IMAM ALI (AS)'S SILENCE DURING THE INSULT TO LADY FATIMAH (SA)

[Taqavi]

 

Why did Imam Ali (AS) not react during the insult to Lady Fatimah (SA) and the burning of their house’s door?

Firstly, it’s essential to note that throughout Islamic history, similar incidents have occurred where individuals were forced to remain silent due to expediency. This lack of reaction or silence was not exclusive to the event involving Imam Ali (AS). For instance, during the conversion of the family of Ammar, his mother and father were martyred under torture, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) witnessed this suffering, yet he consoled them, saying, “O family of Yasir, be patient, for your promised abode is Paradise.”[1]

Even during the rebellion against Caliph Uthman, there were instances. For example, Soudan ibn Hamran attacked Uthman, severing his wife’s finger, and behaved inappropriately towards Uthman's wife. [2] In another account, a witness stated that during the attack on Uthman’s house, he saw Uthman’s wife coming out, and he struck her. Uthman looked on and cursed but did not react. [3]

Is it reasonable to question why Uthman did not defend his wife or respond to the insults and attacks against her?

Imam Ali (AS) did respond when they tried to harm his wife, confronting Umar, knocking him down, and striking his face and neck. But because he was commanded to be patient, he refrained from further confrontation. Imam Ali (AS) wanted to convey that if he hadn’t been ordered to endure patiently, no one would have dared to even think of such actions against him. His unwavering commitment to divine orders guided his behavior.

Alusi, a prominent Sunni commentator, narrates an account from Shia sources,[4] describing the incident: Umar became angry, set fire to the door of Imam Ali’s house, and entered. Fatimah (SA) rushed toward Umar, crying out, ‘O father, O Messenger of Allah!’ Umar drew his sword, which was in its sheath, and struck Fatimah’s side. He then raised the sword to strike her arm. Witnessing this, Imam Ali (AS) suddenly rose, seized Umar by the collar, pulled him forcefully, and threw him to the ground, striking his nose and neck. [5]

Despite enduring immense hardships during this event, Imam Ali (AS) followed the command he had received from Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to remain patient. In the book ‘Khasa’is al-A’imma,’ Seyyed Razi refers to this incident and writes that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) instructed Imam Ali (AS): ‘Be patient with whatever comes to you from this group until they advance against me.’[6] In other words, Imam Ali (AS) was ordered to endure patiently in the face of adversity.

In a lengthy narration from Solim ibn Qays al-Hilali, it is reported that Imam Ali (AS) said to Umar: ‘O son of Sohak, if it were not for the divine decree and the covenant made by the Messenger of Allah (SAW) regarding me, you would know that you would not be able to enter my house.’ [7]

Therefore, the primary reason for Imam Ali’s behavior lies in his unwavering commitment to divine orders. He exemplified complete submission to the will of Allah, as emphasized in the verse: ‘Whatever the Messenger has given you, take; and what he has forbidden you, refrain from.’[8] Imam Ali (AS) adhered to this command.

In another narration, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said to Imam Ali (AS): ‘When your rights are violated and your sanctity is dishonored, be patient!’ Imam Ali (AS) responded: 'By the God who split the seed and created people, I heard that Gabriel said to the Prophet (SAW): ‘O Muhammad! Inform Ali that his sanctity will be violated.’ In continuation, Imam Ali (AS) said: ‘I accepted and consented, even though my sanctity would be violated, and traditions would be neglected…’ [9]

It is worth noting that the reason for the command to exercise patience by the Prophet (SAW) was based on the interests, which were expressed differently in the words of Imam Ali.

Where He said: ‘I have observed that patience in this matter is better than creating division among the Muslims and shedding their blood. Especially since people had recently converted to Islam, and the nascent religion of Islam is like a delicate plant that any neglect can lead to its corruption, and even the slightest force can destroy it.’ [10]

The Imam's (AS) words conveyed that any internal conflict within the Islamic nation, specifically in Medina, could jeopardize the lives of the Prophet's family.[11] Such strife would create an opportunity for the enemies of Islam and hypocrites to easily uproot the young foundations of Islam. This concern was particularly pressing given the looming threat of an attack from the Roman Emperor, whose forces were stationed at the borders of the Islamic territory. Several conflicts had already occurred between the Roman army and the Islamic forces. The danger was so significant that Rasulullah’s final command was to mobilize an army to the borders to deter any potential Roman invasion. [12]

Therefore, according to Shia narrations, the primary reason for Imam Ali’s patience during this incident was the explicit command from Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to endure patiently. This command aimed to preserve the unity of Muslims and prevent internal conflicts.

 

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[1] . Ansab al-Ashraf: al-Baladhuri, Vol: 1, P: 158 / Al-Isti’ab fi Tamyiz al-Sahaba: al-Asqalani, Ibn Hajar, Vol: 8, P: 190.

[2] . Tarikh al-Tabari (History of Prophets and Kings): Tabari, Abu Jaafar, Vol: 4, P: 391 / Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh: Al-Jazari, Izz al-Din ibn al-Athir Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Muhammad (died 630 AH), Vol. 2, p. 544, edited by Abdullah al-Qadi / Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah: Al-Qurashi al-Dimashqi, Ismail ibn Umar ibn Katheer Abu al-Fida (died 774 AH), Vol. 7, p. 210, Publisher: Maktabat al-Maarif - Beirut.

[3] . Karamat al-Awliya (Miracles of the Saints) from the commentary on the beliefs of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah: Al-Lalakai, Vol: 9, P: 132.

[4] . Kitab Solim ibn Qays Hilali: Al-Hilali, Solim bin Qais, p. 387.

[5] . Tafsir Ruh al-Ma’ani: Al-Alusi, Shihab al-Din, Vol: 2, P: 120.

[6] . Khasa’is al-A’imma: Sayyid Sharif al-Radi, Vol. 1, p. 73.

[7] . Kitab Solim ibn Qays Hilali: Al-Hilali, Solim bin Qais, p. 387.

[8] . Al-Hashr: 7.

[9] . Al-Kafi: Sheikh Al-Kulayni, Vol: 1, P: 282.

[10] . Nahj al-Balagha Commentary: Ibn Abi al-Hadid, Vol. 1, p. 308.

[11] . As the Imam also said: "So I pondered and saw that I had no helper except my family, and I was reluctant to sacrifice them for death, and I endured the pain and drank the bitterness and patiently endured the taking of oppression." Nahj al-Balagha: Sayyid Sharif al-Radi, Sermon 26, p. 68.

[12] . History of Yaqoubi: Ahmad bin Abi Yaqoob, vol: 2, P: 113.