy Prophet SAW was full of sorrow: Hazrat Abu Talib had passed away a month before and now Hazrat Khadija was so ill.

Hazrat Khadija as she lay dying wept thinking of her daughter’s lonely life after her. The tenth of Ramadan was a very sad day for Bibi Fatima AS. Her mother died, leaving hertearful. ”Where is my mother?” she cried as she saw her father lowering her into the grave.

Allah sent Jibraeel with a message:Your Lord commands you to inform Fatima AS that He sends his blessings upon her and says “Your mother is in a house of brocade between the houses of Aasiya and Maryam in heaven.”

Today this holy grave in Jannatul Moalla in Makkah cannot be visited easily due to the policy of the Present wahaabih government.

Our salams to Hazrat Khadija, the loving wife of the Holy Prophet Muhamad SAW, the first to believe in Islam and the mother of Bibi Fatima AS.

Chapter 5

Migration to Medina

The Holy Prophet SAW decided to go to Medina (Yathrib) after the deaths of his uncle and supporter,Hazrat Abu Talib and his dear wife,Hazrat Khadija, in the year of sorrow.

His enemies had surrounded hishouse, ready to kill him. He askedImam Ali AS to sleep in his bed andto save the life of the Prophet,Imam Ali AS agreed.

Imam Ali AS lay in the Prophet Muhammad’s SAW place, covering himself with his blanket. When the enemies came into the house the next morning they were shocked to find Imam Ali AS in the bed instead of the Holy Prophet SAW, who had already left. This is known as Hijratand marks the start of the Islamic calendar A.H.

After a few days Imam Ali AS took his mother Fatima bint Asad, hisaunt, and Bibi Fatima AS to Medina.

The Holy Prophet SAW had already reached Quba, near Medina and was waiting for them before entering the city. The people of Medina welcomed them warmly.

Chapter 6

Marriage

When Bibi Fatima AS was about nine years old, many came forward to ask the Holy Prophet SAW for her hand in marriage. When Imam Ali AS went to the Holy Prophet SAW, he smiled then came to find out from his daughter if she was willing. She bowed her head in modesty but her face showed her happiness. The Prophet SAW stood up saying “Allah o Akbar” and then he called Imam Ali AS and told him the good news.

Imam Ali AS sold his shield for 500 dirhams and brought the money to the Prophet for the wedding expenses. One third of the amount was spent on buying perfume, one third for food for guests, and the remaining for a simple list of items,which included:

clothes,a water bag,

a wool curtain,

a copper bowl,

a hand flour milljugs for water and oil,

a wooden mat,four cushions,

and two mattresses.

When the Prophet SAW them, heprayed, “O Allah, bless them for they are people whose belongings are made of natural materials.”

On Friday, the first day of Zilhij, in2 A. H., the wedding of Bibi FatimaAS and Imam Ali AS was celebrated.The Holy Prophet SAW read thenikah and prayed for their happiness.“O Allah bless them and let them bea source of blessing and peace for my ummat (followers).” The beautiful bride was then taken to the groom’s house in the company of the Holy Prophet SAW and all the guests.

The Prophet placed the hand of Fatima in Ali’s hand and said“May Allah bless his messenger’s daughter. Ali, this is Fatima. You are responsible for her.Ali, what an excellent wife Fatima is!Fatima, what an excellent husband Ali is! O Allah, bless them and their children They are most dear to me so love them too.”

Chapter 7

Family Life

Bibi Fatima AS, the perfect daughter of the best of the Prophets now began her role as the perfect wife of the best of the Imams.They lived a simple life, helping each other in the worship of Allah.

They had love and respect for each other.They lived happily together.

Imam Ali would go out to work,gather firewood and bring home food grain. Bibi Fatima AS did the chores of grinding the grain into flour,making the bread and keeping the house clean.

They helped one another and never had any disagreements.They both happily shared their food and belongings with anyone who asked for help. No beggar returned empty handed from their door.

Allah blessed Bibi Fatima AS and Imam Ali AS with four children.

Imam Hasan AS was born on 15th Ramadan, 3 A.H. a year after their wedding. In the next year, 4 A.H.,on the 3rd of Shaban, her younger son Imam Hussain was born. Her daughter Hazrat Zainab was born in5 A. H. and the second daughter Umme Kulsoom came a year later.

