House Fire

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Fatima attacked in her House

There occurred a controversial event where Umar came to the house of Fatima, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad, in order to either get the allegiance of Ali and his followers, or to burn her house down and everyone hiding in it.

Professor Veccia Vaglieri mentions this event in her article Fatima, in the Encyclopedia of Islam. But she wrote a short version of the incident.

This is a long version:

Abu Bakr and Umar went to Fatima’s house. They had with them many armed including Khalid bin Walid.

After death of the Prophet, his loyal disciples gathered at house of Ali and refused to accept Abu Bakr as new leader. Yaqubi says when Abu Bakr and Umar heard this, they came with armed men and surrounded the house. They ordered Ali and his men to come out and pledge allegiance. Umar really had evil intentions. Fatima saw fire torch in Umar's hand. Umar’s men asked him: “Will you really burn the house even if Fatima is inside.” Umar replied: “Yes even if she is in the house.” Ibn Abd Rabbih says Fatima asked him: "You really hate me that much that you want to burn my door!” Baladhuri says Umar replied: “Yes, I will do that to strengthen religion your father brought.” Ibn Qutaiba says Fatima said: “You left the body of God’s messenger and you have decided things without telling us or respecting our rights!" Ibn Abi Shaiba says Umar relied: “Your status as daughter of the holy prophet won’t stop me from ordering men to burn down your house.” Ibn Qutaiba says Fatima cried: “O father! O Messenger of God! What evils we have suffered at the hands of Umar and Abu Bakr after your death!" Tabari says Umar gave final warning: “Send Ali and his men out and pay allegiance to Abu Bakr without delay or I will burn them all.”

Ali came out with sword drawn. Umar’s men attacked Ali. Fatima was standing behind her door. Umar and his men tried to break the door. Abu Bakr broke into her house. She was pressed against the wall. Umar was kicking the door. Fatima was injured. Her ribs were broken. Masudi says she was screaming. Her unborn baby Mohsin died. She fell on the ground and Umar kicked her for putting up such a resistence. Hilali says she was badly beaten. Shahrastani says Umar kicked Fatima in the stomach. She fainted. Ali fought Umar and his men. Umar’s men told Ali let go of them. If he didn't they will burn Fatima home and all those inside. Ali decided to save his wife. He stopped fighting Umar. Then they tied Ali up with ropes. Abu Bakr told his men to leave the house. Ali was dragged to Prophet’s mosque. Abu Bakr sat on the pulpit. They put sword on Ali’s neck and forced him to give allegiance to Abu Bakr. Other loyal disciples of Prophet Muhammad were likewise forced by Umar to accept Abu Bakr. Fatima died of her injuries sixty days later. She asked Ali not allow her oppressors to take part in her funeral. Ali buried her secretly at night. No one knows Fatima’s grave to this day.

Allah knows best what happened.

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