Fiery Reply

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SUNNI REPLY TO SHIA MYTHS AND LEGENDS

The story about Fatima's ribs and miscarriage.

Umar attacked Ali and Fatima causing her to abort the child in her womb.


Question:

One common thing Shias quote regarding Umar is that after the Event of Saqifa, Ali refused to give baya to Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr ordered Umar and a couple of Sahaba to go to Fatima's house and bring Ali to him. According to sources such as The History of Tabari (and other sources), the Sahaba led by Umar broke down the door and dragged Ali to Abu Bakr to pledge Baya.

This is all mentioned in some history books; Sahih al-Bukhari, Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, Sirah al-Nabawiyyah by Ibn Hisham, History of Tabari, al-Istiab by Ibn Abd al-Barr, Tarikh al-Kulafa by Ibn Qutaybah, Kanz al-Ummal.

They surrounded Ali and burned the door of his house and pulled him out against his will and pressed the leader of all women (Fatimah) between the door and the wall killing Mohsin (the male-child she was carrying in her womb for six months).


Answer:

Your Shia associates have misled you with regards to the Baya to Abu Bakr and the actions taken by Umar. The actual incident is not how they have portrayed it.

What ever has been mentioned with regards to this incident in the Sahih al Bukhari, Musnad Ahmad, Kanzul Ummal, Al Bidayah wan Nihaayah, Al Kamil Ibn Athir, Seerat un Nabi Ibn Hisham and Tarik al Islaam Al Thahabi, boils down to the fact that, after the demise of Rasool, Abu Bakr and Umar and the majority of the Ansar and the Muhajireen were busy with the burial arrangements. On the other hand a few Ansar Sahaba gathered with Saad bin Ubada at Saqifa. Their intention was to appoint Saad bin Ubada as the Khalif. Had this materialised without the mutual consent of the major Sahaba and the Muhajireen Sahaba it would have been very inappropriate. Seeing this one Sahabi immediately headed for the house of Rasool and asked Umar, who was at the time busy with the burial arrangements, to step outside the house. At first Umar refused to come out due to his engrossment, but when the Sahabi hurried him and informed him of the importance, Umar came outside and the Sahabi informed him of the gathering of the Ansar. On hearing this Umar immediately called Abu Bakr, who was also busy with the burial arrangements and refused to come out. When Umar informed him of the importance of the issue, he immediately headed for Saqifa together with Umar and Abu Obaida.

This makes it very clear that Abu Bakr and Umar did not take any initial steps in trying to attain the Khilafa; rather, they were busy in the burial arrangements. Another Sahabi had come and informed Umar regarding the gathering of the Ansar.

From this incident one can understand the importance of Umar. Also, Abu Bakr did not go to Saqifa alone; rather he took Umar and Abu Obaida with him (these three Sahaba are from amongst the Ashara Mubashareen, the Ten Guaranteed Heaven).

Apparently Abu Bakr did not take Ali and Zubair with him because they were the immediate relatives of Nabi and it was more appropriate for them to remain engaged in the burial arrangements. It has been mentioned in a Hadith that after Ali delivered Nabi into the grave, he said: “A person’s family and relatives are the ones responsible for arranging his burial.” (Sunan Abu Dawood, v.2, p.102)

