Who is the real killer of “Lānatullah ‘Alayhi” (the cursed upon him), the Mother of the World, Lady Fatimah Tuz Zahra (sa)?

Hazrat Fatimah Tuz-Zahra (sa) was the daughter of Rasulullah (sa), the wife of Hazrat Ali (as), and the mother of Imam Hasan (as) and Husayn (as). She is a symbol of a perfect woman in Islamic history and is revered by all Muslims.

The Bagh-e-Fadak date garden gifted to Lady Fatimah (sa):

The Prophet Muhammad (sa) had gifted the date garden called Bagh-e-Fadak to Lady Fatimah (sa) as her property. After Abu Bakr became the caliph unlawfully, violating Allah’s command, he forcibly took that property (Bagh-e-Fadak) claiming it was part of Bayt al-Mal (the state treasury).

Lady Fatimah (sa) went to Abu Bakr’s court with written deeds and appropriate evidence to reclaim her property that was given to her by the Prophet (sa). With a deeply sorrowful heart, it must be said that the same Lady Fatimah (sa), for whose honor the Prophet (sa) stood and showed great respect, was made to wait for hours in Abu Bakr’s court and subjected to trivial, insulting, and mocking discussions. At one point, when Lady Fatimah (sa) produced the written deed from the Prophet (sa), Abu Bakr expressed willingness to return the property. But at that moment, Umar came and asked to see the document. Upon holding it, Umar tore it into pieces saying, “Now there is no proof left.” After this incident, Lady Fatimah (sa) did not speak to Abu Bakr or Umar until her death and also instructed Hazrat Mawla Ali not to let Abu Bakr or Umar attend her funeral prayer.

Attack on Hazrat Mawla Ali’s (as) house to arrest him:

A few days after the demise of the Prophet (sa), by the full permission of the first caliph Abu Bakr, a group led by Umar went to arrest Hazrat Mawla Ali (as). Lady Fatimah Tuz Zahra (sa) held the door with both hands, locking it. In anger, Umar first set fire to the door and then kicked it forcefully. The burning door broke and hit the chest of the daughter of the Prophet (sa), breaking her ribs. Lady Fatimah (sa) was pregnant at the time and because of the injury, she miscarried her child. From that time onward, she was bedridden and never recovered. After some days, she passed away.

Sunni references on the incident:

Khatoon-e-Jannat Fatimah Zahra, p.112, 119 (Rehmania Library)

Hazrat Fatimah Zahra, p.61, 62, 67, 68 (Taj Library)

Hazrat Fatimah Zahra, p.180, 189, 190 (Hamidia Library)

Nahj al-Balagha, p.364-375 (Jehadul Islam)

Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 6, Hadith no. 6258 (Modern Publication)

Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith no. 2860, 3436, 3437, 3438 (Modern Publication)

Hilyat al-Awliya, Vol. 2, p.43 (Egypt)

As-Sunan al-Kubra, Vol. 3, p.39 & Vol. 4, p.334 (Hyderabad, India)

Ansar al-Ashraf (Baladhuri), Vol. 1, p.405 (Egypt)

Al-Istiab, Vol. 4, p.1897 (Egypt)

Usud al-Ghaba (Ibn Asir), Vol. 5, p.524 (Egypt)

Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 5, p.177 & Vol. 8, p.185 (Egypt)

Sahih al-Muslim, Vol. 5, p.153

Sunan al-Kubra, Vol. 4, p.29 & Vol. 6, p.300 (Hyderabad, India)

Al-Tabaqat Ibn Saad, Vol. 2, p.86 (Leiden)

Musnad Hambal, Vol. 1, p.9 (Egypt)

Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 1, p.1825 (Leiden)

Al-Bidaya wa’l-Nihaya, Vol. 5, p.285 (Egypt)

Sharh Nahj al-Balagha (Ibn Hadeed), Vol. 6, p.46 (Egypt)

Sequence of events (after the death of Prophet Muhammad (sa)):

After the death of the Prophet Muhammad (sa), disagreement began regarding leadership and caliphate among the Muslim Ummah. This is where the main historical controversies originate.

Shia Perspective:

Controversial attack and door incident:

According to Shia historical sources, after the Prophet’s (sa) death, when Hazrat Ali (as) had not pledged allegiance (bay’ah), a group led by Hazrat Umar (ra) besieged the house of Bani Hashim (the household of Hazrat Fatimah and Ali (as)).

Many Shia books state:

• Umar (ra) threatened to set the house on fire if they did not come out.
• The door was forcefully opened while Hazrat Fatimah (sa) was behind it.
• She was seriously injured and miscarried her unborn child (Muhsin).
• Her physical condition deteriorated thereafter.

Primary sources (Shia):

• Kitab Sulaym ibn Qays
• Bihar al-Anwar (Allama Majlisi)
• Al-Irshad (Sheikh al-Mufid)

Shia viewpoint:

• There are serious accusations against Abu Bakr (ra) and Umar (ra) in parts of Shia history.
• Shia Muslims believe this incident directly led to the martyrdom of Lady Fatimah (sa)

Sunni Perspective:

Sunni Muslims' viewpoint:

• The death of Hazrat Fatimah (sa) was tragic but not due to any attack.
• They believe the Sahabah (companions) respected each other, and no forceful events took place.
• She lived only six months after the Prophet’s (sa) death.

Though she had disputes with Caliph Abu Bakr over Fadak, there was no public accusation against the Sahabah.

Primary sources (Sunni):

• Sahih Bukhari
• Sahih Muslim
• Tarikh al-Tabari
• Ibn Kathir’s Al-Bidaya wa’l-Nihaya

On the term “Lānatullah ‘Alayhi” (Curse of Allah upon him):

In Islam, saying “Lānatullah ‘Alayhi” is a serious curse used only against confirmed disbelievers, hypocrites, or enemies of Allah. Regarding cursing Sahabah, Sunni scholars consider it forbidden and disrespectful. Although Shia theology has some exceptions, many Shia scholars also advocate caution and unity.

Conclusion:

Shia communities fully support that Hazrat Fatimah’s (sa) death was caused by the attack on Hazrat Mawla Ali’s (ra) house and the injury leading to miscarriage. They also believe in the door incident. However, Sunni communities consider her death a natural/spiritual suffering and deny the attack. The role of the Sahabah is viewed variously — criticized in some sources and respected and innocent in others.