Group+3.2+Fatima+(Muhammad's+daughter)

=toc Fatima: The Daughter of the Prophet Muhammad =

Historical Background
 Fatima was the daughter of Muhammad, the prophet. She was born around the years 605 and 615 although the actual date of her birth is debated. She married Muhammad's cousin Ali ibn Abi Talib in 623 and had four children (Fatimah).Fatima was not the only child of Muhammad, he had other sons and daughters. However, the rest of his children did not have any significant accomplishments and many of them became ill and died at very young ages (Britannica). Because of her marriage to Ali- considered by Shi'ites as the heir to the prophet Muhammad- Fatima plays a significant role in Shi'ite religion (Britannica).

 In 622, Fatima went along with her father as he emigrated from Mecca to Medina. She was married to Ali in Medina soon after. During the first years of Fatima and Ali's marriage, the couple lived in poverty (Britannica). While Muhammad was alive Fatima was not involved in political affairs; however, after Muhammad's death in 632 Fatima faced disagreement with Abu Bakr regarding who would be the successor of Muhammad. Because of this conflict, Abu Bakr refused to allow Fatima to claim her inheritance from her father and they remained in conflict until Fatima died six months later (Britannica).

 By: Annelise Hochstein

Fatima's Position in Islam
Fatima bint Muhammad is the daughter of Khadijah, Muhammad's first wife. She holds a very important and sacred role in the religion of Islam. Fatima is one of, if not the most celebrated and holiest women in the history of Islam. For example, Iran celebrates Mother's Day on Fatima's birthday (Kashani-Sabet pg 3). It is fair to compare the role of Fatima in Islam to that of Mary the mother of Jesus in Christianity. Both are very important women in the guidance and care of the Holiest earthly men of their religion. Fatima's importance to her father the Prophet Muhammad and to her husband, Ali the founder of the Shi'ite sect, is comparable to the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. Both women are beloved in their respective religions as pure perfect woman. Fatima is regarded by one Islamic scholar as the "exemplar of chastity and religiosity for women" (Kashani-Sabet pg 2). This draws another parallel to Mary who brought Jesus the Son of God into the world via Virgin birth. Fatima differs from Mary in the aspect that she is beloved for being more than just a mother. She was a loving and loyal daughter to Muhammad as is shown by her willingness to fight for her father's belongings after his death. She was a devoted and caring wife to Ali, supporting him after her father's death. She was also a "revered mother of a sacred martyr" (Kashani-Sabet pg 4). According to Nusrat Allah Nuriyani in an excerpt from Firoozeh Kashani-Sabet's Journal of Middle East Women's Studies entry, "Fatima was offered to this world by her father, the Prophet Muhammad, as the complete example of womanhood" (1). In this role, Fatima is regarded lovingly as the, "ideal woman of Islam" (3). Fatima holds a unique position in the religion of Islam. Not only was she the daughter of the prophet, she was the wife of the founder of a major sect of Islam, and the mother of four including two celebrated sons. She is beloved as the pillar of what a woman should be as well as being traced to originating the tradition of Islamic women wearing chadors and hejabs(Kashani-Sabet 3). This unique position is what helps Fatima hold her spot in Islamic folklore as the model woman.

