Islamic sexual jurisprudence

From : Wikipedia.org

To varying degrees Islamic law explicitly states that both men and women are entitled to sexual gratification in marriage; the failure or inability to provide this may be cited as grounds for divorce initiated by either the wife or husband. Throughout the history of Islamic exegetical traditions, philosophies, and law, much has been written to encourage, often in quite frank and explicit terms, believers in Islam to cultivate between themselves in their marriages both sexual passion and tenderness.


Aims of sex

Sex is viewed as both for recreational purpose, for strengthening the bonds between the couple and for reproduction.

Yusuf al-Qaradawi, a 21st century Sunni Islamic scholar states:
“ The preservation of the human species is unquestionably the primary objective of marriage, and such preservation of the species requires continued reproduction.

(comment by Hasan Muhammad Taqi al-Jawahiri) It is permitted to control one's birth (controlling the number of children one has by, for example, contraception, etc. for a certain period of time) since there is no frank rule that forbids this operation. However, the Shi'ah sect has always considered the bringing forth of children as mustahabb, as mentioned in the Prophetic tradion said before,'Get marry because I will be proud of your offspring tomorrow, on the Day of Resurrection, that even the miscarried fetus (the abortion) will come to the gate of Paradise and they will say to it/Go, enter the Paradise', and it will answer,'No, until my parents go first[321]'. Many narrations have confirmed that it is mustahabb to marry a fertile woman and that it is makrooh to marry a sterile woman, which clearly show the recommendation of offspring.[1]
”

Islam obligates a married couple to try and have children. The theological understanding and reasons for this are varied, but this essentially means that a spouse is encouraged, religiously, to have sex with their partner on request. However, it is considered forbidden (Haram) for a woman to have sex during her period. This encouragement is on both partners, and while neither partner can force the other to comply, constant refusal to have sex (with a view to conceiving a child) has been recorded as a reason why many women choose to divorce their husband.

Also, while Islam does not teach the Catholic doctrine sometimes caricatured as "every sperm is sacred", it does consider that the consumption of sperm to be haram. As such many scholars consider orally stimulating the male sexual organ to be Haram or unlawful, whereas most see doing so to the female organ as acceptable.[2]

Rewards for sex
The Perfumed Garden, a comprehensive and serious 16th century sex manual and work of erotic literature
The Perfumed Garden, a comprehensive and serious 16th century sex manual and work of erotic literature

* An oft-repeated hadith emphasize the granting of divine reward for sex within marriage:[3]

A narration reports:
“ In the sexual act of each of you there is a sadaqah (charity or gift)." The Companions replied: "O Messenger of God! When one of us fulfils his sexual desire, will he be given a reward for that?" And he said, "Do you not think that were he to act upon it unlawfully, he would be sinning? Likewise, if he acts upon it lawfully he will be rewarded. ”

Ibn Abidin, a 19th century Sunni Hanafi Islamic scholar writes:[4]
“ From Adam till now, including the inhabitants of Jannah, there exists no Ibadat like Nikah and sex and its is a testament of Iman, and Nikah with the exception of iman is an act of worship that cannot be compared as copulating is the means via which the Muslim Ummah increases in its size ”

Grooming

In Sahih Bukhari 7:62:16, Muhammad refers to the shaving of the pubic region.[5]

Foreplay

In hadith, it is said that engaging in sexual intercourse without talking to or kissing one's wife is a sign of a husband's weakness.[6]


Sex and purification

Islamic sexual hygienical jurisprudence is a prominent topic in Islamic jurisprudence (Arabic: fiqh), due to its relevance to the issues prominent in everyday life.

Sex outside of marriage

Adultery

Adultery is strictly, and repeatedly, forbidden in the Qur'an.

* And do not go anywhere near adultery: it is an outrage, and an evil path. (17:32)

* This is a sura (chapter) We have sent down and made obligatory: We have sent down clear revelation in it, so that you may take heed. Strike the adulteress and the adulterer one hundred times. Do not let compassion for them keep you from carrying out God's law -- if you believe in God and the last day -- and ensure that a group of believers witnesses the punishment. The adulterer is only [fit] to marry an adulteress or idolatress, and the adulteress is only [fit] to marry an adulterer or an idolater: such behavior is forbidden to believers. (24:1-3)

While harsh, modern commentators are often quick to note that the punishment prescribed for adultery is mitigated by the impracticality of meeting its requirement for being applied: the testimonies of four eye-witnesses to the act (24:13). Many today consider this to mean it is an almost purely symbolic way of denoting the severity of the offense, while others consider it a legally required punishment.

The Qur'an does additionally allow for sexual relations between a man and those whom "his right hand possesses," traditionally interpreted to mean slaves or prisoners of war, a point anachronistic to contemporary times. Again, some commentators differ as to what is the exact meaning of this term.

Pre-marital sex

The Quran never explicitly prohibits pre-marital sex, though is it commonly assumed to be implied - given its stance towards marriage and controlling one's lustful urges.

While the strictest forms of Sharia law can prescribe the death penalty for adultery, pre-marital sex is considered a lesser offence and is punished by a maximum of 100 lashes to both the male and female. In addition to adultery's underlying betrayal, it is also argued that exception is made towards pre-marital sex because they have no easily-attainable release for their sexual energy, while married couples have their spouse who they should turn towards, for fulfillment[7]

As a result of the Islamic beliefs regarding extra-marital and pre-marital sex, many modern Muslim societies highly value virginity and maintain high rates of abstinence until marriage. While this is true for both genders, often a higher premium is placed upon a girl's virginity, with the associated higher social consequences involved for losing it[citation needed].

