Question

It is recorded in Bukhari that Fatimah (RA) was angry with Abubakr (RA) about Fadak and that she avoided seeing him and Abubakr was not allowed in her burial.

Few specific questions:

1. How come Fatimah, being raised by the holy prophet, goes against the Imam of her time for such worldly matter (unless we believe that the story was not that simple)?

2. We have hadith in Bukhari that the prophet said one who annoys Fatimah also annoys me. It is obvious that Fatimah was annoyed by Abubakr. So can we say that Abubakr annoyed the prophet?

(please note that the story of Fatimah being angry with Abubakr has been recorded even harsher in the books like Dalayelol-Imamah by Tabari or Alimamato Wassiasat by Ibne Qutaybeh.)

Thanks

Answer

Caliph Abu Bakr (ra) settled the matter of Fadak according to his understanding of the teachings of the Prophet (pbuh) on the issue. He had had his view argued and gave reasons for the decision he took. However, the possibility of a difference of opinion on the issue was possible. Hazrat Fatimah (ra), according to the generally held view, held a contrary view in the matter and she expressed her reservations freely. However, exaggerations in the reporting of the incident can obviously not be ruled out.

The saying of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) you have referred to does not mean that if Fatimah (ra) feels offense to a certain act of any individual then that person is necessarily running against the Prophet (pbuh). The narrated sentence is only an expression of love and affection of a father for his daughter and should not be taken as a principle to judge others’ position as well as opinions on religious matters.

I hope this helps

Tariq Mahmood Hashmi
May 16, 2003