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Lady Fatimah (sa) protests against Abu Bakr’s Actions

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Fatimah (sa) 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: From prevalent favors which He created, And abundant benefactions which He offered and perfect grants which He presented; (such benefactions) that their number is much too plentiful to compute; Bounties too vast to measure; 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 no God but Allah Who is One with out partner, a statement which sincere devotion is made to be its interpretation; hearts guarantee its con- tinuation, and dominated in the minds is its sensibility. He Who can not be perceived with vision; neither be described with tongues; nor can imagination surround His state.

He originated things but not from anything that existed be- fore them, and created them with- out examples to follow. Rather, He created them with His might and dispersed them according to His will; not for a need did He create them; nor for a benefit for Him) did He shape them,

But to establish His wisdom, Bring attention to His obedi- ence, manifest His might, lead His creatures to humbly vene- rate Hun, and to exalt His decrees. He then made the reward for His obedience, And punishment for his dis- obedience, 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 the place of every event.

Allah has sent him (Muhammad) (S) as perfection for His commands, a resolution to accomplish His rode, 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, (S) uncovered obscurity from their hearts, and cleared the clouds from their insights He revealed guidance among the people; So he delivered them from being led astray, led them 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 pre- ference. So, Muhammad (S) is in comfort from the burden of this world, he is surrounded with devoted angels, the satisfaction 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.

Fatimah 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 Qur’an; The brilliant light; The shining beam; Its insights are indis- putable; Its secrets are revealed; Its indications are manifest; and its fol- lowers are blessed by it. (The Qur’an) leads its adherents to good will; 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 poly- theism He made: Prayer- An exaltation for you from conceit. Alms- A purification for the soul and a (cause of) growth in subsistence.

Fasting-An implantation 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.

Jihad (struggle) - A strengthening of Islam. Patience- A helping course for deserving (divine) reward. Ordering goodness (Amr Bil Maruf)- Public welfare. Kindness to the parents- A safeguard from wrath. Maintaining close relations with one’s kin- A cause for a longer life and multiplying the number of descend- ants. 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 others’ 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, Obey Allah in that which He has commanded you to do and that which He has forbidden, for surely those truly fear among His servants, who have knowledge.

Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (sa) then added: O People! Be informed that I am Fatimah, and my father is Muhammad (S) 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 any of your women; the brother 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.

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 heroes, until their group fled and turned their backs.

So night revealed its dawn; righteousness uncovered its genuineness; the voice of the religious authority spoke out loud; the evil discords were silenced; The crown of hypo- crisy was diminished; the tightening of infidelity and desertion were untied, 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; the step for feet; you used to drink from the water gathered on roads; eat jerked meat.

Lady Fatimah (sa) 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 S) 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 (S) 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.

He is (‘Ali (as)) diligent in Allah’s affair, near to the Messenger of Allah, A master among Allah ‘s worshippers, setting to work briskly, sincere in his advice, earnest and exerting himself (in service to Islam); While you were calm, gay, and feeling safe in your comfort- able lives, waiting for us to et disasters, awaiting the spread of news, you fell back during every baffle, 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 Devil stuck his head from its place of hiding and called upon you he found you respon- sive to his invitation, and observing his deceits. He then aroused you and found you quick (to answer 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 wide, 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! What an idea!

What a falsehood! For Allah’s Book is still amongst you its affairs are apparent; its rules are manifest; its signs 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 the wrongdoers! And if anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), it never will it be accepted from him; And in the hereafter, he will be in the ranks of those who have lost.

Surely you have not waited until its stampede seized, and it became obedient. You then started arousing its flames, instigating its coal, compiling with the call of the misled devil, quenching the light of the manifest reli- gion, and extinguished the light of the sincere Prophet. You concealed sips on froth and proceeded towards his (the Prophet) kin and children in swamps and forests (meaning you plot against them in deceitful ways), but we are patient with you as if we are being notched with knives and stung by spearheads in our abdomens, Yet-now you claim- that there is not inheritance for us! What! Do they then seek after a judgment of (the Days of) ignorance ? But how, for a people whose faith is assured, can give better judgment than Allah? Don’t you know? Yes, indeed it is obvious to you that I am his daughter.