Sex and fasting

Regarding sexual intercourse during the month of Ramadan:[8]
The Qur'an, chapter 2 (Al-Baqara), verse 187:
“ It is made lawful to you to go into your wives on the night of the fast; they are an apparel for you and you are an apparel for them; Allah knew that you acted unfaithfully to yourselves, so He has turned to you (mercifully) and removed from you (this burden); so now be in contact with them and seek what Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the whiteness of the day becomes distinct from the blackness of the night at dawn, then complete the fast till night, and have not contact with them while you keep to the mosques; these are the limits of Allah, so do not go near them. Thus does Allah make clear His communications for men that they may guard (against evil).— translated by M. H. Shakir


”

Through emulation of the actions of Muhammad and interpretation, this same type of prohibition is extended to voluntary fasts (those which fall outside of Ramadan) as well. Select interpreters have held that the right to sexual gratification in marriage is strong enough that a married woman should seek her husband's approval before choosing days to fast; on this contemporary opinions and practices vary.

[edit] Sex and menstruation
The Qur'an, chapter 2 (Al-Baqara), verse 222:
“ And they ask you about menstruation. Say: It is a discomfort; therefore keep aloof from the women during the menstrual discharge and do not go near them until they have become clean; then when they have cleansed themselves, go in to them as Allah has commanded you; surely Allah loves those who turn much (to Him), and He loves those who purify themselves.— translated by M. H. Shakir


”

Many hadith, however, relate stories of Muhammad sharing a bed with his wives while they were menstruating, "fondling" them, or laying with his head in their laps, so this verse should not be interpreted to mean that "to keep away" from women when they are menstruating means anything more than a particular sexual euphemism.[citation needed] the bottom line is a man may share the bed with wife but he is not allowed to have sexual relations with her in those days, because it is not good for both of them.

Yusuf al-Qaradawi, a 21st century Sunni Islamic scholar states:
“ ...it is reported that the Jews and Zoroastrians used to go to extremes in avoiding any physical contact with menstruating women, while the Christians continue to have sexual relations with them without regard to the flow of blood. The Arabs of the period of jahiliyyah would not eat, drink, or sit with women who were menstruating and would send them to separate dwelling just as the Jews and Zoroastrians did. Accordingly, some Muslims asked the Prophet (peace be on him) about what is permitted and what is forbidden in relation to menstruating women. The following verse was then revealed:

(verse 2:222 quoted)

Some people understood the phrase, "Refrain from women, as meaning that they should not live together in the same house during the menstrual periods. The Prophet (peace be on him) then explained the correct meaning of this verse, saying,

I ordered you only to refrain from having intercourse with menstruating women and did not tell you to send them out of the house as the foreigners do.

When the Jews of Madinah heard this they said, "This man does not like to leave any part of what we do unchanged, but does the opposite." Thus the Muslim can fondle and enjoy his menstruating wife, avoiding only the place of hurt. The Islamic position in this regard is' as always, a middle one, between the one extreme of spelling the menstruating woman from the house and the other extreme of having intercourse with her. Recent medical researchers have discovered that the menstrual flow contains a toxic substance which, if undischarged, may be harmful to the body. Likewise; they have discovered the reason why intercourse should be avoided during this time. The reproductive organs become highly congested and the nerves very sensitive due to the secretion of the internal glands; consequently, intercourse may irritate them, possibly impeding the menstrual flow and causing inflammation of the sexual organs.[9]
”

Homosexuality

Ordinarily accepted interpretations of the Qur'an condemn male homosexuality through the story of Lot (see Qur'an verses: 11:69-83, 29:28-35), similarly rendered to the story as it appears in the Biblical book of Genesis, as well as through a verse addressed directly to Muhammad and his followers, which reads:

* If two men commit a lewd act, punish them both; if they repent and mend their ways, leave them alone -- God is always ready to accept repentance, He is full of mercy. (4:16)

It is not always clear whether or not the Qur'an specifically refers to female homosexuality. The verse prior to the one cited above, which begins "if any of your women commit a lewd act," has been interpreted to mean female homosexuality by way of its being paired with a verse regarding "two men among you," but it has also been interpreted to refer to a more general state of illegal sexual activity. Regardless, as sexual activity in Islam has in effect been restricted to marriage and marriage restricted to relationships between opposite sex partners, the correlation broadly drawn has been that all homosexual activity is forbidden, without respect to gender.

As with other faiths, some contemporary interpreters and organizations are working to reinterpret texts so as to allow for same-gender relationships, however this burgeoning venture has not been widely accepted in the mainstream Muslim community. See also Homosexuality and Islam.

Prostitution

Sahih Bukhari 3:34:439

A narration attributed to Abu Mas'ud Al-Ansari reports:
“ Allah's Apostle forbade taking the price of a dog, money earned by prostitution and the earnings of a soothsayer. ”

Masturbation

The Quran does not mention masturbation.

Contraception

The primary method of birth control in Muhammad's time was coitus interruptus (Arabic: al-'azl), the withdrawal method. Numerous hadith are used to declare this an acceptable practice, some with stipulations that it is only so with the woman's consent. A minority of opinions instead uphold a saying attributed to Muhammad that it is "a minor infanticide," however the accuracy of this remark is generally considered weak and therefore may be disregarded.

By correlation this general acceptance of the withdrawal method is expanded to include most modern forms of birth control. However, their use is limited to family planning purposes and are generally considered makruh (things not explicitly forbidden but which should be avoided nonetheless) if intended to permanently prevent conception.

