CHAPTER 48
ABU BAKR VERSUS FATIMA (AS)
Fatima the only surviving child of the Prophet, his most beloved claimed inheritance of the Property which could be apportioned to her in the lands of Medina and in Khaibar, as also Fadak, which having been acquired without the use of force, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) had given her for her maintenance, in accordance with the commands of Allah.59 Yet, Fadak became an arena for political games when Abu Bakr refused to transfer it to Fatima. It is appropriate here to speak about Fadak before clarifying the corresponding events which occurred in its regard:
Fadak was a village located at a two day walking distance from Medina. Apparently, it was inhabited by Jews who refused to submit to Islam at the beginning, but when the later realized the might of the Muslims, especially after they-led by Ali Ibn Abu Talib conquered Khaibar, the Jews decided to yield to the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) without fighting. So he (P.B.U.H) took possession of the village.
The village was valued at 100,000 dirhams by Umar's appraisers when he expelled its inhabitants to Syria. Umar took possession of the village and paid half of the price to the Jews.
Fadak Becomes the Prophet's Personal Property
Since the reason which motivated the inhabitants of Fadak to transfer its possession to Allah's Messenger was fear of the
____________
59. The last several pages have been produced from the book: The Early History of Islam by Sayyid Safdar Hussain.
( 210 )
Muslims after they had conquered Khaibar, this Property became the sole possession of the Prophet (P.B.U.H). This conforms to Allah's decree in Holy Quran:
"What Allah has bestowed on His Apostles (and taken away) from them for this (which) ye made no expedition with either calvary or camelry: But Allah gives power to His Apostles over any He pleases: and Allah Has power over all things."
There was no dispute between the Muslims that Fadak belonged to the Prophet (P.B.U.H); rather, the disagreement was related to how much Fadak had the Jews granted him as part of the peace settlement. Thus, it is strange to hear Abu Bakr narrate a tradition from the Prophet saying:
"We the group of Prophets do not inherit, nor are we inherited; what we leave is for alms!! Because, had the Prophet (P.B.U.H) actually said so (which is doubted), how did Abu Bakr understand from this saying that Fadak did not belong to him (P.B.U.H). There is clear contradiction in Abu Bakr's arguments.
Therefore, after realizing beyond doubt that Fadak was the personal Property of Allah's Messenger (P.B.U.H), it is appropriate to inquire as to what he did with it? But the answer is clear. He (P.B.U.H) granted it to Fatima (AS) before his death. In other words, Fadak became the personal property of Lady Fatima Zahra (AS). Moreover, it is not for anyone to object to the Prophet for granting his own Property to any person he wished-including is daughter.
Moreover, the following factors can be cited as proofs that the Prophet (P.B.U.H) granted Fadak to his noble daughter (AS):
1. Fatima's saying to Imam Ali (AS):
"This is Ibn Abu Quhafa snatching away my father's grant to me."
2. Fatima Zahra's saying to Abu Bakr:
( 211 )
"Surely Fadak was granted to me by my father, the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H)"
Especially in light of the fact that her infallibility prevents her from uttering falsehood or from demanding that which does not belong to her.
3. Ali (AS), the infallible Imam, would not allow his wife to demand something which did not belong to her.
4. Imam Ali (AS) wrote in his letter to Uthman Ibn Hunaif:
Yes! Fadak was the only land from that which was under the heavens, in our hands; but the inclinations of certain men lusted for it and the souls of others relinquished it".
Hence, had it been part of the Prophet's inheritance, he (AS) would not have said that it belonged to them (Ali and Fatima).
5. Imam Ali (AS) together with Um Ayman testified to the fact that Allah's Messenger (P.B.H.U) granted it to Lady Fatima Zahra (AS), when Abu Bakr requested Fatima to summon witnesses that he (P.B.U.H) granted it to her.
Yet, despite these undisputable proofs Abu Bakr denied Fatima possession of Fadak and brought the following as proof of the correctness of his action;
1. According to Abu Bakr, Fadak did not belong to the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H); it rather was the property of all Muslims.
2. Besides, according to Abu Bakr, even if it belonged to the Prophet of Allah (P.B.U.H), he had heard him (P.B.U.H) saying:
"We the group of Prophets do not inherit nor are we inherited."
3. Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (P.B.U.H) said:
"My inheritance of not to be divided after me, even if it is one dinar or dirham. That which I leave is alms, save what is to maintain my wives and dependents."
However, when these hypothetical points made by Abu Bakr
( 212 )
are put on the board of discussion, free from ideological or emotional prejudgments, and far from blind sanctification of the early followers of Islam, we can record the following points against them:
1. It is true he denied the Prophet's ownership of Fadak was the sole possession of Allah's Prophet (P.B.U.H). This fact is also supported by the Quranic verse which we have mentioned. Therefore, Abu Bakr's claim is invalidated for being a mere endeavor to null the effect of the Quran.
2.Abu Bakr's claim that he heard the Prophet of Allah (P.B.U.H) say:
"We the group of prophets do not inherit, nor are we inherited; what we leave is for alms,"
A. This narration is irrelevant regarding this issue; because we have already stated that Fadak was a grant from the Prophet (P.B.U.H) to his daughter to the issue of inheritance with the purpose of denying Lady Fatima (AS) her property.
B. This narration was only reported by one man-who is Abu Bakr, himself -and since the Holy Quran stated a general rule concerning inheritance, the Prophets and their heirs are included in this rule. So Abu Bakr 's claim can not taken as proof verses the Holy Quran, nor can it be proof for excluding the Prophets and their families from the Quranic rule.
C. Yet, the real reason which provoke Abu Bakr and his followers to deprive Fatima Zahra (AS) from her own property, despite the fact that the Prophet (P.B.U.H) said;
"Fatima is part of me, he who loves her loves me, and he who
( 213 )
angers her angers me,"
had more dangerous and implicit motives behind them, and were directly related to the political events of that time.
3. As for Abu Hurairah's narration; it is sufficient for us to keep in mind that he was famous for forging Prophetic traditions. Even he, himself, admitted this; and anyone wishing to study more about his life, should refer to Sheik Al-Madhirah -Abu Hurairah Dowsi, written by Mahmoud Abu Raieh.
The Real Motives Which Lead Abu Bakr to Deny Fatima Fadak.
The history books at hand need through examination and revision, for they have been recorded to the wishes and satisfactions of despotic rulers throughout history. In view of this, and in light of the fact that Lady Fatima Zahra (AS) was a strong supporter of her husband in his quest to regain Caliphate, and that her views were proof that the followers of Imam Ali (AS) can use it to easily verify his claims against Abu Bakr; we can easily understand how Abu Bakr successful in depriving Lady Fatima Zahra (AS) of her rights, how his moves corresponded to his adopted political thinking. So, not only was Abu Bakr able to persuaded the Muslims to dismiss Fatima's stands as those of a woman who can be depended upon even in such a secondary issue like Fadak, but also aimed at convincing them that since she was not be believed in such a matter, she was also to be deserted when it comes to the most important issue of that time (i.e.,Caliphate).
Yet, there are mere more motives that can be supported to have led Abu Bakr to usurp Fatima Zahra (AS) property. Among them are:
1. Since Fadak brought large profits to tis owners, Ali (AS) could use this profit in his fight against Abu Bakr just as Khadija was able
( 214 )
to put her wealth to use against the infidels.
2. The political challenge which Abu Bakr created here, was aimed at providing to Ali and Lady Fatima Zahra (AS) that the nation was not ready to aid them in an emotional issue in which he was successful in downgrading Ali and Fatima by controlling and directing the public nation. Listen to Abu Bakr as he speaks to the people after Fatima's speech in the Mosque:
"O people!
What is this attentiveness to every aimless speech?!
Where were these claims at the time of Allah's
Messenger (P.B.U.H)
He who heard something should say so!
He who witnessed anything should speak out!
Surely they are (Ali and Fatima, like) foxes who
have no witness save their tails!
They instigate every dissension!
And say: Renew (trouble) after it has cooled down.
They seek help from the weak and acquire support from
women.
They are like Um Tahal (a woman who was a prostitute
during the era of ignorance)whose family chose
prostitution for her.
Surely if I wish can say a lot; and
had I said (something), would have revealed (much).
But I will remain silent as long as I am left alone."
