Bagh-e-fadak : Abubakar Vs Fatemah | Daughter of Muhammad ﷺ | Full Documantary |

The Story of Bagh-e-Fadak: A Detailed Account with Islamic References

Bagh-e-Fadak, or the "Garden of Fadak," holds great significance in early Islamic history, especially regarding the issues of succession, inheritance, and the status of the Prophet's family. Below is a detailed narrative of Bagh-e-Fadak, interwoven with Islamic references.

1. The Background of Bagh-e-Fadak

Bagh-e-Fadak was a lush garden located in the region of Fadak, about 170 km north of Medina, near Khaybar. It was a piece of land that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had received as a gift from Allah after the conquest of Khaybar, without a military campaign. Unlike other lands, Fadak was not taken through war, and its ownership was granted directly to the Prophet by divine decree.

The Qur’anic reference to this is found in Surah Al-Hashr, verse 6:

"What Allah has given to His Messenger from them—then you made no expedition with either cavalry or camelry. But Allah gives authority to His messengers over whom He wills, and Allah is over all things competent." (Qur'an 59:6)

This verse acknowledges that Fadak was divinely granted to the Prophet and was not obtained through the typical means of war or conquest.

2. The Prophet’s Grant of Fadak to Fatimah (A.S.)

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) decided to give the land of Fadak to his beloved daughter, Fatimah (A.S.), as a personal gift. This was not a form of inheritance in the usual sense, but rather a gift that signified the special status of Fatimah among the Prophet's family. Fatimah was the only surviving child of the Prophet, and this gesture reinforced her status within the early Muslim community.

3. The Role of Fadak After the Prophet's Death

After the death of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 632 CE, disputes over the ownership of Fadak began. According to Islamic tradition, the Prophet had not specifically outlined the fate of Fadak after his passing, leading to different interpretations and claims.

When Abu Bakr became the first caliph, Fatimah (A.S.) approached him to demand the return of Fadak, which she considered to be her rightful inheritance. However, Abu Bakr, according to historical accounts, refused to give Fadak to Fatimah, arguing that the Prophet had said:

"We, the community of prophets, do not leave inheritance. What we leave behind is charity." (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 56, Hadith 662)

This hadith was interpreted by Abu Bakr and his supporters to mean that the Prophet’s family was not entitled to inherit wealth from him. Abu Bakr, therefore, considered the property of Fadak as belonging to the community (Ummah) and not Fatimah (A.S.).

4. Fatimah's Response and Protest

Fatimah (A.S.) was deeply hurt by this decision, as she believed that Fadak was her rightful inheritance. She is reported to have given a powerful speech, asserting her rights, and reminding the community of the sacrifices and contributions of her family.

In a famous speech recorded in both Sunni and Shia sources, Fatimah (A.S.) said:

"O people! You know that I am the daughter of the Prophet, and that my father has left me a garden, which I inherited from him. I do not wish for any worldly benefits, but for justice. If you claim that I am not entitled to this inheritance, then you are wrong. Was my father not the one who said that we, the family of the Prophet, are entitled to our inheritance?"

This incident is referenced in many Islamic sources, including "Al-Bidaya wa'l-Nihaya" by Ibn Kathir and in Shia texts such as "Bihar al-Anwar."

5. The Political Ramifications

The denial of Fadak to Fatimah (A.S.) and the ensuing dispute is seen by many historians as a key moment in the early political struggles of the Muslim community. It highlighted the division between the supporters of Abu Bakr (the first caliph) and the supporters of Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S.), Fatimah’s husband, and the fourth caliph.

This event also marked the beginning of the marginalization of the Prophet’s family (Ahl al-Bayt) in political matters. The tension between the caliphate and the family of the Prophet continued to grow, culminating in the tragic events of Karbala in 680 CE.

6. The Shia Perspective on Bagh-e-Fadak

For Shia Muslims, the incident of Fadak is not just a matter of inheritance but also a symbolic act of injustice. Shia scholars argue that the denial of Fadak was part of a broader pattern of depriving the Ahl al-Bayt of their rightful authority and leadership after the death of the Prophet.