A narration attributed to Jabir ibn Abdullah reports:
“ We used to practice coitus interruptus while the Quran was being revealed. Jabir added: We used to practice coitus interruptus during the lifetime of Allah's Apostle while the Quran was being revealed.[10] ”

A narration attributed to Abu-Sa'id al-Khudri reports:
“ A man said: Apostle of Allah, I have a slave-girl and I withdraw the penis from her (while having intercourse), and I dislike that she becomes pregnant. I intend (by intercourse) what the men intend by it. The Jews say that withdrawing the penis (azl) is burying the living girls on a small scale. He (the Prophet) said: The Jews told a lie. If Allah intends to create it, you cannot turn it away.[11] ”

The above hadith makes it clear that intercourse for sole aim of sexual gratification is not prohibited in Islam.

Abortion

Islam does not traditionally hold that ensoulment occurs at the point of conception. Two passages in the Qur'an describe the fetal development process:

* ...We created you from dust, then from a drop of fluid, then a clinging form, then a lump of flesh, both shaped and unshaped: We mean to make Our power clear to you. Whatever We choose We cause to remain in the womb for an appointed time, then We bring you forth as infants and then you grow and reach maturity. ... (22:5)

* We created man from an essence of clay, then We placed him as a drop of fluid in a safe place, then We made that drop into a clinging form, and We made that form into a lump of flesh, and We made that lump into bones, and We clothed those bones with flesh, and later We made him into other forms -- glory be to God, the best of creators! (23:12-14)

Traditional scholarship places the point of ensoulment nearer to the end of this process, naming it as anywhere between 40 and 120 days after conception, making abortion permissible until that point, though increasingly disliked as time passed.

Contemporary scholarship, however, is more likely to more strongly restrict or even forbid abortion, on the grounds that modern technology has permitted us to perceive life in the womb earlier than was previously possible. All schools of thought, traditional and modern, make allowances for circumstances threatening the health or life of the mother.

Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari in a lecture stated that it was murder if done after three months and before that it was a crime, but not to the degree of murder.

Fatima Zahra's Marriage

from: http://www.ezsoftech.com/islamic/wedding.asp

Fatima Zahra (S.A.) on the way to marriage:

When Fatima Zahra (S.A.) reached nine years of age, she was a fully-grown woman who enjoyed intellectual maturity and integrity of conduct. Allah gifted her with a brilliant mentality and cleverness, together with beauty, grace and elegance. Her talents were many and she inherited and acquired noble traits excel those of any female or male.

Fatima's religious feelings and literary knowledge were unlimited. You will come to know that she was the most knowledgeable and most honorable woman in the world. In fact, history has not witnessed any other woman who achieved such a high level of education, knowledge, and social graces that Fatima reached; regardless of the fact that she did not graduate from any educational establishment save the school of Revelation and Messenger ship.

In light of this, it is not strange that prominent companions of the Prophet asked to marry her, but he (S.A.W.) rejected them by saying: "Her affair is left to her Lord; whenever He wills, she will marry."

Shu'aib Ibn Saab Al-Misri said the following in Ar-Rawd Al-Faeq: "When the sun of her beauty shined in the heavens of Messenger ship and became fill on the horizon of exaltation of the moon of her perfection, the dawns of thoughts reached towards her and the sights of the chosen longed to observe her beauty; so the masters of the Muhajarin and Ansar asked to marry her, but the one who was bestowed with Allah's satisfaction [the Prophet (S.A.W.)] rejected them and said: 'I am waiting for Allah's ordinance in her regards."

Abu Bakr and Umar were among those who asked to marry Fatima, but the Prophet rejected them too, and said that she was still too young for marriage. Abdur Rahman Ibn Awf also asked for her hand, but the Prophet ignored him.

Ali lbn Muragi reported in his book Kanz Al-Umal V.2, P.99 that Anas Ibn Malik said: "Abu Bakr came to see the Prophet (S.A.W.). After sitting down he said: 'O Messenger of Allah, you surely know of my devotion and long standing service to Islam...'

The Prophet then said: 'What is it that you want?' Abu Bakr then said: 'I want you to give me Fatima in marriage.' When the Prophet heard this, he did not say anything, so Abu Bakr returned to Umar and said: 'I have ruined myself and others!' Umar said: 'What happened?'

Abu Bakr replied: 'I asked for Fatima's hand from the Prophet, but he ignored me.' Umar siad: 'You stay here, and I will go ask the Prophet for the same thing that you asked him for.' Umar went to the Prophet and after sitting down started saying: 'O Messenger of Allah, you surely know of my devotion and long standing service to Islam...' The Prophet then said: 'What is it that you want?'

Umar replied: 'I want you to give me Fatima in marriage.' But the Prophet ignored him too. Umar returned to Abu Bakr and said: 'He is waiting far Allah's command in her regard.

Al-Haithami also reported in his book Majma Az-Zawa'ed that Abu Bakr and Umar sent their daughters to the Prophet (S.A.W.) in order to ask him to give Fatima in marriage to them; but when the daughters mentioned why they had come, the Prophet said: "No! Not until Allah's command in her regard is revealed".

Perhaps the Messenger avoided telling Abu Bakr and Umar openly that he is keeping Fatima for the qualified man, because he did not want to declare to them that they were unqualified to marry her, and that his daughter was above their level. The Prophet also wanted everything to occur in its natural order.

