Fatima

The Marriage of 'Ali and Fatima, Iran, ca. 1850

Residence of Fatimah

Jannatul-Baqi before Demolition

آیه تطهیر

Persian miniature of Jesus and Mary

Fatima may refer to several subjects, including historical figures, places, and events, most notably associated with the Islamic context and the Roman Catholic Church. This article aims to provide an overview of the most significant aspects related to the name Fatima.

Fatima in Islamic Tradition

Fatima is a name deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, most famously known as the name of Fatima Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. Born in Mecca around 605 CE, Fatima Zahra is revered by Muslims worldwide for her piety, wisdom, and devotion to her father and to Islam. She is also the wife of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth Caliph of Islam and the first Imam in Shi'a Islam, making her a central figure in Islamic history and spirituality.

Significance

Fatima Zahra holds a significant place in Islamic eschatology and theology, especially within Shi'a Islam, where she is considered part of the Ahl al-Bayt, the family of the Prophet Muhammad. Her virtues and her suffering are often cited as examples of steadfast faith and resilience in the face of adversity.

Fatima in the Roman Catholic Tradition

In the Roman Catholic Church, Fatima refers to the Marian apparitions that occurred in 1917 in the small town of Fatima, Portugal. These apparitions were reported by three shepherd children, Lucia Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto. The Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to the children on six occasions, delivering a message of peace and calling for conversion and prayer, particularly the Rosary.

The Three Secrets of Fatima

The apparitions are also associated with the Three Secrets of Fatima, a series of prophetic messages that the Virgin Mary is said to have entrusted to the children. These secrets have been a subject of intrigue and speculation within the Church and beyond, involving predictions of world events and calls for spiritual renewal.

Fatima as a Place

Fatima, Portugal, has become one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the Roman Catholic Church, attracting millions of pilgrims from around the world annually. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, which marks the site of the apparitions, is the focal point of this devotion, featuring the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Chapel of the Apparitions.

Other Uses

The name Fatima has been used in various other contexts, including names of places, institutions, and cultural references. However, the most prominent associations remain within the realms of Islamic history and Roman Catholic spirituality.

This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the title Fatima.