She was an excellent wife to Imam Ali (A.S) and he A as an excellent husband to her. Imam All himself is reported to have said, “By Allah. 1 never made Fatima S A) angry or forced her to do something she did not like 10 do up to the day she died. Nor did she ever make me angry or disobeyed me. In fact, when I looked at her, worries and sadness would get out of me.”
Hazrat Fatima (S.A) had taken upon herself to do all the work inside the house whereas Imam Ali (A.S) was doing all outside the housework such as working to earn the bread for his family. She worked very hard. She carried water in waterskin so often that the weight left marks on her body.
To make bread, she ground barley with her handmill so much that her hands were sore and often bled She swept her house and made cooking fire herself till her clothes became dark.
When she was given a maid, called Fizza, to help her, she used her services only on every alternate day. Imam Ali (A.S) would, from time to time, help her with doing the housework. Once, the Prophet (S.A.W.W) paid Hazrat Fatima (S.A) a visit. He saw her and Imam Ali (A.S) working at the grinding stone.
The Prophet (S.A.W.W) asked, “Whom among you should I relieve from this work?” Imam AH (A.S) suggested that Hazrat Fatima (S.A) he relieved as she was already tired She therefore left her share of work to the Prophet (S.A.W.W) who joined Imam Ali (A.S) to complete the job of rinding barley.
Sometimes the Prophet’s beloved companions, too, would offer their services to her. It is reported that one day Bilal, the Muazzin of the Prophet, went to the Mosque late. The Prophet asked him why he was late.
Bilal said, “I passed by Fatima’s house and found her working on her handmill. Hasan was crying beside her. I offered to help her either at the mill or by taking care of Hasan. She preferred to take care of Hasan so I helped her grinding. That’s why I m late.”
The Prophet was pleased with Bilal and he prayed for Bilal saying, ’“You showed mercy on her; may Allah have mercy on you.”
Although her life was hard it was peaceful The family lived a life of satisfaction and happiness. Imam Ali (AS) remembered this life for so long as he lived. On the death of Hazrat Fatima (S.A) Imam Ali (A.S) said, “She was the everlasting soul of paradise.
Her sweet smell is in my heart and soul, even though she is no more with me."
Source:
A Brief Biography of Hazrat Fatima (A.S.), [Pg. 21-22].
By: M.M. Dungersi Ph.D.