Umar mentioned in detail during his Khilafa that Abu Bakr went to Saqifa in order to inform and explain to the Ansar. He did not know that in the interim he would have the responsibility of appointing a Khalif. This is also the reason why he did not take Ali with him. When these three Sahaba reached Saqifa they saw that the Ansar were in a very emotional state and were about to appoint Saad bin Ubada as the Khalif. This was under no circumstances correct or appropriate. Besides the Muhajireen, none of the Ansar would have been happy to take Baya on the hands of Saad bin Ubada and there was also a great fear that there would have been a revolt. Umar has also indicated to this in his detailed sermon which is mentioned in Bukhari. For this reason Abu Bakr stepped forward and explained to them with great wisdom that the Khalif should be from amongst the Quraish because the entire Arab world respects them. After this Abu Bakr raised the hands of Umar and Abu Obaida in front of the congregation and requested them to take Baya on the hands of either of the two. The Ansar did not agree to this but they demanded that there should be an Ameer from amongst the Ansar as well as the Muhajireen, which was also inappropriate. How could it be possible that there be two different rulers in one country at the same time? On this occasion Umar said: “Two swords can not be gathered in one sheath.” When Umar saw that the differences were not settling and the arguing was not coming to an end and the fear of a revolt was becoming imminent, he made Abu Bakr ascend the pulpit and declared that he is taking Baya on the hands of Abu Bakr. Before Umar could take Baya, an Ansari Sahabi took Baya on the hands of Abu Bakr. On seeing this all the Muhajireen and Ansar that were present also took Baya on the hands of Abu Bakr except Saad bin Ubada. When proving that Abu Bakr is worthy of Khilafa, Umar mentioned that “Nabi forwarded Abu Bakr to lead the Salah during his lifetime and he is one of the “two in the cave” with the Nabi during hijrah. How can Umar become the Khalif while he is present?” Abu Obaida said the same thing. Zaid bin Thaabit, who was an Ansari Sahabi, also said the same thing and expounded the virtues and the importance of the Muhajireen to the Ansar. In this manner, those Ansar who wanted to appoint Saad bin Ubada as the Khalif, also willingly took the Baya on the hands of Abu Bakr.

This gathering was a coincidence. The Ansar were the cause of this gathering. Abu Bakr and Umar did not gather them in order to attain the Khilafa; rather they were forced to go to Saqifa in order to avert an uprising. If this method was not adopted and these three Sahaba came away from Saqifa, one group of the Ansar would have chosen a Khalif from amongst them as they were in a great emotional state and were not prepared to delay the appointment of a Khalif. If at that time an Ansar Sahabi was appointed as the Khalif in the absence of the senior Sahaba there was a great possibility that the Arabs would have rejected him and disunion and bloodshed would have broke out immediately after the demise of Rasool. This is exactly what a Sahabi indicated towards while admonishing the Ansar Sahaba that: “You were the first to support and assist Islam so do not be the first ones to finish it i.e. by quarrelling and fighting amongst yourselves.”

Now one should ponder that up to this point what did Abu Bakr and Umar do wrong. They did not claim nor did they demand Khilafa for themselves, rather after explaining to the Ansar, Abu Bakr proposed Umar and Abu Obaida to be appointed as the Khalif and Umar proposed Abu Bakr to be the Khalif and all the present Muhaajir and Ansar Sahaba accepted the proposal of Umar. It is not proven from any authentic text that Abu Bakr and Umar has conspired to do something and gathered the Ansar at Saqifa and their going there was part of the conspiracy. If anybody claims this then they should bring forth their proofs. This is also the reason why Umar had termed this Khilafa as a coincidence during his Khilafa because they had no idea in their mind nor was it pre-planned. Ali and other Muhaajir Sahaba did not take part in this Baya because they were engaged in the burial arrangements of Rasool and apparently they did not even know what transpired outside of the house. One cannot say that Ali and other Muhaajir Sahaba’s failure to take the Baya was because they disagreed with it, rather this is the reason why those Sahaba who were not present at the time of the Baya were not taunted. A general Majlis took place the following day in the Masjid e Nabwi for everybody to take the Baya so that nobody could raise any objection to Abu Bakr being the Khalif and that he did this in secret. It is also incorrect to level accusations against Abu Bakr and Umar of not calling Ali and other Sahaba to Saqifa because when they left the home of Rasool they did not know what was going to happen, neither did they go there with the intention of obtaining the Khilafa themselves. Whatever happened at Saqifa was a coincidence and unexpected.