They had one maid named Bibi Fizza,who was treated with love and respect. Fizza worked one day and Bibi Fatima AS the next, while Fizz arested.

Prophet Muhammad SAW was very fond of his grand children and named each of them himself. He would often visit the house of Bibi Fatima AS and showed great love for them.

He would play with them and hugged them often. He told his followers many times of his love for Fatima,Ali, Hasan and Hussain.

Chapter 8

Hadees e Kisa

Hadees e Kisa is well known throughout the world. It is recited on every Thursday night. It is reported from Bibi Fatima AS herself. She said that one day the holy Prophet Muhammad SAW came to her house, said salaams to her then told her to cover him with the Yemeni blanket as he was feeling weak. She returned his greeting and covered him with the blanket. His face shone like the full moon.

After a while her son Hasan AScame and said salaams and then said he could smell the fragrance of his grandfather. She returned his salaam then he went to his grandfather, asked his permission and entered the blanket.

A little later, her son Hussain AS came in, greeted her (salaam) and said he could smell the fragrance of his grandfather. She returned his salaam, and then told him that the Holy Prophet SAW was under the blanket with Hasan AS. Then Hussain AS went near, asked if he could come under the blanket and joined them.

Then Imam Ali arrived, said salaams to Bibi Fatima AS and noted he could smell the fragrance of his brother, the Holy Prophet SAW.She returned his greeting and told him that her father was under the blanket with their sons.

Imam Ali AS went to the Prophet, greeted him,asked if he could join, then entered the blanket.Now Bibi Fatima AS herself asked permission of her father and entered the blanket. When they were all together under the blanket,the Holy Prophet SAW raised his hands and prayed: “O Allah, these are the people of my household, the Ahl-ul Bayt. They are of my fleshand blood. Whoever makes the mun happy, makes me unhappy. They are from me and I am from them.Send your blessings and mercy onme and them. Repel all blemishes from them and keep them pure aspure.”

Allah then spoke to His angels and said he had created the whole of the universe for the love of the five who were under the cloak. When the angel Jibraeel asked who was under the cloak.

Allah replied, “They are the household of the Messenger, the mine of Prophethood. They are namely: Fatima, her father, her husband, and her sons.”Jibraeel was then sent by Allah to the house of Fatima AS and after getting permission of the prophet,he entered the cloak, told them what Allah had said then recited the Ayate Tatheer sent by Allah in praise of the Ahlal Bayt. (Sura Ahzaab33:33): Innama yureedullahiliyuzhiba ankuma rijsa Ahlal Baytwa yutaharikum tatheera Hadees e Kisa brings many benefits.Sins will be forgiven, problems solved and wishes granted Inshallah.The Hadees e Kisa shows that Bibi Fatima AS is the link between the Prophet and the Imams. She is the centre of Purity and the Panjatan e Paak . We must recite this hadees at least once a week .

Chapter 9

Miracle at a Wedding

One day in Medina, a rich Jew cameto the Prophet Muhammad SAW and said they wanted to invite his daughter Fatima AS to his daughter’s wedding.The Prophet said he would ask his daughter and let them know.

He told Bibi Fatima AS about the invitation. She asked Imam Ali’s permission and then agreed to go to the wedding. The Jews wanted to make fun of the poverty state ofthe daughter of the Prophet of Islam.

But when the wedding day came,Allah sent special clothes for Bibi Fatima AS and many angels escorted her. When she arrived at the wedding, everyone was dazzled by the light of her presence. The guests at the wedding fainted. All recovered but there was no sign of life in the bride.

The mother of the bride came to Bibi Fatima AS and begged her to help her. Bibi Fatima AS prayed two rakat namaz and prayed to Allah to restore the bride to life. As she finished her dua, the bride opened her eyes and looking at Bibi Fatima AS and said, “This is the same lady by whose dua my life was given back to me.” She then recited the shahada, La ilaha illallah,Muhammadan Rasool Allah, and declared her faith in Islam.

When the others in the wedding party heard this and saw the bride alive again, they all accepted Islam.They presented to Bibi Fatima AS aslave girl, who was named UmmeHabeeba.

This is known as the story of Bibi Syeda. It is recited every Thursday for the acceptance of duas in hername.

Chapter 10

Helping the Needy

The daughter of the Prophet was always generous. No one turned away empty handed from her door. The very next day of her wedding she gave away her new dress to a beggar at her door and kept the old one for herself.

