The Divine Union of Fatima and Ali: A Timeless Model of Marriage, Modesty, Faith, Love and Devotion

By Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi, New Age Islam 30 May 2025 The 1st of Dhul Hijja marks the marriage anniversary of Lady Fatima al-Zahra (S.A) and Imam Ali (A.S)—a day of light, love and faith…… Main Points: 1. A Spiritually Significant Union: The marriage of Lady Fatima al-Zahra and Imam Ali is considered a divinely blessed union. It was officiated by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and serves as a model of love, faith, humility, and shared responsibility. 2. Foundation of Ahl al-Bayt: This union laid the foundation for the Ahl al-Bayt (People of the House), revered for their spiritual authority and moral example. The Prophet said: “If Ali had not been created, there would have been no equal for Fatima.” 3. Simplicity and Modesty in Marriage: The wedding was simple and devoid of extravagance. Fatima’s dowry included basic household items, and Ali offered his iron armour as Mehr (dowry). 4. Equality and Division of Duties: The Prophet divided household and external responsibilities fairly between Fatima and Ali. This established a balanced and respectful model of partnership. 5. Rejection of Materialism: Wealthy suitors were rejected in favour of piety and character. Emphasis was placed on spiritual compatibility over material wealth. 6. Emotional and Spiritual Connection: Fatima and Ali shared a deep emotional and spiritual bond. They described each other as faithful companions in devotion to God. ------ The marriage anniversary of Imam Ali and Lady Fatima al-Zahra is believed to be today on the 1st of Dhul Hijja in the Islamic Hijri calendar. This divine union is regarded as a revered model in both Sunni and Shia traditions, which continues to serve as a model for Islamic marriages. The married lives of Fatima and Ali remain a timeless guide for an ideal Islamic family life. The Prophet (pbuh) sought Fatima’s consent before the marriage. Her silent acceptance was respected and honoured, breaking with patriarchal norms of the time. The Prophet himself officiated this marriage and established the practice of a simple and affordable dowry called “Mahr al-Sunnah”. At the same time, the Prophet (pbuh) hosted a simple but inclusive Walima (wedding feast), reinforcing values of community and accessibility. More significantly, this divine marriage embodies values such as humility, consent, compatibility, faith, and simplicity. In our modern society, debates about marital relationships frequently resurface — from the criteria for choosing a partner to the duties expected of spouses after marriage. In seeking guidance, Muslims must turn to the lives and conduct (sirah) of the Prophet Muhammad’s family and companions. Among the most inspiring of these examples is the marriage of Lady Fatima al-Zahraa, daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib — a union revered for its spiritual and social significance. The story of Fatima and Ali’s marriage stands not only as a testament to love and piety but also as a blueprint for harmonious living grounded in mutual respect, simplicity, and shared responsibility. No wonder why this divine marriage—Nikah—was performed, solemnized and officiated by the Prophet (pbuh) himself. This marriage, therefore, represents an ideal Islamic household: based on faith, love, sacrifice, and simplicity. It is also the foundation of the Ahl al-Bayt (People of the House), whose purity is described in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:33). The family of Lady Fatima and Maula Ali is at the heart of many Islamic traditions regarding spiritual authority (Wilayah)and moral example. The Prophet (pbuh) himself stated about this divine union: "If Ali had not been created, there would have been no equal for Fatima." his is a narration found in various traditional sources emphasizing their match in virtue and piety.) Their marriage is seen as the union of the two most spiritually pure individuals after the Prophet (pbuh). While Maula Ali (A.S) is known in Islamic tradition as the lion of God and a pillar of Islam, Lady Fatima (S.A) has been described by the Prophet (pbuh) himself as the leader of all women of Paradise, as recorded in authentic hadiths. ady Fatima (Fatima al-Zahra S.A), the most beloved daughter of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Khadija (RA), was born five years before the beginning of the Prophet’s mission and was the youngest of his daughters. Her elder sisters were Zainab, Ruqayya, and Umm Kulthum. One of the most revered figures in Islamic history, her virtues are celebrated across Muslim traditions—both in Sunni and Shia Islam—where she is seen as a symbol of piety, purity, strength, and devotion. Dr. Mahmoud al-Sawy, Professor of Islamic Culture and former Vice Dean of the Faculties of Da'wah and Media at Al-Azhar University, notes that Fatima’s marriage to Ali took place in the second year after the Hijrah (Prophet’s migration to Medina), shortly after the Battle of Badr. Citing the historian Ibn Kathir, he recounts that when Imam Ali approached the Prophet to propose, he was overwhelmed with awe and initially unable to speak. The Prophet asked, “What brings you here? Do you wish to propose to Fatima?” Ali replied, “Yes.” The Prophet then asked, “Do you have anything to offer as a dowry?” Ali answered, “No, by God, O Messenger of Allah.” The Prophet responded, “What about your iron armor — the al-Hutamiyya?” Ali said he had it, and the Prophet told him to offer it as the dowry. The Marriage’s Modesty Dr. al-Sawy emphasizes the modesty and simplicity of Lady Fatima’s wedding trousseau, which consisted of a basic woolen blanket, a leather pillow stuffed with plant fibers, and a modest wooden bed. These items reflected the frugal lifestyle promoted by the Prophet (pbuh) and his family, rooted in practicality rather than extravagance. Thus, the marriage of Lady Fatima offers enduring lessons, especially in light of rising tensions