Imam Ali (A.S.) was staying in the house of Saad Ibn Ma'adh (According to one historical finding) since he immigrated to Medina. One day, While Imam Ali was in one of the gardens of Medina, Saad came to him and said: "What prevents you from asking to marry Fatima from your cousin?"

It has also been mentioned in Kanz Al-Umal that Umar came to Ali (A.S.) and said: "What prevents you from (marrying) Fatima?"

Imam Ali replied: "I fear that he (the Prophet) will not give her to me in marriage!"

Umar said: "If he does not give her to you in marriage, then whom will she marry? Besides, you are the nearest of Allah's creatures to him..."

Actually, Ali had never mentioned his desire to marry Fatima for two reasons; first his shyness to do so in front of the Prophet, and secondly because of his very difficult economic condition. Imam Ali owned nothing of the imperial belongings of this world-not even a house or a peace of land! So how could he get married? And where would he live with his wife? Besides, Fatima (S.A.) is not the type of woman who can be neglected or looked down upon!

Nevertheless, the purpose of marriage in Islam is to establish a family. The question of sex is not the main goal, rather it is a matter included and taken care of by marriage. In addition, Islam came to break the chains and the blind adoption of concepts, which deprived many people from marriage by making it difficult for them to acquire partners; thus, preventing them from a basic and natural necessity needed for the survival of mankind. Therefore-thanks to Islam-marriage became an easy affair. Tribe and race consciousness was eradicated by the new religion. The Prophet (S.A.W.), who was still going through the stage of building Islam, wanted to set an example through his words and deeds in this field; for he is the exemplar and model for the people. So he fought ignorant and infidel customs through his works and actions.

Imam Ali (A.S.) finally approached the Prophet (S.A.W.) and asked for Fatima's hand in marriage. The Messenger, who has absolute guardianship over all Muslim men and women, including his daughter, would not announce his agreement to the marriage without Fatima's consent. By this action, he (S.A.W.) made it clear that it is inevitable to obtain the daughter's permission for marriage, because she is the one who is to live with the man and share his life. Indeed, giving a girl in marriage to someone without her prior approval or permission is a clear violation of her honor, degradation of her personality, disruption of her soul and a practical declaration to her that she is like an animal who can be sold or given as a gift to anyone without the right to state her opinion.

The Prophet in reply to Ali said: "Ali, many men have asked before you and she has rejected them-her resentment to marry them was clear on her face. Yet, wait until I bring you the answer."

The Prophet left Ali waiting for the answer. The Prophet informed his daughter that Ali wished to marry her. Fatima did not need to ask about Ali's occupation, manners, age and other traits; because she knew all about his talents, excellent traits and long-standing service to Islam. It is for this reason that the Prophet (S.A.W.) only said to her:

"Fatima, you know Ali lbn Abu Talib's relationship to us, his devotion and faithfulness to Islam. I asked Allah to give you in marriage to the best of His creatures, and the most beloved to Him; and he (Ali) has declared his wish to marry you; what do you say?"

Ali & FatimaFatima did not reply, nor did she show a sign of rejection or resentment, so he (S.A.W.) stood up and said: "Allah is the Greatest! Her silence is her approval."

The Prophet considered Fatima's silence as her consent and approval of the marriage; because a shy, virgin girl is not expected to declare her agreement openly. Yes, she can openly express disagreement and rejection of marriage. But shyness prevents a girl from declaring her wish to marry a man, but it does not stop her from rejecting it.

The Prophet (S.A.W.) went back to the waiting Ali and informed him of Fatima's approval of the marriage. He also inquired about the extent of his preparedness to fulfill the requirements needed for the wedding, because legally and traditionally there has to be a dowry. Especially in light of the fact that this marriage would be remembered and be of great influence to the future generations. Thus, it was important to observe every element and event, which would play a part of this marriage-within the limits of simplicity and modesty.

The Prophet said to Ali: "Do you possess anything (which you can pay for the dowry) to marry Fatima?"

Imam Ali answered: "May my parents be your sacrifice! By Allah, there is not a thing of my affairs hidden from you; I own my sword, shield and the camel which I use for irrigation!"

Indeed, this was everything that Ali possessed in this world when he was about to get married!

The Messenger open-heartedly listened to Ali and said:

"Ali, you cannot do without your sword, for you have to struggle with it and defend yourself against the enemies of Allah. As for your camel, you need is to irrigate palm trees and supports your family, and you need it as a means of travel. But I accept the shield as a dowry from you; thus sell it and bring me the money!"

Ali had won this shield from the booty of the battle of Badr. The Messenger, who named it Al-Hademah, gave it to him; because it destroyed all the swords which stuck it.

The Commander of the Faithful (A.S.) sold the shield for 480 or 500 dirhams and brought the money to the Prophet (S.A.W.). They both agreed that this money would be the dowry of the most honorable girl and most exalted female of the universe. Yes Fatima was the Mistress of the women of the world, and the daughter of the Master of Prophets and Messengers, who was the best of Allah's creatures.

Yet, he (S.A.W.) gave his daughter in marriage in return for such a modest dowry in order to teach other Muslim girls not to refrain from marriage because of modest dowries. There are many other lessons, which we can learn from Fatima's marriage, but this is not the place to mention them.

Despite Fatima's modest marriage on Earth, Allah, the Exalted, bestowed her with an honorable gift. He (Glory be to Him) gave her in marriage to Ali Ibn Abu Talib, before the Messenger himself did so. This is not abnormal, for Allah had given women who are much lower than Fatima in marriage to the Prophet (S.A.W.). For example, He gave Zainab Bint Jahsh to the Prophet in marriage as it is stated in the Holy Quran.

