Birth anniversary of Fatima, daughter of the Prophet Mohammad

Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, was born on this day almost 1,500 years ago, around the year 615AD or 5BH in the Islamic calendar. She was the only child to survive into adulthood from the Prophet and his wife Khadija.

Fatima not only supported her father the Prophet Mohammad and her husband Imam Ali, but stood as an example of inspiration and power in her own right. While she is often mentioned only when speaking of either the Prophet or Imam Ali, it is important to remember that Fatima’s lessons and inspiration to the Muslim community are just as monumental as other figures who helped the Prophet in the early days. Her devotion towards Allah, the community, justice, and perseverance stands as a testament to the power of the true believer.

In remembrance of her life, here are some hadith by the Prophet Mohammad on Fatima, one of the most important Muslim figures in history.

Fatima is a part of me; whoever hurts her has hurt me, and whoever pleases her has pleased me.

Bukhari, 1423 (A.H.), p. 684, hadith no. 3767

The Prophet Muhammad did not shy away from expressing his close connection to his daughter and made it known that she was a part of his family, to be both respected and revered. By stating that Fatema is “a part of [him]”, the Prophet taught us that her lessons and inspirations are second only to the Prophet himself.

Fatima is the leader of the women of this nation.

Husayni Firoozabadi, 1393 (A.H.), vol. 3, p. 137

By proclaiming that Fatima is the leader of women, the Prophet Muhammad taught us the importance of remembering her leadership and authority. Too often Fatima is placed only alongside other great men of the Prophet’s time, but it is also important to remember that Fatima is an important leader in her own right as well.

If goodness and virtue was in the form of a person, surely that person would be Fatima; in fact, Fatima would be better than that person, for definitely my daughter Fatima is the best of creation in terms of descent, honour, and nobility.

Ibne Ahmad Makki, 1418 (A.H.), vol. 1, p. 100, hadith no. 24

Fatima’s examples of piety, humbleness, devotion, and commitment towards the religion remain an inspiration to this day. Remembering that the Prophet himself reminded his followers, both men and women, to look up to Fatima as an example of how to be the best Muslim is another reason why we need to help keep her memory alive.

Fatima is the joy and happiness of my heart. Her sons are the fruit of my heart, her husband is the light of my eyes, and the Imams from the progeny of her son are the trustees of my God and the rope that connects God and His creatures. Whoever holds on to them will be saved and whoever goes against them has gone astray.

Ibne Ahmad Makki, 1418 (A.H.), vol. 1, p. 99, hadith no. 21

Not only is the Prophet reminding his followers about the importance of protecting and respecting his family when he describes Fatema as his “joy and happiness”, but he is also reminding us of another important aspect about Fatema: by encompassing all that is good in the religion of Islam, you will inadvertently bring joy and happiness to those around you.

Surely God is angered whenever Fatima is angry, and is pleased when Fatima is pleased.

Juwayni, 1400 (A.H.), vol. 2, p. 46, hadith no. 378

Finally, by connecting one’s perception about Fatima with Allah Himself, the Prophet Mohammad helps us understand just how important Fatima really was for the Muslim community. Her example to us on all aspects of both religiousness and character remains one of the most important sources of inspiration for us all. On the anniversary of her holy birth, let us hope that we can put aside our constructed biases and opinions and instead remember Fatima for simply being herself.