CHAPTER 6
FATIMA ZAHRA'S BIRTH
The following are narrations which have been cited concerning the date of Fatima Zahra's birth:
1. Kafi (Kulayni):
"She was born five years after (the beginning of) Prophethood, and three years after Ascension to heaven.
When the Prophet died, Fatima was eighteen years old ... .'
2. Al-Manaqib (Ibn Shahar Ashub);
"Fatima was born five years after (the beginning of) Prophethood and three years after Ascension, namely on the 20th of Jamadi Al-Thani. She lived eight years in Mecca with her father, then she immigrated ... ."
3. Al-Bihar: Imam Baqir said:
"Fatima Bint Muhammad was born five years after the (first) revelation to Allah's Messenger. She died when she was eighteen years and seventy-five days old."
4. Rawdhat Al-Waedhin:
"Fatima was born five years after the (first ) revelation to the Prophet ... ."
5. Iqbal Al-Aamal: Sheik Mufeed in his book Hadaiq Ar-Ryadh, said:
"The 20th of Jamadi Al-Thani was the birthday of Fatima Zahra during the second year after (the first) revelation.
6. Misbah Al-Kaf'ami:
"Although it has been said that she was born five years after (the first) revelation, (Fatima) was born on Friday the 20th of Jamadi Al-Thani, two years after revelation."
7. Misbahain:
"Friday the 20th of Jamadi Al-Thani two years after the revelation, was the birthday of Fatima (A.S), as was cited by some narrations. It has been mentioned in a narration that she was born five years after revelation. The Sunnis narrate that she was born five years before revelation."
8. Daa' el Al-Imamah, on the authority of Imam Sadiq (A.S) :
"Fatima was born on 20th of Jamadi Al-Thani, forty years after the Prophet was born ..."45
The above mentioned statements are selection of narrations from the Imam of Ahlul-Bayt (AS) and the old Shiite scholars (may Allah bless their souls) declaring that Fatima Zahra 's birth took place after revelation. Contrary to this, the sunni scholars have stated:
1. Ma'refat As-Sahabah by Abu Nu'eym:
"Fatima was the youngest of Allah's Messenger 's daughters. She was born while Quraish was building Kaaba."
2. Maqatil At-Talibin by Abu Al-Faraj Al-Isfahani:
____________
45. The above mentioned narrations were recorded in Bihar: V.10.
"Fatima's birth took place before the revelation, during the time that Quraish was building Kaaba."
3. Ibn Al-Athir in Al-Muhktar Fi Manaqib Al-Akhiar.
4. Tabari in Dhakhaer Al-Uqbi.
5. Sayuti in Ath-Thughour Al-Basimah.
Perhaps more research would reveal that the sunnis adopted this viewpoint in most of their books.
After briefly examining the above mentioned narrations and in view of the fact that neither Ascension nor Revelation took place before the beginning of Prophethood, it becomes clear that Lady Fatima Zahra's birth was after revelation. Therefore, the falsity of the traditions which claim that she was born five years prior to the first revelation, becomes obvious.
There are two motives which can be cited for those who made such false claims: The first is to refute the prophetic traditions which reveal the story of heavenly food and that Fatima was born from sperm produced from an apple that came from paradise.
The second is to prove that Fatima Zahra was unattractive to the point that she became eighteen years old before anyone asked to marry her.
(More light will be shed on this subject when we elaborate on Fatima's marriage)
Nevertheless, Tabari in Dhakhaer Al-Uqbi, Asfuri Shafi'i in Nuzhat Al-Majalis and Qanduzi in Yanebea Al-Muwaddah narrated the Khadija (AS) said:
" ... Then, when (Fatima's) delivery came near, I sent for the Quraishan who refused to help me because of Muhammad (P.B.U.H) During childbirth, four ladies whose beauty and brilliance were indescribable entered the house. One of them said:
'I am your Mother Eve.'
The Second said:
'I am Um Kulthum, Musa's sister.'
The third said:
'I am Mariam, and we have come to help you."
Here is the same narration but in a different manner:
"When Khadija was about to deliver, she sent of the Quraishan women to help her give birth to her child. They refused and said: 'We will not help you; for you became Muhammad's wife.'
In the meantime,four women entered the house, their beauty and brilliance can not be described. One of them said:
'I am your Mother Eve.'
The second said:
'I am Asyia Bint Muzahim.'
The third said:
'I am Kulthum, Musa's sister.'
The fourth said:
'I am Mariam Bint Imran, (Isa's Mother). We have come to deliver your child."
Fatima was born.