O Muslims! Will my inheritance be usurped? O son of Abu Quhafa! Where is it in the Book of Allah that you inherit your father and I do not inherit mine? Surely you have come up with an unprecedented thing. Do you intentionally abandon the Book of Allah and cast it behind your back? Do you not read where it says: And Sulaiman inherited Dawood ? And when it narrates the story of Zakariya and says: ‘So give me an heir as from thyself (One that) will inherit ones and inherit the posterity of Yaqoob’.

And; ‘But kindred by hood have prior rights against each other in the Book of Allah’ And: ‘Allah (thus) directs you as regards your children’s (inheritance) to the male, a portion equal to that of two females’ And: ‘...If he leaves any goods, that he makes a bequest to parents and next of kin, according to reasonable usage; this is due from the pious ones.’

You claim that I have no share! And that I do not inherit my father! What! Did Allah reveal a (Qur’anic) verse regarding you from which He excluded my father? Or do you say: ‘These (Fatimah and her father) are the people of two faiths, they do not inherit each other?!’ Are we not, me and my father, a people adhering to one faith? Or is it that you have more knowledge about the specifi- cations and generalizations of the Qur’an than my father and my cousin (Imam ‘Ali) ? So, here you are! Take it! (Ready with) its nose rope and saddled! But if shall encounter you on the Day of Gathering, (thus) what a wonder- ful judge is Allah, a claimant is Muhammad, and a day is the Day of Rising.

At the time of the Hour shall the wrongdoers lose; and it shall not benefit you to regret (your actions) then! For every Message, there is a time limit; and soon shall ye know who will be inflicted with torture that will humiliate him, and who will be confronted by an everlasting punishment.

Fatimah then turned towards the Ansars and said: O you people of intellect! The strong supporters of the nation! And those who embraced Islam; What is this short-coming in defending my right? And what is this slumber (while you see) injustice (being done toward me)? Did not the Messenger of Allah (S) my father, used to say:

‘A man is upheld (remembered) by his children ?!’ O how quick have you violated (his orders)! How soon have you plotted against us? But you still are capable (of helping me in) my attempt, and powerful (to help me) in that which I request and (in) my pursuit (of it).

Or do you say: "Muhammad (S) has perished;”Surely this is a great calamity; Its damage is excessive its injury is great, Its wound (is much too deep) to healed The Earth became darkened with his departure; the stars eclipsed for his calamity; hopes were seized; mountains submitted; sanctity was violated, and holiness was encroached upon after his death. Therefore, this, by Allah, is the great affliction, and the grand calamity; there is not an affliction- which is the like of it; nor will there be a sudden misfortune (as surprising as this).

The Book of Allah-excellent in praising him-announced in the courtyards (of your houses) in the place where you spend your evenings and mornings; A call, A cry, A recitation, and (verses) in order: It had previously came upon His (Allah’s) Prophets and Messengers, (for it is) A decree final, and a pre- destination fulfilled: ‘Muhammad is not but an Apostle: Many were the apostles that passed away before him. If he died or was slain, will ye then turn back on your heels If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah; but Allah (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those who (serve Him) with gratitude.’

O you people of reflection; will I be usurped the inheritance of my father while you hear and see me?! (And while) You are sitting and gathered around me? You hear my call, and are included in the (news of the) affair? (But) You are numerous and well equipped! (You have) the means and the power, and the weapons and the shields.

Yet, the call reaches you but you do not answer; the cry comes to you but you do not come to help? (This) While you are characterized by struggle, known for goodness and welfare, the selected group (which was chosen), and the best ones chosen by the Messenger (S) for us, Ahlul-Bayt. You fought the Arabs, bore with pain and exhaustion, struggled against the nations, and resisted their heroes. We were still, so were you in ordering you and you in obeying us. So that Islam became triumphant, the accomplishment of the days came near, the fort of polytheism was subjected, the outburst of fabrication subsided, the flames of infidelity calmed down, and the system of religion was well-ordered.

