The Wedding Of Fatimah RA

Fatimah RA is the youngest daughter of our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW.

Out of all the children, she was the closest to him (SAW).

The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

"The Queen of the Ladies in Jannah is Fatimah."

He (SAW) also said:

"Fatimah is part of my body. Whoever grieves her, grieves me."


When Fatimah RA reached the age of fifteen, proposals for her marriage began to come from high and responsible families. But the Prophet SAW remained irresponsive.

Saiyidina Ali RA, who was 21 years of age at that time, says:

"It occurred to me that I should go and make a formal proposal, but then I thought, 'How could this be accomplished, for I possess nothing.' At last, encouraged by the Prophet's (SAW) kindness, I went to him and expressed my intention to marry Fatimah (RA). The Prophet (SAW) was extremely pleased and asked, 'Ali! Do you possess anything to give her in Mahr?' I replied, 'Apart from a horse and an armour I possess nothing.' The Prophet (SAW) said, 'A soldier must, of course, have his horse. Go and sell away your armour.'

So, Ali (RA) went and sold his armour to Uthmaan (RA) for 480 Dirham and presented it to Rasulullah (SAW). Bilal (RA) was ordered by the Prophet (SAW) to bring some perfume and a few other things and Anas (RA) was sent to call Abu Bakr (RA), Uthmaan (RA), Talhah (RA), Zubayr (RA) with some companions from the Ansar (RA).

When these men arrived and had taken their seats, the Prophet (SAW) recited the Khutbah (sermon) of Nikah and gave Fatimah (RA) in marriage to Ali (RA).

He (SAW) announced:

"Bear you all witness that I have given my daughter Fatimah in marriage to Ali for 400 Mithqaal of silver and Ali has accepted."

He (SAW) then raised his head and made Du'a saying:

"O Allah, create love and harmony between these two. Bless them and bestow upon them good children."

After the Nikah, dates were distributed. When the time came for Fatimah (RA) to go to Ali's (RA) house, she was sent without any clamour, hue and cry accompanied by Umm Ayman (RA).

After Isya' Solat, the Prophet (SAW) went to their house, took permission and entered. He asked for a basin of water, put his blessed hands into it and sprinkled it on both Ali (RA) and Fatimah (RA) and made du'a for them.

The sovereign of both worlds - Rasulullah SAW gave his beloved daughter a silver bracelet, two Yemeni sheets, four mattresses, one blanket, one pillow, one cup, one hand-grinding mill, one bedstead, a small water skin and a leather pitcher.

In this simple fashion, the wedding of the daughter of the leader of the worlds was solemnised. In following this Sunnah method, a wedding becomes very simple and easy to fulfill.


LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE ABOVE MENTIONED MARRIAGE

1. The many customs as regards to engagement functions are contrary to the Sunnah. In fact, many are against the Shari'ah and are regarded sins. A verbal proposal and answer is sufficient.

2. To unnecessarily delay Nikah of both the boy and the girl after having reached the age of marriage is incorrect.

3. There is nothing wrong in inviting one's close associates for the occasion of Nikah. However, no special pains should be taken in gathering the people from far off places.

4. It is appropriate that the bridegroom be a few years older than the bride.

5. If the father of the girl is an Aalim or is pious and capable of performing Nikah, then he should himself solemnise the marriage.

6. It is better to give the Mahr Faatimi and one should endeavour to do so. But if one does not have the means then there is nothing wrong in giving less.

7. It is totally un-Islamic for those, who do not possess the means, to incur debts in order to have grandiose extravagant weddings.

8. It is fallacy to think that one's respect will be lost if one does not hold an extravagant wedding and invite many people. What is our respect compared to that of Rasulullah SAW?

9. The present day practice of the intermingling of sexes is an act of sin and totally against Shari'ah.

10. There is nothing such as engagement parties or things of the like in Islam.

11. Great care must be taken as regards to Solat on occasions of marriage by all - the bride, the bridegroom and all the participants.

12. It is un-Islamic to display the bride on stage.

13. The unnecessary expenses incurred by the bride's family in holding a feast has no basis in Shari'ah.

14. For the engaged couple to meet at a public gathering where the boy holds the girl's hand and slips a ring on her finger is a violation of the Qur'anic Law of Hijaab.

15. It is un-Islamic and Haraam to assume that the engaged couple can meet each other and also go out together.

16. Three things should be borne in mind when giving one's daughter gifts and presents at the time of Nikah:
(a) Presents should be given within one's means (it is not permissible to take loans, on interest for such presents)
(b) To give necessary & useful items
(c) A show should not be made of whatever is given.

17. It is Sunnat for the bridegroom's family to make Walimah. Note: In Walimah, whatever is easily available should be fed to the people and care should be taken that the is no extravagance, show and that no debts are incurred in the process.

18. To delay Nikah after the engagement is un-Islamic.


It is un-Islamic and frowned upon to:
(a) Displaying the bride / bridegroom on stage
(b) Invite guests for the wedding from far off places
(c) Receiving guests in the hall
(d) The bride's family / people incurring unnecessary expenses by holding a feast which has no basis in Shari'ah. We should remember that Walimah is the feast arranged by the BRIDEGROOM after the marriage is consummated.
(e) It is contrary to Sunnah and wrong to wish, hope for or even more stupid and pathetic to demand specific presents and gifts from the bridegroom.

Nabi Muhammad SAW did not give Saiyidina Ali RA anything except Du'a.