Marriage of Imam Ali
Formula for Marriage of Imam Ali
When I first read Ibn Shahrashub in Manaqib of Al Abi Talib, I was struck by how beautifully the event of Fatima and Ali’s marriage was preserved. The Prophet (s) stood on the minbar, delivering a heartfelt sermon, and reminded the people that it was God who had ordered him to marry his daughter to Imam Ali (a). What moves me deeply is how Imam Ali not only expressed his consent, but also how the mahr was set with such humility—four hundred mithqals of silver. I have always felt this detail shows the balance between simplicity and honor in Islamic tradition. Later, the accounts were further narrated in the book Amali by Yahya b. Ma’in, in al-Inaba by Ibn Butta, and without reference from Anas b. Malik, while even Imam al-Rida (a) preserved the same spirit of the event. For me, studying these texts across different narrations gives a sense of continuity and reverence, reminding us how the values of faith and commitment have been upheld throughout generations.
Date of Marriage of Imam Ali
The marriage of Imam Ali (a) and Lady Fatima (a) took place on Dhu l-Hajja 1st, 2/May 25, 624, and it was the Prophet (s) who personally recited the marriage formula. Before this moment, I often reflect on how several Migrants and Helpers approached the Prophet (s) with proposals to marry Fatima (a), but each was declined. For me, this detail shows how significant the choice was, ensuring the bond was divinely guided.
Historical Narrations
In al-Kafi, al-Kulayni through Imam al-Sajjad (A.S) reports that the Marriage of Imam Ali (R.A) took place a year after the Prophet’s (S.A.W) migration to Medina. This aligns with al-Tabari, who quotes Imam al-Baqir (A.S) placing the event at the end of Safar in the second year after Hijra. Later, Abu al-Faraj al-Isfahani also connects the Marriage of Imam Ali (R.A) and Lady Fatima (R.A) to the period following the Battle of Badr. Historical sources mention that Lady Fatima (R.A) moved to Imam Ali’s (R.A) home on Dhu al-Hijjah 1, after nearly ten months of engagement. The Prophet’s (S.A.W) wisdom in arranging a quick engagement but a delayed union allowed Lady Fatima (R.A) to reach maturity. Authentic narrations also state that Allah forbade Imam Ali (R.A) from marrying another woman during her lifetime, emphasizing the purity and sanctity of their blessed marriage.
Mahr (Dowry) Lady Fatima (R.A)
When I reflect on the story of Lady Fatima (a) and Imam Ali (a), the detail of the Mahr always fascinates me. Sources mention amounts between four hundred and five hundred Dirhams, often known as Mahr al-Sunna, and one narration from Imam al-Rida (a)
Identifies this Tradition as exactly 500. This was said to be equivalent to about 1250-1500 grams of silver, where every ten pieces of silver equaled a gold Dinar in that era, giving nearly 170-223 grams of gold by approximate opinions on the weight of Dirhams and Dinars.
What Was Bought
On the eve of their marriage, the Prophet (s) invited the people of Medina for dinner, after Imam Ali (a) sold some belongings to pay the Mahr. Reports differ—some say he parted with armor, others mention sheepskin, a Yemeni shirt, or even a camel.
With the money, the Prophet sent Bilal to buy perfume for his daughter, while Abu Bakr, Ammar b. Yasir, and other companions helped to approve items purchased. Al-Shaykh al-Tusi lists a shirt worth seven Dirhams, a kerchief worth four, a Black bathing gown from Khaybar,
Bed cloth of palm leaves, mattresses filled with cotton, palm fiber, and wool, cushions from Ta’if stuffed with lemongrass for its medical effects, a curtain of Wool, a mat woven in Hajar near the metropolis of Bahrain, a Hand-Mill, Copper basin, Leather waterskin, Wooden bowl, bowl for milking, another waterskin for water, an ewer with plaster, a green jar, and a few vases.
It is also said that after the wedding, when a needy woman appeared, Fatima (a) gave her new shirt away and kept only a used shirt, reflecting her unmatched humility.
Marriage Banquet (Walima)
From sources of hadiths, we learn how the Prophet (s) asked Bilal of Abyssinia to bring a sheep and five mudds of barley, each mudd weighing about 707,616 grams, in order to invite Migrants to a walima of Imam Ali . It was not just a marriage banquet for the occasion of Imam Ali (a) and Fatima’s marriage, but also a meaningful act showing how his daughter was being married to her paternal cousin.
Establishing a Tradition
The Prophet wanted to establish banquets as one of the traditions of his Umma, so he arranged the food carefully. By his order, people came in groups, ate, and left, but still some remained. The Prophet (s) then blessed the food and asked Bilal to share it with the women, telling them to eat and also feed those around them, a gesture that reflected humility, generosity, and love.
Prophet’s (s) Prayer
After the banquet, the Prophet (s) went to the house of Ali (a) and Lady Fatima (a). As their husband and wife Lady Fatima (R.A) began a new life, the Prophet gently said, “Come close,” holding their hand and reminding them that God had cherished and married them with love. He spoke of progeny, a master, and a leader who would guide the world and the hereafter, calling them among the righteous.
In my reflection, this moment feels deeply human — a prayer that blessed their marriage, arranged their issues, and prayed for a stronger bond in their hearts. The Prophet asked Asma’ bt. ‘Umays to bring a bowl of water; he took a handful, sprinkled it on Fatima’s head, hands, and neck, saying, “O Lord, cleanse her from impurity.” He told them to drink, rinse the mouth, and inhale gently. The Prophet’s (s) prayer was intimate — asking God to make their hearts proximate, kind, and full of blessed descendants.
Becoming the Prophet’s (s) Neighbor after the Marriage of Imam Ali
After the Marriage of Imam Ali (R.A) and Lady Fatima (R.A), her absence was deeply felt by the Prophet (S.A.W). Out of love and affection for his beloved daughter, the Prophet (S.A.W) considered moving her closer to his home. One of his companions, Haritha ibn Nuʿman (R.A), graciously offered his nearby house. With gratitude and joy, Lady Fatima (R.A) and Imam Ali (R.A) moved into Haritha’s house, becoming the Prophet’s (S.A.W) neighbors. This closeness strengthened their blessed family bond and reflected the deep love and unity that followed the Marriage of Imam Ali (R.A) and Lady Fatima (R.A).