House of Fatima

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ATTACK ON AL ZAHRA

Siege of the Holy House

May 2011

A learned Italian lady Professor Veccia Vaglieri in her article in Encyclopedia of Islam claims that armed men besieged Fatima’s house. After Prophet died, some men laid siege to the house of Fatima al Zahra. They gathered outside her home in order to get the allegiance of Ali and his followers. They threatened to burn down Fatima's house without letting anyone escape.

However, Professor Vaglieri decided not go into all the details of the attack.

Given below is much graver truth about the brutal treatment meted out on the holy lady.

When Prophet Mohammed died, his loyal disciples gathered inside the house of Ali and Fatima. These faithful refused to accept anyone as their leader except Ali whom they believed was the appointed heir.

However, others men in Medina decided to subdue these rebels. They came with a gang of armed men and surrounded the house. Fatima knew this gang of men wanted to kill Ali. Holy Lady decided to save her husband. Fatima asked Ali to let allow her to open the door and try to persuade these killers to stop their evil plan.

The armed shouted outside the house. They ordered Ali and his men to come out and pledge allegiance. They really had evil intentions.

Fatima saw fire torch in their hand. They wanted to burn the house down with everyone in it.

Fatima looked at the heavens and cried. She asked them:

“You really hate me that much that you want to burn my door!”

They replied:

“Yes, we will do that to strengthen religion your father brought.”

Fatima said:

“You left the body of God’s Messenger, and you have decided things without telling us, or respecting our rights!”

They relied:

“Your status as daughter of the Holy Prophet won’t stop us from burning down your house.”

Fatima wept loud:

“O father! O Messenger of God! What evils we have suffered at the hands of these men after your death!”

The gang gave final warning:

“Send Ali and his men out and pay allegiance without delay or else we will burn them all.”

A spear was thrown at the door. It got stuck into the door.

Ali now came out with sword drawn. They all attacked Ali.

Ali's disciples also fought his eneies. They tried to defend the house of Ali. But they were all beaten and arrested.

Fatima was standing behind her door. She was weeping. They tried to smash the door. The nails pierced her body. Some men broke into her house. Fatima was pressed by the door against the wall. They were kicking the door.

The sharp tip of the spear stuck in the door punchered the body of Fatima.
Fatima was injured. She was bleeding. She was pregnant at the time. The child she was carrying in her womb was killed.

Her ribs were broken. Historian Masudi says she was screaming.

One man hit the hand of Fatima with his sword. Its iron broke her arm.

Fatima fell on the ground. She was kicked for putting up such a resistance.

Fatima was repeatedly hit. Hilali writes that she was badly beaten.

One man came forward and kicked Fatima in the stomach. Fatima fainted. She was carrying an unborn son named Mohsin. Fatima's baby died.

Ali was outside fighting these men. But Prophet had told Ali that after him Fatima would be killed, and that she would be the first of his family to join him. Prophet had ordered Ali not to shed blood. Therefore, in obedience to God’s Messenger, Ali did not kill any of the men.

These men shouted to Ali that if he did not come with them, they would burn Fatima’s home and all those inside, including her children Hasan and Husayn. Ali decided to save his wife and children. He stopped fighting them.

The gang quickly captured Ali and held him. They tied ropes around Ali.

All the attackers then left the house. Ali was dragged to Prophet’s Masjid.

Inside the Masjid of the Holy Prophet, the men put sword on Ali’s neck. They forced his right hand as to give allegiance. Ali’s disciples were similarly forced to give loyalty pledge.

Sixty days later, Fatima died of her injuries. She asked Ali bury her at night and not allow her oppressors to take part in her funeral. Ali secretly buried his Lady of Light in darkness of night. No one knows Fatima’s grave to this day.


Fatima Al Zahra is the Holy daughter of the Holy Prophet Mohammed.

Peace be upon Fatima, her father, her husband and her children.


[Sources: Yaqubi, Tabari, Ibn Qutaiba, Ibn Abd Rabbih, Baladhuri, Ibn Abi Shaiba, Masudi, Shahrastani, Baladhuri, Sulaim bin Qays al Hilali ]

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