"Then when Zaid had dissolved (his marriage) with her, with the necessary (formality), We joined her in marriage to thee." (33:50)

Therefore, was it not possible for Fatima's wedding to have been celebrated in the exalted heavens, and attended by the nearest angels to Allah, the Exalted, as Prophetic Traditions State! Indeed, this is what happened in tribute to Fatima, her Father, her husband, and her future children who are the authorities of Allah on His creatures.

The celebration took place in the fourth Heaven near Al-Bait Al-Ma'mour (the constantly attended house of Allah). It was a unique event the like of which the universe had never encountered before. Angels from all the Heavens gathered in the fourth Heaven and erected the Minbar of Honor, which is made of light. Then Allah, The Almighty, revealed to one of His angels, Rahil, to ascend the Minber and praise and glorify His names as He deserves. Rahil, who was the most eloquent of all angels, did what his Lord revealed to him and said: "Praise be Allah, since sempiternity of the first (creatures); He who is ever-lasting (even) after the cessation of all beings; We praise Him for making us spiritual angels, who are submitting to His Godship, and for making us grateful of Him for His benevolence on us.

He safeguarded us from craving for lusts; and made our only pleasure and enjoyment to glorify and exalt Him. He who extended His Mercy (upon everything); and bestowed His benevolence (upon everyone). Exalted is His Name from the polytheism of polytheists of the dwellers of Earth, And Elevated by His Creatures from the fabrications of the atheists.

Allah, The Omnipotent King, chose the one who was bestowed with special Divine Honor, and the worshipper of His Greatness, for His worshipper, the Mistress of women and the daughter of the best of prophets, the Master of all messengers and the Imam of the pious; so He brought into relations the Prophet with a man from his kin. One who is his believing companion, and was prompt in answering his call-Ali, the devout; with Fatima the splendid and the daughter of the Messenger."

Then Gabriel added the following words, which were from Allah, the Exalted:

"Praise is My garment, Greatness is My Magnificence, All the creatures are My slaves men and women. I give Fatima, My Worshipper in marriage to Ali, My chosen worshipper. So bear witness O MY angels."

This narration was also reported by a group of Sunni scholars, among them are: Abdurrahman As-Safawi in Nuzhat Al-Majalis V.2, P.223, reported that Jabir Ibn Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) said:

"Um Ayman came to the Prophet (S.A.W.) crying; the Prophet asked her why she was crying? She replied; 'A man from the Ansar just informed me that his daughter has just been married, and that sprinkled sweets and almonds on her Thus, this reminded me that when Fatima married Ali, you did not sprinkle anything on her.'

There-upon the Prophet said: 'By Allah Who sent me with honor, and gifted me with the Messenger ship; when Allah gave Fatima to Ali in marriage, He ordered the nearest angels to surround the Throne-including Gabriel, Michael and Israfil. He also commanded birds to sing and ordered the tree of Tuba to sprinkle them with fresh pearls, white gems, green chrysalides and red rubies.'

According to another tradition, he (S.A.W.) said: "The marriage took place near the Lotus tree in the seventh Heaven, on the night of Ascension. (On that occasion) Allah revealed to the tree: 'Sprinkle all that you bear on them.' So it sprinkled them with gems, jewelry and corals."

2. Al-Hafiz Abu Nu'aym reported in Hilyat Al-Owliya V.5, P.59, that Abdullah Ibn Masoud said:"...then Allah commanded the Tree of Paradise to bear gems and jewelry; He then ordered it to sprinkle them over the angels. So whoever received more than the others on that day, will be proud of it until the Day of Resurrection."

3. This narration was mentioned by: Kharazmi in Maqtal Al-Hussain, Asqalani in Lisan Al-Mizan and Tahdhib Al-Tahdhib, and Qandouzi in Yanabi' Al-Mawaddah.

4. It has been reported in Nuzhat Al-Majalis that Anas Ibn Malik said: 'The Prophet was in the mosque when he said to Ali: 'Here is Gabriel informing me that Allah gave Fatima to you in marriage, and made forty thousand angels testify to her marriage. He also revealed to the Tree of Tuba to sprinkle them with gems, rubies, jewelry and embellishments. When is had done this, the Huris rushed to collect these gems, rubies, jewelry and embellishments to exchange them for gifts until the Day of Resurrection.'" (Sayuti reported this narration in Tahdheer Al-Khawas.)

The Messenger (S.A.W.) performed the engagement proceedings in the mosque while he was on the Minbar, in the presence of the Muslims, so as to enact the practice of announcing and assigning witnesses to engagement proceedings; and specified the amount of dowry, so that the Muslims could follow his practice in requesting modest dowries for marriages. He (S.A.W.) said:

"Avoid exaggeration in the (amounts of) dowries, because this causes enmity (between you)."

The Prophet (S.A.W.) also assigned the desirable practice of limiting dowry to five hundred dirhams. He (S.A.W.) and the Holy Imams of Ahlul-Bayt never exceeded this amount of dowry in their marriages.

When Ali had sold his shield, he brought the money to the Prophet; who divided it into thirds: one-third was for household necessities, one-third was for perfumes and embellishments for the wedding, and the remaining one-third he gave to Um Salamah, who was to give it back to Ali to assist him in paying for food for the guests attending the ceremony.