When another poor man who had come asking for food arrived at the masjid the Holy Prophet SAW sent him with his companion, Ammar ibne Yasir to the house of Bibi Fatima AS. She had no food to give him but gave away her necklace to be sold so that his needs could be met.

One day she gave her veil, (chadar)to be kept as surety at a pawn shop so that money could be brought to buy food for a poor man.

Once when Imam Hasan AS andImam Hussain AS were taken ill, the Prophet advised her to make a vowto fast three days. When they were better, all the family including Bibi Fizza, the maid, fasted.

Just after sunset, when it was time to break the fast and eat, there was someone at the door, “I am needy!

O family of Muhammad, help me”.Ali, Fatima, Hasan, Hussain andFizza all gave up their share to the needy man and had nothing but water that night.The next day they spent the day fasting and as they were ready to break their fast there was a voice at the door, “Help me I am an orphan and need food.” Again all of them gave their food to the orphan,staying hungry for the second night.On the third day of the fast as they were ready to eat, a captive called out, “Help! I am hungry.” For the third time the family of Muhammad SAW gave away all they had.

Jibraeel came to the Prophet Muhammad SAW with the verses of the Sura e Dahr: “And they feed for the love of Allah, the needy, the orphan and the captive.” Allah praised their actions and promised them reward in the highest Heaven.Following her example, we must help others and be generous. Those who are in need, the orphans and the poor should be helped for the sake of Allah.

Bibi Fatima has shown us that she was ready to give whatever she hadto help others. She gave to other seven when she needed it her self.Following her example we should be ready to help others and share what Allah has given us.

Chapter 11

Tasbeeh

The tasbeeh that we read with our namaz every day reminds us of Bibi Fatima Zahraa AS.

Allah o Akbar 34 times

Alhamdulillah 33 times

Subhanallah 33 times

Her father the holy ProphetMuhammad SAW showed it to her.She followed it so regularly that it has come to be known as Tasbeeh e Fatima.

Bibi Fatima AS first made the tasbeeh from knots of woven wool threads. After the battle of Uhad,she made a tasbeeh from mud taken from the soil of the grave of Hazrat Hamza AS. After the tragedy of Karbala, soil from the grave of Imam Hussain AS is used to make a tasbeeh e qaak e shifa.

We must always read the tasbeeh e Fatima after our namaz. Reciting the name of Allah brings many benefits.It is best to use a tasbeeh made from qaak e shifa, from Karbala.

Chapter 12

Pomegranates from Heaven

Bibi Fatima AS lived a simple life,eating the simplest food, wearing the plainest clothes. Hazrat Ali AS saw that though she had blisters onher palm as she used the grind stone to mill the grains, yet she neve rcomplained. She never asked for anything.

One day when Bibi Fatima AS was ill,Imam Ali AS asked her if he could get fruit for her. She kept quiet but when he insisted she said, “Apomegranate would be nice.”Imam Ali AS went out to buyit for her. However it was not easy to find a pomegranate, as it was out of season. Finally one was found and Imam Ali AS quickly bought it and made his way back home.

As he walked home, he heard agroan. Imam Ali AS went to see who was groaning. He found a poor beggar, who lay ill. Imam Ali AS stopped and asked, “Are you OK? Can I help you?” The beggar said “I have been sick, so sick! My mouth is dry. If only I could have apomegranate to soo the my thirst.”Imam Ali AS thought “Fatima  neve ask for anything. This pomegranateis for her but this man is so sick!What do I do?” He decided to help the poor man and broke the fruit in half.

As he helped the sick man to eat, he felt sad thinking how he will go backhome, empty handed. The beggar was thankful and as he finished eating, he prayed “may Allah reward you and increase His blessing.”

A little later Imam Ali AS had togive the other half of the fruit awayto another poor man.

Imam Ali went back home, walking slowly. When he reached his door,he saw Bibi Fatima AS sitting upwith a tray full of pomegranates infront of her. She said, “There was a knock on the door just now. Thank you for sending these for me.” Imam Ali knew this was a gift from Allah.

“Thank you Allah”, said Imam Ali AS

Chapter 13

Defending Islam

During the days of early Islam, the Prophet and his family had to face many hardships. Their enemies were always ready to attack them and waged battles against them.In the Battle of Uhad, the holy Prophet was hurt and two of his teeth were broken. Bibi Fatima AS went to help. She washed his face and nursed him with the help of Imam Ali AS.

