Muslimah of the Week: Fatimah

 

Fatimah was the daughter of the Prophet ( pbuh) and Khadija. There is a lot of controversy around her with Shia and Sunni differing in what she meant for the original community. As a result, it’s been difficult to gather information about her that isn’t riddled with the politics around her. Instead, I’ve briefly focused on her character and why she is an inspiration for Muslim women.

Fatimah was just 5 years old when the family received the news of her father was to be the Prophet of Islam.  As a result, Fatimah witnessed the struggles of her father spreading the word of God early on. There were many occasions where she is said to have come to his defense because the Prophet (pbuh) was harassed and bullied him. At times she would stand in defiance against violent groups who attacked the Prophet (pbuh). According to tradition, on one occasion while Muhammad was performing the Salah (prayer) in the Kaaba, Abu Jahl and his men poured Camel placenta over him. Upon hearing the news, Fatimah rushed to her father and wiped away the filth while scolding the men.  She was slapped across the face but this did not stop her from continuing to defending the Prophet (pbuh).   The incident marked many which symbolized how she did not stand meekly but joined his struggle to defend Islam and the early Muslims.

Fatimah was given the title of az Zahra (The Lady of Light). She was a kind and charitable woman who often gave away all her food to the poor, even if it meant she was left hungry.  She showed great patience during long periods of severe poverty.

She inherited from her father a persuasive eloquence that when she spoke, it was rooted in wisdom and both men and women were moved by what she had to say. 

Fatimah tried to participate as much as she could in the affairs of the growing Muslim community.  Many times she would accompany the Prophet and her husband Ali (Muhammad’s cousin) in battle tending to their wounds and providing food for them.  At the Battle of the Ditch she played an important supportive role by preparing food during what was a long difficult siege.  She also accompanied her father in the campaign to liberate Makkah.

Along with Ali, Fatimah was also called upon by Abu Sufyan to intercede on his behalf with Muhammad while attempting to make amends following the violation of the Treaty of Hudaybiyya.  Abu Sufyan also asked for Fatimah’s protection when she went to Mecca while it was under occupation which she refused under instruction from the Prophet. (pbuh).

What we can take from the life of Fatimah is the strength, courage, intelligence, piety and leadership from a woman who contributed a great deal to the first Muslim community.  The fact that she had a prominent role in treaty discussions, in aiding fellow Muslims in battle and was sought after as a patron for men shows the level of participation and respect she had in the community.