Who is Fatima Al-Zahra? A Look into the Life and Legacy of the Lady of the Light
Fatima Al-Zahra (sa), the daughter of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww) and Lady Khadija (sa), remains as one of the most influential and powerful figures in Islamic history. The embodiment of faith, virtue, purity, and hope, Lady Fatima lived a life that would come to define the very notion of devotion.
Birth and the Beginning
Born in Mecca on a Friday, the 20th of Jumada, which correlates to the year 615 AD, Fatima’s birth signaled a powerful beginning in the line of what would eventually be cherished as Al-Ahlul Bayt, the holy household of the Prophet Muhammad.
Her birth was celebrated by both the Prophet and Lady Khadija, who bestowed upon her their own virtues of faith and piety.
Given the title of Al-Zahra, the Lady of the Light, Fatima was renowned for her intellect, faith, and modesty – all of which shined as a brilliant emblem of what the Prophet’s family brought to the believers.
Loved greatly by her father, Prophet Muhammad, it is reported that he stated: “Whoever injures (bodily or otherwise) Fatima, he injures me; and whoever injures me injures Allah; and whoever injures Allah practices unbelief. O Fatima! If your wrath is incurred, it incurs the wrath of Allah; and if you are pleased, it makes Allah pleased, too.”
Marriage and Motherhood
After arriving in Medina with her father, in the first year of Hijra Fatima was married to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as). Despite receiving several proposals once she had come of age, Prophet Muhammad waited until Imam Ali approached him for Fatima’s hand in marriage.
It is reported that the Holy Prophet went to Fatima, who after being asked if she would accept the proposal from Ali ibn Abi Talib, silently bowed her head in modesty. This beautiful marriage between the daughter of Prophet Muhammad and the most cherished companion of the Prophet signaled a powerful beginning for the legacy of the Holy Household.
During the marriage ceremony, it is reported that the Prophet proclaimed: “O Allah! Bless both of them, sanctify their progeny and grant them the keys of Your beneficence, Your treasures of wisdom and genius; and let them be a source of blessing and peace to my ummah.”
Fatima Al-Zahra’s legacy as a devoted wife and mother continues to empower and enlighten believers across the world today. She would go on to give birth to Imam Hassan (as), Imam Hussain (as), Zaynab, and Umm Kulthum – children who were given the powerful upbringing of devotion and piety and who would eventually change the course of history.
Legacy
Fatima Al-Zahra was renowned for her prayer, devotion, and faith in both her father and Islam as a whole. She silenced those who opposed her father, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, through gentle acts of worship and love. She gave power to those most vulnerable through selfless acts of charity and care. She cherished the faith and its wisdom through intellectualism and prayer.
Her compassion and generosity, her care and her selflessness, were so powerful that it is reported that no one in need was turned away from her home empty-handed. Living, dressing, and eating simply, Fatima gave her life to the higher cause of faith and devotion to Allah.
Here at The Zahra Trust, we continue to strive in the legacy and respected remembrance of Lady Fatima Al-Zahra – in the hopes that those most vulnerable and in need across the world can experience the same charity and care that Lady Fatima once shared to those around her.
To learn more about what we do and how you can help keep the legacy of Lady Fatima alive, click here.