Thus, (why have you) become con- fused after clearness? Conceal matters after announcing them ? Turned on your heels after daring? Associated (others with Allah) after believing? Will you not fight people who violated their oaths? Plotted to expel the Apostle and became aggressive by being the first (to assault) you? Do ye fear them? Nay, it is Allah Whom ye should more justly fear, if you believe! Nevertheless, I see that you are inclined to easy living; dismissed he who is more worthy of guardianship (‘Ali (as)) You secluded yourselves with meekness and dismissed that which you accepted. Yet, if you show ingratitude, ye and all on earth together, yet, Allah free of an wants, worthy of appraise. Surely I have said all that I have said with full knowledge that you intent to forsake me, and knowing the betrayal which your hearts sensed. But, it is the state of soul, the effusion of fury, the dissemination of (what is) the chest and the presentation of the proof

Hence, Here it is! Bag it (leadership and) put it on the back of an ill she-camel, which has a thin hump, with ever lasting grace, marked with the wrath of Allah, and the blame of ever (which leads to) the Fire of (the wrath of) Allah kindled (to a blaze), that which doth mount (right) to the hearts; For, Allah witnesses what you do, and soon will the unjust assailants know what vicissitudes their affairs will take!! And I am the daughter of a Warner (the Prophet S.) to you against a severe punishment. So, act and so will we, and wait, and we shall wait. (The end of Lady Fatimah’s speech.)

It appears from recorded historical events, that Lady Fatimah (sa) was successful at the beginning in persuading Abu Bakr to hand back Fadak to her; listen to part of a speech he (according to some historians) delivered after hearing Fatimah’s speech. He said:

‘ O daughter of the Messenger of Allah. . Surely the Prophet is your father, not anyone else’s, the brother of your husband, not any other man’s; he surely preferred him over all his friends and (‘Ali) supported him in every important matter, no one loves you save the lucky and no one hates you save tile wretched. You are the blessed progeny of Allah’s Messenger, the chosen ones, our guides to goodness, our path to Paradise, and you-the best of women-and the daughter of the best of prophets, truthful is your sayings, excelling in reason. You shall not be driven back from your right...But I surely heard your father saying: ‘ We the group of prophets do not inherit, nor are we inherited. ‘

Yet, this is my situation and properly, it is yours (if you wish); it shall not be concealed from you, nor will it be stored away from you. You are the Mistress of your father’s nation, and the blessed tree of your descendants. Your property shall not be usurped against your will, nor can your name be defamed Your judgment shall be executed in all that which I possess. This, do you think that I violate your father’s (will) ? ‘

Fatimah then refuted Abu Bakr’s claim that the Prophet (S) had stated that prophets can not be inherited, and said: Glory be to Allah! Surely Allah’s Messenger (S) did not abandon Allah’s Book nor did he violate His commands. Rather, he followed its decrees and adhered to its chapters. So do you unite with treachery justifying your fabrications?

Indeed this-after his departure-is similar to the disasters which were plotted against him during his lifetime. But behold! This is Allah’s Book, a just judge and a decisive speaker, saying One that will (truly) inherit Me, and inherit the posterity of Yaqub, and Sulaiman inherited Dawood.

Thus, He (Glory be to Him) made clear that which He made share of all heirs, decreed from the amounts of inheritance, allowed for males and females, and eradicated all doubts and ambiguities (pertaining to this issue which existed with the) by gones.

Nay! But your minds have made up a tale (that may pass) with you, but (for me) patience is most fitting against that which ye assert; it is Allah (alone) whose help can be sought. It is apparent that Abu Bakr chanced the mode with which he addressed Lady atimah (as) after delivering her speech. Listen to his following speech; which is his reply to Fatimah’s speech. Abu Bakr said:

Surely Allah and His Apostle are truthful, and so has as (the Prophet’s) daughter told the truth. Surely you are the source of wisdom, the element of faith, and the sole authority. May Allah not refute your righteous argument, nor invalidate your decisive speech But these are the Muslims between us-who have entrusted me with leadership and it was according to their satisfaction that I received what I have. I am not being arrogant, autocratic, or selfish, and they are my witnesses.

Upon hearing Abu Bakr speak of the people’s support for him, Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (sa) turned towards them and said:

O people, who rush towards uttering falsehood and are indifferent to disgraceful and losing actions! Do you not earnestly seek to reflect upon the Qur’an, or are your hearts isolated with locks? But on your hearts is the stain of the evil which you committed; it has seized your hearing and your sight, evil is that which you justified, cursed is that which you reckoned, and wicked is what you have taken for an exchange!

You shall, by Allah, find bearing it (to be a great) burden, and its consequence disastrous. (That is) on the day when the cover is removed and appears to you what is behind it of wrath. When you will be confronted by Allah with that which you could never have expected, there will perish, there and then, those who stood on falsehoods.

