MUSJIDUL HAQ

Download PDF: [S] The Nikah of Hadrat Ali and Bibi Fathima

Hadrat Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik Radi Allahu ‘Anhu narrates that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam has stated that, “Fathima is a part of my body and Fathima is a indeed a Hur (Maiden of Jannah) in human form.” (Bukhari Shareef)

 

It is reported that one day, the blessed wife of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam, namely Sayyidah Khatijatul Kubra Radi Allahu ‘Anha requested to see a fruit of Jannah from Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam. At that moment, Jibra’eel Ameen brought two apples from Jannah and mentioned, “O Prophet of Allah azza wajal! Allah azza wajal has hidden a portion of everything within that object. One apple should be eaten by you and one should be eaten by Khatijatul Kubra and then you should complete the ritual of husband and wife. Through this union, (I have been commanded) to create Fathima Zahra.” Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam then fulfilled what he was told.

 

It is said that when the Kuffaar asked Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam to perform the miracle of splitting the moon, at that time, the pious Mother of the FAITHFUL was also pregnant with Sayyidah Fathima Radi Allahu ‘Anha. Out of concern, she remarked, “How disgraceful are those who have tried to belie our master Muhammad. He is indeed the most supreme of Prophets and the best of Prophets.” From her womb, she heard the voice of Sayyidah Fathima declare, “O my blessed mother! Do not become sad and do not fear, without doubt the Allah azza wajal is with my father.”

 

Her birth

 

When Sayyidah Fathima Radi Allahu ‘Anha was about to be born, the entire environment of the house and the surrounding became illumined. It is said that whenever Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam wished to kiss Jannah and all its bounties, he used to kiss his beloved daughter. He used to also hold her as if he was smelling a sweet scent and then used to explain to everyone, “Fathima is indeed a human Hur (Maiden of Jannah).”

 

When it was time for her to marry, many families from the Muhaajir and Ansaar also sent their proposals, however Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam mentioned that he was waiting for Divine Permission on who she should marry. Certain eminent Ashaab also sent proposals, but the same answer was given to them.

 

One day, Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr, Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar and Hadrat Sayyiduna Sa’ad bin Ma’az Radi Allahu ‘Anhum were speaking and the same topic arose. Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Radi Allahu ‘Anhu mentioned, “Everyone has sent proposals to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam and on every occasion, he has mentioned that this is within the Divine Decree of Allah azza wajal on who she should marry. However, Ali has never ever sent a proposal and has never ever mentioned this subject. Perhaps the reason that he has not mentioned this is because of his very poor condition. I am under the impression that perchance, this is the reason that this issue has been delayed.”

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Radi Allahu ‘Anhu then turned to his other two companions and said, “What do you two have to say about this? Shall we not approach Hadrat Ali and ask him to propose to the beloved daughter of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam? And if he complains that he is very poor, then we will also help and assist him.”

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Sa’ad Radi Allahu ‘Anhu replied, “O Abu Bakr! Allah azza wajal has certainly blessed you in this regard.”

They then went in search of Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu but could not find him in the Masjid. Finally, they were told that Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu was in the orchard of a certain Ansaar and that he was helping to fetch water and had also hired his help. They then decided to approach him.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Radi Allahu ‘Anhu then spoke and said, “O Ali! There is no doubt that the elite among the Quraish have asked for the hand of the beloved daughter of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam in marriage, but he has rejected all of these proposals by saying this was something which Allah azza wajal would decide upon. We also see that you have noble habits and behaviour and you are also among the relatives of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam. Perhaps, this issue has been delayed because of you.”

 

The narrator mentions that the eyes of Hadrat Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu filled with tears and he remarked, “O Abu Bakr! You have encouraged me do something which I had restrained myself from doing and also something which I was oblivious of. There is no doubt that I am extremely happy to marry the daughter of the beloved Prophet Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam, however poverty has stopped me from going further.”

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Radi Allahu ‘Anhu replied, “O Ali! Do not say something like this, with Allah azza wajal and Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam whatever is in the universe, is like a mere speck of dust.”

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu then mounted his camel and returned to his home. After tying his camel he put on his shoes and went to the house of Sayyidah Umme Salmah Radi Allahu ‘Anha. As he stood at the door, she asked who it was. Before she could reply, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam said, “Stand up and open the door. This is that person who is loved by Allah azza wajal and His Prophet Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam.”