By: Gerald Cohoon

Fatima's Relationship to Ali
Fatima was an icon and a symbol of all women in Iran. Being the only biological daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and wife of the first Shi’ite Imam, Fatima is portrayed as one of the holiest women in Islam. Fatima’s life represents religious status for women in Iran and mostly the Shi’ite society (Kashani). During her short life, Fatima married Ali around the age of twenty years old and had two girls named Zaynab and Umm Kulthum, as well as two boys Hasan and Husayn. Fatima became a representation of womanhood in Islamic culture. Mother’s day in Iran, following the Islamic Revolution, was celebrated on Fatima’s day of birth (Kashani).  When the Prophet’s holy younger daughter came to a marriageable age, many asked for her hand but Muhammad refused their request because he was waiting for a revelation from Gabriel (Kashani). Muhammad was then blessed with the message that Ali would take his daughter’s hand and they would engage in the “wedding from heaven." Muhammad commended Ali as the holiest of Muslims and therefore fitting as the husband for Fatima (Kashani).  <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When taken to Ali’s house after the wedding, Fatima cries to Muhammad as he begins to leave not because Ali is not rich but she cries in sadness of leaving her father. Ali was a poor man but could provide gifts for Fatima as well as useful household items to live a satisfying life together. Many offered Ali the option to leave poor Fatima and marry their rich daughters but he did not abandon Fatima for money and stayed true to her (Kashani). Fatima and Ali had the ideal marriage of the daughter of a Prophet united with the chosen one as her husband ("Marriage of Ali"). <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The marriage of Fatima and Prophet Muhammad’s cousin Ali hardened Ali’s position and leadership in the Islamic community. Fatima died not long after the Prophet Muhammad’s death. During the last years of her life she suffered from being beaten by Ali’s rivals and facing consequences of his disputes with the Sunni (Kashani). Ali was poor and their marriage was also filled with struggle. Some stories said Ali treated Fatima harshly which lead to her complaining to her father Muhammad. Others told that Ali treated Fatima with respect and stayed monogamous even after her death (Sered). <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Based on Shi’ite tradition, Fatima stayed in close contact with Muhammad and during his final days, while Fatima grieved his illness, he told her that she would be the next member of the family to join him in the next world (Sered). From when she was born to the day of her wedding, Fatima is shined on by a glowing light. This light represents her duty as a daughter of a Prophet and later a wife (Kashani). She symbolizes suffering, motherhood, strength and weakness. Fatima plays an important role in Islamic society and serves as a role model for Islamic women.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By: Rei Gjeci

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Women's Contemporary Role in Islam
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> The Islamic religion is not oppressive to women, though it is often perceived that way by Western societies. One reason for this misconception is the traditional dress of Muslim women, characterized by Hijab. While to Western cultures the dress of Hijab seems to oppress women by forbidding personal expression and making women appear inferior, the dress actually has a very sincere role in the religion. The true purpose of Hijab is to conceal a woman’s body in order to give her the appearance of a human being instead of an object of desire (BAYY). Hijab is important to men as well as woman. To men it acts as a reminder that women are not to be look upon as sexual objects and brings about ideals of equal treatment. To women, Hijab suggests a certain behavior in which a woman presents herself as a human being in the same manner as a man (BAYYNAT). Although the specific garments of Hijab differ among cultures within Islam, Hijab tends to retain similar symbolism throughout the religion (PBS). [|This video] aids in further justifying a positive connotation for Hijab (Global Connections: Veiling and Feminism).

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Islam inherently gives women a number of rights and privileges which are directly outlined in the Quran. Some of these rights were not even in place for women in many other cultures until the 1800’s. Women are believed to be looked upon by Allah as equal to men (PBS). The Quran states: a daughter should be educated as well as a son, a woman has the right to ask for a divorce under certain conditions or refuse a perspective husband, and women may own or inherit property (PBS). As with Hijab, these rights have been interpreted differently throughout Muslim cultures. The extent of a woman’s right in Muslim society also depends greatly on her social or economic status. Women with more wealth generally are able to get around restrictions put in place for Muslim women (PBS).

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> By: Annelise Hochstein

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hand of Fatima
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> The Hand of Fatima, also known as Hamsa (meaning five), is a symbol of protection from the evil eye. Many cultures throughout the world vary in legends, spells, and traditions concerning the evil eye and protection from it. The name Hand of Fatima or Eye of Fatima comes from the Prophet Muhammad’s daughter Fatimah Zahra. In Islam the Hamsa is often used for protection and compassion. The eye within the hand serves as a distraction from the real object similar to how animals can use deception. For instance, when a birds feathers form the shape of an eye a member of the opposite sex can become intrigued and mesmerized by it but at the same time the eye serves as a distraction and protection from nearby predators with false conception of what is real and what is not (Hand of Fatima).