Although parts of Abu Bakr’s speeches can not be verified with authentic evidence, and despite the fact that we have already mentioned part of the actual speech which Abu Bakr delivered after Lady Fatimah’s (as) arguments, it appears certain that Abu Bakr was finally persuaded to submit Fadak to her.

Nevertheless, when Fatimah (sa) was leaving Abu Bakr’s house, Umar suddenly appeared and exclaimed: What is that you hold in your hand ?

Abu Bakr replied: ‘ A decree I have written for Fatimah (sa) in which I assigned Fadak and her father’s inheritance to her.

Umar then said: With what will you spend on the Muslims if the Arabs decide to fight you.

Umar then seized the decree and tore it up!!!

Sunni References:

- Seerah al Halabiyah, vol 3 p 391 -> 400

- Fadak in History, Murtaza Muttaheri, p 85

- Fatimah the Gracious, Abu Muhammad Ordoni, 217 -> 240

More Facts on Fadak

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Comments from Futuhul Buldan by Baladhuri’s

Now we present with some comments, regarding Khums and Fa’y some quotations from Baladhuri’s Futuhul Buldan, Urdu translation, Jami’a Uthmania, Hyderabad Deccan.

1. At last they sought peace on these terms - ‘ We shall go away from your town, leaving our weapons and mail coats, shall take with us only those articles which can be loaded on camels. All other articles including weapons, mail coats, oases, and lands will be the property of the Prophet of Allah. On this account the properties of Bani Nazir became under the Holy Prophet’s ownership. He used to get the land with the palm-date trees cultivated, and from its income he defrayed the expenses of his dependents for the whole year.’

(Vol. 1, page 25, Chapter The properties of Bani Nuzair).

From narration 1, it is established that the properties of Bani Nuzair exclusively belonged to the Holy Prophet. He got these lands cultivated for the subsistence of his dependents.

2. The narrator says that in this verse Allah has brought home to the Muslims that these properties were exclusively of the Holy Prophet and for no one else. (page 26).

From narration 2, it is established that since Muslims had not exhausted their horses and camels against Bani Nuzair their properties were meant exclusively for the Holy Prophet and for no one else.

3. Caliph Umar said ‘ The properties of Bani Nuzair were among those properties which Allah had given to His Prophet without fighting and on which the Muslims had not galloped their horses or camels. On that account they were the Holy Prophet’s exclusive property. From them he used to defray the expenses of his dependents for the whole year, and whatever was saved from it was spent in the way of Allah or for horses and weapons. (page 28).

From narration 3, it is established that Caliph Umar used to say that the properties of Bani Nuzair exclusively belonged to the Holy Prophet and from them he used to defray the expenses for his dependents for the whole year.

4. It is said on return from Khyber the Holy Prophet sent Mohayyasah bin Mas’ud Ansari to the people of Fadak to invite them to Islam. At that time their chief was a man from among themselves named Yusha’ bin Noon, the Jew. He offered to make peace with the Prophet by giving half the land to him, and the Holy Prophet accepted it. Hence, Fadak became exclusively the Prophet’s property because the Muslims had not advanced on it with their horses and camels. (page 45).

From narration 4, it is established that Fadak was granted by Allah to His Prophet without fighting. Therefore it was exclusively meant for the Holy Prophet.

5. Fatimah said to Caliph Abu Bakr, ‘ Give Fadak to me because the Holy Prophet had reserved it for me’ and presented ‘Ali as her witness. He (Abu Bakr) demanded another witness. She produced Umme Aiman. He said, ‘ O daughter of the Prophet! You know that evidence is not complete unless it is given by one man and two women’. Hearing this she went away. (pp. 47- 48).

From narration 5, it is established that Fatimah said to Abu Bakr ‘ Give Fadak to me, since the Prophet of Allah had reserved it for me’ In reply she was asked to produce witnesses who were afterwards rejected.

6. Fatimah said to Caliph Abu Bakr ‘ Give Fadak to me because the Holy Prophet had given it to me’ He deman- ded proof. She produced Umme Aiman and Rubab, the freed slave-girl of the Prophet. Both gave evidence. Abu Bakr said, ‘ In any case this evidence is not enough. The evidence should be of one man and two women’ (page 48).

