Her protest to the women of the Muhajirin and the Ansar following the assault on the House of Revelation, and her expression of displeasure during the visit of the usurpers of the caliphate in the last days of her life, clearly show that she defended the usurped right of Amir al-Muminin with all her strength. These events reveal her resolute stance in the face of oppression, and a cry against the wrong and injustice imposed upon Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him).
A Complaint Born of Pain
After the assault on her house, the blow that struck Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her), and the agonizing grief of the miscarriage that confined her to her sickbed, the Lady spoke of her disgust with that era when the women of Medina asked after her condition.
When her wound worsened, the women of the Muhajirin and the Ansar gathered around her and said:
“O daughter of the Messenger of God, how have you fared this morning with your wound?”
Lady Fatimah (peace be upon her) replied:
“By God, I have risen this morning weary of your world and turned away from it.” [1]
The Plea for Justice from Amir al-Muminin
While being compelled to give allegiance, Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) protested in frank and forceful words against the injustice inflicted upon the Ahl al-Bayt and the violation of the sanctity of Lady Fatimah (peace be upon her). This historic statement reflects the depth of the Imam’s suffering and displeasure at the bitter events of that day.
In those difficult moments, as he was being taken by force to the mosque to give allegiance, Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) raised his voice in protest, his heart filled with pain and anger. His words are clear testimony to the depth of the cruelty and crime committed against the Ahl al-Bayt:
“O treacherous and wicked band! Be ready to answer for your crimes, and prepare for reckoning in the presence of God. Is Fatimah to be beaten by day, and our right seized by force, with no helper, refuge, supporter, or aid? Would that the son of Abi Talib had died before this day, and had not witnessed these atrocities, how you have gathered to oppress the pure and virtuous lady. May your hands be cut off from the mercy of God; for this matter returns to God and His Messenger. How grievous it is for Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him) to see the side of his Fatimah bruised by blows, while her rank and station were clear to all.” [2]
The Request for a Meeting and Visit
After the incident of Saqifah of Banu Saidah, the usurpation of Fadak, and the assault on the House of Revelation, the intense displeasure and exposing sermons of Lady Fatimah (peace be upon her) resonated widely among the people of Medina. Abu Bakr and Umar realized that the continuation of this anger and discontent would gravely undermine the legitimacy of their nascent government. They therefore decided to visit her under the pretext of visiting the sick and inquiring after her health, so as to outwardly appease her anger and preserve their political interests.
Those heavy blows, in addition to causing the miscarriage of Muhsin (peace be upon him), left Lady Fatimah (peace be upon her) gravely ill. After this event, she did not permit those who had offended her sacred person to come and see her. Nevertheless, the two men (Umar and Abu Bakr) asked Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) to intercede for them with Lady Fatimah (peace be upon her).
When Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) obtained permission from his honored wife for this meeting and they came into her presence, the two asked:
“O daughter of the Prophet of God (peace be upon him and his family)! How are you?”
Recalling the words of her noble father, Lady Fatimah (peace be upon her) said:
“Have you not heard the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family) say: Fatimah is a part of my body; whoever harms her has harmed me, and whoever harms me has harmed God?”
They replied:
“Yes, we have heard.”
She said:
“Then, by God, you have harmed me.”
They left her presence, having met the intense anger and displeasure of that noble lady. [3]
The Cause of Martyrdom
Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) stated the exact date and cause of the martyrdom of Lady Fatimah (peace be upon her).
Abu Basir, a companion of Imam al-Baqir and Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon them) and a narrator of hadith, reports from Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) that he said:
“Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her) was martyred on Tuesday, the third of Jumada al-Thani, 11 AH. The main cause of her martyrdom was the blow dealt to her by Qunfudh, the servant of that man (Umar), at his command.” [4]
- Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 43, p. 159
- Awalim al-Ulum wa al-Maarif wa al-Ahwal, vol. 11, p. 576
- Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 43, p. 170
- Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 43, p. 170