Naturally, Ali's marriage to Fatima Zahra (S.A.) raised envy and enmity in the hearts of some men; especially those who were rejected by Fatima and her father when they had asked for her hand. So it was not strange to see some Quraishans come to the Prophet and say: "Surely you have taken a lowly dowry for Fatima from Ali" The Prophet replied: "It was not I who gave (Fatima to) Ali in marriage, rather Allah did so on the night of ascension near the Lotus tree (in the seventh Heaven)..." He then added: "Verily I am a man just like you; I marry (from) your women and give you my (marriageable) women in marriage, save Fatima, for her marriage was revealed in Heaven."

The Prophet gave Abu Bakr some money and asked him to accompany Bilal and Salman, (or Ammar Ibn Yasir) to buy some household necessities for Fatima's house. The Prophet said to Abu Bakr: "Buy some appropriate household necessities for my daughter with this money." Abu Bakr said: "He gave sixty-three (63) dirhams, so we went to the market and bought the following:

01. Two mattresses made of Egyptian canvas. (One stuffed with fiber and the other with sheep wool).

02. A leather mat.

03. A pillow made of skin, filled with palm tree fiber.

04. A Khaibarion cloak.

05. An animal skin for water.

06. Some jugs and jars also for water.

07. A pitcher painted with tar.

08. A thin curtain made of wool.

09. A shirt costing seven (7) dirhams.

10. A veil costing four (4) dirhams.

11. Black plush cloak.

12. A bed embellished with ribbon.

13. Four cushions made of skin imported from Ta 'ef stuffed with a good smelling plant.

14. A mat from Hajar.

15. A hand-mill.

16. A special copper container used for dyestuff.

17. A pestle for grinding coffee.

18. A (water) skin.

When Abu Bakr and the other companions had bought the above-mentioned articles, they carried them to Um Salama's house. When the Prophet saw them, he started kissing every article and supplicated to Allah, saying: "O Allah, bless them! For they are people who the majority of their belongings are made of natural materials."

These were all the furnishings they purchased for the daughter of the best of all prophets and messengers. But indeed, marital happiness is not achieved by wealth and overspending, nor can expensive wardrobes, gems, golden ware, luxurious furniture, splendid palaces or comfortable automobiles provide a person with marital happiness, contrary to the beliefs of most people.

How many wealthy women dressed in expensive wardrobes and embellished themselves with gems and jewelry, which cover their necks, arms, and ears consider life an unbearable misery. On the contrary, how many women are there who live in shacks, who cook, bake bread, wash clothes, sweep floors, nurse their children and struggle hard in light of their simple lives, yet consider themselves happy people and their houses to be gardens of Eden.

This fact is also true for men. Yet, unfortunately, many young unmarried women hold the wrong view then marital happiness can only be found through wealth and luxuries. They consider simplicity a sign of misery and deprivation; therefore, these miserable youths remain unmarried waiting for marital happiness to knock on their doors, accompanied by wealth and luxuries!

Part of Fatima's dowry is "intercedence on the day of resurrection"

Although Fatima's dowry was modest, because of the Messenger's wish to set an example for the Muslims and for other implicit reasons, Fatima Zahra (S.A.) did not ignore her greatness and exalted identity to obtain a fantastic gift for her wedding. Fatima's drive for excellence and perfection motivated her to ask for the right of intercedence - if Allah willed - for the sinners among the Muslims.

Abmad Ibn Yusuf Ad-Dimashqi in his book Akhbar Al-Dowal Wa Ath-tha Al-Uwal reported the following: "It was narrated that when she (Fatima) learnt about her marriage and that her dowry was a small number of dirhams, she said:

'O Messenger of Allah, lay-girls take money for dowries; what is the difference between them and me (if my dowry was to be money too)? I kindly ask you to give it back and supplicate to Allah, the Exalted, to make my dowry the right to intercede for the sinners among Muslims (on the Day of Rising).' It was then that Gabriel descended with a label on which the following statement was wirtten:

'Allah ordained Fatima Zahra's dowry to be intercedence for the sinners among Muslims.'

When Fatima (S.A.) was on her deathbed, she asked that the label be put on her chest under the coffin. Thus, it was done so. Fatima (S.A.) said: 'When l am rated on the Day of Resurrection, I will present this label with my hand to intercede for the sinners from among my Father's nation.'

It is apparent that the narration mentioned above illustrates the greatness, honor, and excellence Lady Fatima enjoyed. The Messenger's supplication was answered, so Fatima will present the label on the day when it is most needed. Nasfi said:

"Fatima (May Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet (S.A.W.) that her dowry would be intercedence for his nation on the day of Resurrection. So when she passes the path, she will ask for her dowry."

It is worthy to mention that many narration's have been reported on the account of Ahlul-Bayt (A.S.) to the effect that intercedence is part of Fatima Zahra's dowry.

Preparations for the wedding

A non-planned period of time elapsed between the engagement and the wedding ceremony, because Imam Ali (A.S.) was too shy to ask the Prophet to assign a day for the wedding, while he (S.A.W.) wanted to protect Fatima's pride by refraining from asking Ali to do so.

A month or more passed by before Imam Ali said anything regarding the wedding. Aqeel (Ali's brother) asked him about the reason for the delay in holding the wedding ceremony and encouraged him to prepare for the wedding and to ask the Prophet (S.A.W.) to assign a date for it. Despite Ali's shyness, he accompanied Aqeel to the Prophet's house to fulfill his wishes. On their way to the Prophet's house, they met Um Ayman who, when told the reason for their visit, asked them to leave the matter to her. She, in turn, informed Um Salama and the Prophet's wives who gathered in Aisha's house, where the Prophet (S.A.W.) was, and said:

"May our parents be your sacrifice! We are gathered here in regard to that, had Khadija been alive would have brought happiness to her life!"