 

Sayyidah Umme Salmah Radi Allahu ‘Anha asked, “May my parents be sacrificed for you, who is it?”

 

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam replied, “This is my beloved brother and someone whom I love very much among creation.”

 

Sayyidah Umme Salmah Radi Allahu ‘Anha narrates that she ran to the door in such a hurry that her shawl also became stuck and when she opened the door, she saw that it was Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu. She said, “However, as long as I did not cover my face, he did not enter.”

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu then entered the room and after greeting Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam asked him the purpose of his visit. He also sat very humbly on the floor as if he was embarrassed to ask something. Again Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam asked him, “O Ali! If there is any need, please inform me, your needs will certainly be fulfilled.”

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu replied, “O Prophet of Allah! May my parents be sacrificed for you. You are fully aware that you had taken me from your uncle and aunt, Sayyidah Fathima binte Asad and had taken care of me. At that time, I was still very young. You had also taken care of me even more than my parents and had treated me even more kindly. Through you also, Allah azza wajal has blessed me with guidance and with Islam and had protected me from Shirk which my parents had become immersed in. (Bear in mind that his mother, Hadrat Sayyidah Fathima binte Asad Radi Allahu ‘Anha later on accepted Islam). There is no doubt that you are my saviour in both worlds. At the same time, I am also desirous that I have a wife and children who are my support and with this intention, I have approached Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam to ask him whether he would allow his daughter Fathima to marry me.”

 

In the Heavens, the Angels also came as a Baraat (wedding party)

 

Hadrat Sayyidah Umme Salmah Radi Allahu ‘Anha narrates that when these words were mentioned, the blessed face of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam lit up with happiness and joy. He then looked closely at Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu and then smilingly asked, “O Ali! Do you have anything which you are able to give as Mehr for this marriage to Fathima?”

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu replied, “I swear by Allah azza wajal that you are not unaware of my condition. You are also aware that I have a single piece of armour, a sword and for the purpose of bringing water, I have only one single camel and nothing else.”

 

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam declared, “With your sword, you will take part in Jihad on the Path of Allah azza wajal. Therefore, you cannot stay without this. As for the camel, you bring water to your family and during any journey, you also use it to carry your goods. However, in place of the piece of armour which you have, I am prepared to give my daughter to you in marriage. I am also well pleased with you. O Ali! Be happy with the fact that even before this occurring on earth, Allah azza wajal has already arranged your marriage to Fathima in the Heavens. And before you approached me, certain Angels approached me whom I have never seen before and they also congratulated me on the pure family which will begin from this connection. I then asked this Angel as to what it was saying and it declared, ‘O Prophet of Allah! My name is Sabtaa’eel and I am stationed in a certain part of the Arsh. I had also requested Allah azza wajal to deliver this good news to you and behind me, Jibra’eel Ameen is also approaching you who is also bringing the good news from Allah azza wajal and very soon, he will arrive here as well.’

 

Before this Angel could finish, Hadrat Jibra’eel Ameen appeared and made Salaam to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam. He then handed Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam a piece of white silk on which was written some words. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam asked him what was written on this piece of white silk and he replied, “O Prophet of Allah! Allah azza wajal has blessed this world with His special glance of Divine Favour. He has also chosen you as a Prophet to the entire universe. He has also chosen your Habeeb to be your son-in-law and to be the husband of Fathima.”

 

I then asked, “O Jibra’eel, who is this Habeeb of mine?” He replied, “It is Ali, who is also your religious brother. ‘ Allah azza wajal has also ordered that all the dwellers of Jannah and all of Jannah be beautified. The Tree of Tubah has been beautified with jewels. He has also instructed that the Angels gather on the fourth Heaven near the Baitul Ma’mur and the keeper of Jannah, Ridwan, has also been instructed to place a Mimbar at this spot. This is also Mimbar on which Nabi Adam ‘Alayhis Salaam stood and repeated the name of all things to the Angels.

