The Fatimid Testament: Part III – The Forensic Records of the Crime
- Jan 31
- 3 min read
Beyond History: The Physical Documentation of the Strike
The tragedy of Lady Fatima (as) is often relegated to the realm of "political dispute" or "historical disagreement" by those seeking to maintain a sanitised version of the past. However, the Fatimid Testament demands a forensic approach. We move now into the specific "Crime Papers"—primary textual evidence that documents a systematic, premeditated assault. These are not mere stories; they are legal and spiritual testimonies—some even from the perpetrators themselves—detailing the physical breach of the House of Revelation and the subsequent martyrdom of the Leader of the Women of Paradise.
The Ziyarah Jami'a: A Historical Witness
While often viewed solely as a devotional prayer, the Ziyarah Jami'a for the Imams of the Believers (found in Mafatih al-Jinan) serves as a devastating historical document. It records the specific crimes committed immediately following the Prophet’s (SAW) departure:
The Violation: It describes how they "snatched the opportunity" and "violated the sanctity" of the Prophet while he was still on his deathbed.
The Assault on the House: It explicitly documents the heading toward the "House of Prophecy" to break the Prophet’s covenant regarding Imam Ali (as).
The Wound to the Prophet: The text states they "wounded the liver of the Best of Creation" through the oppression, persecution, and humiliation of his daughter.
The Documents of the Physical Breach
The mechanics of the assault are preserved in several ancient records, most notably the Book of Sulaym ibn Qays, which provides the chronological "Alphabet of the Crime".
1. The Confession: The Letter of Umar to Mu'awiyah
In a primary confession documented as the "Letter of Umar to Mu'awiyah," the second Caliph reportedly admits to the physical brutality used at the door. He describes pressing the door against Lady Fatima (as) with such force that "her ribs snapped".
2. The Genocidal Intent: The Firewood
Records indicate that the firewood gathered at the door was not a symbolic threat. The volume was sufficient to burn the entire house and everyone within it, demonstrating a "genocidal intent" to secure the pledge of allegiance.
3. The Martyrdom of Mohsen (as)
Evidence for the miscarriage of Mohsen (as) is found in both Shi'a and Sunni sources, such as Al-Shahrastani’s Al-Milal wa al-Nihal. These documents clarify that the death of the child was a direct result of the "crushing behind the door"rather than natural causes.
The Perpetual Protest: Rejection on the Deathbed
The "Crime Papers" also document the "Mockery of Seeking Forgiveness". When Abu Bakr and Umar requested to visit Lady Fatima (as) on her deathbed, she refused them repeatedly, only allowing entry because Imam Ali (as) asked her to do so.
The Eternal Displeasure: Upon their entry, she turned her face to the wall and refused to reply to their greetings.
The Prophetic Warning: She adjured them by Allah: "Did you not hear the Messenger say that my anger is his anger?". When they admitted they had, she called Allah to witness that they had angered her, invoking the Prophet's own verdict of divine displeasure against them.
The Tragedy After Death: The Attempted Exhumation
The assault did not end with her martyrdom. To hide the evidence of her secret night-burial—a final act of protest—Abu Bakr and his authorities planned to dig up the graves in Baqi' to perform a public funeral and claim legitimacy.
Imam Ali (as), donning his yellow turban of war and holding Zulfiqar, intervened. He swore that if a single stone was moved, he would strike the necks of those responsible. The authorities retreated, leaving her grave hidden as a permanent, silent document of her anger.
The Reward of the Perpetrator: The Case of Qunfudh
A specific historical anomaly reveals the depth of the conspiracy. While Umar ibn al-Khattab fined all his governors to seize their wealth, he uniquely exempted Qunfudh. When asked why, Imam Ali (as) explained:
"He did that to thank him for the blow he struck Fatima with his whip... which broke her arm and led to her death".
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