When hearing Khadija's name, the Prophet cried and said: "Surely Khadija believed me when men did not, and helped in establishing Allah's religion, and granted me her belongings in its path.

Allah -Exalted is His Name- commanded me to bring the good news to Khadija that (she has) a house in Paradise made of brocade and emeralds, where there is not roaring or strain."

Um Salama said: "May our parents be your sacrifice, O Messenger of Allah! Surely everything you have praised Khadija for is true, but she departed to her Lord! May He bring happiness to her and gather us with her in the Paradise of His satisfaction and Mercy.

Messenger of Allah? Your brother from among the people of the world, who is also your cousin, Ali Ibn Abu Talib, wished that you specify a day for the wedding so that he may be united with his wife Fatima."

The Prophet answered: "Why doesn't Ali ask me to do so?"

She replied: "Shyness prevents him!"

He said: "Um Ayman, go call Ali for me."

When Um Ayman came out, she found Ali (A.S.) waiting for the answer. Upon her request he, entered the house and shyly sat near the Prophet who said to him:

"Do you wish to be wedded to your wife?"

Ali replied: "Alright, it is to your honor! If you wish, the wedding can take place tonight or tomorrow night, if Allah wills."

The Prophet said: "So prepare a house for Fatima."

Ali then said: "The only house I can acquire is Harithah Ibn Al-Numan's."

The Prophet said: "Surely we are shy for Harithah lbn Al-Numan, for we have taken the majority of his houses!"

When Harithah heard about this, he proceeded towards the Prophet and said: "Messenger of Allah, I and my property belong to Allah and His Messenger. By Allah, there is nothing more beloved to me than that which you take; it surely is more desirable to me (that you take it) than if you leave it (for me)!"

Consequently, Harithah, motivated by his strong faith and belief in good deeds, granted Ali (A.S.) one of his houses. Imam Ali furnished one of the rooms by spreading sand on the floor and erecting a pole for hanging the water container. He also purchased a jug and jar and laid a piece of wood between two walls for hanging clothes, and placed a ram's skin on the floor and put a pillow made of fiber on it. In addition to some gifts which were given to him by some companions.

The Prophet (S.A.W.) ordered Ali (A.S.) to hold a dinner because Allah, the Exalted, is pleased with those who do so; for the social good it does-such as bringing people together and implementing love and harmony among them.

It is noteworthy that Lady Fatima Zahra (S.A.) excelled in giving on the path of Allah; she possessed generosity that no other woman can claim to be equal to.

Al-Asfouri wrote in his book Nuzhat Al-Majalis V.2, P.226, on the authority of Ibn Al-Tawous: "The Prophet (S.A.W.) had a new dress made for Fatima (as a gift) for her wedding; she had just one old patched dress. On her wedding night, someone knocked on the door and said: 'I ask the household of Prophet hood to give me an old dress.' At first Fatima was going to give him her old dress, but then remembered the Quranic verse:

'By no means shall ye attain righteousness unless ye give (freely) of that which ye love (prefer)'

She then gave the poor man her new dress. Consequently, Gabriel descended and said: 'O Muhammad! Allah sends Him peace upon you; He commanded me to greet Fatima and (give her the gift He sent to her) which is a dress from Paradise, made of silk brocade...'

(Returning to the feast), when the food had been prepared, the meat cooked, the bread baked and the dates and butter obtained, the Prophet (S.A.W.) started spitting the dates and mixing them with the butter to replace sweetmeat for the wedding.

When everything was ready, he (S.A.W.) asked Ali to invite the people to the feast.

When Ali reached the Mosque, he found it crowded with people-all were at the Mosque, from the poor immigrants who lived there to the Ansars. Nevertheless, Ali's generosity and noble-heartedness did not allow him to invite some people and exclude others, especially since everyone wanted to be invited to the Prophet's daughter's wedding feast. Ali's belief in Allah's power and the Prophet's blessed heart, motivated him to call out loud:

"O people, answer the call for the feast of Fatima Bint Muhammad."

Men and women from all around Medina gathered in the house. They ate, drank and even took food to their homes. The blessings of the Prophet were obvious on that day, for not only the food was enough to feed everyone, but also it did not decrease at all. The Prophet (S.A.W.) asked for food containers to be brought and filled them and sent them to his wives and left a special container for Fatima and her husband.

By sunset, the wedding night had begun; it was time for Fatima to depart to her new home. Everything went well, for the Prophet (S.A.W.) had made all the necessary preparation for the wedding. Despite the simplicity and modesty of her wedding, Fatima's marriage ceremony was surrounded by signs of greatness, excellence, and beauty. AI-Haithami wrote in Majma' Az-Zawaed that Jabir said:

Marriage"We were present at Fatima and Ali's (May Allah be pleased with them) wedding ceremony, and indeed we have not seen any ceremony better than that one..."

The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) ordered his wives to embellish Fatima (S.A.) before the wedding; they perfumed and dressed her with jewelry. They all helped to ready Fatima; some combed her hair while others embellished and dressed her in the dress brought by Gabriel from Paradise.

Allah's Messenger (S.A.W.) paid special attention to Fatima Zahra (S.A.), which he did not bestow on his other daughters for the following reasons;

A. Her special characteristics and noble traits.

B. Her husband is Ali Ibn Abu Talib, who is known for his talents and longstanding service to Islam-besides being the Prophet's cousin.