From narration 6, it is established that Fatimah said to Abu Bakr, ‘ Give Fadak to me because the Prophet of Allah had given it to me’ , which means that Fadak was in the possession and control of Fatimah from the days of the Holy Prophet and no one had the authority to deprive Fatimah of it.

7. Fatimah went to Caliph Abu Bakr and inquired, ‘ When you- die who will be your successor’ ? He said, ‘ My issues’ Fatimah said, ‘ Then how is it that despite our presence you have become the successor of the Holy Prophet’ He said, ‘ O daughter of the Prophet! By Allah I have not inherited gold or silver or any other thing from your father’ She said, ‘ Khyber is our share and Fadak is a gift to us’ He said, ‘ O daughter of the Prophet! I have heard from the Holy Prophet, ‘ This source of living is till my life. After me, it should be distributed among the Muslims’ (page 48).

>From narration 7, it is established that F Fatimah inquired from Abu Bakr, ‘ When you die who will be your successor?’ Abu Bakr said, ‘ My issues ‘. Fatimah there-- upon said, ‘and then how is it that despite our presence yolk -have become the successor of the Holy Prophet ‘, and in reply Abu Bakr said, ‘ I have heard the Holy Prophet saying, ‘ this source of living is till my life; after me it should be distributed among the Muslims’ .

A few questions arise here. First, whether after the Holy Prophet the economic necessities of Ale Muhammad would also come to an end? Secondly, whether Allah excluded Ale Muhammad from the rule of inheritance. Thirdly, is there any verse in the Holy Qur’an from which it may be established that if Abu Bakr dies his issues should inherit him and when Muhammad bin Abdullah dies, his issues should not inherit him.

8. The verse ‘ Since you did not have to exhaust your horses and camels (or even fight)’ , pertains to Fadak and such other areas of Arabia, which were exclusively reserved for the Holy Prophet. (page 49).

From narration 8, it is established that Fadak and some areas of Arabia were exclusively reserved for the Holy Prophet.

9. After this in the year 210 A.H. Amirul Mo’minin, Mamun Abdullah bin Harunur Rashid ordered restoration of Fadak to the descendants of Fatimah and wrote about it to Qasim bin Ja’far who was his Governor in Medina ‘ By virtue of his position in the religion and being a near kinsman of the Holy Prophet, Amirul Mo’minin is apt to abide by his Sunnah and enforce his commands, and to give over anything that he might have bequeathed to anyone as charity or gift. The succour and protection of Allah is in favour of Amirul Mo’minin and by every act, he aims at His Pleasure.

‘ The Holy Prophet had gifted Fadak to his daughter Fatimah. This was such a well-known matter that there was no difference about it among the descendants of the Prophet. On this basis Fadak had been demanded from Amirul Mo’minin. The disposal of this matter was very important for him by virtue of his sincerity towards the Prophet. Therefore, Amirul Mo’minin deems it proper to restore Fadak to the descendants of Fatimah, and entrust it to them so as to secure Pleasure of Allah by upholding right and justice and of the Prophet by enforcing his command. Accordingly Amirul Mo’minin orders that this be entered in his records and his officers be informed accordingly.

Since after the Prophet it was announced in every Haj that whoever had been given any charity or gift or had been promised anything should come and his statement would be accepted, and his share would be made over to him,Fatimah was more entitled to it that her statement in respect of what had been reserved for her should be taken as true. Amirul Mo’minin has ordered his freed slave Mubarak Tabari that Fadak in its original boundaries together with all the rights appertaining to it now and also along with its working slaves, and its revenues, should be handed over to the descendants of Fatimah i.e. Muhammad bin Yahya bin Husayn bin Zayd bin ‘Ali bin Husayn bin ‘Ali bin Abi Talib, because Amirul Mo’minin has made them trustees for the administration of these matters.

So know that this is according to the view of Amirul Mo’minin and it has been put in his mind by Allah because of the obedience and service that he performs and of the determination that Allah gave him through the nearness that he enjoys with Allah and His Prophet. You should appraise Mubarak Tabari of this and deal with Muhammad bin Yahya and Muhammad bin Abdullah whom Amirul Mo’minin has appointed trustees in the same manner in which you had held dealing with Mubarak Tabari, and co-operate with them in the matter in which, if Allah wills, the development, improvement and prosperity of Fadak is involved, and increase of its produce is aimed at. (page 50).