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> However all of the components of the symbol come into play in regarding warding off the “evil eye” including the fingers, eye, and hand. Many cultures differ in how each is used or interpreted, but for example the five fingers (wright) also serve as a symbol to the 5 pillars of Islam or the expression “five fingers in your eye”. All of these serve as symbolic representation of power, strength, and blessing in avoidance of the evil eye (Hamsa). The hand also represents healing as hands are commonly used in healing others. The Hamsa is an extremely important figure in Arabic culture, so much in fact within the Algerian emblem contains the Hand of Fatima. This shows the significance of certain ideals and symbols and how widespread some are across entire regions (Hamsa).

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> In Judaism the Hasma also serves a great significance in symbolism and importance especially to the Sephardic Jewish community. The Sephardic Jewish people <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> can be defined as those who see themselves having Jewish customs and traditions spawning from the Iberian Peninsula, regardless if there is any true historical evidence. Nevertheless, to the Jewish community (especially Sephardic) the five fingers can serve as the five books of Torah and the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet that letter carries one of Gods holy names. The hand of Fatima is therefore not restricted to one culture; while its meaning may vary across cultures the symbol remains unilateral. In regards to the naming of the Hasma in the Jewish community it is known as Miriam's Hand, the sister of Aaron and Moses (Hand of Fatima).

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> By: Chris Cislo

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Works Cited:
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Fāṭimah." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2011. Web. 14 Mar. 2011. <[]>

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> “Fatimah.” Wikipedia, 2011. Web. 14 Mar 2011. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[]

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Global Connections: The Middle East." PSB. WGBH Educational Foundation, 2002. Web. 12 Mar 2011. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[]

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Hamsa." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 14 Mar. 2011. <[]>.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hand of Fatima. Web. 14 Mar. 2011. <[]>.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Kashani-Sabet, Firoozeh. “Who is Fatima? Gender, Culture and Representation in Islam.” Indiana University Press 1.2 (2005): 1-10. JSTOR. Web. 13 Mar. 2011.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“Marriage of Ali.” Witness-pioneer. Webmaster, Nov 5, 2004. Web. 13 Mar. 2011. []

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sered, Susan. “Rachel, Mary, and Fatima.” Cultural Anthropology 6.2 (1991): 135-138. JSTOR. Web. 14 Mar. 2011.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> “The Moral Role of Hijab.” BAYYNAT. Sayyed M.H> Muhammad Hussein Fadlullah, Web. 11 Mar 2011 <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[]

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Who Is Fatima? Gender, Culture, and Representation in Islam by Firoozeh Kashani-Sabet in the Journal of Middle East Women's Studies, Vol. 1, No. 2 (Spring 2005), pp.1-24

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Wright, Cedar. "The Hand: Fatima's Five Fingers in a Day." Climbing 2006: 58. ProQuest Research Library. Web. 14 Mar. 2011 <@http://ezproxy.msu.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/236439207?accountid=12598>.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Video and Images
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//Fatima//. Google Images. 14 Mar 2011. [|http://www.mt.net/~watcher/archives/fatima.jpg] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//Fatima Daughter of Muhammad//. Google Images. 14 Mar 2011. http://www.ancienthistoricalsociety.org/AlMahdiShrine/OriginShrinerFlag.html <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//Fatima Daughter of Muhammad//. Google Images. 14 Mar. 2011. http://www.mideastyouth.com/2008/06/24/god-bless-mothers/ <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//Hand of Fatima//. Digital image. Handoffatima.com. Web. 14 Mar. 2011. [] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Hand of Fatima." //Fantasy Art Angels Dragons Fairies Mermaids Goddesses Astrology Picture Gallery | Aquafemina.// Web. 14 Mar. 2011. <[]>. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//Hijab is my Choice//. Google Images. 14 Mar 2011 [] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//Jewish Hamsa//. Digital image. Www.olivesofpeace.org. Web. 14 Mar. 2011. [] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//Veiling and Feminism//. Web. 12 Mar 2011 []