When fatima fell on the ground, she was in a prostrating position, raising her finger."
Furthermore, the detailed narrations was mentioned by Al-Mufaddal ibn Amr on the authority of Imam Sadiq (AS) in V.1 of Al-Bihar by Al-Majlisi.
In addition to what we have already mentioned about Fatima's birth, Ibn Asaker in al-Tarikh Al-Kabir said:
"Khadija gave her children to other women four nursing: but when Fatima was born, Khadija herself nursed her." This was also stated by Ibn Kathir in Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah.
CHAPTER 7
NAMING FATIMA (AS)
Naming newborn children is considered a principle divine rule. Allah Almighty named Adam and Eve the first day He created them; He also taught Adam all names. Man, too, has followed this rule and practiced ever since. Naming is an essential rule for civilized people.
NAMING FATIMA (AS)
People's names vary according to different times, generations and languages. There may also be a relationship between the name and its meaning; although this is not always true. Thus, some names can be derived from entities other than lingual material.
Nevertheless, advocates of Allah's religion give names special importance. This practice has a significant meaning,for human being is called by his name; hence a good or bad name leaves its effect on the holder. Indeed, there is special importance in good names; it is noteworthy to mention that when Imran's wife gave birth to a daughter she said:
"And I therefore call her Mariam."
Furthermore, Allah chose the name for His prophet Yahya (AS) before he was conceived. Allah Almighty says that Zakariya, Yahyas's father, said:
"So give me an heir as from Thyself.
"(On that) will (truly) represent me, and represent the posterity of Jacob; and make him, O my Lord ! One with whom Thou art well-pleased!"
(His prayers was answered):
"O Zakariya! We give thee good news of a son: His name shall be Yahya: On none by that name have we conferred distinction before." (Mariam:5-7)
It is also clear from His saying,"On none by that name have we conferred distinction before;" that Allah (Glory be to Him) assigns the names of His special worshippers, such as prophets and Imams,in place of their parents.
Let's take a look at a group a large group of narrations which discuss naming Zahra, plus the reason for giving her this name; then also state her name was given to her because of certain incitements,not offhand, nor as a result of admiring of preferring such a name, rather, it is the relationship between the name and the person which was considered.
Imam Sadiq (AS) said:
"Fatima has nine names near Allah (Exalted be His Name), they are: Fatima, Siddiqah (the honest), Al-Mubarakah (the blessed one), At-Tahirah (virtuous), Az-Zakiyah (the chaste), Ar-Radhiatul Mardhiah (she who is gratified and who shall be satisfied), Al-Muhaddathah (a person, other than a prophet, that the angels speak to), and az-Zahra (the splendid)."
CHAPTER 8
FATIMA (A.S)
1. It was reported in Bihar, V. 10, that Imam Abu Jaafar Al-Baqir (A.S) said:46
FATIMA (A.S)
"When Fatima was born, Allah (Exalted is His Name) revealed to an angel to speak the name Fatima with Muhammad's tongue.
Allah then said:
'I have bestowed knowledge upon and safeguarded you from menstruation. " Then Abu Jaafar (AS) added:
"By Allah, Allah (Blessed and Exalted is His Name) bestowed knowledge on her and safeguarded her from menstruation with the covenant."47
2. Imam Redha and Imam Jawad (AS) said:
"We heard Mu'moon narrating from Rashid, form Al-Mahdi, from Al-Mansoor, from his father, from his grandfather that Ibn Abbas said to Muawia:
'Do you know why Fatima was given that name?'
"He said :No.'
Ibn Abbas said;
'Because she and her followers are protected from Hell,I heard Allah's Messenger say this."
3. Imam Redha, quoting his Fathers (AS) said:
"The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) said:
O' Fatima, do you know why you have been given the name Fatima?'
____________
46. Bihar: V.10.
47. An explanation of this tradition will soon be made.
Ali (A.S) said:
'Why was she named (Fatima)?'
He replied:
'Because she and her followers (Shiites) are protected from Hell."
4. Imam Sadiq (A.S) said:
"Do you know the explanation of (the name) Fatima?
I said:
'Inform me my Master.'
He said:
'She is a safeguard from evil.'
He then added:
'Had Amir Al-Mu'mineen not narrated her,no man on earth from Adam on would have been suitable for her until the Day of Rising."
This narration was also reported by a group of Sunni scholars, among them being Ibn Shirooyah Ad-Dailami who said:
"Um Salamah said: 'The Messenger of Allah said:
'Had Allah not created Ali, there would not have been an equal to Fatima."