It is proven from few narrations that after the incident of Saqifa, Abu Bakr and Umar returned to Rasool’s house to in order to assist with the burial arrangements. On the following day Abu Bakr sat on the pulpit in the Masjid e Nabwi and Umar stood in front of the Sahaba and said a few words and also excused himself for what he had said on hearing of the demise of Rasool. He further said that: “Rasool has passed away and you have the Quran with you.” Umar then pointed towards Abu Bakr and mentioned his virtues and that he was Rasool’s companion in the cave and that he is more worthy of Khilafa than anybody else and everybody should take Baya on his hands. All the Sahaba present in the Masjid took Baya on the hands of Abu Bakr and this was known as the general Baya. At the time of this Baya two very important and famous Sahaba, i.e. Ali and Zubair were not present. This was very confusing. Abu Bakr enquired of their whereabouts. A few Sahaba of the Ansar stood up and called Ali and Zubair to the Masjid. When these two Sahaba arrived at the Masjid Abu Bakr asked Ali: “Why haven’t you taken Baya inspite of you being the cousin and son in-law of Rasool? Do you wish to cause disunity amongst the Muslims?” On hearing this Ali excused himself and took Baya on the hands of Abu Bakr. Then Abu Bakr asked Zubair the same question and also asked him that: “Inspite of being the cousin of Rasool and a Hawaari, do you wish to create disunity amongst the Muslims?” He too excused himself and took Baya on the hands of Abu Bakr.

As far as what has been mentioned in a few narrations that Ali and Zubair gathered at the house of Fatima and Umar went there and threatened them, I would like to say that apparently after the burial of Rasool and before the general Baya in the Masjid, Ali and Zubair and a few Muhajireen Sahaba gathered at the house of Fatima and thought that because the general Baya had not yet been taken, we should appoint Ali as the Khalif. They discussed this matter amongst themselves and Zubair also announced that he will back Ali with his sword. On the other hand many of the Muhajireen and Ansar had already taken Baya on the hands of Abu Bakr at Saqifa, now if another Khalif had to be appointed, there was a great fear of revolt and the Ansar would again have demanded that an Ameer be appointed from amongst them. Therefore, in order to suppress this revolt Umar went to Fatima’s house and at that time Ali and Zubair were not present. It has been stated in Kanzul Ummal that Umar told Fatima that: “O the daughter of Rasool, nobody from amongst the people is more beloved to me than your father and nobody is more beloved to me than you after your father. I have received the bad news that these people are gathering in your house and conspiring against the Khilafa of Abu Bakr. If they do not stop conspiring then by Allah! I will burn their homes.” On saying this Umar left and when Ali and Zubair arrived at the house of Fatima, Fatima said to them: “Do you know that Umar came to see me and he has taken an oath that if you conspire against the Khilafa of Abu Bakr he will burn your homes? By Allah! Umar will most definitely fulfil his oath. Therefore leave my house with the intention of dropping your opinions and thoughts and do not return with the same object.” Ali and Zubair left the house and did not gather there again until they took Baya on the hands of Abu Bakr. (Kanzul Ummal, v.5, p.651)

From this narration of Kanzul Ummal a few points have become clear and evident:

When Umar arrived at Fatima’s house Ali and Zubair were not present, therefore neither did Umar meet them nor did a fight or quarrel break out.

Umar associated with Fatima in a very respectful manner and also mentioned to her that she was more beloved to him than his own children.

Umar did not threaten Fatima in any way.

When Umar left Fatima’s house, both Fatima and her home were sound and intact. No harm was afflicted on either of them. Later when Ali arrived Fatima did not complain of Umar behaving in a disrespectful manner, rather she advised him not to oppose Umar and not to conspire against the Khilafa of Abu Bakr in her house in future.

Ali and Zubair took Baya on the hands of Abu Bakr without any coercion.

The accusations that have been levelled against Umar that he broke down the door of Ali’s house and approached Ali and Fatima in a disrespectful manner and due to this Fatima suffered a miscarriage is totally false and a mere fabrication. In reality those who levelled this accusation are disgracing and Ali and Fatima and also making a mockery of Islam. Was Ali so cowardly that he could not defend his house nor avenge his wife?! When Ali became Khalif why did he not take revenge nor claim the blood money from the family of Umar for the child that he had lost?! The ones who narrate these types of narrations are in actual fact the enemies of Islam. They portray the Sahaba in front of the Kufar in such a fallacious manner that they were thirsty for governance, they had no legal system, the strong used to suppress the weak, to speak the truth was a crime, the oppressors were not punished, lies were spoken in order to please rulers, just as the hypocrites they too had hatred in their hearts for their rulers. Can your heart accept such accusations and nonsense? Could the senior Sahaba behaved in such a manner? Were such Sahaba not capable of demolishing great empires with scanty ammunitions and means? Will Allah assist such oppressors?

