When the wedding material was readied, the Holy Prophet (s.
When the wedding material was readied, the Holy
Prophet (s.a.w.s.) performed the holy marriage and sent his dear
daughter to Ali’s house. Fatima Zahra (a.s) was only nine at the time of
marriage. It must be remembered here that Hijaz is one of the warm
climatic zones where girls gain puberty rather early. But it is said
that principally, Zahra’s development was rather extraordinary and she
looked eighteen when she was nine. In Islam, three things are required for a marriage: (1) Puberty: A
Muslim girl must have attained puberty and must not be less than nine
years of age. (2) She must be intelligent enough to understand what is
good and what is bad and (3) She should be wise enough to fulfill the
individual and collective social responsibilities and duties and must be
able to perform household affairs. Since, at the age of nine, all these qualities were present in Fatima ,
the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) gave her hand to the most brave and
courageous youth of Islam, Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s). On the wedding night
the Holy Prophet’s wives recited verses of joy. The one recited by
“O Fatima ! You are the best among the women of the world; your face is
shining moon-like. God has given you in marriage to the best youth named
While departing after the wedding, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) gave
Fatima ’s hand into Ali’s saying: Dearest Fatima! Ali (a.s) is the best
husband for you and O Ali! Fatima (a.s) is the world’s best woman. Do
appreciate her. Then looking at the heavens, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.)
said: O God! Make the progeny of Zahra and Ali numerous. Lady of Paradise : Example of Islam
The Holy Prophet’s dear daughter saw only eighteen years of her life. Crossing trouble sometimes and facing calamity after calamity she passed
away from this world in her eighteenth year. During this short life she
remained extremely kind to her husband. She never addressed him by name
and could never see him gloomy. Abu Saeed Khudri says: One day Ali (a.s) asked her, “What is there to
eat for us today.” Fatima (a.s) replied, “There is nothing since last
two days, neither for me nor for the two children (Hasnain).” Ali (a.s)
asked, “Why did you not tell me. I would have done something.” Lady
Fatima (a.s) replied, “I felt ashamed of troubling you for something
Imam Hasan (a.s) says: One Friday night I saw that my dear mother had
remained busy in prayers till dawn. I heard her praying in favor of all
believing men and women.
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