 

At that moment, Allah azza wajal had commanded the Angel named Raahil to praise Allah azza wajal and due to this, the entire Heavens have gone into spiritual ecstasy. Hadrat Jibra’eel Ameen then continued, “Allah azza wajal has also commanded me that He has given His special slave, Ali, the beloved daughter of His beloved Prophet in marriage and that I should seal this marriage. I then performed this marriage. The Angels were also witness to this and their witnessing is also recorded on this piece of silk. Allah azza wajal has also commanded me to hand this to you and this has been sealed with a stamp of kasturi and also given to Ridwan, the Keeper of Jannah. When Allah azza wajal asked the Angels to be a witness to this marriage, He also ordered the tree of Tubah to scatter its jewels. When this happened, all of this was taken by the Hurs and the Angels. The Hurs will continue to give each other this as a present until the Day of Judgement. I have also been instructed to inform you that you give your daughter in marriage to Ali and also to give glad tidings to Fathima on the birth of two sons who are pure and possess the best of qualities and attributes. They will also be blessed in both worlds.”

 

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam then mentioned to Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu, “O Ali! Before the Angels could even fully rise to the Heavens, you had knocked on the door. Therefore, I am now fulfilling the Divine Command of Allah azza wajal and please go to the Masjid, I will also be there very soon. I will perform your Nikah in front of everyone and will also praise you in a manner that will cool your eyes.”

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu continues, “When I left the blessed house of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam, I left so quickly and in a such a hurry with extreme joy that I could not hold back this joy. I also met Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr and Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar on the way and they asked me the reason for this. I explained that I had been accepted as the husband of Bibi Fathima Radi Allahu ‘Anha and that my marriage had also taken place in the Heavens. I also explained that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam is also coming after me to the Masjid and he will also announce this to everyone. They were extremely pleased when they heard this and all of us entered the Masjid. When Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam entered the Masjid, his blessed face was also full of joy and happiness.”

 

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam then mentioned to Hadrat Sayyiduna Bilal Radi Allahu ‘Anhu, “O Bilal! Call the Muhaajir and Ansaar.”

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Bilal Radi Allahu ‘Anhu did as he was told.

 

“I was also sitting next to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam and when everyone had entered the Masjid, he went on to the Mimbar Shareef. After praising Allah azza wajal, he declared, ‘O Muslims! Jibra’eel Ameen has just approached me and informed me that Allah azza wajal has commanded the marriage of my daughter Fathima to Ali at the Baitul Ma’mur. In this instance, all the Angels were also witness to this. I have also been commanded to perform their marriage in this world as well. Therefore, I am making all of you as witness that I have performed the marriage of my daughter Fathima to Ali.’ Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam then came down from the Mimbar Shareef and also instructed me to read the Khutbah.

 

“After reading the Khutbah, I mentioned to everyone, ‘This marriage has been performed with the Divine Instruction of Allah azza wajal and He has also given Permission that the daughter of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam be given to me in marriage. My Mehr is also my armour and Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam has also accepted this. Therefore, I request that all of you become a witness to this.’

 

Everyone then declared, ‘Allah azza wajal give you in Barakah in this union and may He also grace you with unity.’

 

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam then retired to his blessed wives and also instructed the females servants to play the daff.

 

The Mehr

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu continues, “I then took my armour and went to the bazaar to sell it. I then met Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Uthman Ghani Radi Allahu ‘Anhu and sold it to him for four hundred Dirhams. However, when he took hold of the armour and I took hold of the dirhams, he mentioned to me, ‘O Ali! Is it not possible that perchance I am entitled for more armour and you are entitled for more dirhams?’ I replied, ‘why not’. He then replied, ‘If that is the case, this armour is also a gift from my side.’”

 

I then approached Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam with these Dirhams and also the armour once again and informed him about the immense generosity of Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Uthman Ghani Radi Allahu ‘Anhu. He then made a special Du’a for Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Uthman Radi Allahu ‘Anhu.

 

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam then called Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Radi Allahu ‘Anhu and gave him a handful of Dirhams and informed him, ‘With these dirhams, buy a few possessions for Fathima.’ Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Radi Allahu ‘Anhu then took Hadrat Sayyiduna Bilal and Hadrat Sayyiduna Salman Farsi with him to the market place.’”

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Radi Allahu ‘Anhu narrates that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam gave him 63 dirhams and he purchased a mattress, a leather eating cloth, a pillow which was filled with date strands, a small water bottle made from leather, a bowl and a piece of soft cloth which could be used as a covering or a partition.

 

We then took these goods to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam. When Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam saw these things, his blessed eyes filled with tears and raising his head towards the sky, he declared.