The edict has been written on Wednesday the 2nd day of Zi’qadah in the year 210 A.H. But when Mutawakkil became the caliph, he reversed the position of Fadak.

>From narration 9, an edict of Caliph Mamun has been given. He wrote to his Governor at Medina, Qasim bin Ja’far to restore Fadak to- the descendants of Fatimah. In it Mamun has clearly written that the Holy Prophet had gifted Fadak to Fatimah. He has also written that during the days of Haj it was announced that if the Holy Prophet made any promise to someone he should say so, and the words of those making such claims were accepted and no witnesses were asked for. As such, Fatimah argued that her claim should be accepted and she should be given what had been reserved for her by the Holy Prophet. But alas, it was not done. Everyone among the common people was given according to his claim, without any witness as called for, but the daughter of the Holy Prophet, for whose truthful- ness Allah revealed the verse of Purification (Vide, al-Qur’an, 33 33) in the Holy Qur’an, was made to produce witnesses, and on presentation of the witnesses also, the claim was disallowed.

A Short History of Fadak after the Martyrdom of Fatimah (sa)

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

The motive which causes us to further pursue the history of Fadak and to extract the continuation of events after it for a period of three centuries from the texts of the historical books is to clarify three questions

a. The rule of annulment of inheritance from prophets made by the Holy Prophet (S), in other words, that the property of the Holy Prophet (S) is a part of the public treasurey and belongs to all Muslims. This was claimed by the first Caliph Abu Bakr, and was rejected by his successors, both by the next two caliphs (Umar and Uthman), and by the Umayyads and the Abbasids. We must consider that the lawfulness and rightfulness of their caliphate depended upon the correctness

b. Imam ‘Ali (as) and the descendants of Fatimah (sa) never had any hesitation regarding the rightfulness and justifiability of their claim. They insisted and confirmed that Fatimah (sa) had always been right and that Abu Bakr’s claim had always been rejected, and they did not yield to the false claim.

c. Whenever one of the Caliphs made a decision to put into effect Allah’s command, in regards to Fadak, to observe justice and equity, and to restore the right to the entitled one in conformity with Islamic rules, he used to return back the Fadak to the descendants of Fatimah (sa) and to hand it over to them.

1. Umar was the most harsh person in keeping Fatimah (sa) from Fadak and her inheritance as he himself confessed:

When the Messenger of Allah (S) died I came along with Abu Bakr to ‘Ali ibn Abu Talib, and said: ‘ What do you have to say about what has been left by the Messenger of Allah? ‘, He replied: ‘ We have the most rights with the Holy Prophet (S). ‘ I (Umar) said: ‘ Even those properties of Khaibar?’

He said: ‘ Yes, even those of Khaybar. ‘ I said: ‘ Even those of Fadak? ‘, He replied: ‘ Yes, even those of Fadak.’ Then I said: ‘By Allah, we say no, even if you cut our necks with saws.’

Sunni reference:

- Majma al Zawaid, vol 9 pp 39-40

As mentioned in the previous article, Umar took the document of Fadak and tore it up. But when Umar became caliph (13/634-23/644) he gave back the Fadak to the inheritors of the Holy Prophet (S). Yaqut al Hamawi, the famous historian and geographer, following the event of Fadak said:

Then, when Umar ibn al Khattab became the caliph and gained victories and the Muslims had secured abundanr wealth (i.e the public treasury satisifed the caliphate’s needs), he made his judgement contrary to that of his predecessor, and that was to give it (Fadak) back to the Prophet’s heirs. At that time ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib and Abbas ibn Abd al Muttalib disputed Fadak. ‘Ali said that the Holy Prophet (S) had bestowed it on Fatimah (sa) during his life time. Abbas denied and used to say, ‘This was in the possesion of the Holy Prophet (S), and I am sharing with his heirs.’ They were disputing this with among each other and asked Umar to settle the case: ‘Both of you are more conscious and aware to your problem; but I only give it to you.’ (See note for this para)

Sunni References:

- Mujam al Buldan, vol 4 p 238-9

- Wafa al Wafa, vol 3 p 999

- Tadhib al Tadhib, vol 10 p 124

- Lisan al Arab, vol 10 p 473

- Taj al Arus, vol 7 p 166

(Note: The last part of the historic event has been inserted after wards to demonstrate the matter of inheritance by the brother of the deceased or the paternal uncle of the deceased when he has no sons. problem is a matter of dispute between Islamic Sects. The judicial and the jursipridencial discussion is seperate from our goal. We are only discussing the matter historicaly. Abbas had no claim in this case because he had not shown that he had a share in this property, nor did his descendants consider it to be among their assests even when they had become caliphs and were reigning. They owed this estate either in their position as Caliphs, or they used to return it to the descendants of Fatimah (sa) when they had decided to be just governors.)

