With no shadow of doubt, Fatimah (peace be upon her) the first martyr of Islam after the Prophet’s demise. She sacrified herself to the way of Allah and religion. As Imam Sadiq (A.S) stated, “She received severe blows on her body for the defense of Ali (peace be upon him) i.e. the model of the holy Qur’an and the incarnation of Islam, and died when she was young.”
Her right was usurped, her side was broken, and she was banned from her heritage. Her husband was an oppressed, too; her children were martyred in the way of Allah….
Fatimah (peace be upon her) has got these two valuable drops. After the Prophet’s demise, in about three months, she passed away, and it is said that she was not more than 14.0pt years old.
The Moments of Her demise:
As she lay dying, it is supposed that Fatimah (peace be upon her) remembered all her past and analyzed the file of her life once again at the night of her death:
-She remembered her childhood, sitting near her father, dusting her father’s head and face, and crying for her father’s loneliness.
-She remembered marrying Ali while he was poor and trying not to neglect his right even a moment. She was Ali’s confident everywhere and even discerned the rope round his neck.
-She remembered marrying Ali while he was poor and trying not to neglect his right even a moment. She was Ali’s confident everywhere and even discerned the rope round his neck.
-She remembered witnessing the diversion of the society after her father’s demise, contradictory to the Prophet’s purpose, caused by the transgression and injustice of the Caliphs.
-She remembered the Prophet’s recommendation about her, but after a short time, the audacious enemy was impudent to her, usurped her right, made her arm black, and aborted her foetus.
And Now At The Time Of Her Death:
She has no relish towards the people but a great enthusiasm towards the mercy of Allah. Her heart is broken and is objectionable towards what is happening.
She has four children of tender years; the children, who need their mother and care.
Ali (peace be upon him) at the Time of Fatimah’s Demise:
Ali (peace be upon him) sat beside Fatimah (peace be upon her) on the last day of Fatimah’s life at dusk. Although he was as a dam in front of the difficulties, and a mountain of resistance, he blew out crying when seeing Fatimah’s status. Fatimah (peace be upon her) came to her senses, and a dialogue took place between them:
-O, my cousin, are you?
-Yes, dear Fatimah, it’s me.
-This is the ninth year of our marriage.
- Yes, O my dear Fatimah.
-I did my best to be a fidle and sincere wife, didn’t I?
-Yes, dear Fatimah; your esteem, your knowledge, and your fidelity were praiseworthy. You were more honorable than everyone
“ والله انت ابرّ و اتقی واکرم”.
(At this time, both Ali (peace be upon him) and Fatimah (peace be upon her) cried. Fatimah (peace be upon her) got unconscious, and when came to her senses again and found Ali crying above her head. She went on:
-My cousin, is that you?
-Yes, dear Fatimah. How are you?
-Dear Ali, I want to make a will.
-Tell me Fatimah.
-My will is about my children. After my death, marry Amame, my niece, because my children are more accustomed with her. Bury me at night, and do not let the enemy attend my funeral ceremony or say prayer on me.
Then, Ali started reciting Yasin Surah (from the holy Qur’an). Fatimah then closed eyes forever.
Ali (peace be upon him) in Fatimah’s Burial:
Ali (peace be upon him) on the Fatimah’s Grave:
After Fatimah’s burial, Ali (peace be upon him) felt the pain of separation and got impatient. Nothing could console him on her grave except two Rakats of prayer as well as the verse “ استعینوا بالصبروالصلوة”.
Ali (peace be upon him) did not only lose his wife but his confidant and partner.
Ali’s crying on her grave was an incarnation of a powerful emotion, overcoming his natural forces on her grave; Ali (peace be upon him) addressed her, “dear Zahra! I leave you but not because I do not like your company, and if I settle near your grave is not because I have lost my patience, for I am hopeful with Allah’s promise concerning the patience.”
Yes, whenever he wanted to console his soul, he went to her grave and opened his heart to her.
Fatimah’s Fruitful Life:
What an insight Fatimah (peace be upon her) had! What a great view and outlook she had! What a home she made, and what great children she educated; the children, who set a good example for humanity and took the responsibility of a great historic mission.
Her life was short but fruitful, and all its processes were instructive, exhilarating, lively, moving, virtuous, etc.
What great women she taught. Asma, Abubakr’s wife, being aware of the plot of Ali’s assassination, made him aware by means of the Qur’anic verses. Fezeh, who went silent after the Karbala event and did not speak except by the Qur’anic verses. Omme Aiman, known as a heavenly woman according to the Prophet (peace be upon him and his descendants) and other women, who were provided with education by Fatimah (peace be upon her).
-Once she opened her eyes to this world and made the Prophet (peace be upon him and his descendants) delightful.
-Once she started her divine life according to Allah’s way with Ali (peace be upon him).
-Once she closed her eyes to this world and joined her father in the heaven.
-And once she will enter the Last Judgment while complaining the oppressors and seeking for justice.
Taken from: Fatimah (A.S) The Most Paramount Lady of Islam