3. Abu Bakr's drive to deprive Lady Fatima Zahra (AS) of her property had another underlying motive. Had Abu Bakr admitted Fatima's words in regard to Fadak as undisputable facts, she could also claim her husband's right to leadership,which would force Abu Bakr to hand it back to Ali (AS).
Ibn Abil-Hadid said:
(215 )
I asked Ali Ibn Fareqi, a distinguished teacher of Madrassa -Gharbia- Baghdad:
"Was Fatima truthful in making the claim (regarding Fadak)?"
He answered: "Yes!"
I said: "Did Abu Bakr know that she was a truthful woman?"
Again he answered: "Yes."
I then asked: "Then why did the Caliph not give that which she was entitled to back to her?"
At that moment the teacher smiled and said with great dignity:
"If he had accepted her word on that day and had returned Fadak to her on account of her being a truthful woman and without asking for any witnesses, she could very well use this position for the benefit of her husband on the following day and say:
My husband, Ali is entitled to the Caliphate, and then the Caliph would have been obliged to surrender the Caliphate on account of his having knowledged her to be a truthful woman. However, in order to obviate any such claim or dispute, he deprived her of her undisputed right!
4. Moreover, there were several emotional factors which lead Abu Bakr to refuse Fatima, Khadija's daughter, her rights. Some of these factors are:
A. Once, the Prophet of Allah (P.B.U.H) sent Abu Bakr to the Muslims, during Hajj season, to recite for them the newly revealed surah Al-Tawbah, but before reaching his destination, Abu Bakr was stopped by Ali Ibn who informed him that
the Messenger commended him to deliver the Surah himself; because according to the prophet (P.B.U.H):
"No-one can take the Messenger 's place of envy save he or someone from him."
This surely creates a feeling of envy in a man's heart!! A matter which can be said to have influenced Abu Bakr himself.
( 216 )
B. when the Prophet was too ill to lead the prayers, Abu Bakr was asked by his daughter, Aisha, to do so. But as soon as Allah's Messenger (P.B.U.H) learned what was going on, he, supported by Imam Ali and Abbas, came out and removed Abu Bakr and led the prayers himself. The author of Fatima Um Abiha says in this regard.
"This event might have led Abu Bakr to think that Fatima was the one who informed the Prophet (P.B.U.H) of Abu Bakr's actions, just as Aisha told him (Abu Bakr) to lead the prayer!!"
C. Aisha, the Prophet's wife and Abu Bakr's daughter, had uncalled for feelings towards Fatima and her mother, Khadija.
For instance, Aisha said:
"Despite the fact that Khadija died three years before the Prophet married me, I did not have a feeling of envy for anyone as much as I had for her. This was because he (the Prophet) used to mention her name constantly and he was ordered by His Almighty Lord to give her the good news of a house made of brocade in Paradise. He also used to slaughter sheep and distribute their meat among her (Khadija's) friends."
This undoubtedly led Abu Bakr to join his daughter in her feelings towards Khadija, her daughter (Fatima) and her son-in-law (Ali AS).
D. Aisha, Abu Bakr's daughter was sterile. Yet Khadija (AS) was the only wife of the Prophet who had children that survived. Moreover, that child of Khadija was Aisha's main adversary, Fatima. So the Messenger of Allah's descendants would only come from his daughter and her husband, Ali. This surely was an unwelcomed fact to Aisha and her father, Abu Bakr.
( 217 )
CHAPTER 49
FATIMA'S PROTEST AGAINST
ABU BAKR'S ACTIONS
Fatima (AS) felt grieved by Abu Bakr's actions, and was so displeased with him that when she knew of his attempt to seize Fadak, she accompanied a group of women to the mosque. There she sat down and delivered the following speech:
Praise be to Allah for that
which He bestowed (upon us);
And thanks be to Him for all
that which He inspired; and
commended in His name for
that which He Provided:
Form prevalent favors which
He created,
And abundant benefactions
which He offered and perfect
grants which He presented;
(such benefactions) that
their number to computer;
plentiful to computer;
Bounties too vast to
measure;
( 218 )
Their limit was too distant
to realize;
He recommended to them (His
creatures) to gain more (of
His benefaction) by being
grateful for their continuity;
He ordained Himself praiseworthy
by giving generously to His
creatures;
I bear witness that there
is not God but Allah Who is
One without that there
is no God but Allah who is
One without partner, a
statement which sincere
devotion is made to be its
interpretation;
hearts is guarantee its
continuation, and illuminated
in the minds is its sensibility.