Besides Ad-Dailami, Kharazmi in Al-Manaqib, Munawi in Kunuz Al-Haqaeq, and Qandouzi in Yanabea Al -Muwaddah have reported this tradition by quoting Um Salamah and Al-Abbas, the prophet's uncle.
5. Kharghoushi and Ibn Batta reported in their books Sharaf An-Nabi and Ibaneh that Imam Sadiq (AS) said:
"The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) said to Ali:
'Do you know the reason Fatima was given that name?'
Ali said:
'Why was she given that name?'
He said:
'Because she and her followers (Shiites) are safeguarded from the fire."
6. Imam Redha (AS) said that his father quoted Amir Al-Mo'mineen (AS) as saying:
"I heard Allah's Messenger say:
'Fatima was given that name because Allah has safeguarded her and her progeny form the Fire; those who meet Allah as monotheists and believers in what preach."48
The above mentioned traditions have also been narrated by a large group of Sunni scholars, among them are:
1. Kharazmi in Maqtal Al-Hussain, p.51, said:
"Ali ibn Abu Talib said: The messenger of Allah said;
'My daughter was named Fatima because Allah (Glory be to Him) safeguarded her from the Fire."
2. Tabari in Dhakhaer Al-Uqbi, Qandouzi in Yanabea Al-Muwaddah p.194 and safawi in Nuzhat Al-Majlis reported that Ali Ibn Abu Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
"The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) said to Fatima:
'O Fatima, do you know why you have been named Fatima?'
Ali said:
'O Messenger of Allah, why was she named Fatima?'
He said:
'Because Allah will surely safeguard her and her progeny from the Fire on the Day of Resurrection."
Fatima name was dear to Ahlul Bayt, they represented the name and those who held it. For instance, Imam Sadiq (AS) inquired from one of his companions about the name to be given to his newborn daughter, the man replied:
"I named her Fatima."
Imam Sadiq then said:
____________
48. Bihar: V.10.
"Fatima?! May the peace of Allah be upon Fatima. Now that you have given her the name Fatima, refrain from slapping or abusing her, rather honor her."
Besides this tradition, it was reported in Wasa'el V.7, on the authority of Sukunei as:
"O Sukunei, what grieves you?
I answered:
'A girl has been born to me...'
He said:
'what have named her?'
I said:
'Fatima.'
Then he said:
'Fatima!! Oh,Oh, Oh (in admiration). He then said, 'Now that you have named her Fatima, refrain from abusing, cursing or slapping her."
Also in Safinat Al-Bihar, Imam Abu Al-Hasan Al-Kadhim (AS) said:
"Poverty shall not enter a house inhabited by people having the names Muhammad ... and Fatima from among women."
The first of these three traditions was commented on by Imam Baqir (AS); he stated:
"By Allah, He (Glory be to Him) bestowed her with knowledge and safeguarded her from menstruation with the covenant."
The covenant mentioned here refers to the corpusclen (seeds) world mentioned in the Holy Qur'an in the following verse:
"When they Lord drew forth from the children of Adam -from their loins-their descendants, and made them testify concerning themselves (saying):
'Am I not your Lord?'
They said: 'Yea! "VII:172
In summary, this means that Allah Almighty drew forth from Adam (from his loin), his descendants in the form of seeds (or corpuscles), then presented them to him and said:
"I will make a covenant with your descendants that they shall worship me without associating anything with me; I shall -in turn guarantee their sustenance. " He then said to them; " Am I not your Lord?"
They said:"Yes, we bear witness that you are our Lord."
He (Glory be to Him) said to the angels: "Bear witness. " The angels said:
"We bear witness."
It was mentioned that Allah Almighty gave Adam's descendants the ability to realize, understand, and hear His speech. He then placed them back in Adam's loin. Therefore, mankind is held in Adam until everyone shall be bought forth by Allah at the time which has been destined by Him. So whoever adheres to Islam, holds to the covenant; and whoever disbelieves and rejects it, violate that covenant.
This account was derived from a large number of traditions and verified narrations. Imam Baqir (AS) pointed out that it was decreed that Fatima would be safeguarded from menstruation in that world,which is also called the "World of Covenant."
In relation to the many traditions that spoke of the world of Covenant, we mention some of them herein as examples:
1.It was reported in Tafsir Al-Burhan that Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said:
The Prophet was asked: "How do you excel over mankind ?" The Prophet answered:
"I was the first one to bear witness to my Lord; when Allah took the oath from the prophets and made them testify concerning themselves (our Lord said):
'Am I not Lord?' They replied : 'Yes.' Therefore, I was the first of them to reply."
