The Holy Prophet (s) said...

The Holy Prophet (s) said, ‘I’ll collect the wood for the fire from the surrounding wilderness.’ All his (s) companions cried in unison, ‘Why must you work, with us around? We feel honored to serve you while you rest. We will complete the task in no time.’ The Holy Prophet (s) replied.

‘I know that you can accomplish this in no time, but God doesn’t befriend anyone who considers himself better than his friends and worthy of their respect.’ Saying this he walked towards the woods, and returned with a pile of dry twigs and leaves enough to light the fire while the others finished their work. Division of Labour After Imam Ali (‘a) and Lady Fatimah Zahra (‘a) got married, they began their new life together.

They organized their belongings as needed and went to the Holy Prophet (s) for his advice in the division of domestic chores. ‘Guide us, O Prophet of Allah (s) , as to how we should divide our domestic chores between us,’ requested Imam Ali (‘a) . The Holy Prophet (s) declared, ‘Ali, you will do all the chores outside the house, while Fatimah will perform all those inside the house.’ Lady Fatimah (‘a) was overjoyed with his division.

She said, ‘I am so relieved to have nothing to do with men.’ Ali (‘a) would purchase wood, grain, groceries and other essential items from the market, while she would grind the flour, cook the meals, do the laundry and keep the house clean. Besides, whenever Imam Ali (‘a) found extra time he would help with the chores inside the house. One day the Holy Prophet (s) visited them and found them both working together.

He (s) asked, ‘Who is the more exhausted of you two, for me to assist?’ ‘Fatimah,’ said Ali (‘a) . He (s) sent her to rest and helped Ali (‘a) to complete her chores. Islam was in its early days and Imam Ali (‘a) had to accompany the Muslim army for Jihad more than often. He provided her with all the essential items, but, whenever the need arose, Lady Fatimah (‘a) went to the market herself and purchased whatever she needed in those days.

Life went on smoothly until the family grew and the house was echoing with the innocent joyful laughter of children. However, the burden of work inside the house had increased manifold. One day Imam Ali (‘a) noticed that grinding, cooking, carrying waterbags from the well, washing and cleaning, besides feeding, bathing, and babysitting the children had left Fatimah (‘a) with sore hands, a scarred back and worn-out clothes. Despite his help, she was busy all the time.