He who can not be perceived
described with tongues; nor can
imagination surround His state.
He originated things but not
from anything that existed
before them, and created them
without examples to follow. Rather,
He created them with His might
and dispersed them according to
His will; not for a need did He
created them; nor for a benefit
( 219 )
(for Him) did He shape them,
But to establish His wisdom,
Bring attention to His obedience,
manifest His might, lead
His creatures to humbly venerate
Him, and to exalt His
decrees. He then made the
reward for His obedience,
And punishment for his
disobedience, so as to protect
His creatures from His
Wrath and amass them into His
Paradise.
I too bear witness that my
Father, Muhammad, is His
Slave and Messenger, Whom
He chose prior to sending
him, named him before
sending him; when creatures
were still concealed in that
which was transcendental,
guarded from that which was
appalling, and associated with the
termination and nonexistence.
For Allah the Exalted knew that
which was to follow, comprehended
that which will come to pass,
And realized that place of every
event.
( 220 )
Allah has sent him (Muhammad)
(P.B.U.H) as perfection for
His commands, a resolution to
accomplish His rule, and an
implementation of the decrees
of His Mercy. So he found the
nations to vary in their faiths;
Obsessed by their fires,
Worshipping their idols,
And denying Allah despite
their knowledge of Him
Therefore, Allah illuminated
their darkness with my
Father, Muhammad (P.B.U.H)
uncovered obscurity form their
hearts, and cleared the clouds
from their insights. He
revealed guidance among the people;
So he delivered them from
away from misguidance, guided
them to the proper religion, and
called them to the straight
path.
Allah then chose to recall him
back in mercy,love and
preference. So, Muhammad (P.B.U.H)
is in comfort from the burden of
this world, he is surrounded with
devoted angels, the satisfaction
( 221 )
of the Merciful Lord, and the
nearness of the powerful King.
So may the praise of Allah be
upon my Father, His prophet,
Trusted one, the chosen one
from among His creatures,
and His sincere friend, and
may peace and blessings of
Allah be upon him.
(Fatima then turned to the crowd and said:)
Surely you are Allah's slaves
at His command Prohibition;
You are the bearers of His
religion and revelation;
You are Allah's trusted ones
with yourselves;
and his Messengers to the
nations.
Amongst you does He have
righteous authority;
A covenant He brought unto
you, and an heir He left to
guard you; That is
The eloquent book of Allah;
The truthful Quran;
The brilliant light;
The shinning beam;
its insights are indisputable;
Its secrets are
revealed; its indications
are manifest; and its followers
(222 )
are blessed by it.
(The Quran) leads its
adherents to goodwill; and
Hearing it leads to salvation;
with it are the bright divine
authorities achieved, His
manifest determination
acquired,
His prohibited decrees
avoided; His manifest evidence
recognized; His satisfying proofs
made apparent, His permissions
granted, and His laws written.
So Allah made belief to be a
purification for you from
polytheism.
He made:
Prayer -An exaltation for you
from conceit.
Alms -A purification for the
soul and a (cause of) growth
in subsistence.
Fasting -An implementation of
devotion.
Pilgrimage -A construction
of religion.
Justice -A harmony of the hearts;
Obeying us (Ahlul-Bayt)-
Management of the nation.
Our leadership (Ahlul Bayt):
Safeguard from disunity.
( 223 )
Jihad (struggle)-
A strengthening of Islam.
Patience -A helping course
for deserving (divine) reward.
Ordering goodness (Amr Bi Maruf)-
Public welfare.
kindness to the parents-
A safeguard form wrath.
Maintaining close relations with
one's kin-A cause for a longer life and
multiplying the number of
descendants.-
Retaliation (Qesas)-For
sparing blood (souls).
Fulfillment of vows-subjecting
oneself to mercy.
Completion of weights and
measures -A cause for preventing
the neglect of other's rights.
Forbiddance of drinking wine-
An exaltation from atrocity.
