Fadak wasn’t just land. It was a gift from Prophet Muhammad (saw) to Lady Fatima Al-Zahra (sa) — rooted in honour, love, and divine command.
Among all his family, Prophet Muhammad (saww) shared an especially unique and deep bond with his daughter, Sayyida Fatima (sa). She looked after him after Sayyida Khadija (sa) passed away, earning the title of “Umm Abiha” (i.e. The Mother of Her Father).
The Prophet (saww) is reported to have said, “Fatima (sa) is a part of me. Whoever pleases her pleases me, whoever grieves her grieves me. Fatima(sa) is the dearest of all people to me.”
One event that shows their relationship is the gifting of Fadak from the Prophet (sa) to Lady Fatima (sa). Let’s explore the background of this event.
Fadak was a fertile land located about 140 km away from Medina, inhabited by various tribes. It was known for its rich date orchards and strong economic capabilities, making an income between 24,000 and 70,000 dinars annually.
When The Prophet (saww) had ownership of Fadak, he gifted the land to Sayyida Fatima (sa). However, after his passing, it was usurped from her by the caliph.
After the Battle of Khaybar in 7 AH, the tribes in Fadak struck a deal with The Prophet (saww). The tribes would give up half the land to Rasoolallah (saww) in order to live safely and under protection from the Islamic government.
This type of acquisition of properties without bloodshed is called Fay, and the properties belong to The Prophet (saww).
The Holy Quran says in Surah Al-Hashr,
مَّآ أَفَآءَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَى رَسُولِهِۦ مِنۡ أَهۡلِ ٱلۡقُرَىٰ فَلِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ وَلِذِي ٱلۡقُرۡبَىٰ وَٱلۡيَتَٰمَىٰ وَٱلۡمَسَٰكِينِ وَٱبۡنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ كَيۡ لَا يَكُونَ دُولَةَۢ بَيۡنَ ٱلۡأَغۡنِيَآءِ مِنكُمۡۚ وَمَآ ءَاتَىٰكُمُ ٱلرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَىٰكُمۡ عَنۡهُ فَٱنتَهُواْۚ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلۡعِقَابِ
“Whatever Allāh has restored to His Messenger from (the possessions of) the people of the towns, that is for Allah (swt), for His Messenger (saww), for (his) relatives, the orphans, the needy, and the stranded traveller—so that it does not become a means of (perpetual) circulation among the rich among you.” (Quran 59:7)
Gifting Fadak to Sayyida Fatima (sa)
After divine revelation, The Prophet (saww) gifted Fadak to Sayyida Fatima (sa). Two verses from the Holy Quran highlight this:
In Surah Al-israa, the Holy Qur’an says,
وَءَاتِ ذَا ٱلۡقُرۡبَىٰ حَقَّهُۥ وَٱلۡمِسۡكِينَ وَٱبۡنَ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَلَا تُبَذِّرۡ تَبۡذِيرًا
“Give to the relative his dues, and to the needy and the (stranded) traveller. And do not spend wastefully.” (Quran 17:26)
In Surah Ar-Rum, the Holy Quran also says,
فََٔاتِ ذَا ٱلۡقُرۡبَىٰ حَقَّهُۥ وَٱلۡمِسۡكِينَ وَٱبۡنَ السَّبِيلِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يُرِيدُونَ وَجۡهَ ٱللَّهِۖ وَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلۡمُفۡلِحُونَ
“Give to the near of kin his due and also to the needy and the stranded traveller.” (Quran 30:38)
When The Prophet (saww) asked Jibraeel about the meaning of this revelation. Jibraeel replied, “Give Fadak to Fatima (sa); it will be a source of income to her and her children.” Prophet Muhammad (saww) then gave Fadak to Lady Fatima (sa) as a gift.
Fadak was a clear gift from The Prophet (saww) to his beloved daughter Sayyida Fatima (sa), given during his lifetime as both a divine trust and a symbol of honour. It was land acquired without battle, and thus belonged solely to him — and he gave it to her openly, with witnesses.
Through it, she supported the poor and upheld justice. Fadak reflected her elevated status and the deep bond they shared.
But after The Prophet’s (saww) passing, that clarity was challenged. What followed became one of the most painful and defining moments in Islamic history. Fadak was taken from her, however Lady Fatima (sa) stood firmly for her right. Her voice became a legacy of truth for generations to come.
More about Fadak can be read from the following resources:
🩵 Fadak was used to support the poor. Continue that legacy through your giving today.
Fadak was a fertile piece of land located near Medina, known for its economic value and rich produce. After the Battle of Khaybar, it came under the Prophet Muhammad’s (saww) control and was later gifted to his daughter, Lady Fatima Al-Zahra (sa).
Fadak was gifted to Lady Fatima (sa) by divine command, as referenced in verses from Surah Al-Israa (17:26) and Surah Ar-Rum (30:38). It was given to her as her rightful due and as a means to support her and aid the poor.
Fadak was a gift, not an inheritance. It was given by the Prophet (saww) to Lady Fatima (sa) during his lifetime. Witnesses and Quranic revelations confirm it was gifted before his passing.
After the Prophet (saww) passed away, Fadak was unjustly confiscated by the ruling authority of the time. Despite Lady Fatima’s (sa) protests and presentation of evidence, her rightful ownership was denied, leading to one of the most sorrowful events in Islamic history.
Fadak symbolizes the spiritual and moral authority of Lady Fatima (sa), and the ongoing struggle for justice and truth. It remains a powerful reminder of her strength, resistance, and the sanctity of her position in Islam.