In the Battle of the Moat, Khandaq,many of the clans gathered outside Medina to fight against the Muslims.It was due to Imam Ali’s bravery that they were defeated. BibiBibi Fatima’s Masjid, Khandaq Fatima AS hearing about the danger to the Muslims, came to their help,bringing food with her. A masjid was built in Khandaq to remember her.The Battle of Khaibar was fought against the Jews, who had been powerful enemies. They were defeated by the courage of Imam Ali AS. After the fall of Khaibar,when they realised that the Muslims were very powerful, they gave up fighting.They presented the holy Prophet with land, called Fadak, which he gave to his daughter Bibi Fatima AS as a gift. As long as the Prophet lived, Bibi Fatima AS owned Fadak.Money from Fadak was collected byher to help the poor.We must remember how Bibi Fatima AS helped Islam throughout her life. After Prophet’s SAW death this was taken away from her by the rulers of that time against the Prophet SAW’s will.

Chapter 14

Mubahila

When the Christians from a place called Najran came to visit the Prophet, he explained to them there is only one God, Allah, has no father and no son. He said Jesus is like Adam, and was created by Allah’s command. They still argued. At last they agreed on Mubahila, which means praying to Allah to curse the liars.“

Come let us gather together, oursons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves. Then let us call for the curse of Allah on those who lie.” (SuraNisa 3:61).

On the 24th Zilhij all the people of Medina gathered, eager to see who the Prophet SAW will take with him against the Christians—they were the people who were always truthful.

The sons were Imam Hasan AS and Imam Hussain AS, the self (Nafs) of the Prophet was Imam Ali AS and Bibi Fatima Zahra AS alone came to join him as “women”. They were the Panjatan e Paak.

When the Christians saw the Ahl alBayt, they withdrew from“Mubahila” and agreed to pay yearly tribute to the Prophet. It was a victory for Islam and the day is celebrated as Eid.

We must remember that it was the Panjatan who were chosen by the Holy Prophet SAW on the orders of Allah SAW to help the cause of Islam. We should celebrate this day of joy by thanking Allah SAW.

Chapter 15

Loss of her Father

The Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW went for his last Hajj and on his way back at a place called Johfa, on the 18th Zilhij declared the last command of Allah “Ali is the master(Maula) of all those I am master(Maula) of.” The message from Allah was completed and Islam made perfect. Everyone gathered came to shake hands with Imam Ali AS and accept him as leader. This event is known as Ghadeer.

After returning to Medina, the Prophet SAW fell ill. His daughter Fatima AS did not want to leave his side. He hugged her and called Imam Ali AS to his side. He kissed Imam Hasan AS and Imam Hussain AS. He told Bibi Fatima AS he would be leaving her soon. She started to cry.He whispered something in her ear so she smiled, “You will be the first to join me.” He then fainted.

There was a knock on the door. “My father is not well,”Bibi Fatima AS said. The knock was repeated and avoice said, “Allow me in.” “My fatheris ill” Bibi Fatima AS repeated. The knock came again and Bibi Fatima AS started to weep.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW opened his eyes. He said “Fatima my dear daughter, let him come in. Thisis the angel of Death who ask spermission of no one. But he know she needs you to allow him in before he enters your house.” Fatima then said, “Come in.”

The Prophet SAW lay with his cheek on Ali’s shoulder. Hasan and Hussain were kissing his feet. Zainab and Kulsoom stood crying and Fatima wept.

The Prophet’s soul departed, towards Almighty Allah.Fatima lost her great father; with his death she felt sadness and pain.People rushed to the masjid like sheep on a rainy night without a shepherd. They were told by mischief makers: “Allah’s messenger did not die. I will cut off the neck of anyone who says the Prophet has died.” So the people returned home.

Imam Ali AS gave the funeral bath and buried the Prophet. Only a few people came to console Bibi Fatima AS for the loss of her father. Some people gathered at Saqifa of Bani Saaidah to plot against the orders of the Prophet, to choose a successor.