 

“O Allah! Please bestow Barakah on those people whose mere symbols also fear You.”

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu continued, “Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam then handed the balance of these Dirhams to Sayyidah Umme Salmah and mentioned to her, ‘Keep these dirhams with you.’

 

Thereafter, for one complete month, due to extreme embarrassment and humility, I did not approach Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam directly. Whenever, he used to meet me on the road, he used to ask, “O Ali! I have performed your marriage to such a person who is a leader of the females in the universe.’”

 

Her departure

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu continues, “After a month had passed, my brother Aqeel approached me and said, ‘O my brother! Until today, I have never been so happy since I heard that you had been betrothed to the blessed daughter of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam and if you bring her to your house, then we would be even more pleased.’

 

I replied that this is exactly what I also wished for, however, I feel great embarrassment (in asking this directly) to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam. He said to me, ‘I swear that you should come with me.’

 

On the road, we also met the female servant of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam, namely Sayyidah Umme Ayman Radi Allahu ‘Anha. We also mentioned our wish in front of her and she replied, ‘Please wait a while. As females, we will speak to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam because in cases like this, the words of the females have more effect.’

 

She then went back to Sayyidah Umme Salmah Radi Allahu ‘Anha and also mentioned these words to all the other blessed females of the household as well. All the blessed females then got together and entered the blessed room of Sayyidah Ayesha Radi Allahu ‘Anha. We also sat around Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam and mentioned to him, “O Prophet of Allah! We have presented ourselves on an important issue and if only today, Sayyidah Khatijah Radi Allahu ‘Anhu was present, her eyes would be cooled.”

 

Sayyidah Umme Salmah Radi Allahu ‘Anha narrates that when the blessed name of Sayyidah Khatijah Radi Allahu ‘Anha was mentioned, the eyes of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam filled with tears and he declared, ‘There is no one similar to Sayyidah Khatijah Radi Allahu ‘Anha. She supported me at that time when everyone around me tried to belie me. She also supported me with her wealth and her possessions.’

 

Sayyidah Umme Salmah Radi Allahu ‘Anha then remarked, “O Prophet of Allah! Ali wishes his wife to be released and be allowed to enter his house.”

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam then instructed that Sayyidah Umme Ayman Radi Allahu ‘Anha be sent outside to call Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu. When Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu entered the room, he bowed his head in respect and did not utter a word. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam then asked him, “Do you wish to live with your wife?” He replied, “Yes, O Prophet of Allah, and may my parents be sacrificed for you.” Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam replied, “This will certainly happen tonight.” Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu then left the blessed room in extreme happiness.

 

The Waleema

 

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam then instructed his blessed daughter to prepare herself and from the Dirhams which he had kept with Sayyidah Umme Salmah Radi Allahu ‘Anha, he handed ten Dirhams to Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu and informed him, “Purchase some dates, some ghee and some cheese.”

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu narrates that he purchased these items and presented it to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam then asked for a cloth and this was then presented. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam then mixed these items on the cloth until it became like a sweet dish. He then instructed Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu to call whoever he wished.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu then went to the Masjid and called all the companions who were present. He continues, “I then informed Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam that there were many people present. He then blocked the cloth with a piece of cloth and then declared, “Allow ten people at a time.” I then did I was commanded. The blessed companions continued to eat, however, the sweet dish remained the same and through his Barakah, nearly seven hundred people partook of this sweet dish.”

 

After this, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam called his blessed daughter forward as well as Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu and made them sit on his side. He then embraced both of them and kissed them on their foreheads.

 

He then mentioned to Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu, “O Ali! I have indeed given you a most special person as a bride.”

 

He then walked with them to the house of Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu and as he left, he held the door and made Du’a, “O Allah azza wajal! Please bestow unity among them.” He also mentioned that he had left them in the Divine Care of Allah azza wajal and in His Divine Protection.”

 

It is also mentioned that for three days, the blessed couple did not consummate their marriage but remained in Ibadah the entire night! During the day, they also spent in fasting.

 

Finally, Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu narrates, “Remembering the advice of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam, I never became angry with Sayyidah Fathima Radi Allahu ‘Anha until she was called to Allah azza wajal. She also never became angry with me and whenever she saw me, she always made an effort to remove my concerns.” (Ar Roudur Faa’iq)