2. When Uthman ibn Affan became the caliph after the death for Umar he granted Fadak to Marwan ibn al Hakam, his cousin, and this was one of the causes of the vindictive feelings among the Muslims towards Uthman, which ended in the revolt against him and his murder.

Sunni References:

- as Sunan al Kubra, vol 6 p 301

- Wafa al Wafa, vol 3 p 1000

- Sharah, ibn Al Hadid, vol 1 p 198

- al Maarif, al Qutaybah, p 195

- al Iqd al Farid, vol 4 p 283, 485

- at Tarikh, Abul Fida, vol 1 p 168

- Ibn al Wardi, vol 1 p 204

In this way Fadak fell into the possesion of Marwan; he used to sell crops and products for at least ten thousand dinars per year, and if in some years its income decreased, this drop was not very pronounced. This was its usual profit untill the time of the Caliphate of Umar ibn Abd al Aziz (in 100.718).

Sunni References:

- Tabaqat, Ibn Sa’ad, vol 5 p 286-7

- Subh al Asha, vol 4 p 291

3. When Muawiyah ibn Abu Sufyan became the Caliph, he became the partner with Marwan and others in Fadak. He alloted one thrid to Marwan, and one thrid to Amr ibn Uthman ibn Affan and one thrid to his son, Yazid. This was after the death of Imam Hasan (as). In the words of the Sunni historian, Yaqubi

To Make Angry The Progeny Of The Holy Prophet

Sunni reference:

- at Tarikh, Yaqubi, vol 2 p 199

It was in the possesion of the three above mentioned persons until Marwan became Caliph and then he completely took over posession over it. Then he donated to his two sons, Abd al Malik and Abd al Aziz. Then Abd al Aziz donated his share to his son (Umar ibn Abd al Aziz).

4. When Umar ibn Abd al Aziz becmae the Caliph he delivered a lecture and mentioned that: ‘Verily, Fadak was among the things that Allah had bestowed on His Messenger, and no horse, nor camel was pricked against it.’

As he mentioned the case of Fadak during the past caliphates he said: Then Marwan gave it to my father and to Abd al Malik. It became mine and and al Walids and Sulaymans (two sons of Abd al Malik).

When al Walid became caliph I asked him for his share and he gave it to me. Then I gathered the three parts and I possess no property more preferable to me than this. Be witness that I returned it to its original state. He wrote this to his governer in Medina (Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Amr ibn Hazm) and ordered him to carry out what he had declared in the speech be delivered. Then Fadak came into the possession of the children of Fatimah (sa).

This was the first removal of oppresion by returning Fadak to the Children of ‘Ali (as).

Shi’a reference:

- al Awail, Abu Hilal al Askari, p 209

5. When Yazid ibn Abd al Malik became caliph (101/720-105/724) he seized Fadak and they (the children of Imam ‘Ali (as)) were dispossesed. It fell into the possesion of the Banu Marwan as it had been previously. They passed it from hand to hand untill their caliphate expired and passed away to Banu al Abbas.

6. When Abul Abbas Abdullah as Saffah became the first caliph of the Abbasid Dynasty (132/749-136/754) he gave back Fadak to the Children of Fatimah (sa) and submitted it to Abdullah ibn al Hasan ibn al Hasan ibn ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib.

7. When Abu Jafar Abdullah al Mansur ad Dawaniqi (136/754-158/775) became the calpih, he seized Fadak from the children of Fatimah (sa).

8. When Muhammad al Mahdi ibn al Mansur became caliph (158/775-169/785) he returned Fadak to the children of Fatimah (sa).

