The Door of Fatima: The controversy over the violation of the House of Sayyeda Fatima by companions, after the death of the Prophet Muhammad
The Door of Fatima: The controversy over the violation of the House of Sayyeda Fatima by companions, after the death of the Prophet Muhammad
11th July 2020
Shaykh Ramadhan’s primary premise for his presentation was that historical accounts must be based on authentic narrations– although it could be contested as to whether historical accounts can ever be backed by authentic narrations. Additionally according to him, claimants of such an event occurring in such detail would be defaming a character held in high esteem by Sunni Muslims and therefore, there is an onus to establish the veracity of the claim.
The presentation by Shaykh Khetia started by outlining the event of a confrontation at the door of Fatima being narrated in 251 Shia sources and 88 Sunni Sources.
The Sunni sources, according to him, do mention that something happened, although they are vague and unclear in the details. Shaykh Khetia also quoted several Shia sources such as ‘al-Kāfī’, ‘Kamil al Ziyārāt’, ‘al-Ikhtiṣāṣ’ and others that mention this narration stemming from the Imams and in accordance with the overall Shia theology. Whilst admitting that there are fringe opinions such as that of Syed Fadlallah, he respectfully disagreed with that opinion and concluded that certainly something vicious did happen to the door of Fatima, however one can’t be certain exactly what it was.
- There is evidence in the sources both Shia and Sunni that an incident did happen. The point of difference is in the strength of the evidence and in the details of that incident. Both agreed that there was no definitive evidence that substantiate the incident with all its details.
- Both sides agreed that the ethic of the Ahlul Bayt and in particular Imam Ali is something to refer to, and that Ali did deal with the Sahaba in an amicable and polite manner.
Speakers