C. The Prophet (S.A.W.) also knew that his daughter was going to be included in the verse of purification, the verse of Mubahelah (supplication), and the verse of Kinship.

D. Fatima also is the mother of the Holy lmams who will lead humanity until the Day of Resurrection.

The night of Fatima's wedding arrived. Because every girl needs her mother on her wedding night; Fatima missed Khadija and felt very much like an orphan. With his (S.A.W.) noble and special attention to Fatima, the Prophet wished to fill Khadija's space; the Prophet called Ali (A.S.) and Fatima (S.A.), who proceeded towards him-Fatima, was in her long heavenly dress overtaken with shyness. He (S.A.W.) brought his gray horse and asked Fatima to ride it and ordered Salman to lead while he (S.A.W.) followed them.

Yes, indeed, Fatima's wedding was attended by heavenly creatures as well as people; for she is a human huri.

Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdadi in Tareekh Baghdad V.5, P.7, Al-Hamvini in Durar Al-Simtain, Al-Dhahabi in Mizan Al-Etedal, Garani in Akhbar Al-Dowal, and Qandouzi in Yanabi' Al-Mawaddah have narrated that Ibn Abbas said:

'When Fatima was taken to Ali's house on her wedding night, the Prophet preceded her, Gabriel was on her right, and Michael on her left, and seventy thousand angels followed her. These angels praised and glorified Allah until dawn!

The Hashemit men, Abdul Muttalib's daughters, and Muhajarin and Ansar's women all accompanied Fatima's caravan that night. The Prophet's wives joyfully led the caravan; they were also the first to enter the house.

Upon arriving, the Prophet (S.A.W.) placed Fatima's hand in Ali's hand and said:

'May Allah bless his Messenger's daughter;

Ali, this is Fatima, you are responsible for her (or I entrust her to you).

Ali, what an excellent wife Fatima is!

Fatima, what an excellent husband Ali is!

O Allah, bless them, bless their lives, and bless their children.

O Allah, surely they are the most beloved to me from among your creatures, so love them too, and assign for them a guardian.

I place them and there progeny under your protection from the curse devil.'

The Prophet (S.A.W.) then asked for a jug of water; he sipped a small amount of the water and after gargling with it, placed it back in the jug. He then called for Fatima and sprayed her head and shoulders with that water and did the same thing to Ali (A.S.). Thereafter, he ordered the women to leave the house. They all left except Asma Bint Umais. When he noticed that she had stayed behind, he exclaimed:

'Didn't I ask you to leave?'

She answered: 'Indeed, O Messenger of Allah! May my parents be your sacrifice; I did not intend to disobey you, but I promised Khadija to take her place on this night' this moved The Prophet; he cried and said to Asma: 'By Allah, is this the reason that made you stay behind?'

She said: 'Yes, by Allah!'

He (S.A.W.) then said: Asma, may Allah fulfill for you the needs of this world and the Hereafter.

Fatima's house

The contemporary civilized world realizes the importance of paying due attention to certain spots and structures, which are connected to identify noble people or valuable entities. Thus, laws related to this matter have been legislated, such as diplomatic immunity for specific individuals and buildings, and laws which regulate the use of public places, universities, temples, and so on, that are related to science, religion, and culture.

Allah knew the importance of these actions and laws the Exalted, and His chosen worshippers from the beginning. Rules and regulations which govern entering mosques, especially the Sacred Mosque in Mecca, such as preventing certain groups of people like the infidels, the Junub, and menstruating women from entering them, are a reflection of this fact. Other examples of such laws are: the necessity to keep these places pure; the importance of respecting the sanctity of mosques; the forbiddance of hunting in and around Mecca during certain periods of time.

Fatima's house is certainly one of these places, which is surrounded by sanctity, holiness and exaltation. It was built on respect, honor and righteousness. Those who realize know the value of her house.

Sheik Majlisi (May Allah bless his soul) reported on the authority of Anas Ibn Malik that Buraidah said:

Allah's Messenger read the verse: "In houses, which Allah hath permitted to be raised to honor; for the celebration in, the of His name:

In them is He glorified in the mornings and in the evenings." A man then exclaimed: "Whose houses are there, O Messenger of Allah?" The Prophet answered: "Prophet's houses." Abu Bakr said; "Messenger of Allah, is this one of these houses (He meant Fatima's house)?

The Prophet replied; "Yes, it is among the best of them!" Ibn Abbas also said: "I was in the Prophet's mosque when someone read: 'In houses which Allah hath permitted to be raised in honor,..' So I said: 'Messenger of Allah; which houses?'

He (S.A.W.) said: 'Prophet's houses;' and pointed to Fatima's house."

It has been narrated in Al-Kafi that Abdullah Ibn Jafar Al-Ansari said:

Once, the Prophet of Allah proceeded towards Fatima's house while I was with him; when we reached the door, he pushed the door (slightly) and said:

'Assalamu Alaikum'

Fatima (S.A.) answered: 'Alaik as-Salaam, Messenger of Allah.'

The Prophet (S.A.W.) then said: 'May I come in?'

She (S.A.) said: 'I do not have my veil on, O Messenger of Allah.'

He (S.A.W.) said: 'Fatima, cover your head with your cloak'

When she had done so, he said: 'Assalamu Alaikum'

She answered: 'Alaik-as-Salaam, Messenger of Allah.'

He repeated the request for permission to enter the house with me, and she gave us permission."