around marital roles in modern discourse. In this context, Dr. al-Sawy criticizes online narratives that encourage wives to withhold domestic support unless compensated financially, viewing them as divisive and contrary to Islamic values. He cited an incident in which Lady Fatima approached the Prophet to express her exhaustion from managing both household and outdoor duties. In response, the Prophet divided the responsibilities: she was entrusted with domestic affairs, while Imam Ali handled external tasks. This fair distribution of roles, Dr. al-Sawy argues, demonstrates a practical and balanced model of marital partnership — one that continues to offer guidance for contemporary families navigating societal pressures and shifting expectations. In fact, the marriage of Imam Ali and Hazrat Fatimah Zahra is one of the most revered and widely documented events in both Shia and Sunni traditions. This blessed union took place roughly a year after the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) migration to Medina, either in the month of Safar or Rabi' al-Awwal in the second year of Hijra. The wedding ceremony itself was held several months later, around the months of Shawwal or Dhu al-Hijjah. At the time of her marriage, Lady Fatimah (S.A.) was believed to be around nine or ten years old, while Imam Ali (A.S.) was approximately twenty-one. This marriage is particularly significant in Islamic history, not only because of the individuals involved—but also due to the values it reflects, including humility, faith, and divine guidance. Some of the timeless lessons drawn from this divine union and sacred wedlock are as follows: Detachment from Materialism Several wealthy and influential individuals had proposed to Lady Fatimah, including Hazrat Abdur Rahman ibn Awf, who offered a substantial dowry. However, the Prophet (pbuh) and his daughter rejected such proposals, emphasizing that faith and righteous character should take precedence over wealth and status. Natural Affection & Spiritual Bond The affection between Imam Ali and Lady Fatimah was so deep, genuine and profound that it could be called a truly divine marriage. Beyond familial ties, Ali (A.S.) had a deep spiritual connection with Fatimah (S.A.), whom he described as the embodiment of love and compassion. When the holy Prophet (pbuh) asked his son-in-law Ali, only a day after his marriage, how he found Fatima. Ali affirmed: “What a faithful companion in my devotion to Allah!” And when he asked his daughter Fatima Zahra as to how she found Ali, she asserted: “The best husband in the world”. Consulting the Daughter in the Marriage Decision Contrary to the prevailing customs of the time, which often dismissed the opinion of young women in marriage matters, the Prophet (PBUH) sought his daughter’s consent before proceeding with the proposal. When the proposal from Ali (A.S.) came, Fatimah (S.A.) expressed her acceptance through silence—a gesture recognized and respected by her father. Concept of Compatibility (Kafa'ah) In Islamic teachings, compatibility in marriage is based on faith and character, not material equality. The Prophet (pbuh) affirmed this by saying that if Ali had not existed, there would have been no suitable match for Fatimah on Earth. Dignified Conduct Lady Fatima communicated her acceptance or rejection of marriage proposals through her demeanor rather than words. She turned away from proposals she was not comfortable with, but lowered her gaze and remained silent when Ali was proposed—a sign of modesty and consent. On the other hand, the Prophet (pbuh) not only sought his daughter Fatima’s opinion but also advised her by highlighting Ali’s virtues, ensuring that her decision was informed and voluntary. A Modest Dowry Imam Ali offered a modest dowry, reportedly including his armour. The Prophet accepted it and arranged the marriage, setting an example of simplicity and piety. The dowry, or Mehr, was kept minimal as Imam Ali possessed only three items: a sword, a camel for drawing water, and a shield. The Prophet (pbuh) established what came to be known as the "Mahr al-Sunnah"—the traditional, modest dowry—rejecting the notion that a higher dowry signifies greater honour or love. The Prophet (pbuh) appointed companions to help prepare a simple trousseau for his daughter. Upon seeing the modest items, he prayed for blessings upon those whose homes are filled with simple, earthenware items. Inclusive Wedding Feast (Walima) Islam emphasizes holding a wedding feast to share joy with the community. The Prophet (PBUH) held a simple but inclusive walima, demonstrating that extravagance is not a requirement for honouring a sacred union. Conclusion The marriage of Imam Ali (A.S) and Fatima Zahra (S.A) is one of the most revered and celebrated unions in Islamic history. It holds great spiritual, historical, and emotional significance for Muslims, not just within the Shi'a tradition but also deeply respected among Sunnis. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), through his actions and decisions, established a timeless model for an ideal Islamic marriage. The union of Imam Ali (A.S.) and Lady Fatima (S.A.) is a beacon of guidance for all Muslims. From the values of humility, consent, and spiritual compatibility, to the emphasis on modesty and inclusivity, their marriage serves as a perfect template for believers seeking to align their personal lives with divine wisdom. Whether in marriage, worship, or everyday conduct, the lives of the Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) offer enduring lessons for all. ----- A Regular Columnist with Newageislam.com, Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi is an Indo-Islamic scholar, author of “Ishq Sufiyana: Untold Stories of Divine Love”, Sufi poet and English-Arabic-Urdu-Hindi writer with a background in a leading Sufi Islamic seminary in India. He is currently serving as Head of International Affairs at Voice for Peace & Justice, Jammu & Kashmir. 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