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SALEEMAH JAFFER reflects on the life, light and legacy of Lady Fatima (RA), the beloved daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as we mark her birth in the month of Jamad-ul-Akhir
LADY FATIMA (RA) was the youngest daughter of the Messenger (SAW). She is the Leader of the Women of Jannah and one of the five honourable Ahlul Kisa – the ‘People of the Cloak’ – as mentioned in Sahih Muslim by Lady Aisha (RA). She is also the mother of the Leaders of the Youth of Jannah, Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn (RA), and the wife of Sayyiduna Ali (RA), the fourth rightly guided Khalif who was given the glad tidings of Jannah.
Her position was unique in that she was still a young child when her beloved mother, Lady Khadijah (RA), passed away, leaving her alone with her father (SAW). Lady Fatima (RA) spent most of her time with her beloved father (SAW), learning from him, observing him and serving him. She was by his side through many difficult periods, and her support and strength offered the Messenger (SAW) great comfort.
As a young lady, she witnessed the hostility directed at her father (SAW) and displayed quiet courage as she tended to him. Because of her compassion and affection towards him, she was fondly known as Umm Abiha – ‘the mother of her father’.
Lady Aisha (RA) said: ‘I never saw anyone who so resembled the Messenger of Allah in his comportment, gestures or mannerisms than his daughter Fatima, in how she stood and sat. When she came to visit him, he would stand and kiss her, and sit her down in his place.’ (al-Nasa’i)
The love and adoration between the Messenger (SAW) and Lady Fatima (RA) are an excellent example for parents and children. This bond of family kinship and love extended to Sayyiduna Ali (RA), Imam Hasan (RA) and Imam Husayn (RA).
The household of Lady Fatima (RA) and Sayyiduna Ali (RA) was known for its generosity. Our teachers explain that verses 7 to 9 of Sura Al Insan refer to this honourable household, which slept on empty stomachs for three consecutive nights, having given all their food to the poor, the orphan and the captive. Their selfless service continues to remind us that sustenance comes from Allah Ta’ala alone, that the opportunity to do good is a gift from Him, and that true reward is from Him alone.
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Lady Fatima’s (RA) exemplary character and virtue mirrored that of her father (SAW) in every way. She was known to be compassionate, modest and humble, treating everyone with gentleness and kindness. The Messenger (SAW) said: ‘Fatima is a part of me; whoever angers her, angers me.’ (Sahih Bukhari) This narration not only highlights their closeness but also reveals the reverence the Messenger (SAW) had for his beloved daughter.
Lady Aisha (RA) also narrates: ‘When he (SAW) fell ill, she (Lady Fatima) came to see him and bent over him, and then raised her head and wept. Then she bent over him again, and raised her head and laughed. I asked her about this and she said, “He told me he would die from that illness, and I wept. Then he told me I would be the first of his family to join him, and I laughed.”’ (al-Nasa’i)
Such was their relationship that she could not bear the thought of being in this world without her father (SAW), and she was eager to meet him in the next life. When we reflect on this, we may ask ourselves if we too eagerly await our final moments on this earth – and how we are preparing to meet our Lord (SWT).
According to some reports, Jamad-ul-Akhir marks the birth of Lady Fatima (RA). While every day is a good day to remember and love the honourable family of our beloved Messenger (SAW), this month offers us a moment to reflect on the lessons we can learn from Lady Fatima (RA), and to appreciate and embrace the light of the legacy she has left for us.
Saleemah Jaffer is a student of the Alawi Husayni Ninowi Zawiyah and Women’s Spiritual Development Programme Coordinator at Madina Institute.