Bibi Fatima AS tearful and sad went to her father’s grave and cried:“Father, with you went the light of the world…

I find no one to attend to my loneliness…Neither to stop my tears…Motives (of others) have changed And gates have been shut in my face… ”Imam Ali’s right was denied to him. Abu Bakr seized power,claiming he was the Khalif. No one came to comfort Fatima at her loss.Instead they complained that her weeping disturbed them. People came up to Imam Ali and said, “Tell Fatima not to cry so much” Imam Ali AS built a room for Bibi Fatima in Baqee, where she would go and weep for her father, away from the houses. It was called Bayt ul Huzn,the House of Sorrow. She would spend the day there and return home in the evening. This building stood in the graveyard of Baqee inMedina till it was demolished by the Wahabi rulers in 1926.

We must recall the sad times that Bibi Fatima spent after the death ofher dear father, Muhammad Mustafa SAW.

Chapter 16

Fadak and Fatima’s Protest

Bibi Fatima AS felt very sad. She missed her father very much. Now she saw that her property of Fadak was taken away. Her staff was thrown out though she was the owner. She was asked to find witnesses. She stood up to defend her right.

With a group of women, she went to the masjid and delivered a speech,protesting against the rulers in Medina. She explained that the arguments that were used against her were false.

Bibi Fatima AS quoted from ayats ofQuran to show that she had everyright to inherit from her father, theHoly Prophet SAW. She remindedthem to fear Allah and added:

“O people, Be informed that I amFatima, and my father isMuhammad…..”

She was sad that though they had the means and the power, they did not help.“Yet the call reaches you but youdo not answer, the cry comes toyou but you do not come to help.”

She reminded them to fear Allah and to follow the Quran which they had ignored. Allah is watching and soon the unjust will be punished.She ended the speech warning them of a severe punishment:

“So act and so will we, and waitand we shall wait.”

Fadak was not returned to BibiFatima AS though they realised that she was speaking the truth.

Bibi Fatima AS has shown us thatwe must protest when rights of the Imam of the time are denied through injustice. We can’t stay silent over injustice at all times.

Chapter 17

Fire at her Door

Bibi Fatima AS remained sad. Added to the loss of her dear father, it was shocking to see the changes around her. Imam Ali’s rights were denied and her personal property was snatched away. She went to the houses of the people in Medina but very few were ready to help. Medinah ad changed so soon after the death of the Holy Prophet SAW. She and Imam Ali AS feared for the future of Islam.

The only comfort that Bibi Fatima AS got was at the tomb of her father. She went to his grave and wept, sometimes alone, sometimes with her children Hasan AS and Hussain AS by her.

She cried “Anyone who smells the earth of Ahmed (Muhammad) SAW has lost nothing if they never again smell musk. O father, what miseries have fallen upon me after you. If they had fallen upon a bright day,they would turn it to night.Days and nights passed as she grew restless.

Imam Ali AS stayed at home, a mountain of silence and sorrow. It had hardly been two months since the Prophet died but life was so different.

So much had changed.She missed her father, she missed the love and respect he always showed her. The Muslims had so soon forgotten how to treat the Ahlebait.Bibi Fatima AS was carrying her fifth child who would be called Mohsin. Then suddenly one day there were loud shouts at the door.“Send Ali outside! If he doesn’t come out, we will set fire to your house!”

Bibi Fatima AS went to the door. She asked, “Have you come to set fire to my house? The grandsons of the Prophet, Hasan and Hussainare inside.”“So what?” came the answer.Bibi Fatima stood behind the door.Outside there was a group of people bent on terror. They were shouting and threatened to kill everyone inside.

They had firewood against the door and set it alight. Fire raged at the door of Bibi Fatima AS.Smoke filled the house. Bibi Fatima AS was shocked. Then suddenly someone from outside forced the door open. In spite of knowing she was behind it, they squashed the door hard. Bibi Fatima AS was crushed between the door and the wall. She fell to the floor crying out“Come! Come to my help Fizza!”They barged into the smoke-filled house and put a rope around Imam Ali’s neck and dragged him. Bibi Fatima AS forgot her own pain and held on to Imam Ali, saying “Whyare you taking Ali? Leave him alone.”

She was dragged along the floor.Then she felt a lash of a whip which hurt her arm and ribs. She fainted.

Fizza held her mistress in her arms.She saw that Bibi Fatima AS had lost the baby she was carrying. Herarms and ribs were bruised. The children were frightened and weeping. Bibi Fatima AS remained in pain but never complained. She was only eighteen years old but from now on, she needed to lean on a stick when she walked.

