The Prophet's Daughter : The Life of Fatima Zahra

A groundbreaking biography of Fatima Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad

A groundbreaking biography of Fatima Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet MuhammadFatima Zahra was the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and wife of his spiritual heir Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph of Islam and the first imam for Shia Muslims. Today, she is more than a revered historical figure: she is a symbol of resistance, knowledge, and divine light. Her famous Khutbat al-Fadakiyya (Sermon of Fadak)—a powerful protest against the confiscation of her inheritance—remains a cornerstone of Islamic discourse on women’s rights, legal justice, and political resistance. Hassan Abbas and Benish Zahra explore the life of the Prophet’s daughter. Charting her experiences and influences, Abbas and Zahra examine Fatima’s roles as a mystic, theologian and reformer in early Islam. They reveal the theological, legal, and political dimensions of Fatima’s teachings, and position her as a foundational thinker for contemporary discussions on gender and justice in Islam. This fascinating biography illuminates Fatima Zahra’s devotion to the Prophet and his mission, her partnership with Ali in faith and moral courage, and her enduring significance as a source of spiritual guidance and inspiration.