Abu Basir; "I exclaimed from Abu Abudllah-Imam sadiq (A.S):
'How did they answer Him when they were corpusclen?'
He said: 'He implemented in them that with which they could answer him when He asked; Aisha added: 'He means the covenant."
2. Zurarah reported that he inquired from Imam Baqir about what is mean by: "When thy Lord drew forth from the children of Adam-from their loins-their descendants," He said (It means that He drew forth) from Adam's loins his descendants until the Day of Resurrection, so they came forth in the form of corpusclens. He then taught and acquainted them to His creation; and had He not done so, no one would have known His Lord.
3. When Umar Ibn Al-Khattab performed pilgrimage and embraced the (Black) Stone, he said: "I know-by Allah you are a stone which neither harms nor benefits, and had I not seen Allah's Messenger embrace you, I would not have embraced you".
However, Imam Ali (AS) said: "Abu Hafz, do not say this, for Allah's Messenger did not embrace it (the black stone) save for wisdom he knew, and had you read the Qur'an and realized its interpretation, as other have, you would have understood that it can harm and bring benefits to you. It has two eyes and two lips and possesses a keen tongue that testifies for those who fulfill their obligations to it.'
Umar then said: "Then show me that in Allah's book, Abu Al-Hassan".
Imam Ali (AS) said: "Allah Almighty said:
"When thy lord drew forth from the children of Adam (from their loins) their descendants and made them testify concerning themselves (saying): Am I not your Lord? They answered: Yea! we do testify."
Thus, when they affirmed their obedience to Him as their Lord and as His slave, He make a covenant with them that they would make pilgrimage to His sacred House. He then created parchment finer then water and said to the pen: Write down My creatures fulfillment of pilgrimage to my Sacred House. The pen wrote mankind's fulfillment of pilgrimage on the parchment, then it was said to the (Black) Stone: open your mouth; it opened it and the parchment was inserted there.
He then said:
'Safeguard it and testify for My worshippers their fulfillment (of pilgrimage). The stone then descended in obedience to Allah.
"O Umar, do not you say when you embrace the stone- 'I have fulfilled my covenant, and kept my oath, so you may testify for me?
Umar said: "Yes, by Allah.
Imam Ali (AS) then said: "It is for this reason that you do so."
A large group of narrations, which include a study regarding the world of Covenant, can be found such as Al-kafi collected by Al-Kulaini, Al-Bihar by Al-Majlisi, and other collections of traditions.
Nevertheless, some scholars may Allah forgive them- misunderstood these narrations which leads them to doubt their authenticity despite the unambiguous meaning of the verse.
In conclusion, it was since or even prior to the events of the world of seeds (which is also called the world co Covenant) that the Messenger of Allah and his Progeny's including Fatima's -virtue was recognized.
This fact should not be doubted for there are many narrations which have been successively reported by scholars of both sects (Sunni and Shiite). All these narrations support this affairs, the traditions which have been mentioned by the Shiite scholars are too numerous to include here. As for those which have been reported
by the Sunni scholars, Safuri Shafe'i mentioned in his book Nuzhat Al-Majalis v.2, p. 223, that kesa'i and others said:
"When Allah created Adam ... (until he said) there was a brilliant girl from whom light was illuminating and on her head was a golden crown ornamented with diamonds; the like of whom Adam had never seen.
Adam asked: 'My Lord who is this girl?
Allah said: Fatima Bint Muhammad.
Adam said: My Lord, who is her husband?
Allah said: 'O Gabriel, open the gate of ruby palace; when Gabriel did, Adam saw a dome of comphor and inside ti was a golden ben equipped by a young man as beautiful as Yusif.
He then said: This is her husband, Ali Ibn Abu Talib."
Also, Asqalani in his book Lisan Al-Mizan v.3, p.346, writes that Imam Al-Hasan Ibn Ali Al-Askari (AS) reported that his Fathers quoted Jabir Ibn Abdillah as saying: "The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) said: "When Allah created Adam and Eve, they strutted through paradise and said: Who are better than we? At that moment they noticed an image of a girl like they had never seen before; from this girl came an illuminating light so bright that it almost blinded they eyes.
They said: 'O Lord, what is this?
He answered: This is the image of Faitma, the mistress of your women descendants.'
Adam asked; 'What is this crown on her head?
Allah said; 'Her husband is Ali.
Adam then asked: What are her two earrings?
Allah replied: Her (two) sons they were ordained in My ever-existent knowledge two thousand years before I created you."