The claim that Fatima had a miscarriage is a mere fabrication. It has been mentioned in an authentic book of history, Al Bidayah wan Nihaayah, that during the lifetime of Rasool, Fatima gave birth to a third son by the name of Muhassin and that this child passed away in his childhood. This is why the majority of the historians mentioned only two sons of Fatima.

The reason why Umar reacted staunchly with those who opposed the Khilafa after Abu Bakr was appointed as the Khalif was because Rasool has said: “If anybody else claims Khilafa after a Khalif has been chosen from amongst the Muslims, then he should be killed no matter who he may be.” (Sahih Muslim)

After the general Baya took place Abu Bakr said: “I never intended to be a Khalif nor did I demand it. If you are not pleased with this Baya then I will step down and you can appoint someone else as the Khalif.” Majority of the Muhajireen, especially Ali refused this offer and said: “No, you (Abu Bakr) are more worthy of the Khilafa than anybody else. Rasool forwarded you in such an important issue such as Salah so how can we pull you back.” When Ali and Zubair were asked why did they not take the Baya in the beginning? They replied that the reason was because they were consulted on the issue. It has been narrated in the Shia book “Ihtijaaj Tabrasi” that Ali took Baya on the hands of Abu Bakr and also performed Salah behind him. Ali announced during his Khilafa that Rasool did not bequest us to appoint the Khalif and neither did he take a pledge from us. If I had a pledge then I would have never allowed Abu Bakr to climb the pulpit of Rasool but in reality Abu Bakr was worthy of Khilafa. Rasool also forwarded him, we supported him and worked with him, and after his demise we assisted Umar and Uthman.

One should ponder that if Ali had a pledge then he would have most definitely mentioned it during his Khilafa when there was no fear of anybody reprimanding him or threatening him. Had Abu Bakr or Umar oppressed him any way, he would have also mentioned it but he did not mention anything of that sort.

We have elaborated in detail on the Khilafa of Abu Bakr. One should accept that which is authentic and that which also suits the nature of the Sahaba and Islam. Those narrations which portray false pictures of the Sahaba and Islam will not be accepted because those who opposed Islam while portraying themselves as Muslims fabricate such false narrations and spread them in such a manner that causes disunion amongst the Muslims and also that they may disperse into groups and start baying for each others blood. Not everything mentioned in the history books are authentic and you should not bother arguing with the Shias, rather you should worry about being a practical Muslim. Also, you should mention the Sahaba in a respectful manner and do not have hatred and prejudice for any Sahabi and inculcate love for all the Sahaba. To love them is a sign of Iman and to oppose them and hate them is a sign of hypocrisy.

If any Shia keeps bothering you then you should ask him that:

“Was Ali brave or cowardly? If he was brave, then why did he conceal the truth? What prevented him from disclosing the truth during the Khilafa? If according to your belief (Shia) Ali had any bequest regarding Khilafa and governmental issues but he was not able to express them openly, then how did you find out about it? Where is this bequest of his and in which book is it to be found? Why don’t you prove it from authentic sources.”


References:

Sahih al Bukhari, V.2, P.1009, 1072.
Fathul Baari, V.12, P.145, P.6830, V.13, P.208, Hadith 7219
Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, V.1, P.55, Hadith 133, P.121, Hadith 391
Kanzul Ummal, V.5, P.635, 643-657, Hadith 14131-14156
Raudhul Unuf, Sharah Seerah ibni Hisham, V.4, P.260
Al Bidayah wan Nihaayah, V.5, P.245-252, V.6, P.301-303, V.7, P.331
Al Kamil fit Tarikh ibn Athir, V.2, P.189-194
Tarikh al Islam, Al Thahabi, P.5-14, P.639-642
Hum Sunni kiyun Hain, P.233-248
Shia ke Hazaar Sawaal ka Jawaab, P.291
Abaqaat of Allamah Khalid Mahmood

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