9. The Musa al Hadi ibn al Mahdi (169/785-170/786) and his brother Harun ar Rashid (170/786-193/809) seized it from the descendants of Fatimah (sa) and it was in the possesion of Banu al Abbas untill the time that al-Mamun became the Caliph (193/831-218/833)

10. al Mamun al Abbasi gave it back to the descendants of Fatimah (sa). It is narrtaed through al Mahdi ibn Sabiq that: al Mamun one day sat to hear the complaints of the people and to judgein cases. The first utter complaint which he received caused him to weep when he looked at it. He asked where the attorney of Fatimah (sa), daughter of the Holy Prophet (S) was? An old man stood up and came forth, arguing with him about Fadal and al Mamun also argued with him untill he overcame al Mamun.

Shi’a reference:

- al Awail, p 209

al Mamun summoned the Islamic Jurisprudents and interrogated them about the claim of Banu Fatimah. They narrated to al Mamun that the Holy Prophet (S) gifted Fadak to Fatimah (sa) and that after the death of the Holy Prophet (S), Fatimah (sa) demanded Abu Bakr to return Fadak to her. He asked her to bring witnesses to her claim reagrding the gift. She brought, ‘Ali, al Hasan, al Hussain and Umm Ayman, as her witnesses. They witnessed the case in her favor. Abu Bakr rejected their witness.

Then al Mamun asked the scholars: ‘What is your view about Umm Ayman?’ They replied:’She is a woman to whom the Holy Prophet (S) bore witness that she is an inhabitant of Paradise.’ al Mamun disputed at lenght with them and forced them to accept the arguments put forth by proofs till they confessed that ‘Ali, al Hasan, al Hussain and Umm Ayman had witnessed only the truth. When they unanimiously accepted this matter, he restored Fadak to the descendants to Fatimah (sa).

Sunni reference:

- at Tarikh, al Yaqubi, vol 3 p 195-96

11. During the period of al Mamun’s caliphate Fadak was in the possesion of Fatimah’s descendants, and this was confirmed during the caliphate of al Mutasim (218/833-227/842) and al Wathiq (227/842 - 232/847).

12. When Jafar al Mutawakkil became the caliph (232/847-247/861), the one among them who was marked as an arch enemy of the progeny of the Holy Prophet (S), both of those alivce and of those dead, gave the order to recapture Fadak from the descendants of Fatimah (sa).

Shi’a References:

- Kashf al Ghumnah, vol 2 p 121-2

- al Bihar, vol 8 p 108

- Safinah al Bihar, vol 2 p 351

13. When al Mutawwakil was killed and al Muntasir (his son) succeeded him (247/861-248/862), he gave the order to restore Fadak to the descendants of al Hasan and al Husayn and delivered the donations of Abu Talib to them and this was in 248/862.

Sunni references (For 3 - 13)

- Futuh al Buldan, vol 1 p 33-8

- Mujam al Buldan, vol 4 p 238-40

- at Tarikh, Yaqubi, vol 2 p 199, vol 3 p 48, 195-96

- al Kamil, Ibn Atheer, vol 2 p 224-225, vol 3 p 457, 497, vol 5 p 63 vol 7 p 116

- al Iqd al Farid, vol 4 p 216, 283, 435

- Wafa al Wafa, vol 3 p 999-1000

- al Tabaqat al Kabir, vol 5 p 286-7

- Tarikh ul Khulafa, p 231-32, 356

- Muruj ad Dhahab, vol 4 p 82

- Sirah Umar ibn Abd al Aziz, Ibn al Jawzi, p 110

- Sharah, ibn Al Hadid, vol 16 p 277-78

14. It seemed that Fadak was recaptured from the descendants of Fatimah (sa) after the death of al Muntasir, because Abul Hasan ‘Ali ibn Isa al Iribili (died 692/1293) mentioned: al Mutadid (279/892-289/902) retured Fadak to the descendants of Fatimah.

Then he mentioned that al Muqtafi (289/902-295/908) seized it from them. It is said also that al Muqtadir (295/908-320/932) returned it to them.

Shi’a References:

- Kash al Ghummah, vol 2 p 122

- al Bihar, vol 8 p 108

15. After this long period of recapturing and restoration, Fadak was returned to the posession of the usurpers and their heirs as it seems, no further mention was made in History and the curtain fell!

Is it (then that) the judgement of (the times of pagan) ignorance they desire? And who (else) can be better than Allah to judge for a people of assured faith. (5:50)