Why is location of the grave of Fatima not known?
The location of Fatimah's grave remains unknown largely due to the circumstances surrounding her burial. After her passing, her husband, Ali ibn Abi Talib, discreetly buried her and concealed the location of her grave. This act was partly due to the political climate of the time and the fear of potential desecration or disrespect from those in power.
One narration from Al-Kafi states: When Fatimah (peace be upon her) passed away, the Commander of the Faithful discreetly buried her and concealed the location of her grave.
Al-Kafi 4:816 This indicates that Ali took special care to protect her resting place.
Additionally, another narration mentions that Fatimah was buried in her house, and as the presence of the Umayyads increased in the mosque, the grave became linked to the mosque area: She was buried in her house, and when the Umayyads increased their presence in the mosque, the grave became in the mosque.
Al-Kafi 4:822 This context highlights how the political situation contributed to the obscurity of her grave's location.
Thus, the secrecy surrounding her burial, coupled with the changing political dynamics, has led to the grave of Fatimah not being definitively known to this day.
Sources
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Al-Kafi 4:816
Al-Kafi · Book 4, Hadith 816
I asked Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) about the prayer of fear. He said, "The Imam stands and a group of his companions stand behind him, while another group faces the enemy. The Imam prays one unit with them, then he stands and they stand with him and they perform the second unit. Then some of them greet each other and depart. They stand in place of their companions. Then the others come and stand behind the Imam. He prays the second unit with them, then he sits; they stand and pray another unit, and then he greets them and they depart with his greeting." He said, "In Maghrib it is similar: the Imam stands and a group comes and stands behind him, then he prays one unit with them, then he stands and they stand, the Imam stands and they pray two units; then they sit and bear witness, some greet each other and depart. Then they stand in their companions' place, others come and stand behind the Imam, and he prays with them one unit in which he recites, then sits, bears witness, then stands and they stand with him and pray another unit, then sits, and they stand and complete one unit, then he greets them." — OR — When Fatimah (peace be upon her) passed away, the Commander of the Faithful discreetly buried her and concealed the location of her grave. Then he turned his face towards the grave of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) and said: 'Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah, from me, and peace be upon your daughter and your visitor, and the one resting in the soil by your side, the chosen one whom Allah has hastened to join you. O Messenger of Allah, forgive my patience and pardon the chief of the women of the worlds, except that I have, in following your tradition in your separation, a place of consolation. Indeed, I have entrusted you to your grave, and your soul flowed out between my throat and chest. Yes, it is so, and in the Book of Allah, it is more acceptable. Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we will return. The trust has been reclaimed, the pledge taken back, and Al-Zahra has been wronged. How ugly are the green and the dusty (referring to those unjust to her), O Messenger of Allah. As for my grief, it is endless, and my night is sleepless, and anxiety does not leave my heart, or Allah chooses for me your place where you reside — distress that pains and anguish that incites. Soon the separation will occur between us, and to Allah I complain. Your daughter will inform you of how your nation conspired to oppress her, so ask her about it and inquire of her condition. How much bitterness of grievance resides in her chest without a way to express it. You will say, and Allah is the best of judges, a farewell greeting without complaint or fatigue. If I depart, it is not out of weariness; if I remain, it is not out of doubt in what Allah has promised the patient. Alas, patience is the better and more auspicious. Were it not for the dominance of the oppressors, I would have made my stay and permanence a commitment, and I would have directed the grievances of the bereaved to this great calamity. By the eye of Allah, your daughter will be buried secretly, her right denied, her inheritance withheld, and the covenant not long after, and no male offspring was born from you. To Allah, O Messenger of Allah, is the complaint, and in you, O Messenger of Allah, is the best consolation. May Allah bless you and her and be pleased with them both.'
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Al-Kafi 4:822
Al-Kafi · Book 4, Hadith 822
I asked Imam al-Ridha (peace be upon him) about the grave of Fatimah (peace be upon her). He said, 'She was buried in her house, and when the Umayyads increased their presence in the mosque, the grave became in the mosque.' — OR — Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) said, "When horses clash and swords clash, two takbirs suffice for the prayer; this is a shortening, nothing else."
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