Bibi Fatimah (A.S): A Story of Charity and Sacrifice

The Selflessness of Bibi Fatimah (A.S): A Story of Charity and Sacrifice

During a time of severe poverty, Bibi Fatimah (A.S), her husband Imam Ali (A.S), and their children, Imam Hasan (A.S) and Imam Husayn (A.S), experienced hunger as they lived with very little. Despite this, their devotion to Allah remained steadfast.

Day 1: The Orphan

On the first day of fasting, just as they were about to break their fast, a poor orphan came to their door asking for food. Bibi Fatimah (A.S) and Imam Ali (A.S) gave the entire meal they had prepared, trusting Allah to provide for them. They continued fasting, enduring hunger but maintaining unwavering faith.

Day 2: The Captive

On the second day, after another fast, a captive knocked on their door seeking food. Once again, the family selflessly gave their meal away, choosing to continue fasting for Allah’s sake, confident in His mercy.

Day 3: The Poor Person

On the third day, when they were again preparing to break their fast, a poor person came seeking help. As before, they gave away their meal, not thinking of their own hunger but prioritizing others’ needs.

Divine Revelation: Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9)

In response to their selflessness, Allah revealed the following verses in Surah Al-Insan:

> Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9):

“And they give food, despite their love for it, to the poor, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], ‘We feed you only for the sake of Allah. We do not wish from you reward or gratitude.’”

These verses highlight the ultimate devotion of Bibi Fatimah (A.S) and her family, giving purely for the sake of Allah.

The Angels’ Reward

Some narrations mention that after this act, angels were sent by Allah to comfort the family and bless them, signifying divine pleasure and reward for their sacrifice.

وَيُطْعِمُونَ ٱلطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِۦ مِسْكِينًۭا وَيَتِيمًۭا وَأَسِيرًا

﴿الإِنسَانِ؜ ٨﴾

And out of His love, they give food to the needy, the orphan and the prisoner.

{An interpretation of “Al-Insaan: Man”, Sura 76 Aya 8}

إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ ٱللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنكُمْ جَزَآءًۭ وَلَا شُكُورًا

﴿الإِنسَانِ؜ ٩﴾

They say to them, “We give you food, only for the sake of Allah – we do not seek any reward or thanks from you.”

{An interpretation of “Al-Insaan: Man”, Sura 76 Aya 9}

إِنَّا نَخَافُ مِن رَّبِّنَا يَوْمًا عَبُوسًۭا قَمْطَرِيرًۭا

﴿الإِنسَانِ؜ ١٠﴾

“Indeed we fear from our Lord a day which is extremely bitter, most severe.”

{An interpretation of “Al-Insaan: Man”, Sura 76 Aya 10}

فَوَقَىٰهُمُ ٱللَّهُ شَرَّ ذَٰلِكَ ٱلْيَوْمِ وَلَقَّىٰهُمْ نَضْرَةًۭ وَسُرُورًۭا

﴿الإِنسَانِ؜ ١١﴾

So Allah saved them from the evil of that day, and gave them freshness and joy.

{An interpretation of “Al-Insaan: Man”, Sura 76 Aya 11}