THE EXACT DATE OF LADY FATIMAH'S (SA) MARTYRDOM

[Taqavi]

Why is the Exact Date of Lady Fatimah's (SA) Martyrdom Uncertain?

The precise date of Hazrat Fatimah (SA), the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the wife of Imam Ali (AS), has been a subject of considerable debate among Shia Muslims. Various factors contribute to this historical uncertainty.

1.    Lack of Precise Historical Records: One of the main reasons for the discrepancy lies in the absence of a precise historical recording system during that time. Most significant events were transmitted orally and were rarely documented in writing. This limitation applies not only to Lady Fatimah’s martyrdom but also to other events related to the Ahl al-Bayt (AS).[1]

2.    Challenges in Ancient Writing Systems: Additionally, the style of calligraphy and script prevalent during that period played a crucial role. [2] Kufic script, which lacked diacritical marks (such as dots), was common. This led to potential misreadings of similar words, such as “خمسة و سبعون” (75) and “خمسة و تسعون” (95). Such errors in oral transmission of narrations and in handwritten copies contributed to differing opinions regarding the precise date of Lady Fatimah’s martyrdom.

Now, let’s explore the different viewpoints regarding the date of her martyrdom:

• 75 Days After the Prophet's Demise: Some narrations, including those attributed to Imam Sadiq (AS) and Imam Baqir (AS), suggest that Hazrat Fatimah (SA) passed away 75 days after the Prophet's (SAW) death.

Al-Kulayni has narrated a hadith from Imam Sadiq (AS) in this regard in his book "Al-Kafi";[3] Allama Majlisi also quotes a hadith from Imam Baqir (AS) confirming this duration in "Bihar al-Anwar".[4] Some historians have also stated that Hazrat Fatimah (SA) passed away 75 days after the Prophet's (SAW) demise. For instance, Ibn Abi Tha'lab Baghdadi writes in his book "Tarikh al-A'imah" that Hazrat Fatimah (SA) lived for 75 days after the Prophet's (SAW) demise. [5]

• 95 Days After the Prophet’s Demise: Other narrations suggest that Lady Fatimah’s martyrdom occurred 95 days after the Prophet’s passing. For instance, a narration from Jabir ibn Abdullah Ansari mentions that she lived for 95 days after the Prophet’s demise. [6]

Prominent scholars, including Sheikh Mufid, [7] Sayyid ibn Tawus, [8] Kaf’ami in “Al-Misbah,” [9] and Allameh Tabarsi in "Alam Al-Wara"[10] assert that Lady Fatimah (SA) passed away on the third of Jumada al-Akhir in the eleventh year after the Hijra. According to this view, she lived for 95 days after her father’s departure.

In conclusion, due to the reasons mentioned above and the diversity of narrations, we cannot definitively determine the exact date of Lady Fatimah’s martyrdom. However, what truly matters is our respect for all valid narrations and the observance of mourning ceremonies on both proposed dates. Such reverence is commendable and draws us closer to the Almighty.

 

 

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[1] . For example: Regarding the birth of Imam Hussain (as), it is stated as follows: He was born on the 3rd of Sha'ban in the 4th year of Hijri in Medina, and according to some, he was born on the 5th of Sha'ban in the 4th year of Hijri. Arabization of Muntaha al-Amal in the History of the Prophet and his Family: Al-Milani, Al-Sayyid Hashim, vol. 1, p. 523.

[2] To learn more about the calligraphy of that era, you can refer to the article "History of Quranic Calligraphy and Its Evolution" written by Seyyed Mehdi Saif.

[3] . Al-Kafi: Sheikh Al-Kulayni, vol. 1, p. 241.

[4] . Bihar al-Anwar: Allamah al-Majlisi, Vol. 43, p. 7.

[5] . A Precious Collection in the History of the Imams: a Collection of Scholars, Vol. 1, p. 12.

[6] . Kifayat al-Athar fi al-Nass ala al-A'immah al-Ashar: Ali ibn Muhammad al-Khazzaz, Page: 65.

[7] . Masar al-Shi'a: Al-Sheikh Al-Mufid, vol. 1, p. 31.

[8] . Al-Iqbal al-Amaal al-Hasna: Al-Sayyid bin Tawus, vol. 3, p. 161.

[9] . Al-Masbah - Jannah al-Aman al-Waqiyyah and Jannah al-Iman al-Baqiyyah: Al-Sheikh Ebrahim Al-Kafami Al-Amili, vol. 1, p. 511.

[10] . The life of the Fourteen Infallible Ones (as): translation of "Alam Al-Wara" by Attardi, Azizullah, p. 226.