We should never forget the sufferings of this great lady, whohad to suffer so much pain and sadness.

We must keep our love for her alive through reciting majlis and recalling the events of her life. We should be friends with her friends and reject those who caused her harm.

Chapter 18

Her last Days

After the brutal attack on her house, the loss of her unborn babyson Mohsin, Bibi Fatima AS fell ill.As days passed, she became weaker and weaker. It was only seventy five days since she had lost her father,but each day seemed so long.

She felt her death was near. She hugged her children, one by one.Hasan AS was hardly seven years old, Hussain AS was six, her daughter Zainab AS was five, and Kulsoom AS was three. Bibi Fatima AS called Ali AS and said, “Ali, my husband, this is the last day of my life. I shall meet my father soon. I am sad to leave you and my children.Promise me that you will bury me at night. I do not want those who mademe sad to come to my funeral. Let Fizza remain with you if she wishes.Take care of my children. They willmiss me, be a mother to them.”

Imam Ali AS held her hand, tears rolled down his cheeks and dropped on her hand. Bibi Fatima AS said,“You have already borne so much and have to bear more for the sake ofIslam. Be patient, O Ali! Farewell myhusband, I give you all in Allah’scare. May He protect you all. Let mebe alone now with my Lord.”

Ali AS and his sons left for the masjid.

Bibi Fatima AS said her last namaz and went into sajda. Asma bint Umais, says for an hour or so she could hear the sound of tasbeeh from the room then it was quiet. Bibi Fatima’s soul had joined her father.

Imam Hasan AS and Imam HussainAS entered the house. They found it strange quiet, very quiet. They asked Asma and Fizza, “Where is our mother?”

Asma said “Food is ready for you.Eat something.”

The children looked at Asma and asked, “Have you ever seen us eat without our mother?”

Asma and Fizza started to cry. The children went into their mother’s room. Bibi Fatima’s eyes were closed.Her lips were silent. Zainab and Umme Kulsoom were crying by her.Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain ranto the masjid and called their father.

Imam Ali AS came into the house tofind that Fatima had left this world to meet her father. It was the 13th Jamadi Awal 11 A.H. According to another source it was 3rd Jamadi ussani 11 A.H. His children had lost their loving mother; he had lost hislife partner, one so special that there was no one likeher: “A flower from heaven, it was from heaven and went to heaven buthas left its fragrance in my mind.”

Fulfilling her last wishes, Imam AliAS buried her in the night. Medina slept. Only a few close friends and family were present at her funeral.As he lowered her into the grave, he wept saying, “Accept my parting salaams…Goodbye o daughter of the chosen Prophet of Allah. May yourest in peace, which mankind refused to you in this world. If I leave you, it is not that I do not want to stay near you. I wish I had your company till the end of my life.”

No one knows for sure where Bibi Fatima AS’s grave is. Some think itis in Jannat ul Baqee. Others believe she was buried inside the room where she lived, next to where the grave of the holy Prophet. Somethink it is in the area known as Riazul Jannat in Masjid e Nabi SAW.

Chapter 19

Salaams

We must say salaams to Bibi Fatima AS to show our love and respect forher. The holy Prophet Muhammad used to say “Whoever makes Fatima happy, makes me happy; whoever makes her sad, makes me sad.”

Salaams on you, o Daughter of the Messenger of Allah

Salaams on you, o daughter of the best of Allah’s creation

Salaams on you, o leader of women of the world

Salaams on you, o wife of the friend of Allah

Salaams on you, the mother of Hasan and Hussain, masters of the youth of Paradise

Salaams on you, o pious and pure and may the blessings of Allah be upon you.

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Food for the mind

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Chapter 2 - Birth

Chapter 3 - In Makkah

Chapter 4 - Loss of Her Mother

Chapter 5 - Migration to Medina

Chapter 6 - Marriage

Chapter 7 - Family Life

Chapter 8 - Hadees e Kisa

Chapter 9 - Miracle at a Wedding

Chapter 10 - Helping the Needy

Chapter 11 - Tasbeeh

Chapter 12 - Pomegranates from Heaven

Chapter 13 - Defending Islam

Chapter 14 - Mubahila

Chapter 15 - Loss of her Father

Chapter 16 - Fadak and Fatima’s Protest

Chapter 17 - Fire at her Door

Chapter 18 - Her last Days

Chapter 19 - Salaams