Although the Prophet (S.A.W.W.) had let his ‘Ummah know that it was the wish of Allah that after him (The Prophet (S.A.W.W)) Imam Ali (A.S) should be his successor, some Muhajirs and Ansar met at a place called ’Saqifa Bani Saeda’ and chose Abu Bakr to be the Caliph of the Muslims. Imam Ali (A.S) was not present at Saqifa because he was busy arranging for the burial of the Prophet (S.A.W.W).
When he came to know of what had happened at ‘Saqifa’, Imam AH was very much hurt. He refused to accept Abu Baqr as the successor of the Prophet. He retired in the house of Hazrat Fatima (S.A).The Government was very angry with Imam Ali (A.S).
To get him out of the house of Hazrat Fatima (S. A), the government’s people set fire on the door of the house. The door was then pushed in. Imam Ali (A.S) was taken to Abu Bakr by force.
The burning door fell on Hazrat Fatima (S.A) and hurt her so much that her ribs were broken. The child Muhsin, who was in her womb was killed and was stillborn.
Hazrat Fatima (S.A) went crying to the Mosque. Imam Ali (A.S) was let free only when Hazrat Fatima (S.A) was about to ask for Allah’s curse on those who had captured Imam Ali (A.S) and were threatening to kill him.
Imam Ali went to the Prophet’s grave and with tears in his eyes, complained to him saying, “Oh my Brother -your people now treat me with disrespect and are threatening to kill me.
Source:
A Brief Biography of Hazrat Fatima (A.S.), [Pg. 32].
By: M.M. Dungersi Ph.D.