Avoiding slander -A veil from curse.
Abandoning theft-a reason
for deserving chastity.
Allah has also prohibited polytheism
so that one can devote himself to
His Lordship.
Therefore;
Fear Allah as He should be
feared, and die not except in a
state of Islam;
( 224 )
Obey Allah in what He
has commanded you to do and
that which He has forbidden,
for surely those truly fear
among His servants, who have knowledge.
Lady Fatima Zahra (AS) then added:
O people!
Be informed that I am Fatima,
and my father is Muhammad (P.B.U.H)
I say that repeatedly and initiate
it continually; I say not what
I say mistakenly, nor do I do
what I do aimlessly.
Now hath come unto you an
Apostle from amongst yourselves;
It grieves him that you should
perish;
Ardently anxious is he over you;
To the believers he is most
kind and Merciful.
Thus, if you identify and recognize
him, you shall realize
that he is my father and not
the father of my cousin (Ali (AS))
rather than any of your men.
What an excellent identity he was,
may the peace and blessings of
Allah be upon him and his descendants.
(225 )
Thus, he propagated the Message,
by coming out openly with the
warning, and while inclined away
from the path of the polytheists,
(whom he) struck their strength and
seized their throats, while he
invited (all) to the way of his
Lord with wisdom and beautiful
preaching;
He destroyed idols, and
defeated heros, until their
group fled and turned their
backs.
So night revealed its down;
righteousness uncovered its
genuineness; the voice of the
religious authority spoke out
loud; the evil discords were
silenced; The crown of hypocrisy
was diminished; the
tightening of infidelity
and desertion were united,
So you spoke the statement
of devotion amongst a band
of starved ones; and you were
on the edge of a hole of fire;
(you were) the drink of the
thirsty one; the opportunity
of the desiring one; the fire
brand of him who passes in haste;
( 226 )
the step for feet; you used to
drink from the water gathered
on roads; eat jerked meat.
(Lady Fatima (AS) was stating their lowly situation
before Islam)
You were despised outcasts
always in fear of abduction
from those around you.
Yet, Allah rescued you through
my father, Muhammad (P.B.U.H);
after much ado, and after he
was confronted by mighty men,
the arab beasts, and the demons
of the people of the Book,
Who, whenever they ignited the
fire of war, Allah extinguished it;
and whenever the thorn of the
devil appeared, or a mouth of
the polytheists opened wide in
defiance, he (P.B.U.H) would
strike its discords with his
brother (Ali AS), who comes
not back until he treads its
wing with the sole of his feet,
and extinguishes its flames
with his sword.
(Ali is) diligent in Allah's
affair, near to the Messenger
of Allah, A master among Allah's
orshippers, setting to work
briskly, sincere in his advice,
( 227 )
earnest and exerting himself
(in service to Islam);
While you were calm, gay, and
feeling safe in your comfortable
lives, waiting for us to
meet disasters, awaiting the
spread of news, you fell back
during every battle, and took
to your heels at times of
fighting. Yet, When Allah
chose His prophet from the
dwell of His Prophets, and
the abode of His sincere
(servants); The thorns of
hypocrisy appeared on you,
the garment of faith became
worn out, The misguided
ignorant(s) spoke out,
the sluggish ignorant came
to the front and brayed.
The he camel of the vain
wiggled his tail in your
courtyards and the your
courtyards and the Devil
stuck his head from its
place of hiding and called
upon you, he found you responsive
to his invitation,
and observing his deceits.
He then aroused you and
found you quick (to answer
( 228 )
him), and invited you to wrath, therefore; you branded
other than your camels and
proceeded to other than your
drinking places. Then while
the era of the Prophet was
still near, the gash was still
side, the scar had not yet healed,
and the Messenger was not yet,
buried.
A (quick) undertaking as you
claimed, aimed at preventing
discord (trial),
Surely, they have fallen into
trial already! And indeed Hell
surrounds the unbelievers.
How preposterous!
For Allah's Book is still
amongst you, its affairs
are apparent; its rules
are dazzling; its restrictions
are visible, and its commands
are evident. Yet, indeed you have
casted it behind your backs!
What!
Do you detest it?
Or according to something
else you wish to rule?
Evil would be the exchange for